For sale: Ruins of 100-year-old arena in Moncton hit the market
Nestled in the tall grass of Moncton's marsh, mostly hidden from sight, lies the ruins of what was once the largest indoor rink in the Maritimes.
Built in 1921 by local contractor Robert Donald, the Sunny Brae Arena was a big attraction in the Greater Moncton, N.B., area until fire destroyed it in 1928.
The circular rink with a conical roof was home to many hockey teams and used as a concert venue in the summer.
Lawren Campbell is the heritage and cultural coordinator for the City of Moncton at the Resurgo Place museum, not far from where the ruins are.
"It's so unique looking and it inspires that Roman amphitheatre kind of feeling to it, which was some of the inspiration when it was built. The fact that it's still up, 100 years, and it's ruins, really has that ancient, mystical kind of visual and atmosphere to it," said Campbell.
Now, it's for sale.
The lot, and what's left of the concrete structure, have been on the market for about two months, but it's complicated.
An image showing the ruins of a century-old arena in Moncton, N.B., taken on Dec. 6, 2022. (CTV Atlantic/ Derek Haggett)
Part of the 2.8 acres of land borders on the Petitcodiac River.
Realtor Mathieu Blanchard said there is also the railroad that is bordering the lot, which contractors cannot build within 30-metres of.
"Those are two objections that we are facing, but at the end of the day, the land is big enough to overcome both of those objections," said Blanchard.
The land is located near both hospitals, CF Champlain mall and Université de Moncton.
Blanchard thinks the land would be perfect for a small apartment building, but only an eight-unit building can be constructed.
"It's just a matter of investing the money into the property and being patient with the zoning and dealing with the city and come to an agreement to put the best project in place," said Blanchard.
Some Moncton residents don't even notice the old arena because it's tucked away in the marsh. Many don't even know what it once was.
"Eighty years it's been ruins. So, it's not like it was a structure in people's minds that they can really remember as an active rink," said Campbell. "It was always just ruins. Even people that only moved here maybe 20 years ago, 30 years ago could easily think, 'Oh, it's got to be something with the railway,' and not know what it actually is."
In 1926, big band leader John Phillip Sousa played in front of 2,000 people inside the rink and thousands more outside on the grass.
"If there was a rock star in the marching band world, which was a big deal back in the '20s, he would be it," said Campbell. "It was like the Rolling Stones coming to Moncton."
The lot is listed at $199,000 and Blanchard said he's had some interest.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.