Word from the Mayor
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2025
Moving forward to avoid the status quo
For quite some time now, many of you have written to me, wanting to come to my office to share your disappointment following the demolition of certain buildings in our city.
The most common comments were:
-We are losing our heritage…
-You are destroying memories…
-You are destroying too quickly…
-Edmundston is the champion of demolitions…
Edmundston has existed for over 100 years. Our city has seen many buildings come and go.
Academie Conway: built in 1928-29, it was demolished in 1978 to make way for the Carrefour Assomption, the hotel and our Convention Centre which is one of two to belong to a municipality (the other being Fredericton), so the only one to belong to a Francophone municipality.
École Cormier: built in 1905 and expanded in 1923, the school was demolished in 2007. The Francophone School District undertook an overhaul and sent grade 7 and 8 students to elementary schools, while grade 9 students were assigned to the secondary school. An ultra-modern complex now houses the Edmundston Police Force, the Haut-St-Jean Public Library, and provincial and federal offices since 2012.
The Forum: built in 1966-67 (part of it collapsed in 1969 and reconstructed in 1969-1970). It was demolished in 2006, when the renovation costs exceeded those of a new construction. Visionaries think big: the idea of building a large campus around the UMCE and the CDJ A.-M. Sormany. This project would be done step by step. Then, we will see the addition of the Sports Pavilion, the CCNB and the Jean-Daigle Centre, the most beautiful amphitheater in NB. When we welcome other NB Mayors, everyone wants to come see our one of a kind infrastructure at Édupôle!
They wonder how we did it... we were visionaries! We are lucky to have had people who dared. Yes, we have experienced great moments, championships, big shows, graduations, lots of great memories!
The disappearance of certain buildings which have been part of our landmark for years, such as the former CCNB or l'École Sacré-Cœur, is not new for our City. A strategic orientation guides the decisions on the future of these buildings. As difficult as they are to make, they must be made. We must move forward to avoid status quo.
Now let's get down to the facts, let's tell the truth. The "Facebook" engineers of this world will tell you that these buildings could have been converted in apartments, an indoor park for children, a Costco, another shopping center...
The old CCNB... before its demolition last spring, we could see moss growing on the walls. The owner had even allowed the heating units on the roof to be removed. Rain and snow came in with the seasons.
Some local entrepreneurs tried to take it over, but the owner did not cooperate, even with direct intervention from our municipal employees and myself. As with a dead or dying tree, we had to intervene. For the municipality, it became a case of public safety.
L'École Sacré Cœur… Despite attempts by groups to take ownership as early as 2005 (I was part of one of these groups that wanted to get it for an NPO), the Ministry of Transportation at the time had the importance of this school at the bottom of its list. Unfortunately, after numerous attempts by the municipality and our local politicians, it was clear that the building could no longer be saved. Ministry employees no longer wanted to go inside because of the presence of black mold.
When we look back, we understand that buildings will appear while others will disappear. The next one on the list is on de l’Église Street. And yes, we are working on a major project that includes affordable housing and a commercial space. This project will change the face of Downtown Edmundston.
When the City council makes the decision to remove a building, it does so with full knowledge of the facts and with supporting data.
It must also be said that even if we talk a lot about demolition, there are also great success stories: the old police station on de l’Église Street, which is now a home to Au Bout du Monde boutique, the Moonshin'hers restaurant, Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault microbrewery and other businesses; the Arts Centre; the old St. Mary’s School... Not everything that is built is demolished. When buildings are well maintained, it's possible to save them and transform them into major projects.
I will end with this thought: last year at my residence, I had a Norway maple that quickly became in a pitiful state following a weather event. I had planted this tree when I was very young with my grandfather. I became the owner of this beautiful residence with "my" maple. This tree has always had a special place in my life, and in the lives of my children.
Following the removal of the tree, I made significant changes that led me to rethink my landscaping and make it even more beautiful. I have fond memories of this tree, but the changes made me realize that the right decision was made.
People of Edmundston, if we want to avoid the status quo, let's move forward.
Eric Marquis
City of Edmundston Mayor
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024
Living with change: a more present and striking reality than ever
Whether it’s changing cars… Changing jobs… Changing neighborhoods… Changing schools…. Changing your iPhone... all these changes that are part of life. These changes sometimes cause uncertainty, raise questions and very often, bring the fear of failure. Most human beings feel good in a routine, get used to a certain comfort and often want to avoid unstable situations.
The City of Edmundston is experiencing the biggest changes in its history. These changes make us question ourselves more than ever. There is a fear of losing what has been acquired. There is the fear of not being able to adapt to the new reality. There may also be the perception of losing one's identity, values, or beliefs. There are questions about whether we are doing the right thing.
Despite all these apprehensions, human beings have always managed to move forward. It will be no different for our city.
In 2021, the municipal council has given itself a mission, a vision and a strategic plan aligned towards change. There is no longer any question of remaining in a routine, in our old slippers. Not moving will mean that we will stop evolving and lose amazing opportunities on many levels.
Edmundston faces fierce competition. Edmundston must adapt, must change. For this reason, the council has given itself a strong mandate to ensure residential development within its limits. It is for this reason that Edmundston will bring a new vision towards the development of its roads. It is for this reason that Edmundston will continue to develop large-scale events that will sometimes disrupt the routine.
The next weeks, months and years will bring a sign of renewal. This renewal will surprise. We will see new buildings, and others disappear. We will see a public transport system. We see and will continue to make place to different cultures, which will make our community more interesting than ever.
One thing will remain constant: change! So, we might as well live with it and tame it.
Be part of the change!
Eric Marquis
Edmundston Mayor
