Moncton unveils new long-term plan to upgrade downtown waterfront

The City of Moncton is shaping a new vision for its riverfront.

Moncton, N.B., is looking to breathe new life into one of its public spaces.

The city has unveiled its Riverfront Master Plan — a long-term vision to make the area more active, accessible and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

“Overall, it’s a really exciting project,” said Shane Porter, the city’s director of events and venues. “For years we’ve been talking about development of the riverfront and how that was going to take shape, and you know, small pieces have been done over the years — but the nice part is city council agreed to go along and do a full master plan with action steps.”

The city has been working with Trace Design, the lead consultant on the project. Porter said the plan has been developed with significant community input through a series of public consultations.

“We’re really encouraging people to get their feedback,” he said. “If you weren’t able to make the session last week, you still have the opportunity on our website through ‘Let’s Chat’ to voice your opinions.”

The plan will include upgrades to trails, and green spaces, also other elements including entertainment, commercial and art space. Improved connections between the downtown core and the Petitcodiac River.

Some aspects of the plan are long-term — stretching out over several decades — while others could take shape much sooner.

“Some of it is going to be 25, 30 years down the road when you start talking about moving buildings and that kind of thing,” Porter said. “But I think we’ve got some quicker things that’ll happen in the next five years that will be really exciting for both visitors and obviously for the citizens that live here.”

Local business leaders say the renewed focus on the waterfront could help draw more people downtown and create new economic opportunities.

“There’s some exciting existing opportunities that are maybe under-utilized,” said Patrick Richard, with Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc., a business association. “I think businesses are excited — I know we are as an association — to see the riverfront developed. It’s going to be a game changer.”

The plan also includes ongoing consultations with Indigenous communities to help guide the work and ensure environmental protection of the Petitcodiac River.

“When you get an opportunity to do this, we want to do it right — and that includes keeping the natural flow of the river and how to best do some of these improvements without affecting it in a negative way,” Porter said.

Officials expect to bring the completed master plan back to Moncton city council in early 2026 for consideration.

Residents who attended the latest consultation say they’re eager to see progress, and hope Moncton will partner with neighbouring communities to strengthen regional connections.

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