A new conceptual plan for the area should lead to renewed pride in a once neglected part of Downtown Moncton

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By Susanne MacDonald
This Week Staff

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St. George Street, one of the major thoroughfares in Greater Moncton, has seen better days and, according to a recently unveiled conceptual plan for redevelopment, it is slated to undergo a major facelift.

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Photo Contributed

St. George Street as it looks now, from the Vaughan Harvey Boulevard entrance on the east end.

Photo Contributed

The architect’s rendering of what St. George Street could look like with the proposed development.

"It was a great street in the 60s and 70s," says Daniel Allain, executive director of Downtown Moncton Inc. (DMI). "But over time, it's been losing its lustre.

"This year, St. George Street became part of our business improvement area and we believe it has the potential to be a great downtown neighbourhood in Moncton. We look forward to seeing it transformed to meet its potential."

James Sackville, senior partner and president of BDA Landscape Architects, recently presented the blueprint for the redevelopment of St. George Street at DMI's annual fall business meeting.

"We have a four-prong strategy," says James. "We need to improve the streetscape; redevelop vacant lots with mixed-use infill; enhance historic residential neighbourhoods; and strengthen the role for arts and culture."

The new vision for St. George Street encompasses a plan for the street and sidewalk, with the intent to establish St. George Street as a safe and attractive destination to do business, go for a walk, or meet people.

To improve the quality of the pedestrian environment, it is proposed that the addition of amenities such as shade trees, coniferous trees for winter colour, lighting, signage, and outdoor furniture will provide a safe, comfortable street with a distinctive character. The vision suggests small parkettes, sidewalk cafés, and other places for people to meet.

The second component recommends that the number of vacant or underutilized sites along St. George Street should be redeveloped with buildings that include a mix of retail and commercial on the ground floor, and residential or offices on the second and third floors.

"The quality and design of these projects must fit the new image for St. George Street in scale, layout, and materials," says James.

The plan recognizes that the historic residential housing adjacent to St. George Street is a significant resource for the city and an essential element for the success of the new vision.

Although the heritage housing to the south of St. George Street is badly eroded, it's recommended that measures be put in place to ensure the housing on the north side of St George Street is protected and enhanced.

The fourth component of the strategy is to realize that public outdoor art plays an important role in creating a unique identity and character along a street. The presence of the Aberdeen Cultural Centre is evidence that the Moncton arts community is well established on St. George Street.

However, the area would also benefit from providing temporary or permanent installations along the street for the expression of outdoor art. It's also desirable to provide space for artists and galleries.

The initial catalyst for change came from the St. George Street merchants, themselves.

"They banded together and formed the St. George Street Merchants Association in 2005," says Daniel. "At that time, our business improvement area didn't encompass St. George Street, but the merchants subsequently decided to join Downtown Moncton Inc. in order for us to work together to bring this new vision to fruition."

BDA Landscape Architects made sure to involve the stakeholders in the redevelopment plans.

"As part of our research, we sought input from the merchants and residents of St. George Street because we believe it's important to get a good feel for what they want," says James.

The biggest challenge now will be to meet the five-year implementation schedule, which runs from 2009 through to 2013.

"The stakeholders are fully behind us, so we need to make sure our elected officials are going to support us, too," says Daniel. "We are hopeful the City of Moncton will approve the necessary funding to help make this plan a reality."

The funding proposal calls for $75,000 to be spent in both years one and two, $350,000 to be spent in both years three and four, and $1,000,000 to be spent in year five.