At last night’s meeting, Moncton City Council approved a plan to make the Coliseum primarily a destination for trade shows.
General Manager of Recreation, Culture and Events Catherine Dallaire says with the Wildcats no longer at the Coliseum, more slots will be opened up for trade shows and other events.
“When you look at economic impact of the trade shows and exhibitions in Moncton, you’re looking at about an $8.5 million economic impact in the community,” says Dallaire. “And to be able to really target those larger shows I think will be a huge asset for us.”
Dallaire says on occasions where the ice surface is not required for a particular show or exhibition, they will offer community ice rentals.
“That will enhance some of the opportunities for some of the new sports we’ve seen hit the ice, some of the women’s hockey leagues, the ringuette, and of course some of the other on ice recreational activities,” says Dallaire.
She says there will be changes to the parking lot with an associated fee, but that won’t be charged to residents.
“Rather than actually charging people as they come into the parking lot, or leave the parking lot, those costs get built into the rental agreements with the trade show promoters,” says Dallaire.
Dallaire says they are also hoping to develop part of the northern and southern edges of the parking lot to residential, commercial or mixed uses.
If development goes forward as planned, the parking lot capacity would drop from 1,800 to 1,500, which is estimated to be more than enough parking for the needs of the Coliseum in its new incarnation.
