The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[Photo1]

Originally Posted by sailor734

Note the separate paths for bikes and pedestrians. Harbour Passage is Saint John should have been designed with this. Moncton would do well to consider it moving forward. If the push to encourage active transportation works volume will go up and it will become an issue.

That was one of the things that I was so fascinated by when there, it just "worked" really, really well.

[sailor734]

Another viewpoint on the commercialization question.

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-waterfront-seawall-boring

I enjoy the seawall but it would be nice to be able to sit on a patio and grab a drink or a sandwich along the way.....

[Photo1]

Originally Posted by sailor734

Another viewpoint on the commercialization question.

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-waterfront-seawall-boring

I enjoy the seawall but it would be nice to be able to sit on a patio and grab a drink or a sandwich along the way.....

There is always room for improvement, but I think this article missed the point...the sea wall trail is the 'connector' with amazing amenities all along it.

I stopped at a cafe right on it on my way away from my hotel for a coffee...on my way back I stopped at a pub for a beer...it was about 200 yards from my hotel, it was right next to Canada Place (cruise ship docks), it ran along the ferry terminal and harbor air terminal...there were shops all along it...it connected it all.

[MonctonRad]

The seawall in Vancouver around Stanley Park is fantastic. I have visited on several occasions, walking the full circumference once..

It would be disingenuous to compare the Riverfront Trail system in greater Moncton to the Seawall, but, if you count both sides of the river, the trail system in Moncton is also well over 20 km in length too.

The vast majority of the Riverfront Trail is (and should remain) a pristine walking and biking trail, but, there are sections (like along Coverdale Road in Riverview), and, along the downtown riverfront in Moncton which lend themselves well to intensification and commercialization.

For example, the sky has not fallen because of the Holy Whale Brewery and it's patio overlooking the trail in Riverview. The Gateway development in Moncton also will not be an existential threat to the trail (despite what the Gang of 34 says).

The whole length of the downtown trail from Hall's Creek westward to Gateway could be intensified, at least to some degree, of course leaving appropriate green spaces for strollers to enjoy and commune with nature. There should be pathways and look outs built to interact more closely with the riverfront marsh. Space should be left for activities, concerts, special events (buskers, Rib Fest etc), and for monuments and memorials (like the RCMP Memorial). At the same time, a number of options should be created for riverfront facing restaurants, snack shops, pubs, and tourism related retail space.

I think one interesting possibility would be to reserve space for a Museum of Modern Art along the riverfront. I know that the city has been toying with this idea as part of the Ashford/Downing development. What if it was placed across the street where the old fire station is? Just a thought.

Imagine an expansive second floor viewing space in the gallery with windows and a large patio overlooking the river (and the tidal bore). I think it would be fantastically popular.

[Photo1]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

The seawall in Vancouver around Stanley Park is fantastic. I have visited on several occasions, walking the full circumference once..

It would be disingenuous to compare the Riverfront Trail system in greater Moncton to the Seawall, but, if you count both sides of the river, the trail system in Moncton is also well over 20 km in length too.

The vast majority of the Riverfront Trail is (and should remain) a pristine walking and biking trail, but, there are sections (like along Coverdale Road in Riverview), and, along the downtown riverfront in Moncton which lend themselves well to intensification and commercialization.

For example, the sky has not fallen because of the Holy Whale Brewery and it's patio overlooking the trail in Riverview. The Gateway development in Moncton also will not be an existential threat to the trail (despite what the Gang of 34 says).

The whole length of the downtown trail from Hall's Creek westward to Gateway could be intensified, at least to some degree, of course leaving appropriate green spaces for strollers to enjoy and commune with nature. There should be pathways and look outs built to interact more closely with the riverfront marsh. Space should be left for activities, concerts, special events (buskers, Rib Fest etc), and for monuments and memorials (like the RCMP Memorial). At the same time, a number of options should be created for riverfront facing restaurants, snack shops, pubs, and tourism related retail space.

I think one interesting possibility would be to reserve space for a Museum of Modern Art along the riverfront. I know that the city has been toying with this idea as part of the Ashford/Downing development. What if it was placed across the street where the old fire station is? Just a thought.

I had a fantastic time there this past weekend, unfortunately I didn't get all the way to Stanley Park (the weather was pretty bad).

One thing that impressed me was how 'active' it was, even in the rain on a Sunday...joggers, bikers, walkers, people with pets, etc...and one thing I think lends to that is the attention to things like separate but connected bike lanes, frequent shops along the way (as you say intensification), and the overall cohesiveness for multiple uses.

The modern art museum idea would be great...if everything downtown in one way or another connected to the trail it would be amazing.

[sailor734]

I think the secret is to intersperse little islands of commercial enterprise catering to the walkers/cyclists etc among longer sections of natural scenery.

I had a lovely day in Vancouver one time when we had lunch at the Stanley Park Tearoom and then walked the seawall around the end of the park to the Lionsgate Bridge and back.

Another time we ate at the Boathouse at Kits Beach and then walked the shoreline out toward Jericho Beach.

I think with good planning you can have both.

[Photo1]

Originally Posted by sailor734

I think the secret is to intersperse little islands of commercial enterprise catering to the walkers/cyclists etc among longer sections of natural scenery.

I had a lovely day in Vancouver one time when we had lunch at the Stanley Park Tearoom and then walked the seawall around the end of the park to the Lionsgate Bridge and back.

Another time we ate at the Boathouse at Kits Beach and then walked the shoreline out toward Jericho Beach.

I think with good planning you can have both.

100% agree and think this would be a great vision for our waterfront.

[jonny golden]

On one of the wharves at the Halifax waterfront, they have a row of temporary kiosks. Presumably they are leased out, so there wouldn't be a huge cost to those wanting to do business along the riverfront trail.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by sailor734

I think the secret is to intersperse little islands of commercial enterprise catering to the walkers/cyclists etc among longer sections of natural scenery.

I think with good planning you can have both.

Absolutely, and, this is what I mean. I wouldn't want the entire riverfront "intensified", but, the pedestrian experience would be enhanced by having a few commercial nodes, such as at the Gateway development and near the Ashford /Downing development, and, finally down at Settlers Landing. I would leave the space in between pretty much as is.

[ChampduLarge]

I cannot say how much I agree with some focused commercial intensification on Moncton's waterfront. It is great the way it is, but they should really plan an area and have ... patios, second story overlook, an art museum. It would be so cool. I find that the plaza beside the What-a-Burger is such a lost opportunity, with the row of garbage bins along the water, the city should work with the owner and come up with a plan for the wharf area. Oh, and a food hall. If Charlottetown can have a food hall, so can we.

[MonctonRad]

Don't forget to fill out the survey!

[MonctonRad]

This is the reason for the partial closure of the West Main Street traffic circle at the base of the Brenda Robertson Bridge (causeway):

West Main traffic detoured, sewer lines for industrial park installed
Traffic circle project is connected to growth of industrial park, but could also alleviate flooding issues
Author of the article:Alan Cochrane
Published Oct 24, 2024 • Last updated 17 hours ago • 3 minute read
https://tj.news/moncton-miramichi/west-m...ewer-lines-for-industrial-park-installed (paywall)



The sewer upgrade is necessary for the upcoming expansion to the MID West Industrial Park

The MID West Phase 2 is now in the planning stages for a 259-acre site west of Edinburgh Drive near the CN Rail humpyard. The new site will also include 2.5 kilometres of new roads and approximately 50 building lots for new businesses moving into the city.

I'm pretty confident they are going to begin roadwork for the industrial park expansion beginning next spring.

[MonctonRad]

Here's a neat driving video from the province of NB archives

• Video Link

This is from 1971, and shows the drive from Salisbury to Sackville on Route 6, passing through Moncton, Dieppe and Memramcook along the way. The section through Moncton begins around the 4:00 minute mark.

It is quite remarkable seeing how much the city has grown and changed in the last 50 years.

[Philbilly]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

This is the reason for the partial closure of the West Main Street traffic circle at the base of the Brenda Robertson Bridge (causeway):

West Main traffic detoured, sewer lines for industrial park installed
Traffic circle project is connected to growth of industrial park, but could also alleviate flooding issues
Author of the article:Alan Cochrane
Published Oct 24, 2024 • Last updated 17 hours ago • 3 minute read
https://tj.news/moncton-miramichi/west-m...ewer-lines-for-industrial-park-installed (paywall)



The sewer upgrade is necessary for the upcoming expansion to the MID West Industrial Park



I'm pretty confident they are going to begin roadwork for the industrial park expansion beginning next spring.

I just drove from wheeler to riverview and all I have to say , I never been across as fast as today… I wish they would keep a similar route in the future…no more kilometres line up.

But I’m sure it affects other driver though.

[jnaygull]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Here's a neat driving video from the province of NB archives

• Video Link

This is from 1971, and shows the drive from Salisbury to Sackville on Route 6, passing through Moncton, Dieppe and Memramcook along the way. The section through Moncton begins around the 4:00 minute mark.

It is quite remarkable seeing how much the city has grown and changed in the last 50 years.

That is a fascinating video!

I counted like 5 Irving stations from Jones lake to Dieppe.

[Colouratura]

What's the "Gang of 34" I keep seing mentioned?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Colouratura

What's the "Gang of 34" I keep seing mentioned?

It is a name I coined for a group of 34 UdeM academics and social activists who signed a petition opposing the Gateway Tower development (and uncreased height and density in the downtown in general). The wanted to throw up roadblocks to further construction and to create additional studies regarding the effects of densification of the riverfront area. These studies would be done in order to delay any new construction and hopefully (for them) to come up with other alternatives for the downtown limiting density and preserving the present character of the core area.

In other words - "let's keep Moncton in the 1950's"

So, the Gang of 34 was born...........

[SevenSquared]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

It is a name I coined for a group of 34 UdeM academics and social activists who signed a petition opposing the Gateway Tower development (and uncreased height and density in the downtown in general). The wanted to throw up roadblocks to further construction and to create additional studies regarding the effects of densification of the riverfront area. These studies would be done in order to delay any new construction and hopefully (for them) to come up with other alternatives for the downtown limiting density and preserving the present character of the core area.

In other words - "let's keep Moncton in the 1950's"

So, the Gang of 34 was born...........

More like the Gang of 6, as we saw at that council meeting.

The "Sandpiper and Tomato" crowd who make up much the rest of the so-called 34 were nowhere to be found that night. A part of me was almost disappointed they didn't show

[Riberview]

Heavy equipment on the parcel of land in front of the Fairfield Inn (Marriott Drive) today.

Remind me what is going here?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Riberview

Heavy equipment on the parcel of land in front of the Fairfield Inn (Marriott Drive) today.

Remind me what is going here?

I can't recall. There have been a couple of sets of plans, but I think they all fell through.

In behind the Fairfield Inn (to the west), there are a couple of lots slatedfor high density residential development.