summer 2016
New Homes & Condos | city | lifestyle
abode Summer 2016
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The Kennedys are coming. Condos at Kennedy and 401. Multi-tower Master Plan. Near the GO, great shopping and a 4-star hotel. Starting from the low $200’s Register your interest at KennedyCondos.com
Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. BROKER’S PROTECTED. E. & O.E.
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abode Summer 2016
Spotlight on // lindvest
sonic
Introducing the future of perfect condos, Sonic condominiums by Lindvest at Eglinton and Don Mills. Close to shopping and dining, the future Eglinton Crosstown will whisk you from points A to B in the blink of an eye. The stunning tower designed by Page & Steele / IBI Group will stand 28 storeys with a three storey podium. Sonic condominiums will encompass over 25,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed indoor and exterior amenity space, including a walking path, exercise equipment, yoga studio, steam rooms, games room, catering kitchen, lounges and a pet spa. Residents will be able to make the most of the summer with barbeques, fire pits, and cabanas on the podium rooftop. Priced from the low $200s. Register today at lindvest.com/sonic Content provided by Lindvest abode Summer 2016
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contents Summer 2016
16 trending
37 shop
the perfectly imperfect room
pleasures of the table
23 neighbourhoods 24 don mills / york mills 25 Downtown Core 26 etobicoke 27 markham
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abode Summer 2016
28 mississauga 29 oakville 30 scarborough 31 whitby
42 celebrity russell peters The Brampton native talks to Abode about comedy, success, family, and why he still loves Toronto.
summer 2016
On the Cover Photo by Barry J Holmes.
New Homes & Condos | city | lifestyle
Go beyond the surface. Scan the cover for extra content!
61 outdoor living 61 Gardening in the first year 70 Halcyon days
go beyond the surface.
Whenever you see the layar icon, use the app to scan the page to see additional content!
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editor's note Publisher Dana Robbins General Manager John Willems Regional Director of Advertising Cheryl Philips
bryan cairns editor AbodeEditor@aol.com
Advertising Manager Braden Simmonds Distribution Manager Mike Banville Editor Bryan Cairns Associate Editor Tasha Zanin Regional Director, Creative Services Katherine Porcheron
A
bode Magazine is similar to
We've coined the term "real estate
many popular chocolate bars.
porn." Each issue promises to inform,
It combines two things people
entertain, enthrall and mesmerize with
love, satisfies a craving, but leaves
high-gloss photos.
Graphic Designer Karen Alexiou
Sales by Cindy Lloyd (Owner) Media Power Play cindy@mediapowerplay.com
you wanting more. Abode delivers
Every cover features a Toronto ce-
the goods by marrying lifestyle with
lebrity. New homes and condo devel-
real estate.
opments will be explored. Lifestyle
Ryan Starr
It's certainly the perfect fusion for
content includes architecture, decor,
Vicky Sanderson
me, too. With a background in enter-
gardening, real estate news, neigh-
tainment, I've interviewed hundreds
bourhoods and more. Charts, lists and
of movie stars and TV actors. As for
snippets of information litter the pages.
real estate, you could say it runs in
This publication is all about getting
the family. My mother has been an
readers excited about owning a piece
agent for over 30 years. My aunt once
of the best city in the world.
owned a Century 21. I've also dipped
If you're reading this magazine,
my toes in the industry by taking a few
chances are you are one of us. Wel-
real estate courses.
come. Thanks for joining us. We'll be
However, Abode strives to be different than the distinguished competition.
With warmest regards
Bryan Cairns
working hard to make Abode worthy of your affection.
Contributors Tracy Hanes
Cece Scott Spectrum Realty Rob Nicolucci Owen Reeves Spencer Wynne
Mailing Address: Metroland Media Toronto 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2 For further information regarding all our products please call us at 416-493-4400 Abode is a specialty publication published by Metroland Media. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this publication in whole or in part must be approved by the Publisher.
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abode Summer 2016
abodetoronto
Spotlight on // Tridel
iconic ten york
In the heart of Toronto’s Southcore district and just steps from the lake, Tridel’s iconic Ten York will soar 65 storeys into the air, forever changing the city’s waterfront skyline. Within this dramatic architectural tower, the uppermost floors of this landmark residence house the modern and sophisticated Signature Collection of suites. Boasting unparalleled, sweeping views of the water and the city, these exclusive suites feature soaring ceilings, high-end finishes and spacious designs. Residences in the Signature Collection are available in two-bedroom, two-bedroom-plusden, and three-bedroom layouts, ranging in size from 1,176 sq. ft. to 3,858 sq. ft. Prices for the ultraluxurious Signature Suites begin at $1,075,000. Visit Tridel.com or call 416-596-9888 to schedule an appointment. YouTube Video Link to Ten York Signature Suite 3D Content provided by Tridel
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contributors Spencer wynne
@spencerwynn
Learning from a Canadian World War II photographer at the Ontario College of Art inspired Spencer Wynn’s love of visual journalism. From staying in yurts in Inner Mongolia, to a slum in India and an ice flow in the High Arctic, Wynn delivers compelling visual narratives that challenge what we see and how we live. Favourite Ice Cream: Pistachio!
ryan starr
@torontostarr
Raven-haired Ryan Starr finished seventh on Season 1 of American Idol. But that’s not who’s writing for Abode. This Ryan Starr is a seasoned real estate scribe, a correspondent for the Toronto Star, Bisnow Toronto and Epoch Times, among other publications. He can’t sing, but few know GTA real estate better. Favourite Ice Cream: Anything Ben & Jerry's
cece scott
tracy hanes
@tracyhanes
Freelance writer Tracy Hanes specializes in new home, real estate and renovation stories and has been published in Canada's largest daily newspapers and numerous magazines. She loves riding her horses, walking her dog and exploring destinations near and far. Favourite Ice Cream: Moose Tracks
vicky sanderson
@vickysanderson
A self-confessed Opinion-ista, Vicky Sanderson has strong views on home design and décor, about which she has been writing for almost two decades. Having tested just about every appliance known to humankind, she maintains that households function most efficiently with a minimum of gadgets. She loves graceful, well-appointed rooms, as long as the décor includes plenty of books. Favourite Ice Cream: Peach — but only if it's homemade. Natch.
cecescott.com
Spectrum Realty spectrumrealtyservices.com
Cece Scott, a free-spirited journalist and photographer, travels the world seeking adventure in remote destinations, photographing local culture and the wonderful people she meets. Cece has been published in the Toronto Star, Dreamscapes Travel and Lifestyle Magazine, GoodLife Magazine; she is also a contributing writer with Active Life Magazine, AMOI Magazine (where she is also copy editor), and PhotoEd Magazine. Favourite Ice Cream: Baseball nuts AND Black Raspberrry Thunder
Spectrum Realty and its counterpart Spectrum Sky are connoisseurs of new home sales & marketing & resale Real Estate. The partners have been in the business for over 25 years and have won multiple awards in the industry both locally and internationally. Known as trailblazers; passion, humour & balance defines them. Favourite Ice Cream: A good gelato brings out the Italian in all of us.
rob nicolucci
owen reeves
rndesign.com
Rob Nicolucci is owner of RN Design Limited which is an industry leading low rise architectural services company. Over the past 25 years RN has been at the forefront of housing design helping local builders and developers offer outstanding communities to home new buyers. Favourite Ice Cream: World class chocolate
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abode Summer 2016
@theowenreeves
Owen Reeves is the fourth generation of his family to work in the garden industry. He owns The Outside Element focusing on horticultural consultation, design, and planting, to create sustainable outdoor spaces. In addition to contributing to Abode Magazine, Owen is the Outdoor and Garden expert on CTV¹s The Marilyn Denis Show. Favourite Ice Cream: Lemon gelato
Spotlight on // Marlin spring
the mack
The Mack is a 10 acre site zoned for 200 Townhomes in an excellent location in the city of Vaughan, one of the fastest growing municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area. The property is among one of a few parcels of land available for residential development in the entire GTA. The site is adjacent to the GO Park and Ride and just minutes away from Highway 400, shops, restaurants and offices. As part of the extension of Toronto's Yonge-University-Spadina subway line, The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre subway station will soon be completed, connecting the city of Vaughan to downtown Toronto within minutes. Content provided by Marlin Spring abode Summer 2016
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new home trends Home Prices continue to Surge in Toronto
Low-Rise Homes Frenzy (includes townhomes and semi-detached homes)
The price of housing in the GTA keeps going up and up. That became more evident than ever when the average price of new detached homes in the GTA recently surpassed $1 million for the first time in March 2016.
April 2016
Detached Homes Statistics Don't Lie: The average price of new detached homes has grown by 21% in 12 months and more than doubled in the last decade. Average Price of new detached homes available for sale in GTA April 3, 2016 April 2015
$1,059,263 $900,999
April 2006
$439,697
Remaining high-rise units Remaining low-rise units
17,698 2,751
Supply and Demand: Low-rise homes being snatched up faster than they can be brought to market. April 2016 2,324 low-rise homes sold
Supply and Demand: Due to government policy, fewer new low-rise homes, particularly detached homes are being built. As the GTA's population grows by up to 100,000 people per year, demand for these homes has remained strong and is outpacing supply. April 2016 1,137 detached homes sold
Down 25% from April 2015 and 3% above the 10-year average.
Statistics Don't Lie: Average price for low-rise homes continues to set records, reaching $864,181 in April 2016. That marked a 11% increase from 2015.
Remaining inventory of detached homes in April 2016 was 1,457 compared to 10,910 in April 2006.
Decrease of 14% from April 2015 and 24% more than the 10-year average. As of April 31, only 2,751 low-rise homes remain.
As of April 30, 87% of new homes available for purchase across the GTA were high-rise.
Information compiled by BILD Association: Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) represents more than 1,480 member companies in the land development, home building and professional renovation industry in the Greater Toronto Area. All data in the report is provided by Altus Group.
What It Means For New Home Buyers First time buyers are unable to afford low-rise homes, making the high-rise market more attractive due to its moderate price increases.
April 2016: The average price for a high-rise home increased 3% since 2015 to 461,281
April New-Home Sales by Municipality Low Rise
High Rise
Total
Region
2014
2015
2016
2014
2015
2016
2014
2015
2016
Durham
285
438
351
40
16
42
325
454
393
Halton
239
476
348
91
124
41
330
600
389
Peel
494
822
911
44
113
147
538
935
1,058
Toronto
176
115
115
1,247
1,255
1,143
1,423
1,370
1,258
York
697
866
599
127
292
267
824
1,158
866
GTA
1,891
2,717
2,324
1,549
1,800
1,640
3,440
4,517
3,964
Jan-April
5,899
7,045
7,238
6,381
6,229
6,499
12,280
13,274
13,737
Source: Altus Group
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abode Summer 2016
the bild
Awards story by bryan cairns
Photos by Amara Studios
I
Ignat “Iggy” Kaneff (left) presented by Steve Deveaux, BILD Association Chairman (right).
Hunter Milborne CEO of Milborne Real Estate (front), Andy Brethour President of PMA Brethour Realty Group (background).
Shannon Bertuzzi with Enbridge (left), Lino Pellicano with Greenpark Homes (middle), Anthony Di Battista with SigNature Communities (right).
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n some respect, the 36th Annual BILD Awards felt like it bottled the Oscar's razzle-dazzle. On April 28, 2016, the well-paced gala event celebrated the excellence and pioneers in the Greater Toronto Area's New Home and Land Development Industry. There was glitz and glam, dinner, drinking and a live band, and, most importantly, nominees and winners. Clearly, as Vaughan's impressive Universal Event Venue filled up with the industry's movers and shakers — and the noise and enthusiasm levels steadily escalated — this was an evening not to be missed. "The awards really evolved to showcase what the entire industry can do, and does do, in the Greater Toronto Area," says Bryan Tuckey, the President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association. "The industry is very proud of the product they produce, the homes they build and the communities they foster. It's a real opportunity for the members to see themselves in such a wonderful light." More than 900 submissions were received for consideration. Prizes were handed out in 48 categories, including a few new ones to reflect growing trends. For the first time, Builder of the Year was presented to both mid/ high-rise and low-rise developers. Who gets nominated and who ultimately wins is a long process that involves many steps. "What we do from the outside is each category is judged on five, clear, distinct and measurable criteria," explains Tuckey. "When the people submit, it's important they read the criteria and answer the questions. Then we have a series of judges, who are both local and international experts in the field. "For example, if it's social media, we use expert social media people," continues Tuckey. "They work through all the applicants or nominations within those categories. They select four finalists and then come together with those finalists to choose the actual winner." The 36th Annual BILD Awards was more than just trophies and recognition. One of the obvious challenges involved keeping the audience engaged and entertained. Taking a cue from Spike TV's Lip Sync Battle, three performers danced and belted out popular songs for votes. However, as rewarding, motivating and fun as the BILD Awards ceremony can be, they serve another vital purpose. The event informs the general public about building homes and communities, which in turn allows them to make well-educated decisions when it comes to purchasing their next residence. "You really only scrape the surface of this industry if you're only in one part of it," says Tuckey. "It includes the sales, marketing, design and construction. Secondly, just the quality of homes that are built in the Greater Toronto Area, whether it's a condominium in Markham or a town home in Milton, are the highest quality standards. "We hope these awards will help the public see how incredibly talented this industry is, and how the product they develop is the best in the world," Tuckey concludes. "The homes that people are moving into are the best in the world and the industry is committed to their communities. It's just as important to us because we live here, too."
BILD Pinnacle Award Winners HOME BUILDER OF THE YEAR – MID/HIGH‐RISE Tridel
HOME BUILDER OF THE YEAR – LOW‐RISE Great Gulf Homes
GREEN BUILDER OF THE YEAR Tridel
PROJECT OF THE YEAR – MID/HIGH‐RISE Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos “Aerial Views” Freed Developments and Capital Developments, Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos – BrandonCommunications Inc., Cecconi Simone Inc., DesignStor, Montana Steele Advertising, PSR Brokerage Ltd.
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BILD Pinnacle Award Winners PROJECT OF THE YEAR – LOW‐RISE 35 Wabash “Home” Zinc Developments, 35 Wabash ‐ BA Consulting Group, Bousfields Inc., The Brand Factory, Brandon Communications Inc., Design Agency, exp, Firm Capital Corporation, PSR Brokerage Ltd., RAW Design, Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD Friday Harbour “The Boardwalk” Geranium Corporation and Pemberton Group, Friday Harbour – The Brand Factory, The Morrison Group
BEST NEW COMMUNITY – BUILT
BEST NEW COMMUNITY – PLANNED OR UNDER DEVELOPMENT “Queensville” Queensville by Aspen Ridge Homes, CountryWide Homes, Lakeview Homes Inc, ‐ BAM Builder Advertising and Marketing Inc.
“Hullmark Centre” Tridel and Hullmark Developments Inc., Hullmark Centre ‐ The Brand Factory, Brandon Communications Inc., Drive Agency, Mike Niven Interior Design Inc.
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Architectural Design Trends
Meet the New
High Style
Low-Rise
Photo by Richard Wengle
Story by Robert Nicolucci
T
he architectural evolution in Toronto over the last few years has been inspiring. Highrise condo design has become more innovative – dramatically changing the city’s landscape and influencing home buyer decisions. This progressive approach has made its way to new low-rise developments in the surrounding Greater Toronto Area. Developing contemporary style homes in the 905 area code was unheard of five years ago, but today it’s the latest trend. New lowrise developments in the north, east and west ends of the city offer an alternative to traditional architecture. This trend will transform the look of suburban streets in the years to come, and municipalities are embracing it. Contemporary low-rise design features simple, linear shapes, low or flat roofs, and oversized windows. Many models include floor to ceiling windows, which add to the expansive indoor feeling. Rooms feel larger and brighter. Even the exterior colour palette has changed. The use of darker and lighter brick, flat stone and prefinished metals, coupled with a keen attention to detail, make the results striking. Contemporary low-rise homes offer buyers a new option – one where highrise attitude and style meet low-rise living. The number of new projects on the market continues to grow as home buyers across the GTA eagerly snap them up.
Photo by RN Design
Robert Nicolucci is founder of RN Design in Vaughan, Ontario.
Photo by RN Design
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The
Designer William MacDonald thinks flawless rooms lack personality
Perfectly
Imperfect Room
BY Vicky Sanderson
E
Photo by Stephani Buchman
arly in his career as a designer, William Macdonald had an epiphany. “There was one designer who was everywhere," he recalls. "I thought it would be awful to have someone walk into your home and know right away who designed it. I wanted my work to be more individual, and I felt my clients deserved that.” Eschewing a cookie-cutter look doesn’t mean the Toronto-based designer, who oversees projects across North America, doesn’t have influences. By his own admission, they are numerous. The two who come to mind almost immediately are, however, telling. One is John Fowler, the early 20th-century designer known for his love of the understated, slightly faded beauty of English country homes, with their emphasis on grace, comfort and livability. In contrast, the other — also English — is David Hicks, who during the 60s famously avoided traditional country-seat design. Instead, he mixed antiques with modern pieces, and used saturated colours and bold patterns to glamourous effect. “I do go toward the British [designers],” says MacDonald www.willmacdesign.ca. “I love their
Photo by Nicola Betts
sense of history and ability to mix periods, the lack of pretence and the easiness. I like the attitude that 'Yeah, it’s Carrara marble, but if it gets a stain, it gets a stain. That’s very English.” MacDonald has a similar gift for balancing old with new. Trademarks include an extraordinary deftness with colour, and a penchant for adding something “unexpected and surprising” to his luxurious, layered spaces. “I like to think that after I am gone, (the client will) be delighted by a subtle pattern or an interesting accessory that they did not notice before,” says MacDonald. His crisply tailored wardrobe and impeccable grooming might suggest that MacDonald believes rooms must be equally "comme il faut" all day, every day. But despite the fact that you’d have to look hard to find fault with a space he’s designed, MacDonald insists he’s comfortable with a few frayed edges. “I love walking into living rooms and seeing books piled up, and a mix of different periods and styles and colours," offers MacDonald. "People shouldn’t worry about a photo-shoot perfect room. I’m afraid of rooms like that. I value beauty above perfection.”
Photo by Stephani Buchman
Photo by Leslie Goodwin
Photo by Leslie Goodwin
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Trend Watch William MacDonald says we can expect to see a lot more: Green: “Emerald green, light green, blue green — it’s all coming on strong.” Patterned sofas: “Great for a family, as they hide mistakes.” Gingham: “Especially in formal settings. It makes everything instantly relaxed.”
705-737-0373 www.redfoxkitsune.com
(across from City Hall)
Photo by Stephani Buchman
kitsune
Redfox
63 Collier St., Downtown Barrie
Photo by Farrow and Ball
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abode Summer 2016
Home Decor Furniture & Cool Stuff for Everyone
Photo by Stacey Van Berkel
A Customized Rug
is like art for the floor High-end, hand-made & very, very handsome Vicky Sanderson
L
ike pieces of modern art, huge carpets — some soaked in colour, some with beautiful subtle patterns — line the walls of the Thornhill showroom of Weaver and Loom www.weaverandloom.com Here, though, there are no price tags tucked discreetly beside the masterpieces — a conscious omission by creative director and owner Ali Ghassemi. Decisions about buying should not be guided by price, he says, although it's a strategy even seasoned designers adopt. “If you don’t have the background knowledge to be able to tell the quality by touch and feel, and you are doing it by price, you are just getting duped by salespeople,” says Ghassemi. Ghassemi’s family-owned business operates six mills in Southeast Asia that produce rug lines for retail and wholesale partners and bespoke rugs for individuals. He can produce a rug in any size, an endless number of designs and in a rainbow of colours, all at varying price points. With so many options, he says, the cheapest rug is not always the best value. Equally, choosing the most expensive rug may not guarantee good value either.
“You need to ask the right questions,” says Ghassemi. With that in mind, here are some factors to consider: • Always ask where the wool in a carpet is from. Wool from India is less expensive than New Zealand Merino (Ghassemi’s favourite). However, as it comes from a subtropical climate, it won’t perform well over the long-term in Toronto’s cold, dry winters. • Ghassemi recommends budgeting early in the design process for a rug, before funds have been eaten up. Divide the budget — say $5,000 — by the square footage of the rug. For an eight-by-tenfoot rug, that would be $62.50. “That’s the number I need to know,” says Ghassemi. • Weaves are like pixels on a screen, says Ghassemi. “The more intricate the pattern, the more pixels,” he explains. But because he has a direct line to weavers, Ghassemi can tweak the price by altering the design. “If we require a very, very tight knot count, we might need to go up to $75 a square foot. But we can also take that pattern and slightly modify it [to bring the cost down].” In the end, says Ghassemi, what’s important is “to get the best quality for your budget.”
Ali Ghassemi says if you don’t have the knowledge to judge quality by touch and feel you need to ask the right questions.
An affordable option to hand-made In the home of Lisa Canning www.lisacanning.ca, which includes five young children, high-end custom rugs are not a must-have. But the Toronto-based designer does insist on great design and interesting colour. To get that, she often relies on modular carpet tiles from Flor www.flor.com to deliver a customized look on a realistic budget. “You can create a beautiful design that will bring you joy with very high performance," Canning says. "And if there’s a spill at my house — and there are lots — I can simple lift up a tile and clean it.”
A huge array of colours are available in one of Ghassemi’s bespoke rugs. abode Summer 2016
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THE TREND: THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT!
The Dirt
Lately, numerous articles & reports have presented the reality that our housing market has out priced the millennials from buying a single family home in the GTA. Many are not even contemplating the move and strategy of owning since it seems unattainable and living at home is pretty comfortable. Cooking and laundry are being done. Why leave? The potential to buy still exists and for many reasons; now is the time to seriously consider home ownership. Toronto is still relatively affordable compared to Vancouver and other major cities around the globe; and the vast product offering in the condominium market makes for a competitive offering. With interest rates as low as they are, monthly payments are reasonable compared to what parents had to deal with. Millennials may even be in the position to withdraw from RRSPs tax free or borrow from parents to help out with the down payment. P.S. We don't want you at home forever. xoxo
THE DEETS Sales & Average Price by Major Home Type Spring 2016 (Resale)
416
905
Detached
$1,285,693
$891,870
Semi-Detached
$834,883
$586,849
Townhouse
$626,305
$527,503
Condo
$442,520
$347,431
Year-Over-Year Per Cent Change (average price)
416
905 Condo
Condo
5.0% Townhouse
12.9% SemiDetached
Detached
Detached
15.2%
Source: TREB Market Watch – May 2016
abode Summer 2016
8.7%
17.2%
7.1%
20
Townhouse
SemiDetached
19.0%
21.2%
416 Average Asking Price Per Square Foot (New Construction, High-Rise) Etobicoke
$558/SF
North York
$574/SF
Scarborough
$461/SF
Toronto
$723/SF
Resale (1 bedroom + den) South Beach Condos – 88 & 90 Park Lawn Road. 2014
2016 $2/SF
$3/SF $423,444
$486,833
$336,878
Rent
$346,455
Prices (All unit types)
Prices (1 bedroom + den)
Sold price averages as per TREB MLS
Price Index March 2015 $450,133 $738,731 March 2016 $459, 231
High Rise
15.0%
High Rise 2.0% $849, 312
King West Village
Y/Y Change
Low Rise
WE
Dubbed the SOHO of Toronto, this uber cool neighbourhood that plays host to TIFF is happening in the nightlife & restaurant scene. The urban landscape has substantially changed over the years with new construction favouring the condo lifestyle.
Low Rise
Source: Altus Data Solutions Canada – April 2016
Downtown West THE ANALYSIS
$672/SF average unit price $525,611 average sale price
South Etobicoke Waterfront Park Lawn & Lakeshore Road
Pre Construction Remaining Inventory
The motel row of the past has significantly seen a facelift over the last several years. A comparative look at New vs. Resale in the area along with the appreciation:
Source: MCAP Spring 2016
Stepping out of Colette Grand Cafe at the Thompson hotel.
New Construction (1 bedroom + den) Westlake Encore by ONNI Group
Riva Del Lago by Mattamy Homes
583 to 610 Sq Ft
674 Sq Ft
$321,900 to $409,900
$374,990 to $375,990
we are
• New Home Sales & Marketing Gurus • Licensed Realtors • Market Nerds
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Spotlight on // samm developments
the kennedys Fronted by a landscaped open-air piazza in the style of grand European courtyards, The Kennedys Condos by SAMM Developments will consist of a four-storey podium and two attractive contemporary towers. The exterior designed by Page + Steele/IBI Group Architects will introduce a bright new residential beacon at the significant Kennedy Road and Highway 401 intersection in Toronto, close to public transit and countless shops and amenities. New to the area, the piazza will create a natural gathering spot for residents and locals, offering inviting seating and a refreshing water feature. Suite prices will start from the $200,000s. Register: KennedyCondos.com Content provided by SAMM Developments
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neighbourhood
hits Story by bryan cairns
Summer is upon us, and with it comes balmy nights under the stars and sunny afternoons enjoying everything Toronto and the GTA have to offer. Whether you are new to the neighbourhood or looking for a new experience, we’ve rounded up the spots and events we think you should know in eight neighbourhoods across the GTA.
Don Mills / York Mills patio: safari bar and grill Safari Bar and Grill is the perfect hangout for a lazy summer afternoon. Hanging flower planters around the outer wall transform the space into a lively garden party. Safari owns one of North Toronto's largest heated patios, making it one of the best spots to grab some grub and unwind on a nippy evening. Location: 1749 Avenue Road
ice cream parlour: ice 'n cake Photo by Spencer Wynne
Ice 'n Cake defines the European experience. Their in-house-created gelatos use the finest ingredients, ranging from imported chocolates to exotic fruits and nuts. Tempting flavours run the gambit from salted caramel and tiramisu to cheesecake and lemon. Even their crepes and waffles are made from scratch. What's not to love? Location: 30 Clock Tower Rd.
Developments brought to you by HomeFinder.ca 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Sonic Condos by Lindvest The Ravine by Urban Capital and ALIT Developments Omega on the Park condos by Concord Adex Rodeo Drive by Lanterra and Cadillac Fairview Fifth on the Park condos by Elad Parfait by Tridel
brunch: windfield's Windfield's delivers the brunch comfort food most folks grew up on. There's a variety of omelettes and eggs served in your favorite fashion, as well as a selection of hot sandwiches such as the classic Western. Bagels, toasts, cereal, pancakes or French toast can be ordered to complement the main dishes or as a meal on their own. Location: 801 York Mills Rd.
shop: marie antoinette french antiques and decor Furniture shoppers are sure to hit gold at Marie Antoinette French Antiques and Decor. Owner Francine carefully selects each and every high-end French piece in her store. The charming merchandise ranges from armories, vanities and cabinets to bedroom sets, mirrors, chairs and dining room tables. Essentially, there's something for every room in the house. Location: 111 Miranda Ave
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abode Summer 2016
Downtown Core patio: Black hoof Tucked away on Dundas Street West, Black Hoof's enclosed patio is reminiscent of a wooden cabin – only more chic. The slick white chairs, rolled serviettes and strategically placed plants create a warm and inviting ambiance. Black Hoof also offers such eclectic food as bone marrow, horse tartar and pig's ear slaw. Location: 928 Dundas St W.
ice cream parlour: the big chill Photo by Spencer Wynne
Willy Wonka could have decorated The Big Chill. The old-fashioned ice cream parlour is decked out in vibrant, bold colours, checkered floors and marbled counters. The Big Chill scoops out 30 delectable flavours with waffle cones made on the spot. The other treats include sundaes, banana splits, sorbets, milk shakes and frozen yogurt. Cash only. Location: 367 Manning Ave
Developments brought to you by HomeFinder.ca 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
The PJ by Pinnacle Ten York by Tridel and Build Toronto The Lakefront by Concord Adex Monde Condos by Great Gulf Eighty One Wellesley by Aragon Church & Shuter by Menkes Developments
brunch: figs breakfast and lunch Gorge on comfort brunch food at Figs Breakfast and Lunch. The small restaurant serves up the classics with a twist. Try the Royal Eggs Benedict with salmon, spinach and tomato. An all-day breakfast menu offers a Meat Lovers Breakfast or corn beef hash. There are no reservations, so secure a table early. Location: 334 Queen St E #4
shop: smash Think outside the box and visit Smash. Described as the "go-to destination for vintage furniture and fixtures," the establishment salvages battered furniture, restores them and gives those pieces a new lease on life. Others retain their natural worn-torn aesthetic. Smash's one-of-a-kind gems include a 60s Danish teak shelving unit and 40s displays cases. Location: 2880 Dundas St W
event: Taste of toronto Foodies unite! The Taste of Toronto showcases the local food scene. The city's best restaurants prepare succulent signature menu items. Celebrity guest chefs dish out gourmet food and tricks of the trade. Date: June 23-26 Location: Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd
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Etobicoke patio: la vernanda osteria La Vernanda Osteria's patio hits all the right notes. Flowers and potted herbs grace the walls and perimeter, turning this outdoor space into a secluded oasis. Lanterns provide the necessary light for an enchanting evening. Location: 946 Royal York Rd.
ice cream parlour: tom's dairy freeze
Photo by Spencer Wynne
Tom's Dairy Freeze goes old school with a drive-in feel; patrons place their orders at a low-front window. The joint opened in 1969 and continues to dish out the classics. There's authentic self-serve ice cream, traditional sundaes and milkshakes. Ice cream purists will be in for a treat. Location: 630 The Queensway
Home Ownership Average House Hold Income: $93,888 Number of People Per Household: 3.02 Home Ownership: 61% own, 34% rent Population Age: 35% are 20-44 years old
brunch: stoney's bread company If eggs are your passion, Stoney's Bread Company is the perfect place for brunch. Various frittatas, omelettes and perfectly poached eggs are menu staples. Their Sante Fe Eggs elevate poached eggs by adding back bacon, charred pepper tapenade, pico de gallo, all on grilled focaccia and smothered in hollandaise sauce. Pulled pork, slow roasted lamb, roasted chicken and Canadian back bacon sandwiches get kicked up a notch with made-in-house aiolis. Location: 1045 The Queensway
Developments brought to you by HomeFinder.ca 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Widdicombe & Eglinton by Cityzen Triumph at Valhalla by Edilcan Islington Terrace by Tridel Evolution by Averton The Kip by Concert Westlake Encore by Onni Group
shop: toronto crates Innovation comes in all shapes and sizes. In Toronto Crates' case, that means a square. The store sells a variety of made-by-hand vintage wooden crates that can be used as shelving, coffee tables, flower planters, storage units, fixtures or simply conversation pieces. Location: 62 Medulla Ave
event: 17th annual toronto ribfest Etobicoke`s 17th Annual Toronto Ribfest offers four solid days of food, fun and entertainment. Come sample some mouth-watering smoked and grilled meats, all basted with signature sauces and rubs. The bash also includes midway attractions, free kids activities, live shows and various vendors. Date: June 30-July 3 Location: Etobicoke Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd.
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Markham patio: johnny's bistro Johnny's Bistro spills out into its enclosed patio where patrons can sink into comfy chairs and dine under red umbrellas. The space is beautifully decorated with flowers and potted plants. Perfect for casual dining, first dates or booking special events, anniversaries and birthday parties. Location: 5 Washington St.
ice cream parlour: the old firehall confectionery Photo by Spencer Wynne
Home Ownership Average House Hold Income: $109, 109 Number of People Per Household: 3.37 Home Ownership: 88% own, 11% rent Population Age: 36% are 20 - 44 years old
Developments brought to you by HomeFinder.ca 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
York Condos by Remington Riverside Uptown Markham by Times Group Varley Condominium Residences by Tribute Communities Cornell by Mattamy Otto Towns by Countrywide Homes The 6th Angus Glen by Kylemore Communities
Indulge your ice cream cravings at The Old Firehall Confectionery. Premium Kawartha Dairy ice cream gets scooped up into cups, traditional cones or homemade waffle cones. Other treats include self-serve ice cream, cookie sandwiches, decadent chocolate-dipped bananas or banana splits and parfaits. For the adventurous, their Polar Storm blends ice cream with gourmet toppings or candy — any combination is guaranteed to hit the spot. Location: 170 Main St. Unionville
brunch: main's mansion Locals craving brunch comfort food head to Main's Mansion. Pancakes, waffles and French toast are served with heaps of fresh berries and whipped cream, or drizzled with syrup. Other mains include a wide selection of omelettes, egg Benedict and breakfast sandwiches. For those with a real appetite, the Mansion's Super Breakfast consists of three eggs, two pancakes, home fries, thick toast, jam, fresh fruit and a side of bacon or sausage. Location: 144 Main St N.
shop: insideout patio furniture Add some flair to your backyard by visiting InsideOut Patio Furniture. The store carries a wide range of outdoor wicker, cast aluminum and teak patio furniture. They also stock sectionals, umbrellas, lounge chairs, cushions, bistro sets, gazebos and barbecues — the possibilities are endless. Location: 500 Esna Park Dr.
event: 19th annual markham jazz festival The 19th annual Markham Jazz Festival has earned a reputation as one of the most respected and entertaining music festivals in Canada. The vibrant event celebrates a variety of jazz genres including swing, contemporary and Latin. Attendees can wander from venue to venue and soak up the smooth sounds of Canadian and international artists. Date: August 18-21 Location: Unionville Main Street – various locations and bandstands
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Mississauga patio: erin mill pump and patio The Erin Mills Pump and Patio's outside terrace feels like somebody's backyard. Numerous tables and strings of overhead lights set the stage for a friendly atmosphere. A fire pit provides warmth on those chilly nights. In addition, the extra cold beer – including the only sub-zero Heineken Tower in Canada – and lip-smacking wings make this patio a solid place to just sit back and relax. Location: 1900 Dundas St. W
Photo by Spencer Wynne
ice cream parlour: murphy's ice cream parlor Get your scream on at Murphy's Ice Cream Parlor. Their big selection of dairy delights includes self-serve ice cream, hard ice cream, frozen yogurt, sundaes and Italian gelatos. With something literally for everyone, it's no wonder the lines go out the front door.
Home Ownership
Location: 9 Main St.
brunch: the glenerin inn Average House Hold Income: $95,957 Number of People Per Household: 3.09 Home Ownership: 74% own, 25% rent Population Age: 37% are 20-44 years old
Developments
Add The Glenerin Inn to your short list of great brunch destinations. The buffet spread serves up scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, an omelette station and home fries. The daily selections offer up a carving station, homemade soups, vegetarian pasta and a chef's entrée. Cold items consist of salads, crudité, seafood and domestic cheese platters. Cap off the meal with cakes, French pastries, bread pudding or sliced fresh fruit. Location: 1695 The Collegeway
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shop: wicker emporium 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Arc condominiums by Daniels Tempo by Greenpark Amber Condominiums by Pinnacle Nola by Fram MAZE condos by Matas Group Edge Towers by Solmar Developments
Express your inner designer at the Wicker Emporium. Established in 1972, this wicker authority offers high-quality products in a wide variety of options and price points. In addition to wicker, the store expanded its merchandise to include solid wood furniture, lighting, leather, home textiles and much more. Location: 5985 Rodeo Dr. #5
event: port credit busker festival Come join the merriment of Mississauga's annual Port Credit Busker Festival. International performers roam the streets and entertain with an emphasis on singing, playing music, magic, amazing stunts, acrobatics and circus feats. Located near the lake, Port Credit's streets are lined with tantalizing restaurants and inviting stores. Prepared to be wowed and amazed. Date: August 19-21 Location: Port Credit Memorial Park, 20 Lakeshore Rd East
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Oakville patio: harper's landing Harper's Landing is hard to ignore. The bistro boasts a contemporary flare inside, but it's the large, wide-open patio that draws hungry customers in during the summer. Padded seats and wooden tables provide a friendly environment for conversation and food. Heated lamps strategically placed add additional warmth. The outside area is also the perfect venue to enjoy live entertainment. Location: 481 Cornwall Rd.
Photo by Spencer Wynne
Home Ownership
ice cream parlour: alphabet chocolate & case de gelato There's no shortage of choices at Alphabet Chocolate & Casa de Gelato. The parlour's gelato comes in 40 tempting flavours including peanut butter, chocolate velvet, crème brule and Ferrero Roche. They also offer two sugarfree gelatos for diabetics. All the Italian ice creams contain only eight per cent fat, compared to most brands' 65 per cent fat content, so don't feel guilty about seconds. Location: 110 Kerr St.
Average House Hold Income: $137,810 Number of People Per Household: 2.95 Home Ownership: 84% own, 15% rent Population Age: 32.65% are 20-44 years old
Developments brought to you by HomeFinder.ca 1. The Cosmopolitan by Ballantry 2. The Residences of Creekshore Common by Mattamy 3. Oakvillage by Minto 4. Senses Condominiums by Empire Communities 5. Oak & Co by Cortel Group 6. The 6ixth Towns by Metroly Developments
brunch: la parisienne creperie If you're looking for a yummy alternative to the traditional breakfast fare, try La Parisienne Creperie. There's a mix of sweet and savoury crepes with an eclectic choice of ingredients. The house specialty is a Normande baked crepe, filled with Black Forest ham, sautéed mushrooms, baby potatoes, covered with a béchamel sauce and grated Swiss cheese. Enjoy something sinful like the Noisette or the Royale, with vanilla ice cream, bananas, chocolate sauce and almonds. Both promise to satisfy any dessert cravings. Location: 3521 Wyecroft Road, Unit E3
shop: structube Founded as a family business in 1974, Structube provides contemporary, modern furniture for any room in the house. Items are handpicked from around the world and reflect current trends. They include everything from beds, tables, chairs and stools to sofas, armchairs and ottomans. Location: 3521 Wyecroft Road, Unit E3
event: midnight madness Oakville's Midnight Madness is the ultimate street fest. The retail event draws a crowd of more than 50,000 between 6 p.m. and midnight. Local shops offer incredible sales and deals. Live entertainment performs on multiple stages. All this and delicious food, too! Every dollar raised goes to charity. Date: July 15 Location: Downtown Oakville
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Scarborough patio: diana's oyster bar and grill Diana's Oyster Bar and Grill not only serves as a scrumptious seafood destination, but a comfortable spot for an outdoor meal. A glass enclosure allows guests to enjoy their surroundings while sheltering them from the elements. The blue sky or evening stars pair perfectly with the restaurant's signature oyster, seafood and fish dishes. Location: 2105 Lawrence Ave E.
ice cream parlour: lingan cream house Photo by Spencer Wynne
Lingan Cream House offers savoury hot food and tasty bite-sized snacks, but the real treat is their specialty frozen goodies. The menu includes cream sherbet sundaes and ice cream in an assortment of flavours such as exotic mango and pineapple. All the ice cream is homemade and delicious. Location: 6055 Steeles Ave E.
Home Ownership Average House Hold Income: $71,673 Number of People Per Household: 3.0 Home Ownership: 65% own, 34% rent Population Age: 36% are 20-44 years old
Developments brought to you by HomeFinder.ca 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
The Kennedys by SAMM Developments Opal Urban Towns by Time Development Group The Guild by Stanton Renaissance At the Rouge by Glen Rouge Homes Highland Creek Village by Your Home Developments Matrix by Conservatory Group
brunch: vi pei Vi Pei's European-style bistro features a variety of delicious brunch options. There are fluffy omelettes, crispy bacon and fan-favourite home fries. The griddle whips up Grand Marnier-infused French toast, a corned beef Beach Scrambler and wild blueberry pancakes. Wash it down with fresh orange juice or a piping-hot beverage. Location: 3101 Kingston Road
shop: classic fireplace and bbq store Classic Fireplace and BBQ Store encourages people to heat and cook in style. Grill masters can pick and choose from a wide selection of barbecues, ranging from propane and natural gas, to smokers and charcoal. If broiling and searing aren't your thing, the store also carries fireplaces, stoves, patio heaters and fire pits. There are even high-quality accessories to complement those purchases. Location: 65 Rylander Blvd.
event: taste of lawrence Taste of Lawrence is Scarborough's largest street festival. Founded 13 years ago by Councilor Michael Thompson, the popular three-day event showcases food and cultural diversity from every corner of the GTA. The festivities include international food options, more than 130 street vendors, midway rides, arts and crafts, as well as live entertainment on two stages. Date: July 8-10 Location: Wexford Heights Business Improvement Area, 1720 Lawrence Ave E
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Whitby patio: corrado's restaurant and bar Corrado's Restaurant and Bar's patio is a great escape. The lovely outside space provides comfortable seating as well as large umbrellas to shield you from the sun. Heaters also keep customers warm when the weather cools down, making this a prime location to share a slice of pizza, delicious Italian food and a glass of wine. Location: 38 Baldwin St.
ice cream parlour: goodberry Photo by Jen duMoulin
Home Ownership
The Goodberry prides itself on providing healthy alternatives to ice treats with frozen yogurts and smoothies. The establishment boasts such delectable flavours as vanilla, caramel apple, cookie dough and cotton candy. Special-themed fare has included Mother's Day flavour Lavender Blossom and St. Patrick's Day Irish Cream and Shamrock Chocolate Mint. Be sure to ask for samples. Location: 55 Baldwin St.
brunch: the brock house Average House Hold Income: $106, 094 Number of People Per Household: 3.02 Home Ownership: 84% own, 15% rent Population Age: 35% are 20-44 years old
At The Brock House's massive brunch buffet, feast on chef stations with made-to-order omelets, stone-oven pizza and a carvery. The Marche includes breakfast items ham, sausage, salads, a waffle station, as well as a chocolate fountain. Don't forget the dessert table. Reservations are recommended.
Developments
Location: 919 Brock St N.
brought to you by HomeFinder.ca 1. Whitby Meadows by Opus Homes, Paradise Homes, Fieldgate Homes, Arista Homes and Great Gulf 2. Country Lane by Heathwood and Andrin Homes 3. The Townhomes at Brooklin Corners by Sorbara Group 4. Chelsea Hill by Tribute Communities 5. Tauton & New Cornation by Great Gulf 6. Lakebreeze by Kaitlin Corp (less than 30 minutes east of Whitby)
shop: sheridan nurseries Sheridan Nurseries serves all your gardening needs. The 23.500 square foot centre is home to shrubs, trees, soils, fertilizers and a wide variety of flowers. Other essentials such as tools, gardening supplies and outdoor furniture can also be purchased. In addition, Sheridan Nurseries offers outdoor design advice and landscape services. Location: 410 Taunton Rd W.
event: harbour day Celebrate Whitby's historic waterfront on Harbour Day. The summer event showcased the local Port Whitby Marina and Yacht Club. People can enjoy water skiing shows, Dragon Boat racing, food vendors and live entertainment. The festivities end with a spectacular display of fireworks. Date: July 23 Location: Port Whitby Marina, 301 Watson Street, Captain James Rowe House
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Canary District comes to
life
Health and wellness-focused retailers, amenities now open story by Ryan Starr photos by Spencer wynne
A
s the first condos took occupancy at Canary District last month, so too did the community’s retail spaces. At the base of the residential buildings shops, services and eateries with patios line Front Street East — the neighbourhood’s main drag. Two historic structures remain from the area’s industrial past. The Canadian National Railway building and former Palace Street School/Canary Restaurant, after which the district is named, are being restored to serve as gateposts for the community’s western entrance. And in a nod to its Pan Am Games roots, Canary District’s retail — 50,000 square feet of it by the time the community is fully built out — is focused around a health and wellness theme. This includes first tenants Gears Bike Shop, The Running Room, OpusGlow Concept Spa and Think Fitness Studio. There’s also a variety of food proprietors, most of them independent and healthful: Sukhothai (its fourth Toronto location), Dark Horse Espresso Bar (its fifth T.O. spot), Tori’s Bakeshop (all natural/ organic), East Side Meats, Fuel Plus (a health food store, cafe and takeout counter), Pizza e Pazzi (authentic Neopolitan-style pizza) and Tabule (Middle Eastern cuisine). The retailers were secured through a partnership Canary District’s developer has with advisory firm LiveWorkLearnPlay Inc. Dundee also created the neighbouring Distillery District, which features an arts-focused retail mix. The pedestrian-friendly Front Street promenade terminates at Corktown Common, an 18-acre park
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that serves as a trailhead to path networks up the Don Valley and along the lakeshore. And Canary District’s public realm is porous by design, with extensive laneways, courtyards and pedestrian paths cutting through the neighbourhood, giving it a more human scale. An 82,000-square-foot YMCA opened at Canary District last year, as did a George Brown College student residence. All of it will be connected to the rest of the city via a new King Street streetcar spur down Cherry Street, slated to open this June. The buildings at Canary District are designed to a LEED Gold standard, with green roofs, lowflow fixtures, Energy Star-rated appliances, bicycle storage and parking, car-share programs and electric car recharging stations. Like the rest of the redeveloped waterfront, the district is powered by Canada’s first open-access, ultra-high-speed broadband community, via Beanfield Metroconnect. To ensure a diversity of aesthetics the community’s buildings were designed by different architecture firms: architectsAlliance handled the George Brown residences; KPMB Architects worked on the two condo buildings; Montreal-based Daoust Lestage Inc. designed the affordable housing buildings; and MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects did the YMCA. “There’s a common rhythm with all these buildings,” said Dream Unlimited’s senior vice-president of development Jason Lester. “But, at the same time, each building stands on its own with unique architecture.”
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Spotlight on // devron developments
the vanguard Bold design meets a progressive approach to living with The Vanguard, a stunning 25-storey condominium in Toronto’s prestigious Grandview neighbourhood. Led by Devron Developments, The Vanguard pairs luxuriously spacious suites with enviable amenities designed for growing families. The building will feature a 7,000 square foot outdoor terrace designed by Strybos Barron King, kitted out with an open-air culinary centre, dining space, community gardens, and open lawn, all enveloped behind a wall of sheltering trees to create a sense of privacy and escape. A public park will be designed to nestle directly behind the building to serve as a backyard for residents and open space for the community. The project is sustainability-minded too: The Vanguard will be the first residential development in the GTA to house Tesla Destination Wall Chargers and will be certified LEED gold (one of only 23 other buildings in the GTA). The Vanguard is located at 7089 Yonge Street. To be among the first to preview The Vanguard, be sure to register online at vanguardto.com or contact info@vanguardto.com. Content provided by Devron Developments
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P leasures of the
table
Toronto’s newest decor store focuses on the fine art of dining By Vicky Sanderson
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T
Photo by Ben Rahn A-Frame Photography.
Andrea Hopson and Martha Grace McKimm of Hopson Grace.
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here’s no shortage of pretty places and pretty people along Yonge Street between Bloor and Summerhill. So credit is due to Hopson Grace www.hopsongrace.com for standing out as the most handsome new retail spot on the strip. To be fair, the founders of this tabletop and decor store — which opened in April 2015 — have extensive experience with loveliness and luxury. Andrea Hopson was formerly vice-president for Tiffany and Co. Canada, and Martha Grace McKimm handled public relations for such high-end brands as Louis Vuitton, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and Tiffany, which is how the pair met. “We came to each other at the best possible time, with a lot of passion and purpose,” says McKimm of the decision to open the store. “We both wanted to focus on the table. Our goal is to bring people back to it. There’s so much evidence about the value of eating a meal with family and friends — that it improves your health physically and mentally.” Pieces are arranged — museum-like — on beautifully-lit open shelving: small Lucite slabs hold product descriptions and maker information. Despite being a relatively small space, each item is given an opportunity to breathe. A capacious central aisle holds two marble-topped display tables, above which hang a series of lighting fixtures custom designed by Burdifilek, the Toronto-based studio responsible for the store’s interior. Hopson and McKimm handpick the selection from suppliers around the world. They must jointly agree on new lines, and they’re constantly searching for items not found elsewhere. “Not everything is exclusive,” says Hopson, “but our focus is on making sure whatever we carry is both beautiful and very functional. It’s not about consuming – it’s about the experience.” Because McKimm and Hopson believe that great design doesn’t have to be costly, prices run the gamut. For those with deep pockets, there are such pieces as the exceptional lilac stick vase by Canadian wood-turner Jim Lorriman at $2,350. But there are also superbly pretty tea towels from Rain Goose, Jocelyne Mange’s North Vancouver design studio, that start at $16.
“We both wanted to focus on the table. Our goal is to bring people back to it. There’s so much evidence about the value of eating a meal with family and friends — that it improves your health physically and mentally.” Photo by Ben Rahn A-Frame Photography.
Cool new click Design hounds are chattering about the fresh, fabulous finds on Casa Cubista www.casacubista.com. Founders David Pimentel, who left Toronto for sunny Portugal a year ago, and husband Arren Williams, the former creative director for one for Hudson’s Bay, launched the site recently. On offer are handmade Portuguese textiles, tiles, toys, decor and accessories – some of which are crafted by Williams and Pimentel themselves.
Olive oil bowls from Casa Cubista.
Arren Williams and David Pimentel of Casa Cubista.
• Custom Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies, Sheers, Roman Shades • Decorative Hardware • Custom Bedding • Motorized Shades and Draperies
#307-34 CEDAR POINTE DRIVE, BARRIE BARRIE • MUSKOKA • TORONTO • DUNDAS • MARKHAM
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(705) 737-4200 | WWW.SALNEK.CA
Spotlight on // Empire Midtown
the new midtown Introducing EmpireMidtown. The beginning of a 'new Midtown.' Imagine a stunning new tower and enticing amenities. Envision a catalyst for major revitalization. Think of living better and prospering more. Imagine getting in early on a smarter investment. Imagine an even more desirable Midtown Toronto neighbourhood. Optimists see the potential. Do you? This is the next up-and-coming neighbourhood, so get in early, things are about to change. Change for the better. Come find the very thing you imagined, a smarter alternative. For more information, register today at www.empiremidtown.com Content provided by Empire Communities abode Summer 2016
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y Ba rry J
to b
Pho
Holm
es
omebody real bad By Cece M. Scott
R
ussell Peters is multitasking, zipping down the highway on his way to Las Vegas, while chatting with Abode Magazine. It's indicative of his hectic schedule. The stand-up comedian has played 250 shows in 25 countries since starting his "Almost Famous World Tour, with stops in Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong and the States. Over half a million fans have roared with laughter at, and along with, Peters over these past two years, culminating in the tour's finale at Toronto's Massey Hall, where he recorded two shows for his new Netflix special. Peters’s searing and-oh-so-on-the-mark humour bonds his audiences to him in a personal "a-ha" gotcha manner, as he pokes uncensored fun at every race. No matter what the background, everyone is invited to identify with his irreverent cultural and ethnic stereotype takedowns.
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"I talk about my family. I talk about different cultures. Everyone thinks that they are different, but then they hear me say something about my family and they think, ‘Oh yeah, my family does that too.’"
Photo by Bob King
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“At a live show, my goal is to make you feel, not so much like you’ve come to see a comedian, but like you know me and I know you,” Peters says. “We are just a bunch of friends hanging out, and I’m being the jackass at the party. There is never this feeling of ‘He’s this and we’re that.' It’s like, 'Yup, he’s one of us.’ It doesn’t matter who the ‘us’ is - black, white, Asian, Indian, Hispanic - it doesn’t matter. I am you.” Even though most people think that their lives are unique, Peters believes audiences relate to him because he talks about universal commonalities. “This is my journal and I’m basically just reading it out to you saying, ‘This is my life,'" notes Peters. "I talk about my family. I talk about different cultures. Everyone thinks that they are different, but then they hear me say something about my family and they think, ‘Oh yeah, my family does that too.’ What people fail to realize is that we are all exactly the same humans. Yes, we all do the exact same things; it’s just that we do them with a different accent.” George Carlin, one of Peters’ idols, gave him some invaluable advice when he was starting out. “Get on the stage as much as possible, no matter what the situation," Peters recalls of their conversation. "If you are at a bar and there’s a live band, ask them if you can get on the stage for five minutes while they take a break. Getting as much experience as possible really makes a difference. You can’t theorize it in your head. The more you are up and on, the better you get. It’s like boxing; you can train at the gym, but it is not until you get the fights that you really find out what boxing is all about.” Peters, in fact, has been training in the ring quite a lot, doing 12 rounds with only 30 second breaks. Peters has KO-ed quite a few people and has been knocked down himself, but not knocked out. “It’s probably better if you are knocked out (versus knocked down), because at least then
Photo by Eddrone
it’s over,” Peters says with a self-deprecating laugh. "When you get knocked down, you have to get back up again and then you get hit some more." Humour isn't just a tool Peters relies on for stage. It also serves as an invaluable asset in his personal life. “I laugh at myself constantly when I do dumb things," explains Peters. "I think that I’m turning into my father. He used to have these little arguments with himself like, ‘C’mon, what are you doing?’ "My daughter makes me laugh all the time as well, but I think that is what kids are supposed to do — entertain their parents," continues Peters. "Although, I can’t recall my parents ever laughing at me or being entertained by me. I think it is an immigrant parent thing. They don’t encourage silly behaviour because they think you might be showing signs of slowness.” Peters’s dad passed away in 2004, just six or seven months before the fame really hit, before it all blew up. His mom though, who still lives in Brampton, comes to all his shows. “She’s a proud doting mom who gets to live the good life now because I facilitate that for her," Peters says. "As I should!” Peters, however, calls his daughter, Crystianna, a much tougher audience. She shares a similar personality, he argues, and swears she will say and do things with such perfect comedic timing that he feels it has to be genetically programmed. After all, no five-year-olds learn such behaviour. "She doesn’t see what I do for a living," he says with a chuckle. "Actually, I wouldn’t LET her watch my shows!”
Photo by Eddrone
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The gifts inherent with fame have made life pretty great for Peters, who owns homes in Los Angeles and Mississauga. But Peters hasn’t forgotten his humble beginnings, paying it forward in a number of ways. As a philanthropist, Peters donates substantial amounts to various charities, with a particular affinity for multiple sclerosis, as his sister-in-law and a couple of friends suffer from it. He also established The Russell Peters North Peel Scholarship at his old high school in Brampton, a $20,000 a year scholarship that enables a student to go on to college. Peters moved away from Ontario 10 years ago, but his memory and observations on Toronto remain razor-sharp. “I’ve noticed Torontonians have a certain pride in the city now that never happened when I was growing up,” he says. “Drake made it cool to be from the ‘6’ (Toronto), which I think is really great and really cool. And, we have sports teams that are actually good now!” Referring to himself as "a downtown guy," Peters misses certain aspects of Toronto. To begin with, there's the diversity of food. The 45-year-old lists the Jamaican cuisine along Eglinton Avenue West ("You can’t get good Jamaican food in L.A.," Peters says.), Gerrard Street East's Indian restaurants and, of course, Little Italy, as some of his favourite culinary destinations. He also aches for the “insane amount of beautiful women in Toronto.”
“I do not take any of it for granted. I am just a guy from Brampton who never dreamed that any of these things could happen to a guy like me. I appreciate my city. It will always be my home.” Peters considers his credo, “It’s not a race. There is no finish line.” What, then, does he aspire to next? Well, after the gruelling two-year "Almost Famous World Tour," Peters is taking the summer off to spend with Crystianna. “I see her every day when I am home, (in L.A.). She loves coming to my house. It’s the fun house!” Peters exclaims with pride. And as far as work goes, Peters, who has appeared in films, comedy specials and popular TV shows, such as "Mr. D," states that while he really likes being in movies, he’s not enamoured with the logistics. “I was talking to Will Smith about making movies and I said to him, ‘I don’t particularly love the process of making a movie, but I understand it’s a
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necessity,'” explains Peters. Later this year, Peters is shooting a Canadian-international co-production mini-series in South Africa and Canada. Peters, who is now an outsized success, does not view the trappings of superstardom as a given. “If I had not been fortunate enough to be in this situation, I would be John Q Everyman,” Peters concludes. “I do not take any of it for granted. I am just a guy from Brampton who never dreamed that any of these things could happen to a guy like me. I appreciate my city. It will always be my home.”
The "Almost Famous World Tour" was the biggest, longest and most intense single tour that Russell Peters has ever done. The "Almost Famous World Tour" was Peters’ fourth arena tour. Most comics are lucky to get one! Peters is one of the voices in Disney’s "Jungle Book," released April 15th.
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Peters is working on two new television series.
On Forbes List as one of the top 10 Highest-Paid Comedians in the U.S. since 2009. Peters has been a stand-up comedian for 27 years.
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MyLakeBreeze.ca MyLakeBreeze.ca MyLakeBreeze.ca ||T:|T:647-302-2490 T:647-302-2490 647-302-2490 ||sales@mylakebreeze.ca |sales@mylakebreeze.ca sales@mylakebreeze.ca SeeSee Sales See Sales Representative Sales Representative Representative forfor details. details. for details. Prices Prices Prices andand specifications and specifications specifications areare subject are subject subject to change to change to change without without without notice. notice. notice. All All renderings renderings All renderings areare artist’s are artist’s artist’s concept. concept. concept. E &EO.E. & EO.E. & O.E.
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Kaitlin Communities introduces
Lakebreeze
By Tracy Hanes
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s there modern love for contemporary architecture in the GTA east? If Kaitlin Communities’ Lakebreeze development in Clarington is any indication, there is. All homes in the last large master-planned waterfront community in the GTA will be modern style, from the entry level condos starting in the $200,000s through luxury custom waterfront homes starting at $1.5 million. “We stimulated our team to think outside the box," says Bill Daniell, president of the Kaitlin Corporation. "It’s pretty rare for a whole subdivision to be planned like this.” His team took the lessons learned from Kaitlin’s first Clarington waterfront development, Port of Newcastle, to create Lakebreeze. But they wanted to depart from that established neighbourhood’s Cape Cod-inspired architecture. Lakebreeze will stretch 3.2 kilometres along Lake Ontario in Bowmanville. When complete, there will be 1,200 homes appealing to a wide range of buyers. More than 150 homes in the first two phases have already been sold. About 40 per cent of the site is dedicated to open space with parks and trails and the community is designed to maximize waterfront views. Lakebreeze is divided into East and West Villages, with the first phases ready for occupancy in summer of 2017.
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THE ARCHITECTURE Clarington has a proud rural heritage and new home developments there tend to reflect old Ontario-style home designs. But Kaitlin Communities and architectural technologist Richard Vink of VA3 Design wanted a complete departure, though it took some doing to persuade the municipality to approve the modern concept. Attributes of contemporary architecture Straight lines: Look for straight lines, square and geometric elements, bold horizontal and vertical features. Windows: These serve a design purpose as well as bring in light. Look for floor-to-ceiling glass and plenty of sliding doors. Boxed canopies over windows and asymmetrical windows contribute to a modern feel. Seamless indoor-outdoor spaces: Rooftop or ground floor terraces, decks and sliding doors connect the interior living spaces to the outdoors. Strong roof lines: While the municipality insisted on sloping rather than flat roofs at Lakebreeze, the designs incorporate rectangular and horizontal roof elements.
THE LIFESTYLE Lakebreeze will be an important link in Ontario’s Waterfront Trail and buyers there can walk or cycle along the trail to reach the amenities at Port of Newcastle. Lakebreeze buyers receive a two-year membership to the Admiral’s Walk Clubhouse at Port of Newcastle with its indoor pool, fitness facilities, theatre room, lounge, restaurant, tennis court and playground. There is a marina and restaurant at Port of Newcastle that Lakebreeze owners can access. Lakebreeze is in Bowmanville, the largest community in the Municipality of Clarington. It has numerous urban amenities such as movie theatres, big box stores and restaurants as well as a quaint main street with independently owned cafes and shops. It is a 35 minute drive to the Don Valley Parkway along Highway 401 and GO buses shuttle commuters to the Oshawa GO station. Lakebreeze will have two exits off the 401 and will be served by Durham Region Transit buses.
HOME FEATURES Lakebreeze’s highest priced units, custom waterfront homes, will have 10-foot ceilings and rooftop balconies overlooking Lake Ontario. Window walls will open to provide seamless indooroutdoor living. All other homes will have 9-foot ceilings, engineered hardwood flooring, front door digital lock systems and Ecobee Thermostats. Other details include built-in soap dispensers, spice racks, cutlery holders and pull-out waste bins in kitchens, USB outlets and bicycle racks in the garage.
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Spotlight on // brookfield residential
the arbors Ground breaking has taken place at The Arbors Condominiums in Aurora. Part of the master-planned Arbors community, the four-storey condominium is adjacent to parkland, protected woodlots, nature trails and existing amenities. Prices begin from just the mid $300s (including parking). The residence will also feature extensive amenities. Brookfield Residential is a premier homebuilder with 60 years of experience, and has won many coveted awards including J.D. Power and Associates, Tarion and Ontario Builder of the Year. The new Arbors Presentation Centre with a model suite available for touring is located at 509 William Graham Drive, Aurora. For hours and more information visit MyAuroraCondo.ca Content provided by Brookfield Residential
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From Athletes’ Village
to condos in mere months By Ryan Starr
Photo by Spencer Wynne
Canary District’s post Pan Am Games conversion was a race against time
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orontonians were thrilled to witness thousands of athletes from across the Americas converge on the city during last summer’s Pan/Parapan Am Games. But for the firm that built the village that housed those Pan Am participants, Dundee Kilmer Developments LP — a joint venture between Dream Unlimited Corp. and Kilmer Van Nostrand Co. Ltd. — the excitement of the Games paled in comparison to the challenge it faced once the athletes left town: a race against the clock to convert those residences into market condos ready for occupancy starting this spring. “We were concerned the post-Games process might be even more challenging than putting up the actual buildings,” said project manager Harvey Barth. “We had promised our purchasers a delivery date and it’s our intention to meet every one of those dates.” This includes 810 units in two condo projects. There’s Canary District Condos, a two-tower midrise building at the corner of Cherry Street and an extended Front Street East (the neighbourhood’s main promenade, Front Street
Photo by Spencer Wynne
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Photo by Spencer Wynne
now stretches east to Bayview Avenue, which itself has been extended south into the district). And there’s Canary Park Condos, a midrise with two towers at Front and Bayview. The building sits adjacent to Corktown Common, the 18-acre park that is the jewel of Waterfront Toronto’s West Don Lands precinct. Canary District, the second mixed-use neighbourhood in the West Don Lands, will ultimately encompass six condo buildings and more than 250 units of affordable housing across its 35-acre site. The next phase, launching later this year, will be a 170-suite condo located beside Canary Park — just a portion of the 1,200 units still to come at Canary District. There will also be 50,000 square feet of retail at the base of the buildings along Front Street. A few shops, services and eateries started opening in April. With all eyes on Toronto’s newest neighbourhood, it was key that the first residences to be built at Canary District—the two buildings occupied by Pan Am athletes — be converted into condos with competence and care. And Dundee Kilmer’s team has been equal to the task, welcoming the first wave of occupants last month, on time and on budget (everyone should be in by August, according to Barth). The conversion process was complex. Hardly any of the condo finishes
were in place during the Games. That meant kitchen cabinetry, appliances, closets, flooring and baseboards all had to be installed after the T.O. 2015 Organizing Committee handed the community back to Dundee Kilmer last September. Kitchen services (water, drains and power) were pre-installed behind the walls, so post-Games crews opened up walls to make hook-ups. Walls were constructed in the standard suites in order to house all 10,000 athletes and coaches in buildings designed for 2,500 occupants. After the Games, these too came down. And washrooms that were built big enough to accommodate the accessibility requirements of Parapan Am athletes were reconfigured — the extra space turned into a walk-in closet for an adjacent bedroom. A tall order all in all, but Dundee Kilmer approached the post-Pan Am transformation of Canary District with laser-like focus and precision, including carrying out two pre-delivery inspections of each unit to flag any potential issues and minor repairs. And based on the reaction of Hanley Koo, a buyer who moved into his suite at Canary District Condos in April, the conversion was a job well done. “It’s all come together nicely, which I’m happy to see. I’m excited to live here,” concluded Koo.
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Summer Reading Suggestions by vicky sanderson A hot sun. A cool drink. A comfy chair in sheltering shade. And a good book. What else do you need for a perfect summer afternoon?
Always Beautiful ALWAYS AFFORDABLE
FURNISHINGS • ART & ACCESSORIES CUSTOM DRAPERIES • DECORATING SERVICES RUGS • LIGHTING • FINE LINENS We now have two impressive historically restored shops on Bracebridge’s main street, filled with timeless items that you will absolutely love for both
your home and your cottage. Let us help you find that classic table, that comfy chair, or the perfect piece of art. AtVeranda, you live beautifully.
24 MANITOBA STREET, BRACEBRIDGE ON 705 645 6451 • VERANDACOLLECTION.CA
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The Future of Architecture in 100 Buildings Marc Kushner $20 Based on the premise that buildings shape society as much as they do the landscape, author Marc Kushner — founder of Architizer.com — looks at 100 buildings and sites that change the way people live, and bring beauty to their lives. A fascinating read with stunning images, it’s small enough to hold in one hand – leaving the other free to grasp a tall gin and tonic. Cheers! Dream Decor Will Taylor $42 Can’t get out of town to soak up far-away design inspiration? Escape instead with Dream Decor by Will Taylor of Bright. Bazaar www.brightbazaarblog. com, who has been annointed by no less than Jonathan Adler as a “true talent with a keen eye.” From Miami to Brooklyn to the Hamptons to Normandy, the popular blogger shows the diverse styles of 15 decor destinations. Shades of Grey: Decorating with the most elegant of neutrals Kate Watson-Smyth $39 No, it’s not a primer on naughty decor. It’s a delightfully painless read by British decor and design writer Kate Watson-Smyth, who explores — with insight and wit — why this challenging, chameleonlike colour is loved (and occasionally loathed) by experts and designers. It’s crammed with good tips on finding the right grey for any room.
Spotlight on // The Remington group
Pride of Canada Carousel Downtown Markham, Markham, ON
Downtown Markham will unveil The Pride of Canada Carousel to the public during a special Canada Day Celebration on Friday, July 1, 2016. The one-of-a-kind, fine art carousel, which is the centrepiece of The Remington Group’s $25-million public art initiative at the 243-acre mixed use development, features playful Canadian-themed sculptures created from found objects by artist Patrick Amiot and his wife Brigitte Laurent. Content provided by The Remington Group
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Spotlight on // can-Aqua
kids' camp
Every year, children flock to camp for an unforgettable summer experience. Ontario's renowned Can-Aqua provides that fun environment, while teaching life skills and instilling a sense of identity. The camp believes the "Canadian Tradition" of swimming in lakes, cooking on an open fire and experiencing the outdoors is crucial in the development of kids. Can-Aqua further challenges attendees physically, creatively and intellectually, while encouraging compromise, cooperation and the importance of self-expression. With campers journeying from Spain, Germany, Norway, China, Korea and Australia, CanAqua also prides itself on its diversity that reflects today's modern world. Learn more at: www.canaqua.ca/ Content provided by Can-Aqua
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ome h
away from home
story by bryan cairns
Orchard Point Harbour
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rillia's Orchard Point Harbour successfully marries lifestyle and location. Situated in the heart of cottage country at the Narrows, between Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching, the luxury condos are surrounded by water on the east, south and west. This ensures unobstructed, breathtaking 360-degree views of the lakes. No need to lean over the balcony and turn your head like in the city. The development promises all the finishes and resort-style amenities that homebuyers would expect. Every suite features granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, engineered hardwood flooring and a modern bathroom. Rounding out the list of amenities are heated parking, plowing services and a lobby fireplace complemented by cozy seating. The Lakeside Club boasts a fitness centre that can be accessed through the underground. Beyond the state-of-the-art equipment and private yoga studio, floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the main workout space guarantee that same gorgeous view as in the condos. In addition, the infinity pool and hot tub also provide the ideal settings to wind down. Or, venture to the Lakeview Lounge located on the roof for peace and tranquility. Entertainment facilities such as a party room and billiards room are also available. Orchard Point Harbour's close proximity to Orillia means residents can enjoy music festivals, popular bistros, a cute shopping area on Mississauga Street and various golf courses, such as Hawk Ridge Golf Course. The Starport Marina welcomes boat enthusiasts and for those feeling lucky, Casino Rama is only minutes away. Phase II of Orchard Point Harbour consists of eight storeys with a total of 88 condo units. Sizes range from 1,000 square feet to 2139. Currently, just over 60 per cent of Phase II is sold. Estimated completion date is December, 2017.
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Muskoka Bay Club
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he Muskoka Bay Club feels like a little piece of paradise. Located on the outskirts of Gravenhurst, about a 90 minute commute to Toronto, this extraordinary community offers something for everyone. Choose from luxury villas, homes and lofts that range in size and price. Developer Peter Freed's uncompromising attention to quality, detail and craftsmanship is unmistakable. All three options include spacious interiors, custom-designed kitchen cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, 9' ceilings and an oversized bathroom mirror. Exteriors incorporate an interesting dichotomy of contemporary aesthetic and Muskoka flare with timber frame and granite stone. One of the main draws is architect Doug Carrick's awardwinning, 18-hole golf course nestled into the landscape. It won best new golf course when it opened in 2007 and the accolades haven't stopped. Recently, it ranked within the Top 10 Golf Courses in Canada according to Golf Digest Magazine. So, book a tee time and hit some balls. Muskoka Bay Club's incredible 17,000 foot Clifftop Clubhouse
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offers a resort atmosphere with world-class amenities. A modern fitness facility, tennis courts, firepit and stylish spa make staying busy effortless. Owners can also bike, hike or bird watch in the area. An amazing pool sits right on the edge of the cliff and overlooks the golf course. Its infinity-edge allows swimmers to go right up to the rim and look down off the cliff. Kids can also splash around in their own pool with a waterfall flowing into it. The playground behind it was built with rubber flooring, so the children can bounce around without being hurt. Two restaurants on the premises present different culinary experiences. The Cliffside Grill caters to casual dining while The Muskoka Room is more fine dining. The Muskoka Bay Club prides itself on the contributions it has made to the Muskoka/Gravenhurst communities. It's brought in employment, development and a renowned golf course. Furthermore, supporting local charities remains a top priority. Freed hosts the yearly Freed Charity Golf Classic, where proceeds are split between the nearby hospital and the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Braestone
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he Braestone is a breath of fresh air. Located 20 minutes north of Barrie in Oro-Medonte, within the spectacular Horseshoe Valley, the new home community rests on 566 acres of land, with estate lots of up to 1.5 acres. Over four phases, only 229 homes are planned. The architectural design was influenced by local farm houses, barns and sheds, but with a modern twist. Interior finishes boast a soaker tub, enclosed glass shower, granite counter tops, porcelain tiles, vaulted ceilings, trimmed archways, large kitchen islands, as well as maple and oak floors. The majestic residences also feature a detached coach home. However, what makes Braestone's refined country living truly memorable and unique is the 108-acre working farm. Georgian International president James Massie and vice president David Bunston refer to the farm's unique amenities as "remarkables," which were created to reflect the magnificent landscape. These include a pumpkin patch, vegetable gardens, a tree house, a skating pond, a Christmas tree farm, a vineyard and a tobogganing hill for the winter. Furthermore, owners can pick fresh fruit from apple, pear or cherry orchards. Other country-style activities include berry picking, horseback riding and yearly harvest events. A Sugar Shack allows residents to tap maple trees, collect the sap and transform it into maple syrup. The farm's caretakers even produce honey, maple syrup, jams and much more. For additional outdoor fun, the trail systems weaving through the forest are ideal for walking, hiking and skiing. The Braestone in Horseshoe Valley was recently named Best New Home Community of the Year by the Canadian Home Builders Association.
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Fox Harb'r Summer Home
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iscover serenity of the Harb'r Stone Village. Located on Nova Scotia's Northumberland Coast — a twohour scenic drive from Halifax and Moncton – the luxury community consists of townhomes, a custom single family home and 23 home sites. The executive townhomes boast high ceilings, gas fireplaces, spacious master suites and a modern bathroom. Two designs are available in sizes up to 3,000 square feet and come furnished in an array of colours and styles. Custom designed homes allow owners to tap into their inner architect and express their individuality. A team of professionals help create customized floor plans, select the proper finishes and features, and nurture people's personal sense of style. Or, buyers can bring their own planners to the process. Lastly, Fox Harb'r's custom homes feature New Englandstyle architecture and charm. Top quality materials ensure a traditional comfort. These custom homes include hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen, media rooms, a floorto-ceiling fireplace and spectacular landscaping. All three options guarantee a stunning ocean view. Fox Harb'r also offers a number of upscale amenities to residents. Indulge and get pampered at the Dol-ás Spa. The Graham Cooke-designed 18-hole Championship golf course and Executive 9-hole par 3 gold course make you feel like a pro. Two restaurants provide five-star quality food, including the Cape Cliff Dining Room, Atlantic Canada's first sustainable seafood restaurant. Homebuyers are allotted a section of the 25-acre vineyard where they can grow and harvest their own grapes. Other crowd pleasers include a world-class clay shooting facility, a deep sea marina and a private jetport.
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Gardening in the first year
Story by owen reeves
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ongratulations on your new house or condo! It’s an exciting time and the list of projects to put your personal stamp on it may seem endless. When we bought our house the most common advice we got was to wait a year before making any major changes. It seems frustrating, but the longer we were in our house, the more we realized it was true. If you’ve been living somewhere without an outdoor space, you may be itching to get out and make the new space your own. So what do you do with your new outdoor space? Does the same “rule” about waiting a year apply? Sorry to disappoint you but in many ways it does. However, there are many things you can do in that first year to get you ready for many years of enjoying your outdoor space. So what do you do to set yourself up for success?
Make sure the builder is finished It may seem obvious but before you do anything major you want to make sure that the builder has done everything that they are responsible for. Are the sidewalks finished? The sod laid? Construction on upper floors complete? Fences installed? Driveways paved? If the builder is still completing work you want to make sure that it’s finished before undertaking major outdoor initiatives so that the work doesn’t affect your projects. Fences, additional construction, or other work the builder still has to complete can affect the light in your outdoor spaces or create mess that affects your design and the health of your plants.
Photo by Owen Reeves
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Monitor the light It’s important to remember that some plants do really well in sun and others in shade. So before you make major investments in landscaping or perennials, make sure the light is adequate. You’ll want to monitor this season-by-season, paying the most attention to the warm summer months. I would suggest keeping a notebook to track the light and what areas are sunny or shady at what times of the year. The first year I had a vegetable garden on a condo balcony, I was very excited thinking that because it was very bright, I would have a successful garden. The unit was south-facing with no obstructions to the west. However, come July, the high summer sun was blocked by part of my building, creating a shadow across my balcony in the middle of the day and I had to regularly rotate my plants. I eventually had to give up on some of them because the light I was getting in May and June wasn’t carrying through in those later, warmer months. The next year, I adjusted which vegetables I planted based on getting light later in the day as opposed to the middle of the day. This is one of the reasons why you also want to make sure any fencing or other construction is finished by the builder as those will impact the shading and light through the season. Paying attention to the amount of light different areas of your outdoor spaces get over the season will mean that you can plant the best garden beds for success year-over-year.
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Consider how you want to use the space The advice we kept getting about waiting a year to change the paint, do renovations, or other major changes to our house, was given because we needed to figure out how we were going to use the space. Do we read in one area? Find ourselves working in another area? Do we need a door to separate one area from another for noise? Same goes with your outdoor space. Do you have breakfast outside on the front porch and dinner on the back? Is there one area of the back that gets the most
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amazing light at sunset and you’d like to sit around a fire pit there? Do your kids like to play more on one side of the lawn than the other? Knowing how you use the space will help you determine if you need a professional design or construction and how you want to arrange the space to work for your family. You want to make the best use of your outdoor space for years to come, so figure out how you and your family are going to use the space.
Hire a designer Landscaping is one of the only home improvement investments that appreciates in value, so it's worth the time and money to invest and make it work for you. A designer can help you assess the lighting, use of space, and the hardscaping (patios, walkways, decks) and softscaping (plant material, lawn) that will suit the space, your family, and the level of care you can devote to gardening. Even if you intend to do the installament yourself, a professional design is worth the investment to help with spacing, choice of materials, and plant recommendations. Having a design also allows you to implement the project in phases while maintaining a consistent vision for the space, which will allow you to spread the cost out over multiple years if needed. The investment will pay off both in your own enjoyment of the space, but also in how your home appreciates in value and stands out from other ones in the development. While there are reasons to hold off on major planting or construction in your outdoor spaces, there are things that you can do to spruce up your outdoors and make it beautiful for you to enjoy.
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Use Annuals If you’re itching to make a garden and get planting outside, consider using annuals. Perennials are great and are a long-term investment that will return every year. If you don’t know what the light is like, or there is still construction going on in your area, or you’re waiting to get a professional design, you should hold off on planting perennials until year two. To give your property some interest and get you out into the garden annuals are great to plant every year, but particularly that first year in the house. Although they only last for one season, they offer tremendous beauty and all-summer colour; and on a plant-by-plant basis are much cheaper than perennials.
Photos by Owen Reeves
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Annuals will also give you an idea of how other plants may perform as you can see over the season which ones do well based on the light and soil conditions in various areas of your yard. It means you can adjust the soil or other structures and choose the appropriate perennials for future years. The other great thing about annuals is that they create a real tropical vibe with bright colours and interesting leaf textures that we usually can’t create with perennial plants in this climate. There are tons of options for these plants, so I’ve listed a few of my favourites later on to help you choose great performers.
Use Planters Using planters offers many advantages. They last a long time and can be moved to other areas of your outdoors to adjust for changes in sun and shade as the season goes along. Planters can also be changed for every season, including winter, so they are a great all-season investment for your space and can be used to enhance any future plantings or designs that you do. I also like planters because they allow you to keep up with gardening trends. You can change them to keep up with current colour trends, new plants introductions, visual interest features and so on, that allow you to express your personality. An herb planter is also great, so that you can bring it indoor when it starts getting cool, and keep enjoying some of those edibles right through the fall.
Some of Owen’s favourite annuals For shade planters: a. Torenia b. Macho Fern c. Begonia For sun planters: a. Evolvus – Blue My Mind b. Gaura c. Verbena d. Nemesia
Photos by Owen Reeves
Plant bulbs for early spring interest After a long, snowy winter, seeing bulbs pop out of the ground in the early spring is one of my favourite times of the year. Most perennial bulbs are best planted in the fall. By then, hopefully you’ve had enough time over the spring and summer to measure the light and know where you may want to use bulbs. If you’ve chosen to get a design, you don’t have to implement the full design, but can plant some of the bulbs that the design may call for in the fall. You can then work on the rest of the design and build through the spring and summer of the following year while enjoying
Some of Owen’s favourite annuals For shade beds: a. Coleus b. New Guinea Impatiens c. Potato Vine – Illusions Series For sun beds: a. Flowering Vinca b. Angelonia c. Euphorbia graminea – Diamond & Breathless series
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tulips, irises, daffodils and other bulb perennials. Gardening in our outdoor spaces is a great feeling! It’s a way to reflect our personalities, to honour traditions, add real value to your property, and most importantly get outside. You want your outdoor spaces to grow with you and your home so take the time to make sure that the plants and the design are going to work for you and your family and the realities of your space. In the interim, enjoy planters and annuals to satisfy your green thumb, add visual interest, and express your outdoor personality.
ISLINGTON NURSERIES STONE & BULK SOIL YARD
Visit our 5 Acre Stone Yard and our Design Centre for all your landscape needs! 270 Evans Ave. 416-231-2504 ORDER ONLINE THROUGH OUR STONEYARD AT WWW.ISLINGTONNURSERIES.COM
Halcyon Days
Summer is short, make it sweet with the perfect outdoor escape by vicky sanderson
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orecasters may be calling for a hot and hazy summer, with warmer than normal temperatures across most of the country. But since this is Canada, it's also not hard to predict that the dog days will be over before you can say, "Whew, hot enough for you?" So now is the time to create an outdoor oasis, whether that means turning a skinny balcony into an urban getaway, carving out an exterior corner for dining Ă deux, or designating distinct zones for eating, playing
and lounging in a roomy backyard. The right furniture, accessories and grills can make time outdoors more enjoyable, and extend the season just a little longer. Here we show something for every style and size of household, from singletons and young couples to empty-nesters and busy boomers, for those who love to curl up under a tree with a good book, share a seat in the sun with someone special, or wine and dine a crowd of family and friends.
The Dansk set from family-owned Canadian company Hauser is superbly sleek. Well-suited to intimate outdoor get-togethers over drinks and nibbles, its wooden legs and frames offer a warm counterpoint to rounded chairs in luxurious white outdoor leather. Photo by Hauser
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For the couple who wants to enjoy coffee and croissants on cloudless summer mornings or dine tête-à-tête under starlit skies, the compact table in this Urban Barn patio set is 70 centimetres wide. Made from powder-coated galvanized steel, it's durable enough to withstand the elements and light enough to move when necessary. TIP: When choosing patio sets for small spaces, make sure the chairs slide in under the table when not in use.
Photo by Urban Barn
Did you know? Almost two-thirds of Canadians (63 per cent) spend less than two hours outside each week, despite the fact that more than 90 per cent agree that doing so is part of a healthy lifestyle. That's why Coleman Canada, and partners like the Ontario division of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Parks, and Hike Ontario, are advocating for an extra summertime holiday. They are calling for citizens to rise up and demand that July 15th become National Get Outside Day. Hard to argue with that! For more information — and tips on how to get the family off the couch and out the door — go to www.getoutsidecanada.com abode Summer 2016
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Photo by HomeSense
A sixties-inspired Acapulco chair from HomeSense, a couple of cushions and a small perch for drinks and books is all you really need to create a personal patio setting for one.
Photo by Innit Designs
If summer romance is in the cards, you may want to invest instead in a locallymade InLoveSeat from Innit Designs. Perfect for sharing with a sweetie, it’s available in 18 vinyl cord colours and four frame finishes, although two — chrome and copper (both gorgeous) — are for indoor use only.
If old-fashioned get-togethers with lots of friends and family are a regular occurrence, a conversation set with flexible seating and several small tables is a good fit. The clean lines of Canadian Tire's Greystone conversation set from its Canvas outdoor line, pairs nicely with graphic pillows in crisp blues and greens. A hard- wearing outdoor rug helps define the area. Photo by Canadian Tire
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What's the buzz? Bees are an essential element in the planet's ecosystem and play a vital role in the food chain. According to Bee City Canada, which works to safeguard and increase pollinator protection on both private and public lands, one in three bites of food we eat is courtesy of insect pollination. And 85 per cent of flowering plants depend on pollinators for reproduction. The non-profit organization has tips for making your garden a welcoming space for Toronto's 300-plus species of bees. So does Paul Oliver, owner of Urban Nature Stores, who has been fielding more and more questions from customers about attracting bees. Oliver explains to them that Mason bees — an indigenous, non-colony bee species — are the perfect backyard guest. "A single Mason bee can have a whole gang of babies, and if something happens to one, there's not a whole colony to collapse," says Oliver. "And Mason bees are non-aggressive; they pretty much ignore what people do." Inviting them in can be as simple as adding a bee house to the backyard. Oliver carries several models, including one that's handmade in Canada from white pine and sealed in environmentally-friendly Linseed oil. "Putting up a house is an easy thing for gardeners to do," says Oliver. "It might not get used right away. But the more people do it, the more safe places for Mason bees there will be, and the more the population will increase."
Photo by Rona
If money and/or space are no object, consider a separate spot that’s just for dining. The Luxembourg set from Rona fits the bill, offering spacious seating that works under the shade of a tree during the day, or beneath multiple strings of twinkling lights at night.
Photo by Mary Hackett
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Get your grill on Cooking for one, two, three or a crowd? There's a grill that's suited to al fresco meals, whether that means solo cuisine or grub for the whole gang.
Photo by Ikea
Ikea's portable Korpön charcoal grill is perfect for small batch cooking. Just 34 centimetres across and weighing roughly two kilograms (4.3 pounds), it also folds easily for transport to the beach, the park, or on a camping trip.
Photo by Weber
Not too big, not too small, Weber's Master-Touch is designed for barbeque purists who love cooking with charcoal, but who also want convenient features. This grill includes a side rack that holds the lid when open, easy-to-clean ash catcher and an on-board thermometer. Limited edition colours (spring green, ivory, slate and smoke) are available this year only.
Grill hounds dream all winter of the kinds of bells and whistles found on barbeques from Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. The luxury outdoor kitchen equipment maker recently expanded its Canadian retail presence. Hand-built in the U.S. Midwest, the line includes a Hybrid Fire Grill, which lets the chef use any combination of wood, charcoal or gas, with a temperature range from 150° F to 1,200° F!
Photo by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet
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Spotlight on // Decorium
Cohen Sofa
Create an elegant urban sanctuary and accomplish that modern neat and tidy look, with a hint of rustic flair, by adding any or all pieces from this gorgeous collection to your home. This sofa harbours a unique mix of materials, with a soft grey basket weave fabric on one side, accented by olive leather linear welt on the other; all highlighted by gunmetal details that ultimately become the supporting legs and feet. Content provided by Decorium
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Green with Envy By Tracy Hanes
W
Photo by Spen
cer Wynne
hen Del Ridge Homes launched sales for its GreenLife East Markham II (GEM II) condominium in May, all 181 suites in the project sold out in 4.5 hours. That was the equivalent of one home sold every 90 seconds. As a Net Zero project, GEM II is one of the most sustainable or “green” residential buildings in Canada. (Simply put, a Net Zero building produces at least as much energy as it consumes). Did the brisk sales mean that homebuyers have seen the “green” light? “I’d say 20 to 30 per cent might be buying because there’s an environmental twist,” says Del Ridge partner Dave de Sylva, who figures most purchasers were attracted by the combination of location, price, and low heating and maintenance costs. Prices started at $247,900 for condos in one to three bedroom plans, ranging from 700 to 1,245 square feet in size. Del Ridge’s GreenLife condos use about 20 per cent of the energy that other new condo buildings use. De Sylva and his Del Ridge partner, George Le Donne, are passionate about sustainable building and have been building energy efficient homes for 25 years in places such as Thornhill, Milton, Markham and Burlington – and their next Net Zero condo project will be launched in Oakville this fall. They introduced their first green condo, Appleby Woods, which included geo-exchange heating and solar panels, in Burlington nine years ago. They’ve progressed to building Net Zero condos that incorporate features such as Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction, high R insulation values, triple-glazed windows, a geo exchange heating and cooling and solar photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate on-site electricity. De Sylva was sold on the merits of geo-exchange heating after he built a house for his parents in 1989 and was astonished at how inexpensively the system heated and cooled the home (see explanation of how it works below). Although Del Ridge was one of the early adopters of geo-exchange for condos in Ontario, more builders and developers are using the system that has been around for about 30 years. GEM II will be a carbon neutral project. That means Del Ridge will take action to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as the building will put into it.
They are achieving this with an ambitious tree planting program, as trees absorb carbon dioxide. Del Ridge Net Zero projects: GreenLife East Markham I, GreenLife Midtown Markham, GreenLife Golden Markham and GreenLife West Side Milton, as well as the GreenLife Business Centre, a commercial building in Markham that is head office for Del Ridge Homes. Utility and condo fee savings: GreenLife condo fees and utility charges, on average, for a 1,000 squarefoot condo translate into estimated savings of $6,800 per year and $170,000 over the life of a mortgage, depending on owner energy consumption habits. That’s in comparison to a condo of the same size built to Photo: Dave de Sylva (left) and George Le Donne (right). Ontario’s current building code. Condo fees are typically 12 to 14 cents per square foot at Del Ridge buildings. Geo-exchange heating and cooling: Geo-exchange utilizes the earth’s constant belowground temperature — about 10°C around the GTA. Holes are bored hundreds of feet into the ground, where liquid-filled loops of piping are installed and connected to heat pumps. This piping brings heat from the ground to the heat pump in winter to warm a building, or expels it in sum-
mer to cool the building. Savings are estimated to be 70 per cent less than current heating expenses. (Geo-exchange is often referred to as geothermal energy, but that involves extracting heat as hot water or steam.) Tree planting: Del Ridge Homes partnered with Forests Ontario to plant more than 140,000 trees to offset the energy and carbon footprint of GreenLife East Markham I and II (GEM I and II). De Sylva and Le Donne are committed to doing plantings on a similar scale for future projects. This type of initiative is unprecedented by a builder anywhere in Canada. Electric vehicle program: Del Ridge and Nissan are offering GEM I and II owners a Nissan LEAF electric vehicle incentive program. Every owner is eligible for a $3,900 Nissan discount, a $3,100 Del Ridge discount and a $9,809 discount from the Province of Ontario for a total discount of $16,809 off the MSRP of $32,698 (roughly 50 per cent). A car share program will provide a small fleet of fully-electric cars for owners who don’t own their own cars to use. To learn more about future Del Ridge Homes projects, go to www.delridgehomes.com
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Spotlight on // ballantry Homes
THE COSMOPOLITAN is set to open soon!
This summer Ballantry Homes will be launching Oakville’s most anticipated new mid-rise condominium, The Cosmopolitan. Adding to the already established master-planned community of The Neighbourhoods of Oak Park, this new residence offers homebuyers unprecedented quality craftsmanship in every facet of its design. Featuring spacious one, two and three bedroom designs, The Cosmopolitan suites start from the low $300s with suites up to 1,627 square feet. Located at Dundas and Trafalgar, The Cosmopolitan is central to all of Oakville’s major social and recreational amenities, with all city attractions easily accessible via public transit and the GTA’s major thoroughfares. For more information, register today at www.iamoakpark.com Content provided by Ballantry Homes
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cosmopolitan
Fabulous 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Condominium Suites up to 1627 sq. ft. Located at Dundas and Trafalgar from the low $3OO’s
oakville condo living home
Located at Dundas and Trafalgar, The Cosmopolitan offers you a sophisticated urban lifestyle, in a well-established neighbourhood where the amenities of both “New Oakville” and “Old Oakville” are within easy reach. Nearby you’ll find superb shopping and dining, lush green parks, golf courses, Sheridan College, schools and medical facilities. Enjoy easy access to the lakefront and downtown Oakville’s finest shops and restaurants. Plus public transit and Highways 401, 403 and 407 are all conveniently close.
REGISTER TODAY TO STAY INFORMED
iamoakpark.com
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Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Rendering’s are artist’s concept. E. & O.E.
Spotlight on // pinnacle international
LIVE DOWNTOWN at Pearl & John
In the Heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District!
The PJ Condos by Pinnacle International will soon rise at the corner of Pearl and John Streets in the heart of Toronto’s sophisticated Entertainment District. The PJ offers the convenience of an outdoor pool on a hot summer’s night; a hot tub for when the mood strikes; an outdoor terrace perfect for soaking in the sun; or be in the midst of the excitement that Toronto’s Entertainment District has to offer at your doorstep. There is never a dull moment. You can live the fabulous downtown life at The PJ Condos! Prices start from the $300s. For more information, visit PJCondos.ca or call 416.596.1600 for more details.
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DUFFERIN
CU: 4 LR: 121
TORONTO
CU: 3208 LR: 414
Brookville Burlington Halton Hills Milton Moffat Nassagawaya Oakville
HALTON REGION 366 condo units 518 low rise units
PEEL REGION 338 condo units 1716 low rise units
Alton Bolton Brampton Caledon Mississauga
DUFFERIN REGION 4 condo units 121 low rise units
Amaranth East Garafraxa East Luther Grand Valley Melancthon Mulmur Orangeville Shelburne
Scan this page with your app for an interactive map including up-to-date builds in the GTA
HAMILTON
HALTON
CU: 366 LR: 518
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GTA
PEEL
CU: 338 LR: 1716
Newmarket Richmond Hill East Gwillimbury WhitchurchStouffville BradfordWest Gwillimbury
Ajax Brock Clarington Oshawa Pickering Scugog Uxbridge Whitby
Bloor West City Centre / Midtown Toronto East York Etobicoke North York Parkdale Scarborough The Beaches York
Thornhill Vaughan King Markham Georgina Aurora
CU: Condo Units LR: Low Rise Units
YORK REGION 939 condo units 2368 low rise units
DURHAM
CU: 57 LR: 855
DURHAM REGION 57 condo units 855 low rise units
SIMCOE
TORONTO 3208 condo units 414 low rise units
YORK
CU: 939 LR: 2368
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kensington market
whitby
by janet botham
by colin mckee
Humber bay by katherine bernal
Ashbridges bay by Jenyo aladejebi
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Whether you’re looking for a new home or a smart investment, Lindvest offers you some great choices. TORONTO – MOVE IN FALL 2016!
NEWCASTLE – 40’ + 50’ DESIGNS
BROWNSTONES AT WESTOWN
GRACEFIELDS
Condo Towns From $239,900*
Detached Homes From The Mid $400,000’s Highway 2 and Rudell Rd., Newcastle. 4 MODELS TO VIEW! 1.877.361.4226
Weston Rd. and Sheppard Ave W., Toronto.
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 416.740.1175
MARKHAM – SALES OFFICE CLOSED
BRAMPTON – SOLD OUT!
PHASE 2 IN MARKHAM
GRAND CORNELL BROWNSTONES
SPRING VALLEY JUNCTION
Starting From The $290,000’s BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 416.736.6500
Detached Homes Chinguacousy Rd. and Daviselm Dr., Brampton CURRENT RELEASE, SOLD OUT!
COMING SOON! SONIC CONDOS AURORA GLEN PHASE III TOWNS
For more information about current and upcoming communities, visit us online.
“Lindvest”, the Lindvest logo, and “Life Happens Here” are trade-marks of Lindvest Marketing Limited and are used under license. Reproduction in any form, without prior written permission of Lindvest Marketing Limited, is strictly prohibited. *Based on 1-Bedroom “Arlington” unit with no parking. Renderings are artist’s concept only. Pricing, specs and availability subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.
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