Downtown investment leads a strong start to 2026

The City of Moncton got off to a strong start to 2026, issuing 176 building permits valued at $114.8 million in the first quarter. Downtown developments accounted for a significant portion of this activity, with $59.5 million in permits issued.  This level of investment highlights the downtown area's sustained momentum, largely driven by ongoing residential development that continues to shape the city.

Since January 1, $86 million in residential permits has been issued, representing 472 new residential units. Downtown projects accounted for a significant portion of this activity, with $57.7 million in residential permits issued and 219 new units planned. 

Notable projects include a $43.4-million building permit for one of the 17-story towers at 200 Assomption Boulevard and a $10-million permit for the five-story apartment building at 45 Lewis Street. Both downtown projects are among the city’s three largest residential developments this quarter. Another major project is a $17.4-million permit for a six-storey apartment building at 24 Grand Trunk Street.

"Moncton's strong start to 2026 reflects continued confidence in the city as a place to live, work, and invest." says Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault. "The addition of new residential units, alongside sustained investment across sectors, highlights the city’s ongoing growth and momentum."

The commercial and industrial sector also performed strongly in the first quarter, with permit values rising significantly compared to the same period in 2025. Total permit value reached $25.7 million, up from $14.7 million in Q1 2025

Key projects include a $9.5-million interior and exterior renovation project for Walmart Canada Corporate at 25 Plaza Boulevard, an $8.8-million two‑storey office and heavy equipment maintenance facility developed by Eleven Twenty Realty Ltd. at 1755 Berry Mills Road, and a $2.4-million project for a two-storey commercial building at 128 Morton Avenue.

Institutional building activity in the first quarter totaled $1.9 million in the first quarter. Projects included an $866,500 permit for interior renovations at 9 Rue Sainte-Croix and $258,000 in upgrades at 135 MacBeath Avenue to support facility improvements and the addition of new commercial amenities. Other institutional investments included a $215,000 project to install solar panels at a seniors residence on 140 Millennium Boulevard.

"Moncton's downtown has seen significant residential growth over the past several years and continues to see strong investments,” says Luc Babineau, Director of Economic Development. “This ongoing momentum is transforming the downtown into an increasingly vibrant place to live.” 

Information

Communications, City of Moncton
communications [at] moncton.ca (communications[at]moncton[dot]ca)