The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[ErickMontreal]

Originally Posted by MonctonGoldenFlames

I can't believe it's taken this long to try to get those damn gates open permanently. The feet dragging on this topic is embarassing. I remember this being a hot topic back in junior high....over 13 yrs ago!

I don`t know much about this topic Its a great news though !

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Premiers arrive in Moncton
Environment, energy expected to be among hot topics as Shawn Graham cs

By Jesse Robichaud
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday August 8th, 2007
Appeared on page A1

The table is set for this week's meeting of Canada's premiers in Metro Moncton.

The question that remains is 'What's on the menu?'

Since its first meeting in Charlottetown in 2003, the Council of the Federation and its 13 members representing Canada's provinces and territories have met each summer to seek common ground.

The three days of meetings begin today.

While each premier brings his own agenda, pressures, and sets of priorities to the table, efforts are made to hammer out partnerships and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities.

The summer meetings are a seen as a chance for provinces to present their preoccupations and protect their interests in front of a national audience.

The council's members have used the meetings to band together to lobby Ottawa on issues ranging from health care to the reported "fiscal imbalance" between the federal and provincial governments,

While Premier Shawn Graham has indicated that energy and environment issues will be at the top of the agenda during this summer's meetings, with every premier comes a unique agenda. Add to that mix a number of national lobby groups, and the happenings over the next few days become unpredictable despite months of planning.

All eyes will be on New Brunswick Liberal Premier Shawn Graham, as he is handed the high-profile yet difficult task of mapping out that common ground as the chairman of the meetings.

Graham will feel at home during the proceedings, and not just because they will be take place in southeastern New Brunswick.

He has made energy issues the backbone of his young government's self-sufficiency agenda, and is experienced navigating a minefield of questions on how his plans to make the province an east coast energy hub will affect mounting environmental concerns.

New Brunswick's premier may take on a leadership role in helping to make strides on talk of a national, east-west electricity link, as provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba also search for ways to export their energy to hungry markets.

Here's what each province is bringing to the table:

n British Columbia: Starting on Canada's west coast, British Columbia Premier, Gordon Campbell could be one of the most active participants in the meeting. Campbell has been a leading proponent of tough action on climate change.

The Liberal premier has indicated that he will lobby each province and territory to agree to meet California tailpipe emission standards on vehicle emissions by 2016.

n Alberta: Many will be looking at the manner in which Campbell, and other premiers who are looking for commitments in setting emission targets, will engage Alberta Conservative premier Ed Stelmach, who may have coined his own catch phrase last week when reporters quizzed him on the Moncton meetings: "Don't mess with Alberta."

Stelmach launched warnings throughout Alberta media last week, warning other provinces not to gang up on the oil-rich province when it ciomes time to discuss environmental issues.

He warned that if economic impacts of overly aggressive emissions targets slow Alberta's booming economy, the whole country will feel the economic repercussions.

"It's critical that at the table, with respect to climate change, that our goals are pragmatic," Stelmach told reporters last Friday in Edmonton.

Despite what could be viewed as a large rift separating their neighbouring provinces on the environmental front, Stelmach and Campbell have worked closely together to streamline interprovincial trade and labour mobility.

The Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement, (TILMA) took effect in April with the purpose of harmonizing a vast collection of regulations, from professional certification and tenders for public transportation to trucking guidelines.

But Stelmach and Campbell were frustrated in July at the latest Western Premiers Meeting where Saskatchewan's NDP premier Lorne Calvert and Manitoba's NDP premier Gary Doer balked at the invitation to join.

"When are we going to decide we're a country?" Campbell asked. "When are we going to decide that the free movement of goods and people and services is something that's part of what a national identity should be."

While he agreed with the principle behind TILMA, Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert questioned the need for the agreement, as well as its efficiency in arbitrating labour disputes.

n Saskatchewan: While Saskatchewan media have largely ignored Calvert's participation in the Council of the Federation meetings here this week, the NDP premier's verbal and legal battles with Prime Minister Steven Harper over the place of resource revenues in equalization formulas have been well publicized.

Calvert has been onside with Newfoundland and Labrador Conservative premier Danny Williams, and Nova Scotia Conservative premier Rodney MacDonald, who have also bemoaned Harper's work on the file.

As they have done before, many expect the trio to use the national spotlight to once again attract attention to their province's fiscal situation and place more pressure on the Harper government.

n Manitoba: Premier Gary Doer has worked closely with former New Brunswick premier Bernard Lord in the past at Council of the Federation meetings. The NDP premier even signed a formalized agreement to create a "corridor of co-operation" between the provinces. Time will tell how Doer will take to New Brunswick Liberal premier Shawn Graham.

n Ontario: Liberal premier Dalton McGuinty's participation in this week's meetings has not garnered much attention thus far in Ontario either, but he is expected to make waves on the environmental front as he heads into an nearing provincial election.

McGuinty is expected to lobby for absolute emissions targets as well as a cap-and-trade system, but the premier of Canada's largest province will no doubt be a major player on a number of fronts, including a growing need for more energy options, which could play into the energy-exporting plans of provinces like Manitoba and New Brunswick.

Signs that Ontario's gargantuan economy may be slowing, and its position as a "have" province that faces significant fiscal and infrastructure challenges could dictate McGuinty's agenda.

n Quebec: Liberal premier Jean Charest grabbed headlines in his province this week as a government source revealed that Charest wants to reopen the constitutional debate by pushing for Ottawa to recognize Quebec's specificity in a "Charter of Open Federalism," a document he would like to see amended to the Constitution.

Charest's agenda at the meeting could revolve in part around that idea, as the source said Charest wants to force the Harper government to more clearly define its position regarding Quebec, and federal provincial relations in general. More specifically, Charest is said to be pushing for greater autonomy for provinces, and more clearly defined spheres of jurisdiction.

n Prince Edward Island: As Canada's most newly elected premier, the Island's Robert Ghiz will be the new kid on the block as he further immerses himself in the dynamics of interprovincial relations.

n Nova Scotia: Premier Rodney MacDonald's opposition to the Harper government's equalization formulas is well-known, but it will be interesting to see how his voice will resound this time around those of Newfoundland and Labrador's flamboyant premier Danny Williams, or Saskatchewan's Lorne Calvert. Nova Scotia's commitment to environmental issues will also be tested.

n Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny WiIliams, who may be the most media-savvy and flamboyant premier in Moncton this week, will undoubtedly grab more than his share of national headlines. Best known for his battles with Prime Minister Steven Harper over equalization formulas, Williams is equally driven regarding a number of subjects that affect his home province, including his push to establish more capacity to export energy from Labrador and mainland Newfoundland tp the rest of the country.

Many, however, will be looking for the crucial substance behind his larger-than-life persona and statements. Furthermore, it will be interesting to see whether his fiery political style ends up building, or burning, more bridges.

n Premiers to tackle labour mobility/NEWS A9

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Health care professionals gather for Moncton conference

August 07, 2007 - 10:15 am
By: Tara Clow - News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB - Over one hundred health care professionals will attend tomorrow's conference in Moncton, that is being hosted by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions.

Nurses Federation President Linda Silas says the conference is being held in Moncton, just hours before provincial and territorial leaders gather in the Hub City for the Council of Federation.

Premiers plans to talk about the environment, but Silas is hoping the nurses unions conference will bring health care concerns to their attention.

Silas says the environment is an important issue, but health care is still the number one concern of most Canadians.

[mmmatt]

Metro Moncton real estate boom continues
Multiple-unit starts double over last year, leading other N.B. cities

Kate Wright
times & transcript staff
Published Friday August 10th, 2007



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

Last month, multiple-unit starts more than doubled from July 2006 -- up to 160 units from 74 units.

The city surpassed the province's other urban centres in multiple-unit starts.

Saint John was down to eight unit starts from 17 unit starts last July.

Fredericton was down to two unit starts from 70 unit starts during the same time last year.

Single-unit starts have remained stable, up to 78 units from last July's average of 75 units.

Canadian Mortgage and Housing spokesman Claude Gautreau said yesterday that semi-detached units are becoming increasingly popular in Metro.

He said the continued stream of in-migration to the hub city means that young professionals and young families are taking advantage of the semi-detached because of its desirable price point.

"Young professionals may not be able to afford a $175,000 bungalow, but a $139,000 semi-detached may be more realistic," he said.

Gautreau adds that Metro's existing home market is still going strong.

In the first six months of 2007, Gautreau said existing home sales are at 879 units, up from 812 unit sales during the same period last year.

A new home in Metro averages at $213,275, while an existing home resale can run significantly cheaper at $143,091.

In urban centres across Canada, total housing starts in July trailed last year's total by 12 per cent, down to 16,921 from last year's total of 19,298.

In the Atlantic region, 892 starts were recorded in July 2007 compared to 1,010 units during the same period in 2006.

But Stephen McWilliam, a real estate agent with Century 21 in Moncton, said the hub city hasn't experienced much of that slow down.

McWilliam said he was anticipating a market cool-off earlier this year, but has yet to see such a cool-off happen.

He said the semi-detached housing market is still very hot because of its affordability and the quality of the construction.

"They're nice houses "" they're done right," he said.

"Everyone likes a new house, and there can be a $30,000 price difference between a semi-detached and a single-detached."

But Gautreau said the market can expect to cool off slightly over the next two to three years, a normal occurrence after a period of high volume construction.

Moncton's single detached starts peaked in 2003 with 495 units, compared to 387 in 2006.

[ErickMontreal]

Aliant Tower stays closed
Downtown Moncton landmark won't be opening to tourists for tours anytime soon, says company

By Aloma Jardine
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Friday August 10th, 2007
Appeared on page A10

It's not as tall as the CN Tower, but the Aliant Tower in Moncton would still offer a pretty fantastic view on the city.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem the tower is likely to turn into a tourist attraction in the sky any time soon.

"It is a really interesting concept because that tower has been a fixture on the Moncton skyline for a long time," says Isabelle Robinson, spokeswoman for Aliant.

But Robinson says opening the tower to the public would not be very safe or easy.

"The tower is one of our main communication towers for paging, wireless, cellular, and other services including broadcast facilities," she says. "The inside of it is essentially a hollow core that supports all of the transmission lines, the cable, all the network infrastructure. The inside is really only meant to hold that technology and all the network requirements with a minimal amount of space for people who need to go in and do repairs... The way it is built inside is not meant to have large numbers of individuals through it."

Robinson says reaching the top of the tower requires climbing a series of ladders -- not something particularly conducive to public tours -- plus there is the question of maintaining the integrity of the network -- something that would also be difficult with people trooping through.

The tower, which was completed in 1971, is the tallest structure in Moncton, reaching a height of more than 350 feet. It was built in 16 days of continuous concrete pouring.

"It has definitely been an icon there in Moncton and a source of interest for people," Robinson says, explaining that every time they do maintenance around it they get calls from people concerned about whether they might be planning to take the tower down.

"But it is not likely at this point (to be open to the public) with the equipment being the main focus of it," she says.

The tower was initially designed to support microwave technology, but since the mid-1980s that has been replaced with fibre optics.

[mmmatt]

Originally Posted by HalifaxMtl666

Aliant Tower stays closed
Downtown Moncton landmark won't be opening to tourists for tours anytime soon, says company

hahaha I read that too...I never knew anybody wanted it to be opened up. A friend of mine has been to the top...he said it takes a lot of physical effort to get there. its quite small in some places. Maybe someday after they dont need to use it for telecommunications they we transform it into a tourist attraction...it would certainly be a great view!

[mmmatt]

Moncton from space! We could see the shape of the river change quite a bit from what it looks like here in 10 or so years.

Photo credit: NASA

[ErickMontreal]

Job growth steady in N.B.
Metro Moncton shows slight gain in monthly employment rate; 13,000 more NBers working since last September

By KATE WRIGHT
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Saturday August 11th, 2007
Appeared on page A1

OTTAWA - Despite a loss of 3,000 jobs last month, the provincial employment picture remains strong with 13,000 more people working since last September, Statistics Canada reported yesterday.

While there were 362,200 New Brunswickers holding jobs last month, compared to 365,400 over the same period last year, Statistics Canada spokesman Jason Gilmour said the province has been enjoying steady growth since last fall.

Job prospects remain steady in Metro Moncton, with 103,400 people working last month, up from 103,300 in July 2006.

The unemployment rate also dropped over that time. Around 2,000 people found work since last July, when there were 8,000 people without jobs.

Gilmour said there have been major gains in the construction sector as Metro's building boom rages on. Call centres and businesses offering support services have also grown.

"The unemployment rate is still the lowest in a very long time and there does seem to be some encouraging growth signs," said Gilmour. "The province is growing well, even when stacked up against growth percentages of Western provinces."

Metro also leads the province in employment. In Fredericton, 71,200 people were working, up from 66,900 in July 2006. In Saint John, 88,100 people were in the workforce, up from 86,200 over the same period last year.

Samuel LeBreton, senior economist with Service Canada, said year-to-year, New Brunswick's employment sector is experiencing a swift upward swing.

While month-to-month figures offer insight, LeBreton said looking at long-term employment trends offers a real look into New Brunswick's employment future.

If the positive trend continues, LeBreton said the province could reach record employment levels in the coming months.

Since 1990, both the construction and call centre industries have grown dramatically, creating tens of thousands of jobs in the province.

Only 6,000 people were employed in the call centre sector in 1990. That industry has grown by 270 per cent since that time and now employs 22,000 people.

Law, accounting and engineering firms have also gained ground in the province. In 1990, there were only 8,000 people employed in those sectors. Those industries have grown by 81 per cent today, now employing 14,500 people.

LeBreton said the province's aging population has also helped to fuel job growth in the health-care field. In 1990, there were 34,000 employees working in that sector. The industry has grown by 34 per cent since then, now employing 45,000 people.

But there have also been industries that have suffered over the last 20 years.

LeBreton said the fishing industry boasted 4,500 workers in 1990. That sector has dropped by 66 per cent, now employing just 1,500 people.

There was also a decline in educational service jobs last month, which includes teachers and professors. There was also a slight drop in the service sector, including a decline in accommodation and food service jobs.

With such substantial growth in the province over the last 20 years, LeBreton said the work force will eventually plateau and growth will steady itself for a few years.

The national employment rate was little changed in July, leaving growth so far in 2007 at 1.3 per cent, similar to the growth rate in the first seven months of 2006.

The unemployment rate edged down 0.1 percentage points to 6.0 per cent, the lowest since 1974.

Alberta was the only province to show a significant employment increase in July, as an estimated 14,000 more people were working. This pushed Alberta's employment rate back to its record high of 71.6 per cent.

[ErickMontreal]

City Hall undergoes renovation

Published Monday August 13th, 2007
Appeared on page A7

Moncton City Hall is growing on the inside.

The building's one private tenant, the law firm of McInnes Cooper, left in April for the Blue Cross Centre so the growing city could use the office space in the running of the municipality.

This represents a significant portion of city hall's third floor office space.

The city hired Architects Four Ltd in April to develop a relocation expansion plan for several departments in need of additional office space and to develop a plan to renovate second-floor space as well, so that it can become a "one-stop shop" for residential and commercial developers seeking zoning approvals, building permits, civic numbers or information on economic development opportunities in the city.

Now the city has awarded a tender of $315,000 to carry out the renovations. Avondale Construction was the successful bidder.

n Brent Mazerolle's City Hall Report appears Mondays, looking at the people and issues behind the scenes at Moncton City Hall.

[mmmatt]

Moncton a hub of historical buildings
August 13, 2007 - 3:12 pm
By: Rebecca Davis, News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB-The Moncton Rotary Club heard from the Registrar for the New Brunswick Register on Historic Places today, and got quite a history lesson.

Because it's Acadian week, Lawren Campbell spent some time during his presentation, on the topic of what was built by acadians, and he says there are more Acadian built buildings in the area than some people might think.

He says there are a number of small scale residential Acadian buildings, along with Castle Manor, which used to be Mary's Home, and the Rectory for Saint Bernards Church.

Meanwhile, Campbell says if people would just look up at the top half of buildings when walking in downtown Moncton they'd realize just how historical the Hub City is.

[mmmatt]

Well, I got my car back from the shop today, the heater core broke on it lol coolant everywhere. Hopefully tomorrow I can take a spin around town and take a bunch of pics to update everyone on the many projects under construction.

[ErickMontreal]

Originally Posted by stu_pendousmat2

Well, I got my car back from the shop today, the heater core broke on it lol coolant everywhere. Hopefully tomorrow I can take a spin around town and take a bunch of pics to update everyone on the many projects under construction.

Well, I found that photo, it could help us to get a idea on what will be the impact of the new hotel on the Main Street. The quality is not really great though. Good luck for you car !



http://www.flickr.com/photos/ralphsh...207596/?page=2

[mmmatt]

Originally Posted by HalifaxMtl666

Well, I found that photo, it could help us to get a idea on what will be the impact of the new hotel on the Main Street. The quality is not really great though. Good luck for you car !

Thanks Good pic...its a bit far away though, ill try to get over there tomorrow and take a few close up. My car is fine now...250$ later haha.

[ErickMontreal]

I really looking forward to see where the courthouse as well as the new RCMP office will take place. Moreover, I just want the Federal shares the cost of the Convention center, as I really think its the key for the new downtown developments like a Casino, Hotel, condo..

[mmmatt]

Originally Posted by HalifaxMtl666

I really looking forward to see where the courthouse as well as the new RCMP office will take place. Moreover, I just want the Federal shares the cost of the Convention center, as I really think its the key for the new downtown developments like a Casino, Hotel, condo..

yeah, that is going to be sweet. hopefully we will see an announcement soon on the courthouse. The convention center will happen, and I have a feeling it may be within a year we hear an announcement what with the city possibly taking the reins moreso than before.

[ErickMontreal]

Originally Posted by stu_pendousmat2

yeah, that is going to be sweet. hopefully we will see an announcement soon on the courthouse. The convention center will happen, and I have a feeling it may be within a year we hear an announcement what with the city possibly taking the reins moreso than before.

Well, I wish you`re right. Mike Murphy said a while back the city has to go by itself on it. Assumption already showed some interests in the project but the city had rejected the plan. I assume that Assumption has enough lands and money to get a master plan that going to include a Courthouse, Hotel as well as convention center . The last plan was really urban , it included pedway system to link Blue cross to Delta and all new stuffs as well together.

[SJTOKO]

Originally Posted by HalifaxMtl666

Well, I found that photo, it could help us to get a idea on what will be the impact of the new hotel on the Main Street. The quality is not really great though. Good luck for you car !



http://www.flickr.com/photos/ralphsh...207596/?page=2

[ErickMontreal]

Originally Posted by SJTOKO

Well, I could understand that you prefer the picturesque panorama of a refinery, a pulp mill as well as falling appart buildings

I just dont understand you goal anyway.

[SJTOKO]

Originally Posted by HalifaxMtl666

I just dont understand you goal anyway.

You'll catch on eventually, now peel yourself off of your seat, put down your checklist of Moncton businesses and your English phrasebook, grab yourself an iced coffee and get outside and enjoy the day....

[mmmatt]

Originally Posted by SJTOKO

You'll catch on eventually, now peel yourself off of your seat, put down your checklist of Moncton businesses and your English phrasebook, grab yourself an iced coffee and get outside and enjoy the day....

Or howsabout you stop being foolish before I report you.

[mmmatt]

Construction projects in Moncton, all pictures taken by me today (8/14/07).
I apoligize some pics are junky because they were taken froim my car while driving haha.

New Peterbuilt store in Caledonia (That place is booming right now)



Old YMCA renovations


New Ambulatory care unit at Moncton Hospital well under way


New Molson Brewery almost done (this is from the back...it looks better from the front but I was lazy)


Some New buildings in Dieppe:





Dieppe City Hall



New Holiday Inn Express near airport



Random building under construction near Champlain Mall


New Sobeys Downtown is well underway, they now have a bit of a frame up...Ill add some pics of it later.


And of course last but not least the new Marriott downtown!







There are a a bunch of things I missed..I just didnt have the time today...hopefully Ill get out again soon and take some more.

[mmmatt]

I just read that Sum41 and Finger 11 will play in Moncton in November (they will also play in Halifax and St. John's). Two of my favorite bands! that will be a sweet show, hopefully I can make it