Showing posts with label john lafford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label john lafford. Show all posts

Jul 14, 2026

John Lafford Says The York is on Schedule for Early 2027 with the Pumphouse Restaurant & Brewery Confirmed

 


Sackville New Brunswick's population is growing and its diversifying and its "densifying" thanks to the hard work of John Lafford and his crew.. 

"urban oasis" is the term used by John..

Website with rentals here:  Floor Plans of The York in Sackville, NB

report here with CHMA FM Michael Robar:

The York on schedule for early 2027; will welcome Pump House restaurant opening day » CHMA


Photography of the Swan Pond by THE Indie Media Eastcoast 


My apologies but a series of weekly videos on the development and building of "The York" were lost when Youtube decided to delete the account in March 2026 for no reason... it happens.. its the 5th account Youtube has removed.. 



there is a video at the Odysee channel made 12/30/2025 here:


THE YORK - John Lafford + Mike Wilson/AIL Group - 12/30/2025


As I was filming the video above a lady stopped to talk to me and said that she was concerned that the building was being built for foreigners... just the messenger folks.. just sayin.


"Huddle Today" coverage of John Lafford's Moncton build "Three Sisters" and an iconic 30 storey build "Infinity" at Harper & Main Street:

at these links here:

Moncton City Council Approves 30-Storey Apartment Building - Huddle.Today

Moncton's Next 'Three Sisters'-Style Development? - Huddle.Today

Jun 8, 2026

The York Building ... John Lafford & Mike Wilson Project Downtown #BuildBackBeauty

 At this link:  The York | Custom Page


"Between 1772 and 1775, over 20 ships carrying more than 1,000 settlers from Yorkshire, England, arrived in Nova Scotia, which included Sackville and all present-day New Brunswick. Comprised predominantly of tenant farmers facing economic hardship in England, these Yorkshiremen uprooted families and possessions to make the perilous six-to-eight week sailing across the Atlantic in seek of a better livelihood and to lay new roots. 

Among those first Yorkshire emigrants were members of the Bowser family, who settled on the very block of land where The York Building now sits. The Bowsers tended land in what is, today, the core of Sackville. The Bowser farm and its pastures spanned a large swath of land that stretched from Main Street up through Mount Allison University and beyond."


Photography by THE Indie Media Eastcoast 


At this link:  Historic Sites: 20th Century: Thomas Bowser House

May 28, 2026

THE ANNEX... at 131 Main Street with Gabrielle Goguen in Sackville New Brunswick [ CHMA reporting ]

En francais here:  Un nouvel espace de création et de cotravail ouvre ses portes à Sackville | OHdio | Radio-Canada 

More here:  About 5 — The Tailored Studio

Photo from X  - Find The Annex on Facebook here:  The Annex Collective | Sackville NB | Facebook

More at this link:  New coworking space offers networking opportunities for local creatives » CHMA

"Gabrielle Goguen needed to find a new place to work.

She enjoyed running her tailoring business out of her home, but started finding it too easy to focus on things that weren’t running her business. And never mind the need to keep things immaculate for clients coming to the house for fittings and consultations.

But her search for commercial space was more difficult than she anticipated.

“ I looked for about six months, and I couldn’t find anything that sort of both fit the budget and the aesthetic that I was looking for. And when I reached out to John Lafford about the York building downtown, he was like, “Well, that’s already full, but I have this space next to a flower shop I think could work really well for you.”

But there was a problem—the building has three floors, with no way to separate them, so it was take all three, or take the basement."

Apr 28, 2026

Protecting Built Heritage with Candidates for Mayor of Tantramar in 2026

 

Photography by THE Indie Media Eastcoast - Mount Allison University removed their old war memorial library for new Purdy Crawford Arts Centre

At this link:

Tantramar mayoralty candidates discuss how to protect the town’s heritage bldgs and streetscapes |

Photography by THE Indie Media Eastcoast - covered bridge on the marshlands of Tantramar



More here on old "Ford Block" redevelopment with Bruce Wark:



Photography by THE Indie Media Eastcoast - old Methodist Church 1875-2015 and pastor's residence property was re-developed by John Lafford into three new low rise apartment buildings with retail/commercial spaces at Main Street and York Street downtown Sackville, New Brunswick.

The current and latest rental housing and commercial spaces seven storey tower project underway by co-creators Lafford/Wilson is The York Building at this link:  The York | Apartments in Sackville, NB
More found here on Lafford's remarkable world of building in New Brunswick here:
[Photo above:  Tools of a tradesman.. from my Dad's collection.]

Mar 24, 2026

THE YORK BUILDING - John Lafford + Mike Wilson/AIL Group Website - Rental Suites Available 01/03/2027


 See the website link here:  Floor Plans of The York in Sackville, NB  [ Sample floor plans below ] 




A variety of layouts and options with suites ranging from 541 sq. ft. to 1,643 sq. ft. with one and two bedroom options some include a den .. amenities such as in-suite laundry and balconies.. rental prices range from $1,060 to $2,370 per month.


Mar 2, 2026

THE YORK - John Lafford + Mike Wilson/AIL Group Project - By Night & By Day on York Street Downtown Sackville N.B.

 Originally published November 21, 2025 photography by THE Indie Media Eastcoast 

More here:  Lafford






John Lafford and his crew are the homegrown OG builders of rental units in this small town... "Lafford Place" was fully rented out before it was even completed.. the housing demand in town is high.
#densification #urbanoasis #WEF #smartgrowth
"You'll own nothing and you'll be happy"


Of note approximately 17 progress videos shot throughout the building process in 2025 & 2026 
have now been lost/deleted due to censorship
on Youtube of THE Indie Media Eastcoast
and these videos were blogged here..
FYI.. you have to ask why there is so much
censorship of one content creator in this town.

Some videos are backed up at Odysee:


Of note:
Inquiries can be made to learn the origin of the 
"statement" published by the Law Society
of British Columbia show at the link below:

email to general@lsbnb.ca or by phone to (506) 458-8540.

Anik Bossé, K.C. 
President
Law Society of New Brunswick 
68 Avonlea Court
Fredericton, NB E3C 1N8

Statement on Residential Schools and Day Schools - Law Society of New Brunswick


Photography above by THE Indie Media Eastcoast 


"The Law Society was officially created in 1846. The Provincial Legislative Assembly adopted Chapter 48 of the Provincial Statutes which in effect incorporated what was then called the "Barristers' Society" for the "purpose of securing in the Province a learned and honourable legal profession, for establishing order and good conduct among its members and for promoting knowledgeable development and reform of the law".

While the name of the organisation has changed and is now the Law Society of New Brunswick, its original mandate has remained essentially the same.

It is important to note that the Law Society is an independent body, which has as its primary responsibility the protection of the public in the administration of justice.

The Consolidated Law Society Act, 1996 sets out clearly the objects and duties of the Society.

They are as follows:

(a) to uphold and protect the public interest in the administration of justice,

(b) to preserve and protect the rights and freedoms of all persons,

(c) to ensure independence, integrity and honor of its members,

(d) to establish standards of education, professional responsibility and competence of its members and applicants to membership, and

(e) to regulate the legal profession.

To accomplish the above, the Society has established rules, committees and procedures, details of which appear under the section Regulation. You can also go to our FAQ or conduct a search for the information you seek.

 

Source: "The Law Society of New Brunswick: An Historical Sketch", published by the Law Society of New Brunswick, 1999."

Photography above by THE Indie Media Eastcoast 

"Maître Anik Bossé has been practicing law for more than 20 years now.

After obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology from the Université de Moncton in 1997, she obtained a bachelor's degree in law from the same university's law school in 2000 and was called to the New Brunswick Bar on June 8, 2001.

In October 2018, Ms. Bossé was appointed Queen's Counsel.

She is a member of the Law Society of New Brunswick's Complaints Committee.

Ms. Bossé is also president of the Accident Appeal Tribunal

New Brunswick Labour Initiative.

Very involved in her community, Ms. Bossé was president of the Association des juristes d'expression française du Nouveau-Brunswick AJEFNB from 2007 to 2010 and president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Edmundston region from 2009 to 2011. She is currently a member of the Executive of the Board of Directors of the Economic Council of New Brunswick CENB and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Saint-Louis Maillet Foundation.

In 2011, Ms. Bossé received the "Woman Entrepreneur" distinction awarded by the Madawaska REFAM Women in Business Exchange Network."

Feb 12, 2026

Thinking of Moving to Moncton New Brunswick? Three Sisters Rentals by John Lafford

 


At this link:  Floor Plans of Three Sisters by Lafford Properties in Moncton, NB


$1620 per month for a one bedroom one bathroom with a balcony, in suite laundry, and amenities:

Three Sisters by Lafford Properties | Apartment and Community Amenities

Pets are allowed, 9 foot ceilings, on site gym, wheelchair accessible, and so much more.


John Lafford has been very busy building housing.. his apartments in Sackville New Brunswick are so popular the last two buildings - which are in the downtown core - rented out completely before completion it seems.. so there are no "plans" online of these suites, their design, layout, cost to rent etc.  -- not known, not disclosed. Its a bit like winning a lottery getting a suite in a new Lafford building here... In short, John Lafford, father of four daughters, has tapped into the needs and has capitalized and prospered.  John Lafford, a New Brunswick success story.. he has a large, capable team and is based in downtown Sackville N.B. 

More here at the Lafford website:  Residential properties



Thanks John Lafford for being part of the #BuildBackBeauty movement in Canada.  Photography by THE Indie Media Eastcoast 



Shown above former Town Councillor and one-time candidate for Mayor Sabine Dietz discusses the progress of her "not for profit" housing project "Freshwinds Eco-Village Housing" on Facebook:

Freshwinds Eco-Village Housing Cooperative | Sackville NB | Facebook   As I'm not on Facebook and haven't been for many years due to censorship I'm unable to see much that is there for updates.

Sabine did advise that her "funded" project should be commencing in the summer of 2026 with occupancy [ 68 units ] in 2027.  The cost per unit would be substantial but if it is subsidized by government this is seen as a good model for housing.  Again, "co-op" is about collective ownership and this model is not for everyone.. Sabine Dietz does believe she is entitled to be funded for her efforts.  Who wouldn't want help to finance their home construction project?  How do you feel about government funding housing projects vs. private property ownership?
Let me know in the comments section.  Thanks.





Nov 22, 2025

THE YORK - John Lafford + Mike Wilson/AIL Group


Aug 5, 2025

THE YORK - John Lafford + Mike Wilson/AIL Group Project


Jul 28, 2025

THE YORK - John Lafford + Mike Wilson/AIL Group


Jun 2, 2025

John Lafford's Main Street Mid-Rise Apartment Building Views Over Waterfowl Park

 The views from this rental apartment building's highest floors on the backside will be exceptional... for a lucky few.  John Lafford's "133 Main Street" is as yet an unnamed much-needed housing project at the backside of 131 Main Street and looks to be nearing completion this spring and will be fully rented out [71 suites over six stories to be ready for occupation by July 1st 2025].

Website: Apartment Listings – Lafford Properties


View from street across from 131 Main Street is shown below...


View from Main Street over Convocation Hall at the Mount Allison University campus [shown below] features the Lafford Crane installed at the newest town project "The York" with John Lafford and Mike Wilson, AIL Group teaming up - this new seven storey rental building which will offer 80-90 rental suites as well as ground floor business opportunities.

More here:  Developer says new building will fit in, as two residents voice concerns at public hearing - Frequency News


John Lafford is the mastermind single-handedly transforming the downtown with densification in a small eastcoast university town.

Feb 26, 2025

Creative Thinking Outside the Box in Tantramar - Saving and Preserving and Building Solutions


 Concerned Mayor Andrew Black on Facebook here:

  Andrew Black - Mayor of Tantramar | Facebook


Fort Folly in Tantramar.. 


"Where Culture Blooms

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Petitcodiac River in Westmorland County lies a small yet vibrant community known as Fort Folly First Nation, or Pilick. This Mi'kmaq settlement may not boast the population numbers of larger First Nations, but its cultural footprint is anything but minor. "


[ source: Discover The Resilient Fort Folly First Nation in NB - Experience New Brunswick ]


and saving a beautiful old heritage home downtown...



John Lafford's project will see the unfortunate demolition of this York Street building this Spring..... making way for more apartments like this.. 23 York St – 2 Bedroom – Lafford Properties



Winter bunny has some ideas to share:


Move the currently set for demolition "Blooms Flower Shop" to the purchased by Rogers Scott Telecom Services Crescent Street property, put the Rogers Cell Tower out on the former CBC International Radio Towers location [now property of Fort Folly], and create a Fort Folly Heritage House in town at the location on Crescent Street.

Lafford saves a lovely building, Fort Folly has a space in town we can support and include them, the Rogers cell tower gets a less intrusive place in Tantramar, and we all get along just a little better.

Tell your friends.. creatively using spaces is good.


Jan 16, 2025

"Densification" of Downtown Sackville New Brunswick - Courtesy of John Lafford, Builder/Landlord



"Big Building" ....
or Build Back Beauty?
Local Bruce Wark reports here:

Big building could be coming to downtown Sackville |

some commentary below..

by "Muzza" here..

"Muzza says:

Wow, that “example of what a seven storey building would look like” is absolutely hideous. It looks like something out of the 80’s from Brampton Ontario. Most buildings that look like that today are being torn down and replaced. I cannot imagine adding anything more ugly to downtown Sackville. Has Lafford even bothered to look at the new builds in Dieppe with their modern design? Also, I love the fact that our Planner is all smiles, doing the bidding of developers and investors instead of looking out for the people of Sackville. No wonder Lafford is smiling in the background. Says a lot about our public servants and elected officials. Here’s an idea, cast a judicious eye to development requests instead of being a rubber stamp."

and by local Meredith Fisher:

"Meredith Fisher says:

Sadly, this is what happens when a small community divests itself of a vision to respectfully protect its heritage, built heritage and cultural heritage. Rather than realizing the strength in having a cohesive plan for development, important streetscapes of the community become something that resembles confusion. One just needs to visit St. Andrews, Lunenberg or Wolfville to witness places that understand how having a strong vision for planning interesting, beautiful streetscapes is important to community success.
Meredith Fisher
Sackville NB"

To be fair John Lafford is in-line completely with "sustainable development" smart-growth and also more recently [2020] launched "Sustainable Markets Initiative" with Terra Carta Chuck [Charles the fake king in England]-- but is Lafford in-line with the overall majority here and their wishes for the development and aesthetics of their town? Does it matter what the majority of townsfolk think now?

What else would stimulate the building of single family homes in 2025 in this town? Incentives.

More on the "Initiative" of the fake King:

Home | Sustainable Markets Initiative 


With so much room to move and so much property to develop here in Tantramar one has to wonder why pushing everyone in on top of each other is considered "progress" in 2025? Should we now just halt the "densification housing model" in favour of more small villages and neighbourhoods being developed? Naming lots of newly created streets where there would be many available serviced lots waiting for the new construction of affordable housing on brand new lots for sale would be the job of a truly "on the ball" and motivated culture in our Planners Club [Lori Bickford], Staffers at Town Hall & Town Councillors Team with Mayor Andrew Black.. This would take vision and hard work.. are we going to be able to achieve this vision of truly growing our region?  Are we not positioned beautifully to see a blossoming of more housing opportunities vis-a-vis "neighbourhoods" rather than just more towers? Discuss this amongst yourselves... and if you have money consider the idea of becoming an investor in this type of project for the region.. there are ways to manifest the vision of a more developed and even more prosperous Tantramar.. are we able to work towards that goal?

Food for thought here from Warktimes.com article commentary section:

"S.A. Cunliffe says:

I laughed out loud when Lori Bickford said “vibrant” when referring to that big new 7 story apartment building towering over the landscape like a monolithic but necessary and apparently welcome build [they tell us all that we need more housing and we’re going to get it but its not built to be beautiful or elegant is it?]. By removing those three older heritage style architecture a little bit of specialness dies again here and change is the only thing you can count on these days.. and regret for what was a lovely quaint charming landscape being ambitiously transformed by the strong although baffling desire for “densification”. The word densification is about packing people in on top of each other like sardines… is it really necessary in a place with so much land and room to move? Lafford Legacy = densification in the town. I only wish he would put his considerable talents into building neighbourhoods of beautiful single family homes – and they don’t have to be large – but more new attractive homes for sale would be preferrable to this current “chicken coop” contribution. “You’ll own nothing and you’ll be happy” – World Economic Forum. Lafford is completely inline with ‘sustainanable development’ smartgrowth pack and stack housing that the United Nations crowd promote and we are all about the United Nations’ ideologies here – we even fly a UN flag here. Lafford is a very wealthy man who could stop and retire comfortably tomorrow if he wanted to but he seems compelled to continue building more unattractive housing. Pity. The name “Laffordville” might just be appropriate Elaine.. you’re not wrong"



What about alternative housing solutions?

More at this video here:  Low Cost Natural Earth Cob Builds