General Updates and News

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

I mostly agree, somewhere on the Halifax Harbour would be the best location but I don't think George's Island should be built on (I would like to see George's Island preserved and opened to the public since it seems to be an impressive fortification). How about Point Pleasant Park (no sarcasm intended)?

It looks quite impressive to me, although I am not sure what era that dress style is from. It would certainly get a lot more traffic in the Halifax area than in Cape Breton (however, Cape Breton is a beautiful part of Canada and I have lived there).

(source: http://o.canada.com/news/mother-canada-statue-409028/ )

People are complaining about the "look" of the statute; if these whiners actually did a tiny bit of research (ie Google the damn thing and locate an article in 15 seconds), they'd learn that the statute is based on the same one at Vimy Ridge in France, a pretty sacred place for Canadians to visit overseas. The only change, as I understand it, is the facial expression on our version, who has a look of hope, than the sadness on the face of the one at Vimy Ridge.

I think it looks beautiful, and reminds me of this in Brazil:



Key difference: this one is located in Rio de Janeiro, and is the pride of the city. This one is located in a town where people are complaining about it. Sigh.

[Drybrain]

But Rio's Redeemer statue isn't in a national park, and besides, Parks Canada has a lot of work to do fixing up its various crumbling buildings and holdings, and preserving the natural landscape in its protected areas. Building super-expensive statues (even if privately funded, it'll still involve some taxpayer money, I'm sure) on clifftops is is a weird venture for them. If they're going to spend money in Cape Breton, better to restore Louisburg, much if which is in rough shape.

It gets even weirder with the ancillary bits: "We See Thee Rise Observation Deck,” a “Commemorative Ring of True Patriot Love,” and the “With Glowing Hearts National Sanctuary." Plus, making the statue hopeful instead of mournful completely misses the point of the Vimy original that it's based on (which is also much smaller).

People across the country are making fun of the idea, so it isn't just the Green Cove-ers. It's just...strange.

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

I mostly agree, somewhere on the Halifax Harbour would be the best location but I don't think George's Island should be built on (I would like to see George's Island preserved and opened to the public since it seems to be an impressive fortification). How about Point Pleasant Park (no sarcasm intended)?

It looks quite impressive to me, although I am not sure what era that dress style is from. It would certainly get a lot more traffic in the Halifax area than in Cape Breton (however, Cape Breton is a beautiful part of Canada and I have lived there).

(source: http://o.canada.com/news/mother-canada-statue-409028/ )

It reminds me very much of one of the statues at Vimy that is looking out over the ridge.

EDIT: Oops. Sorry Counterfactual. I posted that before clicking on this last page where I saw your comment above. To anyone who has been to Vimy, it definitely jumps out at you that this is very very similar.

[scooby074]

Originally Posted by bluenoser

Not exactly development-related, though it could have an impact on how some Haligonians feel about development in general.

Good bye... so long.. fairwell.. ado... goodbye!

Was just reading his latest "piece" on the convention centre (surprise!) on Sunday... Glad he's gone.

[JET]

Originally Posted by beyeas

It reminds me very much of one of the statues at Vimy that is looking out over the ridge.

EDIT: Oops. Sorry Counterfactual. I posted that before clicking on this last page where I saw your comment above. To anyone who has been to Vimy, it definitely jumps out at you that this is very very similar.

We drive by Green Cove a number of times each summer, it's a beautiful relatively untouched area; hard to believe that anyone would put that hideous monstrosity there. Why do people think that the way to be spiritual is to build edifices that block out expansive views of nature.

Vimy ridge was a war zone and pays tribute to people who died there; they should just leave Green Cove alone.

[W.Sobchak]

McNabs Island seems like a better place, the island as a whole could use some serious TLC and this would be either and excellent finishing piece or kick-start to a forgotten gem of historic importance both for the military and local cultural scene. This statue at the farthest tip of the island facing the mouth of the harbour where over a million people became Canadians, and where we watched over a million Canadians go to war.

Plus it is within the largest city in the province where more travelers stop, ie cruise ships, international travelers, etc. But no... well pork barrel politics and propaganda tend to go hand in hand...

[fenwick16]

Halifax has a long list of memorial statues and towers so I think Haligonians might appreciate the 10 story war memorial statue if Cape Bretoners really don't want it.

Here is a list of Halifax memorials. I didn't display the pictures since I am getting off the topic of Halifax development news. If the 10 storey statue were built in Halifax then in 50 - 100 years it would be considered to be another iconic Halifax memorial.

(source: http://canadianheadstones.com/ns/halifaxmemorial/halifaxmemorial.htm)
http://canadianheadstones.com/ns/halifaxmemorial/images/1memorialB_304x444.jpg

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...pg/750px-Halifax_Memorial_Bell_Tower.jpg

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welsford-Parker_Monument)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co..._in_Halifax%2C_Nova_Scotia%2C_Canada.jpg

(source: http://www.aportraitofcanada.ca/?p=3262 )
http://www.aportraitofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/Prints/_war_memorial__halifax__ns__1988_.jpg

(source: http://thechronicleherald.ca/thenovascotian/1161129-tower-stands-as-tribute-to-fleming )
http://thechronicleherald.ca/sites/default/files/u23/dingletwovertical.JPG

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

But Rio's Redeemer statue isn't in a national park, and besides, Parks Canada has a lot of work to do fixing up its various crumbling buildings and holdings, and preserving the natural landscape in its protected areas. Building super-expensive statues (even if privately funded, it'll still involve some taxpayer money, I'm sure) on clifftops is is a weird venture for them. If they're going to spend money in Cape Breton, better to restore Louisburg, much if which is in rough shape.

It gets even weirder with the ancillary bits: "We See Thee Rise Observation Deck,” a “Commemorative Ring of True Patriot Love,” and the “With Glowing Hearts National Sanctuary." Plus, making the statue hopeful instead of mournful completely misses the point of the Vimy original that it's based on (which is also much smaller).

People across the country are making fun of the idea, so it isn't just the Green Cove-ers. It's just...strange.

I don't disagree that Parks Canada doesn't have other work to do. They've let The Citadel go to hell. But that's still not a good reason to turf this idea. It's like arguments against Halifax Central Library-- "we needed that money for roads! priorities!!".

As for the statute itself, I don't think anyone who has been to Vimy Ridge, walked on those grounds, and stood before Mother Canada, mourning the Canadians buried there: over 10,000-- and meditated on their sacrifice... would *ever* make fun of idea.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by W.Sobchak

McNabs Island seems like a better place, the island as a whole could use some serious TLC and this would be either and excellent finishing piece or kick-start to a forgotten gem of historic importance both for the military and local cultural scene. This statue at the farthest tip of the island facing the mouth of the harbour where over a million people became Canadians, and where we watched over a million Canadians go to war.

Plus it is within the largest city in the province where more travelers stop, ie cruise ships, international travelers, etc. But no... well pork barrel politics and propaganda tend to go hand in hand...

Yes, the CPC have targeted Cape Breton as a potential place for votes, for some reason. I think it's because Cecil Clark, former federal CPC, was elected Mayor of Sydney. Anyways.

[Dmajackson]

My instincts were right. I snapped this photo on HUG yesterday at the South Street Pocket Park. According to an email I received this morning four "Heritage Walk" signs were installed detailing the history of the South and West Ends along the trail.


Photo by Dmajackson a.k.a. Urban_Halifax on Flickr.com

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

My instincts were right. I snapped this photo on HUG yesterday at the South Street Pocket Park. According to an email I received this morning four "Heritage Walk" signs were installed detailing the history of the South and West Ends along the trail.


Photo by Dmajackson a.k.a. Urban_Halifax on Flickr.com

This is good. They should have more heritage signage all over the city.

[coolmillion]

A large, old, ramshackle multi-unit residential building at the corner of Falkland and Creighton streets was gutted a couple of weeks ago and is being fully renovated. I think the ground level corner was originally some kind of business and recently was home to the Roberts Street social centre. Interestingly it seems as though the renovation is preparing for an even greater commercial presence. Giant windows have been installed and it looks like the space would suit some kind of store, cafe or restaurant. Does anyone know what is happening there?

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by coolmillion

A large, old, ramshackle multi-unit residential building at the corner of Falkland and Creighton streets was gutted a couple of weeks ago and is being fully renovated. I think the ground level corner was originally some kind of business and recently was home to the Roberts Street social centre. Interestingly it seems as though the renovation is preparing for an even greater commercial presence. Giant windows have been installed and it looks like the space would suit some kind of store, cafe or restaurant. Does anyone know what is happening there?

I noticed that. The whole thing was basically gutted down to the beams--almost a total rebuild. I bet it was in slightly biohazard-y shape inside, given what it looked like until recently. Curious as well.

[spaustin]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

This is good. They should have more heritage signage all over the city.

Couldn't agree more. I spent a weekend in Savannah Georgia back in February and you can't walk through their Downtown without running into signage. Every block has a story to tell and they do a great job of sharing it. Brings the history and the city to life and it's really not that expensive.

[coolmillion]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

I noticed that. The whole thing was basically gutted down to the beams--almost a total rebuild. I bet it was in slightly biohazard-y shape inside, given what it looked like until recently. Curious as well.

I just walked by and chatted with the owner. He has refurbished a number of places in the neighbourhood. You're right, it's basically almost a total rebuild inside. The commercial space is a "legal non-conforming use" and apparently anything categorized as a "store" is permitted. He has had some interest but nothing yet confirmed. He said to spread the word.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by spaustin

Couldn't agree more. I spent a weekend in Savannah Georgia back in February and you can't walk through their Downtown without running into signage. Every block has a story to tell and they do a great job of sharing it. Brings the history and the city to life and it's really not that expensive.

You see similar stuff in New England, like Boston.

And exactly-- it's not even costly! In a city with so much history on every block, we should have a sign on every block.

But that would require, you know, setting a modicum of money aside for downtown Halifax and Dartmouth, which is always a struggle in our ludicrous HRM Council.

But you know what? If Hendsbee wants heritage signage for Sheet Harbour? Well give it to them. Heritage signage for everyone, everywhere!

(PS still think its extraordinary that Sheet Harbour, which requires a wilderness drive of 1h:40min from City Centre-- is part of the same municipality. It's like including Truro or New Glasgow in HRM).

[Empire]

From the Herald 1983:

[Colin May]

Bousquet was the main reason for the demise of Kelly and it is churlish not give him the credit.
I can list three reasons for the change : 1) The will/estate fiasco, 2) The removal of the protesters from Victoria park, 3) The rock concerts financial shenanigans.
Most of those upset about 2 would not have voted for Kelly anyway. When Mike Savage announced his candidacy there were 11 cranes visible in metro, no cranes were available in eastern Canada and developers were considering bringing cranes from Europe.

Here is a financial perspective of the Kelly years :
Operating surplus 2009/2010 - $3.29 million; 2010/2011 $2.4 million; 2011/2012 $17.8 million; 2012/13 - $15.9 million ( Kelly mayor when the budget was passed and was in office for just over 7 months )

[JET]

Originally Posted by Colin May

Bousquet was the main reason for the demise of Kelly and it is churlish not give him the credit.
I can list three reasons for the change : 1) The will/estate fiasco, 2) The removal of the protesters from Victoria park, 3) The rock concerts financial shenanigans.
Most of those upset about 2 would not have voted for Kelly anyway. When Mike Savage announced his candidacy there were 11 cranes visible in metro, no cranes were available in eastern Canada and developers were considering bringing cranes from Europe.

Here is a financial perspective of the Kelly years :
Operating surplus 2009/2010 - $3.29 million; 2010/2011 $2.4 million; 2011/2012 $17.8 million; 2012/13 - $15.9 million ( Kelly mayor when the budget was passed and was in office for just over 7 months )

Welcome to the forum Colin.

[counterfactual]

I'm reading in ANS some info about Pete's Frootique.

Apparently, the local owned food chain earns something like $20million in sales, with gross profit margins much better than competing chains like Sobeys or Loblaws, including loathsome big boxes like Price Club.

Half of that $20million in sales actually comes out of the downtown location on Dresden Rowe alone. The remaining sales are halved between Bedford/Lower Sackville locations.

Pete's is a fantastic counter-point to all the downtown skeptics and the big box advocates. Locate downtown, provide high quality products and service, and the people will come. He's succeeding despite everything being slanted in favour of big box and sprawl retail.

One day, I'd like to see big box parks to be rotting industrial and retail ghost towns. A late twentieth century mistake based on an outdated mid twentieth century model for growth centered on the suburbs, exurbs, and the automobile.