The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[MonctonRad]

This article is about all three big NB cities, but, I have concentrated on the bits about Moncton.

N.B. cities getting denser as they respond to population growth
Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John hope to reach record numbers for new housing units this year
Oliver Pearson · CBC News · Posted: Jul 07, 2025 6:00 AM ADT | Last Updated: 6 hours ago
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-bruns...s-respond-to-population-growth-1.7574357

In Moncton — one of the fastest-growing areas in Canada — the population surpassed 97,000 in 2024, up from just under 78,000 in 2020. That surge is reshaping the city's housing landscape.

Note that these figures are just for the City of Monctom, not the broader CMA. The growth rate in Dieppe is higher than it is in Moncton proper.

"A good year" used to mean 500 to 600 new housing units, said Josh Davies, Moncton's manager of long-range policy planning. Now the city is preparing for closer to 900 units annually, with the majority being high-density projects like multi-storey apartment buildings.

Already this year, Moncton has issued permits for more than 700 new units, with large-scale residential projects leading the way.

"We'll probably continue to have a bit of a deficit to build out of," Davies said. "I guess in some ways it's a bit of a good problem to have in terms of keeping those permit numbers up and keeping that development going."

Davies said Moncton's population growth is already ahead of city projections made in February 2024.

"We're at 2031 levels today with the projected population that we have, which we believe or should be confirmed soon, is around over 100,000 people in the city of Moncton just itself," Davies said.

Mylène Vincent, the CEO of Pivot Housing Solutions, a Moncton real estate development consulting company, agreed removal of the HST, along with population growth and other factors, spurred some building.

Her business works with municipalities, including Saint John, and has seen developers from Ontario and Quebec become more interested in the Atlantic provinces in recent years.

"I think that this is a result of a few years of ramping up to this," Vincent said. "Honestly, I think developers have noticed the increase in population, the attractiveness of Atlantic Canada, in particular New Brunswick."

[lirette]

if you wanted an anecdotal proof of the population growth in our city the canada day celebrations downtown were it. I don't think I have ever seen the waterfront so packed in my life. Tons and tons of families of different ages, cultures etc all having a great time. Some just taking the dog / kids out for a walk, some enjoying the music, some in line for the food vendors or just chilling out in the park waiting for fireworks time.

Say what you will about the impact of immigration I'd be hard press to find someone who would criticize the scene down there. young Kids from other countries getting their first glimpse of the fireworks was priceless. I couldnt help but think of the possibilities of an improved riverfront in a few years.

[MonctonRad]

The July PAC meeting for the city of Moncton has been cancelled (presumably no business).

There is also no PAC activity in Dieppe, Riverview or Plan 360 (surrounding areas including Shediac and Sackville).

It's <crickets> all the way around.

I don't think I have ever seen this before...........

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

The July PAC meeting for the city of Moncton has been cancelled (presumably no business).

There is also no PAC activity in Dieppe, Riverview or Plan 360 (surrounding areas including Shediac and Sackville).

It's <crickets> all the way around.

I don't think I have ever seen this before...........

Nothing this month in Saint John either, unless it got kicked out to next week.

[reflist]

Is is really drying up?? I thought I just heard on the radio today that Moncton just surpassed the 2024 year end permit total and we are only 50 million away from the Moncton's all time record.

[SevenSquared]

The year-to-date units created total is on pace to crush our all-time yearly record as well, and it's miles ahead of nearly every other city in Canada on a per capita basis. There's definitely been no slowdown, despite the silence on the high-profile downtown projects we're all hoping for.

But all the 4-6 storey buildings providing much-needed infill all over areas adjacent to downtown are definitely a great thing in their own right.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by reflist

Is is really drying up?? I thought I just heard on the radio today that Moncton just surpassed the 2024 year end permit total and we are only 50 million away from the Moncton's all time record.

There is no inconsistency. We are talking about two different things entirely.

The Planning Advisory Committees are concerned with the approval stage of a project. There is often a considerable time lag between the approval phase of a project, and the permitting phase - sometimes as much as 3-5 years.

During this time lag, the hard work of financial and logistics planning occurs. It can take some time to get your ducks in a row before you get to the point where you ask for a building permit to be issued.

At present there is probably damned near a billion dollars of approved projects for greater Moncton that have not yet been permitted. The ASEC alone is worth about $650M. While some permits have been issued, and foundation work is well underway, large portions of this project have not yet had the appropriate permits issued.

Other notable approved-but-not-yet-permitted projects include the Gateway Towers, St. Bernard Place and the Infinity Tower.

Approval is still pending for some other megaprojects, most notably the Ashford/Downing project. This has not yet even been discussed at PAC, although we do know this is a major civic priority.

So, yes, the city is having a gangbusters year for building permits, but, this is mostly for projects that have been presented to PAC a long, long time ago. The current lull in PAC activity may indicate problems for the construction industry five years down the road. No need to panic, but it does raise a few concerns, and, makes for a boring period for construction nerds and civic enthusiasts like ourselves with little to discuss.

[Leroy321]

[QUOTE=MonctonRad;10455794] Approval is still pending for some other megaprojects, most notably the Ashford/Downing project. This has not yet even been discussed at PAC, although we do know this is a major civic priority.

Do you think we will see the Ashford/Downing project being discussed at PAC this year?

[ivegotaname]

I dont know where your downtown starts and where it ends last time i was there few months ago was lost on george street visit friends. Moncton I can picture hitting 3 million someday same goes for other city's in nb.
What is the largest ethnic group from the new immigrants since covid started ?

[mylesmalley]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

There is no inconsistency. We are talking about two different things entirely.

The Planning Advisory Committees are concerned with the approval stage of a project. There is often a considerable time lag between the approval phase of a project, and the permitting phase - sometimes as much as 3-5 years.

The PAC only looks at applications that require variances to what is allowed in the zoning bylaw. There are a lot of things that get to move ahead as of right.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by mylesmalley

The PAC only looks at applications that require variances to what is allowed in the zoning bylaw. There are a lot of things that get to move ahead as of right.

Very true. Many things do get approved as of right. But, still, many of the more substantial projects do require variances of one form or another, just because of the size of the development.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Leroy321

Do you think we will see the Ashford/Downing project being discussed at PAC this year?

no more than 50/50.

Riberviewer posted on the downtown thread the other week that the Ashford project was undergoing "revisions" at present. I don't know what this means, but, he seems to have his finger on the pulse of downtown development, at least to some degree.

I have no idea how substantial these "revisions" are.

In any event, the plans will not be made public until Ashford is ready.

It is important to remember that Ashford/Downing is a large, complex and multifactorial development proposal.

Components include:

1) - creation of a new street connector in behind Assumption Place from Downing Street to Westmorland Street (and eventually even as far west as Foundry Street).
2) - relocation of the city market to Downing Street, on the north side of the new street connector. The new city market will be connected to the Hotel Beausejour, and will include flex space that could be used for market activities, but, also as overflow convention space for the hotel.
3) - The doubling of Downing Street to create a two way, but highly pedestrianized thoroughfare with a large central plaza component.
4) - extensive infrastructure work (ongoing)

These four parts of the project will require funding from all three levels of government, which is always difficult to arrange.

5) - Ashford will construct a large mixed use building on the south side of the connector street, extending as far as Assumption Blvd. This will be entirely private, but, will presumably consist of a residential tower on a commercial podium. This is the part of the project undergoing "revision" as Riberviewer noted. I suspect it is being downsized due to current market conditions.

We will not see any presentations until they have a firm plan. Something tells me it won't be anytime soon.

[ivegotaname]

I think a strong economic and world class city designation as moncton being the biggest city that we should advertise the shit out of it. All over the world its getting recognized as a good place to live n raise a family with lower crime rate compared to larger cities in Canada.most of it is petty anyways.
Im just trying to say canada doesn't see how great it is here in nb and maybe we should put all our support behind moncton. The world juniors canadian squad didn't want to play in moncton such a disgrace hockeycanada is.

[DyAm00394]

AIM's Moncton scrapyard approval expires, province says it won't renew it
Salvage dealer licence required to operate lapsed June 30

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/metal-scrapyard-moncton-licence-expire-1.7590274

[MonctonRad]

Dozens more firefighters, new stations needed says review of Moncton Fire Department
Consultant's 64 recommendations could cost $200M over 15 years, city staff say
Shane Magee · CBC News · Posted: Jul 22, 2025 7:44 AM ADT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/moncton-fire-report-expansion-1.7590234

A review of Moncton's fire department calls for hiring dozens more firefighters, opening a sixth fire station and relocating three stations.

The Emergency Management Group's review, commissioned by the city and presented to council Monday, has 64 recommendations. City staff estimate implementing them could cost $200 million over 15 years.

There are 22 firefighters on duty per shift, below the 38 a National Fire Protection Association standard says should be part of an initial response to a highrise fire. The report would increase the city's staffing to 37 per shift.

Including administrative and other roles, the recommendations would increase the department to 200 positions from 124.

One major recommendation is to add a sixth fire station within three to six years. That would mean adding 40 firefighters along with additional fire trucks and equipment.

Another recommendation calls for relocating the St. George Boulevard, Brandon Street and Botsford Street fire stations within 10 years.

St. George, with the fire training tower, and Brandon are described as insufficient. The report says Botsford, the newest station built in 2008, can't be expanded and has safety issues.

One recommendation is for the department to use smaller medical response trucks to reduce wear and tear on larger vehicles during medical responses, an idea several councillors Monday suggested could be an immediate priority.

The report says that despite growth in the city's skyline, the department is below the number of firefighters needed when responding to a highrise fire. (Shane Magee/CBC)

[MonctonRad]

A welcome report.

In particular, the recommendations for improved staffing are long overdue. Staffing levels now are virtually the same as they were in the 1980s. Meanwhile, the city has doubled in population. In addition, the fire department is now responding to many medical situations that they never did before. I like the idea of having smaller medical response vehicles available to the department.

We need to have the minimum staff needed to fight high rise fires. This is a major safety concern, and, not doing so could impede future high rise construction (I'm sure there are insurance issues at play here). If Moncton wants to play with the big boys, then we need to get the proper staffing and equipment.

I wonder where they are thinking of building a sixth station? As for relocating three of the existing five stations, I am not so sure about that. I think a proper case will have to be made. The Botsford station is nearly brand new!!!

[habs33]

YQM expands food and beverage availability pre-security

https://www.919thebend.ca/20
25/07/22/125351/

The Greater Moncton International Airport is offering more selection to its passengers.

It is expanding its food and beverage offerings in the pre-security area of the terminal.

Shediac-based Adorable Chocolat will open later in July, and in the fall, the Connections Cafe Souvenir will begin serving locally roasted coffee, sandwiches and other snacks.

[Riberview]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

A welcome report.

In particular, the recommendations for improved staffing are long overdue. Staffing levels now are virtually the same as they were in the 1980s. Meanwhile, the city has doubled in population. In addition, the fire department is now responding to many medical situations that they never did before. I like the idea of having smaller medical response vehicles available to the department.

We need to have the minimum staff needed to fight high rise fires. This is a major safety concern, and, not doing so could impede future high rise construction (I'm sure there are insurance issues at play here). If Moncton wants to play with the big boys, then we need to get the proper staffing and equipment.

I wonder where they are thinking of building a sixth station? As for relocating three of the existing five stations, I am not so sure about that. I think a proper case will have to be made. The Botsford station is nearly brand new!!!

The report suggests the sixth station to be in the Vision Lands area..

It also recommends moving the St George Blvd, Brandon St and Botsford St stations.

The Botsford Street station, though only 16 or 17 years old, is in a terrible location traffic wise, not to mention its in a flood plane..

Unfortunately it was built on some land that was owned by a city manager so the city likely got a deal they couldn't refuse..

Meanwhile, the response time to the area north of Shediac Rd, Gagnon, Erinvale, etc.. which is technically covered by the Caledonia Rd station and then seconded by Botsford, is astronomical.

Moving stations away from downtown seems silly, given that response time to the front door and response time to the 14th floor are two entirely different things.

It would appear from the outside looking in that the fire department had been SEVERELY UNDERFUNDED, dare I say mismanaged, until the end of the 2010's.

With any luck the folks on the trucks will see the necessary increase in equipment, stations, and staffing soon. Hopefully before someone from the public or the department gets hurt.

[josh_cat_eyes]

The Moncton Coliseum parking lot, or the Corner of Vaughan Harvey & m
Millennium could be potential locations for a fire station relocation. As for a 6th location, Harrisville has ample land to build one, also does the city think that the north end has enough fire coverage? I suppose if one was built at the Coliseum site, that would be good secondary support for the north end. You could also build one on Ivan Rand next to Chrysler to support downtown.

[jonny golden]

That Coliseum parking lot is huge, and largely unused. I remember it being mentioned on the forums as a possible location for residential development. Given the city public works site next door, I can't imagine it being very attractive for residential. But it would be a good location for a fire station, as it would have great access to Wheeler Blvd., Killam Drive & Berry Mills Rd.