[1ajs]

the great canadian skyline thread II
link to old one http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=148434

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6893039733_32ee9fd22d_b.jpg

[Calgarian]

Great Calgary shot 1ajs. Looks like we're on top ;)

[armorand93]

Great Calgary shot 1ajs. Looks like we're on top ;)

Wheres Suncor, Bankers Hall, Eighth Place and the Bow!

[kw5150]

Wheres Suncor, Bankers Hall, Eighth Place and the Bow!

We tore them down last week, threw all the debris in the landfill and are building bigger and better. Kidding.

[leftimage]

Montreal. Posted this is in the city images forum a while back, here's for some who missed it. photos by me, taken in 2010-11

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5139/5411489843_748dce4d35_b.jpg









http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4113/5197311891_104e6cc0a6_b.jpg








http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6023/6190218542_e555873b1d_b.jpg








http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6010/5953643806_e67a8b1aaa_b.jpg








http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5256/5440503886_a23ac5248d_b.jpg







http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6231/6270117357_8f17f5672f_b.jpg







http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6138/5922773863_da01096b66_b.jpg








http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5225/5608597237_d21d891afe_b.jpg








http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5027/5602229630_0aaf1e2145_b.jpg








http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4092/5200835127_ac62673143_b.jpg









http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4144/5178917909_e2630ceb2f_b.jpg










http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4050/5172904376_a42c6d84fc_b.jpg

[le calmar]

^ Nice. Like someone said the other time, the Montreal skyline can be unimpressive from certain angles, but looks like the king from other points of view. I love the view from the East (Jacques Cartier bridge or on A-20 near the tunnel) or the south shore, but the view from the Peel basin or Mount Royal is just meh. (skyline-wise for Mount Royal because the view remains particulary nice)

[bolognium]

Great shots so far, guys.

Back in October I posted this pano in the 500,000 and under thread, but since it's the best London picture I've managed to take I don't feel terrible re-posting it here.

(click to enlarge)
http://i.imgur.com/cUvdb.png (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/London_Ontario_Skyline_Panorama.jpg)

[sonysnob]

Is that taken from UC Hill?

[Calgarian]

Wheres Suncor, Bankers Hall, Eighth Place and the Bow!

On the other side of downtown. They aren't visible from the NE unless you are higher up than downtown.

[1ajs]

On the other side of downtown. They aren't visible from the NE unless you are higher up than downtown.

indeed
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6860923177_c9e758034e_o.jpg

[1ajs]

a left over from my last trip out

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6942647035_2a6f84ed41_o.jpg

[whiteford]

cowtown is wowtown! and who on earth would ever mention "unimpressive" and Montreal in the same sentence. a real nut-job thats who. and we all know that there is none of those around here, so we need not worry. right?

[Prometheus]

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3384/3433630778_089539aff4_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3331/3432796955_839bffe490_b.jpg
Photos by TIA International Photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiascapes/3432796955/in/set-72157616561767347/

[Calgarian]

cowtown is wowtown! and who on earth would ever mention "unimpressive" and Montreal in the same sentence. a real nut-job thats who. and we all know that there is none of those around here, so we need not worry. right?

That's not really necessary.

Those Vancouver shots are absolutely stunning!

[le calmar]

cowtown is wowtown! and who on earth would ever mention "unimpressive" and Montreal in the same sentence. a real nut-job thats who. and we all know that there is none of those around here, so we need not worry. right?

Yes, I think that the Montreal skyline can be unimpressive from certain angles, get over it.

[Rico Rommheim]

I'm the one who made the original "unimpressive" comment. And it's true, as seen from certain angles (bassin peel is one) the skyline doesn't have a "cowtown wow town" effect.

[Calgarian]

Every skyline can be unimpressive from certain angles.

[Rico Rommheim]

I agree in theory, but I have yet to spot one in Vancouver. It probably has to do with the consistency of that city's skyline, and the fact that it is for now dominated by the shangri- la. Montreal has 5 shangri-las scattered across the downtown core, and they're all at different positions on the slope.

Also, different views mean different buildings are obscured. The trademark skyline shot for example, the one from mont royal makes it that the city's third tallest building is completely hidden by the city's fourth tallest.

As seen from the river, our city's 2nd tallest is often obscured by our third tallest.

Just some observations about the skyline.

[Ayreonaut]

I think commuting via canoe would be awesome!

[whiteford]

That's not really necessary.

Those Vancouver shots are absolutely stunning!

whats not necessary? all i said was that Montreal is truly awesome and that the picture of Calgary was, wow! i don't understand any of the get over it and not necessary comments at all. please fill me in on what someone thinks they read in my comments that was remotely negative.

[Calgarian]

whats not necessary? all i said was that Montreal is truly awesome and that the picture of Calgary was, wow! i don't understand any of the get over it and not necessary comments at all. please fill me in on what someone thinks they read in my comments that was remotely negative.

That was my bad, I read it quickly and saw Montreal was unimpressive compared to Calgary, which you obviously did not write. my apologies good sir.

[dleung]

I agree in theory, but I have yet to spot one in Vancouver. It probably has to do with the consistency of that city's skyline, and the fact that it is for now dominated by the shangri- la.

It's mostly because the skyline doesn't have a "long or "short" side. And the towers are so dense there are no holes.

[1ajs]

I think commuting via canoe would be awesome!
i allmost did it here in winnipeg last summer i think my employer woulda had a good laugh

[kw5150]

oldies by me. Guess the cities.

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/7361/kitswidecopysmall.jpg
By kw5150 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kw5150) at 2012-03-01

[kw5150]

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6673/northvanwide.jpg
By kw5150 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kw5150) at 2012-03-01

[kw5150]

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/683/calgiecopysmall.jpg
By kw5150 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kw5150) at 2012-03-01

[kw5150]

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2276/pics062h.jpg
By kw5150 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kw5150) at 2012-03-01

[kw5150]

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8361/1020258img.jpg
By kw5150 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kw5150) at 2012-03-01

[kw5150]

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/727/dsc00177xe.jpg
By kw5150 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kw5150) at 2012-03-01

[le calmar]

whats not necessary? all i said was that Montreal is truly awesome and that the picture of Calgary was, wow! i don't understand any of the get over it and not necessary comments at all. please fill me in on what someone thinks they read in my comments that was remotely negative.

I thought your comment was meant to insult me because of the comment below, I guess I misinterpreted the whole thing :haha:

[Prometheus]

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4137/4861425843_fc8eab87eb_b.jpg
Photo by TIA Internation Photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiascapes/4861425843/in/set-72157616561767347

[kw5150]

larger: http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9830/201202missionoverlookbw.jpg
By kw5150 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kw5150) at 2012-03-02

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9830/201202missionoverlookbw.jpg
By kw5150 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kw5150) at 2012-03-02

[whiteford]

That was my bad, I read it quickly and saw Montreal was unimpressive compared to Calgary, which you obviously did not write. my apologies good sir.

np. with me i find it hard to complain about any of our bigger cities skylines. Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and on and on. they are all great in each their own ways. i happen to have a big thing for both Montreal and especially Calgary. i will argue with anyone when it comes to Calgary because i truly feel that is is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. i just feel that way and i always will. same for Montreal. you cant tell me that it has an unimpressive skyline without me getting all worked up about it and wanting to set that person strait about how awesome Montreal's skyline really is. its just the way i am built. other than that i am so easy to get along with. trust me on that. so... no hard feelings over here. good day to you fine sir and please lets keep the wonderful pictures flowing in to this very very awesome thread.:cheers:

[The Gibbroni]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/Habfanman/Parc%20Jean%20Drapeau/Assort/VdN118.jpg

I love Montreal's skyline because it has depth: there's over 200 years of architectural history represented from the shoreline back. I love our little downtown mountain that serves as both backdrop and vantage point and I love that I can simply walk there and have so much fun. I also love the fact that when it gets dark, a whole new night of Montreal debauchery is about to begin within that skyline, no matter what day or what time of year. Shit has gone down within that skyline- some of it good, some of it bad, some of it nation defining- but shit has happened there and will continue to happen.

I look at other Canadian skylines and I see a bunch of generic 10-30 year old buildings that could could be anywhere- or nowhere- where nothing much ever happens and nothing much is ever likely to happen- especially after dark, and I just draw a blank.

[Vertigo3000]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/Habfanman/Parc%20Jean%20Drapeau/Assort/VdN118.jpg

I love Montreal's skyline because it has depth: there's over 200 years of architectural history represented from the shoreline back. I love our little downtown mountain that serves as both backdrop and vantage point and I love that I can simply walk there and have so much fun. I also love the fact that when it gets dark, a whole new night of Montreal debauchery is about to begin within that skyline, no matter what day or what time of year. Shit has gone down within that skyline- some of it good, some of it bad, some of it nation defining- but shit has happened there and will continue to happen.

I look at other Canadian skylines and I see a bunch of generic 10-30 year old buildings that could could be anywhere- or nowhere- where nothing much ever happens and nothing much is ever likely to happen- especially after dark, and I just draw a blank.

I like the skyline from that angle!

[le calmar]

The view from Champlain bridge at night is one of the most impressive I have ever seen for a city. Because you can't see the gaps between the Big 5 (but the view during the day is nice too), because of the colours everywhere, the waterfront, the spotlight on Place Ville-Marie make it looks like some serious shit is going on there, the Purina Five Roses flashing red sign give it a Sin City feel.

2:30 in this video. The Bonaventure Expressay at 6:20 is worth the mention too.

B2GyVEHRJwk

[suburbanite]

Saw this nice one in a Toronto Star article.

http://i.thestar.com/images/39/6b/6398101f4433b2949a6aec13c095.jpg

from: http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1139790--canada-s-economy-grew-at-slower-pace-in-fourth-quarter

[leftimage]

I had a meeting on one of the higher floors of the Concordia Engineering building. Took a couple shots; unusual angles of downtown and surroundings. Enjoy!

Maisonneuve boulevard
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6955764139_2e29da7b4b_b.jpg



Little Burgundy - Pointe St.Charles (Champlain bridge, Mont St.Bruno in distance)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6809650288_d8fdb9c0e5_b.jpg




Grey Nuns Residence (Concordia University)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6955750693_5e44e874b1_b.jpg





Rue St.Catherine (right to left: Marriott, CIBC, Sun Life, PVM, 1501 McGill College, Maison Astral)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6955753765_ac204caf12_b.jpg




http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6809646682_f217435062_b.jpg

[whiteford]

^^^see that's what im talking about. Montreal has that early 1900's era vibe, unique to Montreal amongst Canadian cities. only it has that type of build and thats the way it will remain. i just love it so much. with that said, Calgary is new and there is allot of good things about being new. only Calgary has the completely new feel and skyline to match. it will only get newer and amongst Canadian cities it rules that post. two cities with similarly sized skylines, from a viewing standpoint that is. they are on completely opposite ends of the time-era spectrum and both are tops in their category. new/old. similar yet completely different. both are beautiful examples of the diversity of canadiana and well worth a visit.

[Coldrsx]

Edmonton

http://www.nwvoyageurs.com/files/article_images/up_edmonton_skyline.png
(http://www.nwvoyageurs.com/files/article_images/up_edmonton_skyline.png)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2567/4136478483_190cc7caab_z.jpg
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2567/4136478483_190cc7caab_z.jpg)

Can you spot EPCOR Tower?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6844370955_3d2c60d2b2_z.jpg
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6844370955_3d2c60d2b2_z.jpg)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6338935529_b2a54c0971.jpg
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6844370955_3d2c60d2b2_z.jpg)

[ZeDgE]

Great Edmonton shots! :cool:

[espalorius]

really? I find those really exhausted angles.
how about something slightly different?

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6193/6150548372_18d9aa01ee_b.jpg
by gwilli on flickr

[Prometheus]

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6149/5937905803_618f728e0d_b.jpg
Photo by Katrina Bowman: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katrinaebowman/5937905803/

[Martin Mtl]

That picture is way too big.

[G.S MTL]

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9558/68036707617382d0c436o.jpg


http://www.flickr.com/photos/vincebm/

[sonysnob]

^ That is a great photo of Montreal.

[Robertpuant]

Awesome shot!

[Nouvellecosse]

That I would say is MTL's most impressive angle. Its skyline tends to be hit and miss for me, but that is a big hit!

[sonysnob]

Another shot from Hamilton (by me):

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/Hamilton/Hamilton_Skyline_Jan12_2_forum.jpg

[kw5150]

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5949/thebowmarch22012copy.jpg
By kw5150 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kw5150) at 2012-03-06

[haligonia]

Awesome Hamilton shot! It's great to be able to seen the Pigott Building in the skyline.

[leftimage]

Last ones for me! (promise :P )


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5109/5617007179_0f52139f78_b.jpg



Taken at dawn. Thank you Concordia all-nighters.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5303/5601632237_cb0a51b5da_b.jpg



http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4101/5440499494_47f03503c1_b.jpg





http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5110/5602227180_99c483755a_b.jpg

[MTLskyline]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vincebm/
I've never seen a skyline shot taken from Silo #3 before.

[davidivivid]

Great pics leftimage, especially the one at dawn!

Ste-Foy - Currently U/C are two 10-story midrises (plus 2 others scheduled to break ground later this year), a 29-story highrise (which will be followed by the addition of 6 stories to the first tower of the complex, for a total of 25). A lot of proposals are in the work for this part of town. It will be a great way to enter the city from Montreal in the future.


http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6221/6215752619_9f50fe0dd6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidivivid/6215752619/)
Sainte-Foy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidivivid/6215752619/) par davidivivid (http://www.flickr.com/people/davidivivid/), sur Flickr


http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6168/6216268138_c8af5562be_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidivivid/6216268138/)
Sainte-Foy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidivivid/6216268138/) par davidivivid (http://www.flickr.com/people/davidivivid/), sur Flickr


Not the best quality but it is interesting to see both Ste-Foy on the left and Quebec City on the right.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0cC4dszm4c/T1eC4lA7Y7I/AAAAAAAABVk/My8OGeVN_T4/s1600/IMG_1032%2B-%2BCopie.JPG

[lake of the nations]

Not the best quality but it is interesting to see both Ste-Foy on the right and Quebec City on the left.

You mean Ste-Foy on the left and Quebec City on the right, right?

[davidivivid]

You mean Ste-Foy on the left and Quebec City on the right, right?

Of course!! Oups! :cool:

[MolsonExport]

Great Pate de St. Foie.

[Rico Rommheim]

I've never seen a skyline shot taken from Silo #3 before.

Aahh right of course that's where it's from. How tall is that silo, like 20 floors?



http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6168/6216268138_c8af5562be_b.jpg

a mini Vancouver in the making?

[vegeta_skyline]

You mean Ste-Foy on the left and Quebec City on the right, right?

Would it be fair to say Ste-Foy is to Quebec City as what Mississauga is to Toronto? Just trying to get an idea of how far away those skylines are and how big of a suburb Ste-Foy is.

[Vaillant]

You mean Ste-Foy on the left and Quebec City on the right, right?

Ste-Foy it's Quebec city:sly:

[Dirt_Devil]

Great pics leftimage, especially the one at dawn!

Ste-Foy - Currently U/C are two 10-story midrises (plus 2 others scheduled to break ground later this year)

Terrasses du plateau & Krystal are UC right now.

What are the 2 others to break ground this year? 925 Mainguy and.........? [/QUOTE]

[Witty Nickname]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6957105987_a16b32ae48_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/witty_nickname/6957105987/)
Riverfront Property of Eau Claire (http://www.flickr.com/photos/witty_nickname/6957105987/) by Witty nickname (http://www.flickr.com/people/witty_nickname/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6957105987_d24b88b4f3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/witty_nickname/6957105987/)
Riverfront Property of Eau Claire (http://www.flickr.com/photos/witty_nickname/6957105987/) by Witty nickname (http://www.flickr.com/people/witty_nickname/), on Flickr

[davidivivid]

Would it be far to say Ste-Foy is to Quebec City as what Mississauga is to Toronto? Just trying to get an idea of how far away those skylines are and how big of a suburb Ste-Foy is.

I am not sure if such a comparison is totally accurate because I believe Ste-Foy is more integrated in Quebec City than Mississauga is to Toronto. First of all, Ste-Foy doesn't exist anymore since it fusionned with Quebec almost a decade ago, to great success I might add. I'd say that its pretty much an integral part of the city nowadays. Also, about 7-8 km separates downtown Quebec City to Ste-Foy compared to almost 30km for the two Ontario cities.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHXMYy9-wrE/T1gVhqP_5CI/AAAAAAAABVw/I0kMBtin4BE/s1600/adfv.jpg


This somewhat newer part of town was basically created following the implementation of three buildings/institutions: the modern Laval University campus, the Laval University Hospital Center and finally, one of the first big shopping mall in Canada, Place Laurier. The shift from the historic downtown was also facilitated because of the city administration's mistakes of the 70's, when many beautiful victorian mansions as well as whole city blocks were destroyed to make way to modern, aka concrete towers. I would say that it left a scar in the collective psyche of the inhabitants. No towers have been built in downtown Quebec city in over 30 years. Of course, there was still a need for new office space in Quebec city so new economic poles have started to emerged in the last decades, one of which is Ste-Foy.

There are yet other reasons why this newer district is attracting highrises instead of the old city. First of all: height regulations, which tend...tend to be less stringent then those in the Quebec's downtown.

Also, the presence of the bridges next to the Ste-Foy district. Many big Montreal corporations have offices in Quebec City and there is a lot of going back and forth between the two cities. By having its offices in Ste-Foy instead of Quebec (which is farther and finding parking can be difficult), companies save time and money. Anyway, that is what I've been told.


That being said, the old town still attracts some investments (Insurance company headquarters, condos) but no where near what you will see in newer part of town. You can clearly see Ste-Foy in the background and it will be even more visible once the 29-story tower is completed:


http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1216/5102989257_5304c66feb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/michelroy/5102989257/)
Quebec city from above - Québec vu du ciel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/michelroy/5102989257/) par www.digitaldirect.ca (http://www.flickr.com/people/michelroy/), sur Flickr

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg200/BenQue/boulLaurier18mai2008022.jpg
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=146150&page=15


The rate of growth of this economic pole has really started to increase in the last few years. Many more towers will be built here in the coming years. One insurance company in particular has bought a lot of land and real estate in this area and is planning to build a new highrise in the near future. Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust, the largest commercial property owner and manager in the province of Quebec (based in Quebec City) also has bought huge land properties in the area.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/4023962606_5f029d171c_z.jpg?zz=1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43733105@N06/4023962606/sizes/z/in/photostream/

I'm still not sure how I feel about a city the size of Quebec having multiple economic...nodes. However, it may have helped preserve the unique character of the old city so I guess it has its advantages. It seems that in a few decades, skyscraper enthousiasts will have to look at Quebec City from a different point of view in order to see a typical North American skyline.

The city just unveiled its masterplan for the future of the Sainte-Foy district, a very important undertaking, stretching from the bridges all the way to Laval University. This vision was long overdue and I am very pleased with what the city has envisionned. Construction in this district has been very strong during the last decade but unfortunately, it didn't follow any guidelines. Hence, it is now very patchwork-like and honestly, not easy on the eyes.

The district was divided in four different sectors to reflect the different realities of each one: residential vs commercial vs educational vs sport infrastructure...

Here's some of the renderings presented in this plan:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1aLMndNgoI/TqgqCBGBkoI/AAAAAAAABMw/tIYb2HEqUaU/s1600/fyj.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VxP20WnryMY/TqgpZadIVgI/AAAAAAAABMA/ATvrDa--yxQ/s1600/xgfhb.jpg
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=961230&page=38



Finally, here's more pics of the plan if you are interested: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=961230&page=38%22]http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=961230&page=38

[someone123]

Ste-Foy is more like the North York of Quebec City. It would look more impressive to have one cluster of office buildings and in some ways it would be more convenient, but where would the new buildings go in older parts of the city? It would be hard to avoid disrupting existing neighbourhoods and tearing down heritage buildings.

I sort of wish Halifax had established a "new" downtown, because many of the office towers built during the 1960-1990 period replaced old stone buildings from the 1860s and earlier that are in pretty sort supply today.

[MexiQuebecois]

Honestly I think they're doing the right thing in Québec City. The old part of town is just too beautiful, and as much as I love skyscrapers, I would wrap chains around my body and tie myself to a threatened old building just like a hippie would!

It kinda reminds of me of planning done in some Latin American cities (obviously in this case done right, and not with your eyes closed!) where the historic downtown is preserved, and that area is actually "downtown" many times being the geographical centre of the city, and another area solely used as a Central Business District.

If done properly, it can work great, as long as there are appropriate methods of transportation to the CBD.

Does Québec City have any future public transit plans such as LRT and such? Or are they just going to stick to hybrid/electric buses?

[davidivivid]

I sort of wish Halifax had established a "new" downtown, because many of the office towers built during the 1960-1990 period replaced old stone buildings from the 1860s and earlier that are in pretty sort supply today.

As beautiful as downtown Halifax is nowadays, I'm still saddened to learn that such a thing happened.

Does Québec City have any future public transit plans such as LRT and such? Or are they just going to stick to hybrid/electric buses?

PLans for a LRT have been in the works for quite some time. Here is the proposed (and hotly constested) route:

Fq7ToLcuyz0

[isaidso]

Honestly I think they're doing the right thing in Québec City. The old part of town is just too beautiful, and as much as I love skyscrapers, I would wrap chains around my body and tie myself to a threatened old building just like a hippie would!


Quebec City risks turning into a museum rather than a properly functioning modern city. Surely, development can take place downtown without destroying the heritage buildings. If London can do it, why can't Quebec City? I'd rather Quebec City concentrated development in the core rather than this hollowing out we see now.

[MexiQuebecois]

Quebec City risks turning into a museum rather than a properly functioning modern city. Surely, development can take place downtown without destroying the heritage buildings. If London can do it, why can't Quebec City? I'd rather Quebec City concentrated development in the core rather than this hollowing out we see now.

Well, people have different perspectives on what is better, and I'm not a big fan what London is doing. I think Québec City can do well by preserving its core, and keeping the highrises somewhere else (ste foy) Also I imagine it's a pain to get a highrise approved in the old town. If you ask me I also believe those ugly ass concrete towers that Québec City has don't help much.

I prefer something like this (One big cluster outside of the "centre"):

http://www.wallpaperhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Paris-Skyline-1.jpg
http://www.wallpaperhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Paris-Skyline-1.jpg

Than this:
http://www.freefoto.com/images/801/16/801_16_9786---London-Skyline--River-Thames--London_web.jpg
http://www.freefoto.com/images/801/16/801_16_9786---London-Skyline--River-Thames--London_web.jpg

[Nouvellecosse]

Conservation, is wonderful, but at what cost?

I have very mixed feelings about it since I'm concerned that having a modern business district away from historic areas may increase auto dependence. Afterall, the easiest type of transit to provide is the hub and spoke setup focusing on a single CBD. Without having a single place to focus transit, it's much tougher to provide good service.

Not only that, but having the bulk of development in historic areas forces efficient land use. It may seem counter-intuitive since there is often a backlash against tall buildings in historic areas, but the way it tends to work out is that office buildings built away from the main CBD are shorter and stubbier and are surrounded by under-utilized space for things like surface parking and grass.

Not to mention that the beauty, synergy, and texture created by the wonderful combination between old and new is one of the most appealing things that can exist in a city. I think if I were to make an example of a CBD that successfully integrates the modern with the historic, I'd suggest Sydney. I'm sure they've lost a lot of grand old gems over the years too, but just scroll down through this thread here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=74160030#post74160030) and here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=74442869#post74442869) and decide if it really feels like it would be better with less modern development.

I definitely agree that tall buildings should not be built in the old walled town or the lower town, but there are much closer and more central places where offices can be built than Ste. Foy.

[mike474]

Conservation, is wonderful, but at what cost?

I have very mixed feelings about it since I'm concerned that having a modern business district away from historic areas may increase auto dependence. Afterall, the easiest type of transit to provide is the hub and spoke setup focusing on a single CBD. Without having a single place to focus transit, it's much tougher to provide good service.

Not only that, but having the bulk of development in historic areas forces efficient land use. It may seem counter-intuitive since there is often a backlash against tall buildings in historic areas, but the way it tends to work out is that office buildings built away from the main CBD are shorter and stubbier and are surrounded by under-utilized space for things like surface parking and grass.

Not to mention that the beauty, synergy, and texture created by the wonderful combination between old and new is one of the most appealing things that can exist in a city. I think if I were to make an example of a CBD that successfully integrates the modern with the historic, I'd suggest Sydney. I'm sure they've lost a lot of grand old gems over the years too, but just scroll down through this thread here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=74160030#post74160030) and here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=74442869#post74442869) and decide if it really feels like it would be better with less modern development.

I definitely agree that tall buildings should not be built in the old walled town or the lower town, but there are much closer and more central places where offices can be built than Ste. Foy.

I would normally agree with this, but I think development in Ste-Foy makes sense in Quebec. It really isn't that far from Ste-Foy to the old city and the east-west corridors are relatively dense so I hope decent transit will develop one day. Having Université Laval there means that that area is already a pretty major hub. I just hope new development makes it denser and creates greater impetus for transit.

I also don't see the old city (including outside the walls around the National Assembly) risks becoming a museum. There are tons of government offices and some nice new lowrise developments which integrate well into the neighbourhood without desecrating it like the development in the 70s.

[vegeta_skyline]

Thanks for all the information, much appreciated.

Finally, here's more pics of the plan if you are interested: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...961230&page=38

That's quite impressive and very urban indeed, hope it comes to pass.

[MonkeyRonin]

Surely, development can take place downtown without destroying the heritage buildings. If London can do it, why can't Quebec City?


You seem to be forgetting the part where most of London's core was wiped out in the second World War. They're not finding space to build new buildings without destroying their heritage stock by opening up new gateways to alternate dimensions...they're doing it by replacing the post-war concrete bunkers with modern towers. Quebec City doesn't have that ability.

[MexiQuebecois]

I would normally agree with this, but I think development in Ste-Foy makes sense in Quebec. It really isn't that far from Ste-Foy to the old city and the east-west corridors are relatively dense so I hope decent transit will develop one day. Having Université Laval there means that that area is already a pretty major hub. I just hope new development makes it denser and creates greater impetus for transit.

I also don't see the old city (including outside the walls around the National Assembly) risks becoming a museum. There are tons of government offices and some nice new lowrise developments which integrate well into the neighbourhood without desecrating it like the development in the 70s.

+1

It's only 7-8 km to Ste. Foy from Vieux-Québec. I agree with the current plan. They have plans to set up a LRT and I'm sure transportation will be dealt with accordingly (several plans already). Plus I also think Ste. Foy is a much better location since it's located close to the bridges and people from the south shore can easily commute there (the LRT will be expanded to the south shore apparently)

[Martin Mtl]

I would normally agree with this, but I think development in Ste-Foy makes sense in Quebec. It really isn't that far from Ste-Foy to the old city and the east-west corridors are relatively dense so I hope decent transit will develop one day. Having Université Laval there means that that area is already a pretty major hub. I just hope new development makes it denser and creates greater impetus for transit.

Transit is the key word. Quebec City has a huge dependance on car. A tramway along boulevard Laurier and Grande-Allée, from Ste-Foy to the heart of the old town would be a good start. And the sprawl has to end. Densify!

[Nouvellecosse]

I would normally agree with this, but I think development in Ste-Foy makes sense in Quebec. It really isn't that far from Ste-Foy to the old city and the east-west corridors are relatively dense so I hope decent transit will develop one day. Having Université Laval there means that that area is already a pretty major hub. I just hope new development makes it denser and creates greater impetus for transit.

I also don't see the old city (including outside the walls around the National Assembly) risks becoming a museum. There are tons of government offices and some nice new lowrise developments which integrate well into the neighbourhood without desecrating it like the development in the 70s.If the area develops like in the renderings David posted, then ok. But I'll believe that when I see it. I have to wonder if the renders aren't a little overly optimistic considering that I honestly can't think of a single suburban business district in NA that I find truly enjoyable, There are certainly some that aren't as bad as others, but that's it.

[Wooster]

From the Frinkprof - on top of an U/C building at Calgary's SAIT.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/frinkprof/DSC02135.jpg

[HomeInMyShoes]

EAP is awesome from that view.

[tele75]

Yeah, and pretty soon there will be two!

Good stuff Calgary.

[Chadillaccc]

London from the Viarail train near arrival.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6819713630_ed784b0ab8_b.jpg

The Delta London Armouries. A modern hotel with its base being the original, century year old, London Armoury.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6965862309_2f632f0023_b.jpg

London Skyline from Richmond Street.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6819740616_57c9068782_b.jpg

Richmond Street skyline.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6819739864_9c32d6ae3a_b.jpg

[isaidso]

You seem to be forgetting the part where most of London's core was wiped out in the second World War. They're not finding space to build new buildings without destroying their heritage stock by opening up new gateways to alternate dimensions...they're doing it by replacing the post-war concrete bunkers with modern towers. Quebec City doesn't have that ability.

I admit that I'm not as familiar with Quebec City as I am with London, but surely Quebec City has 10-20 lots in the core that wouldn't mean the loss of a significant historic building?

[caltrane74]

I was just thinking about London England looking at those pictures, then along comes London, Ontario

[suburbanite]

Is it just me, or are Hiltons usually the ugliest buildings in every city?

[Chadillaccc]

I'd say the TD towers or the Cityplace Towers in London take the cake for ugliest twin office and ugliest twin residential in a major ontario city.

[armorand93]

Is it just me, or are Hiltons usually the ugliest buildings in every city?

:haha: Remind me to get a pic for you, of the random Hilton that popped up near my house!

[Martin Mtl]

http://blog.cheapoair.ca/image.axd?picture=2011%2f10%2fmontreal+river.jpg

http://blog.cheapoair.ca/news/five-reasons-why-montreal-is-a-great-place-to-live.aspx

[Rico Rommheim]

I love me those cranes!

[joelpiecowye]

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/2033/saskatoon.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/saskatoon.jpg/)


http://www.reddit.com/r/saskatoon/comments/pc7b0/good_morning_saskatoon/
Author:OR1G1IN
Date:Feb 2012

[Witty Nickname]

That Montreal shot looks quite odd.

Almost like the reflection effect was added afterwards.

[espalorius]

Too bad about that parking lot across from that hotel in saskatoon - otherwise a nice picture.

[caltrane74]

the Saskatoon picture is pretty damn nice!

[le calmar]

That Montreal shot looks quite odd.

Almost like the reflection effect was added afterwards.

It was definitely added afterwards, there is no way you can see the reflection on the river from so far away (the river is 3 km wide and the buildings are 2 km away from the shore) Plus, you wouldn't see the reflections on the St.Lawrence river because of the currents. It looks cheap.

[Witty Nickname]

It was definitely added afterwards, there is no way you can see the reflection on the river from so far away (the river is 3 km wide and the buildings are 2 km away from the shore) Plus, you wouldn't see the reflections on the St.Lawrence river because of the currents. It looks cheap.

That's what I thought. Thanks for the clarification.

The things people do to photographs really blows my mind, there is no need for adding extra crap like that.

[whiteford]

the Saskatoon shot is amazing. ol toon-town is denser and more beautiful than most think. also there is lots of street life here during the day. the streets are usaly packed, sidewalks as well. they are always doing something downtown Saskatoon. festivals are the norm here. street parties of some sort near every weekend during the summer. and the street car show is second to none. jazz festival will pack most of downtown when it happens.

[Andrewjm3D]

Streetcar show? But only Toronto has streetcars ;)

[AB Born]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6497594027_662620289b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jordanw-ca/6497594027/)
The CORE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jordanw-ca/6497594027/) by JordanW.ca (http://www.flickr.com/people/jordanw-ca/), on Flickr

[whiteford]

haha you know what i mean. and trust me the streets are loaded with hot cars for an entire weekend. i take my 1969 Buick GS stage one every year. she is a real beaut. i call her "Bu'Wicked" just like the car on gt 4

[Martin Mtl]

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3090/2893954022_524c9f00d4_b.jpg

Photo: anjoudiscus

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anjoudiscus/2893954022/in/pool-34427471721@N01/

[Martin Mtl]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6929526231_dd07f9b5c9_b.jpg

Photo: Ambroise Dunoyer

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ambroisedunoyer/6929526231/in/pool-34427471721@N01/

[Martin Mtl]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6781327542_5e4660784b_b.jpg

Photo: Alpha India Romeo

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alphaindiaromeo/6781327542/in/pool-34427471721@N01/

[Martin Mtl]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6900821947_91e2fba066_b.jpg

Photo: Ryan Reisert

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cadenceimperfect/6900821947/in/pool-34427471721@N01/