1201 replies to this topic

[aastra]

I'm saying it's how you regard yourself that influences how outsiders regard you, and especially so in the dirty world of politics and public funding. How much provincial funding did Victoria get for its new arena? How much provincial funding did Quebec City get for its new arena?

 

Re: heritage, if Victorians insist their city's heritage and history isn't worth a damn then nobody should be surprised when the province and the feds jump at the opportunity to skirt their own obligations and responsibilities in that regard.

 

Methinks this self-loathing culture could reap some seriously bitter fruit eventually, if the province ever announces it can't justify the price tag to restore/maintain the legislative building. I'm not saying they'll knock the dome down, but I don't think I would be surprised if there some undesirable compromises as part of the deal to preserve it.

[Mike K.]

I'm saying it's how you regard yourself that influences how outsiders regard you, and especially so in the dirty world of politics and public funding. How much provincial funding did Victoria get for its new arena? How much provincial funding did Quebec City get for its new arena?

Re: heritage, if Victorians insist their city's heritage and history isn't worth a damn then nobody should be surprised when the province and the feds jump at the opportunity to skirt their own obligations and responsibilities in that regard.

Methinks this self-loathing culture could reap some seriously bitter fruit eventually, if the province ever announces it can't justify the price tag to restore/maintain the legislative building. I'm not saying they'll knock the dome down, but I don't think I would be surprised if there some undesirable compromises as part of the deal to preserve it.

Yes, well said.

[Mike K.]

After 107 years, Irish Linen Stores is ditching car-free Government Street.

 

The business is relocating to car-heavy Fort Street, between Broad and Douglas.

[m3m]

So like 45 metres away from where they currently are ?

[Mike K.]

145m, but yup.

Hey, there’s now two fast food joints on the strip, within arms reach of each other. No takers for the old 7-11 space, though.

[dasmo]

Rent is probably stupid and they had to pay back the CEBA loan this year.

Edited by dasmo, 16 February 2024 - 07:28 AM.

[Ismo07]

After 107 years, Irish Linen Stores is ditching car-free Government Street.

 

The business is relocating to car-heavy Fort Street, between Broad and Douglas.

 

They didn't have parking on Government, I don't think this is why...  Probably smaller and less expensive lease.

[Mike K.]

It’s not an issue with parking. I don’t recall there ever being parking there.

[Ismo07]

It’s not an issue with parking. I don’t recall there ever being parking there.

 

Ah you were just citing car heavy meaning more cars drive by their shop so they moved for that?  Or was that just a red herring meaning?

Edited by Ismo07, 16 February 2024 - 09:50 AM.

[lanforod]

I think he was just in headline writing mode lol.

[G-Man]

I don't think that it is a lack of vehicle access that is leading Irish Linens to move despite what they say. If anything I would bet rents are going up along there.

[Ismo07]

I don't think that it is a lack of vehicle access that is leading Irish Linens to move despite what they say. If anything I would bet rents are going up along there.

 

Completely lease related...

[mbjj]

If you're old enough, you remember the parking along there, lol! 

 

https://archives.vic...et-albion-hotel

 

I think even when I worked in the Eatons China department in the late 1970s, there was parking on Government. I certainly remember looking across to the hotel by the Morris Tobacco shop and seeing cars parked there. 

Edited by mbjj, 12 March 2024 - 02:28 PM.

[Ismo07]

If you're old enough, you remember the parking along there, lol! 

 

I think even when I worked in the Eatons China department in the late 1970s, there was parking on Government. I certainly remember looking across to the hotel by the Morris Tobacco shop and seeing cars parked there. 

 

Love old parking pictures.  I have a great shot from kitty corner of the old Memorial when there was parking in the middle of Blanshard...

[Mike K.]

I don't think that it is a lack of vehicle access that is leading Irish Linens to move despite what they say. If anything I would bet rents are going up along there.

 

After 100 years of Irish Linens paying the highest lease rates on Vancouver Island to be on the Government Street strip, I'm curious why 2024 tipped the scale.

[Ismo07]

After 100 years of Irish Linens paying the highest lease rates on Vancouver Island to be on the Government Street strip, I'm curious why 2024 tipped the scale.

 

New lease coming up...

[Mike K.]

I mean, they were located adjacent to a Birks for many years. Then Birks closed. Was the lease too high for Birks? It seems like Birks would have been complementary to Irish Linens, A&W not so much.

[Ismo07]

I mean, they were located adjacent to a Birks for many years. Then Birks closed. Was the lease too high for Birks? It seems like Birks would have been complementary to Irish Linens, A&W not so much.

 

You' have to ask them I suppose...  I honestly never even knew about them, Irish Linens not Birks...  I'm not sure how common it would be for someone to shop at both..  Yeah the Burger King will bug me there but, this is what you get for these leases...  Do we know if they will close the other one the have down the block?

[Mike K.]

Wouldn’t the Fort Street lease just a few steps away also be prohibitively expensive? If shops are leaving downtown because of high lease rates, that is.

[G-Man]

Fort Street is a fair bit cheaper along there because it is not part of the shopping stroll. Government St. still has some of the highest commercial leases in the country. It is too bad but Govt. really from Fort Street south has always been bad for locals, it is likely the best it has ever been right now with a decent coffee shop, tractor and that general store place.