The new downtown events centre in Moncton is another step closer to being signed, sealed and delivered.

Bird Construction Inc., a Toronto-based company, was chosen by Moncton City Council and will build the $104 million facility.

Company officials say they’re trilled to have been selected and say when finished; the centre will be a destination attraction.

The city says, it’s almost a done deal.

“There are a number of steps that they need to follow,” says City of Moncton engineer Bruce Tait. “We need to finalize with respect to the legal contracts and the financing of the project. They are working through those steps now. It’s not a done deal, but it’s very close to being a done deal.”

“There has been increased activity basically at city hall with regards to building permits, and honestly, it has created an expectation of great development in the downtown,” adds Conservative MP Robert Goguen.

The contractor is working through the final details, but for many in the area, the deal seems as good as done. 

Shawn Mackay purchased his house in Moncton, in part, based on a dream about the centre.

“I bought my house here on this street three years ago with the anticipation of the events centre going in,” he explains. “It was still whispers back then.”

Brock Gallant, a bartender at a pub close to the site, says they are already looking at the benefits the new centre will bring to nearby businesses.

“We’d be looking to add more staff to handle increased demand with the construction site nearby,” says Gallant, “as well as getting ready to handle larger events in the area.”

Critics say the cost of the facility is too high, and dislike the fact it will be paid primarily with public tax dollarand will lack of onsite parking.

Shawn Mackay, though, is not one of them.

“Well I am going to be proud of my tax dollars,” he adds, “Which is something you can’t say all of the time, so I am just really anxious to see what it does to the city.”

If all goes as planned, Mackay won’t have to wait much longer.

Ground break is set for spring next year, with a target open date of September 2018.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s David Bell.