[JrUrbanDesigner]

read about a possibility of publice art going on the reniassance in the living in the city part of the london website but i couldn't view the whole article. Could some one post it here? If you can you go to the archives section and click on feb 7 then click tenders & proposales.

Here are the most important parts of the 12 page document... ;


The Corporation of the City of London
Expression of Interest 09-07
Exploring Outdoor Art Feature For
The Tricar Renaissance Development Project


1.0 PURPOSE

The City of London (herein referred to as the “City”) in partnership with The Tricar Group is seeking
Expressions of Interest from artists of all disciplines who are interested in exploring the development of
an Outdoor Art Feature for the Tricar Renaissance Development Project.
The purpose of this Expression of Interest is to gather a list of artists or artist collectives. Following a
review of the Expressions of Interest, the City together with The Tricar Group, will seek Request for
Proposals from a short-list of applicants to design, fabricate and install a permanent Outdoor Art feature
for the Tricar Renaissance Development Project.
One (1) artist, or a collaboration of artists, will receive a commission to design, create and install a
permanent Outdoor Art feature.

The Tricar Group Development Agreement with the City

The development of this project to create an Outdoor Art Feature at the site of the Tricar Renaissance
Development is a result of a bonusing condition in a development agreement with the City. Sign off of
the completion the Outdoor Art Feature is the responsibility of the City of London Planning Department.
The Tricar Group will be responsible for:
• owning the Outdoor Art and will have the authority to make the final selection of the artist and
the Outdoor Art Feature being placed on the property;
• overseeing the installation of the Outdoor Art Feature and covering the costs of any installation
insurance;
• the costs of landscaping around the Outdoor Art Feature;
• ongoing maintenance conservation/restoration and insurance of the outdoor art feature.

Total Project Budget

The total budget for the design, creation and installation of this outdoor Art Feature is a maximum of
Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000.00). The budget is all inclusive, including but not limited to, artist
fees, travel, research, design, professional fees, review of fabrication/installation shop drawings and
procedures, documentation, contingency and all necessary permits, fees, taxes etc.

3.0 OUTDOOR ART FEATURE OPPORTUNITIES – SCOPE OF WORK
The objectives of the Outdoor Art Feature are intended to:
• be a signature piece which will complement the Renaissance Development building and
possibly link with the name of the development;
• enrich public space and improve the streetscape;
• demonstrate excellence and a wide range or artistic expression;
• integrate conceptually and physically into the local context;
• be relevant to London and Londoners;

The objectives of the Outdoor Art Feature are intended to…cont’d:
• be attractive, non offensive and safe;
• be permanent and easily maintained and sustainable;
• be accessible to the general public.
Deliverables of the Outdoor Art Feature
The specifics of what the Outdoor Art Feature should be, size, or type of material to be used, have not
been defined for the purpose of remaining open to innovative concepts for this particular development.
Art Features:
• could be detached standalone or attached to the building. It could be in ground, part of a patio,
or be a wall treatment;
• that block traffic site lines and/or impede pedestrian circulation, will not be permitted
• may include, but not limited to: sculpture, murals, specific engineering or architectural features
to the building that contribute aesthetically to their surroundings, monuments, etc.

[sparky212]

thnx:previous:

[ldoto]

New signs will keep transit users informed


London has among the best transit systems in Ontario, if not the country.

Not convinced? The proof is coming soon to an electronic sign, computer screen and telephone near you.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/News%20Paper%20Photos/DisplayPhoto.jpg

Soon, possibly by as early as this spring, London Transit users across the city will be able to share in the benefits of new electronic signs designed to tell riders – in real time – when the next bus will arrive at a particular stop. One such sign is already erected at Fanshawe College.



London Transit has been given the green light to further expand their use of ‘smart bus’ technology. Among the advances this technology will bring is the installation of electronic displays at bus stops that will show – in real time – when the next bus will arrive.

“The signs will tell you, in real time, not schedule time, when the bus will be arriving at the stop,” says Larry Ducharme, London Transit general manager. “Customers will not be paper schedule dependant. We are looking at having the signs up by late spring, perhaps early June.”

The signs will initially be installed at strategic locations across the city. Currently, the expectation is the signs will go up at stops at regional shopping malls (Argyle, Westmont, White Oaks and Masonville) along with the University of Western Ontario and downtown. The first one is already operating at Fanshawe College.

“The signs are one piece of the technology,” Mr. Ducharme says. “There are a number of features with the technology that makes it very unique to London. That allows us to build a better system and have more customer focus.

“We are looking to have that same information available for access on our website and through the telephone with an interactive voice response. People will be able to know, in real time, when their bus is arriving, if they have missed the bus, when the next one is coming. It’s really a tremendous change.”

The signs use the same smart bus technology that has allowed the onboard audio and visual displays of next stop locations.

“We have set a very aggressive course in the use of technology. This has been a huge undertaking for us, $6.5 million,” Mr. Ducharme says. “We have taken all the smart bus technology and built upon our existing systems. We are one of the few transit systems who have maxed out the system’s potential. By the time we are done we will be using all of its potential at one time.”

Mr. Ducharme says the use of that technology is what has made London Transit a leader, not just among systems across the province, but across the country as well.

“London Transit doesn’t take a backseat to anyone in Canada,” he says. “If you take Toronto out of the mix, because it is just so huge, and look at the other nine systems, we’re at the top of the pack. Not by ourselves, but at the top of the pack. We have the whole enchilada. It doesn’t mean we are better than anyone else. We just took all the positives other people were using and put it all together,” Mr. Ducharme says. “We bought something we know that works. As with any new system we know there are bugs that have to be worked out. But we think that using this technology to its full potential is the right thing to do, we think our customers expect it.”

[ldoto]

Renovations done in 2010 on the former normal school


For more than 100 years Wortley Village in London’s Old South has been dominated by the building sitting at its centre.

Known to some as the London Normal School, a former teacher training facility, and having served as the headquarters of the London and District Catholic School Board as recently as four years ago, the building now sits empty – undergoing the renovations designed to save it for decades to come.

“It’s the focal point of this community,” says Bob Porter, president of the Old South Community Organization. “It’s the largest structure in this part of town. And as a normal school it is one of four left in the province. All that is reason why it should be preserved.”

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/News%20Paper%20Photos/w217200991953fqlfliifmjb2tdb2ft5of4.jpg
Bob Porter, president of the Old South Community Organization, is just one of the people who have been working for the past several years to preserve the London Normal School which has been a focal point of the Wortley Village area for more than 100 years. The Ontario Realty Corporation, which now owns the building, is currently working of phase two of a major renovation project, restoring the iconic tower.





Preservation has been very much on the minds of Mr. Porter and his organization since 2005 when the Catholic board decamped for new headquarters farther south. Rumours swirled the building would be demolished or sold to private developers and turned into condos, or worse, just left to slowly fall down.

“It’s a 100-year-old building (it was actually built between 1889 and 1890) on this lovely piece of land,” Mr. Porter says. “We just want to make sure this building is up to code, is safe and healthy and that a tenant can be found that would respect its value in this community and in this city.”

And that is happening, albeit slowly.

The Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC), the province’s real estate arm, took over the building in January, 2006 and launched a two-phase restoration process. Phase one saw the repair, cleaning and restoring of the masonry, windows and doors of the building’s two main wings. Phase two, currently underway, involves repair and restoration of the central tower’s masonry and windows, roof and attic floor.

Julia Sakas, a corporate communications official with the ORC, says the renovation work is scheduled for completion in 2010, which would clear the way for a search to begin for a new tenant.

“It has been considered one of our major projects,” Ms. Sakas says. “The inside is still in good shape, but we had to work to get it in a good state of repair. It may need some interior renovations depending on the eventual use of the space, but once the work is done we can begin moving forward.

“Once it is ready, we’ll circulate to potential clients within the ministry and see if there is a use within the Ontario government. Then we’d open up to the federal government and municipality. We are still discussing options within the province at this point.”

Mr. Porter says he realizes the process is a time-consuming one. However, he has been happy to have some strong political support in finding a desirable solution to the problem of what to do with the building.

Continued After Advertisement Below

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“We have been working closely with Chris Bentley (London West MPP and Ontario attorney general) who has long realized the importance of the building,” Mr. Porter says. “I would say his help has been invaluable. In Toronto it is just one more file on a desk. Chris has really helped in keeping it on the front-burner.

“It’s a slow process, we know that. We are talking about provincial money, tax money has to be used, so it has to be used especially well. Heritage is such a hard thing for some people to see the value of.”

Mr. Bentley certainly sees the value and adds he will do whatever he can to not only help preserve such an important Old South landmark, but give it a viable future as well.

“The challenge is for us to find a viable use into the future,” he says. “And it has a future. The building is very much a part of that community and I want to see that heritage preserved. The realty corporation has not figured out what might go in there. I don’t have a particular list drawn down of tenants I would like to see. I wouldn’t want to limit any options. I am open to all ideas.”

As for when a new tenant might move in, Mr. Bentley says nobody is in the position to predict that just yet.

“The renovations have gone very well,” he says, “but it is a multi-layered process. It involves a lot of people working together. I wouldn’t want to set any barriers, but I see it happening sooner rather than later. But you want it to be the right use, the right fit. There is great value in the normal school in that community. I am quite interested to see what the future looks like.”

Mr. Porter is certainly interested in that future as well.

“It sat idle for a while and you look at what happened to Alma College in St. Thomas (also a 100-plus-year-old vacant building which arsonists burned to the ground) and you worry,” he says. The realty corporation has been good about monitoring, there are people on site, alarms, but you still want to see a permanent presence in the building.”

There are concerns about that, too, Mr. Porter acknowledges.

“Will it be one single tenant? Well then if that tenant moves out you are back in the same position. Could it be turned into a multi-space building where it becomes like a mall and even if one or two tenants leave there is still people coming and going? I don’t know.”

Whatever the future holds, Mr. Porter says he believes strongly the building will remain a focal point of the Wortley Village community.

“There is an increased awareness and interest in heritage in London,” he says. “The normal school building, the architecture is significant. It was at one time the cornerstone of the education system and there are just four left. You go up in the tower and there are students who have signed their names and graduation years up there, hundreds of them, it’s really cool to see.

“Your future is based on your past and I think you couldn’t find too many people who would think about it and not say that building is worth saving.”

[worldwide]

thought you guys would get a kick out of this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/chinchillax/DSC05234.jpg


no, thats not london :)

[SlickFranky]

Mr. Ducharme says the use of that technology is what has made London Transit a leader, not just among systems across the province, but across the country as well.

“London Transit doesn’t take a backseat to anyone in Canada,” he says. “If you take Toronto out of the mix, because it is just so huge, and look at the other nine systems, we’re at the top of the pack. Not by ourselves, but at the top of the pack. We have the whole enchilada. It doesn’t mean we are better than anyone else. We just took all the positives other people were using and put it all together,” Mr. Ducharme says. “We bought something we know that works. As with any new system we know there are bugs that have to be worked out. But we think that using this technology to its full potential is the right thing to do, we think our customers expect it.”

What is this guy smoking? We're leaders?!? We have a pretty good bus system, but that's all we have...and even that is FAR from perfect. I guess the signs are kind of cool...but in the end it doesn't improve the actual service. You still have to wait 10 minutes, though it is nice to know how long you'll be waiting. I would have rather seen that money go to a few express buses, extended hours, increased frequency, more rapid transit research/studies, etc.

[MolsonExport]

London has among the best transit systems in Ontario, if not the country.


wtf? Yeah, compared to Kapuskasing and St. Louis-de-Ha!Ha!, maybe.

[NetMapel]

New signs will keep transit users informed


London has among the best transit systems in Ontario, if not the country.

Not convinced? The proof is coming soon to an electronic sign, computer screen and telephone near you.
AH HA HA HA HA... welcome to the 21st century by FINALLY having some computer screen to display bus schedule. My 4 years at London (for UWO) taught me that London has the shittiest transit in all of Ontario if not the entire Canada. Their bus routes made no sense and have crappy long intervals.

[sparky212]

whats evan funnier is the bus drivers have turnd of the automated bus stop teller because it was anoying them

[SlickFranky]

whats evan funnier is the bus drivers have turnd of the automated bus stop teller because it was anoying them

That thing bugs the crap out of me after about 4 stops, so I can't blame them. Can you imagine 8 hours straight of that?...it must drive them crazy.

If there are any blind people reading this...please just sit up front and ask the driver to let you know when your stop comes. The visually impaired and otherwise disorientated (drunks, tourists, etc) have been doing this for decades. Most drivers are more than happy to oblige. The riders up front will even give up their seat for you! It's a pretty good system.

Those who are not blind or drunk...LOOK OUT THE F-ING WINDOW and pull the cord when shit looks familiar...it's not a subway...you can see exactly where you are. There is no need to announce every single stop.

As a 'transit leader' (:haha:) London should be the first city to tear these boxes out of their buses and run over them repeatedly.

[Jtsui89]

Hey there folks. Doing an urban development project hoping you guys can help me with some info on development in London.
1. Cost of a building permit as a % of total construction costs
2. cost of imposts/levies
3. Interim Financing Itnerest Rate
4. Annual Reality Tax
5. Start-up costs capitalized?

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

AH HA HA HA HA... welcome to the 21st century by FINALLY having some computer screen to display bus schedule. My 4 years at London (for UWO) taught me that London has the shittiest transit in all of Ontario if not the entire Canada. Their bus routes made no sense and have crappy long intervals.

You clearly have not been to North Bay... :haha:

[ForestryW]

"London has one of the best transit systems in Ontario, if not the country."

Seriously, what are they smoking.

[MolsonExport]

^Same shit they smoked when they decided to bury the drunk-driving adventure of Mr. A-M deC-Best.

[manny_santos]

I have used public transit in London, Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, Ottawa, and New York. London is by far the worst.

These signs are a good step however. I just hope they don't end up like that one on Dundas near Richmond which displayed jibberish for awhile and has sat idle for the past few months. (What did the asterisks mean anyways?)

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o218/mlaroch/IMG_0987.png
Photo taken by me in October 2006

Or this short-lived sign at Western that told a hurtful truth:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o218/mlaroch/Image040.jpg
Photo taken by me in March 2008

This screen has been sitting blank ever since April 2008.

[softee]

You clearly have not been to North Bay... :haha:

And yet little old North Bay has the 5th highest per-capita ridership in the Province after Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and London. ;)

[worldwide]

London's transit system isnt bad, you just have to have realistic views on what a small-medium sized city transit system should be.

i'm not saying there isnt tons of room for improvement, but comparitively speaking london is doing fine.

if anything we need to focus on creating a more bike and pedestrian friendly city, that will in turn feedthe transit system. now that reminds me, when is london going to equip its busses with bike racks. everywhere else does it

here's an example from the KW... nice bus too i love the new looks
http://www.etspe.ca/grt/grt/grt8807c.jpg

and vancouver. these new flyers are badass, i think london has 3 of them.
http://www.transitstop.net/Gallery7/Vancouver/CMBC%20B8009%20at%20Broadway%20Station.JPG

kingston
http://lh3.ggpht.com/__mQYXmqqGdA/RqIZ2p1O54I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/AbMvRHW1a80/kingston0314.jpg

nice old trek here. my friend jen has a very similar one, mid 80's.... oh ya the bike rack... i duno where this pic is from, but london needs these.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/68/165764585_0c5d34eb82.jpg

[QuantumLeap]

Drewlo recently applied for a variance to build a four-floor (14m height) building on Commissioners Rd W just West of Baseline. Likely this building will look a lot like its other low-rise buildings - 536 Ridout St, Springbank @ Wonderland and the various buildings it owns just West of this site. Although I am no fan of Drewlo's style (and I know most other forummers agree with me), this is the right kind of development along the park.

http://www.drewloholdings.com/london/photos/536ride.jpg

[ldoto]

:previous: Here you guys go!!!!:tup:

Thu, February 26, 2009

The mobility option is a pilot project



London Transit riders will soon be able to rack their bikes on some bus routes and take them on trips across the city.

Stainless steel bike racks will be mounted on the front of 40 buses serving four major routes in London, transit commissioners decided yesterday.

They approved the $25,000 pilot project after leaving their board room and inspecting two racks mounted on buses in the commission's garage.

Combining the ability to ride public transit with cycling extends mobility, an option already found on some big-city Canadian transit services.

In London, bike racks will be installed by May on buses on the Adelaide, Highbury, Oxford West and Wonderland routes.

Watch This video from lfpress!!!!
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2009/02/26/8539071-sun.html

The racks can be folded up when not in use or down when needed for bikes. Each rack holds two bikes.

Bids from manufacturers came in lower than expected, John Ford, director of transportation and planning, told the commission.

Ford and Patrick Cormier, an LTC employee who cycles to work, showed commissioners the racks and discussed their merits before they made their choice.

"There's a lot of reasons why cyclists would want to transport their bikes on the bus," said Cormier, manager of information technology.

"They may have a meeting during the day that requires them to dress up, they may want to dodge a rain burst, they may want to get to a bike path without riding in heavy traffic or they may be taking their bike to an area of the city that doesn't have bus service."

Whatever the reason, it's a value added for transit riders, said Cormier.

"It's an addition to bus service that we didn't have before," he said.

"Anyone paying a regular bus fare can load their bike on the rack, remove it themselves and ride the bus."

[ldoto]

Walmart Canada announced today it is closing six of the Sam's Club locations in Ontario including the one in London.
The closures are due to the company wanting to focus on its popular superstore and discount store business.

CEO of Walmart Canada, David Cheesewright says they're changing focus because so many Canadians rely on the Wal-mart superstores to help them save money in the challenging economic times.

He adds that Wal-mart is taking steps to try to minimize the number of job losses among the 1200 workers across Ontario...but right now they do not have immediate positions available.

Also being effected are stores in Pickering, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Cambridge and Etobicoke

Walmart Canada announced today it is closing six of the Sam's Club locations in Ontario including the one in London.
The closures are due to the company wanting to focus on its popular superstore and discount store business.

CEO of Walmart Canada, David Cheesewright says they're changing focus because so many Canadians rely on the Wal-mart superstores to help them save money in the challenging economic times.

He adds that Wal-mart is taking steps to try to minimize the number of job losses among the 1200 workers across Ontario...but right now they do not have immediate positions available.

Also being effected are stores in Pickering, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Cambridge and Etobicoke

I also heard that there might be a USA company looking at all the Sam’s clubs locations in Ontario for new locations for there companies. Maybe Target or Lows:cheers::cheers:

btw they also said at the one in Cambridge was not on the list to buy from new company!!!!

[ldoto]

Update!!!

There was a time – and not too long ago – Sheila Johnson questioned whether the Fanshawe Pioneer Village would survive long enough to reach this spring’s 50th anniversary season.

The village, however, has not only survived, but Mrs. Johnson, the village’s executive director, says the ongoing turnaround could well serve as a blueprint for other financially struggling institutions.

“I clearly remember the words of Controller (Gord) Hume who said we were a hair’s breadth away from closing. In 2005 it was do or die and we knew it. Controller Hume has been a champion for us and at that time that was a pretty accurate statement,” Mrs. Johnson says.

“It took three years to implement our new master plan, but it has made a huge difference. Today we are all very upbeat, very positive. We are looking forward to the 50th season with excitement.”

Mrs. Johnson says there were two major components to the village’s turnaround – a revitalizing of the village’s infrastructure and then a renewed commitment to customer service.

Revitalizing the village’s many buildings, Mrs. Johnson says, was seen as an immediate necessity.

“The site was in bad shape,” she admits. “For more than a decade there was no money for maintenance, the site was not well maintained. It was visibly derelict throughout. It was missing a proper visitors entrance and a visitors’ centre where we could keep heritage elements properly and do year-round programming. That’s what the capital campaign has been about.

“We’re doing really well. It’s a $3 million capital campaign and we have raised (as of the most recent update) $2,076,220. And that’s all private sources, individuals, businesses, corporations, associations. We wanted to see the community demonstrate they’re interested in our survival before we asked for public money. And they have certainly shown that support.”

The village immediately began work on revitalizing the site’s 30 buildings, investing $1 million on everything from new paint to chimney repairs and the construction of ramps and proper steps.

“The site has gone from derelict, visibly rundown, to now very well maintained,” Mrs. Johnson says. “In three years we have definitely exceeded our targets. There is still work to do in the village. I would say we’re about 60 per cent completed, probably with another two years to go. We can’t do it all at once, shut down the whole village. So we have been working on two-to-three projects a year.”

The largest remaining capital project – and there are no plans for any new buildings inside the village – is the construction of a proper visitors’ centre where the staff could not only store artefacts, but also to have space large enough to create year-round programming. While the funding has not yet been secured to build the centre, Mrs. Johnson says it will get built.

Continued After Advertisement Below

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“The Spriet Centre (so named after a $300,000 contribution by the Spriet family) would cost about $1.3 million,” Mrs. Johnson says. “It would be 8,000 sq. ft. and have three functions; artefact storage (there are about 24,000 items stored in basements and storage closets through the village), it would replace the portables we have been using as offices since 1991, and it would include about 2,000 sq. ft. of public space for exhibitions, to run education programs and to be available for community rental. We would become a year-round facility.”

The second component of the turnaround was to put the focus back on the village’s customers.

“We had to move to a more customer focused program. We had to create new revenue sources, make a new marketing plan, refocus on re-branding the village, focus on history and on fun,” Mrs. Johnson says. “We did customer surveys day-to-day. They showed our customers were multi-generational family groups. The typical group of visitors was a family and another adult. And our surveys said 55 per cent of those visitors came from London and Middlesex County. Forty-five per cent of visitors came from outside that area, from other parts of Ontario, other regions of Canada and even outside the country.”

While the surveys established where the village’s customers were coming from, it also established what they were looking for.

“Five solid years of survey analysis showed us this is what people like, this is what they don’t like. We were learning their needs, what were their higher-level wants. They wanted an enjoyable experience, but it had to have a high quality educational component,” Mrs. Johnson says. “We’re really good at that. If you think back to Grade 10 history, you could have had a history teacher who was dry and boring and just read things out of books or you could have had a teacher who made history relevant, who illustrated it, demonstrated. We believe the best way to teach history is for people to experience it. So we focused on a more interactive experience. There right inside talking to the printers who are making cards, the people who are doing their day-to-day work. They are seeing re-enactments. That animation of the past is what we are all about.”

Those two things are the basis of a turnaround Mrs. Johnson says has put the village into a strong financial position with a bright future ahead of it.

“We are in a very stable position. We asked our customers what they wanted and they told us they want the village run in a responsible, business-like manner. So we run it like a business, very efficient, very effective. We’re very trim, count every dime, check on every minute,” Mrs. Johnson says. “We are going to continue to refine our programs. We need to keep our programs high quality, but keep updating them and developing new ones. People want new and fresh and that’s what we focus on delivering.”

That focus could, Mrs. Johnson says, serve to help other organizations now dealing with their own troubling financial situations.

“We have actually done presentations on the lessons we’ve learned through this process. What we tell people is you have to have a solid business plan. It has to be developed with the entire organization involved. From the board to senior managers, staff, everyone has to be onboard. And you have to think long term. Our plan is 10 years,” Mrs. Johnson says. “You have to run your museum, your charity organization, whatever it is, you have to run it in an efficient, business-like manner. The same rules and practices apply. And whatever you do, it has to be customer focused.”

The customer focus is what Mrs. Johnson says made all the difference in the village’s survival and would do so for any other organization facing a crisis.

“You are not going to be anywhere without your customers. You have to know what their needs are. Your programs have to be relevant and you have to create programs your customers want,” Mrs. Johnson says. “You have to stick with your plan too. It doesn’t help to be counter to whatever your plan is. It might be a short-term plan to get you somewhere, but you have to be true to it. True to what your customers want.”

And in the case of the pioneer village, Mrs. Johnson says that plan helped save what has proven to be a well-loved community institution.

“Even in our darkest hour, I knew this place was worth saving. This is a gem in London. It’s an enjoyable experience for sure, it’s important to this community, but also to southwestern Ontario,” Mrs. Johnson says. “I think there was a universal belief in this organization. Our success comes directly as a result of the City of London stepping up with operating dollars, but we had no part in that. It was when they community saw what was happening. How dire things were, that’s when they stepped up. I would call it a roar of support and council recognized that. This year we are celebrating our 50th season and we couldn’t have done that without the community support we have received.”



WANT MORE INFO?


¦ Fanshawe Pioneer Village, 1424 Clarke Rd., inside Fanshawe Conservation Area, opens for its 50th season May 16.

¦ For more information about the village, phone 519-457-1296, email info@fanshawepioneervillage.ca or online www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca.

[manny_santos]

I feel bad for the employees there. One friend of mine works at the London store. My neighbour used to work there as well.

I never liked the store itself though. They wouldn't let you in if you weren't a "member". I think it's a dumb business model and notwithstanding the employees out of work, I'm glad to see it gone. It would be nice to actually see what the store is all about without being harassed about needing a membership card to get in. I'm sure the attitude there has hurt Costco too, because after my experience with Sam's Club I never even bothered trying Costco thinking it was all the same. Sam's Club was pretty unwelcoming, and I'm sure that hurt their sales.

I hope Lowe's moves in there. I'm against big-box retailing, but now that the building is there it should be put to good use.

[GreatTallNorth2]

They wouldn't let you in if you weren't a "member". I think it's a dumb business model and notwithstanding the employees out of work, I'm glad to see it gone. It would be nice to actually see what the store is all about without being harassed about needing a membership card to get in. I'm sure the attitude there has hurt Costco too, because after my experience with Sam's Club I never even bothered trying Costco thinking it was all the same.

The problem was nothing to do with the business model. Costco does very well.

Sam's Club failed in London because they built on the outskirts of the city and did not anticipate Costco opening a second location in London. Costco's location was much better in a more developed part of the city. Also, Sam's Club failed because it is not much different than Costco, except with with Walmarts tacky uniforms. London is simply not big enough to support 3 club stores.

[ldoto]

Mon, March 2, 2009

Can't meet rising demand for its services


London Transit has raised fares and is getting more money from city hall but still can’t meet rising demand for service, the transit boss says.

Even after an 8 % fare hike and a 5.6 % rise in the city’s transit allocation, the transit service doesn’t have the resources to keep up, says general manager Larry Ducharme.

The extra money from fares and the city means 6,000 more hours of service this year, Ducharme told the transit commission’s board last week. “But we could easily add 20,000 hours of service.”

LTC authorities were breathing easier after city council approved a 2009 property tax increase of 2.6 % last week. Council had set a cap of 3.5 % for transit but approved the transit commission’s request for the 5.6 % increase.

That was mighty welcome, said Ducharme, but it still leaves London Transit in the “uncomfortable” position of make tough choices soon.




It’ll be forced to choose between boosting service on existing routes or expanding into such unserviced areas as Lambeth, Riverbend, Summerside, Sunningdale and West Beaverbrook, Ducharme said later.

“I would dearly love to give Londoners the service they demand and want, but I can’t because of the limitations on our resource,” he said.

LTC ridership, on both buses and paratransit, has risen about 65% in 10 years, he said.

The commission’s ability to plan for the demand is hampered by uncertain long-term funding, a smaller contribution from the city than other municipalities provide and higher rider fares than in similar markets, he said.

The city gives London Transit 37 % of its budget, compared with the “fifty cent dollars” that “80 per cent of other Ontario cities” provide, said Jack Davis, commission chair.

Fares paid by transit riders provide 58 % of the LTC’s operating costs, compared with 45 to 48 per cent in such areas as Hamilton, Ottawa and York, said Ducharme.

“Our customers contribute more to our service than elsewhere and, after the recent increase in fares, we can’t ask them to do much more or we’ll be losing riders.”

With the economy tanking and city watching its budget closely, it may get harder to get council to make a larger transit commitment, said Ducharme. Under a strategic plan, the LTC wants the city to up its ante by 7.1 % next year, 9.9 % in 2011 and 8.2 % in 2012.

Percentage increases like that make city councillors nervous in tough times, conceded David Winninger and Harold Ushers, both councillors and commissioners.

“I think the majority of council is in support of the requirements of public transit,” said Usher. “Our big problem is to persuade the public that the expenditure is needed and warranted.”

The commission needs to do a better job selling its budget needs to the public, he said.

Another cost pressure may soon come from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act if proposed regulations are adopted. The regulations would require installation of vocal and visual equipment to announce stops for the blind and deaf as well as special grab bars and seating, upgrades to bus stops and shelters and fare parity, among other things.

The LTC could face an initial cost of $1.5 million for upgrades and yearly compliance costs adding three % to its budget, Ducharme told commissioners.

The commission has told the province it favours a fully accessible service, but wants a phase-in of at least six years to reduce the impact of the cost.

[ldoto]

SWO wants $1B in provincial aid

Mon, March 2, 2009

By NORMAN DE BONO , SUN MEDIA


The London region needs a $1-billion cash injection to help grow and diversity its battered economy, area municipalities told the provincial government today

Officials from the Southwest Economic Alliance (SWEA), an umbrella group for an area of 2.5 million people, pressed the region’s case in a high-level meeting with senior economic ministers and members of Premier Dalton McGuinty’s office.

They made their pitch, including funding to match $1 billion the federal government has pledged for an economic development fund for southern Ontario, ahead of the Liberal government’s March 26 budget, which is expected to put Ontario deep into red ink.

SWEA wants funding for efforts to help the region transition to a “knowledge-based” economy, such as for technology, advanced manufacturing and health sciences jobs.

That shopping list likely tops $1 billion, Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson, the SWEA chairperson, said later




. “We told them we need investment in the area and funds have to be speeded up,” he said. Mathieson said the group “received a strong signal” the province recognizes the challenges the region is facing.

“They know we need help in this budget to help deliver renewed optimism for manufacturing and the economy across the southwest,” he said. “They want to work with us.”

Southwestern Ontario has lost thousands of jobs, especially in manufacturing, in the economic meltdown, including another 172 yesterday at Tilbury vehicle airbag maker Autoliv. It has 16 unionized workers left at the plant that once employed more than 600.

SWEA wants help in the spring provincial budget to:

— Invest in transportation and communications infrastructure and make border crossings more efficient.

— Fund programs set out in the Ontario Green Act and alternative energy generation; —Expand strategic investments in manufacturing to help improve innovation and productivity. — Greater support for agriculture to help create a more robust agri-food manufacturing and processing sector.

— Enhance ties between government, businesses and universities funding applied research, skills training and commercialization.

— Establish a Southwestern Ontario government caucus partnership with SWEA to ensure the region’s issues get immediate attention at Queen’s Park.

Southwestern Ontario politicians already have an economic caucus, and it met just more than a week ago, said Attorney General Chris Bentley of London, who helped to arrange the SWEA meeting.

“We have a very powerful region and we can attract more jobs as a region than as separate entities,” the London West MPP said of the meeting.

“It allows us to draw on strategic alliances. There is a lot going on in the region.” While it’s too early to say what will come out of the budget for Southwestern Ontario, SWEA has to focus on its business agenda, he added.

“The value of SWEA is not meeting with government — it is presenting our economic strengths as a region to business, to get jobs here.

“That is the real potential magic for SWEA,” Bentley said.

Mathieson and other SWEA officials met with Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, International Trade Minister Sandra Pupatello, Innovation and Research Minister John Wilkinson, Economic Development Minister Michael Bryant and senior McGuinty staff.

In its January budget the federal government created the Southern Ontario development agency, to invest $1 billion over five years to help small business and industry in a host of programs and services.

“We want (the province) to keep in mind what the federal government has contributed,” said Mathieson.

The province has madesome progress on the issues, Mathieson added, pointing to the new Ontario Green Energy Act, designed to create 50,000 jobs; the Ministry of Research and Innovation and by making economic development and trade separate ministries.

Last week, the province also announced nearly $8 million to fund more than 400 new PhD and master’s student openings at the University of Western Ontario.

SWEA will hold a meeting in London today at the London Convention Centre, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The alliance was formed in 2007 to promote regional economic co-operation. It represents 2.5 million people in 15 counties and regions, including London.

[sparky212]

so any news on the fantasy 30 storier:(

[manny_santos]

London Transit has raised fares and is getting more money from city hall but still can’t meet rising demand for service, the transit boss says.

Another cost pressure may soon come from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act if proposed regulations are adopted. The regulations would require installation of vocal and visual equipment to announce stops for the blind and deaf as well as special grab bars and seating, upgrades to bus stops and shelters and fare parity, among other things.

Can't London Transit get money from the provincial and federal governments for upgrades? Isn't that how Waterloo Region is going to fund its regional transit projects?

And didn't London Transit already install vocal and visual equipment to announce stops? Will they have to do it all over again?

If anything, I think London Transit should raise the bus pass rate for Western not by the currently proposed 8%, but by 12 or 13%. Considering how many of the transit users are post-secondary students, they should be paying for the system they are putting demands on. I'm a Western student and I'm willing to pay more for the pass, not full price but something higher than the current $120 for eight months or whatever it is.

[MolsonExport]

The problem was nothing to do with the business model. Costco does very well.

Sam's Club failed in London because they built on the outskirts of the city and did not anticipate Costco opening a second location in London. Costco's location was much better in a more developed part of the city. Also, Sam's Club failed because it is not much different than Costco, except with with Walmarts tacky uniforms. London is simply not big enough to support 3 club stores.


Sams Club is rather like Costco, but too walmarty. I shop at Costco very often (my membership fee is essentially free. As an executive member, I get a 2% voucher of my yearly purchases, which more than pays for membership). I've visited Sam's Club, but:
1. I would rather not see Walmart get any more of my money.
2. Sam's Club does not meet the same level of professionalism (e.g., tacky walfart uniforms, apathetic staff).
3. Sam's Club Prices are good, but the quality is hit or miss (whereas at Costco, the Quality is usually excellent, and the prices about as good as you will find on quality merchandise).

[QuantumLeap]

so any news on the fantasy 30 storier:(

Talbot Square I and II? Two London Place? The Library Tower?

[sparky212]

Talbot Square I and II? Two London Place? The Library Tower?

soho goodwill tower

[london2020]

Does anyone know exactly when Sam's Club will close and if they will open it to the public at all in order to liquidate?

Edit: found my answer:

Beginning on March 9, 2009 7 a.m., for a limited time, the Clubs will be opened to the general public. All merchandise will be available while supplies last only.

[ldoto]

:previous:
Originally Posted by sparky212
soho goodwill tower:shrug:

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES in partnership with SOHO London is inviting members of the public to a special meeting on Wednesday, October 29.
The meeting will outline Goodwill Industries' plans for a multi-use development on 2.8 acres at Horton and Wellington streets, SOHO's main intersection.

The public meeting will be held at Wellington Street United Church at 7 p.m. Although details are sketchy, the development is described as a "multi-purpose, diverse community and corporate centre."

Advance word is that Goodwill is proposing to build a 30-storey highrise complex which will include retails shops at ground level, several floors of office space and then apartments or condominiums.

The complex is expected to include some accessible housing to meet the mandate of Goodwill Industries.

This development will likely mean that several of the retail establishments along Wellington and Horton will have to relocate.

Anyone with questions is invited to contact Julie Watson at 519-850-9675, ext. 250 or by email at watson@goodwillindustries.ca.

It is expected that the meeting will draw a large crowd since this is the first major development to be proposed for the neighborhood.

SOHO residents are already questioning how the planned upscale development will fit in with the nearby Center of Hope emergency housing complex, operated by the Salvation Army, and the geared-to-income highrise apartment building on Simcoe Street which is operated by the London Housing Authority.

[MolsonExport]

More bad news for London. The daily dose.

London Free Press (March 4/09):
Morning show cut, 48 jobs eliminated

Wed, March 4, 2009

By KATHY RUMLESKI, FREE PRESS REPORTER

Local TV has moved into unchartered territory with the loss of almost 50 employees in Southwestern Ontario amid growing fears London's A station may close.

"We're facing a future where, very shortly, cities the size of London and Hamilton may not have local television service. This hasn't happened since local TV began in the '50s," said A London employee Scott Burton, the unit vice-chair of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union.

Forty-eight people in the London area or about 35 per cent of staff were issued layoff notices yesterday.

Eligible union employees have until Friday to use their bumping rights under the collective agreement.

The broader picture saw parent CTV slash 118 jobs at its A television operations across the country yesterday, including outlets in Barrie and Ottawa.

The 48 local losses include previously announced cuts in Windsor and Wingham, where stations will close Aug. 31.

Some employees who help run those newscasts work in London and face layoffs.

One casualty yesterday was A Morning based at Covent Garden Market.

The breakfast show aired for the last time yesterday and within an hour employees learned they no longer had jobs.

That includes hosts Jeremy-John Dunton and Cheryl Weedmark, along with producers, directors, camera operators and writers.

"We knew things weren't going well . . . but we didn't expect this at all," said Dunton.

"The morning show ratings are good. We expanded the show (from two to three hours) last fall."

Morning show employees are done immediately, while some staff will remain on until Friday. More are losing their jobs in August.

The 6 p.m., 11 p.m. and weekend newscasts in London are safe for now, but the bleeding may not be over.

Station manager Don Mumford expressed fear of more cuts and even acknowledged the station could close.

"I look at a station in Hamilton or a station in Victoria and if stations in those markets can close down, no one can say London is immune."

In Hamilton, CHCH, owned by struggling media giant Canwest Global, is on the block. The Victoria TV station is part of the A channel network.

Mumford said yesterday's news "takes your breath away, especially for a legacy station such as CFPL-TV."

In London, the morning show hours of 6 to 9 a.m. will be replaced with the rebroadcasting of the half-hour 11 p.m. newscast from the night before, called A News Encore.

Mumford said the rebroadcast fulfils the station's mandate for local programming spelled out in its broadcast licence agreement with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), although Burton expressed disappointment the repeated programming is accepted.

Some employees hope the community will rally around them and the station.

"We're hoping people will fight for their local television station. Local television does matter. Pretty soon it may be extinct if something doesn't get done about it," said sportscaster Brent Lale, who is out of work Aug. 31.

Both Mumford and Burton laid blame at the feet of the CRTC that has refused to let conventional TV stations charge subscription fees and forced them to rely only on advertising revenue.

"We have been lobbying vigorously to the CRTC to change the model," Mumford said.

He also expressed concern about the loss of checks and balances in the community as other news outlets shrink as well.

"Fundamentally it's a much bigger issue. There's a problem in our democracy."

CEP Local 87-M president Brad Honywill said the toll on local television is devastating.

"The community is losing part of its identity," he said.

"The CRTC and the Canadian government have to make some changes to support community stations, and we'll be doing everything we can to assist that effort."

The union also lashed out at CTV, saying it broke a promise not to erode local programming.

CTVglobemedia purchased CHUM Ltd., including the A-Channel group of stations, in 2007.

Last summer, A-Channel was rebranded A.

Long known as CFPL-TV, the station began business in 1953 as Canada's second privately owned TV station. It was also called Channel 10.

Kathy Rumleski is a Free Press reporter.

[QuantumLeap]

I don't really think this has much to do with London. There is a recession on, after all, and then there is the general shrinking of the traditional media sector - newspapers, magazines and TV are all feeling the pinch (independently of the recession). Given the closing of the stations in Wingham and Windsor, A London may actually grow in its field of operation as a SW Ontario-wide station once things settle down, provided it doesn't close in the mean time.

[MolsonExport]

Well, it is A-Channel's London station, and London's morning show, which is taped at the Covent Market...I do believe it has plenty to do with London, neh?

[manny_santos]

Well, it is A-Channel's London station, and London's morning show, which is taped at the Covent Market...I do believe it has plenty to do with London, neh?

Yeah, and where's the cutbacks in Toronto? What's that? Global extending their late news to a full hour?

London not having a local television station would be unthinkable. One could argue Rogers Cable 13 could fill the role, but they are only available on cable and only in the immediate London area. I don't even know if they're in St. Thomas or Strathroy. Satellite and over-the-air viewers would lose out.

I hope the CBC is prepared to step in and do something to ensure continued local service in this region, should CFPL end up folding.

[MolsonExport]

I have appeared on A-Morning a couple of times (interviewed...I am in academia). Oh well, there is still the LFP.

[GreatTallNorth2]

I am not sure how a place like Erie, Pennsylvania can have six TV stations and London can barely hold on to one station. It's metro population is 295,000 and London's metro is close to 500,000. Almost all those stations would have news teams and offices, etc. What gives?

[ForestryW]

A-Channel broadcasts publicly (i.e.: you don't need cable), but that will soon change.

[sparky212]

I was looking at kitcheners dt and they have a hell of a lot of parking lots. I think for its size dt Kitchener has mor lots than London. It's still sad that 2 great cities should have that many lots:(

[MolsonExport]

What is the other great city? :D

[ldoto]

:previous:
speaking about dt parking lots here's something cool!!!!


Parking System Goes Wireless

Easy as punching numbers on cell phone.
It's a first for Ontario and it's right here in London.
Parking at most downtown lots has gone new age and wireless.


Video Link
http://www.atv.ca/london/news_67359.aspx
__________________

[SlickFranky]

:previous:
speaking about dt parking lots here's something cool!!!!


Parking System Goes Wireless

Easy as punching numbers on cell phone.
It's a first for Ontario and it's right here in London.
Parking at most downtown lots has gone new age and wireless.


Video Link
http://www.atv.ca/london/news_67359.aspx
__________________

But I don't have a cell phone :(

Oh wait...I don't have a car either :)

[sparky212]

when is demo suposed to start on the Embasy

[manny_santos]

when is demo suposed to start on the Embasy

Sell it to Dan Delorme, and it'll get demolished two days ago.

[manny_santos]

For all the LTC apologists...

http://www.gazette.uwo.ca/article.cfm?section=Opinions&articleID=1739&month=3&day=10&year=2009

Mr. Gadsby is right on the mark. Anybody from Toronto critiquing the LTC knows what they're talking about.

[MolsonExport]

^he is indeed.

[MolsonExport]

Signs are up along Hyde Park Road for the imminent construction of twin 14 storey condo towers (adjacent to South Carriage Way, next to the TSC store). Traffic can only get worse.

[manny_santos]

Signs are up along Hyde Park Road for the imminent construction of twin 14 storey condo towers (adjacent to South Carriage Way, next to the TSC store). Traffic can only get worse.

PLEASE, City of London, widen Hyde Park Road to four lanes from Oxford to Fanshawe Park Road. Middlesex County and CP Rail built you a wide subway almost a quarter-century ago, use it!!! It would take a bit of pressure off Wonderland too.

Traffic will only get heavier on that road if and when the Sarnia Road bridge is replaced. Which by the way was closed yesterday for inspections.

[MolsonExport]

^that Sarnia bridge is worse than an embarrasment; it is a total disgrace.


No news on Mr. AMdeC-Best? Still got his drivers' license, I presume?

[QuantumLeap]

http://www.tricar.com/hydepark/

[MolsonExport]

^looks like white page with an X.

http://www.tricar.com/hydepark/images/coming_soon.jpg

[sparky212]

^looks like white page with an X.

http://www.tricar.com/hydepark/images/coming_soon.jpg

I wonder what it will look like? probabley like every other development of theirs:slob:

[ssiguy]

London shouldn't allow any buildings outside of the downtown area over 3 stories. It will encourage development downtown.

[MolsonExport]

^or, discourage development in the London area, altogether.

[QuantumLeap]

I think three floors would be a bit restrictive. However, a restriction of 6-12 floors would allow developers to build at the same densities or higher as they are now in the suburbs, while avoiding common issues with high rises, such as privacy, shadowing and view obstruction. We want the existing suburbs to get denser and more interesting, which a 3 floor limit would not allow, but, for example, a 6 floor limit would. For example, the Hyde Park development mentioned above could have been built in a much more interesting, engaging way (from an urban design perspective) if it had been built as 6-floor streetwall development on the same site, rather than the towers-in-the-park model on which it is building. This limit would thus allow developers to make money and intensify the suburbs, while priviledging the downtown with high-rise style development.

In other news, is it not great that Tricar is building these buildings at all? Given the speculative style in which condos are built in London (no unit pre-sales before construction), I think this project shows great confidence.

[sparky212]

well the reniassance is officialy done with the cement now to finish adding the stucco and the inside

[manny_santos]

well the reniassance is officialy done with the cement now to finish adding the stucco and the inside

Awesome :worship: :worship: :worship:

I took a trip down Wortley Road for the first time in almost seven years yesterday, and I forgot about the great view of Horton Street and the downtown up there. Wish I'd been in that area for the CN building implosion in 2001. Pictures coming soon.

[MolsonExport]

one day, there should be a London Forumers meet & greet. I suggest Chaucer's Pub, downtown, on account of the excellent beer list.

[manny_santos]

one day, there should be a London Forumers meet & greet. I suggest Chaucer's Pub, downtown, on account of the excellent beer list.

I've been there once. I'd never seen such an extensive beer list from around the world. The attached Marienbad restaurant serves up good food too.

[manny_santos]

Some photos from Friday evening, all taken by me, from Wortley Road at the south end of the Horton overpass.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o218/mlaroch/IMG_4975.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o218/mlaroch/IMG_4967.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o218/mlaroch/IMG_4969.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o218/mlaroch/IMG_4971.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o218/mlaroch/IMG_4974.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o218/mlaroch/IMG_4973.jpg

[sparky212]

the Reniassance has made such a difference in the skyline

[ForestryW]

one day, there should be a London Forumers meet & greet. I suggest Chaucer's Pub, downtown, on account of the excellent beer list.

A fellow Chaucer's lover! It's by far the best bar this side of Toronto and even stands up to a good many Toronto joints.

[MolsonExport]

^yeah, great beer/atmosphere.


Nice shots, Manny.

[ldoto]

:previous: Those pics that you took from Wortley Road at the south end of the Horton overpass looks like the ones I took about 3 years ago!!!!!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2724.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2740.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2741.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2722.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2739.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2735.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2730.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2719.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2763.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2738.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2729.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2728.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2748.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2747.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/ldoto/2005/IMGP2726.jpg:D

[QuantumLeap]

one day, there should be a London Forumers meet & greet. I suggest Chaucer's Pub, downtown, on account of the excellent beer list.

I have to bemoan the loss of the Alex P Keaton, I really loved that place. The CN building was a loss too. Nice building, underrepresented architectural style (International)

[ForestryW]

Wait what? Loss of the APK? It was there last time I was in town. What happened?

[boofungus]

Hey everyone, I just signed up. This thread looks awesome and there seems to be a lot of chat going on here. Some great posts over London Transit, Sams Club etc...

I tried to do a search on the thread but I couldn't find it. I'm wondering if anyone knows about the new shopping development (wait for it - it looks like a big box) at the corner of Wonderland and Southdale (Westwood Centre - next to the Home Depot). Does anyone know what store(s) are planning on occupying the space?

[MolsonExport]

^welcome to SSP and the London thread.

I hear that Sam's club will become a Lowe's.
As for wonderland and southdale, no idea. I understand that a Walfart will be built at Wonderland and Exeter.

[MolsonExport]

I have to bemoan the loss of the Alex P Keaton, I really loved that place. The CN building was a loss too. Nice building, underrepresented architectural style (International)

Damn, did that place close too? shit, that sucks eggs.

[QuantumLeap]

According to rumour, the Alex is closing this weekend. That makes at least the third place to close in the last year, after the Oxford Arms and GTs. Mind you, a lot of clubs and the like have opened, especially in the market area, which doesn't make up for the lack of pubs, but brings more people into the old/central part of the downtown (as opposed to Richmond)

[sparky212]

welcome boofungus

[FazDeH]

APK is definetely closing. I went and had one last drink the other night.

[sparky212]

I was thinking about where a 30-40 storier would look the best for the skyline and I think it would be right on top of the bmo at the corner of Dundas and Wellington. What do you guy's think?

[ForestryW]

Oh man, the APK is actually closing. And I won't be around to say my goodbyes.

[MolsonExport]

I was thinking about where a 30-40 storier would look the best for the skyline and I think it would be right on top of the bmo at the corner of Dundas and Wellington. What do you guy's think?

sure. With the increasing prominence of the area around the JLC, the skyline appears to be shifting to the west. Need a couple of infill towers to bring the mass to a respectable level. I don't see a 30+ office tower (but, perhaps, residential is possible) for a decade...that is, unless we get high speed rail along the Windsor-Quebec City corridor.

[sparky212]

ya high speed rail would do wonders for the city. Could you imagen what would hapen to London if we got LRT

[QuantumLeap]

LRT would do much more for the city than high-speed rail.

Does anyone have either:
a) photos of the skyline with both the Harriston and the Renaissance in one frame?
b) any maps/ insights into buried creeks or waterways in central London?

[manny_santos]

Does anyone have either:
a) photos of the skyline with both the Harriston and the Renaissance in one frame?
b) any maps/ insights into buried creeks or waterways in central London?

I'm not aware of any specific buried creeks or waterways in the downtown area, but I know part of Mud Creek in West London was re-routed and put underground when the Guy Lombardo Bridge was built. (That's the creek that runs near Proudfoot Lane and then along Oxford Street near Fleetway Bowling.)

[QuantumLeap]

Yes, Mud Creek has been heavily channelized. There are at least three buried creeks that I know about closer to the core:

1) Carling Creek - if you ride the river bike path you will cross a footbridge between Blackfriars and Oxford Street bridges, over a small creek. This creek is almost entirely buried from its head to the mouth (just West of Talbot Street, near the demolished Locust Mount). It is above ground also in one small area next to the CP tracks at Colborne Street. Also, Piccadilly Park sits in the small ravine created by the creek (think about Waterloo and Colborne slope down in both directions towards CP tracks).
2) Traction Creek - this creek's mouth is in Thames Park. It is above ground only in the park. The rest of its route is a mystery to me.
3) "Bathurst Creek" - This creek has an outlet near Bathurst and Thames Street, just south of Westminster (CN) Railway bridge. I am pretty sure it flows underground between York and Horton, but not exactly sure of its route.

I assume there are several other creeks, especially on the right bank of the South/Main branch, eg in the Adelaide/ Hamilton Road area that I don't know about, but this area may be mostly drained by creek 3.

*Still looking for nice shots of the skyline looking from the West that includes 520 & 544 Talbot, Harriston and topped-out Renaissance???

[sparky212]

LRT would do much more for the city than high-speed rail.


It would be even better if we get both but knowing london we'll probobly not see lrt for 10-20 years

[manny_santos]

It would be even better if we get both but knowing london we'll probobly not see lrt for 10-20 years

Wow, you're optimistic!

London has been talking about rapid transit for almost 40 years. It's never going to happen. I have absolutely no confidence in this city to do what it needs to do. It is not the fault of any one City Council or Mayor, because being un-progressive is engrained in London's culture.

[sparky212]

in times like this one has to be optomistic

[MolsonExport]

LRT would do much more for the city than high-speed rail.



I agree. However I believe the latter has a better chance of coming to fruition than the former (for the reasons already cited by others on this thread).

[manny_santos]

So, Tim Best served me a beer last night. He seems to be in very good spirits despite what's going on. He's probably feeling lucky most of the people there last night are Western students.

Speaking of which, with the Overheard at Western website now gone, here's a couple gems I've heard...

Girl: "I have to get it from Dundas and First Streets..."
Guy: "Dundas and First?! WHOA! That is SO FAR AWAY, out near the 401!"
Me: "Let me guess, are you from Toronto?"
Guy: "Yeah"

Another one from a year ago:

Girl 1: "I got on the Wellington bus on campus, and I stayed on it for a long time, and it went SO FAR AWAY!"
Girl 2: "Where did you end up?"
Me: (thinking she ended up on Millbank Drive or something)
Girl 1: "Richmond and Carling!!!"

I hear the term "SO FAR AWAY" with extreme emphasis around campus to describe anything outside the university gates so often, it's not even funny anymore. It's like they have to go through Toronto and out past Belleville to get to Highbury Avenue. It's a stereotype some Fanshawe students have even commented on.

[MolsonExport]

If he got drunk (and then drove) in his own bar...could he be at risk of losing his liquor license? Did you sit out on the cheapo patio at Friday Fright Nites?

[ldoto]

Construction dates set for next phase of the big move


Once the redevelopment of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care, London (SJHC) is completed, the hospital’s top official say the facilities will be among the very best in the country.

It could end up costing nearly a $1 billion and taking about 16 years to complete, but Cliff Nordal, president and chief executive officer of LHSC and SJHC, says the journey will have been worth it.

“By early 2014 everything contemplated will have been competed. It will have been a 15, 16 year journey, but it will see London in the top per cent of health care facilities in our country,” Mr. Nordal says. “It’s a very substantial project. It’s taken enormous time and attention, but we are all pretty excited about how it is going, we haven’t lost enthusiasm about it. We are on time and on budget, it’s going very, very well.”

The hospitals have announced a tentative schedule for construction and move dates is in place and with the exterior of the new North Tower at Victoria Hospital completed, work is underway to finish the interior along with renovations to existing areas at St. Joseph’s.

“This has not just been a little patch and paint job. We aren’t building for the sake of building. Ultimately this is about providing better services and care for our patients,” Mr. Nordal says. “There is enormous pleasure in seeing the outcome of all the work start to take shape and not have to worry about the building anymore. I take great satisfaction in seeing the pieces move along. Once all of phase two is completed, we will have seen 2,500 people moved; that process is already starting.”

The second phase of restructuring will see multiple program moves including the consolidation of the Ivey Eye Institute to St. Joseph’s and move of the Perinatal/Neonatal Intensive Care program from St. Joseph’s to the new North Tower at Victoria Hospital.

“Milestone 2, Phase 2 (as the current stage of the project is called at the hospitals) means we will have realigned and consolidated most of the clinical and support services between the two organizations,” Mr. Nordal says. “Programs that were in multiple spaces for years will now have definite, distinct roles. That will improve workflow. That will improve the patient care environment.”

The completion of the North Tower at LHSC and renovations at SJHC began in July 2008 and is expected to be completed by the spring of 2011 with 28 separate projects and an estimated cost of $400 million. That $400 million is also the estimated cost of what was spend on phase one of the project.

While understandably excited to see the latest milestones reached in the project, Mr. Nordal recognizes not only has the redevelopment taken far longer than expected, but there is also a lot of work to be done.

“This is really the 12th year of a five year program announced by the Health Services Restructuring Committee (HSRC). There have been a lot of gaps, construction delays, but the end product will be better than anything that was ever envisioned to begin with,” Mr. Nordal says. “The plans have evolved over time, to the betterment of the community. It was never anticipated the project would take as long as it did. The HSRC budgeted a timeline not anywhere close to what could be done. But they have been very responsive to the discussions we’ve had. It’s been a noisy, difficult time that has taxed the patience of patients, of family, of staff, but it’s been enormously worthwhile.”

Mr. Nordal says despite all the work done to date, there remain major projects yet to come.

` “We’ve moved from four ERs to two, that’s a major shift. We have the urgent care clinic at St. Joe’s, which sees 45,000 visits per year.

The pressures on the ERs would have been very difficult without that clinic. We are adding a 1,200-space car park at Victoria hospital to deal with staff transfers and patient volume,” Mr. Nordal says.
“We had 42 construction projects in the first phase, 28 in this phase. Phase three will be more of a cleanup, emptying out of areas and then renovating those spaces for other uses.

There is still the construction of two new mental health facilities, which will be finished by late 2013 or 2014.

Our academic role is imperative. So we will have new teaching spaces, a 350-seat auditorium at Victoria, another half-dozen training spaces. Redeveloping the plan has taken a lot of effort, but you are going to see tremendous results.”

[manny_santos]

If he got drunk (and then drove) in his own bar...could he be at risk of losing his liquor license? Did you sit out on the cheapo patio at Friday Fright Nites?

The patio isn't back...yet. I'm not looking forward to having to walk single file with one foot on the curb along that part of Richmond again this summer.

[NetMapel]

So, Tim Best served me a beer last night. He seems to be in very good spirits despite what's going on. He's probably feeling lucky most of the people there last night are Western students.

Speaking of which, with the Overheard at Western website now gone, here's a couple gems I've heard...

Girl: "I have to get it from Dundas and First Streets..."
Guy: "Dundas and First?! WHOA! That is SO FAR AWAY, out near the 401!"
Me: "Let me guess, are you from Toronto?"
Guy: "Yeah"

Another one from a year ago:

Girl 1: "I got on the Wellington bus on campus, and I stayed on it for a long time, and it went SO FAR AWAY!"
Girl 2: "Where did you end up?"
Me: (thinking she ended up on Millbank Drive or something)
Girl 1: "Richmond and Carling!!!"

I hear the term "SO FAR AWAY" with extreme emphasis around campus to describe anything outside the university gates so often, it's not even funny anymore. It's like they have to go through Toronto and out past Belleville to get to Highbury Avenue. It's a stereotype some Fanshawe students have even commented on.
Duh ! because London IS Western ! If you're outside of Western, you're too far away :P

[JrUrbanDesigner]

Saw this on the news and in the paper thought I would share it here...

New cinema big on luxury

By HANK DANISZEWSKI



Pat Marshall and Bill Tishler took media on a tour of the Cineplex Odeon Westmount and VIP cinemas. (Derek Ruttan, Sun Media)
Another sign the recession is upon us -- movie palaces are grander than ever and doing great.

Cineplex Entertainment is putting finishing touches on its new Westmount theatre complex that will feature innovations including three luxurious VIP theatres with a lounge and liquor licence.

The Great Depression was considered a golden age for the movie industry and the pattern seems to be recurring.

Cineplex, which has 67% of the Canadian movie market, chalked up its best quarter ever in the last three months of 2008, said spokesperson Pat Marshall.

"People in this market need escapism now more than ever. It's a combination of escapism and good films at an affordable price point," she said.

Unlike the huge, ornate movie auditoriums of the 1930's, modern theatres are all about comfort.

The Westmount Cinema will have 11 auditoriums ranging from 389 to just 99 seats.

The main attraction will be southwestern Ontario's first VIP theatres, which are more like upscale lounges.

The three adult-only theatres will have a separated box office, an outer lounge with a bar, comfortable banquettes and a fireplace.

The VIP auditorium has big leather chairs and side tables where servers will bring food and drink orders prior to the movie. The front row will have large recliner-style loungers.

The VIP patrons can reserve seats in the same style as live theatres and will pay $5 on top of the regular prices.

Cineplex has operated the VIP theatres in Toronto and Oakville. Marshall said they are typically the first to sell out.

The other eight auditoriums also include:

- Bigger seats with armrests that lift up and each ascending row is at least 45 centimetres higher to ensure that no view of the screen is obstructed.

- The biggest of the floor-to- ceiling curved screens is 18 metres wide.

- All projectors are digital allowing them to show live sports or arts events, and three projectors show 3-D movies.

The new Westmount cinema is being built behind the mall and will replace the movie Cineplex theatre inside. All current staff will be offered jobs and an additional 50 staff will be hired for a total of 90. Cineplex will holding a job fair at the Westmount Mall April 4.

Marshall said the cinema will open this spring, but no firm date has been set.

[MolsonExport]

^looking forward to an alternative to the horrible crowds at Masonville silver city.

[JrUrbanDesigner]

Do you think the crowds will shift? Because of all the hype around this new theater being soo much better than silver city, along with its all digital video and sound + VIP screen rooms and licenced lounge? - I'm not too sure what will happend? will it attrack more people from westmount to stay in westmount- for sure.. will others come from all parts of the city?- it happend at silver city!

Molson maybe youll have to go to Masonville as "an alternative to the horrible crowds"

[manny_santos]

Do you think the crowds will shift? Because of all the hype around this new theater being soo much better than silver city, along with its all digital video and sound + VIP screen rooms and licenced lounge? - I'm not too sure what will happend? will it attrack more people from westmount to stay in westmount- for sure.. will others come from all parts of the city?- it happend at silver city!

Molson maybe youll have to go to Masonville as "an alternative to the horrible crowds"

I think the Westmount one will attract people from all over the city because of that VIP lounge, much like how Rainbow Cinemas attracts people from all over with its discounted rates. Their principal audience will be from Southwest London, which has no other movie theatres.

[MolsonExport]

Masonville's theatre layout is asinine. Half the time, you are lined up right to the doors...or even outside in the mall. Get rid of the stupid flying men hanging from the ceiling. Take out the friggen air-hockey. Why the hell are theatres designed to appeal only to the 12-20 demographic?

[manny_santos]

Masonville's theatre layout is asinine. Half the time, you are lined up right to the doors...or even outside in the mall. Get rid of the stupid flying men hanging from the ceiling. Take out the friggen air-hockey. Why the hell are theatres designed to appeal only to the 12-20 demographic?

In a city like London, there isn't much for that demographic to do. Better that kind of place than getting into mischief.

This is indicative of a greater trend in London, which is unfortunate. There isn't much left for the older folks, whether it's movies or otherwise. Entertainment is more and more on TV and the Internet. There is that one indie theatre on Wharncliffe. But, as far as music goes, between the closing of the Wick, the Embassy, and now the APK, there's fewer and fewer venues. Even ten years ago London had a lot more true nightlife - you had those three venues, Call the Office, The Drink (and later DV8, now Cowboys), and I think a couple other places. Now the downtown is dominated by DJs spinning generic urban music at Jack's, Jim Bob's, London Tap House, and others. CTO is still there of course.

[JrUrbanDesigner]

But, as far as music goes, between the closing of the Wick, the Embassy, and now the APK, there's fewer and fewer venues.

I agree, times are changing and there needs to be more entertainment geared toward the teen and young adult crowd. BTW, the embassy is to re-open in a new location... - can't disclose the location at this time.. my lips are sealed

[sparky212]

It is!!!:banana:

[LondnPlanr]

The Embassy is re-opening?

Oh, I have to hear this.

Do me a favour, Jr., and PM me the location that you have heard. I am a veteran of the London Music Scene (London Music Hall of Fame member, to boot), and I'm curious as to what you have heard, and where you heard it.

Thanks!

[QuantumLeap]

An ironic and sad omen: as the debate at City Hall on provincial stimulus money opens, a watermain breaks mere blocks away. That a pipe dating “back to the 1920s” would break is no revelation; the shock is that such pipes are still in use. City Council, despite its conceit that it is a “leader in downtown revitalization” has done nothing to address the infrastructure crisis in central London, highlighted by 2007’s infamous Sinkhole. The core, home to thousands of workers and businesses, is the heart of London’s economy, but few of the stimulus projects under consideration would benefit it. While many cities are renewing brownfields and building rapid transit, our Controllers propose to heavily subsidize far-flung industrial schemes served by new highways. Chasing growth rather than supporting existing business and workers is ever the modus operandi. The business community has lost confidence that the City can even provide the basic services and transports that keep the economy ticking, yet Council boldly proposes that it knows how to inject “economic stimulus” .
It talks of a transformation to a “new economy” but seems ignorant that downtowns are necessarily the economic hubs of green, high-tech cities.
Fortunately, the stimulus money offers the City a unique opportunity to reinvigorate its heart now, in time for the new economy - by renewing and greening the utilities and transit that London already so desperately needs.

[ForestryW]

London needs a serious wake-up call from the feds and from the province. No money unless they use it right.