General Updates and News

[fenwick16]

This is totally unacceptable, The hole Wanderers' Grounds block should have been re-developed years ago.

It would be a great location for a municipal stadium and could still be used for rugby.

[fenwick16]

(source: http://www.torontosun.com/news/weird/2010/05/27/14155796.html )
Halifax mayor brings bullet to airport

Peter Kelly might want to review what he is permitted to take in his carry-on luggage - as any traveller will tell him, a bullet won't be on the list.

The Halifax mayor was making his way to the Big City Mayors Caucus in Toronto on Thursday morning when security at Stanfield International Airport in Halifax discovered a 9 mm bullet in his carry-on briefcase.

The bullet was seized and the mayor was questioned. He was later released and was able to catch a later flight to Toronto.

Kelly apologized for what he called "an oversight."

"I would never have intentionally caused a security breach and I am suitably embarrassed," he said in a statement.

Kelly said he found the bullet several weeks ago near city hall in an area called the Grand Parade and had every intention of turning it over to Halifax Regional Police.

"I had my briefcase bag in my office at the time and threw the bullet in the bag and, unfortunately, forgot about it until airport security found it," he said.

I don't want pick on the Mayor, but how can someone pick up a bullet and then forget to turn it over to the police? Are there that many bullets lying around in the HRM? I think that if I or most people tried to take a bullet on to a plane, I would be detained for a long time.

PS: I wonder if this was a live bullet or just the bullet shell? If it was just a bullet shell - well then maybe I could understand that he forgot about it - but if it was a live bullet then no wonder he was detained.

[musicman]

Just a little note on this... Beleive it or not if you have a license for a gun and you are traveling to a competition you HAVE to take the amunition on the plane in your carry on baggage... A family member was going to a biathalon competition where he had to carry on the amunition... The only problem was that he had too much for one person... So the responsible adult had to dole out ammo to each kid as they were passing by security checkpoint... I kid you not... besides anybody who knows anything about ammunition knows that it is very very extremely difficult to let off a round without a gun to shoot it from.. Not to mention if you do manage to get one off it will probably be only one considering what would happen to the purpetrator.

[JET]

(source: http://www.torontosun.com/news/weird/2010/05/27/14155796.html )


I don't want pick on the Mayor, but how can someone pick up a bullet and then forget to turn it over to the police? Are there that many bullets lying around in the HRM? I think that if I or most people tried to take a bullet on to a plane, I would be detained for a long time.

PS: I wonder if this was a live bullet or just the bullet shell? If it was just a bullet shell - well then maybe I could understand that he forgot about it - but if it was a live bullet then no wonder he was detained.

When my son was five he found a live 357 round in a parking lot. I carried it in my pocket for the weekend, and when a police car came along I waved them down, and gave it to them. It happens.

[JET]

I was driving up Rainnie Drive this morning and on the horizon I could see a shiny brass/copper dome. It looked like it was in the area of the new mosque.
Impressive.

[Barrington south]

uncommon grounds has moved into the former cargo and James tea space...and cafe chianti is now open in the former Bear space.....south end of Barr. is doing good

[Dmajackson]

uncommon grounds has moved into the former cargo and James tea space...and cafe chianti is now open in the former Bear space.....south end of Barr. is doing good

Good to hear. :tup:

Has there been anyword on when the Sam the Record Man (Barrington Espace) might start its renovations?

[someone123]

A couple of days ago Allnovascotia reported that the Sam building renovations should begin in the next couple of weeks.

[Jonovision]

I've heard that a Pete's To Go will be opening up in the bottom of 1801 where Uncommon Ground used to be.

[hfxtradesman]

Shovels should also be in the ground soon for the new R.C.M.P. station. If anybody was keeping up one this one.

[Jonovision]

Saint Leonard's Society to build transitional housing project on Gottingen Street
POSTED BY TIM BOUSQUET ON THU, JUN 10, 2010 AT 2:00 PM

The operators of the Metro Turning Point homeless shelter are planning to build a four-storey transitional housing project on Gottingen Street, at the corner of Cunard, on what is now an empty lot next to the Company House bar.
Ross Cantwell, who is the brain behind several other Gottingen-area projects, says he has been working with the Saint Leonard's Society, which runs Turning Point. "They received some funding [from the federal government] to create supportive housing for the homeless," he explains.

"The whole idea is that if you go to a homeless shelter, some of the people that are there have hit a rough patch, and they're there for a night, a week, then they get their lives back on track. Unfortunately, there's another portion of that population that is just chronically homeless---they just live in a shelter."

Experience has shown that intervention in the chronically homeless' situation---outright providing housing---is far more effective both financially and in terms of helping change lives, than is providing lots of social services to people in shelters.

The Gottingen building will have 18 one-bedroom apartments (six on each of the upper three floors), with a full-time manager/social worker living on site. The ground floor will consist of retail space, which could be broken into up to three units. Cantwell thinks some the retail operations could provide job training for the residents. Cantwell expects construction will start by fall.

http://www.thecoast.ca/imager/the-saint-leonards-society-will-build-a-four-storey-transitional-housing-c/b/original/1683644/cbe6/Company_House_lot.jpg

[someone123]

Really good to see Gottingen continue to fill in.

[Wishblade]

I was just looking at this piece of land on the bus yesterday and wondering what was ever going to be done with it. And it is great to see Gottingen infill more. That street is in a major transition right now :tup:

[Jonovision]

Just a quick snap of the new facade of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3783.jpg?t=1276308231

[fenwick16]

Thanks for the picture. This looks good. Is it the same all around or is there more glass on the other sides?

[worldlyhaligonian]

http://www.thecoast.ca/imager/the-saint-leonards-society-will-build-a-four-storey-transitional-housing-c/b/original/1683644/cbe6/Company_House_lot.jpg

What kind of cladding is being installed on the building in the background?

[Jonovision]

Thanks for the picture. This looks good. Is it the same all around or is there more glass on the other sides?

It is the same all around.

[Jonovision]

What kind of cladding is being installed on the building in the background?

It's a paneling similar to that put on the buildings at the corner of North and Gottingen.

Here is the progress on the other side of the building from a two weeks ago.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/4596438048_fd966a793f_b.jpg

[hfxtradesman]

I took some pictures of the city on Sat. What is the best way I can get them on this site. Did I tell anybody that I'am not very good with computers.

[cormiermax]

Upload them here http://imageshack.us/ then post the codes and the pics will appear.

[hfxtradesman]

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5104/daytrip10017.th.jpg (http://img529.imageshack.us/i/daytrip10017.jpg/)

[hfxtradesman]

(http://img529.imageshack.us/i/daytrip10017.jpg/)
[img=http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4269/daytrip10010.th.jpg] (http://img412.imageshack.us/i/daytrip10010.jpg/)
[img=http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/5092/daytrip10008.th.jpg] (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/daytrip10008.jpg/)
[IMG]http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5104/daytrip10017.th.jpg (http://img529.imageshack.us/i/daytrip10017.jpg/)
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4269/daytrip10010.th.jpg (http://img412.imageshack.us/i/daytrip10010.jpg/)
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/5092/daytrip10008.th.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/daytrip10008.jpg/)

[worldlyhaligonian]

Good shots, I like the one of the Nova Centre site.

You have to close the image tags for each link on the second posting with [/IMG] to get them to show up.

[hfxtradesman]

The best i can do tonight. The picture on Sackville should fill in nice over the next little while.

[fenwick16]

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5104/daytrip10017.th.jpg (http://img529.imageshack.us/i/daytrip10017.jpg/)

Could you resize this image (for example a 19" monitor) - you have to do it when you upload the image to imageshack.

[fenwick16]

Deleted post.

[JustinMacD]

Have there been any updates on when Fenwick is going to be completed or when they're going to start building those condos alongside it?

[sdm]

Have there been any updates on when Fenwick is going to be completed or when they're going to start building those condos alongside it?

Need to get through HRM approval first i believe, which i believe they are awaiting to start into

[hfxtradesman]

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1430/daytrip10008n.th.jpg (http://img38.imageshack.us/i/daytrip10008n.jpg/)
I'am trying.

[hfxtradesman]

Tried to change the size on imageshack to 19", as you can see it didn't work. Am i still missing a step?

[fenwick16]

Deleted post.

[fenwick16]

Tried to change the size on imageshack to 19", as you can see it didn't work. Am i still missing a step?

I think you have to reload the image by selecting the upload button, select the file on the browse line and under it you will see an option to resize the image.

[hfxtradesman]

Will try again later,when BRAIN is not on overload, too see if i can get those pictures up.:koko: Also i was driving by russell lake today and they were putting up a crane, across from kents. does anybody know what this is going to be? I would of took a picture but you know how that turns out. lol

[fenwick16]

deleted post

[fenwick16]

Posted June 16 2010

According to the allnovascotia.com, WM Fares is buying 55 acres from Sobeys off Dunbrack in Rockingham and is proposing 922 units in a mixed use community that would include single dwellings, and low rise buildings from 3 - 11 storeys in height. It was unveiled tonight at St Benedict's Catholic Church

Does anyone have more details?

[fenwick16]

Details on the new Bedford Waterfront plans were presented June 16 2010 at Basinview School (according to allnovascotia.com). Plans include a new landmark building that will be home to a library, ferry terminal (interesting) and cultural centre.

This is mostly a concept at this point which includes a man-made island, canals and possibly a marina. Maybe Dmajackson has more details.

[Jstaleness]

Just doing some thinking. Are we at 6 cranes in HRM now? I can think of Russel Lake, Cole Harbor, Hollis St, Trillium, Bayers Rd and Bedford West. Am I missing any?

[beyeas]

the sign just went up today... the former Tim's location on the corner of Barrington & Sackville is becoming a Starbucks.

(not sure if that was mentioned on here yet).

Glad to see SOMETHING there, since it is a such a prominent corner on Barrington. Hopefully just a small part of what seem to be a slow but steady turn around for that set of blocks.

[-Harlington-]

i would have rather seen the tims stay there, i used it alot and were running low on them downtown, do we really need starbucks all over the place like an american city?

[beyeas]

i would have rather seen the tims stay there, i used it alot and were running low on them downtown, do we really need starbucks all over the place like an american city?

note that I said I was glad to see 'something' there... not that I am glad to see Starbucks there. Starbucks is, I will admit, a slight improvement over having another papered over set of windows this summer on Barrington. :haha:

[Dmajackson]

Just doing some thinking. Are we at 6 cranes in HRM now? I can think of Russel Lake, Cole Harbor, Hollis St, Trillium, Bayers Rd and Bedford West. Am I missing any?

There isn't crane in Bedford West right now but there is two in Bedford South.

[Keith P.]

Starbucks is an improvement over Tim's. TH coffee always gives me a headache and tastes funny to me.

The real improvement is if Starbucks can somehow keep the bums away from the front doors.

[bluenoser]

Posted June 16 2010

According to the allnovascotia.com, WM Fares is buying 55 acres from Sobeys off Dunbrack in Rockingham and is proposing 922 units in a mixed use community that would include single dwellings, and low rise buildings from 3 - 11 storeys in height. It was unveiled tonight at St Benedict's Catholic Church

Does anyone have more details?

from the Herald:

Rockingham development plan raises questions
Residents at public meeting concerned about more traffic, school overcrowding
By EVA HOARE Staff Reporter
Thu. Jun 17 - 4:54 AM

A major subdivision that a developer wants to build in Rockingham was outlined to neighbourhood residents Wednesday night in hopes they will give the new community the green light.

Rockingham South, proposed by the WM Fares Group, is planned for Sobeys-owned land off Dunbrack Street that formerly housed a radio transmitter.

Cesar Saleh, who works for Wadih Fares, made a PowerPoint presentation to about 150 residents at a Clayton Park church, saying the developer wanted to come up with a design that would complement the well-established existing community.

The project, if it makes it through public hearings, community council and regional council, would include 115 single-family homes, 77 townhouses and 580 other residential units in six buildings ranging from three storeys to 11, Saleh told the crowd.

Rows of townhouses would act as transitional units between the homes and the larger buildings.

About 2,200 people altogether would live in the subdivision, at a density figure of about 90 people per hectare (36.5 per acre), much lower than in developments in downtown Halifax and elsewhere on the peninsula, Saleh said.

"I think this is the lowest density we have developed under," he said. "For all intents and purposes, this is still a very low density."

About 70 per cent of the site is now green space and 31 per cent of it would stay that way, Saleh said. The plan also includes buffer zones of 18 to 30 metres in some areas along the perimeter, and single-family homes would abut established neighbourhoods, he said.

Existing wetlands would also be incorporated into the development, as would a tennis court and a walking trail, he said.

Some "minor" commercial space would take up main floors of mixed-use buildings that are part of the plan.

"We feel very strongly about this site," Saleh said. "We think we have put our best foot forward here."

No development plan has yet been submitted to Halifax Regional Municipality.

Many residents who lined up to speak during the public meeting at St. Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church were mostly concerned about increased traffic in their neighbourhoods. Some worried about the ability of local schools to accommodate more children.

Saleh said entry to the subdivision would be limited to Knightsridge Drive and Wentworth Drive, with access to the mixed-use buildings via Farnham Gate Road.

He said a traffic consultant was on hand at the meeting to take note of the residents’ concerns and the developer would take them into account.

Saleh also said that if the project goes ahead, there will be no access to the subdivision through Tremont Drive.

"We never contemplated connecting Tremont," he said. "This will be governed by a contract."

( ehoare@herald.ca)

Source:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1187799.html

[Jstaleness]

There isn't crane in Bedford West right now but there is two in Bedford South.

So 7 in total. Not bad. Should be a few more by summers end. I have no idea how much prep work is in order for Kings Wharf but I assume they can't go too deep for parking so should be safe to say that one or more will be popping up there too.

[someone123]

That article is unsurprising but still a little depressing. Traffic and school overcrowding are not good reasons for lower density development. It's also terrible how poorly connected new developments are to the rest of the city. This happens because some residents don't want increased traffic on their street, but it simply means that the cars end up somewhere else. Even worse than that, there are ultimately more cars because it is impossible to provide efficient transit service to areas like that and they are so spread out that it's impractical to walk.

[bluenoser]

Agreed. I don't know how anyone could purchase a house in that particular area of the mainland and expect the parcel of land next door (one of the last of its kind) to just be left untouched forever. And yes, these developments should naturally flow together - especially by Tremont Dr. in this case; it could be a prime candidate to connect up with Farnham Gate Rd.

[-Harlington-]

Starbucks is an improvement over Tim's. TH coffee always gives me a headache and tastes funny to me.

The real improvement is if Starbucks can somehow keep the bums away from the front doors.

are we still talking about downtown halifax ?
those bums will be there no matter what store it is somehow.

[beyeas]

Starbucks is an improvement over Tim's. TH coffee always gives me a headache and tastes funny to me.

The real improvement is if Starbucks can somehow keep the bums away from the front doors.

There are certainly fewer Commies at Starbucks, I will give you that. So I can see why you like it. They are all down the street at the Just Us. :haha:

[Jstaleness]

I was talking with the workers building the Starbucks at this site and I mentioned about the Tims closing due to the oil leak in the basement. I was told that there really never was a huge oil leak and that may have only been a rumor as to why Tims closed. He said it was due to the accident a few years ago with the lady getting run over by the dump truck after leaving Tims. Something about too many people risking their lives jumping across traffic for that all mighty coffee, similar to what happens with the 111 hwy and the Highfield Park Tims.
I don't really buy that one either because why would the building owners allow another coffee shop in its place. Starbucks may not be as busy, but people will jaywalk for a coffee even if it does cost 3.60 or so.

[Dmajackson]

In addition to the Green Lantern and Sam The Record Man renovations/addtions apparently some other buildings on Barrington are looking for municipal grant money; http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/hac/documents/JuneHAC712.pdf

The NFB redevelopment is apparently going to cost $15 million to build (it includes Venus Pizza, Opa, and Argyle Bar & Grill). It will include new commercial space and 52 apartments.

[Keith P.]

There are certainly fewer Commies at Starbucks, I will give you that. So I can see why you like it. They are all down the street at the Just Us. :haha:

That's true. It's a shame because Just Us has the most drinkable coffee of the three. ;)

[Jonovision]

I did not know the NFP project was incorporating Opa and Venus Pizza. Does anyone know who is responsible for it?

[someone123]

The NFB report is here: http://halifax.ca/boardscom/hac/documents/HAC713.pdf

Pretty sad how slow this process is. It took years to plan out the Barrington Street historic district and now it's taking months or years to give out funding. Most of the reason why Barrington is so run down is that it is in a state of planning limbo - nobody is going to maintain their building or look to sign long-term leases with tenants when there's the possibility of more funding down the road.

[Jonovision]

It is sad how long it takes here. But hopefully it will all be worth it.

BTW that is a report on a property in Waverley.

[fenwick16]

It is sad how long it takes here. But hopefully it will all be worth it.

BTW that is a report on a property in Waverley.

That had me confused - it certainly wasn't downtown.

[miesh111]

Here's the proper report :).

http://halifax.ca/boardscom/hac/documents/JuneHAC712.pdf

[someone123]

Ah, sorry. The link on the HAC page is incorrect. I already have the report and forgot all about the URL.

I'd still like to find some clearer renderings for NFB.

[someone123]

Allnovascotia is reporting that the Lawen Group are planning to replace a stretch of buildings from Carlton Street to the Tim Horton's along the western end of Spring Garden Road with a 150 unit rental building.

They also mentioned that the owner of the Thompson Building on Barrington is planning to continue renovations and eventually wants to build on the empty parking lot in behind.

[fenwick16]

Allnovascotia is reporting that the Lawen Group are planning to replace a stretch of buildings from Carlton Street to the Tim Horton's along the western end of Spring Garden Road with a 150 unit rental building.

They also mentioned that the owner of the Thompson Building on Barrington is planning to continue renovations and eventually wants to build on the empty parking lot in behind.

That would be here - http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=&q=carlton+street,+halifax,+ns&rlz=1B3GGLL_enCA362CA362&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Carlton+St,+Halifax,+NS&gl=ca&ei=kuwhTIO4HcH7lwe75IV8&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBgQ8gEwAA .

The allnovascotia.com states that it will be over 4 storeys. This is just my speculation - based on 8 - 10 units per floor, that could be potentially 15 storeys - 18 storeys . It might actually be higher or lower, I am just guessing.

[terrynorthend]

Allnovascotia is reporting that the Lawen Group are planning to replace a stretch of buildings from Carlton Street to the Tim Horton's along the western end of Spring Garden Road with a 150 unit rental building.



Interesting. I don't think there is a Tim Horton's there anymore... but I get the picture. Its a pretty lengthy stretch of houses there up to the former Tim's, so 150 units may not be much taller than 5 or 6 stories if it replaces all of them.

[fenwick16]

Interesting. I don't think there is a Tim Horton's there anymore... but I get the picture. Its a pretty lengthy stretch of houses there up to the former Tim's, so 150 units may not be much taller than 5 or 6 stories if it replaces all of them.

That is possible, however it doesn't include that many properties - one acre according to the allnovascotia.com which would be approximately 208 feet x 208 feet. There are other highrises in the area. Even if it is a low rise, this will get more people on the peninsula close to public transportation.

[miesh111]

This area of spring garden leading up to the Public Garden's is a great candidate for another urban canyon. We should encourage higher rise developments along this strech. Imagine looking down SGR and seeing a great urban canyon with the Maritime Centre at the end. Even with setbacks this effect can be accompolished.

[Dmajackson]

Allnovascotia is reporting that the Lawen Group are planning to replace a stretch of buildings from Carlton Street to the Tim Horton's along the western end of Spring Garden Road with a 150 unit rental building.

That's quite a significant chunk of SGR. The Tim's shut down last year I believe. I wonder if they can incorporate the facades into the development, they might not be interesting store fronts but they provide a good step between the towers around the parks to the low-rise west-end.

[JET]

That's quite a significant chunk of SGR. The Tim's shut down last year I believe. I wonder if they can incorporate the facades into the development, they might not be interesting store fronts but they provide a good step between the towers around the parks to the low-rise west-end.

Probably difficult to incorporate the facades. The buildings are quite different, and have spaces between. The one on the corner is shorter and was renovated into a dental lab. One building reminds me of one of the Hollis buildings that was taken down for the new building; two floors with dormer attic. There is also a three floor (plus attic) apt building, that's faily large.
Google street also shows a large lot in behind, parking no doubt. Some of the buildings along that strip are non descript, but i like the ones closer to Carlton. I had a basement apt on Carlton years ago. The entire street is a registered 'Victorian Streetscape'. JET

[fenwick16]

I assume that there are no viewplanes in this area and the HRM by Design height restrictions don't apply.

[kph06]

Something else that will be interesting to watch is Mitchell Street by the grain elevators, I think Louis Lawen owns all but one building there. Ace towing has recently vacated their location and moved all their impounded cars. It's quite a big site, I figured it was up for redevelopment after the City Centre project, but maybe its after this one now.

[someone123]

Interesting. I wonder if that site would require remediation? That's the big problem with all the empty gas station sites around town.

[halifaxboyns]

Car impound lots would typically require an environmental impact assessment to determine if remediation was warrented. I would guess probably to a certain extent some would.

SGR section could use some sprucing up - although I don't think the dental lab building is part of the heritage streetscape - I think that was exempted. I will check into it.

The issue for this block is that there is a height precinct of 50' (regardless of zoning rules); which overides the maximum height. I believe this area is C-2 (which allows R-3 uses - so the angle controls would apply to the residential component).

That will make it pretty difficult to get all those units onto the site without requesting a height precinct change. I suspect we might see a 5 to 10 storey building there to get the units in. Yes, the lot in the back is parking.

[beyeas]

There is some interesting stuff buried in this report:
http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/100622cow4.pdf

Here's a quote from the introductory section:
"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A healthy urban core is the most powerful tool available for addressing the financial and environmental challenges facing all cities. A vital urban core creates the financial strength necessary to provide amenities and services to all communities within a city region. Simply put, strategic urban investment creates regional prosperity. HRM is a “community of communities” in which the diversity of choice of communities, from urban to suburban to rural, from seaside to forest to farm, is one of our primary and most enviable assets. However that asset must be nurtured through the provision of community services, and that demands a thriving urban core that is given every opportunity to succeed and excel. Today HRM’s urban core (the Regional Centre) is not positioned as a strategic economic asset by the municipal, provincial, or federal levels of government. As a result it has missed out on economic development opportunities that would have benefitted all residents. Because its population is either stagnant or in decline, because businesses are struggling, and because several major approved developments have not proceeded, the Regional Centre is at risk of “hollowing out.” If we want it
to be more like downtown Boston (dense, livable and prosperous) rather than like downtown Detroit (hollowed-out, in decline) then expedient action is required."

[DirtyHarrie]

There is some interesting stuff buried in this report:
http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/100622cow4.pdf

Here's a quote from the introductory section:
"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A healthy urban core is the most powerful tool available for addressing the financial and environmental challenges facing all cities. A vital urban core creates the financial strength necessary to provide amenities and services to all communities within a city region. Simply put, strategic urban investment creates regional prosperity. HRM is a “community of communities” in which the diversity of choice of communities, from urban to suburban to rural, from seaside to forest to farm, is one of our primary and most enviable assets. However that asset must be nurtured through the provision of community services, and that demands a thriving urban core that is given every opportunity to succeed and excel. Today HRM’s urban core (the Regional Centre) is not positioned as a strategic economic asset by the municipal, provincial, or federal levels of government. As a result it has missed out on economic development opportunities that would have benefitted all residents. Because its population is either stagnant or in decline, because businesses are struggling, and because several major approved developments have not proceeded, the Regional Centre is at risk of “hollowing out.” If we want it
to be more like downtown Boston (dense, livable and prosperous) rather than like downtown Detroit (hollowed-out, in decline) then expedient action is required."

Yeahh.. lets not end up like Detroit. Council, start pushin through those developments! :tup:

[sdm]

Yeahh.. lets not end up like Detroit. Council, start pushin through those developments! :tup:

Council HAS caused the issue.

[someone123]

Well, this is just another report. HRM has produced hundreds of them and the reality is that there's no great mystery when it comes to what should be done to help the core. The problem is that nobody ever follows through. Councillors want preferential spending in their districts and there is no leadership so any project without consensus gets delayed for years, even if it is perfectly reasonable.

HRM follows the "when in doubt, do nothing" mantra, which has resulted in a slowly crumbling downtown core.

[Canadian_Bacon]

^ Well said someone123.

Sadly that is how it is in Halifax. Councillors want improvements, and money for their area (district,) and don't think as a collective team and what's best for the whole area.

Halifax has so much potential, but it's being held back. There is too much red tape that nothing gets done. When something is proposed, it has to go through dozens of reports and assessments, and if the outcome is not to the councillors desire, those assessments have to be redone. It's sad that a small group of people have pretty much all of the power, and those people all have their own interest's in mind.

[Jonovision]

Dartmouth Sportsplex to be bigger, better
Public invited to see plans
Last Updated: Thursday, June 24, 2010 | 5:40 PM AT Comments6Recommend4
CBC News
The future look of the Dartmouth Sportsplex will be unveiled at a public meeting Thursday night.

The 30-year-old fitness centre is in need of a major overhaul, Brad Smith, chairman of the Sportsplex voluntary board, said Thursday.

"The demographics have changed, the needs have changed and people are pretty clear around some of the activities and things that they are looking for," he said.

"So, it includes what we call a free play area — a place you can go and shoot basketball with your kid in the evenings, maybe include climbing walls. It would be a free play space that would look sort of like a gymnasium."

Smith said they want to transform the Sportsplex on Wyse Road into a bigger and better facility.

"It would be revitalization, refurbishing and changing some of the existing floor space. It might also include expanding out certain areas of the building to accommodate newer space — maybe moving some roofs, or adding some areas," he said.

"But, fundamentally really opening up the building so it's a much more bright, open, more glass, and more inviting as a facility overall."

Smith said that an earlier proposal to build a parking garage on Sportsplex property has been shelved because it would have cost too much.

The facility will just try to better manage the existing parking space.

The proposal is expected to go to Halifax regional council in the fall, Smith said.

But even if the project is approved, work won't begin until next spring -- after Halifax hosts the 2011 Canada Winter Games in February.

The Sportsplex now features a large arena and ice surface, an eight-lane, 25-metre competitive pool and warm water training pool, weight room, cardio theatre, racquetball court and a squash court.



Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/06/24/ns-sportsplex-proposal-public.html#socialcomments#ixzz0rtQ2E600

[Jonovision]

I was able to pop into the meeting for five minutes last night. Seems like an interesting plan. From what I understood they are planning on pushing the buildings footprint out to Wyse Rd and Thistle Street. Two basketball courts will be built and the gym will be moved to the Wyse Rd area and will be housed in a two storey glass structure overlooking the road and harbour.

[bluenoser]

Looks like this might work out for the best after all?

-----

Wanderer's Club may face wrecking ball
HRM staff recommends demolition

Halifax Regional Municipality staff is recommending the demolition of the Halifax Wanderer's Grounds dilapidated field house on Sackville Street.

The small building once served as the Navy League's Dry Canteen.

In May, the group dedicated to the building's restoration said construction work on the building would go to tender sometime this summer.

The Halifax Regional Municipality and the federal government had promised $700,000 toward refurbishment of the building constructed in 1942. The Wanderer's Amateur Athletic Club had also raised $200,000 towards the project.

But, the staff report says that recent findings of asbestos and mold in the building mean the project will cost considerably more to fix up.

Downtown Coun. Dawn Sloane, who was an advocate for saving the structure before the new problems were discovered, said that too often council puts off necessary upgrades to its own infrastructure.

"Deferred maintenance is not the way to go. You know, we've seen it with the Khyber [Building], we've seen it with Bloomfield [Centre], we've seen it even with the Bengal Lancers which is owned by HRM," she said Sunday.

"So, again with this building, it's the same thing. We need to get things up to a standard in which deferred maintenance is no longer an option, and it shouldn't be an option anymore because it's costing us more money in the long run."

As for the possible demolition of the building, council will also have to de-register the building's heritage status. It was designated a municipal heritage building in 2009. The field house sits on the site of the original Wanderer's Amateur Athletic Club, which was built in 1896.

Sloane said she's hopeful a new structure will be built with the money that was supposed to be used for the renovation.

The dilapidated building was slated for demolition in 2006, but the Halifax Rugby Club — which has leased a portion of the building since 2001 — approached the municipality with a plan to save it.

In 2009, the Halifax Rugby Football Club and the Halifax Tars Football Club created a registered non-profit society to save the building, and reverted to its original name, the Wanderer's Amateur Athletic Club.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/05/ns-wanders-club-demolition.html#ixzz0sovmCXvz

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/05/ns-wanders-club-demolition.html

[sdm]

Looks like this might work out for the best after all?

-----

Wanderer's Club may face wrecking ball
HRM staff recommends demolition

Halifax Regional Municipality staff is recommending the demolition of the Halifax Wanderer's Grounds dilapidated field house on Sackville Street.

The small building once served as the Navy League's Dry Canteen.

In May, the group dedicated to the building's restoration said construction work on the building would go to tender sometime this summer.

The Halifax Regional Municipality and the federal government had promised $700,000 toward refurbishment of the building constructed in 1942. The Wanderer's Amateur Athletic Club had also raised $200,000 towards the project.

But, the staff report says that recent findings of asbestos and mold in the building mean the project will cost considerably more to fix up.

Downtown Coun. Dawn Sloane, who was an advocate for saving the structure before the new problems were discovered, said that too often council puts off necessary upgrades to its own infrastructure.

"Deferred maintenance is not the way to go. You know, we've seen it with the Khyber [Building], we've seen it with Bloomfield [Centre], we've seen it even with the Bengal Lancers which is owned by HRM," she said Sunday.

"So, again with this building, it's the same thing. We need to get things up to a standard in which deferred maintenance is no longer an option, and it shouldn't be an option anymore because it's costing us more money in the long run."

As for the possible demolition of the building, council will also have to de-register the building's heritage status. It was designated a municipal heritage building in 2009. The field house sits on the site of the original Wanderer's Amateur Athletic Club, which was built in 1896.

Sloane said she's hopeful a new structure will be built with the money that was supposed to be used for the renovation.

The dilapidated building was slated for demolition in 2006, but the Halifax Rugby Club — which has leased a portion of the building since 2001 — approached the municipality with a plan to save it.

In 2009, the Halifax Rugby Football Club and the Halifax Tars Football Club created a registered non-profit society to save the building, and reverted to its original name, the Wanderer's Amateur Athletic Club.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/05/ns-wanders-club-demolition.html#ixzz0sovmCXvz

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/05/ns-wanders-club-demolition.html

Well since its a heritage building now they will need to file for demolition, have a public hearing, and then wait 12 months before it meets its fate.

Curious to see if council follows its own rules,

[Dmajackson]

Well since its a heritage building now they will need to file for demolition, have a public hearing, and then wait 12 months before it meets its fate.

Curious to see if council follows its own rules,

5755 Sackville Street (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/100706ca10.1.3.pdf)

It looks like they will have the public feedback process (meeting and hearing) but they are going to waive the one-year waiting period.

[sdm]

5755 Sackville Street (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/100706ca10.1.3.pdf)

It looks like they will have the public feedback process (meeting and hearing) but they are going to waive the one-year waiting period.

No surprise there.

[Keith P.]

So after years of dithering and wrangling to save this totally unremarkable structure, including a totally bogus heritage designation, it is now going to cost us $244,000 to be rid of it?

Just burn the thing down, somebody. Please.

[-Harlington-]

So after years of dithering and wrangling to save this totally unremarkable structure, including a totally bogus heritage designation, it is now going to cost us $244,000 to be rid of it?

Just burn the thing down, somebody. Please.


i will, i will, :notacrook:

[someone123]

There is an article in ANS tonight about regional council tomorrow and the decision whether or not to allow the grandfathered Barrington Street developments to move forward (Roy and Discovery Centre).

Dawn Sloane is on the record saying that she would rather follow the new heritage guidelines even though these were not implemented when the developments were first proposed and even though council had previously voted to allow the developments to be grandfathered, which is I think the only reasonable option in a situation like that.

My guess is that the vote will be fine but it's disturbing to hear councillors say things like "they knew the intent of the heritage district [that] was coming". Developers are supposed to predict the future and read the minds of councillors now?

It's also terrible that this process is taking 3+ years. No great mystery why Barrington is in the shape it is.

[fenwick16]

I am tired of seeing how councillors, including Dawn Sloane and others, treat the developers who create jobs in the city and who were the ones who built the city. If the majority of constituents really are against development in the city core, then they will support Dawn Sloane's war to keep Halifax in the past (my interpretation of Dawn Sloane's actions). It is interesting how she will go out of her way to save a 1940's clubhouse that brings little real value to the city (Wanderers Grounds Clubhouse) but seems to do little to encourage large scale developments in the city core.

If the HRM council votes to reject their own grandfathering provisions then they will once again be making a joke of city hall and will be essentially stating that the downtown core is closed to development.

[beyeas]

There is an article in ANS tonight about regional council tomorrow and the decision whether or not to allow the grandfathered Barrington Street developments to move forward (Roy and Discovery Centre).

Dawn Sloane is on the record saying that she would rather follow the new heritage guidelines even though these were not implemented when the developments were first proposed and even though council had previously voted to allow the developments to be grandfathered, which is I think the only reasonable option in a situation like that.

My guess is that the vote will be fine but it's disturbing to hear councillors say things like "they knew the intent of the heritage district [that] was coming". Developers are supposed to predict the future and read the minds of councillors now?

It's also terrible that this process is taking 3+ years. No great mystery why Barrington is in the shape it is.

Seriously... where the hell does council get off forcing a developer to follow a rule that was not in place at the time a proposal was made, while simultaneously allowing themselves to circumvent a rule that IS & WAS in place (1 year waiting period for the deregistering) just to make life easier for themselves. The take-home message is that they are obviously more than happy to circumvent the rules when it suits them, but developers should follow rules that will be in place possibly at some time in the future?!?! ARG!:yuck:

[someone123]

Looks like the vote passed. Apparently the amendment needs a public hearing and then there will be more for the development around Oct-Dec, then maybe more votes, appeals, and finally by 2030 Barrington will just be a pile of rubble and this won't be so much of an issue.

Sad to say that I'm really happy to have moved to Vancouver. Every time I go back I am disappointed by how little changes. Halifax is mostly spinning its wheels, at least when it comes to the downtown area.

[fenwick16]

The discovery centre and Roy building projects will have a public hearing in August or September on whether to amend the HRM by Design to allow the increase in height over HRM by Design. The Heritage Advisory committee's recommendation to reject both outright was not passed (according to allnovascotia.com ). If the city council decides to permit the amendment after the public hearing, then there will be public hearings on each of the projects within 90 days of the amendment vote (what a process, no wonder most development is occurring in the suburbs).

[worldlyhaligonian]

Thankfully we have the Trillium going up.

With the Discovery Centre I want to see the height get approved because it would be a suitable base for a taller structure... not one of these squat buildings.

[Keith P.]

If the city council decides to permit the amendment after the public hearing, then there will be public hearings on each of the projects within 90 days of the amendment vote (what a process, no wonder most development is occurring in the suburbs).


I think we need a public hearing on whether we need all these public hearings. This process is seriously flawed.

[Jstaleness]

Agreed. :tup:

[beyeas]

I think we need a public hearing on whether we need all these public hearings. This process is seriously flawed.

I am with you on that one!

[fenwick16]

And if by chance it gets through the amendment stage and project approval stage, then there will almost certainly be appeals by the Heritage Trust.

[sdm]

And if by chance it gets through the amendment stage and project approval stage, then there will almost certainly be appeals by the Heritage Trust.

Thats the risk though, be grandfathered under the old rules or wait and develop the project under the new rules.

Sadly, these projects will be a long drawn out process.

[JET]

Announcement from Capital Health: from today

"Demolition of QEH

A safety fence will soon go up around the Queen Elizabeth High School property (QEH), adjacent to the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Demolition of the school is expected to be complete by Spring 2011, beginning with the stripping of the interior. The fence will immediately affect some parking outside the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre.


The demolition of QEH is being managed b y the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR). The interior of the school itself contains some regulated materials including asbestos, lead, mercury and PCBs. As well, small quantities of ozone depleting substances and radioactive materials (smoke detectors) were identified. TIR will use standard protocols to safely remove regulated materials from the site and will have environmental testing done throughout the demolition. Capital Health will conduct air quality and noise level testing in our facilities during the demolition. Steps have already been taken to minimize rodents at the site and set out traps at our facilities in the event the work drives rodents toward the hospital.

Future Use of the Land

The QEH property was acquired by the province of Nova Scotia in a land swap with Halifax Regional Municipality with the intent it be handed over to Capital Health for future hospital use. Design work and construction for any future use is likely to take a number of years, during which the former school site would be vacant and under our management.

During this time, this space will not become a parking lot. Our intention is to use the space in a way that is financially sustainable, environmentally sensitive and for the good of our community. We think it could become an urban farm and we’re inviting employees, neighbours and community partners to talk about how we can best use the land between the demolition of the structure and the time the site is put to a permanent use.

We’re excited by the thought of making it a space to grow healthy food and demonstrate gardening skills right in the urban core. We’ll be looking to connect with others to discuss whether that’s a desirable use, how it might be viable and what alternatives exist.


Please watch for opportunities to discuss this in the coming months or get in touch with us at participate@cdha.nshealth.ca and indicate your interest in the future use of the QEH property."

[halifaxboyns]

Announcement from Capital Health: from today

"Demolition of QEH

A safety fence will soon go up around the Queen Elizabeth High School property (QEH), adjacent to the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Demolition of the school is expected to be complete by Spring 2011, beginning with the stripping of the interior. The fence will immediately affect some parking outside the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre.


The demolition of QEH is being managed b y the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR). The interior of the school itself contains some regulated materials including asbestos, lead, mercury and PCBs. As well, small quantities of ozone depleting substances and radioactive materials (smoke detectors) were identified. TIR will use standard protocols to safely remove regulated materials from the site and will have environmental testing done throughout the demolition. Capital Health will conduct air quality and noise level testing in our facilities during the demolition. Steps have already been taken to minimize rodents at the site and set out traps at our facilities in the event the work drives rodents toward the hospital.

Future Use of the Land

The QEH property was acquired by the province of Nova Scotia in a land swap with Halifax Regional Municipality with the intent it be handed over to Capital Health for future hospital use. Design work and construction for any future use is likely to take a number of years, during which the former school site would be vacant and under our management.

During this time, this space will not become a parking lot. Our intention is to use the space in a way that is financially sustainable, environmentally sensitive and for the good of our community. We think it could become an urban farm and we’re inviting employees, neighbours and community partners to talk about how we can best use the land between the demolition of the structure and the time the site is put to a permanent use.

We’re excited by the thought of making it a space to grow healthy food and demonstrate gardening skills right in the urban core. We’ll be looking to connect with others to discuss whether that’s a desirable use, how it might be viable and what alternatives exist.


Please watch for opportunities to discuss this in the coming months or get in touch with us at participate@cdha.nshealth.ca and indicate your interest in the future use of the QEH property."

Wait for it - the save the Halifax Common's people will be on this one like White on Rice. They've already been upset with it everytime the Common's Master Plan comes up.

I wouldn't want to see that on a work program if I were a senior manager with HRM. I think I'd rather take a retirement package before I'd willingly send any employee out to deal with that!

[JET]

Wait for it - the save the Halifax Common's people will be on this one like White on Rice. They've already been upset with it everytime the Common's Master Plan comes up.

I wouldn't want to see that on a work program if I were a senior manager with HRM. I think I'd rather take a retirement package before I'd willingly send any employee out to deal with that!

Using that land, even temporarily, for urban farming sounds like a good idea; would be neat on that corner. I would expect that it will eventually be used to re-locate the VG Hospital, and the discussion was that part of the VG land (the old school for the Blind property) would be used for public space (parkland). A win/win scenario. JET

[sdm]

Using that land, even temporarily, for urban farming sounds like a good idea; would be neat on that corner. I would expect that it will eventually be used to re-locate the VG Hospital, and the discussion was that part of the VG land (the old school for the Blind property) would be used for public space (parkland). A win/win scenario. JET

Yeah theres going to be lots of open space there however, remember theres that huge lot accross the street from the school thats been vacant for what it seems like the past century

[JET]

Yeah theres going to be lots of open space there however, remember theres that huge lot accross the street from the school thats been vacant for what it seems like the past century

The vacant lot across from the QE Hospital/QE high school is privately owned, and there seems to be a stalemate about development there. JET

[JustinMacD]

A few updates from CBC news.

They're tearing down QE High on Robie and they are planning on turning it into a public vegetable garden or something. Dawn Sloane think that it's a great idea! (surprised?)

They also plan on widening Bayers Road and the local councillor is pissed. She complains that the elderly "cross the street to go shopping" and children "cross it to go to school". It's one of the busiest streets in Halifax lady. This is what growing cities do. They plan for the future.

[Keith P.]

They also plan on widening Bayers Road and the local councillor is pissed. She complains that the elderly "cross the street to go shopping" and children "cross it to go to school". It's one of the busiest streets in Halifax lady. This is what growing cities do. They plan for the future.

You are referring to the hopelessly bad Jennifer Watts, one of the leading lefty enviro-loons on Komedy Kouncil. She supports the narrowing of streets and building tall structures out of wood, like they allegedly do in Sweden. Riiiiiight.

[someone123]

Our intention is to use the space in a way that is financially sustainable, environmentally sensitive and for the good of our community.

I really dislike vacuous feel-good statements like this.

There's nothing particularly financially sustainable about demolishing a school and then turning it into a vegetable garden. It's also not particularly great environmentally to use valuable central land in the city for something like farming - what happens when you do this is that you spread everything out and people have to travel farther. I'm guessing the land's also not particularly great for agriculture, so suddenly they're buying and trucking in soil and fertilizer and so on.

Saying that something is "for the good of our community" is totally meaningless.