News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – More than $36 million has been allocated to expand and upgrade downtown infrastructure in Moncton. The project is intended to replace aging infrastructure, improve resiliency to the effects of climate change, and prepare for private sector development.

“We are investing in infrastructure projects that will have long-term economic and social benefits for residents of New Brunswick,” said Local Government and Local Governance Reform Minister Daniel Allain. “This is an exciting development that will lead to private sector investment to support the growth of the Greater Moncton region. Investing in critical infrastructure in our communities also mitigates the risk of disastrous flooding.”

Allain spoke on behalf of Réjean Savoie, the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

Projects will include raising Downing Street and Assomption Boulevard; creating a new street; and extending municipal services. New electrical and communications infrastructure will be located underground to increase resilience to extreme weather.

“These upgrades to water management and roads in downtown Moncton improve the city’s capacity to manage water, stormwater and wastewater, as well as protect Moncton and its residents against climate change and extreme weather events,” said federal Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “We will continue to work with our partners to invest in these types of projects, which are good for people and the environment.”

Petitpas Taylor spoke on behalf of federal Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

The provincial government is investing more than $12.1 million in the project while the federal government is providing $14.5 million and the City of Moncton is contributing more than $9.7 million.

“This funding is welcome news,” said Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold. “It will support significant improvements that will encourage the overall densification and revitalization of our downtown and help us move forward with the downtown vision and infrastructure renewal detailed in the city’s Downtown Core Community Improvement Plan. Thank you to both levels of government for your continued support as we build an economically prosperous, vibrant and sustainable city core.”