Canadian City Proposals

[SFUVancouver]

The streetcar will be of the Toronto-variety, versus San Francisco's cable cars. They will use low-floor trams with parts of the route being mixed-with-traffic and other running along a grass median of the type found in Lyon.

The infrastructure for the first phase (referred to as phase 0) will be built in time for the Olympics, though unfortunately it won't be in operation due to it running through the secured area of the Olympic Village. The route will be from Granville Island to Science World with connections to the SkyTrain at the Olympic Village station (Canada Line) and at Main Street-Science World station (Expo and Millennium Lines). This is the same route as the demonstration streetcar route that runs during the summer using restored trains from 1900. The new system will likely use these restored cars at first and then expand the fleet to include the modern low-floor types soon after. The second phase (phase 1) will extend from Science World to the Waterfront Station (SkyTrain, SeaBus passenger ferry, and the Westcoast Express commuter rail), passing through Chinatown and Gastown in the process. The third (phase 2) phase will be an extension to Stanley Park via Coal Harbour. A spur line will split from the main line between Science World and Chinatown and go through Yaletown along Pacific Blvd, which is being upgraded in sections in preparation. This spur line will eventually be extended to the beaches along English Bay and then loop back to meet up with the main line near the entrance to Stanley Park, making a loop of downtown.

In the much longer run there is talk of the streetcars running up the Arbutus Corridor and then crossing over somewhere to meet up with the Canada Line at one of its South Vancouver stations. Exciting stuff for the city. We should never have got rid of the streetcars. At least we switched to electric trolley buses for the most part in the City of Vancouver. But the other municipalities didn't want the overhead wires and have been stuck with diesels ever since.

[WaterlooInvestor]

http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=1690

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Waterloo will hold a Formal Public Meeting on Monday, June 25, 2007, at a time to be determined, in the Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Waterloo City Centre, 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo, to consider the following application to amend the Zoning By-law pursuant to Section 34 of the Planning Act and to amend the Official Plan pursuant to Section 17 of the Planning Act.

Original Proposal(for reference)




Revised Proposal














$200-$250 million (up from 100-130)
1006 units (up from 750)
Building heights up to 25 stories (up from 17)
230,000 sq ft of commercial and office space (up from 150,000)
280 hotel rooms (up from 120-150)
Plus a more modern design

All these changes equate to WaterlooInvestor being one happy guy

(I dare someone to say Waterloo Region isn't urbanizing )

[ScottFromCalgary]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

^god no...LM is a monstrosity...college park is nice

Well I wouldn't worry too much about LM, as it appears to be dead in the water, at least in its current state. It's too far from the core of downtown, too pricey, and the developer has never built a single major development. I think they should at least get their feet wet before they set off to build "Alberta's Tallest Residential Towers" aka "Calgary's Most Prestigious Residence".

[malek]

Originally Posted by WaterlooInvestor

$200-$250 million (up from 100-130)
1006 units (up from 750)
Building heights up to 25 stories (up from 17)
230,000 sq ft of commercial and office space (up from 150,000)
280 hotel rooms (up from 120-150)
Plus a more modern design

All these changes equate to WaterlooInvestor being one happy guy

(I dare someone to say Waterloo Region isn't urbanizing )

Any idea about how much those units will cost? range of prices?

[Deez]

Here's some Ottawa stuff copy-pasted directly from our development thread. Nothing overly exciting...a lot of stuff has just recently started construction.

The Ottawa Centre for Innovation - Proposed
"A physical focal point for the local tech community, and possibly an incubation centre and commercialization station." Described as a flagship building for the city.
Developer: The Ottawa Partnership
Location: TBD
Web: http://archive.ottawabusinessjournal.com...ords&archive_pubname=OBJ-Web%0A%09%09%09
Rendering: Not available

150 Elgin St. - Leasing
27 storey mixed use tower and 900-seat concert hall
Developer: Morguard
Location: 150 Elgin St.
Web: http://www.150elgin.com/
Rendering:


Edinburgh Common - Sales
Two 25 storey residential towers and numerous townhouses on large vacant lot (site of former Dominion Bridge) overlooking the Rideau River.
Developer: Claridge
Location: 100 Landry St., off Vanier Parkway just south of Beechwood Ave.
Web: http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2006/10-24/ACS2006-PGM-APR-0217.htm
Rendering:


Claridge Plaza, Phase II - Sales
25 storey twin of Phase I (see below)
Developer: Claridge
Location: 200 Rideau St.
Web: http://www.claridgehomes.com/projects/condominiums/plaza/
Rendering:


Place de Ville Phase III - Leasing
500,000 sq ft. commercial tower of unknown height (likely ~20 storeys)
Developer: Brookfield
Location: Kent St. at Queen St.
Web: Not available
Rendering: Not available

265 Laurier - Proposed
Currently a parking garage, GWL plans to build a 385,000 sq. ft. office tower on this site some time in the future
Developer: Great-West Life
Location: 265 Laurier Ave. W.
Web: Not available
Rendering:


Hudson Park Building 2 - Sales
18 storey residential tower
Developer: Charlesfort
Location: Kent St. at Lisgar St.
Web: http://www.charlesfort.ca/hudson-park-ii/
Rendering:


500 Preston St. - Approved
18 storey residential tower with ground level retail
Developer: Routeburn
Location: 500 Preston St.
Web: Not available
Rendering:


Standard Life Phase III - Rumoured
17 storey commercial tower at 142 Bank St.
Developer: Northam
Location: 142 Bank St. (across from new Telus Building)
Web: http://www.colliersmn.com/prod/cclod...2570C2004A297F
Rendering: Not available

The Continental - Sales
15 storey residential tower
Developer: Charlesfort
Location: Richmond Rd.
Web: http://www.charlesfort.ca/continental/
Rendering:


Petrie's Landing - Sales
Four 13 storey residential towers
Developer: Brigil
Location: North Service Rd. near Petrie Island in Orleans
Web: http://petrieslanding.com/index.html
Rendering:


Orleans Town Center Complex - Approved
Mixed use 10 storey complex
Developer: Brigil
Location: St. Joseph Blvd. at Tenth Line
Web: Not available
Rendering: Not available

Rideau Centre Expansion - Construction application withdrawn, likely to be resubmitted
2 storey expansion of Rideau Centre into the former Ogilvy Dpt. Store
Developer: Viking-Rideau
Location: Rideau St. at Nicholas St.
Web: Not available
Rendering:


80 Metcalfe - Rumoured
150,000 sq ft. commercial tower of unknown height rumoured to be in the works
Developer: Metcalfe Realty
Location: 80 Metcalfe St.
Web: Not available
Rendering: Not available

O'Connor at Slater - Rumoured
350,000 sq ft. commercial tower of unknown height rumoured to be in the works
Developer: Brouse Holdings
Location: O'Connor St. at Slater St.
Web: Not available
Rendering: Not available

Orleans Arts Center - Approved
Part of the Orleans Town Center concept, this facillity will house a 500-seat concert hall, among other things
Developer: Orleans Town Center Partnership
Location: Centrum Blvd. in Orleans
Web: http://www.orleansonline.ca/pages/A2006091301.htm
Rendering:


Ottawa Congress Center Expansion - Proposed
Expansion (possibly vertical) of the current Congress Center Facilities
Developer: Federal/Provincial Governments
Location: Rideau Centre
Web: Not available
Rendering: Not available

Lebreton Flats Redevelopment Phase I - Approved
Directly adjacent to downtown, this large piece of land is slowly being sold off by the NCC. First phase includes no less than two 13 storey towers.
Developer: Claridge
Location: Directly West of the CBD
Web: http://www.claridgehomes.com/lebreton/
Rendering:


Lebreton Flats Redevelopment - Proposed
Directly adjacent to downtown, this large piece of land is slowly being sold off by the NCC. After the completion of the first phase, another parcel of land will be sold.
Developer: TBD
Location: Directly West of the CBD
Web: http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins...4-20506&lang=1
Rendering:


Former CFB Rockcliffe Redevelopment - Proposed
The DND has recently turned this 310 acre parcel of land over to the Canada Lands Company, who have contracted architects to come up with a preliminary configuration for how the land will be appropriated. Design process scheduled for completion at year-end 2008.
Developer: Unknown
Location: South of Ottawa River, north of Montreal Rd., west of NRC, east of St. Laurent Blvd.
Web: http://www.clcrockcliffe.ca/
Rendering:

[WaterlooInvestor]

Originally Posted by malek

Any idea about how much those units will cost? range of prices?

No word yet from the developer. However, I can give you prices from the Bauer Lofts which is under construction right now in Uptown. Bauer is a $50-million mixed-use development involving 3 buildings. It will include ground-floor retail part of which is a specialty grocery store that is relocating, offices, and 131 condos as part of a 15 storey building.

Prices as of Feb. 15, 2006 , condo prices have increased ~10% since then (Bauer is sold out, so there's no price updates)

674 sq feet: $182.900
835 sq feet: $208,900
957 sq feet: $241,900
1124 sq feet: $286,900
1295 sq feet: $353,900
1509 sq feet: $391,800

Three units sold close to $700,000 - but thats because two smaller units were merged together. I can see a few people doing the same thing at the Barrel Yards. Hope this gives you an idea of Uptown prices.

Bauer Lofts Rendering:

[WHISTLERINMUSKOKA]

Here is a new one for Hogtown. A fairly large building, look at the starting prices!

http://www.thestthomas.com/

[caltrane74]

Starting price 2 million dollars. wow! for an apartment.

I think Regency starting prices were 2.5 million. anyways I am not rich enough to buy there.

[malek]

Originally Posted by WaterlooInvestor

Prices as of Feb. 15, 2006 , condo prices have increased ~10% since then (Bauer is sold out, so there's no price updates)

674 sq feet: $182.900
835 sq feet: $208,900
957 sq feet: $241,900
1124 sq feet: $286,900
1295 sq feet: $353,900
1509 sq feet: $391,800

Three units sold close to $700,000 - but thats because two smaller units were merged together. I can see a few people doing the same thing at the Barrel Yards. Hope this gives you an idea of Uptown prices.

wow thats damn expensive, how are these prices competitive with single family housing?

[WhipperSnapper]

for most of the country, those Waterloo prices are affordable and for a select few, rock bottom

[malek]

Yeah most of the country being the big cities.

I am just curious to understand why develop in density like that in a small city, is it because the prices are really competetive against single family house ? or not really.

[trueviking]

Originally Posted by WHISTLERINMUSKOKA

Here is a new one for Hogtown. A fairly large building, look at the starting prices!

http://www.thestthomas.com/

very nice!

[someone123]

Some people, mostly retirees, want to own their home but don't want to be bothered with maintaining a house. A lot of them don't really care about the square footage because they start out with homes that are too big for them anyway.

[malek]

Originally Posted by someone123

Some people, mostly retirees, want to own their home but don't want to be bothered with maintaining a house. A lot of them don't really care about the square footage because they start out with homes that are too big for them anyway.

Thats an excellent reason for retirement homes, are these proposals retirement ones? Here in Laval (370k), the only tall structures serve that purpose. Everything else is low rise and single family housing (bungalows).

[someone123]

Most suburban condos are basically retirement homes. The cheaper units are often purchased by first time buyers who can't afford a house. Some single people buy because they don't want a house but they want the equity.

[WaterlooInvestor]

Originally Posted by malek

wow thats damn expensive, how are these prices competitive with single family housing?

Overall these prices are competitive with single-family homes. The best indication is how quickly the Bauer Lofts sold out. It was initiallly a 12-storey building, sold out in a month. 3 more stories were added (bringing it to 15 like the render), which also sold out in a month after release. Also remember these are high-end condos: 10 foot ceilings, 8 foot doors, granite countertops, stainless steel sinks, modern design, seperate shower, etc.. so you are getting value for your money.

Here's an idea of a single family home in the 300's. You really need to spend 500+ for an executive home in Waterloo Region. MLS®: 631546, $354,900, 2200 sqft

Originally Posted by goodlookin'

for most of the country, those Waterloo prices are affordable and for a select few, rock bottom

Originally Posted by malek

Yeah most of the country being the big cities.

Compared to the million+ cities, these prices are cheap. When you compare prices with our similar sized neighbours, Waterloo real estate tends to be the most expensive.

Originally Posted by someone123

Some people, mostly retirees, want to own their home but don't want to be bothered with maintaining a house. A lot of them don't really care about the square footage because they start out with homes that are too big for them anyway.

Originally Posted by malek

Thats an excellent reason for retirement homes, are these proposals retirement ones? Here in Laval (370k), the only tall structures serve that purpose. Everything else is low rise and single family housing (bungalows).

Originally Posted by someone123

Most suburban condos are basically retirement homes. The cheaper units are often purchased by first time buyers who can't afford a house. Some single people buy because they don't want a house but they want the equity.

someone123: Speak for your own city, this isn't a retirement home. These are modern professional condos marketed towards the 20-40 age range. Also these are not suburban condos: it's mixed use, with ground floor retail, on King Street (KW's main street). The Barrel Yards will also have some ground floor retail/patios and some mixed-use as well. Here is how the Bauer is being marketed:

Live and entertain in a modern loft space where signature architecture meets industrial design. Come home to a bright, open-concept loft space with 10foot high ceilings and a spectacular 8 foot high entrance door. Loft sizes range from 600 to 1200 square feet and are offered in a variety of floor plans including one bedroom, one bedroom with den, two bedroom and two bedroom with two full bathrooms and den. The inside of the units also feature 8 foot high pocket doors. Whether you’re preparing a snack or a sumptuous five-course meal, you’ll enjoy the well-appointed bistro style kitchen with center island and stylishly modern cabinetry. Let daily stress drift away as you unwind in a spa-like bathroom. Enjoy the view from your private terrace as many of the lofts overlook the open courtyard of the Bauer Buildings. Destined to become a coveted address, the distinctive loft residences stylishly blend the old with the new creating a versatile and intimate space. Choose the floor plan that suits your lifestyle and enjoy the luxury of the Bauer Lofts standard features. You can also customize your space with a variety of upgradeable finishes and features. The decision is yours. After all it's your life. Your loft. http://bauerlofts.com/

Originally Posted by malek

I am just curious to understand why develop in density like that in a small city, is it because the prices are really competetive against single family house ? or not really.

Waterloo's high-tech economy is booming: 2000 openings are currently available. One example is RIM: ten years ago they only had ~130 employees. Today the company employs 6,250 people worldwide, 4400 in Waterloo.

Now this is a generalization, but a lot of those new employees are fresh young graduates out of the University of Waterloo. So you're making $50K+, single or in a couple but without kids, and in your 20's. A condo seems like the perfect fit.

These aren't the only two projects. There have been close to 3000 units either constructed in the past 2 years, under construction or proposed in Waterloo Region's urban areas. As a personal example, I'm 23, and my bf's 25: we bought a 645 sq. ft. unit at the Kaufman Lofts (270 units) which are also on King Street just 1.9 km south from the Bauer Lofts. Kaufman's is "downtown", Bauer is "uptown", but it's all being connected with LRT. Also the main university campuses are just north of uptown, and two satelitte campuses have been built/are under construction Downtown (further connecting the two areas).

[WHISTLERINMUSKOKA]

Planning docs for the building with units starting at $2 million.

[malek]

WaterlooInvestor thanks for the explanations. The markets and prices are really different.

[someone123]

The Salter Street waterfront proposal was approved by Halifax's city council tonight. It may still be appealed, although its prospects seem pretty good. Here is a rendering I made of it (it is the building in black and white):



It doesn't look like much but it is fairly significant since it is the last large undeveloped chunk of the downtown waterfront (there are plenty of other stretches that need work but at a minimum they all have wooden boardwalk, etc).

Another major proposal not listed earlier is King's Wharf in Dartmouth:

[Rnr_ss]

701 univercity 33 fl Montréal



Les diamants 28 fl Montréal


My favorites
Le vistal (U/C) 25 fl


Concordia Pavillon John-Molson 17 fl (U/C)


Le Crystal de la Montagne 27 fl (U/C)