King Street West, it’s a quaint little residential street in the heart of North Bay. I’ve lived on it for 18 years and have been a citizen of this city for 27 years. The motto just north enough to be perfect was so fitting.
Through the years, I have developed strong bonds with my neighbours and North Bay is the city that my now-grown children always come back to and call home.
Investing and believing in our city for decades, I and the residents of King Street take pride in the upkeep of our homes and properties to keep everything looking attractive and well maintained. Yes, we are proud of our accomplishments and continue to share our next exciting home improvements.
Unfortunately, this all changed and for the next four years, King Street would endure a drastic change that would affect the morale and the condition of King Street West.
In 2016/2017, a major developer from the Barrie area purchased the property on the corner of Kings Street West and Cassells. The new owner made an application to build a 34-unit apartment/condo building and it was approved by the city.
The project began, open forums/meetings took place at city hall and it appeared and sounded like the product would be attractive and it did but as you can see, today, this couldn’t be further from the truth!
The process was very slow, unsettling, disruptive, unkempt making it, very embarrassing for all of King Street residents. Especially for me as I live right next door.
I’ve been in communication with the owner who, in the past year, chooses to dismiss me.
I have, also, contacted the city of North Bay numerous times voicing all my concerns including so of the waste material that is piled on my property asking that it be removed. Their response to me and the city inspector was “moving forward” please pile materials neatly.
It’s now June 2020 and after continuous heavy construction day and night for the past four years, the building as you can see from the photos above is still not completed both on the inside and out.
Apparently, tenants will be allowed to move in come July 1st, 2020. I’m wondering if the new tenants for this new apartment building will feel at home, comfortable and safe in their newly built apartments.
This building and the approval of it was for the sole purpose of financial gain. Unfortunately, King Street West, the street I have lived on for 18 years took the hit. How would you feel, if you were me?
Its sounds like the same owner of this apartment building plans to build two more apartment building in relatively the same area of town. With any luck, it won’t be close to where you live. If it is be prepared and informed.
At the end of the day, is it important to develop our city to keep it alive and thriving absolutely! However, it’s just as vital to make sure that it is completed in a way that is safe and respectful for the citizens who continue to “invest in North Bay and plant roots here.
King Street, a once quaint little residential area in the heart of North Bay where our children grew up no longer exits. How sad is this! How you feel living right next door to it?
Julie R Desgrosseilliers
North Bay,
