• The Chain of Lakes Trail Association has announced several projects it intends to carry out on the trail over the next year. First, distance markers will be installed every half kilometre, starting from the Superstore end. This will not only tell users exactly how far they have traveled each time they use the trail, but will also improve safety by providing a reference point for emergency services in case they need to be called in. The second project includes the creation of a formal connection between the trail and Percy Street, including a plaza, interpretive signage, lighting, landscaping, benches, bike racks and garbage cans. A third project will see side trails to Keating, Rosemount, Retreat and C.A. Beckett Park graded, paved and signed. Additional projects the Association hopes to complete include the installation of portable washrooms until decisions on more permanent facilities can be made, and the creation of a small gravel parking lot at the end of Crown Drive, complete with a small bridge over the Chain Lake Dam outlet stream and graded trail connection.
• City Centre Properties is currently pre-leasing its Hobson's Lake Towers project. These two five-storey towers will contain approximately 19,000 square feet per floor, with an abundance of surface parking for staff and clients. Designed to accommodate the needs of Class A office tenants, the project is slated for occupancy in the spring of next year. It will offer ground floor retail, walking paths, bicycle racks, exterior lighting and two levels of heated, ventilated and illuminated underground parking for tenants. Lease rates are cited as $18 net psf of office space, while the retail space will go for $20 net psf.
• Wildwood Industries is in the process of setting up a new cabinet showroom in unit 2B of Vantage Point 2 (106 Chain Lake Dr.). Daniel Bourque, director of operations for the Moncton-based company, says the company is hiring now and hopes to be open later this summer. Wildwood was founded in 1976 in response to a strong demand for innovative home furniture and kitchen designs, and has rapidly diversified into a wide range of products from kitchen cabinets to modular office workstations. It offers complete furniture solutions for home and office needs, and exports its products all over Canada and the United States.
• Destiny Homes has opened an office in unit 3K of Vantage Point 3 (110 Chain Lake Dr.), the former home of Aden-Tel. Founded in 1999, Destiny Homes specializes in custom-built homes for environmentally-friendly purchasers. Company principles Greg Hammond and Michelle Grace say, "The land itself dictates how best to develop it. The more we work with it in its natural state the better the end result. Responsible development requires both the heart and head." Destiny Homes is a Certified Residential Builder with the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association. Each of Destiny's homes meet the EnerGuide standard for new home building code requirements set forth by the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association. In addition, Destiny Homes is committed to building R-2000 homes.
