Northern Nova Scotia development thread

[Logan]

Thanks for posting David, I was waiting on some new info on the jail.

[David1gray]

a few photo updates from todaythat i took really quickly. sorry for the crappy quality of some.

Pictou County Wellness Centre:




Sobeys Head Office:



Home Harware future site:



Future strip mall site:



Truck service station in westville:

[David1gray]

Local spinoffs possible from shipbuilding work

Pictou County has the potential to benefit from major shipbuilding projects if Halifax is awarded work, Abbas Jafarnia says.
The metallurgical expert, who is trying to purchase the idle Maritime Steel and Foundry operation in New Glasgow, says it’s possible for anyone working with steel to make parts for shipbuilding projects.
Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax is among shipyards bidding for federal contracts contained in the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy to replace aging frigates, destroyers, supply and other ships for future high seas duty.
Aecon Fabco Ltd. in Pictou has undertaken various projects since taking over the town’s once dormant shipbuilding facility.
The company hauled the replica of the Ship Hector onto dry land for a winter-long refit before it returned to its familiar mooring beside the Hector Heritage Quay when it opened in May.
It has also been dismantling vessels the Canadian Navy decommissioned over the past several years.
Pictou County has one of the largest clusters of industrial fabricators in the province.

...

continue reading here: http://www.pictouadvocate.com/2011/0...ilding-work-3/

[David1gray]

Many suggest vote is needed on issue of amalgamation

NEW GLASGOW – Put the question to a vote.
That was the overwhelming response from phone and website comments made following an in-depth look by The News as to whether Pictou County has too many councillors and if amalgamation is a possible solution.
“I believe we have way too many councillors in each ward – one would be sufficient for the towns, not two, and why do we need this many CAOs and the large salaries they’re getting?” questioned one female caller.
“I think that’s way too much. Perhaps we could get some things done to the roads in our town, which are looking very bad. The next election, on the ballot should be the question – do you favour amalgamation, yes or no.”

...

http://www.ngnews.ca/News/Local/2011...amalgamation/1

[David1gray]

Extension granted for terminal
Matt Draper

MELFORD- A proposed terminal project for Guysborough County received an extension on a land purchase agreement with the province.
In an order dated August 2 from the Nova Scotia cabinet, Melford International Terminals Inc. (MITI) received an extension on a land purchase agreement. The agreement refers to two land parcels, 127 hectares and 177 hectares, the company is looking to purchase from the provincial government.
MITI marketing vice president Richie Mann said when the company originally received their environmental assessment approval for their terminal project, it was for two years.
“We got caught in the middle of the recession and that became unrealistic so we sent a letter requesting an extension to that and that was granted immediately by the Minister of the Environment,” said Mann.
“We also had, when we got our cabinet approval, and did the agreements on the purchase and sale of the property, it had the same milestone as the environmental assessment approval.
After MITI received the extension on the environmental approval, they went back to the province and requested a change in the land purchase agreement to coincide with the environmental assessment approval.
Mann said the province verbally agreed but it had to go though the due process, which wrapped up last week.
“As we indicated when we visited the area [in July], we continue to work on the two or three things that we need to close,” he said.
“We’re pleased with the way things are going.”
In a public update offered in July, Mann said MITI was concentrating on finalizing their financing, setting up a rail service agreement and getting cargo commitment, adding, at the time, that all three were coming together.

http://www.porthawkesburyreporter.co...es.asp?id=5984

[David1gray]

Terrace condo project not going forward
developer pulls plug on controversial project


AMHERST – A multi-million-dollar condominium project touted as the centerpiece of residential development in the downtown is dead.
Developer Les Carrie confirmed Friday that the Terrace Project on Victoria Street East will not go forward and pointed out the land on which it was supposed to go is now for sale.
“Right now we’re not moving forward on it,” Carrie said. “The general market in Amherst right now doesn’t support a project of this scale. You have to have 75 per cent of the units sold before you could move forward.”
Carrie said the land would be an excellent location for a rental unit, but can’t support a 32-unit condominium complex at this time.
Announced in 2008 amid opposition from neighbours who felt the condominium would spoil the streetscape, the project only managed to attract 45 per cent of the reservations and deposits required to move forward.
dcole@amherstdaily.com

http://www.cumberlandnewsnow.com/New...oing-forward/1

[David1gray]

fairly recent aerial of albion place


source

same pic with labels:


oops home hardware site it actually above and to the left of where the label shows

[Logan]

http://www.highlandsquare.ca/images/BurgerKingLarge.jpg

[David1gray]

Originally Posted by Logan

http://www.highlandsquare.ca/images/BurgerKingLarge.jpg

FINALLY lol it's about freakin time

[Antigonish]

Originally Posted by Logan

http://www.highlandsquare.ca/images/BurgerKingLarge.jpg

Best news of 2011 haha!!

[David1gray]

Work on pace to build and service Albion Power Centre’s roads

Town crews are making the best of improved summer weather to get more work done at Albion Place, Mayor Joe Gennoe says.
A sidewalk along the north side of Lawrence Boulevard is more than half finished, while work is beginning to install water and sewer lines along the third-phase road from MacGregor Avenue to allow construction to start on the Home Hardware site.
Crews finished the sidewalk at the Holiday Inn Express before turning their attention to the park’s Street 2 and Street 3.
Street 2 will connect Lawrence Boulevard to MacGregor Avenue and will include an intersection with an extension of Pleasant Street.
Town council approved a storm sewer tender awarded to CF Construction and a granular tender awarded to S.W. Weeks Construction for the second phase of Street 3 in the power centre at its special meeting Aug. 8.
“Things are moving along,” Gennoe says. “It’s a great view from that road.”
Coarse rock on the third street makes it unsuitable for cars, but developer Paul Brown says it will be finished enough for Home Hardware to start work at its site.
Work crews finished applying the curb on the east end of Street 3 and will soon pave the street to allow Home Hardware to begin construction.
The street will be finished out to MacGregor Avenue over the next year.
“It’s a very attractive sight line because of its higher elevation in relation to the first phase along Lawrence Boulevard,” Brown says.
Brown, who has been home in Thailand for the past few weeks, says more prospective tenants for the park could be confirmed within the next month.
“There’s nothing specific, but there has been some pretty heavy negotiations with some people,” he says.
“This is not a short-term park. We’re going to have some more stores in the park in the next year. Once the critical mass hits, it will double or triple very suddenly. We’re moving along.”
The town will also proceed with a recommendation by town engineer Tony Addis to eliminate the four-way intersection where Foster Avenue crosses with MacGregor Avenue.
His proposal makes a dead end of both Street 2 and Foster Avenue.

http://www.pictouadvocate.com/2011/0...centres-roads/

[David1gray]

New development construction could begin next spring

'People are seeing Truro is the home of best new opportunities'

TRURO - A new retail and office development on Wade Road worth at least $30 million could be reality within a year.
Halifax-based developer John Hampson has submitted an application to the Town of Truro to create the three-storey development, which would be modelled after Dartmouth Crossing and house an estimated 20 stores and up to 10 offices.
The proposed development, which would be located across from Kent Building Supplies and cover 140,000 square feet including parking and shipping lanes, is being considered by the Town of Truro and Colchester County because the property is jointly owned.
Truro Mayor Bill Mills told the Truro Daily News the location is ideal for the proposed project.
"With the new civic centre and hospital, land in that area is becoming very valuable," said Mills. "We are building on what we've already got and people are seeing Truro is the home of best new opportunities."
Alan Johnson, director of marketing and communications with Colchester Regional Development Agency (CoRDA), said, if approved, the project would create 150 construction jobs from Truro and Halifax as well as 125 permanent jobs.
"It would also open some eyes of developers in Halifax that Truro is a viable option" for business, said Johnson.
Johnson said if all goes well, the "miniature Dartmouth Crossing" could break ground in the spring with a potential fall opening.
Johnson said "it's way too early to tell what companies" would be in the building, but added based on the developer's experience in previous projects, the public would be pleased.
According to Johnson, Hampson has a "strong track record" with developments and has contributed about 10 per cent of the development in the Burnside Industrial Park.
Hampson has worked for more than 20 years in the Halifax area and has international experience as well, said Johnson.
Town Coun. Raymond Tynes said the proposed project is an example of how positive things are happening in the area.
"Truro and Colchester is busting at the seams," said Tynes, who is a councillor for that area.
"Any development is good for Truro and Colchester County if it meets all the bylaws and policies."
Colchester County Mayor Bob Taylor added the initiative, if approved, would "be another reason to shop" in this area instead of shoppers bypassing the town for other locations.
The next step in the proposal is for the town and county to meet in a joint planning advisory committee at the end of the month.
A public hearing would follow and upon approval, and if there are no appeals, a traffic study would also have to be completed.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com

http://www.trurodaily.com/News/Local...-next-spring/1

[David1gray]

PAC requests more details on seven-storey development

While there was no official progress in terms of a development agreement, a proposed seven-storey building on the corner of Main and Court in downtown Antigonish moved ahead last week following a meeting between developer Chris MacGillivray and the Town of Antigonish’s planning advisory committee (PAC).
MacGillivray met with the committee Sept. 8 during their regular meeting and while he didn’t receive the formal go-ahead, he heard plenty of support for the building which would be a combination of residential and commercial usage.
“What they are saying here tonight is they like everything so far but what they want is some more information and details,” MacGillivray said following the meeting.
Amongst the items PAC is seeking more information on are questions on balcony sizes which, in the draft, extend beyond property lines, the flexibility regarding size and usage of the units and some more details on utilities for the building.
“The building will be engineered to make it work no matter what the issues are,” MacGillivray said. “There are some questions that need responses so it’s just a matter of tracking down the answers.”
“It’s a lot closer than it was a month ago,” PAC chair and town councilor Willie Cormier said during the meeting.
The bottom two floors on the proposed building would be commercial, the next four would be residential with four units per-floor and the top floor residential as well as it would be a penthouse flat type of layout.
There was talk during the meeting about the size of the building in terms of height and its affect on the downtown. It was noted that, with the three-storey Kirk Building and St. James United Church with its tall steeple in the vicinity, there is some lead up to its size.
It was also pointed out shadows would likely fall on nearby commercial buildings as opposed to blocking out sun for residential properties.
With added details, MacGillivray will return to the PAC meeting next month.
A PAC recommendation would then proceed to town council for further approval

http://www.thecasket.ca/top-news/pac...y-development/

[Antigonish]

Great news ! ^^

Would love to see this go up in the next 3 years, the east end of downtown needs revitalizing and this project is smack down in the middle of it. It will also change the look of downtown facing west with the Kirk Building nestled in behind it down the street.

Did you get a chance to look at the Haley House apartment building by the hospital? I've moved away for school so I was wondering if it was completed?

[David1gray]

I haven't been over that way in awhile, last time I was there was maybe a month ago(probably longer). At that time it looked as though the exterior was mainly finished.

I will try to get a picture in the next few weeks.

[David1gray]

Pictou County Wellness Centre:


source

[David1gray]

Subway owner has plan for new franchise – with extras – near Wellness Centre

STELLARTON – A local Subway franchise is in the process of finalizing plans to build a fourth restaurant in Pictou County.
Franchise owner Greg Burrows confirmed Tuesday that they are close to completing a deal to put an approximately 2,300-square-foot restaurant on the corner of MacGregor Avenue and Lawrence Boulevard near where the Pictou County Wellness Centre is under construction. It will seat about 50 to 60 people.
“We’re probably about nine months from building,” he said.
He expects it to be completed in the fall around the same time the Wellness Centre opens.
While the restaurant portion of the new location will be fairly traditional with a drive-thru and some updated décor, plans are for the building to eventually house a RapidShot hockey system. Also in a second storey above the restaurant there will be a yoga studio for both hot and traditional yoga classes.
The RapidShot is a hockey shooting gallery that allows hockey players to test their shot accuracy and speed as well as reflex time and has been used in many major centres as a training tool for players. Locally, Burrows said he envisions it being used by youth to measure their improvement.
“It’s just a fun thing to have around and to go in and see how you rank,” he said.
Because of the proximity to the Wellness Centre, Burrows said the RapidShot may also be a way for teams from other communities to kill time between tournament games.
Both the RapidShot and the yoga studio also fit with the company’s health living mindset.
“We’re kind of trying to create the whole wellness theme,” he said.
Burrow’s wife Leanne will be the one managing the yoga studio. A hot studio is equipped with radiant heating panels in the ceiling. It will also have cork floors. She said she got the idea of opening one in Pictou County after visiting one in Halifax and has been planning the project with her husband over the last year.
This Subway will be the fourth in Pictou County, but Burrows believes there is plenty of room for it.
“It’s just good to give to those people in this market,” he said. “We’re two exits away from another Subway. It’s just giving that other option.”

http://www.ngnews.ca/News/Local/2011...lness-Centre/1

[David1gray]

One year until civic centre doors open


As many may recall, the concept of a new civic centre in central Nova Scotia was rooted in our region's bid in 2007 to attract the 2011 Canada Winter Games
Although the region was unsuccessful in its bid, interest in developing a civic centre remained a high priority with the Truro town council, Colchester County council and residents of central Nova Scotia.
Thankfully, because of strong partnerships combined with the commitment and enthusiasm of hundreds of volunteers, the civic centre is indeed becoming a reality and one that is scheduled to open this time next year.
A lot has happened since 2007, including the town and county agreeing to fund the construction of the civic centre project (60 per cent county, 40 per cent town). Then, when opened, the facility will be operating at a 50/50 split between the two.
The Abenaki Road site was chosen as the future home of the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre and then began the process of forming the project steering committee and all of the volunteers needed to transform such a significant project into reality.
Countless hours of planning continued into 2009, the user group space programming committee held several consultation sessions with a variety of stakeholders including sport groups, event programmers, arts and culture organizations, special interest groups and citizens to determine what components should be included in the facility to maximize programming options in an effort to appeal to a diverse range of recreational interests.
The findings from these sessions, coupled with the need to build within a budget, resulted in the following components to be included in the new centre:
• 2,600-seat event arena: NHL-size ice pad/seven change rooms
• three-land walking/jogging track
• aquatic centre: therapeutic leisure pool and eight-lane competitive pool
• fitness centre
• multi-purpose and meeting space
• rock climbing wall
• canteen/food service
• display space
• administrative and program space
• Colchester East Hants hospital administration space
2010 began with Prime Minister Stephen Harper arriving in Truro to announce a $10-million commitment to the project by the federal government.
This was the final piece of the government funding puzzle towards the project and provided the reassurance that the project was off and running.
From here, project architects Perkins Will sharpened their pencils and finalized the designs for the new centre and unveiled them to the community in September 2010 with construction beginning the same month.
Each week of 2011 has brought significant changes to the construction site. Hundreds of tons of concrete have been poured and its bones of structural steel have begun to dominate the horizon. This community health and recreation centre is now taking shape, and is truly becoming a reality.
The final piece of the puzzle is the success of the $5-million Ignite the Spirit Community Campaign and it is up to the residents of central Nova Scotia to support and ensure this vital component succeeds.
This centre is being built for the community and is much more than a place to swim and skate. It is an all encompassing facility that will offer something for everyone. There are many ways to donate to the campaign, all of which are outlined on our website www.ignitethespirit.ca or by phoning 893-9706.
Four years of anticipation are behind us now and our focus has changed to completing construction and opening the doors in September 2012.
If you have driven by the site you will see that steel is moving at a rapid pace and the work to the arena portion is near completion, slightly ahead of schedule. The steel roof decking is to be installed this week with roofing and masonry scheduled to begin and follow the progression of steel erection.
As indicated in last month's column, full building enclosure is scheduled to be completed by Jan. 1, 2012 when work will begin on the interior components.
I hope you enjoyed reminiscing the earliest beginnings of the civic centre and are pleased with how far we have come today.
If you have any questions or would like to share any comments, contact us at ignitethespirit@colchester.ca or 893-9706.
TAGLINE: Kathy Sutherland is the fundraising/public relations co-ordinator for the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Project. She lives in Truro.

http://www.trurodaily.com/News/Local...e-doors-open/1

[David1gray]

Condo developer to outline plans
Matt Draper

ANTIGONISH- The town’s planning committee will look further at a proposed condominium development.
Antigonish Town Councillor and planning advisory committee chair William Cormier said a developer with plans of a condominium project for the corner of Main and Court Streets is expected to attend a planning committee meeting some time soon.
“We had agreed on a major concept,” said Cormier.
“The height of the building, the parking set up… all of that stuff. At the last meeting, there were a couple of small points. [The developer] is coming back with all of the details.”
Cormier said the committee would vote on development and make a recommendation to council who would then decide the development’s fate.
“With these condo developments you have to sign up so many people,” said Cormier.
“Until you have the development agreement and all of that stuff, you can’t go the next step.”
Cormier mentioned hearing from the developer about the idea over the summer.
“From our point of view, from the planning point of view it’s a high quality development,” Cormier said.
“We see that bringing permanent residents downtown and we see that as vital. It would be a nice mix because we want a mix with students and permanent residents and we need to bring that balance back a little.”

http://www.porthawkesburyreporter.co...es.asp?id=6118

[icetea93]

Truro really has some great projects proposed/UC. New hospital, Civic Center, "Mini Dartmouth Crossing". So proud of my hometown