As Fredericton continues to grow, the City is taking proactive steps to address housing needs through coordinated and forward-thinking planning.
Last week, the City’s Planning Department presented a draft Secondary Municipal Plan that outlines the creation of a new neighbourhood in the southeast area of Fredericton. Over the next two decades, this neighbourhood is expected to accommodate between 5,000 and 7,000 residents.
Located off Doak Road, the Southeast New Neighbourhood sits at the edge of the City’s existing utility services. The proposed development area spans 148.5 hectares, with the City owning most of the land and plans to extend municipal services to support future development already underway.
The need for a new neighbourhood in this area of Fredericton was identified in both the City’s Growth Strategy (2017) and Municipal Plan (2020). The past several years growth from new residents has tripled projections and the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment calls for over 19,500 housing units over the next two decades.
“As a growing city it is critical we proactively plan where new developments fit into our community to ensure connected and inclusive neighbourhoods for residents” said Councillor Jason LeJeune, Chair of the City’s Economic Prosperity and Growth Planning Committee. “This plan responds to Fredericton’s need for diverse housing types as we work to build a city that everyone can call home.”
Work on this plan began with a feasibility study in late 2024, followed by technical analysis and community engagement in the first half of 2025. A second round of public engagement is currently underway to gather feedback on the draft plan, which is expected to be presented to Council for approval later this year.
The Southeast New Neighbourhood is envisioned as an affordable, walkable, and inclusive complete community. In support of this vision, the plan includes a potential location for a new school to anchor the neighbourhood.
Additionally, the area will be integrated with key transportation routes and major employment centres across the City through well-planned connections. Compact development supported by an integrated mobility network to support active transportation options. This will set a new standard for urban expansion and support the sustainable use of undeveloped land and public investment.
As the area develops, City-owned lands will support affordable homeownership and rental opportunities that serve the needs of all Frederictonians. Natural and urban landscapes will be integrated with environmental features embraced to enrich the community and define a unique sense of place.