The City of Moncton has taken legal action to address safety concerns regarding a historic downtown building. The city is seeking a court order to compel the owner of St. Bernard’s rectory to remove part of the structure due to the risk of collapse identified by a structural engineer.
The rectory, a Gothic Revival building designed by architect René Arthur Frechet in 1914 and 1915, has been fenced off for a year. Concerns arose over the stability of the building’s tower, with visible gaps in the stonework and window frames. A report from June highlighted the imminent danger of collapse if action is not taken.
Originally intended to be transformed into a boutique hotel by a couple who purchased it from the Archdiocese of Moncton in 2019, the interior was gutted but construction was left incomplete. The property was subsequently sold to Ontario-based RAS Can-Ind in 2023, with plans to convert it into a boutique hotel and restaurant.
The city filed an application in Moncton’s Court of King’s Bench on Sept. 2, requesting the dismantling of the tower to prevent public safety risks. Despite assurances from RAS Can-Ind about rehabilitating the building, the city deemed progress inadequate given the hazardous condition of the tower.
Court records reveal ongoing correspondence between the city and the owner regarding structural concerns, leading to the city seeking legal intervention. The heritage board approved a permit for the tower’s dismantling for potential future reconstruction before the city’s legal action.
The city’s application is set to be heard on Nov. 3 to address the concerns and ensure public safety. Despite attempts to reach RAS Can-Ind for comment, there was no response, and the city declined interview requests on the matter.
