Fredericton city council has officially opted to proceed with the expropriation of the Exhibition Grounds. This decision follows approval granted by the province’s expropriation officer, François Carrier, on May 8. A special council meeting held recently passed five resolutions that will grant the city complete control over the 12-hectare property.
Details of the Expropriation Process
The city currently owns the Exhibition Grounds and leases it to Fredericton Exhibition Limited, also known as the New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition. The existing lease has a duration of 21 years and is set to expire in 2031. The exhibition has contested the city’s expropriation of their leasehold since September of the previous year.
Council Vote and Attendance
- Six out of eleven councillors attended the special session.
- Councillors Jocelyn Pike, Greg Ericson, Cassandra LeBlanc, and Kevin Darrah supported the expropriation.
- Councillors Mark Peters, Margo Sheppard, Eric Megarity, Steven Hicks, and Bruce Grandy were absent from the meeting.
Mayor Kate Rogers expressed her commitment to following the wishes of the council by calling this special meeting before the upcoming municipal election. It is notable that Rogers will not be seeking re-election as mayor.
Future Implications
During the meeting, Councillor Greg Ericson inquired whether the vote on expropriation would bind the incoming council. He was informed that the new council would retain the authority to alter the decisions regarding the land. This flexibility allows for negotiations with the New Brunswick Exhibition to continue in the future.
Mayor Rogers reaffirmed that the new council would have the autonomy to navigate their relationship with the N.B. Exhibition.
Concerns Over Meeting Timing
The timing of the special meeting raised questions among attendees. Mayor Rogers explained that the meeting was convened in compliance with council instructions, which specified that such a gathering should occur if the expropriation officer’s decision was reached before the election. She emphasized the importance of transparency and the council’s right to timely information.
Next Steps for the New Brunswick Exhibition
Rae Tretiak, the executive director of the New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition, expressed hope for ongoing negotiations with the city despite the recent decisions. He affirmed the exhibition’s desire to reach an agreement promptly, aiming for a resolution that would bring closure to this matter.
Compensation Considerations
In addition to the decisions made regarding land control, the council passed a resolution offering the exhibition $4.1 million as compensation for the loss of the land. This compensation figure can still be challenged during the expropriation process.
