History

For much of the 20th century, Moncton and Canadian National (CN) were synonymous in the minds of Monctonians. It seemed as though everyone had at least one family member working in the Shops on the city’s west side.

The railway is what built this country and Moncton’s history is inextricably linked with CN. Though it is no longer the Eastern Canadian headquarters for CN, Moncton continues to be proud of its railway heritage.

Following its closure, the CN property sat idle until 1997, when the Canada Lands Company undertook a massive redevelopment and clean-up of the 282 acre site.

This award-winning Brownfield redevelopment provided an opportunity for a significant part of Moncton’s history to be reborn in a business and technology park (Emmerson Park) and the CN Sportplex, home to four ice pads (Greenfoot Energy 4-Plex), ten baseball fields, and six soccer fields dedicated to the youth of our city.

For this revitalization, the Canada Lands Company won the first International Phoenix Award given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They also received the Canadian Urban Institute Brownie Award for Best Overall Environment Project in Canada. The City of Moncton received the Scotts Turf Builder Award through the Communities in Bloom Canada competition for the best sports field turf in Canada.

The CN Sportplex and the Greenfoot Energy 4-Plex are lasting tributes to the commitment of Mayor Brian Murphy, fostering sustainable partnerships focused on enhancing quality of life for the citizens of Moncton.

Thanks to City Council, in partnership with the Canada Lands Company, Moncton Arena Partners, and with the support of corporate partners such as CN and Greenfoot Energy, Moncton continues to lead the way in recreational facilities and economic development.