LOOKING TO THE FUTURE By Heather McLaughlin (The Daily Gleaner, January 02, 2007)

When Fredericton's development services committee chairman looks ahead to 2007, he's seeing more than bricks and mortar and millions of dollars in construction still ahead - he sees possibilities. Coun. Mike O'Brien said he wants to see Fredericton's growth expand beyond the $120 million in construction it posted in 2006. He wants to see the city look at other segments of its economy and help them take off the same way that retail-store construction and apartment and home building have. Development, O'Brien said, takes in arts, culture, affordable housing, heritage and tourism. "It all ties into development," he said.

Everyone at city hall knows that 2007 will see developers applying for permits to build more retail at Two Nations Crossing and Cliffe Street, he said. Brookside Drive housing is going to take off. Extension of Knowledge Park Drive will not only provide access to the city's second new sports and leisure complex, it will also take 7,000 cars a day off the intersection of Prospect and Regent streets, and allow the University of New Brunswick to expand its retail leasing near Home Depot. But other types of building pump fuel into the city's economic-growth engine, O'Brien said. The provincial government's promise to build and open the missing northeast arm of the Westmorland Street Bridge is going to change the face of the north side, O'Brien said, and the city isn't waiting to do the necessary work. "The missing ramp will be open in 2008 at the latest ... We will do our work on Cliffe, Union and St. Mary's intersections to widen that and we will be all ready to go," he said. Those changes will open up opportunities for St. Mary's First Nation to come up with economic proposals of its own. As well, a secondary plan to guide the redevelopment of Union Street will be completed.

O'Brien is eyeing a UNB project to build a $35-million complex of gyms and pools as more than building-permit revenue for the city. He sees the university's project to develop the centre into a health, wellness and nutrition centre as cutting edge for the Atlantic region and even the country. "This is a tremendous opportunity to create a new industry in the city," he said. Researchers and experts in wellness and health will be drawn to the centre and those white-collar jobs will blend neatly with Fredericton's ambition to build its image as a smart city, O'Brien said.

While there's been skepticism about the city's plan to build a downtown convention centre, O'Brien said, convention planners have already been enquiring about booking meeting space in it. While funding negotiations with federal and provincial governments continue, O'Brien said, once the structure is built, it will be an easy sell to attract more conventions and prosperity to the capital city.

O'Brien said he wants to become an advocate for arts and culture, not just because it makes this city more attractive to young professionals, but because it's good business. "We have a real potential to make the City of Fredericton the cultural capital of Eastern Canada," O'Brien said. The artisans who work in the city are world-class, O'Brien said, and he's glimpsed New Brunswick-made wares in British Columbia stores. "There's a whole economy that can grow around this," he said. There's a need to focus on a strategy to grow art and culture as an industry, he said.

On affordable housing, the city recently struck an ad-hoc committee with representatives who work in the social-housing field to try to entice developers into looking at constructing modest-priced housing. "The funding for social issues is undoubtedly a provincial-federal responsibility, but as our city grows and the residents demand that we become more active, we are," O'Brien said. The committee is full of great ideas, O'Brien said, and he applauds its efforts to raise community awareness of the need to provide shelter for the less prosperous. In 2006, the city donated $10,000 worth of bus tickets as part of its transit-fare-assistance program for the needy. "The feedback is that they've been used. It's greatly accepted," O'Brien said. That programs shows that small steps can make a big difference and it doesn't always take a lot of money for the municipality to make a contribution to good social policy, O'Brien said.

Fredericton's development-services director Frank Flanagan said his department is alive with expressions of interest and inquiries about lands available for development. The arrival of big-box retailers to Fredericton attracts other stores, Flanagan said, and it's prompting local businesses to consider repositioning their stores to be closer to the retail action. Commercial development will be strong again in 2007, while apartment, condo and house builders will judge vacancy levels in 2007 before they start new projects. "There's a lot on the books. We still have applications coming through for various types of apartments and condos," Flanagan said. But developers dictate what they actually build. "Usually when there's a strong period of growth, there's a period when it stabilizes and there's absorption. This year and next, we're getting there. This year could be peak or it could be next year (2007)," Flanagan said. "Next year will be a telling year for developers with respect to the direction of the market." "On the residential side, we're trying to encourage the low income and affordable end of the market. The high end has been well addressed by the development community," he said. What really drives the real-estate market is the creation of jobs that attract more young working people to the city. "To continue to retain our young people and immigrants, we need jobs. That's got to be one of our major focus. It's going to drive these other sectors, both the commercial and the residential sector," he said.

Fredericton Chamber of Commerce general manager Anthony Knight predicts steady growth in 2007, but not necessarily record spending on construction. "We've experienced extraordinary growth, and it's not easy to sustain that," Knight said. When you consider that the city has had several years of $80-million-plus building, the cumulative effect is staggering, Knight said. "Citizens and the city need to catch up and catch their breath a little," he said. Fredericton has less than 3,500 businesses, but it has the second largest chamber in Atlantic Canada, which shows that the business sector here comes together, works together and builds together, he said. Continued speculation about retailers thinking of setting up shop in the area shows that the capital city is open for business and is ready to embrace opportunity, Knight said.

Wayne Brown Inducted into Canadian Sports Hall of Fame (November 11, 2006)

Wayne, a long time resident of the St. Mary's First Nation and our Ward 3, was cited for his 40+ years as an administrator, official, coach, organizer and technician. A certified Level 5 International Softball Federation official since 1978, he umpired in six national and two international championships. Wayne served as Deputy Umpire-in-Chief for Softball Canada from 1986 to 1994, as Umpire-in-Chief for Softball Canada from 1994-2004 and was responsible for assigning Canadian officials for all national and international championships including the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He was appointed North American Umpire in Chief for the International Softball Federation in 1995 and in this role was in charge of 90,000 officials in Canada and the United States.

If that wasn't enough, Wayne also coached the St. Mary’s Braves senior fast pitch team to a bronze (1993) and a gold (1995) medal at the North American Indigenous Games. He also was host chairman of the New Brunswick Indian Summer Games in 1983 and 1987, and was selected as Sport NB's Official of the Year in 1995. Wayne was inducted into the NB Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

Congratulations Wayne, for all you have done for your sport, and for the honor you have brought to our province and city, and for the people of St. Mary's. The recognition is truly deserved

Celebration of Fredericton North Heritage Saturday, October 21

The Fredericton North Heritage Group will celebrate the unique heritage of our Northside communities, including Nashwaaksis, Devon, St Mary’s/Gibson, Barker’s Point, Marysville and beyond, on October 21 at the Kinsmen Club of Nashwaaksis, 141 School Street, Fredericton North. Share the stories behind your old photos, family history, memories and artifacts of days gone by with your community as we work towards a permanent collection of our history.

A BBQ fundraiser will be held by Kinsmen. Tables/display areas available at no charge for your own “Show and Tell” or stop by the “Can You Tell Me What This Is?” table and try to track down an elusive story. For more information, contact David Neill at 470-0194 or by email at nealda@nbnet.nb.ca.

Taylor White "Singing Up a Storm" (August 14, 2006)

Taylor, a graduate of Leo Hayes High School here on the north side (and a local Ward 3 boy) is studying voice at the world renown Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music. Taylor was a staple in local high school and thearte productions during his high school years. I had the pleasaure of seeing him sing and dance on at least two occasison, and was (still am) extremely impressed with his voice maturity and stage presence. Some of his solos were absolute "show stoppers".

Taylor is the son of Bob and Sharon White of our Ward 3. While home this summer, Taylor performed a jazz concert at the Christ Church Catherdral to the delight of many fans, friends and supporters. He also spent the summer working as an instructor at the Theatre New Brunswick Theatre School, and has begun teaching private voice lessons.

All the best in your final year at school Taylor. Here's wishing you every success as you persue your dream of a career in music.

Meagan McGratton Recognized for Community Involvement (August 7, 2006)

Meagan McGratton, of our Ward 3, was recently one of the first recipients of the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Youth in Action, Youth in Motion. An independent panel selected eighteen young New Brunswickers as the recipients of this new award. Recipients received a medal designed by the lieutenant-governor and made in New Brunswick as part of NB Day festivities at Old Government House.

Meagan, along with 17 outstanding youth from across the province, received the distinction at a ceremony at Old Government House in Fredericton. "I am delighted to be able to honour the achievements and activities of some amazing young citizens," Lieutenant Governor Hermendigilde Chiasson said. "I have created this award to honour the leadership, generosity and dedication of the most outstanding young people in New Brunswick. These young leaders made a difference in such areas as environmental stewardship, the arts, fundraising and volunteerism. They come from all corners of our province, and represent the spirit and good nature for which New Brunswick is known."

"Being a leader is, first and foremost, being concerned with fostering vision, new ideas, and believing in yourself and your innovative potential in a way that will rally others and influence them," Chiasson said. "I also wanted to recognize young leaders of all walks of life, from those who might work in solitude producing astonishing artwork or a fabulous website, to those who are already showing an early disposition for business or politics. "Quite frankly, I see this as a young people's Order of New Brunswick, and I am hopeful that, in coming years, some of Monday's honourees will become members of the actual order of this province. I invite you to celebrate, with me, the accomplishments of these outstanding young men and women."

Meaghan is the daughter of Fredericton firefighter Capt. John McGrattan and wife Judy. Her proud grandmother is Tony Barry, another distinguished resident of our Ward 3. Congratulations Meagan!

CITY WORK IN OUR WARD 3 FOR THE SUMMER of 2006

Roads & Streets and Water & Sewer Projects

• Cliffe Street / Union Street Upgrade -Land acquisitions to facilitate connection to new bridge ramp Cliffe Street (Union to Bowlen)
• Reconstruction of the watermain on St Mary's Street (Maple to Civic #320)
• New curbs and asphalt resurfacing the entire lenght of Friel Street
• Reconstruction of sanitary sewer main on Friel Street (Union to the end)
• Brookside Drive (Reynolds to Peters) - Road way reconstruction (widening, west side curbing, sidewalk, and storm sewer)
• Brookside Drive- Regional storm sewer - providing storm water attenuation (retaining ponds) to facilitate subdivision development
• Cedar Avenue (Maple to Teak) - Asphalt resurfacing
• Preston Drive - Asphalt resurfacing
• Pugh Street (Moss to Wallace) - Asphalt resurfacing
• Maple Street intersection at Wallace Avenue -Installation of pedestrian actuated crosswalk flashers (RA-5); (this was a campaign pledge of mine)

Killarney Lake Swim Bus (June 2006)

Residents affected by the delay in construction of the new Queen Square outdoor pool now have a new transportation option to help them cool off this summer. The City’s Finance & Administrative Committee has approved an extension of service to the transit system, which will take swimmers to Killarney Lake Park. Interested swimmers simply need to take transit route 13, which coincidently goes right by the Royal Road outdoor pool. Transit buses will now turn around in the Killarney Lake Rotary Lodge parking lot, right next to the lake’s popular beach, and 800 metres past the current turn around spot. The beach has lifeguards as part of the City’s summer recreation program. Take the bus … to Killarney Lake for a swim!

Cityview Dog Park (June 2006)

Upgrades Completed at Cityview Dog Park Upgrades were done at the Cityview Dog Park on Cityview Avenue. Staff from the Community Services Department made improvements to the parking area and the surface area of the dog park itself. For more information, contact the recreation division at ext. 2230 or recreation@fredericton.ca

Candace Paul Relected Chief of St. Mary's First Nation (June 2006)

On behalf of all residents in our Ward 3, I wish to extend congratulations to Candace Paul, who was recently elected to her second term as Chief of the St. Mary's First Nation. Chief Paul was returned with a strong mandate, as was just about every one of her Councillors. The people of St. Mary's obviously have great faith in the vision and leadership of their Chief and Council. Congratulations Candace!

Unsung Hero Awards Presented to Five Ward 3 Residents (April 2006)

The 2006 City of Fredericton presented ten Unsung Hero Awards during a noon hour reception at City Hall on April 27th. The awards honour citizens of Fredericton who give of themselves behind the scenes so that Fredericton's many recreational, leisure, youth, church, sport and community efforts can flourish. Over 160 awards have been presented during the 13 years the program has been in existence. Five residents of our Ward 3 were honoured: Michael Doyle, Bob MacMullen, Mike Bourque, Frank Calvert and Lloyd Boyd. Congratulations everyone!

Extension of Policing Services to St. Mary's 1st Nation (August 08, 2005)

The Councils of the City and St. Mary's 1st Nation (geographically located here in our Ward 3) have agreed to extend the present policing services agreement until March 31, 2006. The 12-month charge by the City for the service is $261,538, of which the Government of Canada pays 52% or $136,000 and the Province of New Brunswick pays 48% or $125,538.00

Zoning Amendment of 320 Maple Street (August 08, 2005)

Council has approved the amendment of the Residential Zone R-2 zoning of this property (Trainor Survey building property) to permit the operation of the medical health (dentist) office.

Appointment of City Representatives to the Nashwaaksis Field House Maintenance Committee (August 08, 2005)

The City and School District 18 shared in the construction costs of the Nashwaaksis Field House (in Ward 3) in 1975 and they continue to jointly operate the facility. The responsibilities and right of both parties are set out in a comprehensive agreement.

In the agreement, the City agrees to appoint two members to a five member Field House Maintenance Committee. The School District appoints two and the Minister of Education appoints the remaining member. The Committee is charged with the ongoing maintenance and equipping of this heavily used facility.

Council has approved that two senior members of the Community Services department, Connie Nichol, Facilities Coordinator; and Tony Hay, Assistant Director; will be the new representatives.

Any resident of the City, or our Ward 3, that has concerns with the operation or maintenance of the Field House, should make contact with this Committee. They can be contacted through the Community Services department.

Mary Jane Richards Appointed Judge (July 1, 2005)

The province had some good news on Canada Day for Fredericton's backlogged provincial courts when it appointed a new judge to the bench. Mary Jane Richards (a resident of our Ward 3), Assistant Deputy Minister of court services for the Department of Justice, was named the province's new provincial court judge.

Mary Jane graduated from UNB Law School in 1980 and was called to the Law Society of NB in 1981. She has experience as a private lawyer and has taught at the University of Moncton and spent the last 15 years as a civil servant. She has been an assistant deputy minister since 2001 and is also New Brunswick's chief sheriff.

Congratulations Mary Jane. All the best in your new career.

Killarney Lake Lodge Open For Business (May 25, 2005)

The Killarney Lake Lodge (in Ward 3) is now open for business. The building is up. It's fully furnished. It's available for rent. Want to know more? Contact the City Recreation Division at 460-2230.

From the Fredericton Daily Gleaner: The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency recently gave a financial boost to the Killarney Lake park project. The project has received a non-repayable contribution of $266,467 under ACOA's Strategic Community Investment Fund. This assistance will fund elements in and around the new Killarney Lake Rotary Centennial Lodge to support expanded services at the family park.

The project is supported by a steering committee from the City of Fredericton (of which I am a member) and two Rotary clubs: Fredericton Sunrise and Fredericton North.

The ACOA funding will assist the three partnering groups to furnish the newly constructed lodge, create parking areas and provide landscaping to bring the structural phase of the project to fruition and allow for year-round tourism initiatives to be pursued.

It is expected that the multi-purpose lodge will contribute to increased tourism, provide conference facilities in an "off-site" setting and establish outdoor adventure activities. Those activities include rentals of kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and bicycles as well as support winter activities through cross-country ski rentals and sleigh rides.

"We are grateful for ACOA's assistance with our plans for the Rotary Centennial Lodge," said Mike Toole, chairperson of the Rotary Centennial Lodge steering committee (and a resident of Ward3). "The success of this project is especially significant during this year's celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Rotary worldwide."

Gabriela Tymowski Receives "Unsung Hero" Award (April, 2005)

The City recently honored Gabriela, a resident of our Ward 3 and an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at the University of New Brunswick. She was one of ten citywide residents to receive recognition at the annual Unsung Hero awards during a noon hour ceremony at City Hall. I was pleased to personally present the award Gabriela. The photo below depicts the two of us shortly after the ceremony concluded.

Gabriela works tirelessly with her colleagues at UNB to raise awareness of childhood obesity, and the dangers it presents to our children and society at large. She helped cofound the LEAP program and the childhood obesity clinic and support group at UNB. Countless young children and their families have been educated on the lifestyle changes required to counter obesity.

Gabriela was also a cofounder of the BOOST program now operating at the Chief Harold Sappier Elementary School on the St. Mary’s 1^st Nation (here in Ward 3). Childhood obesity and diabetes is epidemic amongst aboriginals. This program promotes healthy eating and daily activity for the school children in the hope that they will embrace this new "life style" the rest of their lives.

Gabriela, thank you for all the work you do on behalf of our City’s’ young children.

Fire Department Promotions for Ward 3 Residents (March/05)

Congratulations are in order for two Ward 3 residents, both valued members of the Fredericton Fire Department, for the recent promotions. John McGrattan was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain, and Paul Fleming from Captain to Platoon Captain.

Our City, and Ward, are well served by these two individuals. All the best with your new duties John and Paul.

One Down, Three to Go (January 2005)

It was a moment all fathers both fear, and cherish. On a cool winters eve in early January, I walked my oldest daughter down the aisle. The fear comes from knowing things may never be the same and also with the realization that your daughter no longer needs you the way she did when she was young. The cherished moments however push those fears aside. She looked radiant, my parents were there to witness the vows, and Lindsay’s new husband Rob is a fine man who will love and protect her and their little son.

If you read my biography at the beginning of this website, you already know that Anne and I have three other daughters. I’ll be an old pro at walking down the aisle once the 4^th marriage occurs. But….I’ll cherish that moment just as much.

Vanier "Hi-Speed" Connector Highway Announcement (November, 2004)

I represented the City at the grand opening of the Vanier Highway "high speed interchange" project. The federal and provincial governments funded the $11,000,000 project, and the City has spent several million dollars in water and sewer upgrades to spur development in the immediate area. The project provides a safe high-speed traffic route from the Trans Canada Highway in and out of Fredericton. It also features a new interchange and overpass for safe access and egress to the Vanier Highway.

Taking part in the announcement (depicted above, left to right) were: Me (Deputy Mayor-Fredericton); Andy Scott (Fredericton MP and Federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs); Paul Robichaud (Provincial Minister of Transportation) and Brad Green (Fredericton MLA and Provincial Justice Minister)

"Issues" for the Provincial Election

As mentioned on the "Welcome Page" of this website, I feel it is incumbent on all residents to become familiar with the issues in the upcoming provincial election. It is also part of my role as your City of Fredericton Councillor to assist in providing some background information.

The following issues are not intended to be all encompassing or exhaustive. They are but several of the "key" issues facing our City and ones for which your Provincial MLA has jurisdiction. Please print this sheet and use it to question the candidates (for all three parties) as to their positions.

City Wide Issues

1. Unconditional Grant

a. Unfair formula and treatment vis a vis Moncton and Saint John
b. We are facing a possible $5,000,000+ reduction in 2004 ($6 million to $1 million)
c. Moncton & Saint John already get three times the "per capita" grant we get (one gets close $18 million and the other $22 million)
d. Our taxes are going towards paying for improvements in rest of Province!

2. Municipalities Act Reform

a. Municipalities need new revenue streams (hotel tax, amusement levies, etc.)
b. We can't get by any more on just being able to raise property taxes to pay for all of our city services and programs

3. Urban Sprawl & Tax reforms in Unincorporated Areas

a. Unchecked development is hurting everyone (environmental issues such as being experienced in New Maryland, Hanwell Road area is a ticking time bomb)
b. Unfair low taxes promotes development outside City borders; loss of tax base and creates traffic/zoning issues
c. Unincorporated areas receive $30,000,000 in services "above" what they pay in taxes (fire, police, road work, etc.); so when someone from outside the City says they pay taxes in our City remember that the City's tax money goes towards subsidizing their already lower cost of living

4. Regional Sports Facility

a. 40% of all rink users of City rinks actually live outside the City (see 3. above!)
b. City only needs 3 rinks to service it's population, but needs 5 to service everyone (if unconditional grant is cut we may have no choice put to close an arena)
c. Solution is a "regional" multi-surface facility supported by surrounding areas

5. Future School Construction

a. Northside development is strong and it is one of the fastest growing areas in the Province and Maritimes
b. Park St Elementary; Nashwaaksis Middle School and Leo Hayes High School are already at near maximum capacities; A new school will soon be necessary so get ready!

6. Support for Public Transit

a. City subsidizes Transit at 60%; which is "successful" by national standards
b. Transit is an essential public service and supports key "Kyoto" issues
c. Need assistance with fuel rebates, etc. to assist in operations and costs

7. Improved Highway Signage identifying "Northside"

a. No DOT signs outside or within the City direct travelers to the "northside"

8. Marina for Boaters

a. Jessie's Landing has closed for good
b. Desperate need for a marina & fueling & pump-out station
c. Key to summer tourism

9. Medical Clinic

a. Estimated that close to 13,000 residents in the greater F'ton are without a Family Physician
b. Need to support the proposed clinic in Marysville (or elsewhere on the Northside)

Ward 3 Issues

1. Missing Northeast Ramp off Westmorland Street Bridge (#1 Transportation Issue in the City!!)

a. Waiting 26+ years for this!
b. Will take 3,000 cars/day off of Union Street; will restore "St. Mary's Community" atmosphere and promote renewal of the area
c. Will directs traffic flow up Cliffe St. which in turn will promote development of massive land holding s in Leo Hayes High area

2. Overpass at Two Nations Crossing & Ring Road

a. 1-2 punch in combination with 1. above
b. Opens up land for development; enhances east/west northside traffic flow
c. Key for future development of Marysville and Brookside Drive areas

3. Overpasses at Ring Road & Brookside and Ring Road & Maple St.

a. Key safety issues; Ring & Maple has 2nd highest accident rate in the City
b. Key spokes in the east/west flow of traffic

2nd "Community" Breakfast a Big Hit (January 25)

The successful partner ship of the Nashwaaksis Y's Men, myself and fellow northside Councillors Joel Richardson and Zona Bovingdon, continues. We partnered last November 2nd (scan down this page for a report on this inaugural event) to host our 1st community breakfast. It was so popular that plans were immediately put in place for a second such breakfast, which we held on Saturday, January 25th.

Close to 200 hungry residents, for a cash donation, sat down with their friends and neighbors to enjoy a "big breakfast" with all the trimmings. The Y's Men once again manned the griddles, while us Councillors handled the serving duties.

It was encouraging to hear many people ask "this is great…when is the next one?" That ladies and gentlemen, is up to out hardworking Y's Men, but rumor is that it will be on the final Saturday in March!

We have much to be thankful for here on the northside. Groups like the Y's Men helped build our community, and your support assists them in continuing with their numerous recreation and service activities. Mark your calendars for the end of March, and bring your appetites.