Luc Babineau

Key discussions included the presentation of a certificate of recognition to paralympian Danielle Dorris. The Council heard a presentation from ENSEMBLE Grand Moncton regarding services like syringe distribution, overdose prevention, and practitioner services, emphasizing compassion for the unhoused population. The Codiac RCMP provided operational updates, including community policing initiatives, drug enforcement operations, and responses to collisions, prompting a request for updated public crime statistics regarding break-ins. The administration presented an update on the Riverfront Master Plan, detailing the use of a consultant and the upcoming public survey. Furthermore, a public hearing was held regarding a zoning change application for 61 Donald Avenue to permit ground-floor residential use alongside a commercial laundry facility, which was subsequently approved with specific conditions related to parking, setbacks, and building height. Another item involved approving a financial compensation in lieu of public utility land for a subdivision application. In closed session recommendations, the Council authorized an extension of a line of credit for Moncton Industrial Development Limited, approved initiating a lawsuit against Jubilee Hospitality Ltd. regarding tourism accommodation tax compliance, and approved a 10-year license agreement with Bragg Communications Incorporated for telecommunications equipment installation. The meeting concluded with the authorization of a mutual aid agreement for emergency situations with several surrounding municipalities and the final reading and adoption of the associated zoning bylaw amendment.

The public session addressed several significant matters. Key decisions included the approval of street closures and noise exemptions for numerous Spring and Summer 2025 events, such as festivals and concerts. A major confidential recommendation approved financial support, including capital expenditure funding and operational financing, for establishing a seniors' centre, contingent upon numerous governance and operational conditions being met by the non-profit organization. The Council also approved incentive grant requests for proposed redevelopment at 30 Waterloo Street. Planning discussions involved approving zoning amendments for 70 Queensway Drive, including specific conditions regarding property merger, exterior lighting, and landscaping, and approving zoning amendments for 195-225 Léopold-F.-Belliveau Street to allow for mixed-use development with new housing units. Further zoning changes related to neighborhoods and housing, intended to address rapid population growth, were adopted after discussion regarding provincial funding implications and enforcement capacity. A financial compensation was required for public utility land dedication for the Codiac Heights subdivision. The Council awarded a contract for Street Resurfacing No. 1. Finally, a notice of motion was introduced proposing amendments to procedural bylaw A-418 concerning the process for electing a mayor or deputy mayor when a by-election cannot be held.

The Council meeting addressed several key operational and planning items. The agenda included the adoption of the meeting agenda with a modification to address a street closure item later. Approvals were granted for street closure and noise exemption requests for several September through December 2024 events, including festivals and parades. The Council moved to inform provincial party leaders of municipal priorities such as tax reform, housing, social issues, and community safety, and invited them to present their platforms. A detailed update was provided by the Superintendent of the Codiac RCMP Regional Detachment concerning community policing initiatives, recent enforcement actions related to crime reduction, drug enforcement, and traffic stops resulting in arrests and seizures. Planning matters involved significant discussion regarding zoning amendments for the Gateway Towers complex, necessitating modifications to the Municipal Plan, Downtown Core Community Improvement Plan, and Zoning By-law to allow for a mixed-use development featuring residential towers and underground parking, with explicit conditions regarding flood risk mitigation. Another public hearing addressed an administrative zoning correction for properties on Cadieux Street related to a prior land exchange for park expansion. A third hearing concerned a rezoning application for 4, rue Curry to permit an 18-unit apartment building, which faced opposition related to flood risk, requiring specific conditions on building height, fencing, and drainage management. A fourth hearing considered modifications to the previously approved zoning resolution for the Eastgate Village complex, involving reconfigurations of zoning districts and plans for road network improvements and the future location of a school. The Council also addressed road closure procedures for a section of rue Foundry related to the Gateway Towers development, received committee recommendations including funding authorization for the Peter McKee Centre, and approved amendments to the Video Surveillance Policy. Finally, the Council proceeded with first readings of new by-laws, including one for waste collection, and appointments to various municipal committees.

The public regular session addressed several procedural matters, including the adoption of the agenda and a discussion regarding the process for the election of the Deputy Mayor. Key discussions centered on community issues, specifically presentations concerning the Peter McKee Community Food Bank, highlighting food insecurity challenges and operational funding needs, and the success of the Bernice MacNaughton High School Reach for the Top team qualifying for national championships. Administration presentations covered the ReBrancher program for the homeless population and the 2024 Point-in-Time Count report, revealing challenges related to housing affordability and health. Zoning requests were debated, including a proposal for a large-scale multi-unit residential development on Ryan Street and a mixed-residential development on East Street, requiring first readings and referral to the planning advisory committee. A public hearing was held regarding a rezoning request on Elmwood Drive, addressing concerns about airport proximity and traffic congestion, which ultimately resulted in approval with specific conditions. Council members raised other items, such as the provincial government's freeze on property assessments and the status of scooter regulations. Administrative reports included a review of a motion to discourage surface parking downtown, which was ultimately rejected, and the approval of a significant contract for the reconstruction of Westmorland Street. A resolution concerning the withdrawal of funds from the operating reserve fund for repairs to the SPCA/Humane Society facilities was deferred for further information.

The Council meeting covered several significant items. Key decisions included approving provisional exemptions for street closures and noise bylaws related to upcoming events such as the Atlantic Nationals Car Show, Acadie Rock Festival, and Pride Wave. Public presentations featured an update on the Grand Moncton Local Immigration Partnership, which is seeking new members for its next five-year mandate, and a review of the Moncton Public Library's 2023-2024 highlights, including discussions on satellite libraries and services for the homeless. The RCMP provided operational updates, covering community policing initiatives, crime reduction efforts, and drug trafficking investigations. Administrative matters involved a resolution to appoint two new by-law enforcement officers and to designate an Acting Municipal Clerk for a future absence. Zoning discussions focused on administrative zoning changes for properties on Cadieux Street and a major expansion of the Moncton West Industrial Park (Phase 2), which involved environmental considerations, habitat compensation with Ducks Unlimited, and required infrastructure upgrades. Financial decisions included approving a grant for Curl Moncton and Pickleball Moncton parking lot paving, awarding a contract for Riverain Trail #3 rehabilitation, approving the purchase of two snow removal/salt spreader trucks, and approving funding for roadwork requested by the Université de Moncton. The Council also approved a five-year maintenance agreement for Infor IT systems and authorized the sale of city-owned land for economic development, conditional on the purchaser developing affordable housing and public amenities like a pedestrian walkway. Finally, recommendations from in-camera sessions included approving a collective agreement with the Firefighters International Association and naming three pathways in Mascaret Park after deceased police officers.