Wonderful Waterloo Archive

This site is maintained by Sam Nabi as a record of the vibrant Wonderful Waterloo community, which was taken offline in 2014. This site is a partial archive, containing some posts from 2009-2013. To read more about the recovery effort and access the data in a machine-readable format, check out the GitHub page.

U/C Fieldgate Commercial Site - Ira Needles & Highland | 6 m | 1 fl | Sobeys Opens Jan 20

Post #3573 03-29-2010 01:31 PM Duke-of-Waterloo Metropolis Member	Fieldgate Commercial Site Ira Needles Boulevard & Highland Road, Kitchener www.fieldgatecommercial.com/property.asp?ID=20# Building Permits New 110,000 sq. ft. retail plaza under construction. Confirmed Tenants Sobeys LCBO Shoppers Drug Mart RBC Dawson Dental Pet Valu
Post #3584 03-29-2010 06:07 PM Urbanomicon City Member Kitchener, Ontario Joined Feb 2010 960 posts "Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."	sigh More big box stores and another sea of parking on the West Side of Kitchener.
Post #3585 03-29-2010 06:21 PM Spokes Conurbation Member Kitchener Joined Dec 2009 5043 posts	And this is why we cant/dont have nice things.
Post #3593 03-29-2010 08:52 PM watmer Hamlet Member Joined Feb 2010 3 posts	Originally Posted by Urbanomicon sigh More big box stores and another sea of parking on the West Side of Kitchener. When it was built, Ira Needles appeared to be an aterial road that was different. No stop lights, bike lanes, paths and walkways. Now it's quickly turning out to be another 'urban blight' of box stores, strip plazas and gas stations with congestion causing in and out turning lanes. It is very disappointing to see this happen.
Post #3595 03-29-2010 09:39 PM IEFBR14 Transportation Moderator H2OWC Joined Mar 2010 1021 posts	How is "no stop lights, bike lanes, paths and walkways" different from every other suburban arterial road? So much for making Waterloo Region hospitable for pedestrians and cyclists It's a particular shame too because the other side of Ira Needles is full of residential who might be able to walk/cycle to this plaza if only the urban "planning" was more hospitable.
Post #3600 03-30-2010 12:46 AM mpd618 City Member Waterloo, ON Joined Jan 2010 943 posts	Originally Posted by IEFBR14 How is "no stop lights, bike lanes, paths and walkways" different from every other suburban arterial road? So much for making Waterloo Region hospitable for pedestrians and cyclists Let me rephrase that: Ira Needles has no stop lights (because it has roundabouts), and it has bike lanes and sidewalks (I think?). In terms of that infrastructure, many arterials here can't even say that much. Of course, none of that is saving Ira Needles Blvd from becoming the region's newest and shiniest Hespeler Road.
Post #3602 03-30-2010 07:23 AM Spokes Conurbation Member Kitchener Joined Dec 2009 5043 posts	Originally Posted by mpd618 Let me rephrase that: Ira Needles has no stop lights (because it has roundabouts), and it has bike lanes and sidewalks (I think?). In terms of that infrastructure, many arterials here can't even say that much. Of course, none of that is saving Ira Needles Blvd from becoming the region's newest and shiniest Hespeler Road. Perfect analogy. And for all that people dislike Hespler Rd at times, we sure do act quickly to replicate it, but politicians won't see that until its way too late. Or is it already?
Post #8771 06-19-2010 09:22 AM Spokes Conurbation Member Kitchener Joined Dec 2009 5043 posts	No news on this one, but just wanted to voice some frustration. (This could be posted in the Boardwalk thread too) It's rediculous how these projects keep getting approved. Ira Needles and Highland, Ira Needles and University, Ira Needles and Erb, its just pathetic. Im proposing a name change. Ira Needles Bvld is to be now known as Big Box Way.
Post #8782 06-19-2010 02:29 PM urbandreamer Town Member Joined Mar 2010 138 posts	Clearly, Waterloo has more in common with Milton than it does with Toronto.
Post #8792 06-19-2010 10:04 PM UrbanWaterloo Moderator Kitchener-Waterloo Joined Dec 2009 3549 posts cc LRT Letters to letters@wonderfulwaterloo.com	I agree these are bland cookie-cutter areas, and it's hard to find much appealing in them. Personally I tend to do most of my shopping Uptown/Downtown. I find urbandreamer's comment might be good for a "City Comparison Thread" (I know we've been having some of these discussions all over the place). I tend to disagree with his statement though: we're just a lot smaller than Toronto, whereas our suburban areas are simply neighbourhoods within the city rather than entirely separate municipalities. We also are weaker than Toronto, but that doesn't mean we're a completely different kind of entity, as no two cities are going to be exactly the same. For example if you were to look at employment levels, Toronto has roughly 508,100 jobs in it's Downtown and Centres out of a metropolitan employment level of 2,919,800. That works out to 17.4%. In this region, I'd consider our main Downtown and Urban Centre to be from King & University to King & Ottawa. I'd say there's at least 30,000 jobs in that area, out of our metro employment level of 260,500. That works out to an 11.5% share. Now 11.5 is much weaker than 17.4, but I personally consider it to still be the same game, just one with a rating slightly below average (Waterloo Region) and another that's strongly above average (Toronto). It's not as though urban Toronto has a 50% employment share, whereas ours is 1 or 2%. It also helps Toronto significantly that it's the largest city and the financial capital of the country, although if I have my way we'll eventually have a 'Bank of Waterloo' to call home to in our core.
Post #8793 06-20-2010 01:09 AM Urban_Enthusiast86 Town Member Joined Mar 2010 339 posts	I would echo the sentiment that certain (many) parts of the tri-cities are Milton-esque. But then again, there are parts that remind me a little of Etobicoke or Scarborough (areas halfway towards the edge of town). There isn't much that reminds me of old Toronto, simply because our architecture styles have a distinctly southwestern Ontario flair to them, different from Toronto or Hamilton. Google streetview areas near downtown London and see what I mean. Or Detroit...but a much more intact version. Bottom line is that Milton, while having a lot of development of the Ira Needles variety, doesn't have an equivalent to the Barrelyards, the Balsillie School of International Affairs, or the Lang Tannery. It's easy to lose sight of just how much is going on in the central areas when you look at some of the offensive looking sprawl popping up at the edges of town. (And yes, the Barrelyards development is certainly Toronto-esque in style and scale)
Post #8849 06-21-2010 07:26 PM Spokes Conurbation Member Kitchener Joined Dec 2009 5043 posts	Originally Posted by urbandreamer Clearly, Waterloo has more in common with Milton than it does with Toronto. It's definitely got it's similarities, but it's got its differences as well. All three cities in our Region have downtowns that have potential. Milton, not so much. And Milton is without a doubt a bedroom community while KWC isnt. As far as retail though, you're correct in your comparison.
Post #8857 06-21-2010 09:41 PM panamaniac Town Member Joined Mar 2010 414 posts	Any comparison of the Region to Toronto gives me pause. A bit like comparing a Toyoto Corolla to a transport truck (I was going to say Mercedes S-Class, but I'm not a big Toronto fan ).
Post #8865 06-22-2010 12:57 AM Urban_Enthusiast86 Town Member Joined Mar 2010 339 posts	Originally Posted by Spokes It's definitely got it's similarities, but it's got its differences as well. All three cities in our Region have downtowns that have potential. Milton, not so much. And Milton is without a doubt a bedroom community while KWC isnt. As far as retail though, you're correct in your comparison. All 3 downtowns, yes...but I think the Cambridge downtowns need a little more work before they can be "cool". I think downtown Milton has some potential, but probably more of the Streetsville or Port Credit variety, without a lot of height and scale...but still nice. It would help to have more of its residents actually working there. As far as the bedroom community thing goes...I had a job interview in Barrie this morning and I noticed just how much worse the traffic gets eastbound once you hit Milton. It's like running into a wall. You're going steady at 120km/h and BAM!..the brake lights all go on. I'd have to imagine that the proportion of people commuting into Mississauga-Toronto-Brampton from Milton is absolutely huge. You can really notice it on the off-ramp to the 401 from James Snow Parkway...even Townline road (KWC's biggest commuter area) is nowhere near as bad. KWC is about the same distance from the GTA as Barrie is. Both have somewhat of a transient commuter demographic living in each and both are definitely in that 1 hour orbit. But we're also quite a bit larger and more self-sufficient...still suburban, but feels more like a city. I knew a guy who used to live in Barrie but now lives near downtown Kitchener and that was one of the differences he mentioned. The core is larger, there's more arts & culture, more of a corporate base, and the city as a whole is much more cosmopolitan in just about every way. But conversely, Barrie wins on the recreational front, being the gateway to cottage country. Neither can be grouped right in with Milton.
Post #8873 06-22-2010 08:27 AM Spokes Conurbation Member Kitchener Joined Dec 2009 5043 posts	Does Barrie have more transit options to Toronto? Or do they still have just the GO bus?
Post #8895 06-22-2010 12:24 PM Urbanomicon City Member Kitchener, Ontario Joined Feb 2010 960 posts "Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."	Originally Posted by Spokes Does Barrie have more transit options to Toronto? Or do they still have just the GO bus? Edit: Nevermind, thought you said Milton.
Post #8897 06-22-2010 12:27 PM taylortbb Town Member Waterloo, Ontario Joined Jan 2010 306 posts Taylor Byrnes	Originally Posted by Spokes Does Barrie have more transit options to Toronto? Or do they still have just the GO bus? It's a GO Train now, and a very well used one.
Post #8898 06-22-2010 12:30 PM Urbanomicon City Member Kitchener, Ontario Joined Feb 2010 960 posts "Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."	Originally Posted by Urban_Enthusiast86 As far as the bedroom community thing goes...I had a job interview in Barrie this morning and I noticed just how much worse the traffic gets eastbound once you hit Milton. It's like running into a wall. You're going steady at 120km/h and BAM!..the brake lights all go on. I'd have to imagine that the proportion of people commuting into Mississauga-Toronto-Brampton from Milton is absolutely huge. You can really notice it on the off-ramp to the 401 from James Snow Parkway...even Townline road (KWC's biggest commuter area) is nowhere near as bad. The 401 between highway 8 and Hespeler (especially Westbound) is generally stop and go during rush hour, mostly from people in K-W commuting to/from Cambridge. I would say this is about the same as (at least) 2004 Milton (when I had to drive through it everyday to get to work). I believe they are planning on widening the 401 through Milton as well in the not to distant future.
Post #9142 06-25-2010 08:59 AM Tuuluuwag Hamlet Member Kitchener Joined Jun 2010 48 posts	Originally Posted by Spokes Im proposing a name change. Ira Needles Bvld is to be now known as Big Box Way. Big Box Boulevard as we have been regarding it in the last couple weeks.. Up until about 5 months ago.. I looked out my kitchen window into the Fieldgate site.. Now I look into a sea of multiplex dwellings and a Tim Horton's. It's about 1000 feet as the crow flies from my back door, but with the domination of their store placings.... it's still to far away... they will put another closer in the next year! haha
Post #11968 03-29-2010 01:31 PM Duke-of-Waterloo Metropolis Member Waterloo Joined Jan 2010 1000 posts	PERMIT IS FOR SITE SERVICES FOR A COMMERCIAL PLAZA. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ANY OTHER WORK. Permit No 10103664 Site Address 235 IRA NEEDLES BLVD Status Issued Permit Category Plumbing Permit Type Non-Residential Plumbing Application Date January 07, 2010 Issued By DIANNEC Issue Date January 27, 2010 Final Date Work Proposed Site Services Construction Value $500,000 PERMIT IS FOR A NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING - SHOPPERS DRUG MART - SHELL ONLY INCLUDES MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL - REFER TO PERMIT #10-103664 FOR SITE SERVICING. SEPARATE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR INTERIOR FINI Permit No 10105692 Site Address 235 IRA NEEDLES BLVD Status Issued Permit Category Commercial Building Permit Type Retail/Wholesale Store Application Date February 02, 2010 Issued By ANGELAD Issue Date March 24, 2010 Final Date Planning Community 30 Work Proposed Shell - Only Construction Value $1,000,000 PERMIT IS FOR SHELL ONLY CONSTRUCTION FOR A NEW ROYAL BANK. SEPARATE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR INTERIOR FINISHING INCLUDING MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS. Permit No 10107659 Site Address 235 IRA NEEDLES BLVD Status Issued Permit Category Commercial Building Permit Type Personal Services Application Date February 25, 2010 Issued By ANGELAD Issue Date April 12, 2010 Final Date Work Proposed Shell - Only Construction Value $792,000 PERMIT IS FOR SHELL ONLY CONSTRUCTION FOR A NEW MULTI-TENANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING - BUILDING B. INCLUDES SUITE DEMISING WALLS. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR INTERIOR FINISHING OF SUITES INCLUDING P.ENG Permit No 10112692 Site Address 235 IRA NEEDLES BLVD Status Issued Permit Category Commercial Building Permit Type Retail/Wholesale Store Application Date April 29, 2010 Issued By BARBF Issue Date May 20, 2010 Final Date Work Proposed Shell - Only Construction Value $1,000,000 PERMIT IS A MULTI UNIT COMMERCIAL BUILDING - SHELL ONLY. A SEPARATE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR INTERIOR FINISHES INCLUDING P.ENG STAMPED ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL DRAWINGS Permit No 10125539 Site Address 235 IRA NEEDLES BLVD Bldg F Status Issued Permit Category Commercial Building Permit Type Retail/Wholesale Store Application Date September 23, 2010 Issued By JULIET Issue Date October 28, 2010 Final Date Work Proposed Shell - Only Construction Value $1,000,000 Contractor FIELDGATE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT LTD Contractor Contact Info 5400 YONGE ST TORONTO ON M2N 5R5 phone 416-223-5127 PERMIT IS FOR INTERIOR FINISHES - PET VALU - UNIT 6 - INCLUDES MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL Permit No 10127466 Site Address 235 IRA NEEDLES BLVD Bldg B Status Issued Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration Permit Type Commercial Application Date October 18, 2010 Issued By DIANNEC Issue Date November 28, 2010 Final Date Work Proposed Interior Finish Construction Value $90,000
Post #23343 01-20-2011 11:35 PM Urbanomicon City Member Kitchener, Ontario Joined Feb 2010 955 posts "Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."	Originally Posted by Duke-of-Waterloo I forgot to mention that there was a police officer directing traffic along Ira Needles today in front of the plaza. Traffic was understandaly busier than usual today with Sobeys opening, and backed up along Ira Needles. However, the Ira Needles commercial strip between Highland and Erb is only about 20% complete. What about when it's 50, 75, 100% complete? Wait until Lowes opens next week! Traffic will be worse than today, all the time. This is will almost certainly happen before Ira Needles is planned for widening.... The Ira Needles won't need widening until 2020 arguement is one of the stupidest things the city has ever said. The strip malls are only about 20% complete and already traffic is constant. If it gets any busier, I don't know how any left-turning traffic is going to turn into the Fieldgate Commercial centre. I waited almost 5 minutes to turn and this was at 8:00pm. The roundabouts don't allow for any breaks in traffic to turn. I think they will have to get rid of all the left turns on Ira Needles and force people to do U-turns at the roundabouts.
Post #23345 01-20-2011 11:41 PM Spokes Conurbation Member Kitchener Joined Dec 2009 5033 posts	Originally Posted by Duke-of-Waterloo I forgot to mention that there was a police officer directing traffic along Ira Needles today in front of the plaza. Traffic was understandaly busier than usual today with Sobeys opening, and backed up along Ira Needles. However, the Ira Needles commercial strip between Highland and Erb is only about 20% complete. What about when it's 50, 75, 100% complete? Wait until Lowes opens next week! Traffic will be worse than today, all the time. This is will almost certainly happen before Ira Needles is planned for widening.... It's going to be a disaster. Maybe that's why police chief Torigan wants more money, constantly needing officers to direct traffic at Ira Needles
Post #23347 01-20-2011 11:45 PM bcwessel Town Member Joined May 2010 280 posts "I have always believed that what is originally an abuse does not cease to be one by having become customary."	I hope the irony of applauding the virtues of a massive suburban-format grocery store in the middle of a 100,000 square foot power centre located along a limited access suburban highway, and then fretting about the traffic isn't lost on anybody else here.
Post #23351 01-21-2011 12:05 AM mpd618 City Member Waterloo, ON Joined Jan 2010 948 posts	I really hope Ira Needles doesn't get widened for a long time to come. Because if it did, even more boxes and asphalt would get built along it.
Post #23352 01-21-2011 12:42 AM Brenden Village Member Kitchener Joined Jan 2010 78 posts	Originally Posted by mpd618 I really hope Ira Needles doesn't get widened for a long time to come. Because if it did, even more boxes and asphalt would get built along it. Oh I assure you soon enouph the whole strech will be boxes and asphalt
Post #23353 01-21-2011 12:47 AM mpd618 City Member Waterloo, ON Joined Jan 2010 948 posts	Originally Posted by Brenden Oh I assure you soon enouph the whole strech will be boxes and asphalt Why would anyone in their right mind build any more there if people won't be able to get there?
Post #23368 01-21-2011 12:17 PM Urbanomicon City Member Kitchener, Ontario Joined Feb 2010 955 posts "Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."	Originally Posted by mpd618 Why would anyone in their right mind build any more there if people won't be able to get there? My guess would be that the land is cheap and the road widening will come out of the region's pocketbook and not the developer's. Buy into the area while the land is cheap and then wait for the city to accomodate the newly created demand. It's a win-win for developers.
Post #23373 01-21-2011 01:34 PM KevinL City Member West-South-West Kitchener Joined May 2010 534 posts My Flickr - My Facebook	I'm a sucker for an industrial-style exposed-utility ceiling, so I like the place already. Prices are a bit out of my bracket just now, not to mention the lack of transit access, so I'll hold off visiting for now.
Post #23379 01-21-2011 03:39 PM waterloo_local Village Member Joined Jul 2010 86 posts	Originally Posted by Urbanomicon The Ira Needles won't need widening until 2020 arguement is one of the stupidest things the city has ever said. The strip malls are only about 20% complete and already traffic is constant. If it gets any busier, I don't know how any left-turning traffic is going to turn into the Fieldgate Commercial centre. I waited almost 5 minutes to turn and this was at 8:00pm. The roundabouts don't allow for any breaks in traffic to turn. I think they will have to get rid of all the left turns on Ira Needles and force people to do U-turns at the roundabouts. I think this is why the Boardwalk and the Boston pizza/Winners site will be more visited, at least by me. The Fieldgate will always be difficult to turn left into. They should have used a small roundabout there for entrance. I find it very easy to get in/out of Boardwalk/Empire now using the roundabouts, even with heavy traffic.
Post #23381 01-21-2011 03:43 PM waterloo_local Village Member Joined Jul 2010 86 posts	Originally Posted by Urbanomicon My guess would be that the land is cheap and the road widening will come out of the region's pocketbook and not the developer's. Buy into the area while the land is cheap and then wait for the city to accomodate the newly created demand. It's a win-win for developers. These comments always perplex me. It is a win-win for both the reion and the developers. The Region will spend a few million dollars widening the road, the developers, all along Ira Needles, will be investing over $100 Million + helping to create thousands of retail and construction jobs, and contributing probably $5-10 million in annual property taxes. Yes, the developers will make money, but I suspect the Region makes more money off of development charges, property taxes, and taxes from the actual people who live here. it's always to criticize the developers but I always try to have a balanced view. If the region didn't help local business by widening roads, etc., then no one companies would want to expand, etc. I'm sure the region has done quite a lot for RIM but no one cares because RIM is overall a huge NET to the region and we need to support local business to stay competitive.
Post #23384 01-21-2011 04:01 PM mpd618 City Member Waterloo, ON Joined Jan 2010 948 posts	Originally Posted by waterloo_local These comments always perplex me. It is a win-win for both the reion and the developers. The Region will spend a few million dollars widening the road, the developers, all along Ira Needles, will be investing over $100 Million + helping to create thousands of retail and construction jobs, and contributing probably $5-10 million in annual property taxes. Yes, the developers will make money, but I suspect the Region makes more money off of development charges, property taxes, and taxes from the actual people who live here. More sprawl is not a win for the Region, even if it brings in more revenue. Which itself is debatable, since in the long run the development charges and arguably the indirect benefits will nowhere near pay for all the subsidies for maintaining and replacing all of that infrastructure. It's not that a municipality should not invest in anything. But investment in sprawl helps drive demand for more sprawl, destroys farmland, hurts our water supply, clogs up roads all over the city, decreases the quality of our air, decreases the overall health of the population, and increases the dangers to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. So there are costs to investing in sprawl, and I think we have a sufficient amount of what the suburbs have to offer that any more is no longer outweighing those costs. There are also opportunity costs of investment in such things as widening Ira Needles Blvd. What else could the Region spend that money on? I bet the cost of widening it could pay for building a Spur Line Trail, an extension of the Iron Horse Trail, and dozens of kilometres of new sidewalks where there currently aren't any. It could pay for a very large bike-sharing system. It could pay for more affordable housing so more people here can contribute to our economy and have an acceptable quality of life. I've had enough of our subsidy for sprawl. How about we instead invest in a better quality of life?
Post #23403 01-21-2011 09:59 PM waterloo_local Village Member Joined Jul 2010 86 posts	This land was never nor ever intended to be farm land. Half of it was zoned for industrial, so please, no non-sequitors on this one. Also I have not seen any reports or anything from Council indicating that INB will be increasing the dangers to my overall health. I doubt any of the developers would have planned such a large development if the region had not committed to the widening at some point, so they would have lost probably $7-10M of annual property taxes to save the $3-5M one time cost of widening the road. Yes there are further maintenance costs of Ira Needles which exist and will continue to increase as it is widened, but that is also why we have ongoing property taxes. if the developers just paid one time, you might have a point, but since they will be contributing $7-10M a year in taxes, I think spending probably less than $500k / year on ploughing the road is sufficient.
Post #23404 01-21-2011 10:24 PM mpd618 City Member Waterloo, ON Joined Jan 2010 948 posts	Originally Posted by waterloo_local This land was never nor ever intended to be farm land. Half of it was zoned for industrial, so please, no non-sequitors on this one. And the true farmland that's just a bit further - who could possibly think you could want farmland so close to Ira Needles? The real stuff is further out, and residential development sure is a better use of this space than farms are. Yep. Originally Posted by waterloo_local Also I have not seen any reports or anything from Council indicating that INB will be increasing the dangers to my overall health. More people driving -- and driving for longer due to low-density development -- is dangerous to your health. More people living and shopping in the kinds of place where walking is not an option is harmful to the health of those people -- who have relatively little sway in development decisions. Originally Posted by waterloo_local I doubt any of the developers would have planned such a large development if the region had not committed to the widening at some point, so they would have lost probably $7-10M of annual property taxes to save the $3-5M one time cost of widening the road. In my comment I was referring to possible future construction. Originally Posted by waterloo_local Yes there are further maintenance costs of Ira Needles which exist and will continue to increase as it is widened, but that is also why we have ongoing property taxes. if the developers just paid one time, you might have a point, but since they will be contributing $7-10M a year in taxes, I think spending probably less than $500k / year on ploughing the road is sufficient. Everyone pays for maintenance equally, but low-density sprawl and big box development requires maintenance of more infrastructure than higher-density areas. This is an ongoing subsidy from taxpayers in higher-density areas to lower-density areas. The biggest issue may not be maintenance, but actually replacement. Development charges pay only the first time around. This is why there is a massive "infrastructure deficit" across North America - there is no funding source for replacing the infrastructure of post-war sprawl save by going to the general taxpayer. The problem is still current.
Post #23405 01-21-2011 10:34 PM benjaminbach Town Member Kitchener Waterloo Joined Oct 2010 270 posts Benjamin Bach, Sales Rep & Director at KW Commercial \| Read my real estate investment blog Not intended to solicit clients or properties under contract.	Originally Posted by waterloo_local Yes, it is going to be LCBO. I little bird told me that they were confirmed for this site. I wasn't sure if it was going to be the front pad but it looks like they are taking the Fischer Hallman / Columbia style and having LCBO butt the Sobeys. Confirmed tenants are now: Sobeys LCBO Shoppers Drug Mart RBC Dawson Dental Pet Valu Updated site plan: Updated construction pic:
Post #23408 01-21-2011 11:45 PM bcwessel Town Member Joined May 2010 280 posts "I have always believed that what is originally an abuse does not cease to be one by having become customary."	I'm absolutely stunned that anybody is defending this type of development, considering how universally despised Hespler Road is. Good planning isn't just for Uptown, and brown field redevelopment. We have this: We want this: And we're building this: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?um=1&i...ed=0CBYQnwIwAA How can we possibly be this confused?
Post #23433 01-22-2011 04:28 PM Section ThirtyOne Food & Retail Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Feb 2010 236 posts	I visited the new Sobeys location last night to see what the fuss was about, and came away with mixed feelings. The new concept is definitely intriguing, but like others I found the layout of the store to be very confusing. More than once I ended up having to circle back to look for something, as it wasn't where I expected. Also, prices seemed extremely high, even compared with Beechwood Zehrs or other premium grocers. The selection and high quality of the fresh products offered was definitely a nice change from your usual supermarket, but is it sustainable past the initial buzz? Not to sound snobbish, but the central west side of the city isn't exactly of the high income demographic who usually buy these luxury items. I honestly wonder if the format will stick. I know for my money, I'd buy these premium items at a place like Vincenzo's before a mass market retailer.
Post #23460 01-22-2011 07:39 PM sixer Hamlet Member Joined Aug 2010 22 posts	Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne I visited the new Sobeys location last night to see what the fuss was about, and came away with mixed feelings. The new concept is definitely intriguing, but like others I found the layout of the store to be very confusing. More than once I ended up having to circle back to look for something, as it wasn't where I expected. Also, prices seemed extremely high, even compared with Beechwood Zehrs or other premium grocers. The selection and high quality of the fresh products offered was definitely a nice change from your usual supermarket, but is it sustainable past the initial buzz? Not to sound snobbish, but the central west side of the city isn't exactly of the high income demographic who usually buy these luxury items. I honestly wonder if the format will stick. I know for my money, I'd buy these premium items at a place like Vincenzo's before a mass market retailer. Your funny. Sobeys in general is in line with Zehrs pricing and in many cases cheaper. They're not extremely expensive otherwise they wouldn't survive. This store, while not organized at this point in the most logical manner, is a region first in terms of what their offering and is not looking to compete with Vincenzo's. It's better then Vincenzo's in that they now offer similar products, without you having to make several trips to different stores, not to mention isn't remotely close to Vincenzo's. Lastly, the demographics is very good in this area, average income in the mid-90's for this area of Kitchener compared to $70,000 for Waterloo. All of The Boardwalk and this center is close to some of the nicest neighbourhoods in K-W. Kitchener Beechwood, Waterloo Beechwood, Westmount, Clair Hills, Westvale, Forest Heights and so forth. Source for this neighbourhood income see link below. For Waterloo, just google it and found on city data. http://fieldgatecommercial.com/prope...nd-marketplace ps. You sounded snobby in your post above
Post #23524 01-23-2011 07:07 PM Section ThirtyOne Food & Retail Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Feb 2010 236 posts	Originally Posted by sixer Your funny. Sobeys in general is in line with Zehrs pricing and in many cases cheaper. They're not extremely expensive otherwise they wouldn't survive. This store, while not organized at this point in the most logical manner, is a region first in terms of what their offering and is not looking to compete with Vincenzo's. It's better then Vincenzo's in that they now offer similar products, without you having to make several trips to different stores, not to mention isn't remotely close to Vincenzo's. Lastly, the demographics is very good in this area, average income in the mid-90's for this area of Kitchener compared to $70,000 for Waterloo. All of The Boardwalk and this center is close to some of the nicest neighbourhoods in K-W. Kitchener Beechwood, Waterloo Beechwood, Westmount, Clair Hills, Westvale, Forest Heights and so forth. Source for this neighbourhood income see link below. For Waterloo, just google it and found on city data. http://fieldgatecommercial.com/prope...nd-marketplace ps. You sounded snobby in your post above Hmm, in my experience Sobeys is much more expensive than the Loblaws equivalent. Other folks experiences may vary though. As for your research in to family incomes in the area, I stand corrected. This was just a passing observation of mine, and I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone. The first three neighbourhoods you mentioned are much closer to the existing Beechwood Zehrs, however.
Post #23529 01-23-2011 07:23 PM Spokes Conurbation Member Kitchener Joined Dec 2009 5033 posts	Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne Hmm, in my experience Sobeys is much more expensive than the Loblaws equivalent. Other folks experiences may vary though. As for your research in to family incomes in the area, I stand corrected. This was just a passing observation of mine, and I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone. The first three neighbourhoods you mentioned are much closer to the existing Beechwood Zehrs, however. I would agree with this statement. Maybe not MUCH more though.
Post #23552 01-23-2011 09:13 PM sixer Hamlet Member Joined Aug 2010 22 posts	Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne The first three neighbourhoods you mentioned are much closer to the existing Beechwood Zehrs, however. I disagree, Kitchener Beechwood is much closer to The Boardwalk and the new Sobeys. Westmount is also closer to The Boardwalk, but roughly the same distance to the new Sobeys and Beechwood Zehrs.
Post #23565 01-23-2011 10:49 PM Urban_Enthusiast86 Town Member Joined Mar 2010 339 posts	Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne Not to sound snobbish, but the central west side of the city isn't exactly of the high income demographic who usually buy these luxury items. I honestly wonder if the format will stick. By central west, are you referring to the areas around Victoria/Westmount and Highland/Westmount? This particular Sobeys is nowhere near those neighborhoods.
Post #23576 01-24-2011 07:47 AM panamaniac Town Member Joined Mar 2010 414 posts	I'm still struggling with "concept" being used to describe a grocery store/supermarket. Folks really do swallow the kool-aid, don't they?
Post #23588 01-24-2011 10:59 AM Section ThirtyOne Food & Retail Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Feb 2010 236 posts	Originally Posted by Urban_Enthusiast86 By central west, are you referring to the areas around Victoria/Westmount and Highland/Westmount? This particular Sobeys is nowhere near those neighborhoods. I was referring to the extreme western portion of Kitchener and Waterloo that straddles the border between the two cities. The middle of the west half of a combined Kitchener-Waterloo so to speak.
Post #23591 01-24-2011 11:10 AM Section ThirtyOne Food & Retail Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Feb 2010 236 posts	Originally Posted by sixer I disagree, Kitchener Beechwood is much closer to The Boardwalk and the new Sobeys. Westmount is also closer to The Boardwalk, but roughly the same distance to the new Sobeys and Beechwood Zehrs. Hate to nitpick, but if by Kitchener Beechwood you're referring to Beechwood Forest, the intersection of Stoke Drive and Fischer Hallman is almost equidistant between the new Sobeys and Beechwood Zehrs. (within 100m as the crow flies) Using the Westmount Golf and Country Club clubhouse as a starting point for the Westmount neighbourhood, Beechwood Zehrs (~1.6KM) is literally half the distance to the new Sobeys (~3.0km).
Post #23605 01-24-2011 04:14 PM bcwessel Town Member Joined May 2010 280 posts "I have always believed that what is originally an abuse does not cease to be one by having become customary."	Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne Hate to nitpick, but if by Kitchener Beechwood you're referring to Beechwood Forest, the intersection of Stoke Drive and Fischer Hallman is almost equidistant between the new Sobeys and Beechwood Zehrs. (within 100m as the crow flies) Using the Westmount Golf and Country Club clubhouse as a starting point for the Westmount neighbourhood, Beechwood Zehrs (~1.6KM) is literally half the distance to the new Sobeys (~3.0km). I don't really understand the point of this discussion, given how little our habits are informed by distance when private mobility is synonymous with automobility. Do you really expect anybody to break out the slide rule in the hopes of sparing themselves a few extra kilometres driving? Or will they frequent the place with a better deal on GoGurt Tubes that week?
Post #23626 01-24-2011 05:40 PM Section ThirtyOne Food & Retail Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Feb 2010 236 posts	Originally Posted by bcwessel I don't really understand the point of this discussion, given how little our habits are informed by distance when private mobility is synonymous with automobility. Do you really expect anybody to break out the slide rule in the hopes of sparing themselves a few extra kilometres driving? Or will they frequent the place with a better deal on GoGurt Tubes that week? I was responding to a post that I did not quote. I've corrected the issue and it should be more in context now.
Post #23782 01-26-2011 11:26 AM Brando_T Hamlet Member Waterloo. Work in Kitchener. Joined Nov 2010 19 posts	Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne I visited the new Sobeys location last night to see what the fuss was about, and came away with mixed feelings. The new concept is definitely intriguing, but like others I found the layout of the store to be very confusing. More than once I ended up having to circle back to look for something, as it wasn't where I expected. Also, prices seemed extremely high, even compared with Beechwood Zehrs or other premium grocers. The selection and high quality of the fresh products offered was definitely a nice change from your usual supermarket, but is it sustainable past the initial buzz? Not to sound snobbish, but the central west side of the city isn't exactly of the high income demographic who usually buy these luxury items. I honestly wonder if the format will stick. I know for my money, I'd buy these premium items at a place like Vincenzo's before a mass market retailer. Sobeys at Columbia and Fischer-Hallman recently did a redesign, and it is absolutely infuriating to me...and I wonder if some of the same concepts were applied to this new store. For instance, "commercial bakery" is in an opposite corner of the store, away from the store bakery. I assume the hope is that consumers will purchase higher margin store bakery products. Also, I believe the square footage of the fresh produce section was actually decreased with the redesign, with the space given over to high priced luxury baked goods and cheese. I was so frustrated in my recent trips. I'm done with Sobeys.
Post #23783 01-26-2011 11:32 AM markster Town Member Joined Oct 2010 164 posts	Just went to the Soebey's for the first time Monday, and my main impression was that it felt like an IKEA. The produce and meat sections have this one long winding hallway that you are strongly encouraged to walk the entire distance of. It was... different.
Post #23799 01-26-2011 03:27 PM TripleQ Village Member Joined Jan 2010 92 posts	Funny, that was my impression as well. I guess we partially got our wish of an Ikea in the region :P
Post #24411 02-01-2011 10:29 AM Section ThirtyOne Food & Retail Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Feb 2010 236 posts	My wife and I went back to the new Sobeys yesterday to see if it would be any different now that the grand opening festivities were finished. And you know what? It was. All of the food demonstrations and samples were no longer around, and the place seemed to lack the buzz that was present a week or two ago. It seemed like more of a plain old grocery store now. And really, once you've run the gauntlet at the beginning, it isn't anything special. Not sure that I will return. :\
Post #24438 02-01-2011 12:13 PM Urbanomicon City Member Kitchener, Ontario Joined Feb 2010 960 posts "Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."	Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne My wife and I went back to the new Sobeys yesterday to see if it would be any different now that the grand opening festivities were finished. And you know what? It was. All of the food demonstrations and samples were no longer around, and the place seemed to lack the buzz that was present a week or two ago. It seemed like more of a plain old grocery store now. And really, once you've run the gauntlet at the beginning, it isn't anything special. Not sure that I will return. :\ I was hoping the food samples would stay. I guess I have no reason to return as well.
Post #24442 02-01-2011 12:17 PM KLM Town Member Kitchener Joined May 2010 205 posts	Originally Posted by Brando_T Sobeys at Columbia and Fischer-Hallman recently did a redesign, and it is absolutely infuriating to me...and I wonder if some of the same concepts were applied to this new store. For instance, "commercial bakery" is in an opposite corner of the store, away from the store bakery. I assume the hope is that consumers will purchase higher margin store bakery products. Also, I believe the square footage of the fresh produce section was actually decreased with the redesign, with the space given over to high priced luxury baked goods and cheese. I was so frustrated in my recent trips. I'm done with Sobeys. yeah Sobeys shuffled around produce and bakery dont know what they are going to achieve.Not appealing at all. But what surprised me is Sobeys pricing for apples: each cost 50 or 75 cents?? whats up with that?
Post #26533 Yesterday 09:15 AM UrbanWaterloo Moderator Kitchener-Waterloo Joined Dec 2009 3549 posts cc LRT Letters to letters@wonderfulwaterloo.com	PERMIT IS FOR THE INTERIOR FINISHING OF A NEW DENTAL OFFICE, Unit 2 Permit No 11102181 Site Address 235 IRA NEEDLES BLVD Status Under Review Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration Permit Type Commercial Application Date January 04, 2011 Issued By Issue Date Final Date Work Proposed Interior Finish Construction Value $150,000 Contractor CONTANT CONSTRUCTION Contractor Contact Info 15 MEAD AVE HAMILTON ON L8H 3T6 phone 905-547-3322 phone2 905-547-5487 PERMIT IS FOR AN INTERIOR FIT OUT FOR A HARVEYS RESTAURANT. Permit No 11106328 Site Address 235 IRA NEEDLES BLVD Bldg F Status Under Review Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration Permit Type Commercial Application Date February 02, 2011 Issued By Issue Date Final Date Work Proposed Interior Finish Construction Value $200,000 Contractor CARA OPERATIONS LIMITED Contractor Contact Info 199 FOUR VALLEY DR VAUGHAN ON L4K 0B8
Post #26554 Yesterday 03:40 PM Brando_T Hamlet Member Waterloo. Work in Kitchener. Joined Nov 2010 19 posts	Originally Posted by Spokes It's going to be a disaster. Maybe that's why police chief Torigan wants more money, constantly needing officers to direct traffic at Ira Needles I'm almost certain that that officer was there on a paid duty, and his time was paid by the plaza, not Waterloo Region Police Services. Originally Posted by waterloo_local I think this is why the Boardwalk and the Boston pizza/Winners site will be more visited, at least by me. The Fieldgate will always be difficult to turn left into. They should have used a small roundabout there for entrance. I find it very easy to get in/out of Boardwalk/Empire now using the roundabouts, even with heavy traffic. I had previously posted about left turns out of Fieldgate being difficult - I stopped twice at the Shoppers there last week,and the right turn out of the plaza is not simple either. Thinking about this, it could be due to the nature of the upstream roundabout. Unlike a stoplight, a roundabout does not platoon the traffic, leaving gaps for vehicles to make right or left turns. It produces an almost regularly spaced stream.
Post #26559 Yesterday 04:05 PM Waterlooer Youth Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Apr 2010 568 posts Visit my Youth Blog: wonderfulwaterloo.com/youth & email me at: youth@wonderfulwaterloo.com	I went to the Sobeys here and it was very nice, it looks like a nice plaza.
Post #26561 Yesterday 04:32 PM bcwessel Town Member Joined May 2010 280 posts "I have always believed that what is originally an abuse does not cease to be one by having become customary."	This looks like a nice plaza: Fieldgate is a "commercial site," which is another way of saying "some warehouses sitting around a parking lot." You can shop at both, but only one is a "bargain." Let's call a spade a spade.
Post #26567 Yesterday 04:59 PM Waterlooer Youth Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Apr 2010 568 posts Visit my Youth Blog: wonderfulwaterloo.com/youth & email me at: youth@wonderfulwaterloo.com	All I meant was it's very clean and organized (hopefully it will stay that way).