Fredericton drafts wish list for next provincial government ahead of fall election
Funding for new pool, more affordable housing on city's priority list for province
As New Brunswick's political parties gear up for an election this fall, the City of Fredericton is making it known which issues it wants help with from the next provincial government.
Councillors voted Monday night to write to the leaders of the province's political parties outlining the city's priorities — including money for a new pool and more affordable housing — and inviting the leaders to present their positions publicly at city hall.
"We are asking the provincial parties to send representatives to come and speak to council and the reason for that is a lot of our wishes or desires or wants are aligned," said Deputy Mayor Jocelyn Pike, who was filling in Monday for Mayor Kate Rogers.
"So we can't do a lot on our own without the help of the province. Like for example, homelessness. It's a two-prong process, so we need help from the province."
New Brunswickers are set to head to the polls no later than Oct. 21 for an election, six years after the Progressive Conservatives under Blaine Higgs first took office.
Following a redrawing of the electoral boundaries map, this year's election will see contests for a total of five ridings that include voters living within Fredericton city limits.
New swimming pool
Fredericton's swimming community has for years asked the city to build a new competitive swimming pool that would replace the aging Sir Max Aitken Pool at the University of New Brunswick.
So far, the province has chipped in $423,405 of $1.2 million aimed at putting together preliminary designs for the pool.
The aging Sir Max Aitken Pool is the only competitive swimming pool in Fredericton, and a replacement could cost $40 million. (Submitted by the Fredericton Diving Club)
However, no further funding commitments from either the province or Ottawa have been announced for the project, which could cost an estimated $40 million.
"We want a pool for our residents," Pike said. "We need help, we need the province or we need someone to step up and help us with that asset."
Affordable housing
Homelessness and the need for affordable housing have worsened in Fredericton in recent years and pushed the city to take action aimed at getting more housing built.
The city recently received $10 million through Ottawa's Housing Accelerator Fund, but Pike said Fredericton could still benefit from more provincial help to build more homes.
"The province has a role to play as well in subsidized housing," she said.
"So we need to see them, you know, move that program along a lot further."
Fredericton
has had to grapple with homelessness, including tent encampments that
have been set up in various parts of the city in the past few years. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Another priority is to see a new school built as part of the redevelopment of the New Brunswick Exhibition Grounds, which Pike described as a "huge opportunity" to have affordable housing downtown.
A Fredericton staff report about the letter to political parties also mentions the city's desire for support building a new field house, and with the transition of its buildings and vehicle fleet to greener alternatives.
Pike said no one party seems particularly aligned with Fredericton's priorities, adding the city wants to give each of them "an equal opportunity" to address councillors.
"We haven't really engaged with any party per se a lot, other than the party that's in power," she said.
"So that's why we wanted to invite them and talk to everybody, and hear what everyone had to say."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
William Peters
Like children who never saw something they did not want except here it is about more ways to uplift your property tax assessments. It all seems like air tight logic to people who think the way to get more is to squeeze more. Employers are not giving in to that pressure. It is creating jobs people cannot afford to take and that is fueling all the talk of labor shortages and a need for immigration. With new future borrowers mixed in we get the inflationary pressures on real estate that once again greases the cities who are quick to spend it as frivolously as possible like some Roman Caesar of French King of old. Do we not understand that this ends in the collapse of civility and civilizations? Are we not seeing that in GB and South of the border?
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to William Peters
Nobody cares
MR Cain
Reply to William Peters
The collapse of civility began with social media.
Reply to William Peters
Reply to Les Cooper
Mike Van Fleet
If we assume a $218,000 down payment, 25 year mortgage @5% the monthly payment would be $2908.00. In order to afford that one must earn 4 times that amount when the "average" wage in Canada is $30.83/hr., which is just over $5,300/month BEFORE taxes. After taxes around $4,168/month.
At the end of that 25 years @5% total interest paid would be over $370,000.
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Reply to James Risdon
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Just like the Feds thinking Canada ends at Montreal, The city governors seem to have forgotten about the existence of the northside. 3rd world roads and infrastructure. A blind eye to the thievery, drug users and illegal pot stores. Motorcycle gangs proudly flaunting their headquarters on MAIN STREET. No policing where its needed...but yes, by all means, please increase my taxes for a new playhouse. Time for a change in city hall.
David Amos
Reply to Akimbo Alogo
Good luck with that
MR Cain
Reply to Akimbo Alogo
The north side is booming. Biggest problem is the need for basic services and a decent bus system.
Gimme gimme gimme. The boomers chant!
David Amos
Reply to Benoit Boudreau
I believe there are a lot songs on that topic
Robert Brannen
With all the Lane Ends/Yield signs within the City, I would think the City might prioritize having the Province remove from YouTube the video promoting, in contravention of the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act, a zipper merge at locations where these signs are posted.
The New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act states the following in regard to complying with the law approaching this sign:
When lane ends
156.1Where a driver operating a vehicle on a laned roadway approaches a traffic control device that indicates that the lane in which the vehicle is situated ends, the driver, in moving into the adjacent lane, shall yield the right of way to any vehicles travelling in the adjacent lane.
David Amos
Reply to Robert Brannen
Some folks enjoy YouTube
Reply to Robert Brannen
There is no contravention of the act when you apply the basic principles of common courtesy, signaling intentions, and never assume that you will be given the right of way. In most cases it is due to construction and the speed is reduced.
Higgs is probably chomping at the bit to adopt the Black Hat Gang's agenda.
Benoit Boudreau
Reply to David Wilson
Who is the Black Hat Gang?
David Amos
Reply to Benoit Boudreau
Good question
Dan Lee
hey Lou.......your city wants to waste money on pools...........oh my god........
David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
No doubt she will respond
Reply to David Amos
nahhh.......
prioriority no.1 vote this my way or the highway government out .the sooner the better .
Douglas James
Reply to valmond landry
Unfortunately, the Liberals will do no better.
Dan Lee
Reply to Douglas James
maybe true Douglas but the only way to improve is to keep fixing ..........if it doesnt improve........next..............
David Amos
Reply to Douglas James
True
Alex Butt
Funny how the city has the funds for art installations, a poet, building a new playhouse, pay raises for themselves but are quick to hold out their hands for federal money and raising our taxes every chance they get, all the while there are homelessness, third world roads & infrastructure etc etc etc.
David Amos
Reply to Alex Butt
Go Figure
MR Cain
Reply to Alex Butt
James Risdon
The world does not owe anyone free rent.
Pools? When there are people dying in the ER waiting rooms? When the aging population of NB doesn't even have adequate walk in clinics? What a joke.
valmond landry
Reply to Lorraine Morgan
100%right.
David Amos
Reply to Lorraine Morgan
Amen
Darren MacDonald
"So far, the province has chipped in $423,405 of $1.2 million aimed at putting together preliminary designs for the pool."
Go on the Fluidra website and get a design for an olympic pool design for a few hundred bucks.
Now that I saved the city $1.2 million, put that money to good use that everyone could benefit from.
Benoit Boudreau
Reply to Darren MacDonald
Yeah but that way they can't give tons of cash to the "business people" who helped them get elected.
David Amos
Reply to Darren MacDonald
Well put
Does it have an engineer's stamp?
Frivolous expenditures like a pool should come from the city’s tax base. The have provinces and the federal government are tapped out.
Julia LeBeau
Reply to Randy Dumont
With never-ending debt spending, the provinces and Fed are never out of cash.
David Amos
Reply to Julia LeBeau
Our cash
Douglas James
If affordable housing is the priority, and it should be, then why not demand that the province put ALL its resources into this one issue until it gets resolved? The pool is a want, not a need. Clearly its to be designed for competitive athletes, not the average person and certain not those who need affordable housing. Forget the pool. Build the housing.
Lorraine Morgan
Reply to Douglas James
Affordable housing is important, but the government isn't going to build it. Health care ranks right up there. THAT the government has some control over.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Lorraine Morgan
But the government CAN build it. Between 1941 and 1947, a federal crown corporation called Wartime Housing Ltd built 46,000 wartime homes across Canada. They were first built as rental units, but by 1944 the government had started to encourage homeownership. Most of the houses were prefabricated and then shipped to the building sites
Douglas James
Reply to Lorraine Morgan
Affordable housing and homeless supports are indeed a responsibility of the province. However, successive governments, both Conservative and Liberal have abdicated their responsibility, forcing cities to try to pick up the slack. Health care is absolutely important and must be a priority but the government also has control over ensuring everyone has a place to live regardless of their economic circumstances.
Douglas James
Reply to Bobby Richards
I live in one of those houses in Saint John. I only wish they were larger which would enable more people to take in roomers or help students and single refugees.
ralph jacobs
Reply to Bobby Richards
We have a section in our city that was wartime houses and today they are still very nice. They may be a bit smaller than the mansions people want now but I'm sure they are 100% better than a tent.
David Amos
Reply to ralph jacobs
Yup
Why not a pool in the apartment building?
How much more are we going to pay for promises that might just sink like a stone in the pool we’re being asked to fund?
David Amos
Reply to Julia LeBeau
Whatever the next mandates decides However whereas two of the party leaders live in Fat Fred City it appears a new pool will appear on our future tax bills
Dan Lee
Give that 10 millions to the quy who made thoses tiny houses maybe he will upgrade a little bigger and ordinary folks will have decent housing .......might not go well with the upper snobby noses but who cares........its everybody s taxes
Bobby Richards
Reply to Dan Lee
I agree. We need to do something different than we are now. The 12 Neighbours project seems to be a success and they have built 99.
David Amos
Reply to Bobby Richards
Imagine that
Andrew Clarkson
My wish list would include that my property tax doesn't increase another 26% as it has over the last 5 years!
Benoit Boudreau
Reply to Andrew Clarkson
Hear! Hear! (Mine is up 35%!)
David Amos
Reply to Andrew Clarkson
Surely you jest
JOhn D Bond
It is interesting that a mayor and council believe that it is important for the provincial parties to send representatives to their meeting to see what their priorities are.
While they get individual votes at election time, the city itself doesn't.
What their priorities are may or may not align with what the actual voters in the city want.
To me this is on the same path as union leaders endorsing candidates. They do not speak for the members, even if they are elected by the members.
Parties should be addressing the voters directly, not filtered tainted by those that attempt to over reach..
Douglas James
Reply to JOhn D Bond
This started with Don Darling's currying favor with provincial election candidates when he was Mayor of Saint John. Come, tell us how you are going to fix our problems! The city, meanwhile, did nothing to offset the millions of dollars in damages homeowners and businesses suffered when the city changed its water system to benefit the Irvings and also continued to subsidize water rates for the billionaires while continuing to gouge single seniors trying to stay in their own homes.
David Amos
Reply to JOhn D Bond
I concur
Allan Marven
A new pool and cars? Maybe they can stop by my house too. My outhouse could use an upgrade, and a few paved walking trails down back would be nice.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Allan Marven
Higgs has an outhouse too. Hi name is Steve and running his campaign. Us taxpayers are paying him $20,000 a month.
David Amos
Reply to Bobby Richards
Ironic EH?
Benoit Boudreau
Reply to Allan Marven
Higgs gotta go.
Garry Mackay
No surprise that Fredericton council is first to the trough. Personally I think they should be doing an apology tour of the province for the way they are spending our tax money. IMO
Art McCarthy
Reply to Garry Mackay
How do you know they are first?
To what spending do you object?
David Amos
Reply to Garry Mackay
I want my Harley back
They are the first Municipality to vote to send letters requesting that those running be prepared to respond to their, shall we say requests...
I believe there are many other priorities and frankly the next government should be advising Fredericton that the centralization of government there is over and they will (should be ) relocating departments across the province.
Far to many work for government in Fredericton and it is hi time to change that. IMO
Reply to Garry Mackay
That's it?!?
And do not equate the centralization of power with the centralization of human resources. That's not the case; not a little bit. I live here, I was a public servant, and I still have contacts there.
buster jones
A new pool seems out of line compared to the other wish for low income housing. Rethink maybe?
David Amos
Reply to buster jones
Dream on
Surprise Surprise Surprise
N.B. opposition leaders support new pool project, but Holt says cost details needed
2020 report estimated pool would cost $40 million, including contingency costs
Leaders of New Brunswick's Liberal and Green parties say they'd support the City of Fredericton's plan to build a new aquatic centre, if elected to power in this fall's provincial election.
But Liberal Leader Susan Holt said any specifics on how much financial support her government would be willing to offer depends on where the final price tag lands.
"I need to see the numbers," said Holt, in an interview Tuesday.
"The City of Fredericton hasn't delivered a specific dollars-and-cents ask or plan but we've been supportive of the project for six years now, and I would love to see the dollars and cents on where it stands now but we are committed to working with the City of Fredericton."
Green Party Leader David Coon was unavailable for an interview, but in a statement said he has been a "tenacious supporter" of a regional aquatic centre in Fredericton.
"I would ensure the province pays its share of the investment required to have a 50 m pool in what I see as the hub for recreational and competitive aquatics in New Brunswick," Coon said.
CBC News asked the Progressive Conservative Party for its stance on financially supporting the construction of a new aquatic centre in Fredericton, but did not receive a response before deadline.
The pledges from the Liberals and Greens come after Fredericton city council agreed Monday to write letters to the provincial party leaders detailing what they'd like to see from the next provincial government, ahead of this fall's election.
The
University of New Brunswick's aging Sir Max Aitken Pool has long been
under the shadow of potential closure, prompting calls for the
construction of a new competitive swimming pool. (Fredericton Diving Club)
High up on that wish list is financial support for a new aquatic centre, which would replace the University of New Brunswick's aging Sir Max Aitken Pool.
Members of Fredericton's swimming community have asked for years for the new facility but progress has been slow, with neither federal, nor provincial funding commitments for its construction.
In June, support from those two levels of government became more important, after mayors representing the surrounding municipalities voted against financial support for the project during a meeting of the Capital Regional Service Commission's board of directors.
Deputy
Mayor Jocelyn Pike says without support from neighbouring
municipalities, the provincial government is even more important as a
source of funding for a new aquatic centre. (Aidan Cox/CBC)
Speaking after Monday's council meeting, Fredericton Deputy Mayor Jocelyn Pike acknowledged how that vote now makes the city more reliant on other levels of government.
"It's determined that it's not going to be a regional asset, so that leaves it up to Fredericton," she said.
Latest cost estimate nearly 4 years old
The city plans to build the 10-lane, 25-metre pool alongside the Grant-Harvey Centre on Knowledge Park Drive.
So far, a feasibility study has been done, and last year the city, province and Ottawa came together to fund a $1.2-million design phase.
However, the latest cost estimate for the entire project comes from the November 2020 feasibility study, which pegged it at almost $40 million, including $8 million in contingency costs.
CBC News asked for an interview with the city Tuesday, but spokesperson Shasta Stairs said Mayor Kate Rogers was unavailable.
A new performing arts centre, Fredericton's other key capital priority, saw significant increases to its estimated completion cost.
Originally expected to cost $45 million, when first pitched in 2018, the arts centre — which will be built at the southwestern corner of King and Regent streets — is now expected to cost $81 million, with the city citing a rise in the cost of labour and materials.
The taxable value of houses in New Brunswick jumping for a 3rd year, some will be receiving assessment increases of 46 per cent or more this year, including several with increases above 50 per cent. Moncton's Lonsdale Drive are up 90 per cent since 2021. -CBC 2024
Anyone get a raise that high? I been in the same home 17 years and this is getting insane. Enough.
Reply to Max Ruby
PC did not respond...................cowards lol
David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
Scroll down
John Dutton
Content Deactivated
Dan Lee
Content Deactivated
hmm.......like subsidies for crown wood........poooooor irving and Higgs.......Papa USA had enough
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to John Dutton
Lou no doubt loves that comment
David Amos
Reply to John Dutton
Oh My My
Ian McIntyre
Thank God we are finally getting down to the REAL issues. Who cares if the homelessness rate nearly doubled in a year or that 50% of all NB high school grads are functionally illiterate or that your odds of survival actually increase if you DONT go to the DECH or that NB Power plans a 21% rate hike within the next two years at a time when our current taxation rates are effectively eliminating a middle class? What a joke! Who is gonna pay for a swimming pool. That’s where we really want our elected representatives focusing their efforts. Thanks for having our backs.
David Amos
Reply to Ian McIntyre
Its nice to see that somebody else finds the humour in this
Canada Future Party has launched. If you are looking for a right of centre oriented party, take a look
Diva Decatte
Reply to David Conner
Why not just look at a common sense party...
David Conner
Reply to Diva Decatte
There isn’t one
David Amos
Reply to David Conner
Say Hey to your hero for me will ya?
Liberal governments are very well known for freely spending our taxpayer money. When they run out, they simply borrow more. Holt was well trained under Brian Gallant, so she’ll be no different.
As for the greenies, they can promise whatever they want because they’ll never form a government here in NB.
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
I concur
Lou Bell
Like every other town / city in the province , the city needs a pool . Funny how so many from those towns welcomed those government tax dollars , and yet when others ask for the same it's a different story . One need only look at the money given to the Moncton area with their two MPs and where most monies given to the area both Provincially and Federally as compared to the rest of the province . The Fed Liberals are spending 40 million annually for their french only immigration center alone .
Lou Bell
Reply to Lou Bell
And nothing for the Anglophones . It is what it is , right there for all to see .
David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
Danny Boy missed you yesterday eh?
Max Ruby
Property taxes are sky high all over NB, people are tapped out, some will be losing homes. Is this pool a joke? Who will pay for it? Cut the property tax, cut the pool and do something else with the sky high taxes like roads, snow removal, healthcare. Electricity rates going up to fund smart meters on everyones homes on top. Enough is enough.
MR Cain
Reply to Max Ruby
This is a long term project which has been postponed for a decade, well past the life cycle of the present pool. This investment will meet the demands of a growing population, providing another source of revenue, provide employment, keep businesses in business. It is called progress, something we have not seen in this province for a long time.
Reply to Max Ruby
Well if their property taxes are that high maybe they ned to sell and make a large profit . They're set in terms of the present day value of their homes . Will people pay back all the extra monies they make if they sell their homes with high values and low property rates ? Or sell their 600,000 dollar home for what the property tax would for a 300,000 dollar home ? Perhaps set a ceiling on what homes could be sold for ? " No , you can't sell your 600,000 dollar home for what it would be valued for , you need to sell it for the 300,000 dollars one demanded their house is assessed at ?
Don Corey
Reply to MR Cain
I’d like to see what the ROI on this investment is. Those looking for lots of money are just like politicians…they’re very good at “creative accounting”.
And can you explain how, other than Fredericton and area, NB taxpayers (myself included) will benefit from a nice pool complex in Freddyville?
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Good question but all I hear is crickets responding
Lou not long ago you could rent a small apartment for that. Where they going to buy a home now? I am sure they not going swimming in Freddy.
Douglas James
Just as I commented in the original story yesterday. A pool is a want, not a need. Today New Brunswickers need a government that will take care of their needs, far more affordable housing and far better health care. It appears as if they won't get that kind of leadership with any of the existing political parties in New Brunswick. It's all about votes.
MR Cain
Reply to Douglas James
Please, affordable housing is a myth. As long as there is a buyer...
David Amos
Reply to Douglas James
Did you bother to read what I posted yesterday?
Jonathan Martin
i wish they would st op using that ph to it makes me have to use the to ilet.
Ron parker
Reply to Jonathan Martin
thanks for letting us know.
Jonathan Martin
Reply to Ron parker
welcome
Lou Bell
Reply to Jonathan Martin
We would get what we see. Disinterest , more for the title and the pay than the actual job and the work it would entail . And most of their caucus are much the same . The Health critic is completely out of his element , much like when he was Finance critic .
David Amos
Reply to Jonathan Martin
Me too
Matt Steele
Of course Susan Holt is in favour of wild out of control spending , and massive taxes to pay for that spending ; reminds us of the Federal government who did the same by doubling the Federal debt in just nine years , and look at the mess they created . The PC provincial government just spent five years in bringing government spending under control , reducing nearly TWO BILLION in provincial debt , thereby saving taxpayers millions per year in interest ; and the province is finally at the point that N.B.ers can get a two percent reduction in the HST/GST . There is NO government money , there is ONLY taxpayer money , and government debt . If this 40 MILLION plus dollar pool is such a great idea , let the private sector build and pay for it .
David Amos
Reply to Matt Steele
Still spinning to the right I see
Hugh MacDonald
If a new government supported Fredericton's wish for a new pool, there will be a line-up of community leaders around the Legislature looking for assistance for their projects.
MR Cain
Reply to Hugh MacDonald
Nothing new there.
Hugh MacDonald
Reply to MR Cain
The 2020 report estimated pool would cost $40 million, including contingency costs.
Maybe $60 million today? Multiply that figure by the number of communities looking for similar financing and that's a lot of taxpayers' money.
MR Cain
Reply to Hugh MacDonald
Contingency for a project like this is less than 5%. This government devolved responsibility to the municipalities but withheld the money. That issue was part of the deal. With a growing population and increased revenue from a number of sources, this government has put it in the bank and ignored the needs of the citizens of this province.
David Amos
Reply to Hugh MacDonald
They already are
Municipalities lay out priorities ahead of provincial election
Communities say promised fiscal reform needs to be implemented
Shane Magee · CBC News · Posted: Aug 13, 2024 3:25 PM ADT |
Gary Webber
A group of people in Fredericton want a new pool but they want everyone else to pay for it
Daniel Franklin
Reply to Gary Webber
There would be positive economical ripple effects from having it here. If it's going to be an Olympic size pool then it would bring competitions and the revenue that comes along with that.
Gary Webber
Reply to Gary Webber
Ok then Fredericton should build it and raise their taxes accordingly, don't try and push it off as a regional pool and ask people 100 km away to help fund it is my point.
James Risdon
Reply to Gary Webber
It's at the University of New Brunswick and education is a provincial jurisdiction, making this something that should be funded at least in part by the province.
Carole Lowes-Kotiesen
Reply to Gary Webber
But the people of Fredericton should continue to contribute to services for the people in NB more than 100 km away?
MR Cain
Reply to Gary Webber
Lots of people and clubs are interested in the project.
Gary Webber
Reply to Gary Webber
You don't contribute to anything in my area.
Gary Webber
Reply to Gary Webber
If people or some clubs want to travel to Fredericton to use their pool then charge a fee for the use
MR Cain
Reply to Gary Webber
They do.
MR Cain
Reply to Daniel Franklin
The construction itself is a big boost; keeps many people working, from the trades tos the service sector. It will pay for itself.
Matt Steele
Reply to James Risdon
If you want this pool , then by all means you should build it....WITH YOUR OWN MONEY .
Ron parker
Reply to Gary Webber
they do.
James Risdon
Reply to Matt Steele
It's a pool at a public university and education is a provincial jurisdiction, meaning that provincial taxes are collected specifically to pay for things like this.
So, yes, I'm already paying for it.
You're welcome.
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
WE ALL are already paying for it.
Jonathan Martin
NB voters, never forget that the liberal party will promise you the moon if you just vote for them, then they will tax you to oblivioun and ruin our province,
William Peters
Reply to Jonathan Martin
Are you alleging things have never been better in NB? lol Every public institution we have has become rendered almost non performing by willful neglect. The province as a whole is well described that way. Meanwhile the private sector profits skyrocket as everyone turns to speculation on derivatives of that as their soother of choice.
Carole Lowes-Kotiesen
Reply to Jonathan Martin
Always nice to be reminded of Ronnie Reagan's rhetoric about the opposition when he enhanced the US debt 186% with his failed trickle-down economics policies. However, the rich did get richer, and the rest paid for it.
Dan Lee
Reply to Jonathan Martin
Somehow i dont feel any richer under Higgs........actualy poorer.......care to explain
James Risdon
Reply to Dan Lee
Cognitive dissonance?
Reply to Dan Lee
it would only be worse under the alternative
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
Is that what you suffer from?
Randy Dumont
Of course the Liberals and NDP would pay for a frivolous pool. They will just bleed the have provinces for more tax dollars or go deeper into debt. It’s time to reasess provincial transfer payment formula.
John Montgomery
Reply to Randy Dumont
You know healthier kids means less health problems means less healthcare costs..
Jean marc michaud
Reply to John Montgomery
😂😂😂
Carole Lowes-Kotiesen
Reply to Randy Dumont
Recreation is not frivolous, and no province gets to bleed any other province as there are no transfers from any province to any other one.
David Amos
Reply to Randy Dumont
I don't believe Cardy's old party has offered an opinion on the pool
Rick Richards
Fredericton resident here, and nobody I speak to wants this pool.
It is a very vocal minority pushing this agenda.
The Nashwaaksis indoor pool is and has been a great service but has also always been underused because it is on the Northside of the city, so this vocal minority that doesn’t use one of rhe city’s present pools is who is pushing for this ridiculous purchase.
I know I don’t support my tax money going toward this useless project. We need investments in critical infrastructure like hospitals, schools and roads.
There is no sufficient need for this pool, it serves a minuscule portion of the population. There is a reason UNB doesn’t want to take on the burden once again, massive financial commitment for far too long.
This is a crock of it, parties all placating potential voters, but in this case they are trying to appeal to about 200 people out of the entire province who actually want this waste of money. They act like government money is miraxulously created and ignore that it is from taxation. I suggest the 200 people who wants this pool go find some corporate sponsors and purchase som private land and make it happen instead of forcing it down the populations throat as though it is some benefit to the city/province.
70 minute drive from UNB pool to the Canada Games Aquatic Centre or ten minutes to the Nashwaaksis field house pool. Less travel than you’d see at any competitive games like the Olympics that just passed, sports are played in various regions, imagine that.
Matt Steele
Reply to Rick Richards
Exactly , and N.B. taxpayers are waking up to this type of wasteful , and out of control spending , tax increases to pay for it , and the massive government debt that it creates . There is NO government money , there is ONLY taxpayer money .
John Montgomery
Reply to Rick Richards
It serves a minuscule portion of the population because there is no pool here. Go to a city with a pool or pools and a quarter of kids enjoy swimming.
Matt Steele
Reply to John Montgomery
Obviously , you have never been to the UNB pool as it had very few users . Saying that 25 percent of kids regularly go to a pool is ludicrous ; do you have any facts to support that claim ?
John Montgomery
Reply to Matt Steele
I can't find whether UNB pool is Olympic sized or not... I didn't even know it was open to the public.
My kid was in swim when we moved here and there was nowhere for him to go when we came out here. It was fortunate that he was losing interest in it anyway but the exercise he got from that will benefit him for the rest of his life.
John Montgomery
Reply to Matt Steele
I said a lot of kids are in competitive swimming.
Ron parker
Reply to Rick Richards
more clubs use this pool than you are aware of.
Ron parker
Reply to Matt Steele
go to the unb pool matt you might be surprised that it is very busy.
Carole Lowes-Kotiesen
Reply to Matt Steele
Which of the government services you use are you willing to relinquish?
David Amos
Reply to Rick Richards
Well put
Kyle Woodman
Why doesn't the Higgs government ever make anyone available for an interview?
Jim Lake.
Reply to Kyle Woodman
That is so true … Higgs’ desire to be the least transparent and least accountable government in our province’s history.
Matt Steele
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Premier Higgs has done tons of interviews via various media outlets ; I have seen him interviewed many times . Premier Higgs and the PC government believes in living within ones means , paying down debt , and paying as we go . He is obviously against wild out of control spending , massive tax increases , and wasteful spending . Susan Holt is the opposite , she seems to believe in massive government spending , government debt , and tax increases to pay for the that spending and debt . She was a paid advisor to the Brian Gallant government , and that is exactly what the Gallant government did .
John Montgomery
Reply to Matt Steele
You don't pay off debt when the house is crumbling around you and your family.
John Montgomery
Reply to Matt Steele
Actually let me alter that because it's not Higgs that his policies are hurting.
Matt Steele
Reply to John Montgomery
I sincerely doubt if building a 40 MILLION dollar plus pool is going to stop anyone's house from crumbling down around them when what it would actually do is drive everyone's taxes up , and take even more money out of the taxpayers pocket to pay for it . More spending equals more taxes , the math is simple .
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Matt Steele
Come on Matt. you know as well as I do that more often than not the line is no one from the government was available for comment.
John Montgomery
Reply to Matt Steele
Nope actually Higgs paid hundreds of millions down to the debt. That tells me $40 million is a drop in the bucket.
Steve Gordon
Reply to John Montgomery
The estimate 4 years was 40 million, I'd be surprised if it could be done for less than 100 now.
John Montgomery
Reply to Steve Gordon
Fair enough. Still very small considering the extra money Higgs had left over to do nothing with.
John Montgomery
Reply to Matt Steele
And kids will be healthier. *gasp* Kids will enjoy sport more. *gasp*
Besides, swimming compititions are a big draw from all over NA.
Don Corey
Reply to Jim Lake
It’s the provincial version of the fictitious federal Liberal sunny ways joke.
Jim Lake
Reply to Matt Steele
She has never once talked about massive government spending or massive tax increases … you are attempting to spread misinformation and untruths. It’s fine to disagree with her policies and plans to help New Brunswickers, but it’s important for one to be honest and truthful in countering another’s approach.
Don Corey
Reply to Jim Lake
And of course you're always so "honest and truthful" in your subjective opinions of Higgs.
Jim Lake
Reply to Don Corey
So glad that you recognize that.
Jim Lake
Reply to Matt Steele
That’s taking malarkey to a whole new level.
David Amos
Reply to Kyle Woodman
I agree
valmond landry
A pool worth 40. millions for the southern part of nb and a bathtub for the northeast whow !
Don Corey
Reply to valmond landry
Par for the course here in NB, regardless of political stripe.
David Amos
Reply to valmond landry
Is it a nice bathtub?
Dan Lee
40 millions???///..........is everybody losing it.......................
David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
Your buddy is here as I predicted
Matt Steele
Wow , what a surprise that Susan Holt is in favour of wild out of control spending , and massive taxes to pay for that spending ; reminds us of the Federal government . The PC government just spent five years in bringing government spending under control , reducing nearly TWO BILLION in provincial debt , thereby saving taxpayers millions per year in interest ; and the province is finally at the point that N.B.ers can get a two percent reduction in the HST/GST . There is NO government money , there is ONLY taxpayer money , and government debt .
Jim Lake
Reply to Matt Steele
She said nothing of the sort.
Jonathan Martin
Reply to Matt Steele
holt would support flying pigs if it means she gets into the coveted chair, libs have no values no integrity and no morals.
William Peters
Reply to Matt Steele
Paying off debt is possibly the most asinine thing any government could do. That's about shrinking the economy and locking in austerity. Mind you, we don't need pools, but we do require healthcare spending and education to be paid by the proceeds of the capitalism that is happening here. The Higgs government goes to services to find the savings they pass on to their friends in the ivory towers as a reward. The US turns around and imposes tariffs on the scheme. No one wins in these games of trying to outcompete the next guy. Capitalism is an excellent mode of economic production to pay for things. The Cons, however, are all about "get you hands off of my pile". Sadly, the Liberals and all the rest are quick to follow suit. Everyone is afraid to make capitalism pay for everyone's benefit.
David Amos
Reply to Jonathan Martin
The same can be said of all politicians
Doug kirby
A pool? Roads are crumbling no Dr's etc etc and a pool???? Unless it's a length for competition that could possibly pay for itself with events it makes no sense
John Montgomery
Reply to Doug kirby
It's not the kids fault roads are crumbing. It's a desire to pay off debt over fixing crucial infrastructure.
Now if the libs do win, they will have a horrible mess to clean up.
Don Corey
Reply to John Montgomery
No, it’ll just be the same old excuse to get back to lots of spending, and getting our deficit back up another couple billion or so.
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
These were my words yesterday Correct???
"Whatever the next mandates decides However whereas two of the party leaders live in Fat Fred City it appears a new pool will appear on our future tax bills"
Municipalities lay out priorities ahead of provincial election
Communities say promised fiscal reform needs to be implemented
A group representing New Brunswick municipalities has issued a provincial election wish list that includes a call to complete fiscal reforms promised during local governance restructuring.
"A new financial agreement between municipalities and the province is key to alleviating financial pressure on residential property owners and their tenants," Andrew Black, president of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick, said Tuesday.
The union, representing 56 municipalities across the province, outlined five priorities at a news conference in Moncton for candidates in the election scheduled for this fall.
The priorities include improving the relationship between the levels of government, financial changes, addressing housing and homelessness and reviewing provincial policing.
The Higgs government implemented sweeping local governance reforms at the start of 2023, creating or expanding multiple municipalities.
The changes followed a white paper, released in November 2021, that said the reforms would be followed by fiscal reform. The document said the intent was to make changes related to finances before Jan. 1, 2025.
However, Black said it is now unlikely that timeline can be met.
"We should have had this conversation on fiscal reform months and months and months ago," Black told reporters, adding that he's glad it has at least started.
Municipalities are already in the process of developing their 2025 budgets, and Black said some are looking at cuts because of the costs they face.
He pointed to Quispamsis, which cut roadwork spending last year because of rising costs, as an example of the choices municipalities are making.
More tax revenue sharing sought
"Having municipalities have to make those decisions that impact their residents, their taxpayers, is difficult and that will continue to happen until municipalities are adequately funded down the road," Black said.
Black said municipalities want a funding model that takes into account things like climate change adaption, housing and homelessness, infrastructure, tourism and regional economic development.
The union is calling for candidates to commit to the province sharing more tax revenue. One suggestion would be to share a portion of harmonized sales tax revenue, like in Quebec and Saskatchewan, to fund municipal services.
Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold said fiscal reform is significant for the city, saying the municipality has a $200-million infrastructure deficit, the value of work to replace or fix things like buildings and utility lines, while it also increases spending to address social issues that fall under provincial jurisdiction.
"We've stepped up to take action on how these things are impacting our community," Arnold said of spending on affordable housing, grants and bylaw officers.
"But we need to see some some action from the province as well. So either give us the money to to be able to handle these really challenging situations in our community, or it's time for the province to to do their part."
The five priorities outlined Tuesday touch on things such as affordable housing. The union says the province must ensure municipalities are involved when it is making decisions touching on issues like housing affordability, or transitional housing.
Black said one thing municipalities want is the HST reduced for new home construction, whether it's for-profit or non-profit housing.
"Reducing that HST for development would be a huge advantage to develop homes across the province," Black said.
New Brunswick didn't match Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island when they dropped their portion of the HST, after the federal government announced it would stop charging GST on the construction of new rental buildings to encourage faster development of housing.
As well, the union wants the province to develop a specific housing strategy for larger urban centres.
"Our cities and large towns are primary destinations for newcomers and are beacons for vulnerable populations," a document listing the priorities states.
"This equates to unaffordable housing, skyrocketing housing prices and a growing homeless population."
The provincial election is scheduled to be held Oct. 21.
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