The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[mylesmalley]

Well the news has broken that the Quebec gaming company which was proposing the racino in SJ dropped thier proposal out of the NB casino race...which means that Moncton is currently the only city in NB with a proposal, and 2 at that...for the time being that is, as I imagine there will be many more players show up in the coming months in SJ and Moncton, who knows whats gonna happen.

I thought the proposal in SJ was from local developers...

I haven't heard any word that Kent was being sold to Lowes. I can't really see it though. Kent is owned by Irving, and they probably make a fortune owning every step in the production process. It's not really like them to sell off parts.

[mylesmalley]

I keep my finger crossing for Downtown.

Convention Center/Casino/hotel/Aquatic Center/Imax/Restaurants/retails ect..

I don't think you'll see an aquatic center downtown. Dieppe is building theirs, and Riverview has had one for years. Moncton has the Y, St. Pats, and the two Kiwanis pools already.

It seems the fad around IMAX has died out, too... a shame though.

[mmmatt]

I keep my fingers crossing for Downtown.

Convention Center/Casino/hotel/Aquatic Center/Imax/Restaurants/retails ect..

Ill cross mine too! :cheers:

[mmmatt]

I don't think you'll see an aquatic center downtown. Dieppe is building theirs, and Riverview has had one for years. Moncton has the Y, St. Pats, and the two Kiwanis pools already.

It seems the fad around IMAX has died out, too... a shame though.

If another large tourist trap is built though, who knows, could spark it back up again...would be nice!

Edit: Dont forget CEPS

[ErickMontreal]

I don't think you'll see an aquatic center downtown. Dieppe is building theirs, and Riverview has had one for years. Moncton has the Y, St. Pats, and the two Kiwanis pools already.

It seems the fad around IMAX has died out, too... a shame though.

Well, whether it's not Imax I would like to see a family-oriented entertainment complex. So does Verdiroc own enough space ?

[mmmatt]

Well, whether it's not Imax I would like to see a family-oriented entertainment complex. So does Verdiroc own enough space ?

Im not sure anymore what land they own, they did own that piece of land where the justice center was supposed to (and possibly still will be) built...but i think i read somewhere they sold it to the government. Best case senario they partner with assumption and build something in thier parking lot.

[kwajo]

I thought the proposal in SJ was from local developers...

I haven't heard any word that Kent was being sold to Lowes. I can't really see it though. Kent is owned by Irving, and they probably make a fortune owning every step in the production process. It's not really like them to sell off parts.

It was a partnership proposal. The local group can still continue with the proposal, but they'll need to find extra funding for it to work. My feeling is that almost every Saint Johner on this forum is happy to see the proposal fail, nobody wanted a damn Racino.

As for Irving and Kent - while they do make money for owning the whole supply chain, they also sell lumber to other hardware stores, so even if they sell Kent, they'd still be making money selling products to Lowe's. That being said, I don't think they'll sell unless it's for a huge amount because Kent's major revenue comes from supplying contractors, not as much the retail store end of things. Maybe they'd sell the home improvement retail stores but stay in the contractor supply business?

[mmmatt]

It was a partnership proposal. The local group can still continue with the proposal, but they'll need to find extra funding for it to work. My feeling is that almost every Saint Johner on this forum is happy to see the proposal fail, nobody wanted a damn Racino.

I am too, not just because of my Moncton bias, the main reason is that if we can only have one gaming destination in NB it better not end up being a racino, they are very much a low class development compared to a nice urban casino/hotel development.

[ErickMontreal]

Im not sure anymore what land they own, they did own that piece of land where the justice center was supposed to (and possibly still will be) built...but i think i read somewhere they sold it to the government. Best case senario they partner with assumption and build something in thier parking lot.

Of course, Assumption is the key solution. We should keep in mind that the courthouse will be built before that project.

[mylesmalley]

It was a partnership proposal. The local group can still continue with the proposal, but they'll need to find extra funding for it to work. My feeling is that almost every Saint Johner on this forum is happy to see the proposal fail, nobody wanted a damn Racino.

As for Irving and Kent - while they do make money for owning the whole supply chain, they also sell lumber to other hardware stores, so even if they sell Kent, they'd still be making money selling products to Lowe's. That being said, I don't think they'll sell unless it's for a huge amount because Kent's major revenue comes from supplying contractors, not as much the retail store end of things. Maybe they'd sell the home improvement retail stores but stay in the contractor supply business?

I actually don't mind the idea of a racino so long as a casino is also built. There was a proposal a few years back to put something up in Lower Coverdale which seemed decent. I think I've shown I'm a fan of just about any development so long as it is ethical and good for the economy. I do agree though that racinos seem pretty lowbrow. I laugh every time I read about proponents in the paper. The only people who seem to really want a horse track are people involved in the industry to begin with.

[mmmatt]

I actually don't mind the idea of a racino so long as a casino is also built. There was a proposal a few years back to put something up in Lower Coverdale which seemed decent. I think I've shown I'm a fan of just about any development so long as it is ethical and good for the economy. I do agree though that racinos seem pretty lowbrow. I laugh every time I read about proponents in the paper. The only people who seem to really want a horse track are people involved in the industry to begin with.

haha true, its always johnny horseracer saying things like "i hate having to travel from moncton/freddy/sj to PEI to race!" I think the majority of people would like to see a classy casino rather than a roadside racino, Im sure either one would be good for the economy but a casino is better looking, can be urban, and I would argue attracts more development ie hotels etc better than a racino.

[mmmatt]

Of course, Assumption is the key solution. We should keep in mind that the courthouse will be built before that project.

yes...thier parking lot is super prime land, if we get that filled and then the justice center and possibly police station fill that lot next door that would be a HUGE boost for downtown. We already have infill going on recently in that area (ie Blue Cross expansion, the two 4 story condos, marriott) we just need to keep up the pace.

[mylesmalley]

haha true, its always johnny horseracer saying things like "i hate having to travel from moncton/freddy/sj to PEI to race!" I think the majority of people would like to see a classy casino rather than a roadside racino, Im sure either one would be good for the economy but a casino is better looking, can be urban, and I would argue attracts more development ie hotels etc better than a racino.

We could legalize gambling and prostitution and make say...St. George Street our own little red light district.

Nothing would change, except the hookers would be legal and the gaming not so underground.

[mmmatt]

We could legalize gambling and prostitution and make say...St. George Street our own little red light district.

Nothing would change, except the hookers would be legal and the gaming not so underground.

hahaha! victoria park is sketchy at night. :yuck:

[ErickMontreal]

We could legalize gambling and prostitution and make say...St. George Street our own little red light district.

Nothing would change, except the hookers would be legal and the gaming not so underground.

A litte St-Catherine Street ! :haha:

[JasonL-Moncton]

hahaha! victoria park is sketchy at night. :yuck:

Correction: Victoria park is really damn creepy at night! :yuck: :koko:

[brod3211]

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=79707&size=300x0 Photo by Greg Agnew/Times and Transcript


Riverview launches Gateway project
Former fire hall will become tourist attraction including shops, boardwalk and restaurant
By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday January 23rd, 2008
Appeared on page A1
The Town of Riverview has had two problems to solve recently. One was how to find the money for the Fundy Gateway project the town wanted to build at its end of the Gunningsville Bridge. The second was what to do with its old riverfront fire hall on Coverdale Road.

Yesterday, they announced one solution to both problems. The town, with help from the federal government, will build a tourist attraction aimed at strengthening Riverview's connection to the Fundy tourism experience, and it will do it by renovating the fire hall.

The $2.7-million project will see a restaurant, chocolate shop, art gallery, entertainment and artisan space joining an outlet of Olivier Soapery in the fire station. It will also function as the town's tourist bureau.

The originally planned location beside the bridge would have required hauling considerable landfill to the edge of an environmentally sensitive area and the projected cost was closer to the $5-million range. With the sturdy bones of the old fire station to build on, and more stable land to work with, the town expects to do the work at a cost of $1.7 million to itself and $1 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

One level of government missing from the ceremony unveiling the project inside the icy cavern of the abandoned fire station yesterday was the province.

Asked if it was involved, Riverview mayor Clarence Sweetland said, "not yet. We've been asking for provincial funding or other provincial participation, but haven't heard yet. There's an empty chair at the table."

Conservative MP Rob Moore and Liberal MP Brian Murphy were both on hand for the ceremony, as were most of Riverview's councillors, the mayors of Moncton and Dieppe and opposition MLAs Wayne Steeves, Bruce Fitch, and Cy LeBlanc. Moore, representing ACOA minister Peter MacKay, said the gateway project would fit nicely with the long-term Fundy Trail project, which the federal and provincial governments have so far invested about $8 million in.

"These two projects are absolutely complementary," Moore said.

Though some have questioned if tourists will bypass the site as they cross the Gunningsville Bridge from Moncton and head straight to Fundy National Park, the completion of the auto trail would mean more tourists entering Riverview from the other direction, which would likely help the tourist traffic stopping by.

At any rate, Riverview's mayor expressed confidence the fire hall site with its boardwalk and patio along the river would still be a sufficient draw.

"We think this will still work as well," he said.

The ACOA money, through its Innovative Communities Fund, will support costs related to the renovation of the building, construction of the interpretation centre, kiosks, boardwalks and a parking area, as well as land development.

Work begins in the spring.

[brod3211]

With the whole casino thing what I can see happening if we get it is a Downtown Development with Casino,hotel and assuming some sort of shopping.

[ErickMontreal]

Federal funding is a good start

TOOL HELP
Published Wednesday January 23rd, 2008
Appeared on page D6

Fundy-Royal Conservative MP Rob Moore was in Metro Moncton Tuesday to make a series of announcements on behalf of the government and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for projects that will help meet the city's needs.

These funding announcements are far from everything required, and deserved, in Metro Moncton, but they are significant pieces and welcome contributions.

They also provide perhaps a positive sign that Prime Minister Stephen Harper and MP Moore (whose riding does include a portion of Riverview) are not ignoring the city and are in fact aware of what is important to citizens in the three communities.

The biggest single announcement was just over $1 million to the Town of Riverview's revised Fundy Gateway project which will see the old fire hall renovated as a tourist destination featuring Olivier Soapery and others along with a riverfront boardwalk.

The town will contribute another $1.68 million as it attempts to promote local tourism operators, craftspeople and artisans.

Across the river, the Moncton Boys and Girls Club is receiving $513,247 of the total $1.5 million cost of expansion and renovation that is badly needed, Moore announced. The province and club are each picking up the remaining cost in an equal amount. The work ties in well with providing youths a positive beginning in life and also efforts to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles in Canada.

And on the arts scene, the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Moncton is receiving $585,000 to help it continue its expansion into international markets. The announcement comes just days before the Atlantic Ballet Theatre premieres its latest production in Europe.

All of these are positive projects designed to improve the economy and life in Metro Moncton.

And we are sure that neither Mr. Moore nor the prime minister need reminding that there remain some other economic development pieces crucial to Metro Moncton that remain outstanding such as fixing the river, obtaining a convention centre and obtaining full customs service at the airport, to cite a few.

That said, the investments announced Tuesday do demonstrate that Ottawa is listening.

[mmmatt]

Great news for Riverview! That building looks great, especially compared to whats in that street now, and three storys to boot, not bad at all :)

Good to hear the feds are giving out some money in the city, I used to go to that boys and girls club when I was younger, it needs some work for sure, good to hear that. The Atlantic Ballet Theatre news is good to hear as well, they are a great international voice for moncton to get its name out on! :D

[ErickMontreal]

January 22, 2008

Countdown to 2008 Cavendish University Cup underway

http://www.cisport.ca/f/championnat/m_hockey/2008/nav/CoupeUniversite.jpg


MONCTON, NB - Enthusiasm picks up again and the countdown begins in Moncton for the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Men's Hockey Championship, which will take place for the second year in a row at the Moncton Coliseum from March 20th to March 23rd.

As only 60 days remain until this 2008 event featuring hockey at its best, the Cavendish University Cup is back in the city and the championship flag is once again flying over Moncton City Hall.

At a joint press conference held by Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. and the organizing committee, the president of the Université de Moncton, Yvon Fontaine, and Moncton Mayor, Lorne Mitton, launched the official countdown to the Cavendish University Cup, which will open on Thursday, March 20th.

"We are holding the championship here for the second time," said president Yvon Fontaine. "We still have vivid memories of the excitement surrounding last year's championship. The presentation of an event of this scope is a testimony to the vitality of our institution and the dynamism of its sports program. Almost 30,000 people attended seven matches last year, and I am convinced that we're going to surpass that number this year. The University is pleased to partner with the City of Moncton and its sponsors to present this outstanding event."

"The City of Moncton is proud of its reputation as a city that welcomes sports events of national and international scope," said Mayor Mitton. "We are happy to take part in this prestigious championship for the second year in a row. Thanks to the involvement of the Université de Moncton and the local passion for sports, our municipality is able to host high-quality sporting events. We received nothing but praise last year from Canadian Interuniversity Sport and thespectators, and I congratulate everyone who contributed to putting on such an exceptional championship."

Daniel Allain, Executive Director of Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc., said that Downtown Moncton was proud to welcome these student-athletes and their fans for the Cavendish University Cup. "They will have a great time while they're here in Moncton, and we invite them to fully experience what the heart of our city has to offer," he said. "Quite a few people visited the downtown last year, to the delight of our merchants."

Former player Martin Latulippe and coach Robert Mongrain also spoke at the press conference about their experiences at the championship. Latulippe played five seasons with the Aigles Bleus, three of them as
captain. He took part in the university championship in 1999.

Mayor Lorne Mitton, president Yvon Fontaine, Jeff Rose of Cavendish Farms, and former player Martin Latulippe unveiled the Cavendish University Cup trophy under the attentive gaze of the public and the media. The group then went outside for the official raising of the championship flag in front at the City Hall Plaza.

The Canadian Interuniversity Sport Men's Ice Hockey Championship will take place at the Moncton Coliseum from Thursday, March 20th to Sunday, March 23rd. The six best Canadian university teams will compete for the
Cavendish University Cup during the seven matches held at the Coliseum. Tickets for the event are currently on sale at the Moncton Coliseum box office.

http://www.cisport.ca/e/photos/logo_moncton.jpg

Lets Go Aigles Bleus !

[mmmatt]

Yeah! The Aigles Bleus are the only moncton hockey team worth cheering for this year (sides maybe the beavers)...the Wildcats are sucking hardcore for some reason...could be thier new coach I dunno :S

I'm pretty sure they are 5th nationally right now, UNB is still 1st though haha, could end up being a UNB vs Aigles Bleus final game for the second time in a row!

[mylesmalley]

Correction: Victoria park is really damn creepy at night! :yuck: :koko:

You're both right.
Gordon Street at night is worse though.

[ErickMontreal]

Yeah! The Aigles Bleus are the only moncton hockey team worth cheering for this year (sides maybe the beavers)...the Wildcats are sucking hardcore for some reason...could be thier new coach I dunno :S

I think this is a reconstruction and transition year for them, this is the downside of the Junior hockey league.

Hey Fogs Devils move out St Johns, they will leave for Montreal (Verdun)...

[mmmatt]

I think this is a reconstruction and transition year for them, this is the downside of the Junior hockey league.

Hey Fogs Devils move out St Johns, they will leave for Montreal (Verdun)...

Wow! thats junky for them...I wonder why they cant hold a team there? It says on wiki that the owner was losing a lot of money...strange that a city the size of Bathurst (pop 30,000) can have a QMJHL team easily and a city the size of St Johns (pop 180,000) cant.

[ErickMontreal]

Wow! thats junky for them...I wonder why they cant hold a team there? It says on wiki that the owner was losing a lot of money...strange that a city the size of Bathurst (pop 30,000) can have a QMJHL team easily and a city the size of St Johns (pop 180,000) cant.

I hearded that St Johns had to pay for transport of the visiting teams something around (700 000) per year. Moeover, The audience was down too.

The owner of Titan made a lot of cash with Titan de Laval as well as Bathurst fans seem to support their team.

[ErickMontreal]

They started to remove the nylon canvas of Marriott hotel the result is quite interesting.

[ErickMontreal]

Fils de presse

Un passé réussi et un avenir prometteur à Dieppe


News wire
Archives PreviousNext
Dieppe will be actibe in 2008

DIEPPE – The economic growth of the City of Dieppe will continue in 2008 according to Mayor Achille Maillet who delivered a State of Dieppe address to the local Rotary Club Members Monday noon.

2007 was a record breaking year in many sectors and the growth is visible while travelling its city streets. 2008 will be as busy because of the number of planned projects.

Mayor Maillet indicated city council demonstrated it leadership and its responsibility by adopting a very responsible budget which confirms its healthy financial situation on the basis of a 7 per cent growth.

‘The population of Dieppe has more than doubled during its recent growth years,’ said Mayor Maillet. ‘Our planning and good administration created a healthy investment environment that enables us today to be the fastest growing municipality of the Atlantic Provinces.’

‘Dieppe will have a dream year in 2008. We know of several projects worth an estimated $52 million that will happen in the non-residential sector with renovations at Champlain Place, buildings in the up-town, expansion at Canada Post, new Fox Creek development, and downtown initiatives. We will also begin phase 1 of the Paul Street reconstruction. The residential sector will also be very active.’

The municipality has identified six major development areas including its Industrial and Technology Park, aeronautics and light industrial, commercial development, transport and logistics, professional, international and residential.

Property values in Dieppe have more than doubled in the last 10 years and now stand at $1.7 billion. The 2008 municipal budget is more than $30 million with the second lowest tax rate of the eight cities. Debt ratio is now 23,6 per cent.

Mayor Maillet mentioned the efforts of its economic development corporation to attract businesses to his city. In 2007, the city had a record 618 building permits with values of over $83.8 million.

‘What an extraordinary year’, added Maillet. ‘I say thank you very much to all those developers who have invested in Dieppe because they believe in the future of our city.’

The official opening of the new city hall, a first summer of activities in Place 1604, the International Kyte festival, the opening of the new Coop and the Holiday Inn Express, three new pharmacies, a bank, restaurants, two new multiple residences in downtown, are just examples of the many success stories of Dieppe in 2007.

Citizens will see new buildings along Dieppe Boulevard with the construction of the new Aquatic and Sport Center in up-town. The city will adopt its new municipal plan and look at the various recommendations of it Green Plan.

‘We have invested in our infrastructure, our streets, our sports fields, our sidewalks, the market, public Place 1604 and our facilities,’ said Mayor Maillet. ‘We had to make difficult decisions without having a crystal ball, but today, we do not regret our investments.’

‘These are all elements that have contributed to the growth of your city. As I have indicated, Dieppe is very active. We have planned our growth. Our fiscal management is now demonstrating results. Dieppe has a healthy financial future and a unequalled quality of life. Like you, we are passionate about our city, a vision to see it grow while respecting its character and its heritage. We have the infrastructure to propel our development.’

‘Because of your efforts and initiatives we are building a prosperous Dieppe which reflects our desires and our image. We live in a modern and vibrant city with a distinct character and where our citizens enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and solidly built on our cultural backgrounds.’

[mmmatt]

They started to remove the nylon canvas of Marriott hotel the result is quite interesting.

Really? Thats awesome, cant wait to see it all done :D

[ErickMontreal]

Off Topic - Miramichi Courthouse Rendering
http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/images/court150.jpg

I find it quite great for a city that size.

[mmmatt]

Off Topic - Miramichi Courthouse Rendering
http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/images/court150.jpg

I find it quite great for a city that size.

Very nice! Excellent for Miramichi :cheers:

NB is really taking this whole restructure of court systems seriously, its turing out very good from what I can see...I assume Freddy will keep the same court building though seeing as its a beautiful old building.

[ErickMontreal]

Very nice! Excellent for Miramichi :cheers:

NB is really taking this whole restructure of court systems seriously, its turing out very good from what I can see...I assume Freddy will keep the same court building though seeing as its a beautiful old building.

Yeah, you`re right, I would love to see that building in person.

[kwajo]

I assume Freddy will keep the same court building though seeing as its a beautiful old building.

You never know, after all Saint John is getting a new courthouse and yet we have one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in the province as one of the court's current homes. So there you go, Freddy may get something too!

[ErickMontreal]

Four developers shortlisted for Moncton courthouse project

(08/01/24)

NB 77

Jan. 24, 2008

MONCTON (CNB) - The province has finalized a short list of private sector developers that will be invited to submit proposals to build the new $47-million Moncton courthouse under a public-private partnership.

Acting Supply and Services Minister Jack Keir made the announcement today.

The four development firms are: Ashford Investments Inc., of Moncton ; Bore Park Place Inc., of Moncton; Huntingdon Real Estate Investment, of Winnipeg, Man.; and CitiGroup Properties of Dartmouth, N.S.

"We are very pleased with the level of interest that has been expressed in this important infrastructure project," Keir said. "It is an indication of the enthusiasm and support that exists for partnering with the private sector as we work together to build a more self-sufficient province."

Keir said that the project received a total of nine expressions of interest from New Brunswick and across Canada. These submissions were evaluated by Supply and Services in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Consumer Affairs, with four making the short list.

In establishing the partnership with the province, private developers must demonstrate their expertise and experience, as well as a capacity to develop the courthouse project. They must be able to construct, finance, operate and maintain the new justice complex. They are also being asked to identify their proposed site for the new building.

The approach the province is using is for a private developer to build, own and operate, and then lease the facility back to the province. The facility must accommodate the government's courthouse requirements.

The government is open to proposals to build the new courthouse at the former Beaver Lumber property in downtown Moncton, or at other acceptable alternative sites located in the city's downtown core.

Interested developers may submit their proposals for the project based on the design that has been developed for the current site, or exercise the option to propose moving the courthouse and modifying the design to suit another acceptable downtown location.

"The courthouse location and the private sector partner will be identified once the request for proposals (RFP) process is complete," Keir said.

Supply and Services will issue the RFP by March 2008. A private sector partner is expected to be selected in the late spring, with start-up construction planned for the late summer of 2008.

Only those developers who qualified under the expressions of interest have been invited to participate in the RFP.

The new state-of-the-art courthouse will house 15 courtrooms and court staff, sheriff services, victim services, probation services, family support services (including mediation), Crown prosecutors, and a law library. It is expected to be completed in 2009-10.

[ErickMontreal]

As Ashford Investments Inc. is currently teaming up with Verdiroc for a Casino/Convention Center/Hotel/Entertainment complex that could be a strategic choice for a suitable development of our downtown.

[mylesmalley]

I'd love to see them build it behind hte new Marriott. It would have easy access to Main and Assumption, high visibility, and would be directly across from the police station. If Dick Carpenter gets his way, they'll be expanding the police station in behind towards Bore park, so they would only need to build a pedway. Then, we'd have a justice complex!

[mmmatt]

I'd love to see them build it behind hte new Marriott. It would have easy access to Main and Assumption, high visibility, and would be directly across from the police station. If Dick Carpenter gets his way, they'll be expanding the police station in behind towards Bore park, so they would only need to build a pedway. Then, we'd have a justice complex!

As long as its built downtown and its a nice building Im happy :D

[ErickMontreal]

Downtown court a step closer
Gov't selects shortlist of four developers to build $47 million Moncton complex

By Mary Moszynski
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Friday January 25th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Four companies have been shortlisted to submit proposals to build Metro Moncton's much-anticipated $47-million justice complex.

Acting Minister of Supply and Services Jack Keir announced the latest development in the important downtown project by listing Ashford Investments Inc. and Bore Park Place Inc. (Heritage Development Group), both of Moncton, and Huntingdon Real Estate Investment of Winnipeg and CitiGroup Properties of Dartmouth as the successful applicants.

"The next step in the process is to send out to those four developers and say here's the criteria, here's what we want, now you go ahead, fill your boots and tell us how you want to do it and at what cost," said Keir.

The two local companies proposed building the new courthouse on downtown parcels of land, while the other two developers submitted their intentions to build the project on the former Beaver Lumber property, originally picked as the site by the former Conservative government.

Ryan Carpenter of Bore Park Place reiterated his company's hope to construct the justice complex on a site the company owns on Main Street.

Carpenter said the project is an important development for downtown Moncton.

"It's definitely a staple in the community, that's what a courthouse is," he said.

A spokeswoman for Supply and Services said the two out-of-province applicants propose working with New Brunswick firms if selected for the project.

The four companies were selected from nine submissions, following a request for expressions of interest issued by the provincial government last fall.

The Department of Supply and Services will now release a request for proposals in March, allowing the four selected companies to submit detailed plans for the multi-million-dollar project. A developer will be selected in the late spring with construction planned to begin late in the summer of 2008.

"Between the four developers there are some options there," said Keir.

The minister wouldn't reveal any details of the proposals submitted but, as energy minister, said he'd like to see an energy efficient building constructed.

Last year the Liberal provincial government announced its intentions to seek a public-private partnership for the downtown project. The province is seeking a private developer to build, own, operate and lease the facility back to the province.

The courthouse will house 15 courtrooms and court staff as well as Sheriff Services, Victim Services, Probation Services, Family Support Services including mediation, Crown prosecutors and a law library.

The previous provincial Conservative government had gone so far as to hold a sod turning ceremony at the corner of Assomption Boulevard and Westmorland Street back in the summer of 2005, but concerns raised about security and the site led to delays in the project, which was initially supposed to be opened by now. At the time of the 2005 announcement, that completion date had been moved to spring 2008. The new, more extensive facility is now expected to be completed by 2009-2010.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Metro housing boom forecast to continue in 2008
Observers predict economic growth will spur increase in home construction

By Kate Wright
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Friday January 25th, 2008
Appeared on page C2

OTTAWA - Despite a national economy that has seen major ups and downs so far this year, Metro's housing market is likely to remain strong after two years of steady growth.

Market insiders say after two record years of building permits issued, Metro is on track to continue its housing growth into 2008 and beyond.

While 2008 is still new, Metro's director of building inspections said yesterday she's predicting another "boomer" year.

Sherry Sparks said she's predicting little change in the amount of permits issued this year after two record breaking years.

There were 1176 permits issued in Moncton last year, to the tune of $131-million.

In 2006, Metro set a record by issuing 1191 in 2006, totalling nearly $152-million. In 1998, for example, the city issued only 844 permits, worth about $49-million.

"We're not predicting any drop -- there are a number of developments in the works for the coming year, so we can't see much change," she said.

"It's going to be another busy year, no question. This year will be as good as 2007, if not better."

Metro Moncton's real estate market continued to boom last year, with multiple-unit construction quickly gaining ground in the city.

The city surpassed the province's other urban centres in multiple-unit starts, with single-unit starts remaining stable around 75 per year.

Semi-detached units became increasingly popular in Metro, thanks to the continued stream of young professionals in-migrating to the hub city and taking advantage of the semi-detached desirable price point.

Sheldon Burgess, a mortgage consultant with Mortgage Intelligence said consumer confidence in the housing market remains high in the region, despite a shaky Canadian economy and talk of a possible U.S recession.

While the state of the economy has a ripple effect into the housing market, Burgess said there will still be a demand for homes and builders and ready to build them.

"It's more about people asking themselves, 'do I have a stable job and the budgetary habits to support that move' -- not if Citibank lost millions this year," he said.

"I think the market is simply going to stay stable -- I don't see any reason that housing starts should be up 10 per cent, or down by 10 per cent."

Burgess said the crumbling U.S housing market should not be a reflection of Canada's market, and New Brunswick's growth over the past two years should be an indication of what can be expected in 2008.

He said supply and demand for housing in Canada is very separate from the troubled U.S economy and consumers can only benefit from increased demands for housing in the region.

"People aren't necessarily ill confident because of a mortgage crash in the U.S," he said. "We will likely see more strong growth this year -- builders are still looking to build and people are still looking to buy."
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

No renovations for Crystal Palace theatre
Empire Theatres representative says attendance up in 2007 over previous year

By Eric Lewis
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Friday January 25th, 2008
Appeared on page A9

Andre Manseau is a big-time movie buff living in Riverview. He sees plenty of movies in the run of a year, but as he puts it, "the difference is night and day" between Metro Moncton's two cinemas.

Empire Theatres, based out of New Glasgow, N.S., operates both the Paul Street, Dieppe theatre complex and the Trinity Drive, Moncton theatres.

Manseau says the older of the two theatre complexes, the Crystal Palace location, lacks the comfort and roominess of its Trinity Drive counterpart.

"I'm large, I'm six-foot-five, I'm broad. I'm a big guy, and no matter where I sit in Crystal Palace, I'm uncomfortable," he says.

The Trinity Drive theatre underwent renovations a few years ago to give it stadium-style seating. Each row of chairs is a fair bit higher than the row in front of it, which means if someone fairly tall is sitting in front of you, they probably won't be blocking your view.

In addition, there is more leg room with the stadium seating, and the drink holders are in the arm rests of each chair instead of on the back of the seat in front of you, giving you even more room to stretch your legs.

Manseau will attend either theatre to catch a movie he wants to see, but he says he prefers the Trinity Drive location.

Denis Mazerolle, another local movie buff, says both he and his brother are rather tall and they tend to find the Crystal Palace theatre to be uncomfortable.

Mazerolle says he saw the first Lord of the Rings film at the Crystal Palace location a few years ago.

"Long movie, good movie, but towards the end of it, I was extremely uncomfortable, and now, I think that it has to be a movie that I'm really interested in that isn't playing at Trinity for me to go out."

Mazerolle used to live in Dieppe until a few years ago, and even when he lived minutes from the theatre there, he preferred to go to the Trinity Drive location because of the roomier stadium-style seating.

Dean Leland, vice-president of marketing and media with Empire Theatres, says there are no "immediate plans" to renovate the Crystal Palace location to give it the more modern stadium seating that the Trinity Drive features.

"One thing about movie theatres, you need to reinvest and reconfigure, that sort of thing, and we always have plans for certain locations, and certainly Crystal Palace is on the radar," he says.

"But it's not immediate for any renovations, but as I say we're always looking at our various locations."

Andre Manseau believes there has been a trend at times that the hottest movies landing in one of the theatres always seemed to play at the Crystal Palace theatre. He suggests it's a ploy to boost attendance at the "inferior" location.

However, Leland says there is "no scientific formula" for determining which movies go to which theatres. "Films open, and it's a best guess how they'll perform and how long we'll book them in for, and as one comes off the screen, another will move in."

Leland says Empire Theatres usually doesn't choose a movie for a certain location. If one movie is leaving a theatre at the same time something new is coming out, it will go to whichever theatre has room for it.

"The only time it has any type of a difference is seating count," he says. "If a Harry Potter is coming out, obviously we want to put it in the largest seating auditorium. That's the only time it makes a substantial difference."

Leland is happy to report that the two theatres are doing well business-wise, saying Metro Monctonians obviously enjoy going to the movies.

He doesn't believe the market here could support a third theatre in the city, but says an additional screen or two in the theatres might be possible down the road. "We're always examining the greater market, but we're also examining individual facilities as well."

He notes that movie theatres are a "huge capital investment".

Empire Theatres doesn't share attendance figures, so Leland wasn't able to give too specific an idea of how movies in Metro Moncton fare, but he did say the company is "very, very pleased at the number of people that go to the movies in Moncton as well as the frequency in which they go to the movies."

Quick facts

* Empire Theatres operates both Metro Moncton theatre complexes, one in the Crystal Palace building on Paul Street in Dieppe, and one on Trinity Drive in Moncton.

* Each complex features eight screens, all with digital sound. The size of the screens are proportionate to the size of the auditorium it is in.

* The Crystal Palace theatres have 1,572 seats, and the largest room has 324 seats.

* The Trinity Drive location has more seats in total (1,860), but its largest room (303 seats) is actually smaller than Crystal Palace theatre’s largest.

* Statistics Canada’s most recent information shows that the average expenditure at the movies per household in New Brunswick in 2005 was $70. That number was down from $78 in 2004.

* About 51 per cent of the households polled by StatsCan said they went to movie theatres in 2005. Of the households polled that did indeed go to the movies, the average expenditure was $138 that year, which was down from $149 in 2004.

* Empire Theatres doesn’t share attendance numbers, but according to vice-president of marketing and media Dean Leland, movie attendance in 2007 was up from the previous year. He said movie attendance last year was up three per cent from 2006 numbers and that “the Moncton market experienced a similar trend.”

[JasonL-Moncton]

I only go to the theaters for a "big" movie a la LOTR, Batman, Transformers et al...a movie that is the same on my widescreen tv as it is in the theater...why am I going to pay the 'exorbitant' prices t go see!?

The food at the theater is 'crap' and incredibly overpriced...incredibly, it usually costs more to eat than to get 'into' the movie...it's ridiculous.

I could 'rent' 6-8 movies at BB or another store with snacks for what it cost's me and the missus to go see one movie at the theater! That's not a good ratio!

I 'never' go to crystal palace...for any movie.

[Wishblade]

I only go to the theaters for a "big" movie a la LOTR, Batman, Transformers et al...a movie that is the same on my widescreen tv as it is in the theater...why am I going to pay the 'exorbitant' prices t go see!?

The food at the theater is 'crap' and incredibly overpriced...incredibly, it usually costs more to eat than to get 'into' the movie...it's ridiculous.

I could 'rent' 6-8 movies at BB or another store with snacks for what it cost's me and the missus to go see one movie at the theater! That's not a good ratio!

I 'never' go to crystal palace...for any movie.

Hey, I like theatre food! but I will admit its horribly overpriced. I never go for popcorn tho. I always go to either Pretzelmaker or TCBY :yes:

[mylesmalley]

Hey, I like theatre food! but I will admit its horribly overpriced. I never go for popcorn tho. I always go to either Pretzelmaker or TCBY :yes:

The food costs so much because that's where they make their money. Most of the price you pay for a ticket goes to licensing and actually getting the projector films to the theaters. I've been told that the margins they make on pop and popcorn is a couple thousand percent.

I'm not agreeing with them though...

[kirjtc2]

And then of course they don't allow outside food in. It's really great with the theatre in Fredericton being steps from a mall food court...

Speaking of which, the one here has a New York Fries in the lobby. I once got a dog and fries combo, no trays, and I needed 3 hands to bring it in to the theatre with my ticket. Brilliant setup there...

[mylesmalley]

The crowds there lately have been ridiculous too.
I think the one at Trinity drive has a NY Fries too. French fries and movies just don't seem to sit well with me. Call me a purist...

[ErickMontreal]

:: In Brief ::

Champlain Place

Subway will open into Champlain Place
Buffalo Jean will open in coming weeks

Mapleton Power Center

Glamour Secret will open a second location in town

Bella Casa Condo (5-Story) - Riverview

http://www.youronlineagents.com/listingphotos/1746/large_66996_3107566_1.jpg

[someone123]

And then of course they don't allow outside food in. It's really great with the theatre in Fredericton being steps from a mall food court...

According to my friends who have worked in movie theatres this is a myth. We've brought in our own food to Bayers Lake all kinds of times and they've never said anything. Maybe it is just the one theatre but I'd imagine all Empire theatres are the same and just about every theatre in Atlantic Canada is Empire...

[mmmatt]

:: In Brief ::

Champlain Place

Subway will open into Champlain Place
Buffalo Jean will open in coming weeks

Mapleton Power Center

Glamour Secret will open a second location in town

Bella Casa Condo (5-Story) - Riverview

http://www.youronlineagents.com/listingphotos/1746/large_66996_3107566_1.jpg


5 story?! Thats awesome! It will join the ranks of Royal Court and that random blue building by the lake as the tallest buildings in Riverview! :P Looks nice!

[mmmatt]

According to my friends who have worked in movie theatres this is a myth. We've brought in our own food to Bayers Lake all kinds of times and they've never said anything. Maybe it is just the one theatre but I'd imagine all Empire theatres are the same and just about every theatre in Atlantic Canada is Empire...

Yes, we used to at least have Famous Players and Empire...now they have a monopoly...and prices did go up after the takeover too...NB is all about the monopolies what with Irving owning everything including the government, and Empire with all theaters...

[Wishblade]

Yes, we used to at least have Famous Players and Empire...now they have a monopoly...and prices did go up after the takeover too...NB is all about the monopolies what with Irving owning everything including the government, and Empire with all theaters...

Well, Empire is actually a Nova Scotian company. And they did buy out famous players, and then right after that, went national.

[kirjtc2]

Empire's part of the Sobeys group...they may be big but at least they don't try and run roughshod over the government.

What happened was Cineplex Odeon and Famous Players merged, and they had to divest themselves of some competing theatres across the country. Empire scooped those up and they went national. (I want to say Trinity Drive -- and some of the other FP theatres in the Maritimes like the old King Square in Saint John -- was a separate transaction, but I'm not sure on the specifics.)

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

What i do is i buy a bunch of junk from the dollar store and bring it into the theater. Its a lot cheaper then buying stuff from the theater.

[mmmatt]

Well, Empire is actually a Nova Scotian company. And they did buy out famous players, and then right after that, went national.

Yeah, its from stellarton (sp), I know that (used to work for sobeys haha)...Im just saying that a few companies have large monopolies here.

[ErickMontreal]

Retail plaza planned for Harrisville Boulevard

Alan Cochrane
COCHRANE REPORT
Published Saturday January 26th, 2008
Appeared on page D2

A new retail plaza to complement a "major national retailer" will be constructed on Harrisville Boulevard near the Greater Moncton International Airport in the next couple of years.

Michael Zakuta, president and CEO of Plazacorp Retail Properties Ltd., said this week the company has acquired a piece of land on Harrisville Boulevard and construction of a new retail complex is expected to begin in 2010 or 2011. He said a well-known national retailer will anchor the complex, but declined to name the company. Plazacorp is now in the process of finding other retailers to lease space in the complex surrounding the anchor store.

Zakuta said Harrisville Boulevard and the airport area is the location of the future, since the Champlain Place area is saturated.

"There has been some residential growth in that area and we want to service that growth."

Plazacorp Retail Properties Ltd. is an owner of shopping malls and strip plazas throughout Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario. Plazacorp now owns interests in 89 properties comprising over 4.1 million square feet of retail real estate.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

All sorts of betting on who's in on a casino

GOSSIP FROM N.B.’S FAVOURITE RUMOUR-MONGER
Published Saturday January 26th, 2008
Appeared on page D10

Sleuth is not really a gambling man, but his ears are perking up these days with lots of talk about who's in and who's out of the race to build New Brunswick's first casino. Let's start with who's out.

Just days before the provincial government announced last fall it would invite bids for the casino licence, a group from Quebec -- Attractions Hippiques -- announced it would partner with Saint John interests to build a new harness racing track, indoor and outdoor soccer fields, a high-end restaurant and possibly a multi-ice surface arena in the Port City. It seemed at the time as if Saint John had the inside track -- pardon the racing pun -- on the licence. But surprise, surprise . . . the Quebec company suddenly bowed out of the race this week, leaving its Saint John partners high and dry.

What made Attractions Hippiques opt out? Did they read the tea leaves and find there really wasn't much support in the province -- in the request for proposals from the province -- for a harness racing track? Does this mean straight-out casino proposals will be considered first?

Up in merry old Moncton, all this has been watched with a bit of glee by those who are proposing casinos for both downtown and somewhere on the city's periphery.

And speaking of periphery, Sleuth caught wind this week that one possible site of a Moncton-area casino would actually be in Cap Bimet, on the site of the Paturel fish plant. Just think of a casino, hotel and maybe condos right on the beach? Others say there are other plans for the property which may include a beachfront apartment/condo complex.

Yes, the summer season is short, but the joint would certainly be jumping from May to Thanksgiving!

[kirjtc2]

[B][SIZE="3"]
A new retail plaza to complement a "major national retailer" will be constructed on Harrisville Boulevard near the Greater Moncton International Airport in the next couple of years.

Michael Zakuta, president and CEO of Plazacorp Retail Properties Ltd., said this week the company has acquired a piece of land on Harrisville Boulevard and construction of a new retail complex is expected to begin in 2010 or 2011. He said a well-known national retailer will anchor the complex, but declined to name the company. Plazacorp is now in the process of finding other retailers to lease space in the complex surrounding the anchor store.
[/FONT]

I wonder if it's Wal-Mart. They've made no secret of their desire to leave as many malls as they can, and Champlain Place is one of their few mall-based locations left in the country that haven't been moved or renovated since they took over from Woolco 15 years ago. They've left malls in Saint John, St. John's, Dartmouth, Sackville, Sydney, Bathurst and New Glasgow; and it took some major concessions by Regent Mall in Fredericton to get them to stay there.

[mylesmalley]

That major retailer is probably Sobeys. They made an announcement a few weeks ago about how they wanted to expand in that area to take advantage of the uptown-Dieppe growth.

Though if this Plaza thing is another project, we could be seeing the start of a big retail development in that area over the next couple of years.

[mmmatt]

I wonder if it's Wal-Mart. They've made no secret of their desire to leave as many malls as they can, and Champlain Place is one of their few mall-based locations left in the country that haven't been moved or renovated since they took over from Woolco 15 years ago. They've left malls in Saint John, St. John's, Dartmouth, Sackville, Sydney, Bathurst and New Glasgow; and it took some major concessions by Regent Mall in Fredericton to get them to stay there.

I dont think they will leave Champlain...they already bought the store from the mall, so that they dont have to pay rent or anything, just like the one in Regent. The difference of the one in regent is that they are no longer tecnically "connected" to the mall (thats why they have a huge pedway type thing to get into the store). The reason for this is because even if Walmart owns the store as long as they are connected directly to the mall they have to play by thier rules (ie hours etc)...so in Champlain Ive heard rumours that they will close the doors to the mall, but never that they would move out.

[mmmatt]

Moncton firm eyes global market for e-mail security
Trustme Security to receive $1M loan guarantee from province

Nathan White
Telegraph-Journal
Published Saturday January 26th, 2008
Appeared on page C1

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=80964&size=300x0
Elisabeth Rybak, co-CEO of TrustMe Security, Inc., shows off the safe in the lobby of the firm’s head office in Moncton.

MONCTON - The provincial government will announce Monday a $1-million loan guarantee to a Moncton company that envisions itself as the future global leader in e-mail security.

Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne will make the announcement at the grand opening of TrustMe Security, Inc.

Formerly known as VE Networks, Inc., the company headed by co-CEOs Brian Flood (formerly of Q1 Labs, Inc.) and Elisabeth Rybak (Whitehill Technologies Inc.) has been developing its e-mail security software since 2005. The terms of the loan guarantee are tied to the creation of more than 50 jobs at the company, which has satellite offices in Fredericton and Saint John.

Its unassuming headquarters is on the second floor of a former cookie factory, where a leftover large safe in the lobby is a perfect fit for a company in the security business.

"We're so secure we can't even open it," joked one staffer.

The safe is painted with TrustMe's pastel green trademark, which Rybak hopes will become synonymous with e-mail security the world over.

"I hope TrustMe will serve as an example that you can take a really great idea, get it out to the marketplace and become a world leader," said Rybak. "We're not just putting a narrow focus on the Maritimes or the province. In information technology, the world is really our oyster."

She sees a tremendous opportunity for the company, as awareness of e-mail fraud and identity theft increases.

"The number one application on the Internet is e-mail and it's insecure," she said. "It doesn't take much to find on the Internet a program that will sniff e-mail traffic [which] can look at the contents of e-mails."

With TrustMe, users can safeguard themselves by approving who they want to exchange e-mails with through a mutual authentication process.

"It's like your MSN chat list, you have a list of trusted people you want to communicate with," she said. "It's as easy to set up as MSN, you download it free and it takes minutes to set up."

The messages are encrypted and can only be seen by the intended recipient. Rybak explains the technology simply: "We wrap it in a secure envelope to protect it as it traverses the Internet."

While the consumer program is free, TrustMe makes its money from an administration module for businesses, which allows them to control accounts and adjust various settings.

According to Radicati Group, worldwide demand for e-mail security is estimated at $3.5 billion, with forecast revenue expected to exceed $6 billion by 2010.

Rybak said ease of use will give TrustMe a competitive advantage over existing systems that require expertise and maintenance and are typically marketed only to large businesses.

"If it's too complicated to use you're not going to load it on your PC unless you're some kind of CIA operative," she joked.

By connecting with average users, she sees almost unlimited potential. Her vision is to have TrustMe loaded on every PC.

"E-mail security is going to get to the point it's on everybody's computer so the total market for e-mail security is basically every e-mail account in the world," she said "We see it becoming as common as anti-virus or firewall. When you buy a Dell it comes pre-loaded "¦ We want to be there."

TrustMe works on Windows computers with just about any e-mail client, from Outlook to Gmail, and support for Mac and handheld platforms is on the way.

"The government is pleased to partner with TrustMe as it develops and markets world-class security products," said a government spokesman. "The assistance provided by government is going to allow the company to create more highly-skilled jobs in the province. It serves as an example to the IT industry that we're open for business."

The company will have several of its angel investors on hand Monday. Last April, it announced it had attracted record angel investment from some 250 investors.

David Ganong, president of Ganong Bros. Ltd., and Assumption Life CEO Denis Losier are among the prominent New Brunswick names backing TrustMe, and other high-profile national names are said to be among the investors.

"This is yet more proof that from New Brunswick we can do great things. If we think bigger, we'll do bigger," said Rybak.

[mmmatt]

(( :Greater Moncton International Airport: ))

2007 14th busiest airport in Canada by aircraft movements

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo1.jpg
August 2001 - The foundation for the terminal building is being prepared.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo2.jpg
October 2001 - Parking lot construction is under way.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo3.jpg
Structural beams for the main part of the terminal are being installed.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo4.jpg
December 2001 - Glass windows are being installed on the air side of the terminal building.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo5.jpg
October 2002 - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II unveils the plaque commemorating the official opening of the new terminal building.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo6.jpg
An aerial view of the new terminal building.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo7.jpg
The terminal’s main entrance.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo8.jpg
Stairs leading up to the main public area.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo9.jpg
Main public area of the terminal.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo10.jpg
Passengers await to embark on their flight.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo11.jpg
The terminal’s many glass walls let the natural light shine through.

http://www.gmia.ca/images/gallery/large/photo12.jpg
An airplane is parked at one of the loading bridges.

All above pictures credit to GMIA

7RHRWRQuO9s
a video of some jets at GMIA, some shaky camera work, but it shows a few of the many jets that fly out of Moncton.

[mylesmalley]

There's one thing I can never figure out about the GMIA. Why does Moncton have 4 gates, while Halifax has like sixty?

I know Halifax has four or five times more passengers than Moncton, but that doesn't seem to explain why Halifax has so many more gates.

Probably a perfectly logical reason for it. Just curious.

[JasonL-Moncton]

First topic:

Theaters...they wouldn't have to make money off the food if the prices were somewhat 'lower' for both food and admission then they would have 'more' people going and they would make their profit on volume! I'm into 'Home Theater' and am a moderator on a home theater forum...much rather watch it at home, most of the time.

Subway...for mall workers this is great (wife works in the mall), now they don't have to eat all that useless artery clogging 'crap' that infest's most mall food courts.

Bella Casa...that looks very nice...it should have a wonderful 'view' from up on the hill.

The retail outlet on Harrisville I heard a while back was going to be a "Sam's Club" or Wal-mart's version of Costco. Wal-mart in the mall pays 2% of their daily sales as rent...why do you think Future Shop moved? ;)

Airport...the airport is busy now, if we manage to get 24hr customs service 'then' watch the airport 'boom'.
Myles...I think the amount of gates directly correlates to the amount of varying airlines (that require their own gate) and the correlating traffic.

:)

[brod3211]

What is the new two or 3 signs added beside the Pizza delight and mikes one downtown ?

[ErickMontreal]

What is the new two or 3 signs added beside the Pizza delight and mikes one downtown ?

I think this is the new name of Pizza Delight holding.

[brod3211]

Never Mind I found out myself Its Pizza D's , Mikes, Baton Rouge and Scores.

[mmmatt]

Never Mind I found out myself Its Pizza D's , Mikes, Baton Rouge and Scores.

Yes, the company formerly known as Pizza Delight Corp owns those four chains, in 2007 they changed their corporate name to "Imvescor"...I'm assuming thats what HalifaxMtl was referring to.

[ErickMontreal]

Yes, the company formerly known as Pizza Delight Corp owns those four chains, in 2007 they changed their corporate name to "Imvescor"...I'm assuming thats what HalifaxMtl was referring to.

Yes It is. So I would like to see a "Baton Rouge ou un Scores" in "Monqueton"

[mylesmalley]

I've always enjoyed the irony in the name Moncton.

The city is named after the British General who oversaw the expulsion of the Acadians. Now, Moncton is the 'capital' of the new Acadie. Man, would he ever be pissed off...

[ErickMontreal]

I've always enjoyed the irony in the name Moncton.

The city is named after the British General who oversaw the expulsion of the Acadians. Now, Moncton is the 'capital' of the new Acadie. Man, would he ever be pissed off...

Oh yeah , huge irony. So I assume it is some sort of a revenge for them due to the fact they are in the heart of Moncton "Resurgo".

[brod3211]

Does anyone know what is gonna happen to the old fire station when the new one opens ? Are they going to take it down and build something there or are they gonna fix it up and turn it into a restaurant or bar ?

[mylesmalley]

Hopefully knock it down, and put up a few more 4-5 story condominiums along the riverfront. I'd love to see that whole stretch of waterfront land get developed that way.

[gehrhardt]

This being Moncton, I'm sure it is a prime spot for another Tim Horton's. :haha: There are some close by, but you can't actually SEE them from there.

I agree, though. More condos along that stretch would look nice. It would kind of "frame in" the downtown area.

[mylesmalley]

Swapped land may be up for sale
Mapleton Road property was part of controversial 2005 deal between Co-op, City of Moncton

By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday January 30th, 2008
Appeared on page A1
A piece of property that was at the centre of a land-swap controversy in 2005 involving the City of Moncton may be about to change hands again.

The man in charge of real estate development for Co-op Atlantic says he expects the company will have more to say in the next few weeks about its plans for Mapleton Crossing, the land it owns at the corner of Mapleton Road and Highway 2, the Trans-Canada Highway.

"We'll have an overall statement of where Co-op plans to go with development at that time," Stephen Davies said yesterday.

The land, part of a controversial 2005 swap with the City of Moncton, is 20 acres at the southwest corner of the strategic intersection where other development has been taking place. The Future Inn project near the southeast corner of the intersection was first to be developed, and now a Hampton Inn hotel is going up on the northwest corner. A factory outlet project originally proposed for the northeast corner of the intersection has since stalled.

All of this work is happening and not happening as the city prepares to upgrade Mapleton Road. Though it has become the key gateway to Moncton, the road itself resembles a country lane.

The City of Moncton has assembled much of the necessary funding and made it clear work will start come spring, but its plans to unveil details at the last meeting of Moncton City Council were delayed at the last minute.

Davies, Co-op Atlantic's vice-president for real estate, said his company awaits those details as part of its plan for marketing the property. While Avide Developments, Co-op's real estate wing, does develop land and build and operate some properties like its housing projects, in other cases Davies said they are purely land developers, suggesting that would be the case with the Mapleton Road land.

"We've just finished up the servicing of the property, so that sets up some things," he said.

It's premature to speculate on what sort of development might ultimately come to the land, and how the City of Moncton might respond, but the concept originally proposed played a role in council's decision to trade land with Avide. It envisioned shops and other conveniences in a pedestrian friendly, small town style setting that was planned to be esthetically sensitive to the nature park next door.

Beyond the main goal of assembling land for an extension to Assomption Boulevard, one of the reasons council gave for swapping of this parcel, until then being used as part of Mapleton Park, for a smaller developed parcel holding a Co-op gas bar on Record Street, was that the corner of Mapleton and the Trans Canada was "key to pursuing our policy of developing commercial areas around key gateways to the City," as Mayor Lorne Mitton put it in an open letter to the citizens of Moncton in the summer of 2005.

The contract signed between the two parties in March 2005 called for a hotel/motel, a restaurant convenience development and a service station convenience development -- all to be done in 2005. A retail development was supposed to be done in 2006. Though those schedules have not been adhered to, Moncton City Council agreed to extend a grace period because of the controversy surrounding the deal delayed development.

In a statement from Avide two years ago, Davies indicated the company's "intention to meet and possibly exceed environmental standards, which are not only important to them (park users and other interested parties like the Moncton West and Riverview Rotary Club, who built the park's lodge on land now near the commercial site) but us as well."

That promise, and conditions of the purchase and sale agreement that dictate the development be in general conformity with the plans submitted, as well as Co-op's desire to protect its reputation, all carry weight as long as Avide is the developer.

But if Co-op Atlantic sells the land to a third party, there is nothing that would impel a new owner to respect any development plans, except as they relate to environmental and zoning requirements.

[ErickMontreal]

I agree, though. More condos along that stretch would look nice. It would kind of "frame in" the downtown area.


Is the city has a plan for that spot ? I just hope they dont expect to use that spot as green space like suggests the "downtown rendering".

[JasonL-Moncton]

Is the city has a plan for that spot ? I just hope they dont expect to use that spot as green space like suggests the "downtown rendering".

They likely won't once they realize that land will soon become a commodity downtown sooner than later.

[mylesmalley]

The first thing i noticed about that drawing/rendering was the parking. those two condos along the river both have parking lots, but in the rendering, there's nothing but trees there. All those buildings they plan on putting up look fine (albeit short), but again, no parking. There's no sign of a new parking structure there either. I really doubt downtown will look anything like their vision in 50 years. But I guess that's why they call it vision, and not plan.

[ErickMontreal]

Mapleton Road work on schedule
Tenders to be awarded in March
http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=82889&size=300x0

By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Thursday January 31st, 2008
Appeared on page A3

The City of Moncton's director of design and construction says plans to upgrade Mapleton Road are proceeding on schedule, despite a delay in presenting the city's plans at the last meeting of Moncton City Council.

Alcide Richard said the last minute decision to postpone the presentation on Jan. 21 came about when councillors who had been pre-briefed sought clarification on some of the details.

The decision was made to hold off on the presentation until those issues could be addressed. Richard said he now expects to present to council and the public at council's Feb. 18 meeting.

"We always planned to call tenders in March and still plan to," he said.

"Everything's falling into place to have it done in two years."

Meanwhile, the Province of New Brunswick has committed to having the necessary widening of the Wheeler Boulevard overpass completed by 2010, but it may come sooner.

"We're awaiting confirmation DOT will start the bridge in 2008," Richard said, saying he was hopeful after a meeting with the transportation department last week that the 2010 bridge completion date could be pushed ahead.

With a two lane road set to be five lanes wide from Frampton Lane north to Highway 2, the Trans Canada Highway, and six lanes between Trinity and Carson Drive, Richard said there is also land acquisition going on.

The widening will also have to accommodate sidewalks and bicycle lanes as well.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Moncton IT firm expands
E-mail security solution created by Moncton-based business is ideal for all uses

By Yvon Gauvin
Times & Transcript staff
Published Thursday January 31st, 2008
Appeared on page C2

A Moncton-based information technology company is poised to make a name for itself globally in the world of e-mail security with the help of a $1-million loan guarantee from the province.

TrustMe Security has developed easy-to-use computer software that provides secure e-mail use not just for the home computer domain to e-mail friends, family, bank or doctor's office but also for business, institutions and governments where it hopes to recoup its investment and then some.

TrustMe Security with satellite offices in Fredericton and Saint John was created last year from VE Network, founded in 2005 by Elisabeth Rybak and Brian Flood.

The loan guarantee was announced on Monday in Moncton by Health Minister and Moncton MLA Mike Murphy. Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne was unable to attend due to the snowstorm.

Two dozen investors, clients, staff and potential clients were in attendance at the Delta Beauséjour news conference.

The money will mean 50 or more employees to the existing 25 on staff to help expand its reach into the global business market and estimated $3.5-billion worldwide demand for secure e-mail. That demand is expected to nearly double in a few years.

The company isn't alone in the race for e-mail security software but has the edge with its easy-to-use product whether at home or in the big corporate settings, said company media spokesman Andrew MacKinnon.

The company is offering the basic software for home use for free by downloading the product from the www.trustmesecurity.com website.

Right now, all unsecured e-mails can be hacked into and read, whether it's a message to grandmother, to a friend, the doctor's or lawyer's office or banking institution, he explained. The situation can have even greater repercussions for business-to-business transactions and exchange of confidential information.

In a statement, Byrne said this assistance will allow the company to "create more highly skilled jobs in New Brunswick and serve as an example to the IT industry that we're open for business."

"The province's investment in the future of New Brunswick's IT industry is well spent," said Rybak. "New Brunswick's support will accelerate our growth and help us retain and attract new and talented IT workers."

[ErickMontreal]

2 Downtown
http://www.branchdesign.com/monctonpixels/P1160542_2_downtown.jpg
Midway beetween Downtown Moncton and Downtown Dieppe. With all the rain yesterday, I’m amazed I was able to get a decent picture from within the car.

http://monctonpixels.blogspot.com/

[mylesmalley]

Man, you're quite the photographer, Erick. That's a really neat shot.

I'm glad to see they're finally doing something about Mapleton. I bet once they get the road widened, we'll finally see all the projects that have been announced actually get built.

[mmmatt]

Man, you're quite the photographer, Erick. That's a really neat shot.

I'm glad to see they're finally doing something about Mapleton. I bet once they get the road widened, we'll finally see all the projects that have been announced actually get built.

That picture was taken by Brian Branch, a local grapic designer and photog...you can see more of his work at: http://www.monctonpixels.net

[mmmatt]

Riverview: We're open for business
Four years after protesters sunk music conservatory, town works with new plan to draw in commercial development

BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF
Published Friday February 1st, 2008
Appeared on page A8

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=83661&size=300x0
This 60-unit project by a Prince Edward Island company, at the corner of McDowell Avenue and Whitepine Road in Riverview, is one of many projects under way in the town

For some Riverview residents and people looking from outside the town, the loss of the Chocolate River Music Conservatory four years ago remains a dark cloud over the town's reputation for business development.

But, town officials say Riverview is more open for business than ever before, and has made massive cash investments to prove it.

In finalizing this week's capital budget, town officials pointed to the need for ongoing commercial and retail development to generate tax revenue. Without it, the town will be faced with the decision of cutting back on services and perks, or raise taxes to pay for it all. But they also point to the amount of new development that has taken place in recent years and the investments they hope will spur more development in the years to come.

That might not sit well with pundits who say Riverview has a reputation for taking the side of a minority of residents who fight against development rather than the businesses who want to set up shop. For residents, it is often frustrating to see large chunks of undeveloped land sitting for years with for sale signs on them, and to recall the incidents of the music conservatory and a controversial gas bar.

Melody Dobson, who operates the Chocolate River Conservatory, says it's all water under the bridge now. But at the time it was very frustrating to have to give up on the idea of setting up the music school in Riverview and take it to Dieppe.

In 2004, Dobson and her husband Juergen Weiland proposed setting up the conservatory at the corner of Findlay Boulevard and Whitepine Road. In order to help pay the rent, they wanted to lease out part of the space to other businesses. A few local residents, afraid of what might go into those extra spaces, protested. To keep them happy, council put a number of restrictions on the development.

In the end, there were too many restrictions to make it work and the conservatory ended up moving to Dieppe. In another case, Cheryl Conway wanted to set up a convenience store and gas bar on Coverdale Road near Point Park. After a series of proposals and changes spanning four years, none of which met with council's approval, the idea was finally dropped.

"It seemed at the time that council professed they wanted to help business, but a tiny number of residents carried a lot of weight and they came up with a bunch of restrictions that weren't relevant," Dobson says. "We wanted the full support of council, but support was so iffy. Council was trying to get us going and pleasing the residents at the same time."

Dobson, whose grandfather Byron Dobson was responsible for much of the development in the town and really wanted to build the conservatory in Riverview, was disappointed but felt she had no choice. Many people in the town were disappointed with the loss of the conservatory.

"It just isn't possible for politicians to please everyone and support growth at the same time. No matter what you do, people who don't support growth will protest."

She said it was a small group of people who led the protest, basing their argument mainly on the loss of green space they had become accustomed to having in their back yard.

Dobson, who still lives in Riverview, is concerned about future development and the new Gunningsville Boulevard, the so-called "road to nowhere."

Brenda Orchard, director of economic development, says the town is doing everything it can to be business-friendly and has invested millions of dollars to promote more growth in the future. In recent years, council has rezoned a number of properties to allow development. In most cases, there has been no objection from the public.

For example, rezoning is under way for a $7-million expansion of the Royal Court senior's complex. The rezoning went through the public hearings without a word from nearby property owners. Land was also rezoned for a new funeral home on Whitepine Road, which is now in operation.

Recent commercial projects include the expansion of the Riverview Superstore, construction of the new Home Hardware store, a new strip mall in Findlay Park and a new Scotia Bank building. At least three new apartment buildings, including a 60-unit complex on Whitepine Road, have also been constructed. New businesses in the town include a satellite store of Metro Moncton electronics retailer Sounds Fantastic. And it was recently announced that the old fire station would be redeveloped into a tourist attraction with several new businesses.

"Just look at all these things we've done and compare them to one gas station that didn't get approved," Orchard said.

The town's new municipal plan, developed in 2006, lays out a future vision for commercial and residential growth in the community of 17,000.

A big part of the plan is an investment of $17 million for Gunningsville Boulevard and another $15 million for the Bridgedale Boulevard. These new roads are expected to open up new lands for both commercial and residential development.

In an interview earlier this week, Mayor Clarence Sweetland said developing land for commercial purposes away from established residential areas is working as a compromise to the "not in my backyard" problem.

But the new lands, which have never been built on, need an investment before they can be marketed for development. A big part of this is a trunk sewer in the area.

"It's not a sexy thing," Orchard said. "There's nothing glamourous about a trunk sewer but you absolutely need it before you can proceed with development."

Orchard is also frustrated by some lands that appear have been sitting dormant for years with for sale signs on them. For example, two large tracts on Findlay Park are owned by private companies (Sobeys and Patmar Holdings), so the town has no say in the asking price or who they are sold to.

Bob Hyslop, a veteran councillor on his sixth term in office, says Riverview is more than open for business. He says agrees council should listen to residents who protest, but must also explain to them that development is crucial to the future of the town.

Orchard said she is actively marketing Riverview to outside interests and has had many calls and expressions of interest from commercial and retail developers. The town is updating its information packages with the latest demographic data and sending them out to prospective developers.

She's confident that commercial development in the area will be followed by a wellness centre and maybe a new arena a few years down the road.

Kurt Cobb, a Riverview native who operates the new funeral home on Whitepine Road, said the town has been very supportive of new business and helped to expedite the rezoning process.

He said the price of land makes it especially tough for independent businesses to get started anywhere, not just in Riverview.

[mmmatt]

Moncton firm inks $2.5M deal
Leby Fixtures and Interiors to custom work in demand in luxury homes, hotels

By Reid Southwick
Canadaeast News Service
Published Friday February 1st, 2008
Appeared on page C2

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=83627&size=300x0
Sylvio LeBlanc, vice president and his father Yvon LeBlanc, president, at Leby Fixtures and Interiors in Moncton.

MONCTON - A family-owned Moncton business signed a $2.5-million contract this week to manufacture custom wood interiors for three luxury hotels south of the border.


Leby Fixtures and Interiors Ltd. will design and build mouldings, bars, front desks and lobby spaces for two hotels in New Jersey and another on Yale University's campus in New Haven, Conn.

The project, signed with a single client company officials would not name, means Leby will add 30 more employees to its 65-strong workforce.

The company manufactures custom interior designs for hotels, casinos, universities and high-end homes. Its products can be found in the MGM Grand casino in Las Vegas, the Phoenician Hotel in Scottsdale, Ariz. and homes in Beverly Hills, Calif.

"We build custom beds for movie stars," Leby vice-president Sylvio LeBlanc said Wednesday. "We build custom mouldings for opulent hotels; we build luxury spas across North America. We don't exactly do cabinets."

LeBlanc said the company's involvement with the high-end luxury market allows it to remain in business while firms in the high-volume commodity market announce shutdowns.

Leby, he said, felt the all-too familiar blows from the strong loonie, but the faltering housing market south of the border, which has placed New Brunswick's forestry industry in crisis, had no impact on the company.

The U.S. housing market crash affected low- and medium-income earners, said LeBlanc, not the tycoons with US$5 million in their bank accounts. And the high-end commercial sector remains strong in many areas of the U.S., including Boston, New Jersey, Los Angeles and Scottsdale.

"While mill closures are hitting the front page, and everyone is crying about a recession in the States, the hospitality business is booming," he said.

Wealthy American baby boomers, said LeBlanc, are increasingly looking to move from their large homes into smaller condominiums, but they are not expecting to pay anything less.

Hotel developers are picking up on this trend, including large condominium complexes within their new projects, allowing residents the amenities of staying in a hotel "" the concierge, the valet parking, the room service -- within the comforts of their new homes, said LeBlanc. And every one of Leby's new hotel projects includes these suites, called hotel-branded residences.

LeBlanc would not disclose the names of celebrities who buy his products, citing non-disclosure agreements. He said fingerprinting and security clearances are necessary just to visit the site.

But he said the company is currently working on three projects in Beverly Hills, worth a total of $1.1 million. In that same suburb of the rich and famous, Leby just finished a 1,000-square-foot teak gazebo for $500,000. That's $500 per square foot.

"We're going to be doubling our volume this year and again the year after that," said LeBlanc, always the man of secrets, who would not disclosure the dollar value of the volume.

"If you're not in the value-added sector like we are, chances are you'll close your doors."

Leby was founded in 1977 by LeBlanc's father, Yvon, a Moncton tradesman who began by doing simple installations in the commercial sector. He later entered the retail fixture business, touting Reitmans, Suzie Shier and Tip Tops as his customer base.

But as competition with Chinese firms intensified, Yvon brought the company into the luxury market in 1990. The move has allowed the company to navigate the up-and-down swings that have rocked the forestry industry, and remain on top.

"I have billionaires every week calling me up about a customized bed or gazebo," said LeBlanc. "There are 80,000 millionaires in the city of Boston alone, and we're just a seven-hour drive away. It's an exciting time."

[mylesmalley]

That picture was taken by Brian Branch, a local grapic designer and photog...you can see more of his work at: http://www.monctonpixels.net

Oh. my bad.
Though Erick has still taken some good stuff.

[ErickMontreal]

That picture was taken by Brian Branch, a local grapic designer and photog...you can see more of his work at: http://www.monctonpixels.net

Sorry for the confusion I did not want to take any credit for that, the reason why I posted the link along the picture.

[ErickMontreal]

:: Old Moncton ::

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2142/2168062132_103b832408_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2261/2167271959_2d21fbcf1a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2217/2168063166_9a723b5e89_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/2168063030_100127911f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/2168062540_b0b433131a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2168061772_77977504c7_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2284/2167270691_b93937965e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2168062414_45bfc8555c_b.jpg

By Sir Johnny Capote :: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnnycapote/

[mmmatt]

Oh. my bad.
Though Erick has still taken some good stuff.

Indeed he has :)

[mmmatt]

:: Old Moncton ::

By Sir Johnny Capote :: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnnycapote/

Awesome find! Ive never seen an aerial of moncton that old before, really cool!

[mmmatt]

:: Old Moncton ::

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2168061772_77977504c7_b.jpg

By Sir Johnny Capote :: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnnycapote/

This building was the HQ for the Intercolonial Railway of Canada, a major part of monctons economy at the time...I think it burned down or something, its a shame too...It used to stand where Highfield Square is now.

More info about the railway: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intercolonial_Railway_of_Canada

[ErickMontreal]

Marriott’s style exposed

Published Saturday February 2nd, 2008
Appeared on page a5

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=84069&size=500x0

Anyone travelling on Moncton’s Main Street yesterday received a peek at what the the new Marriott hotel will look like when finished. A portion of the wrap that covered the building has been removed showing the facade and its styling.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Wow those old pictures are awesome!

Really wish we still had a river that wide... :(

[mylesmalley]

The Moncton Museum used to sell a map of the city from 1888 which showed a similar picture of the city, only from an angle above Riverview. In that one, there were actually a few tall-ish ships in the water.

[SJTOKO]

Marriott’s style exposed

Published Saturday February 2nd, 2008
Appeared on page a5

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=84069&size=500x0

Anyone travelling on Moncton’s Main Street yesterday received a peek at what the the new Marriott hotel will look like when finished. A portion of the wrap that covered the building has been removed showing the facade and its styling.

Looks like it belongs in the burbs, not downtown. They could have gone for something more urban..

[JasonL-Moncton]

Looks like it belongs in the burbs, not downtown. They could have gone for something more urban..

Yet 'another' brick building for downtown...

[ErickMontreal]

Looks like it belongs in the burbs, not downtown. They could have gone for something more urban..

Of course the footprint could have been much smaller but average people dont care about that. The realty is that hotel will increase the number of rooms in the core and it going to add density sufficiently to make up that part of downtown. Moreover, it will draw the first "The Keg" restaurant in the province. Anyway, on the street level, that building looks urban and frankly its way better than a wasteland.

[mylesmalley]

I know some people don't like the brick look. I happen to be a fan. That aside, what's suburban about the new Marriot? it's the third tallest hotel in the city, has a parking garage, is the perfect distance from Main street for a downtown building etc. Most importantly, it's got a flat, concrete roof, as opposed to the pointed vinyl or shingle roofs of most suburban hotels.

[mylesmalley]

The glass is half full...

[mmmatt]

Personally I love it, a lot better than a vacant lot thats for damn sure :D

[mmmatt]

I e-mailed the airport and asked when the 2007 passenger numbers will be available. Last year they came out Jan 24...Im hoping they arent holding them back cause they are bad...I dont see how that would be possible but who knows haha. Ill let you guys know what they tell me.

[mylesmalley]

The province released the pop. growth strategy today.

http://www.gnb.ca/3100/Promos/PS/Strategy-e.pdf

I hope they're able to implement them and succeed in their goals. This province could certainly use another 100k people.

[JasonL-Moncton]

OMoreover, it will draw the first "The Keg" restaurant in the province.

Actually there used to be one in Fredericton...downtown...used to eat it all the time, don't know what ever happened to it?

JL

[ErickMontreal]

Record Month of January in Dieppe

DIEPPE – The economic vitality of the City of Dieppe was confirmed with a record month of January in building permit values according to statistics released by the Building Inspection Department of the municipality. The value of permits for January was $10.5 million, a record in the city’s history for the first month of the year. The largest projects, for about $10 million, were in the commercial sector with 6 permits.

The residential sector had one permit. The best months of January were in 2001 with $3.3 million and $3.2 million in 1996.

‘We predicted many developments for 2008 in the non-residential sector and this first month confirms our expectation,’ said Mayor Achille Maillet. ‘This is encouraging and confirms some of the figures used in the state of the city address. Year 2008 will be very active in Dieppe.

[mylesmalley]

Any idea what the 10 mil in commercial was for? I don't think the Champlain Place renovations are supposed to start for another few months.

[ErickMontreal]

Any idea what the 10 mil in commercial was for? I don't think the Champlain Place renovations are supposed to start for another few months.

Maybe Post Canada and Aquatic Center/Uptown Dieppe as well.