Meeting was very good...but for those of you regularly on UT's and WT's websites...I guess there was nothing new to report....but here are some highlights:
The President of Dundee Kilmer Developments spoke a fair bit about their first market condominium buildings, the Canary District Condos (now under construction), as well as the YMCA, George Brown Student Residences, and the two TCHC buildings (directly east of the YMCA to be close for families, etc). They will also have a second yet un-named market condo project to be built at the corner of Front Street and Bayview Ave directly across from Don River Park.
The timing appeared to be approx 24 months to build each building, with
all buildings planned for the Athlete's Village under construction this year, with a late 2014 completion date...and well ahead of the Games.
The other vacant development blocks with be used for temporary structures, large tents, etc., in support of the Athlete's Village for dining, shops, etc. After the games, Dundee Kilmer will be allowed to build 3 other market condo projects over time (along Front Street).
One of the Blocks is for a potential school and community centre on Mill St next to Don River Park -- TDSB has just initiated talks to see what they are going to do with the site. Apparently they have a 10 year "hold" on the site -- to build or not to build will depend on a number of factors, new students in area, etc. But WT seemed encouraged that TDSB wants to start discussions...
The presenters from Waterfront Toronto gave an update on the parks and roads. Phase 2 of Don River Park will be built this year completing the Flood Protection Landform on the "wet" side (large rocks set in place to prevent erosion of the "dry" side and then "prairie" type grass plantings and trails overtop of this, since trees will not grow with all the rocks underneath) and the whole park is expected to be open in 2013.
Underpass Park will be getting the public art installed this June -- large stainless steel panels reflecting light, affixed to the underside of the overpass in the area directly west of Lower River Street (I think that it may be just an open, multi-use area with some benches located there now). This Phase 1 of the park is expected to be open to the public in July, with the second phase west of St. Lawrence St expected to be completed by September. Trees for Phase 2 have already been individually selected and "tagged" at the nursery for future delivery and planting.
Cherry Street will have a streetcar ROW installed as part of the reconstruction, but will NOT be in use until after the Games -- they will build the turning circle at Cherry Street and Mill Street
after the Games, with first use planned for 2016 -- which coincides with expected occupancies of the (refreshed! and renewed!) condo buildings.
Very exciting time and we should see a lot more cranes going up this Summer!!! Hope my summary helps a bit
