Small Suburban Waterloo Construction

[UrbanWaterloo]

Small Suburban Waterloo 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)

Project List

Bluevale Collegiate Institute Renovations | Summer 2010 (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/539-Small-Suburban-Waterloo-Construction?p=12281#post12281)
Beechwood Manor Expansion | July 21, 2010 (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/539-Small-Suburban-Waterloo-Construction?p=11224#post11224)
My Owen Place & SHOW Waterloo | July 21, 2010 (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/539-Small-Suburban-Waterloo-Construction?p=11225#post11225)
Commercial Plaza @ Erb & Ira Needles | October 25, 2010 (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/539-Small-Suburban-Waterloo-Construction?p=17239#post17239)
B-C Commons | January 2, 2011 (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/539-Small-Suburban-Waterloo-Construction?p=22133#post22133)

[RangersFan]

Pictures by me today Jan 24, 2010. Although I took pictures of this, I would prefer that they levelled this building.
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/UP1.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/UP2.jpg

[RangersFan]

Pictures by me today Jan 24,2010

This building I believe is part of Conestoga College's Waterloo Campus I haven't had much luck finding out what it is exactly.
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Conestoga%20College%20Waterloo/CC6.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Conestoga%20College%20Waterloo/CC7.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Conestoga%20College%20Waterloo/CC8.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Conestoga%20College%20Waterloo/CC9.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Conestoga%20College%20Waterloo/CC10.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Conestoga%20College%20Waterloo/CC11.jpg

[Spokes]

Is that on Marsland? Beside the school for Carpentry? or is it Masonry?

[RangersFan]

Yeah its right there in behind the school of masonry

[RangersFan]

pictures taken by me today Jan 24,2010

This is of an office building under construction on Marsland dr in Waterloo. Looks like it is really comming along.
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/MOB1.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/MOB2.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/MOB3.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/MOB4.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/MOB5.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Thanks leaffan for all the photos this weekend! Here's the info on Marsland:

332 Marsland Drive, Waterloo
http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/Looplink/Profile/Profile.aspx?stid=cbre/waterloo&LID=16335712&LL=true&UOMListing=&UOMMoneyCurrency=&RentPer=PM&SRID=735351341

Total Space Available: 25,942 SF
Description: Presitigious spec office building located adjacent to Hillside Park within close proximity of Conestoga College & Wilfred Laurier University. Full air conditioned building. 4.4 parking spaces per 1,000 sq.ft. Every floor will have 2 washrooms. The building will be wheelchair accessible with elevator. Near Columbia Street E

http://images.loopnet.com/xnet/mainsite/attachments/viewImage.aspx?FileGuid=01141687-66E7-4FBB-B88A-0E626F6065B4&Extension=jpg&Width=631&Height=421

[RangersFan]

332 Marsland looks alot different than I had imagined.

[UrbanWaterloo]

This building I believe is part of Conestoga College's Waterloo Campus I haven't had much luck finding out what it is exactly.

Governments of Canada and Ontario Announce Knowledge Infrastructure Projects Underway: Groundbreaking Celebrations at Conestoga College
October 5, 2009 10:35 AM
http://blogs1.conestogac.on.ca/news/2009/10/governments_of_canada_and_onta.php

CAMBRIDGE AND WATERLOO, Ontario, September 25, 2009 - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario) and MP for Cambridge, along with Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Leeanna Pendergast and John Tibbits, President of Conestoga College, today celebrated groundbreakings at the Cambridge and Waterloo campuses of Conestoga College. The college is to receive federal and provincial funding totalling $72 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and Ontario’s 2009 Budget.
...
The project also includes a 12,000 square-foot stand-alone facility at the Waterloo campus for the Conestoga/OIRCA Roofing Skills Training Centre and a 10,000-square-foot addition to the main campus building for the HVAC Skills Training Centre. Some funding will be used for an expansion and renovation to support motive power skills training at the Guelph campus. When complete, the entire project will create an additional 2,350 student spaces and 800 new spaces for apprentices.

Conestoga College is partnering with the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors on the Institute for Food Processing Technology in Cambridge and with the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association (OIRCA) for the Roofing Skills Training Centre in Waterloo.
...
"The single biggest factor affecting all stakeholders in the roofing sector today is the lack of a qualified workforce in the numbers necessary to service the needs of the construction industry in this province," said Don B. Marks, executive director of Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association (OIRCA). "We share Conestoga's vision that the Waterloo campus will become the focal point for the recruitment and training of construction workers in southern Ontario. The OIRCA/Conestoga Roofing Skills Training Centre will allow the roofing industry to assume the responsibility to take control and manage its own human resources."

For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, including program criteria, application instructions and a list of the approved projects to date, please visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.

For information about how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province, please visit www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/infrastructure.

[UrbanWaterloo]

865 Weber Street North, Waterloo
http://www.dtzbarnicke.com/Client/JJB/JJBNA%20Web%20Listing%20db.nsf/5b1d91a237abc91f852570d800775fbc/bd98fd6a88e7b331852573d00059b3ea!OpenDocument

Lease

Prime retail/office development located in the King Street/Hwy 85 commercial node.
Directly across from the St. Jacob's Farmers Market and future Smart Centre development.
C8 zoning allows for restaurant, medical clinic, financial establishment, automotive, hotel and many other uses.


http://www.dtzbarnicke.com/Client/JJB/JJBNA%20Web%20Listing%20db.nsf/5b1d91a237abc91f852570d800775fbc/bd98fd6a88e7b331852573d00059b3ea/Picture/0.142!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=jpg

PROPERTY & LISTING DETAILS
Detailed Description: Retail Building, Office-Retail, Office / Retail
Intersection: Farmers Market Road
Zoning: C8
Total Area: 100,000 sq. ft.
Asking Rate: $15.00 Net
Additional Rent $8.00 /sq.ft.
Availability: Negotiable
Lease Term: Open

PDF: http://www.dtzbarnicke.com/Client/JJB/JJBNA%20Web%20Listing%20db.nsf/5b1d91a237abc91f852570d800775fbc/bd98fd6a88e7b331852573d00059b3ea/$FILE/weber_865_office.pdf

[UrbanWaterloo]

646 Erb Street West, Waterloo
http://www.jjb.com/Client/JJB/JJBNA%20Web%20Listing%20db.nsf/9a00c805b85b76ef852570d80076bc0a/445d778dc4c101b6852576af0050afa6!OpenDocument

Lease
High profile site located at Erb and Ira Needles roundabout.
Across from tenants like Canadian Tire, The Beer Store, Boston Pizza, Shoppers Drug Mark, etc.
Construction to start April 15, 2010.

http://www.jjb.com/Client/JJB/JJBNA%20Web%20Listing%20db.nsf/9a00c805b85b76ef852570d80076bc0a/445d778dc4c101b6852576af0050afa6/Picture/0.142!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=jpg

PROPERTY & LISTING DETAILS
Detailed Description: Retail / Office
Intersection: Erbsville Road
Zoning: MXC
Building Size: 12712 sf
Asking Rate: $24.00 Net
Additional Rent: $10.00 /sq.ft.

PDF: http://www.jjb.com/Client/JJB/JJBNA%20Web%20Listing%20db.nsf/9a00c805b85b76ef852570d80076bc0a/445d778dc4c101b6852576af0050afa6/$FILE/erb_646.pdf

[RangersFan]

Here are some by-law/public notices from the Waterloo Chronicle
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/By-Law%20Notices/z-10-05001.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/By-Law%20Notices/z-10-04.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/By-Law%20Notices/UWNWCampus.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/By-Law%20Notices/UWNWCampusDistrictPlan.jpg

[Spokes]

Ya this would work if Hespler rd had been given a total makeover, but as is there are some definite flaws.

[RangersFan]

Report recommends $4.2M expansion for Lexington school
May 13, 2010

By Luisa D'Amato, Record staff

WATERLOO — Lexington Public School needs a $4.2-million expansion and facelift, including a 13-classroom addition, renovation and a new roof for the gym, and air conditioning for the school, a report to school board trustees says.

The report also recommends building a brand-new elementary school on Falconridge Drive by 2014 in a fast growing area of new homes — with 825 still to be built — around Kiwanis Park.

Trustees received the report Monday, but won’t vote on it until June.

The report was written by an accommodation review committee studying the schools in the eastern part of Kitchener and Waterloo, including Bridgeport, Elizabeth Ziegler, Lexington, Margaret Avenue, Prueter and Suddaby public schools.

An accommodation review committee is a group of parents, principals, staff and city officials who study shifting population trends in a certain area and make recommendations about closing schools, building new ones or changing boundaries.

The schools in the eastern part of Kitchener-Waterloo have room for 2,866 students with the schools that are already there, plus 325 more with the proposed new school on Falconridge Drive, for a total of 3,191 spaces.

There are only 2,429 students attending those schools. Even after population growth on the edge of the city is accounted for, there will only be 2,666 elementary students in 2015, staff predict.

But board planner Lauren Manske said the committee decided not to recommend closing any schools in the area.

“What it came down to is that there was a lot of support for community-level schools,” she said.

“Even if they are underutilized, if you were to take out any of those facilities, you’re abandoning the population in and around any one location.”

Lexington Public School was closed for a time, and reopened in 1993 with a temporary extra wing with the idea that it might close again 15 to 20 years later, after the population started to age.

The committee is recommending a permanent addition with 10 classrooms and three kindergarten rooms, renovations for the gym, and air conditioning. The renovations would be complete by 2012.

“There was very strong support to maintain a community school in the Lexington neighbourhood,” the report said.

As for the school on Falconridge Drive, it would be for junior kindergarten to Grade 6, the report said.

The committee felt it was important that as many students as possible have a school they can walk to. Because of the “relative isolation” of the community around Falconridge Drive, this isn’t possible for the children in that neighbourhood with the existing schools.

The committee also recommended that a small group of children who attend Elizabeth Ziegler School and then go on to Margaret Avenue Public School for Grade 7 and 8 instead be directed to MacGregor Public School for those grades.

This is because these few students lose almost all contact with their classmates from Elizabeth Ziegler for the two years of Grade 7 and 8. Then, most will rejoin their old friends again in Grade 9 at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School.

Allowing the students — there were only three in this position this year — to attend MacGregor with all their friends “will add a little bit of stability for these kids,” said Manske.

To read the full report, go to the public school board’s website at wrdsb.ca and click “About,” then “Board meetings” then “Meeting agendas” and then “Committee of the Whole agenda, May 10.” The report is in the agenda.

[RangersFan]

Today I noticed a bylaw change notice on a property just west of the intersection of Weber and Bridgeport. Does anyone know whats going on here?
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&q=weber+and+bridgeport&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Weber+St+N+%26+Bridgeport+Rd+W,+Waterloo,+Wa terloo+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&ll=43.470565,-80.511482&spn=0,0.013711&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.470507,-80.511612&panoid=_2Km6ADMH1YNAb5HPWo1VA&cbp=12,175.87,,0,9.84

[RangersFan]

Dream of apartment for homeless

May 21, 2010

By Frances Barrick, Record staff

WATERLOO — The sun streamed into the new apartment units which 30 homeless people will soon call home.

“These are fabulous,” said Tricia Siemens, as she walked into an almost completed one-bedroom unit that will provide shelter to someone who has been living on the streets for at least a year.

“You could see yourself being happy in this home,” said Siemens, who spearheaded this project to provide this city’s first apartment building that will provide daily, 24-hour supportive care.

On Thursday, members of the news media and the group behind the project called Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW) toured the five-storey building at 362 Erb St. W., which will be ready for occupancy June 1. Two of the 30 units, which are about 500 square feet, are wheelchair accessible and the building will be smoke-free.

Group member Jan Lehman shed tears of joy when she saw the outcome of a project has been six years in the making.

“This is wonderful. It is worth every second,” Lehman said.

Most of the 15 members of the board behind SHOW are volunteers at Out of Cold programs and know that the people eating a free meal desperately need housing. There are between 50 and 70 persistent homeless people living on the streets of Waterloo Region.

“This is going to turn their lives around,” said board member John Currie. “They are going to live a normal life again.”

Board members are in the midst of interviewing potential tenants. More than 40 people have applied and a waiting list has been started. Most of the candidates are men, ranging in age from late 30s to early 60s, who have been homeless for about five years. A person must be homeless for at least a year to qualify.

“Some have addiction issues. Others have drug problems. All need support,” Currie said.

Barb Barnes, a board member who has interviewed potential tenants, said many can’t believe they may be soon living in a furnished apartment with support services to help them get back on their feet.

“Many say ‘Wow. This is like Christmas,’ ” said Barnes, adding that one man couldn’t believe he would have his own washroom, instead of sharing one.

Lehman said one man asked her, “Why are you doing this for us?”

“Why would we not?” she said.

Currie said the board is looking for people who want to change their lives and get back into society. “We have had a tremendous response and all of them can’t wait to get in.”

“Our goal is to get them housed and keep them housed,” Siemens added.

Though the project has faced many obstacles, most of them involving money, Siemens said the board was determined to make it happen.

The building cost $5.45 million to build, of which $3.5 million was funded through federal and provincial infrastructure grants. Both the city and region waived development charges. Another $153,000 was provided under a federal homelessness program.

The group has raised $555,000 and plans to mortgage the rest. The mortgage, which will not be locked in for a year, could be less than the projected $910,000 if the group succeeds in getting the $200,000 it owes in GST rescinded and raises more money from the community, Siemens said.

The building’s operating costs will be covered by monthly rent payments of $464.

Round-the-clock supportive care costs $300,000 a year and will be contracted out to groups such as Waterloo Regional Homes for Mental Health and the House of Friendship.

In April, the regional government agreed to provide $225,000 a year toward that cost under its domiciliary hostel program, a cost-shared program with the province. This year, the region will also give a one-time grant of $75,000, but in future the group must cover that cost.

Siemens said fundraising has been challenging because “there are people who don’t understand homelessness and how easily it can happen.

“It hasn’t been just a fundraising campaign. It has been an education campaign as well,” she said.

Marriage breakup is the leading cause of homelessness in Canada, according to a fact sheet provided by the project’s board. Other causes are mental health problems, abuse, poverty and lack of affordable housing.

According to the fact sheet, homeless people are among the least threatening group in society. Most often they are the victims of crime, not the perpetrators.

About four years ago, a homeless man sleeping near the railroad tracks at King Street was set on fire. Another time, an alcoholic sleeping on a local street was beaten and urinated on by a group of youth, the sheet said.

Since homeless people only have what is on their backs, the group has been collecting furniture, linen, dishes and cooking utensils to furnish the apartments. The “Adopt–a-Room” campaign has been very successful, with one church contributing $10,000 toward the purchase of new beds, Lehman said. More donations are needed, she said.

The public can tour the facility at an open house on June 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“Anyone can become homeless. Nobody has to remain homeless,” Lehman said.

fbarrick@therecord.com

[UrbanWaterloo]

Conestoga - OIRCA Centre For Roofing Training & Technology - May 28, 2010
@ Waterloo Campus

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/Conestoga-OIRCACentreForRoofingTrai.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/Conestoga-OIRCACentreForRoofingT-1.jpg

Placement to the west of the Conestoga - Ontario Masonry Training Centre
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/Conestoga-OIRCACentreForRoofingT-2.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

332 Marsland Drive, Waterloo - May 28, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/332MarslandDriveWaterloo-May282010-.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/332MarslandDriveWaterloo-May2820-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/332MarslandDriveWaterloo-May2820-2.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Conestoga Opens New Roofing Skills Centre in Waterloo
May 27, 2010 10:38 AM | http://blogs1.conestogac.on.ca/news/2010/05/conestoga_opens_new_roofing_sk.php

More than 100 industry, education and government representatives gathered on May 25 in Waterloo for the official opening of the new, 12,400 sq. ft. Conestoga/OIRCA Roofing Skills Training Centre, a project of Conestoga and the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association.

In order to promote economic development, increase educational opportunity and help the institution grow to meet employer needs, Conestoga has received federal and provincial funding totalling $72 million for new and expanded Conestoga facilities in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge and Guelph, through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and Ontario's 2009 Budget.

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP), a two-year, $2 billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, is part of the $12 billion in new infrastructure investment allocated under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The KIP is providing real economic stimulus and employment by creating local jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada's research and educational facilities at the forefront of scientific advancement.

Speaking at the May 25 event, the Hon. Gary Goodyear, MP for Cambridge, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Minister of State responsible for the Federal Development Agency for Southern Ontario, said, "It is clear that colleges, with their many strengths, are deserving of federal funding support. Our plan is not just to create jobs for today, which KIP projects certainly do, but also to create the better jobs of tomorrow. All this is possible because of all levels of government working together - federal, provincial and municipal."

"The opening of the new Roofing Skills Centre at Conestoga College is a marvelous example of our community building and growing together," said Leeanna Pendergast, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga. "This timely collaboration is meeting an important industry's need for highly skilled tradespersons who will train at this state-of-the-art facility. The Ontario government is very pleased to make this significant commitment since it will undoubtedly lead to immediate job creation and strengthen our local economy for many years to come."

The Government of Ontario, in its 2009 budget - Confronting the Challenge: Building Ontario's Economic Future -- is committed to investing in infrastructure and has designated $780 million to colleges and universities to modernize facilities and boost long-term research and skills training capacity over the next two years.

The Conestoga/OIRCA facility is at Conestoga's Waterloo campus site and sits adjacent to the Conestoga/OMTC Masonry Training Centre, which officially opened in the spring of 2009. The roofing facility features two spacious classroom areas, a large shop area presenting space to work on a number of roofing skills projects employing various techniques, and an outdoor, canopied project work area. Its opening marks another step in Conestoga's goal of creating at Waterloo a centre of excellence for construction trades skills. The main campus building in Waterloo also houses Conestoga's many culinary skills programs, and students from those programs prepared and served all the refreshments at the May 25 event.

Conestoga President John Tibbits told the event audience, "We've had excellent partnerships with industry and government in creating these training centres for masonry and roofing skills. It's worth noting that these projects have been completed on time and on budget. The benefits from these projects and others now underway at Conestoga include not only the considerable person-hours of work created in our communities, but also the imparting of high-value skills education for those communities and the expansion of learning opportunities to many thousands of additional students."

Ontario's roofing industry is currently facing a significant challenge due to a lack of skilled tradespeople entering this profession. This multi-disciplinary trade, which blends principles from design, architecture, engineering and various forms of construction, requires highly trained individuals to master modern project delivery. It further requires a significant bridging of knowledge from current practitioners to newly trained professionals, who are well versed in the use of the latest materials and techniques.

On behalf of OIRCA, Executive Director Don Marks stated, "The key to a strong economy for our future lies in the college system. I feel that the Waterloo campus will become a major portal for the future of our industry-whether through young people discovering an excellent career option, students seeking new directions through initiatives like Second Career, or the improvement of skills for those already employed in the trade."

CONTACT: Conestoga - John Sawicki, jsawicki@conestogac.on.ca; Julie Gillis, jgillis@conestogac.on.ca | OIRCA - Don Marks, 416-695-4114, 1-888-336-4722

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

Does anyone know what all the construction is for at Bluevale Collegiate Institute (http://bci.wrdsb.on.ca/)? It looks like they are putting an addition on the rear of the building.

[UrbanWaterloo]

http://www.waterloo.nissan.ca/InsideOurDealership/AboutUs/tabid/8437/language/en-US/Default.aspx

http://www.waterloo.nissan.ca/Portals/107/advertising/20100426announcementlg.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Does anyone know what all the construction is for at Bluevale Collegiate Institute (http://bci.wrdsb.on.ca/)? It looks like they are putting an addition on the rear of the building.

WRDSB Major Capital Projects Quarterly Update Report March 2010
http://www.wrdsb.ca/sites/www.wrdsb.ca/files/docs/boardreports/CombMajorCapProjectsMar29-10.pdf

Project: BCI Phase I (addition)
Status: Approval
Scope: Addition Renovation
Board Approval: 14-Dec-09
Ministry Approval: 15-Jan-10
Architect: Walter Fedy Partnership
Site Plan Approval: Pending
Project Budget: $4,100,000
Classes Begin: 7-Sep-10

Project: BCI Phase II (renovation)
Status: Approval
Scope: Renovation
Board Approval: 14-Dec-09
Ministry Approval: 15-Jan-10
Architect: Walter Fedy Partnership
Project Budget: $11,500,000

[UrbanWaterloo]

To further add...

STATUS UPDATE AND PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATIONS – BLUEVALE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
Report to Board December 14, 2009 | http://www.wrdsb.ca/sites/www.wrdsb.ca/files/docs/boardreports/BCIProp%20Renovations%20Dec14-09.pdf

BACKGROUND: Secondary school facilities are complex structures with a variety of complicated facility issues which occasionally converge at the same time. BCI presents a unique challenge and opportunity at this time. In 2006, the Board’s Accessibility Committee had identified BCI as a priority for accessibility upgrades as part of the Board approved Accessibility Plan 2006 – 2009. The scope of this project was to include a new elevator for the three storey tower, washroom upgrades, and ramp additions. It was estimated that these improvements would cost approximately $650,000. It was targeted as the first priority to be significantly funded by the Pupil Accommodation Budget – School Renewal for accessibility improvements. In addition to the above, BCI has been listed as a high priority by the Science Subject Association and significant science lab improvements are being recommended to the Secondary Accommodation Committee. BCI was constructed in 1972. Typical to the construction of this era was the use of asbestos fireproofing on structural members as well as on the underside of floors and roof decks. In the early 1980’s, with increasing safety awareness, the fireproofing was encapsulated with a cementitious coating to protect and maintain the integrity of the spray applied fireproofing. Subsequent to a roof replacement project in the late summer of 2008, it was observed that the asbestos encapsulated fireproofing had become dislodged and various sized pieces of the encapsulated asbestos were falling onto the drop ceiling of the third floor classroom space. An air sampling program within the three storey tower was completed to identify if occupied spaces in floors one, two, and three had been impacted by the deterioration. The results of the sampling indicated that there were no negative impacts in occupied spaces due to the deterioration in the ceiling space. Given the nature of the condition identified in the ceiling space, access could not be achieved without conducting a Type 2 asbestos removal (the removal of less than one square metre of friable asbestos during maintenance operations with enclosures) under the Ontario Regulation 278/05. As such, the ceiling space was designated as being off-limits until it could be properly cleaned. During the summer of 2009, dislodged fireproofing above the ceilings was cleaned under a Type 2 removal. Subsequent to the asbestos cleanup and during the board’s third party inspections to monitor the integrity of the fireproofing and conduct air sampling, additional asbestos debris was identified in the ceiling space above the third floor ceiling. It has since become apparent that the encapsulated asbestos is continuing to deteriorate and fall from the roof deck. Further inspection of the first and second floors has identified minimal to moderate deterioration of the fireproofing and encapsulant at present. Further cleanup and monitoring is underway to maintain compliance with regulations. It is estimated this process will continue until the areas are renovated. It is important to note that continuing monitoring occurs to ensure the safety of the building occupants.
...
PROPOSED SOLUTION:

The “Original” proposed solution includes accessibility improvements, 22 portables being brought to the site, the third floor interior partition demolition, asbestos abatement activities, and reconstruction. Following the third floor reconstruction, second and first floor projects would be undertaken over subsequent summer periods. This was not considered a viable solution for a number of reasons:

Purpose built spaces required for library and science labs exist on the first and second floors
Asbestos abatement activities (excluding demolition and reconstruction) would take the entire summer and would extend into the school year
Significant disruption to students and staff
Estimated cost vs. benefit realized
Significant number of portable relocations and site restrictions
Port-a-pak and portables would remain on-site post project completion
Operational issues

Other options were explored but ruled out because of cost, disruption, or failure to completely eliminate the asbestos. The impact of portables on the site was also considered. It is estimated that new school construction would be in the neighborhood of $30 million which provided a worst cost scenario.
Considerable research, discussion, and consultative activities have taken place with staff from the Accommodation Steering Committee, the Secondary Accommodation Committee, Senior Administration, BCI Administration, Health, Safety, Wellness & Security, Finance, environmental consultants (MTE), design consultants (Walter Fedy Partnership), qualified contractors, and Facility Services staff. As a result of these discussions several options were developed and explored as they related to scheduling and budgetary costing. Through the consultative process a proposal has been developed and is presented as a recommended solution. The costs of the “Original” and the “Recommended” solutions are presented in Appendix “A”.

The “Recommended” solution allows for minimal portable deployment to execute the project. This solution would see six portables brought to the site to accommodate the port-a-pak demolition, a new 17,000 square foot classroom addition to be completed by September 2010, and purpose built renovations on the third, second, and first floors of the existing three storey tower. This option is the preferred solution because it addresses a number of significant issues, namely:

The asbestos at BCI is completely removed
The school is 96% accessible
All science labs are upgraded
The library is upgraded
The learning environment is dramatically enhanced by improving natural light and addressing sound issues
Energy efficiency is enhanced
The number of students in portables is significantly reduced
There is less disruption to the ongoing operations of the school Given the magnitude of costs for these projects and the level of commitment required (three to four years of activities) a Board approved action plan is required to properly support the desired outcomes.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that: The Waterloo Region District School Board approve the “Recommended” solution which includes a 17,000 square foot addition, barrier free access, complete asbestos abatement and the renovation of three floors of the building tower at an estimated cost of $15,600,000 over three years and to seek approval from the Ministry of Education to use $6,400,000 in New Pupil Place funding, $2,400,000 from Proceeds of Disposition, $900,000 from the Energy Efficient Schools funding and the balance of $5,900,000 from School Renewal over three years as outlined in the report titled, “Status Update and Proposed Construction and Renovations – Bluevale Collegiate Institute” dated December 14, 2009.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/BCIConstruction-WRDSBUpdateDecember.jpg

[RangersFan]

The foundation for the mixed use building at 48 Moore Ave in Waterloo looks like it is in place, with walls starting to go up.

[metropolis]

Is this Nissan store going on part of the old NCR site? ie. where the baseball diamonds are? I don't know where else it would be going Northdiled and Parkside?

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that: The Waterloo Region District School Board approve the “Recommended” solution which includes a 17,000 square foot addition, barrier free access, complete asbestos abatement and the renovation of three floors of the building tower at an estimated cost of $15,600,000 over three years and to seek approval from the Ministry of Education to use $6,400,000 in New Pupil Place funding, $2,400,000 from Proceeds of Disposition, $900,000 from the Energy Efficient Schools funding and the balance of $5,900,000 from School Renewal over three years as outlined in the report titled, “Status Update and Proposed Construction and Renovations – Bluevale Collegiate Institute” dated December 14, 2009.
[/IMG]

Wow, that's a pretty substantial reno for a school. Sounds like they will pretty much be gutting each floor in the main building and basically starting from scratch. I hope they upgrade the library pretty thoroughly and while they're at it, replace the inch thick metal walls. Maybe this will allow them to place classrooms along the windows instead of having the hallways run along the perimeter of the building and the windowless classrooms in the middle. I used to go to Bluevale, and it's a welcome change.

[RangersFan]

Does anyone know what is happening at the Columbia Place building at the corner of King and Columbia 375 King Street North, there is alot of construction fence etc around, is it a renovation?

[RangersFan]

These properties (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=erb+and+westmount&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=26.811401,56.162109&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Westmount+Rd+N+%26+Erb+St+W,+Waterloo,+Water loo+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&ll=43.459539,-80.536437&spn=0,0.013711&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.459622,-80.536223&panoid=koDxZTvl6ZFohfOEFjjebg&cbp=12,338.05,,0,-1.44)at Erb and Westmount in Waterloo have been sitting vacant for a while with concrete barriers blocking the driveway, was there some sort of damage\lawsuit or possibly development happening here?

[RangersFan]

Some updates on two projects on Erb St between University and Fisher-hallman.
-The Beechwood Manor expansion looks like it is now under way, today when I walked bye kieswetter excavating was on site.
- A project next door to the SHOW project (Supportive Housing of Waterloo) called "My Owen Place" developed by Owen Homes is to be an seniors assisted living apartment I believe. I was unable to find any information on the project on the internet. It is already well underconstruction as the construction crew was working on the 4th storey when i went bye.

[Spokes]

Well look at that, more development that faces away from the street. Weird, that never happens here!

Looks like a whole lot of parking there.

[mpd618]

Well look at that, more development that faces away from the street. Weird, that never happens here!

Looks like a whole lot of parking there.

Ugh. It's got buildings right next to Northfield -- but they're backing onto it!

[Spokes]

Ugh. It's got buildings right next to Northfield -- but they're backing onto it!

So we're close.....but just a little backwards? haha.

[dsmmcken]

These properties (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=erb+and+westmount&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=26.811401,56.162109&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Westmount+Rd+N+%26+Erb+St+W,+Waterloo,+Water loo+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&ll=43.459539,-80.536437&spn=0,0.013711&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.459622,-80.536223&panoid=koDxZTvl6ZFohfOEFjjebg&cbp=12,338.05,,0,-1.44)at Erb and Westmount in Waterloo have been sitting vacant for a while with concrete barriers blocking the driveway, was there some sort of damage\lawsuit or possibly development happening here?

I think they are actually owned by Sunlife/Westmount Plaza, along with the vacant lots on either side. The next house to the east of those two, they don't own, followed by another vacant lot that they do. As far as I know there are no plans to develop them. I think they are just holding on to the properties because it is adjacent to theirs giving them frontage onto erb for future development. If I had to guess, they will probably sit vacant until they need enough maintenance to warrant being bulldozed as its not worth the investment from them to do anything else with lots.

[UrbanWaterloo]

25 West Hill Drive, Waterloo
21 m | 4.5 fl | Proposed

25 West Hill Drive, Waterloo
Council Meeting: Monday July 19, 2010 6:30 p.m. | Packets (http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/CS_CLERKS_Minutes_2010/20100719_Packet_Council_Meeting.pdf)
14. FORMAL/INFORMAL PUBLIC MEETINGS
FORMAL PUBLIC MEETING
a) Zoning By-law Amendment Z-10-05: Sifton Properties Ltd. 25 West Hill Drive | Page 296
Report No: DS2010-020
Prepared By: Trevor Hawkins
Presentation: Trevor Hawkins, Development Planner
Delegation: Carole Wiebe, MHBC Planning

Recommendation:
“That Waterloo City Council receive Development Services report DS2010-020 and approve Z-10-05, Sifton Properties Ltd, in accordance with Section 11 of DS2010-020.”

Executive Summary
The applicant has requested an amendment to the Zoning By-law to rezone the subject lands from Agriculture 'A' to Mixed Use Residential 'MXR' with site specific provision to permit the development of a four and one half storey retirement residence with 120 units (maximum 140 beds).

Section 2 - Proposed Use
Each suite will contain a kitchenette (bar fridge and microwave), however meals will be provided in a common dinning area. Two outdoor amenity areas are provided on the east side of the building (facing West Hill Drive), as well as a patio and porch facing Ira Needles Blvd. The outdoor amenity areas will include walking paths, therapeutic gardens, gazebos and areas for barbeque's. The facility will offer a number of services for residents, including:

Personalized wellness services (medical support, medication and meal planning)
Housekeeping and linen services
24/7 staffing and emergency response
Spa area; and
Hairdressing salon

The main entrance to the building is oriented to the parking lot on the West Hill Dr portion of the site. All parking is proposed as surface parking (86 spaces provided), located on the West Hill Dr side of the property. The applicant has indicated, based on their experience operating other retirement residences in Ontario, that the average age of the residents will be 80+ years old and that the majority will not own vehicles (only 15-20% will own a vehicle). Parking is primarily provided for visitors and employees. The residence will employ 52 full-time staff and 29 part-time staff. Vehicular access is proposed from West Hill Drive.

Streetline Buildout
The MXR zone requires that 50% of the building (facade of the building be located within 4-6 metres of the lot line facing Ira Needles Blvd. In this instance, due to the need to provide sanitary sewer services (and associated easement in favour of the City) between the building and the paved portion of Ira Needles Blvd, and the desire to create an articulated facade (not a flat wall), the facade of the building could not be located within 4-6 metres of the Ira Needles lot lone. However, the building is still oriented towards Ira Needles and more than 50% of the facade of the building is located within 4-8 metres of the lot line.

Vacant Land to North
As noted earlier, the applicant submitted a consent application to subdivide the subject lands into two parcels. The northerly parcel, which is also owned by the applicant, will remain vacant at this time, although the applicant does anticipate submitting a zone change application in the future (it is currently zone Agriculture 'A', which has few permitted uses). The property is approximately 0.7 ha in area, which is of suitable size to support the types of uses contemplated in the Mixed Use Activity Node.

Concept Building Elevations
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/25WestHillDrive-WATCouncilMeetin-2.jpg

Concept Site Plan
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/25WestHillDrive-WATCouncilMeetin-1.jpg

[smably]

The main entrance to the building is oriented to the parking lot on the West Hill Dr portion of the site. All parking is proposed as surface parking (86 spaces provided), located on the West Hill Dr side of the property. The applicant has indicated, based on their experience operating other retirement residences in Ontario, that the average age of the residents will be 80+ years old and that the majority will not own vehicles (only 15-20% will own a vehicle). Parking is primarily provided for visitors and employees. The residence will employ 52 full-time staff and 29 part-time staff. Vehicular access is proposed from West Hill Drive.
Hey, I know! Let's build a facility for seniors, the vast majority of whom don't drive, on agricultural land on the extreme edge of the city, with no nearby amenities and limited transit service. Let's face it, there's nothing within walking distance, so we won't even bother putting in an entrance facing the street. If one of the residents wants to go somewhere, they can pay for a taxi or get a family member to drive.

[mpd618]

Let's face it, there's nothing within walking distance, so we won't even bother putting in an entrance facing the street.

To be fair, the parking is "out front" when considering West Hill Dr, but the building fronts Ira Needles Blvd, which is arguably the more important road. Otherwise, yeah, building a facility for seniors in the middle of nowhere is ridiculous.

[RangersFan]

Going by the Waterloo Inn today I noticed there were large dirt piles and work crews on site, does anyone know what is happening there?

[TripleQ]

There are many retirement homes on the west end. Erbsville & Laurelwood, one off of Columbia Forest, a new one going up at Columbia and Erbsville. I see their shuttles taking them to the mall all the time. I think the priority for retirement homes is quiet.

[RangersFan]

Pictures of the Beechwood Manor expansion July 21, 2010
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Beechwood%20Manor%20Expansion/BeechwoodManorJuly212010.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Beechwood%20Manor%20Expansion/BeechwoodManorJuly2120101.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Beechwood%20Manor%20Expansion/BeechwoodManorJuly2120102.jpg

[RangersFan]

Pictures of My Owen Place and Supportive Housing of Waterloo, both located on Erb St. West Waterloo
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/My%20Owen%20Place/MyOwenPlaceandSHOW.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/My%20Owen%20Place/MyOwenPlacearchitect.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/My%20Owen%20Place/MyOwenPlaceJuly212010.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/My%20Owen%20Place/MyOwenPlaceJuly212010b.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/My%20Owen%20Place/MyOwenPlaceJuly212010C.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/My%20Owen%20Place/WaterlooSupportiveHousingJuly212010.jpg

[garthdanlor]

There are many retirement homes on the west end. Erbsville & Laurelwood, one off of Columbia Forest, a new one going up at Columbia and Erbsville. I see their shuttles taking them to the mall all the time. I think the priority for retirement homes is quiet.
I really don't think quiet is a major issue when it comes to senior's homes. Cheaper land is far more important so that the seniors can be warehoused more profitably. Judging by the locations of many of these homes, closeness to transit,shops, libraries, etc. also seems to play little or no role in the decision. Such as shame as this robs the residents of the ability to get out and about on their own and surely must impact the mental and physical health of the residents. Sure there are scheduled events and shuttle buses but that doesn't offer the same level of independence and freedom.

[IEFBR14]

Hey, I know! Let's build a facility for seniors, the vast majority of whom don't drive... If one of the residents wants to go somewhere, they can pay for a taxi or get a family member to drive.
Not that I disagree with your sentiments, but just so you know, seniors in Waterloo Region with mobility issues get half-price taxi rates within the Region (http://www.grt.ca/web/transit.nsf/0/7711FB00BB459EB585256D80004B83D8?OpenDocument). Further, city of Waterloo seniors can get taxi rides within the city of Waterloo (but not to Kitchener even though neither of the hospitals in K-W are in Waterloo!) for a flat $6.

As for building these retirement homes in the boonies, Parkwood Mennonite Home (http://fairviewmennonitehomes.com/parkwood/) out by RIM park is equally inaccessible to seniors without a car yet they have a long waiting list of seniors who want to move there.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

Bluevale Collegiate Institute Renovations

http://a.imageshack.us/img844/8490/bluevale3rdfloorpan01.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img844/9433/bluevale3rdfloorpan02.jpg

Images from Bluevale Collegiate website (http://bci.wrdsb.on.ca/).

[TripleQ]

Unnamed small plaza @ Erb and Ira Needles, across from the Canadian Tire

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/5033/img1377e.jpg

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/3553/img1383d.jpg

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

B-C Commons
245 Drive Labrador Drive, Waterloo
Developer: Paulholdco Inc.
Projected Completion Date: January 2011
Render:
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7741/bccommonsrender.jpg


January 2, 2011
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8150/img2011010200397.jpg

Existing Building with Barber-Collins Security Services Ltd.
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/3053/img2011010200399.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4816/img2011010200398.jpg

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/2168/img2011010200396.jpg

From Leasing Info Sheet:


Asking Rent: $16.00/sq ft
Design your own open concept office space
Complex situated next to RIM's new office complex of 8,000 new employees
Total of 8,000 sq ft in segments of 2,000 sq ft
Individual units are climate controlled
Parking @ 4 spots per 1,000 sq ft)
Shared Board Room
Flexible lease arrangements for 3-5 years

[.FLH.]

There is construction of a building at the corner of Bearinger and Westmount... over by Laural Creek. 325 Westmount Rd North. The building is coming along nicely. I was wondering if anyone had mentioned this yet. I tried searching for it. I'll post some pictures next time I drive by.

I was speeding of course, the wife was yelling at me and my nephew was puking so I didn't get a good look. But it could be 2 towers of some sort going up. I think they had 3 floors up already.

[Spokes]

Was it this (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/487-RIM-World-Headquarters-12-m-3-fl-Double-Cranes) maybe?

[.FLH.]

Was it this (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/487-RIM-World-Headquarters-12-m-3-fl-Double-Cranes) maybe?

Ya that is it... Thanks Spokes.

What a random location.

[Spokes]

Ya that is it... Thanks Spokes.

What a random location.

Ya your would agree with a lot of people in that thread. For a potential world HQ, not an ideal location for RIM to build. Then again, they are known for being out of the cores.

[Waterlooer]

Does anyone know what all the construction is for at Bluevale Collegiate Institute (http://bci.wrdsb.on.ca/)? It looks like they are putting an addition on the rear of the building.

They are re-doing the whole school, stripping the whole inside as well. A really late reply but the Bluevale construction is going very well and is much needed (we will finally get brick walls and windows in our classrooms!!). The 3rd floor will be done and open this fall, all of the science rooms are going on the 3rd floor. The 1st floor will be in construction all next year and the library is being moved down there. The 2nd floor will be in construction the following year and done in March. They put in an addition behind the gyms which looks very nice and modern inside and I find it easier to learn and focus since the lighting is much better.

All will be done by about March 2013, can't wait!

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

Does anyone know what's being added on to the Winners at the ROCK Commercial Plaza at Erb & Ira Needles?

I saw a big job ad for all positions in a new PetSmart store in Waterloo "opening soon" on the front page of The Record Classified on Saturday. Since PetSmart is not on The Boardwalk site plan, this would be the second logical location.

[metropolis]

Driving past here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=20+Erb+St+W,+Waterloo,+Waterloo+Regional+Mun icipality,+Ontario+N2L+1S8&ll=43.460473,-80.536072&spn=0,0.020342&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.459678,-80.536093&panoid=bF-Ts-6LK-sjn2bkZ1vs8g&cbp=12,321.34,,0,2.53)the other day it seemed that these two houses were both boarded up. Anyone know if this might have something to do with soil erosion or is there a new onwer with alternate plans?

Same day I also noticed that this (http://maps.google.ca/maps?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=20+Erb+St+W,+Waterloo,+Waterloo+Regional+Mun icipality,+Ontario+N2L+1S8&ll=43.484541,-80.526731&spn=0,0.020342&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.484541,-80.526731&panoid=vclvo2Azp0ge3wB4s3m-uQ&cbp=12,279.89,,1,1.86)site has been excavated with a digger still on site. Seems the right size for a fast food joint of some sort but again I don't remember seeing anything on here about it.

[SeekForth]

Does anyone know what's being added on to the Winners at the ROCK Commercial Plaza at Erb & Ira Needles?

I saw a big job ad for all positions in a new PetSmart store in Waterloo "opening soon" on the front page of The Record Classified on Saturday. Since PetSmart is not on The Boardwalk site plan, this would be the second logical location.

According to the PetSmart website, the jobs in Waterloo have an address of 663 Erb Street West, so that matches up.
https://wfa.kronostm.com/index.jsp?LOCATION_ID=11483277517&locale=en_US&applicationName=PetSmartIncNonReqExtCanada&SEQ=locationDetails&APPLYALLJOBS=true

Any word on what is going in across the street at 646 Erb Street W.
The building is almost complete and has leased out a bunch of units according to this [pdf]:
http://www.dtzbarnicke.com/Client/JJB/JJBNA%20Web%20Listing%20db.nsf/816035084e4fadaf852571800062a4aa/42cbc00e8e959a67852576af005510ba/$FILE/erb_646.pdf

I noticed from a City of Waterloo meeting, they had their ground sign declined.

Update: I found at least 1 tenant - http://dentistry-plus.com/contact-us/ is showing a Dentistry Plus location opening March 2011.

[.FLH.]

Driving past here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=20+Erb+St+W,+Waterloo,+Waterloo+Regional+Mun icipality,+Ontario+N2L+1S8&ll=43.460473,-80.536072&spn=0,0.020342&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.459678,-80.536093&panoid=bF-Ts-6LK-sjn2bkZ1vs8g&cbp=12,321.34,,0,2.53)the other day it seemed that these two houses were both boarded up. Anyone know if this might have something to do with soil erosion or is there a new owner with alternate plans?

I live across from this site. There is no work being done, it is abandoned, what you are seeing is soil erosion. The site is slowly going to hell. I have been living at 201 Erb for four years now and I haven't seen any action on the site except for the barriers that block the driveways.

[WatDot]

I live across from this site. There is no work being done, it is abandoned, what you are seeing is soil erosion. The site is slowly going to hell. I have been living at 201 Erb for four years now and I haven't seen any action on the site except for the barriers that block the driveways.

I'm pretty sure the mall purchased that whole strip of houses there, with the exception of 1 or 2 back in the 90s. They really need to do (or propose) something soon regarding these properties. It is getting rough.

[BuildingScout]

Driving past here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=20+Erb+St+W,+Waterloo,+Waterloo+Regional+Mun icipality,+Ontario+N2L+1S8&ll=43.460473,-80.536072&spn=0,0.020342&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.459678,-80.536093&panoid=bF-Ts-6LK-sjn2bkZ1vs8g&cbp=12,321.34,,0,2.53)the other day it seemed that these two houses were both boarded up. Anyone know if this might have something to do with soil erosion or is there a new onwer with alternate plans?

It belongs to the Mall behind it as do most of the rest of the houses on that block. Many years ago they asked for permission to take them down and were refused by city council (quelle surprise!) so they opted for the true and tested way of neglecting the properties until they are ordered by city council to take them down thus achieving the same net effect.

The idea, if I remember correctly, was to create an entrance from Erb and expand the mall in that direction. City council said no, of course, as this would disturb the peace and quiet of Erb St. W. :RpS_razz:

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

Update: I found at least 1 tenant - http://dentistry-plus.com/contact-us/ is showing a Dentistry Plus location opening March 2011.

OMG! That's just what we need! Another dentist...:RpS_rolleyes:

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

The idea, if I remember correctly, was to create an entrance from Erb and expand the mall in that direction. City council said no, of course, as this would disturb the peace and quiet of Erb St. W. :RpS_razz:

A little history on this:

Westmount Place - when it used to actually be a mall in the 1990s, sought approval to have the mall declared a regional shopping centre. This was when Eatons anchored the mall. Also, at the same time Markborough Properties (subsidiary of HBC) owned property at Weber & Columbia (the current Manulife/ former Marsland Engineering building), and Cadillac Fairview owned land at Lexington Road and the Expressway (the Kenmore Homes subdivision currently being finished up), and Conestoga Mall was not yet a regional mall. Along with Westmount Place, each of these properties was seeking regional mall status. Markborough was going to be a 2 storey mall anchored by The Bay (this was before The Bay was in Conestoga Mall and it was still Robinsons), and Sears was going to anchor the Cadillac Fairview site. Conestoga Mall won the regional mall battle conditioned on that they expand the mall, and the other proposals fizzled away...Cadillac Fairview and Markborough sold their sites, and we all know what happened to Westmount Place when Eatons went belly up.

[.FLH.]

I'm pretty sure the mall purchased that whole strip of houses there, with the exception of 1 or 2 back in the 90s. They really need to do (or propose) something soon regarding these properties. It is getting rough.

The house near the corner is empty along with the apartment building...then empty lot..an old lady lives in the next place and it is in impeccable shape (she is really a sweet lady)..then empty lot and a bunch of student housing.

It is mainly the house and the apartment building that look like they could fall down in a couple more years of neglect, it is too bad the Mosque couldn't use the land for parking or something they are crammed in pretty good at their location.

[notmyfriends]

Or maybe something other than parking. Like some kind of crazy park with slides and ropes down that big hill. And tunnels. All kinds of ridiculous monkey bars. With a Cheesecake Factory incorporated in some way, that'd be good. Maybe a toboggan ride. Or parking, that was a good idea too.

[metropolis]

Given the ownership scenario this mall and the houses could be taken down wholesale and turned into something with some more density like this:

http://glenwoodpark.com/glenwood/renderings/rendering-full.jpg
http://glenwoodpark.com

The condos taking place of the boarded up homes on Erb would be architecturally unique with the portion fronting the current parking lot much taller than the portion front Erb.

[notmyfriends]

Sun Life might have some qualms, but I'd love to see something like that, somewhere around here. Incorporating tunnels, of course.


That is pretty unique... although something somewhat stepford wivesish (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=glenwood+park,+atlanta,+ga&aq=&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=48.375582,135.263672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Glenwood+Park+Dr+SE,+Atlanta,+Fulton,+Georgi a+30316,+United+States&ll=33.741024,-84.356235&spn=0.00095,0.002064&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=33.740941,-84.356239&panoid=iiE9eTpJEIAQO3xy7c592g&cbp=12,92.03,,0,-4.59) about it when you walk around the map.

[mpd618]

The condos taking place of the boarded up homes on Erb would be architecturally unique with the portion fronting the current parking lot much taller than the portion front Erb.

Oh hell yes - maybe something a little like the parts of St. Catharines and Brantford (RIP Colborne St.) that backed onto canals.

[bcwessel]

that is pretty unique... although something somewhat stepford wivesish about it when you walk around the map.

This is a common complaint that people have of new traditional developments. However, you've got to recognize that places are always young before they're old -- even the old places that we love, and assumed have always and will always be exactly as they are presently. Places like Greenwich Village were built in their entirety in a matter of a decade or less in some cases, and that fact doesn't make them any more or less authentic. I think our perception of newly built traditional urbanism as fake or stages has much more to do with the fact that several generations of North Americans haven't had the chance to interact in these kinds of environments (outside of places like Disneyland (http://www.gearthblog.com/images/images508/disney.jpg) when they are new. The question really then becomes, do we think that places like Glenwood Park will age better or worse than that to which we are presently accustomed (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=erb%20and%20westmount,%20waterloo&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl). (Or, to better frame the question, will places like Gleenwood Park hold our affection long enough to justify their continued maintenance so that they may become old and "authentic," because we already know the answer to that question is "no" for what we are building presently.)

[notmyfriends]

I meant how everythings so clean, and each garden runs into the next, and every porch has perfectly laid out iron chairs and so on. The development itself is quite nice, to say the least.

The creepiness of perfection, is all.

[UrbanWaterloo]

A retirement home, nicknamed "The Cruise Ship"...


530 Columbia Street West - March 14, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West%20-%20March%2014,%202011%20-%201b%20Resized.JPG

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West%20-%20March%2014,%202011%20-%202a%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West%20-%20March%2014,%202011%20-%203a%20Resized.jpg

[SeekForth]

According to the PetSmart website, the jobs in Waterloo have an address of 663 Erb Street West, so that matches up.
https://wfa.kronostm.com/index.jsp?LOCATION_ID=11483277517&locale=en_US&applicationName=PetSmartIncNonReqExtCanada&SEQ=locationDetails&APPLYALLJOBS=true

Any word on what is going in across the street at 646 Erb Street W.
The building is almost complete and has leased out a bunch of units according to this [pdf]:
http://www.dtzbarnicke.com/Client/JJB/JJBNA%20Web%20Listing%20db.nsf/816035084e4fadaf852571800062a4aa/42cbc00e8e959a67852576af005510ba/$FILE/erb_646.pdf

I noticed from a City of Waterloo meeting, they had their ground sign declined.

Update: I found at least 1 tenant - http://dentistry-plus.com/contact-us/ is showing a Dentistry Plus location opening March 2011.

Found the blog from the agent:
Pictures of the David's Gourmet space
http://wrcommercialinsight.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-pictures-for-davids-gourmet.html

As well
http://wrcommercialinsight.blogspot.com/2011/03/davids-gourmet-completes-lease-up.html

"In my first post I am quite happy to report that David's Gourmet will be opening a new location in west Waterloo!

Our Team has just completed a deal that will see David's Gourmet occupy 3,817 square feet on an end cap with a patio in the building located at 646 Erb Street West. Everyone involved couldn't be more excited and looking forward to the grand opening which is expected sometime in April.

With this transaction, we have now leased the entire plaza of 12, 700 square feet. Other tenant's in the plaza include an All you can eat Sushi Restaurant, Dentist, Spa, Pizza/Pasta Restaurant and of course David's. Most of the tenants should be opening in the next 30 to 60 days."

[UrbanWaterloo]

Notice of Complete Application and Informal Public Meeting
April 6, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News Article View&ItemId=1524)

Council Chambers, City Hall
Waterloo City Centre
100 Regina Street South
Monday April 18, 2011
No earlier than 6:30pm

Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z-11-05
BU Holdings Inc. & 907248 Ontario Ltd.
290 & 294 Bridge Street West
Southeast Ward 5, City of Waterloo

The applicant is proposing to rezone the subject lands from Agriculture ‘A’ to Single Residence One - Ten ‘SR1-10’, with site specific provisions in order to permit a draft plan of subdivision which is proposed to contain ten (10) residential lots fronting onto an extension of Allenby Court. A concurrent application has been submitted to the Region of Waterloo for a Draft Plan of Subdivision (30T-11401).


http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/NEWS_images/2011_04_06_Z-05-11Map.gif

FOR further information regarding the above matters,please contact the City of Waterloo Development Services, 2nd floor, Waterloo City Centre, Waterloo, Ontario or call Laura Dowell at 519.747.8544.

Laura Dowell, M.PL, MCIP, RPP, Development Services | laura.dowell@waterloo.ca

IF you wish to make a presentation to Council, please call 519.747.8549 prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2010, so that the necessary arrangements can be made to place you on the agenda. For more information about the meeting, please contact Rose Clemens.

Rose Clemens, Clerk’s Office | rose.clemens@waterloo.ca

IN addition, a written summary of the presentation should be filed with the City Clerk prior to the public meeting.

[UrbanWaterloo]

My Owen Place (364 Erb Street West) - April 14, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/364%20Erb%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20April%2014,%202011%20Resized.jpg

[benjaminbach]

Right next door is Supportive Housing of Waterloo. I think its terrific that both of these are quality buildings in good (& accessible) locations.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Clair Hills Retirement Residence (530 Columbia Street West) - April 13, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/Clair%20Hills%20Retirement%20Residence%20-%20April%2013,%202011%20-%201b%20Resized.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/Clair%20Hills%20Retirement%20Residence%20-%20April%2013,%202011%20-%202a%20Resized.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/Clair%20Hills%20Retirement%20Residence%20-%20April%2013,%202011%20-%203%20Resized.jpg

Here's a rendering, and their website: www.clairhillsretirement.com


<img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ124nQu7ot896kXnGdR5960uEqqmrFZ w0O_vIR8HDkRlgy5JGc&t=1" />

[UrbanWaterloo]

630 Weber Street North
CBRE | Link (http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/Looplink/Profile/Profile.aspx?stid=cbre/canada&LID=17179211&LL=true&UOMListing=&UOMMoneyCurrency=CAD&RentPer=PY&SRID=1748175306)

Up to 202,080 square feet available.
Development includes 3 buildings of 67,360 square feet, divisible to 8,420 square feet.
Building "A" is scheduled to be ready for tenant fit-out Winter 2011.

http://www.loopnet.com/xnet/mainsite/HttpHandlers/attachment/ServeAttachment.ashx?FileGuid=9FC7610A-74BF-4BB1-9DD3-678E46A9DA85&Extension=jpg&Width=0&Height=0&PadImage=true&DisableVisualWatermark=MTA6NTA6MjggQU18OUZDNzYxMEE tNzRCRi00QkIxLTlERDMtNjc4RTQ2QTlEQTg1

Demolition - June 6, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/630%20Weber%20Street%20North/630%20Weber%20Street%20North%20-%20June%206,%202011%20-%201%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/630%20Weber%20Street%20North/630%20Weber%20Street%20North%20-%20June%206,%202011%20-%202b%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/630%20Weber%20Street%20North/630%20Weber%20Street%20North%20-%20June%206,%202011%20-%204a%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/630%20Weber%20Street%20North/630%20Weber%20Street%20North%20-%20June%206,%202011%20-%204b%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/630%20Weber%20Street%20North/630%20Weber%20Street%20North%20-%20June%206,%202011%20-%203a%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/630%20Weber%20Street%20North/630%20Weber%20Street%20North%20-%20June%206,%202011%20-%203b%20Resized.jpg

[benjaminbach]

Cooper is a great company, this will be a really nice office campus.

[bzmwillemsen]

I have seen a lot of 1 day construction going on where workers are simply putting a 2 inch hose under drive ways and along streets.
Anyone have any idea what this is about, I tried search and couldn't find anything.

[Osiris]

Are you referring to anywhere in particular?

If you're talking about the strips getting dug up around Uptown Waterloo, that's the city installing their own fibre network.

[bzmwillemsen]

I noticed it a lot within 5 blocks - 10 blocks of the belmont village. But what I'm seeing is that they are putting down the piping but leaving it sticking out of the ground and doing nothing with it. Rather they haven't done anything with it yet.

[KevinL]

I noticed it a lot within 5 blocks - 10 blocks of the belmont village. But what I'm seeing is that they are putting down the piping but leaving it sticking out of the ground and doing nothing with it. Rather they haven't done anything with it yet.

That's the first step. A specialist crew comes in and runs pipes under solid stuff like driveways and sidewalks; the actual fibre-laying crew comes along later, mostly running under soil but using these pipes for the spots they're needed.

[Osiris]

I noticed it a lot within 5 blocks - 10 blocks of the belmont village. But what I'm seeing is that they are putting down the piping but leaving it sticking out of the ground and doing nothing with it. Rather they haven't done anything with it yet.

Oh - that may be something entirely different, I think. They were doing that last year from William/Caroline up Park street to about John - If you're talking about the blue piping that runs alongside the street and then at driveways they have it running under a pile of asphalt (or possibly gravel?) I'm pretty sure it has something to do with running temporary water while they shutdown (replace, I believe) the main delivery system...

[bzmwillemsen]

That's the first step. A specialist crew comes in and runs pipes under solid stuff like driveways and sidewalks; the actual fibre-laying crew comes along later, mostly running under soil but using these pipes for the spots they're needed.

Oh okay. That's pretty awesome. Do we have any idea when the fibre is going to be laid and when it will be ready for the consumer? I would love to have 1Gbps!

Mod note: Could we get these posts moved to a new thread? Fibre in KW?


Oh - that may be something entirely different, I think. They were doing that last year from William/Caroline up Park street to about John - If you're talking about the blue piping that runs alongside the street and then at driveways they have it running under a pile of asphalt (or possibly gravel?) I'm pretty sure it has something to do with running temporary water while they shutdown (replace, I believe) the main delivery system...

They're doing this on Park right now for the construction.
And it is because they have to shut off the main water to the houses. And to continue giving water to these houses they run these blue pipes to the houses from fire hydrants.

[Osiris]

Oh okay. That's pretty awesome. Do we have any idea when the fibre is going to be laid and when it will be ready for the consumer? I would love to have 1Gbps!

Mod note: Could we get these posts moved to a new thread? Fibre in KW?

Not much point in the thread - it's not for consumers - it's politics. We've had fibre in the region for a while - it was owned/operated by KW Hydro. Then they (and some other local hydro companies in Ontario) spun off their fibre divisions - ours became Atria Networks. Atria was quite successful, grew for a while, and then late last year was acquired by Rogers.

The City of Waterloo (namely one Garry Bezruki) is laying his own fibre to try and get away from the Atria network. Feel free to speculate as to why; my knowledge about the origins of all of this start to blend with speculation around this point.

[scarfinv]

Does anyone know what's happening on the east side of Fischer Hallman between Columbia and the new Library/YMCA? There's a lot of dirt being moved around....

[metropolis]

Rode down Erb and right onto Erbsivllle yesterday and the retirement development on the corner of Columbia and Erbsville is looking quite nice for something so suburban; all brick and stone up to the fifth floor. It seems also the retirement development on Ira and Erb is coming along as well with concrete poured up to the 2nd or 3rd floor. Sorry no pics

[mpd618]

Monday's city council packet (http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/CS_CLERKS_Minutes_2011/20110926_Packet_Council_Meeting.pdf) has details of the final plan for a development at the end of Allenby Court adjacent to Bridge Street. I was surprised and heartened to find the staff report going to some lengths to make a solid case for a new pathway from the end of the court to Bridge Street.

[mpd618]

Monday's city council packet (http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/CS_CLERKS_Minutes_2011/20110926_Packet_Council_Meeting.pdf) has details of the final plan for a development at the end of Allenby Court adjacent to Bridge Street. I was surprised and heartened to find the staff report going to some lengths to make a solid case for a new pathway from the end of the court to Bridge Street.

So much for that! Apparently City Council gave in to NIMBYs and voted against the pathway. What good is a complete streets policy if you lack the guts to use it?

[bcwessel]

So much for that! Apparently City Council gave in to NIMBYs and voted against the pathway. What good is a complete streets policy if you lack the guts to use it?

It let's you pretend that you're implementing reality-based transportation policies when you're really not?

[benjaminbach]

It let's you pretend that you're implementing reality-based transportation policies when you're really not?

Did you hear any of the arguments for or against the walkway tonight?

[markster]

Wait-- they voted against the Bridge St path?! Whew! Just think of all the ruffians that would have attracted!

[metropolis]

We have a serious problem at Waterloo city council.

[WatDot]

That's just dumb. :RpS_thumbdn:
At least with Alenby Crt the path wouldn't even be anywhere near existing homes, primarily new to-be-developed ones.

[ViewFromThe42]

What of the possible path near UW? Having lived in west Northdale, I have experienced the cut through paths that are made when no legitimate ones are provided, tearing up lawns, destroying fences, and damaging the properties being cut through.

[benjaminbach]

Did anyone who is commenting hear the arguments last night for or against the path, from city planners, Councillors, residents or developers ?

[WaterlooNative]

While I wasn't at Council, but I spoke to a few councilors later on. I understand that one concern was that pedestrians exiting the path from Allenby Court would be endangered by the traffic on Bridge Street.

The vote was:
FOR: Veith, Henry, Durrell
AGAINST: Scian, Witmer, Whaley, Freeman

[bcwessel]

While I wasn't at Council, but I spoke to a few councilors later on. I understand that one concern was that pedestrians exiting the path from Allenby Court would be endangered by the traffic on Bridge Street.

The vote was:
FOR: Veith, Henry, Durrell
AGAINST: Scian, Witmer, Whaley, Freeman

Sounds like a pretty excellent case for making Bridge safer for cyclists and pedestrians, rather than voting down infrastructure which promotes modes of transit that, ironically in this instance, would make Bridge (and every other street) safer.

[WatDot]

While I wasn't at Council, but I spoke to a few councilors later on. I understand that one concern was that pedestrians exiting the path from Allenby Court would be endangered by the traffic on Bridge Street.

The vote was:
FOR: Veith, Henry, Durrell
AGAINST: Scian, Witmer, Whaley, Freeman

They know they were voting on a walkway right, not a water slide!
Guess that means the sidewalk along Bridge is unsafe too. :RpS_unsure:

[mpd618]

While I wasn't at Council, but I spoke to a few councilors later on. I understand that one concern was that pedestrians exiting the path from Allenby Court would be endangered by the traffic on Bridge Street.

See, if we don't let them get to Bridge Street, then they won't have the chance to cross it to where they want to go. They should just drive - it's Better That Way.

(Median crossing islands? What are those?)

[BuildingScout]

Send an email to each of the councillors which voted against expressing your dismay.

[metropolis]

Trees saved on Allenby Court (http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/uncategorized/trees-saved-on-allenby-court/)
Council votes against new sidewalk to preserve mature trees
By Paige Desmond, Chronicle Staff
Residents of Allenby Court won’t see mature trees on their properties cut down as part of a development project, after a city council vote Monday.
City staff recommended to council that a walkway and sidewalks on one side of the street be installed as part of the development at 290 and 294 Bridge St.
After a lengthy debate, council voted against both the sidewalk and walkway, but approved the development project which will see 10 single detached homes built in the cul de sac of the street.
Neighbourhood resident Ted Oldfield, representing eight residents, pleaded with council to remove the pedestrian amenities.
“We have spent 20 to 25 years growing trees on Allenby Court,” Oldfield said. “The efforts to develop shade in that area will be frustrated.”
The installation of sidewalks and walkway were supported by staff as part of promoting Waterloo’s complete streets policy, and the promotion of better pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure.
Installation of sidewalks on one side of the street would have meant removing about a dozen mature trees on residents’ front lawns. Area residents and members of council also expressed concern about the walkway encouraging youth to cross Bridge Street at the walkway’s exit as opposed to crossing at proper crosswalks or pedestrian islands.
Coun. Diane Freeman said the city is supposed to be trying to preserve its tree canopy.
“We’re trying to rebuild our shade canopy,” Freeman said.
Coun. Mark Whaley, who represents the ward and has championed the idea of keeping the trees, said safety was an issue not to be overlooked.
“(Bridge is) a very busy street,” Whaley said. “It’s dangerous for kids to cross.
“With respect to the walkway, I just don’t think it’s safe.”
Coun. Jeff Henry disagreed.
“We need more connectivity so people have more choice,” Henry said. “I’m not prepared to cut out making connections that will save pedestrians time.”
While the current council voted not to implement sidewalks, director of development services, Cameron Rapp said the decision would not bind future councils.
Councillors Melissa Durrell, Jeff Henry and Angela Vieth voted against the motion.

[panamaniac]

Alternative headline: Neighbours rewarded for planting trees too close to street.

[markster]

Or

In the Interest of Pedestrian Safety, City Votes Against Sidewalk

Maybe that's not exactly what they did, but still, removing the walkway, and​ the sidewalk?!

[bcwessel]

Or

In the Interest of Pedestrian Safety, City Votes Against Sidewalk

Maybe that's not exactly what they did, but still, removing the walkway, and​ the sidewalk?!

It's pretty disheartening that narrowing the street wasn't openly considered an option. What about turning it into a fully shared street, with a 10km speed limit and pedestrian-advantaging obstacles scattered throughout to better ensure that the reduced limit is honoured?

[benjaminbach]

It's pretty disheartening that narrowing the street wasn't openly considered an option. What about turning it into a fully shared street, with a 10km speed limit and pedestrian-advantaging obstacles scattered throughout to better ensure that the reduced limit is honoured?

Bridge St or Allenby Ct?

[bcwessel]

Bridge St or Allenby Ct?

Allenby. It looks to me that you would have just enough room for a sidewalk on one side, parked cars on the other, and just enough room to squeeze a lane of slow-moving traffic in:

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=allenby,+waterloo,+ontario&hl=en&ll=43.4922,-80.494151&spn=0.001057,0.002642&hnear=Allenby+Ct,+Waterloo,+Waterloo+Regional+Muni cipality,+Ontario+N2K+3J8,+Canada&t=h&z=19&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=43.4922,-80.494151&panoid=CR13fbmVpsT5p4b8y-422Q&cbp=12,245.24,,0,13.98

E (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=allenby,+waterloo,+ontario&hl=en&ll=43.4922,-80.494151&spn=0.001057,0.002642&hnear=Allenby+Ct,+Waterloo,+Waterloo+Regional+Muni cipality,+Ontario+N2K+3J8,+Canada&t=h&z=19&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=43.4922,-80.494151&panoid=CR13fbmVpsT5p4b8y-422Q&cbp=12,245.24,,0,13.98)dit: I'd be in favour of a Bridge Street road diet, as well.

[BuildingScout]

Allenby. It looks to me that you would have just enough room for a sidewalk on one side, parked cars on the other, and just enough room to squeeze a lane of slow-moving traffic in:


I'm not familiar with Allenby but there are many streets in Suburbia which should be made pedestrian zones. Local traffic is allowed to drive on them at 10km/h and with their lights on. It works in Europe, I don't see why not here.

Here's the picture of one such street in Denmark. Conveniently it happens to have two trucks at the time the photo was taken, nicely illustrating said mixed usage.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=aarhus+denmark&ll=56.157169,10.207093&spn=0.016408,0.020728&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hnear=Aarhus,+Denmark&t=m&z=16&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=56.157169,10.207093&panoid=VB4HF287Mp-L9spjNNC9tA&cbp=12,342.58,,0,7.55

[bcwessel]

I'm not familiar with Allenby but there are many streets in Suburbia which should be made pedestrian zones. Local traffic is allowed to drive on them at 10km/h and with their lights on. It works in Europe, I don't see why not here.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=aarhus+denmark&ll=56.157169,10.207093&spn=0.016408,0.020728&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hnear=Aarhus,+Denmark&t=m&z=16&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=56.157169,10.207093&panoid=VB4HF287Mp-L9spjNNC9tA&cbp=12,342.58,,0,7.55

I'll have to do some digging to find the actual study, but Germany experienced an immediate drop in serious accidents to the tune of something like < 90% on streets given this treatment. They are now in the process of converting every local street to a 10km pedestrian zone.

[RangersFan]

Just like another local Mazda dealer, Forbes in Waterloo is under going some major reconstruction that appears it will utilize significantly more glass in it's design like many other modern car dealers. Their website (http://www.forbesauto.com/mazda/index.html) has a flash animation showing the construction's progress.

[metropolis]

Just like another local Mazda dealer, Forbes in Waterloo is under going some major reconstruction that appears it will utilize significantly more glass in it's design like many other modern car dealers. Their website (http://www.forbesauto.com/mazda/index.html) has a flash animation showing the construction's progress.

Both the local Mazda stores had started to look dated more than half a decade ago. I've heard Mazda put their foot down recently forcing both dealers to upgrade their facilities to meet the franchise standards with grey metal siding, larger showrooms, etc.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Clair Hills Retirement Residence - October 25, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/Clair%20Hills%20Retirement%20Residence%20-%20October%2025,%202011%20-%201%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/Clair%20Hills%20Retirement%20Residence%20-%20October%2025,%202011%20-%202b%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/Clair%20Hills%20Retirement%20Residence%20-%20October%2025,%202011%20-%203a%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/Clair%20Hills%20Retirement%20Residence%20-%20October%2025,%202011%20-%203c%20R.jpg

[BuildingScout]

Looking better than I thought it would.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Notice of the Passing of Zoning By-law by the Council of the Corporation of the City of Waterloo
November 2, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1683)

FORM 1
PLANNING ACT, R.S.O. 1990

NOTICE OF THE PASSING OF ZONING BY-LAW
BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION
OF THE CITY OF WATERLOO

TAKE NOTICE that the Corporation of the City of Waterloo passed By-Law No. 2011-117, on the 24th day of October, 2011, under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990.

AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or agency may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board in respect of the by-laws by filing with the Clerk of the Corporation of the City of Waterloo not later than the 22nd day of November, 2011, a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the by-law and the reasons in support of the objection, accompanied by a fee of $125.00, made payable to the Minister of Finance, as prescribed under the Ontario Municipal Board Act. If you wish to appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board, a copy of an appeal form is available from the Ontario Municipal Board website at www.omb.gov.on.ca.

AN EXPLANATION of the purpose and effect of the by-law, describing the lands to which the by-law applies is attached. The complete by-law is available for inspection in my office during regular office hours.

DATED at the City of Waterloo this 2nd day of November, 2011.

Susan Greatrix
City Clerk

NOTE: Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal a Zoning By-Law to the Ontario Municipal Board. A Notice of Appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a Notice of Appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group.


674

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Application in Conjunction: 30T-11401

By-law No. 2011-117 amends By-law No. 878A, being a Zoning By-law controlling land use development within the City of Waterloo. The purpose of the by-law is to rezone the “Subject Lands” shown on the attached KEY MAP from Agricultural ‘A’ in By-law No. 878A to Single Residence One – Ten ‘SR1-10’ with site specific provisions in By-law No. 1418. The By-law will provide for the development of a proposed 10 lot subdivision on an extension of Allenby Court.

Paragraph 1 removes the lands from By-law No. 878A and adds the lands to By-law No. 1418.

Paragraph 2 rezones the lands from Agricultural ‘A’ to Single Residence One – Ten ‘SR1-10’ with site specific provisions to increase the setback as it applies to Parcels D to G on Schedule ‘A’ to the By-law from the streetline of Bridge Street to address noise concerns and to reduce the front yard setback as it applies to Parcels B to I on Schedule ‘A’ to the By-law to accommodate useable outdoor amenity areas.

If you require further information or have any question please contact the City of Waterloo Development Services at 519.747.8752.

Laura Dowell, M.PL, MCIP, RPP
Development Planner
City of Waterloo

[RangersFan]

The Beechwood Manor expansion is looking well on it's way to being completed in the next few months.

[UrbanWaterloo]

2012 Parkside Plaza Renovations

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Parkside%20Plaza/116%20R.jpg

Existing - November 27, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Parkside%20Plaza/089%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Parkside%20Plaza/090%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Parkside%20Plaza/095%20R.jpg

[BuildingScout]

Too bad they are not intending to put a second floor on it. I bet they could easily rent two floors of commercial office space above it.

[panamaniac]

Too bad they're not demolishing it and using the site for something less heinous.

[mpd618]

Too bad they're not demolishing it and using the site for something less heinous.

Parking lots are placeholders. Building on a parking lot is easy, while replacing something crappy is hard.

[RangersFan]

This site would have huge potential if a little creativity was used. The mall needs a make over as it is really looking dated.

[metropolis]

The plaza should be inverted to face the street corner, this would allow them to "renovate" while keeping the existing businesses open then demo the old stores. Another two storeys should be built over top of the new addition for office use or community housing. The parking lot that exists now could easily accomodate both plaza visitors and new residents.

And this is without much imagination being applied.

Now imagine out behind the new addition we could build a community park with town homes where the current stores are facing onto it, perhaps a couple of storeys of condos over top of the townhomes. Parking could easily be put in a single storey structure with the park now on its roof, with site being quite perfect for this seeing as the elevation of the site where the existing stores are is much higher than near the corner. Little parking would be exposed to the street because the stores would now front the sidewalk and not a parking lot...

I could go on but in short throwing money at the existing situation is putting lipstick on pig. Another wasted opportunity.

[WatDot]

I could go on but in short throwing money at the existing situation is putting lipstick on pig. Another wasted opportunity.

There is so much opportunity with this property, no dispute there. The property was recently up for sale. Not sure it sold, so if it didn't the lipstick is probably only intended to be a temporary/quick improvement.

[mpd618]

The plaza should be inverted to face the street corner, this would allow them to "renovate" while keeping the existing businesses open then demo the old stores. Another two storeys should be built over top of the new addition for office use or community housing. The parking lot that exists now could easily accomodate both plaza visitors and new residents.

It's not clear how much demand there is for such development in this part of town, but more importantly, I doubt the City of Waterloo has the appetite for urban anything anywhere except uptown (if there). I bet the new Official Plan has that zoned as status quo, and that developers would be right in assuming any change would be an uphill battle.

The current works are not likely expensive and are likely a response to serious required facade maintenance. It doesn't seem unreasonable to prolong the life of a structure that still functions OK.

[UrbanWaterloo]

NOTICE OF COMPLETE APPLICATION and INFORMAL PUBLIC MEETING
January 20, 2012 | City of Waterloo | Link (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1726)

Council Chambers, City Hall
Waterloo City Centre
100 Regina Street South
Monday January 30, 2012
At a time to be determined

Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z-11-13
Sifton Properties Ltd
Southeast corner of Ira Needles Blvd and Erb St W
Southwest Ward, City of Waterloo

The Applicant is proposing to amend the City’s Zoning By-law No. 1418 by rezoning the subject lands from Agriculture ‘A’ to Mixed Use Commercial ‘MXC with site specific provisions including a reduction in parking, an increase in building height, to exempt the project from the Erb St W street-line build-out requirement and to permit a drive thru with a restaurant. This application is being advanced to permit the development of a single storey restaurant with a drive thru and a 4 storey building with a mix of commercial uses.

772

FOR further information regarding the above matters, please contact the City of Waterloo Development Services Department, 2nd floor, Waterloo City Centre, Waterloo, Ontario or call Trevor Hawkins at 519.747.8583.

Trevor Hawkins, M.PL, MCIP, RPP
Development Services
Telephone: 519.747.8583
e: trevor.hawkins@waterloo.ca

IF you wish to make a presentation to Council, please call 519.747.8549 prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday,January 30, 2012, so that the necessary arrangements can be made to place you on the agenda. For more
information about the meeting, please contact Rose Clemens.

Rose Clemens, Clerk’s Office
Telephone: 519.747.8549
Fax: 519.747.8510
e: clerkinfo@waterloo.ca

IN addition, a written summary of the presentation should
be filed with the City Clerk prior to the public meeting.

Susan Greatrix
City Clerk, City of Waterloo

We encourage the public to provide input into this important Zoning By-law Amendment application. Individuals may submit written/electronic comments. The public is informed and notified that names, addresses and comments may be made public.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Sifton Properties Retirement Home
Ira Needles & Erb Street West

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West%20-%20PLANNINGREPZ-10-05.jpg


March 6, 2012

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%201a%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%202b%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%203%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%204%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West/Sifton%20Properties%20Retirement%20Home%20-%20Ira%20Needles%20&%20Erb%20Street%20West%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%205a%20R.jpg

[T-Bone]

I like the looks of this development. Would have rather seen buildings like this along Columbia with some ground retail instead of the stucco boxes that are there now. Only problem with mixed use on Columbia is there would be a very limited area to park which in our car society would make it a hard go for the retailers in the locations to make a go of it. Well unless it was something based entirely on the University crowd

[UrbanWaterloo]

Beechwood Manor - March 6, 2012

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Beechwood%20Manor/Beechwood%20Manor%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%201c%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Beechwood%20Manor/Beechwood%20Manor%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%202a%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Beechwood%20Manor/Beechwood%20Manor%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%202b%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Beechwood%20Manor/Beechwood%20Manor%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%203%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/Beechwood%20Manor/Beechwood%20Manor%20-%20March%206,%202012%20-%204b%20R.jpg

[RangersFan]

City buys St. Louis school lands
March 28, 2012 | Paige Desmond | Waterloo Chronicle | LINK (http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/city-buys-st-louis-school-lands/)


The City of Waterloo has purchased the former St. Louis school lands from the Waterloo Catholic District School Board for $535,000.The deal was inked in December, Mayor Brenda Halloran said, but came to city council Monday for final approval.
The mayor said the fate of the property was undetermined.

“Staff will report back on it to see what might be a good use for that land,” Halloran said.

[RangersFan]

New water tower comes to westside
March 28, 2012 | Paige Desmond | Waterloo Chronicle | LINK (http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/new-water-tower-comes-to-westside/)

The Region of Waterloo is moving ahead with plans for a new water tower on the west side of the city to serve both Waterloo and Kitchener.
The project, with site preparation currently underway, will eliminate a pumping station in the west end and save the region cash, according to Kevin Dolishny, senior project engineer for the region’s water services.
“It’s a benefit for our operating costs,” Dolishny said.
The tower would be 14 m tall and 30 m in diameter and appear similar to the Freeport tower, Dolishny said.

[zanate]

City buys St. Louis school lands
[COLOR=#000000]

Nice snag by the city! Interested to see what they might do with this.

(For those who are wondering, since the article doesn't mention: the St Louis school is a building at Allen and Willow. Streetview (http://maps.google.com/?ll=43.462981,-80.516146&spn=0.00196,0.00327&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=43.463062,-80.516055&panoid=tnY82FkOlsrUQF4oGXFqkg&cbp=12,170.52,,0,4.58).

[amward]

(For those who are wondering, since the article doesn't mention: the St Louis school is a building at Allen and Willow. Streetview (http://maps.google.com/?ll=43.462981,-80.516146&spn=0.00196,0.00327&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=43.463062,-80.516055&panoid=tnY82FkOlsrUQF4oGXFqkg&cbp=12,170.52,,0,4.58).

Plus the land across Willow from the school. At one point it was a baseball diamond, now a gravel parking lot.

[RangersFan]

Plus the land across Willow from the school. At one point it was a baseball diamond, now a gravel parking lot.

Thanks Zanate and amward as I was not sure which property this was. Is the parking lot to the left also park of the school?

[panamaniac]

I hope the school building itself will be saved. It would make a nice condo!

[ViewFromThe42]

I would suggest it is almost close enough to be a site where they could consider moving the community centre at King and Allen, whose land is far more valuable for other purposes.

[metropolis]

I would suggest it is almost close enough to be a site where they could consider moving the community centre at King and Allen, whose land is far more valuable for other purposes.

I like this idea! Does the city own and run the community centre at that corner or is it another level of government?

[mpd618]

I like this idea! Does the city own and run the community centre at that corner or is it another level of government?

Yes, it does. Maybe they're already on this.

[amward]

Thanks Zanate and amward as I was not sure which property this was. Is the parking lot to the left also park of the school?

If you're talking about the parking lot on the same side of Willow as the school building, I believe that belongs to St. Louis Church. The City of Waterloo online Address Locator map appears to confirm my belief.

[amward]

I would suggest it is almost close enough to be a site where they could consider moving the community centre at King and Allen, whose land is far more valuable for other purposes.

I really like this idea too. I wonder how the extra 2 block walk from transit on King would impact community centre users. Also, this would require some significant renovations to the school, as none of the 3 current entrances are accessible (they are all halfway between the first and second floor level). Of course, any re-purposing would likely want/need to make the building accessible.

My real hope is that the gravel lot becomes something better than parking spaces. That could be a hard sell if reusing the school as condos or a community centre (my assumption based on the amount of parking at the current adult rec centre on King). I would love to see more park space, maybe some community garden space. My kids would love a splash pad like the one at Victoria Park or Breithaupt Park.

[panamaniac]

I would suggest it is almost close enough to be a site where they could consider moving the community centre at King and Allen, whose land is far more valuable for other purposes.

It's only about three blocks or so away, and older schools can be converted into excellent communtiy centres, but the Recreation centre is geared toward seniors and adults with disabilities, is it not? In that case, access to the future LRT would seem desireable and I would rather see it kept in its present location, perhaps as the main floor of a future development. In effect, the city could win twice by encouraging creative redevelopment of both sites.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Clair Hills Retirement Residence - April 17, 2012

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/Clair%20Hills%20Retirement%20Residence%20-%20April%2017,%202012%20-%201%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Suburbs/530%20Columbia%20Street%20West/Clair%20Hills%20Retirement%20Residence%20-%20April%2017,%202012%20-%203%20R.jpg