Month: March 2010

Dalhousie, infill2 Comments

St Agnes Resurrected; will Bell ring?

Westsideaction

The old St Agnes school south of Gladstone on Bell has been in private ownership for some time. It unfortunately had that “abandonned” look to it, which the neighborhood did not need. The school, now owned by the adjacent Polish Catholic church, is undergoing major renovations as a educational, community, and recreational centre for the Polish community. It is nice to see quality renovations underway, including new windows and additional window walls being cut into the old brick exterior. The dilapidated Bell Street towers apartment buildings across the street have also seen better days. Apparently the new owners are going … Continue reading St Agnes Resurrected; will Bell ring?

Dalhousie, infill

St Agnes Resurrected; will Bell ring?

Westsideaction

The old St Agnes school south of Gladstone on Bell has been in private ownership for some time. It unfortunately had that “abandonned” look to it, which the neighborhood did not need. The school, now owned by the adjacent Polish Catholic church, is undergoing major renovations as a educational, community, and recreational centre for the Polish community. It is nice to see quality renovations underway, including new windows and additional window walls being cut into the old brick exterior. The dilapidated Bell Street towers apartment buildings across the street have also seen better days. Apparently the new owners are going … Continue reading St Agnes Resurrected; will Bell ring?

Uncategorized

infill in Dalhousie South

Westsideaction

Substantial-sized infill semi-detached homes under construction in Dalhousie south, near Carling. The foundation has a substantial ledge, which suggests the exterior may be brick. There is a detached garage in the rear, with access of the rear lane. In a well done move, the back of the garage, which faces the back of the house, has been finished with quality detail so it looks like a small house in the back yard rather than a garage. The arrival of larger single homes in the neighborhood (rather than triplex or quadplex infills) bodes well for neighborhood stability as it is more … Continue reading infill in Dalhousie South

Dalhousie, infill

infill in Dalhousie South

Westsideaction

Substantial-sized infill semi-detached homes under construction in Dalhousie south, near Carling. The foundation has a substantial ledge, which suggests the exterior may be brick. There is a detached garage in the rear, with access of the rear lane. In a well done move, the back of the garage, which faces the back of the house, has been finished with quality detail so it looks like a small house in the back yard rather than a garage. The arrival of larger single homes in the neighborhood (rather than triplex or quadplex infills) bodes well for neighborhood stability as it is more … Continue reading infill in Dalhousie South

Dalhousie, Nature, streetscaping, Uncategorized

Green green grass of Dalhousie

Westsideaction

This little patch of lawn on Balsam caught my eye. It is greener than its neighbours, and obviously recently raked as it is so clean compared to the foreground bit of turf. A closer inspection revealed its secret. It is synthetic. Fake. Manufactured. I wonder how many times I have gone past it and not noticed; it did not look recently laid. It stood out now because it doesn’t change with the seasons. It is an effective bit of private streetscaping along the public boulevard. Continue reading Green green grass of Dalhousie

Dalhousie, Nature, streetscaping

Green green grass of Dalhousie

Westsideaction

This little patch of lawn on Balsam caught my eye. It is greener than its neighbours, and obviously recently raked as it is so clean compared to the foreground bit of turf. A closer inspection revealed its secret. It is synthetic. Fake. Manufactured. I wonder how many times I have gone past it and not noticed; it did not look recently laid. It stood out now because it doesn’t change with the seasons. It is an effective bit of private streetscaping along the public boulevard. Continue reading Green green grass of Dalhousie

Booth St, Dalhousie, infill

Goodbye Desjardin’s IGA/Loeb

Westsideaction

The former Desjardins IGA / Loeb store on Booth Street at Eccles has been closed for several years. Demolition is now underway, making way for the new Cornerstone housing project, a four storey 40 unit apartment residence. The new Cornerstone residence, coupled with the now-under-construction Z6 condo building (16 of 26 units sold) will give a modern new face to tired Booth Street. Both buildings have traditional brick exteriors with modern design touches. The last large remaining eyesore on the street is the blighted zone known as Cousin Eddey’s garage/ Chado’s auto repair. The only saving grace there is that … Continue reading Goodbye Desjardin’s IGA/Loeb

Booth St, Dalhousie, infill

Goodbye Desjardin’s IGA/Loeb

Westsideaction

The former Desjardins IGA / Loeb store on Booth Street at Eccles has been closed for several years. Demolition is now underway, making way for the new Cornerstone housing project, a four storey 40 unit apartment residence. The new Cornerstone residence, coupled with the now-under-construction Z6 condo building (16 of 26 units sold) will give a modern new face to tired Booth Street. Both buildings have traditional brick exteriors with modern design touches. The last large remaining eyesore on the street is the blighted zone known as Cousin Eddey’s garage/ Chado’s auto repair. The only saving grace there is that … Continue reading Goodbye Desjardin’s IGA/Loeb

chinatown arch, somerset street, streetscaping, Uncategorized

Somerset reconstruction zone expanded

Westsideaction

The City and consultants held a well-attended (approx 125 persons) open house for the Somerset reconstruction project last week. The zone of reconstruction was from Bayswater (in the west)(which is where reconstruction left off last summer) up and over the viaduct over the Otrain, to Preston street.  The above section of street was scheduled for this year, 2010. Then next year, the reconstruction process would move up Somerset, from Preston to Booth. These two long blocks will be finished in a new Chinatown look in 2011. However, the Chinatown Arch (artists impression shown) is being constructed a few blocks further east … Continue reading Somerset reconstruction zone expanded

Dalhousie, infill, Uncategorized4 Comments

Infill on Eccles

Westsideaction

This infill is once again in the very modern boxy style common today. It is constructed from pre-made wafer panels that include the exterior sheathing, insulation, and interior sheathing . Is is on the north side of Eccles, between Booth and LeBreton. I am getting to like this style more and more. I much prefer it over the blah-design of so many infills made of plastic siding and low-slope asphalt shingle roofs. Design and quality matters. Does anyone know why Eccles Street is so often pronounced Eck-Less? Ever since I moved here 30 some years ago, it has puzzled me … Continue reading Infill on Eccles

chinatown arch, somerset street, streetscaping

Somerset reconstruction zone expanded

Westsideaction

The City and consultants held a well-attended (approx 125 persons) open house for the Somerset reconstruction project last week. The zone of reconstruction was from Bayswater (in the west)(which is where reconstruction left off last summer) up and over the viaduct over the Otrain, to Preston street.  The above section of street was scheduled for this year, 2010. Then next year, the reconstruction process would move up Somerset, from Preston to Booth. These two long blocks will be finished in a new Chinatown look in 2011. However, the Chinatown Arch (artists impression shown) is being constructed a few blocks further east … Continue reading Somerset reconstruction zone expanded

Dalhousie, infill

Infill on Eccles

Westsideaction

This infill is once again in the very modern boxy style common today. It is constructed from pre-made wafer panels that include the exterior sheathing, insulation, and interior sheathing . Is is on the north side of Eccles, between Booth and LeBreton. I am getting to like this style more and more. I much prefer it over the blah-design of so many infills made of plastic siding and low-slope asphalt shingle roofs. Design and quality matters. Does anyone know why Eccles Street is so often pronounced Eck-Less? Ever since I moved here 30 some years ago, it has puzzled me … Continue reading Infill on Eccles

Bayview-Carling CDP, bike path, cyclopiste de preston1 Comment

Cyclopiste de Preston (vi)

Westsideaction

Most of the photos in the previous posts on this cycling route showed the path in winter or early spring. That is not the most attractive time of year. Here are a few shots in summer, to show what a pleasant route the Cyclopiste de Preston could be for cyclists and pedestrians; for recreational, short-haul and commuter users; and for easy access to and from the Preston mainstreet. Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (vi)

Bayview-Carling CDP, bike path, cyclopiste de preston

Cyclopiste de Preston (vi)

Westsideaction

Most of the photos in the previous posts on this cycling route showed the path in winter or early spring. That is not the most attractive time of year. Here are a few shots in summer, to show what a pleasant route the Cyclopiste de Preston could be for cyclists and pedestrians; for recreational, short-haul and commuter users; and for easy access to and from the Preston mainstreet. Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (vi)

bike path, Carling Ave, cyclopiste de preston1 Comment

Cyclopiste de Preston (v): Young to Carling

Westsideaction

From the turning circle where Young meets the Otrain cut, there is a convenient bridge over the train. Note the lack of curb dip on this end for cyclists (there is one at the other end of the bridge). A similar but wider and more friendly overpass is planned for Hickory Street, a few blocks south near the Otrain station at Carling Avenue. Looking south, the stonedust path passes between the backyards of houses and the Otrain cut. The path needs to be widened and re-covered with stone dust which is worn down to the mud in some spots. There … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (v): Young to Carling

bike path, Carling Ave, cyclopiste de preston

Cyclopiste de Preston (v): Young to Carling

Westsideaction

From the turning circle where Young meets the Otrain cut, there is a convenient bridge over the train. Note the lack of curb dip on this end for cyclists (there is one at the other end of the bridge). A similar but wider and more friendly overpass is planned for Hickory Street, a few blocks south near the Otrain station at Carling Avenue. Looking south, the stonedust path passes between the backyards of houses and the Otrain cut. The path needs to be widened and re-covered with stone dust which is worn down to the mud in some spots. There … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (v): Young to Carling

bike path, cycling in Ottawa, cyclopiste de preston, Preston street1 Comment

Cyclopiste de Preston (iv) Gladstone to Young

Westsideaction

The Cyclopiste de Preston is a cycling arterial running from the Ottawa River – Bayview – under Somerset – cross Gladstone – under the Qway using an existing underpass – and joining the existing ill-maintained path running from Young Street along the Otrain corridor to Carling and then further south. The path is in the Official Cycling Plan, but since work started in 1962 has been stymied by lack of an underpass under Somerset street. Detailed design work for the underpass is underway now, as part of Somerset reconstruction. If enough people support the idea (tell your councillor!) the underpass … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (iv) Gladstone to Young

bike path, cycling in Ottawa, cyclopiste de preston, Preston street

Cyclopiste de Preston (iv) Gladstone to Young

Westsideaction

The Cyclopiste de Preston is a cycling arterial running from the Ottawa River – Bayview – under Somerset – cross Gladstone – under the Qway using an existing underpass – and joining the existing ill-maintained path running from Young Street along the Otrain corridor to Carling and then further south. The path is in the Official Cycling Plan, but since work started in 1962 has been stymied by lack of an underpass under Somerset street. Detailed design work for the underpass is underway now, as part of Somerset reconstruction. If enough people support the idea (tell your councillor!) the underpass … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (iv) Gladstone to Young

bike path, cycling in Ottawa, cyclopiste de preston, somerset street

Cyclopiste de Preston (iii), south of Somerset

Westsideaction

Picture 1 is the view from the Somerset viaduct looking south towards Gladstone and the Queensway. The Otrain track is barely visible in the cut on the right. Most of this land is City owned (a small portion is NCC, but it is not required to make the underpass). At the Somerset end, the right of way is quite wide. It would be relatively straightforward to connect the Somerset bike lane and sidewalk surfaces with the bike route using a slope, although a switchback might be required. A 16′ drop requires 320 feet of ramp, plus some flat spots. To … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (iii), south of Somerset

bike path, cycling in Ottawa, cyclopiste de preston, somerset street

Cyclopiste de Preston (iii), south of Somerset

Westsideaction

Picture 1 is the view from the Somerset viaduct looking south towards Gladstone and the Queensway. The Otrain track is barely visible in the cut on the right. Most of this land is City owned (a small portion is NCC, but it is not required to make the underpass). At the Somerset end, the right of way is quite wide. It would be relatively straightforward to connect the Somerset bike lane and sidewalk surfaces with the bike route using a slope, although a switchback might be required. A 16′ drop requires 320 feet of ramp, plus some flat spots. To … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (iii), south of Somerset

Bayview-Carling CDP, cycling in Ottawa, cyclopiste de preston

Cyclopiste de Preston (ii)

Westsideaction

 The first photo was taken mid-winter, from the area behind the City Centre warehouse complex; the Otrain track is on the right, going south under Somerset viaduct. This shows there is considerable open space on the east side of the track for a cycle path. A cycling and pedestrian underpass would be straight ahead centre in the photo. The underpass, a precast concrete “box”, would be a few feet above the current track level, and set back from the track far enough to allow for a LRT station on the far side (southside) of Somerset, should one be installed. There are … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (ii)

Bayview-Carling CDP, cycling in Ottawa, cyclopiste de preston

Cyclopiste de Preston (ii)

Westsideaction

 The first photo was taken mid-winter, from the area behind the City Centre warehouse complex; the Otrain track is on the right, going south under Somerset viaduct. This shows there is considerable open space on the east side of the track for a cycle path. A cycling and pedestrian underpass would be straight ahead centre in the photo. The underpass, a precast concrete “box”, would be a few feet above the current track level, and set back from the track far enough to allow for a LRT station on the far side (southside) of Somerset, should one be installed. There are … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (ii)

Bayview-Carling CDP, cycling in Ottawa, cyclopiste de preston, Dows Lake4 Comments

Cyclopiste de Preston (i): Cycle Path along the Otrain Corridor

Westsideaction

The Carling-Bayview community design plan calls for a bike path along the Otrain corridor. So does the City’s official cycling plan. Parts of the path were built in the early 1960’s when the NCC removed the street-level railway tracks and consolidated them into the new “cut” dug from Carleton U to Bayview, where the Otrain now runs, and the furture southwest LRT lines will run. The path has trees on both sides (moreso on the rail cut side) and a variety of views into back yards and small industries along the Preston side of the path. These walking and cycling … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (i): Cycle Path along the Otrain Corridor

Bayview-Carling CDP, cycling in Ottawa, cyclopiste de preston, Dows Lake

Cyclopiste de Preston (i): Cycle Path along the Otrain Corridor

Westsideaction

The Carling-Bayview community design plan calls for a bike path along the Otrain corridor. So does the City’s official cycling plan. Parts of the path were built in the early 1960’s when the NCC removed the street-level railway tracks and consolidated them into the new “cut” dug from Carleton U to Bayview, where the Otrain now runs, and the furture southwest LRT lines will run. The path has trees on both sides (moreso on the rail cut side) and a variety of views into back yards and small industries along the Preston side of the path. These walking and cycling … Continue reading Cyclopiste de Preston (i): Cycle Path along the Otrain Corridor

Preston street, somerset street, streetscaping, west wellington1 Comment

Somerset Streetscaping Plan Unveiled

Westsideaction

After numerous meetings of stakeholders, the City and its consultants (Delcan) have come up with a proposed streetscaping plan for Somerset Street. It is excellent. Readers will recall that the West Wellie reconstruction got as far east as Spadina last year. Starting next month, more of Somerset will be dug up and new sewers and water installed, and then comes the fancy paving, protected parking bays that guarantee on-street parking (instead of rush hour traffic lanes), pedestrian lighting, benches, trees, etc. The section from Spadina east to the start of the viaduct (bridge) at Breezehill will be landscaped like the … Continue reading Somerset Streetscaping Plan Unveiled