[Mike K.]

This poll replaces the previous poll which did not have vote tracking enabled to ensure voters are Waterloo forumers.

Please remember that this poll is for Waterloo forumers only, please :)

[steve81]

As a Canadian forumer, I say NO. This does not only concern people from Waterloo, it concerns all Canadian forumers.

This is getting ridiculous... which city will request it's own SSP:Local section next? Chibougamau?

Even if you could convince me that it would boost the Waterloo membership, I would still be against this idea. First of all, it should be the other way around... these sections should be created only for locations who needs them. Second, it should only be for metros over 1,000,000. Other than that, it will lead to way to much fragmentation. I don't want to see 10 cities on top of the provincial forums, which are on top of the Canadian threads. Way too much scrolling.

From what I see, Halifax SSP:Local is not justified, a subforum would have done the job. In the case of Ottawa, it is borderline, but justified because of the transit issues. Vancouver is fully justified.

Please, stop this. Make Halifax a subforum, and if people from Waterloo and Hamilton needs a place to group their threads, I'd be happy to see subforums created for them (as long as the volume of threads justifies it).

[jeremy_haak]

I really think a subforum like Toronto's would be better.

[Mike K.]

Steve, the links to SSP:Local forums will be removed once people are aware of them. They're located up top simply to advertise that they are available because this is a new feature.

If you support sub-forums I see little difference between sub-forums being listed atop provincial sections and SSP:Local sections being listed above provincial sections. SSP:Local helps pre-categorize data and then organize threads into easy to navigate sections. It encourages more participation by local forumers and makes finding information on projects easier for newcomers and visitors because it remove the need for mega-threads which are difficult for newcomers and visitors to follow over the long term.

The size of the metro is not relevant to success, either. Halifax is enjoying the setup and it has already encouraged more individuals to participate than before. There are around 20 forumers from Halifax, whereas Toronto only has about a dozen that check the Toronto forum with regularity (according to polls).

Nevertheless, this is not the place for this discussion. This is a discussion for the Waterloo region whether the locals there want the switch so lets not steal the limelight from them.

Btw, if you want this discussion for a Montreal SSP:Local, just let me know.

With respect to Waterloo, let's wait and see what the locals want and then go from there. We may end up waiting a bit on this but we'll see.

[steve81]

Steve, the links to SSP:Local forums will be removed once people are aware of them. They're located up top simply to advertise that they are available because this is a new feature.

I'm OK with it then. Personally though, I think they should try a subforum first. Your poll does not give them that option.

[WaterlooInvestor]

There's definitely enough construction activity in Waterloo to justifiy a SSP:Local:


23 highrises construction/proposed (plus 1 recently finished)
lowrise developments like the Kaufman and Arrow Lofts
2 urban university campuses construction/proposed
new hotels, office space, retail
streetscape improvements, visionary plans (Civic Square, Waterloo Strategic Plan 2007-2010, etc..)
transportation: highways 7, 8, 424, GRT, LRT, GO
culture: a growing festival atmosphere - almost every weekend in the summer


All we need are more people. Here are some points why SSP:Local would allow us to increase our membership:


Right now the Waterloo Region forumers are divided between SSC and SSP. IMO, having our own section would attract some SSC posters here.
Right now posts get lost too quickly in this thread. I posted some UW Pharmacy pictures and they're already pushed back with no comments. In contrast, there has been a few posts over on Urban Toronto: http://urbantoronto.ca/showthread.php?t=7072&page=2 . If we had our own UW Pharmacy thread here, I think we could generate some more discussion. At the very least, I'd PM all the UrbanToronto people who commented in that thread (and also the KWC photo threads flar posted there) to let them know Waterloo Region now has it's own section. They might be interested.
For our transit board, I would let people know on Canadian Public Transportation Discussion Board that we now have a Waterloo Region Transit section here as well. http://www.cptdb.ca/index.php?showtopic=1322 This is where I first read about the proposed iXpress lanes on Highway 8. There's a few people there from Waterloo Region, and I hope some would start posting on our new transit board as well.

[vid]

Like I said, only if you're locking them in there.

And I thought admins could see who voted for what even without the thing turned on?

[WaterlooInvestor]

Like I said, only if you're locking them in there.

I can't wait for a poll to ban use of the word "Intercity".

[Cambridgite]

I'm in the same boat as Jeremy Haak on this one. I do think that we need more organization and that it would also help build our thread on the one hand. At the same time, I'm afraid of what will happen to the Ontario thread. Soon enough, London will want their own SSP:Local. Then, it's Windsor, Niagara Falls, and Northern Ontario. It wouldn't be so bad if we had development news for some of the smaller Ontario cities (Guelph, Brantford, Barrie, Oshawa, etc.), but that doesn't seem to be the case, and I know at least a few forumers from some of these places who tend to participate in the "big city" discussions. So if there were to be the Ontario subforum option, I'd go with that. If not, I'd prefer the SSP:Local over the current development news.

[Mike K.]

If there were to be SSP:L sections, Ontario would always remain. It may be grouped with other provinces at some point, but the provincial sub-forums would stay.

As for having just the city itself as a sub-forum, we did that for Toronto to help brings back TO's forumers. Once more come back, we'll switch to SSP:Local there as well.

And I thought admins could see who voted for what even without the thing turned on?

Nope, only when the option is turned on (at least as far as I know).

[WaterlooInvestor]

In the Ontario forum we'd still discuss: Ontario politics, Ontario Highways, etc.. What about making an Ontario Festival Thread to showcase pictures from the:

http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca/UserFiles/Image/FEOTop50_RGBVIA1.jpg

Also, just because Ottawa, Hamilton and Waterloo would have their own sections, doesn't mean we could never post anything from these cities in the Ontario section. At times there has been a national event that's happened in Waterloo which I've posted in the Canada section. The same thing applies for a provincial announcement.

[Waterlooson]

As evidenced by my moniker, I'm a Waterloo former (even though I haven't lived there for 27 years). ;)

I voted in favour of having an SSP:Local for Waterloo.... because Waterloo Region is a happening place.

[M II A II R II K]

First of all, it should be the other way around... these sections should be created only for locations who needs them. Second, it should only be for metros over 1,000,000. Other than that, it will lead to way to much fragmentation.

I was kinda thinking the same thing, that 1 million should be the ballpark figure with the exception in a case like Halifax since it's the main city in an entire region.

Maybe it would be more worthwhile if this were made into SSP:Local Kitchener/Waterloo instead, might even scoop up more Kitchener forumers in the process.

[Cambridgite]

I was kinda thinking the same thing, that 1 million should be the ballpark figure with the exception in a case like Halifax since it's the main city in an entire region.

Maybe it would be more worthwhile if this were made into SSP:Local Kitchener/Waterloo instead, might even scoop up more Kitchener forumers in the process.

What about SSP: Local Waterloo Region? Kitchener/Waterloo forgets about Cambridge. We're part of your region too :P ....really! And depending on how you define "entire region", we are the largest hub with Wellington County and Brant County included, adding up to a population of 800,000-900,000. We're forcast to grow to 1.2 million by 2031, assuming unrealistic amounts of intensification across the GTA-Hamilton (so it will likely be even higher. Come on...show your support for SSP:Local Waterloo Region...you know you wanna ;)

[M II A II R II K]

That sounds like good numbers, especially to include Cambridge in as well. If it's all in one county that would be a convenient name for it, but if not some name that adequately covers all 3 cities.

[jeremy_haak]

That sounds like good numbers, especially to include Cambridge in as well. If it's all in one county that would be a convenient name for it, but if not some name that adequately covers all 3 cities.

Waterloo Region include Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo, so generally speaking, Waterloo refers to the region as a whole as well, not unlike how Toronto can refer to both the city and the GTA. If you are wondering why the smallest city of the bunch seems to be the namesake of the region, it isn't. The original county was called Waterloo County. Guelph is very close, and there is a lot of traffic between the two areas (in fact, Cambridge is probably just as far from Waterloo as Guelph is), but it has really maintained a distinct identity from Waterloo. The Ministry of Finance predicts that Waterloo Region will have a population of ~700000 by 2031, and Guelph will have a population of ~250000 or so. These sorts of predictions are rarely correct though. Brantford's connection with the region is less strong. There is a connection with Cambridge, but Waterloo Region and Brantford aren't generally thought of as a pairing the same way that Waterloo Region and Guelph are.

I've noticed that there aren't really any members from Guelph here. I wonder if integrating the two into a single Local forum could work, though I think we'd need at least one member from Guelph first. Call it Waterloo/Wellington or something.

[Cambridgite]

Waterloo Region include Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo, so generally speaking, Waterloo refers to the region as a whole as well, not unlike how Toronto can refer to both the city and the GTA. If you are wondering why the smallest city of the bunch seems to be the namesake of the region, it isn't. The original county was called Waterloo County. Guelph is very close, and there is a lot of traffic between the two areas (in fact, Cambridge is probably just as far from Waterloo as Guelph is), but it has really maintained a distinct identity from Waterloo. The Ministry of Finance predicts that Waterloo Region will have a population of ~700000 by 2031, and Guelph will have a population of ~250000 or so. These sorts of predictions are rarely correct though. Brantford's connection with the region is less strong. There is a connection with Cambridge, but Waterloo Region and Brantford aren't generally thought of as a pairing the same way that Waterloo Region and Guelph are.

I've noticed that there aren't really any members from Guelph here. I wonder if integrating the two into a single Local forum could work, though I think we'd need at least one member from Guelph first. Call it Waterloo/Wellington or something.

I agree with your assessment of Brantford being more distant from Waterloo Region. The reason why Brantford is so distant from Kitchener/Waterloo is because people need to drive through all of the Cambridge traffic to get there (no freeways, but see highway 424). Guelph is much closer in relationship. Brantford could as easily be included in the Hamilton region as it could be in Waterloo Region. I would say Brantford's links with Waterloo Region are about as strong as Waterloo Region's links to the GTA. They're there, but perhaps not enough to see them as a single entity. Anyways, it would be great to see them get their own development news, but unfortunately, I don't know of many "urban" developments there. I know Guelph has lots of sprawl in the south end. We could make some references to those places in an SSP:Local for Waterloo Region (i.e. Highway 7 and 424), but otherwise it's hard to include them in much of the discussion.

[M II A II R II K]

Waterloo Region sounds great. And to have 3 seperate forums for each city for development projects, and the other sections to cover all 3.

[Mike K.]

That sounds like a great way to go.

[Cambridgite]

He brings up a good point. If this goes through, we'll need to decide how the structure will be arranged. Because of the region's multi-downtown structure, it wouldn't be entirely appropriate to just have a downtown section and a suburbs section. Splitting up city-core developments into Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge may be the way to go. For the suburbs, we could just have development news from all of the cities into one. Here's the overall structure I was thinking of.

Construction and Land Development

Downtown Cores
-Kitchener
-Waterloo
-Cambridge (incl. Galt, Preston, and Hespeler)

Suburbs

Townships

Universities

^ Under each, we could have an "updates" section, plus threads on the more significant projects (i.e. Barrel Yards, Bauer Lofts, Centre Block, etc.)

And of course....Waterloo Region Renderings/Proposals Thread

Transportation and the Economy

Business and the Economy (WaterlooInvestor could go absolutely nuts with his updates on RIM's stock, lol)

Transportation and Infrastructure

^ for each, we could create various threads under them as we go. For example, Business and the Economy might have threads regarding the Tech sector, struggles in manufacturing, overall trends, etc. Under transportation and infrastructure, we could have our own threads for proposed highways, GRT, LRT, GO transit, etc.

Arts, culture, and entertainment as just a single thread (no division like Vancouver has).

General

General Discussion

Waterloo Region Photos

[Waterlooson]

Waterloo Region sounds great. And to have 3 seperate forums for each city for development projects, and the other sections to cover all 3.

Yes, when I said "Waterloo", I meant "Waterloo Region" or more formally the "Regional Municipality of Waterloo".:tup:


http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/fmFrontPage?OpenForm

[WaterlooInvestor]

I also meant Waterloo Region.

Now, is it just me, or can rapswin! not read? He's voted no in Ottawa, Hamilton and Waterloo ... yet doesn't live in any of those cities. :koko:

(WaterlooInvestor could go absolutely nuts with his updates on RIM's stock, lol)

:haha: Come on, you guys love it. :grouphug: I know I like to post a lot about RIM, Sandvine, BMO etc.. but seriously the economy plays such an important role in the development of a city. Toronto, Dubai and Detroit are all evidence of this.

Construction and Land Development

Downtown Cores
-Kitchener
-Waterloo
-Cambridge (incl. Galt, Preston, and Hespeler)

Suburbs

Townships

Universities

Waterloo Region Renderings/Proposals Thread

Transportation and the Economy

Business and the Economy
Transportation and Infrastructure

Arts, culture, and entertainment as just a single thread (no division like Vancouver has).

General

General Discussion

Waterloo Region Photos

The division of the Construction and Land Development looks good.

What do you think about throwing Politics (Council Size, Regional Reform) and Sports (Memorial Cup 2008 Hosts, CFL Expansion Team for Waterloo?) in somewhere? Perhaps Business, the Economy and Politics? Perhaps Arts, culture, sports and entertainment?

[WaterlooInvestor]

Another plus with SSP:Local is we'll be able to do our own polls and petition campaigns.

[Cambridgite]

What do you think about throwing Politics (Council Size, Regional Reform) and Sports (Memorial Cup 2008 Hosts, CFL Expansion Team for Waterloo?) in somewhere?

I think those could have their own threads under general discussion for the time being. Until we find ourselves talking about any of these broader topics very frequently, I don't see the need for politics and sports to have their own section. Regional reform and the Memorial Cup 2008 would make excellent threads under the general discussions post though! We could also put written documents like the RGMS (Regional Growth Management Strategy) or the Downtown Kitchener design guidelines, etc., under general discussions as well. If we start seeing patterns, maybe we could revisit the idea, but I don't find we talk much about either politics or sports in the current arrangement (excluding the Nashville Predators talk).

[steve81]

Now, is it just me, or can rapswin! not read? He's voted no in Ottawa, Hamilton and Waterloo ... yet doesn't live in any of those cities. :koko:

In my case, I was worried we would see a big list of cities on top of the provinces section, but they are only there for advertising purposes because it's new. This was never clear until I complained about it.

Maybe I'm a bit picky, but could those be removed now? There is no need to have them there, as we will see them on top of the topics in their respective provinces.

[vid]

I can't wait for a poll to ban use of the word "Intercity".

You hate Greyhound too, huh? Intercity bus travel is a bitch.

[Mike K.]

For the respective Waterloo region development threads, for simplicities sake we would split them up into the three regions without separate suburb threads. I think they could manage with a thread each for now and if things got too busy in any of them we could create a suburb sub-forum within their respective development forums. Confusing enough? ;)

This will be a unique SSP:L where we have several cities combined into one so we'll have to experiment a little.

[vid]

Just treat Waterloo RM like a single city, with Kithener, Waterloo and Cambridge as neighbourhoods or boroughs.

[WaterlooInvestor]

I think those could have their own threads under general discussion for the time being. Until we find ourselves talking about any of these broader topics very frequently, I don't see the need for politics and sports to have their own section. Regional reform and the Memorial Cup 2008 would make excellent threads under the general discussions post though! We could also put written documents like the RGMS (Regional Growth Management Strategy) or the Downtown Kitchener design guidelines, etc., under general discussions as well. If we start seeing patterns, maybe we could revisit the idea, but I don't find we talk much about either politics or sports in the current arrangement (excluding the Nashville Predators talk).

Sure, that sounds ok too.

For the respective Waterloo region development threads, for simplicities sake we would split them up into the three regions without separate suburb threads. I think they could manage with a thread each for now and if things got too busy in any of them we could create a suburb sub-forum within their respective development forums. Confusing enough? ;)

This will be a unique SSP:L where we have several cities combined into one so we'll have to experiment a little.

This also sounds ok. IMO, the most important thing is to get this set-up and we can always adjust things later.

[Cambridgite]

For the respective Waterloo region development threads, for simplicities sake we would split them up into the three regions without separate suburb threads. I think they could manage with a thread each for now and if things got too busy in any of them we could create a suburb sub-forum within their respective development forums. Confusing enough? ;)

That may work. At least for now.

This will be a unique SSP:L where we have several cities combined into one so we'll have to experiment a little.

Maybe less unique than you think. Ottawa has Hull across the river. Halifax has Dartmouth on the other side of the Bay. New Westminster is absorbed into the GRVD. Hamilton has Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, and Burlington within its CMA. The GTA has absorbed countless towns. I admit, it would be easier if we had the uni-city urban structure like Calgary though.

[Mike K.]

So could we have one forum called "Waterloo" and one call "Suburbs?"

[Cambridgite]

So could we have one forum called "Waterloo" and one call "Suburbs?"

That doesn't really make any sense though. Kitchener and Cambridge aren't suburbs of Waterloo. If anything, Waterloo is a suburb of Kitchener. Kitchener has long-ago solidified is position as the dominant central city in the region. Development from Kitchener has spilt over the boundaries into Waterloo and what is now Cambridge. The CMA is also named after Kitchener. All of that is beside the point though. I think the single development thread for each city will work fine for now. Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Townships.

[kitchener-lrt]

I think we could use our own local section. Think about it, what's not happening in Waterloo Region?:cool:

[Mike K.]

Ok, so does Kitchener-Waterloo share an urban core of some sort? Could it work as "Kitchener-Waterloo" and then "Suburbs" that would apply to both K and W?

[vid]

Kitchener and Waterloo are like Thunder Bay. One conurbation with two cores (although theirs are only about a kilometre apart, and it's becoming like one long core). Kitchener and Waterloo are pretty much one city with two governments, so it should probably be combined. Cambridge is further south, it's kind of on it's own but also close to KW, sort of like how Mississauga is to Toronto. Somewhat functionally independent but not entirely. KW in one section, then Cambridge and other communities in another. You could probably even get away with tossing Guelph in there, it's just down the street.

[WaterlooInvestor]

Ok, so does Kitchener-Waterloo share an urban core of some sort?

We do, but...

Could it work as "Kitchener-Waterloo" and then "Suburbs" that would apply to both K and W?

... I think this might be unfair to Cambridgite. I see how you want things streamlined, so here's my suggestion:

- Downtown Kitchener, Uptown Waterloo, Galt
- Suburbs, Townships
- Urban, Urban Design and Heritage Issues

As for vid's suggestion to include Guelph - not right now at the start (i'm not even aware of any guelph forumers), but possibly in the future.. we'll see how things go.

[WaterlooInvestor]

It looks like the vote is 6-3 in favour of SSP:Local Waterloo Region

[Mike K.]

Ok, that forum setup works.

[WaterlooInvestor]

Cool, let us know when it's up and running.

[Cambridgite]

Kitchener and Waterloo are like Thunder Bay. One conurbation with two cores (although theirs are only about a kilometre apart, and it's becoming like one long core). Kitchener and Waterloo are pretty much one city with two governments, so it should probably be combined. Cambridge is further south, it's kind of on it's own but also close to KW, sort of like how Mississauga is to Toronto. Somewhat functionally independent but not entirely. KW in one section, then Cambridge and other communities in another. You could probably even get away with tossing Guelph in there, it's just down the street.

I think inter-dependent is the better word, not independent. For example, you COULD live your whole life in Cambridge without ever venturing into KW, but people would look at you like you live in a barn if you've lived here for over a year and never been. Shopping, work, schools, all the basics are here in Cambridge. But KW is so close that it's not really a pain to get there and vice-versa. Despite being able to live here and not venture into KW, Cambridge's economy is very dependent on its surroundings. For example, many tech companies located in Cambridge would not be here without their linkages to Waterloo and Guelph and their associated universities. The auto-industry and other industrial functions would not be successful here without the 401 and proximity to large markets such as the GTA. As far as being like Mississauga is to Toronto, I could see that. Although it has its own little communities, without the major core nearby, there would still be farmland in between.

But back on topic, I think it would be inappropriate to group Cambridge with the townships and not KW. It has far more in common with KW. I like the approach WaterlooInvestor is promoting.

-Downtowns (Kitchener, Waterloo, and Galt)
-Suburbs and townships

[Mike K.]

^that's good.

[WaterlooInvestor]

Cambridgite's proposal is good.

The local vote stands at 7-3 in favour. Are we going to move forward with this then?

[vid]

Is ten votes enough? I'd say wait until 10 people vote in favour of it. If you don't have at least ten participants, don't bother.

[WaterlooInvestor]

Yes because this is about growing our community on here. There's a few KW members on SSC that might be attracted to us having our own section, etc...

It will also help with organization: keeping all our "Bauer Lofts" , "UW Health Sciences Campus" , etc.. posts together. It will be much easier to monitor the progress of each development.

[kitchener-lrt]

Let's go for it.

[Cambridgite]

Yes because this is about growing our community on here. There's a few KW members on SSC that might be attracted to us having our own section, etc...

It will also help with organization: keeping all our "Bauer Lofts" , "UW Health Sciences Campus" , etc.. posts together. It will be much easier to monitor the progress of each development.

I say you invite these people over to SSP and then we can talk. As much as I'd hate to say it, I agree with Vid's logic that you should have at least 10 people voting in favour, even if the "in favour" response is greater than the "not in favour".

[WaterlooInvestor]

I say you invite these people over to SSP and then we can talk.

SSP:Local is supposed to be a catalyst to draw people here. We need that to happen first. The reason most Toronto posters are at SSC is because the local section drew them there. Regardless, I'll try it anyways.

As much as I'd hate to say it, I agree with Vid's logic that you should have at least 10 people voting in favour, even if the "in favour" response is greater than the "not in favour".

Mike said as long as we prefer the Local format, the # of forumers shouldn't really matter. We have 10 votes on here (plus a few people such as Waterlooian4Life still haven't voted) which shows we do have a little community - not bad after only 7 months. It's likely we'll grow again in the next few months, so I'd like to set-up the "infrastructure" (SSP:Local) now in order to organize this growth.

The more I look at the Local sections, the more I like them. If you wanted to look up all the news on the "Regional History Museum" what's easier: the current Mega-Thread? or a dedicated thread in SSP:Local?

Also remember how you and I had a discussion on the location of a new OHL Arena? That discussion is now lost/buried in the Mega-Thread, and as a result we lose feedback from new members as they join the board. If it was it's own thread, we likely could get more opinions on the topic over time.

[vid]

SSP:Local is supposed to be a catalyst to draw people here. We need that to happen first.

Well then, lets start a Thunder Bay section. We need to draw Thunder Bayers here!! And since voting regarding SSP:L is open only to residents of the city in question, the result will be 100% in favour! Case closed!!

See? Your logic is flawed, too. You just need three more people.

[Cambridgite]

It's likely we'll grow again in the next few months, so I'd like to set-up the "infrastructure" (SSP:Local) now in order to organize this growth.

Funny, that's the same stance the MTO takes when building their highways to nowhere.

Also remember how you and I had a discussion on the location of a new OHL Arena? That discussion is now lost/buried in the Mega-Thread, and as a result we lose feedback from new members as they join the board. If it was it's own thread, we likely could get more opinions on the topic over time.

This is an example of why I support the SSP:Local format. However, I think KW has some issues to pan out before we really need it. Sure, we have lots going on in the region, plenty of things to discuss, but the same little circle of people discussing it. Just imagine what this would be like if we put all of these in separate threads... pretty inactive. I say you should tell SSC forumers about the possibility of SSP:Local, see if that entices them to join, and then we can make an informed decision once the new members arrive.

As intermediate steps, we could just create new threads in the Ontario section. I have already created the renderings thread (the most urgent need). Now that Kitchener-lrt has arrived, we are getting more and more information about infrastructure. This is a pretty major one we could isolate as well. We could have more open talks about GRT, LRT, GO, and proposed and U/C highways. And of course, I could create a 'Waterloo Region photo' thread to organize pictures that people have taken around the region, including myself and Flar. I still have lots of photos I haven't organized yet. If the issue is "attracting people" to a more diverse range of topics, these steps could help build membership anyways.

[Cambridgite]

Well then, lets start a Thunder Bay section. We need to draw Thunder Bayers here!! And since voting regarding SSP:L is open only to residents of the city in question, the result will be 100% in favour! Case closed!!

See? Your logic is flawed, too. You just need three more people.

:yes:

Agree with your sentiment 100%. And the 10 person minimum sounds reasonable to me. Nevertheless, it's Mike K who decides exactly how many people we need, not you.

[Mike K.]

Hey everyone,

The admins (I'm not the only one pushing the buttons on these issues ;)) have discussed the issue and feel that perhaps it would be best for communities like KW, even though support is strong to have an SSP:L, to use the Ontario forum for now with TO, Hamilton and Ottawa having moved into separate forums.

What you guys may want to do is start using SSP:L thread naming conventions and begin breaking up discussions into separate threads. We have no problem with opening SSP:L to more communities, but the comments about having a few more members already active here struck a chord.

That being said, are the peeps from SSC willing to come in here and join in on discussions? We'd love to see activity here rise even further through the Ontario forum (which is now your oyster!) and then eventually move on to SSP:L.

[SteelTown]

If you think about it you guys kinda do have the whole Ontario thread to yourself, being the most active group for the Ontario section that is.

[WaterlooInvestor]

Well then, lets start a Thunder Bay section. We need to draw Thunder Bayers here!! And since voting regarding SSP:L is open only to residents of the city in question, the result will be 100% in favour! Case closed!!See? Your logic is flawed, too. You just need three more people.

Don't play games, you're a member at SSC too so you know there's a few Waterloo posters over there.

the comments about having a few more members already active here struck a chord.

How many members do we need? It's 8-3 now: so 11 total.

EDIT: we have another guy too that did post in October, but just hasn't been on this week http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/member.php?u=28826

[vid]

Yes, but still, 11 members is small. Winnipeg has well over 40 members. Calgary and Edmonton combined have at least 120.

Don't play games, you're a member at SSC too so you know there's a few Waterloo posters over there.

Yes, but they probably have profiles here as well and just don't post. What they have in mind with the Local set up is drawing people from elsewhere. Not just skyscraper sites, but other websites not related to SSP or SSC of the smaller ones which have sprung out of them. If all we need is 10 active members to have a Local forum, we would have local forums for Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, RMs of Peel, Halton, Waterloo, and probably even York and Durham, probably Windsor and London, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna would probably just squeeze in, Vancouver and Victoria, and we might even be able to round up enough people for SSP:Local Newfoundland and Northern Ontario. where does it end?

If we segregate KW out of Ontario, that leaves Windsor, London, North Bay and Thunder Bay as the main contributors to the discussion there. And there isn't much going on in these communities. North Bay just got a parking garage with a future shop inside it, and that was their big development for the month! In Thunder Bay, an off-leash dog park made the front page of the newspaper! And London? They have speculation of speculation that they might possibly be possibly getting a hotel, perhaps. The forum would die!

Wait a little while longer. It isn't like the "boom" in Waterloo is going to end without this. You've been given the green light to separate your threads as if there was a local section for now, and should volumes warrant it you will probably get a local section later on. The only downside is you won't have an off topic discussion to yourselves, and you'll have to put up with the occasional thread about Thunder Bay opening a new Boston Pizza.

[WaterlooInvestor]

What you guys may want to do is start using SSP:L thread naming conventions and begin breaking up discussions into separate threads.

If you think about it you guys kinda do have the whole Ontario thread to yourself

You've been given the green light to separate your threads as if there was a local section for now, and should volumes warrant it you will probably get a local section later on. The only downside is you won't have an off topic discussion to yourselves, and you'll have to put up with the occasional thread about Thunder Bay opening a new Boston Pizza.

Ok. For now I've started on some of our most high-profile developments.

[vid]

And considering how boring the Ontario forum is, they'll be on page one for months to come! Heck, they'd probably get more viewers there than stuffed in a corner. :)

[WaterlooInvestor]

True, the threads will probably get more viewers in the Ontario Section, but at the same time there will still be a fair bit of disorganization.

We passed the 10 in favour, as the local vote now stands at 10-3.

[Tri-City Guy]

I'm all for a Waterloo forum. There is a need for Cambridge, Waterloo and Kitchener to be "all under one roof" rather than listed individually as is already the case. The area has come into its own, is growing leaps and bounds - its time for a Waterloo section.

[vid]

True, the threads will probably get more viewers in the Ontario Section, but at the same time there will still be a fair bit of disorganization.

We passed the 10 in favour, as the local vote now stands at 10-3.

That wasn't an official rule!

[WaterlooInvestor]

That wasn't an official rule!

I realize that, but since we had been talking about it anyways I decided to mention it.

I'm all for a Waterloo forum. There is a need for Cambridge, Waterloo and Kitchener to be "all under one roof" rather than listed individually as is already the case. The area has come into its own, is growing leaps and bounds - its time for a Waterloo section.

Welcome to SSP Tri-City Guy. :cheers: I completely agree Waterloo Region needs a SSP:Local format.

The local vote now stands at 11-3 in favour.

[Tibor420]

I decided to put my 2 cents in and vote yes.... i figured ive been lurking long enough.... plus the Ontario board looks F*&^ing ridiculous.

[matt602]

Yes, the Ontario board does look ridiculous now.

[vid]

Yes, the urge to do something like that but for Thunder Bay can only be kept back so long.

"Thunder Bay - House|10m|1 floor|Approved" :D

[flar]

Maybe all these Waterloo project threads should be consolidated into a single thread? No offence WaterlooInvester, but they are really clogging up the Ontario section and are averaging about 0.1 replies, which btw also obviates the need for SSP:L.

[Cambridgite]

^Agreed. I've told him this, but he doesn't seem to get the whole concept of a Waterloo Region Project Discussion Thread (where we can put all of these into) and keeps confusing it with other things. I told him we need to unclutter the board. Where's Mike K when you need him?

[vid]

Maybe all these Waterloo project threads should be consolidated into a single thread? No offence WaterlooInvester, but they are really clogging up the Ontario section and are averaging about 0.1 replies, which btw also obviates the need for SSP:L.

Do you mean to say that lack of traffic in Waterloo related threads means they don't have the capacity for a SSP:Local section??

You, sir, are of a reasonable intelligence, and express a most normal logic! :D One might even say you "get it", if one so chose to.

[Tibor420]

The only real reason i rarely post on any of the three main boards (SSC, SSP, UT) is because of stuff like this..... It embarasses me as a Kitchener native to see some of this stuff being posted.

WaterlooInvestor, please for the love of god bud, ease up.

Sorry bout the rant.

[Cambridgite]

The only real reason i rarely post on any of the three main boards (SSC, SSP, UT) is because of stuff like this..... It embarasses me as a Kitchener native to see some of this stuff being posted.

WaterlooInvestor, please for the love of god bud, ease up.

Sorry bout the rant.

No need to apologize. Sometimes these things have to be said.

[WaterlooInvestor]

No need to apologize. Sometimes these things have to be said.

What exactly was the point of this comment?

The only real reason i rarely post on any of the three main boards (SSC, SSP, UT) is because of stuff like this..... It embarasses me as a Kitchener native to see some of this stuff being posted.
WaterlooInvestor, please for the love of god bud, ease up.
Sorry bout the rant.

Your join date is Sep 2006, 6 months before myself in Mar 2007, yet you had no posts. So explain exactly what you mean by "stuff like this" preventing you from posting? The only thing embarrassing to me as a KW native is that you choose not to post anything regarding the developments happening in this city during those 6 months. Could it really have been so hard to post a Bauer Lofts article?

In terms of the current posts, what of the stuff being posted embarrasses you as a Kitchener native? Is it the City of Kitchener's 2008 Budget or the Frederick Art Walk? If so, each of those topics, and all the others I've posted, are also posted by other cities on here. Is it the fact that there are now 30+ Waterloo Region threads? If so this was given the ok by a mod and 2 other high-profile Ontario forumers. Although as I previously said, there should be a folder or SPP:Local to put all these threads in.

[WaterlooInvestor]

Maybe all these Waterloo project threads should be consolidated into a single thread? No offence WaterlooInvester, but they are really clogging up the Ontario section and are averaging about 0.1 replies, which btw also obviates the need for SSP:L.

Do you mean to say that lack of traffic in Waterloo related threads means they don't have the capacity for a SSP:Local section??

Having a seperate thread for each project helps with organization. As an example, it will be easy follow the development of the Centre Block from start to finish. You can't do this in a 'mega-thread' with relevant posts on #324, 644, 689, 690, 859-880, 1042, 1056-1060, 1444, 1521, etc... etc...

At this point there hasn't really been any new news in most of threads and therefore no real material to discuss. That doesn't mean discussions haven't taken place previously in the 'mega-thread', such as on the aesthetics of Andy's Apartments - just why are we going to redo those discussions again?

That said, I acknowledge there still is a smaller amount of traffic in the Waterloo section, but it's hoped with a Local section this will change. I've already messaged a few people on SSC and two have now voted yes. They see this as a good idea and, with this format, will probably post more on SSP in the future.

The fact is a large skyscraper (for this purpose 10fl or 30m +) boom is happening in Waterloo Region, and this is a perfect time to gain some members with the right set-up. This is the same type of reason, but on a much smaller scale, a Toronto local section was set-up. Why wouldn't SSP want at least the Top 10 largest Canadian Metros represented with a local section? (although it looks like Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec City and Winnipeg won't be)

Also, it's not as though a local folder or SSP:Local costs any money to set-up. So if locals are voting for some type of upgrade, I don't understand what the problem is?

[waterloowarrior]

Your join date is Sep 2006, 6 months before myself in Mar 2007, yet you had no posts. So explain exactly what you mean by "stuff like this" preventing you from posting? The only thing embarrassing to me as a KW native is that you choose not to post anything regarding the developments happening in this city during those 6 months. Could it really have been so hard to post a Bauer Lofts article?



:???::???::???::shrug:
ummm... I think that's a bit over the top.

[Tibor420]

What exactly was the point of this comment?



Your join date is Sep 2006, 6 months before myself in Mar 2007, yet you had no posts. So explain exactly what you mean by "stuff like this" preventing you from posting? The only thing embarrassing to me as a KW native is that you choose not to post anything regarding the developments happening in this city during those 6 months. Could it really have been so hard to post a Bauer Lofts article?

In terms of the current posts, what of the stuff being posted embarrasses you as a Kitchener native? Is it the City of Kitchener's 2008 Budget or the Frederick Art Walk? If so, each of those topics, and all the others I've posted, are also posted by other cities on here. Is it the fact that there are now 30+ Waterloo Region threads? If so this was given the ok by a mod and 2 other high-profile Ontario forumers. Although as I previously said, there should be a folder or SPP:Local to put all these threads in.

See this is what I mean.... don't get me wrong, i'm grateful that you supply all these articles and have such an interest in the community, but you just proved my point... I'm just suggesting for you to EASE UP.

I voted yes, but I don't believe we have, or will get, the traffic you've suggested in a SSP:Local thread. But by taking over the whole Ontario section just to push your agenda is not only embarassing to you, but to everyone in the Ontario thread (especially us fellow locals), and im pretty sure many people will agree.You easily could have waited to see the results of this vote, but you decided to pretty much "hijack" the Ontario thread beforehand.

That said, I appreciate your passion for this community, but seriously bud, lately i've seen you start "hocking" Waterloo in threads (on numerous boards) with limited connections, if any, with the region. Waterloo region does not need to be brought up in every thread.

BTW, I've actually been a member since 2002 on here and SSC, just my previous accounts were abandoned. I haven't added anything because I just enjoy seeing (not really discussing) how my community is evolving, plus a very hectic life is taking up most of my time thank you very much.

End of rant 2

P.S. sweetheart i doubled my posts just for you...;)

[Cambridgite]

But by taking over the whole Ontario section just to push your agenda is not only embarassing to you, but to everyone in the Ontario thread (especially us fellow locals), and im pretty sure many people will agree.

Aye!

[HAMRetrofit]

WaterlooInvestor's extreme provincialism makes the Waterloo Region Threads incredibly unenjoyable and quite predictable. I have since stopped posting or viewing Waterloo related threads. Are there any others that feel this way?

[MolsonExport]

clears throat

[MolsonExport]

Yes, the urge to do something like that but for Thunder Bay can only be kept back so long.

"Thunder Bay - House|10m|1 floor|Approved" :D

:jester:

Haha! That's actually quite funny!

[ilford]

This is getting ridiculous... which city will request it's own SSP:Local section next? Chibougamau?

If this place Chibougamau has enough projects and enough interest in those projects then it only makes sense to have an organized Chibougamau section.

Consider: Victoria's forum (now separate from SSP) is tracking more than 100 major projects and proposals, including a few dozen highrise projects. There were maybe 20 regular posters and 20 casuals at SSP, whereas there are more than 400 registered users at the new site.

There's no question that the new format has been a bigger draw.

[Blitz]

Why in the hell has the Ontario forum been allowed to be flooded with Waterloo crap? Back in my day, a forumer would be banned or suspended for doing such a thing.

[Tony]

I believe the final decision at this time is "No for now".

I would have probably voted yes, but someone's spamming of the Ontario forum just says to me a local forum for K-W hasn't really shall we say "matured" yet into something feasible.