The New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition has taken action to dismantle its grandstand following an order from the City of Fredericton. The city raised safety concerns about the grandstand and issued a notice on Sept. 9 under a bylaw for hazardous or unsightly premises. Despite a challenge from N.B. Ex, the order was upheld, resulting in the commencement of demolition work approximately a week ago.
Rae Tretiak, the executive director of the New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition, mentioned that they contested the city’s decision to gain a clearer understanding of the teardown rationale. Subsequently, the exhibition’s board voted in favor of proceeding with the demolition. The city’s public safety committee reviewed the challenge on Oct. 16, and the appeal decision was endorsed by several city councillors, including Deputy Mayor Jocelyn Pike and Mayor Kate Rogers.
Documentation from the committee highlighted concerns regarding rusted components, asbestos, safety guard deficiencies, litter accumulation, and fall hazards associated with the grandstand. The original compliance notice outlined 13 issues with the structure, which the exhibition argued were inconsequential as the grandstand was not accessible to the public. Despite being boarded up, city bylaw officers pointed out that the seating area could still be accessed by removing the plywood or using a ladder.
The demolition process is estimated to last two to three months and cost the exhibition around $400,000. Crews have already cleared debris and panels surrounding the grandstand’s seating, with plans to remove the concrete slab to comply with the city’s order to eliminate any tripping hazards. The City of Fredericton has decided against imposing fines for delays in complying with the order.
The grandstand, adjacent to the exhibition’s horse racing track, ceased operations in 2017 and has been closed off since 2023. While the track still sees occasional horse activity, official races have not been held since 2016. Discussions are ongoing regarding the future of the grandstand site, with possibilities including its incorporation into a new middle school.
Tretiak noted that many individuals have visited the Exhibition Grounds to bid farewell to the grandstand, which holds historical significance for numerous people, including memories of a royal visit by Queen Elizabeth in 1959. Meanwhile, discussions about expropriation and the city’s reclaiming of full control over the Exhibition Grounds, currently leased to N.B. Ex, are ongoing. Multiple parties have filed objections, with the process advancing post the Nov. 17 deadline for objections, although the date for argument hearings remains undetermined.