[cl812]

Interesting to see who the tenant will be (wonder if its the Legion or NB Liquor)

[mylesmalley]

A friend just made a facebook post about ti being a liquor store. Not sure if he knows what he's talking about though.

[Freddypop]

Interesting to see who the tenant will be (wonder if its the Legion or NB Liquor)

Confirmed on Capital FM this AM. Liquor Store will be a tenant with opening scheduled for late Summer 2010

[cl812]

NB Liquor makes tracks to station
Published Friday September 11th, 2009
Deal | Crown corp. says new store to be twice the size of old one on King Street
A1
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com

Fredericton's historic train station is getting a new lease on life.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=362335&size=500x0
Better days ahead: NB Liquor is taking over the York Street Train Station, where it plans to build a liquor store.

The provincial government has given NB Liquor the OK to rent the Fredericton landmark owned by J.D. Irving Ltd.

"A deal has been negotiated with JDI for NB Liquor to lease the refurbished York Street Train Station," said Fredericton-Silverwood MLA Rick Miles on Thursday.

The York Street Train Station has been a focal point of debate over heritage properties in the city. In recent years, residents have grown concerned that the roof would collapse in winter under the weight of heavy snow.

Details of the lease deal weren't available Thursday.

While a media conference is expected next week, Premier Shawn Graham let out word of the deal during a funding announcement Thursday for the Fredericton YMCA.

"We're going to be back here soon for another important announcement for a little railway station down at the bottom of the hill," he said.

Officials from J.D. Irving said they continue to pursue a development on the site that will facilitate the restoration of the train station.

"We are hopeful of good news in the near future. We are unable to comment further," said company spokesman Geoff Britt.

NB Liquor CEO Dana Clendenning confirmed there's an agreement, but he wouldn't discuss specifics, such as the price.

"The terms and conditions are still being kept confidential,'' he said. "They're not finalized. We will have a press conference next week.''

Clendenning did say the location will be run as a corporate store that will have a unique design and unique services.

He said the Crown corporation likes the location given the easy access, ample parking and the store's proximity to the downtown, residential areas and university campuses.

NB Liquor was criticized for its decision to abandon the downtown when it closed its store on King Street last year.

The new store, he said, will be about twice the size of the King Street one.

The liquor store deal, which will see the property rejuvenated, is expected to help spur commercial development on about eight acres of surrounding land, Miles said.

"It's hoped that this project will stimulate redevelopment in that area of the city," he said. "It's been eyesore for too long."

With the cost of restoring the train station pegged at $2 million, J.D. Irving said it would need to redevelop the property in the context of a larger business venture.

Mayor Brad Woodside said it was time for something to get done.

"I think this is as good as it gets in terms of news for Frederictonians. I say that because we have been subjected to this eyesore for so long," Woodside said from Collingwood, Ont., where he's attending meetings of the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Woodside has been vocal about the need to do something to the property.

"I meant what I said ... People have been upset with me every time I stood up and made it an issue, but I was determined to see a resolution."

Under the Heritage Railways Stations Protection Act, the owner of a historic train station isn't obliged to fix it up, but must get a ministerial order from the federal Environment Department to alter the structure or demolish it.

The nature of the federal legislation left the city powerless to intervene, Woodside said.

"There was absolutely nothing that I could have done. If there was, I felt seriously enough that I would have taken someone to court."

Tim Scammell, president of Fredericton Friends of the Railway Inc., a community group that has pressed decision-makers to keep the station from crumbling, welcomed the news.

"I think that's absolutely wonderful. We've been waiting six long years for this," he said Thursday.

"I always said I don't care who goes in and takes care of it, as long as it's fixed. I'm glad it's going to be saved because otherwise we were heading down that track of being lost forever."

Members of Branch 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion were reportedly working on a proposal to buy the station.

The choice was logical, members said, given that the last glimpse of home for many local servicemen who served in the two world wars was the train station.

Clendenning said NB Liquor acknowledges that the station played a pivotal role in the lives of many New Brunswickers and especially those who headed off to war.

"We are discussing ways of recognizing the role that the station played in the transportation of veterans to and from the Second World War."

-----

YMCA gets $5.2 M from feds for new building
Published Friday September 11th, 2009
A4
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com

Work to tear down Albert Street Middle School will begin this fall as the YMCA prepares the site to build a new facility.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=362337&size=500x0
Vision of the future: The federal government is giving the YMCA $5.2 million to put towards a new building on the site of the former Albert Street Middle School. Above, Fredericton YMCA CEO Kathy Russell, second from right, talks about the plans for the new Y. Looking on from left are: Karina LeBlanc, Fredericton YMCA president; Bud Bird, honorary chairman of the YMCA's fundraising campaign; MP Keith Ashfield; Premier Shawn Graham; Russell; and MLA Rick Miles.

Construction on the 5,400-square-metre (60,000-square-foot) building will begin in the spring. Officials hope to open the building in spring 2011.

Details of the construction plans were released Thursday as the organization celebrated news that the federal government is kicking in $5.2 million for the project that's estimated at $19.5 million.

Karina LeBlanc, president of the Fredericton YMCA's board of directors, was ecstatic at news of the funding.

"I couldn't be more excited. It's been a long time that this has been in the works," she said.

"I think the fact we have a strong community here in Fredericton is built on the fact that we have a strong YMCA."

While the time frame may seem quick, the people behind the project say they've been considering it for years and are ready to make it a reality.

"It truly does seem like the impossible dream, but we can and will make it a reality," said Bud Bird, honorary chairman of the Y's fundraising campaign.

The organization is turning to the public to help raise $3 million through donations. The Y also has another $3 million saved up for the project.

The Y is also asking the city for $1 million and trying to convince the city and the University of New Brunswick to add an extra pool space in the facility.

The province is selling the group the 2.6-hectare (6.5-acre) property valued at $2.5 million for $1. Bird said other assistance by the province valued at $3 million is under consideration.

The Y is also negotiating a $4-million bank mortgage through future operations and sale of the YMCA building on Saunders Street.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency minister of state Ashfield said the investment is worthwhile.

"The YMCA is truly a community group," he said.

"This sees us investing in our future and we hope this will help promote health and wellness."

LeBlanc said the Y plays a vital role in the community, with the group's activities reaching 20,000 people in the region.

Though best know for fitness programs, the organization also has a number of outreach services that are available to the community's most vulnerable.

Those services include an employment centre where people can retrain and develop new skills to find a job, support programs for single mothers, and a $200,000 access program that helps those in financial difficulty cover part of the cost of joining Y programs.

Federal funding for the Y is being provided through funds earmarked for infrastructure stimulus

----

[mylesmalley]

I still say they'd be better off knocking it down and building an identical structure with modern materials and amenities. It's a nice heritage building, but so much of it has rotted away already, there's no way they'll be able to preserve the whole thing.

[cl812]

the brick looks like the part potentially salvageable, because I think it is a completely wood structure

[frinkprof]

I still say they'd be better off knocking it down and building an identical structure with modern materials and amenities. It's a nice heritage building, but so much of it has rotted away already, there's no way they'll be able to preserve the whole thing.If you're suggesting fake historicism, no thanks. I think the brick should be restored if possible.

Re: A forum meetup.

Any evening would work. Lunar Rogue or Snooty Fox.

[Smevo]

I think what they should do with the old train station is, rip it down to the ground saving and restoring the old brick, build a new (replica) structure, and re-lay the old restored brick. I can't recall where it's been done before, but it has been done.

[frinkprof]

^Calgary's Bow project is doing it with the York Hotel for the cultural building. It isn't an exact replica, but the brick facade will certainly be restored in the same manner. Taken down brick by brick, and put up again brick by brick.

[Smevo]

I forgot about the Bow doing that. It was others I was thinking of, but I still can't remember them...oh well.

[cl812]

New Maryland council seeking input on future development for village
Published Saturday September 12th, 2009
A4
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

The Village of New Maryland wants to hear from its citizens on the future of the community.

A public session is set for Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at the New Maryland Centre to ask for comments on short- and long-term goals for the community.

The public input will be used as part of a strategic plan that will provide guidance to current and future village councils on development decisions.

"We strongly urge residents to attend," Mayor Frank Dunn said.

"It's looking toward the future and trying to come up with a step-by-step plan on how we progress."

The preparation of a strategic plan began in February with initial guidance from a consultant and input from councillors and village administration.

The next step is to find out what services village residents want to see developed.

While growth in the village is stagnant until additional well-water sources are brought into production, Dunn said he can predict some issues that will arise at the Sept. 21 meeting.

The community's older residents want to continue living in the village, but don't necessarily want a big house and yard to maintain, he said.

"They'd like to stay in New Maryland," Dunn said. "Recreation is another important component. There's all kinds of areas that we can work on once the plan is accepted."

Part of council's job will be to look at the costs and timing of implementing ideas.

----

Congregation celebrates expansion
Published Saturday September 12th, 2009
A3
By ALEXANDRA DAVIS
davis.alexandra@dailygleaner.com

Rev. Terry Atkinson, the senior pastor of Brunswick Street Baptist Church, says he's ecstatic that the church's new addition opens this weekend.

"We're all very excited," he said.

"This is really going to increase the opportunities for our congregation."

The idea of creating a new wing has been in the works for a number of years.

Construction on the project began in August 2008 after negotiations with the city of Fredericton allowed the Brunswick Street Baptist Church to trade the adjacent York House for the land the church needed for expansion.

Most of the space available after the $4-million renovation will benefit the church's younger members with a family life centre, a library, classrooms and a children's worship area.

Many of these areas are multi-functional, and can also be used for other adult and family events when necessary.

The addition isn't quite finished - there's still some painting left to do and some flooring to be installed - but the space will be available for use this weekend.

Atkinson said he's looking forward to showing the new area to the people who have worked so hard to make it possible.

"The congregation has been incredible," he said.

"They have contributed $2.6 million toward the building costs. It's taken a lot of people and a lot of work to get to this point. The church runs because of the tremendous efforts of volunteers, and everyone has been so generous."

While the renovations are mainly finished for now, Atkinson anticipates another project will commence in the next couple of years.

This next phase will involve the creation of a new worship area to better accommodate the Brunswick Street Baptist Church's congregation, which consists of more than 550 members.

The opening kicked off Friday, when the church's children and youth workers were given a tour of their new work space.

Today, children and adults of the congregation will be invited on building tours, followed by a potluck supper and concert this evening with Stephanie Mainville and friends.

On Sunday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and prayer of dedication will follow the church's regular worship services at 11 a.m. A barbecue lunch, building tours and events for children will begin at 12:15 p.m.

[cl812]

Update on rink project expected tonight
Published Monday September 14th, 2009
Council | Tenders for snow removal to be considered
A3
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

Fredericton city councillors will bring forward an update on the design of the proposed Grant * Harvey Centre at tonight's regular public meeting.

Centre Line Architects of Ottawa, which designed Willie O'Ree Place, is taking the project lead.

Mayor Brad Woodside has said that planning work is drawing to a close and council is contemplating a tender call this fall with an opening in 2011.

The sports complex, expected to include a business and community centre, community rooms, two indoor rinks, and additional sports areas surrounding the centre, got an extra bit of financial help recently from Ottawa.

Fredericton MP Keith Ashfield announced recently an additional $2.5 million for the facility through Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency's innovative communities fund.

The cash is on top of the federal government's pledge of $1 million through the Canada-New Brunswick Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The provincial government is matching the $1 million.

In other council business, the annual report from The Playhouse will be handed to the city. Taxpayers are the owners of the theatre structure, which will soon be annexed to a downtown convention centre, government office building and parking garage.

Although the first winter flurries are still far off, city council will consider two tenders for snow plowing and ice control services at Frederick Square and Brunswick Street parking garages. A third tender for winter salt will be reviewed. Council will also vote to appoint a city solicitor to fill the vacancy when lawyer Bruce Noble was handed a federal appointment to the judiciary.

Third reading is slated for a bylaw that will allow A and R Brown Rentals to rebuild an apartment complex at 198 York St. The building was destroyed by fire earlier this year.

A and R Brown Rentals is hoping to move the design off paper and into construction this fall.

----

Panago Pizza serves up first home east of Ontario
Published Monday September 14th, 2009
D1
Chris Fox
NETWORKING

Joe Sivitilli thinks Fredericton will be the perfect launching pad for Panago's Pizza in Atlantic Canada.

Sivitilli, a UNB alumnus, is the franchisee of Panago Pizza on Trinity Avenue.

The restaurant opened Aug. 24 and is part of a national chain that includes 170 restaurants spread across Canada, but most are concentrated on the West Coast.

The Fredericton Panago Pizza is the only location east of Ontario.

"This is the first of others that we are hoping to develop," he said.

"Finding the right location, finding the right retail neighbours is very critical to all this development that has to take place and Fredericton really aligns well culturally to want we want to achieve and it is a great place to have sort of a test run."

Silivitti, who's based in Moncton but regularly commutes to Fredericton, decided he wanted to bring Panago Pizza to the region shortly after trying it for the first time while on business in Calgary several years ago.

He said it has been a long process making that dream a reality, but it's been worth it.

"It is a process that has taken two or two and a half years," he said. "It's been going really well now that we are open, though. People are embracing us because we are unique."

For more information about Panago Pizza visit Panago.com.

[cl812]

Architect gets OK to complete arena design
Published Tuesday September 15th, 2009
A5
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

Centreline Architects has been given the thumbs up by city council to proceed with the completion of construction drawings for the southside sports arena.

The final design of the Grant * Harvey Centre will be completed by the end of October with a tender call in early spring, deputy mayor Bruce Grandy said Monday.

The city already had a $2-million federal-provincial commitment toward the original $20.6 million project, but on Aug. 20, Fredericton MP and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency minister of state Keith Ashfield delivered a cheque for $2.5 million for the project.

"It was a very big, big boost," Grandy said of the extra cash.

"As you know, we're all under financial pressures and we're the same as any other government and as budget time is getting nearer "¦ we have some hard deliberations about budget. Any money the federal or provincial government can give to the municipality at this time point is certainly a benefit to us."

The sports complex will include one NHL-size ice surface with 1,500 seats and one Olympic-size ice surface with 250 seats.

"Over the course of what's been presented, there have been slight changes to the outside and the cosmetics and some of how it will look on the outside," Grandy said.

"I'm thrilled. Can't wait. Bring it on," said Coun. Scott McConaghy, whose ward borders the Kimble Road-Alison Boulevard arena site.

Coun. Stephen Chase said it's been a long, rough road, but it's reassuring to the citizens of Fredericton to realize the facility will be moving forward.

In addition, the city will sign a deal with St. Thomas University to accommodate the St. Thomas Tommies hockey team as a key tenant in the facility.

----

Housing starts up in August
Published Tuesday September 15th, 2009
A3
For The Daily Gleaner

Residential housing starts nudged up in New Brunswick in August, but the pace of construction was still below 2008 levels, says Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

Residential construction in August produced a total of 276 starts in urban centres, compared to 259 units during the same period last year.

Despite the increased multiple starts in August, the year-to-date total after the first eight months of the year was still down 10 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Claude Gautreau, the corporation's senior market analyst for New Brunswick, said that trend isn't likely to reverse for the remainder of 2009.

Fredericton produced the best showing among its peers with a jump in multiple construction resulting in 496 units to date, up 11.2 per cent from the 446 units built in the first half of 2008.

Saint John construction was down 11.5 per cent compared to last year, while Moncton housing starts for the first half of 2009 dipped 37.2 per cent below 2008 figures.

During the first six months of 2008, Moncton posted 890 housing starts. There have been 559 so far this year.

Saint John saw 476 housing units built in the first six months of 2009, compared with the 538 built over the same time frame in 2008.

Elsewhere across the country, most urban centres posted declines in construction both in single family and multiple unit construction.

The corporation is Canada's national housing agency.

----

Conservationist hopes 'sugar daddy' will dig deep to restore station
Published Tuesday September 15th, 2009
A3
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com

Word the crumbling York Street Train Station will be saved thanks to a deal that will see it turned into a liquor store is getting nods of approval.

Local heritage buffs said the news leaves them optimistic and they're anxious to see what NB Liquor has planned for the location.

"The bottom line is that this is a good marriage. I see the liquor corporation as a sugar daddy in all this," said Fredericton resident Peter Pacey, who has been outspoken on the need to save a number of downtown landmarks.

He recognizes that there's a cost to maintaining such properties.

"For me, the main thing is we can't save everything, so we have to be careful about what we can save."

The lease of the train station building is expected to help cover the cost of restoring the historic structure.

Pacey said he looks forward to seeing the plans for the new building.

"If the liquor corporation does a sympathetic rehabilitation of the building, then it will have a good future," he said.

"I hope they talk to some people who know about heritage and will do their best to bring back the building's glory days."

Giving the building a dignified presence is key to making the project a success, he said.

"If anyone has the money to do that, it's the liquor corporation."

Liz Burge, president of the Fredericton Heritage Trust, has said she hopes to see the train station revitalized.

"I think after all this time, with everyone watching the building deteriorate, they will be glad to see the designs, to see what there is," she said,

"It certainly would be a good step forward. I do hope that the general public gets to see the design of the buildings that will be attached to the train station."

She said she believes an addition will have to be added to the structure to accommodate a store.

Burge said she would like to see redevelopment of the surrounding property undertaken with an eye to providing a mixed-used building that might have ground-floor shops and affordable housing on the upper levels.

"I hope they try to turn it into something innovative and see what can be done," Burge said.

She said she hopes the development will be a jumping off point that will get people thinking about the cultural value of the area's heritage.

"I'd like to ask all the citizens to look closely, to walk down York Street from Dundonald. Walk down the street and look at the heritage," she said.

That includes the old Hartt Shoe Factory and three buildings designed by noted Maritime architect J. C. Dumaresq - St. Paul's United Church, York House and 390 King St.

Fredericton Heritage Trust will be looking for citizen input on how the York heritage corridor can be developed to its potential, she said.

----

Picaroons' second downtown site to open in a few weeks
Published Tuesday September 15th, 2009
D1
By ADAM BOWIE
bowie.adam@dailygleaner.com

Beer fanatics will have to wait several more weeks before they're able to pick up Picaroons Traditional Ales from a new downtown retail store on Queen Street.

Sean Dunbar, who owns the Northampton Brewing Company, is hoping to set up a second space that would augment his Melissa Street location.

Having a second downtown site would allow him to sell his products, test new brands of English-style ales and create a small-scale brewing operation to show patrons how beer is made.

Dunbar said the new location at 418 Queen St. would promote his locally produced suds and, hopefully, become a tourist attraction for the downtown core.

But he said necessary renovations have slowed things down a bit.

"We're about ready to start construction," he said.

"The space gave us some challenges from a design point-of-view. So we brought in professionals to design the store for us. That's taken pretty much all summer."

Dunbar said he's hoping to have the new storefront open by at least November and ready for employees to show visitors how the local brewery uses old-school techniques to produce new-tasting products.

That approach has won the brewery a special designation as one of New Brunswick's Artisans at Work - a network of craftsmen and tradespeople across the Maritimes that is recognized for excellence in pottery, jewelry, soap-making, and other endeavours.

He said that's part of the reason for having a small-scale beer-brewing operation installed at the Queen Street site.

"There's also an Economusee, or Artisans at Work, element to that project as well, which requires quite a bit of work to sort of make the space down there into a brewery demonstration and a tourist attraction for downtown," he said.

The Northampton Brewing Company recently received a $30,000 grant from Business New Brunswick to help with upgrades to its labelling technology and loading operations.

Dunbar said he'll be adding more tank space at the brewery's main site over the winter months

He said that will allow the company to begin producing more brew.

[cl812]

E-training firm gets help from province
Published Wednesday September 16th, 2009
$260,000 | Company plans to hire 20 more people over the next 15 months
A1
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com

A Fredericton e-training company is getting provincial funding to help hire 20 more people.

Bluedrop Performance Learning is getting $260,000 in financial assistance from Business New Brunswick and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

The funding will help the company increase the size of its workforce in the capital city by 20 people over the next 15 months, which would bring

its workforce in Fredericton to 33.

Bluedrop provides full-service courseware technology for a variety of industries, particularly the aerospace and defence sectors.

Last fall, the company signed a $2-million contract with the Department of National Defence to continue to develop, expand and manage e-learning courseware at the Training Enhancement Branch at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown.

The base is increasingly turning to simulated electronic training to teach soldiers.

The provincial government has identified the advanced-learning sector as a business cluster it wants to develop in New Brunswick.

Fredericton-Silverwood MLA Rick Miles said he's happy to see the investment in Fredericton.

"This is great news. It's advancement for Fredericton and New Brunswick. This is an investment, we're providing funding so small businesses can grow," Miles said Tuesday.

The St. John's, N.L.,-based company opened its Fredericton location in March 2007. The company also has offices in Ottawa, Calgary, Toronto and Washington, D.C.

----

[cl812]

City committee approves subdivision
Published Thursday September 17th, 2009
A3
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

Seven high-density apartment building lots were approved by the city's planning advisory committee Wednesday night.

While the zoning is already in place for the apartment projects, the committee had to give its approval to the subdivision plan for the project proposed by Colpitts Developments.

The city sold land abutting Leo Hayes High School to the development firm. At least one of the seven multi-storey buildings may go ahead this fall.

The buildings will be clustered around a new street called Fieldstone Court with access off Cliffe Street.

Elsewhere on the city's north side, Northrup Holdings Ltd. has signaled it's ready to move ahead on Phase 3 of its mini-home park.

ADI Ltd., on behalf of the local company, is working on the layout of 20 mini-home lots, plus two other lots of higher-density residential development.

City council has to approve the zoning for the third phase of the mini-home park located off Brookside Drive.

Douglas Housing Ltd. is working with city hall on boosting water pressure at its Gilridge Estates housing development

Once that problem is solved this fall, the company hopes to move ahead with more housing on 13 new building lots in Douglas, company spokesman Lincoln Thompson told the committee.

Roger Acreman of Katrina Drive said water pressure has to be improved before the 13 units are built.

"The water pressure has been weak since the purchase of our home in 2006. Since that time, approximately six more homes have been built or are under construction. Thirteen more units will adversely affect the water pressure," Acreman said.

The development will also provide more public parkland than the city requires, he said.

There was one written objection to the company's plan to extend the housing development based on traffic and pedestrian safety concerns for residents of the development who have to make a left-hand turn onto Clements Drive during rush hour in the morning and late afternoon.

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Growth potential 'dumbfounding' - CEO
Published Thursday September 17th, 2009
A3
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com

The 20 new jobs announced for Fredericton on Wednesday are only a drop in the bucket of potential growth here, says the CEO of Bluedrop Performance Learning.

"We are hoping that that will be a fraction," Emad Rizkalla said. "What we have committed to in the next year, year and a half is 20, because that is a fairly safe number based on what we know is already in the pipe.

"But I can tell you that the amount of activity in this sector is dumbfounding."

Bluedrop is a Newfoundland-based company that provides learning programs to industries including aerospace and defence.

On Wednesday, it received up to $260,000 in financial assistance from the provincial government to create 20 full-time jobs in Fredericton. The firm employs 13 in the capital.

Rizkalla said Fredericton is well-positioned to benefit from investments in the aerospace industry.

"CFB Gagetown is a great resource to have here," he said. "There is a lot of focus on it. There are a lot of big players that are looking at coming in here."

The industry is standing on the verge of unprecedented growth in the Fredericton area, Rizkalla said.

He said Fredericton will become Bluedrop's second largest office in Canada.

"We have had an office in Ottawa for 10 years, but you will all be happy to hear that it is our third largest office," said Rizkalla.

The company came to the capital in 2007.

Rizkalla said Bluedrop is growing here because of the availability of high-quality people.

"We just couldn't get over the talent," he said. "In our industry, whoever has the best talent wins.

"It is very easy to recruit world-class talent and that is why we are growing here."

Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau said Bluedrop is a critical component of the province's strategy to strengthen the emerging e-learning cluster.

"I'm proud to help this company expand its New Brunswick workforce with high-skilled, highly paid positions," he said.

Boudreau said the government is supporting the industry with a competitive tax environment, a skilled labour pool, infrastructure and targeted financial assistance.

He said the majority of the positions being created require instructional design, multimedia specialties and project management skills, which require employees with degrees in education, computer science and other disciplines.

Finance Minister Greg Byrne said the government's support will add to the growing knowledge workforce in Fredericton and provide essential support for organizations looking for customized training technology.

"This government is always striving to help business become more competitive and more successful in a challenging economic climate," he said.

----

[cl812]

NB Liquor to unveil station plans today
Published Friday September 18th, 2009
A3
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com

Don Roberts will be all ears today.

The 79-year-old York Street resident with a passion for history is anxious to learn about plans to rejuvenate the decaying old train station up the street from his apartment.

Details of the York Street train station refurbishment are to be announced this morning by Stew Valcour, vice-president at J.D. Irving Ltd., and Dana Clendenning, CEO of NB Liquor.

"I'll be waiting impatiently to hear," Roberts said from his apartment just down the street from the station. "It's been there all my life."

Roberts saw men heading off to war at the station and has fond memories of its role as a community hub. He said he's just glad something is being done.

"I'm glad it's going to be fixed. It has been a real sore spot in Fredericton," he said. "This has gone on too long.

"I was worried it might collapse in a snowstorm this winter."

He said he hopes they find a way to keep the bay window where the dispatcher controlled the trains' comings and goings.

The red-brick building built in 1923 has been in a state of disrepair for years.

Roberts isn't the only one who has been concerned about the condition of the structure, which in 1991 was designated as a heritage site by Parks Canada.

Tim Scammell, president of Fredericton Friends of the Railway Inc., said he's looking forward to seeing the vision for the downtown landmark.

"I'm just holding my breath, waiting to see," he said Thursday.

"I'm very much hoping that the concept and the design will show the station's heyday. I hope they find some way to incorporate a railway theme in the store."

NB Liquor is signing a deal to rent the refurbished station and create the first of its signature stores.

Roberts said he looks forward to the day he can walk into the renovated building.

----

[magee_b]

http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/TeleVox/Photo/original/2009sept18_1.jpg

[cl812]

NB Liquor taps historic train station for new store
Last Updated: Friday, September 18, 2009 | 2:05 PM
cbc news

Fredericton's downtown train station will be converted into a new NB Liquor outlet store, ending years of controversy over the future of the historic site.
The plans were unveiled in Fredericton on Friday morning by Finance Minister Greg Byrne and officials with J.D. Irving Ltd., which owns the station.

"The building will return to its former glory as a centerpiece of historic architecture in our downtown," Byrne said at a news conference in Fredericton.

The former CP Railway station, which is 318 square metres, will be transformed into a wine boutique and product sampling area. It will also have rooms for food preparation and special promotions.

NB Liquor and J.D. Irving Ltd. have entered into a 20-year lease arrangement for the refurbished building. The new store will open in August 2010.

Dana Clendenning, the president and chief executive officer of NB Liquor, said normally the Crown corporation signs 10-year leases for buildings with an option for a five-year extension. But he said the 20-year lease was necessary to get the deal done.

And he said the cost of $23.50 a square foot is competitive.

Stew Valcour, a vice-president at J.D. Irving Ltd., said the lease was pivotal in getting the deal signed.

"The 20-year aspect of the lease was critical from our perspective, because as you can appreciate, we are investing a significant amount of capital with no funding from any agency and the return on that is marginal even on 20 years," he said.

The company estimates it will spend more than $2 million in fixing the train station.

Valcour said that dollar figure could change as the construction on the heritage site starts.

"We don't really know what we're up against with the train station," he said.

Exterior restoration
In addition, a 929-square-metre structure will be added at the rear of the train station, which will house the store's products, a cold room and the check-out counters.

J.D. Irving Ltd. will restore the exterior of the downtown train station.

The interior brick walls will stay and historical details will be added throughout the facility.

A replacement roof will be added in the next three weeks to protect the train station during the winter.

The Canadian Pacific Railway built the station in 1923 and J.D. Irving Ltd. acquired it when the company bought the rail lines east of Montreal in 1995.

Since then, the station has been deteriorating, even though Parks Canada’s Historic Sites and Monuments Board designated it as a heritage site in 1991.

Thrilled with decision
The future of the crumbling train station had been a pressing issue for heritage enthusiasts in the capital region for years.

Liz Burge, a representative with Fredericton Heritage Trust, said after a decade of watching the train station fall into disrepair, she's "thrilled" that the company is finally going to restore it.

"This has been going on almost, I think, for the last 10 years," Burge said.

"I think citizens were weary, they were getting very angry. Everyone was getting disillusioned and disappointed."

ref:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/09/18/nb-fredericton-train-station-1042.html

[cl812]

20-year lease was key to getting agreement
Published Saturday September 19th, 2009
A1
Daily Gleaner

A long-term lease agreement was vital to getting an agreement that would see the York Street train station saved.

NB Liquor usually signs 10-year deals that include five-year extension options. That's a standard commercial term, said NB Liquor CEO Dana Clendenning.

To get the train station deal done, NB Liquor signed a 20-year lease at $23.50 per square foot, per year.

"That is a very competitive rate ... In order to get that rate and make it feasible for us to run a liquor store there, we agreed to extend the standard term of our lease," Clendenning said.

Stew Valcour, vice-president of J.D. Irving Ltd., said the 20-year term was critical to the deal.

The price of refurbishing the train station is valued at $2 million.

"As you can appreciate, we're investing a significant amount of capital, with no funding from any agency, and the return on that is marginal - even at 20 years."

----

Local officials praise deal
Published Saturday September 19th, 2009
A2
By ALEXANDRA DAVIS
davis.alexandra@dailygleaner.com

Fredericton residents welcomed the announcement that the York Street Train Station will be given new life as a liquor store.

Liz Burge, president of the Fredericton Heritage Trust, said she's thrilled that work on the train station will start over the next few weeks.

"I'm very pleased and relieved that this long saga is over," she said. "We are keen to see (the train station) restored at last."

Stew Valcour, vice-president of J.D. Irving Ltd., and Dana Clendenning, CEO of NB Liquor, revealed some of the details of the project Friday.

Once complete, the York Street location will be about 1,247 square metres - more than twice as large as the King Street liquor store that closed last year.

The building will retain many of its historical details and decor, including the original interior brick walls.

The city's public trail system will also be incorporated into the site's design.

Tim Scammell, president of Fredericton Friends of the Railway Inc., said he's glad the train station's exterior will be given a makeover.

"I'm absolutely delighted," Scammell said. "I had gotten to the point where I didn't care what was inside as long as we had the outside back."

It was also announced Friday that the project should be finished by next August.

Burge said she's impressed the people of Fredericton won't have to wait much longer for the restoration to be complete.

"I'm very pleased that we're not going to have to wait five more years for this to come together," she said.

Kevin Kilbride, the chairman of Enterprise Fredericton, said the decision to turn the train station into a liquor store is one that will benefit the community.

"It's a great use for the building," he said. "I especially like the fact that the building will be open to the public, so people will actually be able to see the inside."

Burge said this could be the first of many improvements to Fredericton's historical properties. She said she hopes to see further heritage restoration and expansion in the near future.

"Further development of the York heritage corridor is important," Burge said. "That area could become a real jewel in the city of Fredericton."

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Development opportunities
Published Saturday September 19th, 2009
A2

Refurbishment of the York Street train station is expected to spur development on surrounding downtown properties.

J.D. Irving Ltd. owns about 21/2 more hectares of land around the train station. The company has had a self-imposed moratorium on building on those lots, pending a deal that would lead to the station's refurbishment.

"It will act as a catalyst for development. You will see this entire area now take off with great development potential," said Mayor Brad Woodside.

"Until this was identified and this situation rectified, things haven't happened down there. I believe that's about to change, and that's another good part of this story."

Stew Valcour, vice-president of J.D. Irving Ltd., said the company has a developer's agreement that allows it to build a commercial building up to four storeys and about 11,100 square metres (120,000 square feet).

"If that doesn't materialize, there is an opportunity perhaps to do something of a residential nature," he said.

Public consultation

J.D. Irving Ltd. will go through a public consultation process before work is done to alter the York Street train station.

Under the Heritage Railway Stations Preservation Act that covers the station, a company has to file an application for authorization to make any changes to the station.

That process is expected to begin in the next 30 days.

Briefs written by Shawn Berry

[Smevo]

http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/TeleVox/Photo/original/2009sept18_1.jpg

Seriously?

Outside of restoring the train station, I don't see any attempt in this to relate to the train station in the design. Normally I'm not one of those people but since they seem to be physically connecting to it, I'd like to see more effort put into blending a little better. I don't think I'd mind so much if it was detached.

[fredfan]

I agree. That area has the potential to become a nice spot but with the design of that addition they're not off to a good start.

[mylesmalley]

That wasn't at all what I meant by knocking it down and replacing it with an identical structure. It looks as though they're just going to build a shell of a building that vaguely resembles the old station. From the looks of the sketch, they don't even plan on using bricks for the exterior!

[cl812]

Big plans in works for village of New Maryland
Published Tuesday September 22nd, 2009
A5
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

Construction of a $4.7-million water reservoir tower should start this fall in the Village of New Maryland with completion in 2010.

The tower will contain 21,000 cubic meters, or 4,620 gallons of water and will have the capacity to serve 2,000 people. It will draw from existing wells providing water to serviced portions of the village.

The reservoir will have additional future capacity for 1,500 people, but new central production wells would have to be developed to provide the additional water supply needed to fill the reservoir to capacity.

Stephen Pyke, a consultant with Opus International Consulting Ltd., briefed village residents on the project at a public meeting held Monday.

The session was also held to consult with the community's residents on a new draft strategic plan.

The $4.7 million cost of the water tower is being cost-shared three-ways between the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

New Maryland's share of the project cost will be financed partly from user fees.

Residents on the municipal water system have meters and pay a user fee based on consumption.

"We have roughly three wells right now that are capped that could go on, but it's very costly to take one on," said New Maryland Mayor Frank Dunn.

"It's roughly $1 million for one of them."

Dunn said there's a limit on how much users of the water utility can pay, and without federal-provincial help, the village will need to negotiate more funding to bring new wells into production.

"As soon as we get the go-ahead and the support from either the federal or the provincial government, then we're ready to move," Dunn said.

The village's proposed strategic plan identified five major areas for improvement.

While water and sewer services are the main factors holding back growth in the area, the village also wants to look at ways to maintain financial stability, plan ahead for roads and streets projects, reduce its garbage collection bill, promote water conservation and enhance recreation services.

James MacLeod, who lives in the Centennial Heights subdivision, said he attended the meeting to see if council has a plan to attract new business to the village.

"I think it's time that New Maryland started to grow a little more as a business (area), not necessarily an industrial park, but a few more businesses out here," MacLeod said.

"Then you'll get more tax dollars coming in and more people coming into the community because they'll be more services."

MacLeod said he'd also like to see a wading pool developed for children in the community.

Deputy mayor Judy Wilson-Shee said she heard from several residents who mentioned pools or a splash park for youngsters in their wish list for the village.

Residents also raised questions about car pooling, bus service, the ongoing planning for road and street repairs and the need to continue communication with village residents.

About 45 residents attended the Monday meeting, but for those residents who couldn't make the session, comments are invited via the village's website.

The public input will be gathered until the end of the month so that work on a final draft of the strategy can be compiled this fall.

The mayor said one of the proposals in the strategy is to get a status report on how much garbage is going from village homes to the landfill site and then develop a strategy for waste reduction.

Dunn said some village residents are continuing to dispose of paint

and other hazardous household chemicals in their regular garbage rather than separating them for recycling or proper disposal at the landfill site.

Education is key to the waste reduction effort, he said.

An educational campaign that promotes low-flow shower heads and toilets could be part of a water conservation strategy, he said.

[fredfan]

Fredericton Employers Among Most Optimistic in Canada

Fredericton (September 21, 2009) – Employers in the Fredericton area are the most optimistic in all of Atlantic Canada and second most optimistic in all of Canada when it comes to hiring new employees in the next three months, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released earlier this month.
“This survey shows how positive the job market is in Fredericton, especially in light of the world economic situation,” said Mayor Brad Woodside. “There’s an on-going confidence in our economy by our investors and our development community and that is reflected in these figures.”
Only in Cornwall, Ontario is the hiring outlook any rosier. According to the Survey, 30 per cent of employers in Fredericton expect to increase the number of employees in their workforce during the next quarter while 10 per cent said they expect to decrease their numbers. Sixty per cent expect no change for a net overall increase of 20 per cent.
In the City of Cornwall, 23 per cent of employers expect to hire while 70 per cent are unchanged and seven per cent don’t know – for an overall net increase of 23 per cent.
By comparison, Halifax expects a net decrease of three per cent. Moncton and Saint John expect a net increase of 10 per cent.
“We are anticipating 2009 will be another great year for development in Fredericton,” said Mayor Woodside. “I’m very pleased to see the confidence employers here have in our economic outlook.”
The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is the most extensive forward-looking survey of its kind, unparalleled in its size, scope, longevity and area of focus. The Survey has been running for more than 45 years and is one of the most trusted surveys of employment activity in the world. For more on the survey, visit www.manpower.com.
-30-
Media Contact: John White, Communications, City of Fredericton (506) 460-2227.

www.fredericton.ca

[cl812]

Building project gets go-ahead
Published Wednesday September 23rd, 2009
A4
By The Daily gleaner

A local apartment building rental company has received approval from city council to proceed with an apartment project in the downtown.

A and R Brown Rentals is cleared to construct a 14-unit apartment building at 198 York St.

The company was able to work with a neighbouring property owner to design parking so as not to obstruct snow removal between the two properties.

Construction of the apartment building - a replacement for a 12-unit building gutted by fire earlier this year - could start this fall.

----

[mylesmalley]

Acadian bus terminal on the move
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 | 2:05 PM AT
CBC News
Acadian Bus Lines is moving out of its downtown Fredericton terminal next week.

Buses will arrive and depart from a new site on Hubbard Road in the Vanier Industrial Park, effective Oct. 1, said Manon Piché, spokeswoman for Groupe Orléans Express, Acadian's parent company.

The new location is only temporary, she said.

"We have not finalized a permanent home for our Fredericton terminal, and unfortunately we have to move. And we were lucky enough to find a temporary home, which is very acceptable for the moment," said Piché.

The company has to move from its current location at the corner of King and Regent streets because its lease expires on Oct. 15 and the owners want to build a parking garage on the site.

Acadian has received re-zoning approval for a new site on Woodside Lane, off of Hanwell Road, but the company is still assessing the cost of moving there, said Piché.

Some passengers, including students, have expressed concerns about the terminal moving outside the downtown core. A downtown location is more convenient, they say.

Company officials have said they would prefer to stay downtown, but nothing suitable is available.

Acadian will run a free shuttle van from the current downtown terminal to Hubbard Road for the first couple of weeks after the change, said Piché.

[Smevo]

Parking Garage? I'm starting to feel like a complainer, but why does Fredericton need another parking garage? With Frederick Square garage chronically under-utilised, King Square garage, Brunswick St garage, and the new garage at the E-Centre, I really don't see the need for another one, especially in the same area.

Now, a parking garage at the SUB or Head Hall, that's an idea I could get behind, and has been thrown around (by students) a lot, but will never happen.

[Lamespotting]

I highly doubt that it would be feasible to build a stand-alone parking garage in Fredericton. It would be competing with subsidized garages owned by the city. The only way it would work is if it was attached to a larger project.

[cl812]

Base Gagetown gets $20 million for infrastructure
Published Thursday September 24th, 2009
A3
By MICHAEL STAPLES
staples.michael@dailygleaner.com

Canadian Forces Base Gagetown is getting a $20 million shot in the arm.

The investment is taking the form of funding for infrastructure projects that include the extension of the existing Health Services Centre, the construction of a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III training facility and the creation of a forward operating bivouac.

The projects, which are already underway, were announced Wednesday by Greg Thompson, minister of veterans affairs, on behalf of Peter MacKay, minister of national defence and minister for the Atlantic gateway.

Thompson said the projects will improve conditions for those working and living on base.

"These new and expanded facilities will help keep our troops safe and healthy," Thompson said.

The three projects are expected to create more than 100 jobs and have spinoff effects through local communities.

"These investments are going to make a real difference for today and for tomorrow, for our soldiers and our civilians, for our communities and for the province of New Brunswick," Thompson said.

Improvements to the health services centre will address space requirements for the Joint Personnel Support Unit and for administration.

The LAV III training and storage facility, which will meet the needs of the Combat Training Centre, will have the capacity to house 40 LAV III vehicles.

It's also designed to provide space for instructors, as well as small classrooms that will be used for training combat centre students.

The construction of a forward operation bivouac in the base's training area will be used to help instruct combat centre students, the CFB Gagetown operation unit, and visiting units.

"These projects are part of an even bigger plan," Thompson said.

"Under the Canada First defence strategy (announced last year) we promised to replace and refurbish 25 per cent of our existing military infrastructure over 10 years and 50 per cent replacement over the next 20 years.

"This is all part of making sure we have a first class, modern military facility ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century."

CFB Gagetown commander Col. Mike Pearson said the announcement is great news for the base and focuses on areas that needed to be addressed.

The LAV facility is expected to be completed by 2011 with the remaining two projects to be completed next year.

Lt.-Col. Terry Wilson, deputy commandant of the training centre, said the completion of the new LAV barn represents a tremendous benefit for his organization, which has the responsibility of training the army.

"Now, we're going to have a first-class facility indoors that will allow us to train year-round," Wilson said.

"The normal used to be that our peak training season was in the summer and then we waned down into the fall and the winter.

"Our new normal is we live in an era of persistent training. We train all year-round and this facility is going to be excellent and is going to allow us to train both in the winter and in the fall in inclement weather."

The new building will be used to teach junior officers and non commissioned officers how to operate the LAV III.

[cl812]

Good things come in threes
Published Friday September 25th, 2009
A1
By ALEXANDRA DAVIS
davis.alexandra@dailygleaner.com

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery's recent string of good fortune continued Thursday with the announcement that $1.5 million has been allocated for upcoming renovations and upgrades.

MP Keith Ashfield, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency minister of state, was in Fredericton on Thursday to make the announcement. He said the money will be provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

Ashfield said he was pleased to be in Fredericton to celebrate the news.

"The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is on a bit of a roll," he said.

"This will be a wonderful contribution to an already impressive institution."

The renovations will include three new galleries to house the permanent collection and First Nations' and children's art. Additional enhancements will consist of expanded storage space, climate-control upgrades and improved accessibility.

This announcement follows on the heels of a string of good news for the art gallery.

Earlier this month an appeals panel ended a five-year dispute over the ownership of 133 paintings, and determined that 85 of those paintings belong to the gallery.

Two weeks ago, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency awarded the gallery $1.9 million toward renovations.

Last week, Maxwell Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook's great-grandson, visited Fredericton to participate in the Beaverbrook Art Gallery's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Bernard Riordon, the director and CEO of the gallery, said the first stage of the renovations is underway. He said he's confident the gallery has a strong future in Fredericton.

"Our mission is to bring art and the community together," Riordon said. "We know that with the renovations we can continue to do that, and will do it even better."

Allison McCain, chairman of the gallery's board of governors, agreed that the continued financial support from the federal government will allow the gallery to do great things.

"News today of the funding of $1.5 million is absolutely wonderful," he said.

"This investment will allow us to maintain the standards that have been set by the gallery throughout the years."

Riordon said updates about the renovations will be made over the weeks and months to follow.

In the meantime, he said, the excitement will only continue to grow at the gallery with the unveiling of the legacy collection Oct. 2 and a golden ball in celebration of the gallery's 50 years on Oct. 17.

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Men of steel
Published Friday September 25th, 2009
a2
the Daily Gleaner

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=370559&size=500x0

Construction of the convention centre continued along in the sunshine recently. Above, two steelworkers align a piece of steel being lowered by a crane.

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Residents challenging Acadian Coach Lines' move
Published Friday September 25th, 2009
A6
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com

A downtown businesswoman is challenging Acadian Coach Lines' move out of the downtown.

Melynda Jarratt, who doesn't own a car and uses the bus for travel, is calling on New Brunswick's Energy and Utilities Board to investigate the change.

Best-known for setting the maximum price of gas, diesel and home-heating fuel every week, the board also oversees intercity motor-coach services in the province.

The board has made decisions about the bus line's fares, schedules and routes.

Jarratt hopes the board also has the authority to call on Acadian to defend its move out of the city centre.

"I think it's a violation of Acadian's licence, and I think it's not in the public interest, so I want the Energy and Utilities Board to look at this," she said.

Acadian is moving out of the downtown next week.

It's temporarily setting up shop on Hubbard Drive, off Wilsey Road in the Vanier Industrial Park.

The company said it tried to negotiate a short-term extension at the Regent Street location, but the property owner remained firm in wanting a long-term deal.

Acadian officials also said they've been unable to find another downtown location.

In the meantime, the company has made arrangements to offer a shuttle service to the temporary location - at least until its lease in the building at the intersection of Regent and Brunswick streets expires Oct. 15.

But the company has made no other mention of servicing the city's downtown past that date or after it moves to its new location.

There's a plan to move to a building on Woodside Lane, off of the Hanwell Road near Bishop Drive, but a deal for that property hasn't been finalized.

Jarratt said she's concerned about the impact the move will have on those who rely most on the service - those on social assistance, seniors, the disabled and university students.

"I believe ... that it is in the public interest that a full review of this unpopular decision to move to the industrial park be aired in public so that all parties can air their concerns while contributing their expertise and knowledge to solving the problem facing Acadian Bus Lines in finding a suitable location in the downtown area of Fredericton," Jarratt wrote to the utilities board.

Others are adding their voices to Jarratt's.

Julie Michaud of the local chapter of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick sent a similar letter Thursday, as did the Fredericton Anti-Poverty Organization.

A spokesman for the utilities board confirmed that two letters calling for a hearing were received by Thursday afternoon.

"The board is going to review the letters and decide what to do next," said David Young, the board's spokesman.

"The board will consider the application."

Acadian has privileges and responsibilities as the main intercity motor carrier in the province, Young said.

When a competitor wants to move in on one of its routes and create a competing service, Acadian gets a chance to argue against the move, he said.

In exchange for permission to operate in lucrative locations, the board requires the company to do things that are in the public good, such as extending service to smaller communities.

The bus line's current approval from the board is for it to operate in the Fredericton area.

That agreement doesn't specify a particular location or address in the city.

In an interview in June, Manon Piche, a spokeswoman for Acadian's parent company, Montreal-based Orleans Express, contended that for that reason, the company doesn't have to appear before the utilities board when it wants to make a move within the city.

----

I agree the best location for the bus station is downtown, however, I totally disagree with these people. They should not have any say, the bus company is a privately run business and if they choose to move to a properly zoned area then they have that right. This business owner complaining about the move should put herself in their shoes, what if her business was forced to move, should the public/city have any say where her business is located? (providced it is at a properly zoned location) I dont think so.

[cl812]

Three New Venues included in 'Doors Open Fredericton' Event Set For Sunday, September 27

Fredericton (September 23, 2009) – Eighteen of Fredericton's most interesting buildings are opening their doors to the public on Sunday, September 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. during the City's third annual Doors Open Fredericton event.

New this year, visitors will have an opportunity to get inside the new John Bliss Water Treatment Plant on Waterloo Row, the Northside Fire Station and Firefighter Training Complex on Two Nations Crossing, and the three studios of Astral Media Radio Station on Rookwood Avenue.

Visitors to the Astral Media Radio Station Centre will tour a working radio station and see state of the art technology, meet news reporters and professional announcers of the three radio stations housed in the Rookwood Centre which originally opened in 1962 as a medical building.

The new state of the art firefighting training facility will also be featured during Doors Open. During the guided tours, the training tower, equipment and special vehicles will be on display. The City’s York Street Fire Station will also participate again - including the rescue unit, a 100-foot ladder truck and water pumper trucks.

The new water treatment plant, which opened in 2009, houses modern engineering technology, inside a beautiful building designed to blend in with is graceful neighbouring buildings on Waterloo Row.

"Doors Open is very popular way to have a look inside some of our unique, interesting and historic buildings,” said Councillor Dan Keenan, Chair of the City's Development Committee. “If you have ever wondered what’s inside some of these buildings, take advantage of Doors Open Fredericton. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon getting to know your city better.”

There will be guided or self-guided tours at various locations. Due to capacity issues, limited guided tours at set times will be offered at the Playhouse (every 30 minutes starting at 1 p.m., with the last tour at 3:30 p.m.), the Firefighter Training Complex (1, 2 & 3 p.m.) and the E. John Bliss Water Treatment Plant (1, 2, & 3 p.m.)

Other municipal buildings included in the Doors Open Fredericton event are the City Hall Council Chambers and the Lighthouse on the Green. Also new on the tour is the clock works of the restored City Hall Clock, which are now on display at the entrance to the Council Chamber. The machinery of the working clock are on full display behind glass.

The University of New Brunswick will have five of its heritage buildings open including the Brydone Jack Observatory, the first astronomical observatory in Canada, and McCord Hall, a former ice house which is now an inspirational space for budding writers. Other UNB Buildings which will be open on Sunday are Sir Howard Douglas Hall (the Old Arts Building), Memorial Hall and the Burden Academy Schoolhouse.

Also on the UNB Campus, the Provincial Archives will showcase its historical research facilities.

Five of Downtown Fredericton’s heritage churches will also participate in Doors Open. Together, they offer an opportunity to appreciate the beautiful architecture, materials and stained glass windows, and learn about the early congregations of the City. The churches on the tour include: St. Anne's Chapel of Ease, Brunswick Street Baptist Church, St. Paul's United Church, Wilmot Church, and St. Dunstan's.

Doors Open Fredericton is a free event organized by the City of Fredericton.

Brochures can be picked up at the City Hall Visitor Information Centre or on Sunday at any of the participating locations. Doors Open Fredericton is modeled on Doors Open Canada which was created by the Heritage Canada Foundation to provide people with the opportunity to visit buildings of architectural, cultural or historic interest to the community, which are not normally open to the public. These include civic buildings, schools, places of worship, offices, inns, fire halls, etc. Doors Open events are held annually all across Canada.

- 30 -

Media Contact: Angela Watson, Cultural Development Officer, City of Fredericton, (506) 460-2411.

The following is a complete list of the participating buildings:

E. John Bliss Water Treatment Plant

Astral Media Radio Station

Northside Station and Firefighting Training Complex

City Hall

Lighthouse on the Green

Fredericton Playhouse

Sir Howard Douglas Hall

Brydone Jack Observatory

McCord Hall/Ice House

Memorial Hall

Burden Academy Schoolhouse

Provincial Archives

St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease

Brunswick Street Baptist Church

St. Paul’s United Church

Wilmot United Church

St. Dunstan’s

http://www.fredericton.ca/en/communityculture/2009Sep23DoorsOpen.asp

[mylesmalley]

I agree the best location for the bus station is downtown, however, I totally disagree with these people. They should not have any say, the bus company is a privately run business and if they choose to move to a properly zoned area then they have that right. This business owner complaining about the move should put herself in their shoes, what if her business was forced to move, should the public/city have any say where her business is located? (providced it is at a properly zoned location) I dont think so.

That's a tricky argument to make. While I don't necessarily disagree with you, you have to bear in mind the roles that both the EUB and Acadian Lines play. The Energy and Utilities Board, as I understand it, exists to protect consumers from severe changes to prices or services by the companies that provide them. From these citizen's perspective, intercity bus transit is a necessity and being without transit otherwise would be a pretty significant shock if service were to change dramatically like as is being implemented now. Private companies or not, people rely on these services. Because they exist in a monopoly situation, they'd have free reign to do or charge whatever they want. To ensure a consistent level of service, an external authority needs to regulate them.

Hell, look at NB Power. We'd have much higher power rates today if it weren't for the EUB. Same situation really. You've got a de facto private company existing with a perfect monopoly that everyone relies on. If they decide to change their service in some way, what are you going to do about it?

[cl812]

not a bad idea

Kings Place stop proposed as solution to bus issue
Published Saturday September 26th, 2009
A1
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com

The hue and cry over Acadian Coach Lines' move out of the downtown could be solved in a simple way, says a former manager of the city's transit service.

"I can see no reason why the Acadian coach cannot schedule a stop at Kings Place to pick up their patrons as they exit the city," said Ron Steeves.

"It matters less where the bus garage is located," he said, as it does where it services.

He said the city's bus fleet is parked at the municipal depot on St. Mary's Street, even though passengers can't get on or off a bus at that location.

Kings Place, he said, would serve as ideal locale.

Steeves said a retailer inside the mall might be able to sell tickets and offer the parcel drop-off service.

With city buses all stopping at the spot for only five-10 minutes at a time to make connections, there's plenty of time when their spots aren't in use and could be used by Acadian buses.

The stalls, Steeves said, were professionally designed so that buses could pull in and wouldn't have to back up to pull out.

"If Acadian played their cards right, it is feasible. I think it would be a win-win for quite a few people," he said

"It would, no doubt, be easy too to negotiate a parcel drop-off and ticket sale location nearby, possibly even with an existing retailer, similar to Canada Post outlets for mail/parcel drop-offs throughout the city."

Bruce McCormack, manager of Downtown Fredericton, said the bus service needs to have a presence in the city core.

"I think they're going to have to have some pickup and drop-off," he said.

McCormack has yet to receive a response to a letter he sent to Acadian about a month ago.

"We encouraged them to stay downtown," he said.

In the letter, he also offered the downtown business association's assistance through its beautification program, which could have helped cover some of the costs of facade improvements and adding new signage at the location.

McCormack said despite the speculation, he's confident the city won't allow the building to be demolished and turned into a parking lot, as was done to a neighbouring property.

He said a city bylaw prevents commercial buildings in the downtown from being torn down and replaced by a parking lot.

Melynda Jarratt, a downtown businesswoman who has called on the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board to review Acadian's move out of the downtown, said she'd prefer to see the station stay at the corner of Brunswick and Regent streets, but would be happy just to have a stop in the downtown.

Acadian announced earlier this week that it will pull out of the location Thursday.

The company said it had safety concerns and wanted the building upgraded but couldn't come to a deal with the owner, Commercial Properties Ltd. of Saint John. Acadian said it couldn't reach a deal on a short-term lease at the site either.

Manon Piche, a spokeswoman for the company, said Acadian was unable to find another location in the downtown.

The station is being moved to 85 Hubbard Road until Acadian finds a new location for the station.

The temporary location at the intersection of Hubbard, Flemming and Hilton roads in the Fredericton Industrial Park is serviced by Fredericton Transit. On weekdays, a city bus stops there 21 times a day between 6:29 a.m. and 10:59 p.m. On Saturdays, there are 15 stops at the site.

Acadian Coach Lines has been keeping the province apprised of developments.

"Yesterday, our staff received a call and Acadian Coach Lines has been providing DOT with periodic updates concerning their efforts to find another location," said Department of Transportation spokesman Andrew Holland.

But he said the department has no jurisdiction over the coach line's move.

"We understand that there will be no impact to the bus schedule in terms of frequency or service to communities. Certainly the department would be concerned if the service was being abandoned or service to some communities was being discontinued, but that's not the case," he said.

"We really don't have any jurisdiction over where bus service operators wish to put their terminals."

A Department of Transportation document outlining a 10-year transportation strategy calls for the department to "continue to promote the use of intercity bus and urban transit services."

It also calls for the province to take steps to enhance the use of intercity bussing, city transit systems, shuttle services and car-pooling.

The report said Acadian is the primary intercity bus service, carrying approximately 210,000 passengers per year.

[kirjtc2]

Downtown is probably the best place, but these loudmouths with a sense of entitlement are totally drowning out any rational discussion.

I say put the damned thing in Nasonworth. See how they like it.

[mylesmalley]

Oh, they're definitely going about it the wrong way, but I still agree with them. both from a service standpoint, and from a business standpoint. There's really no good reason for them to move from downtown.

It would have been nice to see it put at the train station though...

[OliverD]

I think that placing the bus station closer to the highway would make a lot of sense. They could still have an office downtown for parcel dropoff and perhaps an optional shuttle service from the downtown area.

I noticed this weekend that the MacLaren Ave fire station has been torn down. There's also a building at the bottom of Cliffe street that's being moved. I wonder when the city is going to start widening Cliffe there.

[cl812]

I think that placing the bus station closer to the highway would make a lot of sense. They could still have an office downtown for parcel dropoff and perhaps an optional shuttle service from the downtown area.

I noticed this weekend that the MacLaren Ave fire station has been torn down. There's also a building at the bottom of Cliffe street that's being moved. I wonder when the city is going to start widening Cliffe there.

I think I recall hearing something about widening Cliffe Street, but Im not 100% sure.

[Lamespotting]

It would have been nice to see it put at the train station though...

They still can, there's plenty of space still available on site. It wouldn't be in the historic building, but that property would be a great location.

[Lamespotting]

I saw this on the tendering site (NBON):

Tender Details
The City of Fredericton (The City) is pleased to announce that it is seeking Requests for
Proposals (RFP) in connection with a hotel development as part of the City's East End
Project located in its downtown.

In 2008, the City commenced construction of its new Convention Centre in conjunction with
the other components of the East End Project. The Convention Centre is expected to commence
operations in 2011.

In the course of the land assembly for the project, the City found that there is a surplus
of land that could be made available to the private sector for concurrent development that
would enhance the City's objectives, which could provide an opportunity for private sector
development which could benefit from the various components of the East End project as well
as from existing facilities in the area. It is this surplus land that is the subject of
this RFP.

MANDATORY SITE MEETING:
A formal Information Session will be held on-site on Monday September 28, 2009 from 9:00 am-
11:00 pm, City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 397 Queen Street, Fredericton, N. B.
Proponents should contact Robert Cormier at the City by telephone at (506) 460-2040 or
email at bob.cormier@fredericton.ca to confirm their attendance and to obtain details of
the specific meeting location. Only those who register in advance can attend. Attendance at
the Information Session is a mandatory requirement of submission. There will be a sign-in
register. Bidders attending the mandatory information session will be given the Evaluation
Criteria and scoring weights to be used by the Evaluation Committee.

PLEASE CALL CITY OF FREDERICTON ASSET MANAGEMENT DIVISION @ 506-460-2040 FOR A COPY OF THE
PROPOSAL DOCUMENT P09-23.

[cl812]

I saw this on the tendering site (NBON):

interesting, I wonder if they will have many bids.

[cl812]

City looks to borrow $15.5 million
Published Tuesday September 29th, 2009
A3
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

The city of Fredericton is going to New Brunswick's Municipal Finance Corp. to borrow $15.5 million to pay for capital projects it has under construction.

The finance corporation will market the city's debt to interested investors, on top of $36.3 million already marketed to long-term lenders.

Finance and administration committee chairman Coun. Mike O'Brien said the city's debt has been divided into phases.

"Phase 2 of our council-approved projects is well underway. This phase includes the east-end conference centre, the parking garage and the office complex, the northside fire station at Two Nations Crossing and the Grant * Harvey Centre," O'Brien said.

Phase 1 included construction of Willie O'Ree Place, the retrofit of the Lady Beaverbrook Rink and the construction of two new outdoor swimming pools and the retrofit of two others.

The total funds borrowed to date by the city for the capital construction projects is $36.3 million. With the $15.5 million added in, the city will have borrowed $51.8 million, or about 45 per cent of the total amount of cash it has committed to the municipal construction projects on its slate.

City council Monday night also approved $3.6 million to be its annual operating line of credit.

The city has for many years maintained a line of credit with the Bank of Nova Scotia to cover short-term contingencies, but by year's end the city typically produces a balanced operating budget.

----

Fire station opening planned for next week
Published Tuesday September 29th, 2009
A4
By The Daily Gleaner

The city's new fire station and firefighter training facility at 500 Two Nations Crossing will be officially opened Oct. 7 during National Fire Prevention Week.

The opening ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. and the public is invited to tour the fire station and training facility between 1-8 p.m.

During the opening ceremony, firefighters and guests will gather to dedicate both buildings.

The city will officially name the court leading to the back of the fire station from Cliffe Street as Harold Doherty Court, in honour the former city fire chief.

"With the growth Fredericton has been experiencing over the years, the need for a new fire station on the city's north side was identified several years ago," said Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside.

"City council took action on that need, and along the way, we were also able to develop a centre for firefighter training excellence right here in Fredericton."

In 2004, it was announced that the City of Fredericton had taken the first steps in an exercise that would see a new fire station built on the north side, replacing two smaller stations on MacLaren Avenue and Harrison Court. In April 2005, it was announced that the fire station and firefighter training facility would be built on Two Nations Crossing.

The firefighter training facility was completed in June 2008, just in time for construction of the fire station to begin.

The new fire station became operational July 15. Total cost of the complex was $10.2 million.

----

[OliverD]

I think I recall hearing something about widening Cliffe Street, but Im not 100% sure.

The city has purchased land there for that purpose. They bought the car lot that used to be at the corner of Cliffe and Union, as well as the Skigin-Elnoog Housing Corp office. That intersection is already a lot better now that it is easier to turn right onto Union when driving south on Cliffe.

[cl812]

Yeah I saw dwgs (from the city's transportation plan on their website) showing that intersection re-aligned. Not sure what the timeline is on that though.

[fredfan]

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of space near the conference center for a hotel. Maybe that means they'll be forced to make it somewhat tall (by fredericton standards).... or maybe there's more space there than im thinking?

[cl812]

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of space near the conference center for a hotel. Maybe that means they'll be forced to make it somewhat tall (by fredericton standards).... or maybe there's more space there than im thinking?

Yeah there doesnt seem to be much room there.

[cl812]

Board asks bus company to answer complaints
Published Wednesday September 30th, 2009
A5
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com

Acadian Coach Lines has been asked to respond to the concerns of residents who object to the company's move out of the downtown.

The New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board has sent the Montreal-based intercity bus company copies of three letters written by residents opposed to the move.

"The board has asked Acadian to respond to the notices it has received," said EUB spokesman David Young.

"Once it (the board) has received that response, the board will decide what to do next."

The bus company is to take up temporary quarters in the Fredericton Industrial Park as of Thursday.

Dan Weston, co-ordinator of the Fredericton Anti-Poverty Organization, wrote one of the three letters.

He was notified of the board's move on Tuesday.

"I hope that Acadian will try harder to get together with the city to find a more central location," he said.

The temporary location is at 85 Hubbard Rd., at the intersection with Flemming and Hilton roads, which is a stop on a city transit route.

Acadian has said it had safety concerns with its downtown location at the intersection of Regent and Brunswick streets.

It wanted the building upgraded, but couldn't come to a deal with the owner, Commercial Properties Ltd. of Saint John.

Acadian said it plans to run a shuttle between the downtown location and the temporary station for at least two weeks.

Manon Piche, a spokeswoman for Acadian, said the company made the decision to move after it couldn't reach a deal on a short-term lease at the site and was unable to find another location in the downtown

Weston hopes the EUB's move will prompt the bus company to look at other options for a station or stops in the downtown or on the north side.

"There are lots of options that are more central for people who want to use buses," he said.

----

[cl812]

I noticed what looked like some potential activity this morning at the Costco site, but hard to say. There was something going on there back a couple months ago as well (I think was sign footings being installed).

[Saguaro]

Hey fredfan,

What's with the Usain Bolt avatar?

[cl812]

Premier says good news coming on job front
Published Thursday October 1st, 2009
A1
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com

Premier Shawn Graham says a big Canadian company is about to set up shop in the Fredericton area.

"We are going to be in the position here in the very near future to make a very important announcement with a major Canadian company that is going to be investing here in the capital region," said Graham in an interview Wednesday.

The premier said his government's new lower tax rate is attracting businesses to the province.

"In the midst of this global economic recession, we brought forward legislation to position New Brunswick with one of the most competitive tax rates in the 30 OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries," said Graham.

That's what attracted companies such as Umoe Solar of Norway looking to invest in the Miramichi and Ocean Spray looking at Rogersville, he said.

Anthony Knight, CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, said he doesn't know which company is coming to this area but the premier's comments are welcome.

"It would be very good news to see a national company take root here in Fredericton," he said.

"We have great, skilled people and tremendous resources in our universities."

Knight said Fredericton has persevered through challenging economic times.

"That has positioned our community well for new investment," he said. "It is no surprise that a company would look to invest in Fredericton."

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside also said that while he doesn't know the details, he's looking forward to the announcement.

"Anything like that is good news," he said.

----

Train station owner applies to make changes
Published Thursday October 1st, 2009
A4
By The Daily Gleaner

An application for federal approval to do work to restore the York Street train station has been made.

J.D. Irving Ltd. recently announced the languishing downtown landmark would be refurbished as part of a 20-year lease agreement that will see the historic building used as part of an NB Liquor store.

According to a public notice published Tuesday, the work will involve restoration of the original 1923 railway station, the demolition of the 1940s-era baggage wing and the development of the new retail store that will be attached to the original train station.

The application was made to the federal environment minister under the federal Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act and the Heritage Railway Stations Regulations. The application was made Sept. 28 and any opponents have 60 days from that time to state their objections.

----

[fredfan]

haha, I'm just a HUGE fan!

[Bill TGH]

There is a large building going up on Royal Ct, beside Heritage Kitchen & Bath. Any word on its builder/owner and the business going in ?

cheers
Bill TGH

[mylesmalley]

Welcome to the boards, Bill!


Not sure about that project though.

[Freddypop]

I noticed what looked like some potential activity this morning at the Costco site, but hard to say. There was something going on there back a couple months ago as well (I think was sign footings being installed).

I was up at the Corbett centre today. They were installing the natural gas lines that will feed the Costco. No main activity there....yet

[cl812]

yeah i saw that too after i posted that the other day.

Im guessing there wont likely be anything until next year now.

[Freddypop]

yeah i saw that too after i posted that the other day.

Im guessing there wont likely be anything until next year now.

Been pretty quiet. I assume your correct. Costco usually sends their own construction team to oversee construction. Could be that they are focusing on the Saint John site and will move later this year to the Freddy site... Weather permitting but more likely next Spring as you have stated earlier.

On a different note....I wonder if the "Big Canadian Company" that wants to invest in Freddy announced earlier this week is RIM and that the announcement will include them investing in new building(s) in Knowledge Park.

Also,,,,PetSmart will be taking over the Petcetera store at the Corbett Centre. First location in Atlantic Canada. They have started the hiring process so should see some cosmetic changes to that store in the near future

[cl812]

Been pretty quiet. I assume your correct. Costco usually sends their own construction team to oversee construction. Could be that they are focusing on the Saint John site and will move later this year to the Freddy site... Weather permitting but more likely next Spring as you have stated earlier.

On a different note....I wonder if the "Big Canadian Company" that wants to invest in Freddy announced earlier this week is RIM and that the announcement will include them investing in new building(s) in Knowledge Park.

Also,,,,PetSmart will be taking over the Petcetera store at the Corbett Centre. First location in Atlantic Canada. They have started the hiring process so should see some cosmetic changes to that store in the near future

I actually heard something recently along those lines (Costco focusing on opening their Saint John store then moving to the store here) but it is hard to say for sure. They seem to be pretty quiet about when they plan opening their stores, since it really wasn't that long ago they announced the timeline for the store opening in Saint John and it was even after preliminary site work had already begun.

It definately could be RIM expanding here since they did just take over that local company (I actually cant remember their name). It will be interesting to find out who it is though for sure and to see where they will locate.

Also, good to hear that the former Petcetera location at the Corbett Centre will be occupied in the near future. Id image spaces will be filling up quite quickly now with the planned Costco store and all the other larger stores planned for next spring.

[cl812]

Just noticed they also updated the Corbett Centre site info (site plan & Demographics pdf) on the Riocan page as well to include Costco and Petsmart on the site plan. The interesting thing is Best Buy, Tim Hortons and the other store on the Trinity site are not on listed on the site plan here.

https://riocan.com/property/property.cfm?property_id=271

[Freddypop]

Just noticed they also updated the Corbett Centre site info (site plan & Demographics pdf) on the Riocan page as well to include Costco and Petsmart on the site plan. The interesting thing is Best Buy, Tim Hortons and the other store on the Trinity site are not on listed on the site plan here.

https://riocan.com/property/property.cfm?property_id=271

I wouldn't read much into this as they have not listed any of the new construction except for Costco. Also I have doubts re their demographic info. Seems odd that there are more people listed in their 0-10 minute drive profile for Brookside Drive than the Corbett Centre.

[cl812]

yeah i found that surprising too, that cant be correct

[OliverD]

yeah i found that surprising too, that cant be correct

Why not? More people live on the north side than on the south side, at least within city limits.

[kirjtc2]

Almost none of the northside is within a 10-minute drive of the Corbett Centre. A good chunk of the southside is within 10 minutes of Brookside Mall.

[mylesmalley]

Interesting how they'r predicting almost zero population growth within that 10 minute drive area as well. Although this might just mean they expect traffic to worsen and that the 10 min radius around the facility would shrink.

[cl812]

Why not? More people live on the north side than on the south side, at least within city limits.

For the 0-10min I totally agree, however for the 0-20 min I think the southside would have a larger pop. Since that would include Oromocto, Burton, New Maryland, Hanwell, Lincoln (all easily within 20 min of the Corbett Centre) which is probably more along the lines of minimum 25,000 to 30,000 not including any of Fredericton's Pop. Although truthfully most of those communities are probably within close to 20 min of the Brookside Mall as well so maybe it is correct (Riocan's demographic info).

[cl812]

Northside business group wants city to update Main Street plan
Published Thursday October 8th, 2009
A3
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

Business Fredericton North is asking city council to update the Main Street secondary plan so the business improvement area association can dovetail city thinking with its own strategic planning.

Business Fredericton North president Paul Elliott said the city's plan is out of date and it's important to have the plan upgraded for the Main Street business area.

"We're hopeful that they'll go ahead and take steps to move that secondary plan up further on their priority list," Elliott said.

A key objective of the group is to secure a provincial government office building for Main Street, to create an economic vibe for the business sector.

Of the 29 business improvement organizations in New Brunswick, only four don't have a government building anchoring their central business area. Main Street is one of those four, Elliott said.

"The spinoff to everybody is significant. When you take a government building and locate it in a business improvement area, the infrastructure is already there - mass transit, cabs, proximity to other businesses," he said.

"People who are occupying that government building are able to go and do their shopping at lunch time, find restaurants easily and so on."

The province did locate a Department of Social Development office at Two Nations Crossing, but Elliott said if the business group hadn't lobbied city council for an extension of transit service to the street, clients of that government department wouldn't have had access to bus service to get to the building.

"If you bring a building like that down into the heart of your community, it makes it much more accessible to everybody," Elliott said.

New businesses opening on Two Nations Crossing have been offered associate memberships in the business improvement area. Elliott said there's no competition between the Main Street area and Two Nations Crossing because the newer street is attracting more of the big-box-type stores, which Main Street could not have housed.

"We don't have issue with the development of Two Nations Crossing. We look at it as not being a threat, but rather being an opportunity to work in conjunction with those businesses, to say here's yet another reason why the average consumer should come to the north side and consider the shops and services on Main Street as well," Elliott said.

The association wants to see the former Main Street Canadian Tire property redeveloped.

When a business property remains vacant for an extended period, the property owner can apply for a reduction in his or her tax assessment and that not only affects the city's tax base, but also the association's taxable funding base to continue business improvement and marketing for Main Street, Elliott said.

The Canadian Tire property has been reassessed this year.

"It's such a significant property on Main Street and we wanted them (the city) to be aware of that," Elliott said.

The business group can't interfere with the sale of that property or what the owner is asking, he said, but it's an important location and any potential redevelopment could benefit the building owner, the business group and the city.

Another item on the group's wish list is to have city hall pass legislation that will allow stronger action to order repairs or the demolition of derelict buildings.

The provincial government has passed amendments to the Municipalities Act to broaden the powers of municipal governments to take action against property owners who let their buildings become rundown or neglected, but the city will have to approve complementary legislative changes.

"We're asking them to consider invoking those changes to their own bylaws so that we can deal with some dilapidated buildings on Main Street that are to the point where we feel that they are probably unsafe, and so we're hopeful that they'll consider that as well," Elliott said.

Main Street has three buildings, one fire-ravaged, in a prominent area of the street that could become public safety hazards and are being targeted by vandals.

"One of them is actually a burned-out shell of building at this point in time and we're concerned not only for the look on Main Street, but people's safety as well," Elliott said.

"We're just hopeful that we, the city and these property owners can work together."

----

[cl812]

looks like they are almost ready to start the 2nd floor on the convention centre office building

http://205.174.161.52/axis-cgi/jpg/image.cgi?&Cookie=-1&PAGE=1254999429203

[Pugsley]

Why do the politicians do this? Especially in NB. Hey everyone, big exciting news coming about a new employer for the Fredericton area...then crickets for a week. Bad communications folks over at GNB. Unless the announcement is going to be within the next 2 days, why say anything?? Kind of like the train station news...heard some news that an announcement would be coming soon and everyone was excited with anticipaion. And then a week or so later it came and everyone went..."Oh, that's it? Hate the side shot from the artists's image...yawn." And the buzz and excitement died.

I for one, who no longer lives in Freddy, was excited to hear something was coming and I am still waiting for the news...but as time ticks, I am starting to get a little skeptical of how "grand" and "big" this announcement will be. Canadian company coming to create many super-big-fantastic-jobs? At this point I will lower my expectations to 10 new jobs and it being a Second Cup on the Northside....that way I can be surprised when it is finally announced.

[mylesmalley]

That's the nature of politics, Pugsley. People have short memories. Without giving a heads-up now and again, even for a minor project, people start to complain about 'yeah, well who cares. what have you done for me lately?'.

[Lamespotting]

Pugsley, politicians love to announce the same thing over and over again. That way, it looks like they are doing much more than they actually are :-)

There's a rumour going around that it's RIM that will be expanding operations here.

[Freddypop]

looks like they are almost ready to start the 2nd floor on the convention centre office building

http://205.174.161.52/axis-cgi/jpg/image.cgi?&Cookie=-1&PAGE=1254999429203

They poured concrete on 1/4 of the 2nd floor on Tuesday. They pour it in sections so should see another pour either Friday or early next week.....weather permitting.

They also poured the 2nd floor of the parking garage today.

[cl812]

while on the topic of big government announcements, what ever happened to the community college supposidly being built on the UNB campus? Funny how that has been quiet for months nowwhen they were saying it was supposed to start this year when it was originally announced.

[mylesmalley]

from The Brunswickan:

NBCC set as UNB's new neighbours
15 SEP 2009
Lee Larrett

Collaboration between UNB and the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), which will bring Fredericton’s NBCC to the UNB campus, has resulted in $15.5 million in provincial and federal funding.

The agreement, which has been in the works for years, has UNB and NBCC sharing land, facilities, programs, services and students. The move is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 2011.

New Brunswick Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Donald Arseneault commented that, “it’s going to be a great investment, a great partnership on the University campus ... It’s going to be a great compliment to both St. Thomas University and UNB. We’re all excited ... and you can probably see some action on the site this fall.”

“The premier and I met with Dr. Eddy Campbell ,the President of UNB, and he assured us ... that everything is on schedule, and we’re all very excited. It’s an investment that’s been long waiting for the community of Fredericton and I think it’s going to be a tremendous benefit to the citizens,” said Arseneault.

“What’s happening here is what we call co-habitation. The students can share some of these services. It’s a benefit to STU and UNB to have some extra traffic in terms of extra students on the campus ground; they can help out with the cafeteria and use the library and other services as well ... There’s a great benefit to doing this and a great cost savings as well in terms of sharing some services,” Arsenault explained.

“It’s quite unique to have the three different types of campuses on one site ... it differentiates us from a lot of other places. I think it’s going to help all three institutions attract new students. At the end of the day the student’s going to have a choice of the type of training they want. If you have a college student going to NBCC Fredericton and all of a sudden, after his 2 year program, he decides he wants to pursue [further] education there’s a good chance that he’ll ... pursue either STU or UNB,” Arseneault said.

“I’ve always said our Community College system here in New Brunswick has more partnerships with Universities outside New Brunswick than inside New Brunswick and that has to change, but it can only change if [Universities and Colleges] sit at the same table and talk and see where can work together for the benefit of the students. Those things are going to happen, I see that happing now and I can only see it happening more in the future,” Arseneault observed.

When asked about plans to deal with the extra strain put on parking and infrastructure by adding more students to campus, Arseneault replied that, “[this] was never raised in my level ... I think anytime you add more infrastructure it does have an impact somewhere somehow. I have the utmost confidence that the people at the campuses have thought of that and have alternatives on how they’re going to accommodate the extra students on campus.”

[cl812]

Condo, detached-house prices on the rise in Fredericton, says report
Published Friday October 9th, 2009
D1
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com

The average resale price of condominiums and detached bungalows in the Fredericton region is up more than 10 per cent over the last year, says a new report.

Standard condominiums led the way with a 13.3 per cent increase to $145,000 a unit while bungalows were up 11.1 per cent to $180,000.

The average sale price of standard two-storey homes dropped 2.4 per cent to $205,000.

The Royal LePage House Price Survey released Thursday says first-time home buyers taking advantage of low interest rates continued to drive the market for houses. The declining price of two-storey properties was chalked up to older owners looking to downsize.

Lincoln Thompson, broker-owner at Gardiner Realty Royal LePage, said the local housing market has seen a high level of resale volume due to increased affordability.

Because of the stable workforce, Fredericton didn't experience the same economic hurdles as other areas.

"Fredericton is a university, government and a high-tech city. As such, we saw economic stability when compared to other parts of Canada."

While unit sales are down in the Fredericton region, the prices are up, he said.

"We're pretty well in line with last year, and last year was the best year ever," he said.

A dip in prices in the Saint John region is likely a sign that prices inflated last year on expectations that construction of a second oil refinery would rev-up the region's economy, he said. But now that the project has been shelved, prices are coming down.

Anthony Knight, CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, said the prices are a good sign showing the Fredericton region hasn't felt the same impact as others.

"It really speaks to the anecdotal evidence we've observed that the Fredericton economy remains very active. Whether it's unemployment or housing, the numbers are good and we're pleased to see those positive signs."

Royal LePage says that overall, Canada's housing market is on the road to recovery.

It says with the recession retreating, home prices are stabilizing and unit sales are increasingly driven by improved affordability.

Across the country, the average bungalow value grew 0.06 per cent year-over-year to $341,146, while the price of an average condo increased 0.09 per cent to $243,748.

Royal LePage says the average price of a two-storey home in Canada is up 0.1 per cent from a year ago at $409,335.

Royal LePage says a shortage in housing supply is leading to bidding wars in several cities, including Saint John, Moncton, Toronto, Montreal, St. John's, N.L., Edmonton, Calgary, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Victoria.

While the Atlantic provinces saw a strong recovery in home prices, western provinces have been slower to recover from significant price corrections in 2008, particularly in British Columbia and Alberta. Ontario and Quebec saw home prices stabilize or gain slightly year-over-year, with much of the recovery occurring in a strong third quarter.

"The economic recession interrupted the flow of the real estate cycle but it is essentially back on track," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive officer, Royal LePage Real Estate Services.

"There is the illusion of a boom in the market, but in fact what we are experiencing is the end of a normal, short-term correction. Once housing supply returns to normal levels, we believe the economy will support low pricing growth into 2010."

- With files from The Canadian Press

-----

Therapeutic park gets big boost
Published Friday October 9th, 2009
Funding | Ottawa provides $300,00
A1
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com

Atlantic Canada's first outdoor therapeutic park located in Fredericton received almost $300,000 in federal funding Thursday.

The million-dollar park is under construction behind the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation adjacent to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.

"Our investment of nearly $300,000 in this recreational facility will add to the quality of life of thousands of New Brunswickers who use the Stan Cassidy Centre," said Keith Ashfield, minister of state for ACOA.

The $293,075 in federal money for the park comes from the two-year, $500-million Recreational Infrastructure Canada Fund, which is part of the Harper government's $20-billion economic stimulus plan.

"It's going to be a great facility," said Ashfield, who's the MP for Fredericton.

He said he's looking forward to visiting the park when it's finished next year.

David Thorne, chairman of the Stan Cassidy Foundation, which did major fundraising for the park, said there are only a few such facilities in Canada and this one will be among the best.

"We have heard it over and over again, from not only staff at the centre but from patients as well, that having the infrastructure available and the opportunity to be outside for not only moments of renewal between treatments but for rehabilitation itself goes a long way in increasing the quality of health-care services," Thorne said.

The Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation serves patients from across New Brunswick.

The therapeutic park includes a fully adaptive playground, adapted gym set, swings and play areas for young patients. It has a variety of surfaces to provide training grounds for persons learning to regain their mobility using wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and canes in a safe environment.

"We have patients whose disabilities leave them with serious challenges when it comes to mobility," said Dr. Ron Harris, administrative director of the centre. "One of the hazards at the end of rehabilitation is re-entering the real world.

"Their world is full of barriers to movement, whether it is a curb stone or a gravel surface or a grass surface.''

Before the rehabilitation park, Harris said mobility practice by patients was done in the centre's parking lot.

He said on one occasion a young patient learning to operate a wheelchair briefly got away from the therapist.

Harris said the playground is important because children learn through play.

While they play safely, centre professionals can better assess their physical impairments, he said.

The park will also allow patients to get out into the sunshine in a nicely landscaped environment, said Harris.

"It is going to be a place for people to be contemplative because people in rehab really do work very hard," he said.

"The opportunity to experience a tranquil environment ... is going to be a big help to them as well and for the families that come to see them."

The park is expected to be finished by summer or next fall.

The provincial government is expected to make a major donation to the park and Harris said all the fundraising work has been completed.

In 2008-09, the Stan Cassidy centre served 129 adult patients of which 20 per cent had spinal cord injuries, 30 per cent had brain injuries, 21 per cent had strokes and 29 per cent had other neurological conditions.

The average age of adult inpatients was 44 years and their average length of stay was 48 days.

There were 9,319 outpatient appointments and 6,177 inpatient days.

The centre also served 288 new pediatric patients in 2008-09, with the youngest less than a year old.

Of those patients, 10 per cent suffered from developmental delay, 11 per cent from muscular dystrophy, 11 per cent from autistic spectrum disorders, 34 per cent from cerebral palsy and 34 per cent from other neurological conditions.

There were also 2,103 outpatient visits by children.

[Pugsley]

while on the topic of big government announcements, what ever happened to the community college supposidly being built on the UNB campus? Funny how that has been quiet for months nowwhen they were saying it was supposed to start this year when it was originally announced.

The just came out today...looks like someone was reading your post!

http://www1.gnb.ca/cnb/multimedia/display-e.asp?ID=2161&num=1

[cl812]

haha, maybe they were. :)

[cl812]

Here is the story from the GNB site

----
Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
Designs unveiled for NBCC - Fredericton campus (09/10/09)
NB 1530

Oct. 9, 2009

http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/TeleVox/Photo/2009oct9_2.jpg

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The architectural designs for the new Fredericton campus of the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) were unveiled today. Premier Shawn Graham, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, and Mike Allen, MP for Tobique-Mactaquac participated in the unveiling.

"With the establishment of a community college campus in Fredericton, we are fulfilling a Charter for Change commitment, moving forward with Be Inspired. Be Ready. Be Better Action Plan to Transform Post-Secondary Education in New Brunswick, and increasing the capacity of the community college system," said Graham. "We're doing this for current and future students in New Brunswick, who will have more opportunities and lots of choice."

"This Government of Canada investment in the NBCC - Fredericton campus, will create immediate jobs in this region and help the educational institutions train an emerging workforce," said Allen. "Our government is investing in innovation to create jobs and to help our economy recover quickly."

The provincial investment in the new campus is $11 million, with a Knowledge Infrastructure Program investment of $4 million from the federal government. The University of New Brunswick is leasing the land to the province for $1 per year for the next 50 years.

The 4,552-sq.-metre (49,000-sq.-ft.) facility will deliver programs in health, business administration, information technology, engineering technology and social services. The wireless building is positioned to respond to the training needs of the Fredericton community by working in collaboration with universities, industry and stakeholders to ensure that all expanded new seats meet the needs of Greater Fredericton and the province.

"This is a great day for Fredericton, and I am pleased to see the design for this new community college campus released to the public," said Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside. "I want to thank the Premier for keeping his promise for a new community college in Fredericton. This adds to our reputation as one of the world's most intelligent communities, and will continue to drive the impressive growth we have been experiencing."

"During the past two years we have added 950 new seats to our community college system,and all of these new seats are running at capacity," said Arseneault. "We will continue the work of making our post-secondary education system more student-focused, accessible, affordable and relevant to the needs of employers and the workforce of the 21st century."

As part of government's Green Buildings Program, the building is being designed by ADI Ltd. to achieve a silver rating under the Principles of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a rating system used to measure the performance of green buildings in Canada. The building will incorporate a number of environmentally friendly features to minimize water use and maximize energy efficiency.

NBCC - Fredericton campus will be located on the grounds of the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.

“Housing the NBCC Fredericton campus on UNB's Fredericton campus makes all kinds of sense for our students,” said Eddy Campbell, UNB president. “Working together, we can provide students with top-notch education and training.”

09/10/09

MEDIA CONTACT: Lori-Jean Johnson, communications, Department of Post-Secondary, Education, Training and Labour, 506-476-0542.

09/10/09

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Looks good!! :tup:

BTW, don't be surprised if there are not spies keeping an eye on the Fredericton thread..........we have incontrovertible proof that the T&T monitors the Moncton thread and Bedford DJ thinks the Chronically Horrid monitors the halifax forum as well.

[corda]

The just came out today...looks like someone was reading your post!

http://www1.gnb.ca/cnb/multimedia/display-e.asp?ID=2161&num=1

Does anyone know exactly where on campus this will be built?

[corda]

There is a large building going up on Royal Ct, beside Heritage Kitchen & Bath. Any word on its builder/owner and the business going in ?

cheers
Bill TGH

I haven't heard what that building is going to be yet. That land is developed by the Hill Bros but no tenant information on their site. It has some siding now so a sign should be soon to follow.
Welcome to the forum

[mylesmalley]

Fantastic news!

I wonder where they'll put it though?

The three spots I can think of are:
1 - The forest between the Student Union Building/Harriett Irving Library and the Wu Centre parking lot

2 - The 'Quad' between Tilley/Carleton/Singer Hall, Keirstead Hall, the HIL, Tool Hall, McGlaggan and Ludlow.

3 - The lot between the Physical Plant and the Aitken Centre.

I think the first option is most likely, but it'd be a shame to see that nice forest cut down for a building surrounded by lawns. near the Aitken Centre would be alright, except it would be poorly placed to take advantage of the libraries and student union building. My personal preference would be the second option as it would fill in the large gap in the centre of the academic part of campus. If they were proactive, a level or two of parking could be put underneath it to ease congestion, and it would do an awful lot to make campus feel 'complete'.

[cl812]

Job situation 'could be a lot worse' - city
Published Saturday October 10th, 2009
A3
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com

Fredericton's unemployment rate crept up in September but it's still below our two sister cities and the provincial average.

The unemployment rate in the capital in September was 4.6 per cent, according to the Statistics Canada monthly labour force survey that came out Friday.

By comparison, in August it was 4.4 per cent and in September 2008 it was 4.2 per cent.

"We're performing well compared to the provincial average," said Frank Flanagan, Fredericton's director of development services. "(It's) so slight I don't know if you can really attribute that to anything.

"I think we have to be pretty happy with the stats. The situation could be a lot worse."

He said Fredericton again surpassed $100 million in construction building permits by the end of September.

"Residential is still strong," said Flanagan. "Commercial is going well. We see construction in all sectors."

Saint John had an unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent in September, compared to 6.2 per cent in the same month last year, according to Statistics Canada.

Moncton had an unemployment rate of seven per cent in September and 5.4 per cent in the same month last year.

The manufacturing sector in the province has been hurt, but Fredericton doesn't have much manufacturing, Flanagan said.

"The knowledge-based industries are weathering the economic slowdown very well," he said.

Flanagan said it's a tribute to the development and business community here that Fredericton is doing so well in retaining and creating jobs.

New Brunswick's unemployment rate in September was 8.1 per cent, down 1.2 per cent from August, according to Statistics Canada.

Only three provinces in Canada had a drop in their unemployment rate: New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and British Columbia.

"This is the first significant drop in the unemployment rate since last fall and it shows that our province continues to battle through these tough economic times," said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault in a news release.

The Statistics Canada monthly labour force survey also shows that the number of people employed in New Brunswick rose by 2,900 to 367,900 in September compared to August.

The province's labour force rose by 800 to 400,100.

"This is an indication that our initiatives to create employment and help companies grow are working to help our province weather this economic storm," said Arseneault.

Employment growth in New Brunswick was strongest in construction, agriculture and the information, culture and recreation sectors, he said.

Arseneault said the government's goal is to have the province emerge from the economic downturn more robust and diverse than ever.

Nationally, the unemployment rate was down 0.3 percentage points to 8.4 per cent. That's the first monthly decline in the unemployment rate since the beginning of the labour market downturn last fall, said the government agency.

The number of Canadians working was up 31,000 in September. Statistics Canada reported that full-time jobs in Canada increased by 92,000.

----

Province unveils design plans for community college building
Published Saturday October 10th, 2009
A3
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com

Fredericton's new community college will be a two-storey brick building that will hold twice as many students as the facility on Smythe Street and will be 40 per cent more energy efficient than an average building.

The $15-million building will be 4,552 square metres (49,000 square feet) and will be located on the University of New Brunswick campus between the Wu Conference Centre and Marshall d'Avray Hall.

The new design was unveiled at a news conference Friday.

"We're doing this for current and future students in New Brunswick, who will have more opportunities and lots of choice," said Premier Shawn Graham.

The province is investing $11 million in the project, which Graham said was an election promise in 2006.

He noted Friday was Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside's birthday.

"I am delivering the birthday present you asked for," said Graham.

Woodside said the announcement was wonderful.

"This is Thanksgiving weekend," he said. "This is another great reason to be thankful to live in this wonderful community."

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault said that in the past two years the provincial government has added 950 seats to the community college system.

"We will continue the work of making our post-secondary education system more student-focused, accessible, affordable and relevant to the needs of employers and the workforce of the 21st century," he said.

Arseneault said 92 per cent of community college graduates find work and 90 per cent of those jobs are in New Brunswick.

The University of New Brunswick is leasing the land for the community college building to the province for $1 a year for 50 years.

UNB president Eddy Campbell said the new building will benefit students at both post-secondary education facilities with new programs and opportunities.

"This is a great day for us," he said.

Campbell said he expected to see a lot of movement by students back and forth between the university and the community college.

The facility will have programs on health, business administration, information technology, engineering technology and applied media arts., and wireless Internet.

The building is part of the province's green building program and is designed to a silver rating under the leadership in energy and environmental design rating system. The building will minimize use of water and maximize energy efficiency.

Heather Hatheway, principal of NBCC's Fredericton campus, said the building will house 400 students, compared to the 200 enrolled at the Smythe Street campus.

"There will be a lot more space," she said. "We have wait-lists now.

"We are exploring the program mix we will have."

Hatheway said the building will open in the fall of 2011.

Jennifer Morrison, 20, of Oromocto is studying office administration at the building on Smythe Street.

"I think the fact that NBCC is getting in with UNB itself, the other students ... are going to have opportunities to collaborate with each other," she said. "I am excited personally for it."

Morrison will graduate before the new building is finished, but she said she hopes to take a licensed practical nursing course in the new building.

Jennifer Wentworth, 23, of St. George is also studying office administration and said building a new facility on the university campus will raise its profile.

"You almost miss it if you don't know where it is," she said about the building on Smythe Street.

Wentworth will also graduate before the new building is complete.

"It is bittersweet because I would like to see how things are going to play out," she said. "I wouldn't mind coming back just to see what the building looks like."

The federal government is providing $4 million for the new building from its Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

----

I guess that answers the question of where it will be located, must be where the parking lot is between Davry and the Wu centre.

[mylesmalley]

Actually, there's a pretty big grass lawn behind D'Avray. probably wouldn't need to take out much parking.

Man though...parking is going to suck once they're moved in.

[cl812]

Man though...parking is going to suck once they're moved in.

Yeah I can imagine, they should seriously look at building a garage somewhere on campus, but unfortunatley I doubt that will happen.

[Smevo]

They'll most likely put a surface lot beside their residences at the top of the hill, on their land between St. Thomas and the hospital, then point to it and say "What are you talking about? Parking garage? We already have more than enough parking spaces." At least, that's what I always heard on campus. "We have lots of parking, you just have to go up to the Aitken Centre to find it and walk back down to Head Hall."

Edit: That's assuming they expand parking at all.

[mylesmalley]

That's a big assumption, Smevo :D

I've heard a similar argument used in Moncton in relation to a downtown parking structure. There are around 5,000 surface parking spaces in the downtown area...except 2/3 of them are a 2km walk from anywhere you'd actually want to go. But there's still tonnes of parking!

[cl812]

Northside affordable-housing project about ready to begin
Published Monday October 12th, 2009
Building | Complex to house office, 12 loft units for John Howard Society
A3
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

The shovels may soon hit the ground for an office and 12-unit affordable-housing development for the John Howard Society of Fredericton at 294-296 Main St.

Design Collaborative Ltd., a Northumberland Street architecture-design company, is vetting bids for the Main Street development.

Tenders close Oct. 20 for the 21 2-storey building, which will have 12 one-bedroom, loft-style apartments on the second and third floors.

The brick- and cedar-sided structure will include energy-efficiency features, according to the tender document.

The John Howard Society had hoped to have all its financial approvals in place for a November construction start.

The project is expected to generate construction work through into February.

Local John Howard Society executive director Valerie MacCullam said once a contractor is selected, timelines will be set for construction and a relocation.

"The only thing going on right now is that there's a few of the trees on the lots that we're not going to be able to keep," she said.

"I've had the architect go and mark the ones that have to come down, and I'm trying to work with some folks in the art community to see if we can't have them brought down and then donated and turned into art."

The John Howard Society secured federal-provincial support for the project.

The organization - which works with low-income individuals, people who have been jailed and released or had brushes with the law - is developing a Main Street property.

[cl812]

New transit garage may get green light
Published Tuesday October 13th, 2009
A1
BY HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

City councillors will vote tonight on whether to call for architectural and engineering designs for a new transit garage.

The need for a transit building, which was identified in a master plan, is one of the Top 3 priorities for the public transportation system in Fredericton.

In February, transit manager Sandy MacNeill told council that almost one-third of the city's $11-million, 28-bus fleet is parked outside at St. Mary's transit depot on the north side.

In the winter, buses freeze up and have to be cleaned off and warmed up before hitting the road.

Weather-related delays have a significant impact on the system, he said.

MacNeill has been mapping out a design and construction plan for the structure to meet current and future needs.

He's expected to present it to council for approval tonight.

The city has $4 million in federal public transit trust funds to start construction of a building to replace its 30-year-old facility.

Also on tonight's agenda, councillors have a number of tenders for sanding, salting and snow removal contracts to review and approve.

Third reading is expected for a new townhouse-style housing project at 16 Glen Eyre Court and 2665 Woodstock Rd.

Some residents of the subdivision off Woodstock Road said the subdivision's builder should only construct single-family homes on the property, but other residents favour the look of the proposed project over the alternative of a four-unit apartment block.

City employee Robert Glenwright is slated to received a recognition award from council to acknowledge his 25 years of service to the city.

----

[Freddypop]

New transit garage may get green light
Published Tuesday October 13th, 2009
A1
BY HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

City councillors will vote tonight on whether to call for architectural and engineering designs for a new transit garage.

The need for a transit building, which was identified in a master plan, is one of the Top 3 priorities for the public transportation system in Fredericton.

In February, transit manager Sandy MacNeill told council that almost one-third of the city's $11-million, 28-bus fleet is parked outside at St. Mary's transit depot on the north side.

In the winter, buses freeze up and have to be cleaned off and warmed up before hitting the road.

Weather-related delays have a significant impact on the system, he said.

MacNeill has been mapping out a design and construction plan for the structure to meet current and future needs.

He's expected to present it to council for approval tonight.

The city has $4 million in federal public transit trust funds to start construction of a building to replace its 30-year-old facility.

Also on tonight's agenda, councillors have a number of tenders for sanding, salting and snow removal contracts to review and approve.

Third reading is expected for a new townhouse-style housing project at 16 Glen Eyre Court and 2665 Woodstock Rd.

Some residents of the subdivision off Woodstock Road said the subdivision's builder should only construct single-family homes on the property, but other residents favour the look of the proposed project over the alternative of a four-unit apartment block.

City employee Robert Glenwright is slated to received a recognition award from council to acknowledge his 25 years of service to the city.

----

I believe Saint John and Moncton have already built or in the process of building new facilities so this is not a surprise seeing that there seems to be plenty of federal and Provincial dollars to support new construction of these facilities. I would think that the city would look to relocate from St Mary's Street as the land there could be sold for future commercial growth in that area

[cl812]

I believe Saint John and Moncton have already built or in the process of building new facilities so this is not a surprise seeing that there seems to be plenty of federal and Provincial dollars to support new construction of these facilities. I would think that the city would look to relocate from St Mary's Street as the land there could be sold for future commercial growth in that area

Yeah you think they would consider that since that area is becoming pretty prime real estate.

[cl812]

City orders design for new transit garage
Published Wednesday October 14th, 2009
A6
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

Fredericton city council has awarded an architectural and engineering design contract to Goguen and Company Ltd. of Fredericton to prepare plans for a new transit garage and administrative offices on a St. Mary's Street property.

The company will be able to bill 8.2 per cent of the pre-tax project budget for its services, while survey and geotechnical work will be billed at cost to the city.

The company's job includes: preparing construction documents; tendering and construction administration; building design of the structure; and exterior and interior design down to finishing and furnishing.

Dillon Consulting Ltd., the company that wrote a transit master plan for the city in 2008, was given a second contract to figure out what should be included in the building in order to meet the city's needs.

"This will set us up to move forward with our (transit) master plan," said finance committee chairman Coun. Mike O'Brien.

The city has been saving money from a federal public transit trust to apply toward the project and handed Ottawa a five-year capital plan, which included the transit garage project.

With a federal payment due in November, the city will have $5.2 million set aside for its construction project. It's also proposing to redirect $423,000 from an anticipated bus purchase in 2010 to the construction of the transit garage.

"We're going to get as good and as big a building as we can afford ... Our first priority is storage. We need to get our fleet inside where it's warm, out of the weather and where it's secure, but as well, we need to update our administrative facilities," said transit manager Sandy MacNeill.

Land shouldn't be an issue, since the city owns additional property on St. Mary's Street, the transit manager said.

The new facility will replace the city's 30-year-old bus garage at 470 St. Mary's St.

"It has all of the issues that a 30-year-old building has, whether it be accessibility or layout. It was built for a smaller workforce and smaller buses," MacNeill said.

Once a transit garage is built, the old transit garage will be reallocated to other city uses.

"There is some interest from other city divisions in that building. It's an excellent storage facility. We've just outgrown it," MacNeill said.

It will take about a year to get the project done from design to construction, MacNeill said.

Fredericton has 28 full-sized transit buses and three para-transit buses for persons with mobility problems and 43 operators, plus administrative staff.

A new transit garage has been listed as the transit division's top capital spending priority for the last few years.

----

City getting into the real estate business
Published Wednesday October 14th, 2009
A6
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

The City of Fredericton will be setting up its own real estate development company in order to better manage the purchase and sale of publicly held lands, says the finance committee chairman.

"It is not to compete against private developers. It is to allow the city to manage its land inventory, to be nimble, to be responsive," Coun. Mike O'Brien said Tuesday night after city council approved the plan.

As the city tackles major municipal construction projects for the first time in close to four decades, it has found that its procedures are unwieldy and tax too many department budgets.

When the city built Willie O'Ree Place and a fire station and training facility on the north side, it had to install water and sewer services to support the development of the projects.

"All of that money had to be cobbled together from different departmental budgets. We took some from the fire department, some from roads and streets and every time we want to purchase a property or do something strategic, it comes from within an existing budget," O'Brien said.

"All that really means is that when we go forward with one type of project, another project or an operating budget suffers."

A city-owned corporation will maintain a list of properties and be able to wheel and deal with the private sector more quickly, he said.

"The profit that we get is turned back to the corporation to purchase other lands that could be strategic.

"It will allow this enterprise to manage our inventory, be responsive and open up lands and help continue the significant and exciting growth that the city has been experiencing into the near future," O'Brien said.

The city's real estate manager, who will be the day-to-day operations manager for the city real estate corporation, will have the authority to buy, sell and trade property worth up to $100,000. The co-signed will be the assistant city treasurer.

O'Brien said it's been proposed that a board of directors - made up of senior city personnel - will have signing authority on land transactions up to $500,000.

Beyond that, city council will step in to approve or reject purchases of more than $500,000.

O'Brien said he hopes the company will be able to keep options open to encourage developers to build more affordable housing in the city and that as a land-owning corporation, the city could set terms on land sales.

For instance, the city could require a developer purchasing city land to include an affordable-housing component in any proposed residential development.

"We have land out in our industrial park right now where if we could open up some more parcels of land, we'd have some more commercial businesses coming in and setting up. Right now, our staff have to come and tell us how much they need to clear the land, run some services to it "¦ but they haven't got the money," he said.

This will allow reinvestment of land sold to solve problems relating to land servicing, O'Brien said.

----

[cl812]

New building will blend in with UNB campus
Published Thursday October 15th, 2009
A6
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com

Light, airy, open and green.

That's how Stephen Skinner, project architect for ADI Ltd., described the new two-storey Fredericton campus of the New Brunswick Community College.

"From the outside, it is going to fit in with the University of New Brunswick general architectural feeling in that we are going to be using a lot of red brick," he told The Daily Gleaner recently.

"But on the inside, we are attempting to be as open as possible for a lot of comfortable, open space for students."

The building will be constructed between the Wu Conference Centre and Marshall d'Avray Hall on the Fredericton campus of the University of New Brunswick.

The $15-million, 4,552-square-metre (49,000-square-foot) building will house 400 students, twice the number at the facility on Smythe Street.

It's expected to open in the fall of 2011.

"This is going to be a green building," said Skinner. "We are attempting to use local materials, conserve water as much as possible with efficient fixtures.

"The heating and cooling systems will be very efficient, at least 40 per cent more efficient than a regular building."

He said there will be a lot of windows in the building.

"We are trying to maximize the daylight into the building," said Skinner. "This will be one of the green features I was talking about."

He also said the design lets the guts of the building hang out.

"One of the programs in the building is an engineering program and we think it is appropriate that some of the mechanical and electrical and structural features of the building are not covered up behind gyproc walls," said Skinner.

"In certain areas, we are going to be making features of these items so that they can actually be used as teaching tools to show how a building works."

Running down the centre of the building will be a combined hallway and lounge area, said Skinner.

"Rather than end up with a lot of broken up spaces, small lounge areas, sitting areas, communal areas spread through out the building, we decided to try and join them all together in a strong feature that runs north-south through the building," he said.

The north side will face the traffic circle at UNB and the south end will face the parking lot, he said.

"This is a wide open space that runs right the way through the building," said Skinner.

"So call it an internal street or a concourse or whatever, an arcade.

"This is where they (students) can sit comfortably or they can work at a bar top with a laptop or they can just mill around, walk through the building."

Some of that throughway will be two-storeys high.

"The concourse running through the building will be a light, airy open, nicely day-lit space," said Skinner.

[cl812]

City hopes hotel can be built beside convention centre
Published Tuesday October 20th, 2009
Interest | Second request for proposals
A1
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

The City of Fredericton has issued a second request for proposals for the construction of a downtown hotel adjacent the $78-million conference centre at the east end of Queen Street.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=384640&size=500x0
The City of Fredericton has issued a public request for proposals with a closing date of Nov. 9, asking private developers to state their interest in building a downtown hotel next door to the city’s $78-million convention centre, parking garage and government office complex.

When the city purchased the DiGiacinto property at Wilmot Alley - which it needed to complete the convention centre - it had enough land left over to invite the development community to submit proposals to build a downtown hotel.

The convention centre will be designed in such a way as to permit overhead pedways to be connected to both the Crowne Plaza Hotel and a new hotel next to the convention centre.

Coun. Dan Keenan, city development committee chairman, said the proposal call closes Nov. 9, and there has been strong interest in the hotel plan.

"They're (staff members) in the process now of answering questions on the request that was issued and we should have proposals by Nov. 9. Staff will be reviewing those proposals and then bring a recommendation back to council for consideration," Keenan said.

The fact that the convention centre is taking shape and other developers can now visualize the building - and its potential to attract hundreds of additional conventioneers to the city - is attracting developers.

"There was a mandatory visit to review the site and we had great interest in that and we're expecting that will continue on with submission of actual proposals," Keenan said.

The city had to issue a second request for proposals after an earlier proposal call, which drew a potential builder, floundered in the 2008 credit crunch.

Don Fitzgerald, the city's executive director of strategic initiatives, said the first proposal call brought forward a good potential development partner for the city and negotiations proceeded smoothly until the summer of 2008 when North American credit markets tightened up.

"We had to re-evaluate that opportunity and we both agreed that it was prudent to press pause and then come back when things had normalized," Fitzgerald said.

In the interim, that prospective partner wasn't able to come back to the bargaining table with the city and isn't one of the parties interested in the latest round of soliciting potential companies.

He said city staff met Sept. 28 with seven or eight parties intrigued by the property and took them on a site visit.

"Now, they've gone away to do their due diligence.''

When the proposal call deadline comes Nov. 9, the city will find out who has serious interest in pursuing a hotel development.

"There will be a number of satisfactory ones and we'll be able to see the fourth element of our vision come together," Fitzgerald said.

Downtown Fredericton Inc.'s general manager Bruce McCormack said the downtown business improvement area organization is supporting the construction of a hotel in the city centre.

"We feel that it would be a great asset to the downtown," McCormack said Monday.

The business organization is equally anxious to see a vacant piece of city-owned property at the west end of Queen Street developed and has asked the city to call for new proposals.

The city issued a proposal call for its west-end land in the past, but the property is difficult and costly to develop because of the instability of the materials beneath the surface of the ground.

City council has met with a group of Korean business people that's proposing to construct a six-storey, glass-and-steel entertainment complex on the land. The group is suggesting the building house a karaoke facility, a wedding boutique, a gym and an indoor golf driving range.

Frank Flanagan, the city's director of development services, said the city is contemplating a proposal call to once again see what developer interest there may be in the site.

Proposal call guidelines are being developed and will go to a steering committee for final review before being placed before city council for approval in November. If council approves it, the proposal call will go out to the public and any interested proponents.

Keenan said the city is interested in seeing the former TRA grocery wholesale business clean up its property.

"The TRA building needs to be improved. They need to take care of the property because right now it's falling into disrepair and it doesn't look good in that area of the downtown," Keenan said.

"We would like to see them do something with that property."

The city-owned land beside the TRA building is being used for paid public parking.

"It's been some time since we asked for a request for proposals and we are in the process of issuing a new request for proposals there to see if there are proponents interested in developing in that area," Keenan said.

While the Korean group is still thinking about its concept plan, Keenan said the city wants to be sure that it's providing a fair opportunity to submit development proposals.

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Business group has plans for Regent Street
Published Tuesday October 20th, 2009
A5
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

Downtown Fredericton Inc. says it supports Sunday openings of the Fredericton Public Library.

The idea was one of a number that the business group was planning to lay out before city council Monday evening as it gave councillors a review of its 2009 activity and told council about its plans for the year ahead.

Bruce McCormack is the general manager of the organization that represents the businesses that are members of the downtown business improvement area. He said the group supports a proposed expansion of the library's hours because it's one of the most used libraries in the province.

"It's in our downtown and the spinoffs to our businesses are exceptional. It's the clientele we like to see in our downtown and we would even go a step further and encourage council to find a way to have it open on Sunday ... but there's a lot of families who would like to go to the library and they may not be able to do it on the Saturday," McCormack said.

Many businesses have to open Sundays and the library shouldn't be an exception, he said.

The group has also started talks with business owners and tenants along the east side of Regent Street between Queen and King streets to look at developing an east-end courtyard project behind Regent Street-facing businesses because it would fit in with the new downtown conference centre.

"We would like to see that area cleaned up," McCormack said.

Although it will take time to negotiate with property owners and tenants about the project, the business group is interested in encouraging discussion about it.

In order to create a commercial courtyard behind restaurants such as The Blue Door, Lunar Rogue and Snooty Fox and other businesses on that portion of Regent Street, it would require reorienting parking in behind the businesses, figuring out how to handle deliveries, garbage disposal and other essential needs, creating a commercial development concept and sorting out funding issues.

There's room to talk with the city about the concept, including replacement parking, because part of its $78-million convention centre project includes a multi-level downtown parking garage.

"We're looking at opportunities we could use in that courtyard for commercial-public use," McCormack said.

Dave Traboulsee, president of the group, said it can help co-ordinate a project.

"We're at the initial talk stages right now and the landlords have been presented with the idea and they seem receptive," Traboulsee said.

"It's going to come down to whether the landlords want to put the money in to do this and do the tenants want it and is the will there to do it. As an organization, we can help co-ordinate it and get some preliminary drawings done on our dollar and have a concept.

"It would probably help their businesses dramatically and clean up that back area, especially with the new conference centre and possible hotel. We think it's a good idea, but it's going to come down to the building owners and the tenants."

Downtown Fredericton Inc. said it wants to talk to the city about a new city centre sign bylaw because the legislation doesn't work.

Applications for signs routinely go to the planning advisory committee on variance applications because the sign law doesn't meet the needs of businesses downtown.

Downtown Fredericton Inc. would like to talk with city hall about ways to promote more downtown residential space on the second and third floors of business buildings downtown.

Renovating those properties is costly given building and fire codes, he said.

"We would like them to evaluate that a little bit more and allow us the opportunity to develop the second and third floors of some of these older properties in the downtown that would have excellent apartments or housing," McCormack said.

The group is encouraging the city to write new design guidelines for outdoor patios and sidewalk cafes.

"There are a few in the downtown that we're not satisfied with and that we feel detract from our appearance," McCormack said.

The Blue Door and Lunar Rogue set the example for their peers by upgrading their patio areas this summer, McCormack noted.

"It's really brought it up a notch," he said.

The group's efforts to spruce up the downtown are continuing and many initiatives are working well, he said.

An initiative with the John Howard Society in which two full-time seasonal employees have been hired to clean up downtown litter and collect items set aside for recycling by local businesses has made Fredericton one of the cleanest, greenest downtowns around, McCormack said.

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[Pugsley]

OK, read the articles about the hotel addition and had to ask...how big is this convention centre and how many conventions do they realistically expect to get each week?

Don't get me wrong, I love Fredericton and think it has the potential to become a major convention city but right now, the bigger issue is gettting people there. Do you know how much it costs to fly to Fredericton from Toronto? As of this morning...over $700.00 on the seat sale fares. It is expensive and hard to get to. This should be resolved ASAP.

As far as the hotel goes, my concern is that a local convention audience focus will result in the hotel being of lower grade for "official conference centre adjcaent" type properties. In most cities, it is a Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, Marriott, or Westin that is adjacent the convention centre....take Saint John's Hilton hotel for example. If the city cannot draw bigger conferences where the expenses are covered and the budgets are larger, then then they need to focus on the local market. I assume they will have better luck with local trade, but that poses a major problem as well. Not that there is anything wrong with the Western New Brunswick Anglers Association and their 100 member annual meeting - I just don't think they will be spending $190.00/night at the glossy new Westin Fredericton Hotel.

My fear is that it will be a lower-grade property - like a Hilton Garden Inn, or a Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriot. I have a bad feeling in my bones that this is what we will end up seeing...I can smell it. If it is a local developer, they will go cheap and say guess what, we are bringing a Marriott to Fredericton and the whole city will go "yeah, right on!" Of course, the few people who notice these things will say, "actually sir...it is a courtyard BY Marriott not an official Marriott and be hushed to the background. The franchise fees being the only thing holding the city back from great things.

[frinkprof]

Don't get me wrong, I love Fredericton and think it has the potential to become a major convention city but right now, the bigger issue is gettting people there. Do you know how much it costs to fly to Fredericton from Toronto? As of this morning...over $700.00 on the seat sale fares. It is expensive and hard to get to. This should be resolved ASAP.Where did you get your $700.00 figure from? You can regularly get rates of $150-$250 to fly to Toronto. Similar to Montreal, Halifax, and Ottawa. There are a couple times a year where it is more expensive, and booking late can cost you more depending on your luck though.

[Lamespotting]

As someone who works for a company that brings in consultants for weeks at a time, a cheaper extended-stay type hotel would be a welcome addition to the downtown.

[mylesmalley]

Also, what's wrong with Marriott Residence Inns? The one they just finished in Moncton is very classy and fits in great downtown.

[MonctonRad]

The Marriott Residence Inn in downtown Moncton is actually very nice......it has a Keg restaurant too. You could do a lot worse.

edit: Sorry Myles, didn't see your post. Everyone is leaping to the defence of midrange hotels at the same time....

[Pugsley]

Where did you get your $700.00 figure from? You can regularly get rates of $150-$250 to fly to Toronto. Similar to Montreal, Halifax, and Ottawa. There are a couple times a year where it is more expensive, and booking late can cost you more depending on your luck though.

That is because you are looking at rates FROM and BEING IN Fredericton an NOT FROM Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, etc...pricing is very different when youa dd taxes, fees, and other items on top of it as well. Believe me..I know. I try to visit family in Fredericton 2-3 times a year and the flights with taxes etc...are insane. I can fly to Europe from Toronto for less many times.

[Pugsley]

The Marriott Residence Inn in downtown Moncton is actually very nice......it has a Keg restaurant too. You could do a lot worse.

edit: Sorry Myles, didn't see your post. Everyone is leaping to the defence of midrange hotels at the same time....

Don't get me wrong, mid-range hotels are great, but it would be nice to see more 4-star + properties in the region. In most major US cities, residence inns are not taking up the prime real estate in the downtown core, the larger-draw convention and higher-scale properties do. These full-service hotels tend to employ more people and draw corporate traffic as well. Sorry.

I would suggest that given the Marriott call centre is in Fredericton, they should open a full-scale corporate managed Marriott Hotel...would be nice to have the call centre workers experience their own brand when dealing with customers on the phone. Just a thought.

[frinkprof]

That is because you are looking at rates FROM and BEING IN Fredericton an NOT FROM Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, etc...pricing is very different when youa dd taxes, fees, and other items on top of it as well. Believe me..I know. I try to visit family in Fredericton 2-3 times a year and the flights with taxes etc...are insane. I can fly to Europe from Toronto for less many times.Not to dwell on this too much, but...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/frinkprof/flights.jpg

The comparatively high fares today and tomorrow are probably due to the late booking, but like I say, you can get rates less than $200 if you book well enough in advance, and on certain days of the week. Of course the final cost is more due to airport improvement fees, taxes, etc, but you would be hard pressed to get near that $700 figure without some spike due to time of year (Christmas) and a late booking. Maybe you are thinking of a round trip?

I fly to/from Fredericton a couple or 3 times a year too.

Your overall point is taken nonetheless though. Flying domestic in Canada is expensive due to low populations in geographically remote locations (comparatively). Fredericton is such an example. This may have an affect on its attractiveness as a convention location.

[OliverD]

I was driving down Bishop Drive this afternoon and noticed that the former Saturn dealership has a big "Future Home Of Fredericton Mitsubishi" banner hanging in front of it. Good to see that building isn't going to be sitting vacant. It's a decent facility and architecturally slightly more interesting than most of the car dealerships in the area.