06-06-2013, 09:44 AM
After exploring the websites (old version and new version) for a proposed Sechelt development, I felt a new category was needed for the possible end of year VanPeak Real Estate Awards.
I am suggesting this Award be called - The RE ‘Magical’ Marketing Award - and there is only one submission rule:
Right, let’s get busy…on the left, is the development’s rendering from the 2007 website and what I noticed immediately in this ‘magical’ mock-up was the ‘magical’ mountain behind the townhomes. In the 2013 rendering on the right, the developer has performed his own reality check and the area behind the homes is as it should be: "flatter than pee on a platter" as gramps would say.
The initial website also presented a development location map (which is omitted on the new website). This map is wonderful and to appreciate it fully I strongly recommend scrolling very slowly and not jumping too far ahead.
So, what message does this 'disneyesque' map convey? Here is my take…that the development is the sole occupant of a vast, undeveloped shoreline offering two boat launches, two float plane landing locations and a single noteworthy diving spot.
Surrounding the development on shore are verdant, empty pasturelands save for the three necessities of life: a park, a golf course and a hospital. (Yep, even back in 2007, developers felt they had to mention the hospital...Zzzzzzzzzzzzz).
Now, the reality check…drum roll please…
Well, my golly, gosh.
Damn, more ‘aggravating aggregates’ stuff and look at all the housing development - both must have happened since 2007, you guess? I think we need a closer look.
Just as I thought, there yonder on the other side of Sechelt Inlet Rd are the settling ponds for the wash plant at Lehigh Materials’ Sechelt open pit gravel mine which is the largest in Canada; and, by the way, those ponds are likely from 50 to 100 feet or possibly more above sea level.
June 10, 2013 Update:
Oops, Skook bad - there is a location map on the new Edgewater at Porpoise Bay website and like its earlier counterpart it, too, is 'magical'.
First, it should be noted with this updated map the development location is wrong - the 2007 map was accurate. The development does remains the sole occupant along that undeveloped shoreline. There are still two float plane landing locations and there are still two boat launches but one has been moved to Trail Bay. The diving location has been lost.
On shore, the verdant pasturelands remain as does the park and hospital; however, there is now a second golf course somewhere off to the east and there is a strong possibility of finding a ferry by heading south along a major road.
It should also be noted that the developer has made a major concession with this map by indicating the the existence of two schools and a 'Sechelt Shopping District' thus acknowledging the presence of a significant number of other inhabitants and, thus, other developments - somewhere.
June 11, 2013:
ROFLOL...the original Waterfront at Porpoise Bay website is no more!!! I knew it wouldn't take long before...poof. That web address now connects to the Edgewater site. Do you think they followed all the new visits back to here?
Oh, I am sure they have a sense of humour at Onni - you think?
Note: a look at the history of this development and its current status can be found here in the 'Dead Ducks, Non-Fliers & Snake Oil' thread.
I am suggesting this Award be called - The RE ‘Magical’ Marketing Award - and there is only one submission rule:
- Snag an artist rendering of the proposed development from the project’s website or scanned from its marketing materials and do a ‘reality check’ by comparing it to what is actually ‘on the ground’ either using Google Earth, your own on site pic or, an image from the development’s own website (like updated construction pics).
Right, let’s get busy…on the left, is the development’s rendering from the 2007 website and what I noticed immediately in this ‘magical’ mock-up was the ‘magical’ mountain behind the townhomes. In the 2013 rendering on the right, the developer has performed his own reality check and the area behind the homes is as it should be: "flatter than pee on a platter" as gramps would say.
The initial website also presented a development location map (which is omitted on the new website). This map is wonderful and to appreciate it fully I strongly recommend scrolling very slowly and not jumping too far ahead.
So, what message does this 'disneyesque' map convey? Here is my take…that the development is the sole occupant of a vast, undeveloped shoreline offering two boat launches, two float plane landing locations and a single noteworthy diving spot.
Surrounding the development on shore are verdant, empty pasturelands save for the three necessities of life: a park, a golf course and a hospital. (Yep, even back in 2007, developers felt they had to mention the hospital...Zzzzzzzzzzzzz).
Now, the reality check…drum roll please…
Damn, more ‘aggravating aggregates’ stuff and look at all the housing development - both must have happened since 2007, you guess? I think we need a closer look.
Just as I thought, there yonder on the other side of Sechelt Inlet Rd are the settling ponds for the wash plant at Lehigh Materials’ Sechelt open pit gravel mine which is the largest in Canada; and, by the way, those ponds are likely from 50 to 100 feet or possibly more above sea level.
June 10, 2013 Update:
Oops, Skook bad - there is a location map on the new Edgewater at Porpoise Bay website and like its earlier counterpart it, too, is 'magical'.
First, it should be noted with this updated map the development location is wrong - the 2007 map was accurate. The development does remains the sole occupant along that undeveloped shoreline. There are still two float plane landing locations and there are still two boat launches but one has been moved to Trail Bay. The diving location has been lost.
On shore, the verdant pasturelands remain as does the park and hospital; however, there is now a second golf course somewhere off to the east and there is a strong possibility of finding a ferry by heading south along a major road.
It should also be noted that the developer has made a major concession with this map by indicating the the existence of two schools and a 'Sechelt Shopping District' thus acknowledging the presence of a significant number of other inhabitants and, thus, other developments - somewhere.
June 11, 2013:
ROFLOL...the original Waterfront at Porpoise Bay website is no more!!! I knew it wouldn't take long before...poof. That web address now connects to the Edgewater site. Do you think they followed all the new visits back to here?
Oh, I am sure they have a sense of humour at Onni - you think?
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Note: a look at the history of this development and its current status can be found here in the 'Dead Ducks, Non-Fliers & Snake Oil' thread.