Moncton City Council has rejected a proposed expansion of the Peoples Park Tower, a seniors' housing complex on St. George Boulevard.

The plan aimed to add a six-storey, 65-unit building to the existing facility, which offers housing and assisted living services for individuals aged 55 and up.

Despite recommendations from the city's planning advisory committee and staff to approve the rezoning, the council voted 8-2 against the proposal.

Residents from the adjacent Kipling Court neighborhood expressed concerns about potential shadows, noise, and increased traffic, leading to a petition signed by 66 individuals opposing the expansion.

Stephen Davies, representing Peoples Park Tower, highlighted the pressing need for additional units, noting that over 880 people are currently on the waitlist.

He emphasized the organization's efforts to address neighbors' concerns and indicated that alternative plans would be considered to meet the housing demand.

In a related development, Moncton City Council recently approved $1.7 million in funding and allocated land at 80 Limerick Street for a new seniors' center.

This initiative aims to provide a dedicated space for seniors' activities and services, reflecting the city's commitment to supporting its aging population.

However, the rejection of the Peoples Park Tower expansion underscores the challenges in balancing community concerns with the urgent need for seniors' housing.

As Moncton's population continues to grow, with a significant portion being seniors, addressing housing complex expansion and assisted living challenges remains a critical issue for the city.