The four historical monuments at the entrance to Centennial Park need to be refurbished but Moncton City Council has delayed the work since the cost was higher than expected.
The static display consists of an Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Fighter Jet, a Corino M4A3 Sherman Tank, the anchor from the HMCS
Magnificent (a Royal Canadian Navy light aircraft carrier that served from 1948-1957), and CN Railways Locomotive #5270.
A city staff report said the wooden canopy located over the locomotive also requires extensive structural repairs.
Moncton director of parks Dan Hicks told council that the locomotive and fighter jet need work.
“There are some substantial areas of corrosion on the train and the aircraft as well does have some areas that do require attention probably sooner than later,” Hicks noted.
“The anchor and the tank are structurally stable, but a full blast of removing the old paints and installing new would ensure that they’re good for many years to come.”
Hicks told council the tank was hastily repainted by city staff in time for Princess Anne’s recent visit as per a request from the 8th Canadian Hussars.
City council delayed the refurbishment work since the only tender was 42 percent higher than the $500,000 budgeted for the project.
Veterans Affairs has told the city it will provide a grant of $25,000 if it moves forward this year.
Council will re-examine the matter later in the year when preparing the 2024 capital budget.
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