[HaliStreaks]

After a jaunt over to Russel Lake West on Wednesday night with Wishblade, it seems as though they are making quite a good amount of progress on the whole subdivision overall, although I must say we were both rather impressed with the retail portion of the new area.

The Sobeys is coming along very well, as is the Kent, there is a sign up for the development of what seems to be a very small, community oriented version of Dartmouth Crossing called Millstone Square at Russel Lake, it looks like that shopping centre will be filling in the space between the Sobeys and the Kent. There is also a sign up for a BMO that says it'll be open in the fall.

Here are some photos:

Sobeys from the entrance off Baker Drive:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLW3.jpg
(and Sobeys & downtown)
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLW1.jpg

Kent from the same entrance:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLW2.jpg

Millstone Square sign along Baker Drive:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLW4.jpg

BMO Sign along Baker Drive:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLW5.jpg

[Keith P.]

I'm glad you posted these. I was over there Friday and intended to take some pictures until I realized my camera wasn't in the car. I was going to go over again today but now I don't need to.

My visit Friday was my first time there and I was astounded at the scope of the development. Not that it is particularly huge by some standards but I had heard next to nothing about it and had never seen it previously, so it was a surprise to see so much there so quickly. I don't know how long the residential component has been occupied but it already had groups of teens hanging out in certain spots, smoking and hanging around, while occupants of the residences looked on disdainfully. There is still a fair amount of land there that will presumably be developed. It is the typical suburban lifestyle for better or worse. One thing I noted was a fair number of multi-unit buildings in one area which hopefully will not become another Highfield Park.

The Sobeys appears to be close to opening while the Kent is a bit behind that. I expect that Sobeys to do very well.

[HaliStreaks]

One thing I noted was a fair number of multi-unit buildings in one area which hopefully will not become another Highfield Park.


There are several condo buildings down towards the big car dealership, then there is the retirement complex, which was probably the set of matching 3 buildings you saw. Other than those 3, I think there are only 2 existing condo complexes, and the one on the road along Russel Lake I think is going to have a second complex added into it (right along Baker Drive) I'll keep everyone updated on that too. Also along Baker Dr. across from Honda, they are building another small retail building, probably 4 or 5 slots (more to come with that as it develops). I've got a few shots of the residential segment of RLW that I will be posting here as soon as I upload them from the camera!

[worldlyhaligonian]

Wow, the shots with downtown in the distance are impressive... makes Halifax look like a large city from afar.

Looking at this area on google maps, its clear that the city is filling out quite nicely... almost looks like the map on GTA 4.

[Dmajackson]

Russell Lake West is one big development by Clayton Devlopment Limited. This company is responible for other areas as Bedford South, Clayton Park West, and nearby Portland Hills. For anyone not familiar with the area heres the website; http://www.claytondev.com/russellsiteplanslots.html.

[HaliStreaks]

This area is also the gateway to if they ever get around to dealing with Shearwater, as it has the main intersection to the connector that will eventually run out that way- and will connect to existing Mount Hope Ave in the Woodside Ind. Park. That whole area has a ton of potential and I can't wait to see it grow!

[terrynorthend]

Sure it is. Except the feds recently reneged on the offer to sell Shearwater through the Canada Lands Company. Apparently the Military wants to keep their options open in this "uncertain" world. One of the original thoughts was basing a rapid reaction force (combined army/navy) with airborne and amphibious capabilities out of Shearwater; its airstrip and dockside facilities are considered ideal for this.

Now I have nothing against this use of the land. I think it would be great if Canada based our new "Marines" out of Halifax, in fact I was hoping for an announcement to this effect when the PM was recently in town. No dice -go figure. I'd also be happy to see mixed use civilian development here. I really don't care.

The problem is, I know how this works. 2008 - The government thinks it may, at some time in the future, want to use this land and wont sell it. Therefore private interests cannot use and develop it. The land sits empty. 2012 - The government thinks it may, at some time in the future, want to use this land and wont sell it. Therefore private interests cannot use and develop it. The land sits empty. 2016 - well, you get the picture...

[Wishblade]

http://www.cbre.ca/EN/Our+Offices/Nova+Scotia/Halifax/Property+Profile/RussellLake/

website that shows some info on the retail portion of russell lake west

[Dmajackson]

Looking at the street names on that map it looks like Portland Estates Blvd is supposed to go parrallel to Mount Hope which seems strange to me. Why not just combine the two? It would give more land to develop and get more traffic on those roads (retail roads). Anyone know how the interchange and residental areas are coming along?

[hfx_chris]

The problem is, I know how this works. 2008 - The government thinks it may, at some time in the future, want to use this land and wont sell it. Therefore private interests cannot use and develop it. The land sits empty. 2012 - The government thinks it may, at some time in the future, want to use this land and wont sell it. Therefore private interests cannot use and develop it. The land sits empty. 2016 - well, you get the picture...
I know it seems weird, but personally I would much prefer to see the government retain the airfield as much as possible, even though it would take them years to actually do anything with the land.

Just so we're all clear on a few things, I did up a map in Google Maps:

Map (http://local.google.ca/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=108164844284702764252.00044d9ebd2bd788dc606&ll=44.63962,-63.50029&spn=0.020826,0.040169&t=k&z=15)

The blue line is the former runway 16/34, the long runway. This has been closed for a few years now (same time the air show moved to HIAA)

The red line is the former runway 10/28. The section in the purple box is where they're building new helicopter support buildings and hangars, repair bays, etc.
10/28 is supposedly still open, although much shorter, and is not used for fixed-wing aircraft anymore; apparently it's just used for helicopters.

The green line is the former 16R/34L runway, closed many many years ago. This is supposed to be resurfaced and reopened as the new 16/34 runway, to be used for fixed wing aircraft. The old 16/34 (in blue) is the parcel of land that's been sold to Canada Lands. This is the runway DND is considering buying back.

Where I get confused, is that the Wikipedia article says runway 16/34 is already been resurfaced and reopened. But last time I was on the base, I saw the construction crews doing the resurfacing, and it looked to me like they were working on the blue line, not the green line (referring to the lines on my map). So to tell the truth, I have no idea what's going on there. I wish I could get a birds eye view...actually, you can, from the Caldwell Road area. I should investigate...

[someone123]

It would be nice to develop the Shearwater lands I guess but at the end of the day I don't think it makes much difference. There is tons of land available in Dartmouth.

[HaliStreaks]

Anyone know how the interchange and residental areas are coming along?

Ask, and you shall be rewarded my friend...

Russel Lake West's current status (as of today!)
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/Halifax/RusselLakeWestProgresscopy.jpg

Green is what is currently developed (Sobeys and Kent will be opening soon, and that millstone sq. place is going to go right in the middle)

Blue is what is under construction (the condo to the left, its land plot has been cleared and leveled in the last week)

Red is what is just clearcut trees at the moment, the road stops where the blue and red meet (photos below) and they will soon be extended.

The interchange itself is done, has been for about a year now- it is still technically Mount Hope Ave. even thought it doesn't connect to anything on the Woodside side yet, there is the post bases and control relay box for a set of lights when it is connected into the Woodside Ind. Park.

Now for the Residential portion!

Where the road stops along the waterside of the development:
(Isn't it great?, you'll be able to look across the lake at other people with expensive houses and condos!)
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/Halifax/RLW6.jpg

Looking along the road that connects to Baker Dr.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/Halifax/RLW9.jpg

Looking up the hill from the lakeside road, it will eventually go up and connect to the extended Portland Estates Blvd:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/Halifax/RLW8.jpg

The area that has just recently been clearcut for the continuation of the road along the lake:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/Halifax/RLW11.jpg

Pano looking from the entrance to the retail area near sobeys, looking up the hill to the top road in the development (Cloverfield Court has the rowhouses) with Baker Drive running along the bottom of the image:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/Halifax/russellakepano.jpg

Hope this keeps everyone tied over till more happens up there! lol
(All photos by me)

[Dmajackson]

Nice pictures! Thanks it really helps to have a visual image of the whole development.

[Spitfire75]

Here's a Google Earth overlay (like I made for the Ravines).
Go to this link (http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=1174060&page=0&vc=1#Post1174060) and click 'View in Google Earth'.

You can adjust the transparency and see the Highway doesn't line up exactly, but everything else does.

[hfx_chris]

You can also click view in google maps, if you don't use google earth...

[Spitfire75]

I was having problems with the google maps link. At home it just displayed the image, no map behind it. And at work it just plops it square on the map, it doesn't line it up or anything.

[hfx_chris]

I was having problems with the google maps link. At home it just displayed the image, no map behind it. And at work it just plops it square on the map, it doesn't line it up or anything.

Ah, that's what that was... I thought you just sucked at positioning the map, but I didn't want to say anything :tup:

[HaliStreaks]

I just got a call from Sobeys. I've just been hired at the new Russel Lake store, I'll let everyone know what the place is like when we finally get to go in there before it opens up!!

[hfx_chris]

Congratulations!

It's quite amazing when you think about this; pretty soon, we're going to have 3 brand new Sobeys stores within spitting range of each other.
In fact, if you stand on the new Penhorn store, you'll probably be able to see both the new Russel Lake and Tacoma stores from that location!

[HaliStreaks]

Well, it seemed today was a successful opening in the new Sobeys in Russell Lake, insane crazy, you'd swear there wasn't another grocery store in the entire city. :yuck: I was run off my feet!

Kent has successfully opened as well!

Construction updates:

Right across Baker Dr. from the Honda and the huge oregans dealership, a new small retail building is going in, foundations are down, and backfilled, and the structures frame is now starting to go up as well.

The new section of Freshwater Trail (the road along the lake) is going along well and should be opening up more sections of the community soon as well.

A second condo building in the complex right on the corner of Freshwater Trail and Baker Drive, the crane is being put up now (pictures will come soon!)

Just up from the corner of Baker Drive and Freshwater Tr, across from the condo building along the hill, they are starting to clear out a new section of the hill (right next to the circ) for another condo building.

In the retail section, the BMO building framework is erected now and the rest I'm sure will follow quickly (they are supposed to open in the fall)

Last but not least, the foundations for Millstone Sq. (between Sobeys and Kent) have been laid, and they should be starting the framework for that building as well.

Phew, I think that is all for now, I'll post some photos when I decide to drag my camera to work with me!

[HaliStreaks]

Little bit of construction news from Russell Lake just to let everyone know what is going on:

Millstone Square shopping plaza has now begun construction, the building frame is going up and it looks as though it will be quite a nice little shopping centre when it's done. (2, maybe 3 floors on segments... or a 3 story clock tower type thing?)

The building at the bottom of Baker Drive (just up and across from the Oregans car mall is coming along well too, they are already on the second floor.

Ground clearing & levelling to prep the site on Baker Drive beside Kent and the circ for building construction. I was speaking to the construction guys on my way to work the other day, site is going to be (I quote directly) "a really big apartment building". So we should expect to see a crane up alongside the highway relatively soon.

The lot directly across from that on the other side of Baker Drive is now for sale, zoned for a big condo/apartment complex, should go quickly as the other sites on that street zoned for the same barely lasted 2 weeks.

The intersection along Baker Drive and what will be the other end of Portland Estates Blvd. eventually.... work has begun on clearing way for the actual road around the lake, water pipes, sewage and nat. gas guys have been there all week making their way clearing the woods and putting in/prepping for services.

Not sure how the status of construction is along the road along the lake is going, its been a while since I've been down there, my daily walk is along baker from Sobeys to Portland :haha: I will be heading out this afternoon (hopefully) for photos to keep everyone updated!!! (Woo day off!!!:haha: )

[Jonovision]

Thanks for the update. Even though I live relatively close I don't get out that way much.

[HaliStreaks]

Photos as promised!!!

Millstone Sq. as seen from the Sobeys parking lot, circ on the left (it is going to extend all the way over to the side of kent where the unfinished wall is):
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWJuly_007.jpg

BMO progress:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWJuly_005.jpg

Couple of the new condo/apartment building on the corner of Baker Dr. and Freshwater Trail:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWJuly_001.jpg

...a little closer...
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWJuly_002.jpg

More street extention to the current end of Freshwater:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWJuly_004.jpg

The view from the entrance to the new condo project along Baker (with the crane from the other in the background :haha:):
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWJuly_008.jpg

Guys beginning work on the foundation:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWJuly_009.jpg

Pano of the new site under construction to give some scale:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWPan.jpg

Squished houses along one of the streets off Baker:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWJuly_006.jpg

Best for last, I just really like this image!:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/RLWJuly_003.jpg

All photos taken by me!

[HaliStreaks]

Update from the Russell Lake area of Dartmouth!

Considering I'm up there every day I can't believe it's been almost a year since a post in this thread!

here is a colour marked map of the progress as of today:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3598767581_1d578cc98c_o.jpg

Green - open & complete

Blue - Under contruction

(As a note- there has been changes.. mainly additions, to the layout of the buildings-to-be along Baker Drive/Basswood Trail, opposite to Sobeys/Kent)
_______________________________________________________________

Residential Portion

The condo building at the bottom of Baker Drive which was under construction for the last year has opened in the last week, a steady flow (and even line ups :haha:) of moving vans have been in and out constantly on a daily basis. People are in there, I was speaking with some residents on the way to work and they say it is a lovely building, solid, quiet and well built. Well, I assured them they've got a good spot as I walked past several times weekly since the building's construction!

The area will also see a new crane up very VERY soon... as in... probably next week!!!... The condo building near the lake (shaded in blue) is very close to starting. While at work this evening I saw many trucks going by with red framework on it, wondering what it was, it clicked that it was the pieces of a tower crane... I double checked on the way home, and yes, indeed they are parked on the site, and several out on the road. So keep your eyes open for that.

The condo building midway along Baker Dr. (beside the circ marked in blue) is well on it's way, the exterior is pretty well finished aside from some asthstetic touches and they've been increasingly busy inside lately. This building is identical to "The Wexford", at the bottom of the hill on Baker, save for a few small things like a covered entrance and siding colour

The bottom of the area, along the lake on Freshwater Trail has been coming along nicely, the road has been extended as far as it will go, and houses are popping up along it.

The Road between Freshwater and Basswood (running parallel to Mount Hope), Peachtree Ave. is complete, a couple foundations so far, again, typical clayton style... everything is flattened and levelled off... but it'll look nice once filled in..

Basswood is complete up to the green mark on the map, with site prep at a couple locations along it... so we may see something happening in there soon?

There has also been work going on on the large site behind my Sobeys on the opposite side of Mount Hope Ave, site prep...clearing? I have no idea, but they've been busy.

Now onto the retail portion!

Sobeys, still going strong and has been increasingly busy since the Woodside store closed in February. (it's also the #1 Sobeys in the Atlantic & Eastern regions when it comes to customer service, appearance, quality... basically everything! - just thought I should add that :haha: :tup: ) Kent is still pulling strong and getting busier as well.

As for Millstone Square, the building is complete, I beleive the upper floor is Clayton's area offices... or some other office, it's about half of the upper floor of the entire building. Now for some tennants! Sam's Seafood Bar & Grill is going in the unit directly beside Kent- I was talking with the owners at the Tacoma location the other day at supper and the Russell Lake location is set to open in the next couple of weeks to a month, There is another restaurant going in on the opposite end of the building "It's All Greek To Me!" said to be opening this summer... but I haven't seen any work recetly... so I am thinking it is going to be more towards fall. I am understanding Starbucks is still going to be a tenant in the retail area as well. Not sure what else yet- but I shall keep everyone posted.

----------------------------------------

Phew- well, enjoy everyone, long read, but it's a whole years worth of updates! I'll post some photos when I am up that way with my camera!

Also could I request this thread be renamed just Russell Lake West- as the retail portion is just another portion of the whole development. Thanks! :)

[HaliStreaks]

The crane I saw going along Baker Drive in pieces yesterday was indeed headed for the lot just off of Freshwater Trail! They put it all up today save for the front of the boom and the counterweights!

[Dmajackson]

New homes selling despite hard times
Residential sales in Dartmouth’s Russell Lake West ahead of schedule, says Clayton’s Greenwood
By BRUCE ERSKINE Staff Reporter
Mon. Oct 12 - 4:46 AM

DARTMOUTH — Quality will out, even in tough economic times, says Peter Greenwood, vice-president of real estate services with Clayton Developments Ltd., builders of the Russell Lake West community in Dartmouth.

"We’ve been pleasantly surprised," he said in a recent interview when asked if the recession had slowed Clayton’s 109-hectare mixed-residential development off Highway 111 between Portland and Pleasant streets.

"We expected a downturn, but it’s been minimal," he said. "It’s well ahead of schedule."

Russell Lake West, which broke ground in 2005 on a hill overlooking the lake, is three-quarters complete and will include more than 400 town homes and single-family dwellings when it is finished in 2013, said Greenwood.

"We’ve sold a lot," he said, noting that the success of the development in a global recession speaks to its prime location, its proximity to major arterial routes and the quality and variety of the housing there, including accommodations for seniors.

The development includes property earmarked for a school, but Greenwood said Clayton has received no word from the Halifax regional school board about whether it plans to build one.

"It’s up to the school board to tell us," he said.

Clayton sold the land containing the nearby Millstone Square retail and commercial development to Westwood Developments Ltd., said Greenwood.

Millstone Square has Sobeys and Kent Building Supplies outlets that opened about a year ago, said Westwood principal Danny Chedrawe.

The complex also includes a new It’s All Greek to Me restaurant, the first in Dartmouth, as well as dental, dry cleaning and bakery tenants.

"It’s been very positive," said Chedrawe in an interview.

He said half of Millstone’s office space has been leased and the next phase will include a medical centre that will house a main floor Lawtons drug store and upstairs doctors’ offices.

Chedrawe said the redeveloped Moirs property on Pleasant Street near the intersection of Highway 111, which is anchored by Value Village, a used clothing and furniture outlet, doesn’t compete directly with Millstone Square for Russell Lake business.

"We’re closer to the (Russell Lake West) residential development," he said.

Greenwood agreed, noting that Millstone is different from the Moirs development and has synergies with Russell Lake West.

Greenwood said he didn’t know what, if any, development might take place on the land south of Russell Lake West, which is controlled by the Department of National Defence.

( berskine@herald.ca )

[HaliStreaks]

Russell Lake developer wants to add apartment buildings

By BILL POWER Business Reporter
Sat. May 8 - 4:53 AM
Clayton Developments Ltd. wants to reconfigure the final stage of its Russell Lake West development.

The developer is seeking permission to build apartment buildings at a location previously set aside for a school, Joseph Driscoll, a senior planner with Halifax Regional Municipality, said Friday.

"The reconfiguration also adds a little more parkland to the area, so there could be a proper entrance off Basswood Run and a wider walkway to the lake," he said.

The developer is also seeking to amend the city’s municipal planning strategy and an existing development agreement to allow for a mix of changes in housing types and lot layouts.

"This is just the logistics resulting from the decision of the school board and the province not to take the land to use for a school," said Mike Hanusiak, general manager and senior vice-president at Clayton.

Russell Lake West is a community under development in Dartmouth. The 109-hectare, mixed-residential community is located just off Highway 111 between Portland and Pleasant streets.

"It adds up to a marginal increase in population density which blends nicely with existing development in the area," said Coun. Bill Karsten (Portland-East Woodlawn).

The councillor said it was disappointing the Education Department did not act on the municipality’s effort to retain a block of land off Basswood Run for a junior high school.

"The department has indicated it does not buy land for schools based on future growth projections," Karsten said. "The developer originally agreed to set aside this block for a school for five years and this holding period has expired."

The councillor said changes proposed by the developer will likely proceed to a formal public hearing within the next few weeks. A public information meeting is part of the process. It will be held on Monday at Portland Estates Elementary School, 45 Portland Hills Dr. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Karsten also said negotiations are continuing between the city and the Department of National Defence for a road across land owned by the military that would connect with the new Highway 111 connector.

"This is a critical component of ongoing development in this area," he said.

Clayton Developments is anticipating a spring 2011 construction start for some lots in the final phase of Russell Lake West, with initial residential units being available in the fall.

( bpower@herald.ca)

Haven't really had a chance to pay much attention to this thread as my life was pretty much being eaten by finishing college up for good and working pretty much almost every waking minute of my life for the past couple of weeks...

Russell Lake West thread revival! Construction is starting up closer to the highway now on the area right across from Sobeys and Kent, will get a little diagram up in a little bit!

[halifaxboyns]

Russel Lake looks like a pretty reasonable start to some mixed use communities in HRM - not great, but good start. Probably slightly higher in density would be better (taller condos in the 6 to 10 storey range - especially considering the distance to Woodside Ferry). But that's just my opinion.

My only dislike with typical commercial like this is that there are huge expanses of parking. I'd like to see more thought put into how the commercial is developed and push the buildings closer to the property line at the street and hide the parking behind the buildings. So for a site like Kent, I'd like to see the commercial buildings wrap around the exterior of the property while the parking is all centred and not easily visible.

[HaliStreaks]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/Patrick_Helliwell/Halifax/RLWMAY2010.jpg

Alright! Here it seems is my pre-summer update for Russell Lake West!

pink=complete
blue = U/C

Red = the land usage change that Clayton wants to have done to accomodate a bunch of condos/apartments instead of the school idea, since the school board has sat quietly for 5 years about the land without even a murmur.

The blue block on the right of the image containing the 3 condo buildings is a very active site right now, grading and excavation has been going on for the past couple of weeks on the area I've circled in white, and what grabbed my attention was the cement trucks at the site in the last couple of days, pouring below grade. When I was on my way to work this afternoon I noticed a mobile crane on site, and what appears to be the first bottom few segments of another tower crane. These guys don't often work on sundays, but I work bright and early Monday morning and will let everyone know about that, I'm curious to know how tall it('s) (and the other 2) are going to be.

The small building (top left on the map) is basically complete on the outside, just some finishing and brickwork to be completed, I spoke with one of the crew when walking down the hill last week and it'll be move-in ready by the summer.

Other rumors floating around about the area (as like anywhere around here some of them are pretty ridiculous) for the shopping area directly adjacent to Sobeys, a second cup or starbucks is the most common thing I've been hearing (shameful, no tim hortons!) as well as across from kent, a 2 story office/community medical clinic. Across Baker Dr. between the current condo construction site and the road I'm pretty sure I've heard a confirmed "small shopping plaza" type deal (one of the crazy rumors I heard about that site was a small wal-mart). Across Mt. Hope Ave (behind Sobeys) the only thing I'm sure about so far is that there is going to be an Irving gas station.

I'll be bringing my camera up that way hopefully Monday and will be able to snag a couple shots when off work.

Also- I'd like to request the thread to be named just Russell Lake West as this community is expanding so much now. Thanks!

[someone123]

Russel Lake looks like a pretty reasonable start to some mixed use communities in HRM - not great, but good start. Probably slightly higher in density would be better (taller condos in the 6 to 10 storey range - especially considering the distance to Woodside Ferry). But that's just my opinion.

Yeah, it's not great, but it's better than some alternatives. Something else to keep in mind is that the metro area has really been "filling in" lately rather than sprawling out. Even though this is suburban it's better than starting up a new Sackville or Fall River. I wouldn't mind seeing some more growth concentrated in this area, particularly if there is a new third bridge. It would also be possible to open up areas south of Halifax to more development (Spryfield etc.). Right now they don't have very good transportation connections.

This has probably been answered somewhere, but does anybody know the status of the remaining forested land just inside the Circumferential in Dartmouth, at the end of Mount Hope Ave?

[Jonovision]

A crane going up in the area today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3831.jpg?t=1276532037

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3832.jpg?t=1276532064

[miesh111]

The building that is going up will be 4 stories, approx 80 units. The crane is going up to acomodate the large floor plan and concrete construction of the building.

This is the developers first shot at somthing this scale, so keep you eye on this one, as they will be doing two more up there once this is complete.

[Jstaleness]

As seen from the previous pics this crane is highly visible from most of downtown Halifax. Hard to see when those Nasty "tall" buildings get in the way though. :hell:

[Dmajackson]

Here's a zoomed in photo of the crane from the boardwalk;

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1166/4721409375_892b2662b8_b.jpg

Also I spotted this just to left of the crane. It could be in Mount Pleasant Industrial park or Russell Lake;

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1045/4721416053_3cd85cec57_b.jpg

[hfx_chris]

Also I spotted this just to left of the crane. It could be in Mount Pleasant Industrial park or Russell Lake;
It's on the NS hospital, I think they were lifting something onto the roof.

[Jstaleness]

A few quick shots from my phone today. I'm not sure what the second shot will be. It used to have a sign I think before Earl.

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/IMG00213.jpg
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/IMG00214.jpg

[Northend Guy]

I am fairly certain this is a new Lawton's Store with some doctor's offices on the second floor.

[Jstaleness]

I am fairly certain this is a new Lawton's Store with some doctor's offices on the second floor.

Another Lawtons! Wow! This one looks smaller than the most recently completed ones. With the one on Main St it wouldn't have to be that big I suppose.

[macgregor]

Here it is:

Details: Opening Spring 2011

Location: Located in HRM's Fastest Growing Residential community and only minutes from the Dartmouth General Hospital and the NSCC.

Parking Lot: Well lit parking area, an abundance of free parking, with 10 foot wide parking stalls and easy on-site traffic flow with many access points

Features: A two storey, 26,000 square feet medical centre with Lawtons Drug Store on the ground floor (13,000 sq. ft.) and other medical related medical services on the second floor (13,000 sq. ft.)

The Medical Centre has excellent access to the 111 highway and is only minutes to Burnside Industrial Park, Woodside Industrial Park, Halifax Bridge and the Ferry Terminal.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af65/macgregor10/Screenshot2010-09-24at61734PM.png

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af65/macgregor10/Screenshot2010-09-24at61719PM.png

Source: westwoodgroup.ca

[Dmajackson]

HRM staff back change to Clayton project
School board doesn’t want Dartmouth site
By BRUCE ERSKINE Business Reporter
Wed, Nov 17 - 4:54 AM

Halifax Regional Municipality staff is backing Clayton Developments Ltd.’s application to remodel its Russell Lake West development in Dartmouth.

"We recommended it," said HRM planner Joseph Driscoll in an interview Tuesday.

The recommendation to amend the municipal planning strategy and the Russell Lake West development agreement had a first reading at regional council Tuesday.

It will likely be the subject of a joint public hearing with the Harbour East community council in December, Driscoll said.

Municipal staff concluded that Clayton’s application to allow it to build apartments on Russell Lake West land, set aside for a school, was "consistent" with the strategy and "reasonable" since Halifax regional school board doesn’t plan to build there.

"The school board doesn’t want the site," said Driscoll, who noted that municipal policy allowed Clayton to apply to develop the land after the board backed out.

Under the original development agreement, Clayton planned to build 186 dwelling units in the final phase of Russell Lake West, a 109-hectare, mixed-residential community located off Highway 111 between Portland and Pleasant streets.

Under the amendment proposal that number will increase to 322 units, including two 80-unit apartment buildings on the school location.

Driscoll said the original agreement didn’t count the school land, which can support 150 units under municipal planning policy.

"There could be 336 units," he said.

The reconfiguration results in a "minor" density increase but Driscoll said the changes would add more parkland to the development.

Clayton is also tweaking part of the development adjacent to the runway at 12 Wing Shearwater as a result of a Defence Department decision to keep the airstrip open.

Clayton senior vice-president and general manager Mike Hanusiak, who called the company’s application a logistical matter arising from the school board decision, couldn’t be reached Tuesday.

District 7 Coun. Bill Karsten (Portland-East Woodlawn), who said earlier the amended development plan would blend nicely with what is already there, was also unavailable for comment.

Clayton plans to begin construction on the final phase of Russell Lake West next spring.
( berskine@herald.ca )

Chronicle Herald Article (http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1212304.html)

Information Report from Regional Council Agenda (http://halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/101116ca1021.pdf)

[Dmajackson]

Lawton's and the building with a crane;

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5200521862_7f8ab96dcf_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5199932503_a0a73c5bf8_z.jpg

[Jstaleness]

This is the first time I can recall seeing one half of a building almost complete before the other half is even framed.

[Jstaleness]

From my bb today.
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/IMG00304.jpg

Also the Lawtons is almost complete on the outside.

[-Harlington-]

From halifax today :


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5396337229_224c356d1d.jpg

[Jonovision]

The crane is coming down today :(

[Jonovision]

My mistake. I saw a mobile crane working on the site this morning and thought it was taking down the crane, but at the end of the day its still there.

[Dmajackson]

^Yep no sign of removal as of this afternoon. It's hard to notice here but the building just barely impacts the skyline (its the same height as trees);

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5590487105_e7135ba308_z.jpg

[Jonovision]

A new crane went up last week. I haven't been close enough to know what it is for.

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/49026/2755722350096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2755722350096709958ORqyLx)

[Northend Guy]

A new crane went up last week. I haven't been close enough to know what it is for.

Believe this is for another very long 4 storey apartment building the corner of Baker Drive and Basswood Run. (opposite side of Basswood from the one that is currently being built.)

[Northend Guy]

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/IMG00304.jpg


They are cladding this one now. I was in the area on Tuesday - it appears that it will be done entirely in brick - it looks pretty good. Sure beats vinyl siding :)

[Keith P.]

They are cladding this one now. I was in the area on Tuesday - it appears that it will be done entirely in brick - it looks pretty good. Sure beats vinyl siding :)


It's actually vinyl siding made to look like brick. :haha:

[Northend Guy]

For real? Ugh...apparently the razzle dazzle works on me... :yuck:

[Keith P.]

For real? Ugh...apparently the razzle dazzle works on me... :yuck:

I'm just razzing you... have no idea really. :shrug:

[worldlyhaligonian]

I'm just razzing you... have no idea really. :shrug:

Thank god... this would be the new Halifax go-to material. Stop giving them ideas Keith! :cool:

[Jstaleness]

I'll be out this way tomorrow. I'll try and remember the camera and get a shot of it. I'll get a shot of what's starting across the street as well.

[Jonovision]

From on top of the Seaport Market

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/45640/2112693620096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2112693620096709958SYqSeI)

[worldlyhaligonian]

That whole area seems to be booming. Are they allowed to build taller out there? Seems like it would be a good spot for density.

[mcmcclassic]

That whole area seems to be booming. Are they allowed to build taller out there? Seems like it would be a good spot for density.

I'm sure if they proposed anything tall in that area we'd see a group form with a name along the lines of " save the view of the refinery" or "friends of the woodside industrial park" :haha::haha: But you're right- the views of Halifax and the Harbour from the off-ramp of exit 8 are spectacular.

[Northend Guy]

There are restrictions in the area due to flight paths for Shearwater. Some of the buildings that will be built the in the next little while will literally be built to within inches of the flight paths. (4 floors)

[halifaxboyns]

There are restrictions in the area due to flight paths for Shearwater. Some of the buildings that will be built the in the next little while will literally be built to within inches of the flight paths. (4 floors)

That doesn't seem to make sense though - it's a heliport, not a functioning airport anymore. The runways are no longer active, the ILS systems removed. Unless the helicopters take off in a certain pattern for military operations, they should just be able to take off vertically and go.

[Northend Guy]

That doesn't seem to make sense though - it's a heliport, not a functioning airport anymore. The runways are no longer active, the ILS systems removed. Unless the helicopters take off in a certain pattern for military operations, they should just be able to take off vertically and go.

May not make sense, but it is definitely the case...I have seen the flight plane drawings myself...and they have been a thorn in my side...

[Dmajackson]

Grabbed some photos in this area heading back to Bedford;

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/6000247166_6cdeb414f0_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6000251842_6d27f1dc3c_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5999715115_c075753af8_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5999712127_27cfa22b1a_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5999708469_0f4f509910_z.jpg

[Northend Guy]

Grabbed some photos in this area heading back to Bedford;

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/6000247166_6cdeb414f0_z.jpg


This is going to be the new Steele Mazda dealership. There several new dealerships going up around metro (new & makeovers).

[Northend Guy]

Grabbed some photos in this area heading back to Bedford;

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6000251842_6d27f1dc3c_z.jpg


They will soon begin work on a clone of this building. There will basically be 3 identical buildings 'facing' a central circular driveway when the development is done.

[Keith P.]

They will soon begin work on a clone of this building. There will basically be 3 identical buildings 'facing' a central circular driveway when the development is done.

Another spectacularly ugly HRM cookie-cutter design. These things should be outlawed.

[beyeas]

Another spectacularly ugly HRM cookie-cutter design. These things should be outlawed.


you could pretty much drive through every single suburban area of Halifax and find more or less this identical building again and again and again and again and...

[Dmajackson]

Plans are out for "Lot BD-6" which is across from Shannex;

www.partnersglobal.com (http://www.partnersglobal.com/files/drm/512d5cf4-ff4a-4a69-90c2-4d2f2db88a04.pdf)

[HaliStreaks]

First, could we get this thread renamed just "Russell Lake West" seeing as the retail portion is pretty well finished, and it is now pretty much covering the whole area now in general?

I got up to work yesterday about an hour early, so I had some time to wander around before starting, snapped a few pics with my phone, so they're not great, but they get the job done!

Something I found interesting, "Chateau Royale" has been allowing moving in for the last week or so, half of the building is officially "open" today. Kinda silly to me, the place doesn't even have a paved driveway yet, and no access to the underground parking.

http://i.imgur.com/s9aRL.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/MCjqR.jpg

They are starting prep on building #2, hole is there and the rock base is down ready for foundation anytime. Considering the fact they disassembled but left the crane on site, I'd expect that we'll see it going up again pretty soon.

http://i.imgur.com/C5rZs.jpg
[Climbing up that huge pile of dirt gave a great vantage point over the whole area :haha: ]
http://i.imgur.com/YswG7.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/4upWP.jpg

I still have no idea what this building is going to be called, but it is located on the north corner of Baker & Basswood, across from Chateau Royale.

http://i.imgur.com/dWFn3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/dNKwc.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/byb0b.jpg

Lastly, a couple quick snaps of the new Steele Mazda @ 15 Lansing Court- Just across the intersection of Mount Hope and Baker- from Sobeys.

http://i.imgur.com/5y7Ph.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/18FvI.jpg

[Jonovision]

Another crane went up this week.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6181934536_0ce051d76c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/6181934536/)
IMG_5422 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/6181934536/) by Jonovision23 (http://www.flickr.com/people/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Keith P.]

The Mazda dealership noted above isn't totally finished yet, but I noticed yesterday that they are open already.

[q12]

Portland Street plans

Chedrawe to break ground in fall for retail buildings
By CHRIS LAMBIE Business Editor
Mon, Sep 26 - 4:55 AM

DARTMOUTH — Developer Danny Chedrawe is planning a $10-million commercial project for Portland Street.

The president of Westwood Developments Ltd. expects to close a deal later this month to buy the two-hectare property that used to house Steele Auto Group’s Mazda dealership.

"We’re purchasing the former Mazda dealership and we’re building a commercial development on it," Chedrawe said.

"We’re hoping to start that in October."

Steele has already moved its Mazda dealership to its new digs on Baker Drive in Russell Lake West.

Chedrawe is planning to build two commercial buildings on the former car dealership site. One will be 6,000 square feet and the other will be twice that size.

Chedrawe wouldn’t name the two national retail tenants that will occupy the buildings.

"They have to make their own announcements. I can’t talk on their behalf."

The construction on the two buildings should be completed by next May, Chedrawe said.

Westwood Developments has several other projects on the go around the municipality. Those include a $25-million apartment building in north-end Halifax and a $10-million, four-storey office complex on Spring Garden Road that will house a TD Canada Trust branch.

The company also owns the Millstone Square Shopping Centre in Russell Lake West. That 72,000-square-foot complex is anchored by Sobeys and Kent Building Supplies.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/DCW/1265115.html

[Dmajackson]

From today;

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6270703983_fe8ee711b2_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6270706133_39f2f23dea_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6270708345_1c7f5bdbb6_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6271238586_941efdfec5_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6237/6271242892_106ca9ec0c_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6270733939_d89c77dc06_z.jpg

[Jstaleness]

From today;

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6270703983_fe8ee711b2_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6270706133_39f2f23dea_z.jpg


There is a lot of land in Russel Lake. I really wish that what has been used had of been used more wisely. Too many of these 4-5 storey football fields are being built there. There needs to be a focus on mid-high density going forward. I don't think 7-8 or higher floors is unacceptable for the location. Especially given the views that there would be of Halifax and Halifax Harbour.

[Keith P.]

I suspect these are examples of the latest cookie-cutter design and are cheap to build. They remind me of an updated version of the stick-built apartments that began around here with Highfield Park in the '80s and then popped up all over the place for the next few years. One hopes this area fares better than Highfield over time.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I hope it "Fares" better as well. ;) (If you didn't get the joke, I'm referring to Mr. Fares)

I'd like to see 12-15 story buildings out there.

[Wishblade]

I remember looking at the plans for Russell Lake West a long while back and I think the tallest condo buildings they have planned are 6 stories. It's unfortunate but this seems to be destined to be a low density neighbourhood like much of the suburban developments happening around HRM.

[Northend Guy]

There are height restrictions at play here due to Flight Planes that are still maintained for Shearwater. These buildings are literally built to within inches of the planes.

In other news for this area - the strip mall that houses Sam's Seafood etc. is going to be housing a new Access Nova Scotia facility. (driver's licenses , etc.) That will certainly increase traffic to this area.

[Jstaleness]

There are height restrictions at play here due to Flight Planes that are still maintained for Shearwater. These buildings are literally built to within inches of the planes.

In other news for this area - the strip mall that houses Sam's Seafood etc. is going to be housing a new Access Nova Scotia facility. (driver's licenses , etc.) That will certainly increase traffic to this area.

Is the Access from 650 Portland moving or are they splitting it into 2 locations?

[Northend Guy]

I'm not sure - I suspect that they would not have two locations that close together. The plans also show a capacity similar to what is in Bayer's Lake, so it appears that is a relocation as opposed to a division.

[Jstaleness]

I wasn't aware that the height limits were so strict there. I always assumed there was more room in the flight path areas. This is sort of what I would have preferred from what has been built.

From the WMfares website.
http://wmfaresproperties.com/images/properties/9/9957f9807e6470ffc4f878158d10b61d.jpg
This was the new one listed for Mount Royal in Halifax.

The only real difference is the fact that there are 3 additional floors but it makes all the difference when it comes to land use. Anyway, At least there is a good reason for the height restrictions.

[halifaxboyns]

I am both surprised and not surprised about the height rules in this area. I'm not surprised that the rules are in play (considering that the long runway at Sherwater is directly along the lines of where the high density is ending up) - Calgary has similar rules along the runways for YYC but they are actually a Provincial Regulation (The Airport Vacinity Planning Regulations). I think Edmonton has them as well for YEG.

What surprises me though is that the rules are still in play. I say that because in reading the information on wiki about Sherwater (and as I understand it), the runways aren't used anymore. They have been 'gouged' and x's painted at both ends and only a small 'runway' is used for helicopter operations. Essentially it's only helicopters in and out now. Even the ILS system on the runways has been shut down - so the runways no longer work in aviation terms - so if that's the case, why are the rules still in place?

It makes me wonder if DND or Transport Canada have made an administrative error and not cancelled the height restrictions since the runways aren't used anymore, or at least not in the same way they were.

[q12]

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=166683

This seemed to indicate they were buying back the long runway and maybe going to fix it up.

[Jonovision]

One of the cranes is being taken down today.

[Jstaleness]

I doubt it will be long before it's back up at another location there.

[kph06]

It went up today on Purcell's Cove Rd.

[-Harlington-]

Zoom shot :

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6602756557_a82bea26b0_z.jpg

[HaliStreaks]

The crane has been taken down from the second 80 unit building being put up in the Royale Blvd complex (off of Basswood across from Sobeys) and they're now starting site prep for the third, the crane will probably be going back up within a month or so judging how they're coming along with it compared with the last one.

"The Woodside" (96 units on the corner of Basswood and Baker) has been pretty well finished, and has been landscaped and I've seen lots of cars in there during the days. I'd say ready for occupancy any day, if not already.

Site prep has begun on Holtwood Court, the street runs off of Lansing Ct, parallel with Mount Hope opposite to behind the Sobeys. I have no idea what's going in there yet, but they're getting a pretty big area prepared (address #47 on the HRM GIS mapping website) and rumor has an Irving station is going in at the corner of Mt. Hope and Lansing.

[kph06]

The crane that's done a bunch of the buildings here went back up today. Its a pretty bland area. Foundations have started nearby on Basswood, I think it will be a 6-story rental. Photos by me:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7521639792_01f30540f8_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7521639046_2715e05ac5_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7521638246_f6e4a6357e_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7521637522_909a80b85a_b.jpg

[Jstaleness]

Driving that strip now reminds me of Parkland Dr. and that isn't a good thing.

[Keith P.]

Is it significantly cheaper to build a building like these with 3 or 4 floors than it is to build one twice as high with the same number of units and a smaller footprint? These 4-floor wonders are really awful.

[someone123]

Not sure about HRM rules but often there are limits to how high you can go with a wood frame building. In some places the limit is 4 floors. The building I live in has a parkade with 2 levels (those must be concrete here), and the "fifth" floor only covers the half of the building footprint where the parkade is taller -- they were not allowed to 5 wooden floors over the parkade on the other half.

I don't think these necessarily have to be terrible. If they changed the design a little and changed the way they lay out suburban areas they could be okay. Everything seems to be optimized to save a little cash though. That's one thing that's a little weird with real estate development -- they will often cut corners to a ridiculous degree, substantially reducing the quality of their product while saving very little money (like they'll skimp on 50 cent hardware when installing a $500 appliance). I guess this happens because people don't really have alternatives or don't necessarily know what to demand from new construction.

It's really too bad, because it seems like they could spend maybe 10% more and produce much higher quality developments. There's also a "tragedy of the commons" element here, where everybody wants things that work for one person but are not the best solution when everybody has them. That's true of things like cul-de-sacs, for example. It's great if you have the one quiet dead end street, but it doesn't work if everybody has the dead end street plus everybody has to sit on clogged arterial roads. In those cases the city should step in to correct design problems.

[Keith P.]

I don't believe these are wood frame though. I drove by there a few times while they were under construction and I'm pretty certain they are concrete. I remember thinking that they were different from the Highfield Park style because of that. That was why I asked the question.

[HaliStreaks]

I still work at the sobeys up there, they're all concrete construction; and the third building in that set on Royale off of Basswood is just going to be a third 4 story 80 unit monstrosity to go with the other 2. *shrug* lol

[HaliStreaks]

1) Could an admin please change this thread name to just Russell Lake West - as we're covering everything, since the retail portion is pretty well done now.

2) Another crane went up yesterday in the area on Basswood Run, this is part of the adapted plan from the changes that went through council when the HRSB dropped the need for the school. They've got the crane up and are beginning foundations for the first building found on "block H" on map #5 on this http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/100406ca1013.pdf document. Things are starting to come together for the area of having it wrap around the lake and connect up with Portland Estates, however that document I don't think factors in the re-purchase of the back portion of shearwater by the DND- I'm still curious as to how/if they still plan on connecting up caldwell with Mt Hope eventually.

3) As I'm sure many of you saw, last weekend 2 homes were lost on Lindenwood Terrace due to a vigourous fire that spread from one to the other, investigators say it was started from a discarded cigarette in a wooden planter box on the deck of the first home.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/slideshow_image/op_image/3_6.JPG

[fenwick16]

I looked through this document - http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/100406ca1013.pdf - and I notice that there is quite a bit of development taking place around Russel Lake and Morris Lake. This Google Map link shows the satellite image - http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=halifax,+ns&ll=44.645025,-63.481836&spn=0.053006,0.132093&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hnear=Halifax,+Halifax+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&t=h&z=14.

Are there any current plans to extend development right down to Cow Bay Road? With the new Eastern Passage waste water treatment plant, I imagine that several thousand people could eventually live in this area. However, it is probable that a southern harbour crossing will not be built any time in the near future. Will the Woodside ferry crossing and existing bus links provide sufficient public transit to Halifax? Have people familiar with that area noticed an increase in passengers and increased frequency of the Woodside ferries?

[kph06]

I was over here today and snapped some photo's of the new crane, looks like the old City Centre one.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7673073918_117ec1b3c0_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7673072920_3ebdc737de_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7673073396_3c5f3cc1e2_b.jpg

Some sitework just off Mt. Hope, seeing that flying formwork is onsite and what looks like Arnoldin crates, maybe the crane that was on Achordirve will be here.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7673075528_ecf34010be_b.jpg

[HaliStreaks]

Some sitework just off Mt. Hope, seeing that flying formwork is onsite and what looks like Arnoldin crates, maybe the crane that was on Achordirve will be here.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7673075528_ecf34010be_b.jpg

This is going to sound super stalkery- :haha: but I think I may have seen you from the sobeys staff room at the side of the road there taking pictures just as I was getting off work earlier this evening. lol Were you there around 7-ish?

[halifaxboyns]

From what I remember of the initial planning of Russell Lake West (which went back to roughly 2001), the concept was that it would take up all of the existing Shearwater Lands because at the time it was the very real possibility that the entire base would be folded up and closed.

As time went on, that didn't happen and so RLW was scaled back. But from what I recall of the discussions at the time, part of the justification of future full time operation of the Woodside Ferry was RLW's population. As I recall, the belief was that whether the 3rd crossing was built or not - the Ferry would become a more viable option as population levels in the area increased because of RLW.

That in mind, I think if you add some transit into RLW it would help support the Woodside Ferry. I also seem to recall that the Regional Plan had identified future urban development lands in and around Eastern Passage - which would make sense given the new sewage treatment plan. It's been a while since I looked at the future land use map for the RP so I may be wrong.

[kph06]

This is going to sound super stalkery- :haha: but I think I may have seen you from the sobeys staff room at the side of the road there taking pictures just as I was getting off work earlier this evening. lol Were you there around 7-ish?

Haha, not me, I was there around lunch time.

[HaliStreaks]

http://i.imgur.com/A0NPHl.jpg

Forgive the atrocious image quality on this one, I snapped this on my phone from the break room window coming in to work today from the Sobeys in Russell Lake. I saw what appeared to be a crane segment get delivered to the site opposite to where Sobeys backs against Mt. Hope Ave (the civic address for this site is 58 Holtwood Ct, another cul du sac which is being built at the moment off of Lansing- where the new Mazda dealership is). We've (the staff at my store) not been able to figure out what they're building yet, it appears to be an "L" shaped building thus far with what appears to be underground parking. Another condo/apartment? .. I've not been able to find anything on this, even with an email off to Clayton asking numerous questions regarding the Russell Lake area, this lot being one of them, I've still yet to hear an answer after nearly 2 weeks. I also don't think I've ever seen a grey crane around here before..?