Condominia | Volume 1 | Issue 6

Location | Design | Lifestyle

Toronto & GTA

Builder Review

Cross-Country

Border Crossings

Daniels

Ottawa | Hideaway

India | Four Seasons

Reader's Choice 2011

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Builder of the Year

s t s et l oes C t ! r n a e i o v o n r r C ke o e a f M i v 0 l a e o 00 3 C k $ a e a h M n T condominia.ca i

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Vaughan Toronto's Newest Hub is Central GTA Urbania Volume 1 Issue 6

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Expo City’s bright, glass-walled amenity space encourages residents to pursue an active lifestyle. The 20,000-square-foot recreation facility will house a fitness centre equipped with a yoga studio and an indoor pool that opens to a roof top garden.

04. Contents Volume 1 Issue 6 Reader's Choice 2011

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Builder of the Year

06. Editor’s Note 08. Market Report with Treb // Strong Condo Sales Growth in Q3 2011 10. The Insider // What's New in Downtown Toronto // by Martin Seto 14. Condo Math with Sandra M. Grywul // Mortgage Default Options 16. Legal Eye with Denise Lash // The Rules of Holiday Decorating 18. Uncharted Space // Inside Your Closet // by Jennifer Reeves 20. My Pad // The Smart Condo // by Martin Seto 22. Decorum with Robert Whitfield // Multi-Functional Over Form 24. Design Accents with Isabelle Glinka // Creating Seasonal Sparkle 28.

36.

44.

50.

Cover Feature Vaughan: The Centre of GTA Urbania // by Heather M. O'Connor

Builder Review

Daniels: Limelight // Cinema Tower // by Heather M. O'Connor

Cross-Country

Ottawa: Hideaway by Urban Capital // by Heather M. O'Connor

Border Crossings

s t s et l oes C t ! r n e ia o v o n r r C ke a f ove M i 0 l a e o 00 3 C k On the cover: $ a e An EXPO City suite a h M n by the Cortel Group T i

Bengaluru, India: Four Seasons // by Jennifer Reeves Private Residences by Westcourt

Location | Design | Lifestyle

ToronTo & GTA

Builder review

Cross-Country

Border Crossings

daniels

ottawa | Hideaway

india | Four Seasons

ReadeR's ChoiCe 2011

Vote!

BuildeR of the YeaR

Vaughan toronto's newest Hub is Central gtA urbania Volume 1 Issue 6

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TREB B.R.A.

As 2011 draws to a close and the promise of a new year and new beginnings beckons, many of us wonder if the Toronto condo boom will maintain its present momentum, or begin to slip as some experts have suggested.

If the market floods with excess supply, could we see a 15-per-cent correction, as suggested by Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Research?

Mortgage broker Sandra Grywul looks at the rise in mortgage defaults caused by a frenzied market, weakened economy and tighter lending, and provides some insight for anyone who finds themselves in this type of situation.

First Mortgage Guide

Condo Buyer’s Guide

06. Editor’s Note Volume 1 Issue 6

On a more festive note, our Legal Eye, Denise Lash, and interior design experts, Isabelle Glinka and Saara Mortson, offer their suggestions for the holiday season; furniture guru Robert Whitfield answers your condo furnishing dilemmas; and our Insider, Martin Seto, reviews three hot new downtown projects—each offering the most important elements in a good real estate investment: location, location, location.

New Home Warranty

Happy Holidays, Brian Rushton Phillips Founder/Design & Editorial Director

P.S. - Don't forget to visit a re-designed condominia.ca for great décor ideas, amazing contests and related news.

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Brian Rushton Phillips Design & Editorial Director brian@condominia.ca

Martin Seto Associate Publisher martin@condominia.ca

Heather M. O’Connor Senior Writer Jennifer Reeves Associate Editor Contributors Isabelle Glinka Sandra M. Grywul Denise Lash Saara Mortson Toronto Real Estate Board Robert Whitfield Digital Publishing Partner Texterity.com Condominia is published six times a year (March, April, May, September, October, November) by Communiqis Inc. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts or other materials. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication is strictly prohibited. © 2011 Condominia Magazine Inc.

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08. Market Report with Treb

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Condo Market Report

Strong Condo Sales Growth in Q3 2011

Greater Toronto Realtors® reported 5,770 condominium apartment transactions through the Toronto MLS® system in the third quarter of 2011, representing a 24 per cent increase over the same period in 2010. The average selling price increased by almost nine per cent to $333,352.

“Condominium apartments have accounted for about one‐quarter of total existing home sales in the GTA this year. This share is expected to increase moving forward, as new home sales and construction has become increasingly driven by high‐rise construction,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver.

information

In line with new home sales and construction trends over the last few years, condominium apartment completions have been high so far in 2011. When condo projects reach the completion stage, investors and end users whose housing needs have changed often list their units for sale or rent.

“The average annual rate of price growth remained strong in the third quarter, despite the upward trend in completions and active listings.

This is because the pace of sales remained brisk, keeping sellers’ market conditions in place,” said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

>> torontorealestateboard.com

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10. The Insider

What’s New in Downtown Toronto

by Martin Seto

The biggest question I hear when I visit openings these days is "when is the market going to collapse?" We all know that what goes up must come down, but forecasting this is about

hot, with 6,318 new condo sales in the third quarter and price increases of 7.4% per year in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA).

Ben Myers from Urbanation reports

as precise as picking the next Stanley Cup winner. We have predictions, but anything could happen.

In Vancouver, a market crash has been predicted for the last 20 years, but it has yet to happen. Why? Investors from overseas are driving the market. Vancouver has an international reputation for being a safe haven for their money, and that belief continues to support the real estate market.

But will this happen in Toronto?

According to the latest Urbanation Report, the Toronto market is still

that factors driving this demand are population growth; cultural changes; longer commuting times; shortage of land; greenbelt legislation; and highdensity targets within the Places to Grow provincial initiative. Together, these dynamics are all precipitating a fundamental shift away from low-rise housing, Myers says.

With continued glowing reports, let’s look with confidence at three, hot downtown Toronto condos—all with the key elements of solid real estate: location, location, location.

Picasso on Richmond The Goldman Group and Monarch Corporation are launching Picasso on Richmond in the Queen Street West area—located at the foot of Beverly St. and at the head of Widmer St., along the north side of Richmond St. Picasso will offer approximately 400 units in

a green-roofed, 39-storey building.

The condominium is defined by its artistic design and sculptural form, and will add to the existing ambiance of the area. It is now at the priority reservation phase in its marketing and you can register now by clicking this link: monarchgroup.net

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“Picasso occupies one of the most significant sites in downtown Toronto�

Stephen Teeple Teeple Architects

At the Picasso, the terrace and roofs are planted with themed gardens, each with unique colour and attributes. The vision is to create a vertical landscape, an abstracted reference to the natural form of a mountain.

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12. The Insider Downtown Toronto

“A building that [will] usher in a new era for this world-class location” David Feldman, President and CEO of Camrost-Felcorp

Yorkville Plaza Camrost-Felcorp is rebuilding a Yorkville landmark with the conversion of the Four Season’s hotel at Yorkville Ave. and Avenue Rd. It will offer oneand two-bedroom suites, starting from the mid-$300s with 500 units available.

David Feldman, President and CEO of Camrost-Felcorp says this about the hotel landmark and its impact on the growth of the area: “A building that once was the catalyst in transforming Yorkville from a ‘village’ of coffee houses to a luxury destination will once again usher in a new era for this world-class location.” Camrost-Felcorp will also convert the former Imperial Oil headquarters at St. Clair and Yonge St. into the luxurious Imperial Plaza. Visit yorkvilleplaza.com to register and get in on this great opportunity.

“St. Clair and Bathurst has emerged as one of Toronto’s bestkept secrets” Linda Mitchell Young, VP Sales & Marketing, Baker Real Estate

Rise Condominiums An up and coming neighbourhood is the Bathurst St. and St Clair Ave. area.

Reserve Properties, a builder with 30 years of experience, is launching Rise Condominiums at the southeast corner of Bathurst and St. Clair, next to the St. Clair West subway station— a huge perk. This, in my opinion, is an emerging hot spot with a great investment upside, as the condos will start from the low $200s. According to Linda Mitchell Young, VP Sales and Marketing for Baker Real Estate, who is handling the sales of the project, “St. Clair and Bathurst has emerged as one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets.” At Condominia, we completely agree with Linda's assessment.

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Yorkville Plaza’s interior design options are inspired by two distinct aesthetics. Reflecting the luxury of the Four Seasons classic style, suites will feature a nostalgic colour palette with intricate textures, while clean lines and lustrous finishes define a contemporary international design option.

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Rise Condominiums offers a green roof with an outdoor pool reminiscent of a Caribbean resort—a great way to turn the concrete jungle into a more natural environment for residents.

14. Condo Math with Sandra M. Grywul

Mortgage Default: Power of sale or foreclosure?

Although the real estate market in Ontario has been mostly robust, the frenzied market of the past has caused an increase in mortgage defaults as a result of an overall weakened economy and a tighter

Why power of sale?

lending market. Many clients of mine are both lenders (“mortgagees”), who make investments in mortgaged property, and borrowers (“mortgagors”), who are making real estate investments. When borrowers begin to default, both mortgagees and mortgagors seek advice and remedies in order to recover their money or to negotiate payment terms.

In Ontario, the two most common mortgage enforcement remedies are the power of sale and the judicial sale (also known as a ‘foreclosure’; a term that Canadians are using more frequently due to its popularity in American vernacular).

The power of sale is the remedy of choice for a mortgagee in Ontario.

Power of sale rights and procedures are governed by the Mortgages Act R.S.O. 1990, case law, and are also set out in the standard charge terms attached to the mortgage.

outstanding mortgage amounts to bring the mortgage into good standing is shorter because a foreclosure requires court proceedings. Courts are often slow and lawyers acting for mortgagors can always plead for extensions of time.

Cost is another advantage in power of sale, because it can be done in a lawyer’s office without the need of lengthy court attendances.

Power of sale allows the mortgagee the right to sue the mortgagor for any shortfalls after the sale (for, say, the difference in the sale price and the equity loaned, or for other expenses, such as taxes, utilities and repair).

In a foreclosure, the mortgagee is deemed to have accepted the property in satisfaction of the debt and is therefore precluded from seeking further compensation.

Finally, land transfer tax is not payable by the mortgagee in a power

The benefits of power of sale proceedings are numerous. The first advantage is expedience; the redemption periods whereby the defaulting mortgagor can repay the

of sale, because they do not take title to the property as they would pursuant to a court order for foreclosure.

Why foreclosure?

While power of sale is the remedy of choice, there are some benefits of a foreclosure that should be considered.

For example, the mortgagee can sell the property without having to account for any further encumbrances on title, unlike other lenders and creditors with secured interest on the property (subject, of course, to the court proceedings). In a power of sale, the mortgagee must sell the property for fair market value and pay off the subsequent encumbrances with the surplus. Although, as stated above, taking title to the property has its drawbacks such as paying land transfer tax, taking title can be beneficial in a weak market. The mortgagee can hold onto the property and create better value by renting or redeveloping it, waiting for the next upturn in the market to sell and maximize their return.

Other benefits of a foreclosure include the resolution of complicated issues by the court (if there are any) and the ability to combine foreclosure proceedings and court actions against the mortgagor and others.

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Further considerations The process for conducting either a power of sale or foreclosure is not simple and must be done carefully, otherwise a defaulting mortgagor can challenge the sale. In order to conduct either remedy, all procedures with respect to service, notices, and or time periods must be strictly adhered to.

Defaulting on a mortgage is never a good situation for any of the parties involved, including the mortgagee, due to the stress, hassle and expense of enforcing their remedies.

Whether you are a mortgagee whose investment is suffering as a result of a defaulting mortgagor, or you are a defaulting mortgagor trying to make good on your debt, an experienced lawyer and/or mortgage broker may help remedy the situation or, at the very least, offer expertise on the proper course of action.

Sandra M. Grywul is the Principal Broker at Always A Mortgage Corp.

If you have questions for Sandra, please email sandra@condominia.ca.

Mortgage Calculators

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16. Legal Eye with Denise Lash

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The Rules of Holiday Decorating Condominium communities should be planning ahead to deal with the important issues that arise during the holiday season.

Ramadan, Hanukkah, Christmas,

Having owners involved in the decision-making process and treating all residents equally will be viewed as a fair and reasonable approach.

It may be that residents want to

Kwanzaa and New Year’s festivities are times for celebration and bringing the community together.

Before residents start hanging up Christmas lights on balconies, it is important to make sure to check the condominium’s rules which may establish what decorations are permitted, where they can be located and for what period of time.

If there are no rules in place, it is important to check with management and/or the board of directors to ensure that decorations can be displayed and what the restrictions are, if any. Any community without policies or rules for holiday decorations, should start putting those policies and rules in place, so residents are aware of what they are permitted to do when the holiday season rolls around.

Some condominium corporations send surveys and then follow up with committees and information meetings.

permit Christmas trees and Hanukkah menorahs, so having an all out ban on those items may not make sense if the residents do not object. There may also be different policies for decorations located in the common areas of a building (for example, a lobby) versus the exclusive-use common element of a unit (such as a balcony).

Now is the time to get the board, property management and residents involved in the process. Participating in the exercise will work towards building community spirit and add to the enjoyment of the celebrations.

Denise Lash is a condominium lawyer and Partner at Heenan Blaikie LLP. Follow Denise’s blog at condoreporter.com or email her at denise@condominia.ca

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18. Uncharted Space

Inside Your Closet: Making every square inch count

by Jennifer Reeves

No one knows the value of closet space quite like the condo dweller.

Without a garage, basement or attic, one must be extremely

Tip 2 Don’t leave

judicious with how every square inch of space is used.

In this issue of Condominia, we asked closet guru Alexis Fraser for her best tips and tricks for optimizing these spaces. As sales and design manager at north Toronto-based California Closets, Alexis makes a living at overcoming the challenges of organizing smaller homes.

guest bedrooms are just as important,” Alexis maintains. “Get them all [designed and put together] at once, so the space is available for when you need it.”

Have a storage closet? You can get that designed to optimize space too. “Upgrading storage closets is something we’re starting to do,” says Alexis. “If you own your condo unit, I would definitely recommend you look into it.”

Tip 1 Consider closet space from the outset This tip is for people who are still looking for that perfect condo unit: think about closet space just as much as you consider design finishes and amenities. “If you can, talk with your builder about closet upgrades from the outset,” Alexis suggests. “If the space is already built, bring in a design consultant before you move in, and have the closets ready in advance for your move-in date.”

any closet unturned “People tend to focus on the master bedroom closet, but hall closets and

Tip 3 Hang it up Do you hang your clothes or put them in drawers? Alexis suggests you hang them to avoid clutter and clothes piles.

“People tend to like drawers, but it’s harder to see what you have when everything is folded. Clothes at the bottom of your drawer go unworn and just take up space. When items are pulled out from the bottom, you end up making a mess. Hanging your clothes

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helps you see everything and evaluate what’s important enough to keep,” she maintains. “If you haven’t worn something in a year, it’s probably best to donate it. If it’s a sentimental piece or something you wear rarely, consider putting it in a secondary storage space, if you’re fortunate enough to have one.”

Tip 4 Keep it simple “Some of our best systems are our most basic,” she says. “Don’t get too complicated with your design, because you could actually end up wasting space.”

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condominia 19.

“If you’re going for aesthetics, you can make your closet look fashionable and still keep it streamlined. By choosing our fancier Lago® Italian, wood-grain finishes or getting a twotoned system with different drawer and door faces, you can have a modern look without going overboard.

You can even paint the back wall of the closet a funky colour or wallpaper it.

It’s simple, but it looks good.”

For more helpful tips on keeping your closet organized, visit californiaclosets.com

20. My Pad

The Smart Condo

by Martin Seto

These days, the latest and greatest condos are being outfitted with home automation technologies that provide us with a glimpse of the future for home life. I had a chance to visit the Tridel Eco Suite at Reve condos at 560 Front

heating and cooling system and turn off all unnecessary appliances like your television.

In the future, this technology will allow you to add internet-enabled appliances to the system, such as a remote-controlled coffee maker, a

St., which offers the latest smart home technology, including solar power heating for residents. With Cisco Smart Home powered by Control4, residents can monitor energy consumption, lights, drapes, appliances, locks and doors from the internet. It has the ability to manage music in every room and can even send you a text when someone enters your home and triggers the front door sensors.

You can access the system through a smartphone, tablet, computer, a light switch with a keypad, a touchscreen wall controller and a remote control that works with your TV. According to James Moffatt, a technology solutions architect from Cisco, you can program the system to have a hello (coming home) and goodbye (leaving home) command that can turn on/off all the lights, open/close the drapes, adjust the

stove that can be turned on remotely or perhaps even the shower. Lights can be added to the system now and can be turned off and on with a special switch that is put into the fixture that uses radio waves. The Tridel Eco Suite also has the Cisco videophone on display to round out the technology options in the smart condo.

The Smart Home features are being packaged by builders as part of the suite or as an upgrade that has a value of $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the features you are looking for.

If you do not want to retrofit your existing home, you can still introduce automation into your condo through your tablet apps. Sony’s Tablet S offers a universal remote that can control all home theatre devices.

Rogers Smart Home Monitoring system offers similar functions, but they’re not has comprehensive as their home security.

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How about this for a light switch?

A programmable keypad that can control the music in each room of your condo.

The Cisco Smart Home remote control is integrated with your TV, stereo and home theatre systems.

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condominia 21.

This is not your everyday thermostat. It can control more than the cooling and heating functions in your home. The touchscreen controller can be used to control just about all electrical appliances and fixtures in the condo as well.

The Apple iPad app for the Smart Home technology interface. It will be available for Android tablets in 2012.

22. Decorum With Robert Whitfield

Multi-Functional Form

In every issue of Condominia, we take any and all of your questions about furniture—whether you need design ideas, have budgeting issues or need to the get the most out of every piece. If you have a question for our expert, email Robert Whitfield at robert@condominia.ca.

Q. I really like the durability of a leather couch, but can’t afford the associated price tag. Are there any faux options that deliver the same look, feel and durability? —Michael, Toronto

A. There are actually some fabrics that offer more durability than leather. Look for 100% polyester with greater than 100,000 double rug counts. Another option would be faux leathers, as many of them offer better resistance to cleaning products. The quality of these products varies greatly however, so you need to speak with the retailer to understand the pros and cons of each. They can also be surprisingly expensive. Looking for the best value?

Opt for a high-quality fabric, as it will often outlast the foam inside.

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Space Planner

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From coffee table to dining table—multi-functional furniture is ideal for smaller spaces.

And replacing the foam is much easier than replacing the whole thing!

Q. I’m a person who likes to cook and entertain. I’d like to have a dining room table; however my condo just isn’t big enough to accommodate one. Do you have any suggestions? —Suzie, Ottawa A. To maximize your square footage, it’s all about choosing a piece with more than one function. For example, there are some great coffee tables that can do double duty as a dining table,

which provides a great design option when matched with a few funky folding chairs. You could consider getting a dining table that can also be used as a desk, a smaller table that folds out and expands, or you could invest in a great kitchen island to take the place of a formal table. There are loads of options at Casalife for those who love to entertain in smaller spaces.

Robert Whitfield is the owner of Casalife Furniture & Accessories and a pioneer in condo furniture.

24. Design Accents With Isabelle Glinka

Creating Seasonal Warmth & Sparkle With notes by Saara Mortson

When the weather outside takes a turn and the mercury drops, it becomes even more important that our homes feel warm, cozy and inviting. Add in the holiday season, and a dash of sparkle to the mix.

Great winter dĂŠcor can be achieved easily and inexpensively, if you follow some simple rules. We designers pay attention to texture when designing spaces, and the same concept applies to season accessorizing. Seasonal items with a rough texture, such as a bowl of nuts or perhaps a vase of twigs or evergreen branches, add warmth and interest to your space.

Just balance these items with a soft fur or wool throw and/or a dramatic feathered wreath and your set for the chilly months ahead.

During holiday weeks, simply add in a bit of sleek sparkle to create a more dramatic and festive feel.

Pull out all of your silver and crystal (or shiny stainless and glass!) and invest in a few pieces of mercury glass. A few great accessories with luster and sheen tucked in amongst your twigs and greenery will go a long way.

Here are a few tips to make your condo fabulous this winter, without breaking your bank account:

ďƒ‡ Take a walk and gather fallen branches in a park. Leave them natural, or give them a quick coat of metallic spray paint for a more festive look.

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condominia 25.

 Stop by your local hardware store where trimmings from Christmas trees are usually free; they're great for dressing up mantles/outdoor planters.

 Change up your accent cushions to holiday colours of your choice or simply tie a silky ribbon around them in a bow for a quick festive update.

 Place candles throughout your condo, have fun with scents, such as apple pie and tangerine. For added sparkle, place the candles in crystal holders and watch how the light is beautifully reflected.

 Fill an empty glass vase with tree ornaments for a table centerpiece.

Isabelle Glinka is the Founder and Managing Principal of LUX Design.

Questions: isabelle@condominia.ca

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This is your exclusive chance to WIN a $3000 closet makeover for your condo courtesy of

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28. Cover Feature Vaughan

Reader's Choice 2011

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Builder of the Year

“The subway itself will be literally 1000 to 1500 feet away. You can be at York University in three minutes, at the University of Toronto in 20 minutes, downtown in half an hour�

Andrew Brethour, President of PMA Brethour Group

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condominia 29.

Urban Central

by Heather M. O’Connor

30. Cover Feature Vaughan The Centre of GTA Urbania

“This is a very bold and dramatic change of the landscape by the city of Vaughan to create a heart and soul of a downtown�

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32. Cover Feature Vaughan The Centre of GTA Urbania Skewed off-centre, EXPO City's towers will afford fabulous views of both sunset and city.

Long without a downtown, the City of Vaughan is forging its own: the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

The 300-hectare site integrates residential, retail and commercial.

It also blends the built environment with the natural to create a complete, sustainable, pedestrianfriendly urban core.

“This avant-garde project marks the beginning of a new era in our city’s history,” says Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “It will set the standard for future development in the downtown core and will embody the essence of Vaughan’s transformation from a suburban municipality to a world-class city.”

Circulating Aligned along the Highway 7 corridor, this glorious masterplanned city centre presides over a powerful confluence of planned and existing arteries. Highways 400, 401 and 407 open high-speed routes east-west and north-south. Highway 7 is slated for a facelift and a name change, morphing into Avenue 7,

condominia 33.

a tree-lined route with dedicated bus lanes and, eventually, a light rail transit line linking Markham and Vaughan. Most importantly, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre will be the new terminus to the Spadina subway line extension, an express route to downtown Toronto.

Home is where the heart is EXPO City, a five-condo Cortel community, will be the first project to break ground here. Its towers will be thematically-linked with distinctive architectural differences to grant each building its own identity.

“The architecture is quite dramatic. The first tower is almost wavelike in its design,” says Andrew Brethour, president of PMA Brethour Group. His company handles sales for EXPO City's condominium suites.

EXPO City’s debut is generating plenty of enthusiasm, particularly from locals. Two full-sized model suites present an authentic taste of the first-class finishes and generous suite sizes. Add in top marks for real estate’s biggest

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Every city needs a heart.

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34. Cover Feature Vaughan The Centre of GTA Urbania

Top-of-the-line finishes include ceramic tiling and granite countertops, contemporary cabinetry and full-sized integrated appliances.

condominia 35.

prerequisite—location, location, location—and it’s hardly surprising that buyers snapped up threequarters of the suites in the first three weeks of sales.

A new heartbeat

All the conveniences

comparable. It will be a great place to walk, a great place to live and work—and play.

“It’s going to be quite spectacular.

You don’t often get development at this scale,” says Brethour. “This is a very bold and dramatic change of the landscape by the City of Vaughan to create a heart and soul of a downtown.”

EXPO City will form a magnificent five-storey loggia along Avenue 7, giving the new urban streetscape a charming panache. The first two towers will rise from the loggia, meeting in a dramatic glass and stone galleria, linking the grand new boulevard to EXPO City’s internal courtyard. Retail shops and eateries, both at ground level and underground, pave this weatherproof pedestrian thoroughfare to the Vaughan Metropolitan subway station.

“The subway itself will be literally 1000 to 1500 feet away. You can be at York University in three minutes, at the University of Toronto in 20 minutes, downtown in half an hour.

You’re an hour to cottage country and half an hour to downtown. How great is that?”

“The mixture of architectural form and the creation of a very peopleoriented streetscape give it a Yorkville-Bloor Street feel. The Yonge and St. Clair area would be another

EXPO City by the Cortel Group Presentation Centre: 2900 Hwy 7 at Jane, Vaughan Suites: 527 to 2088 sq. ft.

Priced: from $200,000 Occupancy: 2014 905-597-7877 expocity.ca

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36. Builder Review Daniels

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Reader's Choice 2011

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Builder of the Year

Daniels: “PEOPLE FIRST”

by Heather M. O’Connor

People first.

At Daniels Corporation, those are words to live by. This philosophy goes bone-deep for president Mitchell Cohen and senior VP Tom Dutton, both of whom launched their careers in social housing. This early devotion to affordable housing evolved into a commitment to affordable home ownership.

38. Builder Review Daniels People First

“We’re blessed in having a job where we get to create communities. We get to make decisions about how people are going to live. It’s like an active ongoing study—like a little laboratory. If it works, how can we make it better? If it didn’t, let’s think of something different for the next one. We take that responsibility very seriously. opposite:

Limelight’s rooftop garden provides generous gardening plots and greenhouses so that green thumbs can cultivate their own vegetables, herbs and flowers.

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Floor Plans

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Remaking Regent Park This background made Daniels a natural choice when Regent Park was redeveloped. The 1940s social housing failure was razed, replaced by a controversial blend of market condos and rent-geared-to-income housing.

“It’s gone through an amazing transformation in a short time,” says Dutton. “Everyone thought it would be difficult to sell condominiums there.

We’ve proven three times in a row [with One Cole, One Park West and Paintbox] that it’s actually quite feasible.

Limelight

by Daniel's Corporation Presentation centre: 329 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. Suites: 439 to 853 sq. ft.

Prices: from $200,000s Occupancy: Fall 2012 905-306-6996 limelightcondos.com

40. Builder Review Daniels People First

“You’re getting an amazing luxury package with all the perks and privileges tied in so when you move in, you’ll really feel part of the entertainment district”

Cinema Tower is the newest player on the entertainment district stage. With movie-inspired amenities and front-ofthe-line purchasing power at the TIFF Bell Lightbox box office, it’s already a hit with cinephiles. Suites are disappearing like popcorn at a picture show. opposite:

Cinema Tower’s lavish amenities package, complete with an animateur to personalize the experience, creates a social hub where residents can meet and mix.

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It’s already starting to feel like a regular Toronto neighbourhood.”

Cinema Tower

by Daniel's Corporation

Serving their audience “It’s been a mainstay of our business to find economical ways to build and creative funding solutions to make it happen for people with lower incomes.

We’ve always felt that if we help people find ways to get into the market, the market will look after them from there.”

Their methods include a rent-toown program in NY Place. Affordable FirstHome communities.

Suites: 420 to 1500 sq. ft.

Prices: from mid-$300,000s Occupancy: Summer 2013 Sales office: 325 Adelaide St. W. 416-203-2020 cinematowercondos.com

42. Builder Review Daniels

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Daniels now pairs their great amenities with a paid recreation director/ social convenor who programs a broad array of sports and leisure choices. Meeting up at the gym or dance class or poker night— these shared social experiences are the cement that creates healthier communities, says Dutton.

Habitat for Humanity units—even in condominiums.

“But at the same time,” Dutton notes, “we’ve done lots of high-end communities, too.”

Like Cinema Tower. This stellar sequel to Festival Tower is tailormade for cinephiles. Built-in perks include priority ticket sales to TIFF Bell Lightbox, special directors’ screenings and, of course, a screening room.

“We just get a kick out of building communities that work.”

That’s why projects now include built-

classes, the activities become the starting points for community.

“It’s all organized, it’s all scheduled and it’s all included in your fees. It’s a great way to bring people together.”

When possible, buildings have a full-sized gym and garden plots.

Limelight in Mississauga boasts both.

The rooftop garden has generous gardening plots and greenhouses.

Green thumbs can cultivate their own vegetables, herbs and flowers.

“We’re always looking for things to bring to our communities to make them more complete, to make them more desirable places to live, and to

in recreation directors. From Pilates to basketball, poker nights to cooking

make people feel great about coming home at night.”

Forging a community

Buying the right home starts with a good foundation.

New or resale, make signing a B.R.A. your first move.

BRAfirst.ca

44. Cross-Country Ottawa Urban Capital // Hidewaway at Central

Evening is your time. Spend sunset on the terrace, dine and dance under the stars, and snuggle up by the cozy outdoor fireplace.

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HIDEWAY: A CAPITAL GETAWAY

by Heather M. O’Connor

Reader's Choice 2011

Vote!

Builder of the Year

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46. Cross-Country Ottawa Urban Capital // Hidewaway at Central

“The standout feature is definitely the amenities�

Taya Cavanagh, Director of Development, Urban Capital

What does an afternoon by the pool mean to you? A refreshing dip? A brisk workout?

A glass of wine in a lounger? At Hideaway, you can write your own prescription for pleasure.

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Indulge your innerhedonist: get away to Hideaway in Ottawa.

This brand-new release from Urban Capital combines boutique hotel ambiance with resort-style amenities. It’s tucked away behind the popular Central condo in Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood.

“The standout feature is definitely the amenities,” says Taya Cavanagh, director of development for the big Ottawa builder.

A landscaped courtyard welcomes you to lounge, to dine, to bask in the warmth of an outdoor fireplace. Or to swim in the heated outdoor pool.

Or to sun and laze in the Caribbeaninspired cabanas that encircle it.

Want to entertain? A glassed-in lounge overlooks the pool, allowing the fun to spill onto the terrace. Or start the party around the outdoor bar, barbeque and dining area and move inside.

Indoors, other pastimes beckon.

A billiard room. A private screening room. A fully-equipped gym. A media lounge. This comfort-rich gem delivers the good life.

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48. Cross-Country Ottawa Urban Capital // Hidewaway at Central

Central in location, but private in nature, Hideaway provides a relaxing sanctuary from the everyday.

Hideaway’s open-concept industrial-chic lofts feature soaring ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, exposed concrete and columns and spiral venting. Rolling panels subdivide the suite to create space—or privacy. Sleek, Euro-style kitchens with stone countertops and stainless steel appliances marry function and flair.

How big: 435 to 852 sq. ft.

How much: starting at $189,900 Occupancy: 2014 613-789-5475 hideawayatcentral.ca

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From Hideaway, you’re a pleasant stroll away from Parliament Hill, Sparks Street Mall and the Rideau Canal. Restaurants, pubs, cafes, shopping? All here in the Glebe.

You’ll find plenty more just minutes away. Shop at the Rideau Centre. Visit the National Gallery or the National Arts Centre. Sample the rich blend of arts, culture, shops, dining and entertainment at the always-hopping Byward Market.

But park the car—you won’t need it.

Ottawa is one of Canada’s greenest cities. Many citizens prefer to get around via the well-travelled network of biking and walking trails. Safe, dedicated routes thread through parkland, follow major roads and trace the Rideau Canal. The city is also served by an efficient transit network.

Like Ottawa itself, Hideaway supports an active, urban lifestyle and a green outlook. Urban Capital is pursuing LEED silver status for Central 1, Central 2 and Hideaway, says Cavanagh.

“The whole building is built with that in mind: green roofs, HRV units, bike racks, a hybrid car share program.”

Who knew living green could be so wonderfully luxurious?

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Hideaway at Central

by Urban Capital Bank and McLeod, Ottawa

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50. Border Crossings India Bengaluru // Four Seasons Private Residences

City View India like you’ve never seen it by Jennifer Reeves

When projects like this come onto the scene, it’s not hard to believe that India is one of the world’s fastestgrowing economies.

Located in Bengaluru—known as the Garden City—and developed by Westcourt, CityView is being hailed as India’s newest and most prestigious building project to date.

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52. Border Crossings India Bengaluru // Four Seasons Private Residences

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Showcasing over 1,000,000 square feet of mixed-use development, CityView includes three impressive buildings, two of which are 30-storey towers that combine a Four Seasons Hotel and private residences. Premium corporate offices and boutique shopping will also be featured within the complex.

Four Seasons Private Residences will be situated in both the exclusively residential North Tower, as well as on the top nine floors of CityView’s South Tower—right above the hotel.

The North Tower suites include generous three- and four-bedroom residences, all equipped with modern amenities and access to the hotel’s

extensive services. The South Tower units will feature spacious one and two-bedroom residences.

Designed by renowned interior designer team, Yabu Pushelberg, and touting the Four Seasons brand, it comes as no surprise that CityView residences will offer an unmatched luxury living experience—complete with spectacular views. This refined lifestyle will only be enhanced by the multiple benefits of living within a comprehensive serviced environment. The facilities associated with both the condo suites and the hotel assure that CityView will meet every possible desire.

“We are adding to Bengaluru a landmark destination that will define new standards of living, work and leisure, all in one location�

Vinay Kapoor, Founder and CEO of Westcourt

Four Seasons Private Residences Bengaluru

by Westcourt 9 Bellary Road, Bengaluru, 560032 South Tower Suites: 1975 to 3100 sq. ft.

Prices: from $1,390,000 Occupancy: Late 2013/Early 2014 +91 80 2266 8000 fsresidencesbengaluru.com

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