Edmonton Construction 9 (2008-08) - Page 152

ibz · #**3021** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 12:45 AM**

/\ Designed by Cohos

CMD UW · #**3022** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 1:28 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240glt

So a little birdie at design company X is telling me about a new admin tower @ EIA not 5 minutes ago on the phone. Anyone know anything about that ?

Waaay outta the loop man. This is old news....

Shodan · #**3023** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 1:45 PM**

Secondary suites get go-ahead
Will be allowed to operate in most city neighbourhoods

Gordon Kent
The Edmonton Journal

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

A decision to allow secondary suites in virtually all single-family neighbourhoods has city officials hopeful Edmonton will see more affordable housing built.

Under a move approved by council following hearings that began last month, basement apartments, which were approved for parts of the city in 2007, can be operated in mature neighbourhoods as well as in the suburbs.

Single-storey garden suites have also been given the thumbs-up, although only for lots meeting certain dimensions.

Along with suites above residential garages, there are restrictions on where they can be built. "It will provide safe housing for reasonable prices throughout the city," Coun. Karen Leibovici said Tuesday. "It can be done quickly, it can be done inexpensively ... we have been working on this for a long time."

Constructing new secondary suites and renovating existing spaces, many of them now run illegally, is intended to create about 550 of the 3,100 units of affordable housing expected by 2010 under Edmonton's Cornerstones plan.

Not everyone is happy with relaxed rules for secondary suites. Community groups wanted planning officers given discretion over whether to approve the projects to ensure they fit in an area and to give neighbours input. They also raised concerns about parking, and asked for a requirement that owners live in the house or make some other appropriate arrangement for dealing with problems. Coun. Bryan Anderson, who voted against the new bylaw, said Edmonton needs more affordable accommodation, but there must be limits on the concentration of secondary suites and where they go.

"I think having some controls in place ... is very, very important. I wasn't prepared to open it up as a silver bullet for affordable housing."

Leibovici said the city doesn't have the legal power to force landlords to live in these homes. She has asked for a report on whether city grants of up to $24,000 to help construct subsidized suites can be directed only to owner-occupied properties. Out of the estimated 10,000 or more illegal suites that now exist, there are only about 50 or 60 complaints a year, she said. Despite a drop in the local economy, the apartment vacancy rate remains low and inexpensive housing is still required, Leibovici said.

"With the economy the way it is, I would argue that people may well need the extra income to afford the house they're in. A secondary suite is a good way to generate income."

[email protected]
© The Edmonton Journal 2009

Copyright © 2009 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=646c28a8-c46d-459f-a135-fffbbf1f7f2f&sponsor=

S_B_Russell · #**3024** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 3:48 PM**

City's revitalization plans for rough 118 Avenue neighbourhood leave many in area up in arms and calling for a timeout

By KERRY DIOTTE

Sometimes you wonder what they're thinking at City Hall.

OK, lots of times you wonder what they're thinking there.

A resident of the Alberta Avenue neighbourhood is trying to fight City Hall on what he considers to be a ridiculous waste of money - $15 million or so, by his estimation.

Lorne Billingsley-Smith is angry that one aspect of the ongoing streetscaping on and near 118 Avenue will take away 238 parking spots - almost 40% of the area's total available during rush hours.

"Not only are we losing valuable parking spots for businesses, but we're actually paying millions to lose them," said Billingsley-Smith, who has battled the move for months.

ALREADY REMOVED

He says about one quarter of those spots have already been removed and further redesigns between NAIT and Northlands will see $12 million spent making changes in the area that will take the rest of those 238 spots out of operation, the bulk of it high-capacity angle parking spots.

He said the first part of the revitalization project is already completed on and near 118 Avenue between 82 Street and 87 Street.

"When we as a city are trying to get more federal and municipal infrastructure dollars flowing to our shovel-ready projects we should be able to demonstrate we are expending funds responsibly - not on wasteful destruction of existing, needed amenities," he said.

The Alberta Avenue resident says several business owners are upset because many moved to the area "for affordable rent and lots of customer parking."

Billingsley-Smith doesn't buy the argument that taking away parking somehow makes the rough-around-the-edges neighbourhood any safer.

Part of the city's Alberta Avenue Revitalization Strategy document says a key to the $27.3-million revitalization of the area is "to create a walkable community that has the feel of a village." It goes on to tout traffic calming measures "to make streets safer to cross."

SKEWED EARLY ON

Billingsley-Smith figures consultation on the project was skewed early on because it was dominated by artists who don't have a strong knowledge of the needs of area businesses.

The area resident wants city council to step in and stop further construction that would take away the rest of those 238 parking spots.

He has already called on Mayor Stephen Mandel to take up the fight.

Billingsley-Smith notes that in a recent update on the mayor's website, Mandel wrote that it's important the city makes "smart financial decisions."

But paying millions of dollars to eliminate parking spots doesn't sound like one, does it?

I think they should park that foolish idea.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Columnists/Diotte_Kerry/2009/02/04/8260261-sun.html

240glt · #**3025** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 3:56 PM**

Oh give me a freaking break. Where did Kerry find this loon ?

News flash: the parking spots were taken two years ago in a pilot program to test restrictions on the north and south sides of the sidestreets off 118. No parking chaos ensured.

Sounds like this — is content with a run down crime ridden 118th ave. Probably the same guy who stood up during the last streetscape meeting and derided all the 'yuppies' moving to the neighborhood.

I'm writing a letter to the Sun on this one

Coldrsx · #**3026** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 3:57 PM**

^interesting...he is the same gentleman that owns that yellow 3 storey on 105st/105ave and was arguing against the LRT if i recall.

Daveography · #**3027** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 3:59 PM**

I love the connection he's trying to make - "millions of dollars to eliminate parking spots." Right, and all that streetscaping is just incidental to that.

Coldrsx · #**3028** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 4:18 PM**

wow!

EDMONTON - The federal government will lease 128,000 square feet of space in the Epcor Tower, developer Qualico announced Wednesday.

The new leases, along with the 265,000 square feet Epcor will use, means Qualico has commitments from tenants for 70 per cent of the office space in the new tower at 10423 101st Street.

The tower will have a total of 625,000 square feet when complete.

“I’m not sure we’re going to run out of space before the building actually gets completed, but we’re pretty pleased to be at that 70-per-cent office pre-leased level, 2 1/2 or three years before the building’s even going to be completed,” said Ken Cantor, Qualico’s commercial manager.

The federal government is taking space on floors three to eight while Epcor is leasing space on floors 16 to 28.

Construction of the 28-storey tower is scheduled for completion in 2011.

The Epcor Tower is Edmonton's first new downtown office tower since Commerce Place opened in 1990.

[email protected]

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Homes/Epcor+Tower+gets+feds+tenants/1252398/story.html

240glt · #**3029** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 4:23 PM**

^ They must be the tenants that took 3-12.

Very nice to see the new tower filling up before it's even at grade.

On a related note, I've been wondering what's going to happen to the old Epcor building once they move. I suppose the outcome will be dictated by the needs in the city at that time, but I'd love to see the existing Epcor get stripped down to the decking for a thorough reno, alongside the development of the old BMO on the corner.

Coldrsx · #**3030** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 4:25 PM**

^"The federal government is taking space on floors three to eight while Epcor is leasing space on floors 16 to 28."

As for the current EPCOR tower, I would love to see a complete reno along with a demo of the BOM building with a new tower there as well... realistically we should need another tower by then.

wco · #**3031** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 4:28 PM**

Nice!

Kevin_foster · #**3032** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 4:33 PM**

Congrats Ken! Occupancy at Ribbon Cutting!

Coldrsx · #**3033** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 4:59 PM**

it is that time again kids...

-------------

Dear Block Captains,

Even though it is still snowing, it’s never too early to start thinking of sunshine, green grass and the promise of warm weather to come – or helping to keep Edmonton litter free!

Please visit our website at www.edmonton.ca/capitalcitycleanup to register as a Block Captain for 2009 electronically; please note that online registration is a different process this year. Please follow the instructions on the webpage.

We are busy at the Capital City Clean Up office getting the 2009 program underway and organizing the many public education activities to continue to help change the behaviour that leads to littering and graffiti.

City of Edmonton crews will be out again doing more street cleaning, litter basket collection and cleanups on the North Saskatchewan River. The Big Bin Events to collect large household items free of charge were also another big hit last year and they’re back again in 2009.

Thanks to your efforts in neighbourhoods and business areas, over 800 captains signed up last summer and we are confident that number will grow in 2009. To show our appreciation, we are providing 2009 Captains a chance to win one of two prizes for registering early in the 2009 program. If you sign up before February 28th, your name will be entered to win one of two Tim Hortons coffee brewers complete with enough coffee to invite your neighbourhood!

As well, if you refer a new Captain to the program; you will receive a gift from Capital City Clean Up in the spring. So chat with your family, friends and neighbours to see if they want to get involved.

This year we have extended our program to run for 20 weeks from April 13-August 24. As well we have combined the business and residential programs. If you are part of a business or large group, please choose the group option and a team name.

If you have any questions, please give me a call at 780-496-8047 [email protected].

To learn more about the 2009 programs visit www.edmonton.ca/capitalcleanup

Tamara Brunelle
Capital City Clean Up Volunteer Coordinator
City of Edmonton
Community Services
Phone: 780-496-8047
Cell: 780-721-8642
Fax: 780-498-7098

Coldrsx · #**3034** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 8:17 PM**

from 'sound off' RE: EPCOR TOWER

"
tim

February 04, 2009 - 11:52 AM

This project will never happen,its just more kool aid to sell the glut of unsold condos in the area,once they are sold they will announce that the project is no longer viable due to deteriating econmomic conditions.Too funny."

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Homes/Epcor+Tower+gets+feds+tenants/1252398/story.html

240glt · #**3035** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 8:37 PM**

^ That's funny. Some people are so stupid.

My letter to the Sun in response to the article posted above:

Quote:

I was extremely disappointed to read Kerry Diottes’ Wednesday column regarding the revitalization of 118th ave. First and foremost, the parking issue should be a non-starter because many of the angle parking spots on the side streets at 118th ave were removed two years ago under a separate pilot project to improve safety and no parking chaos has ensued. I question the number of spaces being eliminated as presented in the column. It would have been nice if Mr Diotte had done his job and investigated this claim. It’s also disappointing that Mr Diotte did not bother to talk to any of the many dedicated individuals who have been working on this project, instead siding with one lone resident who seems content with the current state of affairs on the Ave. I applaud the efforts of the countless volunteers and city personnel who have worked to bring the revitalization project to fruition, all of whom recognize the great potential of this neighborhood. If Billingsley-Smith enjoys living in a squalid crime ridden environment that’s his prerogative. The rest of us will embrace the changes that will make our good neighborhood even better.

Chris Wagner
Edmonton Alberta

newfangled · #**3036** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 8:53 PM**

240, can you give a bit of an explanation about the parking removal on 118? What part of the Ave are they talking about?

Isn't onstreet parking (particularly something screwy and unpredicatable like angle-parking) a good form of traffic-calming? And isn't onstreet parking better than parking lots?

Is this parking just particularly bad?

TimB09 · #**3037** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 9:49 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

from 'sound off' RE: EPCOR TOWER

"
tim

February 04, 2009 - 11:52 AM

This project will never happen,its just more kool aid to sell the glut of unsold condos in the area,once they are sold they will announce that the project is no longer viable due to deteriating econmomic conditions.Too funny."

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Homes/Epcor+Tower+gets+feds+tenants/1252398/story.html

Maybe this guy should take a peak at what is happening by the CN Tower...
I'm ashamed too. He has the first same name as I do. Makes all of us "Tim's" look bad.

oiler-dude · #**3038** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 10:15 PM**

Was walking around yesterday at the Leg Grounds taking some pics, and wandered up to Jasper & 108. Here's an updated shot of the offices being built there.

And just for fun, a couple skyline shots. They're kinda blurry, but ah well. Taken from Saskatchewan Drive.

Coldrsx · #**3039** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 10:26 PM**

really like how the curve seems to tailor as it reaches the street level.

nice shots

OILER DUDE - post those skyline ones in the canada - skyline section!

240glt · #**3040** Posted **Feb 4, 2009, 10:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by newfangled

240, can you give a bit of an explanation about the parking removal on 118? What part of the Ave are they talking about?

Isn't onstreet parking (particularly something screwy and unpredicatable like angle-parking) a good form of traffic-calming? And isn't onstreet parking better than parking lots?

Is this parking just particularly bad?

Basically, where streets cross 118th ave the streets widen out so that the intersections with the streets and 118th ave are essentially four lanes wide, with angle parking down the sides of the commercial lots that face 118th. What they've done is extend the sidewalks out so that when you cross the streets you only cross two lanes. They did this because people were not being smart about backing out of the side streets onto 118th, and also because of the nature of some of the 'activities' going on the ave, this is supposed to discourage the guys in welding trucks from circling around the blocks and through the alleys because they have to slow right down to make the corners.

There's still angle parking there, they've just taken out the first few slots and extended the sidewalks out. I don't know where that idiot got 237 from, but I calculate that we've maybe lost 50 spots on the stretch between 82 and 97 aves.