Ottawa Exposition Hall Facility (Airport Parkway and Uplands)| Completed

[waterloowarrior]

Developer wants $8.5M from city for exhibit hall
By JON WILLING, CITY HALL BUREAU
Last Updated: June 1, 2010 3:33pm
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/06/01/14214566.html
http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/?src=http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/06/01/trade_show2.jpg&size=248x186

An artist's impression of the proposed trade show space at the Ottawa airport.

The company that wants to build a trade show facility near the Ottawa airport needs $8.5 million in city cash to get the project off the ground.

Shenkman Corp.’s proposal to build the $39.2-million exhibition hall was the only bid the city received.

But if council accepts the proposal Shenkman will asking the city for an $8.5-million contribution to help it raise the remaining cash.

The only way the city can come up with the money is by borrowing it.

In a committee report tabled Tuesday, city staff say an evaluation team gave the Shenkman proposal a high score. A fairness commissioner hired by the city also signed off on the process.

The corporate services and economic development committee referred the report and the recommendations to a council meeting June 17.

Staff are recommending council accept the Shenkman bid and authorize city manager Kent Kirkpatrick to negotiate an agreement with the company.

The city has been looking at ways to transfer the trade show space from Lansdowne Park, which could soon be under redevelopment.

Shenkman has an agreement to lease a 28-acre piece of land on Ottawa airport property for an exhibition centre, parking and a hotel. The lease would run from September 2010 to January 2057.

The Shenkman plan calls for a 218,000-sq.-ft. exhibition hall and more than 2,000 parking spots. The exhibition hall could be subdivided into four smaller halls. The hotel would likely have 90 suites.

According to Shenkman’s proposed project schedule, the company would have the facility open at the beginning of 2012.

Although the tender document was downloaded by 39 companies, only three went on to have meetings with city staff.

Only Shenkman submitted a proposal.

A study recently done by the city indicates an exhibition facility would translate into $12-million in annual economic benefits to Ottawa. There would also be 237 new jobs created to build the facility.

jon.willing@sunmedia.ca


Staff report (http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/csedc/2010/06-01/06-FINAL-ACS2010-CMR-REP-0033-LANSDOWNE.htm)

Report on economic/social benefits (http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/csedc/2010/06-01/07-FINAL-ACS2010-ICS-CSS-0005.htm)


http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/csedc/2010/06-01/06-FINAL-ACS2010-CMR-REP-0033-LANSDOWNE_files/image001.gif

http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/csedc/2010/06-01/06-FINAL-ACS2010-CMR-REP-0033-LANSDOWNE_files/image003.gif

http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/csedc/2010/06-01/06-FINAL-ACS2010-CMR-REP-0033-LANSDOWNE_files/image007.gif

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

Like it.

I am surprised that it can be done for that low price tag.

It will go before City council on June 17, before the Lansdowne proposal does later in the month.

I would think that how the Trade Show Center fares before City Council will have an impact on how the Lansdowne proposal does.

[Ottawan]

I'm quite glad the parking is hidden behind it, not facing the parkway.

Another reason to bring lrt to the airport sooner rather than later!

[waterloowarrior]

this story has a few more details...

Lone bidder asks city for $8.5M for trade-show hall building costs
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Lone+bidder+asks+city+trade+show+hall+building+costs/3099967/story.html

BY NECO COCKBURN , THE OTTAWA CITIZEN JUNE 1, 2010 10:05 PM

The lone bidder on a project to build trade-show space near the airport wants the city to contribute about a quarter of the construction costs and guarantee the rent on the facility for several decades.

Shenkman Corp., one of the partners in the Lansdowne redevelopment project, hopes to build a modern trade-show space on 11.57 hectares of land near the airport.

The corporation is looking for the city to contribute $8.5 million of the $39.2-million capital cost of the new exposition hall, according to a city staff report.

The report went before city council’s corporate services and economic development committee on Tuesday.

The Aberdeen Pavilion, Civic Centre and Coliseum at Lansdowne are the city’s best trade-show spaces right now, but the redevelopment plans mean the trade shows would have to move.

If council approves Lansdowne’s redevelopment, construction could start next spring, and city staff want a new trade-show hall to open no later than March 1, 2012. Shenkman’s proposal says its new building could be open by early January 2012.

It has an agreement to lease Ottawa airport land near the Airport Parkway and Uplands Drive until January 2057 and has provided plans for a 218,000-square-foot exposition hall with more than 2,000 parking spaces, according to the staff report. It’s expected the development would eventually include a 90-suite hotel.

Shenkman proposes putting $8.5 million into the project, while the airport authority would provide $1.5 million. The remaining $20.7 million would be borrowed.

The city would have to take on debt to pay for its share, the report says.

The committee referred the staff report to a special council meeting on June 17, when other Lansdowne-related reports will be discussed.

Some councillors complained they received the trade-show report at the last minute before the committee meeting, but were told there would be a chance for public input and further discussion about the trade-show hall during that council meeting.

A fairness commissioner has found the bidding process used for the trade-show space was appropriate. City staff say 39 companies downloaded the request-for-proposal document, but just three went on to meet with city officials in “commercially confidential” meetings.

Only Shenkman submitted a formal application, which met all mandatory requirements and “well exceeded” technical requirements, according to city staff.

Kanata North Councillor Marianne Wilkinson asked staff to investigate after she had heard of one group that was interested in submitting a bid, but was incorrectly told by city planning staff that their site didn’t meet zoning requirements. The group didn’t explore the issue further, Wilkinson said.

Negotiations on a potential agreement with Shenkman have just started. However, it appears likely the city will basically promise to guarantee the leasing of the facility in order to help get the financing needed, but city staff will make clear it’s up to Shenkman to cover debt payments and any operating losses.

The committee also received a report on the economic and social benefits of a new trade-show hall that says the proposed facility should at least match the economic impact of Lansdowne Park’s trade-show space and should exceed total visitor and exhibitor spending of $7.47 million by its fifth year, which is 25 per cent more than current spending at Lansdowne.

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

[lrt's friend]

It is interesting how quickly important developments can be accomplished if we let it happen. A side benefit if we move forward with Lansdowne Live.

Another reason to bring lrt to the airport sooner rather than later!

Sadly, more likely later than sooner. When politics take the lead as has been the case with LRT, the project moves at the pace of a snail wandering in every direction, ready to be squashed at any moment.

What a shocking difference in process. Let's see it happen! Maybe we need the private sector to get involved in revamping SuperEx as well.

[kwoldtimer]

Wouldn't the Airport be a more logical partner for this than the City? Asking the City to cough up $8.5M seems like an invitation to bog this down, if not give it the kiss of death.

[eternallyme]

I definitely like the idea - that area needs a facelift. I'd replace the hotel on site there with additional convention space though.

Why no hotel there? I would build a large international-themed mainstreet area on the east side of the Airport Parkway (the mainstreet being a new collector road off of Lester Road) with an LRT station there, and a pedestrian bridge across to connect the two. That "mainstreet" would have many hotels, restaurants and other facilities to show it is a gateway to a G8 capital city.

[lrt's friend]

Wouldn't the Airport be a more logical partner for this than the City? Asking the City to cough up $8.5M seems like an invitation to bog this down, if not give it the kiss of death.

This all depends on Lansdowne Live. If the city approves Lansdowne Live, they will have to move quickly on this in order to continue to accomodate the trade show industry. The city can move quickly if it wants to. Just look at what happened with the Convention Centre once we got the proper leadership on that project.

[TransitZilla]

Why no hotel there?

There is already a hotel a couple of hundred feet away: the Hilton Garden Inn. There's also the Holiday Inn Express at Uplands & Hunt Club, the Days Inn further down Hunt Club, the Southway at Bank and Hunt Club, etc.

I'm not sure how many hotels our airport (which is not a major hub) can support.

[adam-machiavelli]

This heap of trash is ugly and auto-oriented. That's all I have to say.

[citizen j]

But they've designed the parking lot in such a way as to be able to convert quickly to a drive-in should the whole exposition hall thing tank. How forward thinking!

[acottawa]

Why is the city in the exibition hall business? Boat shows and the like don't help the local economy, they help the out of town sellers and mostly attract locals (unlike a convention centre that brings in mostly out of towners who spend a lot of money).

Another sign that city spending is out of control.

[waterloowarrior]

There was a potential station location nearby for the NS LRT airport spur. It was suggested to be placed behind the Hilton Garden Inn along Airport Parkway, where there is a bus stop if you are heading north. If you added a few paths/sidewalks it would actually be pretty close to the LRT stop for Ottawans wanting to attend the trade show or trade show goers who wanted to take a trip downtown (although maybe they are mostly arriving by car?)

It looks like the trade show market in Ottawa is pretty local. According to one of the reports Ottawa currently holds no nationally significant trade shows.
http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/csedc/2010/06-01/07-FINAL-ACS2010-ICS-CSS-0005_files/image002.gif

[kwoldtimer]

Why is the city in the exibition hall business? Boat shows and the like don't help the local economy, they help the out of town sellers and mostly attract locals (unlike a convention centre that brings in mostly out of towners who spend a lot of money).

Another sign that city spending is out of control.

That was why I wondered why the Airport, rather than the City, wouldnlt be the better partner for this. Plus I just got my final tax bill, so I didn't need yet another sign that city spending is out of control!!! :hell:

[TransitZilla]

Why is the city in the exibition hall business? Boat shows and the like don't help the local economy, they help the out of town sellers and mostly attract locals (unlike a convention centre that brings in mostly out of towners who spend a lot of money).

Another sign that city spending is out of control.

It depends if a case can be made that having an exhibition all increases economic activity in the city, but is not viable to be built entirely by the private sector. This is the same sort of rationale that justified investing in the Congress Centre, Algonquin, etc.

The City should be encouraging and enabling economic activity within its borders.

[lrt's friend]

That was why I wondered why the Airport, rather than the City, wouldnlt be the better partner for this.

What does the airport know about running the trade show business? The airport should concentrate on running its own business.

[eternallyme]

I agree that the private sector should be funding this...but such is badly needed down there.

[phil235]

I'm not going to bother looking for the quote, but one of the Citizen writers indicated that in all cases in Canada, it is the municipality rather than the private sector that provides trade show space. And all major cities have this sort of facility, so it seems reasonable for the city to be involved.

[TransitZilla]

The pertinent questions are:

1) Does this benefit the city (i.e. residents of the city as a whole) economically?
2) Can the private sector make a profit on this by going alone?

If the answer to #1 is yes, and #2 is no, there is an argument for support by the City (e.g. the City of Ottawa proper).

I don't know why the airport would contribute financially to this; it's not really within their mandate.

[blackjagger]

I don't know why the airport would contribute financially to this; it's not really within their mandate.

That was my thinking too. Sure its a bonus as they will be leasing the land to the project but they didn't have to give anything. Providing roughly 4% helps to get this porject moving forward.

Cheers,
Josh

[Kitchissippi]

I was thinking that instead of running the LRT to the airport, with this facility going in maybe a smaller scale version of Toronto's Pearson Airport LINK train (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LINK_Train) would make better sense. It could run from the airport, stop at this expo centre and the hotel then continue to a new LRT station at Lester road or to even to South Keys. The Pearson set-up cost only $55 million, I imagine something smaller would be less, maybe just one track with one train going back and forth which could still provide 10 minute service over a 2 km route. The thing is cable driven, super quiet and cheap to run.

s5YRc9Qum34

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

I was thinking that instead of running the LRT to the airport, with this facility going in maybe a smaller scale version of Toronto's Pearson Airport LINK train (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LINK_Train) would make better sense. It could run from the airport, stop at this expo centre and the hotel then continue to a new LRT station at Lester road or to even to South Keys. The Pearson set-up cost only $55 million, I imagine something smaller would be less, maybe just one track with one train going back and forth which could still provide 10 minute service over a 2 km route. The thing is cable driven, super quiet and cheap to run.

s5YRc9Qum34

That's actually a really good, practical, fairly efficient and cost-effective idea. It has my support. :tup:

[Luker]

yea kudos to you kitch, pitch that to the city, and im sure enough of us would send supporting emails and comments.

[Ottawan]

If it could be done for as little as you say, I'm also all for it. I also feel there's no need to wait for the LRT, we should build it as soon as the design study & agreements with the airport can be completed and connect to South Keys.

[lrt's friend]

If it could be done for as little as you say, I'm also all for it. I also feel there's no need to wait for the LRT, we should build it as soon as the design study & agreements with the airport can be completed and connect to South Keys.

Hmmm, a peoplemover system designed to connect airport terminals being implemented in this way? Who would ride this train? The buses are empty now and they go downtown.

Sorry, I am not in favour in developing a patchwork quilt of different rail technologies in this city. It is shortsighted.

As I recall, the estimates for building an airport LRT spur was $50 Million so it is no bargain.

[reidjr]

Did this get approved as of yet.

[Franky]

Did this get approved as of yet.

Unless they changed the agenda order, only the first item was discussed, so nothing about the exposition hall.

[Franky]

Hmmm, a peoplemover system designed to connect airport terminals being implemented in this way? Who would ride this train? The buses are empty now and they go downtown.

Sorry, I am not in favour in developing a patchwork quilt of different rail technologies in this city. It is shortsighted.

As I recall, the estimates for building an airport LRT spur was $50 Million so it is no bargain.

I agree. A solution that works seamlessly and that can take travellers directly to destination is needed, otherwise transit ridership will remain minimal and so won't justify the expense of servicing the airport.

[Acajack]

There have been persistent rumours that Gatineau is looking to build something like this relatively close to downtown (it has more available land downtown than Ottawa does). So it may be a question of Ottawa trying to move quickly before it gets scooped by the people across the river.

[lrt's friend]

There have been persistent rumours that Gatineau is looking to build something like this relatively close to downtown (it has more available land downtown than Ottawa does). So it may be a question of Ottawa trying to move quickly before it gets scooped by the people across the river.

Regardless of our personal opinions, a lot of people in Ottawa will not drive across the river to attend events and that will include trade shows. I have heard it time and again. Ottawa trade shows should take place in Ottawa to maximize their success.

[Acajack]

Regardless of our personal opinions, a lot of people in Ottawa will not drive across the river to attend events and that will include trade shows. I have heard it time and again. Ottawa trade shows should take place in Ottawa to maximize their success.

I am not going to dispute this at all (and I actually make the same observation every once in a while in this forum). But you can't blame Gatineau for trying.

[lrt's friend]

I am not going to dispute this at all (and I actually make the same observation every once in a while in this forum). But you can't blame Gatineau for trying.

Fair comment. Gatineau's biggest coup was building the casino and turning it into the area's biggest tourist attraction.

[Acajack]

Fair comment. Gatineau's biggest coup was building the casino and turning it into the area's biggest tourist attraction.

Indeed. You do hear some people dissing the casino and gambling but the truth is Ottawa would have loved to have a casino like this in its downtown.

[waterloowarrior]

Spacing: Should “greening” Lansdowne mean paving the Greenbelt? (http://spacingottawa.ca/2010/08/31/should-greening-landsdowne-mean-paving-the-greenbelt/)

Here is a picture of the Airport's Land Use Plan

http://www.ottawa-airport.ca/AirportAuthority/images/LandUsePlan2008-e.jpg

[waterloowarrior]

environmentalists opposed to the plan
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/09/21/ott-greenbelt-fight-tradeshow.html

[waterloowarrior]

Trade show centre won't include hotel

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Trade+show+centre+include+hotel/3532024/story.html
THE OTTAWA CITIZEN SEPTEMBER 16, 2010


The new trade show and exhibition space to be built near the airport will not include a hotel after the city's committee of adjustment voted in favour of the project's builder.

Shenkman Corp. has proposed to build a 150,000 square foot trade-show space near the airport, but, under the city's zoning bylaws, such a facility would be allowed only if it was located in an airport passenger terminal or a hotel.

Shenkman filed for a minor variance in order to build the facility without a hotel on the property. The committee of adjustment approved the variance in a unanimous vote on Wednesday evening.

Kevin McCrann, president of Shenkman, said building the hotel would not constitute sound planning since the existing Hilton Garden Inn was just across the street from where the trade show centre would be built.

McCrann said the approved variance would free up about five acres at the back of the property. He added that he did not know what the company would do with that land at this point.

Environmental groups voiced their concerns about the facility at the meeting, stating that the land where it would be built contained at risk species and wetlands.

McCrann said the facility was important for the city.

"This is a much needed piece of infrastructure," he said. "Ottawa is far behind in providing this type of space."

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Missed this one from last week.

I heard one of the environmentalists interviewed on the CBC this morning. Unfortunately there does not seem to be a complete understanding of the minor variance process and environmental assessments as well, at least based on some other things I've read about their arguments. But maybe that's the fault of the planning system, which does have a lot of disconnected processes and technicalities that can make it difficult for effective opposition of a development proposal (e.g. "site plan issue")


here's the site plan application (http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__773ENG)

[Dado]

"Kevin McCrann, president of Shenkman, said building the hotel would not constitute sound planning since the existing Hilton Garden Inn was just across the street from where the trade show centre would be built."

Sound planning? That's rich. Wouldn't sound planning call for it to be put on the other side of the street with the hotel and nearer the future LRT alignment?

Oh well. I suppose trade show attendees holed up in the hotel can take a scenic walk along Alert, under the Airport Parkway and across the parking lot to the exposition hall.


I won't comment on the wetland issue beyond pointing out that the area does have a creek/drain running through it, so the claim is at least plausible:

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Ottawa&ie=UTF8&om=1&hq=&hnear=Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario&ll=45.333625,-75.652392&spn=0.005642,0.009645&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=45.334336,-75.651183&panoid=4hua3LZhxHNxdBgQ-7tyrQ&cbp=12,272.84,,0,5

Regardless of the merits of the wetland argument, the expanse of parking in what is at least a woodlot is disappointing. This is pretty much the same as every other suburban commercial/retail development: an isolated building accompanied by masses of surface parking.

[eternallyme]

I don't oppose development there at all, but I would personally build it on the other side of the Airport Parkway (connecting to a potential transit station) with a large parking garage instead of surface parking. The rest of the space would be ideal for hotels and other such amenities.

[Cre47]

There's a report template document in relation to the project and will be on the agenda of next week's P&E committee.

My wishful thinking (and to avoid all this environmental revolt) was to have it at Limebank Road near Leitrim, but it would (I guess for them) be too far from the terminal and on the other side of the runways. But then Limebank would be too far from rapid transit.

http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2010/10-04/1%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0181%20-%20Site%20Plan%20-%204899%20Uplands%20Drive.htm

http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2010/10-04/1%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0181%20-%20Site%20Plan%20-%204899%20Uplands%20Drive_files/image005.jpg
http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2010/10-04/1%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0181%20-%20Site%20Plan%20-%204899%20Uplands%20Drive_files/image004.jpg

[TransitZilla]

There's a report template document in relation to the project and will be on the agenda of next week's P&E committee.

My wishful thinking (and to avoid all this environmental revolt) was to have it at Limebank Road near Leitrim, but it would (I guess for them) be too far from the terminal and on the other side of the runways. But then Limebank would be too far from rapid transit.

http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2010/10-04/1%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0181%20-%20Site%20Plan%20-%204899%20Uplands%20Drive.htm

http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2010/10-04/1%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0181%20-%20Site%20Plan%20-%204899%20Uplands%20Drive_files/image005.jpg
http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2010/10-04/1%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0181%20-%20Site%20Plan%20-%204899%20Uplands%20Drive_files/image004.jpg

Given that there will be a sidewalk built to connect with both northbound and southbound traffic on the Airport Pkwy, I wonder if the city should also request a portion of the parking lot for use as a park-n-ride on weekdays. It would have direct access to the #97 which runs 24hrs a day.

[kevinbottawa]

Hello people. This is my first time replying to a thread. I usually observe conversations from a distance.

Looks like Shenkman has some new renderings of the exhibition centre on the website. Looks like a big improvement from the previous renderings. Check out the link below.

http://cecottawa.ca/pdf/October012010.pdf

[Richard Eade]

I think the City Council has approved the site plan for this development. Is the approved plan the one on the Web Site, which still includes the hotel? I believe that the City's Board of Adjustments has removed the requirement for that hotel.

So, will there be a hotel, or not?

[McC]

is this site anywhere near where the/an airport LRT link might go?

[Kitchissippi]

I really don't see the fit between this facility and the airport. There is also something so wrong about chopping down a wooded area for a massive parking lot. If they are going to use Greenbelt land for this purpose, I would rather see it on the southwest corner of West Hunt Club and Woodroffe, across from the Nepean Sportsplex — they could even put a Transitway station there.

[waterloowarrior]

Thanks for the link Kevin! definitely looks better than the previous version

is this site anywhere near where the/an airport LRT link might go?

it's pretty close to one of the stops on the North South LRT airport spur (there

[waterloowarrior]

appealed to the OMB btw. (http://www.omb.gov.on.ca/ecs/CaseDetail.aspx?n=PL101127).. not sure if it was the site plan (can only be appealed by developer) or minor variance, assuming it was the latter since it's partially a city-funded project...

[reidjr]

I really don't see the fit between this facility and the airport. There is also something so wrong about chopping down a wooded area for a massive parking lot. If they are going to use Greenbelt land for this purpose, I would rather see it on the southwest corner of West Hunt Club and Woodroffe, across from the Nepean Sportsplex — they could even put a Transitway station there.

The probleam with that is the sportsplex has alot of trade show space.If you put a huge trade centre acrosse the street your going to do alot of harm to the sportsplex trade show space.Some have even brought up is a trade centre really needed.

[lrt's friend]

My biggest concern is the traffic that will be created and the lack of road infrastructure serving this location. LRT is going to be a long way off. We need to maintain easy access to the airport. The worst thing we can do is to routinely create traffic jams going to the airport. This is already a problem during peak hours.

Regarding building on Greenbelt, let's remember that this is not really Greenbelt but airport property.

[kevinbottawa]

I really don't see the fit between this facility and the airport. There is also something so wrong about chopping down a wooded area for a massive parking lot. If they are going to use Greenbelt land for this purpose, I would rather see it on the southwest corner of West Hunt Club and Woodroffe, across from the Nepean Sportsplex — they could even put a Transitway station there.

I don't know about other airports in Canada, but I'm originally from Toronto and they have these kinds of facilities around Pearson International. They have the Toronto Congress Centre (http://www.torontocongresscentre.com) and the International Centre (http://www.internationalcentre.com). Maybe Ottawa's following a trend.

[phil235]

I don't think that there is any serious question about the need for this facility or whether it will work at the airport. I'm not keen on the massive parking lot out front and questionable access for other modes of transportation. It looks like this may be a case of doing things on the cheap, rather than properly.

[kevinbottawa]

Here are some pics I took on my phone of the site prep at the Capital Exhibition Centre. They've also taken down the billboards at Uplands and Airport Pkwy.

http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/WZnuMG_Tf3GaNAwqmb4FNCA0s-33xJQSHgm-RKQdpPs?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/V8l20UZSFHIviMIeBdE_7CA0s-33xJQSHgm-RKQdpPs?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/OL5FtAtR5K47tKEn8irLqSA0s-33xJQSHgm-RKQdpPs?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/Jf8oDjYFfdDqSmgRoxa1XyA0s-33xJQSHgm-RKQdpPs?feat=directlink

[kevinbottawa]

Here are some links to some pics I took of site prep at the Capital Exhibition Centre. They've also taken down the billboards at Uplands and Airport Pkwy.

PS: Can't seem to get the pics to show up in my post. Any idea how to do that?

http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/WZnuMG_Tf3GaNAwqmb4FNCA0s-33xJQSHgm-RKQdpPs?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/V8l20UZSFHIviMIeBdE_7CA0s-33xJQSHgm-RKQdpPs?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/OL5FtAtR5K47tKEn8irLqSA0s-33xJQSHgm-RKQdpPs?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/Jf8oDjYFfdDqSmgRoxa1XyA0s-33xJQSHgm-RKQdpPs?feat=directlink

[kevinbottawa]

Here's a link to the new interior renderings for the Capital Exhibition Centre:

http://capitalexcentre.com/pdf/November9-Interior.pdf

[reidjr]

Does anyone know when construction will start?

[kevinbottawa]

The exhibition centre has an updated website and renderings (http://www.cecottawa.com. I'm not sold on the official name (the CE Centre) but in the rendering the branding looks nice on the building. It'll look great near the airport. I drove by there a month ago and it looked like they were almost done clearing the land. Not sure where they're at right now.

[MaxHeadroom]

Last weekend they had started erecting steel on the north end of the facility.

[kevinbottawa]

Last weekend they had started erecting steel on the north end of the facility.

That's good to hear.

[kevinbottawa]

Last weekend they had started erecting steel on the north end of the facility.

That's good to hear.

Here are the renderings from the project website for those who are interested (the external ones are new):

http://www.cecottawa.com/pdf/exterior_april2011.pdf

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMPifo_F8l0/TeFE6DsXKsI/AAAAAAAABHw/Jk49RIOQgpA/s1600/CECentre2.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yYxQmVVmBI/TeFE6T0d_JI/AAAAAAAABH0/b3aXLwcJpTA/s1600/CECentre3.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMNLSnxE7HM/TeFE7Fg45YI/AAAAAAAABH4/dV8n09ecy5c/s1600/CECentre4.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSEKYXktovo/TeFE7dI17jI/AAAAAAAABH8/6m2ScJc__q8/s1600/CECentre5.jpg

[kevinbottawa]

Last weekend they had started erecting steel on the north end of the facility.

That's good to hear.

Here are the renderings from the project website for those who are interested (the external ones are new):

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dunO14kpHNM/TeFE56DyupI/AAAAAAAABHs/EIZGnqhRzng/s1600/CECentre1.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMPifo_F8l0/TeFE6DsXKsI/AAAAAAAABHw/Jk49RIOQgpA/s1600/CECentre2.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yYxQmVVmBI/TeFE6T0d_JI/AAAAAAAABH0/b3aXLwcJpTA/s1600/CECentre3.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMNLSnxE7HM/TeFE7Fg45YI/AAAAAAAABH4/dV8n09ecy5c/s1600/CECentre4.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSEKYXktovo/TeFE7dI17jI/AAAAAAAABH8/6m2ScJc__q8/s1600/CECentre5.jpg

[eternallyme]

I believe the area needs an international gateway-style development. Show the world proud there as the gateway to a G8 and G20 capital city.

[Luker]

Where exactly do you have in mind? What do you propose to build and plan?

[eternallyme]

Where exactly do you have in mind? What do you propose to build and plan?

- A quasi-mainstreet collector in the useless Greenbelt section there
- Numerous hotels and restaurants to go with the convention centre, all walkable (Ottawa has a serious hotel shortage, especially in the suburbs)
- A design and style that shows an international style, proclaiming Ottawa as a G8 capital and making it a gateway.

I'll try to make a possible design.

[S-Man]

All the land along Uplands seems fair game, not to mention the housing/barracks area from CFB Uplands.

Whatever happens, there should certainly be something besides just the exposition hall.

[adam-machiavelli]

I believe the area needs the integrity of the Greenbelt to be protected. After all, that area is actually a sensitive ecological habitat. Show the world that the capital of a G8 and G20 country respects values other than materialism.

[KHOOLE]

That's good to hear.

Here are the renderings from the project website for those who are interested (the external ones are new):

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dunO14kpHNM/TeFE56DyupI/AAAAAAAABHs/EIZGnqhRzng/s1600/CECentre1.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMPifo_F8l0/TeFE6DsXKsI/AAAAAAAABHw/Jk49RIOQgpA/s1600/CECentre2.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yYxQmVVmBI/TeFE6T0d_JI/AAAAAAAABH0/b3aXLwcJpTA/s1600/CECentre3.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMNLSnxE7HM/TeFE7Fg45YI/AAAAAAAABH4/dV8n09ecy5c/s1600/CECentre4.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSEKYXktovo/TeFE7dI17jI/AAAAAAAABH8/6m2ScJc__q8/s1600/CECentre5.jpg


Yuk! We call this architecture? Looks like an airport hangar built on the wrong side of the road.
We now have a fantastic Convention Centre downtown to show off to the entire world and this what we'll have to try to show off at the airport? Maybe we could hide it with billboards?
Cheap building, cheap architecture and a cheap town is what the message will be!
How about building something better along the O-train line?

[eternallyme]

Here is my idea for the area. There are a lot of notes in order for this:

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/7189/internationalsquare.jpg

* Descriptions of the pods:

Pod 1 - CE Centre
Pod 2 - CE Centre expansion opportunity
Pod 3 - Possible tourist centre?
Pod 4 - Business area
Pod 5 - Business area
Pod 6 - Hotel/hospitality plaza
Pod 7 - Hotel/hospitality plaza
Pod 8 - Hotel/hospitality plaza
Pod 9 - Hotel/hospitality plaza
Pod 10 - Parking garage (both sides of transit corridor)
Pod 11 - Hotel/hospitality plaza
Pod 12 - Shopping area (narrow ROW precludes other uses)
Pod 13 - Hotel/hospitality plaza
Pod 14 - International Commons (park/plaza area, gateway to station)
Pod 15 - Civic services (i.e. fire, police, small library, theatre) - should be red in the graphic, not blue
Pod 16 - Hotel/hospitality plaza
Pod 17 - Parking garage
Pod 18 - Hotel/hospitality plaza
Pod 19 - Tourist services?
Pod 20 - Tourist services? Turtle farm?

* I assumed that the LRT would be extended southward to the airport (created an alignment for it) and southward towards Riverside South (that extension is certainly not mandatory though). Being one stop away from the airport terminal would make it very attractive to travellers.

* I also assumed that the Airport Parkway would be twinned to a 4-lane freeway as far south as Uplands (the ROW would be protected anyway) and Lester/Uplands would be widened as well to a 4-lane arterial. The ramp footprint is NOT expanded.

* A new transit station would be located in the central part of the area (between 14 and 15). The entire area would be within walking distance of the station.

* Within each pod, local streets and paths would exist. HOWEVER, they must all conform to a grid pattern within 6 to 18, and all development and entrances must be on-street.

* Two new bridges over the Airport Parkway would be necessary - one for pedestrians only, one for regular traffic.

* Surface parking lots east of the Airport Parkway would be banned. All parking would be in the three large parking garages at 10W, 10E and 17 (short-term parking on street).

* A greenspace preserve would be kept at the northern and eastern peripheries of the area.

* Each of pods 2?, 3?, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19 and 20 would be operated by individual private developers and their ownership. Pods 1, 2?, 3?, 10, 14, 15 and 17 would be owned by the City of Ottawa.

[S-Man]

Interesting plan. Areas of forest and swamp notwithstanding, there is still area near the site that could support human life and/or employment. Such as the west side of Uplands. Is that still too close to the turtles? There's structures there already.

[eternallyme]

Interesting plan. Areas of forest and swamp notwithstanding, there is still area near the site that could support human life and/or employment. Such as the west side of Uplands. Is that still too close to the turtles? There's structures there already.

That is another option, but that would require demolition of a pre-existing (albeit low density) residential community.

There would surely need to be some careful building especially in Pods 15 and 18, including possible greenways, included although they would have to be built and dredged carefully to avoid creating a sprawling mess. Pod 20 could be deleted or minimized as it is the most environmentally sensitive (maybe a turtle park attraction?). The forests could actually be used for the building on site.

[lrt's friend]

I would rather have a forested area here than what amounts to a massive suburban business park, which will have no life on weekends and at night. I think it is time to build more integrated multi-use communities that mix employment, retail and residential together.

I am big supporter of protecting the integrity of the Greenbelt. Neighbouring communities were designed on the assumption that the Greenbelt would remain green space. Notice that the neighbouring residential area backs onto the Greenbelt, which would make it very difficult to integrate with a massive development at this location. I cannot imagine that such a development would not garner massive resistance from neighbours for obvious reasons.

[Acajack]

I don't want to sound negative it is almost impossible to get interesting urban-type surroundings around these types of facilities.

Even in places like Milan and Barcelona, when they build this type of facility the environs always end up being austere and inhuman, unfortunately reminescent of, I dunno, the blank walls of St. Laurent Shopping Centre...

Good luck people but the odds are very much against you.

[KHOOLE]

"...[Even in places like Milan and Barcelona, when they build this type of facility the environs always end up being austere and inhuman, unfortunately reminescent of, I dunno, the blank walls of St. Laurent Shopping Centre..."

You would think that for a building to be prominent and to be seen by international travellers arriving at the airport, some thought could have been given to representative architectural styles in Ottawa. The showrooms can be what showrooms are: boxy and spacious but what about a bit of architectural talent for the front entrance?
Ottawa has lots of iconic buildings to provide inspiration: Cardinal's Museum of Civilization, Safdie's Old City Hall and on and on... What about using quarried stone? or bricks?
Lansdowne Park's four remaining structures are unique architectural gems of four different eras: glass palace, prairie style, stripped classicism art deco and expressionism. These and many more should have been an inspiration for the airport exposition warehouse.
What about Gerald Hamilton's Frank Clair Stadium and its eight immense steel girders or an old fashioned fire hall watch tower with a coffee shop on top?
C'mon people..save the green space and let's have a structure that people will be proud of having their picture taken in front of!

[adam-machiavelli]

I would rather have a forested area here than what amounts to a massive suburban business park, which will have no life on weekends and at night. I think it is time to build more integrated multi-use communities that mix employment, retail and residential together.

I am big supporter of protecting the integrity of the Greenbelt. Neighbouring communities were designed on the assumption that the Greenbelt would remain green space. Notice that the neighbouring residential area backs onto the Greenbelt, which would make it very difficult to integrate with a massive development at this location. I cannot imagine that such a development would not garner massive resistance from neighbours for obvious reasons.

I agree with you. The Greenbelt should be preserved. We should only build on land already developed. As an aside, I once heard from a City planner that if you applied European density standards to Ottawa, it has enough land either developed or designated for development to accommodate 6,000,000 people!!! No joke. :yes::yes::yes:

[kevinbottawa]

Here's a link to a fairly new development in Barbados that sounds like what's proposed above. It's an international type of development built around a mainstreet. (http://www.limegrove.com/index.php). There are residences, international and high end shopping, spas and restaurants, and cobble stone walkways. The architecture is international yet historically relevant to Barbados. Obviously Ottawa isn't Barbados so it would probably look different, but I'd love to see something along these lines. It's not near the airport but it's a destination for international travellers to the island. Not sure how duty free laws work, but perhaps this kind of development could be duty free for international travellers and regular prices for local residents.

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

Lots of good news in this article--particularly the news that trade shows which previously bypassed Ottawa are booking shows at the CE Centre.

Published on June 2, 2011

Peter Kovessy
Ottawa Business Journal

Freeman, AV Canada win supplier contracts

More than 90 per cent of the consumer and trade shows held at Lansdowne Park have signed up to move their events to the new CE Centre being constructed near the airport, officials say.

The purpose-built event facility is also attracting new shows that previously bypassed the city, such as a beauty show currently held in eight other Canadian locations.

“There are a ton of shows across this country that don’t come to Ottawa,” said Shenkman Corp. president Kevin McCrann.“(Lansdowne) wasn’t an attractive venue. It wasn’t trade show space.”

Shenkman was the only company to respond to the city’s request for proposals a year ago to enter into a public-private partnership to build the new event space, slated to open by January 2012.

It’s a unique model for trade show facilities, which are typically publicly owned in Canada. Under the agreement, the city is making a one-time contribution of $8.5 million. Shenkman is putting up a minimum of $8.5 million, along with minority investors such as Richcraft and Trinity Developments. The remaining costs will be debt financed.

The project was previously estimated to cost around $40 million, a figure Mr. McCrann did not dispute in an interview on the Uplands Drive construction site Wednesday, where officials gathered for a ceremonial “steel erecting” ceremony.

When completed, the 220,000-square-foot facility will be able to accomodate up to 15,000 people at a single event.

Shenkman is one of the partners involved in the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park. While council’s approval for the Glebe project was contingent on finding a new home for trade and consumer shows, Mr. McCrann said it was unfair to think of the new CE Centre as “fallout” from Lansdowne Live.

“The industry has been lobbying for 25 years for a purpose-built contiguous trade and consumer show facility,” he said.

Ruiter Construction is the general contractor building the CE Centre, which was designed by David McRobie Architects.

Several contracts have also been awarded in advance of the centre’s opening. Freeman Electrical Services will be the exclusive supplier bringing power to exhibition booths. Freeman Decorating Ltd. will be an official supplier, which means they will be recommended to event organizers, but exhibitors will have the option of using their own supplier.


Freeman, a conference logistics industry giant, won similar contracts at the new Ottawa Convention Centre.

Other suppliers include audio-visual company AV Canada, Gatineau furniture firm Maison Mikaza, as well as caterer Great Canadian Plates, a company established by the people behind Ottawa-based Tulips & Maple.

“We really wanted to raise the bar on food services,” said CE Centre general manager Josh Zaret.

“Often times you go to a show and can’t get more than a stale bagel.”

Mayor Jim Watson called the CE Centre an important part of the city’s tourism infrastructure, and said officials would accompany him on an upcoming trip to China to promote the facility.

Councillor Diane Deans downplayed the suggestion there would be competition between the CE Centre and the new downtown convention centre, anecdotally noting the latter would never feature the 50-foot yachts that are on display at the Ottawa Boat & Sportsmen's Show.

While the two venues are primarily geared towards different uses, some in the industry say both will be vying for certain consumer shows. However, they added there is likely to be a price difference between the two venues, given the premium general paid on downtown space.

The new CE Centre is being built on lands owned by the Ottawa International Airport Authority, which says the facility compliments the existing aviation, transportation and tourism infrastructure in the area.

Several government and industry officials at Wednesday’s press conference expressed optimism that the CE Centre could spur further development on the airport’s land.

[kwoldtimer]

Now all they need is a website in both official languages. :shrug:

[KHOOLE]

Now all they need is a website in both official languages. :shrug:

I do not get your point! Could you explain please?

[eternallyme]

I agree with you. The Greenbelt should be preserved. We should only build on land already developed. As an aside, I once heard from a City planner that if you applied European density standards to Ottawa, it has enough land either developed or designated for development to accommodate 6,000,000 people!!! No joke. :yes::yes::yes:

Except with such high standards, most growth would be in Gatineau or neighbouring municipalities.

[waterloowarrior]

some construction pics http://www.roneng.com/project_detail.asp?p=99&c=1&s=0&t=1&f=1&pg=2

[cityguy]

Time to change the heading from proposed to U/C.

[kevinbottawa]

The CE Centre launched their new website today. It's not as flashy as the convention centre's website but it's good. http://www.cecentre.ca

[Ottawan]

Does anyone know what the CE in CE Centre stands for?

[waterloowarrior]

Capital Exhibition?

[Richard Eade]

Well, it looks as if things are moving ahead with this project. Sounds like lots of new road lanes. I can't say for sure who is paying the tab, but the City is giving notice that it is approving roadway modifications: (from http://ottawa.ca/home_page_feeds/meeting_notice/index_en.html)

Uplands Drive/Lester Road from Research Road to 300 m East of Alert Road/Airport Parkway Northbound On-Ramp
Pursuant to by-law 2002-522, the City of Ottawa is providing notice to the public of its intention to approve roadway modifications at the following locations in accordance with By-Law 2001-12.

Research Road and Uplands Drive
A new traffic control signal
Single northbound and southbound left turns
Single northbound and westbound right turn lanes
Dual westbound left-turn lanes
Uplands Drive from Research Road to Airport Parkway Southbound Off-Ramp
Widen to accommodate two southbound lanes.
Uplands Drive Split and Capital Exhibition Centre Southern Site Access Single northbound, southbound and westbound left-turn lanes
Northbound right-turn lane
Uplands Drive and Airport Parkway Southbound Off-Ramp
Extend the southbound right turn lane
Provide dual southbound left turn lanes
Widen to accommodate two eastbound through lane
Uplands Drive/Lester Road and Alert Road/Airport Parkway Northbound On-Ramp
Extend the eastbound left turn lane
Widen to accommodate two eastbound through lane

[YOWflier]

I drove by the site on Saturday and I think it's safe to call this one "Under Construction"; the structure is mostly if not entirely erected, the parking lot is mostly paved ... heck, they've even done some landscaping.

[McC]

saw it on Thursday, what a hideous sea of surface parking: godawful!

[kevinbottawa]

The CE Centre's facebook page has some recent construction pics.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/CE-Centre-Every-Event-is-Better-Here/221720191174836

[waterloowarrior]

Nice shot by southfacing
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23575605@N08/6370761935/in/photostream

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6235/6370761935_018e162652_z.jpg

[Cre47]

Also on the concerts thread.

deadmau5 at the CE on December 27. They will also be performing at the Juno Awards

http://www.deadmau5.com/shows/ce-centre-ottawa-on/.

[Anson]

Nice shot by southfacing
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23575605@N08/6370761935/in/photostream

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6235/6370761935_018e162652_z.jpg

Looks like a 900 cars parking lot

[waterloowarrior]

good OBJ article on how the CE Centre came to be
http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Construction/2011-12-12/article-2832050/How-Ottawas-new-trade-show-space-ended-up-at-the-airport/1

Didn't know that Trinity was also part of the funding

[Uhuniau]

saw it on Thursday, what a hideous sea of surface parking: godawful!

Amazing, isn't it. Exactly the kind of thing that all our phatic, empty, pointless planning documents supposedly are trying to steer the city away from, and yet we keep getting more and more and more and more of the same damn crap.

Couldn't they at least have sited the damn building so its entrance would be close to the existing bus route (and the airport LRT line that'll be built in 2254?)

[citizen j]

Amazing, isn't it. Exactly the kind of thing that all our phatic, empty, pointless planning documents supposedly are trying to steer the city away from, and yet we keep getting more and more and more and more of the same damn crap.

Couldn't they at least have sited the damn building so its entrance would be close to the existing bus route (and the airport LRT line that'll be built in 2254?)

No, you've missed the point entirely. The developers have created a very forward-thinking example of TOD by providing parking space out front for three air ships. (I hear they're scheduled to erect the mooring masts next month).

[umbria27]

Amazing, isn't it. Exactly the kind of thing that all our phatic, empty, pointless planning documents supposedly are trying to steer the city away from, and yet we keep getting more and more and more and more of the same damn crap.

Couldn't they at least have sited the damn building so its entrance would be close to the existing bus route (and the airport LRT line that'll be built in 2254?)

Just drove the girls out to the Lululemon factory sale at the Cretinous Exhibition Centre. First of all, I'm annoyed that I had to drive them out there. I moved downtown so I wouldn't have to experience the existential nausea of suburban parking lots, but it seemed unfair to make the girls walk the length of the airport parkway and public transit seemed to require 2 connections and an hour each way. Trinity must be very proud of the Walmartization of our Trade Show space. I hope I never have to go there again.

[reidjr]

Just drove the girls out to the Lululemon factory sale at the Cretinous Exhibition Centre. First of all, I'm annoyed that I had to drive them out there. I moved downtown so I wouldn't have to experience the existential nausea of suburban parking lots, but it seemed unfair to make the girls walk the length of the airport parkway and public transit seemed to require 2 connections and an hour each way. Trinity must be very proud of the Walmartization of our Trade Show space. I hope I never have to go there again.

Trade show space needs to be big and really you can't have it downtown.

[KHOOLE]

"Trade show space needs to be big"

The place looks like an out of place airport hangar with a Zeppelin landing berth. Not much of a visual impression for anyone flying in to Ottawa for the first time.

[reidjr]

"Trade show space needs to be big"

The place looks like an out of place airport hangar with a Zeppelin landing berth. Not much of a visual impression for anyone flying in to Ottawa for the first time.

I think when and if more gets built around there it will be better be it the movie studio etc.

[umbria27]

Trade show space needs to be big and really you can't have it downtown.

That's nonsense. There are plenty of downtown trade show facilities.
The Javits Center is 675,000 square feet in Manhattan. That's 3 times the CE Centre size. Philadelpia's is 600,200 square feet. If they can find the space in Manhattan, they can find it in Ottawa. This was just lazy planning.

[reidjr]

That's nonsense. There are plenty of downtown trade show facilities.
The Javits Center is 675,000 square feet in Manhattan. That's 3 times the CE Centre size. Philadelpia's is 600,200 square feet. If they can find the space in Manhattan, they can find it in Ottawa. This was just lazy planning.

Its not so much lazy planning yes there is room it has more to do with the anti devlopement mind set by some if they said were going to build a 222,000 sqaure foot trade centre right downtown you would have a fair amount of people up in arms crying about traffic etc.

[umbria27]

Its not so much lazy planning yes there is room it has more to do with the anti devlopement mind set by some if they said were going to build a 222,000 sqaure foot trade centre right downtown you would have a fair amount of people up in arms crying about traffic etc.

Indeed, it would have been more difficult to build downtown, so the city and developers didn't try. Isn't that the definition of lazy?

If we accept this argument for trade show space, are we going to accept it for housing and retail and office development. This is how sprawl happens.

[acottawa]

Honestly, I don't see a lot of advantage to having it downtown (although perhaps closer to downtown might have been better). As far as I can tell, this thing caters to local residents going to travelling sales/shows, so there is no particular need for the facility to be close to restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, etc. like a convention centre catering to our of town visitors.

Besides, it could probably be used as a shelter if the airport has to close for some sort of emergency.