Saskatoon Construction II - Page 262

Brutopian · #**5221** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 5:42 AM**

RM and City Tussle Over Development

Written by W.J. Rutherford, saskatoonhomepage.ca
Wednesday, 18 September 2013

During the most recent RM of Corman Park council meeting, the most important piece of business came during the afternoon session. It pertained to a letter written by Saskatoon City Manager Murray Totland objecting to an increase in residential development proposed by the RM.

Dated September 4 and copied to the RM, Totland’s letter noted that Corman Park’s new zoning bylaw would affect the area proposed by the city of Saskatoon’s Region Growth and Development Plan.

The letter states, “The City of Saskatoon requests that the Ministry of Government relations defer consideration and/or approval of the Official Community Plan and Zoning bylaw amendments that fall within the study area of the proposed Saskatoon Region Growth and Development Plan for up to 24-months.”

[........]

Read more:
http://www.saskatoonhomepage.ca/rm-and-city-tussle-over-development/itemid_21

Brutopian · #**5222** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 5:44 AM**

Upgrades To Train Station On Hold

Written by Carol Thomson, saskatoonhomepage.ca
Wednesday, 18 September 2013

It's on the list, but there are no concrete plans at the moment for exterior upgrades to Saskatoon's train station, which some describe as run down and embarrassing .

VIA Rail spokesperson, Michael Woelke, says they spent over $200,000 upgrading a train watering system but the exterior upgrade project is on hold until it makes it through the budget process.

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Read more:
http://www.saskatoonhomepage.ca/upgrades-to-train-station-on-hold/itemid_21

Brutopian · #**5223** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 5:52 AM**

City awaits word on bundled funding

By Phil Tank, The StarPhoenix, September 19, 2013

The City of Saskatoon’s “aggressive” timeline to complete two new bridges depends on a positive funding response from the federal government in the next month or so.

The city has applied to the government for funding under its private-public partnership (P3) procurement model, seeking about 25 per cent of the cost of a $230-million project that bundles together a new north commuter Parkway Bridge and a replacement for the closed iconic downtown Traffic Bridge.

The city has produced a glossy new eight-page pamphlet justifying the plan to add two new bridges to accommodate motor vehicles. A persistent lobby is seeking to replace the Traffic Bridge with a span dedicated solely to pedestrians and cyclists.

Although individual members of parliament have no influence on the P3 board that screens the applicants, Saskatoon-Humboldt MP Brad Trost said all 13 Saskatchewan Conservative MPs support the project, which he said will affect traffic throughout the province.

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Read more:
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/saska...undled+bridge+funding/8935330/story.html

Brutopian · #**5224** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 6:04 AM**

For an update on the status of construction of the new Police Headquarters, watch this GlobalTV video.

Brutopian · #**5225** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 6:09 AM**

Transit snags deal on demo buses

Reported by François Biber, NewsTalk 650 CKOM
Sept 19, 2013

In what has been an ongoing battle with capacity, the city's transit service is pouncing on a money-saving deal, while adding buses to its fleet.

"We're spending $885,000 as opposed to 1.4 million," said transit services manager Bob Howe.

Heading to city council on Monday is a recommendation to add to articulating buses, also known as accordion-style buses, to its fleet at a discount price. The deal comes after transit put out a request for proposals to purchase new buses. Howe said those proposals came back a little more than what they had budgeted for.

Howe then saw that Nova had two demonstrational models for sale. Those buses had been toured across Canada as Nova showed them to various municipalities.

"When we found that these buses were available for purchase at a significantly discounted price we jumped on it because these articulating buses are a huge help to us in terms of capacity," Howe said.

[........]

Read more:
http://ckom.com/story/transit-snags-deal-demo-buses/133358

saskatoonborn · #**5226** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 6:20 AM**

Does anyone share my skepticism about the banks success? Dont get me wrong I love the idea, the buildings look great and it will really change the area for the better if it works.

My problem is with square footage for the price. It says the cheapest unit will be just under 200k for a 450sq ft bachelor suite and 500k for a 1250sq ft unit (im assuming prices are100% based on unit size and not other factors like if the balcony is facing the river or furnishing). Would anyone here take a 1250sq ft condo over a 1500sq ft house with a yard for ~ 420k in a place like willowgrove?

What are the condo prices in other parts of downtown right now? What do you all think?

Echoes · #**5227** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 3:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by saskatoonborn

Does anyone share my skepticism about the banks success? Dont get me wrong I love the idea, the buildings look great and it will really change the area for the better if it works.

My problem is with square footage for the price. It says the cheapest unit will be just under 200k for a 450sq ft bachelor suite and 500k for a 1250sq ft unit (im assuming prices are100% based on unit size and not other factors like if the balcony is facing the river or furnishing). Would anyone here take a 1250sq ft condo over a 1500sq ft house with a yard for ~ 420k in a place like willowgrove?

What are the condo prices in other parts of downtown right now? What do you all think?

I think The Banks will do well, and may surprise us with just how well it does. I believe that this project is one of the first major forays into an as-of-yet relatively untapped market. There are people in Saskatoon looking for this kind of housing choice, but it just hasn't been available in this large a quantity of brand new units at one time.

I for one would take the condo over the house in Willowgrove. You're also paying for proximity to amenities that comes with inner city living. The Farmer's Market is across the street, 20th Street a block away, and the river, downtown, even Broadway, all a short walk away.

LeFevre is a seasoned developer of this type of project, and likes tackling revitalizing neighbourhoods that are still a little rough around the edges. I'm confident that, given his experience, he wouldn't be doing this project if he didn't see it being successful and turning him a profit.

prairieguy · #**5228** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 5:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by saskatoonborn

Does anyone share my skepticism about the banks success? Dont get me wrong I love the idea, the buildings look great and it will really change the area for the better if it works.

My problem is with square footage for the price. It says the cheapest unit will be just under 200k for a 450sq ft bachelor suite and 500k for a 1250sq ft unit (im assuming prices are100% based on unit size and not other factors like if the balcony is facing the river or furnishing). Would anyone here take a 1250sq ft condo over a 1500sq ft house with a yard for ~ 420k in a place like willowgrove?

What are the condo prices in other parts of downtown right now? What do you all think?

My wife and I will be interested in the larger size unit and see no issue with paying $500,000 for a new build in that location. We have been waiting for a development close to river and amenities for years! Yes, I wish the sq footage was maybe closer to 1350 to 1400, but will have to see what floor plans look like. Quite honestly, sick and tired waiting for Riverlanding Village (Nassers development) to move forward. That also def would have been a contender, but if The Banks gets in the ground first we will be looking at that.

marclikeschicken · #**5229** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 6:10 PM**

So today I drove by the old Husky gas station on 33rd and Confed which is now a big huge hole and I heard some rumors now that the lot will be turning into a Tim Hortons. I cant wait to hear everyone get excited over in the area and then complain in frustration 6 months after it opens with all the traffic congestion it creates!

The S'toon Goon · #**5230** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 7:13 PM**

The Banks looks like a pretty solid development to me. The man in charge is not a rookie and we'd be kidding ourselves if we believed that he all willy-nilly-like decided to plop a substantial development down on a substantial piece of property. I am sure the research was done and if he believes he can sell the condos, then I believe he can!

I certainly am cheering for him. If he does well on this development it may spur him to bid on the other prime pieces of land the city has. Also, it may give his competition a kick in the ass and maybe, just maybe, this will be the kick-start to some serious downtown (and area) development!

One thing.... I have read that it is a 4 floor development, but don't some of the renders look like they're 5 floors or storeys?

The S'toon Goon · #**5231** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 7:16 PM**

The Prairie Sun Brewery on Quebec Ave is now open. It is currently a cash only place so keep that in mind if you plan on stopping by. I think the Saskatoon market is ripe for something like this and hopefully it does well!

Morogolus · #**5232** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 7:22 PM**

Just a question, we were walking around River Landing the other day and I poked my head over the construction fence for the art gallery and it's a massive pit right now about 2 or 3 stories deep so I'm assuming that's the parking garage. So I guess the parking garage is going to be built underneath the gallery? I always imagined it would be adjacent to the gallery.

North_Regina_Boy · #**5233** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 8:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by marclikeschicken

So today I drove by the old Husky gas station on 33rd and Confed which is now a big huge hole and I heard some rumors now that the lot will be turning into a Tim Hortons. I cant wait to hear everyone get excited over in the area and then complain in frustration 6 months after it opens with all the traffic congestion it creates!

I would assume this will replace the current location closer to 22nd and Fairlight. Which would be a god send!

Echoes · #**5234** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 8:48 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morogolus

Just a question, we were walking around River Landing the other day and I poked my head over the construction fence for the art gallery and it's a massive pit right now about 2 or 3 stories deep so I'm assuming that's the parking garage. So I guess the parking garage is going to be built underneath the gallery? I always imagined it would be adjacent to the gallery.

Yes, the parking is all beneath the gallery. The entire footprint of the building above ground is devoted to the gallery.

Wyku · #**5235** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 9:56 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by North_Regina_Boy

I would assume this will replace the current location closer to 22nd and Fairlight. Which would be a god send!

If history tells us anything, they won't be shutting down that Timmy's regardless of how close it may be (see: 8th st. locations, Lawson/Miller/Canarama, etc.). They also just renovated that location.

North_Regina_Boy · #**5236** Posted **Sep 20, 2013, 10:46 PM**

Also a little news on the hotel on 8th street by Circle Mall. They are digging for the underground parking there. Saw it this morning as I drove by on my way to work.

saskatoonborn · #**5237** Posted **Sep 21, 2013, 12:07 AM**

Well im glad you are interested in it. Haha now i feel a little bit silly for doubting it. I really am excited to see it all go up

One thing.... I have read that it is a 4 floor development, but don't some of the renders look like they're 5 floors or storeys?[/QUOTE] S'toon goon (i guess i screwed up the quote. Sry)

It looks like that to me too. Maybe they are making the first level double tall for restaurants and shopping? Then it could just be tricky renderings

nook · #**5238** Posted **Sep 21, 2013, 3:03 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by marclikeschicken

So today I drove by the old Husky gas station on 33rd and Confed which is now a big huge hole and I heard some rumors now that the lot will be turning into a Tim Hortons. I cant wait to hear everyone get excited over in the area and then complain in frustration 6 months after it opens with all the traffic congestion it creates!

That will be an interesting place to hang out at night.

I wonder how many times it'll be robbed before they have night time security?

I don't ask that to be rude, It's just that I grew up in that neighbourhood and I know that the Husky was hit up it's fair share.

nook · #**5239** Posted **Sep 21, 2013, 3:04 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by The S'toon Goon

The Prairie Sun Brewery on Quebec Ave is now open. It is currently a cash only place so keep that in mind if you plan on stopping by. I think the Saskatoon market is ripe for something like this and hopefully it does well!

Stopped by today. I will probably grab a growler one of these days when I know that I'll be drinking that much beer in a 48 hour window.. ha.

Had a few samples, good stuff.

Dillweed · #**5240** Posted **Sep 22, 2013, 7:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by North_Regina_Boy

City council needs to look at other impacts. They don't need a traffic bridge. They need to focus traffic to the North Bridge and leave downtown to a Transit Bridge only! BUS / EMERGENCY traffic should be the ONLY form of motorized vehicle driving over a new Victoria Bridge. Give Transit a dedicated route over the River and it becomes a better overall system! They want more people to use transit then do something about it! Think smart!

With all due respect I think there is nothing smart about your suggestion. Not only do I think a dedicated bridge for pedestrian and or transit, emergency vehicles would be a gigantic waste of money. I highly doubt it would do anything to get people out of there cars to take transit.

Unfortunately that type of thinking is something we have to put up with here in Vancouver with people like our bike riding mayor. Who think building expensive bike lanes or things like raising the gasoline tax. Will somehow automatically make people stop driving their cars.

Like our Skytrain system, don't get me wrong I'm glad we have it, we need it and we would probably be worse off without it. But we don't seem to be able to afford it since just about every year Translink is complaining of short falls and has their hands out for more money.

But the point I wish to make is that although it's an asset to the GRVD it hasn't had the effect as advertised when they first introduced the idea to build it. It hasn't relieved congestion any where near was said it would. And here we are now spending $1 billion on the Port Mann bridge highway improvement project. Having built a 10 lane bridge and widening Highway 1 to handle more traffic.

I really fail to see the benefit of spending $30 million on a bridge that would have some pedestrian, bus traffic and the odd ambulance going over it. If you want people to use transit then give people a reason to get out of their cars. Then build a system that is affordable, efficient and gets people where they want to go in a reasonable amount of time.