Parc Gérald-Leblanc Park

The late Gérald Leblanc is a well-known and recognized Acadian poet and writer, who placed Moncton and its local dialect chiac (an eclectic mix of French and English) as the central elements of his work. Prior to his passing in 2005, he was a familiar face in downtown, encouraging impromptu artistic and philosophical discussions in cafés, etc. He was also a songwriter for legendary Acadian artists 1755 and Marie-Jo Thério.

In 2016, two Université de Moncton professors (Benoît Doyon-Gosselin and Raoul Boudreau) proposed that a prominent space in downtown be name to honour Gérald Leblanc’s literary legacy. The green space at City Hall was deemed the ideal location (with the family’s blessing); in the 2019 budget, City Council approved Capital Works funding to move forward with renovating the space.

Public feedback is requested, in order to design a beautiful and functional area, considering the following:

  • The space chosen for this project is an ideal area in downtown;
  • It is a popular location for downtown workers and residents to gather – understanding how people use and feel about it is essential to designing an inviting (and useful!) space.
  • It is important to honour Gérald Leblanc and his work appropriately in the design.
  • The space was also envisioned in 2014 to be an extension of the Downing Place redevelopment, to further connect Main Street to the Petitcodiac River.

The late Gérald Leblanc is a well-known and recognized Acadian poet and writer, who placed Moncton and its local dialect chiac (an eclectic mix of French and English) as the central elements of his work. Prior to his passing in 2005, he was a familiar face in downtown, encouraging impromptu artistic and philosophical discussions in cafés, etc. He was also a songwriter for legendary Acadian artists 1755 and Marie-Jo Thério.

In 2016, two Université de Moncton professors (Benoît Doyon-Gosselin and Raoul Boudreau) proposed that a prominent space in downtown be name to honour Gérald Leblanc’s literary legacy. The green space at City Hall was deemed the ideal location (with the family’s blessing); in the 2019 budget, City Council approved Capital Works funding to move forward with renovating the space.

Public feedback is requested, in order to design a beautiful and functional area, considering the following:

  • The space chosen for this project is an ideal area in downtown;
  • It is a popular location for downtown workers and residents to gather – understanding how people use and feel about it is essential to designing an inviting (and useful!) space.
  • It is important to honour Gérald Leblanc and his work appropriately in the design.
  • The space was also envisioned in 2014 to be an extension of the Downing Place redevelopment, to further connect Main Street to the Petitcodiac River.

Do you have a favourite memory to share about Gérald Leblanc and/or the Park? 

This is the place to post it! 

Please note that all submissions will be reviewed/moderated, and this is meant to be a respectful and fun space for all participants. 

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