Archives: September 2006

Fri Sep 29, 2006

Habitat project back on track after theft of tools

BY VINCENT BALL
EXPOSITOR STAFF / BRANTFORD

Strong support from a lot of community-minded people has helped Habitat Brant recover from a major setback to build its latest home for a local family.

“Our construction trailer, the trailer where we keep all our tools, was broken into just before we were about to start construction,” said Kathy Poirier, of Habitat Brant. “All our tools were stolen and we had to replace them all so we could get going.”

Enough people heard about the problem so that Habitat Brant has been able to move forward with its latest project.

Elgin is a busy street and parking for workers and other volunteers was going to be a challenge. At least it was until Steve Charest and King & Benton stepped in to help.

The company has been providing parking spaces for volunteers workers as well as more than 10,000 square feet of warehouse space in its Elgin Street building to Habitat Brant. As well, Habitat Brant is using some of the space for a food tent it sets up at every build for volunteers.
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Thu Sep 21, 2006

From mine to major industrial

BY BRIAN BAKER
DAILY COMMERCIAL NEWS

A former Brantford mine is getting an intense makeover, transforming it from a 427-acre gravel pit to a booming industrial market west of the GTA. The initial earthworks project is scheduled over 10 months, creating 5,000 jobs, redeveloping uneven land, improving the interchange at Hwy. 403 and Oak Park Road, and constructing the buildings post excavation.

While not at liberty to say who the partners in the $500 million complex development were, Charest did say they are, “the world’s largest and most sophisticated facility developers in the world.”

“We’re excited about what it means for the community. We’re excited about what it does for jobs, investment and that it provides an opportunity for Brantford to stand on the roofs and announce ‘we’re back,’” Charest said.
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Mon Sep 11, 2006

Brant SPCA a step closer to new shelter

BY MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION
EXPOSITOR STAFF / BRANTFORD

Developer King and Benton has given the Brant County SPCA a golden opportunity to find a new home for its shelter by donating a block of land in its emerging Oak Park North business park.

"I'm ecstatic," SPCA manager Robin Kuchma said on the weekend of King and Benton Development Corp.'s donation of 3.5 acres toward the construction of a new $2-million shelter to go in its 427-acre business park on both sides of Oak Park Road just north of Highway 403.

"lt's very generous of (company president) Steve Charest to help us this way," she said in an interview at the Mohawk Street shelter.

"lt's very challenging to find a suitable location for a shelter that needs a fair amount of land for a building and space for other activities. The Oak Park location is an awesome spot, and we're very proud to be associated with King and Benton's new development."
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Thu Sep 07, 2006

$500M complex planned for Brantford

Torstar News Service
The Toronto Star

A Brantford developer has announced plans for a $500-million dollar commercial and industrial complex in one of the largest single land transactions in Canada this year.

Vince Guglielmo, director of marketing at the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, said the Toyota plant in Woodstock, slated to open in 2008 with about 1,300 employees will need suppliers.

"Toyota is going to create something new, a new automotive cluster," said Guglielmo. "It makes all the sense in the world for them to locate (in Brantford). It makes all the sense in the world for them to locate in Hamilton and the Golden Horseshoe."

John Sless, a Brantford city councillor, said the developer and city staff, asked to bring a report forward later this month analysing the proposal, have opposing views on some of the details. He's hopeful council can find some middle ground.

"I feel good about the project. I think we can overcome these obstacles."
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Brantford developer buys land for $500 million complex

BY LISA GRACE MARR
The Hamilton Spectator

The size, scope and sheer creativity of a bold plan by King & Benton to build the complex on the west end of the city may be a sign of things to come.

Steve Charest, King & Benton’s president, said it’s only natural developers should start looking west of the GTA, given the provincial greenbelt legislation.

Besides, he says Brantford is bursting with potential.

“It’s a great project. I think this is the result of a developer being confident of the city.”
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