[cl812]

do you mean the new Provincial Government office building to be built with the convention centre downtown?

If so I think its supposed to start this spring/summer.

[mylesmalley]

Sorry, i meant the one next to the TD tower. I thought it was called Brunswick Place.

[cl812]

I think its supposed to start this year as well (spring I think)

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Yup.. you can read more about the building at this website:
www.kdl.ca

[kirjtc2]

I just made a much, much needed update to the first post. If I missed anything, let me know.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Good job:tup: I can't wait to see how Southview condos will turn out. Ill probly get my camera out and take some pics.

[Smevo]

Good job on the update of the first page, kirjtc2! That's something I've gotta get around to doing on the Sydney page sometime hopefully soon.

A small Regent Mall update, Starbucks is ready to open any day now, probably later this week or the start of next week, and Subway is getting ready to open next week from what I've been hearing. The construction wall is down from the Starbucks area, but is still up at Subway. Subway's got the inside pretty well done and just had their sandwich counter delivered yesterday.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Should we get this thread stickied?

[Helladog]

A Sticky! It's about time I'd say...;)

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

I dont kno if any of you have heard of this project.. Its the expantion of Ecole Saint Anne (french school).Its located in front of the hospital on Priestman st.

http://www.centre-sainte-anne.nb.ca/img/b14.jpg
http://www.centre-sainte-anne.nb.ca/img/b8.jpg
http://www.centre-sainte-anne.nb.ca/img/b7.jpg
http://www.centre-sainte-anne.nb.ca/img/b6.jpg
http://www.centre-sainte-anne.nb.ca/img/b1.jpg
-www.centre-sainte-anne.nb.ca

[cl812]

A small Regent Mall update, Starbucks is ready to open any day now, probably later this week or the start of next week, and Subway is getting ready to open next week from what I've been hearing. The construction wall is down from the Starbucks area, but is still up at Subway. Subway's got the inside pretty well done and just had their sandwich counter delivered yesterday.

I was in the mall today and noticed a sign up at the new starbucks that opening Feb 25 I think, Also noticed the new Giant Tiger on Union Street is opening in May.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Is the Giant Tiger going where the save easy was?

[cl812]

yeah it is

[kirjtc2]

Church, housing project funding approved
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Monday February 18th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Construction of an innovative building that will combine a 45-unit apartment complex with a church is expected to be announced this morning.

The federal and provincial governments will provide more than $2 million in combined funding and rent supplements for Luther Place Apartments.

The funding and rent supplements will be used for 33 apartments, which will be affordable-housing units for seniors and non-elderly singles.

The project is spearheaded by the congregation of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church located at 1039 Regent St.

Preliminary work on the property is underway.

Plans presented to city council last year showed the apartments will be one- and two-bedroom units. They will be primarily marketed to seniors as an affordable-housing option.

The plan was inspired by a project by McGill University architecture students who visited Fredericton in 2005 and 2006.

Prof. Avi Friedman and his students made several architectural proposals for affordable-housing units in Fredericton.

In a 2007 interview, Friedman said the concept was a common-sense approach to helping a congregation of limited means build a new church and find other sources of income.

Plans filed with the city show the new building is designed with the church sanctuary at one end and apartments at the other.

A common room between the two will be used by both.

Residents will use the activity room through the week. The opening of a temporary wall will reveal the sanctuary to parishioners who will be seated in the activity room during church services.

The project undertaken in partnership with Atlantic Peoples Housing Ltd. is considered to be a prime location for an apartment building because of its proximity to the Fredericton Medical Clinic, a pharmacy and because it's a short drive to malls and the downtown.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

rendering:
http://www.fredericton.ca/en/communityculture/resources/FredHousingFeb20083030.jpg
www.fredericton.ca

[Smevo]

^How many people could have guessed what this would look like...ooh me, me! lol

Anyway, that aside it's good that there's more affordable units being built, and this is probably the best location for them with the clinic, hospital, malls, and grocery store within walking distance for the most part.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

where is it going to be located exactly?

[kirjtc2]

Where the Lutheran church is now, next to the medical clinic on Regent near Priestman.

I always thought that church looked run-down and dilapidated, so it's nice to see it being replaced with something better.

[BradMacD]

Oh thank gosh that old dump is being replaced.

[cl812]

^How many people could have guessed what this would look like...ooh me, me! lol

Anyway, that aside it's good that there's more affordable units being built, and this is probably the best location for them with the clinic, hospital, malls, and grocery store within walking distance for the most part.

yeah i know what you mean it seems like all buildings like that built in Fredericton are plain brick or vinyl siding

[mylesmalley]

yeah i know what you mean it seems like all buildings like that built in Fredericton are plain brick or vinyl siding

Keep in mind this is low income housing. They aren't exactly big money makers, so builders tend to do it on the cheap. And actually, it doesn't look all that bad, all things considered.

[Smevo]

Yeah, I actually expected it to look worse when I heard about it. I just have never gotten used to the cookie-cutter 4-storey apartment buildings in town, but I'd still take that over cookie-cutter single family home subdivisions of larger cities.

[cl812]

Keep in mind this is low income housing. They aren't exactly big money makers, so builders tend to do it on the cheap. And actually, it doesn't look all that bad, all things considered.

Good point. Regardless its good news theres more low income housing made available in town.

[kirjtc2]

Northside employees want better bus service
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Wednesday February 20th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

As construction booms along Two Nations Crossing, the lack of bus service to the area has some wondering how they'll get to work.

The absence of a bus route along the developing commercial hub is becoming a source of worry for people whose jobs are being moved to the area.

"It's a big concern for me," said Joanne Adshade, an employee at the Canadian Tire store on Main Street.

Her employer's new store on Two Nations Crossing is slated to open this spring.

"I love to work here, but this is a big weight,'' said Adshade, who walks to work. "If there's no bus service, how do I get there?''

She said she can't afford cab fare back and forth.

As it stands, the bus stop nearest the new store location is at the intersection of Maple and St. Mary's streets. That's almost a kilometre-and-a-half walk, much of it without sidewalks.

Her colleague Robin Saunders is faced with the same dilemma.

"Right now, I use the bus every day," she said.

They're among those who hope the city will take steps soon to add bus service to the area.

Adshade and Saunders know they're not alone in wondering how they'll get to work.

Coun. Bruce Grandy, who represents the Nashwaaksis area, said he wants to hear from transit users and potential transit users who have ideas about improving bus service in Fredericton -- especially on the north side.

He will be at the Brookside Mall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and Thursday to give northside residents an opportunity to talk about the transit system.

He plans to forward information from transit users to a consultant who is working on the municipality's new transportation master plan.

The plan is expected to chart a course for future transit development for the next decade.

"How do we get people where they need to be and how do we make it more user-friendly? Those are the things I want to find out," said Grandy, who will also have questionnaires for transit users.

He's heard from bus passengers who want more frequent service and better access to malls.

He's also heard from employees of call centres who feel it would be safer if they could take the bus from the door of their business at night.

Trina MacDonald, general manager of Business Fredericton North, said the group has been pressing the city for movement on the issue and hopes the transportation master plan will address concerns.

"You have a new office complex, the Wal-Mart, the Canadian Tire, Kent building supplies. There are going to be hundreds of people working up there. And then there are their clients."

MacDonald said her group has already met with the consultant doing the report and has also expressed the need for a northside hub for buses as well as at least one dedicated northside run that could operate on a loop.

"Right now, depending on where you are going, you might have to cross the bridge, go to King's Place and transfer to get between two points on the north side," she said.

[kirjtc2]

Convention centre to get funds from feds
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Friday February 22nd, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Fredericton won't have to go it alone to build a multi-million-dollar downtown convention centre.

Representatives of the federal, provincial and city governments will unveil details of a three-way funding deal at city hall this afternoon.

A source has confirmed to The Daily Gleaner that today's deal is for the convention centre.

The centre is one component of the city's $69-million downtown development project.

Premier Shawn Graham and Mayor Brad Woodside have previously pegged the cost of the convention centre and an underground parking garage at about $21 million.

The province previously committed to leasing office space in a $41-million six-storey office tower to be built on King Street behind The Playhouse.

A $7-million, above-ground parking garage will also be constructed on the site.

Today's deal has been a long time coming.

Fredericton officials have spent years trying to get the federal government to provide funding.

City council decided last summer the project was too important to keep delaying.

It took the decisive step of committing to the iniative without any commitment from the federal government.

ADI Ltd. has already been awarded the city contract to design and construct the centre.

Soil tests have already been conducted and ground is to be broken this spring so the convention centre and office complex can be completed in 2010.

The province will lease all 13,500 square metres (150,000 square feet) of the six-storey office building for $4.5 million to $5 million a year.

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

Two Nations Crossing a 'hotbed,' city says
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Friday February 22nd, 2008
Appeared on page A6

Development along Two Nations Crossing is spurring plenty of curiosity from businesses looking to open new locations in Fredericton.

Mike Semegen sees the benefits of expansion. He owns the Canadian Tire that is going up near the intersection with St. Mary's Street.

He said there are plenty of other businesses looking to set up along Two Nations Crossing.

He said the location was a natural fit when he decided to build the largest Canadian Tire store in New Brunswick.

"Access is a big thing. Main Street is becoming a tight road," he said.

There's also the benefit of the commercial traffic other businesses will bring in.

"People will come to Two Nations Crossing because the Wal-Mart is going to be there, the Kent is going to be there and the Canadian Tire is going to be there," he said.

City officials say there's a lot of interest in the area.

"Two Nations is a hotbed right now," said Frank Flanagan, director of development services for the city.

"We've got a lot of people who come in and have "¦ a project in mind.

"People are asking about the availability of land."

Flanagan said he couldn't discuss the names of organizations that have approached the city.

He said construction of institutional buildings such as Willie O'Ree Place and Leo Hayes High School have helped in the development.

Development is also continuing with housing projects along Cliffe Street.

"There's a lot of interest," said Coun. Mike O'Brien, the chairman of the city's development committee.

O'Brien said city officials are working hard to woo big names in the hopes that will accelerate development.

"We keep in touch with Costco. We keep them apprised of what's going on in the city.

"It's the same as a Wal-Mart. When they come, there's a bunch of others who come with them.

"We can't be passive."

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Has anyone seen these renderings for the convention centre/office building/parking garage? If not here they are:tup:

view from the Southeast
http://i11.piczo.com/view/4/d/f/m/y/n/3/w/8/r/0/p/img/i313675073_76182_5.jpg
convention centre close-up
http://i11.piczo.com/view/4/d/f/m/y/n/3/w/8/r/0/p/img/i313675864_22086_5.jpg

[mylesmalley]

I thought the office building was only supposed to be 6 stories? Nice building though. I hope the finished product looks similar to it.

[Smevo]

I think those are the old renderings, they were on a poster about a year and a half back which was captured in a photo-op for the Gleaner with Brad Woodside and some others regarding a completely unrelated story. I think the renderings on the first page are the updated ones.

It would be nice to see that height though, with some different enveloping materials to give some variety to our skyline.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Oh I thought they might be the old ones... I forgot I had them I found them this morning thought i'd post them.

[Smevo]

It's hard to say how it will turn out, the King St side in the new ones looks too much like Centennial Building for me...I never liked the Centennial Building. I wasn't a fan of the TD tower clones for King St either though, but I do really like the Queen St side of the old rendering, better than the new one but the new is good too...adds variety to the area. Anyway, we'll see how it actually turns out.

Speaking of TD Tower or moreso Frederick Square, I don't like how they cut a floor off Frederick Square II, they had it approved for 9. Oh well, can't win 'em all.

[mylesmalley]

It's hard to say how it will turn out, the King St side in the new ones looks too much like Centennial Building for me...I never liked the Centennial Building. I wasn't a fan of the TD tower clones for King St either though, but I do really like the Queen St side of the old rendering, better than the new one but the new is good too...adds variety to the area. Anyway, we'll see how it actually turns out.

Speaking of TD Tower or moreso Frederick Square, I don't like how they cut a floor off Frederick Square II, they had it approved for 9. Oh well, can't win 'em all.

That's a lot of new office space for a small market like Fredericton. A lot of the convention centre is going to be filled by the province, but I think that's only because they plan on renovating (and selling off?) the Centennial Building when it's done. Add that to the new Frederick Square building, and you've got a lot more square footage to fill, so it doesn't really surprise me that they would scale back one of them a bit.

[theshark]

Is the second TD tower the only building planned in downtown or is there some other projects?

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Well theres the convention centre / Office and they said there could be a hotel soon after that.I dont think theres anything else planned that i know of.

[kirjtc2]

http://www.the506.com/devon.jpg

Groups fight for Devon building
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Monday February 25th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Heritage groups are hoping for a last-minute reprieve for a piece of Devon's history.

The McFarlane-Neill building at the intersection of St. Mary and Union streets has stood there since 1882.

But the old blacksmith factory is slated for destruction under the city's Union Street secondary plan.

A tender for demolition and removal of the building at 106 St. Mary's St. is to be awarded at tonight's city council meeting.

Widening of the intersection is one of the items proposed in the Union Street secondary plan.

City council is also expected to hear an item tonight regarding public presentation of a bylaw regarding that plan.

The building is to be razed so the city can widen the intersection to accommodate trucks.

"I feel very sad," said Ian Robertson, chairman of the heritage identification and preservation committee of the Fredericton North Heritage Association.

"The Devon area was really the first community to amalgamate with the city ... and one could argue that of the northside communities, it has benefited the least from amalgamation."

Now, he fears an important piece of history is about to be knocked down and bulldozed over.

The McFarlane-Neill building may not have the grandeur of some buildings on the southern side of the river, but it holds an important place in Devon's history, Robertson said.

"You have to look at this in its relative context. When you look at Devon, there is little remaining of the industrial heritage of the community. This is one of only two brick buildings from the turn of the century and certainly the only industrial one in north Devon."

Robertson said the city should have considered other options put forward by residents and heritage groups, such as diverting truck traffic onto Cliffe Street instead of St. Mary's Street.

That makes sense, he said, because Cliffe and Two Nations Crossing could be widened to accommodate trucks.

That would move dangerous truck traffic off a residential street and save taxpayers more than $1 million in expropriation, demolition and intersection widening costs, he said.

Robertson said he feels there's been no real effort made to work with heritage and community groups to reach a different solution.

Coun. Mike O'Brien, who represents the area, said there has been plenty of discussion, but a decision had to be made.

"Unfortunately every now and then, it's a balancing act," he said. "There was a debate over whether this was a heritage building or not. In the true sense, it isn't.''

Traffic flow in the area was the dominant concern, O'Brien said.

An option that would have taken truck traffic up Cliffe Street and along Two Nations Crossing was considered, but not accepted.

The proposal for a second bypass such as the Ring Road is a generation away, he said.

"If there was another viable option in terms of traffic flow and cost, it would be worth considering," O'Brien said.

Robertson said he's heard that line before, but he points to York House as another example of a building that couldn't be saved. The city eventually stepped in and bought the property for its own office space. He said the same type of action should be taken in this case.

The McFarlane-Neill building was once a hub of activity.

It was established as a blacksmith shop in 1863 by Walter McFarlane and originally used for repairs on ironwork on carriages. Work eventually expanded to repair and manufacture farm equipment.

By the early 1880s, the plant was producing peavies, a tool with a spike and a hook, used in the log drive and tongs used to move ice blocks.

The brick building was built in 1882 in the aftermath of the devastating St. Mary's fire.

The company's products were used across Canada and shipped into the eastern United States. The plant was so busy that shifts ran through the night.

The factory continued operation until 1939.

[Smevo]

That's a lot of new office space for a small market like Fredericton. A lot of the convention centre is going to be filled by the province, but I think that's only because they plan on renovating (and selling off?) the Centennial Building when it's done. Add that to the new Frederick Square building, and you've got a lot more square footage to fill, so it doesn't really surprise me that they would scale back one of them a bit.

The last thing I heard about the future of the Centennial Building was that it was going to face the wrecking ball because of how much repair is needed, but even still, you're right about the office situation. It seems like Kileel is putting a rush on Frederick Square II, though, after already waiting 15 (?) years, and completely cancelling one building in the development at least 9 years ago (where Place 2000 sits now accross from the parking garage). If there's enough demand to even have all the new office buildings built, Kileel could probably stir up enough to build it as approved with the 9 floors with a little extra effort. The extra office space would mean extra rent revenue and more revenue from the parking garage, which usually sits less than half full right now.

I was actually surprised they didn't put it off longer because of the rush the city was putting on the E-centre.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

City council voted tonight that the McFarlane-Neil building will be demolished.

[cl812]

The last thing I heard about the future of the Centennial Building was that it was going to face the wrecking ball because of how much repair is needed.

I read in the paper not too long ago that the government decided to move into the new building at the E-Centre until the Centennial Building was renovated (by 2012 I think) but I think they mentioned the possibility of centralizing more government departments in the new office building after the Centennial Building renovations are complete.

[BradMacD]

Well, what type of repairs is the Centennial Building facing, if it does go through renovations? I wasn't aware it was in need of any repairs...

[cl812]

I think it is more upgrades not so much repairs to the building where it is relavtively old, if they go that route

[Smevo]

From Daily Gleaner Online (http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/front/article/234515)

Taking on debt
City is borrowing $107 million over the next 2 years
http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=99996&size=300x0

By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com
Published Saturday March 8th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Fredericton is on a borrowing binge.

Over the next 24 months, the city will pile up more than $107 million in new debt to build an arena, fire stations, swimming pools, an office tower and a convention centre.

It's a big change for a city that once boasted about having almost no debt.

But what does it mean for taxpayers, and how much interest will the city end up paying in the next 20 years?

John Williamson, national director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, said he's shocked the city is getting into the real estate business by borrowing $41 million to build an office tower and then lease it to the province.

"This is exactly the kind of initiative that cities should not be getting into," he said. "That is a service best run and managed in the private sector, where companies can assume the risk.

"You are going to have bureaucrats try to operate it and market it. They should not be out there trying to compete with the private sector."

Municipal governments should focus on core services, he said, including things such as water, sewer, streets, garbage collection and snow removal.

Williamson said he doesn't have a problem with the city borrowing money for projects such as arenas.

"What is worrisome here is the amount of debt," said Williamson.

He suggested the city could have built one arena and held off on the second one until the first was paid off, so it could keep its debt down.

Fredericton has already swiped its credit card for $20.25 million to build Willie O'Ree Place ($13.85 million), Lady Beaverbrook Rink renovations ($2.6 million) and four new or rebuilt outdoor swimming pools ($3.8 million).

Here's what else the city is planning to build with borrowed money over the next two years:

* the southside arena: $18.62 million

* two new fire stations and a fire training facility: $6.8 million

* downtown convention centre: $12 million

* downtown parking garage: $10 million

* Knowledge Park roadway: $1.7 million

* east end office tower: $41 million

That is a total of $107.24 million, after $3.13 million in rebates from the federal-municipal gasoline tax rebate program.

Marven Grant, Fredericton's director of finance, said the estimated total borrowing costs, including interest over 20 years at an interest rate of 4.5 per cent, is $164.4 million.

But the 4.5 per cent interest rate is only locked in for the first 10 years, he said.

The annual debt service payment is projected to be $8.2 million, he said.

He said the new east end office tower is self-financing because the province has signed a deal with the city to lease all of the space for between $4 million and $5 million a year.

On Dec. 31, 2006, Fredericton had a debt of $18.2 million, according to the Department's of Local Government 2007 annual report on municipal statistics, which is the most recent debt statistic available.

That compares to $103.3 million for Moncton and $102 million for Saint John for the same date.

Mayor Brad Woodside is telling Fredericton taxpayers not to worry.

In an interview this week, Woodside said when council first announced these projects several years ago, it said it could be done without a tax increase. He said he still stands by that position.

"We are not going to start building them and then all of a sudden start raising your taxes," he said. "I am very comfortable ... that we have not bitten off more than we can chew at this stage."

Woodside said city hall has crunched the numbers out to 20 years.

"Our spending is under control and it is manageable," he said. "If things remain the same with our growth, as it has been, then there is no need to increase taxes."

The mayor acknowledged there are some financial variables that the city can't control, such as an economic recession.

He said council looked at paying for all the projects out of its operating budget, rather than borrowing, but the amount was too large.

Woodside also said the city doesn't have any plans to borrow for any more big projects.

"I would let the public know that we have taken it as far as is comfortable, without putting us at some risk about having to go to the taxpayer," he said. "I think there are limitations."

Williamson said Fredericton's taxpayers should remember Woodside's pledge.

"We ought to get that in writing," he said.

University of New Brunswick economics Prof. David Murrell said the aggressive borrowing is a big change for Fredericton.

"We tend to be fiscally conservative," he said. "I was taken aback by the spending that has been going on."

But he said borrowing money for capital projects is more acceptable than borrowing for operating expenses, such as what happens in Toronto. He also said Fredericton can probably afford the planned borrowing -- as long as it does not add any more.

"What I would like to have them do is hold off on the capital spending after these go through for the next four years. You don't want a buildup in debt. Once that (project list) is built, you should go back to normal stuff."

There's a municipal election this May, but council's debt doesn't appear to be an election issue for community leaders.

Dale Dunphy, incoming president of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the chamber's municipal government affairs committee, said the chamber supports the planned borrowing.

"I don't think that the ... amount of debt is alarming in any way," he said. "We need to be aggressive in ensuring that our city is both attractive and functional in all levels. These added services and capabilities will be attractive to newcomers and new companies."

Dunphy said the chamber believes the city has put forward a sound business case for each of these projects.

Bob Shannon, president of the Fredericton North Rotary Club and a chartered accountant, said he also supports council's borrowing plan.

"I see no problem with it," he said. "If that is the only way we can get the convention centre and the arenas and the facilities that are needed, then so be it."

Shannon said most people couldn't buy a house if they didn't take out a mortgage.

In the 1980s, the city paid for capital projects out of the operating budget, a process known as pay-as-you-go financing, to keep its debt low. Shannon said that's not possible for big projects.

Ken McGeorge, executive director of the York Group of Companies which operates the York Manor nursing home, said he's not worried about the city's new debt load.

"I am comfortable with it," he said. "The city has always shown absolutely excellent financial stewardship. Sure, borrow some more money."

All of the investments will bring much-needed economic development to Fredericton, which is important, said McGeorge.

He said he would be concerned if the borrowing significantly increased his taxes, but he would be more concerned if council wasn't promoting economic activity.

"If that means I have to pay a few more dollars in taxes, that's fine," McGeorge said. "Taxes in Fredericton are really not, relatively speaking, all that high."

[BradMacD]

I was just reading this a couple minutes ago.

What do they mean by East End Office Tower? I'm assuming they're talking about the convention centre. I thought they might have been talking about something else.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Im guessing Frederick Square II problly wont be built for another couple years.
What do they mean by East End Office Tower? I'm assuming they're talking about the convention centre. I thought they might have been talking about something else.
Thats the office building being built next to the convention centre.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

sorry I posted it twice by accident

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

New Water Treatment Plant To Be Named after Former City Engineer

Fredericton (March 10, 2008) - The City of Fredericton's new water treatment plant, currently under construction on Waterloo Row, will be named in honour of former City Engineer John Bliss.

The $8-million facility will officially be called the E. John Bliss Water Treatment Plant when it opens later this year. The announcement was made today by Councillor Tony Whalen, Chair of the City's Public Safety and Environment Committee.

"John Bliss served the citizens of Fredericton with distinction and dedication for 19 years," said Councillor Whalen at the March meeting of the committee. "He was instrumental in making the Fredericton Water Utility the highly regarded organization it is today."

Mr. Bliss was City Engineer from 1979 to 1998. His career was highlighted by the role he played in solving the problem of manganese in Fredericton's drinking water by construction of the largest manganese removal plant in North America. Water quality improvements continued under his leadership with the introduction of modern construction and maintenance processes.

During his tenure he was responsible not only for the management of the city's water, wastewater and storm water management systems but also construction and maintenance of roads and streets, parks and trees, engineering and construction of public works, and fleet management.

Mr. Bliss received a Civil Engineering degree from University of New Brunswick in 1955. He worked for Canada Cement until 1965, when he joined ADI Limited to manage their Materials Laboratory and provide consulting in municipal and structural engineering. He also served as a City Councillor from 1971 to 1973.

He became a registered member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of New Brunswick in August, 1957. He went on to serve as president of the organization in 1980, has served as Registrar since 1982 and is still actively chairing committees of the organization today.

Mr. Bliss was also active in the Atlantic Canada Water Works Association, serving as Chair of the organization in 1986. He was presented the Ira P. MacNab award in 1988, and the Diplomat award in 1991.

Mr. Bliss and his wife, Dorothy McDade, are active supporters of the United Way, the YM-YWCA, Fredericton Indoor Pool, The Playhouse, and the University of New Brunswick.

The City's current water treatment plant on Smythe Street, which has served the City's water needs for more than a century, was named the William L. Barrett water treatment plant last June.

fredericton.ca

[kirjtc2]

Residents give projects high marks
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Tuesday March 11th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Residents believe Fredericton's a great city that's headed in the right direction.

That's the result of the city's 2007 Citizen Attitude Survey that was released Monday night.

Of the 400 people surveyed, 95 per cent said they would recommend Fredericton as a place to live.

And 82 per cent of respondents would recommend the city as a place to work.

Mayor Brad Woodside said council is pleased with the results.

"There is pride in this community,'' said Woodside. "(Residents) do feel that we're growing, they do feel we're headed in the right direction."

A growing number of residents indicated that they think it's easy to find a good job in Fredericton.

The number increased from 30 per cent of respondents in 2005 to 42 per cent of respondents in 2007.

Still, 45 per cent of respondents in 2007 disagreed with the statement.

Of the respondents, 64 per cent said Fredericton would be a good place to find a job while 17 per cent disagreed and 16 per cent said they didn't know.

"As far as the inadequacies in the report, I think they're well-deserved and I think they're great points and ones that should be acted on. Economic development is everything," Woodside said.

"The big issue of today and into the future is economic development growth. We're competing with everybody else.''

He said the city has to beat the bushes.

"We have to be out there telling people that we're a Top 7 intelligent community and we have to be out there attracting people.''

Residents also gave high marks for city services, with 90 per cent expressing satisfaction with the police force as a whole and 97 per cent expressing confidence that the fire department could respond to a fire in their neighbourhood.

Levels of satisfaction for other services were also high. The lowest satisfaction rates were with sidewalk snow removal, fall leaf pickup, snow removal on roads and the household recycling program.

Woodside noted that the survey was conducted in November, well before this winter's spate of storms hit the city.

He said he's sure any discontent has been erased as crews have done their utmost to clear the snow.

Those who knew about the city's construction developments were generally supportive of the endeavours.

About four in every 10 respondents had visited the Willie O'Ree Place. A total of 92 per cent of them expressed satisfaction with the facility.

Only 54 per cent knew about the two new fire stations and a training facility the city will build, but 95 per cent of them backed the project.

A total of 58 per cent of respondents knew about the water treatment plant going up on Waterloo Row and 96 per cent of them support the project.

Of the 76 per cent of respondents aware of the sports and leisure complex to be built on the south side, 88 per cent back the endeavour.

A total of 72 per cent of respondents knew of the downtown conference centre project and 79 per cent of them support the project.

"We have to continue to grow, to increase our tax base to provide the services we do without increasing the tax rate. I think people understand that," Woodside said.

The survey, conducted by marketQuest Research, is considered accurate within 4.88 percentage points 95 per cent of the time.

------

Single-detached starts up in Fredericton -- report
By MARC HUDON
hudon.marc@dailygleaner.com
Published Tuesday March 11th, 2008
Appeared on page A5

OTTAWA - Single-start home construction in southern New Brunswick's urban centres outpaced the national average last month, but consumers can expect that trend to cool, says a housing-market analyst.

Claude Gautreau, senior market analyst for New Brunswick with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., said there were 63 residential construction starts in February, compared to 34 units during the same period last year.

In Fredericton, year-over-year single starts jumped 54 per cent, with 15 new homes under construction in the capital city compared to six last year. There were no multiple unit starts.

Housing starts in Fredericton during the first two months of 2008 are up 57 per cent compared to 2007, while Moncton's numbers have tumbled 32 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Gautreau said one of the factors contributing to this year's decline in housing starts in Moncton is inclement weather.

"The past two or three years have been mild winters with very little snow," he said. "This year has been one of the worse winters for snow in the past decade or more. That has created a drag on construction."

Despite the snow, Gautreau said, the diversified economies of Moncton and Fredericton continue to create jobs, which are contributing to positive gains in southern New Brunswick's housing market.

He said proposed capital projects in Saint John, such as a new refinery and the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power generating station, should also help push housing starts up in the port city.

Gautreau said home construction during 2007 and the first two months of 2008 has been positive in southern New Brunswick despite a cooling trend across Canada.

He said New Brunswickers can expect the province's housing market to realign itself with the rest of the country before year's end.

"Given that the national trend has been a slight slowdown, it is likely that we'll see that here," he said. "We do see the housing market pulling back, but nothing drastic."

In urban centres across Canada, home construction increased 42 per cent in February.

[Smevo]

Residents give projects high marks
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Tuesday March 11th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Residents believe Fredericton's a great city that's headed in the right direction.

That's the result of the city's 2007 Citizen Attitude Survey that was released Monday night.

Of the 400 people surveyed, 95 per cent said they would recommend Fredericton as a place to live.

And 82 per cent of respondents would recommend the city as a place to work.

Mayor Brad Woodside said council is pleased with the results.

"There is pride in this community,'' said Woodside. "(Residents) do feel that we're growing, they do feel we're headed in the right direction."

A growing number of residents indicated that they think it's easy to find a good job in Fredericton.

The number increased from 30 per cent of respondents in 2005 to 42 per cent of respondents in 2007.

Still, 45 per cent of respondents in 2007 disagreed with the statement.

Of the respondents, 64 per cent said Fredericton would be a good place to find a job while 17 per cent disagreed and 16 per cent said they didn't know.

"As far as the inadequacies in the report, I think they're well-deserved and I think they're great points and ones that should be acted on. Economic development is everything," Woodside said.

"The big issue of today and into the future is economic development growth. We're competing with everybody else.''

He said the city has to beat the bushes.

"We have to be out there telling people that we're a Top 7 intelligent community and we have to be out there attracting people.''

Residents also gave high marks for city services, with 90 per cent expressing satisfaction with the police force as a whole and 97 per cent expressing confidence that the fire department could respond to a fire in their neighbourhood.

Levels of satisfaction for other services were also high. The lowest satisfaction rates were with sidewalk snow removal, fall leaf pickup, snow removal on roads and the household recycling program.

Woodside noted that the survey was conducted in November, well before this winter's spate of storms hit the city.

He said he's sure any discontent has been erased as crews have done their utmost to clear the snow.

Those who knew about the city's construction developments were generally supportive of the endeavours.

About four in every 10 respondents had visited the Willie O'Ree Place. A total of 92 per cent of them expressed satisfaction with the facility.

Only 54 per cent knew about the two new fire stations and a training facility the city will build, but 95 per cent of them backed the project.

A total of 58 per cent of respondents knew about the water treatment plant going up on Waterloo Row and 96 per cent of them support the project.

Of the 76 per cent of respondents aware of the sports and leisure complex to be built on the south side, 88 per cent back the endeavour.

A total of 72 per cent of respondents knew of the downtown conference centre project and 79 per cent of them support the project.

"We have to continue to grow, to increase our tax base to provide the services we do without increasing the tax rate. I think people understand that," Woodside said.

The survey, conducted by marketQuest Research, is considered accurate within 4.88 percentage points 95 per cent of the time.



Obviously Mr. Woodside hasn't driven the city roads or used the city sidewalks this year. When people walk down the side of a narrowed road because they feel safer doing that then using the sidewalk, they're probably not happy with the condition of the sidewalks in the city. Not the fault of the crews though, the amount of snow this year has been crazy.

[mylesmalley]

Wait a couple of weeks. Then the city is gong to start complaining about how vastly over budget snow removal went this year. I know the work crews have a lot on their plates, but there are sections of sidewalk along Regent that go days without being plowed.

[kirjtc2]

Meanwhile, Woodside is back to his rah-rah stuff:

Mayors say it's time to brag
By JENNIFER DUNVILLE
dunville.jennifer@dailygleaner.com
Published Thursday March 13th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Mayor Brad Woodside says it's time for local businesses to market Fredericton as having "world-class smarts.''

The city was recently named one of the Top 7 intelligent communities in the world by the Intelligent Community Forum, a U.S. think-tank that promotes broadband Internet connectivity.

Woodside held a mayor's breakfast Wednesday to encourage businesses to use Fredericton's new title to their advantage.

"Let the world know we are great," he said. "We need to celebrate this incredible achievement.

"It's a good marketing move that can benefit our businesses and our community."

Each participant at the mayor's breakfast received a customized box of Smarties candy branded with "Fredericton: World Class Smarts" in both official languages.

Inside was a USB flash drive (a portable storage device) with different formats of the Top 7 logo, sample letterheads and other marketing material for businesses to promote Fredericton as an intelligent community.

Brenda Halloran, mayor of Waterloo, Ont., said Fredericton would do well to use the title to its advantage for the next year. And she would know.

The Ontario city was named the top intellectual community in the world by the forum for 2007.

The title brought to Waterloo economic development opportunities, international media attention and created a common point of reference for businesses looking to attract employees or clients, Halloran said.

"This is a chance to celebrate collectively the achievements of your city,'' she said.

Woodside issued a challenge to local businesses to find the most creative way to enhance their company using the World Class Smarts logo.

The winner will receive two Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival ultimate passes.

"When you consider this is an international competition dealing with some of the biggest and best cities in the world, that's a phenomenal thing," Woodside said. "It's something everyone in the city should be proud of."

Peter Lindfield, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce president, said branding is important to cities.

He said the intelligent-community title is a great way to put an international focus on a city.

"The opportunities this presents and that focus at a worldwide level is something that can only bring positive attributes to businesses citywide," Lindfield said.

The 2008 winner will be chosen at a ceremony in New York on May 16.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Reminder: Recreation Master Plan Public Meetings to be Held Next Week

Fredericton (March 13, 2008) - The City of Fredericton is currently preparing a Recreation Master Plan that will address recreation, sport and leisure infrastructure, programs, and services. When complete, the plan will serve as a guide that will assist the municipality in appropriately planning for future recreation facility development and service delivery.

The public is invited to share their thoughts and opinions by attending a Public Open House Meeting to be held at the following times, dates and locations:

• Monday, March 17th, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Willie O'Ree Place, 605 Cliffe Street
• Wednesday, March 19th , 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Fredericton High School (Priestman Street / Gym Entrance)

For more information, please contact the City of Fredericton Recreation Division at 460-2230 or by recreation@fredericton.ca.
From www.fredericton.ca

[kirjtc2]

Some new Regent Mall notes:

* RW is open, Dynamite looks like it's getting tready, and Sirens has opened in the old La Senza Girl space.
* Athlete's World is closing. If another freakin girls' store opens there I will scream.
* The new Starbucks in the food court is, surprisingly, quiet. Everyone still seems loyal to the old Chapters location. I still think they should have opened their first "full" Fredericton store downtown.

[mmmatt]

Some new Regent Mall notes:

* RW is open, Dynamite looks like it's getting tready, and Sirens has opened in the old La Senza Girl space.
* Athlete's World is closing. If another freakin girls' store opens there I will scream.
* The new Starbucks in the food court is, surprisingly, quiet. Everyone still seems loyal to the old Chapters location. I still think they should have opened their first "full" Fredericton store downtown.

Dynamite is open...it was when i was there last week anyways...I have no idea why they made a Starbucks in that mall...the other one is under the same roof!! They did a similar thing in Moncton by making one in Champlain but it is at least in a seperate building from the other one...oh well...I agree about the downtown thing, they should have taken old vacant spaces in downtown Moncton and Freddy and occupied them...that would make way more sence.

[Smevo]

Some new Regent Mall notes:

* RW is open, Dynamite looks like it's getting tready, and Sirens has opened in the old La Senza Girl space.
* Athlete's World is closing. If another freakin girls' store opens there I will scream.
* The new Starbucks in the food court is, surprisingly, quiet. Everyone still seems loyal to the old Chapters location. I still think they should have opened their first "full" Fredericton store downtown.

Yeah, it's actually the other way around for RW & Co and Dynamite, Dynamite's open and RW is set to open late spring, if I remember correctly. I have no idea what's going in the Athlete's World location. The staff thought it was saved when the chain was bought by the same company that owns SportChek, but I guess not. The just hired a bunch of new staff too, so I have no idea what's going on there. I'm not really surprised it's closing though, it was never busy until they put up the "store closing" signs.

[mylesmalley]

Yeah, it's actually the other way around for RW & Co and Dynamite, Dynamite's open and RW is set to open late spring, if I remember correctly. I have no idea what's going in the Athlete's World location. The staff thought it was saved when the chain was bought by the same company that owns SportChek, but I guess not. The just hired a bunch of new staff too, so I have no idea what's going on there. I'm not really surprised it's closing though, it was never busy until they put up the "store closing" signs.

One of my room mates works there. They're shutting it down some time this spring/summer. Apparently they've got some sweet deals too.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Wouldn't suprise me if they moved Athletes World to the corbett centre on knowledge park drive.
The one they have now in the mall is just one of the smaller atletes world stores so they might want to make it bigger.

[kirjtc2]

Saw an article last night that 30-odd stores are closing across the country. Doesn't look like they're in a re-opening mood.

I seem to recall that the store actually used to be bigger, but they downsized 5-6 years ago.

The name seemed to be a misnomer...it's more urban-wear than sports stuff.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

We dont have very many Urban-wear stores in fredericton but i know we have enough of sportswear stores like sportchek, cleves, footlocker and others i can't think of at the moment.

Something i dont understand is why weve got a kent and a canadian tire and their building more of them just a few minutes drive from each other.. i mean from the wal mart on the northside to the on on the southside its a 5 minute drive.

[Smevo]

^That's smalltown Canada for you, it's the same in every small town. Even when "the other end of town" is only 5 minutes away, it's a huge distance to the entrenched locals. :rolleyes:

[kirjtc2]

Fredericton is one of (if not the) smallest cities in Canada with two Wal-Marts. Even Saint John only has one. I don't get the point of building a new CT when they just redid the one on Main St a few years ago.

The weird thing is a lot of northsiders still go across the river. There's still more selection on the south side - I think that's why Brookside's big expansion in the early 90s was such a flop. The northside Wal-Mart has been open for a year now and I've been in it once - meanwhile I find myself at Regent Mall once every 2 weeks or so.

I also wish they'd do a better job of keeping all the retail on the northside in one place. You've got 3 main nodes now (Main St, Two Nations Crossing and Brookside), with one dying a quick death and another starting to show signs of it. I'm not sure if the Fredericton market can hold this much duplication...wouldn't be surprised to see Two Nations Crossing start to fail at some point.

[Smevo]

Main Street doesn't have much of a future beyond "neighbourhood retail" commercially.

What we might end up seeing with Two Nations Crossing and Brookside's retail district is a "meeting in the middle" along the Ring Rd by crossing St. Mary's St. West Hills Crossing (extension of Reynolds Street) looks to be going in that direction as far as residential development goes, and I could see a new crossing road happening next to the new M&M meats strip-mall development across from Brookside Mall. Not much can save Brookside Mall, though, short of a miracle and much better management that won't pass up traffic producing retail opportunities for a Zeller's expansion. :rolleyes:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Fredericton,+NB,+Canada&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title

That would be my plan for the districts anyway, in order to compete with the Regent Mall/Corbett Centre/Bishop Dr/Knowlege Park extension district.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Main Street doesn't have much of a future beyond "neighbourhood retail" commercially.

Yeah i'm suprised they decided to build Pricess Auto on main street. i think it would be better off near the new walmart on the northside.
But then again, that little area with tim hortons, blockbuster, subway, Home Hardware attracts alot of the ppl that live on the northside..

[Smevo]

^Yeah, that block will continue, but that's all basically "neighbourhood retail" anyway. Even Home Hardware seems to have a limited draw for large purchases and longer distance commutes compared to the other hardware stores.

Anyway, a couple of things I kept forgetting to post until now (all in the Kimble Dr area which I drive through on a daily basis going to my fiancees after work):

- A new commercial or office development beside Clark Toyota of 12,000 sq. ft. is supposed to start construction this spring (apparently 50% leased according to the sign on the site).

- A new subdivision on the North-West corner of the Kimble Dr. & Vanier Hwy intersection consisting of townhouses and garden homes. (btw, that's the first time I've ever heard a single-family home called a "garden home"...is that a new term derived in an attempt to aid marketing?) It's also the second time in less than 4 years that a subdivision has been tried in this location.

- Market Place on Kimble is slowly but surely progressing. The outside is basically fully enclosed, but the wrap and exterior layers have yet to be applied (not sure how far along the interior is).

Just a brief update on those. I'm going to try to get out with my camera after the long weekend to get some picture updates of the developments in here.

[cl812]

Keeping with that area, I also heard on the radio this moring that the PAC approved an application for a bio-diesel producing facility to be constructed in the Industrial Park on Wilsey Road.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

http://colpittsdevelopments.ca/developments/images/willow_valley_floor_plans.jpg
From the developers website: www.colpittsdevelopment.ca

[kirjtc2]

My uncle is the general manager of the Crowne Plaza. He told me a couple of things last night...some of this is old news but probably hasn't been touched upon in this thread before:

* There will be a major expansion and renovation in conjunction with the construction of the E-Centre. A parking garage will be added and the lobby will be moved.
* There will be a Starbucks in the lobby next to the James Joyce Pub. He says the Crowne Plaza in Moncton will be getting one too.

[mmmatt]

My uncle is the general manager of the Crowne Plaza. He told me a couple of things last night...some of this is old news but probably hasn't been touched upon in this thread before:

* There will be a major expansion and renovation in conjunction with the construction of the E-Centre. A parking garage will be added and the lobby will be moved.
* There will be a Starbucks in the lobby next to the James Joyce Pub. He says the Crowne Plaza in Moncton will be getting one too.

Really??? Thats sweet...I remember back when they were saying Moncton was getting another one somebody (possibly me) said that would be a good place for it haha.

[BradMacD]

Geez, finally a Starbucks somewhere outside of the Regent Mall...:haha:

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

I dont think starbucks would do very good on its own.. rightt now there's one in the Chapters and its doing good because people want to sit down and have a coffe while they read a magazine or something..but it would never do good like tim hortons. In a small city like ours, every one goes to the most popular coffe place wich is tim hortons.
It's the same thing if we had a tim hortons in the united states... They used to have a few in Maine but they didn't do so good so i don't know if there still there or not.

[mmmatt]

I dont think starbucks would do very good on its own.. rightt now there's one in the Chapters and its doing good because people want to sit down and have a coffe while they read a magazine or something..but it would never do good like tim hortons. In a small city like ours, every one goes to the most popular coffe place wich is tim hortons.
It's the same thing if we had a tim hortons in the united states... They used to have a few in Maine but they didn't do so good so i don't know if there still there or not.

Tim Hortons is in 10 states and has over 200 American locations

[Smevo]

If there was only one city where Starbucks could survive in New Brunswick, Fredericton would be it. Between the government workers, the MLA's, the University, and the Yuppie crowd, I think they'll do alright. All the same, Tim's won't be going anywhere, and neither will Second Cup. Coffee's too much of an institution in the Maritimes, as long as it's good enough to swallow it, someone will buy it. :haha:

[michael_d40]

If there was only one city where Starbucks could survive in New Brunswick, Fredericton would be it. Between the government workers, the MLA's, the University, and the Yuppie crowd, I think they'll do alright. All the same, Tim's won't be going anywhere, and neither will Second Cup. Coffee's too much of an institution in the Maritimes, as long as it's good enough to swallow it, someone will buy it. :haha:

Well the company must think other wise, since Saint John has the first stand alone drive thru Starbucks eh

[kirjtc2]

Playhouse gets infrastructure cash
By RICHARD DUPLAIN
duplain.richard@dailygleaner.com
Published Wednesday March 26th, 2008
Appeared on page A3

The Playhouse gets the money, but the community gets the benefit.

A grant from the federal Department of Canadian Heritage will be spent on new equipment at The Playhouse and that means a more enjoyable experience, officials say.

On Tuesday, Tobique-Mactaquac MP Tory Mike Allen, on behalf of Canadian Heritage Minister Josee Verner, announced $44,138 in funding to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentations, as well as provide a boost to The Playhouse's outreach program.

"The Fredericton Playhouse has a prominent place in the city's cultural legacy," Allen said. "Fredericton is the cultural capital of Canada.

"The Playhouse is an institution and an anchor for artistic events in the area, and it's a tribute to the entire community."

"With this contribution The Playhouse will be able to advance our technical production capabilities so that local and touring artists and companies can offer the best possible artistic experiences to our audiences," said The Playhouse executive director Tim Yerxa.

He said $100,000 will be spent to improve the facility. The money will go toward the purchase of production equipment and safety enhancements.

He said expensive wireless microphone technology, a projector, communications equipment and video monitoring improvements top the priority list.

"Improved production equipment will benefit local productions including fundraisers," he said.

Yerxa said the bulk of the money earmarked for improvements comes from patrons of The Playhouse. He said a service charge applied to ticket prices and paid by patrons amounts to 60 per cent of the $100,000.

"We will now be able to get some key equipment that will enable The Playhouse to offer better services, performances and a more enjoyable audience experience in a safe environment," said Betsy Kelly, president of The Playhouse's board of directors.

"Performers will have more opportunity and tools at their disposal to express their artistic vision."

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

City council signs recreation deal with districts
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Wednesday March 26th, 2008
Appeared on page A6

Fredericton city council has authorized the signing of an agreement with surrounding local service districts for recreational services.

The 20-year deal was approved Tuesday in a 10-1 vote.

"It's taken a lot of time. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but it has come out well," said Coun. Dan Keenan, who negotiated the deal.

The issue became a contentious one between the city and its neighbours in 2006 after negotiations for a deal fell through and the city threatened to impose additional fees on outside residents using its recreational facilities.

The provincial ombudsman intervened and a deal was worked out last year with most of the surrounding communities signing on.

For 2008, the city will receive $322,842 from the districts, contributing to the city recreation operating costs, capital replacement fund and annual debt costs.

A deal with the Village of New Maryland is to be finalized shortly. It's expected to bring in another $100,000.

Coun. Cathy MacLaggan was the lone voice of dissent on the issue.

She said she's concerned the deal is uneven and will amount to a $20-million subsidy for district residents.

While local service district residents will contribute the equivalent of three or four cents per $100 of assessed value on a property to recreation services, MacLaggan said city residents are paying closer to 15 cents to cover the services.

"This concerns me greatly. I don't think it should be an agreement at any cost," she said. "I don't believe this is a good thing for the city or its residents, particularly the taxpayers."

But other councillors rushed to the defence of the deal.

"This is a good agreement," said Coun. Walter Brown.

"If you have no agreement, you have no money. You'd be out the $322,000."

It also marks progress, he said.

"The people outside have recognized there is a discrepancy in them using the facilities inside the city."

Brown said he had concerns about the figures MacLaggan was citing.

The important thing in the end, he said, "is that everyone is happy."

Mayor Brad Woodside said Coun. MacLaggan has been consistent in her opposition to the agreement, but he doesn't share her concerns.

"The ombudsman has said the deal is more than fair," he said.

"We welcome our neighbours participating."

Woodside said a provision in the contract allows any party to terminate the agreement with one-year's notice.

Groups in several local service districts have already asked the minister of Local Government for new votes on the deal.

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

Woodside to re-offer
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Wednesday March 26th, 2008
Appeared on page A8

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside is making it official today.

The capital's longest-serving mayor will stand for re-election in the May 11 municipal elections.

Woodside, 59, made the announcement after Tuesday night's city council meeting.

The six-time mayor will file the paperwork with Elections New Brunswick today.

"I just want to keep things moving ahead, keep taking advantage of the great economic situation we're in and keep growing the community," said Woodside, who first indicated his intention to re-offer in an interview last year.

"It's been a great four years. We have addressed many issues in a very positive light. We've had three of the best years in Fredericton's history in construction," he said.

The community is growing and council has followed through on a commitment to bolster the police force, he said.

He said he also wants to follow through on some projects such as the southside arena to be named in honour of Danny Grant and the downtown convention centre.

It's an exciting time to be mayor, he said, especially when the city is distinguishing itself on national and international stages.

The city is among seven communities from around the globe that are in the running for the designation as the 2008 Intelligent Community of the Year.

"It's one thing for council to be saying how well we're doing, but it sure is nice to be recognized by others on the job we're doing and be recognized as leaders," Woodside said.

The 11 council members present at Tuesday night's council meeting provided the signatures needed for his nominating papers.

So far, Woodside is the only declared candidate for mayor in Fredericton.

[Smevo]

Well the company must think other wise, since Saint John has the first stand alone drive thru Starbucks eh

I was making a comment about Starbucks chances of surviving in Fredericton, not its chances about surviving elsewhere. The market's there in all three cities, but it's "regular clientele" so to speak are the stereotype of Fredericton itself. If you read the post again, you'll notice the shot was taken at Starbucks itself, and not any city in NB.

[michael_d40]

I was making a comment about Starbucks chances of surviving in Fredericton, not its chances about surviving elsewhere. The market's there in all three cities, but it's "regular clientele" so to speak are the stereotype of Fredericton itself. If you read the post again, you'll notice the shot was taken at Starbucks itself, and not any city in NB.

Well, if you can read, you would of noticed that I didnt say it was a shot at any city. However If there was a shot to starbucks(as you claim) then theres no need of it. Im sure a company of that size knows what they are doing, and did enough feasibility studies to know where they will do better for stand alone stores.

[corda]

Well, I've been reading up this forum for a couple months now and finally throughing my two cents in.

Has anyone seen the map of the pre-planned streets on the city's site?
http://www.fredericton.ca/en/citygovernment/resources/Schedule-B.pdf
Interesting to see how the city might be laid out in a few years.

And.... "Generalized Future Land Use" map
http://www.fredericton.ca/en/citygovernment/resources/Schedule-A.pdf

As for Starbucks... I'd be surprised if all 3 survive.

[mylesmalley]

Well, I've been reading up this forum for a couple months now and finally throughing my two cents in.

Has anyone seen the map of the pre-planned streets on the city's site?
http://www.fredericton.ca/en/citygovernment/resources/Schedule-B.pdf
Interesting to see how the city might be laid out in a few years.

And.... "Generalized Future Land Use" map
http://www.fredericton.ca/en/citygovernment/resources/Schedule-A.pdf

As for Starbucks... I'd be surprised if all 3 survive.

Interesting, though a bit concerning.

Fredericton is a terrible city (for its size) for urban sprawl. From the looks of the planned collector roads, they don't seem all that concerned about either density or keeping a coherent grid.

The traffic wouldn't be half as bad at Regent/Prospect if Freddy didn't have so many outlying suburbs with only one real entrance to the city.

[mylesmalley]

Well, I've been reading up this forum for a couple months now and finally throughing my two cents in.

By the way, welcome to the forums!

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

wow. Fredericton's city limits are smaller then i thought. So then alot of Fredericton's populationn lives outside the city limits.

And welcome to the forum corda

[kirjtc2]

Fredericton's urban sprawl problem is, in my opinion, second only to Halifax in the region. It just doesn't make sense to build new subdivisions out past Burton when you can live a lot closer to the city centre and be closer to everything.

And another welcome to the board!

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

This may be off topic.

David Suzuki is Coming to Fredericton

Well known scientist, lecturer, broadcaster, author and environmentalist David Suzuki is coming to Fredericton Friday, May 2. The long time host of television’s “The Nature of Things” will be here as part of a weekend event at Wilmot United Church on Carleton Street called “The Sacred Balance.” A variety of speakers, workshops, presentations, activities, and environmental displays are planned, all in support of “green” initiatives. Tickets are available directly from the church office at 458-1066 / www.wilmotuc.nb.ca <http://www.wilmotuc.nb.ca/> or graham@mint.ca.

[kwajo]

Fredericton's urban sprawl problem is, in my opinion, second only to Halifax in the region. It just doesn't make sense to build new subdivisions out past Burton when you can live a lot closer to the city centre and be closer to everything.

And another welcome to the board!
It's definitely bad (sprawl wise), I remember driving in to Fredericton from Harvey Station (Oromocto Lake area), and was shocked at how far out of the city the subdivisions started appearing. For example, why does a city of Freddy's size need subdivisions all the way out to somewhere like Hanwell or Mazerolle, not to mention down to Burton as well. It's madness.

[mylesmalley]

I took some screen shots from Google Earth that I think do a pretty good job illustrating my point about sprawl in Freddy. All of them were taken at an elevation of 645 m, so the scale is the same with each.

For comparison, here's a shot of the North End in Moncton. Moncton's got pretty bad sprawl too, but when you compare how compact the new subdivisions in Moncton to the new ones in Freddy, you see a big difference.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2367159184_687d77fc3b.jpg?v=0

Here's a bad one east of the Nashwaksis on the North Side
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2367158754_8dcb5bc18b.jpg?v=0

Here's a shot of Hanwell (I think). Anyway, it's off Hanwell Road
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2101/2367159430_28084462af.jpg?v=0

Even Skyline Acres and Forest Hill - both relatively new areas
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2392/2367159908_2400839413.jpg?v=0


This is hardly scientific, but I think it shows just how badly Fredericton is wasting land.

[kirjtc2]

Skyline Acres actually dates from the 60s, but the point still stands. Even the first suburban neighbourhoods from the 60s (most of Nashwaaksis, anything past Kings College Road) pale in comparison to what's going on further out.

The first of those massive developments outside city limits took place in the 70s - the early ones (Chateau Heights, Island View, half of New Maryland, etc) are just a few yards beyond the city boundary. I guess someone had problems with city property taxes...

New Maryland had so many of these new subdivisions that by the late 80s they found themselves with enough people to incorporate as a village. Hanwell's been considering the idea too, and Douglas, Lincoln and Burton definitely have the population for it now.

It's a waste of space, but I guess too many people love their 1 acre lots to change. And then they complain about problems with septic tanks and how the city charges them more to use public facilities.

Moncton is probably the least-sprawly city in the region. Even the new developments are close to the city centre.

[mylesmalley]

I was more referring to how Moncton, for a city it's size, has a terrible aversion to building anything taller than 2 floors.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

I know that the Newnan/Pepper Creek/Evergreen Area (wich are jus two feet out of the city limits) have a big enough pop. to be considered a village. Or is Newnan some kind of village already?

[mylesmalley]

I know that the Newnan/Pepper Creek/Evergreen Area (wich are jus two feet out of the city limits) have a big enough pop. to be considered a village. Or is Newnan some kind of village already?

There are big tax advantages to staying unincorporated. Same reason why Riverview is still a town and not a city even though it's bigger than Edmunston and Cambelton. There's often a big tax jump when you upgrade to another type of community. Though in that case, bilingualism is also an issue too.

[kirjtc2]

Noonan is an LSD of its own, but not a village. Pepper Creek and Evergreen Park are part of the St. Mary's LSD, which also includes the area from Penniac up through Durham.

Any of these subdivisions by themselves are probably big enough to become a village - especially when you consider Meductic is one and it doesn't even have 200 people.

It will be interesting to see what changes to local governance the Liberals come up with when their report is done. I wouldn't be surprised to see more municipal amalgamations and/or a lot of these new "rural communities" springing up.

ETA: Bingo! That's why none of these places have become one - and why people move out there in the first place. Taxes!

[mylesmalley]

I have a real problem with subdivision-style construction. They keep noise and traffic (inside of them) down, but they really aren't sustainable. With a grid layout, like central Fredericton and Much of Pre-80s Moncton, it's easy to tear down old buildings and put up larger apartment complexes. Problem is, with subdivisions, they can't handle the traffic and density that they'll eventually have to hold. This inevitably just leads to more sprawl and more traffic.

[kirjtc2]

Number-crunching time...35% of the residents of the greater Fredericton area (which for me means the Fredericton CA plus the town of Oromocto and Burton LSD) live in unincorporated areas. *All* of the LSDs listed below, except maybe Bright, have at least one of those rural subdivisions:

CITY OF FREDERICTON - 50,535

TOWN OF OROMOCTO - 8,402

VILLAGE OF NEW MARYLAND - 4,248

FIRST NATIONS
St. Mary's - 767
Kingsclear - 465
Oromocto - 284

LOCAL SERVICE DISTRICTS
Burton - 5,019 (Geary - 2,850; Burton - 2,169)
Hanwell - 4,301
St. Mary's - 4,224 (Pepper Creek/Evergreen Park/Lower St. Mary's - 1,536; Nashwaak valley - 2,688)
Douglas - 3,720 (incl. Burtts Corner)
Lincoln - 3,017
Rusagonis-Waasis - 2,747
Kingsclear - 2,388 (incl. Island View, Mazerolle Settlement)
New Maryland - 2,348 (Charters Settlement, Nasonworth, Beaverdam)
Estey's Bridge - 2,054
Bright - 1,672 (Mactaquac, Zealand, Hainesville)
Keswick Ridge - 1,487
Maugerville - 880
Noonan - 835
TOTAL - 34,692 (35%)

TOTAL AREA - 99,393

[mylesmalley]

Madness!

[cl812]

UNB Currie Centre Floor Plans

Ground Floor
http://www.unbf.ca/CURRIE/images/grnd_floor.jpg

Second Floor
http://www.unbf.ca/CURRIE/images/secondfl.jpg

Third Floor
http://www.unbf.ca/CURRIE/images/thridfl.jpg

Concourse Floor
http://www.unbf.ca/CURRIE/images/concourse.jpg

Plaza Floor
http://www.unbf.ca/CURRIE/images/plaza.jpg

From UNB Website: http://www.unbf.ca/CURRIE/floorplan.html

[mmmatt]

Number-crunching time...35% of the residents of the greater Fredericton area (which for me means the Fredericton CA plus the town of Oromocto and Burton LSD) live in unincorporated areas. *All* of the LSDs listed below, except maybe Bright, have at least one of those rural subdivisions:

TOTAL AREA - 99,393

You are right, Freddy CA should include Oromocto, its like 15mins away...same as Moncton CMA should include Shediac and area. That would made Freddy 100,000 and Moncton 140,000+

[mmmatt]

UNB Currie Centre Floor Plans



That looks like a really nice building...saw the sign for it on campus a few times...I had no idea it was 5 floors though thats awesome! :D

[cl812]

Yeah it looks like quite the place

[mmmatt]

See this is what the CA/CMA boundries should look like, Im not sure about Saint John if there is another community that should be added to its CMA. But I know with Freddy and Moncton most people that live within these surrounding areas work in the larger cities. Notice if you add Shediac etc to Monctons CMA its still 500km2 smaller than SJs CMA and about 1800km2 smaller than Freddys.

Moncton + Shediac and surrounding area - 143,078 (exact) - 2,885km2 (exact)

Saint John (CMA) - 122,389 - 3,359km2

Fredericton + Oromocto and surrounding area - 100,000 (approx) - 4,800km2 (approx)

[mylesmalley]

Not sure what I think about the Currie Centre. The school's already so far in debt - and frankly, mismanaged. should we really be spending this much money to build something that we really aren't known for?

Now a business school...that's something I could get behind!

[corda]

I remember reading about the city applying to the province to expand it's boundaries to include unincorporated land to make way for this subdivision...
http://www.colpittsdevelopments.ca/developments/hpr_siteplan.html

and even more land behind the Hanwell "Mall". I use that term loosely.
It was a key point Hanwell residents wanting to incorporate made thinking they should do it soon before the city takes over their neighborhood.

I think Hanwell should incorporate, although not for that reason alone. The population is higher than New Maryland's, it's corporate tax base and highway access are enviable of other small towns and it would be great for the area to develop amenities of their own.. parks, larger community centres, etc rather than getting in a car to use Fredericton's.
I see subdivisions on the outskirts of the city as places that will get swallowed up by Fredericton eventually.. so it would be better to have them planned by a community rather than by a developer selling acre + lots.

[corda]

and thanks for all the welcomes.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

that subdivsion is being slowly developed right now.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

I also found this nice aerial view of fredericton (from 1991). You can see the old train station and the train tracks where still intact.

http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/ImageBank3/jpg_800/IB888m.jpg

And another one from a diffrent angle

http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/ImageBank3/jpg_800/IB1001m.jpg
From gnb.ca

its funny, downtown Fredericton seems so much smaller from above.. :)

[mmmatt]

It is a fairly small downtown when you think about it...but no smaller than that of Moncton really (Monctons its just spread across a really long street, whereas with freddy its a square) The only "real" downtown in NB is in Saint John...its basically the size of every other downtown in NB put together haha. That is of course due to SJs long history, the first incorporated city in Canada, so there are many historical buildings and a dense downtown...which is due to the style in which people developed cities back then, with a nice dense downtown...Moncton and Fredericton developed a lot more during the mid to late 20th century when a dense downtown was being fased out in favour more of a suburban style city.