The construction of a downtown arena is moving forward in Moncton, but questions remain over whether the project will received funds promised by the previous provincial government.
Moncton’s city manager Jacques Dube says the demolition of Highfield Square is well underway and should be completed by the end of November.
The city plans to build a $100-million multipurpose arena in its place, but with a new provincial government, nearly $25 million committed by the outgoing Progressive Conservatives may not be honoured by the new Liberals.
“From what I’ve heard it seems a like a positive project for Greater Moncton and for the province, but we’ll certainly want to look at every project that was on the table before we took power,” says Premier Brian Gallant.
Moncton is counting on federal funds through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, which would pay for municipal infrastructure projects so the city can use those dollars to build the arena.
Dube says the city could live without either the federal or provincial commitment, but not both.
“I can pretty well assure you that without federal – provincial support for the project, the project does not go ahead,” says Dube. “The city on its own cannot afford to build this on its own.”
Dube expects two bids covering construction and upkeep to be submitted by early November, and staff will choose the winning design by Christmas.
The city contends a downtown arena will benefit local business and local restaurant owner Fadha Batta agrees.
She runs a restaurant across from Highfield Square and is open Monday to Friday, but she hopes that will change with the new arena.
“I’ll be open weekends for sure, Saturday and Sunday, which I’m not open now. That’s going to benefit my business big time,” says Batta.
Dube hopes to sit down with the federal and provincial governments later this month to determine who is contributing what to the complex.
If all deadlines are met, the doors will open in September 2017.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Jonathan MacInnis
