Efforts continue to enhance the area along the Petitcodiac River in downtown Moncton.
Director of Economic Development Kevin Silliker says the Riverfront has a lot of potential to become a must-see destination for residents and tourists.
“Our municipality, some time ago, identified enhancing the riverfront as a priority area for our municipality. The city’s strategic plan includes an action item to enhance the riverfront by developing a riverfront master plan. Earlier in 2004 through a public request for proposals process, a consultant was engaged to help the city deliver on this riverfront master plan.”
He says the objective of the plan is to create an exceptional riverfront destination that encourages recreation, creates an inviting space for diverse events, honours our heritage and Indigenous history and upholds environmental preservation.
“Over the past several months, an interdepartmental city working group was established to provide support to the consultant team and the overall project. The consultant conducted a series of one on one and group consultations with the city department including urban planning, economic development, parks and recreation, engineering, environment, circle culture, events and festivals and corporate communications. The physical platform of the riverfront was examined, including various site analysis and on-site walkabouts were completed,” Silliker adds.
With the launch of the Let’s Chat page in Moncton, it now includes a survey for public input about the riverfront.
Silliker says using the public’s ideas, a plan will be devised over the next few years.
“Trail usage numbers continue to grow with more demand for green space and active transportation on the rise, and a need for walkable places to eat, meet and play can be brought together with the right planning and oversight to achieve a purposeful balance of preserving certain parts of the riverfront while enhancing other sections for the benefit of generations to come,” Silliker says.
The riverfront spans a large geographic area from the Moncton Dieppe border, to the Gunningsville bridge, and beyond to the Honorable Brenda Robertson crossing.
“With the public’s feedback, the consultant can start to work on concepts and designs, which can then be brought forward for further rounds of public engagement. An open house is considered, where residents can weigh in on preliminary design work. Once the ideas are refined, a final report will include a robust overall plan and concept, including a capital plan for a phased implementation approach over the next several years,” Silliker told members of Moncton City Council this week.
