INSIDE: MARKHAM, UNIONVILLE & MILLIKEN
homes&C CoNDos T O D AY ’ S
NEW HOME BUYER’S GUIDE SErviNg TOrONTO & YOrk rEgiON August 27- sEPtEMBER 9, 2015
distRiBution: 337,500
Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday September 9 2015 • 2
3 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday September 9 2015
NEWS FROM BILD
Demand outpaces supply in GTA low-rise market
T
he demand for low-rise housing in the GTA is outpacing supply, with homes being purchased as soon as they are brought to market, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) announced in July. Supply of low-rise homes, which includes detached, semi-detached and townhomes, hit a new record low in June, bringing inventory levels down to just 5,155 across the GTA. There were 2,381 low-rise homes sold in June - exceeding the amount brought to market that month. “Constrained supply of low-rise housing is significantly affecting choice for new-home buyers in the GTA,” said BILD president and
CEO Bryan Tuckey. “Limited supply of developable land with essential infrastructure, like roads and sewers, is driving up prices of new homes coming to market.” The average price of a new lowrise home in the GTA hit a recordhigh $785,800 in June, according to RealNet Canada Inc., BILD’s official source for new home market intelligence. Pricing in the highrise sector remained relatively unchanged at $441,134. “As prices continue to grow, many GTA residents have been priced out of the low-rise market,” Tuckey added. “We need to ensure a healthy supply of low-rise homes in the GTA to accommodate demand for our growing population.”
Monthly New-Home Sales by Municipality: June '15 Region Durham Halton Peel Toronto York GTA Jan-June
Low Rise 2013 2014 2015
High Rise 2013 2014 2015
2013
Total 2014
239
302
340
2
46
36
241
348
376
97
97
152
67
179
93
164
276
245
363
594
784
144
67
89
507
661
873
28
195
32
969
2,150
2,353
997
2,345
2,385
2015
373
902
1,073
121
247
262
494
1,149
1,335
1,100
2,090
2,381
1,303
2,689
2,833
2,403
4,779
5,214
6,057
9,897
11,889
7,398
11,166
10,921
13,455
21,063
22,810
Source: RealNet Canada Inc. With more than 1,450 members, BILD, formed through the merger of the Greater Toronto Home Builders’ Association and Urban Development Institute/Ontario, is the voice of the land development,
Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday September 9 2015 • 4
cover story
These spacious residences are framed by architecture inspired by New York’s iconic brownstones
Renderings are artist’s concept only. All of Lindvest’s open-concept designs contain high-quality appointments
THE DREAM IS BECOMING REALITY AT GRAND CORNELL BROWNSTONES,
e n O e s a h P
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onstruction will begin soon on Phase One of Grand Cornell Brownstones, Lindvest’s highly coveted community of condominium townhomes on the southeast corner of Ninth Line and Highway 7 in Markham. Although the presentation centre has been closed to make way for construction, residences remain for sale in both Phases One and Two (by appointment). This is great news for anyone seeking tremendous value and convenience in an established neighbourhood setting. Within blocks, residents can access the fabulous Cornell Community Centre & Library and the renowned Markham Stouffville Hospital, as well as schools and parks. Lindvest’s future plans include a commercial development and live/work opportunities to the east of the Cornell community. In keeping with the overall Grand Cornell neighbourhood, the stacked Grand Cornell Brownstones follow the pedestrian-friendly principles of New Urbanism. Lindvest’s design for the entire community incorporates intimate clusters of grouped buildings. Imagine a high-rise
condominium turned on its side to provide street-level access. There is no need to share hallways and elevators, and the Brownstones add an alternative to the residential mix in the area. Purchasers will be able to select from the popular one-, twoand three-bedroom designs for these spacious residences framed by architecture inspired by New York’s iconic brownstones. Lindvest’s stone-and-brick condominium townhomes will come to life with interesting depth, colour and texture amid professional landscaped surroundings. The community has proven a hit with purchasers who appreciate freedom from exterior maintenance chores without living in a high-rise. Choices at Grand Cornell Brownstones begin in price from the mid-$200,000s, and layouts range from 473 to 1,637 square feet. All of Lindvest’s open-concept designs contain high-quality appointments such as smooth ceilings, ceramic tile and laminate floors throughout, five appliances Many of the Brownstones feature a patio, balcony and/or rooftop terrace
TO BOOK YOUR AD, CALL YOUR TODAY’S HOMES & CONDOS SALES TEAM: :
Shelley Thompson
T O D AY ’ S
YOUR NEW HOME BUYER’S GUIDE
Known as Canada’s High-Tech Capital, the City of Markham is one of the most coveted residential destinations in the country as well. Recently, Markham was in the international spotlight when some of the Pan Am / Parapan Am Games were held at the Markham Pan Am Centre and Angus Glen Golf Club. In the spring, it was announced that a campus of York University will be built in Markham Centre, adding another dynamic amenity in this thriving area. You can buy with peace-of-mind, knowing that multiaward-winning Lindvest is dedicated to building outstanding homes and communities. This forward-thinking firm has helped thousands of people across Ontario improve the quality of their lives by providing homes that are thoughtfully designed around the needs of today’s families. From locations that offer the amenities, conveniences and services homeowners want, to designing residences with top-quality finishes, Lindvest is detail oriented, customer focused and quality conscious. With construction beginning in September, the remaining townhomes are sure to go quickly. To download the Grand Cornell Brownstones floorplans and to book your appointment, visit the “Communities” section on Lindvest.com TODAY or call Vincenzo Ariete or Covine Wong at 416-736-6500.
The Grand Cornell Brownstones neighbourhood features intimate clusters of grouped buildings
HOMES&CONDOS
and stained oak stairs with handrail and upgraded black iron spindles. Each Brownstone also comes with one underground parking spot, and many feature a patio, balcony and/or rooftop terrace. The value is incredible, and with shared community components including the basics such as landscaping, waste and snow removal, maintenance fees will be under $0.25/sq. ft.
sthompson@yrmg.com 416-500-5982
mmadden@yrmg.com 905-717-0382
Building Industry and Land Development Association
Shaun Sauve
Ryan McCluskey
SPECIAL FEATURES EDITOR:
905-853-8888 ssauve@metroland.com
905-853-8888 rmccluskey@metroland.com
905-852-9294 writer@wsws.ca
GENERAL MANAGER:
905-853-8888 iproudfoot@yrmg.com
Members of B.I.L.D. BUILDING A GREATER GTA
DIGITAL SALES:
PUBLISHER:
Ian Proudfoot
Monika Madden
Dorothea Helms
Visit their website at: www.bildgta.ca
Today’s Homes & Condos and its advertisers are not responsible for errors made in advertisements or editorial. All prices are correct at press time, however, due to the lead time required to publish Today’s Homes & Condos, prices and other conditions may have changed. Please note prices and conditions are subject to change without notice.
GRAND Cornell Brownstones PHASE 2 IN MARKHAM
IN MARKHAM
CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE 1 IS UNDERWAY!
1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Brownstones Available Starting From The Mid $200,000s Construction is underway on Grand Cornell Phase 1! Brownstones are still available in Phase 1 and Phase 2. Don’t miss your opportunity to purchase a hotly anticipated brownstone townhouse in Lindvest’s Grand Cornell community. Conveniently located, these beautiful brownstones put you minutes away from the 407 and offer iconic architecture, premium finishes, underground parking, green spaces, and much more! For more information (416) 736-6500 grandcornell@lindvest.com
Y COU
SENS
PKW
SITE SITE PHASE 2 PHASE 1
ALD
HWY. 7 EAST
DON
NINTH LINE
16TH AVENUE
HWY. 407
14TH AVENUE
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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. Rendering is artist’s concept only. Pricing, specs and availability subject to change without notice. Map not to scale. E.&O.E.
5 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday September 9 2015
BROWNSTONES IN PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2 STILL AVAILABLE!
Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday September 9 2015 • 6
COMMUNITY PROFILE
MARKHAM, UNIONVILLE AND STOUFFVILLE
Dorothea Helms Connects people and ideas, and can be reached at writer@wsws.ca
The City of Markham and the Town of Whitchurch-Stouff ville are two of York Region’s most popular municipalities because of the high quality of life they offer residents. Discover vibrant new home communities in the midst of small towns and urban centres. Town of The Varley Art Gallery in Markham is a favourite spot for culture-lovers (Photo courtesy of the City of Markham) Whitchurch-Stouffville In WhitchurchStouff ville, residents live just 10 minutes from Markham, approximately half an hour from Pearson Airport, and even less to Toronto’s Union Station by the GO Train. The municipality is dotted with scenic country properties, forests, kettle lakes, picturesque ravines, significant equestrian The City of Markham Canada’s most diverse community, Markham, is venues, century farms and homes, plus golf also known as the country’s High-Tech Capital – courses. Nature-lovers appreciate the plethora of offering tremendous opportunities to live, work parks and trails in Stouff ville, with playgrounds, and play. The international spotlight shone on sport fields and a dog park. Joggers, cyclists and Markham this summer, as both the Markham pedestrians appreciate Stouff ville’s extensive Pan Am Centre and Angus Glen Golf Club were trail network that connects to York Region’s two of the sites for the Pan Am/Parapan Am large forested areas. Games. The Markham Pan Am facility features a Downtown Stouff ville’s charming Main Street triple gymnasium with approximately 34,000 sq. beckons with preserved heritage buildings, ft. for training and competitions; and a 10-lane, intriguing shops and boutiques, a variety of 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool. Angus restaurants and coffee shops. In addition, Latcham Glen has two 18-hole championship courses that Gallery is a member of the Ontario Association of have been the venue-of-choice for many PGA Art Galleries featuring exhibitions of traditional and contemporary work. The Lebovic Centre and LPGA Tour professional golf events. The City also features a developing downtown for Arts and Entertainment – Nineteen on the core called Markham Centre, which encompasses Park is a multi-purpose centre offering concerts, 243 acres in the heart of the GTA. The area is exhibits, family events, film screenings, musical thriving, with parks, a river valley, entertainment and dramatic/comedic theatre, summer venues, commercial buildings, international camps and workshops. The Whitchurchstores, gourmet restaurants, trendy cafés, an Stouff ville Leisure Centre and Library features a upcoming York University The recent Food Truck Frenzy in Stouffville was a huge hit! pool and campus and more, situated fitness centre. within walking distance to What a great each other. Those who prefer municipality a heritage setting can choose to live in, to live in Markham Village or work in, play Unionville, where shops and in and visit! services are housed in buildings that hearken to the area’s past.
A FEW UPCOMING MARKHAM/UNIONVILLE EVENTS CHECK MARKHAM.CA FOR FULL EVENTS CALENDAR WITH DETAILS September 5, 12, 19 Main Street Markham Farmers’ Market 132 Robinson Street (Markham Road and Highway 7), 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come out and support local farmers at this 16th annual award-winning Farmers’ market. September 12 Blossom and Bloom 2015 Unionville Outdoor Market, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pefferlaw Lions Community Centre. For info, call Karen at 705-437-1216. September 13 Markham Auto Classic 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 132 Robinson Street (Markham Road and Highway 7)Over 300 classic cars, street machines, muscle cars and motorcycles. Food, craft vendors and live music. Free admission. September 19 Doors Open Markham, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 132 Robinson Street (Markham Road and Highway 7)Discover the original, historic downtown Markham. Free admission.
A FEW UPCOMING WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE EVENTS CHECK TOWNOFWS.CA FOR A FULL EVENTS CALENDAR WITH DETAILS September 12, Stouffville Motorfest 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.The grounds of TEVA, 5691 Main Street. More than 1,000 antique, vintage and special interest vehicles. Local vendors and music. All proceeds go to Teen Challenge. MotorFest.ca September 13 Ballantrae Fall Fair 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ballantrae Community Centre, 5592 Aurora Road. Pancake Brunch, Baking Contests, Farmers’ Market, music, art activities, heritage races and more. September 13 Zoomers’ Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Latcham Hall, 6240 Main Street, and Stouffville GO Train Station. Free seminars, exhibitions, booths and more. September 13 The Bottle Shed Foundation Launch Party/CD Launch 2 to 6 p.m. The Coach House Pub, 3 Felcher Boulevard, Ballantrae. This not-for-profit organization supports local charities and causes through donations of empty liquor containers and fundraising events.
Stouffville’s popular Annual Antique & Classic Car Show was held at the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum
R E T
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IS
G E R
COMING SOON
A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT IN STOUFFVILLE Rising 7 storeys in height and backing onto the country meadows of the adjacent conservation lands. A wide range of 1 bedroom,
STOUFFVILLE
2 bedroom, and 2 bedroom with dens - 157 suites in total - are yours to choose from, ranging in size from 700 to 1,900 sq. ft. and all with balconies and terraces offering fabulous views.
Luxury Condominium Residences from the mid
300’s
$
REGISTER NOW FOR EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW PRICING AND SELECTION
royalpinecondos.com
Rendering is artist’s concept. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O. E.
7 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday September 9 2015
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Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday September 9 2015 • 8
9 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday September 9 2015
Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday September 9 2015 • 10
NEWS FROM BILD
Building Industry & Land Development Association down by almost 11,000 jobs from the year before. That is a very significant number, and it is directly related to the amount of new housing starts, which decreased by 5,000 homes across the region.
Bryan Tuckey President of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD)
I
n the GTA the building, development and professional renovation industry is responsible for creating thousands of jobs across a variety of sectors and is a major driver of the region’s economic growth and prosperity. It takes a great number of people from many fields to bring quality, complete communities to life. The next time you drive past a development under construction, just image the people operating the cranes, pouring concrete, creating the signage, designing the floor plans, and more. One average, each condo development creates up to 500 jobs. The industry is also one that is heavily impacted by the government policy decisions made at every level – municipally, provincially and nationally. In August 2012, the federal government introduced stricter mortgage lending rules, which spawned a significant decline in consumer confidence. As a result, sales of new homes and condominiums dropped drastically across the GTA. The effects lasted throughout 2013, which recorded the second-lowest new-home sales in the last decade. Since one year’s new-home sales translate into many of the next year’s jobs, the effect of that federal policy change was felt by thousands of GTA residents employed by the building and development industry in 2014. A recent report released by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association revealed that annual job creation in new-home construction fell to 68,000 in 2014 –
The effects of the policy change were also felt by the professional renovation industry, which lost 11,500 jobs last year compared to 2013. As financing a home renovation became more difficult, more homeowners were forced to turn to the underground economy – a practice of hiring contractors willing to perform cash jobs with no written contract to hold them accountable for substandard work. This practice hurts our region’s hard-working industry professionals who are challenged to compete with these cash-based renovators, as well as the homeowners who have no legal recourse should their renovation go wrong. All of this is highly detrimental to our regional economic growth and prosperity. In 2013 the building, development and renovation industry paid $9.7 billion in wages across the GTA. These wages later showed up as purchases across the region, fueling other industries while contributing a significant amount of tax revenue to our provincial and federal governments. Last year those wages were reduced to $8.6 billion. It is important that the health and stability of our industry is considered when introducing new changes to public policy, as it is quite likely to affect the health and stability of our local economy. Bryan Tuckey is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and is a land-use planner who has worked for municipal, regional and provincial governments. He can be found on Twitter (twitter.com/ bildgta), Facebook (facebook.com/ bildgta) and BILD’s official online blog (bildblogs.ca).
T
he Sorrento, Richmond Hills’ most elegant new condominium, is officially under construction. The Groundbreaking Ceremony on July 26th, attended by Mayor Dave Barrow and other city officials, officially kicked off construction and celebrated the occasion with a tasty BBQ. The Sorrento is over 70% sold and several of the suite styles are completely sold out. The builder, Armour Heights Developments, has committed to holding pre-
construction prices until the end of August. Located in prestigious Richmond Hill, just off Yonge Street at King Rd., The Sorrento combines majestic architecture with resort-inspired lifestyle amenities. Rising just fourstories, the building looks more like a grand estate than a condominium. Suites range in size from 738 sq. ft. to 1,380 sq. ft. with prices starting from the low $400’s. All suites feature soaring 9’ to vast 12’ ceilings, oversized windows and breathtaking finishes. The Sorrento is surrounded
by breathtaking gardens and is just moments away from the forested setting of Bond Lake and countless miles of hiking trails. Residents will enjoy a completely carefree lifestyle “lock and leave” existence that is perfect for snowbirds and year-round residents as well. They will enjoy a stunning indoor swimming pool, a state-ofthe-art work-out facility, yoga room, games and billiards lounge, luxurious hotel-inspired Guest Suite, 23 hour professional concierge, car wash and pet washing station, library with fireplace, and an elegantly designed party room equipped with kitchenette - the perfect venue for hosting intimate gatherings with friends and family. Residents will enjoy a delightful shaded Courtyard which includes a professionally designed Bocce Court and a communal garden. They’ll love the convenience of the BBQ and the beauty of the delightful pergola. For over twenty-five years, Armour Heights Developments has provided high-quality, professionally managed residential
left to right: Vishwas Thoke, Giovanni Tassone Architect Inc. architect, Studio 185; Lucio Mazzotta; Frank Mazzotta; Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow; and, Michael Mazzotta.
and commercial construction in the GTA. Armour Heights prides itself on excellent service, luxurious and eco-friendly construction with quality, detail oriented finishes. Visit The Sorrento today and tour the designer decorated 1000 sq. ft. two-bedroom model suite.
The Presentation Centre and Model Suite are located at 11300 Yonge Street, south of Gamble Rd. Hours are 1-7 pm Mon-Thurs. and 12-5 Sat., Sun & Holidays. For more information call 289-637-1777 or visit www.thesorrento.ca
70 O % V
SOER LD !
NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION LAST CHANCE FOR PRE-CONSTRUCTION PRICING!
23 SUITES SOLD IN JUNE AND JULY! This magnificent condo is selling fast and construction is underway. Excitement has never been greater for the worry‑free, maintenance‑free, amenity‑rich condo lifestyle of The Sorrento ‑ with more time for family and a great community of new friends to meet. Courtyard • Swimming Pool • Party & Dining Room Caterer’s Kitchen • BBQ Area • Communal Garden Fitness Studio & Yoga Room • Bocce Court
EUROSTYLE CONDOMINIUMS
400’s
from $ the low
VISIT THE MODEL SUITE AND SALES OFFICE TODAY.
THESORRENTO.CA | 289-637-1777 Site Address: 7 Bond Crescent (South of King Rd on the West side of Yonge) Presentation Centre: 11300 Yonge Street., Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1K9 (South of Gamble Rd) Hours: Monday‑Thursday: 1PM‑7PM | Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 12PM‑5PM Friday by appointment only
thesorrentorichmondhill Sorrento Purchasers at our recent Ground Breaking Event!
IT’S THE BEST OF RICHMOND HILL AND IT’S GOING FAST.
Like us on Facebook to learn more Renderings are Artists concept. Prices & info subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.
11 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday Septmeber 9 2015
The SorrenTo iS now Under ConSTrUCTion!
WARBLER AVENUE
DUFFERIN ST.
PETER RUPERT AVE.
Today’s Homes York • Thursday August 27 to Wednesday Sepember 9 2015 • 12
COMING THIS FALL
FUTURE SITE
to
THORNHILL
REGISTER TODAY AT REMINGTONHOMES.COM
RUTHERFORD RD. HWY 407 STEELES AVE.
PRICES AND SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. E.&O.E. RENDERINGS ARE ARTIST’S CONCEPT.