Suburban & Rural Developments & Discussion Thread

[worldlyhaligonian]

That would be sweet... anything to enclose that corner would help make that area feel a bit less like parking lot ville.

[Dmajackson]

What’s to become of the old Wal-Mart building on Sackville Drive? Published on August 12th, 2010
Bobbie-Lynn Hall

It’s been more than two years and residents are still speculating what’s to become of the old Wal-Mart building on Sackville Drive. There’s even a facebook page dedicated to the fate of the eyesore.

The majority of these facebookers expect a box store such as Target – an American giant department store not all that different than Wal-Mart - to take up the empty space in the Downsview Plaza. Others think maybe a Chapters or Zellers while some more creative hopefuls are thinking a go-cart track, roller skating rink or even a resurrection of the old Sackville Downs. Some are still too angry with Wal-Mart for moving to Bedford to care.

According to a survey conducted by Bristol Group for the Sackville Drive Business Association (SDBA), it seems the majority of residents would like to see more retail options, but they may be looking for something different than a discount department box store.

SDBA Chair Tara Hill said feedback from the 2008 survey indicate people in Sackville would like to see more stores selling personal products like clothes, shoes and accessories, specialty items and items for the home. It also showed that residents would prefer to spend their money here in Sackville if they had the choice. Hill understands and agrees with the suggestions made but she also has her own favourite ideas for the space.

“I’d like to see a bookstore perhaps, maybe with a coffee shop,” she said. “Or maybe a good old fashioned bakery to pick up specialty breads or treats for when company is coming over.”

Hill said despite losing its major household retailer the community has continued to support businesses in the Downsview Plaza and she believes the support will continue until a decision is made. What we do know is that a decision can’t be forced.

In 2007 BY-LAW NUMBER D-300 “Derelict Building Law” was passed. It stated that whena building is deemed to be derelict, the municipality may direct the owner to remedy the condition as specified in an order.

District 20 Coun. Bob Harvey said there are provisions but he doesn’t believe they apply to the empty store because it is attached to the Downsview Plaza which houses other businesses that continue to operate.

For those people hoping for a little more green and a little less concrete, Harvey is happy to say the Sackville Business Association is continuing its work following the Streetscape Plan dedicated to improving the look and feel of Sackville Drive.

“I know the association (SDBA) is working on repairing a small bridge and creating a green space at the foot of Riverside Drive not far from the old Wal-Mart location,” he said.

For now residents will have to continue averting their eyes when they drive by the old building and may not want to hold their breath in anticipation because according to media spokesperson Pat Martin of Crombie Properties Wal-Mart is still the leaseholder until January 2012.

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Lol to the line that says Sackvillians are pissed at Wal-Mart for moving to Bedford. The funny thing is there are still more Sackvillians going to the store than Bedfordites. In Bedford is commonly easier to get to Dartmouth Crossing or Bayers Lake than it is to get to the end of our community (yes our roads really are that dangerous and crowded).

[terrynorthend]

I really doubt a Target would be going there. Target bought Zellers from HBC and the rumours are that Target is contemplating a move into the Canadian market. If so, they would probably convert Zeller's stores into Target Canada's first (they are pretty much the same store now). New locations would undoubtedly be free-standing new builds in parks like DC or BC, not in pre-used spaces in dying Malls/Plazas.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by terrynorthend

I really doubt a Target would be going there. Target bought Zellers from HBC

That would be a big surprise to HBC, since they think they still own Zellers.

http://www.hbc.com/hbc/about/business/leadership/biography.asp?bid=62

[fenwick16]

It seems as though that rumour started about 6 years ago. However, as recently as one month ago Target stated that they would not be buying Zellers - http://www.castanet.net/news/John-Thomson/55966/Rumours-and-things . (I hadn't heard anything about it until now, I just found it on the internet; what would life be like without the internet - we would all have to go back to reading newspapers and going to libraries for information).

I have driven by Target stores when in the US but have never been in one. Is their merchandise better quality than WalMart? If not, then I hope that Zellers will remain as is. Although it is a discount store, the merchandise is certainly better quality than Walmart. I would choose Zellers over a Walmart any day. (I don't know how it compares to Target).

[phrenic]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

Is their merchandise better quality than WalMart?

It's essentially the same. Walmart might even be a bit better based on the few target stores I've ever been in.

[terrynorthend]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

That would be a big surprise to HBC, since they think they still own Zellers.

http://www.hbc.com/hbc/about/business/leadership/biography.asp?bid=62

Yes, it appears you are correct. I too have fallen victim to the Target -> Zellers rumour. Nonetheless, I stand by my assertion that if Target came to Canada they are more likely to locate as new builds in growing retail parks than reno old department store shells.

[Dmajackson]

Demolition work has begun on the old Canadian Tire location in Sunnyside Mall. This is pure rumour but it is apparently going to become the new location for Nubody's.

[Jstaleness]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Demolition work has begun on the old Canadian Tire location in Sunnyside Mall. This is pure rumour but it is apparently going to become the new location for Nubody's.

I had heard that Shoppers Drug Mart was going to build there. I believe the Lawtons will be closing at that location.

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by Jstaleness

I had heard that Shoppers Drug Mart was going to build there. I believe the Lawtons will be closing at that location.

The Lawtons is already closed. Shoppers has a temporary place open in the centre court of the mall but from what I heard they would are taking over the Lawtons location because the CT location would be way to big for a drug store.

[mcmcclassic]

I saw an HRM sign today in front of the Downsview Motel for an application to build a large Lawton's store on that site. It was put forward by the Fares group and I can only assume it means the motel will be torn down.

And as far as that old Wal-Mart is concerned, I'd like to see it become a Giant Tiger store.

[DigitalNinja]

What is Giant Tiger?

I'd like to see it become a sears store, least a small one. Need something of quality in sackville.

And that is good the motel is going to be torn down~

[mcmcclassic]

Giant Tiger is the result of combining Wal-Mart with a dollar store. The store is very budget friendly and would probably do well in Sackville.

When the Downsview Motel is torn down, Sackville will not have any hotel/motel rooms available (that motel is sketchy though haha)

[DigitalNinja]

Yeah try finding another place in north america with 40,000 people and no place to stay.

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by DigitalNinja

Yeah try finding another place in north america with 40,000 people and no place to stay.

But then again who wants to stay in Sackville when there's just as sketchy motels in gorgeous Bedford?

JK by the way ...

[Jstaleness]

The Stardust always seems to be busy.

[miesh111]

I've done some research and I found a Michael Power who is associated with Moxie's? Could it be a Moxie's?

[terrynorthend]

Originally Posted by miesh111

I've done some research and I found a Michael Power who is associated with Moxie's? Could it be a Moxie's?

ooh.. I hope!

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by miesh111

I've done some research and I found a Michael Power who is associated with Moxie's? Could it be a Moxie's?

Its possible I suppose. They expanded into DC a couple of years so it wouldn't surprise me if they expanded into an even larger market across the harbour.

I've never been to the one in Burnside but based on my experience at two in Calgary I'd say the chain is good for its price (not as good as Earl's but still good).

[kph06]

Allnovascotia is reporting it will be a sushi restaurant.