[Dundas]

Hello,

Does anyone know what they are planning of building right next to the water tower in Orleans?

I heard many things such as a: movie theater or a lowes with a Ikea store.

There's so many rumors I was wondering if anyone knew for sure whats going on there?

If anyone knows of other new construction projects on Innes RD in the orleans area, please post them!

Thanks

[drizzo_613]

an Athletic Club and a lot of houses, and other retail i guess. The movie theatre will be built on the southeast corner of jeanne d'arc and innes rd, i thinkkkk

[Cre47]

Is there supposed to be a Lowe's home improvement store to be built in that area.

[c_speed3108]

It is more of the same sort of big box with some small places at the front of the parking lot style retail development.

Lowes was supposed to be an anchor tenant in the particular area you refer to.


I think there is a diagram in the smart (dumb) centres thread around here somewhere

[harls]

Hello,

Does anyone know what they are planning of building right next to the water tower in Orleans?

I heard many things such as a: movie theater or a lowes with a Ikea store.

There's so many rumors I was wondering if anyone knew for sure whats going on there?

If anyone knows of other new construction projects on Innes RD in the orleans area, please post them!

Thanks

Won't be an IKEA, that's for sure. They're going to rebuild at the current location, biggest IKEA in Canada.

[rocketphish]

Hello,

Does anyone know what they are planning of building right next to the water tower in Orleans?

I heard many things such as a: movie theater or a lowes...


Yes, it's a Lowes, as well as a muliplex cinema, an athletic club, and various other smaller retail buildings. Costco was previously slated to be a tenant, but that has now changed.

http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__6B134N
http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__7M31F2

Here's the siteplan:

(eastern portion)
http://webcast.ottawa.ca/plan/All_Image%20Referencing_Site%20Plan%20Application_Image%20Reference_Site_Plan_D07-12-08-0167.PDF

(western portion)
http://webcast.ottawa.ca/plan/All_Image%20Referencing_Site%20Plan%20Application_Image%20Reference_Final_TIS_Addendum2_D07-12-09-0033.PDF

[rocketphish]

EllisDon to build $14M Orleans fitness club
By Peter Kovessy, Ottawa Business Journal Staff
Mon, Jun 22, 2009 12:00 AM EST

65,000-square-foot building part of new Trinity/RioCan development

Construction is slated to begin shortly on a two-storey east-end fitness club, one of four anchor tenants in a new Orleans commercial development that will total as much as 350,000 square feet when completed in 2010.

The London, Ont.-based Athletic Club Group has hired EllisDon Corp. to construct its first Ottawa facility, a $14-million, 65,000-square-foot building featuring two pools, a gymnasium and other amenities.

The company has said it hopes to open the Orleans location at Innes Road and Belcourt Boulevard in 2010 and has plans to start construction on another facility in the Ottawa Train Yards shopping district this August. The Athletic Club presently has seven facilities and has previously said it would like to open five locations in the nation's capital.

"The economy in Ottawa is much more favourable than other parts of Ontario," said company president Alan Quesnel in a written statement.

Along with the fitness club, the new commercial shopping centre will feature a Lowe's home improvement centre, a CIBC, Empire Theatres and smaller retail tenants in spaces ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 square feet, said Philip Currie, vice-president of leasing at Trinity Developments. Trinity is building the shopping centre in a joint venture with RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust.

Mr. Currie said construction is underway on the Lowe's and CIBC, both of which will likely open in early autumn. Construction on the Empire Theatres should start soon, and will hopefully be completed in time for the Christmas season, added Mr. Currie.

Each of the larger anchor tenants is responsible for their own construction contracting. The respective spokespeople for the three companies were unable to immediately provide details about their projects.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3393/3650066255_cc8f0377b1_o_d.jpg

http://www.ottawabusinessjournal.com/294774873503154.php

[Sens1992]

Looks like another plaza is moving in at the corner of Innes road and Belcourt boulevard. It will replace the Belcourt Grocery. You can see the details as well as a site plan here: http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__7NW987

Also, the Development Application calls for a A&W restaurant like the one on Merivale road (@ Hunt Club) and like the one buing built in Rockland on HWY 17.

[Dundas]

Construction on the Empire Theatres should start soon, and will hopefully be completed in time for the Christmas season, added Mr. Currie.


I can't see how the theatre is going to be finished by the christmas season, last time I went by there I could see the CIBC and Lowes getting built but no theatre.

[Dundas]

I wish someone would build a ten-pin bowling alley on Innes, that be cool. Also a billiard sports bar like maclaren's would be nice, the one all the way on taylor creek road near trim is way too far.

[Sens1992]

According to this link: http://www.trinity-group.com/index.php?q=node/417 ,
the Lowe's site in Orleans will have a Moxie's and East Side Mario's... Like we have never seen these names... :slob:

[kwoldtimer]

According to this link: http://www.trinity-group.com/index.php?q=node/417 ,
the Lowe's site in Orleans will have a Moxie's and East Side Mario's... Like we have never seen these names... :slob:

Makes me think of "Demolition Man" -- some day, all the restaurants will be Taco Bell :yuck: :haha:

[Proof Sheet]

According to this link: http://www.trinity-group.com/index.php?q=node/417 ,
the Lowe's site in Orleans will have a Moxie's and East Side Mario's... Like we have never seen these names... :slob:

I agree with your distaste for the same old chain stores....unfortunately, the vast majority of suburban retail consumers say in one breath that they love to support the independant businesses including restaurants, but when push comes to shove, they frequent the same old places due to the familiarity etc...I call it the Holiday Inn (i.e no surprises) attitude.

As well, often times the big guys are the only ones who can afford the rents and leases that these big box places demand.

[lrt's friend]

As well, often times the big guys are the only ones who can afford the rents and leases that these big box places demand.

Could it be the cost of those massive parking lots that surround big box shopping centres?

The best restaurants in the suburbs always seem to locate in those small strip malls with tiny parking lots. Those of the places that many consider to be eyesores, so we try to stomp them out of existance. So in the name of semi-esthetics, we are creating an environment where only the chains can survive in the suburbs. The same stores, the same restaurants, repeating over and over again. Bleh! We are creating a society based strictly on convenience and mediocrity.

As someone who lives in one of those suburbs, I try to seek out those surviving independent businesses and local chains but I guess I am an oddball as the big box mall parking lots continue to be packed.

[CondoGirl]

Bleh! We are creating a society based strictly on convenience and mediocrity.

So sad but totally true... I grew up in the east end but generally dismiss the area as a whole since the invasion of Big Box. Interestingly I had to drive out there yesterday and noticed a sign on St. Joseph blvd welcoming me to the "Heart of Orleans", and driving through I couldn't help thinking that those small strip plazas -- how retro! -- were far, far preferable to the Big Box Nightmare spreading like wildfire along Innes Rd.

And I agree that these independent strip mall businesses are the ones worth supporting... Little Turkish Village anyone?

[Sens1992]

I agree with your distaste for the same old chain stores....unfortunately, the vast majority of suburban retail consumers say in one breath that they love to support the independant businesses including restaurants, but when push comes to shove, they frequent the same old places due to the familiarity etc...I call it the Holiday Inn (i.e no surprises) attitude..

I agree so much with what you say here... I drive to downtown or preston or any oher area for a good place to eat (independant place) but most people I know say they are but they don't. They think that a franchise that is owned by a local is the same thing as an independant restaurant...

Also, Ottawa is weird... Every big box plaza being built is a newer copy of an old one. SAME stores, SAME restaurants. Even in the big box business, it would be nice if other chains would show up in different parts of town but no. The lineup is pretty much the same everytime, the only thing that changes is the setup. When I talk to my neighbors, they all seem really excited that a Moxie's is coming to Innes rd. I can't get it. This is nothing new. You can now drive 10 more minutes to Blair and you are a t a Moxie's... What will make the Orleans location better? Same food, oh wait, a newer look... But what else. Barrhaven had once 3 localy owned (independant) restaurants: Terra Grill, Fiamma and Tuscan Grill. Terra Grill is now a Johnny Canuck's :slob: , Tuscan Grill is now closed and Fiamma has apparently changed owners and menus several times. Too bad that these places were better than the average franchise but Ottawa people prefer Boston Pizza, Montana's and Swiss Chalet...

So, that is the proof of what you said: but when push comes to shove, they frequent the same old places due to the familiarity etc..

I would also add: lack of taste. I love Ottawa, a copy and paste city!

[osirisboy]

personally, growing up there and living 20 years of my life in orleans i have to say the strip malls suck (St Joseph is gross!!) just as much as the big box stores. and also what makes the small independent places worth supporting versus the big box chains? shouldnt one support a business because of the quality of service/product that they offer not just because they are independent versus corporate? Some small independent places i have been to have SUUUCKED whereas some chain places I have gone to have been really good.

[Sens1992]

personally, growing up there and living 20 years of my life in orleans i have to say the strip malls suck (St Joseph is gross!!) just as much as the big box stores. and also what makes the small independent places worth supporting versus the big box chains? shouldnt one support a business because of the quality of service/product that they offer not just because they are independent versus corporate? Some small independent places i have been to have SUUUCKED whereas some chain places I have gone to have been really good.


I totally agree with you that most of St.Joseph is gross. What I mean is that for equal value service / product, most people will go for the corporate instead of the independent. The difference here on Innes is huge. I fully agree that just by looking at the stores on Innes (esthetics), they win hands down compared to St.Jospeh (probably in service too in several of them). But what I am saying is that even if St.Jo. was a better place, more inviting, people would still favor the big ones.

There is a little coffee shop that opened along tenth line close to Innes and they have been struggling since day one, offering more and more and more just to keep it open. Do you think that Starbucks on Innes is having a hard time staying in business? Don't think so.:cheers:

[Cre47]

You can also add the big Value Village store, which I think was opening this week

[eternallyme]

Also, Ottawa is weird... Every big box plaza being built is a newer copy of an old one. SAME stores, SAME restaurants. Even in the big box business, it would be nice if other chains would show up in different parts of town but no. The lineup is pretty much the same everytime, the only thing that changes is the setup.

It's the same in every community. Every big box place is practically the same.

[osirisboy]

Do you think that Starbucks on Innes is having a hard time staying in business? Don't think so.:cheers:

hmm well if its a corporate run store then yes you are right. but i was under the impression that they are chain stores, individually owned.

[osirisboy]

But what I am saying is that even if St.Jo. was a better place, more inviting, people would still favor the big ones.

I agree and i think it may because of all the parking on innes versus st joesph. orleans is totally car oriented and if you have a street with retail on it that has very limited parking theres going to be a problem.

[lrt's friend]

What you lose with the same stores and restaurants repeating over and over in big box centres in the suburbs is the reduction in overall product selection.

It is true that some independent stores will offer inferior product, prices and service, however, the opposite is also true, and it is those independent stores that we need to retain despite competition from the chains. Chances are, they will lose against this competition.

What we particularly lose is specialized products that big box stores simply can't offer because they are trying to satisfy everybody all within one store. Often the big box stores try to undercut the competition but their product range is designed to satisfy the majority, but not everybody.

This is particularly true with restaurants. Chains create a formula that will satisfy the majority, but for those wanting a quality dining experience or something different, they are left wanting.

By planning our suburbs to only accomodate chains, we leave out opportunities for businesses to offer specialized products, or diverse dining experiences.

[spotlight]

What you lose with the same stores and restaurants repeating over and over in big box centres in the suburbs is the reduction in overall product selection.

It is true that some independent stores will offer inferior product, prices and service, however, the opposite is also true, and it is those independent stores that we need to retain despite competition from the chains. Chances are, they will lose against this competition.

What we particularly lose is specialized products that big box stores simply can't offer because they are trying to satisfy everybody all within one store. Often the big box stores try to undercut the competition but their product range is designed to satisfy the majority, but not everybody.

This is particularly true with restaurants. Chains create a formula that will satisfy the majority, but for those wanting a quality dining experience or something different, they are left wanting.

By planning our suburbs to only accomodate chains, we leave out opportunities for businesses to offer specialized products, or diverse dining experiences.

for diverse dining experience.. people go downtown... you can't expect suburbs to have all the services,amenities,variety, etc... that downtown offers.

the entire purpose and raison d'etre or suburbs is convenience and that normally spells chains

[CondoGirl]

I totally agree with you that most of St.Joseph is gross. I fully agree that just by looking at the stores on Innes (esthetics), they win hands down compared to St.Jospeh (probably in service too in several of them). But what I am saying is that even if St.Jo. was a better place, more inviting, people would still favor the big ones.

I think you're touching on a matter of personal taste and perspective. IMO "gross" is not St. Joseph Blvd, "gross" is everything to do with Big Box: every time I drive by these stretchs I see the biggest eyesores in suburbia, not to mention cold, dehumanizing monoliths not unlike a Borg ship where the Collective -- soul deadened, brainwashed consumers -- wander mindlessly for their latest retail fix.

But I live downtown in a fraction of the space I could have in the 'burbs, walk most of the time, don't own a TV, and shop at SVdP... so clearly Big Box wasn't designed for the likes of me! :)

[Sens1992]

I think you're touching on a matter of personal taste and perspective. IMO "gross" is not St. Joseph Blvd, "gross" is everything to do with Big Box: every time I drive by these stretchs I see the biggest eyesores in suburbia, not to mention cold, dehumanizing monoliths not unlike a Borg ship where the Collective -- soul deadened, brainwashed consumers -- wander mindlessly for their latest retail fix.

Well I think St.Jo is not really attractive, thats what I mean. Many stores look run down and make you wanna go else where to spend your money. Streets like Bank st from Billings Bridge to pretty much downtown are really appealing to shoppers because both the city and merchants do their part to keep it up, but I am sorry, St.Jospeh is far from what Bank street looks like. I can see that you hate the Big Box Centres, so do I, for different reasons than yours, but unfortunalty, they look better, at least on Innes than mosts stores on St. Joseph.

I also think that these dehumanizing monoliths as you call them are only dehumanizing you if you feel that way around them. Finally, to say that people who shop there are soul deadened, brainwashed consumers, that's a bit of a stretch.

Remember, there is more than one vision in this world.

[Dundas]

image didnt work

[Acajack]

Well I think St.Jo is not really attractive, thats what I mean. Many stores look run down and make you wanna go else where to spend your money. Streets like Bank st from Billings Bridge to pretty much downtown are really appealing to shoppers because both the city and merchants do their part to keep it up, but I am sorry, St.Jospeh is far from what Bank street looks like. I can see that you hate the Big Box Centres, so do I, for different reasons than yours, but unfortunalty, they look better, at least on Innes than mosts stores on St. Joseph.

I also think that these dehumanizing monoliths as you call them are only dehumanizing you if you feel that way around them. Finally, to say that people who shop there are soul deadened, brainwashed consumers, that's a bit of a stretch.

Remember, there is more than one vision in this world.

I grew up in Orleans as well.

For all its faults, St-Joseph (compared to the new stuff of Innes at least) is at least retrofittable. The parking lots in front of most of the businesses on St-Joseph are small, which means the retail buildings are not separated from the street by a huge sea of asphalt. St-Joseph also has a decent tree cover and offers potential for an interesting integration with many residential streets nearby like St-Jean, Notre-Dame, Cousineau, etc.

Innes, really, has none of this, and giving it a more attractive urban feel would require much more work and money that urbanizing St-Joseph would.

[lrt's friend]

for diverse dining experience.. people go downtown... you can't expect suburbs to have all the services,amenities,variety, etc... that downtown offers.

the entire purpose and raison d'etre or suburbs is convenience and that normally spells chains

This may be true and always has been, but still we shouldn't deliberately plan the suburbs only for chains. At a time when we wish to encourage less driving, designing our cities should involve having more services closer to home. Let's face it, as congestion increases, downtown becomes less accessible for those living in the suburbs. And our transit plan is not making it any easier in the forseeable future.

[Acajack]

This may be true and always has been, but still we shouldn't deliberately plan the suburbs only for chains. At a time when we wish to encourage less driving, designing our cities should involve having more services closer to home. Let's face it, as congestion increases, downtown becomes less accessible for those living in the suburbs. And our transit plan is not making it any easier in the forseeable future.

Indeed. Many cities around the world have attractive suburbs that (from an urban perspective) tourists sometimes actually go and visit. Granted, they may not be able to rival the historic centre of their cities but there isn't such a dramatic drop-off in quality of built environment between centre and outskirts as there is between, say, the Byward Market and Merivale Road or Gréber in Gatineau.

[Dundas]

It be cool if there would be an multi level outdoor mall style shopping where the stores are more compact together so you could reach them with out driving all the time. With a multi level parking beside it.

I am curious to know what is goes to be built between Mer Bleue RD and the store Winners. There's a lot of land there nothing built yet. Does anyone have an idea?

[Sens1992]

It be cool if there would be an multi level outdoor mall style shopping where the stores are more compact together so you could reach them with out driving all the time. With a multi level parking beside it.

I am curious to know what is goes to be built between Mer Bleue RD and the store Winners. There's a lot of land there nothing built yet. Does anyone have an idea?

According to www.smartcentres.com, then in our centres, then Ontario, then Orleans and then Site Plan, you can see that there are plans to fill the gap between Winners / Homesense and Mer Bleue. It looks like more of the same big box retail with pads.

[bada$$]

According to www.smartcentres.com, then in our centres, then Ontario, then Orleans and then Site Plan, you can see that there are plans to fill the gap between Winners / Homesense and Mer Bleue. It looks like more of the same big box retail with pads.

SmartCentres are selling the piece of land because its zoned residential. The city will not allow them to build any commercial on it. They are asking $19,000,000 if you're interested :)

[Proof Sheet]

They are asking $19,000,000 if you're interested :)

Pocket change :tup:

[DEVPLAN]

SmartCentres are selling the piece of land because its zoned residential. The city will not allow them to build any commercial on it. They are asking $19,000,000 if you're interested :)

Ths SmartCentres property that fronts Innes road is zoned Arterial Main Street which permits a number of uses including retail, office, residential etc. They would be crazy to sell their land fronting Innes Road. I think your source could be wrong.

[bradnixon]

Also, Ottawa is weird... Every big box plaza being built is a newer copy of an old one. Barrhaven had once 3 localy owned (independant) restaurants: Terra Grill, Fiamma and Tuscan Grill. Terra Grill is now a Johnny Canuck's :slob: , Tuscan Grill is now closed and Fiamma has apparently changed owners and menus several times. Too bad that these places were better than the average franchise but Ottawa people prefer Boston Pizza, Montana's and Swiss Chalet...


Newsflash... businesses go under and change owners sometimes. That's just reality.

Remember that several Denny's restaurants across Ottawa have closed in recent years... so closing restaurants is not limited to independents.

Fiamma, even if it has changed owners, continues to be locally owned. Johnny Canucks is local... maybe not as classy as Terra Grill, but it is local. And Tuscan Grill is now a Fratelli, which while a chain, is a locally owned one.

I'm not sure I see the point of your examples.


I would also add: lack of taste. I love Ottawa, a copy and paste city!


I'm not sure how you can say that considering that you just listed 2 restaurants that are unique to Ottawa, and the restaurant that replaced the 3rd (Fratelli) is also unique to Ottawa.

[RTWAP]

I'm not sure how you can say that considering that you just listed 2 restaurants that are unique to Ottawa, and the restaurant that replaced the 3rd (Fratelli) is also unique to Ottawa.

Maybe he values unique restaurants of mediocre success, so any Ottawa restaurant with more than one location doesn't qualify.

And yes, I'm joking.

[Sens1992]

I'm not sure how you can say that considering that you just listed 2 restaurants that are unique to Ottawa, and the restaurant that replaced the 3rd (Fratelli) is also unique to Ottawa.[/QUOTE]

Okay then, Fratelli is a better than the others. As far as Johnny Canucks goes, well if thats up to your standards well great. I just wanted to point out that the people of Ottawa prefer by far Kelsey's, Boston Pizza, Montana's, East Side Mario's etc. than any other. Oh, I forgot, Johnny Canucks is local but gross and it is the perfect exemple of what I am pointing to, people will go there cause Ottawans love their burgers, fries and ribs (specially if frozen before serving). Hum, sounds tasty. Ottawa remains a city of very little taste.

[bada$$]

Ths SmartCentres property that fronts Innes road is zoned Arterial Main Street which permits a number of uses including retail, office, residential etc. They would be crazy to sell their land fronting Innes Road. I think your source could be wrong.

I wonder why they have a sign saying for sale on it right on the propriety. I've also spoken to a rep from Smartcentre who says that they have to build condos or houses on the piece of land. SC doesn't do that and that is why they are selling it