Moncton launches review of municipal plan, seeks public feedback

The City of Moncton is launching a review of its municipal plan and zoning bylaw to map out its growth guide for the next decade.

Moncton’s current municipal plan and zoning bylaw were adopted in 2014. The plan is reviewed approximately once every 10 years.

“The Municipal Plan is one of the municipality’s most important documents, used to guide growth and development in the city,” a news release from the city says. “The Zoning By-Law implements the policies that make up the Municipal Plan by establishing development rules for the city.”

Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault called the plan review a “once-in-a-decade opportunity” for residents to shape the future of development in Moncton.

“It’s a living document, a guide that will have a huge impact on what Moncton will look like in the future,” Thériault said.

“I encourage people to take the time to participate in the public engagement events that will be held over the coming year to share their thoughts and ideas and help make the new plan truly reflective of our vibrant community.”

In the past two years alone, the city’s population has grown by more than 12,000 people.

“Last year, in 2024, we were around 97,000 and, just based on recent trends, we’d be comfortable to say that we’re probably over 100,000 today,” Josh Davies, manager of long-range planning for the City of Moncton, told CTV News.

Davies says the demand for housing is the biggest priority.

“I believe that we are going to have to build our way out of these past few years. So, in the interim, I think the housing, in terms of getting that supply, getting that housing choice up, trying to make that housing as affordable as we can… would be at the forefront of the discussions that we’re having,” he said.

Kim Wilson, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton, says their members are concerned with safety.  

“No matter what type of business you’re in, we’re hearing from members that if theft is up and people are feeling unsafe in the community, it has many impacts for the general public, but also for the businesses operating here in our community,” said Wilson.

The review process involves six phases, including exploration, development, refinement and completion.

Residents will be able to participate in “vision workshops” to share feedback on housing, cultural heritage, economic development, climate change and more.

The first workshop will be held at Legends at the Moncton Coliseum from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 17.

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