Winnipeg Construction IX

[EspionNoir]

Originally Posted by OTA in Winnipeg

Didn't we just build a soccer field, child spray pad and rebuild the antique water fountain?

I think you’re right

[buzzg]

Originally Posted by bomberjet

In my opinion we need to focus. Trying to revitalize the entire downtown is nearly impossible as is. Downtown area is large for the size of Winnipeg. The SHED was supposed to be an effort to focus on area, which has sort of worked but not really.

Totally agree. Exchange is really moving along nicely. Graham is starting to as well – that should be downtown's focus for shopping IMO. Then connect up Garry (/Fort) into the Exchange. Portage will get there on its own eventually.

Originally Posted by Labroco

Just buy gateway for starters...

The LAST thing the area needs is another development corporation! Let the government focus on the required infrastructure.

We are still waiting on a concrete action plan for the Alexander docks...

TFNP is going to be overseeing the docks revitalization (along with riverbanks in general)

Originally Posted by EspionNoir

I think it’s possible in the long run, plus it’s only been 5 years lol

Currently I think the Central Park area needs a refresh the most

Originally Posted by OTA in Winnipeg

Didn't we just build a soccer field, child spray pad and rebuild the antique water fountain?

I think Central Park is a great example of how governments can make smart, small investments to help turn a neighbourhood around. They did some things to "clean up" the area cosmetically, and re-instill pride in the residents. Sure it's still got some issues, but the influx of immigrants (mainly from Africa) has done wonders to help it turn around. It's slowly becoming a great, vibrant area.

[esquire]

Today the Province announced some spending on improvements to Centennial Concert Hall:

The Manitoba government is investing over $15 million in significant repairs and restoration of the Centennial Concert Hall, Crowns Services Minister Colleen Mayer announced today.

“While the facility is safe for occupancy, we need to make investments to preserve this wonderful venue and ensure the safety of the many thousands of people who visit each year,” said Mayer. “That is why we are replacing the entire roof on priority basis and committing to other important work throughout the building.”

In addition to the roof replacement, the government is moving forward with a critical project to repair and restore the stone cladding on the façade of the entire concert hall. This project is to protect both the exterior and interior of the facility, and ensure its integrity for the next 50 years.

“Along with the $5-million new fire alarm system upgrades announced last year and nearing completion, this work demonstrates the commitment we have made to the concert hall’s maintenance and preservation,” added Mayer.

Project work is also underway regarding the structural acoustical shell for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. This is a complex project and a project manager has been assigned to determine and cost out the best engineering and logistics solution. As an interim measure and to allow time, government partners co-ordinated to install an electronic acoustical shell at a cost of $179,000.

Nice to hear that they're keeping the cladding and getting started on restoring the acoustical shell.

[pspeid]

Originally Posted by esquire

Today the Province announced some spending on improvements to Centennial Concert Hall:



Nice to hear that they're keeping the cladding and getting started on restoring the acoustical shell.

I agree, this is very good news! Sure, it's probably an election plum, but I don't really care; the concert hall will get some much-needed $$$.

[buzzg]

Agreed, good to see.

Somewhat related, IMO what you can see of the train 1919 memorial in front of Pantages is kinda weird and underwhelming. Will be interesting to see how they finish it. It’s odd to me that they still went ahead with installing it when the city sold the theatre - is that part of the plaza still city property?

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by buzzg

Agreed, good to see.

Somewhat related, IMO what you can see of the train 1919 memorial in front of Pantages is kinda weird and underwhelming. Will be interesting to see how they finish it. It’s odd to me that they still went ahead with installing it when the city sold the theatre - is that part of the plaza still city property?

I think it looks impressive. Give it a chance to be fully completed, I’m sure it will turn out great.




The streetcar will get some finishing touches, including lighting and windows, over the next three weeks before it is unveiled. (Darren Bernhardt/CBC)

There is still work to complete before the streetcar will be unveiled to the public on June 21, 2019 — exactly 100 years after Bloody Saturday.

Some finishing work needs to be done on the steel, then wiring and windows need to be installed. The car will be illuminated from the inside and there will also be a beam from a headlight.

"In about three weeks' time, we're going to launch it and reveal it for the world," Gonick said.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-1919-general-strike-streetcar-sculpture-1.5159832

[Biff]

Originally Posted by Wpg_Guy

Still a leaning a little, but I see he is trying to straighten it.

[BuildUpWpg]

I see this morning that there is a drilling rig on site at the recently demolished car dealership on Portage. I wonder what that's about?

[dmacc]

^Soil samples?

[wardlow]

^ It would just be soil samples. For now.

[1ajs]

thats good to hear though someones thinking about ideas at least

[optimusREIM]

Originally Posted by 1ajs

thats good to hear though someones thinking about ideas at least

Could be they need an environmental assessment done to satisfy whoever buys the lot. That way someone doesn't walk into a site which needs millions in remediation and that basically ends their plans to develop.

[BuildUpWpg]

Scaffolding going up again in front of Newport Centre. Maybe they are finally starting the actual long awaited exterior renovation after teasing us last with just slapping a coat of paint on the building,

[Labroco]

Originally Posted by optimusREIM

Could be they need an environmental assessment done to satisfy whoever buys the lot. That way someone doesn't walk into a site which needs millions in remediation and that basically ends their plans to develop.

All conditions of financing by a tier one institution requires a phase one and / or phase two environmental report. The drilling could also be to determine soil conditions for foundations.

[optimusREIM]

Originally Posted by Labroco

All conditions of financing by a tier one institution requires a phase one and / or phase two environmental report. The drilling could also be to determine soil conditions for foundations.

Ah there you go. Thought so

[esquire]

Anyone know what's going on with the Medical Arts Building? The levels with the new, enlarged windows look good but there are still several floors without them and I can't tell that there is still any work happening on that front. Are all the medical clinics leaving or is it going to be a mix of clinics and residential?

[drew]

Originally Posted by Labroco

All conditions of financing by a tier one institution requires a phase one and / or phase two environmental report. The drilling could also be to determine soil conditions for foundations.

They have dug out a huge area in the back of the property and removed the soil. Just speculating, but I assume this is near where the previous dealership had the oil storage tank(s) for the used engine oil from the service bays.

I suspect there is a bit of contamination in the soil and the drill rig is there to help determine the extent.

It's possible its also for geotechnical info, but unless someone has purchased the site and will be developing it, that seems pre-mature.

[optimusREIM]

Originally Posted by drew

They have dug out a huge area in the back of the property and removed the soil. Just speculating, but I assume this is near where the previous dealership had the oil storage tank(s) for the used engine oil from the service bays.

I suspect there is a bit of contamination in the soil and the drill rig is there to help determine the extent.

It's possible its also for geotechnical info, but unless someone has purchased the site and will be developing it, that seems pre-mature.

Wouldn't it appear in the city website or do some projects not go to hearings

[buzzg]

Originally Posted by BuildUpWpg

Scaffolding going up again in front of Newport Centre. Maybe they are finally starting the actual long awaited exterior renovation after teasing us last with just slapping a coat of paint on the building,

They've been doing lots of interior work this whole time. Second and third floors were completely gutted, and many other common areas upgraded. Will be interesting to see if they tear down the bookstore, or how that whole component works out.

Originally Posted by esquire

Anyone know what's going on with the Medical Arts Building? The levels with the new, enlarged windows look good but there are still several floors without them and I can't tell that there is still any work happening on that front. Are all the medical clinics leaving or is it going to be a mix of clinics and residential?

I don't think all the tenants are moved out yet (or at least weren't all gone earlier), so they've been going floor by floor as they empty.

[esquire]

^ Thanks

Originally Posted by optimusREIM

Wouldn't it appear in the city website or do some projects not go to hearings

You don't need to have a hearing if you aren't applying for rezoning, variance, conditional use, etc. or something that otherwise requires the city's permission.