By Pepper Parr
March 2, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
I think many people have been so focused on what was proposed in the way of tall towers in the downtown core that we may not have been able to see what has been built and where the advantages are for the average person.
Took a walking tour to see how the three major developments were coming along.
The Gallery – opposite city hall will begin to appear above the street level soon.
The Gallery, that’s the one being built across the street from city hall, is still not much more than a hole in the ground. Four levels of parking – so they have some distance to go.
The Nautique – the ADI development on LAkeshore at Martha is still a hole in the ground.
The ADI development on Lakeshore at Martha is also a hole in the ground – not as deep as the one opposite city hall. ADI is said to be going down seven levels.
The interesting one is Bridgewater – that still isn’t complete but there are people living in some of the units. There weren’t a lot of hurrahs for this development and it had its share of problems getting to the point where construction could begin.
Something that will be called The Pearle will hold an opening event in the not too distant future. More on that in a future story.
The plus for the people of Burlington is the space.
There is a large public area; some of which will be a restaurant but much of the space from Lakeshore Road right through to the edge of the water will be public. And it will be splendiferous when it is complete and open.
The pictures tell the story.
The south side of Lakeshore is no longer a construction site. Some work still underway and there are people living in some of the units. The sidewalk has a certain spaciousness to it.
There is an opening that becomes a plaza that runs clear through to the lake – with stairs that take people to the water’s edge. This is all public space
Walking through the public space – you get to an outdoor area that will be commercial area – where the reflecting pool exists. All kinds of room – it will become the place to be and the place to be seen.
The picture was taken from close to the top of the stairs that will lead down to the edge of the lake. All the space between the two buildings will be public.
There are three levels of steps leading to the edge of the lake. They are steep – several sets of rails will have to be put in place. The stairs will be a great place for people to just sit and enjoy the view.
Ramps have been placed on the east side making thee location totally accessible and safe. Emma’s can be seen to the east.
When open and operational it will be a wonderful place; despite all the troubles with an idea that was first put before the public more than 20 years ago, while Walter Mulkewhich was Mayor. At that time the condo on the east side was going to be 30 storeys – it was to be a legacy site.
Very Toronto focused by Design and “planning?” the final result of 50 years of Burlington Councils and Provincial Interference decisions- This New design is ALL -Cement- no grass, no trees, no open un paved spaces to a Beautiful lake, Now- stairs, boutiques, no adequate public parking, no Full-service Grocery store anywhere in the core for all those condo people–more cars up to where ever they shop. I take great pains to avoid, after 50 years, to not drive any road thru or to ‘Downtown Condo Alley’–Unless of course I must get to Our Hospital– A very time consuming task Any time of day from Ward 5.. If I want to enjoy Lake Ontario, I drive to Oakville/Bronte. They put those condos near the Go not at the base of a flood plane. and have grass parks for enjoyment. We lost the fight of the 1970’s to “Save the Lakeshore”. I suspect the next fight will be Save the leaky basements & 7 story parking etc. of the Condos by the lake.
Mother Nature did have a Plan.
This article gives the perspective from the street, not for those who have to live across from the ugly, tall condo that is part of the development. There is no style to this building, certainly a more architectural design could have been built.
There is also a Canada Postal Station located in the entry to this building. While it will make life easier for those in the building and surrounding area to return their Amazon purchases it will also mean that there will be people coming into the building, who don’t live there, from 9-5 Monday-Friday. I have to wonder if those who purchased units in the building knew that a Canada Postal Station would be located next to the security desk in the entry to the building.
If people thought parking would be an issue before, just wait until The Pearle Boutique Hotel and Venue opens?
The height is still disgusting, you cannot trade off anything that is declared to be” wonderful ” for sunshine and unobstructed views. The whole atmosphere of what we used to know as Burlington is gone and lost forever….very sad.