The first and only complete guide to pre-construction homes and condos
INSIDE :
WHAT IS A PRE-SALE HOME INSPECTION?
THE BENEFITS OF A REVERSE MORTGAGE
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Purchasing a new home is more than having a place to live. For many homeowners, it means setting down roots and creating a lifetime of memories. Holding onto a home for many years has other advantages, too, such as building equity that you can use for a variety of things, including making your retirement years more affordable or helping a family member with financing their first home.
In the last decade or so, reverse mortgages have been gaining in popularity. That’s because it opens up funds that can be used in a number of ways, such as freeing up money to give to a child or grandchild for a down payment on a new home. A reverse mortgage is available to homeowners who are aged 55 and older. Turn to page 18, where our mortgage expert, Alisa Aragon-Lloyd, explains all the details.
If you’re at the beginning of your house-hunting journey and are considering a pre-sale home in a specific development, then you may want to turn to our industry expert on page 24. Brittany Reimer takes you through the process of the pre-sale home inspection. Be prepared for what’s ahead when you finally get the keys.
EDITOR
New Home + Condo Guide
EMAIL: marlene.eisner@nexthome.ca
TWITTER: @MarleneEisner
Thank you for picking up this issue of New Home + Condo Guide. We hope you enjoy the stories we have curated, including the neighbourhood profile of Brentwood in Burnaby, as well as an inspiring and stylish upgrade to a homeowner’s loft.
Let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
10. THE STANDARD Metrotown thestandardbyanthem.com
11. SLATE 5180 Lougheed Hwy slatebybeedie.com
12. CONCORD SKY-HOUSE 4750 Kingsway concordmetrotown.com
13. POLARIS METROTOWN 6699 Dunblane Ave 604-565-7733 polarismetrotown.com
14. NUVO 6075 Wilson Avenue nuvobyanthem.com
15. THE AMAZING BRENTWOOD 4567 Lougheed Hwy 604-298-7314 theamazingbrentwood.com
16. SOLO 4 2131 Willingdon Avenue 604-298-8800 soldistrict.com
17. CONCORD METROTOWN Nelson Ave & Kingsway concordmetrotown.com
18. HIGHLINE METROTOWN 6511 Sussex Avenue highlinemerotown.com NEW WESTMINSTER
BURNABY
1. OASIS AT CONCORD BRENTWOOD 4863 Dawson Street concordoasis.com
2. JUNEAU 604-299-9191 juneaubyamacon.com
3. CEDAR CREEK 7166 14th Street 604-529-8868 liveatcedarcreek.com
4. ALASKA 4455 Alaska St 604-299-9191 alaskabyamacon.com
5. BORDEAUX 4488 Juneau Street bordeauxliving.ca
6. ECLIPSE BRENTWOOD 2463 Beta Avenue thind.ca/eclipse
7. MOONLIGHT SONATA 3550 Wayburne Drive 778-788-1480 moonlight-sonata.ca contact@moonlight-sonata.ca
8. O2 METROTOWN 5137 Kingsway 778-886-8280 o2metrotown.com
9. AZURE AT SOUTHGATE CITY 7662 18th Street 604-544-8800 azureatsouthgate.com
19. MOODY ON THE HILL 228 6th Street moodyonthehill.com 778-895-5533
20. THE KEARY 230 Keary Street thekearybywesgroup.ca
21. TIMBER HOUSE 310 Salter Street timberhousebyaragon.ca
22. CONCORD GREENHOUSE 5895 Barker Ave concordgreenhouse.com 604-435-1383
3 SKYTRAIN LINES
PRICESMART FOODS
AIR CONDITIONING
EV PARKING OPTIONS
It began with a vision: Create a 37-acre master-planned community that would become the focal point in Burnaby’s popular Lougheed neighbourhood. Finally, after years of meticulous planning and unwavering commitment, the first neighbourhood has become a reality.
Introducing Neighbourhood ONE by SHAPE – four spectacular residential towers that are the first of more than 20. Towers ONE and TWO are already sold out and Tower FOUR, a luxury rental building, is fully leased.
Now here’s the best part: All 262 homes in Tower THREE are complete and move-in ready. No waiting and wondering, just call the moving company and you’re on your way.
“The release of 262 move-in-ready homes is a first in Metro Vancouver and a fundamental shift in the
homebuyer experience,” says Brenda Parris, vice-president of residential marketing at SHAPE. “What we’re providing is an unprecedented amount of choice for premium, ready-to-live-in homes. Homebuyers will have the opportunity to select their perfect home, from onebedroom suites to three-bedroom penthouses, as well as the view, layout, and colour scheme that best complements their individual lifestyle.”
Located where Burnaby intersects with Coquitlam and New Westminster, The City of Lougheed redefines convenience. “This is one of the most central and connected neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver,” Brenda explains. “It’s the only place where three SkyTrain lines –the Expo, Evergreen and Millennium lines –meet. You can be on the freeway in a
matter of minutes, or for cyclists, the Central Valley Greenway is just down the road.”
Directly outside your front door, a diverse and ever-expanding array of shops and services, restaurants and cafés, meticulously planned parks and public plazas await exploration. “Imagine having a PriceSmart Foods grocery store downstairs where you can pick up everything for you to create a chefdriven meal, or the convenience of being able to replace a missing ingredient at the last minute,” Brenda says. “This effortless access to fresh produce and pantry essentials is unmatched.”
Onsite amenities, too, are outstanding. Here’s just a hint of the delights that await in the threestorey, 22,000-sq. ft. freestanding space: A massive 6,000-sq.-ft. fitness centre with commercial-grade equipment, an open lounge featuring
an impressive three-sided fireplace, plenty of entertaining spaces for private functions, and multiple indoor and outdoor children’s play areas. And when visitors arrive, one of the six guest suites will provide the sophisticated, relaxing ambience of a private club. All this plus a full-time concierge to take care of
everything from welcoming your guests to booking private access to amenity spaces.
Inside, homes at The City of Lougheed feature a timeless, classical elegance, just what you’d expect from SHAPE. Kitchens are the heart
of the home by design; full-height Italian cabinetry, integrated Bosch appliances, and premium finishes work together to enrich everyday life. Plus, storage is so generous, it’s sure to bring a smile to the most passionate foodie.
“Buying brand new comes with the benefit of modern features and amenities, like air conditioning, which we’ve included throughout,” Brenda continues. “Beyond AC, it’s details and conveniences such as secure parcel storage lockers, sustainable design practices, and EV parking flexibility.”
Construction of Tower THREE at The City of Lougheed is complete and you can book a home tour today. Don’t miss your opportunity to be among the first to discover this incredible community.
For more information and to book a viewing, visit thecityoflougheed.com or call 604.328.7128.
A quiet, pretty pocket of Burnaby, this small neighbourhood is located between Lougheed Highway in the south, Hastings St. in the north, Springer Ave. in the east and Willingdon Ave. in the west. It’s a place of condos, modest homes, pleasant parks and friendly folks, and the stretch of Hastings St. offers small-business shopping at its best, from bakeries to ramen.
It’s the best of both worlds in Brentwood: You’ve got a mellow residential area bordered on the north
by a nearly corporate-free shopping district. The houses are older—i.e. better looking—and quite compact, with cozy cul-de-sacs here and there. The southern boundary consists of Brentwood Town Centre, which is balanced by the presence of a Skytrain station in the same spot.
Laid back is the best expression to sum up Brentwood: There’s very little noise north of the town centre, and the mood is sedate. It’s a nice walk to the commercial district on Hastings, where there are lots of places to
chill—and chilling is what you’ll see on a sunny day, with legions of residents enjoying coffee and biscotti outside cafes or ambling leisurely through a grocery trip.
According to the City of Burnaby’s neighbourhood profiles, this is a relatively young neighbourhood, with the largest age bracket being 20-44. Second in the age stats is the 45-64 bracket. The area is ethnically diverse, with nearly half the population consisting of immigrants. It’s a middle-class neighbourhood, with
Brentwood Park is a spacious, lush area for a stroll with the dog or fun with the kids; you might happen on some Tai Chi exercising as well. Adjoining it is Brentwood Preschool, and nearby are three places of worship: The Sanctuary, Holy Cross Church and Brentwood Park Alliance Church. Other amenities in the neighbourhood include Beecher Park and Alpha Secondary School.
Lougheed Highway at the south is a major thoroughfare, but Hastings St. up top, while a main street, is quite mellow in terms of traffic,
Everybody say, “mmmm.” Christophe’s creations are heaven for the taste buds, and as a Swiss-trained chocolatier, he brings expertise and refined taste to his work. The creations are truly inspired.
This is a cut above your average sushi spot. These guys get creative, with sashimi plates that are as beautiful to look at as they are scrumptious to eat. Special items include a fresh oyster dish—delicious.
and Willingdon Ave. isn’t very busy either. Together, the bordering roads provide great transportation in and out of the neighbourhood. Public transportation is great, with multiple bus lines on Willingdon and Hastings and the Brentwood Town Centre Skytrain Station. Bike options are not great.
What’s not to like? With two commercial centres at opposite ends and nothing but peace and quiet in between, it makes for the perfect environment for families. And hey, if the suburbs are too quiet for you, the Skytrain will whisk you into Vancouver. The minus column is pretty empty, but one item in it is the relative lack of proper sidewalks.
Italian baking! One look at the Wedding Cake Gallery and you know these guys are solid pros. Their pastries are also superb, and they have some very inspired cookie creations.
CHEZ CHRISTOPHE
BON BON BAKERY
TAKE SUSHI
families housed in neat condos and little one-level homes.
Home type: Condominiums
Developer: Wesgroup
On the map: Vancouver Web: wesgroup.ca/harlin/
Info: Harlin is River District’s newest addition, with studio, one- two- and threebedroom homes, offering a lively urban vibe and all the stylish touches and amenities in a modern, cosmopolitan residence. Featuring elevated spaces tastefully appointed with exquisite features. Amenities encompass three floors and include a beautifully landscaped rooftop, gourmet kitchen, lounge, co-working space and more. Register today.
Home type: Townhomes and garden flats
Developer: Fabric
On the map: Vancouver Web: thecuteastvan.com
Info: Steps from Trout Lake, the only natural lake in Vancouver, The Cut maximizes livability for families and young professionals.
Home type: Townhomes
Builder: Essence Properties
On the map: Langley
Web: essenceliving.com/emerge/
Info: Emerge is a boutique collection of 19 townhomes located in the heart of Langley’s Willoughby neighbourhood. Interiors are bright and airy to enhance livability. Spacious and thoughtful layouts are designed with functionality in mind, with modern details throughout. Register today.
The individual courtyards, rooftop patios and communal greenspaces foster a community spirit. When you’re ready to re-enter the buzz, Commercial Drive provides exceptional retail, dining and entertainment, with more than 300 merchants, all within walking distance. And if you’re inner-city bound, the Greenway and the Skytrain are both in your backyard. Register today.
WOODLAND
Home type: Townhomes and flats
Developer: Fast Track Development
On the map: Vancouver Web: woodlandblock.com
Info: Offering 72 New York-inspired townhomes and flats ranging from 525 sq. ft. to 1,287 sq. ft. and designed for real life, functionality and style. Located at 10th and Nanaimo, East Van’s Grandview-Woodland community, where Nanaimo Street retailers strengthen the community spirit and add everyday convenience, while resident amenity spaces get the whole block together. Register today.
BUILDERS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR PREVIEW REGISTRATION, NEW RELEASE OR SITE OPENING IN THIS FEATURE, KINDLY EMAIL THE DETAILS TO EDITORIAL@NEXTHOME.CA
This page features a few of the latest properties to keep your eye on in the Metro Vancouver area.
overall cost of living, by opening up access to funds for a more comfortable retirement.
Let’s explore how you can benefit from a reverse mortgage.
If you are aged 55 and over, own a home and would like to access some funds to use during your retirement, you may want to consider the benefits of a reverse mortgage. This specialized financial product allows you to take advantage of the equity in your property by offering substantial monthly cash savings, so you can stay in your home and have access to income you may need as you age.
Reverse mortgages have gained popularity as a financial tool for retirees caught off guard by the expenses associated with retirement, such as property taxes, rising energy and utility expenses, and the
If you and your spouse are 55 or older and own your home as your principal residence, you may be eligible to receive up to 55 per cent of your home’s current appraised value in cash. The specific amount you will receive is based on your age, your spouse’s age, the location and type of home you have, and your home’s current appraised value. No matter how much you receive, you don’t have to make monthly principal or interest payments until you move or sell, so you get the money you need without reducing your cash flow.
Since the amount you receive is secured against your home, qualifying is easy and hassle-free, even if you are living on a very limited retirement income.
With a reverse mortgage, you can choose a single lump-sum payment or as an on-going monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual income. You can even choose a lump sum to begin with, followed by on-going advances over time.
By using the equity to purchase an investment property, you can
supplement your income while at the same time benefiting from future market appreciation.
Some seniors want to give their children or grandchildren an early inheritance, so they can start building equity. You can help them buy their first home by giving them the down payment.
As a retired person, one of your major concerns is how much you will be paying in taxes each year, since that can really affect your cash flow. Fortunately, the money you receive from a reverse mortgage isn’t considered income, even if it’s invested in an account or annuity with monthly withdrawals. This is because the home equity you are accessing has already been taxed because you purchased your home with after-tax dollars. Not only do you not have to pay taxes on your reverse mortgage proceeds, but it also won’t bump you up into the next tax bracket. And since it’s not considered income, it won’t affect your old age security (OAS)
or guaranteed income supplement (GIS) payments.
You will never be asked to move or sell your home to repay your reverse mortgage if you maintain the property and stay up to date with property taxes, fire insurance, and strata fees. Because the reverse mortgage amount can never exceed your home value, your equity and estate are fully protected. Although the equity in your home will decrease over the years as you receive payments, your home’s value will likely increase even more quickly over the same period.
Generally, 99 per cent of homeowners have money left over when their reverse mortgage is finally repaid (when they move or die). On average, the amount left over is 50 per cent of the value of the home when it’s sold.
If you use the money you receive from the reverse mortgage to buy an investment property or make non-registered investments such as GICs and mutual funds, the interest costs on your reverse mortgage can be written off at tax time. This can
help offset the taxes you owe on your income, registered retirement income fund (RRIF), or registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) withdrawals.
A mortgage professional can introduce you to all the benefits of a reverse mortgage. Because he or she is not tied to any one lender or type of product, before recommending a reverse mortgage, they will do a thorough analysis of your situation, needs, and goals. Only then will they make an unbiased recommendation about which product is right for you. In most cases, that will be a reverse mortgage. However, a mortgage expert also has access to innovative lines of credit and other home lending products that may better fit your specific needs.
Alisa Aragon-Lloyd has been a mortgage expert for more than 11 years. She has her own company, Bridgestone Financing Pros, powered by DLC Origin Mortgages and is on the board of directors for the Homebuilder Association of Vancouver (HAVAN) and an award-winning member.
1. WEST 505 Nelson Street westbybeedie.com
2. SYDNEY 545 Sydney Ave. 778-948-0333 sydneybyledmac.com
3. VUE Foster Ave & Whiting Way vueliving.ca
4. SOPHORA AT THE PARK #101 - 1135 Pipeline Road 604-942-8416 polyhomes.com
5. PRECIDIA 520 Cottonwood Ave 604-422-0080 precidiabyledmac.com
6. ALINA 604-259-8626 ownalina.com
7. SOL Como Lake Ave & Robinson 604-937-9688 solexperience.ca
8. DWELL Smith Ave & Clark Rd dwellbyanthem.com
9. QUEENSTON 3431 Queenston Avenue 604-259-7178 queenstonliving.ca
10. GARDENA 635 Gardena Drive gardenaliving.com
11. FRASER MILLS 2 King Edward Street frasermills.com
MAPLE RIDGE
12. PROVENANCE 11295 Pazarena Place 604-467-2285 polyhomes.com
13. CREST KANAKA SPRINGS 25024 112 Ave 604-405-1903 kanakasprings.com
A pre-sale home is the perfect fit if you prefer a brand-new, ‘movein-ready’ home with personalized interior design accents. It’s crucial to understand the process of buying
a pre-sale home so that it runs smoothly, and that all surprises are avoided. This guide will focus on the key things to look out for, what questions to ask, and what you need to know prior to the deficiency walkthrough of your new home.
The deficiency walkthrough is the crucial last step in your home-buying
process before taking ownership of your pre-sale home. Prior to completion, you should receive a “Notice of Completion Date” from the developer’s agent. This is usually 10 days prior to completion, but the timing can vary. A homebuyer has the right to do a walkthrough of the home prior to its completion, which can only occur if construction is finished and the city issues an occupancy permit to the developer.
Most developers schedule the date of a walkthrough over the course of several weeks, but don’t be surprised if your walkthrough is only one or two days before completion. The developer will have either a customer service representative or one of their agents — or both — join the walkthrough. Afterward, they will present you with a list of any noted deficiencies for you to acknowledge. It is always recommended that you bring your realtor along to review the list with you prior to signing.
While it’s recommended to bring your realtor and even a trusted friend to function as a second and third set of eyes, it’s also crucial to have your sales documents and deficiency checklist on hand. Having the sales
documents with you means you can make sure that all paint colours, upgrades and finishes are what you selected in the sale process. The deficiency checklist helps itemize and outline deficiencies for you to look out for.
As a first step, make sure you check that the items listed below are working correctly to avoid disappointment and back and forth navigation.
• Landscaping and ground surfaces: The outside of your home is as important as the inside. Are the grass and plants to your liking? Are the porch, deck and patio areas what you expected? Check any paving, as it should also be level and free of cracks and chips.
• Doors and windows: All windows and doors should open and close smoothly and securely, with pristine glass.
• Faucets, showers, appliances, electric: All of these elements should function properly and be damage-free.
• Cabinets, walls, floors: Check all of these surfaces for chips and/ or cracks. Additionally, there should be no condensation gathering anywhere.
Once the walkthrough is complete, compare your findings to your contract to ensure that what you requested to be finished has indeed been done. We understand that things can be missed, but it’s in your best interest to do your due diligence and cross-reference your list and make specific notes if your requests were not considered.
The next step after your walkthrough is to take note of anything missing, as your home warranty is still in effect. If you notice anything, a plan will be put in place by the developer and realtor to execute any changes needed. Always remember, it is not unreasonable to see a few deficiencies in your home upon closing. While the goal is always to avoid deficiencies, individual tastes and unit considerations mean that there are often a couple of items that will require your attention.
Brittany Reimer is managing director of MLA Canada’s Fraser Valley branch. Brittany uses her experience, relationships and passion for the real estate marketing industry to help push MLA into a new frontier.
SURREY
1. PIANO 105A & City Parkway concordpiano.ca
2. PARK GEORGE 9908 King George Blvd 604-583-9866 parkgeorge.com
3. DISTRICT NW University Drive & 105 Avenue thind.ca
4. CENTURY CITY HOLLAND PARK 13583 98 Avenue centurycitysurrey.com
5. PURA 105 Ave & 132 St mypuracondo.com
6. AMAYA LIVING 106 Ave & 140 St amayaliving.ca
7. SEQUOIA 133 Street & 104 Avenue Sequoiawestvillage.ca
LANGLEY
8. ALDERGROVE TOWN CENTRE 3100 272 Street atcliving.com
9. HAYER TOWN CENTRE 76 Avenue & 200 Street 604-800-9662 hayerbuildersgroup.com
10. THE HIVE AT WILLOUGHBY 206222 80 Avenue 778-686-8572 thehivewtc.com
11. WESTBROOKE AT WILLOUGHBY 604-385-3540 foxridgehomesbc.com
12. SOUTH VILLAGE AT LATIMER VILLAGE 20018 83A Ave 604-371-0698 vestaproperties.com
ABBOTSFORD
13. THE RAIL DISTRICT 2774 Montrose Avenue 604-850-0040 raildistrict.ca
An industrial loft is injected with serious style and colour
by
SARA DUCK • photos VINH LE
Designer Luca Campacci of Level Studio Inc. longed for an opportunity to work on a project with soaring ceilings. When the chance arose to design a loft in a former office building, Campacci and his team eagerly seized the moment. With a spacious layout and 11-ft. ceilings at their disposal, they embarked on a creative journey. “We wanted to preserve the industrial loft ambience, so we decided to keep the existing concrete floors and refinish them with an epoxy coating,” explains Campacci. “The exposed conduit and HVAC system played in our favour, enhancing the desired look and feel.”
When it came to the kitchen, Campacci and his team did a complete renovation, reconfiguring the layout for better functionality. Their client expressed a desire for an all-black kitchen, which the team balanced
with a large white island. “We carefully selected stones with complementary veining for the backsplash, island and dining table, ensuring a cohesive and visually striking design,” says Campacci.
Despite the client’s affinity for black, Campacci and his team infused the loft with splashes of colour. “In collaboration with our client, we curated two exceptional pieces by artist Christoph Niemann that introduced a kaleidoscope of colours. We subtly incorporated these hues in the large rug of the living area and the runner in the foyer,” says Campacci.
The living area was set ablaze with a vibrant yellow sectional sofa, chosen for its timeless pairing with black. “Yellow and black create a classic colour combination, making it the perfect choice for this project.”
The library received a notable transformation as well. Originally a smaller den, the space was expanded to emphasize the loft’s height.
A custom window and door system was designed and then crafted by Campacci’s metalsmith team to maximize natural light while maintaining the industrial esthetic. Custom shelves were added to house an extensive book collection, and the team eagerly incorporated a ladder, fulfilling the client’s dream of a library with elevated functionality.
For the primary bedroom, a more subdued colour palette was selected. The bed’s large king headboard in soft gray wool fabric became the focal point, complemented by walnut accent tables, a captivating piece of artwork and bright cushions.
In this industrial loft project, Campacci and his team skillfully balanced the client’s bold vision for
black with strategically placed pops of vibrant colour, resulting in a harmonious and visually captivating space.
SOURCES | KITCHEN: Kitchen cabinetry by Scavolini kitchens. Countertop by Caeserstone. Appliances by Miele. Pendant light by Matteo Lighting. DINING ROOM: Dining table by Casalife. Dining chair by West Elm. Dining pendant light by DVI Lighting. LIVING ROOM: Sectional by EQ3. Rug by Area Rug Shop. Side table by West Elm. Drink table by Crate & Barrel. Floor light by Kuzco Lighting. Accent chair by Elte Mkt. Pendant light by Elte Mkt. LIBRARY: Custom glass door and ladder by 1925Workbench. Custom shelves by Salerno Carpentry Ltd. Armchair by Elte Mkt. Floor lamp by Elte Mkt. Desk by Crate & Barrel. Chair by Ikea. Filing cabinet by Crate & Barrel. Ottoman by Urban Mode. Sconces by Kuzco Lighting. BEDROOM: King bed by EQ3. End tables by EQ3. Floor mirror by CB2.
With more than 15 years’ experience as a magazine editor, writer and content creator, Sara brings her passion for design and decor to our pages each issue. Instagram: @bysaraduck
1. CLARIDGE HOUSE 498 West 41st Avenue 604-941-8305 polyhomes.com
2. GRYPHON HOUSE 6191 West Boulevard 604.620.8295 gryphonhousevancouver.com
3. WEST WIND 2620 Acadia Road 604-260-8446
5. AMBER 604-871-8600 aragon.ca/amber
6. THESIS W 49 Ave & Cambie St liveatthesis.com
7. SHIFT 35th Ave & Quebec St. aragon.ca/shift
8. THE CONSERVATORY
10. GRACE Ash & W30th gracewestside.com
11. FORM 1558 West 6th Ave formbyanthem.com
12 PARK 1698 West Georgia Street anthemproperties.com
13. GRYPHON NOVA Oak & 67th
If you’re among the many people on the quest for a new home or you’re someone who’s simply fascinated by all things real estate, the term master-planned community may be a familiar one.
You’ll likely have noticed the definition of a masterplanned community is rather flexible and would include a variety of elements. Typically, it is a multi-building development with easy access to transit, and can have a national grocery chain, banks and services, plus a lively public plaza with restaurants and perhaps an art gallery with maybe a small, street-level coffee shop and convenience store tucked under three storeys of condos.
In this issue, we chat with Bob Ransford, Century Group’s vice-president of development, about what community means and how developers can enhance it.
New Home + Condo Guide: Century Group has long been a leader in developing people-centric communities that reintroduce the ambience and interconnectivity that defined villages of the past. From your experience, what’s the most important part of creating true communities?
Bob Ransford: It all comes down to placemaking, focusing on small details that make it easy for people to engage with their neighbours.
For example, rather than having a double garage facing the street, we put them at the back facing onto the lane. Then we use the space in front for a porch where people can sit or chat with neighbours passing by. You don’t just park your car and disappear inside your home without ever meeting the people you live right next door to.
It’s also important to create places where people can gather easily, such as in small parks, children’s play areas with picnic tables, community halls for events and celebrations. As an example, in our Southlands community in Tsawwassen, we built a public, terraced parkette with seating and a free library in the centre of one of the townhouse stratas. People can access it from the street or from a perimeter trail, so it becomes an outdoor space where people spontaneously meet.
NH+CG: Many urban dwellers complain about finding it difficult to meet people or make friends in modern cities. Why do you think it is important for people to be able to spontaneously connect socially in a community and what kind of design features can facilitate it?
BR: I believe with so many social connections now made digitally, people are yearning for something more. You might be on Facebook with a friend every day, but if that friend lives 500 miles away, they aren’t going to be able to help you in an emergency.
The magic about living in a true community is being able to trust your neighbours to have your back. I live alone and I have a heart condition, so knowing that my neighbours know my routines and will intervene if they think I’m in trouble, gives me a huge sense of security.
Community gardens are another social activator with a long history.
Gathering to grow and eat food together has always been part of human history. It’s healthy, it’s educational, and it encourages multigenerational connections.
And, of course, with everyone shopping online, knowing your neighbour will keep an eye on a large delivery is even better than the traditional Block Watch. Mine often texts me to say he’s put my delivery in his garage and to just knock on his door when I get home.
NH+CG: But what about highdensity tower communities that might not have space for those types of amenities?
BR: That’s when you need to get creative. At Century City Holland Park in Surrey, there’s a podiumlevel courtyard that we programmed around agriculture by incorporating picnic areas, an apple orchard, and a greenhouse. Almost the entire landscape is edible.
And we raised a few eyebrows with the city planner when we decided to put the bicycle repair room behind a glass wall adjacent to the grand lobby. He couldn’t believe it. We thought why not? When you see someone inside fixing their bike, you’re far more likely to go in and start a conversation. It’s a great opportunity to make friends with someone you already know shares a common interest. Plus, you’ll often learn something new or be able to share your own knowledge.
NH+CG: Any final thoughts?
BR: For the last 50 years, we haven’t designed communities to foster social engagement within a community. The pandemic really emphasized how isolated people became because of it. Looking ahead, I hope we’ll get back to a more village-oriented lifestyle.
For information about Century Group, visit centurygroup.ca.
Bob Ransford, VP of development for Century Group.
Red Barn in Market Square at Southlands is where the entire community gathers to celebrate life events and the bounty of the land.
THESE BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS ARE PROUD OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CREATING GREAT COMMUNITIES
ABBOTSFORD Court MR 604-621-5888 Now Selling
Downtown Gate TH 604-357-1943 Coming Soon
Falcon Ridge SF 604-309-0540 From $789,000
High Street Village LR/TH highstreetvillage.ca Coming Soon
JEM LR jemliving.ca Coming Soon
McKenzie Mews TH mckenzie-mews.com Coming Soon
Montvue LR montvueliving.ca Coming Soon
Onyx at Mahogany LR 778-255-7099 Now Selling
The Peak at Mountainview TH mymountainview.ca Call
The Rail District TH raildistrict.ca Register Now
BURNABY
O2 Metrotown HR o2metrotown.com Now Selling
Arbour MR/TH 604-559-5795 Now Selling
Azure at Southgate HR azureatsouthgate.com Now Selling
Bordeaux HR bordeauxliving.ca Call
Byrnepark LR/TH 604-228-8530 Now Selling
Cedar Creek MR 604-529-8868 Call
Concord Brentwood HR 604-435-1383 Call
Concord Greenhouse HR 604-435-1383 Coming Soon
Concord Metrotown HR concordmetrotown.com Coming Soon
The City of Lougheed 2 HR 604-328-7128 Call
Contour Metrotwon HR contourmetrotown.com Coming Soon
Eclipse Brentwood HR thind.ca/eclipse Coming Soon
Lumina HR/TH luminabrentwood.com Coming Soon
Highline Metrotown HR highlinemetrotown.com Call
Kings Crossing by Cressey PH 604-720-5357 Now Selling
Maywood on Park HR 604-435-8866 Now Selling
Moonlight Sonata TH moonlightsonata.ca Register Now
Nuvo HR nuvobyanthem Coming Soon
Oasis at Concord Brentwood HR 604-435-1383 Call
Oslo HR osloliving.ca Call
Perla HR 604-434-2205 Now Selling Polaris at Metrotown HR polarismetrotown.com Now Selling
Tailor HR 604-299-1001 Call
The Amazing Brentwood HR 604-298-7314 Call
The Standard HR thestandardbyanthem.com Coming Soon
Riviera HR rivierabyledmac.com Coming Soon
Slate HR/TH slatebybeedie.com Now Selling SOLO 4 HR 604-298-8800 Coming Soon
Sun Towers 2 HR suntowersmetrotown.com Call
CHILLIWACK
Acadia at Garrison TH 604-991-5151 Call
Base 10 TH 604-991-9951 Call
Cedarbrook TH/SF 604-490-3451 Coming Soon
Elk Creek Estates SF 604-316-4140 Now Selling
Iron Horse SF/RH Ironhorseliving.com Call
Lakeside at Cultus Lake LR 604-250-3662 Now Selling
Malloway Village SF 604-961-5160 Now Selling
Skynest LR 604-362-1505 Call
Vista Green at the Falls TH vistagreenliving.com Call
COQUITLAM
Alina HR ownalina.com Now Selling Allison
These listings are meant to offer a comprehensive overview of new home and condo developments currently being marketed throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
778-686-8572
Coming Soon
Bridle Ridge SF mstarhomes.com
The Falls Kanaka Springs TH kanakasprings.com/the-falls Register Now
TH kennedytownhomes.ca Register Now La Riviere LR 604-359-0135 Coming Soon
The North at Port Haney LR thenorthliving.com Coming Soon Podium LR 604-657-7653 Coming Soon
Provenance TH 604-467-2285 Register Now Rydge TH rydge.ca Now Selling Sequoia Living TH 604-723-5386 Call Sierra Ridge LR sierraridge.ca Call Windfall TH windfallbygatehouse.com Coming Soon
Cedar Valley Rowhomes RH cedarvalleyrowhomes.ca Coming Soon Harrison Highlands SF 1-888-758-0850 Call
Harrison Ridge TH
1-844-432-7444 From $690K
Horizons TH 1-888-826-1177 From $319,800
Nelson & Grove SF mstarhomes.com Coming Soon
Westminster Plateau LR/TH westminsterplateau.ca Coming Soon
NEW WESTMINSTER
Lighthouse LR 604-364-7424 Call
Moody on the Hill LR moodyonthehill.com Selling Now
Pier West HR 604-553-4211 Call
River Queensborough TH 604-438-5050 Call
Timber House LR timberhousebyaragon.ca Register Now
1313 Ambleside Residence TH 1331ambleside.com Now Selling
1515 Rupert LR 236-869-2515 Call
Aire at North Harbour MR northharbourbyconcert.com Now Selling
Apex at Seylynn Village HR/TH/PH apexatseylynn.ca Now Selling
AVA LR 604-736-0050 Call
Baden Park LR/TH badenparkbyanthem.com Register Now
Ebb & Flow GH/CH/TH 604.818.1177 Now Selling
Evolv35 TH 604.785.7653 Call Executive on the Park LR/TH executiveonthepark.com Coming Soon Forest Ridge LR 778-298-2280 Coming Soon
Founder’s Block South TH 604-689-3040 Coming Soon Green on Queensbury LR/TH qualex.ca/green Register Now Innova LR liveinnova.ca Now Selling
Lennox LR 604-988-3617 Now Selling
Lupine Walk Seymour Village LR seymourvillage.com Call Millennium Central Lonsdale LR millenniumlonsdale.com Coming Soon
Neu on 3rd TH neuon3rd.ca Coming Soon Park West HR 604-770-1336 Now Selling
The Trails TH liveat.thetrailslowerlonsdale.com Coming Soon
The Windsor HR 604-256-9178 Call West Oak TH westoakliving.com Now Selling
PITT MEADOWS Nature’s Walk TH 604-262-1850 Now Selling PORT COQUITLAM
DOWNTOWN
1335 Howe HR 604-689-8535 Call
Bailey LR liveatbailey.ca Register Now
Burrard Place two HR burrardplace.ca Call
Curv HR thecurv.ca Coming Soon
Eventide LR eventidethree.com Coming Soon
Landmark on Robson HR 604-566-2288 Call
Mirabel HR 604-681-8110 Call
The Pacific HR grosvenorpacific.com Call
The Thurlow HR downtownabovebeach.com Coming Soon
Thesis LR liveatthesis.com Register Now
Vancouver House HR 604-893-8958 Call
EAST SIDE
2550 Garden Drive LR 2550gardendrive.com. Now Selling Ace one the Drive LR togetheronthedrive.ca. Coming Soon Assembly LR assemblystrathcona.com Coming Soon
Brock House TH/SF 778-388-8682 Call
Clive at Collingwood LR cliveliving.com Coming Soon
Focal LR 604-563-6777 Coming Soon
Frame HR liveatframe.com Coming Soon
Francis TH 604-330-8848 Call
Graphia LR grafia.porte.ca Coming Soon
Linx LR 604-394-2602 Coming Soon
Paragon LR 604-688-5566 Coming Soon
River District Ardea HR wesgroup.ca/ardea Coming Soon
The Saint George TH the saintgeorge.ca Now Selling Shift LR aragon.ca/shift By Appointment
Templeton TH templetonliving.ca Now Selling Triumph TH 604-563-6200 Call
The Windsor HR thewindsorliving.com Now Selling V on E49 LR 778-751-8930. Coming Soon
WEST SIDE
2030 Barclay HR 604-534-2020 Coming Soon
5656 Balaclava LR 5656balaclava.ca Now Selling 99 West MR 604-620-8600 From $528,800 Amber LR/TH 604-871-8600 By Appointment Arbutus LR 604-307-0607 Call Autograph LR autographliving.ca Coming Soon
Coming Soon Carven LR kerrisdalebykenstone.com Coming Soon
by Cressey MR 604-805-1804 Now Selling
Register Now
HR thecurv.ca Register Now
at 39th LR wesgroup.ca/dunbar Call
Call
Anthemproperties.com Coming Soon
gracewestside.com Register Now
NOTE: Pricing is subject to change; please contact the specific development for more up to date details or special promotions.
