GTA New Home + Condo Guide - Mar. 14, 2020

Page 1

Greater Toronto Area Mar. 14–28, 2020

The first and only complete guide to pre-construction homes and condos

A R R I V I N G S O O N AT 2 F O R E S T H I L L RO A D

Nothing compares to coming home

Rendering is artist’s concept. E.&O.E.

INSIDE:

25 YEARS OF CLIMBING CONDO PRICES

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TIPS


It’s A Celebration.

Subway Connected Community.

Vibrant. Modern. Urban Living.

Coming Soon to the South VMC.


In the Heart of Downtown Vaughan.

Walkable. Accessible.

Register Today at FestivalSouthVMC.com


w o n # ding tren

Branthaven @BranthavenHomes · Mar 6 Hamilton is so close to nature, why not spend your weekends day tripping dramatic cascades of waterfalls or hiking the trails that crisscross streams and conservation areas. http://waterfalls.hamilton.ca https://welcomehomestead.com #mounthopehamilton #branthaven #newhomesforsale

Mountainview Homes @MountainviewHms · Mar 7 Ahhh weekends .... made for relaxing! Hope you’re having an amazing day. #mountainviewhomes #nowselling #newhomes #newhomebuilder #newbuild #homebuilder #niagara #fonthill #thorold #stcatharines #niagarafalls #chippawa #ridgeway mountainview.com Tarion Warranty Corp @tarionwarranty · March 9 What is the Condominium Board of Directors? #Wordoftheweek

Toronto Region Board of Trade @TorontoRBOT · Mar 5 Last panel: “Case Studies: Connecting & Enabling Women Leaders in Trade & Business” moderated by @HemmingsenHelen, President, @OWITintl & speakers: Danielle Fielder, SVP, @Tridel, Anita Agrawal, CEO, Best Bargains, @JennaBendayan, Office of the Minister #WomenInspire #IWD2020

Menkes Developments @MenkesLife · Feb. 28 #Fleur ‘s podium is an elegant urban retreat steeped in both cozy natural character and modern electric energy For more information on Fleur & all our other Downtown projects visit menkes.com


ONE SPECTACULAR SPACE. MANY AMAZING PROJECTS. If you’re in the market for a chic condo or a modern townhome, there’s a place to go. Our new Mattamy Homes Sales Gallery is now open at 2480 Yonge Street. Popular communities such as Saturday in Downsview Park and Vita on the Lake will be sold from here. Conveniently located, minutes from Yonge and Eglinton subway, the Sales Gallery will make home shopping a breeze.

Downsview Park

Downsview Park

Now selling. Urban & Classic Towns From the high $600’s. Park views available.

Etobicoke Waterfront

Now under construction. Starting from the mid $600’s. LIMITED SUITES REMAIN

Etobicoke Waterfront

Now under construction. Starting from $1m LIMITED SUITES REMAIN

MATTAMY HOMES SALES GALLERY 2480 Yonge Street 416 630 8282 Mon-Thurs: 1-8pm Fri: 1-6pm Sat-Sun: 11-6pm

MATTAMYHOMES.COM Prices, specifications and promotions are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E. Illustrations are artist’s impression.

Now selling. Water views available. Starting from $1.2m LIMITED SUITES REMAIN


CONTRIBUTORS

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

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Susan Legge susan.legge@nexthome.ca CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

STAT CHAT | BEN MYERS Ben Myers is President of Bullpen Research & Consulting. Ben provides pricing recommendation, product mix, and valuation studies on new residential housing developments for builders, lenders and property owners. www.bullpenconsutling.ca

Sara Duck Marlene Eisner Amanda Pereira SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Jessica Wilson 416.873.1049 jessica.wilson@nexthome.ca Natalie Chin 416.881.4288 natalie.chin@nexthome.ca SALES & MARKETING CO-ORDINATORS

CONDO PRO | BARBARA LAWLOR Barbara Lawlor is president and CEO of Baker Real Estate Inc., and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, Barbara oversees the marketing and sale of condo developments in Canada and overseas. baker-re.com

Gary Chilvers Vi Nguyen DISTRIBUTION

distributionteam@nexthome.ca ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES

accountingteam@nexthome.ca DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid–Sachs GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER

Alicesa Pullan

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Sandra Hanak–Vujnovic, Johannah Lorenzo, Mike Terentiev, Kathleen Walker, Alice Wu Published by

nexthome.ca

STYLE FILE | JO ALCORN Jo Alcorn is a design specialist and designer on HGTV’s Home to Win. She has her own furniture collection, signature pillow and dog bed line and is known for her savvy design concepts. Visit Jo at whitewashco.ca

Advertising Call 1.866.532.2588 for rates and information. Fax: 1.888.861.5038 Circulation Highly targeted, free distribution system aimed at real estate buyers using street level boxes and racking. Call 1.866.532.2588 to discuss distribution opportunities. Copyright Notice All copyright and other intellectual property rights in the contents hereof are the property of NextHome, and not that of the individual client. The customer has purchased the right of reproduction in NextHome and does not have the right to reproduce the ad or photo in any other place or publication without the previous written consent of NextHome. Contents of this publication, in hard copy format as well as online, are covered by copyright law, and offenders will be prosecuted. Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Reproduction, storage in a retrieval system or transmission, in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission of NextHome is strictly prohibited. Terms Advertisers, Editorial content are not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All prices are correct as of press time. Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at editorial@nexthome.ca.

6  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020



EDITOR’S NOTE

MISSING THE MIDDLE

SUSAN LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF New Home + Condo Guide EMAIL: susan.legge@nexthome.ca TWITTER: @SusanLegge

Numbers from the Ontario Real Estate Association’s first annual ‘Buyers and Sellers Research Report’ say the majority of Ontario’s Millennial and first-time homebuyers looking to buy a home this year want detached and semi-detached primary homes – not condominiums. Surprised? In the age of rising property values and a low housing supply in the GTA (see Ben Myers’ on page 14 for more), unless they are open to different housing types, which builders across the GTA are offering, they may be out of luck. “In order to keep the dream of homeownership alive for future generations, we need to make it easier for young families and first-time buyers to own a home,” said OREA President Sean Morrison. “Ontario needs to address the missing middle of housing supply by exploring innovative solutions like laneway housing and multi-unit homes, such as townhouses, stacked flats or mid-rise buildings, especially in downtown and urban areas.” Finding solutions to the “missing middle” housing dilemma is, indeed, critical, just as critical as it is for buyers looking for homes in this region to look at all the options. In this issue, some ideas and possible solutions, including a story on co-living which illustrates how buyers are taking matters into their own hands — that’s on page 34 — and Dave Wilkes’ column on page 18. He covers off the details of the Ontario government’s proposed Community Benefit Charge, a must-read. There’s plenty more ahead. We hope you enjoy this issue!

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+ get social

Interact with us on social media: nexthome

8  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020


Live Exceptionally.

Coming Soon to Bayview & Royal Orchard An incredible collection of elegant luxury condos, Royal Bayview offers home-sized suites overlooking the private Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto in Thornhill. This is an exclusive opportunity to live in a community lavishly designed to be sumptuous and serenely modern.

LUXURY CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES STARTING FROM $1.2 MILLION* VISIT THE PRESENTATION GALLERY AT 4800 DUFFERIN STREET | 416 661 7699 ©Tridel 2020. ®Tridel,“D”design, Tridel Built for Life, Tridel Built for Life Design, and Built Green Built for Life are registered Trademarks of Tridel Corporation. Project names and logos are Trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Building and view not to scale. Illustrations are artist’s concept only. *Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. Royal Bayview, the condominium development, is not affiliated with Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto. E.&O.E. March 2020.


MAR. 14 - 28, 2020 | VOLUME 29, ISSUE 6

CONTENTS COVER STORY

22 Altree Developments LUXURY CITY LIVING AT ITS FINEST WITH FOREST HILL PRIVATE RESIDENCES ARRIVING SOON AT 2 FOREST HILL ROAD 10  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020


Property Profiles 36 Minto Communities + Metropia Master-planned community of Union Village opens in Markham

36

42 Fieldgate Homes The date is set at Upper Valleylands 48 Alterra A new boutique mid-rise is coming to Davenport Avenue

48 #InsidetheGTA 12

#InsideTheGTA The latest news, numbers, trends and events BY SUSAN LEGGE

14

Stat Chat New condo prices have increased for 25 consecutive years BY BEN MYERS

26 Condo Pro New condos offer the high life in great locations BY BARBARA LAWLOR

30 Q+A With an Insider A chat with Amanda Milborne Ireland of Capital Developments

42 #BeyondtheCity

18

BILD Report Get the facts about the proposed Community Benefit Charge

51

Last year’s panel of experts from our Condo & Home Builders’ Annual, revisited

BY DAVE WILKES

34 Trending

BY SUSAN LEGGE

62 Style File

Co-living is having a moment

40 Legally Speaking

Expert Panel

Small space, big style BY JO ALCORN

IN EVERY ISSUE

Investment properties: What to watch out for

6

Contributors

BY JAYSON SCHWARZ

55

Hot Properties GTA

59 Hot Properties SWO 64 Index of Advertisers 66 What’s Online

BY SUSAN LEGGE

nexthome.ca  11


#InsidetheGTA by SUSAN LEGGE

GTA

HIGH-TECH MEETS DIVINE DESIGN

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT (L to R) Tridel’s Adrian Wang, Director of Innovation and Sustainability; Samson Fung, Vice President, Marketing; and Stella Salvador, Principal Interior Designer, Tridel, gave me a tour of their incredible Innovation Suite, one of the Signature residences located at Ten York, in Toronto’s downtown core. Merging technology and design like never before, the full story will be in our next issue, or subscribe to our digital newsletter on nexthome.ca.

A recent Saturday afternoon family skating event, hosted by Podium Developments, on freshly flooded ice at their future Ironwood community in North Oshawa (1569 Simcoe St. N.), saw about 50 moms, dads, kids and grandparents meet and skate with five-time world and Canadian Women’s Olympic hockey champion goalie, Sami Jo Small. The two-time Gold medal winner and MVP shared her experiences with skaters around a bonfire with hot chocolate. 12  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

Obliging all for photos and autographs before giving some tips to first-time skaters, she’s shown with Podium Development’s Vice President, Development Christian Huggett (at right) and Development Manager Adam Lennie. The Ironwood community will be a stunning collection of modern townhomes with numerous community amenities called keystones, an outdoor skating rink among them. Podium and their partner Building Capital invited all

PHOTO: NASTASSJA PEARSON

Families skate with Canadian Olympic hockey hero

attendees to bring their used skates as a donation for Skate to Great, a non-profit organization that donates skates to those in need.


+

DID YOU KNOW?

According to a recent report by the Ontario Real Estate Association, the vast majority (84 per cent) of Ontarians looking to buy a home within the next year are looking for detached, semi-detached, or townhomes.

Primont Homes’ opens MontVert in Brampton

Councillor Michael Palleschi, Mayor Patrick Brown (with scissors), and Joe Montesano, President of Primont were among those who officially opened Primont Homes’ MontVert community in Brampton recently. This new condominium community is conveniently located near Brampton’s Mt. Pleasant GO Station and acres of protected greenbelt and open greenspace. Find out more about the one and two-bedroom suites available by visiting primonthomes.com

80% sold in only six weeks

Altree Developments’ ground breaking at Thirty Six Zorra marks the beginning of construction of this exciting landmark condominium located at 30 Zorra Street in the Queensway area of Etobicoke. The project sold 80 per cent of its suites in six weeks, demonstrating the appeal and demand for this location. The 35-storey tower offers a diverse mix of suites with top-of-the-line amenities and is close to transit and highways. This will be a hub for Millennials and young families, especially those who are just becoming first-time buyers. Visit altreedevelopments.com for details.

First master-planned community comes to Hagersville in SWO

Award-winning Empire Communities, one of North America’s largest private homebuilders, is bringing the first master-planned community to Hagersville — Empire Livingston. Launching in spring 2020, Empire Livingston offers detached homes starting from the low $500s. The new southwestern Ontario community will feature distinct home plans that include bungalow and twostorey designs, with homes ranging from 1,266- to 3,289-sq-ft. on 36- and 44-ft. lots. Located in the heart of Haldimand County, Empire Livingston is a growing community with something for everyone, from excellent schools, local conveniences and close proximity to neighbouring cities and towns. In Hagersville, couples and families can experience the pride of homeownership and enjoy the safety and serenity that comes with living life in a small town. “Empire sees the value in Hagersville and we want to embrace all the great things the community has to offer, not change it. Preserving and building on the values and visions for Hagersville is important to us and we truly feel as though Livingston will do just that,” says Sue MacKay, VP of Marketing at Empire Communities. The presentation centre is now open for people to speak with a sales representative and tour the professionally designed model homes. Visit empirelivingstonhomes.com fore more details. nexthome.ca  13


ADVICE | STAT CHAT

NEW CONDO PRICES HAVE INCREASED FOR 25 CONSECUTIVE YEARS

BEN MYERS

When I was the Executive Vice President of a condominium apartment data firm, we had a giant spreadsheet that tracked the average price of Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) new condominiums all the way back the mid-1980s. If I remember the data correctly, prices of new condos spiked in the late 80s, increasing by nearly 45 per cent in a single year. Prices declined significantly in the 14  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

early 90s and stayed flat for the next couple years. In 1995, new condominium apartment prices in the Toronto CMA increased yearover-year. That year marked the start of an unprecedented streak of price increases in the Toronto new condo market. There were certainly years within this stretch where prices increased by less than inflation, and even years that the average price of new projects launched was lower than the year before, but the overall average sold price for the entire market was higher at the end of the year than it was the year prior. In 2008 and 2009, the world economy was reeling in the face

of the global financial meltdown, but Toronto new condo prices still went up. Bad news was rampant in 2012 as fears of a massive high-rise oversupply resulted in much fewer investor purchases that year and the next, but new condo prices still went up. In 2017, the Toronto real estate market experienced bubble-like conditions, and new condominium prices jumped 35 per cent yearover-year. The government intervened with expanded rent control, and a foreign buyers tax which resulted in an immediate plunge in single-family resale house prices. In 2017 and 2018, new condo prices still went up. …continued on page 16


FIND YOUR PLACE

In the desirable, sought-after Oak Ridges area of prestigious Richmond Hill, Twelve Oaks is the place where your new home dream comes true.

A stunning selection of 3 Bedroom Contemporary Townhomes. Spacious floorplans up to 2,134 sq.ft. A vibrant established

KING RD. & BOND CRES, RICHMOND HILL

neighbourhood with excellent schools, community centres, shopping and restaurants. Surrounded by nature on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Minutes from Lake Wilcox waterfront park and Bond Lake. Easy access to Highways 404 and 400. Discover Twelve Oaks and find your place.

Luxury Towns Coming Spring

700’s

$

from the mid

REGISTER NOW

TwelveOaksTowns.com Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Rendering is artist concept only. E. & O. E.


…continued from page 14

At some point this streak will come to an end, but I certainly don’t know when that will happen. Having followed the market extremely closely for the last 15 years, there have been industry insiders, economists, and housing doomsayers predicting a crash or correction in the condo market on a regular basis the entire time. Trying to predict this market is like trying to predict the weather in three weeks, nearly impossible. Like the weather, the trends are shifting quickly. When completing assignments for clients in 2018, I observed a number of condominium apartment buildings where rental rates for investor product increased by 10 per cent to 15 per cent annually. According to data from listings website Rentals.ca, condo rental rates were flat in Toronto when comparing January 2020 to January 2019. However, their data shows that rental rates for purpose-built rental apartments are up 16 per cent annually. Totally contradictory. Should an investor buy a new pre-construction high-rise unit, if lease rates for condos are flat? How do you then factor in the growth in purpose-built rental apartment rates? How do you factor in the occupancy date, as many new condo projects won’t be completed for another four years and the market might be very different then? If you bought a new condo in December 2016, you were probably ecstatic to see the average resale price of condominium apartments and townhomes increase by nearly $100,000 over the next four months. You were probably scared in April of 2017 as rent control was expanded and resale condo prices declined for several months. But prices steadily increased in 2018, rent control was lifted on new buildings, and prices rose again in 16  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

According to data posted by Realtor Scott Ingram, the average price of a condo apartments and condo townhouses was approximately $730,000 in February 2020, an 18.1 per cent annual increase.

2019. According to data posted by Realtor Scott Ingram, the average price of a condo apartments and condo townhouses was approximately $730,000 in February 2020, an 18.1 per cent annual increase. Yet you’re still a year away from occupancy and a lot can happen in that time! Ingram’s data also shows that the compound annual growth rate for resale apartments and townhouses with condominium tenure is 14.1 per cent. If you’re an investor looking to diversify your portfolio, it might make sense to have some hard assets. I don’t know when the music stops on the condominium apartment market, but 25 years of growth and a lot of failed crash forecasts later, there are more than a few people kicking themselves for missing out.

In conclusion, make sure you can afford what you are buying, think long term, do your own research, and surround yourself with an experienced team that can help you make the right real estate decision. Good luck.

Ben Myers is President of Bullpen Research & Consulting. Ben provides pricing recommendation, product mix, and valuation studies on new residential housing developments for builders, lenders and property owners. Ben’s firm produces monthly rental housing analysis and publishes a quarterly report on high-rise land values. Visit www.bullpenconsutling.ca or find him on Twitter @benmyers29

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice


BE A NEIGHBOUR NOT A NUMBER. Nothing is better than a life that’s made for you. Find your perfect fit in an intimate, 10-storey collection of 141 boutique residences by Marlin Spring. Situated at 1197 The Queensway, live minutes from your favourite shops at Sherway Gardens, and only moments from the lake. Find transit just outside your door, ready to take you anywhere else. Close to the heart of the city, and far from ordinary, experience life tailored to you.

Starting from the $400s. REGISTER NOW | TailorResidences.com

This is not an offering for sale. Any This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering may only be made with a disclosure statement only. The developer reserves the right to make changes and modifications to the information contained herein without prior notice. Artist’s renderings and illustrations are representations only and may not be accurate. E.&O.E.


ADVICE | BILD REPORT

NEW HOME BUYERS NEED TO KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT THE PROPOSED COMMUNITY BENEFIT CHARGE

DAVE WILKES

On February 28, the Government of Ontario announced the proposed Community Benefit Charge that will increase clarity, predictability and transparency for the building industry and new buyers by rolling together several charges applied to new developments and capping rates at different levels for singletier, lower-tier municipalities and regions. The proposed 18  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

changes also take important steps to ensure that growth will continue to fund important public infrastructure like libraries, daycares and recreation facilities. Housing affordability issues across the region are being driven by a market imbalance. Namely, that housing supply is not keeping pace with demand. Expanding housing supply is being frustrated by cumbersome processes, approvals and requirements that are slowing new development meaning it take longer to bring new supply on line even as population and demand continues to grow. This imbalance, the

slower pace of new development and along with escalating costs added by all three layers of government, results in inflationary pressure on housing prices. Add to this that previous government policies that were developed to guide growth failed to predict the rapid population growth in the region leading to a shortfall of planned housing. The City of Toronto has already reached the population targets for 2031 as set out by the 2006 Growth Plan. However housing has not kept up. All these factors are the basis of the unfolding housing crisis. …continued on page 20



…continued from page 18

To combat this, the provincial government has come forward with supply side oriented policies, and should be commended for trying to correct a quagmire that has been a decade or more in making. The proposed changes announced last week were simply another step in trying to restore balance to the GTA housing market. Let’s consider some of the facts about the proposed Community Benefit Framework: First, the changes being proposed by the government are a step in the right direction in addressing the piling on of costs on new homes, red-tape and layers bureaucracy that is limiting much needed housing supply and driving the affordability issue facing the region. Much more needs to be done if we are to address this generational issue facing the GTA. Second, the proposals attempt to balance the funding needs of municipalities and the cost to add new housing, a cost that is ultimately borne by the residents looking to become homeowners or renters. Already, government fees, taxes and charges from all levels of government add nearly 22 per cent to the cost of a new single family home in Toronto and a similar rate for new apartments. The City of Toronto’s portion of these charges (the largest portion these costs when all municipal fees and levies are added together) has been escalating at a mind bending rate, increasing on average 86 per cent since 2018 and well over 1,000 per cent since 2004. Lastly, we know from municipalities’ own data, based 20  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

on their own submissions to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (via the “Financial Information Return”), that some municipalities are collecting more funds than they need or use. For example, between 2006 and December 31, 2017, the City of Toronto amassed an impressive $674 million dollars in their parkland reserve fund. In short, collecting funds for parks on new homes and on the backs of new homebuyers, but not providing new parks. The Building and Land Development industry supports the idea that growth pays for growth. With a housing shortage in the GTA, and a region growing

by over 115,000 people per year, the path to addressing the current crisis is to add more housing, control rapidly escalating added costs and speed up much needed supply. Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, follow BILD on Twitter @bildgta, or visit www.bildgta.ca.

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice


A R R I V I N G T H I S S P R I N G AT 2 FOREST HILL ROAD Introducing Forest Hill Private Residences, an elegant boutique building overlooking the lush green hues of Forest Hill, offering sophisticated amenities and services.

From $1.8m to over $6m

Brokers protected. Illustrations are artists concept. Prices are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E.


COVER STORY

We wanted to create a building that would have the best-in-class services that this buyer is accustomed to in five-star hotels, but with an element of privacy and in an environment they could call home

22  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020


LUXURY CITY LIVING AT ITS FINEST WITH FOREST HILL PRIVATE RESIDENCES ARRIVING SOON AT 2 FOREST HILL ROAD

ILLUSTRATIONS ARE ARTISTS CONCEPT. E.&O.E.

An iconic address, a remarkable building design and a thoughtful slate of amenities make Altree Developments’ latest project at 2 Forest Hill Road a stand-out option for Toronto luxury home buyers. Forest Hill Private Residences is a boutique condominium, offering unique hotel-like amenities and services in the heart of Toronto’s coveted and prestigious Forest Hill neighbourhood. Located steps from the bustling shops and modern conveniences

of Forest Hill Village, the new development will enjoy an exceptional, serene location. The building is also close to some of the city’s most prestigious schools, including Upper Canada College and The Bishop Strachan School. “Our mission at Altree is to seamlessly integrate projects into the pre-existing culture and spirit of the neighbourhoods in which we develop,” says Zev Mandelbaum, President and Chief Executive Officer nexthome.ca  23


at Altree Developments. “Those within the Forest Hill community have called this area home for many years, and we view this as an opportunity to transform this notable address into something that truly embodies seamless luxury and elegant design.” Coming to market this year and currently accepting registrations, the exclusive, nine-storey Forest Hill Private Residences development will be made up of approximately 90 residences, including a combination of townhomes and condominiums. Suites will range from approximately 750 to over 2,400 square feet, and prices range from

ILLUSTRATIONS ARE ARTISTS CONCEPT. E.&O.E.

24  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

$1.8 million to over $6 million. Future residents can expect unmatched comfort at Forest Hill Private Residences, with an offering of an unparalleled slate of amenities and concierge services. This includes an elegant doubleheight lobby where residents can recline with a book while being served beverages or mingle with their neighbour and a separate service lobby for deliveries and packages. In addition to standard condominium amenities such as a pool, full-service gym and hosting room, residents will have access to a temperature-controlled wine library with sommeliers, personal trainers, massage therapists,


ILLUSTRATIONS ARE ARTISTS CONCEPT. E.&O.E.

yoga and pilates instructors, and nutritionists provided by The Forest Hill Group. “We wanted to create a building that would have the best-inclass services that this buyer is accustomed to in five-star hotels, but with an element of privacy and in an environment they could call home,” continues Mandelbaum. Inspired by the beautiful foliage of the surrounding neighbourhood, the spacious, thoughtfullydesigned residences will offer prominent architectural details, 10-foot ceilings, top-of-the-market finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows with beautiful views. Most suites from the third floor and up in this elegant mid-rise building will

enjoy expansive private terraces with grand outdoor exposure, a rare amenity in the city’s new condominium market. Additionally, the condominium suites will serve the needs of both down-sizing Baby Boomers and young professionals looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood. “Each suite in Forest Hill Private Residences provides a truly tailored and bespoke experience,” says Mandelbaum. “We’re dedicated to creating a space full of life for all residents, so they may relax and enjoy our collection of amenities unmatched in the industry.” Altree Developments, founded by Zev Mandelbaum, has multi-

generational expertise in creating landmark projects within iconic communities in Toronto and other major cities around the world, including New York City and the Caribbean. For Toronto home buyers looking for the perfect combination of heritage location, exceptional design and premium amenities, look no further than Altree Developments’ Forest Hill Private Residences; a place to feel like home. Forest Hill Private Residences is now accepting registrations. To learn more about this iconic project and register, please visit ForestHillResidences.com. nexthome.ca  25


ADVICE | CONDO PRO

NEW CONDOS OFFER THE HIGH LIFE IN

GREAT LOCATIONS BARBARA LAWLOR As someone who has been involved in the new condominium industry for decades, I can tell you that the term “luxury” is relative. Frankly, compared to the condos in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area when I started in the business, all modern residences 26  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

can be considered “luxury” and offer “the high life” in more ways than one. Take location, for example. Nowadays, condos have to be situated where they can take advantage of existing and future public transportation access and local amenities. This is by design, according to Ontario’s Places to Grow Act. It is part of building “up” instead of “out” to lessen urban sprawl. The condo lifestyle is all about convenience, which is a type

of luxury in itself, so this requirement benefits everyone involved. Next, how about architecture? I mean, today’s new condos are breathtakingly beautiful, whether they are traditional, contemporary or modern in design. They are also built with the most advanced technology and sustainability elements. New condominium buyers reap the benefits of all of the advancements in Ontario Building Code over the years …continued on page 28


Ste p Min s to W u Zip tes t ilson to d o Yo Sub w r ow Co nto kdale ay. ndo wn . . the m

Sub inium way s o n .

York U Wilson Ave

Allen Rd

Wilson

Hwy. 401

Yorkdale

Coming Soon. Register Today. express2condos.ca

Exclusive Listing: Cornerstone Marketing Realty Inc., Brokerage. Brokers Protected.


…continued from page 26

as well. These buildings all look luxurious, and they will carry residents into the future in extraordinary style. Oh, and remember amenities – those common areas that were once either nonexistent or relegated to dank basements? Nowadays, they are works of art visually, while being practical at the same time. Developers have worked hard to make these areas from fitness centres to lounges and rooftop gardens true extensions of residents’ living spaces. 28  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

Suite layouts are also beautiful and functional. From openconcept main living areas to linear kitchens and floor-toceiling windows, their designs are infinitely more appealing than they used to be, when seniors and empty-nesters pretty well comprised the condo market. Today’s buyers span the gamut from first-time purchasers through to families, in addition to older purchasers. All of these condobuyers find life hectic and seek new homes that come without the time-consuming maintenance of low-rise living. Between that and low-rise prices skyrocketing them out of financial reach, people en masse are turning to condos as their new homes of choice. In response, condominium developers are providing styles, sizes and designs that satisfy every market niche. And let’s talk suite features and finishes! We can refer to these as both beautiful and functional as well. Plus, many of the standard suite appointments included in the purchase price nowadays would have been upgrades in the past.

The fact is, today’s new condominiums are luxurious, whether people own a studio or a sprawling penthouse. It is a true luxury to have snow removal, grounds keeping and the repair and maintenance of common areas taken care of. That has always been a main goal for older purchasers, but nowadays, younger residents appreciate these services, which help them balance their hectic work, parenting and/ or school schedules. It’s about lifestyle, and if you are looking for luxury, look up to a condo!

Barbara Lawlor is president and CEO of Baker Real Estate Incorporated, winner of the pinnacle 2017 Riley Brethour Award from BILD, and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com

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Š2020 Lifetime Developments. All rights reserved. Illustrations are artist’s concept. E.&O.E. Exclusive Listing Brokerage: Baker Real Estate Incorporated. Brokers Protected.


INDUSTRY EXPERT

Q+A WHY TORONTO HIGH-RISES ARE ATTRACTING WORLD-WIDE ATTENTION by SUSAN LEGGE

Condominiums in Canada have come a long way since becoming a form of homeownership in the 1960s. Developed to offer an alternative to owning and maintaining a traditional home, today’s condos are more luxurious and innovative than ever. Internationally, Canadian condominiums are raising the bar. One of them, 11 Yorkville in Toronto, walked away with several awards south of the border earlier this year, including a Gold Award for Best Multi-Family Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders, its most prestigious award. We asked Amanda Milborne Ireland, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Capital Developments, one of the partners at 11 Yorkville, about Toronto’s luxury condominium scene, including why we’re attracting international attention and her best advice for those shopping the real estate market.

nda Ama Ireland, nt, orne Milb Preside ing t e Vic arke & M tal s e l i Sa ap at C ments p o l e Dev

Why do you think Toronto real estate is becoming more in demand internationally? Is it pricing, value, amenities or something else? Amanda Milborne Ireland: Toronto has always had a high demand for real estate. Our job market is strong and continues to grow. We receive 150,000 new residents a year and approximately 50 per cent of people living in Toronto were born outside of Canada. This contributes to the approachable feeling that you get in this city: it’s a mosaic of cultures, reflected in our …continued on page 32 30  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

Views from 11 Yorkville, a new project between RioCan, Metropia and Capital Developments


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…continued from page 30

neighbourhoods. Each has its own identity, contributing to a diverse, vibrant and growing metropolis. I used to joke Toronto is a city in puberty, but I now see us emerging as a true international city, with growing interest all over the world stage. NHCG: How does Toronto differ from other markets globally in terms of architecture? Or in other ways? AMI: Toronto has the highest sales volume in all of North America. There are currently 120 cranes up in the city, the most for any North American market – New York City has 27 in comparison. Due to high demand, there is high competition. In the past, the competitiveness of the market did not lend itself to innovations in design, but over the past decade that has majorly shifted. The introduction of starchitect projects, including Lebskind, Bjarke Ingels and Gehry, has influenced how developers and residents alike see the potential of Toronto. NHCG: Do you think Toronto is a trend-setting city, or do we follow global trends? AMI: Toronto’s transformed over the past 20 years and has become a leader in so many ways. Residents’ experiences and costs are starting to get aligned in many areas such as connectivity (security, keyless entry, virtual concierge systems) and we’re starting to see local groups champion new building technologies like mass timber. Affordability continues to be a challenge in Toronto, and as a city we look to other markets to see how they’re providing creative solutions to address the missing middle and workforce housing. Across the board, developers are adjusting unit sizes and rethinking 32  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

shared spaces to truly reflect how people live.

Rendering of 11 Yorkville

NHCG: What’s the best advice you can offer to someone navigating Toronto’s luxury preconstruction for the first time, perhaps from afar? AMI: 1. Don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait! 2. Do your research! Buying from a reputable and trusted builder is very important to ensure you aren’t disappointed with quality or schedule of delivery. NHCG: From a global perspective, how is Toronto real estate different from other cities? AMI: In North America, Toronto is the leader in new condominium sales with 26,000 sales in 2019 alone. In the U.S., there is a very different sales environment. For example, buyers in Miami (typically international purchaser investing in a second or third property) have to put down a 50 per cent deposit on any purchase. Comparatively, 95 per cent of buyers in Toronto are local, which allows for a 20 per cent deposit. Toronto has historically maintained a smaller average unit size, which means we are still achieving lower prices relative to other markets as well. To find out more about 11 Yorkville, visit 11yorkville.com

Residents’ dining room area at 11 Yorkville



TRENDING

CO-LIVING IS BECOMING MORE THAN A TREND, IT’S A LIFESTYLE Co-living can take on a lot of meanings – but any way you look at it – this relatively new concept makes living a lot more affordable. We spoke with Walter Melanson, Co-Founder and Director of Partnerships for PropertyGuys. com, to share his insights on all things communal living. “This trend is most popular in cities with a significant number of tech workers,” says Melanson. “According to a new report by Cushman & Wakefield, major co-living companies – including Common, Ollie and WeLive, which is run by the co-working company WeWork – have just over 3,000 beds at the moment,” he said. But co-living doesn’t just have to mean living with strangers. Families are also finding themselves in situations with multiple generations living under one roof. Whether you are sharing a space with your own family or sharing your space with a complete stranger, it’s important to ensure it makes the most sense for your lifestyle. WHEN IT’S WITH YOUR FAMILY

With the high price of homeownership and renting, many families are now living with multiple generations under one roof. Children in their late 20s are finding it harder to leave home with an inability to buy, let alone rent in the GTA. It’s also easier for parents to stay where they are rather than move out, rebuy or rent in this market. Not to mention, grandparents need help closer to 34  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

home as they get older, too. Creating a functional space requires thoughtful consideration for everyone’s needs. Some of the most important things to consider in multigenerational houses tend to be organization for personal items, maximizing living space and of course, creating privacy. Tip: if the mortgage isn’t completely paid off, it may be worthwhile to start asking all generations to help contribute, it will likely be a lot cheaper than buying or renting. This will also teach your house-bound Millennial or Gen Zer a sense of independence and budgeting. WHEN IT’S WITH STRANGERS

“Co-living companies are marketing themselves as a modern twist on affordable housing. It’s having roommates on steroids – with curated groups of people living together so they can afford nicer homes and condos, rather than what they would get as a single renter,” says Melanson. “Twenty years ago, everyone

would have laughed at this idea, but now – it’s a norm.” This trend is largely driven by higher than ever market prices to rent and buy, as well as Millennials entering the job market later and staying single longer. The saving advantages of co-living have become an appealing way to affordably leave the nest. Many co-living spaces are focused on attracting specific demographics, where the utilities/ amenities cater to the age group these spaces are looking to target. Co-living is the way of the future for many who want to live in a big city. As this trend becomes more prevalent within the real estate industry – developers, agents and designers will continue to evolve and look at ways to approach this phenomenon. Sure, co-living may not be for everyone, but it is certainly is something to consider if you believe that everyone deserves a place to call home. It’s also a great way to generate equity and achieve your goals of home ownership.


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PROPERTY PROFILE

MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY OF

UNION VILLAGE LAUNCHES IN MARKHAM TO REMARKABLE SUCCESS

Once completed, Union Village will consist of 1,200 homes in a variety of design styles, including French, Second Empire, French Country, Period Revival/Tudor, Canadiana, Modern, and West Coast Contemporary, and will offer easy connections to Unionville, Main St., and the 400-series highways.

Union Village, the master-planned community created in collaboration by Minto Communities and Metropia, launched recently to resounding success. The initial phase one launch saw more than 330 homes sold over a four-day period through a mix of singlefamily homes, back-to-back townhomes, rear-lane townhomes, and traditional townhomes, demonstrating the demand for quality residences located in the heart of the Markham community. In addition to its prime location, Union Village features stunning architectural options, abundant green space with family-friendly and active living amenities, and 36  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

every residence benefits from fundamentals of feng shui and the crowning green features of Minto Communities’ commitment to sustainability. “The success of Union Village really speaks to the quality of the project at every facet,” said Peter Maleganovski, Director of Land Development, Minto Communities. “We knew designing a community in the centre of a municipality like Markham would demand excellence in design and expert planning for residents. It was essential for us to emphasize the beauty of the natural surroundings and create communal spaces for families to gather. We’re so glad

purchasers have responded so positively to Union Village and are excited to release more residences in our later phases of launch.” Union Village consists of two parcels of development, split down the middle by the Bruce Creek. Maximizing on the stunning natural landscapes of the area, Bruce Creek and its valley are being restored and included as part of an extensive pedestrian and cycling trail system which provides residents with access to Main Street within approximately 20 minutes, depending on their entry point and navigation speed. In addition to the network of trails, Union …continued on page 38


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Incorporating the stunning natural landscapes of the surrounding area, residents of Union Village will be able to enjoy an extensive trail network with connections to Main St. and Unionville, and a series of new parks, playgrounds, and preserved wetlands.

…continued from page 36

Village features preserved wetlands, several new parks, playgrounds, and the incorporation of a centuryold Bur Oak tree as a park focal point and gathering place for community members. “Working on a site in central Markham, surrounded by such incredible and lush green space was a rare opportunity for us to work in such an established location,” says Howard Sokolowski, Chairman and CEO, Metropia. “The quality of the design, the easy connections to Markham, Unionville, and Toronto, and the integration of the outdoors all combined for one of the most 38  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

successful launches we’ve ever been part of.” In addition to the incredible natural surroundings, Union Village is remarkably located in the heart of Markham and within walking distance to the charming heritage village Unionville. Retail, restaurant, and cultural amenities are available for community members at all life stages, with nearby community centres and libraries, top-performing schools, exciting events, and entertainment options. Historic Unionville offers a charming, small town sentiment, with numerous attractions to revisit Markham’s past. Travel to and from Union Village is simple with the

400-series highways all within 30 minutes of driving. Union Village offers a wide range of housing types, giving residents the opportunity to select a home that best suits their lifestyle. Home sizes range from 1,267 – 4,508 sq. ft., featured in diverse architectural styles. All interior floor plans have been designed with input by feng shui master, Paul Ng, ensuring harmony and happiness in every home. In addition to the consistency of unique interior layouts which feature ideal energy flow, residents still can customize their interiors by selecting the features and finishes of their choice through the Minto Communities Design Centre. Sustainable features within homes include Energy Star for New Homes certification for better energy efficiency, LED lighting, water efficient fixtures, low VOC paint and Green Label Plus-certified carpeting for indoor air quality, and conveniently placed conduits to support future EV charging and roof solar panels. For more information, visit the Union Village page on Minto.com



ADVICE | LEGALLY SPEAKING

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES: WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

JAYSON SCHWARZ LLM WITH ASSISTANCE FROM JACQUELINE MONETA JD

There are many advantages to buying an investment property in today’s market. This column will explore some of the things you need to be aware of when purchasing that rental condominium or house. EXTRA CASH ON CLOSING

When renting a residential property from the get-go you are not entitled to the ‘New Home Buyers Rebate’ from the government at the time of closing. You will need 40  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

to front the money and collect the rebate back as part of your income tax filings. YOU BECOME A LANDLORD

As soon as your property is rented you are a landlord and must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. There are several rules and regulations you’ll have to follow and familiarize yourself with, including but not limited to, the form of the lease, eviction processes, and

a landlord’s obligations for maintenance. You will also have to deal with tenant issues and concerns on an ongoing basis. While hiring a property manager may alleviate some of these issues, their salary becomes an additional cost. EXTRA COSTS

The investment is not limited to your down payment. Rental units often require more maintenance and repairs than an average home


When renting a residential property from the get go you are not entitled to the New Home Buyers Rebate from the Government at the time of closing. You will need to front the money and collect the rebate back as part of your income tax filings.

and repairs may be needed on an emergency basis. It’s important to set aside money for home improvements and repairs, future vacancies, and taxes. AS AN EXAMPLE HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED TO PAY FOR:

a) Carrying the mortgage and all expenses if you have no tenant or if the tenant you have stops paying rent; b) The condition of the property (i.e. hot water tank or broken stove replacement), projected vacancies and rates of tenant turnover; c) Commercial insurance. You may also incur extra fees when purchasing the property. If you are a first-time homebuyer and counting on the Land Transfer Tax rebate for example, then you must occupy the home as your

principal residence within nine months of the date of transfer in order to qualify. With a new construction rental property you will also be responsible to pay HST on the property upfront and apply for a rebate from the Canada Revenue Agency yourself, rather than have the builder take care of it. This adds significant upfront costs to the purchase of a rental property. CRACKDOWN ON SHORTTERM RENTALS

The recent influx in investment properties offered as short-term rentals such as Airbnb, VRBO, etc. has sparked much debate as to what will be allowed and it depends on the municipality where the property is located. As a result, there is a lot of inconsistency. Mississauga is one of the most agreeable GTA municipalities when it comes to short-term rentals, however, Toronto, Markham and Oakville have all taken stricter approaches. One of Toronto’s most important regulations is the requirement that a short-term rental be a principal residence. This is significant because it prohibits a person from purchasing

a property with the intent that it be used for short-term rentals yearround. There are also a number of other cost prohibitive regulations including licencing and registration requirements and a 4 per cent Municipal Accommodation Tax on all rentals for a period of less than 28 consecutive days. While these pitfalls are important to be aware of, with proper planning and the help of your real estate lawyer and other professionals, a rental property can be a fantastic investment. At the end of the day you are left with an appreciating capital asset where someone else is paying off your mortgage. What a great retirement plan! Finding topics is one of the hardest things for us to do. If you have suggestions, questions, concerns, critiques and quandaries please mail, deliver or fax to the magazine or to us, use the web site www.schwarzlaw.ca, or email info@schwarzlaw.ca. We will try to deal with them in print

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

nexthome.ca  41


PROPERTY PROFILE

FIELDGATE HOMES NEW RELEASE AT UPPER VALLEYLANDS MARCH 28 Fieldgate Homes’ first big release of 2020 is coming soon to the Caledon/Brampton border on March 28 at 11 a.m. This acclaimed family community is the perfect place to make your new home dreams come true this year. This is just one of many Fieldgate Homes releases scheduled for the first half of 2020. Read on to discover the exciting opportunities in highly sought after neighbourhoods across the GTA. Once you find the community you love, visit Fieldgatehomes.com to register for more information. Located at the southwest corner of Mayfield Rd. and Chinguacousy Rd., Upper Valleylands brings the signature look and feel of Fieldgate Homes’ 42  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

celebrated Valleylands community to a new highly desirable location on the Caledon/Brampton border. Discover a beautiful selection of freehold townhomes and 25 ft. semi-detached homes from the $600s and 38 and 41 ft. singles from the low $1 millions. Homebuyers will love Upper Valleylands spectacular master planned community design, which includes 30 acres of green space, community parkland and a proposed elementary school. STOUFFVILLE — CITYSIDE AND BLUE SKY

Fieldgate Homes is offering a great selection of freehold townhomes and singles in this wonderful

community. Cityside offers traditional and contemporary freehold townhomes from the $600s, as well as 36 and 40 ft. detached homes from the $800s. This is your chance to make your dream home come true in an incredible community setting, just minutes from all amenities. Cityside is located just minutes from Markham, Hwys. 404 and 407, and the Stouffville GO Station. You can preview our upcoming release before sales begin by visiting the presentation centre at 12466 Ninth Line, at the northwest corner of Ninth Line and Millard Street. While visiting our presentation centre, you can also explore homes in


to close this fall and there are a few homes available with 30 to 150-day closings. Both traditional and contemporary designs are available. The perfect balance of beautiful home designs, exceptional location and inspired community plan has already earned Richlands awardwinning status at the BILD GTA Builder Awards. Register today to learn more. KLEINBURG — NEW RELEASE THIS SPRING AT NEW KLEINBURG

our popular Blue Sky community. Blue Sky currently offers 40 and 50 ft. detached homes up to 4,000 sq. ft. in a private court and on a ravine woodlot. Blue Sky’s detached homes are priced from the low $1 millions. RICHMOND HILL — GREAT SELECTION OF FREEHOLD TOWNHOMES AND DETACHED HOMES

Richmond Hill’s acclaimed Richlands community offers an incredible selection of new homes in a great location. Located adjacent to Richmond Green Sports Park, Richlands won the hearts of GTA homebuyers in its previous releases thanks to the community’s beautiful collection of homes and remarkable community vision. Currently available are freehold townhomes and semis from the $900s, and 36 and 43 ft. singles from the $2.3 millions. Homes are scheduled

Register today for your chance to be first in the new release in this wildly popular community. New Kleinburg is a new collection of inspired family residences in a beautiful community setting just moments from the heart of Kleinburg. With the future Hwy. 427 extension just minutes away, a new community school and excellent urban amenities close at hand, life in Kleinburg has never been more convenient. This new release will introduce new 38, 40 and 44 ft. detached

homes. Choose from traditional and contemporary home exteriors for an elegant residence that reflects your personal style. 50 ft. detached homes are available also. Register today to learn more. WEST WHITBY — WHITBY MEADOWS WILL RETURN THIS SPRING

Whitby Meadows has been one of the eastern GTA’s most popular communities since it first opened a few years ago. This is a masterplanned community that offers west Whitby’s best lifestyle, close to shopping, restaurants, Iroquois Park Sports Centre, Whitby GO Station, excellent schools and more. This New Release will offer an exceptional selection of freehold townhomes, 30 and 36 ft. single detached homes in west Whitby’s finest natural setting. Register today to learn more! For more information on any of these remarkable communities, sales centre locations, phone numbers and floorplans visit Fieldgatehomes.com today.

nexthome.ca  43


w o n # ding tren

Multi-Area Dev. Inc. @Multi_area · Mar 3 Are you looking for a home with some character as well as a connection to nature? The Orchid homes at Laguna Village Urban Towns at Summit Park will be the perfect fit for you. Our latest blog highlights the Orchids features. Read more: bit.ly/2wph0JK

Losani Homes @LosaniHomesLtd · Mar. 9 Act Fast! Only one Single & Semi available in Lower Stoney Creek! Limited Release - Be a part of an Established Community, starting from the $600’s. Stop by the Sales Office at 1809 Rymal Rd E, #HamOnt, or visit LosaniHomes.com for full details. #Ridgeview #Winona Fusion Homes @fusionhomes · Dec 2, 2019 Welcome to the evolution of Fusion Homes. Our new look signals an evolution, not a change in direction – our core remains completely focused on the customer. Simply put, we will ensure that every customer will love the journey. Learn more on our website: fusionhomes.com

Alterra Group @AlterraGroup · Mar 2 Spaccio has arrived in Corktown! Today marks the opening of this gorgeous new space featuring Terroni and Sub Forno’s central kitchen, bakery and café. Neighbouring our upcoming Eastern project, be sure to check it!

STREETCARlofts @STREETCARlofts · Feb 27 This is not a drill! @MandysSalads is coming to Toronto

Incredibly popular Montreal salad restaurant Mandy’s is coming to Toronto. Mandy’s has taken Montreal by storm since it began as a small salad bar in the back of a women’s clothing store almost 16 years ago, and now... blogto.com


#Beyond theCity Must-see properties Including… Semi-detached, detached, condominium suites & townhomes

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CAMBRIDGE Be part of COMMUNITY, a master planned neighbourhood of 2 & 3 storey townhomes celebrating the traditions of craftsman-inspired architecture tailored for authentic modern living. From the $400’s BranthavenCambridge.com

SPRING FORWARD DESIGN LIVING BURLINGTON Introducing Millcroft Towns, a bespoke collection of luxury townhomes with custom-inspired interiors, private garden terraces, single and double car garages. From the low $800’s BranthavenMillcroft.com

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WINONA Discover The Fifty, an enclave of just 50, 36’ and 40’ two storey homes nestled in charming Winona County. From the low $700’s BranthavenWinona.com

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PROPERTY PROFILE

ALTERRA INTRODUCES NEW COLLECTION OF PRIVATE RESIDENCES IN BOUTIQUE MID-RISE BUILDING The Bedford neighbourhood is one of the city’s most intimate pockets, offering peaceful seclusion and privacy while being home to top boutiques, premiere health and wellness spots, and local dining favourites such as Sotto Sotto. Tucked into this beloved neighbourhood, 321 Davenport by Alterra, offers a rare opportunity to discover what Toronto’s most influential residents have known for years. Just a short stroll to Yorkville, the Bedford neighbourhood offers a reprieve from the densely packed lifestyle of uptown and frenetic pace of downtown. Strategically perched above this quiet area of 48  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

the city, all 18 residences in the nine-storey building overlook a lush tree canopy. “321 Davenport embraces the gentle density of the Bedford neighbourhood and is simultaneously a powerhouse in design. The entire private residence is influenced by the neighbourhood’s grace and is rooted in authentic craftsmanship. This is truly a unique residence unlike anywhere else in Toronto,” says Mary Medunic, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Alterra. Acclaimed architecture firm Giannone Petricone Associates designed a minimalist and smooth, glass façade that moulds

itself along the curvilinear road on which it sits. Award-winning architect Ralph Giannone, Principal and Founder of GPA, brings his extensive experience in boutique residential design with top projects across the city, including Flaire at Shops at Don Mills and The Eglinton. “321 Davenport creates a dramatic presence in the neighbourhood, layering unexpected materials and using classic organic form to create a timeless aesthetic. The soft curved façade is thoughtfully juxtaposed against a textured background of perforated metal …continued on page 50


Saffron e s t a t e s Fonthill living at its finest.

PHASE 2

COMING SOON!

SALES OFFICE LOCATED AT: 130 Hwy 20 Unit C-1, Fonthill

TOWNS & SINGLES A lifestyle with luxurious standards. A community to be proud of. A home expertly crafted with innovative design. A setting to marvel at. IT’S TIME TO ENJOY

life AT ITS finest.

289.897.8548 SALES OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 1 - 6 p.m. Tuesday and Friday by appointment

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…continued from page 48

that speaks a very contemporary language,” says Giannone. Dense tree cover and lavish landscaping seamlessly knit with the aesthetic of neighbouring backyards. Exceptional private outdoor greenspaces create a lush oasis, a true rarity for downtown living. Award-winning design firm U31 brings this lushness of the exterior indoors through every surface. An intimate marble lobby with a curved concierge desk made entirely of natural stone establishes the high-design calibre carried throughout the rest of the building. “There was thoughtful attention to function and details to create unexpected moments, as well as an overall harmonious vision for this boutique residence. The juxtaposition of light, airy spaces combined with rich satin brass accents and a multi-layering palette of creams, metals and warm woods translates to an understated yet opulent environment,” says Kelly Cray, Principal at U31. Expansive suites perched above the Bedford neighbourhood feature dynamic multi-directional views with floor-to-ceiling glazing that appear like nested living rooms from above. An abundance of natural daylight and evening sparkling city lights dance through 50  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

all sides of residences. Ensuring the privacy and security of a single-family home, construction will include acoustically-treated walls and flooring, solid concrete block party walls for sound insulation and added security, and multiple heating and cooling zones throughout each residence. 321 Davenport’s professional catering kitchen is one of Toronto’s only amenities of its kind. Designed in consultation with premiere local restaurant Sotto Sotto, who directed the layout and programming of the space, the catering kitchen allows residents to create an intimate dining experience, cocktail party or exclusive culinary evening with a private chef. Serving as a second kitchen and private dining room, this unique amenity becomes a one-of-a-kind extension to residents’ entertaining space. 321 Davenport also features a state-of-the-art fitness centre, with private space dedicated to personal training. Boutique hospitality services allow residents to live an unparalleled lifestyle. High-quality services extend from the custom uniformed concierge greeting residents by name, to the valet and porter treating residents’ cars like their own, to customized à-la-carte services for every need, including in-suite cleaning, private catering

and personal assistant services. “We have developed a private residence that perfectly captures the city’s maturity and appreciation for worldclass design. At Alterra, we are meticulously involved in every detail of our developments, from our own designer-level finishes to ensuring acoustical privacy,” says Medunic. “We intimately understand the exceptionally high standards of our residents.” Suites begin at $2,500,000. Floorplans range up to 4,000 sq. ft., with the opportunity to create larger units. To register, please visit www.321davenport.com


FEATURE

EXPERT PANEL Last year we went to the experts — executives at some of the top builders and developers in the GTA — to help answer what we think are some important insights that buyers would want to know. Ahead is an excerpt from our 2019 Condo and Home Builders’ Annual, and there’s more to come in 2020...

nexthome.ca  51


SAMSON FUNG VICE-PRESIDENT MARKETING, TRIDEL

My key advice to homebuyers searching for a new community and home is: To look at the company behind the project. In a time where we have seen some uncertainty in the market, buyers should do their research, and choose to purchase from a builder who will deliver on what they promised. Outside of that, consider what’s most important to you in terms of your home, whether that be access to transit, proximity to work, or neighbourhood amenities, and let that be the driving factor in your decision. The major benefit of purchasing a pre-construction home or condo over a resale dwelling is: Because you’re purchasing so early in the process, you can personalize your suite and choose colours, finishes and other customizations to suit yourself. We recently invested in a new 8,000 square foot design studio to help our customers personalize their homes as they desire. Also, when you move in to a pre-construction home, you benefit from the Tarion warranty program. Our top priorities when designing a new community are: To make them livable, and to add value to the neighbourhood. With a rich, longstanding history, we have an understanding of what works when designing suites, which components are necessities, 52  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

and we adapt to incorporate feedback from our customers so we produce homes that people are happy living in. Our communities offer a full range of amenities because living in a condominium is about the lifestyle, and having your needs met without having to leave home. We also design communities with a range of suite mixes, so residents have the option to stay and grow up within the community, even as their needs change. As a builder of new communities in the GTA, we are most proud of: Our quality and craftsmanship. To us, Built for Life is not just a marketing slogan, it’s one of our guiding principles. We deliver on our promise. Our commitment to quality begins from the moment we start designing our buildings and floorplans, all the way through construction where we hold our trades to the highest of standards to meet our exacting vision, and into post-occupancy so we can make refinements for future projects. We give back to the community by: Integrating CSR directly into our core business practice. Two of our biggest initiatives are our BOLT Foundation and our employeedriven Tridel Take Action team. Through these programs, we maximize social impact, increase

employee engagement, and cultivate positive brand awareness while implementing our Corporate Social Responsibility vision. Tridel has also partnered with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation in two TCHC revitalization communities – Alexandra Park in downtown Toronto and Leslie Nymark in North York, to offer equitable and outcomebased community economic development opportunities that support the long-term socio-economic integration of vulnerable populations. We can help alleviate the housing crisis in the GTA by: Increasing the supply of condominiums in the market. Right now there is a shortage of supply of housing in the GTA marketplace, and space continues to be an issue facing new-home development. Condominiums are still a relatively affordable option by comparison to single-family homes, so this type of dwelling has become increasingly attractive to homebuyers. Beyond affordability, we’re seeing a change in the demographic of buyers as well. People place value on being close to urban centres and are willing to sacrifice on space for a good location. Condominiums are no longer just a starter home; we are designing our suites for purchasers who plan to live in their homes for a long period of time.


DAN FLOMEN EVP OF SALES, EMPIRE COMMUNITIES

My key advice to homebuyers searching for a new community and home is: Don’t be afraid to take that leap into homeownership outside of Toronto or the GTA. We build in excellent communities across Southwestern Ontario that are flourishing with employment opportunities and a comfortable living environment, and are perfect for young professionals and families. Our communities are also in close proximity to highways and transit, so residents can enjoy easy access to get to work, school or nearby attractions, while coming home to the quiet of small-town living. It’s also crucial for homebuyers to do their research ahead of time. Tarion is a good place to start to look at a builder’s reputation in the area you’re interest in, as well as how many homes they have built. At Empire, we’re proud of our longstanding reputation for home building excellence, and are celebrating our recent wins for Low Rise Builder of Choice and Best Customer Experience for High Rise in Ontario at the H.O.M.E. Awards. The major benefit of purchasing a pre-construction home or condo over a resale dwelling is: Getting the home you want, not the home you settled for. With resale, you’ll often need to renovate to get the upgrades or finishes on your wish list, or live

with the decisions the previous owners made. When you purchase a pre-construction home or condo, you have the luxury of choosing the features and finishes that matter to you and the peace of mind of moving into a completely finished home once you close on the property. Our top priorities when designing a new community are: Empire’s philosophy has always centered around creating communities that fulfill both the housing needs as well as the lifestyle needs of our homeowners. Our condos and lowrise communities often feature amenities that are strategically planned to enrich the lives of our residents. We truly work with the concept of creating complete communities, and take a lot of pride in watching our homeowners enjoy life in their new neighbourhood. As a builder of new communities in the GTA, we are most proud of: Our commitment to innovation by piloting energy-saving and building experiments for the future of homebuilding. The Discovery Home pilot project at Empire’s Riverland community in Breslau is a great example of that. We’ve been working with key industry partners to build a test home with some of the most energy-saving and environmentally conscious innovations of today.

We give back to the community by: One of the best parts about developing new communities is being able to give back to the town or city where we are building. We’re continuously sponsoring amenities in our communities so that our homeowners can enjoy great things like Music in the Square in downtown Brantford, local hockey and soccer teams, school fairs and other great events. It is important for us to be a part of the greater community that has welcomed us, and do our part to make it better. We can help alleviate the housing crisis in the GTA by: Participating in an open dialogue between different levels of government, homeowners and other builders and developers so that real solutions can be discussed. It’s no question that the government’s role is a key consideration, particularly in the Ontario housing market where government policy dictates the speed and volume of the housing construction process. As land prices, interest, government fees and timelines, labour shortages and tariffs make development more expensive, builders and developers need to rethink their development models and investments to be able to deliver an affordable, well-built product to the market that meets the current demands. nexthome.ca  53


DOMINIC TOMPA VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES, THE DANIELS CORPORATION

My key advice to homebuyers searching for a new community and home is: As obvious as this may seem, it comes down to knowledge and affordability. Understanding what you can afford is essential in your search and can result in saving you a lot of time. It starts by getting pre-approved for a mortgage, especially for those who are first-time buyers. Get a good understanding of rates, closing costs and more so there are no surprises during and after purchase. Then, ask yourself what you want out of this home. As you shop, get to know the developer and find out if they offer any incentives or programs to make your home-buying experience easier and more attainable. Remember to be responsible and realistic. Have both a good and honest understanding of your lifestyle, ideal location and budget. The major benefit of purchasing a pre-construction home or condo over a resale dwelling is: When making a significant purchase like a new home, it helps to know that there is something to fall back on if something doesn’t work like it’s intended to. Any builder or developer who is planning to build or sell a new residence in Ontario must be registered with Tarion Warranty. Daniels is proud to not only have an outstanding reputation from Tarion, but has been a Tarion’s 54  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

Homeowners Choice winner and finalist for many consecutive years. Our top priorities when designing a new community are: First, we look for locations that are rich in local amenities such as schools, shopping opportunities and highway access. Daniels has a lot of experience in creating master-planned communities, so we are always thinking outside of the box when it comes to how we can make our mixed-used neighbourhoods both vibrant and accommodating to the way our target purchasers live. We also include opportunities where both purchasers and community members can connect through our interconnectivity packages. For example, at Artworks Tower in Regent Park, we partnered with Artery, a one-of-a-kind platform that connects people who want to experience art and culture up close and personal in unexpected places. As a builder of new communities in the GTA, we are most proud of: We’re incredibly proud that our reputation for building communities that are vibrant, reputable and highly desired has become the basis of what we are known for. We plan, design, develop, build, and manage all residential and commercial properties in-house. In essence, we’re an all-inclusive community builder and we have the ability

to ensure a purchaser has an experience that is nothing less than exceptional. We give back to the community by: We believe that it’s embedded into our company’s DNA to be committed to community. Our support to numerous charities and non-profit organizations goes way beyond just handing over a cheque. We can help alleviate the housing crisis in the GTA by: We believe that when it comes to making homeownership attainable, there needs to be both education and opportunity. Education starts with workshops and information sessions, like our Homeownership 101 Seminars we host for a variety of our communities. Lastly, creating opportunity means programs and partnerships that allow for homes to be priced affordably or achieved in a much more attainable way. The most challenging aspect of attaining homeownership is putting down a deposit, and it doesn’t help that most developers require 20 per cent. But this can be an obstacle of the past with impactful partnerships and programs. By engaging in partnerships with organizations like RBC, CreateTO, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, as well as with local and federal governments, we’re continuing to make opportunities like these happen.


HOT PROPERTIES

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

The latest properties in the Greater Toronto Area to keep your eye on 15. THE TAILOR By: Marilin Spring City: Toronto Housing type: Condominiums tailorresidences.com

NEW OPENINGS A. THE FOREST

7. IQ3 CONDOS

GTA PREVIEW REGISTRATION

By: The Remington Group Location: Etobicoke, Toronto Housing type: Condominium MyIQ3.com

1. VITA TWO ON THE LAKE

9. FOREST HILL PRIVATE RESIDENCES

By: Mattamy Homes City: Etobicoke Housing type: Condominiums mattamyhomes.com

By: Altree Developments Location: Toronto Housing type: Condominium ForestHillResidences.com

2. FESTIVAL

10. MOBILIO

By: Menkes City: Vaughan Housing type: Condominium menkes.com

By: Menkes City: Vaughan, Concord Housing type: Condo menkes.com/mobilio

3.PARKSIDE TOWNS SATURDAY IN DOWNSVIEW PARK

11. LIBERTY MARKET TOWER

By: Mattamy Homes City: North York Housing type: Condominiums mattamyhomes.com

4. BIJOU ON BLOOR By: Plaza City: Toronto Housing type: Condo pureplaza.com

5. WHITBY MEADOWS By: Fieldgate Homes Location: Whitby Housing type: Detached fieldgatehomes.com

6. ROYAL BAYVIEW By: Tridel Location: Thornhill Housing type: Condominium tridel.com

+

By: Lifetime Developments City: Toronto Housing type: Condominium lifetimedevelopments.com

12. 55C RESIDENCES By: Mod Developments City: Toronto Housing type: Condominium 55charlesresidences.com

13. TWELVE OAKS TOWNS

By: National Homes City: Bradford Housing type: Detached homes nationalhomes.com

B. UPPER VALLEYLANDS By: Fieldgate Homes City: Brampton Housing type: Semis, single-detached and freehold townhomes from upper $500s fieldgatehomes.com

D. AQUALUNA By: Tridel City: Toronto Housing type: Condo tridel.com/aqualuna

E. EVERMORE By: Tridel City: Etobicoke in Toronto Housing type: Condo Tridel.com

F. AUBERGE ON THE PARK By: Tridel City: Toronto Housing type: Condo www.tridel.com/auberge

G. CITYSIDE By: Fieldgate Homes City: Stouffville Housing Type: Semis and Singles fieldgatehomes.com

By: Green City Developments City: King City Housing type: Townhomes twelveoakstowns.com

14. EXPRESS 2 CONDOS By: Malibu investments City: Toronto Housing type: Condominiums express2condos.ca

MAPS Locate properties using the map on the following page

BUILDERS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR PREVIEW REGISTRATION, NEW RELEASE OR SITE OPENING IN THIS FEATURE, JUST EMAIL THE DETAILS TO EDITORIAL@NEXTHOME.CA nexthome.ca  55


HOT PROPERTIES | GREATER TORONTO AREA

A

13

6 2 10

3

14 F

9

B

12 4 E

MAPS Match the map numbers with property listings on the previous Hot Properties page

®

56  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

11 15 7

1

6

D


G

5

NEW HOMES NEW CONDOS

CARTOGRAPHY: MARKETMAPS.COM

MAP LE GE N D

nexthome.ca  57


SOLVING THE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY EQUATION IN THE GTA With the GTAʼs population growing by 115,000 people every year and our housing supply problem, our housing market is out of balance.

THE MATH IS SIMPLE.

simpler

+faster +fairer

We must streamline the process of bringing new homes to market.

We must shorten the time it takes to build new homes.

We must ensure that fees, taxes and charges on new homes are fair and equitable.

=

MORE HOUSING SUPPLY AND A MORE AFFORDABLE MARKET

THATʼS WHY WE SUPPORT THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTʼS EFFORTS TO INCREASE HOUSING SUPPLY AND BALANCE THE HOUSING MARKET IN ONTARIO AND THE GTA.

BUILDING A BETTER GTA FOR TOMORROW, TODAY To find out more visit bildgta.ca/themathissimple *Altus Report – 2019. Creative by


HOT PROPERTIES

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME The latest properties in Southwestern Ontario to keep your eye on 10. WINONA COUNTY

SWO PREVIEW REGISTRATION

By: Branthaven Homes City: Winona county Housing type: 36 & 40 ft. singles branthaven.com

1. MIDTOWN CENTRAL PARK

11. HOMESTEAD

By: Losani Homes City: Hamilton Housing type: Townhome losanihomes.com

2. ONE TWENTY CONDOMINIUMS By: Mountainview Homes City: Fonthill Housing type: Condominiums mountainview.com

3. THE MCKENZIE By: Losani Homes City: Caledonia Housing type: Towns and singles mckenziecaledonia.ca

4. COMMUNITY By: Branthaven Homes City: Cambridge Housing type: Townhome branthaven.com

5. THE PENINSULA By: Losani Homes City: Paris Housing type: Towns, semis and singles parispeninsula.com

6. SYNERGY By: Branthaven Homes City: Oakville Housing type: Urban trailside condos branthaven.com

7. TYANDAGA By: National Homes City: Burlington Housing type: Townhomes nationalhomes.com

9. UPPER WEST SIDE By: Branthaven Homes City: Oakville Housing type: luxury condo branthaven.com

By: Branthaven Homes City: Mount Hope Housing type: Detached branthaven.com

NEW OPENINGS A. LYON’S CREEK By: Mountainview Homes City: Niagara Falls Housing type: Semis lyonscreekhomes.com

B. VISTA RIDGE By: Losani Homes City: Beamsville Housing type: Townhomes and detached losanihomes.com

C. SPARROW MEADOWS By: Mountainview Homes City: Welland Housing type: Singles and townhomes sparrowmeadows.com

D. LINCOLN ESTATES By: Losani Homes City: Lincoln Housing type: Single-detached homes losanihomes.com

E. ELEMENTS By: Mountainview Homes City: St. Catharines Housing type: Luxury oneand two-bedroom condos elementscondo.com

G. MILLCROFT TOWNS By: Branthaven City: Burlington Housing type: Townhomes branthaven.com

H. TIMBERWOOD ESTATES By: Mountainview Homes City: Thorold Housing type: Townhomes, detached homes timberwoodestates.ca

I. THE FIFTY By: Branthaven City: Winona County Housing type: Detached homes branthaven.com

J. SIMPLY GRAND By: Losani Homes Location: Paris Housing type: towns and singles losanihomes.com

K. WATERWORX By: Losani Homes City: Hamilton Housing type: Townhomes losaniHomes.com

F. BRANT WEST By: Losani Homes City: Brantford Housing type: Towns and singles brantwest.com

MAPS Locate properties using the map on the following page

+

BUILDERS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR PREVIEW REGISTRATION, NEW RELEASE OR SITE OPENING IN THIS FEATURE, JUST EMAIL THE DETAILS TO EDITORIAL@NEXTHOME.CA nexthome.ca  59


HOT PROPERTIES | SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO AREA

KITCHENER–WATERLOO

Guelph

Waterloo Kitchener

Milton 4

Cambridge

7

Brantford

Hamilton

5

F

K

LONDON

1 11 9

3

London

MAPS Match the map numbers with property listings on the previous Hot Properties page

60  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020


Mississauga

MAP LE GE N D 9

NEW HOMES NEW CONDOS

Oakville

6

G

Burlington

I 10

B

E D

St Catharines H

Niagara Falls

2

A

C

Welland CARTOGRAPHY: MARKETMAPS.COM

E

nexthome.ca  61


style file

Small SPACE BIG Style INSPIRATION |

Designer Jo Alcorn updates a small kitchen into a stylish and useful cooking space. THE ENGINE OF THE KITCHEN

The appliances are the main engine of any kitchen, so choosing the right style, colour and functionality is key. For this space, I needed to play off the black countertops; this naturally led me to a Whirlpool (whirlpool.ca) black stainless-steel suite. Knowing how vital cooking is for this family, I wanted to give them appliances that had practical technology but didn’t compromise on design. Whirlpool’s fingerprint-resistant finishes hide fingerprints and smudges, and easily wipes clean, which is crucial for busy young families.

PHOTOS BY: JASON HARTOG

CHILLING AND GRILLING

Small spaces are always a design challenge. In my recent tiny kitchen refresh, I was tasked with creating a functional and efficient cooking space for a busy family who loves to cook and entertain, without sacrificing style. Here’s how I did it.

I love the cool features that Whirlpool appliances now offer to help ease regular household chores and duties. Their new slide-in electric range has a ‘control from anywhere’ feature that allows you to multi-task with the Whirlpool App. Busy bathing the kids but need to preheat the oven or slow down cooking? Start it remotely or adjust the temperature with the keepwarm technology from anywhere with a smartphone or tablet so it’s ready when you are. In a small space, I love to introduce a refrigerator with French doors. The dual-opening, side-by-side doors allow you to open the fridge without blocking the entire area. And this French door refrigerator’s features are amazing – everything from tuck-away shelving, spill-proof shelves, and adjustable door bins. All these features make life for a family easier.

COUNTERTOPS

The space already had relatively newer countertops that my clients wanted to salvage – this translates into massive savings. The existing countertops were black with flecks of grey, brown and taupe – it served as our starting point in the design process. 62  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

CLEAN-UP CREW

With a growing family, a full-sized dishwasher is non-negotiable. My clients had an apartment-sized dishwasher before this refresh. While the inclusion of a full-sized dishwasher did mean giving up some


as there is no grout needed for installing, making them easier to clean. The glass retro backsplash is a genuine wow factor that draws your eye in creating more depth in this small space with another reflective material for more light to bounce off. LET’S EAT

In the dining space, I created a gorgeous picture wall with some of the clients’ favourite pieces of art. An antique sideboard was a perfect complement to the clients’ retro style and an ideal solution for additional storage so the table can be kept clean and open. The colour of their existing table and chairs was a great tie-in with the upper cabinets for continuity. THE FINISHING

cabinet space, it was well worth it, especially for the one-hour wash cycle. And I was able to compensate for lost storage space with taller upper cabinets and the addition of a pantry next to the fridge, addressing one of the family’s biggest concerns – not enough storage space. CABINET COSTS

A significant cost in a kitchen renovation is cabinets. In this case, some of the cabinets were in good shape, so I decided to keep the lower ones as they were to create a trendy wood colour palette for a twotoned kitchen look. All I had to do was update them with new hardware. While I kept the lowers, I opted for replacing the upper cabinets. The uppers were replaced with a hardware-free, glossy white, flat front style. The gloss on these allows the light to bounce off them, creating the illusion of a larger space. Choosing to go without hardware kept the lines clean and simple, allowing the eye to travel over them.

The final touches in this kitchen that tied everything together were the cabinet handles, lighting and the faucet. The cabinets had outdated handles, and I found replacement ones in black that took it to a whole new level of sophistication. The lighting went from functional to an integral part of the beauty of the space. And the faucet is stunning. This sleek black Delta (delta. ca) faucet has every feature you can imagine, from a pull-down nozzle to spray options, but it’s the design that makes it a show-stopper. In small city dwellings when you can’t change the footprint of a space, some clever attention to detail can make even the smallest space feel grand.

COLOUR CONTINUITY

A little paint can go a long way to transform a room, and it’s very cost-efficient. This house is open concept, so we had to paint the entire main floor for a better visual flow. It was a pretty extensive paint job, including the kitchen, dining room and the entire first floor. A new coat of paint helped the whole space to have a fresh, clean look, especially since we brought in white stark gloss cabinets and I wanted the walls to blend in. A SPLASH OF COLOUR

Another key to a sophisticated kitchen and an element that can make a huge design impact is tile. For this space, I went with a funky glass pattern backsplash from The Good Tile (thegoodtile.com). My clients love to cook, so these tiles were perfect

+MORE INSPIRATION ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/inspiration

nexthome.ca  63


Bloor West Village

Plaza pureplaza.com

Bijou on Bloor

Brampton

Fieldgate Homes fieldgatehomes.com

Upper Valleylands

Brampton

National Homes nationalhomes.com

Three Rivers Claireville

Downsview Park

Mattamy Homes mattamyhomes.com

Saturday in Downsview Park

Downsview Park

Mattamy Homes mattamyhomes.com

Saturday in Downsview Park Phase 2

Etobicoke

Mattamy Homes mattamyhomes.com

Etobicoke

Townhome

Condo

Bungalow

LOCATION BUILDER/DEVELOPER NAME SITE NAME

Semi

#IntheCity

Detached

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

PRICES PAGE

Mid $600's

67

Inquire

7

From $690's

35

High 600's

5

Mid $600's

5

Vita On The Lake

From $1M

5

Mattamy Homes mattamyhomes.com

Vita Two On The Lake

From $1.2M

5

Etobicoke

The Remington Group remingtongroupinc.com

IQ3 Condos

Inquire

31

Etobicoke

Tridel tridel.com

Evermore

Inquire

9

King City

Green City Developments greencitydvp.com

Twelve Oaks

Mid $700's

15

Kleinburg

Fieldgate Homes fieldgatehomes.com

New Kleinburg

Inquire

7

North York

Aoyuan Group aoyuaninternational.com

M2M Condos

Inquire

33

Richmond Hill

Fieldgate Homes fieldgatehomes.com

Richlands

• •

Inquire

7

Stouffville

Fieldgate Homes fieldgatehomes.com

Blue Sky

Inquire

7

Stouffville

Fieldgate Homes fieldgatehomes.com

Cityside

Inquire

7

Thornhill

Tridel tridel.com

Royal Bayview

From $1.2M

9

Toronto

Altree Developments altreedevelopments.com

Forest Hill Private Residences

From $1.8M

Toronto

Malibu Investment malibutoronto.com

Express 2

Inquire

27

Toronto

Marlin Spring marlinspring.com

The Tailor

Inquire

17

Toronto

Menkes menkes.com

Sugar Wharf

Inquire

2, 3

Toronto

MOD Developments moddevelopments.com

55C Residences

Inquire

19, 68

Toronto

Tridel tridel.com

At The Well

Inquire

9

Toronto

Tridel tridel.com

Auberge on the Park

Inquire

9

Toronto

Tridel tridel.com

Edenbridge

From 900's

9

Vaughan

Menkes menkes.com

Festival

Inquire

2, 3

Vaughan

Menkes menkes.com

Mobilio

Inquire

2, 3

• •

• •

21, 22, 23, 24, 25

64  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020


Townhome

Condo

Bungalow

Semi

LOCATION BUILDER/DEVELOPER NAME SITE NAME

Detached

#BeyondtheCity

PRICES PAGE

Bradford

National Homes nationalhomes.com

The Forest

Burlington

Branthaven Homes branthaven.com

Millcroft Towns

Inquire

Burlington

National Homes nationalhomes.com

Tyandaga

Inquire

Cambridge

Branthaven Homes branthaven.com

Community

From $400's

Courtice

National Homes nationalhomes.com

The Vale

Inquire

35

Fonthill

Mountainview Homes mountainview.com

OneTwenty Condominiums

Inquire

49

Fonthill

Mountainview Homes mountainview.com

River Estates

Inquire

49

Fonthill

Mountainview Homes mountainview.com

Saffron Estates

Inquire

49

Mount Hope

Branthaven Homes branthaven.com

Homestead

From $600's

Niagara Falls

Mountainview Homes mountainview.com

Lyon's Creek

Oakville

Branthaven Homes branthaven.com

The Taunton

Oakville

Branthaven Homes branthaven.com

Mid $800's

• •

35 46. 47 35 46, 47

46, 47

From $400's

49

Inquire

46, 47

Upper West Side

Inquire

St Catharines

Mountainview Homes mountainview.com

Elements

Inquire

49

Stoney Creek

Branthaven Homes branthaven.com

Casa Di Torre

From $300's

46, 47

Welland

Mountainview Homes mountainview.com

Sparrow Meadows

Inquire

49

Welland

Mountainview Homes mountainview.com

Timberwood Estates

Inquire

49

Winona

Branthaven Homes branthaven.com

Life

Inquire

46, 47

Winona

Branthaven Homes branthaven.com

Winona County

Inquire

Winona

Branthaven Homes branthaven.com

The Fifty

From $700's

46, 47

46, 47 46, 47

nexthome.ca  65


WHAT’S ONLINE

TRENDING NOW THE LATEST REAL ESTATE NEWS FROM ACROSS CANADA

WHY AND HOW TO CHOOSE A REALTOR FOR PRE-SALE

FOUR FABULOUS FLOORING TRENDS FOR 2020

nexthome.ca/why-a-realtor

nexthome.ca/4-flooring-trends

COMBINING TWO NEW YORK CITY APARTMENTS INTO ONE

BUILDING WITH STEEL: STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE

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Visit our website: 66  New Home + Condo Guide  |   Mar. 14–28, 2020

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N PE O W O N

NOW OPEN Luxury Suites from the mid $600s Bijou is situated in the heart of charming Bloor West Village. Just steps away from the subway and right next door to a wonderful world of boutique shops and restaurants, Bijou blends sleek modern design with grand Parisian style. For a limited time, enjoy an array of excellent incentives. CLOSING COSTS WAIVED • NO DEVELOPMENT CHARGES •

NO TARION ENROLMENT FEES • NO ADMINISTRATIVE FEES

Presentation Centre 2450 Bloor Street West 416.862.0888 | bijou@plazacorp.com

Rendering is an artist’s impression. Certain design elements are subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. E.&O.E. 2019



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