MLA Greg Turner, MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor, and Deputy Mayor Bryan Butler. Image: Tara Clow

Developers are going underground in Moncton’s downtown core.

$21 million is being invested from three levels of government for improvements including upgraded storm sewers, and the relocation of aerial and electrical lines.

“We are experiencing unprecedented growth in the Greater Moncton area,” said Moncton-South MLA Greg Turner. “These downtown upgrades will ensure we have reliable water and wastewater infrastructure that will support this growth and at the same time, mitigate the risks associated with climate change.”

The downtown project involves the installation of a dedicated storm sewer system to provide sewer separation on Lutz, Robinson, and Westmorland streets. The streets will be fully reconstructed following the renewal of the underground infrastructure. The existing aerial lines, including communication and electricity, will be relocated underground which will improve reliability during ice storms.

The provincial government is investing $7 million in the downtown project while the federal government is providing $8.4 million, and the City of Moncton is contributing $5.6 million.

An additional $1 million will be used for a ventilation project at Forest Glen School that includes upgrades to the building automation systems to improve energy efficiency

“Investments in infrastructure are investments in strong and sustainable communities,” said federal Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “The upgrades to downtown Moncton wastewater systems and improvements to the ventilation system at Forest Glen School support a healthier community. These projects are important to help local economies grow and communities thrive.”

Deputy Major Bryan Butler says having the proper infrastructure in place will allow the city to push forward and further densify this part of the city.

This project is expected to get underway in 2023, but the General Manager for Sustainable Growth and Management for the City Elaine Aucoin couldn’t say exactly when.

“Usually we try to start early summer, late spring to maximize construction season periods.  It spans over a few years because there are three streets as part of this project, so 2023, 2024 and even 2025 we expect there will be some work,” says Aucoin.

There will be street closures during this time, but Aucoin adds there will be detours in place.  She says they will be identified properly, and they will keep the businesses in mind while the work is being done.