GTA Condo Life - April 22, 2023

WHY HOUSING NEEDS TO BE A PRIORITY IN TORONTO ELECTION

TWO BUDGETS A

Spring has sprung, the Bank of Canada has held influential overnight rate for two consecutive announcements, and the GTA real estate market is showing signs of that typical seasonal resurgence. Roaring back to life, even.

All good, right?

Sort of. Supply, or more specifically lack of, continues to be an issue. In the resale market, quality and fairly-priced homes in good areas are snapped up in days. In the new home segment, however, government-inspired initiatives to promote more homebuilding will take some time to fully come to fruition.

The 2023 federal and provincial budgets, then, are crucial to doing whatever they can to ensure the housing market remains as healthy as possible in the interim.

According to representatives of the homebuilding industry, the 2023 Ontario budget is expected to help address the housing supply issue facing the province. Entitled Building a Strong Ontario, the budget lays out important measures that will support more housing supply and choice across the province.

WAYNE KARL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Condo Life Magazine

EMAIL: wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

TWITTER: @WayneKarl

Says Terri Johns, president of the West End Home Builders’ Association, “The residential construction industry is encouraged by (the) budget, because it means the provincial government recognizes the need to build a strong foundation to construct the 1.5 million homes we need over the next decade, essential to restoring housing attainability in Ontario.”

“Boosting our housing supply is critical to the economic well-being of Ontario, and I was pleased to see that in spite of the strong headwinds we are facing, the government is intent on meeting the 1.5-million target,” adds Richard Lyall, president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON).

The federal budget, on the other hand, seems to come up a little short. RESCON says the budget includes items that will help young people enter the housing market, but it fails to address the problem of how to rapidly increase supply across the country.

“We have a crisis on our hands and need to build more homes quickly and make them affordable,” says Lyall. “The budget is nibbling around the edges of the problem and doesn’t fully address the systemic problems that are delaying construction of much-needed housing. We need to get more housing underway quickly as demand is expected to continue.”

Unfortunately, for something so important to Canadians, new Canadians and the economy overall, it seems to be a tale of two diverging budgets on the housing front.

PERSONAL FINANCE | JESSE ABRAMS

Jesse Abrams is Co-Founder at Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm based in Toronto. thinkhomewise.com

WESTERN VIEW | MIKE COLLINS-WILLIAMS

Mike Collins-Williams, RPP, MCIP, is CEO West End Home Builders’ Association. westendhba.ca.

HOME REALTY | DEBBIE COSIC

Debbie Cosic is CEO and founder of In2ition Realty. She has overseen the sale of more than $15 billion worth of real estate. With Debbie at its helm, In2ition has become one of the fastest-growing and most innovative new home and condo sales companies. in2ition.ca

REAL ESTATE PRO | BARBARA LAWLOR

Barbara Lawlor is President and CEO of Baker Real Estate Inc., and an indemand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, Barbara oversees the marketing and sale of condo developments in Canada and overseas. baker-re.com

DECOR | LINDA MAZUR

Linda Mazur is an award-winning designer and Principal of Linda Mazur Design Group. With almost two decades of experience this in demand multi-disciplinary design firm is known for creating relaxed, stylish spaces and full-scale design builds throughout the GTA and Canada. lindamazurdesign.com @LindaMazurGroup

STAT CHAT | BEN MYERS

Ben Myers is President of Bullpen Consulting. Ben provides pricing recommendation, product mix, and valuation studies on new residential housing developments for builders, lenders and property owners. bullpenconsulting.ca

BIG STYLE, SMALL SPACES | LISA ROGERS

Lisa Rogers is Executive Vice-President of Design for Dunpar Homes. Lisa has shared her style and design expertise on popular television programs such as Canadian Living TV, House & Home TV and The Shopping Channel. Lisa is also a regular guest expert on CityTV’s Cityline. dunparhomes.com.

LEGALLY SPEAKING | JAYSON SCHWARZ

Jayson Schwarz LL.M. is a Toronto real estate lawyer and partner in the law firm Schwarz Law LLP. He can be reached by visiting schwarzlaw.ca or by email at info@schwarzlaw.ca or phone at 416.486.2040.

BILD REPORT | DAVE WILKES

Dave Wilkes is president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, follow BILD on Twitter at @bildgta or visit bildgta.ca

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Birch Condos & Towns at Lakeview Village will be a rare boutique condo located in the visionary Lakeview Village waterfront community.

Discover distinctive architecture, spacious suites, hotel-inspired amenities and the attainable luxury design-forward features and finishes Branthaven is renowned for.

Step out and enjoy the endless greenspaces and vast waterfront playground of Mississauga’s most transformative new home communityall on the shores of Lake Ontario.

BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY RELEASES 4-POINT PLAN TO ADDRESS TORONTO’S HOUSING SUPPLY CRISIS

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) has released a four-point plan and comprehensive policy recommendations to address the city’s housing supply crisis, ahead of Toronto’s mayoral by-election on June 26. The association is calling on all candidates to ensure that the provision of new housing is a top priority in their plans and platforms.

“Experts, the industry and governments agree that the housing challenges in the city, and across Ontario, are firmly rooted in a shortage of new housing and the length of time it takes to build new homes,” says Dave Wilkes, president and CEO of BILD. “The provincial government’s target of building 1.5 million homes over the next decade is designed to improve affordability and bring balance to the market. By virtue of its size, the City of Toronto needs to build 285,000 new homes to help meet this objective. This number represents a 160-per-cent annual increase in housing starts from the previous decade.”

BILD’s recommendations will support the city in achieving a significant increase in housing starts and promoting affordability by maintaining a clear housing focus in several key areas, including:

• Speeding up building approvals and cutting red tape. In a 2022 benchmarking study of major Canadian municipalities, Toronto ranked last in approval timeframes, averaging 32 months on common types of new housing, four and a half times longer than the maximum allowed under the Planning Act Delays limit supply and add costs.

• Smarter, more efficient land use as both supply and affordability of new homes depend on the availability of land. In a city such as Toronto, with fixed municipal boundaries, we need to use the land we have more efficiently. This means allowing zoning that enables greater residential density within neighbourhoods and along major streets.

• Accelerating the development of infrastructure, community services and social services to match the acceleration of housing development. BILD recognizes that the burden of paying for critical hard and soft infrastructure has to be shared, which means that a new,

holistic funding model needs to be developed in concert with all three levels of government.

• Limiting further affordability erosion by capping municipal costs added to new housing. Almost 25 per cent of the cost of an average new home in Ontario consists of fees, taxes and charges levied by all levels of government. While HST and LTT are part of these costs, more than half of the added costs come from municipalities.

“There are clear indicators that housing demand in Canada will remain robust,” says Wilkes. “Last month, Statistics Canada announced that Canada’s population grew by a million people in 2022, and the federal government has committed to welcoming 500,000 new immigrants annually. Mayoral hopefuls must put housing at the top of their agenda.”

BILD encourages all voters to learn more about Toronto’s challenges with housing supply and affordability and support candidates who support housing.

A T RE E FO R EVE RY HER O.

Join us in planting 2 million trees along the 401 Highway of Heroes, a tribute to the men and women who fought for Canada in our wars, and a living memorial to the 117,000 who died for freedom.

Get involved today:

As part of Trees for Life’s Tree Coalition, we are proud to work collaboratively with GrandTrees Climate Solutions.

GTA NEW HOME MARKET QUIET IN FEBRUARY, INVENTORY RISES

The GTA new home market was quiet in February, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) reports.

There were 922 new home sales in February, which was down 76 per cent from February 2022 and 69 per cent below the 10-year average, according to Altus Group, BILD’s official source for new home market intelligence. It was the second lowest number of new homes sold in February since Altus Group began tracking in 2000.

Only 225 single-family homes, including detached, linked and semidetached houses and townhouses (excluding stacked townhouses), were sold in February, down 65 per cent from February 2022 and 81 per cent below the 10-year average. It was the lowest level of single-family home sales for February since Altus Group began tracking.

Condominium suites, including units in low-, medium- and highrise buildings, stacked townhouses and loft units, accounted for 697 units sold in February, down 78 per cent from February 2022 and 61 per cent below the 10-year average.

“Housing inventory has been rising, which represents an opportunity for some new-home buyers,” says Dave Wilkes, BILD president and CEO. “But it would be a mistake to assume that we have overcome the structural challenges that hamper housing supply in the GTA. All levels of

government must work with industry to implement the changes necessary to meet the ambitious goal of building 1.5 million new homes in a decade, the number that Ontario’s Housing Affordability Task Force has called for to address the province’s housing supply crisis.”

“Builders have been ramping up inventory, particularly in the new condominium apartment sector, in anticipation of a stronger spring market,” adds Edward Jegg, research manager with Altus Group. “As we move into spring, it appears that we may be seeing the floor in the market, which may overcome buyers’ recent hesitancy brought about by the run-up of interest rates and other economic concerns.”

With the launch of seven condominium projects in February, total new home remaining inventory

increased compared to the previous month, to 14,621 units, the highest level in more than two years. This included 13,031 condominium units and 1,590 single-family units, representing 9.3 months and 5.2 months of inventory respectively, based on average sales for the last 12 months. Remaining inventory includes units in preconstruction projects, in projects currently under construction, and in completed buildings. A balanced market has nine to 12 months of inventory.

The benchmark price for new single-family homes increased in February compared to the previous month, to $1.75 million, down 5.4 per cent over the last 12 months. The benchmark price for new condominium units decreased to $1.11 which was down 5.5 per cent over the last 12 months.

ONTARIO BUDGET TO HELP HOUSING SUPPLY AND CHOICE FOR HOMEBUYERS: BUILDERS

The 2023 Ontario budget tabled on March 23 is expected to help address the housing supply issue facing the province, according to homebuilder groups.

Entitled Building a Strong Ontario, the budget lays out important measures that will support more housing supply and choice across our province, the West End Home Builders’ Association (WEHBA) says. This fiscal plan invests in the future skilled trades workforce and commits to critical infrastructure needed for new housing.

“We warmly welcome the number the important investments within the budget aimed at filling labour gaps and supporting critical infrastructure, so we can deliver keys to more families, faster,” says WEHBA President Terri Johns. “The residential construction industry is encouraged by (the) budget because it means the provincial government recognizes the need to build a strong foundation to construct the 1.5 million homes we need over the next decade, essential to restoring housing attainability in Ontario.”

Investments of an additional $75 million for the Skills Development Fund (SDF) will make it easier for the province to build the skilled workforce of tomorrow. The Ontario Home Builders’ Association’s successful Job Ready program that helps introduce young people to rewarding careers in the skilled trades has been supported by the SDF in the past and we will continue to push for this support in the future.

In addition, an investment of more than $20 billion towards vital highway, transit and infrastructure projects will also create new links throughout the province, help connect people and underpin more housing options.

WEHBA also says it is pleased that the province is continuing conversations with the federal government on exempting the GST/HST on new housing and rental.

“(The) provincial budget takes important steps forward to help accelerate the delivery of housing supply in communities big and small across Ontario,” says WEHBA CEO Mike Collins-Williams. “Making it easier to get into the skilled trades and investing in crucial highway infrastructure will help make it possible for awaiting families to get the keys to their new home sooner and increase the volume and variety of housing options our province needs.”

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) also says it supports measures in the budget to clear long-standing backlogs at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), request that the federal government provide HST relief for new housing projects, and move ahead with major infrastructure projects such as Hwy. 413 and the Bradford Bypass.

“Boosting our housing supply is critical to the economic well-being of Ontario, and I was pleased to see that in spite of the strong headwinds we are facing, the government is intent on meeting the 1.5-million target,” says RESCON President Richard Lyall. “With a massive skilled trades shortage looming, training the next generation of workers to build those houses is equally important. I applaud the government’s pledge to pump more money into the SDF and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to increase the number of skilled trades.

“The backlog of housing-related disputes at the Ontario Land Tribunal

is also a concern of the residential building community and we applaud funds being set aside to streamline the process,” adds Lyall. “Meanwhile, we are pleased that Queen’s Park will ask the federal government to come to the table to discuss potential relief for new housing projects, something we have been requesting.”

One Stop Shop for Builder Storytelling

BILD’S RENOMARK AWARDS CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) has announced the winners of the 2023 RenoMark Awards. Created by BILD in 1999, the Awards recognize professional renovators and custom homebuilders that are members of the RenoMark program, for their quality of work, innovation, customer service and industry leadership.

BILD received 92 submissions in 16 categories, including the prestigious Renovator of the Year and Custom Home Builder of the Year categories, and a new category, Best Commercial Renovation. Submissions were evaluated by 13 industry professionals from across Canada.

“It is no easy task for our expert judges to select the finalists and winners from among the many high-quality submissions we receive in the RenoMark Awards,” says Rebecca Bozzato, BILD’s director of RenoMark and renovator advocacy. “The entrants truly exemplify the excellence and professionalism of our RenoMark members.”

BILD’s RenoMark program connects homeowners with professional renovators that have agreed to abide by a renovationspecific Code of Conduct. Homeowners can find a renovator or custom homebuilder in their area

by searching on the new RenoMark website, at renomark.ca.

The top honours in the 2023 RenoMark Awards went to Salerno Custom Homes, which was named Renovator of the Year, and to Pine Glen Homes, named Custom Home Builder of the Year. The recipients of these coveted awards set the standard for the industry in customer service, professionalism and workmanship.

W.C. Meek Design & Construction received awards for Best Overall Renovation, Best Renovation (No Addition) Under $300,000, and Best Condominium Renovation Over $200,000. Creative Integrity received the award for Best Renovation (No Addition) Over $300,000. Team Shane took home the award for Best Renovation (With Addition) Under $500,000, while Alair Homes received Best Renovation (With Addition) Over $500,000.

Pionova won the awards for Best Overall Custom Home and Best

Custom Home Under $2 Million. Marvel Homes Development received the award for Best Custom Home Over $2 Million.

In the Space Renovation categories, MenAtWork took home the awards for Best Overall Space Renovation, and for Best Kitchen Renovation Under $100,000. Binns Kitchen + Bath Design received the award for Best Kitchen Renovation Over $100,000. MGB Construction Building Group accepted the award for Best Washroom Renovation, while Golden Bee Homes received the award for Best Basement Renovation. The new award for Best Commercial Renovation went to Trubuild. Best Innovative Renovation was awarded to Forum Asset Management, while Best Exterior Home Renovation went to Feeley Group Developments.

For a complete list of winners, visit renomarkawardsgta.ca.

Best Overall Custom Home Winner, Pionova Inc., Greer Road, North York

FEDERAL BUDGET FAILS TO ADDRESS HOUSING SUPPLY PROBLEM: RESCON

The 2023 federal budget tabled on March 23 includes items that will help young people enter the housing market, but it fails to address the problem of how to rapidly increase supply across the country, according to the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON).

“We have a crisis on our hands and need to build more homes quickly and make them affordable,” says RESCON President Richard Lyall. “The budget is nibbling around the edges of the problem and doesn’t fully address the systemic problems that are delaying construction of muchneeded housing. We need to get

more housing underway quickly as demand is expected to continue.”

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) estimates that an additional 3.5 million housing units must be built by 2030 to achieve affordable housing for everyone living in Canada. However, the trend in housing starts was 255,735 in February, down slightly from January figures. With immigration on the rise, demand for housing is expected to increase substantially.

The government signaled it intends to move funding from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund’s repair stream to a new construction stream,

as needed, to boost the construction of new affordable homes. It also proposes to commit an additional $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement a codeveloped Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.

To help tradespeople invest in equipment, the budget also proposes to double the maximum employment deduction for their tool expenses to $1,000 from $500.

There was no mention in the budget of providing HST relief for new housing projects, as RESCON had suggested in its pre-budget submission, the organization says.

REC PROPERTY MARKET SLOWING, PRICES SOFTENING: ROYAL LEPAGE

If you’ve ever thought about buying a recreation property in Canada, now might be the time, as prices are expected to soften amid waning activity, according to Royal LePage.

The aggregate price of a single-family home in Canada’s recreational regions is forecast to decrease 4.5 per cent in 2023 to $592,005, compared to 2022, as activity in the market wanes, Royal LePage says. This is due to reduced demand as a result of economic uncertainty and a lack of available housing stock, which has helped to keep prices stable. Despite a modest decrease expected this year, the national aggregate price would remain more than 32 per cent above 2020 levels, after two years of double-digit price gains in the country’s recreational real estate market.

With the exception of Alberta, which is expected to see a 0.5-percent increase, all of Canada’s provincial recreational markets are

forecast to see a decrease in singlefamily home prices in 2023

“After two years of relentless year-round competition, Canada’s recreational property markets have slowed and returned to traditional seasonal sales patterns,” says Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “While interest rate hikes have less of an impact on the recreational market than homes in urban settings, because families typically put more money down and borrow less, general consumer inflation combined with a severe lack of inventory has dampened sales activity. Buyers who are active in today’s market appear willing to wait for the right property –a sharp contrast to what we experienced during the pandemic.”

In Ontario in 2022, the aggregate price of a single-family home in the recreational property market increased 7.3 per cent year-over-year to $634,800, compared to 2021. The price of a single-family waterfront property increased 8.9 per cent to $1

million, while condos increased 15.1 per cent to $510,900.

While home prices in a select few recreational markets in Ontario, including the ever-popular Southern Georgian Bay area, may increase marginally over the next year, a decline in activity overall is expected to dampen price growth.

The aggregate price of a singlefamily home in Ontario’s recreational regions is forecast to decrease 5.0 per cent in 2023 to $603,060.

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ANALYSIS

Why the GTA condo market looks good over the long term Interest rates seem to have stabilized, and government legislation may help correct the GTA housing market… meaning, there is positive light at the end of the tunnel for the Toronto condo sector..

MORTGAGES

6 tips to help you renew your mortgage or buy a new home

The spring market is here! Here are some key things to consider, whether you’re entering the market as a new buyer or navigating the renewal process.

SPECIAL REPORT

Outlook 2023 – why this will be a better year for homebuyers

Higher interest rates, concerns for the economy, inflation… 2022 wasn’t the easiest of years for prospective newhome buyers. But there are reasons to be optimistic about 2023.

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WHY WON’T HOUSING SUPPLY

MATCH DEMAND IN THE GTA?

their projects, and the types of land they want to buy.

There has been a lot of debate regarding Toronto’s housing crisis, and nobody seems to be able to come up with a solution. One of the most commonly suggested hypotheses is that we don’t have enough supply.

Supply continues to be impeded by rising inflation and interest rates in the short term, but there are a laundry list of other reasons preventing supply from matching demand.

Capital Developments’ Carlo Timpano explained that three factors are contributing to the shortage of new housing in Toronto on my podcast last year. These include the high demand for trades and labour, the lack of capacity in the supply chain, and general trade inflation. There is the expectation that these will subside in 2024 due to a lack of pre-construction condo sales activity in the second half of 2022 and into 2023, but significant improvements are not expected.

In addition to these, development charges in Toronto have also increased significantly, as have other government fees. The end-users of new condominiums (both owners and renters) are forced to absorb these costs and fees, which lead to higher rents and condo prices. This effect is called cost-push inflation.

According to Timpano, these factors are forcing developers to rethink

Timpano has criticized the City of Toronto for its handling of the housing crisis. Our politicians are dealing with three competing issues: Trying to address affordability, increasing the number of new homes, and paying for the infrastructure needed to serve these new homeowners and renters. However, they are increasing the fees charged to developers to pay for infrastructure, which ultimately hurts affordability and decreases housing supply. An alternative is to raise property taxes for all Torontonians to pay for the new transit, community centres, parks and general streetscape improvements. The cost of growth must not be borne solely by newhome buyers and renters, who are often young and just starting out with limited financial resources.

NIMBYs and politicians often believe that developers are interested only in making money and causing problems in communities. In reality, they are the ones who build and provide the homes that Toronto residents need. Timpano claims that many of the policies being implemented by the government will lead to a shortage of supply, which will cause prices to increase even further. The intentions of the government are in the right place, but they don’t understand the economics of development and unintended consequences.

There has to be a shift in how developers market themselves to the public, as many people believe that they are going to gentrify

communities by building new homes. They are actually working to create jobs and support communities by building homes while also generating significant taxes for the city. In many municipalities, the revenue generated by new construction, such as land transfer taxes and development charges, make up a significant portion of their operating budgets.

Politicians and the media continue to blame foreign investors, mortgage brokers, speculators, Airbnb landlords and money laundering for Toronto’s unaffordable housing. While there may be a morsel of truth to this, it must be noted the municipal government have played a significant part in the rising cost of housing.

If you’re worried that housing prices will decline in the next five years, I don’t think that’s going to happen. Employment remains strong, immigration is high, and our politicians are making a lot of choices that will lead to higher prices. We need much more housing supply, but barriers must be removed, and both the municipalities and the province need to work together to make the necessary changes.

Ben Myers is the President of Bullpen Consulting, a boutique residential real estate advisory firm specializing in condominium and rental apartment market studies, forecasts and valuations for developers, lenders and land owners. Contact him at bullpenconsulting.ca and @benmyers29 on Twitter.

BEN MYERS

BIRCH CONDOS & TOWNS AT LAKEVIEW VILLAGE

LUXURY LAKESIDE LIVING WHERE THE LAND MEETS THE LAKE

Branthaven is excited to launch Birch Condos & Towns in Lakeview Village, Mississauga’s visionary new master planned waterfront community. Birch will be a rare 15-storey boutique condominium and exciting townhome collection in the first phase of this transformative lakefront community.

“Birch Condos and Towns draw their design inspiration from the very land, lake and shoreline on which our new community will rise,” says Steve Stipsits, president of Branthaven. Boutique in scale, bespoke in quality and

“Branthaven-built,” Birch Condos & Towns is destined to be an iconic architectural addition to the Lakeview Village streetscape and skyline.

Birch’s amenity spaces are curated for luxury lakeside living and boutique hotel level interior design. Every surface of the soaring double height lobby has been curated for a striking first impression for residents and their guests.

The adjacent co-working space is a nature-inspired hub for work and play. By day, the co-working’s soaring double height glazing

makes this bright and smart working space conducive to casual communal tables or plush privacy at upholstered banquettes. Charge up with handy port connections throughout and refuel at the impressive central island coffee station. After work, this space transforms to a social lounge to gather round the warmth of the fireplace and relax with friends and neighbours.

The Birch Wellness Centre invites a complete mind and body reset. The ground level, double height fitness studio offers plenty of space

Branthaven’s Fresh Thinking kitchens are design-forward and feature-filled

to unwind. Relax with mindful meditation, a stretch session or yoga. Recharge with cardio and strength training equipment then refresh at the locker and water station. Take your fitness routine outside to the adjacent patio with its easy access to all of Lakeview Village’s parks, paths and waterfront trail.

The Birch Social Club and second level terrace offer residents and their guests plenty of lifestyle and entertainment choices. Party room, billiards, media area, catering kitchen, wet bar and cosy areas for cocktails or conversation –everything has been considered for an inviting experience.

The rooftop terrace is the perfect perch to take in the Lake Ontario waterscapes, Port Credit harbour views and spectacular Western sunsets. This 16th floor rooftop terrace brings a truly elevated outdoor experience for residents and their guests with plenty of al fresco spaces to relax on a chaise, in a cabana, or at the barbeque and outdoor dining area.

Stretch, strengthen or sun salutations are easy from the fitness studio and patio

Nine-ft. ceilings and open-concept plans are bright and airy

Step out to Aviator Green’s lush landscaped boulevard from your condo or townhome

For more than 50 years, Branthaven has earned its legacy reputation for attainable luxury and award-winning design. Whether you are looking for a carefree condominium or a contemporary townhome lifestyle, Birch interiors are crafted with Branthaven’s signature style and emphasis on functional layouts, bright interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows and no wasted space.

Branthaven’s Fresh Thinking kitchens feature design-forward style, curated colour palettes, upgraded cabinetry, solid surface countertops, smart storage and full-sized appliances – at no extra cost.

Branthaven’s bathrooms and luxe ensuites draw their inspiration from boutique hotels with contemporary fixtures and finishes, furniture-style vanities and spa-like ambience.

Birch condo suite choices range from one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, two- and two-bedroom plus den collections, as well as a very limited collection of three-bedroom layouts.

The Birch Boulevard Townhome Collection is a limited offering of three-storey townhomes with private rooftop terraces located along the lush landscaped “green river” of Aviator Green – a central boulevard in Lakeview Village. A second collection –

The Courtyard Townhomes – provides a variety of three-storey back-to-back townhomes – also with private rooftop terraces. The Courtyard Collection townhomes wrapping around an internal landscaped parkette. All townhomes owners have full access to Birch’s hotel-inspired amenities, including the lobby lounge, co-working and social spaces, fitness facility, party, games and media lounge and rooftop terraces.

Birch Condos & Towns is located in Phase 1 of the visionary Lakeview

Village, a 177-acre destination waterfront community with every modern urban amenity imaginable. Recently awarded the Global Best Urban Design Award for its transformative and sustainable mixed-use master plan, Lakeview Village’s endless greenspaces and vast waterfront playground beyond compare and a real estate opportunity unlike any other.

Don’t miss the launch. Register now at birchatlakeviewvillage.ca.

Day or night, Birch’s distinctive architecture is a striking silhouette and warm welcome Enjoy 67 acres of waterfront parks, trails, beaches and boardwalks

WEHBA LUNCHEON

UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRY AND MEMBERS

The West End Home Builders’ Association (WEHBA) Industry Luncheon is one of the largest events in the housing and land development industry. It brings together the who’s who of the development, residential construction and renovation industries. On March 23, more than 300 leaders from the homebuilding and construction industries assembled at Carmen’s Banquet Centre in Hamilton, to attend this annual event.

The association’s 2023 President Terri Johns’ spoke about the 80year history of the association. “As president, I am proud to say that our members continue to lead when it comes to innovation, education and advocacy. While there is no doubt that we now find ourselves in challenging times, by standing strong with 300 member companies, we’re able to work together to support each other in delivering the homes Hamilton, Burlington and Grimsby needs.”

The WEHBA was pleased to be joined by the new Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, who stated that the members of the WEHBA were a “remarkable group of goaloriented businesses and diverse membership that help build transit oriented communities, accelerate intensification and build the missing middle housing that we so critically need.”

Mayor Horwath’s remarks were followed by an address from

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who discussed the municipal government role in housing. “We know our role is to set the conditions and plans and policy, while it is your role to show us the shovel – to get that shovel in the ground and build those homes.” She added, “We know that we are stronger when we work together.” The event emphasized the opportunity for the development industry and municipal sector to work together on housing solutions.

The luncheon also featured remarks by the WEHBA 2023 Charity of Choice, the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice. Danielle Zucchet, CEO of the Hospice, is engaged in a campaign to raise $25 million to build a new children’s hospice for Hamilton. The hospice will offer end of life care for children, respite and pain and symptom management services, as well as grief and bereavement support for families. Hospice care allows children and their families to find joy and create memories on the hardest of days while receiving wrap-around medical excellence, in partnership with McMaster Children’s Hospital. WEHBA is pleased to be supporting

such an important project in our local community.

Every year during the industry luncheon, the West End Home Builders’ Association recognizes a distinguished member, by inducting them into the Association’s Hall of Fame. The 2023 Hall of Fame inductee was WEHBA Past President and former president of Westpark Homes, Tony Battaglia. The family of Tony Battaglia was on hand to accept this special honour recognizing his efforts and achievements throughout his distinguished career in residential construction. The WEHBA Hall of Fame was instituted in 1990 for the purpose of recognizing those members who have historically made outstanding and lasting contributions to the association, the community or the industry.

Mike Collins-Williams, RPP, MCIP, is CEO West End Home Builders’ Association. westendhba.ca.

MIKE COLLINS-WILLIAMS

THINK RESALE

WHEN YOU BUY NEW

One of the best things about buying a new home or condominium suite is being able to select the features and finishes that will personalize your surroundings. Most pre-construction buyers look forward to their colour selection appointment with excitement – and rightly so. I advise, however, that you consider more than your own needs and preferences and think ahead to when you sell your home or condo in the future.

Of course, investors take this seriously, as they want their properties to appeal to the widest range of their target market. But unless they purchase the dream home they plan to spend the rest of their lives in, endusers will likely sell at some point. It really pays to think about the next buyer.

According ReMax Canada, the average price of resale homes in the GTA increased nearly 453 per cent over the 25-year period from 1996 and 2021, at a compound annual growth rate of 7.08 per cent. That’s a substantial investment for anyone.

With that in mind, think about future buyers with your choice of location and the exterior of the homes you’re considering. Yes, these have to appeal to you, but being close to public transit, for example, can be a major selling point in the future. Is the architecture interesting, and does the developer have a striking landscaping plan? Most experts report that good landscaping can add up to 15 or even 20 per cent to the value of a home. Today’s developers are enlisting landscape design firms to ensure that the plant material going

in is appropriate for the style, soil and exposure of homes and condos.

If you’re thinking condo, are the building amenities attractive? Remember that even if you think you won’t use an amenity, it could be the deciding factor for the next buyer. As for your suite, especially if you are a first-time buyer, you may think you don’t need a second bedroom. Consider that future buyers may have a child and need the space. In the meantime, it could become your den, studio or home office.

And when you get down to selecting details, think like an investor and choose what will satisfy the tastes of others besides yourself. For example, hardwood or laminate flooring is a must for people who deal with allergies on a daily basis. If this is considered an upgrade, it may well be worth the extra money in the long run.

Neutral colour schemes are attractive, and owners can personalize by adding pops of colour. When potential purchasers walk through your home or condo in the future, anything they feel they’d have to replace or change lessens what they’re willing to pay. Kitchens

and bathrooms often determine whether a buyer is interested. These two rooms also typically result in the biggest return-on-investment. When items such as granite or marble countertops are added during construction, they cost much less and avoid the necessity to renovate later on. According to most resale brokers, existing homeowners who spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel, for example, will likely recover 80 per cent of their investment – so imagine what a new kitchen adds in a pre-construction home.

A little forward thinking goes a long way when you purchase a home or condo suite. And if you buy new, you have more control over all the above.

Debbie Cosic is CEO and founder of In2ition Realty. She has overseen the sale of more than $15 billion worth of real estate. With Debbie at its helm, In2ition has become one of the fastest-growing and most innovative new home and condo sales companies. in2ition.ca

Design Concept by In2Design

HOW TO MULTI-TASK

TO MAKE YOUR REAL ESTATE ‘WAIT’ PRODUCTIVE

When buying pre-construction homes or condominiums, there will usually be a wait time of months to several years before you take possession, depending on when in the marketing cycle you purchase. There may also be many of you who are biding your time before making a new home/condo purchase because of the market flux we are in. I believe that this year marks a bridge back to normalcy, but in the meantime, there are a lot of steps you can take to make the most of the time you have.

If you are a first-time buyer, research should be at the top of your to-do list. Find out what government help there is for you, and check the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. website for guides on buying real estate. Visit your financial institution and get yourself pre-approved for a mortgage so you know where you stand when you do decide to shop. Take some time to learn to read floorplans, as with pre-construction, you will likely buy from plans or possibly a handful of models. If you have questions about what means what on a floorplan, be sure to ask a sales representative or agent. And find yourself an experienced real estate lawyer who can help with your purchase. If you are thinking of a condominium, be sure the professional you choose is well versed in condo law, which is different from lowrise.

Those who are right-sizing from large lowrise homes to condo suites

can begin the “purging” process when it come to the “stuff” they have amassed over the years. There are many options today to arrange to give or sell possessions either in person at yard sales, or online via websites such as varagesale.com. Cherished heirlooms can be passed down to younger family members now rather than in the future. Keeping in mind that condo living will likely involve a more compact space than you’re used to, shop around for multipurpose furnishings that can save a lot of room once you move in.

Whatever you have in mind, if you have not purchased yet, spend time exploring the neighbourhoods you’re looking at, so you get the most return for your lifestyle and investment. And keep a positive thought – as the year goes on, we are entering a less challenging market. At Baker Real Estate, we are celebrating the success of Olive Residences at Yonge Street and Finch Avenue in Toronto. Sales for this condominium by Capital Developments are already robust, especially with investors, who are hearing the call. This is great news and bodes well for the market to come.

Regardless of the economic climate, real estate continually proves to be a solid investment. Seasoned buyers understand the benefits of owning, and potential first-time buyers dream of taking advantage of that lifestyle step. One of the attractions of buying preconstruction is that you have that time to make sure you understand all the parameters of your purchase, save toward your down payment and research what you need to. Take your time and make the best choice for you.

Barbara Lawlor is CEO of Baker Real Estate Inc. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of new home and condominium developments in the GTA, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, and internationally in Shanghai. baker-re.com

BARBARA LAWLOR

Tower 1 and 2 At Union City

FIVE PROPTECH TRENDS TO WATCH FOR IN 2023

VIRTUAL REALITY IS REAL

Regular readers of this column will know that I try to keep my finger on the pulse of all things related to PropTech. Technology is revolutionizing every aspect of the residential, commercial and institutional real estate markets. Here are some of the latest developments all interested parties should be paying attention to.

RENT, NOT OWN

While realtors would almost always advise that it’s better to own than rent property, the same can’t necessarily be said about the digital tools used to operate in the market. Rather than paying for costly software and hardware systems that the user owns, the model is increasingly turning to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) using subscription-based platforms. This reduces upfront capital costs, and improves flexibility and scalability if the user’s needs change over time.

THE INTERNET OF THINGS

It seems that almost every aspect of our lives is being touched by the Internet of Things (IoT), and this is definitely true in real estate. Already, Internet-connected devices in a building can track energy consumption, send real-time updates of system failures and maintenance updates, put out alerts for security issues, and more. As machine learning advances, the sky’s the limit on what new features and monitoring capabilities will be unveiled for everything from lighting and security to HVAC and automation.

While Meta’s augmented reality (AR) world has, so far, been a bit of a bust, real-world applications continue to flourish. This is definitely true in the commercial real estate world. For example, AR-enable 3D renderings make it possible for developers, contractors and clients to customize and fine-tune projects before the first shovel hits the ground.

Top building-related AR applications:

• Vera

• RealAR

• MagicPlan

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS GETTING SMART

Even the world’s smartest, most knowledgeable and efficient real estate professional can only do so much. Artificial intelligence (AI) is almost limitless in capabilities. AI analyzes millions of data points to do things such as maximize space utilization, streamline admin and accounting processes, improve energy efficiency and more.

Top AI-powered applications:

• TRIRIGA

• Hyro

• HouseCanary

BUILD A BLOCK WITH BLOCKCHAIN FINANCE

Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger of transactions that no centralized party controls. Bitcoin is probably the most familiar example. Blockchain’s secure, transparent and low-cost transactions mean it will be increasingly used in all manner of real estate transactions.

Top blockchain applications:

• ClosingLock and PayMints for secure payments and fraud prevention

• RealIT and RealBlocks for investing

• ManageGo and AppFolio for property management

• SMARTRealty and Propy for purchases and rental agreements

It may feel like technological innovations are happening at the speed of light and, the reality is, to a certain degree they are. But burying your head in the sand is not an option. If you don’t stay on top of the latest innovations, your competitors will and they will pass you by. I hope you’ll continue to join me on this journey of discovery of how PropTech will change the way we all do business.

Tim Ng is the Principal and Founder of ADHOC STUDIO and BLACKLINE, an industry-leading digital studio that combines real estate, art and technology. To learn more about ADHOC’s awardwinning renderings and industry leading sales platform, BLACKLINE, visit adhocstudio.ca and blacklineapp.com.

THE VILLAGES OF OAK PARK

SOPHISTICATED LIVING IN OAKVILLE

Oakville’s Uptown Core is blossoming. Cool urban restos and cafes mingle with greenspaces and open plazas in this vibrant walkable Oak Park district. In this great neighbourhood, Ballantry Homes is proudly introducing The Villages of Oak Park – a new urban landmark condominium community that will blend the prestige of Oakville with the energy of the Uptown Core. The community will offer a fine selection of luxurious one-, twoand two-bedroom plus den suites, complemented with rich lifestyle amenities to inspire the lives of its residents. This is sophistication at a whole new level.

CASUAL MODERN SOPHISTICATION

Casual modern elegance defines the interiors at The Villages of Oak Park. Smart suite layouts maximize space,

making room for comfortable living and lavish entertaining. Sleek gourmet kitchen finishes include exquisite countertops, fine cabinetry, quality appliance package and more. Plus, an exceptional selection of premium upgrades lets you personalize your suite to your individual taste. Large master bedrooms offer privacy and relaxation while sumptuous ensuites let you pamper yourself in superb style.

TOP CLASS LIFESTYLE AMENITIES

The Villages of Oak Park offers its residents exclusive access to top class luxury and fitness amenities. The elegant hotel style lobby lounge offers a great welcome for your guests. Stay in shape at the modern fitness studio. Get your work done in the open-concept co-work area.

Invite friends and loved ones for a celebration in the elegantly designed multi-purpose rooms. The rooftop terrace includes a great selection of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Fire up the barbecue in the outdoor oasis. With landscaped pergolas and ample seating, your party will hit all the high spots.

SMART SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Embrace the future today with a stunning array of smart, sustainable, energy-saving features in almost every facet of the community – from the underground garage EV charging to in-suite heating and cooling.

EV CHARGING

Ballantry’s advanced EV chargers offer speedy, reliable safe charging for almost every EV car out there.

GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGY

Oakpark will use advanced, state-ofthe-art geothermal technology, which eliminates the need for traditional gas boilers and rooftop cooling towers, thereby resulting in reduced condo fees and a 70-per-cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING FEATURES

Save water every time with highperformance water-efficient plumbing fixtures. Quality double glazed argon-filled windows, highefficiency thermally insulated walls and roofs ensure optimum energy use. Low VOC paints are non-toxic, thus offering a cleaner, healthier indoor environment. ERV or energy recovery ventilator recycles energy and improves indoor air quality by minimizing pollutants and allergens.

SMART CONNECTIVITY

Empowered by state-of-the-art Rogers 1Valet, Oak Park will offer the highest level of digital connectivity and convenience. Enjoy discounted bulk rates on Rogers Ignite Internet with Rogers’ advanced fibrepowered network. Digital key cards embedded within the resident app provide users with digital building and suite door access. Other advanced features include parcel scanning and notification, smart door lock, amenity booking and more.

FABULOUS CENTRAL LOCATION

When it comes to great location, Oak Park has it all. The area around the intersection of Dundas and Trafalgar offers an abundance of amenities – from schools, shops, restaurants and parks to community centres, libraries, arenas, sports fields and more. Shop for everything from fashions to homewares at Oakville Place, Rio Centre, Trafalgar Village or Upper Oakville Shopping Centre. As far as fine dining goes, with options ranging from seafood to steaks to pizzas, pies and everything in between, you’ll find something to suit every taste.

This neighbourhood is ideal for students and commuters too. Some

of Oakville’s finest elementary, middle and high schools are mere steps away. Sheridan College’s Trafalgar campus offers a wealth of postsecondary programs in business, technology, arts and sciences. The QEW and 403 offer quick and easy connections to the rest of the GTA. Oakville GO station is just a short drive from home. Local transit routes, bike paths and a vibrant walkable

location make it easy to get around for work, study or leisure.

The Villages of Oak Park is coming soon. Modern sophisticated one-, two- and two-bedroom plus den suites. Register now to be the first to know more and get an exclusive buying opportunity at this fabulous new community. Visit ballantryhomes.com for more details.

THE PROS AND CONS

OF BUYING PRE-CONSTRUCTION WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR MORTGAGE

JESSE ABRAMS

A lot of Canadian homebuyers are constantly looking for an affordable point of entry into the housing market. When it comes to buying a home, you have two options: Resale or pre-construction, whether it’s a condo, a lowrise property or a single-family home. Going the pre-construction route is typically a preferred option for several reasons, especially among firsttime homebuyers. However, it’s essential to understand everything that’s involved before you sign on the dotted line and how major life changes may impact your affordability over time.

THE PROS OF BUYING PRE-CONSTRUCTION

AN EASIER POINT OF ENTRY FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS

More often than not, buying a pre-construction home can mean paying a lower purchase price due to discounts and incentives offered by a homebuilder. Additionally, buyers can take advantage of a staggered schedule for their down payment as the home is being built. This can be helpful, because you’re not required to empty your pockets at the onset of your home purchase.

A FIXED PRICE WITH NO BIDDING WAR

Another key advantage of buying a pre-construction home, is that the

price is fixed and there is no chance of a bidding war. Many buyers find the mortgage and buying process to be stressful to begin with – so having the peace of mind that there aren’t any competing offers against yours is a big relief.

A GOOD INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Buyers should also know that purchasing a pre-construction property can often make for a good investment opportunity. This could be an excellent way to build equity and see large gains in your property value before you even move in. Many use this strategy to buy in early on a project, hold it for a few years to build equity, and then sell the property and benefit from the increase in price.

POTENTIAL CONS OF BUYING PRE-CONSTRUCTION

A CHANCE OF DELAYS AND UNCERTAINTY

The process of pre-construction can be uncertain, as delays may occur. Longer wait times can defer your move-in date – so if you’re planning to pack up and settle in shortly after purchasing, this may not be your best choice. In most cases with a preconstruction home, you’re essentially buying a property that doesn’t yet exist, and this can be nerve-wracking for some buyers.

A HIGHER DOWN PAYMENT MAY BE REQUESTED

Buyers should also keep in mind that although pre-construction homes come with a staggered payment schedule, they may require a deposit of up to 20 per cent of the purchase

price. This can be a significant financial commitment for buyers. The best thing you can do is get pre-approved for a mortgage to gain better clarity on what you can afford, and if this is the right move for you.

BONUS: FOCUS ON YOUR TIME HORIZON

Whether you are buying a home that will be completed in 12 months or five years, your financial situation will affect your ability to close. It is key to work with a mortgage advisor who can help you understand the dos and don’ts between the sale and closing date.

PRO TIPS

• Don’t lease a new car in between that time unless your income has increased.

• Consult with your mortgage advisor if you plan on switching jobs close to your move-in date.

• Keep your debts low to zero when it’s almost time to move in.

What’s right for you depends on your budget, your time horizon and your comfort level. It’s important for buyers to do their research, review their finances and carefully consider whether this is a suitable option for them and their future.

Jesse Abrams is Co-Founder at Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm. thinkhomewise.com

FOUR THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR NEW HOME CONTRACT

JAYSON SCHWARZ, LLM and HAMZA AHMAD, JD

The length of a pre-construction contract will leave you reminiscing about the complications in Lord of the Rings. Schedules, addendums and page-long paragraphs can leave any reader feeling overwhelmed. Here’s a guide to four important things to watch out for and make sure you understand.

1. IS IT ASSIGNABLE?

Your closing date will likely be years away, so consider that circumstances change, unforeseen events occur, and your position in life might change so much that as closing approaches, you may not wish – nor be able – to close.

An assignable contract will help you sleep better at night, because if life throws you a curveball, you can hit it right back by assigning your contract to a new buyer who can step into your shoes. If the market is anything like the last few years, you might even end up with some profit from the assignment.

If your contract is not assignable, you may have no choice but to close – and that will mean closing costs, builder’s adjustments, occupancy fees and mortgage approvals, and more cash down.

Review the assignment clause in your agreement. Not all assignment clauses are the same; some may require builder consent and approval, some may require that a significant

fee is paid, and some may have other restrictions attached.

2. EARLY TERMINATION CONDITIONS

We’ve all heard the stories about projects being cancelled, and buyers facing the choice of having to pay more for their new home, or have their deposits returned. Builders cannot cancel your contract for any reason, but they may do so if they cannot meet certain listed conditions in your contract, such as meeting a sales threshold or obtaining their own financing for construction.

Being informed may not prevent your contract from being cancelled, but you will be aware of important deadlines and the reasons for which your builder can cancel the project. Most of this information is contained in the Tarion Addendum that is attached to your agreement. It is important that you read this and understand all your rights.

3. DELAYED CLOSING TIMELINE

Your closing is scheduled for, let’s say, 2025. It’s worth it, you tell yourself as you think about the next few years. COVID slowed everything. What if your closing is delayed to 2026, 2028 or 2030? Highrise projects can be delayed a long time. Construction can be complicated, and your contract may allow your builder to delay the closing for several years to deal with those complexities.

In lowrise construction, there may be material shortages or other legitimate reasons for delay. Again, refer to your Tarion Addendum

to understand your rights as well as the builder’s.

4. COOLING OFF PERIODS

New home purchase contracts are exceptionally long and complicated. Condominium contracts come complete with a Disclosure Statement that can be extremely complex. You want to ensure that you are protected and informed, so taking it to an experienced lawyer for their review should be your next step. Reread articles, such as the ones on our website, speak to others who have purchased both types of products, and listen to focus on the things that are important.

Condominiums have a 10-day cooling off period that provides you a right in law to rescind the contract, if your expectations are not met. Freehold purchases, on the other hand, are firm when you sign and you must close – unless you insert a conditional clause.

The best advice we can give you is to invest in a review with a knowledgeable professional to advise you. It may be the best investment you ever made. Remember, you are spending a large amount of money. Do not scrimp in ensuring it is the right investment.

Jayson Schwarz, LLM, is managing partner of Schwarz Law Partners LLP. Hamza Ahmad, JD, is lead partner in residential real estate. schwarzlaw.ca, info@schwarzlaw.ca

ALMADEV UNVEILS LSQ

15-ACRE MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY IN NORTH YORK

Almadev, one of Canada’s leading real estate companies revered for its highly successful master-planned communities, including Emerald City and Galleria on the Park, has unveiled LSQ, which stands for Lansing Square, a transformative 15-acre masterplanned community located on Sheppard E. in North York.

Located just east of Hwy. 404 within the Consumer Road Business Park neighbourhood –which employs 20,000 people and represents one of the largest employment hubs outside downtown Toronto – LSQ will introduce approximately 1,600 residential units, including 160 affordable rental units, 400,000 sq. ft. of commercial

space, including a new 180,000-sq.ft. commercial building, as well as 50,000 sq. ft. of retail space.

LSQ sits at the nexus of an exciting, burgeoning area of Toronto, as Consumer Road Business Park was the subject of a years-long City study to ensure abundant investment and mix of uses for its future growth. LSQ will provide additional new housing, modern amenities and beautiful greenspace that is needed in North York.

“This is an area we strongly believe in, as we recently completed our master-planned community, Emerald City, just down the street last year,” says Rafael Lazer, CEO of Almadev. “We look forward to continuing

building our legacy in this area. It’s fortuitous timing that just as we close one chapter, we begin another. This is a dynamic area primed for renewal, and we’re proud to bring a true mix of diverse uses to this 15-acre site. Working alongside the City, we’ve developed a unique vision for LSQ, which not only responds to its immediate needs but anticipates its future potential, as well.”

Centrally located, LSQ is at the centre of connectivity. Residents, visitors and commuters will be able to easily access downtown Toronto and all cities within the GTA; in proximity to the Don Mills TTC subway and bus stations, and Hwys. 401 and 404, LSQ is anticipated to connect with

the proposed Sheppard East LRT. Surrounding LSQ, there are a plethora of diverse dining and recreational options, as well as premiere shopping and entertainment at Fairview Mall.

LSQ will retain two office buildings on-site, preserving critical employment uses. A new, state-ofthe-art 180,000-sq.-ft. commercial tower with office, retail and selfstorage will be introduced as part of Phase One. Bringing much-needed green- and open space, a 1.2-acre park with public art will serve as the heart of the community, as well as two privately-owned public spaces which will connect directly to retail and commercial spaces, creating an urbanized, pedestrianized landscape. LSQ’s pedestrian-friendly design will also feature new public roads with dedicated bike lanes.

Designed by Wallman Architects, the community’s flagship building LSQ 1, serves as the gateway into the eastern edge of North York, rising 43 storeys at the corner of Sheppard Avenue and Victoria Park. Creating

a strong architectural statement on the skyline, LSQ 1 offers a range of condominium residences – with a significant focus on family-sized residences – and an expansive retail space that opens out to Sheppard, animating the streetscape. The facade features an intricate pattern of zigzags using metal panels and is punctuated with bold black and white alternating balconies that add a distinct texture to the landscape.

“Designing the flagship building of a master-planned community presented a wonderful opportunity to lay the foundation for what’s to come at LSQ,” says Rod Pell, associate architect at Wallman Architects. “We’re honoured to be entrusted with this special gateway site, shaping the community and creating a true sense of place.”

Interiors, helmed by studio Truong Ly Design, offer a wide array of amenities that meet the needs of people of all ages. A crowning feature of LSQ 1 is an expansive outdoor terrace on the podium

level, complete with hot and cold plunges and an elevated infinity pool. Residents can lounge for the day, bask in the surrounding views of Toronto, and use the outdoor dining areas with barbecues.

A co-working room and dedicated content creation studio provide ample spaces for residents to unleash their creativity, work independently and collaborate with others. LSQ 1 will provide a myriad of opportunities for socializing and hosting with an inhouse theatre, a games and social lounge, and a dining room. The building also features an expansive fitness centre complete with steam room and sauna, a kids’ playroom with dedicated outdoor space, and a pet area. The building also features functional layouts with modern finishes.

LSQ 1 will include 462 condominium residences, ranging from 444 to 1,185 sq. ft. For more information and to register, visit lsqliving.com.

FABRIC LOVE

HOW TO MIX PATTERNS AND COLOURS LIKE A PRO

by LINDA MAZUR

Spring is here, and with it comes the traditional release of all new and wonderful fabrics bursting with vibrant colours, patterns and textures. As a designer, I look forward to the start of a new project. I enjoy pouring over fabric books gathering ideas and direction and have been known to design an entire space just from the inspiration of one fabric.

Fabric is tactile, and the feel of lush soft velvets, the beauty of some richly woven silks and the simplicity and texture of coarsely woven linen accompanied by rich, saturated colours is enough to inspire anyone to decorate. The question, however, is with all of these fabrics and patterns to select from how do you know what works together to achieve that “designer look” in your home.

Blending all different fabrics together is not as difficult as you may think, but there are a few key points to remember. To successfully mix fabric patterns like a pro a good place to start would be with something simple like blending a minimum of three fabric patterns. The first pattern selection should be your most impactful one therefore, choose carefully and select a pattern you love that is larger scale.

The second pattern should be completely different, probably about half the scale of the first one and have some of the same colours incorporated throughout.

For the third selection, it can be smaller scale and similar in pattern to either of the first two, with at least two to three of the colours found in the other patterns. So, for example, if you have selected a large-scale

floral as your first pattern, the second could perhaps be a bold stripe or a geometric fretwork pattern, and then blend in another small-scale alternate geometric.

Consider adding another pattern or two, or three, if you wish; maybe a small check, a dot pattern is always favourable, or perhaps repeat with another stripe or floral. If you’re more adventurous, consider throwing an animal print into the mix for a bit of fun.

Balancing textures and fabric weight is also important to achieve a well-blended mix of fabrics, as is maintaining the same depth or magnitude of colour. By that, I mean if you’re working with primary colours, then try not to incorporate fabrics that are pastels, as you will inevitably create an imbalance.

When combining and layering patterns, it is important to balance the patterns throughout your space, the last thing you’ll want to do is create a situation where the heavier weight of patterns and colours are all at one end of the room. They should be well proportioned

with solids and any other visible patterns in your room, such as area rugs, wall coverings, fireplace surrounds to provide equilibrium and an aesthetically pleasing look. In addition, it’s important when pairing up your choices to consider the “feel” of the fabrics you’re selecting – for example, whether they are formal or more casual – and then maintain consistency.

Pattern blending can be fun, and these fabrics can create a bold statement in your home. Mixing fabrics like a pro is all about balance, layering and blending. When it’s done well, contrasting but complementary patterns and textures can elevate your space beyond the typical to a fresh, innovative and welcoming home. Toiles, stripes, florals, ikats and check are just some of the many different patterns we see, blend them with rich velvets, textural boucle, linens or silks to give your home that designer touch.

Just remember to keep a common element, and work with your scales and colours to see your home come alive.

Linda Mazur is an award-winning, nationally publicized designer and Principal of Linda Mazur Design Group. With almost two decades of experience this in demand multi-disciplinary design firm is known for creating relaxed, stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada. lindamazurdesign.com

@LindaMazurGroup

TRANSFORMING AN EMPTY SPACE INTO SOMETHING

FABULOUS

by LISA ROGERS

Many first-time GTA homebuyers today are starting out buying a more affordable condominium, due to the high cost of homes and current mortgage rates. But the limited square footage doesn’t mean you have to live a cramped-up life. There are a host of ways we can use to transform these suites into something spectacular. Here are a few tips outlining some of my best-laid plans.

PAINT YOUR WALLS WHITE

The effect of colour in a home can be huge, and it plays a big part in how you dress a small space. Just like fashion, it’s a rather simple rule of

thumb: Lighter colours will make you or the room look more prominent, whereas darker colours will make you or the room appear smaller.

With some of the suites I designed, I kept the main living areas a beautiful neutral white – my constant, goto colour – to give the feeling of freshness, airiness and space. If I were to paint those walls dark, say a navy blue or anything more saturated, you’ll feel a bit closed in, and that’s not going to help make the space feel roomy. Plus, that leaves very little room to switch things up in my decor. A white palette on the walls gives me the freedom and flexibility to change

my furnishings around if I so desire. The same can’t be said if I have to work with a different colour.

If you are a fan of colour, don’t feel like you have to reject it entirely either. Use it elsewhere in your home, such as a powder room or a bedroom. Both could work really well, especially as a feature wall, or use it in your artwork or soft finishes, such as pillows, throws and blankets.

DON’T FIGHT WITH YOUR FURNITURE

When I walk into a room, I want my eye to wander around the entire space and not get stuck on the

particular furniture I have in the area. So, I used legs on the furniture. I love Elte Market, the more affordable sister brand of Elte, and it has some fantastic pieces this season, most of which I used to furnish some model suites. I wanted people to walk into the suite where your eye is tricked into seeing through and under everything, because every piece is propped by some legs. No furniture is flush and heavy on the floor, each is “lifted” to create good flow and harmony in each room. There’s no heavy, massive couch that dominates the living room and goes down to the floor with a skirt. No, thank you. Each of my bedside tables in the bedroom

has legs, the chairs have legs, everything has legs. It’s a small trick, but one I promise will yield the most significant impact. Your room will instantly feel larger because of it.

KEEP YOUR OVERALL COLOUR PALETTE NEUTRAL

Whether in the kitchen, dining room or bedroom, I always steer clear of too much clutter, as well as too bold colour choices, unless I’m playing around with the soft furnishings. Again, the lighter you go, and the less stuff you have, the more open your room will feel. I’m not a minimalist by any means, but I do think there is something to be said about having a few, choice accessories in a room, as opposed to bombarding it with every one of your favourite knick-knacks. My general rule of thumb is always, for every one thing you put out, put something away.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

I also like to keep the kitchens as neutral as possible, to blend seamlessly into the overall design and feel of the space, so I remove the hardware and handles from all the cabinets. I prefer clean lines

and with handles, you don’t get that – all you get is busyness. Now, I’m no modernist, but there’s something about this look that inspires the exact feeling I want to create – calmness. The same sentiment applies for the bedroom: I opted for mesh roller blinds (you could go either white or black) because the fabrication is very effervescent. They frame and balance the room well, so it isn’t too busy, and your eye isn’t drawn to fussy curtains. The black-bronze curtain rods and silver grommets help to keep the look elegant, while also not weighing down the space.

PUMP UP YOUR COLOUR WITH SOFT FINISHES AND FURNISHINGS

For larger pieces, be it a couch, bed frame or dining table, I work with lighter fabrics and lighter shades. Where I do play with colour, though, is in my soft finishes and furnishings, such as artwork, duvet covers, pillows, throw blankets, accessories and even big coffee table books. This is where you can have some fun, and it doesn’t cost a lot. If the mood strikes where I want to switch up my space, I can do it with my soft furnishings quite easily. Williams Sonoma, IKEA and Pottery Barn all have beautiful selections.

Lisa Rogers is Executive Vice-President of Design for Dunpar Homes (dunparhomes.com). Lisa has shared her style and design expertise on popular television programs such as Canadian Living TV, House & Home TV and as a regular guest expert for fashion and image, health and wellness and design on CityTV’s Cityline. Follow Lisa’s blog at craftedbylisa.ca

by design

Spectacular 365-degree penthouse views are the backdrop for a canvas of bold blues and saturated pinks

Colour queen

by AMANDA AERIN

When my glamourous client presented me with the design freedom to create a colourful penthouse in the sky, I jumped at the chance. The 365-degree views of the lake are the perfect backdrop for my canvas of bold blues and saturated pinks.

When designing an open-concept space with colourful pieces, it’s important to consider the flow and sightlines in the rooms from various angles, ensuring that the entire colour palette works in harmony.

The custom pink settee that sits like a reigning queen in the entrance gives visitors a sneak peek into the vibrant pops of colour that awaits them as they pass from room to room. The watery hue is echoed in the rich blue custom velvet sofa that forms the basis of this welcoming seating area. I opted for an oversized coffee table that proudly displays a mix of books, candles and my client’s colourful collectables.

Get the look

Add the magic of colour to your home. For some inspiration, here are my top three tricks to achieving a luxurious colourful look in any space.

Use a pattern as the jumping-off colour palette in your room. Art, a rug or accent pillows are the perfect accessories to use as the basis to your vibrant room scheme.

Consider slipcovers as a budget-friendly alternative to colourful custom upholstery.

Incorporate painted furniture pieces to add character and warmth.

Amanda Aerin is the guest editor of RENO+DECOR. She can be seen on the Marilyn Denis Show on CTV, heard on radio and shared on social media outlets.

When designing an open-concept space with coourful pieces, it’s important to consider the flow and sightlines in the rooms from various angles...

ART: Artist Donna Andreychuk, Life in the Woods oil on canvas 48x60. canvasgallery.ca

RUG: Art silk, woven in India. wstudio.ca

PILLOWS: Ming Trail velvet pillows in green or chinoiserie. etsy.ca

Adonis Urima SIDEBOARD/BUFFET for living room or dining room wayfair.ca

Färlöv three-seater SOFA COVER in navy blue. bemz.com

Bristol Place Brampton

Branthaven Mississauga

developer: BRANTHAVEN

project name: Birch Condos & Towns at Lakeview Village

style: Highrise Condos and Towns

features: 298 Condos & 59 Towns

prices from: TBD

developer: SOLMAR DEVELOPMENT CORP.

style: Highrise

size: Starting from 432 sq. ft.

features:

• Two 48 storey towers on a podium within a landscaped courtyard

• 1 bed, 1 bed + den, 2 bed, 3 bed

• Steps to Go, VIA Rail, and ZUM rapid transit

• Surrounded by shopping, dining, arts and culture

• Party room, gym, yoga, lounge, outdoor BBQ & dining area, work stations and more contact: solmar.ca

location: 199 Main St N, Brampton, ON L6X 1N2

Central Park North York

features: • Part of Mississauga’s most anticipated master planned waterfront community, Lakeview Village.

• Waterfront trails, beaches, parks, schools and shops

• Fully furnished indoor and outdoor amenities designed by II BY IV DESIGN

• Rooftop terrace, fitness facility, dining/social lounge, media/games lounge and pet spa

• BH Home TechnologyTM , a Smart Home solution providing integrated building/home access and control system

• 1-3 bedroom condo units

• Located between Port Credit and Long Branch Go Stations

contact: Branthaven.com

location: Hydro Road, Mississauga

The Villages of Oakpark Oakville

developer: AMEXON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

style: Highrise – 12-acre, master-planned community size: 436 - 1,200 sq. ft.

prices from: from the $700,000s

features:

• 1 Bed, 1 Bed+Den, 2 Bed, 2 Bed+Den, 3 Bed+Den

• Spacious layouts, terraces/balconies

• Located in the Bayview Village neighbourhood

• Leslie subway station and GO Transit at your door

• Direct access to the East Don Parkland ravine

• Central Park Common – a three-acre urban park offering year-round, outdoor event programming

• 55,000 sq. ft. of resort-style amenities including coworking space, skating rink, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, privately operated childrens’ daycare, EV charging stations in all parking areas

contact: centralparktoronto.com

• (416) 252-3000

location: 1200 Sheppard Avenue East

developer: BALLANTRY HOMES

project name: The Villages of Oakpark style: Highrise size: 500 to 1506 sq.ft.

features:

• Easy access to the QEW, Highways 403 and 407, and the Oakville GO Station.

• Select from luxurious 1, 2 and 2-bedroom+den suites.

• Rich amenities include gym, party room, rooftop terrace, lounge, co-work space.

contact: ballantryhomes.com

location: 90 Oak Park Blvd, Oakville

2151 Kingston Road Toronto

ALLURE Toronto

developer: ALTREE DEVELOPMENTS

style: Modern Boutique Mid-Rise Building, 10 Storeys, 156 Units

features: • Located in Cliffside Village – minutes from the Scarborough Bluffs. Surrounded by nature and urban conveniences.

• Unobstructed views of Lake Ontario with cascading terraces.

contact: KingsideResidences.com

location: 2151 Kingston Road

developer: NatioNal DevelopmeNts aND

BrixeN DevelopmeNts iNc.

style: Highrise

size: 26 storeys

features: • Studio, 1 bed, 1 bed + den, 2 bed, 2 bed + den

• Lobby, Gym, Co-Working Space

• Kids Playroom, Party Room, Private Dining Room With Catering Kitchen

• Rooftop with BBQ’s, Flex Lawn, Dining and Lounge Areas register at: duocondos.ca location: Steeles Ave. W and Malta Ave. just west of Hurontario

developer: EMBLEM DEVELOPMENTS

style: Highrise

size: 428 sq.ft - 1,005 sq.ft.

features:

• 43-storey tower offering 509 residential units

• Heritage façade integrated with modern architecture

• 100 walk score, 100 transit score and 98 bike score

• Chauffeur service using ALLURE’s private Rolls-Royce

• Curated amenities: 24-hour concierge, luxurious social lounge, health spa with steam room, sauna, screening lounge, coworking spaces, fitness centre, spin studio, children’s playroom, and outdoor terraces

• Global architectural firm IBI Group and interior design by Burdifilek

contact: EmblemDevCorp.com

location: 250 King E, Toronto

BUILDERS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR PREVIEW REGISTRATION, NEW RELEASE OR SITE OPENING IN THIS FEATURE, JUST EMAIL THE DETAILS TO EDITORIAL@NEXTHOME.CA

MAPS

HOT PROPERTIES

The latest properties in the Southwestern Ontario Area to keep your eye on FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

BUILDERS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR PREVIEW REGISTRATION, NEW RELEASE OR SITE OPENING IN THIS FEATURE, JUST EMAIL THE DETAILS TO EDITORIAL@NEXTHOME.CA

WHY HOUSING NEEDS TO BE A PRIORITY

IN TORONTO’S UPCOMING MAYORAL BY-ELECTION

In June, Torontonians will head to the polls again to choose the person who will be mayor for the next three-anda-half years. At a time when housing supply and affordability are among the most urgent issues facing the city, voters must pay close attention to candidates’ housing platforms and consider whether their policies will truly help address the city’s housing crisis.

Experts, the industry and governments agree that the housing challenges in the city, the Greater Toronto Area, and in all of Ontario, are firmly rooted in a shortage of new housing and the length of time it takes to build new homes. The provincial government has committed to enabling the construction of 1.5 million homes over the next decade to increase housing supply and choice for residents, improve affordability and bring balance to the market. To contribute its share toward achieving this goal, Toronto needs to build 285,000 new homes of all types by 2031, a 160-per-cent annual increase in housing starts from the previous decade.

Achieving this goal will require a mayor who maintains a clear focus on housing and takes decisive action in several key areas. The first is speeding up building approvals and cutting red tape. In a 2022 benchmarking study of major Canadian municipalities,

Toronto ranked last in approval timeframes, averaging 32 months on common types of new housing, four-and-a-half times longer than the maximum allowed under the Planning Act. Such lengthy approval times slow the addition of needed housing supply and add costs. In its Housing Action Plan, the city has committed to making improvements, and any future mayor must support and accelerate this commitment.

The new mayor will also need to support smarter, more efficient land use, as both supply and affordability of new homes depend on the availability of land. In a city such as Toronto, with fixed municipal boundaries, we need to use the land we have more efficiently. This means allowing zoning that enables greater residential density within neighborhoods and along major streets. Under the Housing Action Plan, the city is studying the possibility of permitting up to four housing units per lot in existing neighbourhoods. The next mayor must support this type of efficient land use.

Lastly, the city must accelerate the development of infrastructure, community services and social services to match the acceleration of housing development. It must also

recognize that the burden of paying for critical hard and soft infrastructure has to be shared, which means that a new, holistic funding model needs to be developed with all three levels of government. Any prospective mayor must champion and help lead the development of this model.

Last month, Statistics Canada announced that Canada’s population grew by one million people in 2022. The federal government has committed to welcoming 500,000 new immigrants annually. These are clear indicators that housing demand will remain robust. We encourage all voters to learn more about Toronto’s challenges with housing supply and affordability and support candidates who support housing.

Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the homebuilding, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, follow BILD on Twitter, @bildgta or visit bildgta.ca.

DAVE WILKES

SOPHISTICATED LIVING IN THE HEART OF OAKVILLE

1, 2 & 2-BEDROOM+DEN SUITES

Dundas and Trafalgar is buzzing. The newest landmark in downtown Oakville soars above the intersection, with incredible views of all that the city has to o er. Presented by Ballantry Homes, The Villages of Oak Park is a new, master-planned, multi-phased community coming soon to the neighbourhood of Oak Park. Select from luxurious 1, 2 and 2-bedroom+den suites. Enjoy the endless amenities o ered to residents. Close to parks, trails, shops and restaurants, The Villages of Oak Park o ers easy access to the QEW, Highways 403 and 407, and the Oakville GO Station. This is sophistication at a whole new level.