The City of Moncton is seeking a court order to compel the owner of a historic downtown building to dismantle a section of the structure due to concerns raised by an engineer about its potential collapse. St. Bernard’s rectory has been cordoned off for a year, with adjacent sidewalks and parking areas closed earlier this year over worries about the stability of the tower within the vacant building. Visible gaps between the tower stones and window frames have heightened the alarm.
A report from June by a structural engineer engaged by the city highlighted that the current state of the tower poses a risk of collapse. The Gothic Revival building, designed by architect René Arthur Frechet and constructed in 1914-1915, is a designated historic site. Originally purchased in 2019 by a couple with plans to convert it into a boutique hotel, the property was later sold in 2023 to Ontario-based RAS Can-Ind, as construction efforts stalled after the interior was gutted.
The city has initiated legal action by filing an application in Moncton’s Court of King’s Bench on September 2, seeking a court order to have the tower dismantled to eliminate the threat it poses. RAS Can-Ind, the current owner, has expressed intentions to restore the rectory but progress has been insufficient, prompting the city’s intervention. Court documents reveal prior concerns raised by the city about the building’s condition and a subsequent permit granted for the tower’s dismantling and potential future reconstruction.
The application emphasizes concerns regarding public safety and the need for prompt action to address the danger posed by the tower. The city’s application is set to be reviewed in court on November 3. Despite attempts to seek comments from RAS Can-Ind, no response was provided. The city has declined to provide further details for an interview.