Small Suburban Cambridge Construction

[UrbanWaterloo]

Small Suburban Cambridge Construction
A thread for general news and/or rumors. Things that are small enough they don't require their own threads.

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2008/05/14/wbSUBURB_wideweb__470x355,0.jpg (http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/bigger-and-better/2008/05/14/1210444527529.html)

[UrbanWaterloo]

The Summit at Maple Grove Hills
Sales Office 345 Fisher Mills Road
yoursummit.ca

http://yoursummit.ca/Images/TheSummit.jpg


http://yoursummit.ca/Images/front_over.jpg (http://yoursummit.ca/index.php?content=Include/progress)

http://yoursummit.ca/Images/MapleGroveLocationMap.jpg (http://yoursummit.ca/location_googlemap.php)

CiK4nfyiWnk

Stylish, comfortable and affordable
All three can be yours by sharing in a unique condominium experience conveniently located only minutes from the 401.
The Summit at Maple Grove Hills, from Deerfield Homes, will offer you the style and security you desire at a price you won’t believe possible.

The Summit, the region’s newest low-rise condominium project, will offer three floors and feature suites ranging from 833 sq.ft to over 1,296 sq.ft!
Eight unique floorplans are available to craft the living space you desire for your lifestyle, and with Deerfield’s Design Gallery you can partner with a Design Consultant to create your personal dream of a warm, comfortable space.
Attain the Summit at Maple Grove Hills…it can be yours

3rd-Floor
http://yoursummit.ca/Images/3rd-Floor_detailed.jpg

2nd-Floor
http://yoursummit.ca/Images/2nd-Floor_detailed.jpg

Main-Floor
http://yoursummit.ca/Images/Main-floor_detailed.jpg

Basement
http://yoursummit.ca/Images/Basement_detailed.jpg

Prices Effective February 23rd, 2010
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/TheSummit-PriceList-February232010.jpg

Building design and amenities:
Conveniently located in the lovely rural setting and easily accessible to highways, stores & amenities
Secure entrance lobby
Elevator access to all floors
Drive in at grade to brightly lit Parking Lot
Building protected by fire sprinkler system for safety
Condominium expertly managed for convenience and security
Fire safety system in accordance with the current Ontario Building Code
Open air oversized balconies or terraces with structural alloy railings
Double glazed thermal-pane windows

Interior Features:
Efficient, centrally supplied forced air heating and cooling
Hydro separately metered for each suite
Solid core entry door with elegant hardware and privacy viewer
Plush 32 oz. broadloom throughout with high density underpad
Quality vinyl floors in kitchen, entrance and bathrooms
White “California” textured ceilings in all areas except laundry, storage and bathrooms
White painted wood shelving in all closets
Series Colonial Swing doors per plan
Standard baseboard & door casings
Interior wall primed and painted
Woodwork trim and doors to be painted white

Electrical and high-tech features:
Individual 100 amp service panel with circuit breakers
Three telephone and two cable rough-ins
Outlet on balcony/terrace
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors for added peace of mind
Capped ceiling outlets where applicable

Advanced safety and security: Controlled entry security at all entrances

Gourmet kitchen:
Finely crafted exclusive custom designed kitchen cabinets
Durable laminate countertops
Double stainless steel sinks w/single lever faucet
Exterior vented exhaust
Vinyl flooring

Appliances:
4 white brand name appliances included
18 cubic foot top mount refrigerator
Washer and Dryer

Exterior Features:
Balconies with structural aluminum alloy handrails.
Electric outlet on balcony
Architectural and stylishly designed building
Contemporary upscale appearance with earth tone colours
Designer Stone and "New England" style Siding
Breathtaking views

Master Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom:
Well proportioned bedroom sizes
Exclusive custom designed ensuite bathroom cabinets
Frameless mirrors over vanity
Chrome finished single lever faucet
Pressure balanced shower control
Exterior vented exhaust
White bathroom fixtures

Main Bath:
Finely crafted wood cabinetry
Vinyl floor
Tub/shower combination with full height ceramic tile
Pressure balanced tub/shower control
White bathroom fixtures
Vanity mirror
Chrome single lever faucets
Exterior vented exhaust in all bathrooms

Amenities:
Entertainment area on Lower Level
Space for fitness center on lower level

Warranties:
All units are protected under Tarion.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. All room sizes are approximate. Builder may substitute materials for those provided in the plans and specifications provided such materials are of equal quality.
Decorative and upgraded items provided for herein and/or displayed in the model suites are for display purposes only and are not included in the purchase price. The purchaser acknowledges that variations in colours and shade uniformity may occur in finishing materials, kitchen & vanity cabinets and floor and wall finishes from those displayed in the model suites due to normal production process.
Actual square footage may vary slightly from those stated in printed material. Actual usable floor space may vary from the stated floor area. Ceilings and wall may be modified to accommodate mechanical systems.
The condominium is subject to the conditions of the Purchase and Sale Agreement. Prices, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. E & O.E.

[DHLawrence]

I've heard through the local school that the new development planned for north Preston Heights is on indefinite hold.

[UrbanWaterloo]

ALLAN REUTER CENTRE/LANG'S FARM VILLAGE ASSOCIATION PARTNERSHIP
To: COUNCIL | Date of Meeting: July 12, 2010 | Agenda Item #6: Pages 45-47 (http://www.cambridge.ca/cs_pubaccess/download_minutes.php?doc_id=5829)
Date to Management Committee: July 7, 2010
Prepared By: Kent McVittie | Department: Community Services
Report No.: CSD/10-58

Recommendation(s):
THAT Cambridge Council approve the creation of a 2010 capital project in the amount of $3,000,000 (three million dollars) to fund the City of Cambridge share in the Lang's Farm Village Association Community Centre Building Project;
AND THAT Cambridge Council authorize funding for the project of $2,700,000 from the Development Charges – Indoor Recreation Reserve Fund (84551) and funding of $300,000 from the Hespeler Projects Reserve Fund (83152);
AND THAT Cambridge Council delete capital projects 14M003 Wellness Centre Design and 15M001 Wellness Centre construction:
AND THAT staff be directed, in accordance with the budget process, to prepare budgets to reflect the operation of programs and services at the new facility and the reduction of programs at the existing Allan Reuter Centre, it being noted that the City-run programs are expected to be operational at the new centre in late 2011 or early 2012.

Background

At the November 10, 2008 General Committee meeting the following resolution was passed: “And That City staff pursue the possibility of a long term relationship with Lang’s Farm Village Association, with the specific purpose of examining the feasibility of sharing space with this group, at a new facility they are proposing to build within the next few years, on a 3.1 acre property owned by the Association, on Concession Road. Further, that staff report back to Council on the progress of the proposed partnership as new information becomes available.” (report CSD/08-37)

Among the programs and Services offered at the Allan Reuter 50+ (Fifty Plus) Centre (ARC), the Community Services Department has been operating fitness programs for older adults as well as providing socialization and support programs for the frail elderly in the community. The Community Support Senior Day Programs , which include the Golden Opportunities program, the Friendly Visiting program and the Care Giver Support program, provide socialization, physical and cognitive stimulation for the frail elderly to facilitate independent living and to delay or avert institutionalization. While these two components have been very successful at the ARC, they have been limited by the capacity of the existing facility. All other ARC general leisure programs will remain and ARC will continue to operate as a Seniors Centre.

Staff has been actively engaged in discussions with the Langs' Farm Village Association regarding the joint development of a new community facility in which ARC could relocate the Day Programs and the Fitness programs. The Ten Year Capital Forecast had anticipated this community centre to be designed and constructed in 2014 and 2015 (14M003 and 15M001 – Wellness Centre). The Lang's Farm Village Association had previously acquired the land, with some financial assistance from the City of Cambridge, and has been engaging City staff in the process of developing architectural concepts for the shared use facility.

Recent developments have provided a unique opportunity to advance the project into the current year. Lang's Farm Village Association has recently received confirmation of grant from the Federal Government through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The receipt of this grant makes it necessary for the Association to begin the construction of the facility immediately in order to meet the prescribed schedule associated with the funding. After carefully reviewing the options for construction, staff is strongly recommending that the City advance its capital project to match the Lang's Farm schedule. The efficiencies and cost effectiveness of constructing the facility in a single phase are significant and the need for expanded facilities to operate the ARC programs is acute.

In developing the architectural concepts for the facility, staff has identified a need for approximately 8,000 square feet of dedicated space. The City would also make use of approximately 6,300 square feet of space that is to be shared among the partners in the facility including a gymnasium. A detailed operating budget will be prepared and presented through the budget process. Initial staff estimates indicate that CSD will require a net amount of approximately $65,000 per year to operate programs and services from the new facility which is expected to be operational in late 2011 or early 2012.

To complete its share of the project, the City has established a construction budget of $3,000,000 to include all hard and soft construction and design costs. Because the development of this wellness centre component of the ARC is related to community growth, the City is able to fund 90 percent of the project through Development Charges reserves. To make up the remaining 10 percent, staff is recommending a draw on the Hespeler Projects Reserves Fund in the amount of $300,000. The fund has a current balance of $400,000. The allocation of this reserve fund to this project is warranted based on the fact that $400,000 that had been allocated for a roof project at Ted Wake Lounge was not required because the roof project was incorporated into the infrastructure renewal program.

Summary
Staff is highly supportive of advancing the Allan Reuter Centre/Lang's Farm community facility. Recent events have created a unique opportunity for the City to provide expanded and enhanced service to the community through this innovative partnership with the Lang's Farm Village Association.

[DHLawrence]

New school with portable classrooms? Does that add up? (http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/773991)


September 11, 2010
BY LUISA D’AMATO, RECORD STAFF
CAMBRIDGE — Why does a newly built school have portable classrooms?

Some Record readers were asking the question after seeing a photo of a child going into a portable classroom on the first day of school – even though the story was about a brand-new school building, Ryerson Public School in Cambridge.

Had someone made a mistake?

No, says senior planner Nathan Hercanuck at the public school board.

The new school building can hold 328 students. Ryerson now has 376 students – 48 more than the building can hold.

But Hercanuck said there are two groups of students at Ryerson – those in the surrounding neighbourhood, and those that are bused in from a newer subdivision in east Cambridge near Can-Amera Parkway and Townline Road.

Planners know that the number of children from the new subdivision is probably at its peak. As the subdivision ages, the number of school-age children will go down and the portables will eventually not be needed.

The one thing a school board doesn’t want to do is build a school that’s too big. No one, either at the board or at the provincial government, wants classrooms sitting empty in a few years.

In addition, said Ryerson principal Peter Berndt, the school has attracted new children this year who had previously attended school privately or at the Catholic school board.

This may have been because of the all-day everyday kindergarten service at Ryerson, or because of the new building with its state-of-the-art technology.

Berndt said students and teachers are settling in well and learning how to use the “smart boards,” interactive wall screens that can display sites and information from the internet.

The school also has “clickers,” which are already used in large university classes. Each student gets a clicker, which looks like a remote control, and can press a button to indicate their answer to a question posed by the teacher.

That way, the teacher can see at a glance if the student understands the concept.

ldamato@therecord.com

Amazing. Brand new school, state of the art technology, and The Record shows a picture of a portable. They never miss an opportunity to slag off Cambridge, do they?

[panamaniac]

Amazing. Brand new school, state of the art technology, and The Record shows a picture of a portable. They never miss an opportunity to slag off Cambridge, do they?

To be fair, they have done the same in the past with respect to new schools in K-W. The fact of portables at new schools always sets off the "common sense" crowd who seem not to be able to digest demographic information.

[DHLawrence]

One would assume that they would have built this brand new state of the art school with enough space to accommodate those extra 48 students. They state that the student body will shrink as the neighbourhood matures, but forget that other developments will follow as Preston and the Hespeler Road area densify. Why not do it right the first time?

[Urbanomicon]

When the new St. Mary's High School opened, I believe it had 3-6 portables.

[taylortbb]

One would assume that they would have built this brand new state of the art school with enough space to accommodate those extra 48 students. They state that the student body will shrink as the neighbourhood matures, but forget that other developments will follow as Preston and the Hespeler Road area densify. Why not do it right the first time?

I doubt they forgot something that obvious. I'll trust their demographic projections over "common sense" any day. Unless there is actually some evidence that their projections were flawed and they failed to take into account certain things.

[DHLawrence]

Maybe so, but of all the pictures they could have used for this great school, that's the best one they could find? The board superintendent visited the school my mother works at this past week, and she was not thrilled about it!

[taylortbb]

Maybe so, but of all the pictures they could have used for this great school, that's the best one they could find? The board superintendent visited the school my mother works at this past week, and she was not thrilled about it!

It's maybe not the best photo, but that's hardly evidence of an anti-Cambridge bias in the Record. I'm not going to assert there isn't one, but I wouldn't consider that evidence of it. I'm betting the photo was chosen for how the kids looked, not the building. Do you really think the location of the school factored into choosing a photo of the portable? It just seems absurd, it would have to be intentional, and done by someone who's pretty bad at being anti-Cambridge.

[Urbanomicon]

New Shoppers Drug Mart could open by June

October 12, 2010
Record staff
http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/792656

CAMBRIDGE — Shoppers Drug Mart plans to have a new superstore open along Dundas Street by June.

The $5 million project will demolish the brick Firth Brown Tools factory at Dundas and McLaren Avenue by year’s end, say officials from Canadian Commercial Development Group.

City council removed the last hurdle to allow the project to start.

Council approved the land-use conversion in July 2009, but refused building permits until the province and Waterloo Region approved a clean-up of the contaminated factory site.
That condition has now been met, so council removed the holding condition.

The proposed 18,000-square-foot Shoppers Drug Mart will be similar in size to its nearest sister store at the north junction of Water and Ainslie streets. It replaces an 8,000-square-foot store in the abutting Highland Shopping Plaza at Main and Dundas streets.

Plans for the 1.4-hectare (3.3-acre) site also have two free-standing buildings totalled almost 14,000 square feet. The site plan calls for 180 parking spaces. Previously, company officials said the project would create 100 jobs when complete.

Firth Brown has until mid-December to find another location for its operations and vacate the old factory. Demolition is expected to be done by year’s end and clean-up completed shortly after that, Scott Disney, Canadian Commercial’s vice-president, said after final council approval.

[DHLawrence]

Too bad, I like that factory building.

[Galtonian]

Recently the ancient Harvey's on Hwy 24/Hespeler Road beside Swiss Chalet was closed and demolished. There is a new building being constructed on the site. I was told that this is going to be a new Milestones Restaurant.

Does anyone have any idea about when this new restaurant is going to open?

[Spokes]

Recently the ancient Harvey's on Hwy 24/Hespeler Road beside Swiss Chalet was closed and demolished. There is a new building being constructed on the site. I was told that this is going to be a new Milestones Restaurant.

Does anyone have any idea about when this new restaurant is going to open?

Wow 2 Milestones in the same year!

Where on Hespeler rd is this?

[KevinL]

Where on Hespeler rd is this?

He said 'next to Swiss Chalet' - I presume that means here (http://maps.google.ca/?ie=UTF8&ll=43.399676,-80.325499&spn=0.030059,0.094929&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=43.399535,-80.325456&panoid=Keu3TKMuarsQPr51OkA-qA&cbp=12,247.71,,0,5).

[boatracer]

I think it might just be a relocation site for the existing Swiss Chalet next door. I was in there last week and noted a sign saying they were moving but didn't look at the address. At the City of Cambridge site there is a list of current building activity and Riocan Holdings Inc is "construction of a new Swiss Chalet restaurant" at 506 Hespeler Road.

http://www.cambridge.ca/economic_development/building_activity

Look under the Commercial Building Activity.

[skyhook19]

I think it might just be a relocation site for the existing Swiss Chalet next door. I was in there last week and noted a sign saying they were moving but didn't look at the address. At the City of Cambridge site there is a list of current building activity and Riocan Holdings Inc is "construction of a new Swiss Chalet restaurant" at 506 Hespeler Road.

It's definitely a new Swiss Chalet there are signs up in the current one talking about According to a waitress a month or two ago they're demolishing the old one and putting up both a new Milestones and Harveys.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

According to a waitress a month or two ago they're demolishing the old one and putting up both a new Milestones and Harveys.

Thanks for the info skyhook19, and welcome to Wonderful Waterloo! Anyone know how long that Swiss Chalet has been there for? Nonetheless, I hope they keep the big chicken statue on Hespeler Road (seen here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=hespeler+road&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=29.784056,67.763672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Hespeler+Rd,+Cambridge,+Ontario&ll=43.399825,-80.32554&spn=0.004085,0.008272&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=43.399888,-80.325562&panoid=DGjfLA7_jVr777k30vtEWA&cbp=12,213.4,,1,3.66) on Google Maps). It's a landmark!

Also, it's interesting how RioCan seems to be buying small Cara (Swiss Chalet, Harveys, Milestones, Second Cup, etc.) restaurant locations in the Region. In addition to this Swiss Chalet and Harveys on Hespeler Road, they also purchased the Harveys at King and Weber in Waterloo last year. I wonder if they have any bigger plans...

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

Just a few updates for the Townline/401 area.

South of the 401, another large industrial building appears to be under construction. After the halt in activity of 2008, perhaps leasing activity is on the rise? Similarly, some new tenants have moved into the buildings on the other side of the 401.

The retail plaza at Jamieson and Townline has a sign announcing that a second phase is beginning construction in 2011.

[Daev]

Just a few updates for the Townline/401 area.

South of the 401, another large industrial building appears to be under construction. After the halt in activity of 2008, perhaps leasing activity is on the rise? Similarly, some new tenants have moved into the buildings on the other side of the 401.

The retail plaza at Jamieson and Townline has a sign announcing that a second phase is beginning construction in 2011.

I live just a couple blocks from this plaza at Jamieson/Townline and just noticed that same sign come up within the last couple days. I have also overheard from my parents that Keleher's Western Wear is looking for a new location as well, as their land has been bought out recently for new industrial development.

[Spokes]

Real estate firm to erect multistory office building
December 29, 2010 | Chuck Howitt | Waterloo Region Record | Link (http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/307033--real-estate-firm-to-erect-multistory-office-building)


CAMBRIDGE — When Lorne Wallace moved his real estate software firm to Cambridge in the late 1990s, he noticed a shortage of first-class office space in the city.

In 2005, he erected the CanAmera Corporate Centre at 231 Shearson Crescent to satisfy that need and house his flagship firm, Lone Wolf Real Estate Technologies.

...

Through his real estate holding company, Lone Wolf Holdings, Wallace has purchased the vacant Orbus Pharma plant next door at 221 Shearson Crescent for $700,000.

Wallace plans to renovate the pharmaceutical plant for future undetermined use. But in between he’s planning to erect a six-to-seven story office building at a cost of $6 million. He’s calling it Phase 2 of the CanAmera Corporate Centre.

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

^ That sounds cool and all, but I'm a bit disappointed they didn't decide to expand into the 3 floors of vacant space at Cambridge Place.

[benjaminbach]

What does one have to do with the other?

Lorne Wallace is a developer, in addition to being a user of office space. Taking 3 floors at Cambridge Place may be nice for the market, but it doesn't let him utilize his capital to earn a profit.

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

Really small news, but the Recovery Technologies building on Franklin Blvd that was put up for lease is now sold.

[RangersFan]

Not sure how new this development is but I seen an add in the paper tonight for a project by Aberdeen Homes called Strathaven court. Looks like the project consists of 40 residential units at the corner of Cheese Factory Rd and Nathan Court.
For more information visit the project website (http://www.strathavencourt.com/cms/view/572/Community-Information).

[bcwessel]

Not sure how new this development is but I seen an add in the paper tonight for a project by Aberdeen Homes called Strathaven court. Looks like the project consists of 40 residential units at the corner of Cheese Factory Rd and Nathan Court.
For more information visit the project website (http://www.strathavencourt.com/cms/view/572/Community-Information).

How difficult a concept is it to grasp that "town" is a necessary requirement if you want to build townhouses? It's not just a clever name. Despite our increasingly Orwellian tendencies, sometimes words actually do have meaning.