Do the Retail Shuffle

Seems  just a couple of short years back there was a flurry of new businesses opening on the westside. The Kent store aside, it's been quiet lately.  Maybe that will change.

I've heard recently that the site of the former Blockbuster Video at the Lancaster Mall will house a Second Cup coffee shop and a Little Caesar's Pizza. I wonder if this is rumour or reality? The site has been empty for quite  a while - it would be nice to have something in there.

And, I was told that Better Buy Sports in Lancaster Mall is not going out of business, but it's relocating to the site of the former NBLC store in Westwind Mall on Fairville Blvd.  Apparently it's a better fit for them.    

Could be.

Travelling west - a change.

For  many years the large "Thorne's" sign displayed on the Chesley Drive shop storefront was a sure sign for me that the westside was up over the hill  - then it disappeared a few years back and the huge white expanse of nothing was all that passersby saw. Recently Source Atlantic added their logo and name to the facade.

I hope they get the point

I guess some folks weren't paying attention on the way in to the Irving Nature Park.
This should grab their attention.

I spy with my little cam....

Always like spying the Google View mobile in town.

Powder Puff

This little dude had been in our neighbouhood for months. The result of an unfortunate close call (lost his tail)  has not diminished his capacity to do everything a squirrel does, including being a pain in the garden.

The Kent Countdown

The Kent store west is set to open in about a week. I took this pic the other day before the countdown had begun.  As of today it's at 6 days, I think.

There goes the neighbourhood

As seen on the westside ... someone needs to tell Sam.

Simms Corner - were we ahead of the game all along?

Might this work for Simms Corner?

No traffic lights. No traffic signs. No painted lines in the roadway. No curbs. And 26,000 vehicles passing every day through a traditional village center with busy pedestrian traffic.  It’s called "shared space."

Free buses, really?

I was interested to read about free public transportation;  I wasn't aware it existed. An article in the Atlantic  says it is popular in Europe.  Love to see that concept here.

Traffic Tie ups on Reversing Falls Bridge

Get ready for more headaches, road / water work happening on the bridge.

Motorists are advised that beginning March 11, and continuing over the next several weeks, the Reversing Falls Bridge will be reduced to one lane of traffic.  During this time, there will also be no vehicle access to Douglas Avenue from Bridge Road or Chesley Drive.  Temporary traffic signals will be installed at both ends of the bridge to direct traffic. 

The Undawning of the Age of Aquarius

News today that longtime westside business the "AQ" is closing.  It's been a long time since I went to the Aquarius but I recall it was a booming business for many years. Another hole in the Golden Mile - no doubt to make room for a big box store.

Coles bookstore closing

Kind of bummed to hear that Coles bookstore in Lancaster mall is closing in a few weeks. Not hard to see though, with big competitors always selling at discount.   It's too bad for Westsiders.

Construction on Kent Store West

The Westside Kent store will be open in no time - construction is really moving along quickly.

Low light / dirty lens

Fish House gone.

What does Santa eat for breakfast?

I guess the best way to find out is to drop by the Bear's Den on Lancaster Ave. Apparently Santa will be there tomorrow.

Where does he get the time?

The dissolving house on the river

It's sad to watch the house on the river bank slowly dissolve into the river.  There have been a few stories in the media lately about this structure - who will remove it, who will pay for said  removal - it's amazing how it's still holding on.

New Kent Store & Unfinished Townhouses

The Kent Store construction on Fairville Blvd. is making quick progress and there is now a sign announcing the development.  

Meanwhile on Lancaster Ave. the "luxury" townhouse development that never got off the ground is up for sale, again. This site had great potential and it's too bad the plan didn't come to fruition. I walk by the site occasionally and it's in bad shape.  This development had been in the works since Norm MacFarlane was Mayor. Oh well, as they say in Saint John, "They should never have torn down  (insert whatever landmark you can think of) the  DVA."

Public art just isn't what it used to be ... apparently

Kent Store West

Not a great shot here, but the ground is broken and it looks like work has begun on the Kent Store at the corner of Catherwood Street and Fairville Blvd.

Walmart opening soon

My neighbours have heard that Walmart-west will be opening this weekend.  It sure looks ready.