Urgent: Fredericton Orders Demolition of N.B. Exhibition Grandstand

UPDATE: The City of Fredericton has confirmed the demolition of the grandstand at the New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition, a significant move following safety concerns raised in September. Crews began the demolition process approximately one week ago, complying with a city order issued after a failed appeal by the exhibition.

Officials cited 13 safety concerns regarding the grandstand, including rusted components, asbestos, and potential fall risks. The city’s public safety committee upheld the demolition order after hearing from the exhibition on October 16.

Rae Tretiak, executive director of the New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition, expressed that after challenging the city’s decision, they opted to move forward with the teardown upon gaining a clearer understanding of the safety issues. “Once we understood that more clearly, we took it to our board who voted in favour to get the job done,” Tretiak stated.

The grandstand has been closed since 2017 and was boarded up to prevent access, yet city officials noted that this measure was insufficient to mitigate risks. According to a city bylaw officer, “a chance or possibility of injury is all that is required” for the structure to be deemed hazardous.

Demolition work is expected to take two to three months and will cost the exhibition approximately $400,000. As of now, crews are removing debris and dismantling the structure, with plans to ensure no tripping hazards remain after demolition.

The exhibition grounds hold historical significance, having hosted notable events such as a visit from Queen Elizabeth in July 1959, where she witnessed her first horse race. Tretiak revealed that many locals are visiting the site one last time, reminiscing about the grandstand’s storied past.

Amidst the demolition, discussions about the future of the exhibition grounds are ongoing, as the City of Fredericton continues its move to regain full control of the site. The process is currently under legal review, with four parties filing objections against the city’s expropriation efforts.

As the demolition progresses, Tretiak noted that the exhibition remains committed to engaging in conversations regarding the site’s future, which may include plans for a new middle school.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated as developments unfold surrounding both the grandstand demolition and the future use of the exhibition grounds.