Saskatoon Construction

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by AylmerOptimist

Death ray?

Yep, observe:

photo by me

[Ruckus]

^ I never knew it was a death ray, why don't they use it anymore?

[Jonitecture]

that building makes me want to puke.

[joelpiecowye]

it could always be worse

[psych1]

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

A little long winded, but what else is there to do?

Mine will be a lot long winded, so if this kind of thing bores anyone, I suggest you stop reading here.

At risk of dragging out further a digression I am guilty of starting, I need to clarify my position. I would object with equal vigour if I supported the viewpoint expressed in the article. In fact I am probably harder on those whose opinions I share, because a weak argument from my side weakens my position. Anyway, here is my argument.
1) Integrity is essential to quality media reporting (I don't think anyone in the media would disagree).
2) The intention to decieve for self benefit shows lack of integrity.
3)Attempting to disguise advertising as reporting is attempted deception. The capacity and/or responsability fo the reader to be skeptical/cynical does't matter; it is no less of a crime to mug someone who should have known not to be in an alley at night or who should have been able to run away.
4) Therefore, this type of journalism is of poor quality.

The next step is likely where we disagree most:

5) We have a responsability to do the best work we are capable of and therefore poor quality work warrants criticism (which I am happy to provide ). I suspect that a utilitarian/market driven argument (I'm guessing this is where you are coming from) would say that the benefits acruing to good work (profit) will take care of it, and no further value judgement is necessary. but contrary to much current thinking, it is possible to be other than a utilitarian.

I do read alternative media BTW, but as you say many do not have access or enough media literacy to even know it exists or to read the mainstream media with any level of skepticism, but that is the source of another digression. Anyway, sorry to have taken this so far away from development, and maybe we just need to agree to disagree, since we seem to be working from different premises.

[midnightrambler]

Originally Posted by Jonitecture

that building makes me want to puke.

I like the Hallmark. It has that mid 1970s character.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by midnightrambler

I like the Hallmark. It has that mid 1970s character.

I agree, there's something about the Hallmark I like. Not sure what it is about it though... not that I love it or find it to be a stunning masterpiece of any sort.
At the very least, it has some height to it. Maybe it reminds me of the monstrous trashy apartments in big cities and lends itself to giving our own skyline a big city feel?

[joelpiecowye]

its the tallest everyone likes the tallest no matter how ugly it looks

[Jonitecture]

i don't like it. its not the worst in Saskatoon, but its pretty bad.

[Kellee]

[QUOTE=joelpiecowye;3300009]its the tallest everyone likes the tallest no matter how ugly it looks
Hey there...The (or should I say La) Renaissance is the tallest at 79.2 meters, but the Hallmark has more floors.

By the way, thanks to all for their help - any other comments or knowledge that anyone has on the Renaissance condos would be more than welcome
La Renaissance Apartments 79.2 m 24 floors built 1983 (1)

• Hallmark Place 78.3 m 27 floors built (1)

• Saskatoon Square 72.0 m 17 built 1979 (1)

[Ruckus]

If no one objects, I would like to add...

Originally Posted by psych1

At risk of dragging out further a digression I am guilty of starting, I need to clarify my position.

..............

5) We have a responsability to do the best work we are capable of and therefore poor quality work warrants criticism (which I am happy to provide ). I suspect that a utilitarian/market driven argument (I'm guessing this is where you are coming from) would say that the benefits acruing to good work (profit) will take care of it, and no further value judgement is necessary. but contrary to much current thinking, it is possible to be other than a utilitarian.

Yes, I as well don't believe that a market/utilitarian argument defends or supports quality articles, rather it encourages relevant articles, or that which is desired by the readers (readers don't always want quality, do they? see Britney Spears trash )

How does one clearly identify the true intentions of the writer...ahhh, a quick Google search uncovered an interesting article on this whole subject, 26 page PDF - Beyond advertising and journalism: hybrid promotional news discourse

Originally Posted by Beyond advertising and journalism: hybrid promotional news discourse

Readers distinguish between two types of content in the press: advertisements
and editorial content. However, in the last few years, media critics have expressed
great concern about a blurring of the lines between these two types of content
and have noted a new phenomenon, a hybrid between advertisement and
editorial, a new genre commonly referred to as ‘advertorial’. Cameron and Ju-Pak
(2000) synthesized conceptual definitions of other authors in defining advertorials
as ‘blocks of paid-for, commercial message, featuring any object or objects
that simulates the editorial content of a publication in terms of design/structure,
visual/verbal content, and/or context in which it appears’ (pp. 66–7).

It seems as though many articles could be described as advertisement by deception, no?

[joelpiecowye]

[QUOTE=Kellee;3300431]

Originally Posted by joelpiecowye

its the tallest everyone likes the tallest no matter how ugly it looks
Hey there...The (or should I say La) Renaissance is the tallest at 79.2 meters, but the Hallmark has more floors.

By the way, thanks to all for their help - any other comments or knowledge that anyone has on the Renaissance condos would be more than welcome
La Renaissance Apartments 79.2 m 24 floors built 1983 (1)

• Hallmark Place 78.3 m 27 floors built (1)

• Saskatoon Square 72.0 m 17 built 1979 (1)

i was right kinda with the renaissance and i truley dont believe the saskatoon square is that big, it only has 17 floors

[Ruckus]

Ah, I found a web link for tonight's lecture on Saskatchewan's diamond industry.

SASKATCHEWAN’S DIAMOND PROSPECTS: From favourable mantle to surface: enormous kimberlites deliver diamonds to Saskatchewan

January 22, 2008
7:30 p.m.
Convocation Hall
St. Thomas More College
Free Admission


Source
Mr. George Read
Senior Vice President Exploration and Development, Shore Gold Inc.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

In the very near future, diamond mining in Saskatchewan may become a reality.

George Read will discuss how the lava-like rock known as kimberlite, contains and carries diamonds to the Earth’s surface and Shore Gold’s current work in evaluating Saskatchewan’s kimberlites, which are some of the largest on the plant. The potential economic impacts of this work to Saskatchewan will also be discussed.

With over 23 years of experience in the diamond industry, as Senior Vice-President Exploration and Development for Shore Gold in Saskatoon, Mr. Read is responsible for all aspect of Shore Gold’s diamond exploration projects in Canada. His extensive knowledge of exploration techniques has been gained through his experiences working in locations such as South Africa, Botswana, Tanzanian, Brazil and Canada.

Source

[circle33]

[QUOTE=joelpiecowye;3300447]

Originally Posted by Kellee

i was right kinda with the renaissance and i truley dont believe the saskatoon square is that big, it only has 17 floors

As a general rule, the floors of commercial buildings are higher than those of residential buildings.

[joelpiecowye]

i learned something new today

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

Ah, I found a web link for tonight's lecture on Saskatchewan's diamond industry.

SASKATCHEWAN’S DIAMOND PROSPECTS: From favourable mantle to surface: enormous kimberlites deliver diamonds to Saskatchewan

January 22, 2008
7:30 p.m.
Convocation Hall
St. Thomas More College
Free Admission


Source
Mr. George Read
Senior Vice President Exploration and Development, Shore Gold Inc.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

In the very near future, diamond mining in Saskatchewan may become a reality.

George Read will discuss how the lava-like rock known as kimberlite, contains and carries diamonds to the Earth’s surface and Shore Gold’s current work in evaluating Saskatchewan’s kimberlites, which are some of the largest on the plant. The potential economic impacts of this work to Saskatchewan will also be discussed.

With over 23 years of experience in the diamond industry, as Senior Vice-President Exploration and Development for Shore Gold in Saskatoon, Mr. Read is responsible for all aspect of Shore Gold’s diamond exploration projects in Canada. His extensive knowledge of exploration techniques has been gained through his experiences working in locations such as South Africa, Botswana, Tanzanian, Brazil and Canada.

Source

That should be a very interesting lecture!

I won't be able to make it but if you attend SASKFTW or anybody else please post a synopsis of the lecture, especially any parts about how diamond mining will impact our economy and translate into new office towers downtown

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Country

That should be a very interesting lecture!

I won't be able to make it but if you attend SASKFTW or anybody else please post a synopsis of the lecture, especially any parts about how diamond mining will impact our economy and translate into new office towers downtown

Will do

[Ruckus]

I attended tonights lecture presented by Shore Gold's VP of Exploration and Development Mr. George Read. He began by explaining the history of the diamond industry, referencing early discoveries in India, followed by those in Africa, Brazil, Australia, and Canada. Mr. Read then went on to explain geologic methods for exploration, processing, and final production. With the fundamentals and history covered, he proceeded to explain the potential of Canada's, and more specifically Saskatchewan's potential for diamond mining.

Quick facts from the presentation slides:
Canadian diamond industry production is ranked 3rd globally by U.S. $ value
Canadian diamond industry production is ranked 6th globally by weight
Canadian diamond industry valued at ~ $1.3 billion (IIRC)
Global diamond industry valued at ~ $12 billion (IIRC)

And apparently Canadian diamonds command higher prices on world markets

Shore Gold expectations (presented at lecture, also available as PDF on Shore's website, page 5):

Advanced stage exploration under way
• Q4 2006 Geological Model: 276 million tonnes kimberlite
• Q1 2008 Resource Definition
• Mid 2008 Reserve Definition
• End 2008 Bankable Feasibility Study
• 2009/2010 Pre-Strip of open pit/mine construction
• 2011 Potential Production

There were a few questions from attendees, including a gentlemen who inquired whether the global headquarters for Shore Gold would be built in Saskatoon...IIRC, Mr. Read replied "It can happen" or "You can make it happen" with a joyful laugh from himself and the audience.

[Ruckus]

Persephone opening honours Feheregyhazi
Persephone goes public
Cam Fuller, The StarPhoenix
Published: Wednesday, January 23, 2008



Saskatoon's elite -- and those just looking elite for the evening -- gathered Tuesday to celebrate Persephone Theatre's official grand opening.

In tuxes and gowns, community builders, politicians of every stripe and even a few actors mingled in the lobby and upstairs lounge to celebrate the occasion. Local TV and radio covered the event live.

The $11-million facility, which welcomed its first audiences last month, still needs some finishing touches behind the scenes, but it's art-as-usual with the opening this week of its second play, Quarry.



Persephone Theatre co-founder Janet Wright (centre) shares a laugh with Dennis and Rosemary Hunt Tuesday night during opening ceremonies for the new Persephone Theatre at River Landing
Greg Pender, The StarPhoenix

Guests of honour included co-founders Brian Richmond -- it happened to be his birthday -- and Janet Wright, who made a point of not seeing the theatre until today.

"Believe me, it's world-class. I would have given anything to have a theatre like this,'' she said.

Ever-present in the wings was the realization the one person everyone would have dearly loved to see was absent. Former artistic director Tibor Feheregyhazi, who died in July, was universally credited for making the theatre's dream of a new building a reality.

"It was his baby, his passion and there's no way this theatre would have been going all these years without him,'' said Wright.

Standing under a glass portrait of Feheregyhazi denoting the Tibor Memorial Lobby, fundraising chair Bill Thomlinson noted Tibor "will be a part of this theatre forever.''

To no one's surprise, but everyone's delight, Thomlinson announced the successful completion of the fundraising campaign, which began in May of 2006. The goal was $11 million and $11.3 million was raised.

"We exceeded our goal and the building is debt-free,'' said Thomlinson. "Absolutely extraordinary.''

And the bottom-line keeps getting better; MP Lynne Yelich brought news of a further federal contribution of $500,000.

Handed the enviable -- and in some ways unenviable -- task of plotting the theatre's future is Del Surjik, who returns to his home province from Vancouver to take over as artistic director. Wright, who worked on shows where Surjik did the lighting design, noted that he knows every job in the theatre. Then she nailed the punchline.

"You're really lucky to have this guy because he's really good and he's really — in a sense,'' she said to raucous laughter.

Surjik already has a short list of plays he wants to do next season and is looking forward to bringing them to life in a fully equipped facility with features like a trap, orchestra pit and fly tower.

"I think it's going to be really exciting for designers, for one thing,'' said Surjik. "It gives them a greater tool box to work from.''

Surjik also vowed to work with other theatre groups in the city.

"This building is not a Persephone story alone. The success of Persephone is the success of the entire community.''

Surjik described the public support of Persephone as jaw-dropping, a sentiment echoed by Wright.

"What an amazing town. It always has been and it always will be.''

The gala was also an opportunity to let some of the theatre's unsung heroes bask in the spotlight -- staffers such as technical director Jody Longworth.

"He has taken this wonderful facility and he has turned it into a theatre,'' past president David Gerecke said, to a loud ovation. The same reaction greeted his comments about general manager Sheldon Born: "He never once wavered from making sure that Tibor's dream was fulfilled."

Official duties included a ribbon cutting and unveiling of a donor wall in the lobby. Saskatoon artist Hugo Alvarado also revealed his gift to the theatre, a large, whimsical streetscape entitled A City is Just the Image of We Who Live There #1. Other Alvarado works are displayed in the newly named Pomegranate Gallery.

Another display upstairs depicts the history of the theatre and includes several newspaper headlines from stories written over the years. One in particular is now obsolete: "Persephone seeking new home.''

[email protected]

Source

[Ruckus]

Planning committee backs assisted-living proposal
Lori Coolican, The StarPhoenix
Published: Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Construction is at least a year away, but already a local non-profit group has started a waiting list of potential tenants for a proposed assisted-living apartment building next to Saskatoon police headquarters.

Members of city council's planning and operations committee voiced their support Tuesday for a $1.4 million funding donation and a five-year tax abatement from the city to help Lighthouse Supported Living construct 120 units of affordable rental housing and 20 emergency shelter beds at the corner of 23rd Street and Fourth Avenue, where a police parking lot currently stands.

"It's definitely an investment. We desperately need this type of housing in this community right now," Coun. Charlie Clark said.

The provincial government has already committed $11.5 million towards the $14.5-million total cost of the project through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and the federal government has also promised funds, the committee heard.

If council gives final approval at its next regular meeting, the city's contribution will be taken from the affordable housing reserve, which currently has a balance of about $1.1 million, neighbourhood planning manager Alan Wallace told the committee. The Lighthouse contribution will not bankrupt the reserve, however, because council already resolved to replenish it annually with a $2.5-million transfer, he noted.

Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has also offered to cover the city's contribution over an extended period, in order to reduce the financial effect on the reserve.

The proposed tax abatement represents savings of about $1 million over five years for the Lighthouse.

The organization intends to dedicate that money to a capital replacement reserve for future years, the committee heard. In addition to the five years of foregone tax revenue, the city has offered to lease the land at 140 Fourth Avenue South for $1 a year, as long as the Lighthouse provides 100 parking spaces for police.

Lighthouse Supported Living currently operates a 64-unit facility, formerly known as Capri Place, in the city's downtown. Residents include people with mental or physical challenges, marginalized youth and low-income seniors who need continuous supports and a stable environment.

Most receive their income from social assistance, pension or workers' compensation benefits that total less than $15,000 a year, and are often referred to as "the hard to house," Wallace said. To qualify for provincial low-income housing programs, a household with no dependents would have an annual income of no more than $44,500.

The proposed new building will basically double the number of tenants served by The Lighthouse. Residents will have access to regular healthy meals, common areas, learning facilities, counselling and other supports. Their current home at 304 Second Avenue South will likely be sold and any proceeds dedicated to the new building, manager Don Windels said.

About five years ago, The Lighthouse was struggling financially and came close to shutting its doors because of unpaid taxes. Mayor Don Atchison praised the organization for turning the situation around since then.

"It's been very positive and this is obviously the next step," Windels told reporters. "A newer building will be cheaper to maintain and will last longer. Our old building is 100 years old. . . . So it's time to move."

News of the project has already generated interest from potential tenants, he said. "It's not a big list, but people have been calling and filling out applications so they're pre-approved."

The Lighthouse and Saskatchewan Housing are also preparing to seek formal expressions of interest from private investors, to determine whether "market housing" -- such as condos or apartments with higher rents based on the downtown rental market -- could be added to the upper floors of the new building. Wallace is expected to report the results to city council at a later date.

[email protected]

Source

******

This project should most definitely include market units, although not of the luxury condo type. I am sure many affordable and adequately sized units can be marketed towards those just looking to get into the downtown condo market (students/urban enthusiasts)...we also need a grocery store just west of the bus mall in the KG or main level of 2nd Avenue lofts