Fredericton Council Moves to Expropriate Exhibition Grounds

Fredericton City Council voted overwhelmingly on Monday to expropriate the exhibition grounds that have housed the New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition (NBEX) for nearly 80 years. The decision, made with all but one councillor in favor, allows the city to terminate the existing lease agreement with NBEX, which was set to expire in 2031. The council cited the need for additional housing and a new school to replace the aging George Street Middle School as reasons for the expropriation.

While the city owns the 30-acre property, the long-standing lease with NBEX has governed its use. Mayor Kate Rogers expressed that the council’s decision reflects a commitment to community needs. “While Council values and respects the agricultural traditions in our community, we are making a responsible decision to secure the leasehold interest on this site from NBEX for houses and apartments, a modern, accessible school for our youth and related community assets,” she stated in an emailed message.

Despite the majority support, Councillor Steven Hicks stood alone in opposition. He expressed concern that the move could jeopardize the future of NBEX or lead to costly legal disputes. Hicks emphasized the historical significance of the land, which he noted was donated to the agricultural society nearly 200 years ago for the purpose of holding an annual agricultural exhibition. He questioned the appropriateness of the council’s rationale, pointing out that housing and educational infrastructure fall under provincial jurisdiction, not municipal.

“I’m predicting one of two things are about to happen. We either destroy the NBEX with this move or end up in an expensive court battle with them. Or both,” Hicks warned during the council meeting. He called for a more balanced approach to the situation, arguing that true leadership involves finding middle ground.

Discussions regarding the future of the exhibition grounds have been ongoing for several years, culminating in the formation of a joint committee in 2021. However, the city indicated that the committee has made “no meaningful progress to date.” Under the new plan, approximately 11.9 acres of the property will be allocated for the construction of a new school, while the remaining area will be designated for housing developments.

In a statement, the city assured that NBEX will receive compensation based on the appraised fair market value of the lease. The outcome of this decision will undoubtedly shape the future of both the exhibition grounds and the local community, as the council prioritizes the pressing need for housing and educational facilities.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for NBEX and its operations remain to be seen, particularly in light of Hicks’ predictions regarding potential legal challenges. For ongoing updates and further New Brunswick news, please visit our dedicated provincial page.