The City of Fredericton is looking to reshape the downtown core over the next 20 to 30 years and has already begun considering possible options for change.
The City Centre Plan focuses on revamping the downtown core along the St. John River from Officers’ Square to the area behind City Hall, and creating a new look for the New Brunswick capital.
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“The City Centre Plan is a generational one,” said Fredericton Mayor Mike O’Brien.
“Over the next 25 years, how we’re going to re-do, re-invigorate, put new quality standards into our downtown core.”
O’Brien says making the city more walkable is something council is strongly in favour of. He says that small change will bring about multiple benefits such as a healthier community and a strengthened local economy.
“How streets will be shaped, how we can drive more people into our downtown to support our businesses,” explained O’Brien.
The City Centre Plan is in its initial stages at this point, although many key pieces are gaining steam, like the permanent skating oval and band shell at Officers’ Square and changes that would see development between the river and the buildings that face it.
“Having the parking lots down here be more of a street with potentially apartments looking down at the water I think that would be a nice attractive option,” said Fredericton resident Robbie McPhee.
“It would be cool to see more restaurants with patios and everything looking at the water,” said Fredericton resident Ceilah Keats. “It would be nice to have a cool view like that.”
The City plans to hold consultation sessions this fall but hasn’t announced dates at this time.
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