[cj6286]

Noticed they have begun the demolition at Queen's Square

Is that for the proposed apartment building on McLeod Ave?

[Steeple Shanks]

Is that for the proposed apartment building on McLeod Ave?

Yes, they have taken down all the old abandon buildings near the walking path across from UNB

[KnoxfordGuy]

Fredericton has a lot of projects on the go. I would go and take pictures of them all, but I am a poor student that only uses the transit lol. to bad someone wouldn't go take some pictures. hint hint lol.

[Taeolas]

I'll be downtown this weekend sometime, so I can try and get a few pics of the Westgate apartments (formerly the TRA-partments) They have a sign up now with a rendering of what they will look like. It's really going to be a big building on the end of the bridge there; they're pouring the 3rd of 5 floors now.

[cj6286]

Just an update on West Hills Village: http://www.hillbros.nb.ca/cadfiles/Marketing%20Plan.pdf

I haven't looked closely for a few weeks, but as far as I know, the foundation is done, and the L-shape building should be done next year?

Also a note on Ashley Crescent, I see the prep-work for the road is completed, and housing construction should begin next Sprin :tup:

[Freddypop]

Published Tuesday December 13th, 2011

Sold | City to lose about $125,000 to buy and sell former strip club

A1 By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN

mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

A developer says he plans to apply for more than 66 units of apartment development once he goes to the city's planning advisory committee for approval to redevelop the former North Star Pub Bar and Eatery property.

On Monday night, city council authorized the agreement to sell the former strip club to Gabriel El-Zayat at the last regular public council meeting of 2011.

The city will take a $124,000 loss on the deal. The city paid $350,000 for the land and building, plus another $150,000 to make the exotic dancing bar disappear and for the value of the business operation. El-Zayat bought the property for $400,000. It was also disclosed Monday that Noreen Barwise, who had listed the property for the heirs of the former bar owner, will be entitled to a five per cent commission, about $24,000, for negotiating the sale.

"We're going to go for more than 66 apartments, if it's allowable. The area is going through a tremendous change and we're actually really excited to be part of that change," said El-Zayat.

He's proposing one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and toying with the idea of gearing the development for seniors, El-Zayat said after council approved the deal.

"There's going to be a lot of development there in a couple of years," he said. "So we're happy to do something on the other side and go from there."
The city has already razed the old strip bar.

Ward Coun. Eric Megarity said he wants to see a quality project to match the growing redevelopment that's taking place along Union Street. New townhouses facing the St. John River have been built on the south side of Union Street. Greenarm has developed a luxury waterfront condominium not far from the Giant Tiger mall in Devon.

El-Zayat's project will start the redevelopment process of the north side of Union Street. He said he hopes the land transaction can be cemented by June. He'll have to apply for the necessary zoning for the development and that process will take three to four months. That puts his tentative construction date sometime in the fall.

"That's the goal anyway," he said.

Mayor Brad Woodside said as far as the development itself is concerned, it will be dealt with through the rezoning process. As the application is vetted by the planning advisory committee and then onto council, Woodside said council will be able to exercise some control over the final design of the building.

"Besides that, I think the developer is very much aware of the importance of this development to the revitalization of that particular part of the city, which is overdue," Woodside said.

The city purchased the North Star bar property in July after Barwise had the property listed for sale for a couple of months.

[OliverD]

The article ignores the cost of demolition and cleaning up the property.

Regardless, I think it's a pretty good deal for the city. An apartment complex of that size should bring in at least $100k in property tax annually (50% of which goes to the city).

There's another development on Union that I haven't seen anyone post about. I think it is very small. It's beside that large white house on the south side of Union that has had a lot of renovations over the last few years (I've heard the owners have over $1M into the property). It looks like a three unit townhouse but I haven't been able to find any other info online about it.

[OliverD]

One more thing about Union Street: There's a couple of properties across from NB Liquor/DQ that were recently sold. One is vacant and the other has a very oid house on it. I would expect a redevelopment there at some point soon.

And this was also in the Gleaner today:

North side | Business group wants to find viable tenants

Business Fredericton North is looking for city co-operation to attract new businesses to Main Street.

The business improvement area association continues to be concerned vacant business properties on the street aren't being redeveloped for new enterprises.

"Our big problem on Main Street is we have several vacant properties and they're big vacant properties, and it affects how much money we get to operate Business Fredericton North. Also, it's getting to be a dead zone in areas, and we would love to have the old Canadian Tire property rented and have a viable occupant in there to help us out," said association president Wendy Williams after presenting the group's annual report to city council Monday.

Business Fredericton North draws funding to promote the northside shopping district through a special 20 cent per $100 levy on members within the defined business district in the northside area. When the Main Street Canadian Tire store relocated to Two Nations Crossing, it moved out of the business improvement area boundaries. It's no longer paying the full business improvement levy, although it does pay to be an associate member.

Wilson reminded the city it also loses out on municipal tax revenue on vacant properties.

The Main Street Canadian Tire property is restricted by a number of covenants preventing a buyer from moving in and opening up a business that would compete with Canadian Tire.

Since Canadian Tire sells a large range of products from household goods to garden items to automotive products, it rules out a sale to a wide variety of competitors, Williams said.

"There are so many covenants. It's really difficult to get the right fit," she stressed.

The organization wants the provincial government to locate an office along Main Street, bringing government workers to the area to work, shop and dine. One bit of good news for the group is the former Musicplex property has been sold and should soon have a new occupant, she added.

"There's some problems there right now with those vacancies ... It just happens to be some high-profile vacancies which are hard to deal with," said Mayor Brad Woodside.

The organization reviewed the Main Street Secondary plan, written by city planners for the area nearly 17 years ago. The group hopes the groundwork will put the plan's update on the city's to-do list in 2012.

I'm really not sure what kind of business would take over the only Canadian Tire property. Anything on that scale would be a likely candidate for Two Nations Crossing.

To me, it would make more sense to tear it down and build apartment buildings or something along those lines.

[Freddypop]

One more thing about Union Street: There's a couple of properties across from NB Liquor/DQ that were recently sold. One is vacant and the other has a very oid house on it. I would expect a redevelopment there at some point soon.

And this was also in the Gleaner today:



I'm really not sure what kind of business would take over the only Canadian Tire property. Anything on that scale would be a likely candidate for Two Nations Crossing.

To me, it would make more sense to tear it down and build apartment buildings or something along those lines.

Agreed. Likely better to partition it up and have several businesses in there

[Freddypop]

Just an update on West Hills Village: http://www.hillbros.nb.ca/cadfiles/Marketing%20Plan.pdf

I haven't looked closely for a few weeks, but as far as I know, the foundation is done, and the L-shape building should be done next year?

Also a note on Ashley Crescent, I see the prep-work for the road is completed, and housing construction should begin next Sprin :tup:

Started framing the West Hills building today

[cl812]

Reno gets thumbs up from mayor
Published Thursday December 15th, 2011
Business | Firms lauded at ceremony for innovative approaches, designs
A3
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

She's a grand old lady, but she needed fresh makeup, a new bonnet and a hip replacement.

And that's what city hall received over the course of 2011, said Paul Jeffs, president of PJ Materials Consultants Ltd, which co-ordinated the historic building's massive facelift project.

Brandon Jones of Jones Masonry, whose Harvey-based, family-owned masonry company did the historic renovation, joined Jeffs earlier this week for the city's 12th annual development awards ceremony.

The two companies were presented the Mayor's Award from Mayor Brad Woodside for their restoration of the building.

"We stopped short of ironing out the wrinkles," Jeffs quipped. "But we did think though that she needed at least one hip replacement, so we've taken care of all of that so that she'll be preserved for at least another 140 years."

Jeffs said Jones Masonry did tremendous work.

"I've worked with them on many projects in the Maritimes now for over 15 years and getting close to 20 projects and they've always done exemplary work," Jeffs said.

City hall was built in 1876 and was constructed in the Second Empire style. City hall has been used as an 810-seat opera house, a polling station, a police station and a jail and housed the city farmer's market at one time.

Woodside said the roof overhang of city hall was extended to protect the repairs done to the structure, which should help to increase its longevity.

Through lab analysis of latent paint chips, the original colours of the building's trim and millwork were restored, along with a restoration of its cupola, the bell tower, and windows.

Below-ground repairs were done to ensure the foundation of the building will better withstand water.

"Jones Masonry has done an exemplary job with the extensive repair and restoration work required to preserve this local and national treasure," Woodside said. "PJ Materials provided extensive technical and administrative expertise to city staff from the start to the finish of this project."

The repairs were funded by the city and the federal government.

In addition to the Mayor's Award, 10 other recognitions were distributed.

Avide Developments and Tannery Court Co-operative Ltd. were acknowledged for the creation of 35 affordable and energy efficient housing units at Tannery Court III, which is located at 287 Brookside Dr.

A historic preservation award was handed out to Christ Church Parish Church and Fellows and Co. for their contributions to the preservation of St. Anne's Chapel of Ease. Several studies were conducted by Fellows and Co. to ensure the restoration would be accurate both historically and architecturally. Half of the funding for the project was provided by the federal government's heritage campaign while the other half was raised by the church.

NB Liquor Corp. and J.D. Irving Ltd. received a historic preservation and adaptive reuse award for their contributions to the York Street Train Station. The project preserved much of the original structure while allowing for the conversion of the property to a commercial use more compatible in a modern-day context. The York Street Train Station is regulated under the Federal Heritage Railways Station Protection Act.

Ross Anderson Developments Ltd. received an award for the unique design of a townhouse development located off of Sunny Brae Drive. The townhouses are designed to resemble the traditional brownstone-style housing often found in older cities such as Boston and New York. While the units look and feel expensive, the developer has given particular attention to ensuring the units will be affordable for first-time home-buyers, families and active seniors.

Colpitts Development was recognized with a neighbourhood design award for its strategic design of Silverwood Meadows, which is located at the Mooers Drive extension. Its the close work with city staff to redesign the creation of new lots. It will also have a more logical street configuration as well as having a minimum impact of the existent infrastructure.

Chippins Ltd. was awarded the Comprehensive Planning and Environmental Stewardship Award for a proposed subdivision, including both commercial and residential components of land on Doak Road and Alison Boulevard. The portion of the property fronting on Alison Boulevard will maintain its commercial distinction as envisioned in the municipal plan, while the residential component will provide for a range of housing types.

The University of New Brunswick, B H Architects and Sasaki Associates were awarded the Architectural Design Award for their collaboration on the Richard J. Currie Center. University Chancellor Richard J. Currie donated more than $20 million dollars to the project in concert with the donations of many others, including the City of Fredericton.

UNB Fredericton's athletic facilities rival the best across North America and have made UNB a leader in health and fitness.

A commercial site design award was presented to Jim Gilbert's Wheels & Deals for the concept of the new car sales and service centre located at 402 St. Mary's St.

The design included the consolidation of the car sale and services operations onto one property and aesthetically succeeded in setting the stage for future development and redevelopment of this portion of St. Mary's Street.

Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. & Campanella Associates Architects were awarded a commercial site design award for their contribution to the Corbett Centre area.

The Costco building was designed to integrate with the existing development of the area while working within the parameters established for this site by UNB, as well as the Department of Environment.

The Bank of Nova Scotia and CBCL Ltd. were awarded a recreation facility award for their contributions to the new multi-use athletic fields located at 605 Cliffe St. and 590 Knowledge Park Dr.

Each project included the design and construction of a new multi-use artificial turf athletic field, which is manufactured from recycled car tires, a state-of-the-art field-lighting system, as well as a subsurface drainage system under the field consisting of more than three kilometres of drainage pipe.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/alerts/article/1464000

[cl812]

Province announces funding for new school in city
Published Thursday December 15th, 2011
Education | Geary school slated for an addition and major renovations
A1
By ADAM HURAS
Legislature Bureau

Fredericton wasn't ignored in what the provincial government says is the largest Education capital budget in New Brunswick history.

Education Minister Jody Carr unveiled a $104-million budget Wednesday, which includes funding for major renovations and an addition to Geary Elementary Community School and a new francophone kindergarten-to-Grade 8 school on Fredericton's north side.

"Over the years our schools have been neglected, they are in some terrible situations, we have some other challenges like aging infrastructure, and we have shifting populations and enrolment," Carr said. "As we have seen fiscal challenges, the overall capital budget for the province has decreased significantly, but within that decrease the Department of Education has received an increase.

"We are investing in our future in a strategic manner on necessary projects."

Carr announced five new construction projects and committed money to move 10 other projects from the design phase to construction, beginning next year.

Education critic and Caraquet MLA Hedard Albert said the department spending was good news, noting a number of the projects were ones brought forward under the former Liberal government.

But Albert also said that many of the projects are slated to be completed and opened in September 2014, just before the next election.

Carr announced five new construction projects all slated to be built by 2014.

The government also announced a new anglophone school in Quispamsis and a new francophone kindergarten-to-Grade 5 school in the Kennebecasis Valley.

The Tories made good on an election promise by Premier David Alward to build a kindergarten-to-Grade 8 school and community centre in Tabusintac.

"It's a positive announcement," Albert said. "But it's not a coincidence that a great majority of those projects have a year of completion the year of the next election."

Albert also said politics was at play in the Tabusintac announcement as the government looks to consolidate schools with dwindling populations, but then builds a school for a small population.

"For political reasons, they are building a new school there," he said. "They are building a school for what is about 20 students right now, but then they want to close schools in my riding and elsewhere with many more students."

Carr denied politics were behind the announcements.

"We know that there is a pressing need and this isn't about politics," Carr said. "It is about addressing the need that is required to fix capacity issues."

The Education capital budget for 2012-13 also moves projects in the design phase - including the new Moncton High School, the new anglophone kindergarten-to-Grade 8 school in Riverview, Kennebecasis Park School, the new francophone school in Moncton north and Fredericton North School - into construction next year.

Specific dollar figures for each project weren't provided.

The budget includes $20 million for safety improvements at schools, including money for structural review upgrades, water fountain testing and repairs, and the continuation of radon testing.

A structural review of New Brunswick's oldest schools released earlier this month found that nearly all of the 244 institutions examined were in need of work.

A total of $2 million will go toward that work in the coming fiscal year.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/1464026

[KnoxfordGuy]

living downtown is a great thing in Fredericton! I was walking down Queen Street at around 11:30am and the snow made the street look wonderful! Great little city we have here! More people should know about it.

Cheers! :)

[Taeolas]

Re: Old Canadian Tire on Main Street

I've been trying to think of possible uses for the old Canadian Tire.

It is clear that we won't get a big box store moving in there; that sort of development will be happening up at 2NC and Corbertt Centre. Maybe they could convince Sobeys to move over or Price Chopper to set up in there, but both are doubtful. So the building is effectively a loss.

One option might be to have Home Hardware buy the lot up. It's close to their present digs, and it is a larger space. But I believe they're already putting in applications to expand the current store, so buying up the Canadian Tire slot isn't likely; which is a shame really. (Reselling the old Home Hardware location will probably be easier than that white elephant)

So without a big box store, what could be done? I think Business North is looking for more retail; which would basically mean it would have to be chopped up either into multiple smaller stores or a minimall block. Considering we already have 4 or 5 minimalls in that area, (not counting the ones up around Brookside Mall), that may be a hard sell. But it would probably be the direction that lot will go to eventually.

Thinking outside the box though, I had an idea coming in this morning. Instead of trying to get retail in there, how about office space? A 4-5 story office tower could fit on there easily (maybe 2 towers built in phases), and start densifying Freddy's other down town. Of course this isn't likely to happen due to most office people waiting to see what happens to the government space freed up now, especially with TD Tower 2 perpetually lurking in the wings; but I think it could be a good addition to the North Side downtown area.

*edit to add* I just realized there's a fourth option for that space; and while it isn't as nice as a big office tower of some sort, it is probably what will happen there eventually. A professional building (doctor/dentist/etc...) office would probably go in that space. With Shoppers just across the road from it, it's an ideal spot for some local medical and other services.

[cl812]

Roundabout suggested for Cliffe at Two Nations
ublished Friday December 16th, 2011
Planning | Council considering improvements to intersection
A9
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

The City of Fredericton will embark on long-range planning for the future interconnection of Cliffe Street with Canada Street, the city's transportation committee was told Thursday.

City traffic engineer Darren Charters said the street will eventually be widened to four lanes and the city will be turning to an outside traffic consultant to determine the best timing.

In the interim, the city hopes to map out a corridor for the Cliffe-to-Canada connection.

Marysville Coun. Steven Hicks said residents need to be aware of the city's future plans, but developers interested in planning developments know where the roadway will run.

Over the past decade, Cliffe Street has been extended, first in 1999 to provide access to Leo Hayes High School, then to Two Nations Crossing in 2000, and in 2003 the road was connected to Brown Boulevard. This year, a sidewalk was installed and the roadway became a designated truck route. Next year, the city intends to build a traffic roundabout at Cliffe Street and Two Nations Crossing. The intersection has seen a high frequency of accidents and near misses.

"This intersection has an alarming amount of collisions given the sight distances, with relatively low traffic," Charters said.

Coun. Tony Whalen supports the roundabout project. The southside councillor, who works at Marysville Place, said he's seen many near misses at Two Nations Crossing and Cliffe Street, particularly with the heavier traffic this summer caused by the Princess Margaret Bridge closure.

Transportation committee chairman Coun. Bruce Grandy said it's timely for the city to be planning ahead for Cliffe Street given the growth in area businesses and housing.

"A lot of people are concerned about traffic and lighting," Grandy said.

"Once I started really looking into this ... it really showed me what has happened and what's going to happen and how heavy the development is up there," Charters said. "The street has evolved dramatically over the past decade and we really need to prepare for the future."

Cliffe Street carries 9,000 vehicles per day, but the street is designed to accommodate up to 30,000 vehicles per day.

Charters foresees a four-lane divided highway with left-turn pockets at major intersections. Access points on and off the roadway will be restricted.

Eventually, where Cliffe and Union streets meet, the road will become four lanes: two centre lanes, and left and right turning lanes onto Union Street. The timing is dependent on land negotiations with property owners.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/1464363

[OliverD]

It's great to see that the city has a long-term plan for Cliffe Street. We don't want the north side to end up like the south side, without a proper north-south arterial road.

[cj6286]

Charters foresees a four-lane divided highway with left-turn pockets at major intersections. Access points on and off the roadway will be restricted.

Are they talking about a four lane highway from Ring Road all the way to Canada Street? That's a mighty big project, but at least they're planning for the future for once.

I just hope they actually start the Ring Road overpass so traffic from the west can get to 2NC.

As for the old Canadian Tire property, it would be nice to see some high density housing or office space take over. Maybe something similar to the apartment building they're building on Queen right now?

[OliverD]

I think they are talking about making Cliffe four lanes from the intersection with Union, and then having it extend north past Brown and eventually meet up with Canada Street, presumably near the city limits.

If you look at GeoNB, you can see that the city owns enough land beside Cliffe from where the walking trail crosses it to widen it to four lanes.

[corda]

I think they are talking about making Cliffe four lanes from the intersection with Union, and then having it extend north past Brown and eventually meet up with Canada Street, presumably near the city limits.


Exactly... Cliffe all the way Canada Street... as depicted in maps of the Municipal Plan.

Fredericton Municipal Plan - Transportation Recommendations Map
http://www.fredericton.ca/en/citygovernment/resources/Schedule-B.pdf

Fredericton Municipal Plan - Northeast Fredericton Existing and Proposed Streets.
http://www.fredericton.ca/en/citygovernment/resources/Fig-3-14-2.pdf

[cl812]

Proposed northside development runs into opposition
Published Monday December 19th, 2011
Union Street | City defers consideration for a month
A5
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

Northside property owners say allowing a dramatic zoning switch for two new apartments and nine townhouses on Union Street will be like locating an elephant alongside a bug.

The residents, who own residential properties on the north side, gave the city's planning advisory committee an earful recently as the application for a rezoning from R-4B to R-9 was heard.

The committee deferred the application from businessmen Marx Miles, Brent Miles and Naveed Majid for one month so that the developer and neighbours can talk about the project.

Liz Simms says she would lose privacy and part of her view of the St. John River if the new development goes ahead.

"My family has lived at 664 Union St. for over 100 years. There are five generations of the family living in the family home," Simms said. "I am extremely concerned about the added footprint on Union Street.

"It's always been a residential area, but in my lifetime, it's gone from an R-1 to an R-2 to an R-4. Now the proposed development would go to an R-9. I find it extremely frightening."

Miles and his business partners are proposing to consolidate four residential lots located between 678 and 700 Union St. into one large property to construct two 30-unit apartment buildings.

Nine townhouses would be built along the Union Street frontage with one central driveway leading into a parking lot located at the back of the townhouses.

The businessmen plan to split the construction into two phases, building one apartment building and four townhouses first and then the remainder in a second phase for a total of 69 units.

Miles told the committee that they'll be ready to move ahead with the first phase pronto if the rezoning is approved.

Simms said the second phase of the apartment building would come within two metres of her property line.

"We haven't completely finished the plans, but I'm certainly prepared to meet with Elizabeth and discuss these problems with her," Miles said.

Simms said her family has already lost some of its privacy since the completion of the large river-oriented Southview condominium development.

The apartments would be in a flood-risk area and if they are elevated to avoid flood risk, neighbouring residential properties could face water runoff and erosion.

Andree McLean and Stephen Horsman, who have been renovating a 1873 historic home close to the development site for the past five years, say the scale of the development is too big for the residential community.

"I think for most people their home probably represents their largest investment and that certainly holds true for Stephen and I. We purchased the property five years ago.

"We purchased it because of its heritage allure, its magnificent view of the St. John River and the fact that it was in a residential and a family community," McLean said.

McLean said the R-4B zone has a maximum height of nine metres, but jumping to an R9A zone doubles that allowable height.

"If you allow for a residential rezoning to an R-9A zone, you are really setting a precedent," McLean said.

"Mr. Miles and I have spent about 40 hours together trying to find a solution that will be appeasing to both of us and we haven't been successful and one of the things I know we differ on is the value of trees," she said.

McLean questioned why the riverfront advisory committee wasn't consulted on the project, but planner Tony Dakiv said they're consulted only on public spaces, not private developments, and that no private development project has been referred to that body.

"I will not be able to have a peripheral image of the water and of the bridge because it will be completely taken over by this elephant of a building. To allow this zoning to change is to going from a bug to an elephant," she said.

Horsman, meantime, said Union Street already has a growing accident rate.

In 2010, Union Street had 57 accidents, including seven with injuries. In 2011, that number is already at 82 accidents, including 14 with injuries.

Horsman said combined with other developments under way in the Union Street area, including a large housing and apartment development at Station Point Village at Station Road and Union Street, the former North Star Sports Bar and Eatery where 66 residential units will be built, there will be at least another 330 vehicles on Union Street and that's assuming one vehicle per family.

"With the high increase in traffic from the new developments motor vehicle accidents will only be on the rise," Horsman said.

Another resident Paul Losier suggested a single apartment building, even if it had to be a higher building that has more surrounding green space buffering it from the neighbours would be more acceptable to him.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/article/1464841

[OliverD]

I sympathize with the landowners who oppose this development. But unfortunately, it's inevitable. With a few exceptions, much of Union Street is comprised of decaying, poorly maintained houses. They aren't worth much, so it's economically viable to buy them and tear them down. There are a handful of homes that have been restored and are too valuable to raze.

Since moving to Devon nearly three years ago, I've been saying that we will be seeing significant changes on and around Union Street in the next decade. Property values in the downtown area have risen rapidly in recent years, and there will be demand for housing that is relatively close to downtown but not as expensive. Devon is the perfect neighborhood on the northside from a location standpoint because you have easy access to both bridges, and thus both uptown and downtown. That makes it very appealing.

Traffic is a concern though. Union is busy, and there's really no way around that.

Personally, I'm excited to see all of these proposed developments come to fruition.

[cj6286]

Just a shot of the Westpointe apartment building construction. Judging by the plans, that's as high it will get, but it will look great with that part of the city!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k0sJa0QpGeA/Tu-JrYjTLtI/AAAAAAAAAeE/wmhgSiwR2fA/s720/DSC_0696.JPG

[Taeolas]

No I think there's one more floor over the current top. The diagram shows 4 floors above the ground floor, and they only have 3 of them done/partly done.

These were snapped on Dec 10 by me:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8G6SIkyWmps/TuaNTsMsGYI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/smfZQ8gcUc4/s288/2011-12-10%25252010.05.35.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hzu6C6-5ndI/TuaOGVP_7WI/AAAAAAAAARE/1o4ucyQao14/s400/2011-12-10%25252010.06.42.jpg

[cl812]

Runway work almost $2 million under budget
Published Wednesday December 21st, 2011
Transportation | Upgrades needed to handle increased air traffic
A4
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com

A $10.4-million project to renovate the secondary runway at the Fredericton International Airport is on schedule and nearly $2 million under budget.

Airport president and CEO David Innes said the airport will spend leftover money on the asphalt apron next to the terminal building.

"The project has consumed $7.6 million so far and we have (about) another ... million dollars left to do of the original project," he said Tuesday at a ceremony to officially reopen the runway. "We'd like to use all of the money we have."

Innes said there's always something to spend money on at the airport.

"We have an apron (where planes park next to the terminal) that is pretty old as well and we would like to rehabilitate part of the apron," he said.

The reconstruction of the airport runway started June 30 and included renewing the runway surface, approach lighting, edge lighting and drainage, as well as upgrading related taxiways.

This year's work was finished Oct. 31.

The taxiway was also extended to improve operations for the local flight school, Innes said.

"We have a lot of aircraft out here now and this makes it a lot smoother operation," he said.

The Fredericton International Airport handles more than 100,000 aircraft movements each year, he said.

Runway 15-33 is a 1,828-metre (6,000-feet) runway running adjacent to the airport terminal and is used mainly by general aviation and the local flight school, Innes said. It handles more traffic than the main runway, he said.

It used to the be the main runway at the airport, he said, and it hasn't been upgraded since the mid-1980s.

"It's a very important runway for us," he said.

The main runway is called 9-27 and is 2,400 metres (8,010 feet) long.

Innes said while the work on runway 15-33 was being done, the airport relied solely on its main runway.

He said Air Canada introduced its Q-400 aircraft early so the airport could used a shortened main runway while work was being done on the intersection of the two runways.

"We didn't really miss any commercial flights even though our intersection was shut down (for several weeks)," Innes said.

There were some delays for the local flight school, he said.

Innes said all the old asphalt was torn up and removed from runway 15-33 and then replaced.

"We had a bump in the intersection of the two runways we had to get rid of," he said. "We did an awful lot of taxiway work at the same time and a little bit of work on the back end of the apron.

"It was a lot of paving."

Innes said the tolerances for airport runway asphalt is tighter than normal highway work.

"So it tends to be a little bit more expensive, a little bit more time consuming than a straight roadway paving job," he said.

The main difference for passengers will be no bumps when taxiing from one place to another, Innes said.

"You'll have a nice, smooth ride," he said. "(Runway) 15-33 was getting to a state where it was pretty badly deteriorated."

Innes said phase two in 2012 will see some signage and electrical work completed on the runway.

"We're going to do some work on the apron as well," he said. "We've got a little bit of finishing work to do out there."

The federal government provided $5.2 million, while the province and the airport each contributed $2.6 million.

Keith Ashfield, minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Conservative MP for Fredericton, said the completion of the work at the airport is a proud moment for everyone involved.

"It's an impressive piece of work, one that will improve the safety and reliability of this airport," he said.

"Investments in infrastructure projects like this one have many benefits, not only to the city and the province, but for the Atlantic region as a whole."

Atlantic Canada is well positioned as a route for goods and people travelling to and from North America, he said.

"This celebration is a fine example of how the federal and provincial governments are working together to invest in strategic infrastructure that will grow the economy of our province," said Craig Leonard, provincial Energy minister and Progressive Conservative MLA for Fredericton-Lincoln.

"We're working to improve our tourism and business links to ensure an improved quality of life for the people of central New Brunswick. We know that strategic investments like this benefits our economy by strengthening our transportation network."

After the ceremony, Innes, Ashfield and Leonard toured the new runway from the air in a helicopter.

With the renovation of runway 15-33 is winding down, the next big project for the airport is an expansion of the terminal building.

"Next year we're going to start looking at the terminal," Innes said. "The terminal is already a little bit too small."

Innes said the airport will have to get a firm figure on the cost of expanding the terminal and then go looking for funding support.

The airport employs 320 people with an annual payroll of $12 million, not including employees of the flight school and the airlines, he said.

"It is a significant contributor to the economy of Fredericton, not including the amount of business done through the airport," Innes said.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/1465451

[Taeolas]

No I think there's one more floor over the current top. The diagram shows 4 floors above the ground floor, and they only have 3 of them done/partly done.



Well I may have been wrong. I can't quite tell for certain, but it does look like they are topping off the building and not going up to the 5th story, like the drawings indicated. Any idea why the renders are different from actuality in this case?

[cl812]

Well I may have been wrong. I can't quite tell for certain, but it does look like they are topping off the building and not going up to the 5th story, like the drawings indicated. Any idea why the renders are different from actuality in this case?

Could it be they are doing the top floor with steel as opposed to concrete? IIRC they did that with the southview condos on Union St.

[cj6286]

Well I may have been wrong. I can't quite tell for certain, but it does look like they are topping off the building and not going up to the 5th story, like the drawings indicated. Any idea why the renders are different from actuality in this case?

The wooden staging on the sidewalk is actually blocking out the ground floor so the photo looks like there's only four floors, but really there's currently five.

EDIT: Sorry, I guess it looks like an optical illusion, but went by the building tonight and there are four floors right now, but it's strange why they haven't started the 5th yet?

[Taeolas]

This was taken by me today (Dec 23). It's 4 stories tall as you corrected.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qGIKuh-OBIM/TvUXfvEEB6I/AAAAAAAAASk/tNvdm2G_3CY/s400/2011-12-23%25252011.35.27.jpg

I think the person who said the final floor will be steel is right. I did notice there is rebar up now for the elevator shaft, (Not visible in this picture, but visible at the El Burrito Loco corner) so they are still going up I think; just not with the concrete any more. (or at least not as much concrete). We should know for certain in the coming weeks. :)

[KnoxfordGuy]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Fredericton!

[cl812]

Indoor pool might be next big city project
Published Wednesday December 28th, 2011
Development | Fredericton lands $115 million in new construction projects in 2011
A5

By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

What a difference 227 years makes.

Fredericton's development committee chairman, Coun. Stephen Chase, has an early photograph of the city's historic Soldiers Garrison where British troops were housed between 1784 - 1869.

But as much as the development chairman embraces the city's past, he's looking ahead to the city's future.

The next big project which he said will be a keystone for the city's development is a new indoor public swimming pool. But the days of the city going it alone are getting as long in the tooth as the wrought iron fence around the old soldiers barracks.

Chase said the city is welcoming public-private partnerships similar to the soccer field developments at Scotiabank Park South and North.

"We're open for public-private partnerships, including such things as naming rights, but any sort of partnership venture put to the table would be attractive to council to make things more affordable and create a win-win for us and the sponsor," he said.

As the province prepares to introduce more regionalization, Chase said he hoped the capital city's neighbours - the Village of New Maryland and local service districts - will be players in a new multimillion dollar indoor pool.

"Fredericton is open and very prepared to develop active partnerships with the regional community, but we need to be assured that they are reliable and durable partners as well, particularly if we're going to be making large investments in facilities that serve everybody's needs," Chase said.

An indoor pool isn't in the short term as the city works to keep its debt load in the range of seven to eight per cent of total budget, but a feasibility study should be completed by 2012. Chase thinks an ideal spot would be near the Grant * Harvey Centre, where vacant land stretching out toward the city's south side east end is the next logical expansion point for more single-family housing.

Overall, 2011 was another solid construction year in the city and by the end of December, Fredericton expects to have racked up $115 million in construction.

"We've had a very good year," Chase said.

The long-awaited Costco store was completed and opened, and the big-box retailer is spurring additional retailers to plan to make Regent Street's Corbett Centre their new home. Additional chain stores are under construction.

With Costco as a drawing card, Fredericton is becoming a regional shopping centre for the Upper St. John River Valley and Chase said he expects 2012 to be another strong construction year for commercial and retail developments.

Bishop Drive is also thriving as a new development point for city businesses. A Hampton Inn should be in construction in 2012 and at least one car dealership is looking to open.

"People in the past have been drawn to Moncton, Saint John, even Bangor as shopping destinations, but Costco has created momentum for the retail economy and even other elements of the economy. It creates a more rounded, appealing city with these sorts of amenities," Chase said.

"We don't expect to see as much government and institutional in the coming years," Chase said. "We are cautiously optimistic we can attain $100 million year over year, but we still have reason to be reserved."

"There's a number of factors on the international front that are affecting Canada's economy, so we'll see," Chase said. "One of the hallmarks of the city is the inherent stability we have and it comes from, in large part, from the nature of the city being a university-government town, but it's also its attractiveness in its own right. It's a nice place to be. The city has taken great pains to make Fredericton attractive and a place where companies might want to set up and have their people live and raise a family."

On the residential side, while the city's population hasn't appeared to have surged dramatically, the city's housing stock has diversified from what was formerly a traditional single-family community to more apartment, townhouse and condominium construction.

"There's more choice today than ever before," Chase said. "Twenty years ago we were saying, 'I wish somebody would build townhouses', and there are some really nice examples both north and south side."

One area that the city will have to watch over the next few years is the redevelopment of the Union Street area. Southview Condominiums on Union Street is raising the ante for homeowners who want a location along the St. John River with its upscale price tag. A 66-unit development is planned for Clark Street and an application is before the city for two 30-unit buildings on the river side at Union and Neill streets. The apartment building proposals are drawing some flak from owners of older homes along the St. John River, but Chase thinks that's inevitable.

"I don't think Fredericton would be unique in the clash between new development and older development that's in need of an uplift. I think it's a natural thing that new development will come in and it's going to encourage people to want to be there. Property values will go up and developers will purchase and redevelop property, so it's a perfectly normal thing," Chase said.

"My view as a councillor is that it's also a good thing for that area of Union Street in Devon. It's an area that has needed, for some time, a facelift."

Chase expects the development of a West Queen Street apartment building will also be a catalyst to spark other rejuvenation in the downtown.

Chase has been tasked by Mayor Brad Woodside with trying to find a possible suitor for the redevelopment of York House. The city is keeping all its options open for a redevelopment prospect and Chase has asked for the public to make suggestions for rehabilitating the historic former school house now owned by the city.

"I'm optimistic York House will become a property of great interest," Chase said.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/1466915

[OliverD]

Noticed that they cut down a bunch of trees on those properties on Union Street.

[Freddypop]

Driving by the Grant-Harvey Centre this AM. Building is now completly enclosed. Steel framework is now going up for the adjacent tennis centre of excellence

[Freddypop]

Published Monday January 2nd, 2012

Moving on | Franchise owner says it's sad to say goodbye to customers and his staff members

A1 By TARA CHISLETT

chislett.taralynn@dailygleaner.com

Another Fredericton restaurant closed its doors for good over the weekend, bringing the total to three for the month of December.

Smitty's Family Restaurant and the Firehouse Lounge at the Regent Mall closed its doors Saturday. About 30 employees are out of work after Smitty's Family Restaurant and the Firehouse Lounge closed Saturday afternoon.

Greg Billings, the franchise owner, said the restaurant has been at its current location for nine years. He said the main reason the restaurant is closing is because the Regent Mall wanted the location to expand another store in the mall.

Talks about opting out of the lease have been going on for months, but Billings said staff found out about the closure in mid-December.

"Everyone's been really good about it," he said in an interview with The Daily Gleaner on Saturday.

"We're setting up to have a New Year's party here. Then we're closing at 3 p.m., and we'll have a get together. That's going to be it. It's a little sad because you built those relationships and we've been here for nine years."

The restaurant is the third in the capital city to close recently. After nearly seven years in business, Racines Restaurant on Queen Street closed on Dec. 23. Meanwhile, on the corner of King and Westmorland St., El Burrito Loco closed Dec. 19 and may not reopen March 1, depending on whether its owners get an offer on the property.

Billings said news of the Smitty's closure wasn't widespread, but on the last day of business he did see some disappointed customers.

"Some are upset, some are coming in. I've got a big table out there right now just wanting to come in for one more round of wings at the Firehouse," he said.

"For us here, too, everyone's kind of in a weird mood. It's the end of a chapter in our lives."

Meaghan Ross, a social work student at St. Thomas University, said she's been working as a server at the restaurant since August 2010. She said she'll miss her co-workers most.

"We're like family here," she said.

"I've never had such a great job."

Ross said finding work will be challenging.

"That's reality," she said. "We're not the only ones out of work."

Billings said of his 30-person staff, many are students.

"I'd say we have about 20 students and 10 not," he said.

"These are good jobs for students because they get tips on top of their wages."

While that makes the jobs profitable for students, Billings said it can be hard on businesses, especially as minimum wage rises.

"Increases in minimum wage are a factor that's put some pressure on our bottom line," he said.

"Increases in minimum wage have cost us, in the time we've opened until now, $70,000 a year. That's a side factor into why it's time to try to do something else other than run a restaurant."

Billings said while he thinks Fredericton could see another Smitty's franchise open in the future, he won't be the one running it. Although closing up shop is hard after so many years in business, he said he's glad to go out on a high note.

"Everything's good so we're going to close the doors and clean out the bar," he said with a laugh.

[Taeolas]

Sad to see Smittys go, especially without moving it somewhere else. :(

As for its replacement, I suspect that Sports Check probably wants that full corner, either to expand the store and put an outside entrance in, or to just have the full space.

That end of the mall is beginning to look sparse; With Smittys gone, Fairweather eventually going (that's the longest going out of business sale I've ever seen), Home Essence closing, and the utility spots already closed (Dentist and realtor was it?) there isn't much left. Stitches could move and they could close that entire end off if it wasn't for the bus stop.

[KnoxfordGuy]

I see the DG says that the private sector is going to push development this year. I can see why though because there are a lot of apartments going up in the city. :)

[Taeolas]

The new buses (or at least one of them) are in action now. I rode one home tonight; none of the advertising was up inside yet, and it smelled 'new'. It had lifting side benches (for wheelchairs) behind the front wheels on both sides, and a small divider on the door side between the lifting seat and another sideways facing single seat. The back seat went completely across the back too; it looked like the exhaust is on the bottom side, and not up the back like most buses.

It also didn't have its transponder on yet, nor any other bus numbering yet. (Couldn't find it on the Freddy Transit Go app yet)

[Freddypop]

UPS network and pick-up/delivery service expansion for Moncton, Freddy and Saint John

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

[KnoxfordGuy]

Fredericton Summer 2011. These do not belong to me!!!!!!
They are the property of Fredericton tourism!
website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frederictontourism/sets/72157628734921495/with/6642514985/

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6642512991_0960e3a7be_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6642518929_4540936c88_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6642508883_2eefa64a27_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6642517447_8b4d5796d2_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6642514985_80fce4e70d_z.jpg

[OliverD]

Some great pictures there. Thanks for sharing!

[LeBouthillier]

Please forgive me if this has already been posted but I see that F'ton Transit now has a new app available to track buses. I read about it today on the UNB Tidbits site

''Want to keep your waiting time at the bus stop to a minimum on these chilly winter days? Check out the the new goFred Apps – My Transit Beta app available for Android and Apple Devices.''

http://blogs.unb.ca/tidbits/

Also, is there any new info on whether a new hotel is still going to be build beside the Convention Centre? I haven't heard anything about that recently.

[Taeolas]

Yeah the App is real nice for checking the buses. Though some of the buses have broken (or don't have registered) transponders, so they 'ghost' through the system. :)

[LeBouthillier]

Yes, technology is nice but Fton Transit needs to focus on the basics too. Schedules posted at bus stops, shelters, and stickers on bus signs stating that there is no Sunday bus service would be useful (Sadly I've seen newcomers to Fton waiting at bus stops on Sundays).

I am excited to see the new bus that someone wrote about in earlier post.

[KnoxfordGuy]

People didn't get to see them for very long

Fredericton Summer 2011. These do not belong to me!!!!!!
They are the property of Fredericton tourism!
website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frederictontourism/sets/72157628734921495/with/6642514985/

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6642512991_0960e3a7be_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6642518929_4540936c88_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6642508883_2eefa64a27_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6642517447_8b4d5796d2_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6642514985_80fce4e70d_z.jpg

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

These pics are really nice, you should also post them on the Canada section in the "under 500,000 skyline thread". :tup:

[JHikka]

Is there an estimated date of completion and opening set for the Harvey*Grant Centre? I drove by two weeks ago and it looked very close to being finished.

[cl812]

Is there an estimated date of completion and opening set for the Harvey*Grant Centre? I drove by two weeks ago and it looked very close to being finished.

There was an article in Friday's Gleaner saying April is the planned completion date.

[Freddypop]

There was an article in Friday's Gleaner saying April is the planned completion date.

Also the DG also stated that the adjacent tennis facility would be completed in June

[cl812]

Noticed in the Gleaner yesterday that a new authentic Italian restaraunt is opening up across from Kings Place in Feb.

[Taeolas]

Interesting.

I noticed on the bus ride in today, that they're starting some steel framing for the last floor of the Westpointe apartments. I was worried at first they were just going to do 4, but it looks like they are going for the full 5.

[OliverD]

The large yellow house on Union Street was torn down yesterday to make way for those new apartment buildings and townhouses that are proposed for that site.

[cl812]

heard on the radio today the construction total for the city for 2011 was in excess of $115M.

[KnoxfordGuy]

Not as much as 2010 with $168 million but still healthy. I see on the Fredericton website they are still talking about the hotel that is going downtown! :)

http://www.fredericton.ca/en/ecodev/NR2012Jan17Citysees115Millionin2011Developm.asp

[radioguy]

I see on the Fredericton website they are still talking about the hotel that is going downtown! :)

http://www.fredericton.ca/en/ecodev/NR2012Jan17Citysees115Millionin2011Developm.asp

Cool! Any idea where a hotel could be built downtown?

Could be a year for hotels, word is Delta downtown has big renovations planned this year.

[Taeolas]

The hotel is probably the one planned to go on the same block as the convention centre and the Playhouse. There was one set of plans that would fit into the current footprint, but then they bought out the rest of the places on the block and were going to use the entire remaining place. Then with the announcement of the new hotel up on Bishop drive, the entire hotel plan is in doubt for downtown.

Just to confirm what was said earlier, The City of Freddy officially reports (http://www.fredericton.ca/en/ecodev/NR2012Jan17Citysees115Millionin2011Developm.asp#1561) that they had 115 million in development activity. IMO, it's important that we stay above the 100 million benchmark going forward, just to show we're still developing as a city. Considering we've been above that mark for the past 6 years now, (and in a recession even), it should be a safe goal to maintain and to work towards cracking the 200 million barrier and maintaining a 150million+ benchmark.

[OliverD]

$200M is a bit optimistic I think. A big factor in the past few years has been significant institutional and government projects, like the convention centre, provincial office building, the two rinks, Currie Centre, etc. It's hard to say if those kind of projects will continue to be planned, approved, and constructed.

[Taeolas]

True, I'm not expecting us to hit 200m in the short term, but it could be a goal to work towards, maybe to aim for in the 10-20 year time frame. We did get 'close' once with the 168m year, but we aren't big enough to sustain 200m/year yet. We're barely at the 100m/year point. Given the recession, this year we should probably try to keep at the 100m point, and in the next 5 years or so try to reach and stabilize at the 125 point.

[Taeolas]

I am excited to see the new bus that someone wrote about in earlier post.

They turned its transponder on (or at least registered it). I road it home tonight and it showed up on the goFred app as bus 8112. I didn't notice if it was numbered on the outside; but it wasn't numbered inside yet.

[cl812]

The large yellow house on Union Street was torn down yesterday to make way for those new apartment buildings and townhouses that are proposed for that site.

Read in yesterdays Gleaner that the proposed apartments and townhouses on Union St received PAC approval and the anticipated start date is in the spring if it receives city council approval.

Any work on how many floors the apartments will be? They mentioned the townhouses would be 3 stories in the article, but nothing on the apartments.

[Fredboy]

Noticed Riocan recently updated their Corbett Center site. St Huberts restaurant added near the south entrance and a couple of stores in the existing strip mall (What on Earth and HR Block). http://riocan.com/property
not ssure if I did the link properly but that would be the website address.

[cl812]

Noticed Riocan recently updated their Corbett Center site. St Huberts restaurant added near the south entrance and a couple of stores in the existing strip mall (What on Earth and HR Block). http://riocan.com/property
not ssure if I did the link properly but that would be the website address.

Surprising there isnt any mention of Tim Hortons, i know they recently said in the paper a while back they were still planning on moving in there.

[Taeolas]

Strange they can't seem to get the plan updated to reflect reality. The Gas station IS actually there, so there's no need to say it's a potential gas bar.

St. Hubert is expanding like crazy in this province. It'll be nice to see it come back to Freddy; I'm sure we can support both Swiss Chalet and St. Hubert here.

That corner slot next to the gas station just screams Tims. Maybe they're waiting for someone to officially annouce it?

*edit* And for completeness and because I haven't noticed it before, I went to the Smart Centres website to see what they had listed for 2NC (http://www.smartcentres.com/site_summary/Fredericton_ss1.pdf). Looks like they have pad plans for 11 stores in total. 2 restaurant sized pads near St Mary's street on the Kent side, 2 longer single unit buildings in front of Kent, and a pad for 4 small businesses in front of Canadian Tire. What actually gets built will depend on a lot of things of course, but it is curious that they apparently don't own the lots in front of WalMart. (Then again, there are for sale signs on that lot so I guess that makes some sense)

[Freddypop]

Noticed Riocan recently updated their Corbett Center site. St Huberts restaurant added near the south entrance and a couple of stores in the existing strip mall (What on Earth and HR Block). http://riocan.com/property
not ssure if I did the link properly but that would be the website address.

A St Huberts Express is opening up soon in Saint John and I believe Moncton has or will have another express as well. Not surprising that they will build in Freddy. What on Earth Jewellery is currently located in the Regent mall. I would expect that store to close once the Corbett Centre location is open.

[Freddypop]

Strange they can't seem to get the plan updated to reflect reality. The Gas station IS actually there, so there's no need to say it's a potential gas bar.

St. Hubert is expanding like crazy in this province. It'll be nice to see it come back to Freddy; I'm sure we can support both Swiss Chalet and St. Hubert here.

That corner slot next to the gas station just screams Tims. Maybe they're waiting for someone to officially annouce it?

*edit* And for completeness and because I haven't noticed it before, I went to the Smart Centres website to see what they had listed for 2NC (http://www.smartcentres.com/site_summary/Fredericton_ss1.pdf). Looks like they have pad plans for 11 stores in total. 2 restaurant sized pads near St Mary's street on the Kent side, 2 longer single unit buildings in front of Kent, and a pad for 4 small businesses in front of Canadian Tire. What actually gets built will depend on a lot of things of course, but it is curious that they apparently don't own the lots in front of WalMart. (Then again, there are for sale signs on that lot so I guess that makes some sense)

Lot in front of Walmart fronting 2NC is for sale (has been for a long time) by the Province of NB. The government actually considered that land for the Cook's Landing building but ultimately setteled on their location further down
2NC

[kirjtc2]

It kind of surprises me that there has been no new development of the SmartCentre in a few years now. Is nobody interested? Are they waiting for the economy to get better?

(I should note that I work for the company that owns the Liquidation World building and we also have further plans for that property at some point, which could involve another well-known northside business expanding and relocating there....that's all I'm going to say for now.)

[Freddypop]

It kind of surprises me that there has been no new development of the SmartCentre in a few years now. Is nobody interested? Are they waiting for the economy to get better?

(I should note that I work for the company that owns the Liquidation World building and we also have further plans for that property at some point, which could involve another well-known northside business expanding and relocating there....that's all I'm going to say for now.)

Funny....I was thinking the same thing. Curious to see if/when activity will pick up at the Smart Centre

[Taeolas]

They're probably stuck waiting until the Corbett centre fills up, since that's where most places seem to be going. Plus they may be waiting for the Overpass to be built so they can have better numbers if that affects anything.

Still, they could at least try to get the restaurant pads filled in. I'm not positive what could go there, but a Tim's would probably work well on the corner, especially with the Overpass coming in a year or two. For the short term a Tims would service people leaving the Bingo Hall, and in the long term it will become an easy on/off from the Ring road for people coming in.

[cj6286]

On a side note (not sure if someone has already posted), here is the website for Westpointe apartments (http://www.westpointebytheriver.ca/index.html). It shows some layouts and features. I noticed the other day that they have begun framing the lower floors. It must be awfully cold working there the past few days!

[KnoxfordGuy]

Fredericton does not need any more Tim Horton's lol. A stand alone Starbucks would be nice though! The one in the Regent Mall is always sooooooooooooooooo busy!

[Taeolas]

Maybe, but the more I think of it, the more it makes sense that they're waiting for the Overpass to be built. Once that's built, it will be a trivial way for the traffic coming into Freddy Downtown to get off to the 2NC crossing area from the Ring Road. Maybe Smart Centres are waiting for the overpass so they can charge more for the lots with those numbers?

Yeah the Westpointe apartments are coming along really nicely. The first residential floor's outer walls are nearly fully framed, and the first parts of the second floor are started. And of course the steel is about a third up for the final floor. I almost wish those were Condos instead of apartments; but if they were condos I still couldn't afford them.

[OliverD]

Surprising there isnt any mention of Tim Hortons, i know they recently said in the paper a while back they were still planning on moving in there.

They were supposed to go where the Costco gas bar is. Last I heard I thought they were going further up Knowledge Park Drive, across from the new rink and soccer field.

[cl812]

Maybe, but the more I think of it, the more it makes sense that they're waiting for the Overpass to be built. Once that's built, it will be a trivial way for the traffic coming into Freddy Downtown to get off to the 2NC crossing area from the Ring Road. Maybe Smart Centres are waiting for the overpass so they can charge more for the lots with those numbers?

Yeah the Westpointe apartments are coming along really nicely. The first residential floor's outer walls are nearly fully framed, and the first parts of the second floor are started. And of course the steel is about a third up for the final floor. I almost wish those were Condos instead of apartments; but if they were condos I still couldn't afford them.

Iam thinking to the two main reasons for the lack of expansion are because of the economic conditions over the last 2-3 years and competition from the Corbett Centre. Any new retailers coming to town are much more likely to open uptown rather than on the north side. But I would think with the economy gradully improving things would pick up at some point relatively soon.

[cl812]

They were supposed to go where the Costco gas bar is. Last I heard I thought they were going further up Knowledge Park Drive, across from the new rink and soccer field.

Yeah I remember hearing that as well, but I thought there was mention in the paper a couple months ago that they were still looking at the Corbett Centre but in another location because they were originally planning on the location of the gas bar. I wouldnt think they would open at both locations, but ya never know.

[Taeolas]

Both locations would probably be good Tim spots; one would be on the Vanier Highway, with all the traffic going that way, plus the traffic to Grant-Harvey. The other would be on Regent Street, getting all the daily traffic coming in from that direction; and it's on the right side of the road to catch that morning traffic too. The gas bar would have been a better angle, but on the other side of the entrance road would probably be just as good.

Of course both locations would draw business away from the Prospect Street Tims, but all things considered, that gold mine is probably already too busy during the peek Tims times.

And those locations don't HAVE to be Tim's; other coffee shops are plausible too; just less likely all things considered. :)


Iam thinking to the two main reasons for the lack of expansion are because of the economic conditions over the last 2-3 years and competition from the Corbett Centre. Any new retailers coming to town are much more likely to open uptown rather than on the north side. But I would think with the economy gradully improving things would pick up at some point relatively soon.

Yeah the Corbett Centre is probably the primary reason; it's hard to counter the draw of the largest shopping centre in the region (Freddy region, not NB region), especially with the highway access Corbett has. And the Dirty 10's is a hard recession to fight against; we're still fighting it after all. But with the overpass all but a go now, and Corbett Centre's spots mostly called for, I would hope 2NC can start growing again, even if its just 2nd outlets of what's on the South Side. Given all the residential growth in Brookside and Cliffe Street, it's a hard region to ignore for much longer. (I'm constantly boggled by the number of apartments and condos going up on Cliffe when I drive up that way every few weeks)

[OliverD]

We're already starting to see a shift of attitudes about the northside. When I moved to Fredericton back in 1999, it seemed that people lived on the northside but worked and shopped only on the southside. But more people live on the northside than the southside, and it's inevitable that we're going to see retail expansion there.

[KnoxfordGuy]

"...but more people live on the northside than the southside...."

:previous:Hmmmmmmmmmm... Is this fact? Because the south side is pretty populated I think.

[OliverD]

"...but more people live on the northside than the southside...."

:previous:Hmmmmmmmmmm... Is this fact? Because the south side is pretty populated I think.

It is a fact, but unfortunately I can't back it up. There was an article in the Gleaner quite a few years ago now that said that the population of the northside was greater than the southside for the first time. There's also been a lot more development on the north side since then.

[Taeolas]

It is a fact, but unfortunately I can't back it up. There was an article in the Gleaner quite a few years ago now that said that the population of the northside was greater than the southside for the first time. There's also been a lot more development on the north side since then.

My Googlefu is weak; I can't find the stats one way or another.

But one item that may give truth to this statement is the Riocan website listings for Corbett Centre (http://www.riocan.com/Content/PDF/sitePlan/271A.pdf) and Brookside Mall (http://www.riocan.com/Content/PDF/sitePlan/18A.pdf).

Corbett Centre lists having 33k people in the 0-10 minute driving range, while the Brookside mall has twice that. And the 20 minute range is 82k versus 118k. Assuming both of those figures were calculated similarly, that would to me indicate that the North Side has more people than the South side. Though I also suspect that a lot of the development along the old TCH heading towards Kingsclear would fall outside both of those counts, so the actual population differences are probably closer.

[cj6286]

I think once Target takes over the Zellers property in the Brookside Mall (or are they?), the retail business may change, especially if more people are attracted to that area. If anything, Brookside Mall needs some major changes to entice business.

Speaking of Target, does anyone have any news of when Target will replace the other Zellers uptown?

[Taeolas]

I saw a link outlining the first Targetized stores for next year; they were all in Ontario. The NB stores will probably change over all at once, probably late in 2013 or so. The Brookside Mall Zellers is probably staying a Zellers, unless things change a lot. Target may decide to change it over later, but not in the first waves of stores.

[kirjtc2]

My Googlefu is weak; I can't find the stats one way or another.

Had to add up some new numbers on the StatsCan site, but here's what I came up with:

Northside: 23,930
Southside: 27,372

These numbers are from 2006, so there's a chance it may have changed since then...

[Freddypop]

Anyone know whats going into the former Smitty's location at the RM? Lots of construction taking place. They have removed a good part of the store front and is now open to the elements.

[Taeolas]

I haven't heard one way or another. But my own personal suspicions are that Sports Check wanted to expand and get an outside entrance. That would make the most sense for that area IMO. Hopefully they'll have some building permits or other signs put up soon to show what's going in.

Then again, considering how long it seems to take them to finish any construction in that mall, the old Smitty's location will probably be changed over sometime in 2015 or so.

[cj6286]

Fredericton Transit is crediting the extended closure of the Princess Margaret Bridge to an increase in riders in 2011.

The lengthy closure of the Princess Margaret Bridge last summer and fall saw more people using the bus to get from one side of the river to the other.

Sandy MacNeil, the manager of Fredericton Transit, said the increase in users means more money came in the fare boxes.

But more importantly, MacNeil said, once the bridge re-opened, it appears some had become used to busing it.

"We expected that once the bridge opened, that ridership would really plunge. And we didn't notice that. We still see strong numbers in the peak times,” MacNeil said.

The Princess Margaret Bridge was scheduled to re-open on Sept. 5, but the $77.4-million construction project was plagued by setbacks, including wet weather and unrealistic timelines.

The bridge finally reopened on Nov. 10.

MacNeil said the transit department also saved money after moving into the new transit building early last year.

He estimates that fuel costs in 2011 were down by five to 10 per cent.

"In the colder months, we didn't have to idle the buses to warm them up. We didn't have to leave them running, keep them going while they were waiting for service and things like that,” MacNeil said.

“We changed the way we did our business and it had a real significant saving."

Fredericton Transit will also seen additional revenue coming in 2012, after the decision to increase fees on Jan. 1.

The bus fare is now $2.25 up from $2 in 2011.

[Bill TGH]

SportChek will be expanding into the ex-Smitty's location.... they will also revamp the existing store with updated colours and new floor layout... bids on the work close this week. The automated bank machines appear to remain in place...

[Taeolas]

Things have been fairly quiet lately (especially with the paper trapped behind an unreasonably paywall), so let's go back to an old favorite topic... Amalgamation.

1. Do you see any of Freddy's bedroom communities making the jump and joining up with the Mother City any time soon?

2. What communities around Freddy *should* be merged into the city proper in the coming years?

[OliverD]

The most logical one would be New Maryland. They would benefit immensely from hooking into the city's water and sewer infrastructure. Of course, you would have to convince the residents to pay 20% more property tax with negligible service improvements (at least for existing residents).

Other communities would be a tougher sell. Can you imagine provide water and sewer infrastructure to the Carlisle Road area? That would be very expensive.

[mylesmalley]

Why would they want to? They can get all of the benefits of living in or near a city without the annoyance of having to pay for any of it.

The only way amalgamation will ever happen is if it's imposed from outside.

That said, I'd think New Maryland and Lincoln would be obvious targets. That and Hanwell.

[JHikka]

Why would they want to? They can get all of the benefits of living in or near a city without the annoyance of having to pay for any of it.

The only way amalgamation will ever happen is if it's imposed from outside.

That said, I'd think New Maryland and Lincoln would be obvious targets. That and Hanwell.

There are enough signs on the highways entering Fredericton for the Capital Region that i'm surprised the entire thing isn't a large Regional Municipality including Oromocto.

[MonctonRad]

There are enough signs on the highways entering Fredericton for the Capital Region that i'm surprised the entire thing isn't a large Regional Municipality including Oromocto.

When driving from Moncton, the first welcome to the Capital Region sign is roughly just past the Canaan River bridge. You then have to drive an additional 45-50 minutes through wilderness before the first signs of civilization (and that would be Oromocto!!!) :haha:

[cl812]

When driving from Moncton, the first welcome to the Capital Region sign is roughly just past the Canaan River bridge. You then have to drive an additional 45-50 minutes through wilderness before the first signs of civilization (and that would be Oromocto!!!) :haha:

They went way overboard on the capital region signs, I dont understand it. The first one on route seven is just this side of Welsford, they may as well have put one at the Saint John city limits. It must be really misleading for people from out of province.

[Taeolas]

True, but it's high time IMO that Freddy started working on treating itself as a Region, and not just a city. But given the uproar over the User fees in recent years, feelings are probably a bit too raw for that.

On the other hand, to pick on a common topic for me, Freddy Transit should be Freddy Regional transit; with routes to Oromocto and the Airport (throuhg Lincoln more) and into New Maryland, and further out towards Hanwell, and yes further out towards Carlisle and Stanley and down the old TCH. It'd be a huge expansion and probably not soemthing we'll see for another 10+ years, but that sort of thing (along with better integration of local services like the arena access) would make this truely a Capital Region; and probably make amalgamation more palatable.

[cj6286]

Transit service to the airport period would be awesome!

Does anyone have any info or websites about the developments going on in Devon? Particularly on the old North Star property and along Union Street?

[corda]

sourced from: http://www.foxrocks.ca/news


Home sales were up in most places last month -- except in Fredericton. The New Brunswick Real Estate Association says the home sales market province-wide was up three per cent in December, compared to the same month in 2010. Moncton and northern New Brunswick accounted for much of that, with increases of roughly 40 per cent; but there was a 36 per cent decline in Fredericton, and sales activity was down slightly -- four per cent -- in Saint John.

[cl812]

sourced from: http://www.foxrocks.ca/news


Home sales were up in most places last month -- except in Fredericton. The New Brunswick Real Estate Association says the home sales market province-wide was up three per cent in December, compared to the same month in 2010. Moncton and northern New Brunswick accounted for much of that, with increases of roughly 40 per cent; but there was a 36 per cent decline in Fredericton, and sales activity was down slightly -- four per cent -- in Saint John.

Noticed in the Gleaner today that year over year sales were actually up slightly for 2011 ovrew 2010.

[Freddypop]

Fredericton Convention Centre's new website is now up:

http://frederictonconventions.ca/

[cl812]

Was by the Corbett Centre last night and noticed they have a sign up for Bed, Bath and Beyond "Coming Soon".

[Freddypop]

Was by the Corbett Centre last night and noticed they have a sign up for Bed, Bath and Beyond "Coming Soon".

BBB has been advertising for a Manager for their new Freddy store since late December

https://prod.fadvhms.com/AllBedBathBeyond/Jobboard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*B3C66A7928EEDD23

[Freddypop]

Hey Cl812...Hadn't noticed till today but congrats at over 1000 posts. :worship:

[cl812]

Hey Cl812...Hadn't noticed till today but congrats at over 1000 posts. :worship:

Thanks!

I didnt notice it either, until now :)

[thatcanadianguy]

SportChek will be expanding into the ex-Smitty's location.... they will also revamp the existing store with updated colours and new floor layout... bids on the work close this week. The automated bank machines appear to remain in place...

Also at this end of the mall, Fairweather will finally be closing in their current location but will apparently be opening in a smaller space, though I'm not sure where. Measurements were recently taken and a new retailer is considering taking over the locations of Fairweather, Pearle Vision and Stiches. The affected stores could move into the empty locations across the hall, though this could also change because the area which was left carpeted after the recent mall renovations was potentially going to be further renovated into more retail space.