It’s going to be noisy in Silver Heights for the next little while.

And no, I am not talking about the planes flying above our rooftops. I am talking about new buildings replacing old ones, new jobs becoming available and new faces being welcomed to our community.

The year 2007 saw the end of a 50-year stretch for Silver Heights Collegiate. It amalgamated a short time later with Sturgeon Creek  Collegiate to become Sturgeon Heights Collegiate. The walls of Silver Heights have now fallen and tractors are rolling over the former school grounds.

For the past few years, there has been much talk about what building would be going into the deep hole that lay empty for some time, only to be surrounded by numerous dandelions. Now, after the red tape and zoning permits have finally been dealt with, the new phoenix is slowly beginning to rise from the ashes (literally, if you remember that poor Silver Heights Collegiate was a victim of arson shortly after closing its doors).

GreenTree Homes has announced construction of a 152-unit condominium complex. Since I am a firm believer that change is good, I’m excited for this construction in our area. I think the location will be wonderful for neighbourhood businesses such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Boston Pizza. GreenTree has a great reputation for providing curb-side appeal in its buildings, which in turn will increase the value of our homes.

On a personal level, maybe when my husband Gerald and I retire within the next 10 years, and downsize in order to travel (yes, I have a dream), a spiffy condo right down the street will be the perfect fit for us. And maybe I can convince my good friends and neighbours to join us and continue the party on our condo balconies.

Now that we have become accustomed to our newest neighbour, Tim Hortons (although we still have some hiccups to resolve when it comes to traffic on the corner of Mount Royal Road and Ness Avenue), more sounds from the construction world will be heard and felt as a new strip mall is in the plans to replace Silver Heights Community Club.

R.V. Realty Inc. recently announced plans for a chic new strip mall that will house nine units. Future tenants may include a doctor or dentist, physiotherapist, law office or financial services company.

For now, I can handle the noise and disruption. To me that is the sound of progress and success for our city and our community.

Virginia Sperl is a Silver Heights-based writer.

Neighbourhood Forum is a readers’ column. If you live in The Metro area and would like to contribute to this column, contact jim.timlick@canstarnews.com.