The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[MonctonRad]

Regardless of what some of you guys have to say, the fact remains that there is an Americanization going on in the retail (and dining) face of Canada. Am I 100% in favour of this - no, not necessarily but the fact remains.

American retailers have already saturated the American market and they have to look at other countries for continued growth. Canada excites them because of the cultural similarities and the strong economy. Expansion here is a natural for many of these American chains.

We should be pleased that these chains consider the Moncton market is substantive enough that they may want to expand here.

I have no ill will towards our remaining local retailers (I for example applaude the relocation of Colpitt's Mens Wear back to downtown Moncton), but it would be at the peril of our local economy if we started throwing roadblocks up in order to prevent expansion of these outside retailers into the Moncton market.

With other neighbouring regional cities in the Maritimes thirsty for growth, it would certainly be sending out the wrong message by stating that these outside retailers are not wanted.

Growth is progress. At this point in the evolution of Moncton, continued growth is imperative. We have to continue establishing our presence in the region. If this means a few more strip malls then so be it.

[Norshorer]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Growth is progress. At this point in the evolution of Moncton, continued growth is imperative. We have to continue establishing our presence in the region. If this means a few more strip malls then so be it.

+1

I agree with the above. We can't take on a "NIMBY" attitude towards stuff like this, otherwise the GMA would never get ANYTHING new (not just American retailers, but new Canadian retailers would get scared off as well)

We are in an urban environment, not a small village in the country. Strip malls are about as common around here as call centres. We need to get used to it

All I was suggesting is that we needed DIFFERENT restos around here (I couldn't care less where they come from or if they're a chain or independent), as long as it's something NEW that hasn't been done to death (Tim Horton's, Subway & McDonald's, anyone?), then I'm 100% all for it. I'm sorry if my views offended anyone & it certainly wasn't my intention, although I realize my wording can sometimes come across as being "heavy-handed" at times.

I'm just tired of hearing about something "new" opening up, only to see it's yet another one of the SAME stores we already have elsewhere in town. Now, if it's a same store that's opening up in an area of town that never had one before, that's cool... but if there's already an existing location less than 5 minutes down the street? THEN I find it questionable.

Just want new stuff to start popping up around here is all.

[Steelcowboy]

I see the TOYS R US EXPRESS on Mountain rd has been "Closed for the season" as I drove by I noticed a trailer being loaded, probably transferring the goods to the mall store. So much for it being regular there. Hopefully something decent moves into the former Blockbuster building.
On a seperate note, a Chili's restaurant would be nice here or a Mongolian Grill, although we have a small version of that restaurant downtown, the Mongolian Grill is AWESOME! had one in London

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Norshorer

+1

I agree with the above. We can't take on a "NIMBY" attitude towards stuff like this, otherwise the GMA would never get ANYTHING new (not just American retailers, but new Canadian retailers would get scared off as well)

We are in an urban environment, not a small village in the country. Strip malls are about as common around here as call centres. We need to get used to it

All I was suggesting is that we needed DIFFERENT restos around here (I couldn't care less where they come from or if they're a chain or independent), as long as it's something NEW that hasn't been done to death (Tim Horton's, Subway & McDonald's, anyone?), then I'm 100% all for it. I'm sorry if my views offended anyone & it certainly wasn't my intention, although I realize my wording can sometimes come across as being "heavy-handed" at times.

I'm just tired of hearing about something "new" opening up, only to see it's yet another one of the SAME stores we already have elsewhere in town. Now, if it's a same store that's opening up in an area of town that never had one before, that's cool... but if there's already an existing location less than 5 minutes down the street? THEN I find it questionable.

Just want new stuff to start popping up around here is all.

Nothing to apologize for Norshorer, I think we Monctonians are generally happy to welcome most forms of development anywhere in the tri-community region (as long as it make sense and is not detrimental to the community). Occasionally, things are proposed that are pretty ludicrous, like the new high school out in Royal Oaks, which will mean that the closest thing Moncton will have to a downtown high school is Harrison Trimble.

Both CormierMax and Haligonia are principally Halifax forumers, and there is a different type of urbanism evident on their forum. They generally disapprove of any developments not located on the peninsula or in downtown Dartmouth. Both Dartmouth Crossing and Bayer's Lake get a rough ride on their forum for example. I agree that Bayer's Lake is an abomination, but I think Dartmouth Crossing is rather well done. While nobody would argue against densification of the core, there is a place for suburban strip development and power centres.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

And in other news, the newspaper that shall not be named reported today that 2011 was a record year for building permits in Dieppe, with a grand total of $80.1M of permits issued. $55M was for residential construction and $25.1M for commercial/industrial.

If you add this onto the figures released for the city of Moncton last week, the grand total for Moncton/Dieppe for 2011 is $298M. One can therefore presume that once the building permit values for Riverview and unincorporated areas of the CMA are included, the total for the Moncton CMA should easily exceed a third of a billion dollars.

[Taeolas]

Mmmm, a Mongolian Grill in Moncton (or Freddy) would be fantastic. I've been to the ones in KW and London and constantly yearn to have them locally. (I mention Freddy because they seem to like University-heavy places; which Freddy and Moncton both qualify as)

[KnoxfordGuy]

The $298 million in permits is great news for the Moncton area! I was thinking that all of New Brunswick was probably only at maybe $600 million. But with the looks of these numbers I may be wrong! (hope so!) I know Fredericton gained $115 million in permits for 2011 which is not the highest numbers for the city, but stable. However, I'm sure development numbers drop the further north in the province one looks, which is sad.

[MonctonRad]

The $298M is only for Moncton and Dieppe. I would wager that the permit value for the whole CMA (including Riverview) would likely be $330-350M

[gehrhardt]

There is a new 4-unit strip mall that has been under construction on the Fredericton rd in Salisbury for a couple of months now. It's all closed in and the parking lot is paved.

It's located on the "downtown" side of the railroad tracks, so this could be interesting for the village.

It's curious that this was constructed now, since I know of at least 2 other commercial properties for sale in Salisbury itself. Both are in older buildings, but one was recently renovated into a restaurant that unfortunately failed.

[MonctonRad]

I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but the Beacon Light Motel on Mountain Road is now branded as a Howard Johnson's.

[haligonia]

Howard Johnson seems to be buying up local motels as of late. The Bluenose Motel on the Bedford Highway way rebranded a few years back.

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

While nobody would argue against densification of the core, there is a place for suburban strip development and power centres.

And in a city such as Moncton, with the vast majority of all new development being suburban, more strip malls and power centres should be the last source of municipal pride.

Sprawl is cheap now -- expensive later.

In a purely budgetary sense, I'm concerned about how Moncton will afford its debt in paying for and maintaining its sprawled infrustructure (which shall only continue). Businesses that purchase the cheap suburban land are not held responsible in paying for all the construction and continued care of roads, utility expansion, and water services: the average taxpayer must.

I don't wish to get into a debate about urban aesthetics. If Monctonians love their highways and box malls then that's great! It is not sustainable, however, especially with the cost of everything going up.

And I for one am of the strong opinion that Moncton is far too beautiful a city, with far too impressive a culture to have a rotting downtown, void of progress, imagination, and determination -- which in my mind completely contrasts against what Moncton is.

Futhermore, I disagree that Halifax is so unique as to have its own kind of urbanism; it is a city, just like any other, trying to afford itself.

[MonctonRad]

This link was provided by Freddypop in the Fredericton section:

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/546750

It states that UPS has added a number of new cities to it's Atlantic Canada expansion plans including Fredericton, Saint John and Charlottetown.

To me, this lends credence to the rumour that there may soon be UPS flights into, and a UPS terminal built at the GMIA. Moncton is certainly central to the NB/PEI region and with our history of being a Purolator and FedEx distribution centre, this would seem a logical step....

[mikeohara]

Sorry if this was mentioned before, havent been keeping up:

The new structure that is going up on Mountain Road on the old Canadian tire gas bar lot, what is that going to be?

[JasonL-Moncton]

Originally Posted by mikeohara

Sorry if this was mentioned before, havent been keeping up:

The new structure that is going up on Mountain Road on the old Canadian tire gas bar lot, what is that going to be?

This: http://www.prooil.ca/

A lot like Mr. Lube.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by RyeJay

And in a city such as Moncton, with the vast majority of all new development being suburban, more strip malls and power centres should be the last source of municipal pride.

Sprawl is cheap now -- expensive later.

There is no question that servicing far flunged subdivisions is more expensive and that sprawl will be problematic for commuters in an oil depleted future, but that does not negate the fact that many people don't want to live in downtown condo towers or that convenience and choice will continue to drive strip mall and power centre development. I don't think we have reached the point of unsustainability in Moncton (yet).

Originally Posted by RyeJay

I don't wish to get into a debate about urban aesthetics. If Monctonians love their highways and box malls then that's great! It is not sustainable, however, especially with the cost of everything going up.

There is no question that Moncton has more of a car driven culture than Halifax. I don't think that will change in the near future, at least not until traffic congestion reaches the near gridlock that exists in Halifax when everyone tries to evacuate the peninsula at quitting time. As far as the box malls are concerned, it's not only Monctonians who love them, but also the thousands of people who drive to the city from the hinterland every weekend to do their shopping. Big box stores and shopping malls are very convenient for retail tourists. Everything is in one place and parking is much easier than in the centre of the city.

Originally Posted by RyeJay

And I for one am of the strong opinion that Moncton is far too beautiful a city, with far too impressive a culture to have a rotting downtown, void of progress, imagination, and determination -- which in my mind completely contrasts against what Moncton is.

I actually am excited by the gradual densification that is starting to occur in downtown Moncton. I can think of at least a half dozen new and proposed downtown apartment and condo buildings slated for the core. This process will only accelerate once the new downtown arena/events centre gets approved. This is the principle reason why I am so opposed to relocating Moncton High School out to Royal Oaks. I think it is sending the wrong message if you are at all interested in promoting downtown living!

I would want the downtown to be the economic and cultural heart of the city, with government offices, corporate and professional services, restaurants, boutique retail, live theatre, open spaces, parks and a place to host cultural and sporting activities (events centre). This is all starting to develop but big box retail and regional shopping centres will never be (and probably should not be) located in the core. As I have said, they do have a place in our community and we can not afford to be obstructionist when new retail developments are proposed, even if they are suburban.

Originally Posted by RyeJay

Futhermore, I disagree that Halifax is so unique as to have its own kind of urbanism; it is a city, just like any other, trying to afford itself.

Oh, but I do think that Halifax is unique, just as all Maritime cities have their own character. This is based on geographic variables as well as the historical context in which each city has developed. This is much more evident here than it would be in, say, the mid western US and really contributes to the charm of the Maritimes. I am absolutely convinced that Halifax does have a different type of urbanism than Moncton, and that's a good thing!

[mctnguy]

According to a CBC employee, I'm assuming...

Karin Reid-LeBlanc
@ReidLeBlancCBC

The Bay in Moncton will be closing April 21. Company says its landlord is terminating the store's lease. #NB

https://twitter.com/#!/ReidLeBlancCB...32400270852096

[pierremoncton]

Originally Posted by mctnguy

According to a CBC employee, I'm assuming...

https://twitter.com/#!/ReidLeBlancCB...32400270852096

Just came on to post the same: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-br...n-closing.html

"As such, our last day of business will be April 21, 2012. We will close at the regular time that day," the statement said. "The Bay has no plans at this time to open another store in Moncton."

[gehrhardt]

Hmm, if the landlord is terminating the store's lease, does that point to a location for the events centre?

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by gehrhardt

Hmm, if the landlord is terminating the store's lease, does that point to a location for the events centre?

One would certainly hope so. Best location imaginable for the new Events Centre.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by gehrhardt

Hmm, if the landlord is terminating the store's lease, does that point to a location for the events centre?

If it is the landlord which is terminating the lease, it makes you wonder that something is afoot, but as far as we know there is no federal or provincial funding for this project as of yet. Either a deal has been concluded in the background or there is something else planned for the site.

The next few months should be quite interesting. It appears that Mayor LeBlanc will be reoffering in the upcoming election. He probably wouldn't be doing this if things were going to fall to ratshit. Perhaps something positive is on the horizon.....