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The Glendale area in Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) has rapidly seen development and redevelopment in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Recent developments have expanded a primarily industrial focused area to now include larger residential and commercial uses. As one of NOTL’s key areas of economic development, the Glendale area offers developers the opportunity to invest in a strategic area with growth and a significant potential for future growth. The developments and redevelopments in the area are a reflection of the character of the community. With the growth of the residential sector and the completion of the Outlet Collection at Niagara, Glendale is a prime location for commercial developers looking to invest in Niagara.
A community in growth
Glendale’s strategic location means that developments are provided excellent connectivity. The QEW access at Glendale connects the area to St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and the Queenston/Lewiston border with the United States. The residential community, Niagara-on-the-Green, is currently in Phase Two of its development of townhouses and semis. The community offers immediate access to the Outlet Centre and Niagara College. When Phase One begun, there were only a few established occupants in the area: White Oaks Resort and Spa, Niagara College and the Royal Niagara Golf Course. Initially, the established occupants were alienated from each other. However, the development of new amenities in the area has started to tie the community together.
Becoming an appealing centre
In May 2014, the Outlet Collection at Niagara was opened on a 63-acre parcel of land situated along the south side of the QEW near the Glendale interchange. Ivanhoé Cambridge, a pre-eminent Canadian-based global property owner and developer, purchased the parcel for $20,665,389, which indicates a price of about $328,000 per acre. The outlet mall has been instrumental in creating jobs, both construction jobs during the development phase and permanent full and part time jobs as regular employment. The Outlet Collection expects to draw approximately 6 to 8 million visitors, with half being from outside the Niagara Region.
Development and redevelopment
The Outlet Collection was a major development for the area; it enforced the commercial viability of an area that had predominately been industrial and residential. Significant developments in the area include:- The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Marine Security Operations Centre in NOTL
- The 38,000-square-foot building is a partnership between the RCMP, Canadian Coast Guard, Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada and the Department of National Defence. There will be up to 80 employees when the building is operational.
- Husky Truck Stop
- A major redevelopment in the area, the original truck top was shut down and demolished in 2013. It was then replaced with one modern building featuring a 120-seat restaurant, convenience store and trucker’s amenities.
- Central Community Church
- The new church was recently built on Scott Street in St. Catharines. The owners purchased 20.6 acres for $3.0 million ($145,000/acre).
- Sale of the Gateway Travel Centre
- The travel centre, located directly off the QEW, was sold for $9.55 million in January 2014. The property includes an Esso gas bar with convenience store, and multi unit travel centre with Tim Horton’s, Wendy’s, Mr. Sub, Iron Chef and Pizza Pizza.
- Village Bible Church
- New church recently built on York Road. Illustrates that people are building and not building and holding.
- Church development
- A new church development is currently in the fundraising and financing stages, with a reported budget of $15-16 million. The proposed development shows a great demand for land in the area.
More than an entry point to Niagara
The industrial area, northeast of Glendale at the QEW exchange, is noted to include small to large scale industrial facilities with a mix of single and multi tenant buildings. The area still includes several vacant parcels available for development, indicating future growth potential for the area in terms of employment lands.
Glendale is no longer seen as an entry point to Niagara. The area has been given new commercial life, and the opportunities will continue to grow. The recent major developments and redevelopments indicate that this area will likely see more development in the near future. Connect with a Niagara real estate appraiser today to learn more.
