Moncton Museum and Transportation Discovery Centre

The City of Moncton, New Brunswick owes its nickname – ”Hub of the Maritimes” – to its importance as a transportation centre. As the headquarters of the Intercolonial Railway from 1872 and the home of a major Canadian National (CN) Railways shops complex after 1920, the city’s growth was largely related to the expansion of the railway industry. Subsequent air and road infrastructure development underlined the city’s importance in regional transportation, and today Moncton is becoming known as a transportation centre for a more ephemeral type of commodity – information, a development that has positioned the city as one of Atlantic Canada’s ”new economy” leaders.

The City of Moncton and the local CN Pensioners Association asked Lord Cultural Resources in association with A.L. Arbic Consulting of Halifax to conduct a Concept Development and Feasibility Study for a new museum dedicated to honouring the railway’s contributions to the growth and development of the city. After conducting an extensive review of the institutional context, available collection resources, and potential market, Lord Cultural Resources recommended a Transportation Discovery Centre as part of the existing Moncton Museum as the most feasible option based on a business plan that included Organizational Structure, Operations, Staffing, Capital Costs and Attendance, Operating Revenue and Expense Projections. While the new Centre will emphasize the railway, Lord Cultural Resources’ analysis showed that a broader focus on transportation was warranted in the region, and that it would be more effective from a cost and community benefit point of view to expand the City-run Moncton Museum to honour that history.

The recommended concept was enthusiastically approved by the project Steering Committee and City Council and more detailed planning is ongoing in preparation for implementation.