MEDIA RELEASE 

Provincial Investment Supports Public Art And Downtown Revitalization In Moncton

Downtown Moncton, NB – Friday, October 2, 2026 

Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. (DMCI) is highlighting the impact of the Heart of Our  Communities Investment Initiative, made possible through funding from the Province of  New Brunswick and administered by Downtown New Brunswick (DNB). The initiative supports projects led by Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) across the province. 

For the 2026–2027 program year, DMCI received $20,000 in capital funding to support new infrastructure for Accent!, Downtown Moncton’s public art program. The investment has helped expand the program’s capacity to showcase local artists, enhance public spaces and create a more vibrant downtown experience. 

The City of Moncton has also been a key partner and funding partner of Accent! since its launch in 2024 and by leveraging the provincial investment through the Heart of Our  Communities initiative alongside municipal and DMCI funding, the program grew from 44  participating artists in 2025 to 62 artists in 2026, with plans to grow to 80 in 2027 with the overall project representing an investment of nearly $40,000. This partnership  

demonstrates the power of the initiative’s cost-sharing model to leverage additional investment and increase the impact of projects in New Brunswick’s downtowns.

“Accent! demonstrates exactly what this investment initiative is designed to do: help our  BIAs turn provincial support into visible, lasting improvements in the heart of our  

communities. For DMCI, this $20,000 investment is helping us strengthen a public art program that adds colour, culture and energy to Downtown Moncton while creating remunerated opportunities for local artists and giving residents and visitors another reason to explore the core,” said Patrick Richard, Executive Director of DMCI. 

“Our downtowns really are the heart of our communities. I’m pleased our government can help fund such an exciting project that showcases local artists and encourages people to get out and see for themselves some of the tremendous talent we are fortunate enough to have in the region. Congratulations to Downtown Moncton, and all the participating artists,  for the success of this project,” said Hon. Aaron Kennedy, Minister of Local Government.  

The Heart of Our Communities Investment Initiative supports three types of BIA-led projects: events and marketing, planning, and capital investments. By requiring cost sharing for planning and capital projects, the initiative also leverages additional local investment and extends the impact of provincial funding. 

In 2025–2026, DNB allocated $496,151 to 20 BIAs across the province, supporting a total of  35 projects, including: 

9 events and marketing initiatives – 100% funding, up to $5,000 

5 planning projects – 75% funding, up to $10,000 

21 capital projects – 75% funding, up to $20,000 

Through this cost-shared model, the program leveraged a total reinvestment of $1,027,152  into New Brunswick’s downtowns, generating an estimated $6.2 million in economic development impact. 

This initiative continues to demonstrate the strength of strategic investment in our downtown cores, supporting local businesses, enhancing public spaces and driving sustainable economic growth across the province.

Since its inception in 2023, the initiative has generated significant investment in downtown  communities throughout New Brunswick: 

Total 2023-2026 DNB Investment: $1,484,757 

Total Projects Approved: 148 

Total Cost-Shared Investment Leveraged: $2,873,597 

Total Estimated Economic Impact: $17.2 million 

Across New Brunswick, these investments have helped BIAs advance public-realm improvements, planning initiatives, events, cultural programming and other projects that strengthen downtowns as places to do business, live, work and visit. 

About DMCI 

Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. (DMCI) is an independent, non-profit organization funded by the commercial building and property owners located in the Business  Improvement Area (BIA). DMCI aims to foster a connected downtown where business and community thrives for everyone to live, work and play. 

About DNB 

Downtown New Brunswick (DNB) is a provincial non-profit organization representing  Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) across New Brunswick. DNB works collaboratively with its members, government and community partners to strengthen and advocate for vibrant, resilient and economically sustainable downtowns throughout the province.

Media contact: 

Patrick Richard
Executive Director, Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc.
President, Downtown New Brunswick
(506)-857-2991
Prichard@downtownmoncton.com