Ontario Active Life - October 8, 2022

More Comfortable Home You’ve Been Waiting For!

Live life your way.

Parkland is a family-owned company with maritime roots and more than three decades of being a trusted provider of services and supports to seniors in Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

We understand being independent, active and social is an important part of living your best life. At Parkland, residents spend each day as they please, relax in your private suite, enjoying live music entertainment with friends, going out for an afternoon of shopping, or nding balance with an exercise class after lunch and a delicious slice of carrot cake with dinner.

you or a loved one are thinking about exploring a retirement community that promotes wellness, happiness and service excellence, consider Parkland—it’s a place residents are proud to call home.

braestone’s final enclave.

We’re excited to announce the release of our final 16 lots at Braestone. The community has come together beautifully, a labour of love and exercise in innovation, craftsmanship and design. Not surprisingly, the response has been extraordinary as residents of Braestone are happy to enjoy the remarkable trails and ponds, the horse paddocks, the pumpkin patch, the nature preserve, streams and forests and a life, as promised, that is richer and more rewarding.

We invite you to join in our vision and become part of Oro-Medonte’s finest community. REGISTER FOR OUR FINAL PHASE TODAY FROM $1.5 MILLION.

Distinctive and timeless bungalow, loft and two-storey homesteads on a selection of 1/2 acre to over 1 acre secluded lots.

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ELECTION ISSUE

We’re already into October, the kids are back in school and cooler weather is here. And something else you’re going to be hearing more and more about – the upcoming municipal elections.

On Oct. 24, voters in Ontario will go to the polls to elect mayors, councillors and other officials in the province’s municipalities. And this, on the heels of the June 2 provincial election, and around the one-year anniversary of the Sept. 20, 2021 federal election.

One common theme throughout all of these democratic processes – housing as an election issue. Indeed, as several pieces of content in this issue discuss, and just like it was at the national and provincial levels, housing supply and affordability will be a top platform item.

Indeed, Toronto Mayor John Tory recently announced his 2022 re-election plan to get more homes built in the city, and address the affordability issue.

“We’ve made strong progress over the past eight years to get housing built in Toronto, but to tackle increased affordability challenges brought on by a national housing shortage we need to build more homes, faster,” says Tory. “I’m proud to announce a five-point plan that builds on this progress by looking critically at where we can streamline and modernize processes at City Hall, and how we incentivize our homebuilding partners to increase our housing supply and drive affordability.”

KARL

Says Jason Mercer, chief market analyst at the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, “The ability to bring on more supply is the longer-term challenge. However, we are moving in the right direction on this front. The strong mayor proposal from the province, coupled with the recent commitment from Toronto Mayor John Tory to expand ownership and rental housing options, are examples of this.”

While Tory may be seeking re-election in Canada’s largest city – and the country’s largest and most high-profile real estate market – he is not the only prospective municipal leader who will have to tackle this issue. Several other municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and elsewhere in the province are dealing with this matter, at levels just as serious as Toronto’s. Some of these potential city leaders – and even incumbents – are perceived almost as anti-development. Indeed, it will be interesting to watch some of these mayoral races unfold, knowing the pressures the municipalities face, and hearing how these officials plan to deal with them.

Whether you’re in Toronto, Hamilton, Vaughan, Brampton, Barrie, Oshawa or any of Ontario’s more than 400 municipalities, make it a point to learn about your candidates’ plan for housing. It’s a subject that will affect you, and a topic that will surely be a perennial election issue.

PERSONAL FINANCE | JESSE ABRAMS

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

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Jacky Hill, jacky.hill@nexthome.ca

EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANT Michael Rosset

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – NATIONAL REAL ESTATE Susan Legge, susan.legge@nexthome.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – GREATER TORONTO AREA Wayne Karl, wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

WESTERN VIEW | MIKE COLLINS-WILLIAMS

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

MANAGING EDITOR Rise Levy, rise.levy@nexthome.ca

GARDEN EDITOR Mark Cullen

CONTRIBUTORS

Jesse Abrams, Luca Campacci, Ben Cullen, Mike Collins-Williams, Greg Gazin, Bilha Kangethe, Bruce Kirkland, Ben Myers, Agnes Ramsay, Lisa Rogers, Jayson Schwarz

GARDENING | BEN AND MARK CULLEN

Mark Cullen is a Member of the Order of Canada, and provides gardening advice to more than two million Canadians each week.

Ben Cullen’s specialty is food gardening. markcullen.com; Facebook @MarkCullenGardening and Pinterest @MarkCullenGardening.

TECH | GREG GAZIN

Greg Gazin is a syndicated tech columnist, blogger, podcaster, and contributes to canoe.com, Troy Media and Active Life magazine. gadgetguy.ca

TAKE TWO | BRUCE KIRKLAND

Bruce Kirkland’s career spans more than four decades, working as a film critic for The Toronto Star, The Ottawa Journal and for 36 years at The Toronto Sun. bruce.kirkland@hotmail.com

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. bullpenconsutling.ca

FITNESS | AGNES RAMSAY

Agnes Ramsay is a Registered Nurse, Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach who specializes in Electric Muscle Stimulation Training. agnes.ramsay@xbodyworld.com

LEGALLY SPEAKING | JAYSON SCHWARZ

Jayson Schwarz LLM 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.

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, SALES, NEXTHOME Hope McLarnon 416.708.7987, hope.mclarnon@nexthome.ca

DIRECTOR OF SALES, ONTARIO, NEXTHOME Natalie Chin 416.881.4288, natalie.chin@nexthome.ca

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS Amanda Bell 416.830.2911, amanda.bell@nexthome.ca

VICE-PRESIDENT, MARKETING – GTA Leanne Speers

SENIOR CLIENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST – GTA Sonia Presotto

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES/SERVICE Marilyn Watling

SALES & MARKETING CO-ORDINATORS Gary Chilvers, Vi Nguyen

HOME SHOW MANAGER & NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION – GTA Josh Rosset

DISTRIBUTION distributionteam@nexthome.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@nexthome.ca

DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA Lauren Reid–Sachs

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PRODUCTION MANAGER – GTA Yvonne Poon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER Alicesa Pullan

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR Hannah Yarkony

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Johannah Lorenzo, Jean Fay Rodriguez, Mike Terentiev

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DEVELOPMENT

Lakeside Landing Wellington a fusion of classic and contemporary luxury homes on the waterfront

Welcome to Lakeside Landing Wellington, a fusion of classic and contemporary luxury waterfront residences in the heart of Prince Edward County.

Q&A

In Conversation With... Shaun Levy, Vice-President, Flato Developments

If you’re looking for a new-home builder known for building quality homes and developments, and giving back to the community in meaningful ways, you can’t do much better than Flato Developments.

ONLINE

PERSONAL FINANCE

What do rising rates and falling prices mean for prospective homebuyers?

The housing market has shifted, as interest rates have risen and some home prices have fallen. What do all these changes mean for Canadian homebuyers?

INSIGHT

Long term and local – key factors to consider in real estate

With the market being a little, shall we say, atypical, these days, it’s important to remember two key factors: Real estate is long term and local.

GARDENING

Divide and conquer – how to make the most of your perennials Fall is the perfect time to lift and divide your perennials... you’ll end up with more plants than you started with. Who best to advise you than gardening gurus Mark and Ben Cullen?

DESTINATIONS ONTARIO

Prince Edward Country – where it’s all about lifestyle

Slow down, spread friendly vibes, leave parks better than you found them, and generally just “be more County.” This is life in Prince Edward County.

Giving

Become a BIG to a Child

MUNICIPAL APPROVAL DELAYS COSTING NEW-HOME BUYERS THOUSANDS

Municipal approval timelines for new housing in the GTA are among the worst of major municipalities across Canada and add significant costs to new home purchasers, according to a municipal benchmarking study conducted for the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) by Altus Group, a marketleading intelligence service provider to the global commercial real estate industry.

“With the average approval timeframe across the GTA now being 21 months, and with approvals in some municipalities stretching to 34 months, not only are municipal inefficiencies and delays slowing the addition of housing supply, but they are also adding directly and indirectly up to $3.30 per square foot to the cost of a new home,” says Dave Wilkes, president and CEO of BILD. “To put that in context, each month of delay in approvals adds $2,600 per month to the cost of a new 800-square-foot apartment and over double that for a new single-family home.”

In addition, the study found that municipal fees and charges added to new homes continue to escalate significantly, increasing on average by 30 to 36 per cent since the 2020 study. This is adding tens of thousands of incremental dollars to the cost of a new home. Delays and costs have a significant impact on GTA communities and the economy, causing many young families to leave the region for surrounding areas.

“Governments at the federal and provincial levels have taken steps to address the factors that affect housing supply and affordability,” says Wilkes. “Municipalities need to do the same. Now is the time for action.”

KEY FINDINGS IN THE 2022 BENCHMARKING STUDY

• In the GTA, Milton and Whitby performed best, with average approval timeframes of 10 and 13 months, respectively. Toronto and Caledon performed the worst, with average timeframes of 32 and 34 months respectively.

• The size of the project is not a significant factor in how long it takes to gain municipal approval. This results in long approval times and increased costs per unit for smaller projects, which acts as a disincentive for building these types of projects.

• Almost none of the approvals included within the benchmarking study would meet provincial statutory requirements.

• Nine of the 16 municipalities in the 2022 study now have combined municipal charges (development charges, parkland charges, community benefits charges, planning fees) for a ground-oriented development (mix of singles and townhouses) that exceed $100,000 per unit, and seven exceed $125,000 per unit.

• On a per-sq.-ft. basis, municipal charges are nearly two times higher for high-density housing than for ground-related housing. This relationship is evident in every municipality studied and acts as a drag to increasing density.

RESCON OUTLINES 15 ACTIONS GOVERNMENTS MUST TAKE TO BOOST SUPPLY OF NEW HOUSING

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is calling on all three levels of government to tackle the housing supply and affordability crisis by immediately adopting a series of recommendations aimed at speeding up dysfunctional planning approvals processes, allowing more infill development, lowering taxes, and embracing digitization.

The recommendations are part of a 15-point action plan released by RESCON that outlines changes each government – federal, provincial and municipal – can make to boost the supply of housing. The blueprint, Housing Ontario’s People Everywhere (HOPE), recommends five actions for each level of government.

“We are in a full-blown housing crisis on a scale not seen in generations and will only be able to build enough homes for our growing population if governments think outside the box and embrace bold initiatives,” says RESCON President Richard Lyall. “It will require an allhands-on-deck approach by all three levels of government if we are to provide the housing that’s needed. We are proposing effective and specific solutions that can be put in place quickly to address the problem.”

RESCON consulted a wide array of stakeholders who are concerned about the future of housing supply and affordability, from supportive housing builders and operators to developers of major projects. Consultations included planning lawyers, housing advocates and groups, youth, former elected officials, Housing Affordability Task Force members, trade and financial sector organizations.

Municipally, RESCON wants major changes so planning and

development divisions will have to expedite housing applications and approvals with mandated timelines. The plan also calls for previous increases in taxes, fees and levies, such as development charges, to be reversed or reduced, the development approvals process to be digitized, a prohibition on the use of heritage designations to stop development, and reasonable densification to be allowed, particularly in Toronto.

Provincially, RESCON notes a number of actions have been taken, such as the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, but maintains more must be done. The plan recommends that the province mandate major municipalities to have an independent planning and development ombudsman to ensure applications are not delayed. The blueprint also tackles the issue of how to speed-up cases at the Ontario Land Tribunal, recommends that municipalities be required to permit maximum reasonable residential development on sites, and that municipalities be required to put an end to exclusionary zoning policies that prohibit forms of reasonable light densification.

Federally, RESCON wants an exemption or rebate on HST collected on construction of residential buildings, more tax incentive programs, and an immigration system that permits more foreign-trained skilled workers to come to Ontario. Additionally, the plan suggests more efforts be made to encourage skilled workers to consider relocating to Canada, and that federally owned land be activated for housing.

“The province has pledged to build 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years, but we can only reach that goal if each level of government is at the

table and takes immediate action,” says Lyall. “Residential construction is already facing a perfect storm of obstacles by way of inflation, rising interest rates, labour and supply chain issues, and an unpredictable approvals process. Unprecedented development charge increases imposed on developers only add to the burden faced by the industry.”

Government charges in the GTA are the highest in North America and have increased between 800 and 1,000 per cent in slightly more than 10 years. The City of Toronto has authorized a whopping 46-per-cent increase in development charges over the next two years. This will result in a hike of just over $43,000 for a single or semi-detached house, in addition to the $94,000 already being collected.

“It’s not an over-statement to describe our current situation as a full-blown housing crisis,” adds Lyall. “Unprecedented situations like the one we now find ourselves in require extraordinary solutions. RESCON’s action plan has specific and effective solutions that can be implemented quickly.”

LUXURY MARKETS HOLD FIRM

IN THE FACE OF MARKET PRESSURES: REMAX

The national average residential sale price in Canada could decline 2.2 per cent in the final months of the year (September to December), but Ontario markets – notably luxury homes – are holding their own, according to ReMax Canada’s 2022 Fall Housing Market Outlook Report.

This market moderation comes on the heels of rising interest rates, high inflation and broader global and economic uncertainties that have impacted consumer confidence and market activity. Bucking the downward trend, six out of 30 markets analyzed are likely to experience modest price appreciation between 1.5 and seven per cent, ReMax says.

In a survey of ReMax brokers and agents, 22 out of 30 said rising interest rates have affected activity in their local residential market this year, with some indicating that this has been the biggest factor impacting homebuyer and seller confidence – a trend that is likely to continue for the remainder of 2022. These insights are supported by a new Leger survey commissioned by ReMax Canada, which reveals that 44 per cent of Canadians agree that rising interest rates are compelling them to hold on buying a property this fall, while 34 per cent say they won’t hold.

“While we are still facing significant housing supply shortages across the country, many markets are experiencing softer sales activity given recent interest rate hikes,” says Christopher Alexander, president at ReMax Canada. “This provides some

reprieve from the unprecedented demand and unsustainable price increases we’ve seen across Canada through 2021 and in early 2022. However, the current lull in the market is only temporary. Until housing supply increases, these ‘boom’ and ‘bust’ cycles will likely be a recurring event.”

“Despite the fact that nearly half of Canadians are waiting to buy or sell a home, we’re confident that as economic conditions improve by mid-2023, activity will resume,” says Elton Ash, executive vicepresident, ReMax Canada. “Timing the market for short-term investment is extremely difficult and rarely successful. But real estate as a long-term investment continues to yield solid returns. If someone needs to engage in the housing market, regardless of those cyclical peaks and valleys, being informed and working with an experienced real estate professional can help consumers clarify some of those unknowns and make the best decision possible.”

ONTARIO MARKET INSIGHTS

Much like other provinces across the country, Ontario has not been immune to the impacts of rising interest rates. Many markets, including Oakville, Windsor, Barrie, Durham, Kingston and KitchenerWaterloo, anticipate – and in some cases already experiencing – a reduction in the number of units sold over the coming months. Apart from Oakville and Muskoka, average residential sale prices in Ontario are

likely to remain steady or decrease between two to 10 per cent in the fall months.

The luxury market has remained resilient and in-demand among buyers in Oakville, despite rising interest rates and a looming recession – a contributing factor to the modest two-per-cent average residential sale price increase expected in Oakville this fall. Muskoka continues to attract homebuyers to the area, while simultaneously, many sellers are eager to sell before year-end. Given a steady stream of demand, Muskoka is expected to experience a modest five-per-cent increase in average residential sale price this fall.

In Peterborough, interest rate hikes and the subsequent effects on the stress test have eroded affordability in the area, which is the main factor contributing to the seven-per-cent decrease in average residential sale price expected in the coming months. The return of conditional offers has been a prevalent trend across the province, including in Kingston, Kitchener- Waterloo, Muskoka and Peterborough. Echoing many regions across Canada, Durham, London, Sudbury, Ottawa, the Lakelands and GTA-Toronto are expected to regain balance in 2023, albeit with low inventory continuing to place upward pressure on prices. As one of the more affordable markets in Ontario, Thunder Bay is unlikely to experience any significant fluctuations in average residential sale prices this fall.

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Thank you to our sponsors and supporters.

GREG GAZIN

TV IS THE NEW ART

(TV WHEN IT’S ON, ART WHEN IT’S OFF)

It’s time for a little house remodelling. She desires new furniture, but with hockey season upon us, he prefers to use the space for a new larger flatscreen. She prefers to hang art and doesn’t want a bulky TV cluttering up the look of the living room.

For some families, this can become quite a dilemma.

The solution to maintain the years of marital bliss – The Frame TV by Samsung. One can watch the game when it’s on and, as the name eludes, in Art Mode, the TV becomes an incredible art display which the significant other can enjoy when the TV is off. Even better, when neither party is around, built-in sensors will turn off the display to save energy.

The Frame features a modern frame design, unlike a typical TV and more like a sleek picture frame

with optional customizable bezels in various styles. And when it’s time for a change or a remodel, the frame bezels can easily be swapped out for a new look, as they adhere to the flatscreen with magnets. It’s an attribute that would please any homeowner’s taste or art aficionado.

MONA LISA AT HOME

With a subscription from the Samsung Collection, the family can choose from a library of more than 1,600 pieces of artwork, including the infamous Mona Lisa, from worldrenowned artists and galleries from around the world. Or you can simply choose to display your own photos or dazzling art masterpieces from your own collection.

And there’s really no bulk. The supporting wall mount is slim-fit. It sits flush against the wall with a swivel bracket enabling you to set the angle or your TV for optimal viewing.

The Frame has gained attention from renowned celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey. In recent years, it was

chosen by Oprah and the editors of O, The Oprah Magazine, as one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” for holiday season.

What Ms. Winfrey likely doesn’t know is that new for 2022 is the matte finish display. This enhancement helps greatly reduce the eye-annoying glare and makes your art look even more like true art.

There are six sizes to choose from in the 4K line, models ranging from 43 to 85 in. (Specifications and features may vary by size.)

The 43-in. model, for example, is a 4K UHD (ultra-high definition) QLED Smart TV (3,840 by 2,160 pixels). It features an anti-reflective coating and Quantum Dot Technology for bright, crisp colours. Some of the other features include a dual LED system that uses backlighting for the best contrast. It also has a Quantum 4K sound processor to optimize sounds, depending on your environment, a Dolby audio decoder for noise reduction and the SpaceFit Sound feature can help further adjust the sound contingent on whether

the TV is wall-mounted or on a table stand. Also included are 20-watt speakers, Bluetooth audio, Wi-Fi connectivity as well as compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and more.

Some of the larger screen sizes, for example, the 55-in. models and up, also feature top-firing sound –Dolby Atmos and Object tracking

Sound where the sounds, move with the action on the screen giving you a more immersive sound experience.

All these models are Smart TVs featuring Samsung’s new Smart Hub, enabling you to access your content whether it be games, shows, streaming media or otherwise, the way you want. You can also mirror your mobile content on your TV and with Multi View watch what’s on TV and your mobile device on the screen at the same time, making the possibilities truly endless.

Retail pricing in Canada for the 4K UHD models starts at $1,399 (43-in. model). For a smaller space, there is also an entry-level 32-in. HD for $799.

You can find The Frame TV by Samsung at major retailers such as Best Buy, The Brick, or through samsung.ca. And if the unit ever needs repairs, Samsung offers a handy door-to-door pick-up service.

For more information on The Frame TVs, visit samsungcanada.com.

Greg Gazin is a syndicated tech columnist, blogger, podcaster, and contributes to canoe.com, Troy Media and Active Life magazine. gadgetguy.ca

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WHERE IS THE NEXT HOT SPOT FOR HOUSING IN THE GTA?

checking out. The GO train is one of the best and most comfortable ways to travel within the GTA.

BEN MYERS

A question I get asked regularly is: Where is the next hot spot for real estate in the Greater Toronto Area?

Many predicted that COVID-19 would decimate downtown real estate, but that has clearly not been the case. According to data from rentals.ca and Bullpen Consulting’s latest National Rent Report, the average rent in Toronto is up nearly 25 per cent annually, with pockets of downtown Toronto seeing growth of more than 40 per cent from July 2021 to July 2022. If you’re looking to buy and rent, those are some attractive numbers.

If you are an investor looking at the condo market in the GTA, the downtown market and its $1,500 persq.-ft. (psf) to $1,700 psf pricing might be out of reach, but buyers have been taking notice of several areas that I predicted would be very popular in the future.

St. Clair West and The Stockyards have seen a number of buildings pop up recently, with thousands of units in the works. The area will be unrecognizable in 15 years, with highrise towers lining the UP Express and GO train lines. Scarborough has also been a popular destination, with Kingston Road seeing tons of demand, given the pricing is the lowest in Toronto.

However, all of the GO train stations in Scarborough are expected to see huge developments surrounding them, with new communities being established –these will be opportunities worth

As for the next hot markets, look at the Weston area, with the UP Express and the new Eglinton Crosstown LRT in a community with quick access to the 401. It has a very Junction-North feel to it. The next area to watch out for is Yorkdale, as Dufferin Street is densifying quickly, and the lands around the mall will be developed.

Expect rapid price growth, as retail, office and residential mix in more creative ways. The third area to pay attention to is Downsview, as this massive area gets redeveloped with midrise condominiums, townhouses and reimagined community spaces.

The demand for new groundoriented housing – single-detached, semi-detached and townhomes – in the outer-suburban markets has cooled again, after a red hot 2021. After a couple of years of price flatness and tepid sales absorption from mid-2017 to mid-2020, the single-family market took off in the second half of 2020 into March of this year, as prospective buyers in need of more space due to the work-fromhome phenomenon were scooping up the homes.

These purchasers are less concerned about commuting times, and were fueled by low interest rates. However, some of those markets lack the type of amenities and proximity to activities that many young families crave, and while some of these sleepy and quaint communities may have looked appealing during COVID when things were closed, demand has dropped now that everything is open again, and interest rates are rising.

Areas that I really like right now are in the “soft middle” on the outskirts of Toronto, or in the more

walkable areas of the inner-suburban municipalities. The markets in south Mississauga are primed to take off, with greater appreciation in places such as Port Credit and Mineola. Take a look at the Brightwater Community and now-launching Lakeview Village development – huge masterplanned waterfront communities.

Secondly, the lands around the Mimico and Cooksville GO stations are going to be transformed, and there is clearly an opportunity to get in on the first phases at an attractive valuation – developers need to start these big projects with an immediate sales success and price the initial phases accordingly.

Here is some food for thought: Chestnut Hill Homes launched a new highrise condo in 2007 near the Pickering GO Station at less than $250 psf. The company’s latest project, launched for more than $900 psf last year, and pricing is now closer to $1,050 psf in that node.

If you’re in the market for a new home, surround yourself with an experienced team, including a realtor familiar with the new home market, and a mortgage broker who can find you the best deal. Buy what you can afford, buy for the long-term, and do your research. Good luck.

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.

They laughed when I grabbed the clarinet, but…

I listen to

EXPERIENCE EXCEPTIONAL

In the last year, a record number of Canadians have opted to exit the workforce and embrace a new stage of life. For many, opening the door to retirement means having the time and energy to travel, volunteer, write a book or take up a new hobby. And while our daily routines may change, there’s one thing that Canadians absolutely want to stay the same: The feeling we get when we walk through the front door of the place we call home.

From the framed memories on the wall, to the decor and background music, our space reflects our lives,

families and adventures. It’s where we gather with friends and host family celebrations. In every way, our home is all about us, and Parkland is no exception. With premium lifestyle options, unparalleled amenities and exceptional service at every turn, Parkland Lifestyle Residences is quickly becoming a top lifestyle choice for Ontarians.

Parkland is owned and led by a family with more than 30 years of experience providing quality accommodations, services and support to seniors. What started as a single location in Nova

Scotia has grown to include communities in three provinces. In 2015, Parkland established its first Lifestyle Residence in Ontario with Parkland on the Glen in Mississauga. Construction began on Parkland on Eglinton West in Etobicoke soon after, and it opened in 2020. The latest location in Ajax is set to open in early 2023, and construction is already underway on a multibuilding, 390-suite community in Ancaster.

Offering a range of independent, all-inclusive and supportive lifestyles, Parkland’s full continuum of service ensures residents can access exactly what they need as their needs change over time, maintaining independence, quality of life and peace of mind.

Every lifestyle apartment and suite has been thoughtfully designed with premium finishes, spacious washrooms, efficient appliances and an endless supply of natural light. Each Parkland community offers a variety of suite types and layouts, depending on the lifestyle option selected. Residents can choose a cosy studio, a duplex-sized twobedroom plus den or something in between.

While residents’ private suite is a peaceful oasis for relaxation, most can be found enjoying the modern lounges, dining and pub spaces where neighbours gather to discuss world events and plan their next round of golf.

Whether returning from an afternoon of shopping or a few hours reading in the gardens, residents are always welcomed home by experienced hospitality professionals who take pride in connecting them

with helpful information about services and programming.

At Parkland, wellness plays a significant role in the resident experience and quality of life. A signature Harmony Wellness Program reflects six dimensions of wellness and includes daily activities ranging from cribbage tournaments to live entertainment, wine and cheese socials, group fitness classes, educational seminars, shopping excursions and more.

Outside of organized activities, residents have access to a collection of amenities that aren’t often found in a family home. Depending on the community, an on-site salon and spa, movie theatre, bowling alley, pool table, golf simulator, heated swimming pool and more are available for residents and family (especially grandkids) to enjoy. With plenty of opportunities to be social and active, Parkland provides the feeling of home with the experience of a five-star resort.

If you or a loved one are considering a lifestyle community, look no further than Parkland Lifestyle Residences. The “Parkland Promise” provides peace of mind, knowing every detail has been considered to provide an exceptional lifestyle at a cost that’s less than one might expect. With one monthly bill, a 30day money back guarantee, no longterm contracts, priority access and dedicated team members who put residents first in all they do, Parkland is where you or a loved one can live your best life.

For information or to book a tour, call 1.877.742.6639 or visit experienceparkland.com

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

TIPS TO MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES

AGNES RAMSAY

What I have learned about food and nourishing our bodies has been a lifelong process. With seven children, it was a constant challenge for my mother to ensure we were all fed. It wasn’t until later in life that I fully understood what a Herculean feat that was.

We never had take-out, as it wasn’t in the budget. Meals were balanced. A protein, starch and vegetable. Granted, sometimes it would be frozen or canned veggies. We were Dutch, so there was bread and cheese.

We did have store bought cookies and chips in the cupboard, but they were for a rare treat or for unexpected guests in case there was no fresh baking.

I’m not perfect. I have some premade foods in my freezer, but I read through ingredients as though I’m cracking the code for fusion.

What shocks me is that, according to the Heart and Stroke foundation, in Canada, the U.S. and the UK, almost 50 per cent of our calories comes from ultra-processed foods.

LET ME EXPLAIN.

A classification system called NOVA, created by an international panel of food scientists and researchers, splits food into three categories:

• Unprocessed/minimally processed: Vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, meats, seafood, herbs, spices, eggs and milk. Pick most of your foods from this.

• Processed foods: When ingredients such as oil, sugar or salt are added to foods and they are packaged such as simple bread, cheese, tofu, canned tuna, legumes. Anything considered to be minimally altered. You can absolutely eat these foods, but not as a main staple.

• Ultra-processed foods: Multiple processing (extrusion, molding, milling) and contain ingredients that are highly manipulated, such as is in soft drinks, chips, chocolate, candy, most breakfast cereals/granola, packaged soups, chicken nuggets, hotdogs and many meat substitutes. Try to avoid as much as possible. Read ingredient lists.

In a major study that involved more than 100,000 adults, even eating 10 per cent more ultra-processed foods increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 10 per cent.

In order to appeal to our taste buds, there is a combination of high levels of sugar, salt and fat in these foods. There are also artificial (chemicals) and highly manipulated ingredients, and a lack of fibre, which causes a spike in blood sugar levels, putting

you at risk for type two diabetes. And finally, these so-called foods, are very low in nutrients.

WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS?

A major challenge is that home cooking is steadily declining. Many people feel they “can’t” cook. To me, that is like saying you can’t walk, even though your body is in working order.

We need to eat to survive. Cooking, like anything else, is a learned skill. You don’t have to be a chef, you can simply follow a recipe. There are thousands of very easy healthy recipes and menu plans available online for free.

Break it down like my mom did: Protein, starch, vegetable. Done.

When you eat out, make wise choices. Pick fresh options, grilled or stir fried, not deep fried anything.

And remember not to be fooled by buzz words such as “healthy,” “natural,” “organic” and “gluten free.” None of these labels impute “good for you,” it is often a marketing ploy. Many of these foods are ultra-processed.

And finally, eat with intention. Be in the moment when you eat. Think about the bite you are taking and what is in it. Because you truly are what you eat!

Agnes Ramsay is a Registered Nurse, Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach who specializes in Electric Muscle Stimulation Training. agnes.ramsay@xbodyworld.com

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3 CRITICAL FACTORS TO COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LENDING

BY JACQUELINE MONETA, JD, AND JAYSON SCHWARZ, LLM

In this fluctuating real estate market, many investors, who may be shying away from residential properties, are turning to commercial deals. Maybe your business already owns the building you operate from, or maybe you’re looking to expand by buying a new store front. Regardless of the reason, you can borrow funds against your commercial property, or refinance your commercial property to operate your business, seize new opportunities or improve your bottom line.

There are many lending opportunities for commercial clients. You can speak to your bank, credit unions or private lenders. What’s important is that you look at where your business is now, and where it’s going.

Depending on your goals, you may want to look at the following facilities:

1. OPERATING LOANS

An operating loan is typically a shortterm loan ideal for helping with day-to-day cash flow. It allows your business to access funds for daily operation, to cover expenses until you get paid. For small businesses, an operating loan can give you breathing room.

2. CONSTRUCTION LOANS

Construction loans are specifically designed to finance commercial construction. This can include building multi-family units, commercial building, warehouses or retail centres, for example.

Construction loans can be an effective tool, as they typically have interest-only payments during the construction phase, and can convert to a fixed-rate mortgage once construction is complete.

Construction loans can, however, be more complicated from a legal standpoint, and it’s important to have a lawyer who understands the process so the funds are not delayed.

3. TERM LOANS

A term loan gets repaid in regular payments over a set period. Term loans can be an effective tool for businesses which are looking to keep growing. They allow you to purchase new assets, expand to new markets and consolidate your debt.

PREREQUISITES TO LENDING

Purchasing commercial is not for the faint of heart. You also must be prepared to absorb some costs to ensure you will meet lender requirements. Every project should be purchased conditionally on financing and due diligence. Commercial lenders will require an appraisal performed by an appraiser that is satisfactory to the lender. In addition,

you will probably be required to have a Phase 1 environmental report and survey prepared. If you are buying to develop, you may want soil tests and planning research as well.

Whether you are looking to buy commercial property, or simply leverage the property you already have, commercial loans can be a flexible and convenient solution to give you the business edge you need. But it is critical you have the right team to help you out. Your banker should provide options to best suit the needs of your business, and your goals. Your lawyer should be familiar with the pitfalls in commercial properties, and be prepared to work with your team to close the deal quickly and efficiently.

Jayson Schwarz, LLM, and Jacqueline Moneta, JD, are Toronto real estate lawyers and partners in the law firm Schwarz Law Partners LLP. Visit online at schwarzlaw.ca or email info@schwarzlaw. ca with your questions, concerns, critiques and quandaries.

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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.

THANKSGIVING

IN THE CANADIAN GARDEN

MARK AND BEN CULLEN

We love Thanksgiving. The food at Sunday dinner is certainly a highlight of the year, never mind the weekend. But more than that, we have been thinking about this dramatic trend across the country to “grow your own” and how it impacts the way that we garden.

The incoming generation – the twenty- and thirty-somethings –are fostering a complete change of

concept where food gardening is concerned. Notice how we now plant food plants with perennials in the flower bed.

So here you are, having jumped on the bandwagon of the new foodies, with an abundance of tomatoes, squash, carrots and the like. Now what? There was a time when you would dig it all up and stuff it in a root cellar, likely a hole that was dug deep into the ground and lined with field stone. It was dark and damp, but it was a great place to retrieve the sustenance needed to get through a long cold Canadian winter; you ate everything before it went rotten.

Today, of course, we have freezers, refrigerators and some pretty sophisticated methods for preserving fruits and veggies that our parents could not have dreamt of. Here are our recommended methods of preserving your harvest.

WHAT TO DO WITH…

TOMATOES

If you still have lots of red tomatoes, eat what you can and preserve the rest as tomato paste or spaghetti sauce, or just skin them, bag them and freeze them for future use.

If you wish to ripen the green tomatoes indoors, remove them from

the plants before the frost gets to them. Use old oven racks or some other raised platform and place the green tomatoes on newspaper which is spread over the rack. Good air circulation is important, so set them up in a cool place. They will ripen in a dark room more slowly than in a bright one, but either approach works. Place them on the racks with a cm or two between each. Turn them every couple of days and inspect for rot or mildew. Toss the infected ones into the compost. You may be able to eat tomatoes stored this way right into the first week of January.

PEPPERS

Harvest ripe peppers before they are hit by the first frost. Wash in cool water and place in boiling water for five minutes. Remove the peppers from the boiling water and allow them to cool for one minute. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in the freezer. Peppers will last up to 30 days with this storage method.

WINTER SQUASH

Store only fully matured winter squash. Harvest before the first frost. Leave three in. of the stem attached. Keep the squash in a warm, dry and ventilated area for two weeks. Once the squash has cured, you can move

it into cool storage. Store squash on racks so they don’t touch. Most wellcured, fully ripe squash will keep until late February.

POTATOES

Store potatoes in an unheated basement or garage insulated to protect against freezing. The best location for home storage is cool, dark and ventilated. Perforated plastic bags can be used to maintain humidity levels while allowing air flow.

CARROTS

You can dig up all your carrots and “replant” them into bushel baskets filled with play sand. Keep the carrot tops intact as the root loses much of its nutrients shortly after the top is cut off. Place the baskets in your garage, preferably against the wall that is attached to your house where the temperature is about five degrees warmer. You will be “pulling” fresh carrots all winter long.

APPLES

Harvest apples carefully to avoid bruises, which will prevent them from keeping well. Late season apples are the best for storing. Harvest before the first heavy frost. Store apples in the dark in shallow trays of shredded

newsprint. The temperature should be cool but not frosty. An unheated basement or garage can be an ideal storage location if they are free from rodents.

Keep in mind that some veggies actually improve in flavour with frost. Leeks, kale, Brussels sprouts and cabbage fall into this category.

When we travel the country and to points beyond, we are reminded that here in southern Ontario we live in the veggie and fruit basket. You can’t just grow this stuff anywhere. If your garden does not inspire you to give thanks for the bounty of this time of year, perhaps a trip to the local farmers market or to a pick-your-own market outside the city will do it for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mark Cullen is a Member of the Order of Canada. He reaches more than two million Canadians with his gardening/ environment messages every week. Receive his free monthly newsletter at markcullen.com Ben Cullen is a professional gardener with a keen interest in food gardening and the environment. You can follow both Mark and Ben on Twitter @MarkCullen4, Facebook @MarkCullenGardening and Pinterest @MarkCullenGardening.

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HOUSING INDUSTRY RELEASES

FIVE-POINT PLAN TO ADDRESS SUPPLY AND AFFORDABILITY

DAVE

WILKES

Experts, the industry and governments all agree that Ontario’s current housing crisis, centred on the GTA, is firmly rooted in insufficient housing supply. To address the issue, Ontario will need to build many more new homes over the next 10 years –1.5 million more new homes, to be precise. Building that number of new homes in a decade is a monumental challenge. That’s why Ontario’s homebuilding industry recently released a five-point plan to advise governments on how to get there.

The target of 1.5 million new homes was set out in the report of Ontario’s Housing Affordability Task Force (HATF) in February, and was confirmed in a report by Smart Prosperity Institute (SPI) in August. For context, building 1.5 million new homes in a decade will require increasing the number of annual housing starts in Ontario by 50 per cent over the highest number we have been able to achieve since 1987 – approximately 100,000 in 2021 – and maintaining that level for 10 years. According to SPI, the need for homes will be greatest in the GTA, with Peel Region needing to build 277,000 new homes, Toronto 259,000, and York 180,100.

To help support these ambitious targets, last month, the Building Industry and Land Development Association and the Ontario Home

Builders’ Association released a five-point plan for consideration by the provincial and municipal governments. The priorities in the plan were based on the recommendations of HATF and forward-thinking initiatives intended to lower housing costs and increase housing supply and bring balance to the housing market. The five points were:

1. Making homes more affordable by speeding up approval times and eliminating red tape. Each month of delay in approvals adds thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home.

2. Adding certainty to the cost of building a new home by addressing out-of-control development fees. Fees and taxes from all levels of government account for up to 25 per cent of the cost of a new home.

3. Making new lands available to build new housing and support future growth, as home supply and costs are highly dependent on land availability.

4. Laying the infrastructure groundwork for future growth by ensuring servicing and transportation infrastructure is prioritized.

5. Taking the politics out of planning to ensure that local decisionmaking does not undermine the provision of new housing. These recommendations would help speed up the delivery of new homes, reduce the costs incurred by individual new homeowners and ensure that new communities have the infrastructure they need to support growth.

We know what we need to do to address the issue of housing supply and affordability in Ontario and in the GTA. Every year we delay making the necessary changes simply adds to the challenges we will face in the future. Now is the time for bold, concerted action on housing. In the lead-up to the municipal election on Oct. 24, all residents of Ontario, especially those in the GTA, need to ask their candidates how they will champion concrete steps to address the housing challenge.

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.

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TRIGGER POINTS

In 2021, roughly 65 per cent of Canadians took a variable rate mortgage. This is compared to the normal average of 25 per cent – a stark difference. Today, home prices are dropping, variable interest rates are rising and the cost of ownership is increasing. This may lead some homeowners to consider selling their homes or potentially even risk going into default on their current mortgage simply because they can’t keep up.

A lot of the current sentiment in the market has been driven by the recent rate hikes from the Bank of Canada (BoC). However, the truth is, most buyers do not have a strong understanding of what interest rates are and how they can impact their affordability until they’re in the thick of the buying process.

With things changing so rapidly, many homeowners may find themselves in situations they did not expect just 12 months ago – which only adds to the current volatility in the housing market.

WHAT IS A VARIABLE RATE ‘TRIGGER POINT’?

On July 13, 2022, the BoC raised rates yet again, but this time by 100 basis points, marking the fourth hike since March 2022. By the end of this year, it’s likely that we’ll see another one-percent increase in rates, as many experts suggest that the BoC is inching toward a 3.5-per-cent policy rate.

Over the last 15 to 20 years, 25 to 30 per cent of buyers generally chose a variable rate mortgage. As mentioned,

this statistic moved closer to 65 per cent in 2021. Notably, 90 per cent of these variable rate mortgages have fixed monthly payments, and many of these homeowners believe that even as rates increase, their payments will not change.

However, that is not the case. As variable rates rise, these borrowers will end up being introduced to something called a “terminal rate,” also referred to as the variable rate “trigger point.” This is when their monthly payments cannot cover their interest and principal payments, causing their monthly payments to increase. As the cost of ownership increases, this can lead homeowners to be in financially dire situations as many already borrowed to their maximum. It might also lead them to potentially have no choice but to sell their properties. This is especially true for investors –who represented a large portion of buyers over the last two years – as their carrying costs are increasing and home prices are on the decline, which makes it a pretty bad investment.

If the BoC increases its prime rate by 50 basis points in September, tens of thousands of trigger points will hit. If they raise 75 basis points, it’s possible that 250,000 trigger points can be expected. As a result, some of these monthly payment increases could jump as high as 35 per cent. If you’re in this situation, now would be a good time to cut down on spending and create a feasible budget that you can stick to.

IMPACT FOR FIRSTTIME HOMEBUYERS

With more people potentially selling their homes due to the recent conditions, we find ourselves moving closer to a buyers’ market.

So, if you’re a first-time homebuyer, this may give you an opportunity to enter a much less competitive market compared to what we’ve seen over the last two years. In fact, it’s foreseeable that prices could decline 10 to 20 per cent in major cities, and even more in the suburbs.

A lot of buyers have been so fixated on the recent spike in rates that they haven’t been able to see the benefit in home prices dropping. The key here is that a 10 to 20-per-cent drop in home prices saves buyers a lot more money over time than a two- to fourper-cent rate increase would. This means that it could actually be a good idea for first-time buyers to get into the market by the end of the fourth quarter and into the first quarter of 2023, as a lot of these financial factors may take a greater effect.

At Homewise, we’ve seen many first-time buyers overwhelmed and concerned about recent rate announcements. While it’s important to understand how these rate fluctuations impact your home affordability, it’s also essential to be aware of the current market conditions and the hidden opportunities that may be available to you. If you’re considering a home purchase in the coming months and you have the affordability to move forward, continue working toward this goal without giving into the short-term noise of the market.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DECADE MAKES IN NEW HOME REAL ESTATE

DEbbIE CoSIC

New home real estate is a cyclical industry, and the past decade is a perfect example. Data analytics firm Altus Group provide monthly real estate statistics for the GTA to help us understand our ever-changing market. A look at the past 10-plus years is an interesting reflection of the evolving set of trends we’re experiencing.

The year 2011 was called the “year of the condo” for setting a new highrise sales record. Index lowrise prices came in at $545,372, while highrise was $434,322. The $111,000 difference sent purchasers turning to condos in droves. During 2012, total new home sales declined, yet sales of highrise condos were the fourth highest since 2000. The index price for lowrise hit $632,868, bringing the previous price gap up to $196,844.

The year 2013 saw dips in the sales of both high- and lowrise. By December, the price index for lowrise hit a high of $654,147; highrise remained the same. Then during 2014, the average price of a lowrise home exceeded the $700,000 mark; the highrise average price went up to $449,371. And yet, overall sales in 2014 were 41 per cent higher than 2013.

Flash forward to 2015, when overall sales reached the third highest in the previous decade. Lowrise sales were up eight per cent from 2014; highrise sales were down two per cent. The average price of new condos was $453,083, down from 2014 – largely due to developers making suite sizes

smaller. The average price of new lowrise homes reached $829,766 –an all-time high.

In 2016, new records were set for overall sales, low inventory, high prices and highrise condo sales. More condos were sold than in any previous year on record, and that year saw the highest number of new homes ever sold in the GTA. Then on to 2017, when condo sales hit a new record for most sold and lowrise for the least number sold in any year. Overall, that year was the fourth strongest in the GTA since Altus Group began tracking in 2000.

A new cycle kicked in, as 2018 saw the lowest total sales in nearly 20 years. Stricter mortgage stress testing, rising interest rates and lack of supply combined with the record condo sales of the previous year all played a roll in lower numbers. Sales picked up in 2019, with highrise up 157 per cent from the previous year and lowrise up 27 per cent. In December, the benchmark price for new condos was $916,585 and for lowrise $1.08 million.

In 2020, the pandemic changed everything, so industry professionals adapted by using technology to sell online. Even with the uncertainty across the globe, we had a very busy year; the

GTA new home market outperformed total sales of the previous year. In 2021, overall new home sales were the second highest on record after 2002. Sales of highrise condos were especially strong, nearly reaching 2017’s record. Benchmark pricing hit new records: $1.82 million for lowrise, and $1.16 million for highrise.

Halfway through 2022, we’re still experiencing supply levels that are sadly lacking. Sales started off with a bang; then mortgage interest rates rose, and people panicked. Although June sales fell compared to June 2021. Now that interest rates have levelled off, fall sales promise to be robust once again. Whatever cycle new construction sales are in, it’s always wise to buy new.

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

MorE CONTENT oNlINE

Queens Lane by Branthaven

ESTATE WITH A

GRAIN OF SALT

BARBARA LAWLOR

At Baker Real Estate Inc., we are having an extremely busy summer. Recently, we launched three of the Greater Toronto Area’s most anticipated and significant condominium communities, and our pipeline for the remainder of the year and into 2023 is robust, with no hint of cancellations.

We are surprised to read ongoing media reports that some projects in Toronto and the GTA are cancelling or may cancel. Baker has been one of Canada’s leading pre-construction sales and marketing partners for more than 25 years, and no one has asked us to be included in their statistics. They should.

Contrary to the negative headlines, our pre-construction highrise sales in July exceeded July of last year, as well as year-to-date. And keep in mind that 2021 was a banner year for us. In addition, the price of new construction condominiums year to date has risen substantially.

When you read articles, be sure they are not lumping preconstruction condominiums with resale and all homes. The scenario for new condos is a topic on its own. One of the major projects we launched in July is Forma – a three-way partnership among Great Gulf, Dream and Westdale, with architecture by the great Frank Ghery. Sales are robust. And that was in the summer, when sales usually lag, and while interest rates and inflation were rising, with reports of a possible recession. These results are nothing

short of awesome. Are there ever delays? Sure, but that is something developers face all the time due to approvals and zoning taking longer than anticipated.

Remember, too, that the investor market is a driving force for our condo sales and look at how much rents have gone up in Toronto and the GTA. Yes, there were some dips during the pandemic, but according to the Financial Post and BNN Bloomberg, average rents for oneand two-bedroom apartments in Toronto have more than recovered; they are now at record levels. Anyone wanting to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the GTA will pay at least 20 per cent more than a year ago. In addition, the demand for rentals is huge, especially with foreign students coming in droves to attend universities here.

The point is, the nature of headlines is that they draw blood and catch the eye. Avoid taking headlines at

face value. I believe firmly in the self-fulfilling prophecy: Tell people something is bad, and they’ll make it bad. When media outlets print something that does not reflect a balanced truth, the results can be damaging.

Read entire articles carefully and question the sources for the information. My advice is to take what you read and hear in the media with a grain of salt – especially headlines, which far too often mine for the negative unfairly.

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

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WHAT IS THE BIG PICTURE

FOR HAMILTON?

JOBS

MIKE COLLINS-WILLIAMS

Hamilton is growing. We need leaders with a vision for the successful future of our city. With Hamilton set to elect a new mayor this fall, it is an important opportunity for residents to ask candidates, “What’s the big picture – and what’s next.”

Hamilton is at a key moment where we can collectively chart a course for the prosperous future of our city. It’s why we need a mayor and council that are committed to building a plan that will secure Hamilton as a thriving city and an attractive destination for talent and investment. We can aspire to be the best place in Ontario to live, work and raise a family.

The West End Home Builders’ Association (WEHBA) has come together with other liked-minded groups to form HamiltoNEXT, a non-partisan alliance of local business organizations committed to championing long-term prosperity, creating jobs and growing our economy, and building a better quality of life for everyone in Hamilton. We’re encouraging residents of every age and walk of life to look ahead at the city they want Hamilton to be, and to recognize the importance of having a plan to get there. Between now and the municipal election in October, voters can take part in this conversation and help #FrameOurFuture as we ask candidates where they stand on big picture issues.

Hamilton is home to two of Canada’s leading research and education institutions with McMaster and Mohawk. We lead the way in Canada for sectors as diverse as healthcare, technology, logistics, manufacturing and creative industries. Thousands of graduates every year are looking to put down roots in Hamilton, and Hamilton’s economy is ready to evolve to meet the needs of the future. How can we continue to support this growth and innovation for the industries, businesses and jobs of the future?

HOUSING

The provincial government has set a target of building 1.5 million homes over the next decade to keep up with Ontario’s growing population. A recent report by the Smart Prosperity Institute finds that Hamilton will need to build 52,000 new homes to help Ontario achieve that target and ensure our workers and families have housing that meets their needs. How will we build the homes we need to encourage young people to stay in Hamilton and raise their families?

INFRASTRUCTURE

Hamilton is one of the fastest growing cities in Ontario. Sustained investment in the infrastructure we need for water, wastewater and transportation Hamilton is needed to keep up with this vital growth. What is our plan to build the infrastructure we need to maintain quality of life and vital services in our growing city?

We all have different priorities about what Hamilton needs for a prosperous future. What HamiltoNEXT hopes that we can all agree on, is

the need for a mayor and council that is committed to laying out a vision, making a plan and sticking to it. We’re hoping for a team that is willing to make the big decisions and most importantly, see them through, HamiltoNEXT is welcoming voters of all ages to #FrameOurFuture and join us by sharing their vision for the future of our city.

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

NIAGARA

WHERE IT’S ABOUT A LOT MORE THAN THE FALLS

by WAYNE KARL

Niagara Region often inspires thoughts of mostly the Falls themselves, those natural wonders to which a visit never grows old.

But beyond the awe-inspiring beauty and power of the Falls and the Niagara River, Niagara Region offers a lot more that’s worthy of just a weekend getaway.

Encompassing towns such as Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara-onthe- Lake, St. Catharines, Thorold

and Welland, the Niagara Region is blessed with a great natural location.

It occupies most of the Niagara Peninsula, bounded by the U.S. to the south and on the north by Lake Ontario, and of course the Niagara Escarpment – all of which offers strong potential for business and lifestyle choices.

These natural landscapes and climate make the Niagara Region perfect for agri-businesses such

as winemaking – a key economic sector. The Niagara Wine Route, for example, connects dozens of wineries and is a growing tourism draw, complementing cultural events such as the Shaw Festival.

Indeed, a visit to the area can involve a stop at the Falls, winery tours, the quaint town of Niagaraon-the-Lake, the Botanical Gardens, with its Floral Clock and Butterfly Conservatory, several championship

golf courses and a growing casino industry in downtown Niagara Falls.

But this is all for play. To live and work in the region is another matter.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Again, a blessing of location, Niagara is within 800 km of two provinces, nine states and 130 million people on both sides of the border. This means opportunities for business. The trade that flows across Niagara’s borders totals more than $100 billion annually, and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across Canada and the U.S. The infrastructure network to support this trade activity comprises five international bridges, multiple railways and the Welland Canal, linking Lake Erie into the St. Lawrence Seaway system.

All of this is conducive to growth potential for the region’s manufacturing and transportation and logistics sectors, to complement the historical strength in agriculture and tourism.

Niagara’s economy has shown steady growth in a number of areas, particularly in job creation and new investment, but still lags slightly behind Ontario averages. The Niagara economic development department confirms the area still has challenges in higher unemployment, lower participation rate and lower household income per capita.

NEW HOME DEVELOPMENT

As the economy grows and affords people more opportunity to live and work in Niagara – or close by – newhome development is following.

Much of the housing growth is in the lowrise category, as buyers from the GTA find the lot sizes and

MEDIAN HOME PRICES

Single-Family

price points far more appealing and affordable.

But that, too, is changing, as some consumers prefer the condo lifestyle, even in a nature-rich area such as Niagara. Developers are responding in kind, with several new condo projects, many of them midrise or boutique condominiums.

Homes by DeSantis, for example, is launching Century Condos, a four-storey, 87-unit luxury offering in downtown Grimsby with suites ranging from 490 to 1,230 sq. ft. – so named to mark the 100th anniversary of the town.

Blythwood Homes is another builder with a brand new offering in the area. The Oaks is a selfcontained community of about 80 fully detached bungalows and 55 bungalow townhomes nestled against a protected 20-acre, old-growth forest in a desirable neighbourhood in Ridgeway.

And in the heart of St. Catharines, Lucchetta Homes has Lusso Urban Towns, a contemporary collection of urban townhomes in a variety of twostorey designs from 1,817 to more than 2,200 sq. ft.

Part of the appeal for homebuyers in Niagara, of course, is affordability relative to Toronto and other parts of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. But even that is changing. According to the latest Royal LePage House Price Survey, for the second quarter of 2022, aggregate median home prices in Niagara-St. Catharines were $707,500. This is down 3.6 per cent from $733,900 in the first quarter – but up 15.6 per cent from $612,000 in the second quarter of 2021.

This year-over-year price growth is among the highest performing in Ontario.

2022, NIAGARA-ST. CATHARINES

LOCATION, LOCATION

A regional municipality in Southern Ontario comprising 12 municipalities such as Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagaraon-the-Lake, St. Catharines, Thorold and Welland; 130 kms from Toronto; 86 kms from Hamilton.

KEY LANDMARKS

Botanical Gardens

Casino Niagara

Clifton Hill

Fallsview Casino

Legends on the Niagara Golf Course

Lundy’s Lane

Niagara Falls

Niagara Wine Route

Skylon Tower

Welland Canal

Whirlpool Golf Course

SELECT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

CENTURY CONDOS

By Homes by DeSantis centurycondos.ca

HARBOURTOWN VILLAGE

By Silvergate Homes silvergatehomes.com

LEGENDS ON THE GREEN

By Silvergate Homes silvergatehomes.com

LUSSO URBAN TOWNS

By Lucchetta Homes lucchettahomes.com

ON THE RIDGE

By Rosehaven Homes rosehavenhomes.com

ONE FONTHILL CONDOMINIUMS

By Mountainview Homes mountainview.com

RIVERSIDE AT HUNTERS POINTE

By Lucchetta Homes lucchettahomes.com

SHELTER COVE

By Shelter Cove sheltercove.ca

THE OAKS

By Blythwood Homes blythwoodhomes.ca

LUSSO URBAN TOWNS

NEWEST, HIP COMMUNITY – MOVE IN NOW

Located in the heart of St. Catharines, Lusso Urban Towns boasts a contemporary collection of urban townhomes with access to the best that Niagara has to offer – including abundant local shopping and dining, sports facilities, schools close by, scenic parks for hiking adventures, challenging golf courses, as well as easy highway access to both Toronto and Buffalo International Airports. Choose from a variety of two-storey, one-of-a-kind townhome designs, ranging from 1,817 to more than 2,200 sq. ft.

Designed with an urban flair, these trendy and spacious two-storey towns reflect a modern, city-feel exterior, yet are built with an optimal layout. Form meets function with these homes from award-winning Lucchetta Homes. Featuring two levels of spacious living, nine-ft. ceilings, extra large single- and twocar garages, beautifully designed kitchens, extra large windows, stunning exteriors, eight-ft. sliding glass doors leading to a tranquil covered outdoor deck, and so much more.

The unique floorplans have three bedrooms located in the upper level, luxurious quartz countertops in the baths and kitchen, oversized tile flooring, a gas fireplace and spa-like glass, and tile walk-in showers in the

primary ensuite bath are included in every home at Lusso. Homes in this community are low maintenance, as snow removal and lawn mowing services are provided by the homeowner’s association for a small monthly fee.

A BETTER-BUILT HOME

There’s standard building code, and then there’s Lucchetta. From the very beginning, it’s been their goal to build a better home with the features and benefits that give you confidence and lasting value. From foundation to rooftop, from wall to wall, Lucchetta is constantly striving to give homeowners the very best in solid, sound, energy efficient living. For more almost 60 years, homeowners have counted on Lucchetta Homes for quality, integrity, trust and care. You can, too.

LUCCHETTA DESIGN AND VISION MATTERS

Design is the cornerstone of the Lucchetta Difference. Their motto is: “We don’t design for us. We design for you.” That’s why you’ll see the latest trends in home design in these models and floorplans. Every square foot serves a purpose. Every design feature adds to the function and livability of your home.

The Lucchetta Design Centre specialists have years of experience, making them another great resource, as you choose the finishes and options for your new home. They help you keep both your dreams and your budget in check as you make your design selections. Buying a new home is an exciting step, and it’s just the first of many more before moving day.

A COMMITMENT TO ENERGY EFFICIENT LIVING

Lucchetta’s methods result in a weather-tight, energy-efficient Energy Star rated home. You can save as much as 20 per cent on your energy bills compared to a home

built to standard code. And that’s just the beginning. Lucchetta standards encompass everything in and around your home. And they do it all while being environmentally responsible.

HOMES CREATED FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE

Quality homes were always a given. The principles of the company, Robert and Edward Lucchetta, want you to “live your best life” and care about quality, design, community and their customers. Lucchetta homes are designed for real life, and how well they work for customers is the real test of their success.

A home is more than brick and mortar – more than lumber, drywall and cabinets. A home is a very special place where your life unfolds and memories are made. Why settle for less? You deserve a home you love. You deserve a home that’s been built to last with unmistakable quality and thoughtful design and built by a

builder that truly cares. At Lucchetta Homes, they care.

A PASSION FOR WHAT THEY DO

“Home is where the heart is – yours and ours.” Since 1960 the Lucchetta family tradition, passion and purpose, has been in building beautiful places people love to call home. And while the company has grown and matured over the years, it is still a family-run business and proud to be one of the top homebuilders in the Niagara Region.

Lucchetta stays true to the principles that have guided them from the beginning: Unparalleled customer care, innovative designs, quality construction in desirable communities in prime locations.

For more information on Lusso Urban Towns and Lucchetta Homes, visit lucchettahomes.com, or the sales centre at 24 Grapeview Dr. in St Catharines. 416.605.3885

lucchettahomes.com

THE VILLAGE FARM BY LANGLOIS ECO HOMES

BUILDING STANDARD, SURROUNDED BY RICH FARMLAND

To arrive at The Village Farm in Embro is to be greeted by the comfort of the familiar and the delight of the unexpected. The charm of smalltown Ontario, with its main street of shops and tree-lined residential streets, opens to the soaring architecture of The Zorra – six new move-in-ready townhomes, engineered and built to the Passive House standard, their iconic shape both instantly recognizable and utterly new.

As part of the first phase of the 72-acre Village Farm, The Zorra exemplifies a belief at Langlois Eco Homes that “good enough” is never enough. You’ll notice the

refined contemporary architecture and the prestige standing-seam steel roof. You’ll enter through a streamlined European door to a foyer of Mediterranean porcelain tile and engineered white oak floors, with a solid oak staircase leading to the second-storey loft. The triple-glazed tilt-and-turn windows throughout the home will surpass your expectations, along with the induction cooktop, custom cabinetry and quartz countertops. But what’s truly remarkable is 99-per-cent invisible, because what makes The Zorra unique is its Passive House construction: The magic is behind the walls. No other new

homebuilder in Canada is offering this level of quality and energy efficiency.

FLEXIBLE LAYOUTS THAT WORK FOR YOU

Built for a mature demographic, The Zorra offers you spacious layouts – more than 2,200 sq. ft. of abovegrade living – that are flexible enough to use in myriad ways. Main-floor living is easy, with a light-filled great room (and walkout to a deck or terrace), a primary bedroom with ensuite, and a second bedroom/office adjacent to another full bath. Lowthreshold doorways, wider-thanusual passageways, and a barrier-free shower in the primary ensuite are

the subtle touches that will ensure comfortable living for many years. A lofted second storey contains a third bedroom, bathroom and sitting room – the perfect guest quarters when children and grandchildren come to stay.

LIVING AT THE CENTRE OF EVERYTHING

The Zorra at The Village Farm lets you live the active life you’ve been looking for, with playing fields, arena, baseball diamond and parks just steps from your home. Local shops serve many of your needs, and when you need to go further afield, Stratford is just 20 minutes away, with other shopping centres such as Woodstock and Ingersoll even closer. A 40-minute drive takes you to the Waterloo Region, while the nearest entrance to Hwy. 401 is only 11 minutes away.

LOVING WHERE YOU LIVE

Langlois Eco Homes is confident that its future development plans will make you want to stay home and enjoy what’s right outside your door. The Village Farm will centre on the first-class organic farmland that the company has farmed, nurtured and protected for decades. Langlois Eco Homes is committed to developing

and building with the long view in mind, which means looking to alternative, low-carbon forms of energy such as geothermal. With a master plan in development through the award-winning planning firm GSP Group, Langlois Eco Homes is bringing rural and urban together, where farmland, community gardens, greenspace and shared-use trails form a holistic, regenerative place to live, relax, shop and grow together.

PEACE, QUIET AND HEALTHY LIVING IN A PASSIVE HOUSE New-home building has advanced far beyond what previous generations knew, yet one building standard remains far above the rest. That’s Passive House, an international standard that relies on superinsulation and meticulous levels of airtightness to prevent heat loss or gain through the foundation, walls, roof and windows. Passive House uses about 80 to 90 per cent less energy to heat than conventional homes built in the past, and about 70 per cent less than a home built to the current Ontario Building Code.

Here’s what you’ll notice about living in a Passive House:

• Healthier air, healthier you: Passive House is the highest standard in the world for energy efficiency and that’s due, in large part, to its extreme degree of airtightness. To keep the indoor air fresh and healthy, an energy recovery ventilator brings in outdoor air, then filters out dust, allergens, and even microbes, delivering the most exacting levels of indoor air quality. In addition, all interior materials and finishes must meet stringent low-VOC thresholds.

And because Langlois Eco Homes has chosen to bypass natural gas appliances, there are no sources of combustion in the entire house. This means an indoor air environment that’s better for those with allergies and chemical sensitivities, for children, for those with more fragile immunity – which means it’s better for everyone.

• Unparalleled comfort: The exacting design and execution of the building envelope means that consistent indoor temperatures are easily maintained, without drafts or cold feet.

• A quiet, peaceful home: Superinsulation, triple-glazed windows and highly insulated doors keep a Passive House extremely quiet. To ensure there would be no sound transmission between units, the company used Nexcem blocks (a cement-bonded, recycled wood fibre material) filled with concrete for the partition walls. When you close the doors and windows of one of these homes, you feel the serenity of being in a truly quiet home.

Langlois Eco Homes’ commitment to quality is one that will nurture you and your family for years to come. The company looks forward to welcoming you to The Village Farm.

To make an appointment, contact Fred Freeman, sales representative, ReMax a-b Realty Ltd., 519.421.5714, or ffreeman@oxford.net.

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AT RIDGEWAY

When it comes to building townhomes for active adults, Blythwood Homes has a definite edge. That’s because three decades of building adult lifestyle homes have honed the company’s skills in creating the ideal adult lifestyle bungalow townhome. Blythwood has built out numerous sites in the Niagara Region, including in Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Davids and Ridgeway. Now, with new townhomes at The Oaks, Blythwood has established a new standard in leisure living.

At 40-ft. wide, these townhomes offer more living space than many fully detached homes, including two-vehicle garages and spacious covered terraces. In addition to more

space, there are also more amenities. These townhomes include luxuriant landscaping with automatic irrigation, Interlocking driveways and privacy screens. Exterior maintenance and snow removal are looked after by the condo corporation, which makes them extra desirable for people who like to spend their winters in warmer climes, comfortable with the knowledge that their homes are looked after.

The interior finishes of Blythwood’s homes reflect superior craftsmanship. From the moment you enter the 1,550-sq.-ft. Hickory, you will be struck by its spacious feel, its luxurious finishes and the quality of light provided by the oversized windows.

The principal rooms are open concept and feature dramatic 10-ft. ceilings, and large garden doors that allow for glorious sunshine to bathe the room.

Like all of Blythwood’s homes, the Townhomes at The Oaks come with standard finishes, for which a lot of homebuilders would charge extra. We’re talking about items such as roof shingles with a lifetime warranty, rounded drywall corners and TGI floor joists.

In addition, these homes also feature interior finishes one would normally only expect in a custom home. These include furniture-quality gourmet kitchen cabinets with silent, self-closing drawers, pot and pan

drawers, crown moldings and light valences. Homebuyers can create custom kitchen layouts and designs at no extra charge for design.

Spacious and luxurious baths come finished with imported ceramic flooring as well as furniture-grade vanities, oversized soaker tubs and Mirolin showers with tempered glass doors.

As an energy-conscious builder, Blythwood’s homes are better for the environment, better on utility bills and healthier as well as more comfortable to live in, than most homes. Superior quality heating and air conditioning with a modulating thermostat are standard.

“We have found our homebuyers to be very discerning in both taste and quality,” says Rob Mills, president of Blythwood Homes, “and we are more than pleased to customize our homes to meet their aspirations.”

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The town of Ridgeway is at the western edge of Fort Erie, about 15-minutes by car from the Peace Bridge and Buffalo. The area has long been a mecca for vacationers who spend summers on the shores of Lake Erie.

The town itself is quaint, charming and bustling with an abundance of restaurants, boutiques and a very healthy retail environment. Healthcare is close at hand, as are most other services essential for a fulfilling lifestyle.

The Oaks is an intimate, selfcontained community of about 80 fully detached bungalows and 55 bungalow townhomes nestled against a protected 20-acre, old-growth forest in one of Ridgeway’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Just a short stroll from downtown and the lake, the community has an intimate feel, as the residents there tend to be people with similar interests and values.

“It’s remarkable how active and social our purchasers tend to be,” says Alexa Mills, Blythwood’s vicepresident. “I’m always amazed at how quickly people settle in and form new friendships with their neighbours.”

It turns out that Ridgeway is the perfect venue for those both social and active or those who prefer to curl up with a good book. From here

you may walk or cycle along the Friendship Trail, which runs for as long as you have energy. Or not.

Golfers will find there are more golf courses per square mile in the Niagara Peninsula than in much of the rest of Ontario.

Crystal Beach, which is officially known as Bay Beach, is the jewel in the area’s crown with pristine white sands and clear waters reminiscent of tropical beaches. It’s where the locals hang out in the summer.

A few minutes away by car is the QEW, which connects with the Peace Bridge and Buffalo or takes one west and north back to Niagara Falls and beyond.

Like everyone else, mature homebuyers care about having ready access to healthcare and are delighted when they learn that the Niagara Health System (NHS) is Ontario’s largest multi-site amalgamation, which is comprised of six hospital sites and an Ambulatory Care Centre that serves the close to 500,000 residents of Niagara Region.

This could be the smartest move you could could make. Set your sites on a brand new, maintenancefree bungalow town at The Oaks in Ridgeway, starting around $809,000… What’s not to like?

For more information, visit blythwoodhomes.ca or call 1.866.422.6610.

PATTERN PLAY

MIXING PATTERNS LIKE A PRO

by LINDA MAZUR

Fall is here, and with it traditionally comes a new array of wonderfully stylish inspiring fabrics bursting with colours, textures and some of the most incredible patterns.

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 from the inspiration of just one fabric.

Fabric is tactile, and as such, the feel of lush 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. However, the question is: With all these fabrics and patterns to select from, how do you know what works together to achieve that “designer look” in your home?

To successfully mix patterns in your space, remember to vary the scale of the patterns from small to large, as well as to maintain the same depth or magnitude of colour. By that, I mean if you’re working with primary colours, try not to incorporate fabrics that are pastels, as you will inevitably create an imbalance. Generally, if you start with blending a minimum of three fabric patterns, you shouldn’t have any problems.

The first pattern selection should be your most impactful one, so choose carefully and select a pattern that is larger scaled. The second pattern should be completely different, 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 same colours.

For example, if you have selected a large scale floral as your first pattern, the second could be a bold stripe or a geometric fretwork pattern, and then blend in another small scale floral for the third, or an alternative smaller geometric. Consider adding another pattern or two, or three, if you wish; maybe a small check, a dot is always favourable, or something in a solid small scale texture. If you’re more adventurous, consider throwing an animal print into the mix for a bit of fun.

When combining and layering patterns, it’s important to balance them throughout your space. The last thing you want is to create a situation where the heavier weight of patterns 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 and fireplace surrounds, to provide equilibrium and an aesthetically pleasing look. Also, when pairing up your choices, it’s important to consider the “feel” of the fabrics you are selecting. Are they formal or more casual?

Dabbling in pattern blending can be fun, and fabrics can make a bold statement in your home. Mixing fabrics like a pro is all about balance, layering and blending. When it’s done well, contrasting patterns and textures can elevate your space beyond the typical to a fresh, innovative and welcoming

home. Toiles, stripes, florals, ikats and jacquards… there are so many different patterns, scales and colours that can be beautifully blended to complement your room and add that “designer touch.”

Just remember to keep a common element throughout and watch 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

big style

by LISA ROGERS

Living in a small space has plenty of benefits (less maintenance, mess and money), but condos don’t always bless homeowners with ample kitchen space. Frequently, it’s the opposite. Thankfully, many small kitchen ideas can maximize your functionality and storage. It’s all about thinking creatively about how to make the most of your real estate so you can enjoy cooking and socializing.

Here are seven design tips that will create your dream kitchen in your condo space.

ADD A PREP AREA

You may not have the space to add a whole island, so think about a rolling kitchen or bar cart to serve as a table for food prep or as extra counter space. The best part about rolling is that you can move it to anywhere in your kitchen that fits for you, or cart it out to your living room when it’s time for happy hour.

REPLACE CABINETS WITH OPEN SHELVES

Not only are open shelves extremely functional, they also make easy work of grabbing your plates and glasses. They don’t eat up nearly as much space as cabinetry, giving the illusion of a bigger room because they’re so light and open.

CREATE A DREAM KITCHEN IN YOUR CONDO

SPACE-SAVING DESIGN HACKS

SWAP WITH INVISIBLE HARDWARE

The fewer objects, colour (and hardware) your kitchen space has, the less cluttered and tiny it will feel. Less hardware and more integrated pulls or touch-to-open cabinetry increases the efficiency levels, and gives a minimalist, no-fuss feel to your surfaces.

GET ORGANIZED

Every small room requires real attention to organization, because you can’t afford to waste any space. Stock up on spice-sorting systems, a Lazy Susan, lid organizers for your pots and pans, cutlery trays, and compact dish racks to keep things sorted without having to take up essential counter or drawer space. Two of my favourite hacks? Install some hooks for your coffee mugs under a shelf or cabinet, hang them by their handles, and get a cutting board that fits over your sink to create extra space for chopping and food prep. One step further? Make your entire counter space a cutting board. That way, you can work efficiently from anywhere in your kitchen.

USE LIGHT COLOURS TO EXPAND YOUR SMALL SPACE

Opting for light colours will make the room feel larger for any room, not just the kitchen. Keep a neutral palette on countertops, backsplashes, walls and even your pots, pans and linens. Everything in that cohesive, minimalist colourway will lift the room and make it feel more spacious.

GET A PEGBOARD

A genius invention, a pegboard gives you space when you think you had none left. There are many options to be found online, and use it to hang everything from colanders to measuring cups, cookware to utensils.

USE BASKETS FOR STORAGE

Woven baskets are not only gorgeous to look at, but they work wonders for storage. Find baskets that fit into your decor and tuck them out of the way in a corner, lower shelf of an island, or on the top of cabinets.

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

at

Small and

Our Met Condo Project took a one-bedroom plus den condo and renovated the space for a client who loves to entertain and knows how to mix a great cocktail. She wanted to maximize the 624-sq.-ft. space and provide functionality for entertaining. We checked off her requests while using pops of earthy pink, complemented by purple and green accents throughout.

Starting in the living room, we placed a wide media unit with tons of storage opposite a deep sofa/ chaise combo, perfect for spending a cosy night in or hosting friends.

by LUCA CAMPACCI

sophisticated

Smaller side tables and accents complete the look and are grounded by a large area rug, making the space feel bigger.

Our client requested a bar cart, which would have been a constant obstacle in the small space. Instead, mounting a long, shallow wall unit along the hallway provides a home for bottles, cocktail supplies, and bar accessories while leaving a surface to mix drinks and keep the limited kitchen counter space free when entertaining.

A round counter height table doubles as extra space for meal prep in the L-shaped kitchen, and is surrounded by sleek chairs covered in purple wool.

A petite pad is turned into an inviting home

The den proved to be a tricky space that needed to serve as both an office and a bedroom for the occasional overnight guest. We selected an L-shaped desk with wall mounted storage overhead, both open and closed, to showcase some of her personality and bring in some greenery. A lounger that becomes a single bed provides a snug spot for visiting guests.

In the bedroom, we maximized every square inch, while keeping a light and airy feel. The queen sized bed fits comfortably with brass and

white end tables on either side. Painted panels provide a costeffective detail that frames the end tables and bed perfectly.

The accent furniture is small in footprint and lightweight. Therefore, it had to possess the versatility to move around as required and serve multiple functions.

In addition to a clever layout, we installed smart switches, plugs and Google products, to create an interactive and perfectly synced space for our client’s busy life.

Luca Campacci and Vinh Le are Interior Designers at their design firm Level-Studio. They are interested in telling client’s stories through design and setting the stage for their life to unfold. level-studio.ca

trend expert

Focus on fall

by BILHA KANGETHE

Furniture and design trends to watch for

Cosy palettes, inspiration from past decades, and a bold expression in design that highlights an awakening we have all experienced as we slowly slip out of the pandemic — these are the drivers behind the trends to expect this fall.

While we move toward embracing comfort, sustainability continues to be a focus in the supply chain. We will need to be intentional about spaces that will impact how we live, while emphasizing our well-being and productivity.

Most importantly, as we move into the subsequent seasons and infuse our homes with personality, there will be a return to lasting style. Consumers are ready to purchase one-of-akind, beautifully well-made items for timeless design that will look great no matter what the decade.

An ode to nature, a return to decadence and an embrace of what is being termed as “newstalgia” — this is what is coming for fall 2022

Kitchen. devolkitchens.com

MODERN TAKE ON VINTAGE CLASSICS

Inspiration taken from the decadent art deco movement, a refined 1960 to 1980’s retro vibe and a modern play on the grand millennial chic of the 1990s has resulted in layering these decades and artfully recreating and honing these eras to usher them into 2022.

With the return of the roll arm sofa, skirted furniture and plush channel tufting, the textures feel calm, mindful and warm. The prints evoke a feeling of nostalgia while celebrating the now, all the while honouring and satisfying our craving for serenity and wellbeing, elevating our need for newness and excitement.

From warm ochres, muted terracotta and sage to earthy browns and fanciful caramel, these tones will live in harmony and add warmth and richness, bringing the fall indoors to provide a reinvigorating, comfortable and exciting vibe for when we settle into the winter season.

EMBRACE THE EXCESS

While we loved the minimalist japandi style with the peaceful calm vibes of the Scandinavian influence, maximalism is ushering its way into our design schemes and we are loving it all. It gives us a chance to indulge in personality, glamour and create breathtaking moments with one-of-a-kind pieces in the home. Luxe wallpapers, detailed tile installations, sculptural detail and an array of playful shapes and architectural touches means this trend is about going big and bold.

MATERIAL MANIA

This season’s furniture, decor, and design trends are all about embracing luxe. Think ultravelvets, coloured marble, honed-in sculptural pieces and the everevolving rattan and statementmaking light fixtures. We anticipate designers curating bespoke pieces and consumers paying tribute to their one-of-a-kind taste to honour the maximalist design style. Expect to see a refreshing spotlight on warm earthy neutrals in stone and clay materials, and minimally textured plasters that will reflect the craftsmanship and artistry we love.

Bilha Kangethe is the founder and creative director of The Lifestyle Loft. As a certified designer and interior decorator, she has created a company that focses on the needs of each client and customer and helps them curate a lifestyle that is comfortable and economical. thelifestyleloft.com

Luna SIDEBOARD

Cristo white and black striped VASE. cb2.ca

Permiter SOFA. cb2.ca

Romola accent CHAIR thelifestyleloft.com

Twin drink ACCENT TABLE thelifestyleloft.com

Accent PILLOW thelifestyleloft.com

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NOVA SCOTIA

GREATER TORONTO AREA

42 Mill St.,

Affinity Condo,

Amica

Balmoral

Amica Bayview

416.927.0055

416.977.3177

Amica Bayview Gardens – 647.286.7935

Amica Brampton – 905.460.0080

Amica Bronte Harbour – 905.842.8167

Amica City Centre – 905.803.8100

Amica Erin Mills – 905.816.9163

Amica Georgetown – 905.702.1555

Amica Newmarket – 905.952.0505

Amica Oakville – 905.842.8167

Amica Pickering – amica.ca

Amica Swan Lake – 905.201.6058

Amica Thornhill – 905.886.3400

Amica Unionville – 905.947.9990

Amica Whitby – 905.665.6200

Ashgrove Meadows, Picture Homes – 905.985.0808

Axess Condos, Liberty Hamlets – axesscondos.ca

Ballantrae Golf & Country Club – 905.640.1055

Bradgate Arms, Revera – 416.968.1331

Canterbury Place, Verve – 416.227.1643

Cape Cod Villas, Kaitlin – kaitlincorp.com

Chartwell Grenadier Ret. Res – 416.769.2885

Chartwell Scarlett Heights – 647.846.7007

Connectt, Briarwood/Gilbach – briarwoodhomes.ca

Court at Brooklin & Pringle Creek – 905.655.7718

Courts of Canterbury, Geranium – courtsofcanterbury.com

Credit River Retirement, Verve – 905.812.9191

The Davis Residences, LCL Builds/Rose Corporation – thedaviscondos.com

DelManor Elgin Mills – 905.770.7963

DelManor Glen Abbey – 905.469.3232

DelManor Northtown – 416.225.9146

DelManor Prince Edward – 416.233.0725

DelManor Wynford

Edge

416.331.9797

Towers,

Evergreen Retirement,

Forest Hill Place,

Four

Glengrove

416.785.1511

MAP

$520K

Leslie and Wellington, Vermilion – vermiliondevelopments.ca

Lakebreeze, Kaitlin Corp. – 607.302.2490

Leslie and Wellington, Vermilion – vermiliondevelopments.ca

The Meadows of Aurora – 905.503.5560

Milton’s Bronte West Condos,– 289.851.0701

Modo, Kaitlin Corp. – modolife.ca

Nautique Condos, Adi Dev. – 289.337.0766

Orchard East, Picture Homes – 905.419.6800

Palermo Village, Verve – 905.582.0395

Parkland on Eglinton West, Shannex – 416.997.2647

Parkland on the Glen, Shannex – 905.820.8210

Pinnacle Uptown: Amber & Perla – 905.568.9000

Port Credit Res., Verve – 905.274.6864

Prince George Landing, Stockworth/RoseWater – 905.655.6060

The Renoir, Revera – 905.853.6400

Richmond Hill Retirement, Verve – 905.770.4704

The Roxborough, Verve – 905.853.4573

Royal Bayview, Tridel – tridel.com

St. David’s Village – 416.267.2737

Seasons Clarington – 905.697.9992

Seasons Milton – 905.864.6888

The Shores of Port Credit, Verve –905.821.1161

Southbrook, Rice Dev. – 905.456.2764

Stouffville Creek, Verve – 905.642.2902

Streetsville Centre, Dunpar – 905.318.9112

Sunrise Senior Living of Aurora – 905.841.0022

Sunrise Senior Living of Burlington – 905.333.9969

Sunrise Senior Living of Erin Mills – 905.569.0004

Sunrise Senior Living of Oakville – 905.337.1145

Sunrise Senior Living of Richmond Hill – 905.883.6963

Sunrise Senior Living of Unionville – 905.947.4566

Tapestry at village Gate West – 416.777.2911

The Watford, Watford Group – 416.218.5542

Thorne Mill on Steeles – 905.731.4300

Toronto Street Boutique Condos – maplebrookhomes.ca

Valera Towns, Adi Developments – adidevelopments.com

Villa Da Vinci, Sienna – 905.264.9119

VIVA Mississauga – 905.566.4500

VIVA Oakville – 1.888.984.8482

VIVA Pickering – 905.831.2088

VIVA Thornhill Woods – 905.417.8585

VIVA Whitby Shores – 1.888.984.8482

Westview Condos, Devonleigh – devonleighhomes.com

White Cliffe Terrace, Verve – 905.579.0800

Wilmot Creek, Rice – 1.800.994.5668

ONTARIO

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The Brealey Homes & Suites

nirvana.ca

Brighton By The Bay – 1.800.418.6918

Burnham Meadows, Picture Homes – 705.742.1212

Carolina Suites, Nautical – 613.267.7000

Clarence Crossing, EQ Homes – 1.866.829.3117

East City Condos, TVM Group – 705.876.0817

East Riverside Square, Elm Dev. – eastriversidesquare.com

East Village Cobourg, Stalwood – 289–252–1961

Eden Park Clarington – 647.668.3695

Eastside Horizons – eastsidehorizons.ca

Elliot Lake Retirement Living – 1.800.461.4663

Empire Crossing, Esprit – 1.800.932.3043

Encore at Port 32, Marshall – port32.com

eQuinelle Community, eQ Homes – 1.866.829.3117

Fairways at Seven Lakes, Gintar – 519.252.0419

Frontenac Shores – 1.866.240.5194

Gallipeau Centre – 613.284.9916

Gibbard District Condos – 613.308.9190

Grand Cove Estates, Rice – 519.238.8444

Hamilton Woods, Gordon Tobey – 613.475.0618

Harbour Hill, Nautical Lands – 1.888.991.6548

Hastings Estates, Batavia Homes – bataviahomes.ca

Haven On The Trent, Sifton – 1.855.305.7963

illusions, Kaitlin Corp. – kaitlincorp.com

Kingswood Cobourg, Mason – masonhomes.ca

Kokomo Beach Club, Wastell – kokomobeachclub.com

Lakeside Village in Port Hope, Mason – 1.877.880.6565

Lakewoods, Lakewoods Resort Dev. – 1.888.990.9120

Lilacs Retirement Village – 705.742.3338

Loyalist Country Club, Kaitlin – 1.800.353.2066

Luxury Waterfront at Picton Harbour – portpictonhomes.com

Meneset on the Lake, Parkbridge – 519.440.1465

New Amherst in Cobourg – 1.866.528.9618

Ninth Avenue Estates – 519.371.5228

Orchard Gate Estates, Stalwood – 905.372.4179

Orchard Hill Country Towns – 1.877.548.4455

Palisade Gardens – 905.372.1150

Parklands & The Arbour Condo

Picton

Pinery

STYLE

Inquire

Inquire

$200K

$390K

Inquire

Inquire

$300K

Seasons Belle River – 519.727.0034

Seasons Brantford – 519.752.5477

Seasons Owen Sound – 519.371.5115

Seasons Royal Oak Village – 519.966.5475

Sherbrooke Heights – 705.243.4564

Stone & South, CaraCo – 613.875.2524

Sunrise Senior Living of Windsor – 519.974.5858

Tall Ships Landing, Fuller Grp. – 613.498.7245

The Walton Residences – 416.99.9851

Twelve Trees Waterfront Condos, Royalcliff Homes – 613.969.2044

Twin elms, Parkbridge – 519.245.3300

Valleyview Estates – 705.696.1600

Victoria Retirement – 905.377.1555

Views Prince edward County, Cosmopolitan Homes – lovetheviews.ca

Vintage Green in Ilderton – 519.666.2094

VIVA Barrhaven – 1.888.984.8482

VIVA Waterside – 613.653.2010

Waterside, Viva – 613.253.2010

Wellings of Corunna, Nautical – 226.455.0505

Wellings of Picton, Nautical – 613.707.0431

Wellings of Stittsville, Nautical – 1.888.643.6548

Wellington Bay Estates & Abbott Lane Towns, Sandbank – 1.800.353.7823

West Five, Sifton – sifton.com

Westlinks, Rice Dev. – 1.888.ASK.RiCe

Whispering Pine, Sifton – sifton.com

Wood Haven Luxury Condos – 519.842.9090

Young’s Cove, Briarwood – 1.866.962.5264

GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Amica Dundas 905.628.6200

Amica Stoney Creek 905.664.8444

Arbour vale, Pinewood 905.397.8616

The Bench Beamsville benchcondos.com

Cannery District, Winzen winzen.ca

Century Condos, Homes By DeSantis centurycondos.ca

Coast Road, River Rock Const. coastroad.ca

Inquire

Mid

Inquire

High

$460K

Davis Heights, Lucchetta Homes lucchettahomes.com $800K

Deerwood Lane, Southport – 905.658.3554

Dickson Hill, Jackson Homes – dicksonhill.ca

$490K

$860K

Dover Coast Phase 2, Stockworth – 519.583.2049 $560K

The Dover Wharf – doverwharf.com

Edgewood Suites, FLATO® – edgewoodsuites.ca

Elora Mill Condominiums, Pearle – eloramillcondos.ca

The Flats at Black Creek – 519.583.9009

Grand Bell, Lakeview Dev. Hldgs. – grandbellsuites.com

Grimsby Waterfront, Losani – losanihomes.com

The Harbour Club, SDR Group – theharbourclub.ca

Harbour Heights

Harbourtown

Harvest

The Jacob, Emshih

TENNIS PROFESSIONALOFFICESSECURITYSYSTEM STYLEGOLF

Odyssey, Rosehaven – odysseylife.ca

Five Central, Aiva – onefivecentral.com

Panorama Condos, Kalar – 289.271.4950

Park Lane Place, Park Lane Homes 905.382.8857

Passages on the Canal, BW – mypassages.ca

Pine Meadows– 226.821.1688

Piper’s Grove Condos, Reid’s – 226.751.5250

Portside at Woodway Trails – huroncreek.com

Portview estates, Silvergate – silvergatehomes.com

Queensview Retirement Comm. 1.888.436.6534

Riverside at Hunters Pointe, Lucchetta Homes – 289.820.8600

Royal Port, Rankin – 1–833–ROYAL–51

Royal Ridge, Royal Oak Prop. – royalridge.ca

Ryan’s Grove, Lucchetta Homes – lucchettahomes.com

Shelter Cove – 1.866.416.8848

The Shores, Marz Homes – 905.894.7873

Low

Mid

$600K

$760K

Low

High $300K

South Hill, Thomasfield – 519.766.5060 $420K

South Port, Rankin Const. – southpt.ca $360K

The Spencer at Dundas Peak, Sage – spencercondo.com

Inquire

St. Elizabeth Mills, Zest – 905.574.8178 $370K

Stonecroft by Carey Homes – 1.866.278.7577 $670K

Trailside at Grey Silo Gate, Activa – 519.742.5800

Victoria & John, Solmar – 905.688.3010

Upper Vista Condos, Evertrust – 1.866.418.8936

Village Creek, Park Lane Homes – 905.382.8857

The Village on Prince Charles, Carey Homes – careyhomes.ca

Village On The Twelve, Silvergate Homes – silvergatehomes.com

Villages of Sally Creek, Sunlight Heritage Homes – 226.289.2943

The Vines, Four Mile Creek, Blythwood Woodcastle Homes – 647.531.8463

The Vintages at Four Mile Creek, Blythwood – 905.657.2977

Vista Ridge & Vibrant, Losani – losanihomes.com

Viva On The Lake, Losani – losanihomes.com

Waterview Condos, LJM – 1.855.500.1215

Welland High Garden, Dennis – wellandhighgarden.ca

Wellings of Waterford – 1.800.996.9885

Westwood Trails, Sinclair Homes – 226.476.2227

COTTAGE COUNTRY

Amica Little Lake

705.722.9191

Aquavil, Royalton Homes

aquavil.ca

Ashton Meadows, Briarwood – ashtonmeadows.ca

Beaverton

Blue

The

Low $400K

Inquire

Low $500K

Mid

Low $400K

High $600K

Low $400K

$570K

Mid $500K

$300K

Harmony Living, Mamta – mamtahomes.com

Hedge Road Landing, Alliance – 905.596.2200

Highcrest Muskoka, edgewoodmuskoka.com

Holland Gardens, Verve – 905.775.6020

Homes on the Bay, Rose Water – rosewatermanagement.com

Hometown Creemore, Alliance – hometowncreemore.ca

The Këmp, Fortress – 905.787.9266

Kings Landing, Dreamland Homes – 905.657.4663

Kingsmere Retirement, Sienna – 705.434.4600

Kingsview on Balsam Lake, Kaitlin – 1.866.514.3573

Lākhouse Lakefront Residences, Aalto Developments – lakhouse.ca

Lakepoint village, Alliance – 705.323.9768

Lakeside Muskoka, lakesidemuskoka.ca

The Landing at Little Lake – 705.719.9909

Lora Bay: The Cottages & The Masters, Sherwood Homes – 1.877.696.8984

Beachway Crossing, Stonebridge Building Group -stonebridgebg.com

Markdale Highlands, Sunfield – sunfieldhomes.com

Matchedash Lofts, Oakleigh Dev. – 647.502.5255

The Meadows of Creemore, MDM – 705.466.5246

Monaco Condominiums – 1.855.666.7007

Muskoka Bay Resort, Freed Developments Ltd. – 1.866.321.2004

Mountain House at Windfall, Georgian International – 705.293.0954

Mountaincroft, Grandview Homes – 1.866.775.0333

Muskokan Resort Club – 1.866.960.9016

Oak Bay, Eden Oak – 705.538.0303

Red Maple, Alliance/Consar – 705.293.1374

Residences at Five Points, AT Dev. – atdevelopments.ca

Residences on McMurray, Unexus – 705.646.2333

Riverway, Centurion Homes – 647.478.9050

Royal Windsor at Balmoral Village, Sherwood Homes – 1.877.887.3437

Inquire

$590K

Inquire

High

Inquire

$470K

$260K

Mid $700,000s

Mid $300K

Mid $600K

Mid $600K

$380K

$430K

Mid $200K

$580K

High

Low

$470K

Inquire

$520K

$370K

$420K

Inquire

Mid $500K

Mid $300K

Sandycove Acres, Parkbridge – 1.800.348.7161 $130K

Sea Shell Bay, Calibrex – seashellbay.ca

Seasons on Little Lake, Hanson – 1.888.990.9120

Simcoe Gardens, Mamta – mamtahomes.com

Sophie’s Landing – sophieslanding.ca

The South Shore, Fortress – 905.476.6400

Stonebridge By The Bay, Stonebridge Building Group – 705.422.0880

The Summit, Truelife – thesummitmuskoka.com

Terrace Wood, Third Line – 647.227.4069

The Tom Studio Suties, Greystone – 705.773.8833

The View at Blue Fairway, MacPherson Builders – theviewcondos.ca

Inquire

Mid $300K

Low

Mid

THE LORD OF THE RINGS

THE RINGS OF POWER

BRucE kIRklaNd

After a rambling launch in episode one, the new mega-watt Amazon television series based on The Lord of the Rings saga turns out to be a glorious triumph.

Don’t mention that to the orcish army of right-wing, racist commentators obsessed and disappointed with the multi-ethnic casting for the Amazon series. Tuning into Amazon Prime, where the series is being streamed, and immersing myself in the first four episodes, I came out excited and eager for more of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The bigoted naysayers spewing their “anti-woke” nonsense are wrong.

The series does not do a disservice to The Lord of the Rings creator and author JRR Tolkien. Nor does it insult us, the viewers, by giving a fresh look into Tolkien’s richly diverse, ancient world of mythical characters.

Why? Because the new series, with eight episodes in season one, is based on Tolkien’s fragmented apprentices to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books. So, the template is not as fixed as it was for filmmaker Peter Jackson two decades ago. When the new series introduces us to noble elves, stalwart dwarfs, humanoid Harfoots (proto-Hobbits), demonic warriors and beasts from the underworld, there is an opportunity for creative thinking. Including in the casting and the storytelling.

The new series is also set thousands of years before the

events of Tolkien’s main books –and Jackson’s two trilogies. There is enormous room to manoeuvre for the new series’ developers and executive producers, J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay.

It is also critical to remember that the South African-born Tolkien was an English scholar at the University of Oxford and was steeped in medieval language and early Norse and English literature. But he invented the events of Middle-earth in his fantasy saga.

The Rings of Power series, such as The Lord of the Rings, is fiction, not history. This is not a documentary. Instead, think of it as a feverdream Tolkien had in the wake of experiencing the horrors of World War I. In this dream world, with its built-in nightmares, creativity abounds. Let it loose.

So, when we are reminded in the series that “the past is always with you whether we like it or not,” this is not liberal-driven propaganda. This is a pan-political fantasy that speaks to the reality of human nature.

I will not chart the dense plot of The Rings of Power. Parse it for yourself. But the storyline rests mainly on the shoulders of the elven warrior Galadriel (the excellent Morfydd Clark). My other favourites include the dwarf couple Durin IV (Owain Arthur) and wife Disa (Sophia Nomvete), along with the elf Arondir (brooding but charismatic Ismael Cruz Cordova).

The new series also looks fantastic, which is appropriate for fantasy. And no surprise because Amazon has invested an estimated one billion dollars in the enterprise, with filming on season two set to begin now. Big gamble and big results so far.

Bruce Kirkland’s career spans more than four decades, working for The Toronto Star, The Ottawa Journal and finally, as the senior film critic, for 36 years at The Toronto Sun.

CONTENT ONlINE