Official Fredericton, NB projects thread [Archive] - Page 4

caveat.doctor

Mar 30, 2008, 10:51 PM

has anyone noticed how many guests look at this forum??? when I looked last there were like 35 guests! if you people are reading this join up! We would love your imput :D You know the old saying, "The more the merrier!" that certainly applies to a forum, so in the words of one of the greatest songwriters of our day: "what cha waitin, what cha waitin, what cha waitin forrrr?"

Hi, I'm one of your lurkers... I'm moving to Fredericton this summer (working at the army base); nice to see the development in town and some of the pics.

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.

I'd like to not contribute to that sprawl when finding a place to live, plus I'm used to high-rise car-less Downtown condo/apartment living, it's way easier... What's the market like in Fredericton? Anyone know if there's much in the way of condo projects to buy into right now, or coming up - or would one be better off renting (probably will be there for 2-4yrs)?

mls.ca yields two buildings Downtown (634 Brunswick St (http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26aid%3d4111%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6390%26tte%3d0%26tt%3d1%252c2%26mp%3d0-0-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d50%26o%3dA&Mode=0&PropertyID=6454369) and 362 Carleton St (http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26aid%3d4111%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6390%26tte%3d0%26tt%3d1%252c2%26mp%3d0-0-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d50%26o%3dA&Mode=0&PropertyID=6790875)) - they look all right on the pictures, anyone know if they're good deals at $175-185k? Renting-wise, kijiji (http://fredericton.kijiji.ca/f-housing-apartments-for-rent-W0QQCatIdZ37) has a few hits, but if anyone can suggest some building names to look for, I'd appreciate it. eg I heard "Marketgate Apartments" mentioned somewhere... I think that's 634 Brunswick, right?

Beyond Downtown - are there any other areas worth looking at? Places with everything within walking/biking range, like grocery, cafes, restaurants, bookstores... you know, the essentials? Thanks for any advice anyone can offer, looking forward to moving over!

mylesmalley

Mar 30, 2008, 11:19 PM

Smevo

Apr 1, 2008, 6:34 AM

Hi, I'm one of your lurkers... I'm moving to Fredericton this summer (working at the army base); nice to see the development in town and some of the pics.

I'd like to not contribute to that sprawl when finding a place to live, plus I'm used to high-rise car-less Downtown condo/apartment living, it's way easier... What's the market like in Fredericton? Anyone know if there's much in the way of condo projects to buy into right now, or coming up - or would one be better off renting (probably will be there for 2-4yrs)?

mls.ca yields two buildings Downtown (634 Brunswick St (http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26aid%3d4111%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6390%26tte%3d0%26tt%3d1%252c2%26mp%3d0-0-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d50%26o%3dA&Mode=0&PropertyID=6454369) and 362 Carleton St (http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26aid%3d4111%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6390%26tte%3d0%26tt%3d1%252c2%26mp%3d0-0-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d50%26o%3dA&Mode=0&PropertyID=6790875)) - they look all right on the pictures, anyone know if they're good deals at $175-185k? Renting-wise, kijiji (http://fredericton.kijiji.ca/f-housing-apartments-for-rent-W0QQCatIdZ37) has a few hits, but if anyone can suggest some building names to look for, I'd appreciate it. eg I heard "Marketgate Apartments" mentioned somewhere... I think that's 634 Brunswick, right?

Beyond Downtown - are there any other areas worth looking at? Places with everything within walking/biking range, like grocery, cafes, restaurants, bookstores... you know, the essentials? Thanks for any advice anyone can offer, looking forward to moving over!

Welcome (in advance). Are you working at Base Gagetown or at the small military compound downtown? If it's Gagetown, you'll find lots of townhouses and apartments geared towards people stationed there nearby to the base gates. Oromocto is a 10 minute drive from Fredericton (20 or more depending on traffic from downtown). If it's downtown, there's a couple of condos - Marketgate and corner of Northumberland and King (I can't remember the name right now), and lots of apartments in the area.

The Brunswick St one you posted is Marketgate, it's new. I think it only opened last year. That's a pretty decent price too, but I can't really comment on the condo market, I'm moreso comparing it to single-family homes in the market. The condo fees seem reasonable too, since it's downtown and has underground parking, but again, I don't know much first hand about condos.

The Carleton St one is Regency Landing, also new. It's slightly further walking distance than Marketgate, but it's a quieter part of downtown and still walking distance from everything downtown. I warn you though, the winter's are freezing, especially since you're coming (I assume from your location) from Victoria. That one is surface parking. It still seems reasonable, but I'd personally give Marketgate the edge between the two (depending what you're looking for, you might be different).

I think the one on King and Northumberland is called the Creighton, and is "executive apartments". To me it's overpriced, I seem to remember it being in the neighbourhood of $1200/month. If you're looking for upscale apartments, compare this building with Regency Park on Queen Street, it's a highrise executive apartment building in the heart of downtown. Other than that, most of the apartments are geared towards upper-year students (eg- the quiet ones...supposedly) and are in the neighbourhood of $800 downtown (two bedrooom) and roughly similar throughout the rest of town, with some exceptions. Most of the downtown ones are houses converted into 2-4 apartment units, though there are a couple of 3 or 4 storey buildings. They're nothing fancy, but you can occasionally luck into finding a gem for a bargain. Ultimately, it all depends what you'd be happy with and what you're willing to settle for.

Anyway, good luck, and don't be shy to ask anything else. Most of us moved here from elsewhere (I've been here 8 years personally, and been around the apartment market Northside, Downtown, and Forest Hill areas). The best one I had was downtown by far, it was the bottom floor of a house converted into two units...nothing fancy, but the location and ample room made up for it. kirjtc2 is a local, and maybe some of the other guys too. Hope that helps a bit. :cheers:

kirjtc2

Apr 1, 2008, 3:23 PM

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=109853&size=300x0

Down with the old
END OF AN ERA: The McFarlane-Neill building at the intersection of St. Mary’s and Union streets had stood at that location since 1882 until Monday. Lorraine Tims, a member of Fredericton Heritage Trust, takes photos as she watches the last window standing in the old blacksmith factory before it’s torn down.

mmmatt

Apr 1, 2008, 7:27 PM

Also (and I'm probably going to get grief for this), you'll definetely want to live on the South Side.

North Side Rulez foo, Im a South Devoner and proud of it! :cool: (well for 4 years at least...) also Naskwaksis for a year...and moncton, and sussex...and...well lets just stop there haha!

kissman202

Apr 1, 2008, 11:53 PM

Here are some proposed commercial developments from colpitts. Looks like two nations crossing is really going to get built up. Same goes for bishop drive.
http://www.colpittsdevelopments.ca/Images2/colpitts2.jpg
http://www.colpittsdevelopments.ca/commercial/images/60%20Bishop%20Drive_large.gif
http://www.colpittsdevelopments.ca/commercial/images/Cliffe%20Street_large.jpg

http://www.colpittsdevelopments.ca/commercial/RP.html

Smevo

Apr 3, 2008, 6:06 AM

That's a lot of suburban style commercial development. :(

I'm surprised they're putting one of the developments on Cliffe St. I thought that was all supposed to be residential developments.

kirjtc2

Apr 3, 2008, 2:48 PM

Fredericton to get two community health centres
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com
Published Thursday April 3rd, 2008
Appeared on page A3

Fredericton is getting two new community health centres.

One will be located in Le Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne to serve the area's francophone population, and the other is still in the planning stage.

They're among the six new community health centre's announced in the Liberal government's new four-year health plan this week.

The francophone health centre was announced earlier this year.

Beverly Greene, a primary health-care consultant with the Department of Health, said no decision has been made on the location of the second community health centre.

"It is not a year-one project," she said.

The government is doing a needs assessment for the second community health centre.

"There will be a mix of nurse practitioners, nurses, doctors, maybe a physiotherapist and a dietician and a pharmacist," said Greene.

She said the new facility will focus on health promotion, disease and illness prevention, and chronic disease management.

Greene said community health centres are usually stand-alone facilities. One of the six new centres will be attached to the former St. Joseph's Hospital in Saint John, but the Victoria Health Centre in Fredericton isn't suitable, she said.

There may be public participation in the needs assessment process, said Greene.

Health Minister Mike Murphy said the role of nurses and nurse practitioners will be key to the new community health centres's functions of education, community outreach and access to primary health care.

"There was from the beginning of my time as minister of health this system in place where everything seemed to be funnelled through a physician," he said Wednesday.

"I think far too much was simply funnelled through physicians."

Murphy said doctors want to do what they are trained to do and they want nurses to do what they are trained to do.

"There are a lot of people who need primary health care and that accessibility sometimes is a nurse or a nurse practitioner," he said.

Murphy didn't have any information on when or where the centre would be built in Fredericton

"We are beginning the work and planning for them now," he said.

The health plan has a four-year time frame and Murphy said it would be complete before the end of that period.

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside said the government's commitment to two new community health centres is good news for the capital.

"I think it is needed," he said Wednesday.

"I say that because I pass by the after-hours clinic practically every day and I see the long, long lines of people primarily because they don't have a doctor."

"I have often thought how uncomfortable that must be for people who have a high temperature standing for a long period of time."

He said he wasn't worried that it might take up to four years to build the second community health centre. The mayor said he understands that things have to be prioritized by government.

"The important thing is not so much when, but that it has been identified and it will be done," he said.

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

City's ethnic makeup 'complete reverse' of Canada's
By MARC HUDON
hudon.marc@dailygleaner.com
Published Thursday April 3rd, 2008
Appeared on page A6

OTTAWA - Fredericton's minority communities are bucking the national trend.

Statistics Canada data shows that of the 3,790 individuals who identify themselves as visible minorities in Fredericton, 29 per cent are black, 23 per cent Chinese and 17.5 per cent are of South Asian descent, which comprises individuals from India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

"It's the complete reverse in Canada," said Marc Melanson, an eastern regional adviser for Statistics Canada in Halifax. "South Asian is now the No. 1 counted visible minority in the country, with more than 1.2 million (people), then Chinese and black."

He said the trend is the same provincewide, where 1.9 per cent of New Brunswickers identify themselves as non-Caucasian.

"About 75 per cent of recent immigrants to Canada identify as a visible minority," said Melanson. "But since few of them establish themselves in New Brunswick, it's leading to more visible minorities in the South Asian and Chinese groups living out west in Ontario and Quebec."

Rizwan Ul-Haq, a restaurateur in Fredericton, emigrated from Pakistan. He said the South Asian community in Fredericton is much smaller proportionally than in other urban centres across Canada.

He said many South Asians are attracted to larger cities because metropolitan centres such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver boast established Pakistani, Indian and Sri Lankan communities.

The Fredericton community, he said, has been growing modestly and should continue to expand as more South Asians choose to call Fredericton home.

"This is a family city," said Ul-Haq.

"People are nice to each other. It's a safe place to go to school and raise kids."

He said those were the reasons why he moved to Fredericton from Montreal with his wife and children to open a restaurant.

About 680 South Asians live in the greater Fredericton area.

Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne, who is also responsible for the province's population growth secretariat, said the demographic makeup of the city has shifted considerably since his family moved to the capital in 1965.

"Fredericton has changed phenomenally in the past 20 years," he said.

Byrne said there are more multicultural businesses and non-profit organizations, such as the newly established Filipino Association, catering to the needs of visible minorities, adding both universities also help attract international students.

However, he said there's still work to be done.

"Members of the various ethnic communities are great ambassadors for the city and help attract additional members of their community," he said. "It all helps build a critical mass. The more things that are available, the greater chance there is to retain immigrants that come to the area."

Across Canada, 16.2 per cent of Canadians identify themselves as a visible minority, compared to 4.4 per cent of Frederictonians.

The country's visible minority population increased by 27.2 per cent between 2001 and 2006, while New Brunswick and Fredericton's shares increased by 41.6 per cent and 55.6 per cent respectively.

New Brunswick's proportion of visible minorities ranks second in Atlantic Canada behind Nova Scotia.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 3, 2008, 2:57 PM

Reynolds plaza was completed a couple months ago.

http://hillbros.nb.ca/photos/photolg119234482312563.jpg

brookside mall in the background
http://hillbros.nb.ca/photos/photolg119234478726451.jpg
From hillbros.nb.ca

kirjtc2

Apr 3, 2008, 3:53 PM

I don't think that's the same building. Reynolds Street is to the north of Brookside Mall. Probably a 3rd building of the exact same design (between that and the Tim's/Subway/Needs on Douglas Ave) they'll build if they ever get more than M&M into the 2nd one.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 3, 2008, 4:19 PM

Well if the 2nd one isn't getting any tenants, it would be a waste of time and money to build a third one in the same area.

mylesmalley

Apr 3, 2008, 5:11 PM

I've lived here for two years, and I don't think I've ever seen the Brookside Mall...

kirjtc2

Apr 5, 2008, 2:20 PM

Saint John boom an opportunity for Fredericton, officials say
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Saturday April 5th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

The Fredericton area has plenty to gain from the coming development boom in Saint John.

That was one of the messages Friday as officials touted a rosy outlook for the port city's future.

Members of the Benefits Blueprint project are trying to anticipate the growing pains and ensure there is community benefit from a boom in the energy sector.

They say that boom will create 33,000 jobs and inject more than $44 billion into the provincial economy.

And that means plenty of prospects for local business.

"I think it's as much an opportunity for Fredericton as it is for Saint John," said Paul Morrison, president of ADI Ltd. in Fredericton.

"These are extraordinary opportunities in terms of the size of the projects and the resources that will be needed."

Projects that are either underway or on the drawing board in southern New Brunswick include the liquid natural gas plant, a 125-kilometre LNG pipeline, the new potash mine in the Sussex area, a possible second refinery at Irving Oil, the refurbishment of Point Lepreau nuclear generating station and the possible addition of a second nuclear reactor at Point Lepreau.

Morrison said he's impressed planning is already being done to ensure the entire province benefits.

"Sometimes it's tough to find the residuals in the jurisdiction once the project is done. It's very clear that they're out in front trying to establish the best framework," he said.

There's no way Fredericton - with its wealth of consulting engineers and the top engineering school in the country - won't benefit, said New Brunswick Southwest MP Greg Thompson.

"There are so many medium and small businesses around the province that can capitalize on the huge investments that are going forward."

That includes engineering firms, IT firms, small construction companies and fabrication plants, he said.

"I think the list is endless of the small- and medium-sized businesses in the greater-Fredericton area that could take advantage of this and undoubtedly will take advantage," Thompson said.

The Benefits Blueprint initiative recommends strategic investments to ensure the province is ready for the boom and everyone benefits.

The initiative recommends building business capacity; workforce attraction, retention and participation initiatives; enhanced social programs among at-risk communities; youth programs; education programs; infrastructure improvements; environmental sustainability projects; and additional arts and culture facilities.

David Hardy, a consultant with Hardy Stephenson and Associates, examined the impact that will be made by the projects.

He said there's plenty of opportunity for businesses to thrive from the work being done in Saint John.

"A lot of the projects will be of benefit right across the province - certainly there's a supply-chain development that will benefit all businesses, and the business productivity enhancement program will be a benefit to all businesses," he said.

Thompson pointed to Sunny Corner Enterprises as a business that's set to maximize its benefit. The Miramichi-based construction and fabrication company has set up a sales office in Saint John so it's ready for the coming boom.

It's that kind of planning that everyone has to be doing now, Thompson said.

"We have two choices: We can let them take their own course or we can make sure New Brunswick benefits."

Bob Manning, chairman of both Enterprise Saint John and the Benefits Blueprint project, agreed.

"The best outcomes happen when a plan is fully integrated and fully implemented. This is about directing growth," Manning said.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Province of New Brunswick and Irving Oil Ltd. each provided $250,000 for the Benefits Blueprints initiative.

caveat.doctor

Apr 5, 2008, 8:32 PM

Welcome (in advance) ... don't be shy to ask anything else

Thanks mylesmalley and Smevo for the welcome and advice. I'm working at the base itself, which I see is a ways out of town; living in Oromocto would be closer for work, but looks a bit inconvenient for everything else I would need (university libraries for research, and downtime places, etc) so I'm hoping to find a place in Fredericton itself.

Can you tell me how the topography is between Downtown Fredericton and CFB Gagetown? I'd like to bike the 25km (is that about right?) to work, Google Maps seems to show a nice road going along the river, but are there any nasty hills in the way? Also, what's the biking year like there? I'm guessing it might not be as easily year-round as Victoria... but spring-autumn perhaps?

magee_b

Apr 5, 2008, 9:50 PM

there's a bike trail built on a former rail-line that would cut out most of that hill issue along the route between fredericton & oromocto. I used it to bike from the University area out towards the airport regularly in the spring/summer.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 5, 2008, 10:18 PM

Are you talking about the one on the northside?
beacuase theres one there.
im not shure how far it goes and its dirt its not rock like the usual trails.
I've only gone as far as Portobello Drive in Maugerville.

mylesmalley

Apr 5, 2008, 10:54 PM

Thanks mylesmalley and Smevo for the welcome and advice. I'm working at the base itself, which I see is a ways out of town; living in Oromocto would be closer for work, but looks a bit inconvenient for everything else I would need (university libraries for research, and downtime places, etc) so I'm hoping to find a place in Fredericton itself.

Can you tell me how the topography is between Downtown Fredericton and CFB Gagetown? I'd like to bike the 25km (is that about right?) to work, Google Maps seems to show a nice road going along the river, but are there any nasty hills in the way? Also, what's the biking year like there? I'm guessing it might not be as easily year-round as Victoria... but spring-autumn perhaps?

If you follow the road from Fredericton to Oromocto, it's pretty hilly, though probably not much worse than what you'd have out west. I've never biked along it though. I had no idea there was a train line on the south side between Fredericton and Oromocto, but Google Maps has come to the rescue. From the looks of it, you're gold all the way to the base so long as you stick to the right path.

Smevo

Apr 6, 2008, 6:17 PM

There's a biking trail on the southside that basically parallels Lincoln Rd. It's nice and level, but they don't clear it in the winter so it's only usable for half the year. I think it goes just north of the base, but if not it gets to Oromocto "downtown" (basically some apartments and a small mall) and you could use the street network from there. The street networks are pretty hilly, though you might be used to that with Victoria, I'm not sure. The trails are all nice and level though, because they used to be rail lines. My friend used to bike to Maugerville (across the river from Oromocto) in around 30 minutes from downtown Fredericton, so you should be able to get the best of both worlds. :cheers:

BradMacD

Apr 7, 2008, 7:37 PM

I don't know if anyone saw this, but it's a webcam of the fire station on the Northside...
http://www.fred-ezone.ca/webcams/?cam=fireconstruction

mmmatt

Apr 7, 2008, 7:46 PM

I don't know if anyone saw this, but it's a webcam of the fire station on the Northside...
http://www.fred-ezone.ca/webcams/?cam=fireconstruction

Wow! haha is a fire station really that exciting? Id much rather a camera of prospect and regent intersection or something.

kirjtc2

Apr 7, 2008, 7:58 PM

CBC TV has a camera looking right out onto that intersection...you see clips from it during the 6:00 news. Their Saint John cam seems to be on their site but not the Fredericton one...

BradMacD

Apr 8, 2008, 8:38 PM

Wooo I didn't know that! :o

I must go look it up sometime. :P I'm such a nerd.

I know, they pointed the webcam at O'Ree Place too, it was only good for the time lapse. I like how they have the Officer's Square cam, it's my favourite.

I guess they're just showing people that there are other things going on in the city than no one ever being downtown. xD

kirjtc2

Apr 9, 2008, 7:34 PM

Lots of construction in Fredericton, but try to find a contractor - O'Brien
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com
Published Wednesday April 9th, 2008
Appeared on page A4

New Brunswick's construction sector is booming, says the chairman of the city's development committee.

Coun. Mike O'Brien said the total value of construction in the first quarter of 2008 in Fredericton was worth $22.9 million, compared to $14.1 million last year for the same period.

The figure doesn't include the $35-million health and wellness centre at the University of New Brunswick, which is scheduled to begin this year, he said.

The new, single-family homes category is up $800,000, apartments are up almost $900,000 and home renovations are up $120,000, he said.

"There is a strong market," said O'Brien. "The developers don't build a lot of these things on spec.

"It shows the city is still growing. It is shaping up to be a good year."

That's the good news, he said. The bad news is that people are having a hard time finding anyone to work on their homes, he said.

"Try to get a contractor in this city," said O'Brien. "That is good and bad. The good part is they are all busy."

The remaining value of building permits is commercial and industrial.

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.'s report on residential construction in New Brunswick released Tuesday, Fredericton had 55 new residential housing units in the first quarter of this year, compared to 38 in 2007.

That's an increase of 44.7 per cent.

There were four new multiple units, compared to two last year.

There were 59 new residential projects, compared to 40 last year for an increase of 47.5 per cent.

Claude Gautreau, senior market analyst for New Brunswick for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., said there has been a significant increase in two of the province's three major communities.

Residential construction in Moncton is down 32.5 per cent, he said.

"The first quarter increase in single starts has been the result of increased activity in Saint John and Fredericton," said Gautreau.

O'Brien said Saint John is having a good year because of the big energy projects planned for the city.

"Good for them and it bodes well for our city as well because of the research and engineering types of work associated with that kind of work," he said.

It's rare for a development committee chairman to worry about too much development. But O'Brien said there can be too much of a good thing.

If a city expands too quickly, then its council could have trouble paying for important services, he said.

"It is a great challenge to have," said O'Brien.

That hasn't happened to Fredericton, he said.

"The fortune we have had is it has not been a boom and bust cycle," said O'Brien. "The growth has been slow enough to manage.

"It has been nice, steady growth."

cl812

Apr 10, 2008, 12:06 AM

Heard on the radio (CBC) last week that costco will be open in Fredericton within a year, up by home depot.

kirjtc2

Apr 10, 2008, 2:54 PM

Looks like Costco isn't a done deal yet, but it seems like they're courting them...

New cash registers to ring in city's uptown
TOOL HELP
BY HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
hmclaughlin@dailygleaner.com
Published Thursday April 10th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Dig out the charge card.

Consumers will be getting expanded shopping and eating choices later this year, as Fredericton's retail sector gets another nudge forward.

The University of New Brunswick's Corbett Centre and its developer Trinity Developments Inc./RioCan are putting out the welcome mat for a number of new tenants.

The University of New Brunswick has leased about 18 hectares (45 acres) of land at the corner of Regent Street and Knowledge Park Drive to Canada's largest shopping mall builders.

Four hectares (10 acres) of the 18 hectares already boasts the city's first 8,800-square metre (95,000-square-foot) Home Depot store.

The shopping mall developers ultimately expect to develop 37,000-square metres (400,000-square feet) of new retail space.

City hall has issued building permits for a Dollarama store, a Michaels arts and crafts store, Montana's steakhouse, Italian eatery Eastside Mario's, a Petcetera store, and Winners.

The Winners facility will be a relocation of the existing store from the Smythe Street Canadian Tire plaza to the Regent Street site.

"We are certainly very pleased to have construction underway," said Mike Baldwin, associate vice-president of campus services and planning at UNB.

While UNB earns its revenue from leasing the land, finding the right mix of retail tenants for the site is the forte of the shopping mall development firms, he said.

Alex Forbes, assistant director of development services with the City of Fredericton, said talks are continuing with the site developers with the expectation that other retailers will line up to lease space.

"We are expecting more permits, but that's driven by them (the developers)," Forbes said. "Clearly, there's a lot of interest. There's more activity planned for that site.''

Other retailers being courted by Trinity include a warehouse style development and a Linen 'N Things outlet.

BradMacD

Apr 10, 2008, 11:09 PM

Does anyone know anything about the rumours about the Hanwell Mini Home Park?

Apparently they're going to straighten the road and something is happening to the houses.

Sounds unrealistic to me...sure, parts of it are an eyesore, but I can't see it gone any time soon. Imagine the protest if they were to just say, "Get out."

kirjtc2

Apr 11, 2008, 3:16 PM

Taking bets: How much of the vote will this guy get? 10%?

Ex-deputy minister joins Woodside in mayor race
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Friday April 11th, 2008
Appeared on page A3

Longtime Fredericton resident Tim T.G. Andrew has made it a two-way race for mayor in Fredericton.

Andrew, a former deputy minister in the provincial government, said he was compelled to run out of concern about the way money is being spent at city hall and the growing burden being carried by taxpayers.

"I decided somebody should say something about it. It looked like no one else was going to challenge the mayor, so I decided to run," he said Thursday.

"I think they've just lost control.

"They all say they haven't raised taxes, which is nonsense. The province has raised the assessments, but the city could perfectly well reduce its tax rates instead of increasing it.

"The other issue is suddenly undertaking $100-million worth of debt when we have gone through a number of years of essentially being pay-as-you-go."

Andrew, 70, said he has concerns about part of the downtown development the city is taking on.

"I don't understand why the city is building an office building for the government. It doesn't make any kind of sense at all."

The government can borrow money at a lower rate than the city, he said.

"Some of the things that have been going on recently don't make any sense to me or other people," he said.

Andrew said he would bring a different philosophy to the office than Mayor Brad Woodside.

A former marathon runner, Andrew was deputy minister of fisheries, agriculture, the cabinet secretariat and the province's higher education commission.

This is the first time he has offered for elected office.

Andrew is married and has three grown children.

kwajo

Apr 11, 2008, 3:36 PM

How much of the vote will this guy get? 10%?

Well if there are only 2 people running, I'd say that the non-Woodside candidate will cash in on ~25% of the vote from people who just don't like Brad much, or feel like simply voting for the alternative, no matter who it is.

And I'll bet 2 bucks on it ;)

kirjtc2

Apr 13, 2008, 2:41 AM

Nominations for city council are over....no big surprises like when Woodside decided to jump back in the fray at the last minute.

The race is on
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Saturday April 12th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

The race is on to be elected to Fredericton city council - and it's going to be a battle in some wards.

In Marysville, where veteran city councillor Walter Brown is vacating the seat, four contenders are vying for a spot on council.

Realtor David Calhoun, program co-ordinator Steven Hicks, architect Kevin Rickard and apprenticeship instructor Rex Tracy are all looking to take over as councillor for the ward in the May 12 local elections.

The race is equally strong in the College Hill neighbourhood, where a rash of vandalism and deliberately set fires last fall re-ignited resident concerns about safety.

Cathy MacLaggan, a provincial policy analyst, is the incumbent in the area and has been an outspoken critic of the situation.

Three challengers are taking her on: Jordan Graham, a member of the student union at the University of New Brunswick; Doug Pond, a consultant with the provincial government; and Wendy Hebert, co-operator of a renovation company.

In the Odell Park and Parkside Drive area, three candidates are in the contest to replace longtime councillor Tommy Jellinek, who's also stepping away from the council table.

Nominated in that ward are Stephen Chase, executive director of the provincial salmon federation; Jo-Ann Fellows, a former provincial policy analyst; and Calvin Gesner, a project co-ordinator.

In Douglas, businessman and publisher Bill Maxon is challenging Coun. Dan Keenan, the director of finance at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.

In Nashwaaksis, businessman Joe Fisher is challenging incumbent Bruce Grandy, a civil servant.

In South Devon, provincial government employee Eric Megarity is taking on Coun. Norah Davidson-Wright, a lawyer.

In Lincoln, lawyer Kevin Roherty is challenging incumbent councillor Scott McConaghy, a systems analyst.

In the Silverwood and Garden Creek area, IT consultant Jennifer Mawhinney is challenging incumbent David Kelly, whose occupation is insurance and safety.

There were four incumbent councillors acclaimed because no one challenged them.

They are: Coun. Mike O'Brien in Fulton Heights and North Devon, Coun. Marilyn Kerton in Barker's Point, Coun. Tony Whalen in Skyline Acres, and Coun. Stephen T. Kelly in Sunshine Gardens and the West End.

Kerton and Whalen were on hand at the Fredericton returning office at 2 p.m. on Friday to see if any last-minute challengers would appear. When the clock struck two, they congratulated each other on their acclamations.

Whalen said his seven-year-old daughter Vivian had a hunch that he wouldn't be challenged for his second term on council.

"She brought me a pen and a piece of paper this morning and told me to write out a list of people I wanted to invite to my celebration party," he said.

Kerton said with all the development in Fredericton, it's an exciting time to be on council.

"Tommy and Walter will be missed, though," she said of her retiring colleagues.

Candidates who wish to withdraw their nomination have until 5 p.m. Monday to do so.

City Races

Mayor
Tim J.G. Andrew
Brad Woodside (inc.)

Ward 1
Dan Keenan (inc.)
Bill Maxon

Ward 2
Joe Fisher
Bruce N. Grandy (inc.)

Ward 3
Mike O’Brien (inc.)

Ward 4
Norah Davidson-Wright (inc.)
Eric Megarity

Ward 5
David Calhoun
Steven Hicks
Kevin R. Rickard
Rex Tracy

Ward 6
Marilyn Kerton (inc.)

Ward 7
Scott McConaghy (inc.)
Kevin C. Roherty

Ward 8
Tony Whalen

Ward 9
Stephen A. Chase
Jo-Ann Fellows
Calvin V. Gesner

Ward 10
Stephen T. Kelly (inc.)

Ward 11
Jordan S. Graham
Wendy K. Hébert
Cathy MacLaggan (inc.)
Doug L. Pond

Ward 12
David A.J. Kelly (inc.)
Jennifer Mawhinney

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 15, 2008, 1:03 AM

I came across this while lurking around the UNB website.

From unb.ca

http://www.unb.ca/lms/woodlot/images/Woodlot-mainpage.jpg

Endowment Conservation Lands

UNB has designated 50 per cent the UNB Woodlot as Endowment Conservation Lands. These lands, which are greater than four times the size of Odell Park, will be conserved in perpetuity.

The university is working on a structure for the stewardship of the Endowment Conservation Lands for public recreation, education, research and the protection of natural features and environmentally sensitive areas.

Endowment Development Lands

The remaining 50 per cent of the UNB Woodlot has been designated Endowment Development Lands.

A small portion of these lands — 270 acres, which is less than eight per cent of the total woodlot — has been approved for mixed-use development over the next 10 to 15 years.

The 270-acre mixed-use development area includes:

a) Retail
The University has leased 45-acres at the corner of Regent Street and Knowledge Park Drive for a retail area called Corbett Centre. This area contains The Home Depot, a 95,000-square-foot store which opened in June 2006. Trinity Development Group Inc./RioCan is now developing an additional 400,000 square feet of retail space on the remainder of the Corbett Centre site. New retail stores are expected to open in the summer of 2008.

b) Sports and Leisure Complex
UNB is leasing 45 acres to the City of Fredericton near the Kimble Drive/Allison Boulevard interchange for the south side Sports and Leisure Complex. Site preparation work is underway, and construction is expected to begin in the spring/summer of 2008. The complex will contain both Olympic- and NHL-size ice surfaces.

c) Extension of Knowledge Park Drive
Knowledge Park Drive is being extended from Regent Street through to Kimble Road. Most of the work has been completed with paving scheduled for spring/summer 2008. This new traffic link, detailed in the City’s Municipal Plan, will help ease traffic congestion at the intersection of Regent and Prospect streets. It will also provide access to the remaining mixed use development area and the Sports and Leisure Complex.

d) Remaining ~180-acres for mixed-use development
A call for expressions of interest was issued in February 2008 for a mixed use development area of approximately 180 acres along Knowledge Park Drive between the Knowledge Park and the Sports and Leisure Complex site. This area could include residential (single dwelling, multi-unit, condominium, rental, retirement), office, prestige industrial, additional retail components or any combination of the above.

It is expected that, over the next decade, any development on the woodlot will be in the 270-acre mixed-use development area. All of the consultation and municipal plan amendments have been completed for this area. At such time that the university decides to explore further development, beyond this initial parcel, the consultation and approval processes will begin anew.

The majority of Endowment Development Lands will remain untouched for the next 50 to 100 years.

Timeline

-Internal and external consultation sessions to prepare UNB’s Land Management Strategy and Woodlot Implementation Plan, 2001-2004
-Information sessions on the Woodlot Implementation Plan held for UNB community, stakeholder groups, media and the general public, October 2004
-Municipal Plan amendment, public process, 2004
-Zoning for 45-acre Corbett Centre retail development, public process, 2005
-Environmental approvals and environmental impact assessments conducted for the retail development, 2005-07
-Retail development construction begins, Fall 2005
-First retail store, The Home Depot, opens, June 2006
-Subdivision of land and lease negotiations for the Sports and Leisure Complex, 2005-06
-Subdivision approved for extension of Knowledge Park Drive, public process, 2006
-Environmental impact assessment conducted and approved for Knowledge Park Drive extension, 2006-07
-Work on extension of Knowledge Park Drive by City of Fredericton, 2007
-Call for expressions of interest for development along extension of Knowledge Park Drive, February 2008
-Groundbreaking for Sports and Leisure Complex, spring/summer 2008
-Knowledge Park Drive extension to open, spring/summer 2008

Smevo

Apr 15, 2008, 2:29 AM

^ Everybody I talked to didn't believe me when I told them UNB would be looking to allow development along the Knowledge Park Drive extension, it's the only way anybody would actually use the road though, since it parallels the Vanier.

UNB has designated 50 per cent the UNB Woodlot as Endowment Conservation Lands. These lands, which are greater than four times the size of Odell Park, will be conserved in perpetuity.

Perpetuity = until the accessible development lands are built out and the University is looking for more income again. With how haphazardly suburban that is, I can guarantee you that, once the demand is there, the "conservation lands" will be encroached on and eventually opened up for development. *sigh*

Can you tell I'm not a fan of this? :haha:

mylesmalley

Apr 15, 2008, 2:49 AM

^ Everybody I talked to didn't believe me when I told them UNB would be looking to allow development along the Knowledge Park Drive extension, it's the only way anybody would actually use the road though, since it parallels the Vanier.

Perpetuity = until the accessible development lands are built out and the University is looking for more income again. With how haphazardly suburban that is, I can guarantee you that, once the demand is there, the "conservation lands" will be encroached on and eventually opened up for development. *sigh*

Can you tell I'm not a fan of this? :haha:

More likely when they get their property tax bill after all that land is developed...

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 15, 2008, 5:54 PM

First-Quarter Numbers Show City Development Boom Continuing

http://www.fredericton.ca/en/ecodev/resources/devstats303.jpg

Fredericton (April 15, 2008) - Development in Fredericton is off to a record-breaking start in the first quarter of 2008 and the City appears to be heading for a third straight year of topping the $100 million mark, the City's Development Committee heard today.

"We have issued building permits worth almost $23 million in the first three months of the year," said Coun. Mike O'Brien, who chairs the Development Committee. "That's almost $9 million more than we recorded in the first three months of 2007."

Total development in 2007 was just shy of $120 million, second only to the $132 million growth in 2006.

The institutional sector is leading the way so far in 2008 with permits issued in the value of $10,069,000 due to construction of a new Middle School on Kimble Drive, repairs to St. Paul's Church, as well as renovations to the Student Affairs Building and an addition to MacLaggan Hall on the University of New Brunswick campus. That figure is expected to jump considerably when UNB starts construction of a new $35-million health and wellness centre on its campus later this year and work begins on a new seniors living complex on Rainsford Lane.

Commercial construction is continuing its hot streak following a record-breaking year in 2007. In the first three months of 2008, commercial construction was valued at $5.23 million compared to $6.32 in the first quarter of 2007. Major commercial projects include the Corbett Centre on the top of Regent Street, a Giant Tiger store on Union Street, work on the Uptown Centre (Fredericton Mall) and Regent Mall. Commercial development is expected to continue strong throughout 2008 .

Industrial construction jumped from $16,000 in the first quarter of 2007 to $2.22 million in the first quarter this year, primarily due to construction of a new warehouse in the Vanier Industrial park.

Municipal construction was down to zero from $1.12 million in the first quarter of 2007. That is expected to jump significantly later this year with start of construction of the new downtown conference centre and preliminary work on the Danny Grant sports and leisure complex.

Provincial and federal construction in Fredericton so far this year stands at $310,000, down from $816,100 in 2007. It includes renovations to government offices on Churchill Row and King Street as well as renovations to the Legislative Library and fire safety upgrades to Sterling House on Brunswick Street.

The value of residential construction in the first three months of 2008 stands at $5.12 million compared to $3.35 million during the first three months of 2007. New home construction is off to a good start at $2.22 million, compared to $2.45 million in 2007. The average permit value of a single, detached home in the first three months of 2008 was $150,282. Apartment buildings ($950,000) and mini-homes ($764,000) as well as two-unit construction ($400,000) all showed impressive gains over 2007. Renovation and repair work was also strong at $744,270.

In all, there were 156 building permits, 97 plumbing permits and 32 sign permits issued in the first quarter of 2008. The City collected $182,575 in fees compared to $117,750 in 2007.

"We have had five years of amazing growth in our city," said O'Brien. "These first-quarter figures give us room to be optimistic that we will enjoy another banner year of development and continue to grow in a sustainable and manageable fashion."

From fredericton.ca

kirjtc2

Apr 15, 2008, 7:24 PM

Market buyer wanted
BY HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
hmclaugh@dailygleaner.com
Published Tuesday April 15th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

York County Properties wants to hang a 'For Sale' sign on the Boyce Farmers Market, but it's hoping the City of Fredericton will want to spend $1.5 million to buy the land and buildings.

Ken McGeorge, executive director of York County Properties and York Care Centre, will neither confirm nor deny the asking price, but he acknowledged the city has been approached about buying the market land and buildings.

With the expansion of York Manor and growth of York Care Centre - which includes supportive and assisted living options for seniors - McGeorge said his board of directors is more interested in taking care of that side of its operations, rather than being a market landlord.

"We're the largest nursing home under one roof in the province and getting bigger," McGeorge said Monday. "The board really wants for us to focus our energies on senior issues and long-term care."

Given the provincial government's long-term care strategy and the increase in aging seniors, York Care Centre is on the edge of a business boom, McGeorge said.

To that end, a sale proposal has been made to the city, but McGeorge said he's not aware of any written response back from city hall.

"We're continuing to keep every door open. We're not in any panic,'' he said.

McGeorge said he can't speculate on a next step if the city rejects the notion of buying what's considered both a local icon and a key city tourism attraction.

But it's something he'll have to consider.

Mayor Brad Woodside said Monday neither he nor city council are interested in buying the property. He said the first stop in any move to sell should be at the provincial government's door.

The land upon which the market building sits at Regent and George streets falls within a specially designated zone that protects provincial government landmarks such as the legislative assembly and surrounding government edifices.

During the work week, the market's grounds are leased back to the provincial government for employee parking.

"I think we have enough on our plate financially right now. I have expressed this to council," Woodside said. "We have been very progressive in the last four years.

"We know what our financial abilities are. We are at a point right

now where we have to be very careful.''

With a government study on taxation pending and a downturn in the North American economy already in motion, Woodside said the city has to keep an eye on those outside forces.

"We are fine, but that's not to say that we don't have to be vigilant," Woodside said. "We've bitten off just as much as we can chew.

"We have to be ready for these uncertainties. We've got leg room. I don't want that to change."

Fredericton's market was rated in a Globe and Mail survey as one of the country's top six farmers markets and it has a long heritage as a farmers' market in the city.

Currently, only 20 per cent of the vendors actually sell farm products.

The asking price for the site is more than the city's entire annual tourism budget of roughly $1.4 million.

But the market property is regularly featured in the city's tourist attraction brochure and is considered one of the sites that tourists will want to visit on a Saturday morning.

The market, which opened in 1951, came about when English immigrant William Walter Boyce amassed a fortune in agriculture and lumber.

Boyce left $40,000 out of his estate to the Municipality of York to build a market to replace the former Phoenix Square market, once located on the ground floor of the current city hall building.

The province donated the land for the brick-and-concrete block market structure and for patron parking at George and Regent streets.

The market site was given to York County Properties, which now acts as landlord to market vendors.

New sections to the building were added in the late 1970s and in 1991.

In 2005, the federal government, through its Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, donated $315,210 to upgrade the buildings mechanical and electrical systems, improve washrooms and undertake a general face lift of the building.

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

Ride bus for free May 2
Green | City wants people to leave their vehicles at home
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Tuesday April 15th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Fredericton Transit will drop its $1.75 fee for one day next month to help commuters go green.

Rides on city buses will be free throughout the day Friday, May 2, as the city encourages people to park their cars.

Free Transit Day is designed to get people to use public transportation to get to work, school or anywhere else they might be travelling in Fredericton.

It will coincide with a visit to the city by renowned environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki.

He will deliver a speech as part of an environmental conference being held at Wilmot United Church during the first weekend in May.

Ian Graham is chairman of the seminar. He hasn't told Suzuki about the free bus service yet, but he's certain the environmentalist, author and broadcaster will be thrilled to hear about it.

"It's a wonderful idea, it shows our leadership and our ingenuity," Graham said.

"As we learn and grow and understand more about the environment, this gives residents of Fredericton a chance to leave the car at home and see how easy it is to take the bus."

And hopefully, Graham said, some will decide to make the change a habit.

Fredericton Transit operates 28 buses on eight routes from 6:15 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day but Sunday. It also operates a dial-a-bus service for persons with disabilities.

The city earmarked $5,000 for Free Transit Day in its 2008 budget.

"I encourage all residents to use this day to reflect on the environment and think about how they can reduce their environmental footprint," said Mayor Brad Woodside on Monday night.

The free bus service is part of Fredericton's Green Matters campaign.

The city has set a goal of being the first municipality in Canada to reach Kyoto targets for greenhouse gas emissions.

Suzuki speaks at 7:30 p.m. on May 2 at Wilmot United Church. Tickets for his speech are $35 each. They are available by calling 458-1066.

Tickets to the two-day conference are available for $145 or $125 for one day.

Speakers include Dr. Heather Eaton from St. Paul's University in Ottawa; Dr. Michael Higgins, president of St. Thomas University; and Elizabeth Weir, president of Efficiency NB.

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

Plazacorp 'a genuine Fredericton success story,' councillor says
By RICHARD DUPLAIN
duplain.richard@dailygleaner.com
Published Tuesday April 15th, 2008
Appeared on page A3

Business is booming in the retail-development sector and Fredericton-based Plazacorp Retail Properties Ltd. is in high gear.

The company has just posted a glowing financial report card for the past year and this year's developments are showing no sign of a let up.

"Plazacorp is a genuine Fredericton success story," said the city's chairman of development, Mike O'Brien. "Companies like Plazacorp show a strong confidence in the local market, and it also shows Fredericton is a city of entrepreneurs."

O'Brien said Fredericton posted a commercial development record of $35 million.

"This year will be very strong, but it's too early to predict the numbers," O'Brien said.

Plazacorp ended 2007 with 87 properties - 13 more than the year before. Since December, three new retail outlets were added and nine more are on the radar for 2008.

Attracting and retaining reputable retailers, striving to deliver to communities what they want and need, and a determination to execute growth strategies are fundamentals to the company's growth, said Kim Sharpe, Plazacorp's director of business development.

Sharpe said there's no new Plazacorp developments slated for Fredericton this year, but that's more a reflection of the company's plans than the retail property environment.

"There's been no decline of the retail market in Fredericton or Atlantic Canada," Sharpe said. "Fredericton is a good location for shopping centres because the economy is stable here, as well as in the entire region."

According to Sharpe, the company's gross revenues amounted to $41 million, while net income grew from $2.8 million in 2006 to $3.6 million in 2007.

Revenues are derived from rent and lease agreements with hundreds of retailers on Plazacorp's properties in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

In Fredericton, Plazacorp owns Main Place, and Empire and Cleve's plazas. It also owns the Oromocto Mall.

"We maintain a good working relationship with our tenants and in some cases we become as partners and assist in a business's growth," Sharpe said. "We don't speculate with property. We won't begin a project unless we have commitments for a least three-quarters of the property."

Sharpe described Plazacorp properties as go-to destinations.

"We don't develop specialty malls," he said. "We want everyday malls with pharmacies, variety and grocery stores."

"We are pleased with our financial results," said Michael Zakuta, Plazacorp's president and CEO.

He said funds from operations increased 9.7 per cent per share compared to the 12-month period ending Oct. 31, 2006.

Plazacorp invested $52 million in new development projects and transferred 16 properties to income-producing status in 2007.

During the 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2007, the corporation grew its portfolio by 13 properties with total assets of $230 million to 87 properties with total assets of $270 million.

Smevo

Apr 15, 2008, 8:45 PM

If the city wants to make bus ridership habitual for more residents, they really have to do something about the schedules and routes. Basically only Kings Place, the University, and the Regent Mall are sufficiently serviced, but if your living anywhere outside of there, you sometimes have to wait 2 hours for a bus. There were times when I walked over to the northside from the Kings Place stop because I'd have to wait another hour for the #15. It's the main reason I now have a car, if they had a reliable schedule, I wouldn't.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 15, 2008, 8:54 PM

I go to the Boyce farmers market almost every Saturday...
It would be a shame to see it go. :(

Smevo

Apr 15, 2008, 9:56 PM

I doubt it will go anywhere, it's too much of a city icon. Even if the city doesn't buy it, some local business will, it's a cash-cow with the tenant rents and the parking space leases. Besides, the city will march on City Hall if they ever approved getting rid of the market for development.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 15, 2008, 10:23 PM

Your probobly right.
Its been there since 1951.. same thing goes with the hosrse track, I don't think they would ever consider removing it.
Unless they move the market somwhere else.. wich would be a good idea because it's almost impossibe to find somewhere to park you car whereit is now.

Smevo

Apr 15, 2008, 10:53 PM

mylesmalley

Apr 16, 2008, 4:50 PM

Not to mention driving down Brunswick or Regent (and moreso George or Saint John) is a pain in the @$$ on Saturday mornings. I know I should hit every green light on Brunswick if I drive 50km/h, but the market always screws that up. lol

What? Saturdays have mornings?

I doubt something as popular as the market would ever fall by the wayside. Worst case, the city will take over or something.

kirjtc2

Apr 16, 2008, 5:45 PM

More beds for seniors
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com
Published Wednesday April 16th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Fredericton is getting a 72-bed nursing home in 2010 as part of a public-private partnership to build three new nursing homes in New Brunswick.

The Fredericton facility will be part of a campus-style housing project for seniors to be built on Rainsford Lane. It will also have 69 retirement suites and 60 special-care units.

Similar developments will be built in Riverview and Quispamsis as part of a private-sector pilot project. In total, there will be 656 units at the three sites, of which 216 will be nursing home beds.

The capital is also getting a centre of excellence to train 450 staff for the three facilities.

"This pilot enables the province to quickly open new beds to address waiting lists and bed shortages in our province," said Social Development Minister Mary Schryer at a media conference in Fredericton on Tuesday.

The private partner in the project is Shannex New Brunswick, a subsidiary of Nova Scotia-based Shannex Health Care, which operates six nursing homes and four retirement complexes in Atlantic Canada.

In total, the company will invest $122 million to build the three developments in New Brunswick.

The province will pay the same daily fee per bed to the company that it pays the 62 non-profit nursing homes in the province.

New Brunswick has signed a five-year contract with Shannex to buy nursing home services.

The provincial government won't invest any up-front funding.

"We have entered into this partnership to explore the efficiency of this new and innovative approach," said Schryer.

Tuesday's announcement brings the total number of nursing home beds to be built over the next three years to 318.

As of February, there were 537 seniors waiting for a nursing home bed in New Brunswick, including 66 in Fredericton and 21 in Woodstock. About 80 per cent are waiting in a hospital.

"In some regions of the province, we are experiencing acute nursing home bed shortages that require immediate attention," said Schryer. "The waiting list has more than doubled in two years.''

She said privately operated nursing homes will have to meet the same licensing standards as non-profit nursing homes. They will also receive the same kind of unannounced inspections by the province.

Joe Shannon, president of Shannex Health Care, said his company is excited about coming to New Brunswick.

"These three nursing homes in New Brunswick will each be part of a world-class seniors retirement living community," he said. "On each campus, there will be three buildings.

"There will be a retirement home, there will be an assisted living (facility) and there will be a nursing home."

Shannon called it a continuance of care for seniors.

The company plans to break ground on the retirement home phase of the project in Fredericton this summer and it will be open next summer, he said.

The nursing home in Fredericton is scheduled to open in June 2010, he said. The other two nursing homes will open in 2009.

Fredericton is the last of the three nursing homes to open because it has the smallest waiting list, said Shannon.

The company's New Brunswick projects will also create hundreds of construction jobs.

Jason Shannon, chief operating officer of Shannex Health Care, said the company will make a profit on the same daily fee that the non-profit nursing homes receive because of efficiencies in scales of economy and having accounting functions done at the company's headquarters in Halifax.

He said the company won't save money by providing a lower level of care to seniors.

Joe Shannon said the company has been operating successfully for 20 years in Nova Scotia and for 10 years with a retirement complex in Riverview.

kirjtc2

Apr 17, 2008, 5:04 PM

Province not interested
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com
Published Thursday April 17th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

The provincial government has dibs on the Boyce Farmers Market in downtown Fredericton, says Supply and Services Minister Jack Keir on Wednesday.

"In the Public Works Act it is pretty clear that before the folks that own that market and own that land ... sell it they have to put in a written proposal to the minister of Supply and Services giving us the opportunity to take a look it," he told reporters.

But Keir isn't pulling out his cheque book yet.

"I can clearly tell you that the provincial government is not in the business of running markets," he said.

York County Properties announced earlier this week that the popular weekend gathering spot is up for sale. The rumoured asking price is $1.5 million.

York County Properties is owned by the same group that operates the York Manor nursing home and the company wants to concentrate on running that facility.

Keir said regulations controlling the farmers market property give the province 90 days to make a decision after receiving written notice it's for sale.

If the province chooses not to buy the property, then the owner has two years to find another buyer, he said. If the owner doesn't find a buyer in two years, the province gets another chance to buy it, said Keir.

He said the province hasn't received written notice yet from the owners that the property is for sale.

"There have been some informal discussions," said Keir. "Until we get a written proposal we really have nothing to look at."

He said he understands the importance of the Boyce Farmers Market in Fredericton.

"Our government and certainly the local MLAs want to make sure we work with the community to ensure we do what is best for that market," said Keir.

The New Brunswick Provincial Capital Commission isn't interested in acquiring and running the farmers market.

"The answer would be no and here's the reason why," said capital commission chairman Walter Brown on Wednesday.

"Running the farmers market would be a losing proposition financially.

"We are not in a position to lose money."

He said the farmers market raises legal issues because all three levels of government have invested money in improvements over the years.

Brown also pointed out that the provincial government uses the land for parking during business hours.

"A lot of questions have to be answered," he said.

----------

Property, buildings 'can't be sold'
BY HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com
Published Thursday April 17th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

A Fredericton city council candidate and a former mayor are denouncing York County Properties for trying to divest itself of the Boyce Farmers Market.

Jo-Ann Fellows, who is running in Ward 9, is annoyed York County Properties is asking the city to pay $1.5 million to take over ownership of the market and its land.

Mayor Brad Woodside and the city's incumbent councillors said they're not interested in buying the site.

"I believe that the proposed sale of the market is both unethical and possibly illegal," Fellows said Wednesday. "It's just a grab for money.

"How can York Properties sell the market to the taxpayer when the taxpayer paid the expenses to bring the market into existence? After Mr. Boyce's original bequest of $40,000, the province gave the land and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency provided the grant that paid for an expansion and upgrade.''

If York County Properties wants to abandon its stewardship of the market, there are ways to ensure it survives through a new board of directors charged with its preservation, she said.

"What chutzpah these people have to try to sell something to the taxpayer that the taxpayer already owns," she said.

Former mayor Elbridge Wilkins, 81, knows all about the market's history.

He was the York County council member from Douglas in 1966. That's when the county council figured out a way to protect the council's assets for the people of York after the Louis Robichaud Liberal government disbanded county council governments.

"I was on the properties committee when we took the land and the municipally owned market and some financing that was there," Wilkins said.

"The money was donated by Mr. Boyce to build a market, so we saved the market to be looked after and made operational and run under that corporation.''

Wilkins said the market should be kept intact.

"There's no such thing as selling it. Some board will run it. If York Manor doesn't want to run it anymore, let some non-profit board run it."

There's no reason for it to be sold and the money absorbed into York Manor's finances, said the former mayor, adding there are people willing to serve on such a board.

"There's no reason in the world why it should be sold as such and the money dissolved into York Manor. It should be kept and operated as it was supposed to be in the first place."

Wilkins remembers William Walter Boyce, the farmer and lumberman whose estate bequeathed the $40,000 used to establish the market at Regent and George streets.

"I knew Mr. Boyce well and did business with him and so did my father on the farm and I know how he felt about it," Wilkins said.

When the Louis Robichaud government brought in its Equal Opportunity program, the province took over health, justice, education and welfare.

"Rather than let this money ($40,000) go into provincial coffers, we petitioned Premier Louis Robichaud and Municipal Affairs minister Norbert Theriault to save the market intact ... and the York Manor development, which we had in mind," Wilkins said.

The county council owned the land for the northside nursing home. Wilkins said he was on the Nashwaaksis council when the first 60 beds were built.

As far as asking $1.5 million for the market building and land, Wilkins said money shouldn't be exchanged.

"The money that is there in that market belonged to the people. It belonged to the people of York County. There's no way it should be sold," Wilkins said.

University student Jordan Graham, who is campaigning for a council seat in Ward 11 (UNB/East End), said just because the city doesn't feel it has money to purchase the property, doesn't mean it can't play a role in its future.

"They should come alongside York Properties and facilitate. The city has a vested interest in whose hands the market is in," Graham said.

"It's a local icon and it's important to the tourist industry."

The market generates its own revenue from the lease of its parking area to the provincial government.

Civil servants fill its grounds during the work week and market vendors take the space back Saturdays and for special events when the market is leased to other users.

Part of the proposal made to the city when York County Properties crafted its sale offer suggested fees for stall holders be doubled.

Stall holders pay $15 to $17 per week per stall.

At least one city source was miffed at the asking price.

The source said the company is asking $500,000 more than the appraised value of the land and buildings.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 17, 2008, 5:46 PM

City Receives Green Light for Southside Sports Complex

http://www.fredericton.ca/en/recleisure/resources/grantcentrelayout303.jpg

Fredericton, NB - The City of Fredericton has received environmental approval to proceed with preliminary site clearing for the new south side sports and leisure complex near the intersection of Kimble Drive and the Vanier Highway.

Work crews will begin immediately clearing trees and brush and installing more than a mile of fencing to protect identified wetland areas during the work on a 45-acre parcel of land the City acquired from the University of New Brunswick.

"We are excited to finally begin the preliminary land-clearing work, which will enable us to get on-site and conduct the necessary geotechnical investigations and topographical surveys," said Mayor Brad Woodside. "Once this work is completed we can finalize a suitable site for the complex and begin the process of designing of the building."

City Council awarded the land-clearing tender to Charmac Construction last year, subject to the City receiving a Wetlands and Watercourse Alteration permit from the provincial department of the Environment and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act approval from the federal government.

Both approvals come with a series of conditions, including the establishment of a buffer zone between the sports complex and all watercourses. An identified wetland area bisects the site and will be fenced off to protect it throughout the construction process.

"We announced over three years ago that we would build two new sports complexes to replace our aging arenas," said Councillor Bruce Grandy, Chair of the City's Community Services Committee. "Willie O'Ree Place is a beautiful and important part of Fredericton North now and this new complex is going to be just as beautiful and important to Fredericton South."

The new facility will be called the Danny Grant Centre in honour of Fredericton hockey legend Danny Grant, when it opens late in 2010. It will feature one NHL-size ice surface and also a larger Olympic-size ice surface. The area surrounding the site will also feature a soccer field, a baseball diamond, a dog-walking park and other amenities.

The federal and provincial governments are each contributing $1 million to construction of the $20.6-million complex under the Canada-New Brunswick Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The remaining project costs will be funded by the City of Fredericton.

From fredericton.ca

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 17, 2008, 5:49 PM

http://www.fredericton.ca/en/recleisure/resources/grantcentrelayout303.jpg

That long stretch of road must be the new knowledge park drive.
Am I right?

mylesmalley

Apr 18, 2008, 1:23 AM

Market can't be sold, says former mayor
Last Updated: Thursday, April 17, 2008 | 10:10 AM AT Comments3Recommend14
CBC News
The landlord of Fredericton's landmark farmer's market may not have the right to sell the facility.

Non-profit organization York County Properties announced this week it wants to focus its interests on its nursing home and would be looking for someone else to take over Boyce Farmers' Market.

York Properties has already approached the city to see if it will buy the market, but so far the answer has been no, said Ken McGeorge, executive director of the organization.

But Elbridge Wilkins, 81, a former mayor of Fredericton, contends York Properties has no right to sell the market.

The downtown property that the market sits on was donated to York County Council in the 1950s to specifically be used for a farmers' market.

William Walter Boyce left $40,000 of his estate for the construction of a market and when county councils were eliminated in 1967, York County negotiated saving the property intact from the province and put the care of the facility in York County Properties, said Wilkins, who was also a councillor with the former York County council.

'Nobody owns the marker': former mayor
York Properties never paid for the market and should not make a profit from selling it, Wilkins said.

"Nobody owns the market…. There's no way they should keep money," he said. "It should just be where is the board going to go from here, who's going to run it."

If York Properties no longer wants to run the market, a separate non-profit board should be set up to ensure the future of the facility, Wilkins said.

Before York Properties does anything with the market, it must submit a written proposal to the provincial government.

Under the Public Works Act, the government must have an opportunity to consider the future of the property before any other action is taken, said Supply and Services Minister Jack Keir.

The government still uses the area as staff parking during the week.

"If and when they would send in that written request, we'd have 90 days to take a look at it to see if we wanted to buy it or not," Keir said.

If the government didn't want to take over the property, York Properties would then have two years to attempt to sell the land, said the minister.

But the provincial government isn't likely interested in taking over running the market, Keir said. "I can certainly tell you that the provincial government is not in the business of running markets."

Farmers need clarity on market's future
Whatever the plan is, York Properties should be offering the market's vendors some clarity on their future, said David Coburn, who has been running a produce stall at Boyce for 39 years.

Coburn said he makes about 60 per cent of his cider sales on Saturdays at the market.

"We need to hear from York Properties — their clear intentions of what's going on," he said. "Is there going to be a market there this summer or this fall? I need to know whether I prune my apple orchard and continue my cider business or if it's done."

The board is trying its best to find somebody else to take over and continue to run it as a farmers' market, McGeorge said.

"We all cherish the market for all that it represents," McGeorge said. "We just really don't feel that it lines up with our main mission."

York Properties will be meeting next week to further discuss the future of the property, he said.

Smevo

Apr 18, 2008, 2:04 AM

http://www.fredericton.ca/en/recleisure/resources/grantcentrelayout303.jpg

That long stretch of road must be the new knowledge park drive.
Am I right?

Yeah, the long stretch would be Knowledge Park Drive and on the other side, they're re-aligning the highway offramp to meet at a 4-legged intersection with Knowledge Park, Kimble, and Allison Blvd. Don't know what that road across from the complex is supposed to be though.

BradMacD

Apr 21, 2008, 9:35 PM

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/452/dannygrantal5.jpg

I figured I would help show where everything's going a little easier. This is not to scale at all, by the way. xD

The dotted pink line is the offramp as it is today, which will be removed when the new path is made.

Smevo

Apr 22, 2008, 2:33 AM

Well done, that's much clearer than the image from the city's website. :cheers:

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 23, 2008, 4:17 AM

Found this image from Smart Centres.com of Smart Centre where the new Canadian Tire and kent is being build.
Im guessing its an old pic. Canadian tire is almost done or is it already done?
I wonder what else is being build there? It doesin't say on their website.

http://mijoryan.com/images/smartcenter.jpg

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 23, 2008, 4:19 AM

Has anyone heard anything on the pedestrian crossing that they were thinking of building from Skyline Acres to the University?

kirjtc2

Apr 23, 2008, 11:59 AM

Smevo

Apr 23, 2008, 8:47 PM

Has anyone heard anything on the pedestrian crossing that they were thinking of building from Skyline Acres to the University?

Last thing I read on it was that the province thought it was a waste of money. Since it's provincial highway, it's up to them. Basically they said people don't use them even when they are in place, and noted the pedestrian overpass in Riverview and the fences along the old TCH that people constantly jumped over to cross the highway (including myself).

In my opinion, I think it would be used, but you'll always get those few that don't (just like on Pte Ste Anne Dr and the pedestrian overpass to the Green).

ErickMontreal

Apr 23, 2008, 11:05 PM

Fredericton :: Rising water

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2434208940_bea80d01eb_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2433393679_d5b9d18fd0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2434209598_ded1c1ecff_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2434209308_606857b272_o.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/searmid/2434208940/

Smevo

Apr 23, 2008, 11:14 PM

Supposed to be 15-20mm of rain tonight according to The Weather Network. I'm hoping it's a lot less because the seasonal lake has already appeared in my backyard. As long as it's less severe than '05, I'll be happy, but that doesn't look likely at this point.

Smevo

Apr 23, 2008, 11:29 PM

The seasonal lake (supposedly hitting peak level tomorrow and remaining steady Friday). This was just taken 5 minutes ago.
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/96060475.jpg

ErickMontreal

Apr 23, 2008, 11:45 PM

The seasonal lake (supposedly hitting peak level tomorrow and remaining steady Friday). This was just taken 5 minutes ago.
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/96060475.jpg

Cool pic, is it located nearby located your home (apartment) ?

kirjtc2

Apr 23, 2008, 11:56 PM

Forget '05, they're talking '73 level now.

It was within a few feet of St. Anne's Point Drive at 2:00 today, it will probably be closed by the morning.

Smevo

Apr 24, 2008, 12:10 AM

That won't be good, though they were mentioning '73 back in '05 as well.

@ Erick - that's from the backyard. :(

mmmatt

Apr 24, 2008, 12:28 AM

WOW! thats insane, we had an unreal ammount of snow this year...I imagined it would mean a lot of flooding for freddy, but thats more than expected...better get some boots guys! :P

mylesmalley

Apr 24, 2008, 1:58 AM

I've heard that if it gets much higher, Queen street will be under water. News 889 said that the waters were up to the crown plaza steps. Craziness.

kirjtc2

Apr 24, 2008, 3:28 AM

My uncle's the GM of the Crowne Plaza. He kept on telling me they'll be fine, but I'm not so sure...

Smevo

Apr 24, 2008, 4:00 AM

That picture I posted is a bit misleading, that lake appears every year. In '05, I would have been over my ankles in water where I was standing (I didn't use any zoom for the pic, it was with my digital which has no zoom). I'm just worried because it's supposed to keep rising, which could mean that tomorrow I won't be able to stand in the same spot without getting wet.

mylesmalley

Apr 24, 2008, 6:18 AM

I always found it neat when i was younger, driving along the Cole's Island road on the way to fredericton. There's that long stretch that used to flood on both sides of the highway. Doesn't take a lot to impress me, mind you...

kirjtc2

Apr 24, 2008, 1:39 PM

St. John River spills its banks
By SHAWN BERRY
berry.shawn@dailygleaner.com
Published Thursday April 24th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Dave and Linda Bartlett are eyeing the St. John River with caution and hoping the river won't take its toll at their home today.

The Sheffield couple is among those bracing themselves as the river's water levels are forecast to continue rising.

"It may not come over the road, but if it does, it's going to come quickly," said Dave Bartlett.

When the river spilled its banks in 2005, the couple was marooned in its home for a week.

"It was not good. We were on an island for a week," Bartlett said.

If the water spills over the road again, they said they'll leave. They've moved the essentials - including a boat - to higher ground in front of their house.

"We're ready to go," said Linda Bartlett.

The Bartletts aren't alone.

Residents along the St. John River are watching the river with concern after water levels in much of central New Brunswick rose quickly Wednesday.

The water level in Maugerville was just above the six-metre flood level Wednesday evening. It's forecasted to rise to 6.1 metres today.

With five to 10 millimetres of rain in the forecast for today, the river is expected to rise another 20 centimetres by this morning.

As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the water level in Fredericton was at 7.1 metres, up one-third of a metre from the previous night.

Levels are forecast to reach 7.2 metres today. The flood level in Fredericton is 6.5 metres.

District 2 RCMP will be fishing a vehicle out of a flooded section of Route 105 today after a small car was trapped by rising water.

Cpl. Claude Tremblay said two girls were driving near McGowan Corner when their car lost control in floodwater on the road. The water then came over the engine and stalled it, forcing the girls to abandon the car.

Tremblay said the girls weren't harmed.

The Red Cross opened reception centres in Fredericton and Oromocto late Wednesday afternoon to families that might be displaced by flooding.

The City of Fredericton also put its emergency plan into action.

A city official reported one family in the Lincoln area of the city was evacuated voluntarily.

Jeanette Miller, a member of the Red Cross at the Day's Inn Oromocto reception centre, said 14 households from the Sheffield and Maugerville areas had registered by 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Another from Lincoln Road had also registered.

By evening, most had returned home or sought accommodation with family and friends. One family stayed at the reception centre.

"Some of them have water in their basements and around their homes," Miller said.

She said she was unaware of any households being evacuated.

Kerry Appleton of the Red Cross was staffing the Fredericton reception centre at Willie O'Ree Place. She said three families had registered by 9 p.m. One family was given accommodations at the University of New Brunswick.

Registration with the Red Cross is important so families can be reunited if an evacuation becomes necessary, Appleton said.

Registration will also help verify the eligibility of federal disaster funding if it becomes available at a later date, she said.

Both reception centres reopen at 8 a.m. this morning.

Officials with New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization maintained their flood warning Wednesday.

They warned drivers about the hazards of water-covered roads and the danger of wildlife fleeing from flooded areas.

The Department of Transportation advised that several roads in the area were closed Wednesday due to flooding:

* Tripp Settlement Road from the intersection of Sission Settlement Road to Route 105 in Keswick;

* Route 105 from Bluebird Corner in Maugerville to Jemseg;

* and Route 690 from McGowan's Corner to Lakeville Corner.

RCMP officers spent much of the day watching over a stretch of road at Maugerville where water gushed to the other side.

Nearby, Maugerville resident Barry Thompson was helping a neighbour move the contents of a shed to higher ground.

A steady stream of water flowed between the two homes.

"When you live along the river, you've got to take what it gives you," he said.

Thompson said he feels relatively safe. His home is built two feet higher than the 1973 flood level, which is more than a metre higher than where the water was Wednesday.

Sections of the walking trail running alongside the St. John River were submerged.

Water was lapping at the base of some buildings, including the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Beaverbrook Art Gallery on Wednesday afternoon.

Localized flooding was also reported on Bourque Lane, MacMinniman Court and some downtown parking lots.

The forecasted rain for tonight will combine with melting snow to increase water flows and levels for the next couple of days.

Emergency officials also forecasted the following water levels in the Fredericton region.

At Jemseg, the water level was at 4.36 metres and is expected to increase to 4.7 metres Thursday and around five metres Friday. Flood stage is 4.3 metres.

At Grand Lake, the water level was at 4.29 metres and is expected to increase to 4.7 metres Thursday and around 5.1 metres Friday. Flood stage is five metres.

In Sheffield-Lakeville Corner, the water level was at 4.34 metres and is expected to increase to 4.7 metres Thursday and around 5.1 metres Friday. Flood stage is 5.1 metres.

In Oak Point, the water level was at 3.64 metres and is expected to increase to 3.8 metres Thursday and around 4.1 metres Friday. Flood stage is 4.7 metres.

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

Rotary Club interested in managing farmers market
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com
Published Thursday April 24th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Fredericton's Sunrise Rotary Club president says the service club is interested in exploring the possibilities of taking on the management of the Boyce Farmers Market.

As a non-profit, charitable community service organization, the market project might be a fit for the group, Dr. Harry Bohnsack said Wednesday.

"It really depends on what the details are. We're concerned about the issue of money changing hands. We don't have the funds to make any kind of purchase," Bohnsack said. "It may be a good fit for us."

A letter has been sent to Mayor Brad Woodside outlining the group's interest in starting talks about market ownership.

"We're open to exploring it," Bohnsack said.

York County Properties and its board of directors, the same board responsible for the operation of York Manor as part of the new integrated York Care Centre, put an offer on the desks of city councillors recently.

The board wants the city to buy the market for $1.5 million and take over its ownership and administration.

Although the market is a major tourist icon in the city and a gathering place for local residents on Saturdays, Mayor Brad Woodside has said city councillors aren't interested in the deal.

The asking price is significantly above the $800,500 assessed value of the market building and its downtown parking lot at George and Regent streets.

The provincial Supply and Services Department has asked for a legal opinion from the Office of the Attorney General on York County Properties' ability to sell the Boyce Farmers Market.

The land sits within a protected land area. Under the province's Public Works Act, the owner of the building has to submit a written plan to government outlining full details of the plan to sell the property.

York County Properties hasn't yet made that submission to the provincial government.

Mike Ross, past president of the Fredericton Sunrise Rotary Club, said he broached the subject of adopting the market property with fellow Rotarians because it could become a signature project of the local Rotary Club.

He said Rotarians are interested in community service and have the manpower to undertake the market management as either an existing board of directors or by creating a new board of directors.

The market is an institution in Fredericton that should be protected, said Ross, a self-confessed market regular.

Ross said he visualizes potential uses for the market during the weekdays, such as offering space for local groups that need room to hold fundraisers or events. The market building might also be used to host trade shows or as an exhibit space related to the city's construction of a new downtown convention centre.

"It's a great community space," he said. "It could have new energy, a new look."

Ross said he agrees with former mayor Elbridge Wilkins that the market is an asset that the community has already bought and paid for.

Funded originally by a donation from local farmer and lumberman Walter Boyce, public fundraising dollars, federal government financial support and a provincial land grant for the market site have made the market a community property, Wilkins has said.

He has said if York Properties doesn't want to manage the market, it should turn the property and its assets over to a board of directors that wants to run it, but at no cost.

Ross agrees.

"There's no reason for any money to be changing hands," Ross said. "Rotary wouldn't be the least bit interested in taking on any kind of a mortgage to take on something that is already community-owned."

There will be an Rotary club assembly in a couple of weeks and Ross expects to hear more discussion on the topic.

"It's raising a possibility," he said.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 24, 2008, 6:09 PM

Found this at teamfredericton.com

Well-Educated Labour Force

Fredericton has the third highest university-educated population in the entire country at 30.5%!
http://www.teamfredericton.com/en/communityprofile/resources/EducationalAttainment.jpg

mylesmalley

Apr 24, 2008, 7:22 PM

Found this at teamfredericton.com

Great to hear we're high on the list. I wonder how accurate that number is though. Fredericton City has about 50,000 people. If the 9000 UNB students, and 3000 or so STU'dents, that's nearly 25% of the population right there having some university education.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 24, 2008, 8:03 PM

I think the diagram was made acording to Fredericton's CA population wich is 85,688.

As for the flood:
The City of Fredericton has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and the Canadian Red Cross has opened a Registration Centre as the rising level of the St. John River reached 7.15 metres today.

Levels for Friday, April 24 are expected to be at 7.1 metres. Localized flooding in Fredericton occurs at 6.5 metres. Levels during the 2005 flood reached approximately 7.8 metres. The flood of 1973 exceeded 8.6 metres.

clik here for the full article (http://www.fredericton.ca/en/publicsafety/2008April24floodUpdate.asp)

Smevo

Apr 24, 2008, 8:18 PM

They have the road sign out ready to close Pte Ste Anne Drive, but the roadway is still dry as of 3pm. It sounds like this is the crest of it, though. Looks like we dodged a bullet considering the amount of snowfall this year.

BradMacD

Apr 24, 2008, 11:05 PM

Looks like the parking lot by Frederick Square is flooded too.

I don't know how that happened...maybe it's backed up from the storm system? The water is literally about a foot from where the banks flatten out, then it'll be up to Queen street for sure.

Crowne Plaza is screwed :(

mmmatt

Apr 26, 2008, 12:16 AM

Freddy is on the front page of CBC.ca due to the flooding

BradMacD

Apr 27, 2008, 2:51 AM

It's starting to get reallllly high out by Lincoln.
There's a field on the river side and it's basically just a forested lake now.

Has anyone seen this (http://www.gnb.ca/public/riverwatch/Flood-1973/index.htm)? It's the pictures from the 1973 flood. There's a picture of water on King Street in front of the Centennial Building...crazy.

Didn't someone say 1973 levels were expected?

Smevo

Apr 27, 2008, 3:22 AM

I doubt we'll see '73 levels, unless we get a spike in temperature combined with heavy rainfall. The water level is slowly starting to fall now, at least in Fredericton itself.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 27, 2008, 8:13 PM

From this webcam shot it looks like the river has gone down a bit

http://205.174.168.6/record/current.jpg?&Cookie=-1&PAGE=1209327021296
From fredericton.ca

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 27, 2008, 8:18 PM

And just for fun here is one of the new fire station/training facility under construction.

http://205.174.168.151/axis-cgi/jpg/image.cgi?1181135377
From fredericton.ca

mylesmalley

Apr 28, 2008, 1:01 PM

Guardian Angels eyeing Fredericton
April 28, 2008 - 6:24 am
By: News 91.9 Staff

FREDERICTON, NB - The Guardian Angels are eyeing Fredericton.
The controversial citizens patrol group is gauging public interest in the New Brunswick capital.
Scott Sonne, Ccanadian co-ordinator for the organization, said he wants to find out whether there are local volunteers interested in establishing a chapter in Fredericton.
The group, which will graduate its first class of volunteers in Halifax next month, is now turning an eye to the New Brunswick capital.
He says the group wants to be `a visual deterrent to crime.'
He has been training the first crop of volunteers who will begin patrolling Halifax streets.
The volunteers learn first aid, self-defence and how to make a citizen's arrest.

kirjtc2

Apr 28, 2008, 5:46 PM

River expected to rise
Published Monday April 28th, 2008
By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN
llewellyn.stephen@dailygleaner.com

With rain in the forecast Tuesday, emergency officials are warning that the already swollen St. John River in the Maugerville area could reach or even exceed the level of the devastating 2005 flood.

People living in low-lying areas should consider voluntarily evacuating their homes, said Cindy Abbot, public information office for the Town of Oromocto.

"The anticipation is that over the next couple of days, we are going to have a rainfall that will impact this lower area," she said Sunday afternoon.

"We are expecting the river is going to rise an additional 20 to 40 centimetres. We would rather see them voluntarily evacuate than have to do a rescue later on if the forecast holds.''

Abbott said if people in low-lying areas don't want to evacuate, they should make sure they have enough supplies to be independent for at least seven days.

She said 102 individuals who have voluntarily left their homes had registered with the Red Cross as of Sunday morning.

Some farmers are already moving their animals to higher ground, said Abbott.

As of 7 a.m. on Sunday, the flood waters in the Maugerville area were 6.2 metres compared to the 2005 flood levels of 6.49 metres. Anything over six metres is considered flood stage in Maugerville.

"There could be as much as 40 millimetres of rain in northern Maine, southern Quebec and northwestern New Brunswick, and that is what concerns us right now," said Andy Morton, deputy director of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, on Sunday afternoon.

"We are not out of the woods yet."

Emergency services personnel are delivering bottled water and providing transportation from the flood command post at the Burton courthouse.

But Abbott said that assistance will be halted if the flood waters get much higher.

"Those services will have to be suspended to ensure the safety of our personnel," she said.

Route 105 in the Maugerville area remains closed to anyone without a pass and a half-tonne vehicle. There is a vehicle curfew on that section of road from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., due to possible debris on the road that might not be visible in the dark.

That curfew also applies to Route 690 from McGowan's Corner to Lakeville Corner.

The Department of Transportation reports that the road at Darling Island is 50 per cent under water and Rusagonis Road from Route 655 intersection to the Sunpoke Road intersection is also closed.

The department is also warning drivers to be cautious because water levels can change rapidly and to be alert for wildlife on the road.

Doug Sowers of Sheffield said Sunday afternoon that the water near his home rose about three inches overnight.

"There is probably about eight inches on the garage floor," he said. "But it is not in my house."

Sowers raised his house after the big flood in 1973 and he has no plans to evacuate.

"I am two feet higher than it was in 1973," he said. "It is not really going to affect my life a whole lot other than the inconvenience of travelling back and forth."

He said this flood is just the normal spring runoff.

"We did not get a big rush and roar like we did a couple of years ago," said Sowers.

He hasn't heard of major damage to any of his neighbours' properties and he expects most will ride out this year's flood. But it may take a while before things get back to normal, he said.

"I think we are going to be in for a long one. Mother Nature will control what happens down here."

In Fredericton, the flood waters were at 7.1 metres on Sunday, well above the flood stage of 6.5 metres.

But the impact in the capital has been minimal.

Wayne Knorr, Fredericton's communications co-ordinator, said Sunday afternoon the only roads closed in the capital are Bourque Lane in Lincoln and McMinniman Court near the north end of the Princess Margaret Bridge.

One family from Lincoln has been evacuated, he said.

Knorr said the flood level at Fredericton was forecast to stay at 7.1 metres Monday and Tuesday and residents shouldn't become complacent.

In 2005, the river reached 7.8 metres and in the great flood of 1973, the river reached 8.61 metres, said Knorr.

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

Regent Street wharf may drop anchor on new operator
Published Monday April 28th, 2008
BY HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

A tentative agreement has been struck between the Capital City Boat Club and downtown Fredericton that would see the boat club manage and operate the Regent Street wharf.

Downtown Fredericton's board of directors has given its approval to the concept, while the boat club's membership is reviewing the deal.

Commodore Arden Trenholm said the club's 50 or so boat-owning members are the main users of the facility.

"We wanted to make sure that someone was there to operate it. We were in as good a position as anybody to step in," he said.

The deal won't be final until all parties reach agreement, including the city - which built the first section of floating wharf - before convincing Downtown Fredericton to take on the day-to-day management of the facility in 1991.

"Our board felt that it was a huge time constraint on staff and we just should re-evaluate it," said Downtown Fredericton general manager Bruce McCormack.

The wharf attracts about hundreds of visitors per year.

"They come from all over the eastern seaboard as well as the local river systems and the lakes," McCormack said. "It's used as a visitor dock and a seasonal facility."

McCormack said any lease to the boat club would still have to have the city's blessing and would be a three-way deal because the city owns some of the $85,000 in assets and Downtown Fredericton owns the rest.

The city constructed and installed the first 97 metres (320 feet) of floating wharf. Over its 18 years of management, Downtown Fredericton has added another 109 metres (360 feet) of floating deck.

Additionally, Downtown Fredericton funded electrical and water service to the dock, while the city installed a sewage pump-out facility.

The wharf has never housed fuel pumps and probably won't given Oromocto's proximity as a refuelling location, McCormack said.

It costs about $24 a foot to dock a boat at the wharf. There are 15 river-based moorings for boaters who want to anchor in the river.

While Trenholm said expanding the dock isn't in the cards in the short term, McCormack said there's no doubt there's plenty of demand by boaters for spots.

As real estate prices around lake-front areas soar, the interest in boating in the river is growing, McCormack said.

Oromocto and Gagetown marinas are full and dock space at the Fredericton wharf is maxed out.

McCormack said Downtown Fredericton is working with city staff to create a draft agreement for city council to consider.

Trenholm said while the deal awaits final approval, time is marching on.

Once the St. John River crests and water flows return to more normal levels, it will be time to get the wharves installed for a boating season start in the latter part of May.

kirjtc2

Apr 28, 2008, 5:49 PM

kwajo

Apr 28, 2008, 5:53 PM

Absolutely ridiculous idea. We don't have the crime problems of NYC or even Halifax. They're going to be lonely at night.
They probably considered setting up shop in Saint John first, but once they visited the South End, the Lower West Side and the North End, they realized that not even Angels walking the streets could save us from ourselves. :P

michael_d40

Apr 28, 2008, 6:10 PM

They probably considered setting up shop in Saint John first, but once they visited the South End, the Lower West Side and the North End, they realized that not even Angels walking the streets could save us from ourselves. :P

haha I definitely agree!! haha I love it

mmmatt

Apr 28, 2008, 7:14 PM

Absolutely ridiculous idea. We don't have the crime problems of NYC or even Halifax. They're going to be lonely at night.

Agreed, they said in the paper they were eyeing Moncton too...we have a lower than average crime rate for a city our size, and so does freddy...I can see Halifax because there has been an increase in crime there recently for some odd reason...but not around here.

corda

Apr 29, 2008, 12:22 AM

It's begins!! Has anyone else noticed the trees have been toppled over beside the Playhouse to make way for the convention centre. We should see ground broken sometime soon.

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 29, 2008, 12:58 AM

Kirjct2, you should put that fires tation/training facility webcam on the fisrt post so people can see how construction progresses.

Smevo

Apr 29, 2008, 2:19 AM

It's begins!! Has anyone else noticed the trees have been toppled over beside the Playhouse to make way for the convention centre. We should see ground broken sometime soon.

I didn't notice that when I drove by today, but I wasn't looking for it. I'll have to glance over next time I drive by (which is basically every day).

Not looking forward to the rising river, just heard it on the radio at work and took tomorrow off to move the important stuff out of the basement. They're expecting over 2005 levels now (I'll believe it, it rose ever-so-slightly with the snowmelt today, so the heavy rain is going to just add that much more), so that would be a guaranteed flooded basement in my case. :(

BradMacD

Apr 29, 2008, 11:49 PM

Ouch :(
Good luck with moving everything out, hopefully it won't get too bad.

I live like...350 feet above river level (or more, probably) so I don't think there's much for me to worry about. Meanwhile, my basement is flooded like a...

Anyways.

cl812

Apr 30, 2008, 12:45 AM

This doesnt look good, hopefully it doesnt get as high as there predicting

River Watch 2008
River Watch 2008 / Flood warning (08/04/29)
NB 574

April 29, 2008

FREDERICTON (CNB) - River Watch 2008 and the Department of Public Safety's New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization are extending the flood warning to all areas along the St. John River, effective today, Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

Persons living or working along all streams, tributaries and rivers in the St. John River valley are asked to remain on alert, as we remain above or near flood stage in most areas. In the middle and northern basin from Saint-Francois to Woodstock, water levels will increase significantly and flooding could occur.

Heavy rain continues to fall over most of the St. John River basin, and is expected to taper off tonight. It is expected that major increases to water flows and levels will begin in northern areas tonight, and in more southern areas in the days to follow.

Currently, water flows and levels have been fairly steady, but will begin to increase significantly over the next several days.

In Fredericton, the water level was 6.97 metres at 7 a.m., and will increase steadily to 7.4 metres on Wednesday and have a major increase on Thursday to 8.2 . Flood stage is 6.5.

In Maugerville, the water level is at 6.18 metres and is expected to increase to around 6.3 metres on Wednesday and increase again on Thursday to 6.6. Flood stage is 6.0.

In Jemseg, the water level is at 5.19 metres and is expected increase slightly to 5.3 metres on Wednesday and increase again on Thursday to 5.5. Flood stage is 4.3.

In Grand Lake, the water level is at 5.14 metres and is expected increase to 5.2 metres on Wednesday and to increase on Thursday to 5.4. Flood stage is 5.0.

In Sheffield-Lakeville Corner, the water level is at 5.24 metres and is expected to remain steady at 5.3 metres on Wednesday and increase on Thursday at 5.5. Flood stage is 4.8.

In Oak Point, the water level is at 4.42 metres and is expected to remain steady at 4.4 metres on Wednesday and increase on Thursday to 4.5. Flood stage is 4.7.

In Quispamsis-Saint John, the water level is at 4.14 metres and is expected to increase slightly to 4.2 metres on Wednesday and to 4.3 metres on Thursday. Flood stage is 4.2.

The next report will be issued on Wednesday, April 30, 2008.

A complete list of weather warnings is available from Environment Canada at: http://meteo.gc.ca/warnings/nb_e.html.

A variety of self-help advice is also available on the NB-EMO Public Alerts site at: http://www.gnb.ca/RiverWatch.

A list of traffic advisories can be found on the Department of Transportation website at: http://www1.gnb.ca/cnb/transportation/index-e.asp.

08/04/29

MEDIA CONTACT: Andy Morton, River Watch 2008, 506-453-2133 or 1-800-561-4034.

08/04/29

from: http://www.gnb.ca/public/english/2008-0052e.htm

xxFamilyGuyxx

Apr 30, 2008, 1:13 AM

From the pic below it doesin't look like downtown is being affected that much.

http://www.fredericton.ca/en/publicsafety/resources/MayorChiefflood303.jpg

Fredericton (April 29, 2008) - The St. John River in the Fredericton area will rise to 7.4 metres tomorrow and crest at 8.2 metres on Thursday, the highest level in a decade.

"We could be in for some real concern at 8.2 metres," said Fire Chief Philip Toole, Chair of the City's Emergency Measures Organization. "The last significant flood we had in the City was in 2005 when the level reached 7.83 metres. "With the heavy rain we will experience for the next few days we will exceed that."

Flooding in Fredericton begins when the river hits 6.5 metres. The worst flood in recent years was in 1973 when the river crested at 8.61 metres.

Chief Toole said the City's Emergency Measures Organization has been called into action and has activated its Emergency Operations Centre at the York Street Fire Station on a 24-hour basis. Representatives of Aliant, Enbridge Gas and NBPower met with the City team this afternoon to plan for any contingency.

Fredericton Fire Department and Fredericton Police Force personnel began going door-to-door in low-lying and flood-prone areas of the City this afternoon distributing an information brochure to residents. The Fire department has also set up a command post near the Fort Nashwaak Motel in Fredericton North to coordinate any necessary rescue efforts.

"We are making sure everyone in these areas are alert to the flood warning and providing them with valuable information to help them cope with any eventuality," said Chief Toole.

The brochures contain important phone numbers and tips to ensure the safety of residents and their property. Residents who must evacuate are urged to register at McConnell Hall, 19 Bailey Drive on the University of New Brunswick Campus.

If you need assistance you can call the Red Cross at 1-888-893-1300. For non-emergency, flood-related information in the Fredericton area, residents can call the City at (506) 460-2996. Please note this is a new number. Homeowners who need to disconnect their power should contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272. For more flood information, telephone: 1-800-561-4034 or visit www.gnb.ca/RiverWatch.

Mayor Brad Woodside received a briefing on the situation this afternoon and was escorted on a tour of areas experiencing high water already by Chief Toole and Fredericton Police Chief Barry MacKnight..

"This could be a significant flooding event and the best way to handle it is to be prepared," said Mayor Woodside. "We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe."
From fredericton.ca