^^ It is The Ex, not ASD, that needs to move to the west side. ASD basically owns everything east of Race Track Rd and north of the IcePlex, ie the really large parking lot next to the main ASD property.
In terms of The Ex entrance, sure it isn't some amazing architectural wonder both most similar attractions have a similar main entrance. Compare what The EX has on the east side with their tall permanent structure to what they do on the west side with what are basically portapotties with windows. It is also more than just the main entrance though as their office is off to one side of that gate, Exhibition Place was built to face towards the east, other permanent structures are also clustered on the eastern side of The Ex property. There have even been events on The Ex grounds where there have been disputes between the two properties that spill over to impact the public, ie the use of the east side parking lot.
^ Sorry, I meant to say it's a shame that the Ex has to spend money rearranging its site, I corrected my earlier post.
So has this change already happened? I haven't been to the Ex in a few years and at that point you still entered through the east side off the ASD parking lot.
The east gates are underwhelming enough as it is, downgrading to using what amounts to a back entrance on the west side would be even worse. Are there parking lots on the west side?
I had high hopes for when RREA moved the Ex from the parking lots at the old stadium to their own site, but it has barely improved at all over the last 25 years. It's still just a windswept empty lot with a few tin sheds for structures.
I went to a couple of car show events there last year and yes, the Ex has a large gravel parking lot on the west side and some portable gates. They will definitely need better signage as myself and tons of other people tried at first to enter from the ASD side (East).
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"But a city can be smothered by too much reverence for its past. The skyline must keep acquiring new peaks, because the day we consider it complete and untouchable is the day the city begins to die." - Justin Davidson - May 2010 Issue of New York
Yeesh, that's lame. I took a look at a Google Maps satellite view and from what I can see, what little RREA has in the way of structures and landscaping appears to be clustered all around the east gates. The rest is just basically a farm field. Now it will look even dumpier when you're entering the grounds from the west.
Considering this is where RREA is at after 25 years at that site, it is not an encouraging sign.
Eventually the right in-right out on 101 is to be removed. So all access will be coming from Portage Ave. So maybe they'll re-orient the site to come from the west, eventually.
Yeesh, that's lame. I took a look at a Google Maps satellite view and from what I can see, what little RREA has in the way of structures and landscaping appears to be clustered all around the east gates. The rest is just basically a farm field. Now it will look even dumpier when you're entering the grounds from the west.
It's a long, barren walk...that's for sure. One of the days were super windy and it was like being in a Sahara dust storm.
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"But a city can be smothered by too much reverence for its past. The skyline must keep acquiring new peaks, because the day we consider it complete and untouchable is the day the city begins to die." - Justin Davidson - May 2010 Issue of New York
In terms of the RREA (Ex) site the east lot which most people would be familiar with is fully paved. The west lot is something similar to 3/4 down limestone. If it gets wet that parking lot turns into a mess really quickly as the limestone dust gets into the water sitting on the ground and easily transfers to anything coming in contact with it.
In terms of the change to the west side is definitely predates the pandemic. I think it traces back to when Peguis took ownership of the ASD property. I am not sure the what previous arrangement was between RREA and old ASD but some conflict definitely came up and the sides have been at odds since. I only really know as the conflict has bubbled up high enough that the public sees it at times.
Something else that the conflict has caused is the Winter Wonderland lights has people thoroughly confused as they turn into the site on Race Track Rd (east lot) and are redirected on the connecting road (Destination Parkway) to get over the to west lot. As it is dark out it is easy to see the number of vehicles lined up on the connecting road meaning it is far from an isolated occurrence. Until recently the RREA had their main signage at Race Track Rd and over those 25 years lots of people came to know that as the entrance to the site. The shift to Festival Dr in the west is still fairly new.
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Separately, I look at the core of the infrastructure the RREA site has developed. The bulk of it is things like paved areas for vendors and exhibits and permanent washrooms. Going back to the core purpose of the RREA they are an agricultural society. This has long had me thinking leveraging the infrastructure they already have in place they could be the perfect site for a large farmers market to develop and compete with St Norbert or even exceed it. And something like that would be exactly in keeping with their reason to be.
New concrete and steel frame mixed-use proposal (well for now it'll be fully residential since they couldn't find commercial suitors but that's subject to change) at Bridgwater Centre approved by council today.
Surprisingly affordable and once Bison Drive is extended should be quite walkable/bikeable, especially since they'll add an AT route on the northern portion of the site to connect with an existing AT path that goes westward to a retention pond. Nothing special with the design characteristics, but I can live with it since it fits with the "character" of the surrounding context
With this approval, every single lot in Bridgwater Centre has a project in place and should be fully built out within the next couple of years. I am quite excited to see the end result of this area, and this part of Bridgwater will determine if this is the place I want to stay for my future post-graduation (because I desperately need to get away from single-family living lol).
i mean, build a building in a suburban neighbourhood that's primarily $600k+ homes, and it's not going to be hard to look affordable by comparison...
Firstly, it was referring to rents in the area not house prices. According to Zumper the median rent in Waverley West is $1350 so I guess the median rent for this building would be 90% of that so around $1200 per unit. In today’s market that is relatively affordable.
Are there any renderings, photos, drawings for the new residential 14 floor tower being built upon a podium @ St Mary Ave @ Donald St?
Nothing posted I recall.
It didn't need to go for rezoning from discussions in last 10 pages and was talk it was clad in brick. So there's been no images released and it's it's quite project flying under the radar.
It didn't need to go for rezoning from discussions in last 10 pages and was talk it was clad in brick. So there's been no images released and it's it's quite project flying under the radar.
TV said the owner is a low-key guy but that there would be an announcement later with details.
This place at 175 StAnne’s Rd is fully built and currently covered in tarps get the exterior done. It’s built right up to the sidewalk, those are going to be some real dirty windows in Spring lol. All I can see right now is white flat stucco so I sure hope they add the brick like the photo. This adds height to the area.
__________________ just an ordinary Prairie Boy who loves to be in the loop on what is going on
I was really impressed by the way the building orients the street. It is near plenty of services and amenities so it will be quite walkable for residents. St. Anne’s Rd is quite underrated when it comes to density. That whole street is filled with tons of multi-family housing near commercial. If only the infrastructure was better, even just a separated bike lane could add a ton to the area.
I’d even argue it is dense enough to have a rapid-transit lane.
I was really impressed by the way the building orients the street. It is near plenty of services and amenities so it will be quite walkable for residents. St. Anne’s Rd is quite underrated when it comes to density. That whole street is filled with tons of multi-family housing near commercial. If only the infrastructure was better, even just a separated bike lane could add a ton to the area.
I’d even argue it is dense enough to have a rapid-transit lane.
Very true! She ain't the prettiest of streets generally speaking, but she is dense. Wouldn't take too much regarding public realm improvements to make a huge difference there especially along the section between Fermor and Bishop with the huge median. St. Mary's is starting to get that way as well with residential heft.
Looks like work is going on at the old Masonic Temple on Donald.
On the wire mesh site fence there is a banner for an electrical contractor (with new service cable hanging off the wall next to an existing transformer on Ellice) and a banner for what looks like an engineering company. Didn't see any contractor info signs.
As I was driving I could not get names for either of them.
ETA I just checked the city permit page and there were some building permits just issued for this building in the last few days
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