241 replies to this topic

[nagel]

^ Hey you're still alive, and just in time for the big meeting.

[aastra]

Sorry, what's the premise here? That folks in Sidney don't like the village atmosphere? They prefer strip malls? But Beacon Avenue has both, right?

[Mike K.]

If a 100,000 square foot shopping centre will destroy downtown Sidney, the shopping centre is the least of downtown Sidney's worries.

 

I went to Sidney a while back on a Sunday. I didn't realize much of the town took that day off.

[Fernwoodian]

Never said this was about protecting anyone's particular business. This is a land use decision and Council has every right to approve or reject it on a variety of grounds. Council can direct growth into specific areas over others.

And dont get me wrong, I would be overjoyed to see some of the existing strip malls along Beacon redeveloped.

[Kach]

How does the current layout of this development affect any future plans for an interchange at Beacon Ave?  I seem to recall some renderings somewhere, but am having trouble locating them now.

[Mike K.]

It doesn't affect it in any way.

 

A future Sidney highway interchange at Beacon Avenue and the Pat Bay Highway will be accommodated, Bogusz confirmed, adding that whatever the VAA and Omicron develop will be in accordance with future highway improvement plans.

 

 

http://victoria.citi...tional-airport/

[Kach]

Thanks Mike for the link to your article.

[Mike K.]

No problem.

[Mike K.]

Sidney Gateway shopping centre proposal secures ALR exclusion

http://victoria.citi...-alr-exclusion/

 

Plans for a 100,000 square foot shopping centre along Beacon Avenue at Stirling Way in Sidney have taken a major step forward following a key decision by the Agricultural Land Commission.

 

In mid-2015 the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA), in partnership with land development firm Omicron, revealed their vision for Sidney Gateway, a significant retail development on the eastern edge of the Victoria International Airport's grounds. However, prior to the undertaking of formal municipal planning and community consultation the land had to be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The decision was handed down on Monday, January 11. [Full article]

[Coreyburger]

Ugh, I think this is a terrible proposal. The land-use is totally auto-centric and will pull people from Sidney's downtown. There is no way to integrate it across Hwy 17.

[RFS]

Ugh, I think this is a terrible proposal. The land-use is totally auto-centric and will pull people from Sidney's downtown. There is no way to integrate it across Hwy 17.

We need to be realistic about sidneys downtown. Its fine for what it is and will continue to be fine. Its primary draw is an 'auto centric' grocery store and it will remain very busy im sure

[Mike K.]

It's desperately needed. Right now many residents in Sidney/NSaan are forced to drive many miles to access a wider range of retail. One way or another vehicles are the primary form of transport.

[thundergun]

Should this be Eastern? Or North-Eastern to be specific.

 

Sidney Gateway shopping centre proposal secures ALR exclusion

http://victoria.citi...-alr-exclusion/

 

...

 

In mid-2015 the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA), in partnership with land development firm Omicron, revealed their vision for Sidney Gateway, a significant retail development on the western edge of the Victoria International Airport's grounds. However, prior to the undertaking of formal municipal planning and community consultation the land had to be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The decision was handed down on Monday, January 11. [Full article]

[Mike K.]

Eastern edge! Thanks.

[amor de cosmos]

The developer for the proposed $35-million Sidney Gateway shopping centre is paying for an independent evaluation of what impact its 100,000 square feet of commercial space could have on the town’s core.

Omicron says its proposal will attract shoppers who currently head to downtown Victoria or to the West Shore — and won’t undercut small businesses on Sidney’s main street.

But Sidney wanted a second opinion and Omicron obliged, said Mayor Steve Price.

He expects the evaluation, by Urbanics Consultants of Vancouver, to “answer a lot of the questions, one way or the other” that businesses, shoppers and council have about Gateway’s potential impact.

http://www.timescolo...inion-1.2196828

[VicHockeyFan]

Hmmmmmmmm....

[thundergun]

Whoever pays for the study can influence the scope and messaging to their benefit.

If it's coming from Omicron I expect it will support their position...

[VicHockeyFan]

Developer unveils Sidney Gateway mix: grocery, pharmacy, appliances

 

- See more at: http://www.timescolo...h.QjWkflHK.dpuf

 

Clive Tanner, who owns two bookstores and two properties downtown, said he fears “a bloody disaster” if Gateway goes ahead. He cited 61 empty storefronts on first and second floors on Beacon Avenue, and five developments with commercial ground floors in the works.

“This is just the wrong time,” he said.

 

[sdwright.vic]

^Then maybe he should spend some money updating his existing properties to make them more attractive? Many time these empty offices and store fronts are simple because they are not Class A spaces with slum lords.

[Nparker]

 

Clive Tanner, who owns two bookstores and two properties downtown, said he fears “a bloody disaster” if Gateway goes ahead. He cited 61 empty storefronts on first and second floors on Beacon Avenue, and five developments with commercial ground floors in the works. “This is just the wrong time,” he said.

And why should he care if the Gateway development isn't successful?