The design for a proposed 32-storey office building at the corner of Granville and Cordova (currently a multi-level parking garage) have been changed in advance of an Urban Design Panel meeting next week. As we reported last year, the project is for an office tower with a density of 25.5 FSR and 380,000 sq. ft.

Here’s a look at the new design:

Photos courtest: Built Form @ SSP

Upon news that Canadian Tire is starting a REIT later this year, here is a look at what Canadian Tire owns and operates in Metro Vancouver and B.C.

A search indicates the following:

• as of 2012 there were 52 Canadian Tire stores in B.C. (11% of the 490 total stores nation-wide)
• there are currently 17 Canadian Tire stores in Metro Vancouver
• Canada-wide, Canadian Tire owns 358 of its stores (73%) and leases 129 of its locations from third parties (27%)
• in B.C., the ownership ratio is about the same, with 35 properties owned by Canadian Tire Corp., and 17 leased.
• only 4 of the Metro Vancouver stores are located within properties that are corporately owned, the rest are leased.
• most of Canadian Tire’s B.C. assets are in secondary markets like Kamloops, Kelowna and Prince George.

Canadian Tire Corp. is taking a page from Loblaw Cos. Ltd.’s books, unveiling plans to spin off most of  its billions in property holdings into a real estate investment trust.

The REIT would own the Canadian chain’s portfolio of some 250 properties, roughly 18 million square feet worth $3.5-billion, the company announced Thursday. Canadian Tire would hold 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the REIT, with the rest going to investors through an initial public offering planned for the fall.

The company holds more than that going into the REIT, but stores under scrutiny for replacement, development or relocation wouldn’t be included.

“We are executing a strategy that reinforces the strength of our Company while pursuing new growth opportunities organically and through acquisition,” said chief executive officer Stephen Wetmore.

Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/canadian-tire-plans-35-billion-reit-with-ipo-in-the-fall/article11811229/

Investors Group has sold Newton Commerce Centre in Surrey for $7,000,000. The vacant office building, located at 76th Avenue and 130th Street, is a two-storey building built in 2001. The building is 42,500 SF, making the sale $165 per SF.

Loblaw Cos. Ltd., Canada’s largest food retailer, reported a 40-per-cent increase in first-quarter profit and said it plans to compete the initial public offering of its real estate investment trust (REIT) in early to mid-July.

The company, majority-owned by George Weston Ltd., also raised its quarterly dividend by 9 per cent to 24 cents per share. This was the second time in six months that the company raised its dividend.

Loblaw, which also sells clothing, footwear and drugs, reiterated its outlook for 2013 despite increasing competition.

U.S. discount retailer Target Corp. opened its first three Canadian stores in March and plans to have more than 100 by the end of this year.

Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/loblaws-7-billion-reit-offering-planned-for-july/article11649029/