Even though most PG folk know what the building looks like, a photo with this story would have been better for those who have no idea what the heck WDIC is, just saying.

Are those concrete floors?

Good now to install the new “needle park” beside or behind it at a cost of $700,000.00 +/- 80,000.00 and we have a new hang out for the junkies,hookers and local dealers in the downtown core.

I’m still trying to figure out why this building was built or who is meant to ultimately occupy it?

Hah well if you go across from the court house to the old laundry mat, the former residents there will be moving up the street to the shiney new digs. Maybe the upper floors would be good for outreach services and homeless housing. (seriously I am kidding about the a fore mentioned)

these first 5 comments above me are the EXACT reason PG has a tough time shaking its reputation.

just stop it already.

phje You cant help but laugh when you know the amount of back scratching and back room dealing that went on over this project. Reputation is earned not awarded, relax and have a chocolate bar, it’s Halloween.

The WIDC has quite a colourful history, phje. You should look into it.

I agree with phje. Have some damn pride in your city. If you ask a Vancouverite what Vancouver is like, I’m sure they don’t discuss the downtown east side and how they’re home to the poorest postal code in Canada. Every community has negatives, but PG has a lot of positives. This nice new building in our downtown is one of the positives.

LOL, I wasn’t being negative at all, it was a serious question!

Every nice office building I’ve ever been in has tile or stone floors in the main entrance. This completely fit with the design of the building.

I was just wondering why a building that was built to showcase wood, wouldn’t use wood floors? Some of the most beautiful floors I’ve ever seen were hardwood that had been worn over the years to show their unique character and charm. I see they did wood for the stairs, but why not the rest? I thought it could have been quite striking.

That’s better! ☺

First off the building was supposed to be 10 stories but I can’t remember all the reasons our political masterminds said it was reduced but it was. I actually like the design, looks good. Downtown has lots of empty spaces that need to be filled to bring back any chance of us having a downtown, but at least this is a start.

NMG -> good question, valid argument, perhaps a bit more maintenance but for a showcase of wood, well within operating parameters.

Now if only we could find a politician who’s committed to revitalizing the rest of the downtown. :)

Anyone notice that they had the opening, however the people who actually paid for the building etc;, ie; the taxpayers are conspicuous by their absence,. Don’t see any other Councilors around either. Why???

Are we not entitled to be invited to the grand opening, or is this more of a :Political statement for the Liberals, and Mayor Green.????

oh Palopou. The pictures that O250 posts do not tell the entire story. Almost as if they saw you coming.

phje. The pictures on the UNBC website don’t show much more. A few people in the background. One of which looks a lot like Pat Bell.

So if more people were there, then great. However I don’t recall anything in the news indicating to-day would be the Grand Opening, however I could have missed it.

Perhaps they could be a little more forthcoming on the programs that will go into this building. As far as I know none have been approved yet. Will the building stand empty for a few years??? Who knows???

When will we get a grand tour of this site????

Axman –> Are you sure the taxpaying citizens would elect a politician that was truly committed to revitalizing downtown? This goal would require a multi-decade financial commitment along with a very strong long term vision. Start with a freeze on ALL development on the edges of town until the infill and tear-down inventory has been reduced. Same with business permits, etc., etc.

Great platform. Obviously a non-start with the voters based on your observation.

Nice to see the project was **on time**, however one must ask the question. **on time** for what???

the proposed timeline.

It cost a bunch but it should give us a wow factor. Thats all that matters, Theres a never ending supply of money. The arts centre is next.

Look at all the politicians on the public payroll, standing in a row!!! Are we getting our money’s worth? We paid for it but they love to take the credit. There is only one taxpayer!!!

Question to the architect? Great looking building but when are the windows for the boarded-up spaces going to show up? Otherwise a good addition to the area.

Posted on Friday, October 31, 2014 @ 3:35 PM by anotherside

Axman –> Are you sure the taxpaying citizens would elect a politician that was truly committed to revitalizing downtown? This goal would require a multi-decade financial commitment along with a very strong long term vision. Start with a freeze on ALL development on the edges of town until the infill and tear-down inventory has been reduced. Same with business permits, etc., etc.

———–

In other words, someone with a vision and some charisma to sway the voters?

In my opinion, that monstrosity that is the big box complex in college heights should never have been permitted.

“In my opinion, that monstrosity that is the big box complex in college heights should never have been permitted.”
You nailed it. They should have levelled everything east of Queensway and let the big boxes go there. IMO

Nice addition to downtown. Hopefully the rest of the building gets rented out alot quicker then the medical office complex down the street (former bingo hall).

I am assuming that the Provincial Government is the one who is renting out this building, however I have also heard that the Province will gift it to the City. If so we will have the maintenance etc; Not sure if the University would pay rent or not. Even if they do it all comes out of the same pot. I guess we just wait around until they feel like giving us some information.