City presents plans for Fredericton's downtown core

In the works for over two years and with a vision spanning to 2040, Fredericton's new city plan puts forward a "bold vision" for the future of the city's downtown core. The final draft, a result of a cost-sharing exercise by the city and the nonprofit group, Downtown Fredericton, Inc., was presented to the municipal Development Committee in early 2015.

According to the City of Fredericton's website, the plan "provides a bold vision for the city's downtown area as a place to live, work, play, and visit." The final draft copy of the plan, which is available for download, calls for a number of guidelines to govern development in both the downtown core and its surrounding neighbourhoods.

In the downtown core itself, the plan proposes to expand the official boundaries by half a block south of Brunswick St., east from St. John St. to University Ave., and west from Smythe St. to Odell Ave. New pedestrian areas and bicycle lanes are envisioned in addition to making Carleton St. a shared, multi-use road.

Development in the neighbourhoods surrounding the downtown core will be required to follow guidelines to ensure that any new residential units reflect the characteristics of the existing site and orientation. For example, front yard setbacks should be aligned with existing setbacks and all buildings should have a primary entrance that faces the street.

In addition, the plan calls for turning St. Anne's Point Blvd. into more of a boulevard with street parking and buildings that face the river. The aim is to make the downtown core more accessible to locals, where they can work, drive, cycle, and walk. The pedestrian bridge over St. Anne's Point Blvd., currently located near the public library, will be moved further west.

This new vision for Fredericton's downtown core has been generally well-received by the residents of the city after a number of consultation sessions including a public information meeting.

Photos by: Will Beatty