Fredericton council unanimously approved the south core plan on Tuesday evening, aimed at doubling the downtown area’s population by significantly increasing density. The plan, which was first introduced in early September, outlined updated zoning regulations for the Town Plat area. Mayor Kate Rogers was absent during the vote, but three councillors expressed support for the plan at the meeting led by Deputy Mayor Jocelyn Pike.
Councillor Cassandra LeBlanc, representing the ward covering much of the discussed area, praised the plan for preserving the neighborhood’s character while accommodating growth. She commended the plan for striking a balance among various priorities in a sensitive manner.
The plan proposes limiting building heights in existing neighborhoods while promoting dense growth along major corridor streets such as Smythe, York, Regent, Dundonald, and Beaverbrook. Rezoning processes would be required for most areas in the plan, potentially allowing buildings of up to 12 or 15 storeys in specific locations.
LeBlanc emphasized the need for continued efforts towards affordable housing, suggesting that the plan’s stipulation of 20% of units on publicly owned land being priced affordably may not be sufficient. Councillor Jason LeJeune echoed this sentiment, describing the plan as progressive in its approach to balancing development.
Councillor Steven Hicks also voiced his support for the plan, highlighting its benefits for downtown businesses dependent on pedestrian traffic. A 300-page document presented by senior planner Frederick Van Rooyen in September outlined the plan’s vision of conserving established neighborhoods while targeting brownfield industrial sites for mixed-use and high-density residential development.
The plan envisions the creation of 3,200 new housing units to accommodate approximately 6,000 additional residents, effectively doubling the current population in the area. LeJeune praised the planning process as robust, foreseeing its positive impact over the next few decades. The timeline for changes resulting from the plan will largely depend on property owners and developers, with gradual development expected over the coming years rather than immediate drastic transformations.