Moncton's Vision Lands targeted in new urban development plan

City planners have proposed a master plan for the 1,400-acre Vision Lands West that projects about 14,000 housing units and significant green space, with a public hearing set for April 7.

Moncton city planners have introduced a new master plan for Vision Lands West, the largest remaining undeveloped area inside the city's urban boundary. The 1,400-acre, mostly forested site has seen little change since an initial vision in 2004. The proposed update to the municipal plan includes housing, parks, transportation and infrastructure elements. City staff say the plan is intended to guide development before construction begins. Key details: - Vision Lands West covers about 1,400 acres and is bounded by Mapleton Road, the Trans-Canada Highway and Wheeler Boulevard. - Planners project roughly 14,000 housing units in the area, which is described as capacity for about 30,000 residents. - Full build-out is estimated to take about 20 to 25 years, according to city staff. - About 34% of the area is set aside for green or active-transportation space, and the plan includes a regional park, a greenway along Hall's Creek, a stormwater wetland park, space for recreation facilities and two potential new schools. - The plan identifies major infrastructure needs such as roads and sewers and proposes a cost-sharing approach among landowners, developers and public funds. - City staff noted federal housing programs could provide funding opportunities, and a public hearing on the plan is scheduled for April 7 at Moncton City Hall. Summary: The master plan is presented as a framework to identify infrastructure, public spaces and land uses for a large area within Moncton's urban boundary and to accommodate projected population growth over coming decades. Officials describe the proposal as a phased, long-term build-out that would rely on a mix of developer contributions and public funding. The planning process includes further council briefings and a public hearing set for April 7.