GTA New Condo Guide - February 23, 2013

Feb 23 - Mar 9, 2013 Volume 17 Issue 04

Your key to stylish Penthouse living

P o o d l e k e Yc h a i n : t h e m i s s o n i s p r i n g 2 0 13 c o l l e c t i o n

INSIDE inside THIS this ISSUE issue

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editor’s note

Mortgage Pre-Approval is a win-win situation

Susan Legge

Editor-in-chief

Wall2Wall Media Susan.Legge@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/SusanLegge Like us on facebook search: Condo Guide

The Bank of Canada’s latest announcement to hold its interest rate target at 1.0 is not a surprise.

Its been holding since September of 2010 and that’s good news if you’re in the market for a mortgage.

There are many excellent mortgage products available from banks and brokers that will suit your individual needs and are likely lower than posted bank rates, which are currently hovering around three per cent for a variable rate. With a pre-approval in hand, you’re protected if rates rise, and if rates go down you’ll likely get an even lower rate.

A pre-approval can be a winwin situation for shoppers since it means you don’t have to wait to get

financing approval on a condo when you put in an offer. This is an especially good tool to have in markets that are hot. Removing the “conditional on financing” clause could mean your offer is accepted first since you already have your financing in place.

So when will rates rise? It’s anyone’s guess, but most experts agree there’s not going to be any movement until early 2014. The Bank will make its next scheduled rate announcement on March 6th.

Don’t wait until then to get preapproved for a mortgage. It can take a few days. Many lenders now offer online pre-approvals to make the process faster and easier.

Focus on today,

think about tomorrow

janine druery

Editor

Wall2Wall Media Janine.Druery@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/JanineDruery

002 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

If you are in the market for a new condo, you are surely focusing on your present-day needs – and rightly so. You might be looking for hip neighbourhood cafés and bars.

Or maybe your needs are more family-centric and you want good schools and parks. Perhaps you are retiring and would like a place close to shopping and transit.

Whatever your situation, don’t overlook what you will need from your condo a few (or more) years down the road.

I learned this lesson first-hand.

I bought my home seven years ago when I was single (plus dog). Little did I know that two years later I would be married with a baby. I hadn’t looked at nearby schools; I had been concentrating on how close my place was to the nearest subway – and Starbucks.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp. (cmhc.ca) has a good list of things to contemplate when condo-hunting. For instance: › S ize How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want a home office? What about parking facilities? › Features Do you want storage or hobby space? Do you have family members with special needs? › Life stages Do you plan to have children? Do you have teenagers who will be moving away soon?

Are you close to retirement?

Have a look at the CMHC’s Home Features Checklist and add your own needs to the list. It can help you determine what you want in a home today – and what you might need tomorrow.

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feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 003

new condo guide

contributors

Vice-President, Wall2Wall Media

Jacqueline Hill Sales Manager

Conni Robinson Associate Publisher, SWO New Homes & Lifestyle Communities

Susan Maxwell Editor-in-Chief, National Real Estate

Susan Legge Art Director

Sarah Jang Editor

Janine Druery Lydia McNutt (on leave) Contributing Editors

BILD Report

Legally Speaking

style file

Bryan Tuckey

Jayson Schwarz

Yanic Simard

Bryan Tuckey is president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and can be found on Twitter (twitter.com/bildgta), Facebook (facebook.com/ bildgta), Youtube (youtube.com/bildgta) and BILD’s official online blog (bildblogs.ca).

Jayson Schwarz LL.M is a Toronto real estate lawyer and partner in the law firm Schwarz Law LLP. Visit the website at schwarzlaw.ca or email info@schwarzlaw.ca.

Yanic Simard is New Condo Guide’s design editor and the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group, specializing in residential and commercial projects. Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine.

Visit tidg.ca

Wayne Karl, Elisa Krovblit, Silvana Longo, Sara Duck Design Editor

Yanic Simard Senior Account Executive

Dionne Fraser

dionne.fraser@wall2wallmedia.com

Senior Account Executive

Nina Downs

nina.downs@wall2wallmedia.com

Sales & Marketing Co-Ordinator

Terry Bassett Administrative Assistant

Antoinette Jackson Production Manager

Bala Gnanapandithan Production Co-Ordinator

Sandra Hanak-Vujnovic Graphic Designers

Caroline Wassef Sandra Hanak-Vujnovic National Account Manager, Mediative

Paul Slizys on the move

CONDO SENSE

Ben Myers

Barbara Lawlor

Dan Hopkins is chief operating officer at Two Men and a Truck Canada.

For more information visit twomenandatruck.ca

Ben Myers is editor and executive vice-president of Urbanation, a market research firm tracking the new, resale and future condo market since 1981.

Urbanation’s Condominium Market Survey is the industry’s bible for sales and pricing information, as well as analysis that puts all the pieces together.

Barbara Lawlor is president 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 condominium developments in the GTA and overseas.

Dan Hopkins

Condo pro

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COMING SOON CONDO LIVING WITH A DOWNTOWN VIBE INTRODUCING MISSISSAUGA’S EXCITING NEW MASTER PLANNED URBAN COMMUNITY, JUST STEPS TO THE VIBRANT ERIN MILLS TOWN CENTRE WITH OVER 180 SHOPS, DINING AND SERVICES. LIVE NEAR EXISTING PARKS, TRAILS, PUBLIC TRANSIT AND SCHOOLS. DOWNTOWN ERIN MILLS OFFERS A FINE COLLECTION OF URBAN CONDOMINIUM DESIGNS AND INSPIRED AMENITIES. SUITES FROM THE MID $200’s

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table of contents

February 23 to March 9, 2013 volume 17 issue 04

20 CASA II

PENTHOUSES Yorkville chic meets Missoni magic

columns, news & features 126 002 Editor’s note Columnists

016 bild report Supply and demand in the new homes market by bryan tuckey

028 legally speaking Financing: What happens if it goes wrong? by jayson schwarz

032 fundamentally speaking Buying a home isn’t only about “location, location, location” by wayne karl

033 Money matters RRSPs aren’t just for retirement anymore by gail vaz-oxlade

046 investor advice Five questions for first-time condo investors

080 condo sense Buying a new condo shouldn’t be scary

048 taxing issues First-time buyers: Buy when you’re ready and able

098 Quick Tips Organize, de-clutter and streamline your environment

by andrew la fleur

by henry choo chong

060 Condo pro Condos offer residents a real sense of community by barbara lawlor

072 architecture The realm of possibilities in architectural vision by harry kohn

076 style file Trends for a beautiful and purposeful kitchen by yanic simard

by ben myers

by Hellen Buttigieg

116 fitness gallery When it comes to your condo’s gym, location in everything by mark j. stables

122 Make Your Move How to safely transport your electronic equipment by dan hopkins

124 scrumpdillyicious Enjoy Caramelized Onion, Pancetta and Gorgonzola Quiche

by Leslie styles

126 designer touch Decorate in style – and have enough money left to enjoy your space by erica gelman

In The News

018 the industry BILD honours two of its members with awards 044 condo market Urbanation says the condo rental market was “hot” in 2012

condo profileS 40

concord adex

Opus The newest condominium at the vibrant community of Concord Park Place

96

pinnacle international

Pinnacle Centre The Sky Penthouses have officially landed 76

054 housing market Canadian home sales edge higher in January 070 condo snapshot Copeland House Phase II selling well 106 bmo report Young Canadians are not confident in their ability to save for retirement 120 rbc poll The majority of Canadians managed to keep their holiday spending in check Features

058 small spaces Five tips for decorating your small space by lisa canning

40 96

066 hot topic The ideal community: factors and features to consider

030 debt check-up Are you at risk if interest rates rise?

084 your small space How colour can help you make the most of your compact digs

by Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault

102 downsizing Ways to downscale to your dream home on a limited budget

by Jonathan scott and Drew Scott

Homebuyers’ Help

024 finances Figure out your GDS Ratio to find out how much home you can afford

042 financial advice Five important financial questions for this economy 056 buying a home A free, online calculator will help you decide if you can afford to buy 064 your money How to build a Canadian credit rating 068 decorating tips Five ways to create a warm, hospitable home 082 quick tips Cures for some common design decision headaches

086 condo watch 416 Previews, new releases and grand openings in the 416 area 108 tips & TRICKS What to avoid when buying a home for the first time 110 condo watch 905 Previews, new releases and grand openings in the 905 area 129 Condo Buyers’ Resource Section You love the home, see what you can afford 134 Index of advertisers

014 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

COMING SOON THE DAWN OF A NEW LANDMARK COMMUNITY

COMING SOON

DANIELS IS INTRODUCING A NEW LANDMARK COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF ERIN MILLS Following the spectacular success of Daniels’ award-winning community in Mississauga’s City Centre, Daniels’ pioneering vision comes to downtown Erin Mills, with a new landmark master-planned condominium community. Built on quality, integrity and enriched with vibrant amenities, Daniels Erin Mills is set to become the newest “it” destination in the GTA – a place where residents live, work, shop, dine, play and call home.

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Exclusive Listing: CityLife Realty Ltd. Brokerage. Brokers Protected. Illustrations are artist’s concept. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E.&.O.E. All brand names, logos, images, text and graphics are the copyright of the owners, The Daniels Corporation. Reproduction in any form, without prior written permission of The Daniels Corporation, is strictly prohibited.

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feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 015

bild report

// By bryan tuckey

Supply and demand

in the new homes market

W

Bryan Tuckey is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and can be found on Twitter (twitter.com/bildgta), Facebook (facebook.com/bildgta), Youtube (youtube.com/bildgta) and BILD’s official online blog (bildblogs.ca).

hen talk around the dinner table turns to how young people these days are going to be able to afford to buy their first home, I know it’s not just our industry thinking about this incredibly complex issue. It’s on everyone’s mind, especially in the GTA. It’s not easy to explain over the course of a meal, or even in a 500-word column but I’ve got some insight I’d like to share about the affordability of a new home, which is directly affected by supply and demand.

We’ve got demand in the GTA, and it’s clear by the number of people who choose this burgeoning region as their home – about 100,000 annually – that people want to live here.

Public policy has an impact on the housing market. For example, we have provincial public policy that protects areas such as the Greenbelt, as well as policy directing where and how the GTA is intended to grow over the next 20 years.

The imbalance in the market has compromised affordability and housing choice for new home purchasers.

016 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

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When looking at the supply end of the equation, I look to three key indicators.

They are: the average price of a home, the difference in price between a new highrise and a lowrise home, and the amount of remaining inventory of homes.

NEW HOME SALES IN THE GTA

HOUSING PRICE INDEX IN THE GTA

When looking at the supply end of the equation, I look to three key indicators. They are: the average price of a home, the difference in price between a new highrise and a lowrise home, and the amount of remaining inventory of homes.

With the help of RealNet Canada, our source of new homes market intelligence, BILD monitors these indicators and we have been for years.

For my first indicator, the average price of a home, I look back 10

years to when the market looked very different than it does today.

Back in 2003, the majority of new homes for sale were in the lowrise sector, which includes detached, semi-detached and townhomes and the average price was $321,542.

This region is forecast to welcome a million more over the next two decades, and they have to live and work somewhere.

However, at the end of last year, the average price of a new groundrelated home in the GTA reached $632,868. That’s 16 per cent higher than the year prior.

Here’s where my second indicator comes in: the difference in price between a lowrise home and a highrise home. The data shows that 10 years ago that spread was $67,133, and last year it was $196,844.

The imbalance in the market has compromised affordability and housing choice for new home purchasers.

This brings me to my third indicator: the remaining inventory of new ground-related homes in the GTA. At the end of last year, there were slightly more than 7,500 new detached, semi-detached and townhomes remaining for sale across the GTA. That might sound like a lot, but just four years ago, that number was double.

Here’s why it’s a problem: at some point today’s young adults are going to want to buy a home and it is going to be increasingly difficult to find something that suits their lifestyle, in the neighbourhood they want and at a price they can afford.

We all have to work together — the industry, government, special interest groups and residents — to make sure anyone who wants to live in the GTA, can find a place to call home.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 017

the industry

BILD presents Member of the Year and Chair’s Award of Merit Two members of the Building

1 Gary Gregoris

(centre) was presented with the Chair’s Award of Merit by 2011-12 Chair Paul Golini Jr. (right) and President and CEO Bryan Tuckey.

Industry and Land Development

Association (BILD) have been recognized for their tremendous contribution to both the industry and the Association in 2012.

With 400 guests in attendance at the annual Chair’s Dinner, held on February 6, 2013, outgoing BILD Chair Paul Golini presented the prestigious BILD Member of the Year award to Cindy Lloyd and the Chair’s Award of Merit to Gary Gregoris.

Cindy Lloyd, Advertising Sales Manager at the Toronto Star and BILD Board member was named BILD Member of the Year for her volunteerism, participation and commitment. Llloyd is behind such Association successes as the awardwinning fundraiser “Race for Humanity”, and “Shift Happens”, an eight-part civic awareness newspaper series.

“Cindy has gone above and beyond expectations as a member of the BILD Board of Directors, showing that she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to and it’s always in the best interest of the Association and the industry,” says Golini.

Grey Gregoris, Senior Vice President of Land at Mattamy Homes was awarded the Chair’s Award of Merit. This award is bestowed upon a member whose contribution has made a significant difference to the Association and the industry.

“Gary is a long-standing BILD Board member and he has dedicated years of volunteer service on the advocacy side of the Association,” says Golini.

018 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

2 Cindy Lloyd

was awarded BILD Member of the Year on February 6 by President and CEO Bryan Tuckey (left) and 2011-12 Chair Paul Golini Jr.

1

2

In 2011, Gary became Chair of the Growth Plan Advisory Committee, bringing key members to the table to produce a list of recommendations for the implementation of the Growth Plan. A subsequent presentation has been used as an educational tool informing politicians, partners in government, regional planners and more of the industry position.

“Gary is helping this Association make a difference in the policies and plans that will shape the GTA,” says Golini.

�a �o�ce vita

LA PIAZZA

LIFE JUST GOT SWEETER AT TREVISO ITALIAN INSPIRED LIVING FROM THE LOW $200’� TO OVER $500,000 Welcome to Italian inspired living complete with stunning landscaping, gorgeous amenities and luxurious suites.

EXCITING PROMOTIONS AND GREAT SELECTION OF SUITES STILL AVAILABLE SO HURRY IN!

TREVISOCONDOS.COM 416 787 8882 Exclusive Broker Milborne Real Estate Inc. Brokers Protected.

Promotions may be changed and/or cancelled at any time without notice. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustration is artist concept. E. & O.E.

PRESENTATION CENTRE IS LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF DUFFERIN ST. & LAWRENCE AVE. MONDAY TO THURSDAY 12PM -6PM SATURDAY, SUNDAY 12PM - 5PM FRIDAY & HOLIDAYS CLOSED

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 019

cover story

Yorkville Chic Meets Missoni Magic A spectacular collection of penthouse designs at CASA II

The next level of chic Yorkville living is here. Following the phenomenal success

of its Casa II Condominiums, Cresford Developments will shortly unveil a spectacular collection of new penthouse designs on its upper floors. Boasting all of the architectural grandeur and lifestyle that Cresford is known for, Casa II goes one step further with a unique offering – amenity spaces will be furnished by internationally renowned fashion house, MissoniHome.

As an innovative homebuilder, Cresford always looks for unique and distinctive ways to set its communities apart from the competition. We have seen this in two previous Cresford communities – NXT, which has interiors furnished by Fendi Casa and Casa I, with furnishings by Armani Casa. Casa II will be the third condominium to continue this 020 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

tradition through its association with legendary Italian fashion label, Missoni Home. At Casa II, inspirations and emotions are woven together into a unique tapestry of Missoni colours, textures and styles. It’s a distinctive fashion language that speaks volumes without saying a word.

The sculptural 56-storey glass tower, designed by the acclaimed Peter Clewes of architectsAlliance, will present a dramatic façade in the Yonge and Bloor neighbourhood.

The magnificent atrium lobby makes a distinguished statement of arrival, with a soaring 20-ft. ceiling and a luxurious ambience where every pattern and every design is a tribute to the famed artistry of Missoni Home. Residents will enjoy a wealth of recreational and entertainment amenities, including a magnificent outdoor pool, two luxuriously appointed guest suites, a fully equipped fitness facility with his/hers change rooms, a large outdoor terrace with barbecue and cabana-style seating, a cozy and comfortable residents lounge and an elegantly designed party room with catering kitchen for stylish entertaining.

Designed with elegance and detailed to perfection with an eclectic selection of features and finishes, the new Penthouse Collection will offer spectacular views from spacious wraparound balconies. Bright, spacious and airy open concept interiors, tall nine-ft. ceilings and a choice of designer-selected flooring are some of the exquisite features in the main living areas. Designer kitchens come with natural stone or quartz countertops, ceramic tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

Casa II is located in the heart of Yorkville, Canada’s most exclusive luxury shopping and culture district. Known for its sensuous glamour and world-class elegance, Yorkville is home to designer label shopping, gourmet eateries and fine hotels, with such iconic names as Prada and Pusateri’s, Gucci and

Casa II is a signature development of Cresford, an established residential developer with a reputation for consistently meeting and exceeding the condominium needs of its purchasers.

Cresford’s fine condominiums in Toronto include Thornwood, Merchandise Building, QUAD and CASA with the upcoming MYC, NXT, Lofts 399, and 1Thousand Bay.

Cartier, Holt Renfrew and Williams-Sonoma. With renowned museums and galleries, you’ll find art and culture at virtually every corner. Chic salons and spas let you pamper yourself in style, while award-winning restaurants invite you to indulge your tastebuds. This is the cultural heart of Toronto, where the best things in life are at your doorstep.

Casa II is a signature development of Cresford, an established residential developer with a reputation for consistently meeting and exceeding the condominium needs of its purchasers. Cresford’s fine condominiums in Toronto include Thornwood, Merchandise Building, QUAD and CASA with the upcoming MYC, NXT, Lofts 399, and 1Thousand Bay. Cresford believes in doing things differently and doing things right – with an enthusiastic commitment to the homeowner, their life and style.

Register now to get on the penthouse priority preview list and take advantage of first-choice penthouse suite selection before they open to the public. To register, go to casa2condominiums.com. feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 021

5

% DOWN

PAYMENT.

MOVE IN

SPRING 2013

*

Up to $8,000 cash back!*

One Sherway. Many Reasons.

Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to live in an award-winning community.

One Sherway is lifestyle living without the high-end price tag. Offering you a chance to loosen the purse strings and indulge in the amenities that surround you. With access to the TTC steps from your home and one of Canada’s most luxurious malls in your backyard, relish in the opportunity to experience life on a grander scale.

Come discover a Mike Niven designed living experience, priced starting from $272,990. Parking included.

The Queensway

QEW

y.

Expw

Evans Ave.

The East Mall

iner

Gard

Browns Line

Hwy 427

all est M The W

Sherway Gardens

Presentation Centre and Model Suite 225 Sherway Gardens Road, Suite 103, Etobicoke Across from Sherway Gardens onesherway.com | 416-695-3535

*Limited time offer. Cash back amount to be credited on closing. Offer subject to change or withdrawal without notice.

Please see sales representative for details . E.&.O.E. Illustrations and renderings are artist concept only. February 2013.

finances

Can you afford

your dream home? calculation of the total maximum housing payment that you can afford, including your mortgage, property taxes, heating and cooling costs, and condo fees.

Figure out your GDS Ratio to find out how much home you can afford:

Whether your dream home is a Victorian character

home in the city, a sleek condo with 360-degree views, or a sprawling rancher in the suburbs, figuring out how much house you can afford is critical before making any decisions.

“A helpful place to start is by figuring out your Gross Debt Service (GDS) Ratio,” recommends Ron Abraham, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. Gross Debt Service Ratio is a

Be sure to consider the size of your down payment, your interest rate and the number of years on your mortgage 024 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

›› Add up your gross monthly income and multiply by 32 per cent. This figure is the maximum monthly housing payment that you can afford. It should never exceed 32 per cent of your gross monthly income. ›› You must also factor in one-time costs and insurance. These include a home inspection, Lawyer fees, Realtor fees, moving expenses and HST on new houses. ›› Be sure to consider the size of your down payment, your interest rate and the number of years on your mortgage. ›› For help figuring out what you can realistically afford to pay for a home, enlist the services of a Realtor. Your Realtor will help you understand property financing, taxes, insurance and the steps you will have to take as a buyer to complete a real estate transaction. You can also contact the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) at 1.800.563.

HOME for a free guide on home buying and selling. NC

COMING THIS SPRING SUITES FROM THE LOW $200,000s or $1,489/MONTH

2GOOD 2MISS FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO OWN AT DANIELS’ LANDMARK NY TOWERS COMMUNITY Introducing NY2 CONDOMINIUMS - the exciting sequel to the highly successful NY Place Boutique Condominiums by Daniels.

Edgy. Hip. Cool. And filled with fresh amenities!

Already under construction, NY2 is just steps to the subway and minutes to shopping, dining and theatre.

REGISTER NOW

FOR OUR UPCOMING RENT-TO-OWN SEMINARS

Best of all, Daniels is once again offering their bold new direction in homeownership with Toronto’s ONLY Rent-To-Own Program - part of your rent goes towards your down payment.

Now that’s smart. NY2. 2 Good 2 Miss!

NY2CONDOS.COM

416.221.3939 Exclusive Listing: CityLife Realty Ltd, Brokerage. Brokers Protected. *Daniels’ Rent-To-Own Program is only available on a select number of suites. Prices, specifications and programs are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are artist concept. E. & O.E. All brand names, logos, images, text and graphics are the copyright of the owners, The Daniels Corporation. Reproduction in any form, without written permission of The Daniels Corporation, is strictly prohibited.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 025

ADDRESS YOUR LIFE. LIVE AT THE CENTRE OF IT ALL. YONGE + RICHMOND REGISTER FOR PREVIEW VISIT YONGEANDRICH.COM

FROM $289,990

CONDOMINIUMS COMING SPRING 2013.

Live at the centre of it all with everything you can imagine. Enjoy easy access to the subway, the PATH, the Eaton Centre, U of T and the Financial and Entertainment districts.

Live with luxury amenities, expansive terraces and breathtaking views of the lake.

Redefine world class living at Yonge + Rich. Yonge at heart and rich in possibilities.

REGISTER FOR A PREVIEW AT YONGEANDRICH.COM | 416 492 7420

Exclusive Listing: Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Brokerage. Brokers Protected.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 026

A MODERN DAY MASTERPIECE

BRK

12’-0” O.

19’-1”

11’-11” 11’-0”

BEDROOM 3

DINING

BALCONY

9’-0” 11’-0”

W D

KITCHEN

12’-0”

LIMITED SUITES AVAILABLE! - PRESTIGIOUS LIVING AT THE OLD MILL

- STUNNING VIEWS - METICULOUS SUITE DESIGNS - FROM THE LOW $500’S - OUTSTANDING AMENITIES TO OVER $1.7 MILLION

17’-3”

P.

- HEIRLOOM FINISHES

LAUNDRY

ONLY 5% OR 10% DEPOSIT REQUIRED LIVING

FOYER

CONSTRUCTION WELL UNDERWAY!

BATHROOM

POWDER

SITE

JANE STREET

21’-4”

OLD MILL DRIVE

OCCUPANCY FALL 2013 NEW SALES CENTRE & MODEL SUITE OPENING MAY 2013 RD. ILL DM OL OLD MILL INN

REGISTER NOW FOR THE NEW PRESENTATION CENTRE EVENT! BLOOR STREET WEST RIVERHOUSECONDOS.CA 416.766.7343

W.I.C.

SITE

D. LR MIL

D OL OLD MILL INN

21’-0” SITTING AREA

BEDROOM 2

BLOOR STREET WEST

MASTER BEDROOM

10’-0”

JANE STREET

W.I.C. W.I.C.

OLD MILL DRIVE

ENSUITE

30 OLD MILL ROAD, TORONTO MONDAY - WEDNESDAY: 12PM - 6PM SAT & SUN: 12PM - 5PM CLOSED: THURS., FRI. AND HOLIDAYS RIVERHOUSE AT THE OLD MILL PRESENTATION CENTRE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED AT THE TREVISO PRESENTATION CENTRE LOCATED AT DUFFERIN ST & LAWRENCE AVE W.

12’-2”

12’-8”

Exclusive Broker Milborne Real Estate Inc. Brokers Protected. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. Promotions may be changed and/or cancelled at any time without notice. Only 5% deposit is required for one bedroom suites. Only 10% deposit is required for 2 bedroom suites or larger.

Balance to 20% not required until occupancy. 2-7TH Limited FLOOR time offer.

Illustration is artist concept. E.+O.E. - 3B

2152 SF

04

05

06

07

03

03

04

05

06

08 02

01 TYPICAL FLOOR 2-6

09

07 02

01

08

FLOOR 7

THE KINGSGROVE 3 BEDROOM | 2152 SQ.FT. feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 027

legally speaking

// by jayson Schwarz

Financing:

Jayson Schwarz LL.M. is a Toronto real estate lawyer and partner in the law firm Schwarz Law LLP. Visit schwarzlaw. ca or email info@schwarzlaw.ca and give us your questions, concerns, critiques and quandaries.

B

efore you go new-home shopping, visit your bank, trust company or other financial institution to see what amount of mortgage you qualify for. Take your significant other, if you have one, because everyone’s income and assets help. Once you know how much you can borrow, secure the best rate you can and lock it in for as long a period as possible. Don’t be afraid to negotiate – the banks want and need your business. Don’t be afraid to shop around for rates and lock-in periods.

You should also visit the sales centre armed with your knowledge and check what mortgage rate and term the builder is offering. Take note that the builder may have brought the rate down to make his/her

028 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

What happens if it goes wrong?

package more attractive or forced his/her bank as part of his deal with them to offer special rates. Remember, if your bank’s offered rate and terms are close, you may be able to negotiate a better deal with the builder. If you do not take the builder mortgage you may be able to get some leverage in your overall negotiations as the builder may save money by not having to pay his/her bank for the better rate. Question this and make sure you understand all of the financing details. Regardless of where you go to get financing, get your commitment in writing!

When we walk into that sales centre, all ready to buy our beautiful new home, perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle we need to have is security in our financial arrangements. A tragedy waiting to happen occurs when you sign an unconditional offer, give your hardearned, harder-saved deposit to the builder and later find out you do not qualify for the mortgage. In other words, don’t buy the home unless you have a mortgage commitment or a conditional deal. This leads us into the next part of the discussion – what happens if it goes wrong?

An Agreement of Purchase and Sale for the purchase of land is a contract, and once it is signed it binds both parties to certain obligations.

If either party does not hold up to their end of the arrangement, they can be held liable to the other party for either specific performance or damages. Firstly, if the purchasers default, they will likely lose their deposit. The builder will then have the option of suing to force them to close the deal and pay all legal fees related thereto, or sue them for any damages the builder might suffer before he resells the condo (for items such as interest, changes and price differential) and legal fees.

Sometimes, in a booming market, kind-hearted builders will release purchasers who have made a mistake or encountered personal tragedies.

But don’t count on it!

Before you go new-home shopping, visit your bank, trust company or other financial institution to see what amount of mortgage you qualify for The moral of the story is to make sure you have financing or that the offer is conditional for a few days on both financing and review by a lawyer. It is critical you get the right advice, and only a lawyer can provide legal advice – that is the law. When you select a lawyer, find one who cares about you and a long-term relationship.

029

debt check-up

Are you at risk

if interest rates rise? monthly payments, and list them on the Debt Check-up worksheet available on FCAC’s website, itpaystoknow.gc.ca. Next, talk to your lenders to find out how much your payments could increase if interest rates go up.

Then, see if the total would still be within your comfort zone and, if not, consider your options, like consolidating loans, to find ways to have more money available to repay debts and save for your goals.

the debt check-up. This look at your financial health will help you determine whether you would be able to handle increased payments if interest rates go up. While those rates are now at all-time lows, they will likely rise some time in the future.

“Canadians need to look at how much debt they are carrying, particularly in the amount of their mortgages, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), personal lines of credit and variable-rate personal loans,” says Ursula Menke, Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC). For example, a couple with a 3.1 per cent variable interestrate mortgage of $277,658 could see their mortgage payments increase anywhere from $72 per month (or $864 per year) if interest rates go up 0.5 per cent, to $145 per month (or $1,740 per year) if interest rates go up one per cent.

To do a debt check-up, look at your current total

Here’s a new check-up to consider:

030 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

To do a debt check-up, look at your current total monthly payments, and list them on the Debt Check-up worksheet available on FCAC’s website, itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

Other tips that might help you get out of debt are to stop using credit cards and look at ways to save money. Use your debit card or cash to pay for purchases, avoid buying that daily coffee, bring your lunch to work or take public transit. NC

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 031

fundamentally speaking

// by wayne karl

buying a home?

Pay attention to location, information and timing

when searching for a home; the more of them your home has when you go to sell, the more desirable it will be to a greater number of people. This equates to demand – multiple offers and a higher price.

Wayne Karl is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business. In Fundamentally Speaking, Wayne explores the basics – such as economic fundamentals – you need to examine when buying property. He can be reached at wayne. karl@wall2wallmedia.com or follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/WayneKarl

D

espite what you often hear, buying a home isn’t only about “location, location, location.” True, this is the timetested first rule of real estate, but there are other determining factors to consider as part of your selection process. Indeed, there’s a new rule of thumb for buying real estate.

Location First, what does that old adage really mean? Of course, we’d all love a high-end home in the best neighbourhood, but that’s not always possible. For your own enjoyment while you live in your home, as well as for future resale potential, proximity to transportation, shopping, schools and other amenities is among the key determinants that affect your property’s appeal and ultimately its value. After all, those are the qualities potential buyers look for

032 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Information Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, “buying up” to accommodate a growing family or “right-sizing” as an empty nester, education is critical. And these days, with digital media and mobile technology, all the information you need is at your fingertips. From the content here in this magazine or on our sister website, HomeTRADER.ca, to the resources available to you at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), to the local market expertise of your Realtor, the more knowledge you have, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions about buying, maintaining and eventually selling your home.

Timing Though your home is your primary residence, it is also an investment.

Where you buy is usually determined largely by where you want to live, work and play. But when you buy and sell is also important. Like any financial instrument, real estate can fluctuate in value and your timing can determine how good of an investment it is. Given today’s challenging economic climate, there’s no shortage of media reports on the ups, downs, crashes and surges of the housing market. But if you’ve done your research, you won’t be scared – or excited – by big-picture reports on short-term market performance. You know that real estate is not national or even regional – it’s very specific. You don’t buy the Canadian market and you don’t buy a provincial or even regional market. You buy a specific home, on a specific street in a specific neighbourhood.

So, it’s not just about “location, location, location.” The new adage is “location, information and timing.” Do well with all three, and over the long haul your home is going to be one of the best lifestyle and investment decisions you ever made.

The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions about buying, maintaining and eventually selling your home

Where will your life storey take you?

Location, location, location! It’s the mantra for smart buyers in the city.

One exceptional new condominium transcends all others as the smartest destination around. Introducing 365 Church. In the heart of the action, steps from almost every amenity on earth. Shop for groceries where hockey legends were born.

Live where perfection is the norm.

Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Illustrations are artist’s concept. E.&O.E. Brokers Protected. January 2013.

Coming soon to Church & Carlton. Register at menkes.com

Your life storey starts here.

Coming soon

Coming soon

Coming soon

Now open

Move in now

Move in this year

Under construction

Under construction

York & Harbour Toronto Register now at menkes.com

Church & Carlton Toronto Register now at menkes.com

Peter & King Toronto Register now at menkes.com

Richmond & Spadina Toronto from the mid $200’s 416.591.7700

Bay & Yorkville Toronto from $1.9 million yorkvilleresidences.com

Evans & QEW Etobicoke Starting from $272,990 onesherway.com

Yonge & Park Home North York from $384,990 416.730.9722

Avenue & Davenport Toronto Starting from $381,990 416.323.0100

Prices and specifications are subject to change. E.&O.E. January 2013. 20134.

menkes.com

money matters

// by gail vaz-oxlade

a Favourite Way to Save

RRSPs aren’t just for retirement anymore

T Gail Vaz-Oxlade is the host of Til Debt Do Us Part, author of Debt Free Forever and blogs daily at gailvazoxlade.com. Follow Gail on Twitter at twitter.com/GailVazOxlade

One of the first questions you have to ask yourself when you’re trying to choose investments for your RRSP is, “When am I going to use this money?”

here was a time when the only thing a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) was used for was saving for retirement. The advisor mantras, “Never touch this money” and “An RRSP is a long-term investment,” echoed through the pages of the popular press. And, for as long as RRSPs were just for retirement, investing the assets accumulated was a simple exercise in balancing your willingness to take some risk against the kind of return you expected to earn.

But RRSPs aren’t just for retirement anymore. The government allows you to use your RRSP as a savings plan for a down payment on a home. It allows you to use your RRSP to finance your ongoing education. And those who wish to raise a family or go on sabbatical have long employed the RRSP as an income-averaging tool. It’s even used as an emergency fund by those who have suddenly found themselves unemployed. It would be fair to say that the RRSP has become Canadians’ favourite savings account.

The problem with an RRSP being all things to all people is that its wider scope, its greater flexibility, its move from a hands-off-don’t-ever-touch-themoney retirement plan to a you-can-use-it-whenever-you-can-justify-it savings account, is that the process of identifying your investment strategy has become more complex.

Most people say they don’t have enough money to maximize their RRSP and set aside a non-registered emergency fund, which at least in part, explains the overlap between retirement savings and other types of savings that often takes place within an RRSP. One of the first questions you have to ask yourself when you’re trying to choose investments for your RRSP is, “When am I going to use this money?”

If you’re using a portion of your RRSP savings as your emergency fund, then you’ll need to keep that portion of the RRSP assets fairly liquid so you can get at the money if an emergency arises. And if you’re going to tap your RRSP within the next year or three to buy a home, that money isn’t destined for long-term investment; you’ve got a short- to medium-term investment horizon and must choose investments that suit. So you’ll have to forgo equities in favour of a more conservative investment portfolio. Since you don’t have the time to wait out the bumps in the road that are part of the equityinvestment experience, you’ll have to settle for less return.

Being clear on how you plan to use your RRSP dollars is especially important when those dollars are being contributed to a spousal plan or the contributing spouse could find money withdrawn from that plan taxed in his or her hands. That’s because the rules for withdrawals from a spousal RRSP state that if money is taken feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 033

While the money in your RRSP is your money and you get to decide how to spend it, it’s important not to sacrifice your long-term goals for shortterm ones. from a spousal plan within three calendar years of a contribution to any spousal RRSP, that money could be taxable in the hands of the original contributor. And that of course would completely defeat the income-averaging strategy the couple had set out to use.

Make spousal contributions by the end of the calendar year, as opposed to the first 60 days of the new year since spousal contributions are measured on a calendar year basis. If you delay your contribution until January, you’ll end up extending the withdrawal period by another calendar year.

If you’ve recently lost your job, you may be thinking of using your RRSP as a source of income while you search for another. That can be a good plan, particularly where you received a severance that is eligible for rollover to an RRSP. Keep a portion of any severance you’ve rolled to your RRSP fairly liquid until your probation period (at a new job) is over. Did you get laid off late in the year? Try to hold off taking withdrawals from your RRSP until the new year if you think you may be in a lower tax bracket.

Most advisors agree you should rollover as much of your severance as you’re eligible to. For those people who have more severance than rollover room, this would be the time to catch up all that carry-forward room.

Perhaps the toughest part about using your RRSP for myriad purposes is keeping track of which of your RRSP dollars are for what. Here, consolidation may work against you. Instead, consider opening up a separate RRSP for each of your purposes and file your statements based on what you’re trying to accomplish. So all of those Bank of Montreal statements would go in your “Home Ownership RRSP,” while your TD Canada Trust statements would go to your “Retirement RRSP.” Separate accounts will not only 034 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

help you stay focused on the purpose for which you are saving, it will allow you to keep your time horizon in perspective.

As you get closer to your objective for that plan your investment horizon changes and so, too, should your asset mix. If you’re planning to return to school seven years down the road, you might remix your portfolio at the five-year, three-year, and one-year marks.

Finally, while the money in your RRSP is your money and you get to decide how to spend it, it’s important not to sacrifice your long-term goals for short-term ones.

It’s easy to get focused on a single objective to the exclusion of all others. But to be balanced, you need to take a look at what you want your savings to do for you longterm, as well as short- and mediumterm. So, if you’re saving for a home, instead of putting this year’s total RRSP contribution into your “Home Ownership RRSP,” consider dividing it equally between home ownership and retirement. Yes, it will take a little longer to get into your dream home. But when you do, you won’t be behind the eight ball in terms of retirement planning.

NOW SELLING TOUR MODEL SUITE TODAY

RESIDENTIAL | RETAIL | OFFICE A visionary master-planned community in the heart of Woodbridge. A soaring tower with a dramatic podium, connecting you to a world of elegant suites, amenities and retail services. This is where it all comes together with style and class.

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SALES OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Weekends & Holidays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday Closed

All illustrations are artist’s concept only. ©2012 Liberty Development Corporation. All rights reserved. Brokers Protected.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 035

LOCATION, LUXURY, YONge ST.

FINAL SeLeCTION OF SUITeS AT THIS HILLTOP LOCATION ON YONge • Now

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www.MyLibertyCondo.ca 036 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

LIFeSTYLe & LIBeRTY! THORNHILL

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DANFORTH AVe.

HWY 7

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• Choice condos still available from $239,300

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• Danforth Living from $960/month** HWY 407

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neW lOCaTiOn! ROYal GaRDens 505 Highway 7 East, Unit 61

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SHEPPARD AVE. HWY 401

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All renderings are artist’s concept. Prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. Brokers protected. See Sales Representative for details.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 037

038

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 039

condo profile

Create your

Moments At Opus

p

repare to begin a new chapter in your life at Opus, the newest condominium at the vibrant community of Concord Park Place.

“Life at Opus is all about living in the moment,” says Brian Fong, senior manager of project marketing at Concord Adex. “Our days are full of the moments that make up our lives.

At Opus, you’ll live each moment to the fullest, in Ultra HD with surround sound.”

Comprised of two towers, one rising 36 storeys, the second 35 storeys, Opus is designed by Page + Steele/IBI Group Architects and features interiors by figure3.

Suites at Opus will range from efficiently designed 475-sq.-ft. compact studios right up to spacious three-bedroom designs of 1,068 sq. ft.

All suites boast expansive nine-foot ceilings, extra-large open balconies, high-quality

040 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

laminate flooring and roller-shade window coverings.

Whether you love to prepare gourmet dishes or delight in dashing off a quick meal, your kitchen at Opus will make dining in a pleasure. Kitchens feature Carrara marble backsplashes, composite quartz countertops, thermofoil cabinetry with open display shelves, under-cabinet lighting and Blum soft-close hardware. Your Opus kitchen will also include an undermount stainless steel sink – an expensive upgrade in most condominiums – and a premium appliance package.

Washroom features at Opus include polished Carrara marble wall tile and honed Carrara marble floor tile as well as quartz countertops, undermount sinks and custom medicine cabinets with shelving, mirrors and built-in lighting.

Beyond your suite, prepare to be dazzled by the amenities Opus has to offer. From a Zen courtyard to a fully equipped fitness gym complete with a children’s play area, Opus has something for everyone. Your furry friend will enjoy the pet spa, while visitors can stay the night in the exclusive guest suites.

Host a meeting at Opus’ own meeting room or settle in for alfresco dining in the social quadrangle complete with barbecue.

Meanwhile, the MegaClub Facilities are a sports fan’s delight.

Residents can shoot hoops with friends at the full-size basketball court, or join a game of volleyball or badminton on the spacious badminton courts. The MegaClub also boasts bowling lanes, lawn bowling, a tennis court and even a golf putting green. No doubt you’ll want to unwind with friends and neighbours after all that activity, so gather at the MegaClub’s party lounge, complete with a pool table.

All that Opus has to offer extends well beyond your front

door. Opus is a follow-up to the successful Discovery and Tango projects at Concord Park Place, a 45-acre, master-planned community and home to 20 buildings, ranging from lowrise to highrise, comprising a total of 5,000 homes. The community is complete with a public square, spaces to walk, bike trails, green space and a diverse range of public art and other local amenities.

Ideally located in the City of North York, Concord Park Place has easy access to two subway stations, GO station and an exemplary bus transit service. As well, an exclusive shuttle bus is available to pick residents up at their doorstep and take them to the Sheppard subway line during rush hour. The shuttle also travels to Bayview Village and Fairview Mall during off-peak hours. Opus is also minutes from major highways including the 401 and the Don Valley Parkway/404.

To learn more about how to live every moment of your life to the fullest at Opus, visit the Concord Park Place presentation centre at 1001 Sheppard Avenue East, visit concordparkplace.ca or call 416.813.2999.

Hours are: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 041

financial advice

Five important

financial questions for this economy Near the end of 2012, the economists at Desjardins Group predicted that it would be harder than expected to get back to normal financially in 2013. Canada’s economy continues to feel the effects of a weakening global demand, the public sector has entered austerity mode and the housing market is slowing. So what does that mean for your financial strategy? Here are some examples of questions and answers to help start the conversation with your financial advisor.

1

Should I continue contributing to my RRSP? Yes. The decision to contribute to an RRSP is independent of the changes occurring on financial markets. This is actually defined by your investor profile to help determine which investments you should choose. In addition to still being an excellent tax shelter, your RRSP can help you to achieve your retirement or education goals, or even to purchase a property.

2

Should I change my investment strategy?

That depends. Have you given your portfolio a check-up? This is something you should do every six to 12 months to make sure it still reflects your investment goals. For example, some investors may prefer to protect their capital by investing in fixed income products.

Or some see this type of market as an excellent time to invest in some bargains. The important thing is to be comfortable with your own strategy and to invest for the long term.

042 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

3

Should I take advantage of this situation to pay down my mortgage?

Yes, if you can afford to, paying down your mortgage is a good decision. This leaves you free to contribute more to your registered and non-registered investments.

4

Is this a good time to buy a property?

Buying property is always a good idea, as long as you stay within your financial means.

Your borrower profile is a very useful tool to help you deal with changing interest rates.

Simulations that take several variables into account can also help you better understand the nature and consequences of the choices you’re making.

5

I’m nearing retirement age.

Should I put it off?

Whether you’re a few years or a few months away from retirement, sit down with your financial advisor to obtain a realistic snapshot of your financial situation. He or she can present you with a few scenarios to help ensure that your savings last. With the proper asset mix, you will be able to manage future market fluctuations and changes in your expenses.

Review these questions and more with your financial advisor. Or for more immediate answers to your financial questions, and to access calculators and simulators, visit Desjardins Group at Desjardins.com. NC

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Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustration is artist’s concept. E.&O.E.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 043

condo market The rental condominium market

Rental CONDO MARKET hot in 2012

044 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

was hot last year, according to Urbanation Inc., the leading source of information and analysis on the Toronto condominium market.

According to Urbanation’s Q4-2012 UrbanRental report, there were more registered unfurnished condominium apartment units leased through the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) in 2012 than resold (15,355 versus 15,292), as demand for investor-held private rental suites remained strong.

In the fourth quarter of last year, there were 3,292 rental transactions in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), an increase of 13 per cent year-overyear from 2,902 in the fourth quarter of 2011. Index rents increased 3.2 per cent annually to $2.29 per sq. ft. (The average was $1,836 per month for 803 sq. ft.).

While listings in the resale condo market declined annually in Q4-2012 (minus four per cent),

rental condominium listings increased by 11 per cent. Despite the jump in supply, the Lease-toListings Ratio (LLR) increased year-over-year from 64.8 per cent in the last quarter of 2011 to 66.5 per cent in the same quarter of 2012.

“An LLR above 50 per cent would likely be considered a landlord’s market, anything below 40 per cent a renter’s market, and anything in between being a balanced market” says Ben Myers, Urbanation Executive Vice President. “So to put the 66.5 per cent LLR in perspective, a further 3,500 listings would be required to drop the market into renter’s market territory.”

Myers says the “rental condominium market remains under-supplied, and even if record condominium completions are realized in 2013, Urbanation expects the rental market to remains strong for at least the next 15 to 18 months.”

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feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 045

investor advice

Five questions for

// by andrew la fleur

First-Time Condo Investors

S

o, you’ve decided to buy an investment condo in 2013.

Congratulations! As a first-time investor, there are five questions you need to ask yourself before buying a new condo:

Andrew la Fleur is an award-winning Realtor with Re/Max. Andrew’s expertise is in helping investors make money in the Toronto condo market. Check out his blog at truecondos.com.

Most new condos will require a 15 to 20 per cent deposit up front, as well as a mortgage approval letter showing you can afford the unit you are purchasing.

1 | What are your goals?

Before you buy any investment condo, you should figure out what your goals are. Are you looking to make a short- or long-term investment? What kind of return are you looking to achieve? Are you more interested in income or capital gain – or both? Deciding what your goals are up front will better help you achieve them in the long run.

2 | What can you afford?

Talk to your mortgage broker or lender and get a mortgage pre-approval before you start your search. This will help you figure out what you can afford, and will help you start to narrow your search.

Also, make sure you are prepared for the developer’s requirements with respect to financing. Most new condos will require a 15 to 20 per cent deposit up front, as well as a mortgage approval letter showing you can afford the unit you are purchasing.

3 | What is your exit strategy?

This is a very important question many first time investors fail to answer before buying a new condo. Will you buy, hold and rent for the long term before selling? Will you buy pre-construction and then flip (assign) your unit prior to the final closing? Will you buy pre-

046 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

construction, close on the unit, rent it out for one or two years, and then sell it? Will you buy, wait for completion, and then refinance and re-invest the proceeds?

Take time to assess the risks and rewards associated with the different exit strategies and start with the end in mind.

4 | What should you buy?

Buying a new condo for investment purposes is different than buying for yourself. Some units make better investments than others.

Questions to consider include: Which locations are likely to experience the most growth in the next few years? What type of unit is the most attractive to renters? Which type of unit tends to appreciate faster than others?

5 | When should you buy?

Understanding the typical marketing cycle that a new condo goes through from pre-construction to completion will help you identify the right time to buy.

When buying for investment, it is generally best to buy at the earliest possible stage when a new building launches. This is when prices are the lowest, and availability of investorgrade suites is highest. But there are other great opportunities to buy, including right before the developer meets the sales target to secure construction financing, or during the occupancy stage. In both of these instances developers tend to be highly motivated to sell and this is when they often introduce great buyer-incentives or cash discounts.

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taxing issues

First-time buyers:

// By henry choo chong

buy when you’re ready and able Q

This year, my wife and I would like to get into our first home. We have saved almost $80,000 for a down payment. This was three years of eating at home, once per week dine out and no vacations. Movies and pub nights were out, with the odd exception. Although the real estate market has changed, homes are pricier than three years ago. Is this the right time to buy? Or should we wait it out? Steve and Kathy, North York

Henry Choo Chong, CGA, sits on many committees and provides accounting and tax services to individuals and businesses in the GTA. He can be reached at 416.485.5225.

Questions to Taxing Issues can be emailed to choochonghcga@yahoo.ca

The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and not those of New Condo Guide. New Condo Guide does not necessarily endorse or encourage any specific tax strategies.

Please consult a tax professional for advice specific to your particular situation.

An individual and their spouse, provided they qualify, may withdraw up to $25,000 each, taxfree, from their RRSPs. You then have 15 years to repay the amounts to your RRSP, starting after the second year of your withdrawal

A

The Canadian real estate landscape and recently hot cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are showing signs of losing steam and sales slowing down.

Many experts do not foresee a U.S.-style crash, but a decline in sales with moderate price increase for 2013. Quick flips and fast returns may be a thing of the past. The days of multiple offers are behind us for now, and buyers can be more selective.

First-time homebuyers should not try to time the market, but buy when you are ready and able. Leave market timing to the experts, if such a thing exists. A home used as your primary residence is a great investment. From a financial and tax perspective, there are at least three good reasons.

In Canada, the sale of a family home is tax-free. A home that is a principal residence that is subsequently sold at a higher price than initially purchased, will be exempt from income taxes. That’s right, Stephen Harper will not share in your good fortune. Secondly, pay yourself first, not a landlord. For many, mortgage payments are a way of “forced savings.” It makes more economic sense to fatten your pocket than a landlord. Thirdly, you can decorate and enjoy the home as you please. No money saved, but gratifying to the soul.

continued on page 50…

048 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

taxing issues

continued…

Set aside an additional two to three per cent of the purchase price of the house for closing such as Land Transfer Tax, legal costs and unwelcome surprises.

However, before venturing out into the land of homeownership, it would be prudent to do some homework. There have been many changes in 2012 introduced by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty that affect mortgages and the housing industry: ›› Buy what you can afford Many times, the heart is bigger than the pocketbook. Know what price range is comfortable and try not to deviate. ›› G et the best interest rate and terms Shop around for the best rate and terms. Financial institutions want your business more than you need them. A half-point rate differential can cost you thousands. So can a mortgage that is closed or not portable ›› Big down payment Put down as much as possible to avoid a highratio mortgage. Be aware of some new mortgage rules introduced in 2012, such as: - Purchasers requires mortgage insurance (CMHC) for less than 20 per cent down payment - Amortization period is reduced from 30 to 25 years. This could add several hundred dollars to monthly payments - Gross Debt Service Ratio (GDS) is 39 per cent. Banks use this to determine what you can afford based on gross income to housing costs. Check if you are on-side.

050 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

›› First time homebuyers should make sure monthly mortgage payments are manageable and will continue to be so even if interest rates rise as early as next year and payments increase ›› Closing cost Set aside an additional two to three per cent of the purchase price of the house for closing such as Land Transfer Tax, legal costs and unwelcome surprises. You do not want to get caught short several thousand dollars on closing day in order to complete the deal. Speak to a real estate lawyer and he or she will give you some ideas ›› HST, Land Transfer Tax Under certain circumstances, first-time homebuyers will qualify for Toronto Land Transfer Tax and HST rebates.

Remember, you pay 13 per cent HST on new homes, not resales. If you’re buying a new home, check if HST is included in price quoted. What happens to the HST rebate? Who gets it? ›› H ome Buyers Plan (HBP) Use your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) as part of the down payment. An individual and their spouse, provided they qualify, may withdraw up to $25,000 each, tax-free, from their RRSPs. You then have 15 years to repay the amounts to your RRSP, starting after the second year of your withdrawal.

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// PRE S

EN T ED

BY

: TION SOLU IN E R 2013 ACE A PL T. t the FIND OTLIGH me a P S ew ho , across n r THE u nd yo on Yonge in a ear, fi , e This y of the city ntre. Liv es e Ce ombin c t centr e Eaton a h t l y e h e t r w from porary je a 60-sto base. m with heritage , conte w e pa rban nd n er ato to every u or old a w o t n r s nt mode asy acces ever wa ust e ld sj Enjoy y you cou C station e rienc it T n T p e o x m e e w a , t s , e d lu , an t hom oor. P need our d menities a unge, y e outsid ducing a ocktail lo ur o c -in envy in-house oom. Visit r n . like a r, and rain tre today n ba juice tation Ce n Prese

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housing market

Canadian home sales

Highlights

edge higher in January

› National home sales rose

a month-over-month basis in January, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

In addition, national sales activity held fairly steady after gearing down last August in the wake of tightened mortgage lending rules.

The number of home sales processed through the MLS systems and other cooperative listing systems in Canada was up 1.3 per cent in January 2013. This marks the fifth month in a row that national sales activity has shown little change from levels in the previous month (please see chart).

Home sales picked up in about half of all local markets in January from the previous month. Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver posted monthly sales increases of 5.6 per cent and 4.7 per cent, respectively, while sales in Edmonton climbed by nearly 10 per cent on the month. Activity gains there were partially offset by softer sales in Ottawa, the Fraser Valley, Montreal, Regina, London and St. Thomas, and Calgary.

“There is little new to report about national sales activity, which continues to hold fairly steady at the lower levels first reached when mortgage rules were tightened in mid-2012,” says CREA President Wayne Moen. “That said, things are becoming more interesting among local markets, with improving sales in Vancouver and Toronto likely to come as something of a surprise to some.”

Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity came in 5.2 per cent below levels reported in January 2012. About two-thirds of local markets posted year-over-year declines in sales activity in January. Notable exceptions include Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Windsor-Essex, and Guelph.

National home sales activity edged up on

National Sales Activity: Monthly levels and trenD 42,000

40,000

38,000

36,000

34,000

Sales trend (6 month moving average)

Jan 2013

Nov 2012

Sep 2012

Jul 2012

May 2012

Mar 2012

Jan 2012

Nov 2011

054 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Sep 2011

Jul 2011

May 2011

Mar 2011

Jan 2011

Monthly sales (s.a.)

1.3 per cent from December to January › Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity came in 5.2 per cent under levels in January 2012 › The number of newly listed homes rose 1.6 per cent from December to January › National average sale price was up two per cent year-over-year in January

“Year-over-year declines in activity have received attention lately, and understandably so, since they’re more exciting compared to the fairly steady month-over-month trend for national sales following changes made last year to mortgage regulations and lending guidelines,” says Gregory Klump, CREA’s Chief Economist. “If national sales activity remains stable near the levels we’ve been seeing since last August, then year-over-year comparisons will begin fading after the crucial spring buying season.”

The number of newly listed homes rose 1.6 per cent month-overmonth in January, their first monthly increase since last September.

New listings rose in a number of markets, led by Greater Toronto.

The monthly increase there reversed a decline of similar magnitude one month earlier.

New listings also rose in Greater Vancouver, Montreal, the Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island.

The actual national average price for homes sold in January 2013 was $354,754, representing an increase of two per cent from January 2012.

buying a home

Should you buy a home?

Free online calculator helps you crunch the numbers

Deciding whether or not to take rent money and convert it into mortgage payments is one of the most important, yet difficult, decisions a consumer can make.

Not only does buying a home involve saving up for a down payment, it involves making monthly mortgage payments, paying for utilities, taxes and upkeep, things you may have been able to avoid as a renter.

Industry Canada has developed a useful online calculator for potential homebuyers to help them crunch the numbers. The calculator is free and gives consumers a chance to see what their current expenditures on housing would look like when applied to buying a home. To begin your calculations, go to consumerinformation.ca and click on the “Rent or Buy Home” calculator. Once you enter the funds you have available, the cost of your rent and your potential mortgage, just click “calculate”. The answer will give you a fast, realistic idea of whether or not you can

056 new Condo Guide feb febRUARY 23 - mar 9 - 9, 23,2013 2013

afford to become a homeowner, keeping in mind that your total housing costs should not exceed 30 percent of your gross income.

You can also take advantage of the helpful links to other financial institutions such as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. These organizations offer a wealth of information to prospective homeowners.

Before you make your decision, do some research and number crunching on the Industry Canada Rent or Buy Calculator at consumerinformation.ca. NC

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057

designer tips

Five tips for decorating

// by lisa canning

small spaces sized, or condo-appropriate pieces, which are often smaller-scale translations of their most popular lines. And of course, many condo-sized sofas can also be purchased with a sofa bed option to give you the flexibility of creating a guest room in your small space.

TIP #2: USE CLEAR FURNITURE

Lisa Canning is a designer and owner of Lisa Canning Interiors. lisacanning.ca, 416.587.9780 photo by arnal photography

S

mall spaces are more and more common with the increase in condo living, and making these spaces work can be a challenge. With careful space planning and ingenious multifunctional products, you can have all the function and style in any square footage.

TIP #1: START WITH A CONDO-SIZED SOFA

The sofa is often a great place to start when planning a small space, as it usually takes up the most mass, and it is also the easiest piece to purchase incorrectly. A sofa that is too large in a given space can feel cumbersome. Conversely, a sofa that is too small can feel like dollhouse furniture. Luckily, many retailers make it easier to make the right choice by carrying apartment058 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

What’s great about furniture made out of glass, or acrylic, is that it doesn’t take up much visual space. A ghost chair or a waterfall table will give you an instant modern update and provide great function while keeping the space feeling light. In condos that have gorgeous large windows, place pieces that are clear directly in front, since they won’t obstruct the view.

TIP #3: WALL-MOUNTED LIGHTING

A layered lighting plan is something I always recommend to clients, but in a small space this approach is especially advantageous. Rather than opting for a floor lamp with mass, weight and that takes up floor area, sconces give you ambient lighting while saving space. I love the architectural detail sconces provide and often use them on either end of a gallery wall or sofa.

TIP #4: WORK WITH PIECES THAT ARE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

In a space that might be too small for a home office, or a formal dining room, I have some great innovative products to share. The first is the Functional Coffee Table from BoConcept. At first glance, it looks like a sleek, minimal coffee table. But with an easy lift, it reveals a desk-height table and ample storage. Storage will always be an issue in small spaces, so anything that will serve a function and provide storage is a great addition.

Another incredible product on the market is the Lacuna table by VNO Designs. This innovative product begins as a piece of customizable art on the wall. With the release of a latch, the art piece lowers to reveal a concealed leg and becomes a dining table for five. For people who don’t formally entertain often, or for those living in really limited space, this is a unique space-saving solution.

TIP #5: WORK WITH SMART STORAGE SYSTEMS

Great interior storage is just as important as utilizing multi-functional storage. Drawer dividers, shelf dividers and small storage boxes are great tools to use to increase your storage space. The more levels you can create within a drawer, the more items can be stored and easily found. I love using small stackable, acrylic storage compartments to divide my drawers.

Style doesn’t stop at the exterior of a piece – allow your furniture to function at its best by investing in interior organization.

FROM STOCK MARKET TO ST. LAWRENCE MARKET 88 Scott’s ideal location within the St. Lawrence neighbourhood - on the edge of the financial district - make it an optimal choice no matter what the time of day. This new offering from Concert has already captured the attention of discerning buyers despite market conditions.

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condo pro

// by barbara lawlor

Condo as community

Barbara Lawlor is president 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 condominium developments in the GTA and overseas

I

t always pleases me to point out the many advantages of living in a condominium. So often, we read about the carefree lifestyle that comes along with having building and grounds maintenance taken care of, and the fact that the amenities such as pools, exercise rooms and party rooms provide a wonderful extension to the living space you enjoy in your suite. That is all true, but a condominium offers so much more – especially a real sense of community.

By virtue of what a highrise condominium is, people who live under the same roof make up a neighbourhood. And, in many ways, residents in a condo come in contact with each other more often than those in lowrise communities who come and go in cars all day long. I know people who have lived in

060 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

lowrise communities for years and still don’t know their neighbours. In a condominium, you meet your neighbours in the elevators, hallways and common areas, and faces quickly become familiar. When you travel, your neighbours don’t have to travel far to water your plants or feed your cat.

And in a highrise, people are more likely to notice if anything unusual is taking place, which adds a level of comfort.

Community is about sharing and togetherness, and condo amenities are natural spots where socializing happens. Chatting while you’re on a treadmill in the fitness room, relaxing by the pool or in the sauna, throwing a steak on the barbecue on the rooftop patio – these are all situations that nurture mixing and mingling with like-minded neighbours. These fabulous areas increase the sense of belonging that residents feel, and they are just an elevator ride away. And something as small as saying “Good morning” when you step on the elevator contributes to the camaraderie.

Another benefit of condominium living is that rules and regulations exist to protect people’s rights and safety. These guidelines are enforced by the condominium corporation to promote mutual consideration and respect among residents, and to protect everyone’s investment. Whether they are rules about noise, pets and other lifestyle considerations, everyone in the building is expected to follow these guidelines. It’s an even playing field.

And on those rare occasions when an issue arises, there is a concierge to help address the situation.

Speaking of concierge services, many condominiums today also employ a Resident Services Director, who organizes social activities and groups for fun and recreation. These may range from exercise classes to theatre outings or trips to the casino. Talk about a sense of belonging!

That feeling extends to the surrounding community, as most urban condominiums are close to assorted amenities such as parks, shops, entertainment venues and more. Examples of some of the most invigorating master-planned communities in the GTA are Humber Bay Shores, the Fort York Neighbourhood and the emerging Downtown East. Some condominiums even have restaurants and commercial retail venues in the podium, which really makes the building a community in the truest sense of the word.

Keep in mind that in a condo you decide how much togetherness you want. Your suite is your private sanctuary, and today’s gorgeous layouts and high-quality appointments make that an enjoyable experience. Your “home” is more than the immediate walls that surround you; home is also determined by the people in your neighbourhood.

If you make the move to a condo, make the most of the opportunities it brings your way. Extend a hand in friendship, and consider running for the condominium board of directors. You can help to make your condo a vibrant vertical community.

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CITY AND STYLE. //

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feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 061

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062 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

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your money

How to build a

Canadian credit rating Every year thousands of families, entrepreneurs

do when they first arrive is to start building a credit rating. But in order to build a good credit rating in Canada, you need to apply for credit, which can be challenging when you are new to the country.”

A credit rating reflects your ability to take on, and pay back, money you have borrowed. If you are thinking of buying a house or a car someday, having a good credit rating will help to secure financing and may get you a better interest rate. Similarly, you may even need a credit rating to lease an apartment, apply for insurance, or purchase a mobile phone plan.

Always pay bills on time and in full. Pay your bills online and set up automatic payments from your everyday bank account to ensure you are never late or miss a payment

Chun provides his top tips on how to build a Canadian credit rating: 1A pply for a secured credit card This gives you all of the advantages of a traditional credit card, but requires that you set aside a certain amount of money to provide the bank with the security that you will pay the money back. Over time, you can build your credit history and your credit rating should be high enough that you can confidently apply for, and be approved for, an unsecured credit card.

2 Always pay bills on time and in full Pay your bills online and set up automatic payments from your everyday bank account to ensure you are never late or miss a payment. If you can’t afford to pay the entire bill, then you must at least make the minimum monthly payment.

3K now what is being said about you Your credit history is recorded in files maintained by at least one of Canada’s major credit-reporting agencies: Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada. You should check it regularly to ensure you’re on track, if you’ve been denied credit, and before a major purchase that requires some serious borrowing.

and young people immigrate to Canada in search of a better life or more opportunity. But regardless of their skills, background or support network, most new Canadians encounter a number of challenges as they adjust to their new home.

“One of the biggest challenges many new Canadians face is establishing themselves financially in a new country,” says Raymond Chun, senior vicepresident, TD Canada Trust. “Besides opening a bank account, one of the first things new Canadians should

Further information is available at tdcanadatrust.com/ newtocanada. NC

064 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Hot Topic

The ideal community:

Factors and features to consider When choosing a new home, your choice involves more than the home itself. Often, homebuyers are so wrapped up in the home that they forget the importance of the surrounding community. Do you dream of a smaller community that is unique and charming?

Or are you willing to sacrifice peace and quiet to be closer to big-city amenities and other conveniences?

Start by making a list of the desired lifestyle factors that are most important to you and your family. Consider location, proximity to work and schools, activities and local attractions in the community.

“There are many factors involved in selecting the right community in which to buy your home,” says Sandra Webb, a senior executive at Royal LePage Canada.

“Deciding what’s important to you and your family is the first step in finding your ideal match.”

Knowing your requirements will help narrow your home search and save time.

What are the most important amenities for you? Do you want to be close to parks and forests, or restaurants and shops?

What types of activities are you and your family likely to be involved with? The answers to these questions will help you determine what type of neighbourhood or community is best for you and help you locate the perfect home.

For further insight on buying a home, visit the website at royallepage.ca. NC 066 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

10 important questions to ask yourself before you buy: 10 W here will the kids go to school, and how

will they get there?

09 A re there parks, recreation centres, places of worship close by?

08 W here will you do your grocery shopping?

07 Does the area offer easy access to banks, offices and services?

06 Is the highway easily accessible?

05 How far away is the nearest public transportation stop?

04 How far are you from work?

03 W hat are the commuting costs to work, family and friends?

02 Is there any major development planned for the area in the future?

01 Can you see yourself living and growing in this community for the next five, 10, 15 years?

“ There are many factors involved in selecting the right community in which to buy your home. Deciding what’s important to you and your family is the first step in finding your ideal match.”

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Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Limited time offer that may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please see sales representatives for details. Rendering is artist concept. E.&O.E. feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 067

decorating tips

Five ways to create a warm,

hospitable home June Cleaver,

Bree Hodge of Desperate Housewives, and stay-at-home dad Cameron from Modern Family are all known for creating a welcoming home. But how do they do it? Sally Morse, director of creative services for Hunter Douglas, shares some secrets for making a home truly a warm, hospitable place.

with the LiteRise cordless lifting system. They feature soft fabric vanes suspended between sheer panels. The vanes rotate for varying degrees of light control, and when closed, total privacy. The sheers diffuse and filter light beautifully, creating a warm and welcoming glow all can enjoy.

doesn’t hurt to also offer a signature sweet. Place candy dishes around the home filled with wrapped confections or fill a clear cookie jar in the kitchen with the family’s favourite baked goods. For a happy and healthy home, keep a basket of fruit out for anyone to grab-on-the-go.

CREATE A FRAGRANT FOYER

CLEAR THE CLUTTER

An often-shared childhood memory is visiting a beloved family member where the aroma of cookies baking or a delicious dinner in the oven welcomed you into the space. You can do the same in your own home, minus the work.

To create an inviting first impression without being kept in the kitchen, simply place a vanilla, caramel or floral diffuser by the front door.

DESIGN A BALANCED AND PERSONALIZED DECOR

Put guests and family alike at ease in space that has been tidied, one area at a time. Throw away what is not needed and store the rest. After a little work, the result is a clutter-free home that feng shui experts agree invites happiness and growth.

LET IN THE LIGHT

It is well known that lighting can set the mood in any space—it can increase energy and elevate your mood. To ensure an upbeat home that is also well lit, try Silhouette window shadings, now available

068 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

ADD SIGNATURE TASTY TREATS

Along with adding a fragrant aroma to keep visitors coming back, it

The ultimate host or hostess knows one’s home décor can bring about harmony. To create a soothing interior, try decorating with a base of neutrals, only using pops of bold colours on pillows and other decorative accents.

Win over family and friends by following a few simple steps to create a welcoming home not only they, but you, will enjoy spending time in.

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feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 069

condo snapshot

copeland house phase II selling well

Since Skyline International Development launched sales at Copeland House Phase II at the new Horseshoe Village, suites have been selling quickly. More than 20 per cent of Phase II has sold at this condominium (Phase I has sold out), which is located in the heart of Horseshoe Resort in the Barrie area.

Copeland House is the first new real estate offering at the resort in over 25 years and whole-ownership opportunities start in the low $200s. With ski-in/ski-out possibilities and 26 alpine ski and snowboard runs on the property, it’s an ideal scenario for snow lovers. The entire Barrie area has great access to skiing, boarding, tubing, skating, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dog-sledding. In addition, there are more than 52 all-season activities and amenities at Horseshoe Resort, within walking distance of Copeland House, including 67.5 km of trails, a terrain park skateboarding, mini golf, a climbing tower, five restaurants, and a Shizen Spa and Salon.

Horseshoe Copeland House is also a good base camp for adventure farther afield: enjoy beaches along Kempenfelt Bay; golfing at Horseshoe or in the wider

070 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Barrie area; eco-adventures in nearby Collingwood; and history at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Penetanguishene at Discovery Harbour.

Residences at Copeland House are expected to be ready in time for the 2014/15 ski season. In the meantime, buyers can join Skyline’s new SkyLife Rewards program and receive discounts at the resort immediately to take advantage of the amenities at Horseshoe Resort.

Upon closing, owners will also receive a SkyLife Club membership valued at $25,000 and first-year membership dues, providing them with unlimited skiing, golfing, adventure and perks at Horseshoe, Deerhurst Resort and other Skyline Hotels and Resorts properties. Purchasers have the option to place their suites into Horseshoe’s rental program to receive rental revenue when not in residence.

Phase II offers just 58 well-appointed suites. You can select from one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den and two-bedroom layouts, including some ground-floor patio designs. Interior features and finishes by the Design Agency include gas fireplaces, hardwood floors, and full kitchens with breakfast bars and granite countertops. Buyers can also select furniture packages to personalize their surroundings.

Call 1.855.302.7463, or visit the sales centre located at 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road. Hours of operation: Tuesday-Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register online at ownhorseshoe.com.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 071

architecture

The realm of possibilities in

Harry Kohn is a founding partner of Kohn Partnership Architects Inc. in Toronto that is active on multiple commercial and residential projects in Canada. kohnarchitects.com

M

ost people are aware that before constructing their projects, developers have to obtain a building permit.

What they may not be aware of is just how complicated a process it is to get to that point. It’s fine for architects to begin with an esthetic vision for a building, but we also must understand the realm of the possible, and work with consultants to achieve the functional and financial requirements.

Although the process involves some consistency, each building and community is unique in its own way.

// by harry kohn

architectural vision The complexities apply to residential lowrise and highrise, as well as industrial and commercial projects. Every building has functional and spatial needs, which then have implications on the rest of the design.

For example, we are working on a small mall, and the owner requested compact units. We rationed the frontage to a 3/1 depth, or 20 by 60 ft., which set up a structural relationship. In addition, the owner wants each unit to have its own mechanical and electrical systems so they can be individually metered. A component of the project is a second storey that will contain office space.

Usually for that type of use, we would design centralized mechanical and electrical systems that are bulk metered. The charges for gas and hydro are paid by the developer, pro-rated based on the area occupied by the tenant and then billed to the tenant. In this case however, the owner wants to sell the space in condominium form so the mechanical and electrical systems have to be designed for each individual space in order that the purchasers can be billed directly by the respective utilities, a more complicated process than when the building contains just a single storey. We start with a functional requirement, wrap it in an esthetic component, and then work with engineers to determine specific structural spans and mechanical electrical needs and systems.

Today it is not uncommon to have to provide the municipality, with electrical site photometric drawings. These are electrical drawings that both model effective lighting for the site and ensure that light pollution on adjacent sites is minimized.

Central to all this is how the building’s spaces will be used or lived in.

There is an art in terms of maximizing space to make size less important than layout. What is critical is how people use the space, how they experience the space, and how they move through it. There has to be a clear, coherent flow to the building.

At the end of the day, it’s what we do with the box to get the most out of it so it has the greatest value for the owner, developer and consumer.

Engineering comes into the equation too. Architects have to have a basic understanding – enough so that we don’t design things where the plumbing system will be more costly to build because of the way stacks are positioned.

We work with engineers to design elements in the best possible way and the best locations. Although we approach the whole differently, architects and engineers have the same end goal: the design has to work to be effective.

In addition to architectural drawings that take all of this into account, continued on page 74…

072 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

king & bathurst the oneeleven condominium residences at king and bathurst are 60% sold! presentation gallery + model suite located at 111 bathurst (bathurst + adelaide). don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to live in king west. register today at oneeleven.ca or call 647 347 4111.

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Rendering is an artist’s impression. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. January 2012 feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 073

architecture

continued‌

submission requirements have become much more complex. Today it is not uncommon to have to provide the municipality, with electrical site photometric drawings. These are electrical drawings that both model effective lighting for the site and ensure that light pollution on adjacent sites is minimized. Generally we are required to address civil engineering, concerns which deal with sanitary, water and storm management concerns, and often more esoteric things like hydrogeology and water balance.

Over the years, this has become more sophisticated, because municipalities are requiring developers to contain the natural runoff so that it does not discharge into other areas and flood storm sewers, to properly deal with the water table and in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Oak Ridges Moraine maintain the existing natural features.

The industry is changing, and industry professionals have to change with it. As requirements evolve, the technical complexity and quantity of drawings and reports will continue to grow and the consequences ripple down to all aspects of the project.

It is also now the norm to require an arborist report that outlines a preservation plan for trees of interest and detailed landscape plan for the project and a cost estimate for this work which the municipality uses to determine the amount of the security it will request as a condition of approval so it can insure the work is completed exactly as designed.

The City of Toronto implemented new Green standards with enhanced sustainability in mind. One of the requirements for any new building over certain size is that is must include a green roof. If the developer does not want to meet that requirement then he must provide alternative measures. These could include light-reflective, light-coloured roofing materials, sidewalks and walkways that are more light- and heat-reflective and parts of the parking lot to be constructed of porous material that allow water infiltration into the ground as opposed to the sewer system.

Parking is a key component of building design today, because municipalities are discouraging people from 074 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

driving. Plus, there are restrictions on what developers can do when it comes to including parking spots. If the design calls for 100, and there are actually more, the extra spots may have to be designated for car-share vehicles and/or hybrid parking. In addition there are requirements to provide bicycle parking both for patrons and workers in the development and in some cases, depending on its use and size even for shower facilities for those who go to the site by bicycle.

The industry is changing, and industry professionals have to change with it. As requirements evolve, the technical complexity and quantity of drawings and reports will continue to grow and the consequences ripple down to all aspects of the project. Usually, as the prime consultant it the architect’s responsibility to work with the client and the consultants needed so that everything comes together in a cohesive whole.

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feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 075

style file

kitchen trends // by Yanic Simard

Appliances

As technology advances, one of the most dramatic changes we can see to the modern kitchen is the incredible number of options available for custom and unique range hoods. I love the clean look of pieces such as the Thermador Masterpiece series — when the hood is this beautiful and simple, there’s no need to hide it. Home kitchens are getting more and more like a real chef’s headquarters every day, with restaurant staples such as warming drawers and wine refrigerators popping up everywhere. Microwaves are moving under the counter, often using a drawer instead of a door to make lifting hot items in and out more convenient.

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Many companies even make built-in automated coffee machines to get as much clutter off your surfaces as possible—no barista required! Aquabrass makes a great user-friendly version of a pot-filler faucet, called the Zest, which gives you the pull-out multi-functionality of an industrial fixture with a stylish and elegant look appropriate for an inviting kitchen.

Counters

While we’ve recently seen total integration of cupboards and appliances into one perfectly clean line, a new trend emerging is the return to a more furniture-based look, rather than minimal built-ins. By this, I mean you can find little details creeping in that let kitchen cabinets — and especially islands — feel more like stand-alone pieces than part of a continuous set. For example, while most kitchens have the lower cabinets raised off the floor enough to create a toe space, now designers are adding traditional feet to the corners of each section, echoing the look of an elegant vanity. At the same time, ending the countertops flush with the face of the cupboard allows those two elements to merge into a furniture unit, rather than looking like the cabinets and counter are unrelated. At my design studio, we’ve been loving the use of mixed materials for the countertops, pairing quartz and marble to let distinct areas have their own identity. I love working with marble trend and caesarstone—mixing calacatta oro with grey quartz produces a beautiful look, and of course, there is also an infinite array of other combinations.

Flooring

An ongoing trend in both open and closed plan homes, playing against the more furniture-like counters, is a unification of flooring types throughout the space. Running continuous wood flooring from your dining room throughout allows the kitchen to feel less like a separate work space, and more like part

of the larger environment. It also avoids unsightly joints between wood and tile, which are often less than ideal. Hardwood or engineered wood may not be quite as durable as tile when facing dropped pots and pans, but the right selection mixed with a little care can yield a more elegant and comfortable floor for the chef of the house to stand on. In the photo above, you’ll see Brushed Oak Luxe Ravensdale from Kentwood — I loved it for this home and it can fit into virtually any style of kitchen, from traditional to minimal. If you do prefer an even softer look, many people are finding an elegant runner rug (much longer than it is wide), following the line of the cabinetry, can add a pleasant visual break to the floor, and be cleaned or replaced in the event of a catastrophic spaghetti spill. This classic Scandinavian style can warm up your space visually, and you can switch out your rug later to get a punch of new colour.

Lighting

Borrowing from art galleries and museums, some recent lighting trends have focused on making light sources disappear, so the sparkling surfaces can have all the attention. Traditional style pot lights for the ceiling are nothing new for kitchens— they are very practical sources of direct light for cooking and feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 077

complements the cool emerald shades wonderfully, and frames the view through your cabinet windows like an elegant piece of art. (By the way, if you don’t have any windowed cabinets, now is the time. Your beautiful dishes and glassware have been hidden away for too long!)

Look to SieMatic, and especially their BeauxArts.02 collection, to put a little metal in your mix.

MO - Designed by Anna Torfs. $500

Beautiful glass bowls, vases and sculptures can be easily mixed into an existing kitchen space, and since leafy tones are around us all the time in nature, we are instinctively tuned to like greens with almost any colour scheme. suit the task well, however new shadow box style pot lights seem to be becoming more popular with their modern style. Lately, many such lights can be found recessed into tiny alcoves in the ceiling, which allows a slightly more extended fixture to angle the light to hit more specific targets. This creates a sophisticated look, and lets you avoid unsightly track lighting. Creating much larger recessed areas over the kitchen island is another popular trend, as this helps define the area as a special gathering place — which is fitting, as despite our plans this is so often where the real party happens! Of course, since the kitchen is such a celebrated space, it also deserves some statement lighting of its own, and many homeowners are electing for grander pieces rather than modest pendants. While your hidden lamps are doing a lot of the work, a brilliant chandelier over your island helps to define this as a central space and keeps the room from feeling too functional.

Backsplashes

Kitchen backsplashes tend to fall into one of two categories: timeless, neutral looks or very personal style statements. Having your backsplash re-tiled isn’t something you do every day, so you need to absolutely love it.

A style I’ve found recently is the beautiful diamond “pillow” tile from Deco-Tile. It creates a quilted effect, mixing the soft curves of an elegant sofa with the durability of tile. At the opposite end, companies like SieMatic are creating backsplash “systems” that transform the space into either multi-functional shelves, cupboards, or racks, so you get the most usability out of your space while maintaining a beautiful, built-in look.

Colour

My absolute favourite colour of the year, which you can find popping up in designs of every taste and budget, is not just a colour but a precious stone: emerald. As a wall colour in paint or paper, rich jewel greens add a layer of depth and drama to a space, but also allow other lighter colours to breathe — it can be the focus, or a near-neutral backdrop, depending on the shade.

Beautiful glass bowls, vases and sculptures can be easily mixed into an existing kitchen space, and since leafy tones are around us all the time in nature, we are instinctively tuned to like greens with almost any colour scheme. Drop by Avenue Road to see their selection of great home accessories (and furniture) — I find exciting new things every time I go.

Another trend I love is not just any colour, but actually chrome! Now I know you have probably heard of chrome for appliances, even backsplashes — this is a timeless look. However, lately designers have been applying touches of silvery glamour to the kitchen cabinetry, like the one shown here from adding to the gallery display case aesthetic. Stainless steel 078 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Yanic Simard is the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Simard often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination design techniques in developing unique designs. Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and has appeared as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s Cityline. For more information visit tidg.ca.

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079

condo sense

// by Ben Myers

Buying a New Condo

Ben Myers is the editor and executive vice-president of Urbanation, a market research firm that has been tracking the new, resale and future condominium market since 1981. Urbanation’s new UrbanRental report on condominium apartment rental activity adds a new dynamic to their expanding range of research products and consulting services.

Urbanation is on the pulse of the highrise condominium market in Toronto.

W

hen people ask me what I do, and I tell them I’m in real estate research, with a specific focus on the Toronto condominium market, their ears perk up! Everyone likes to talk about condos, good and bad. I eventually get asked if it’s a good time to buy, because they’ve read a lot of bad news.

If you read my last article in New Condo Guide, I talked about the inability of anyone to consistently forecast the results of the Toronto condominium market. Although, Urbanation’s forecasting acumen has been pretty good, we’ve underestimated the strength of the market on a number of occasions.

That being said, we are proficient at wading through articles in the media and giving you more of the straight goods.

080 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

shouldn’t be scary

We are very proud of the analysis we do on the Toronto market in our quarterly Condominium Market Survey report, but even we will admit that it’s a bit dry, as are many other housing research reports. When the media summarizes the findings of many of these reports in their newspapers and magazines, they like to “spice them up” a little bit, make them more appealing to the average reader – they also need a splashy title to get you to read the article in the first place. So words like “decrease” can become plummet, collapse, plunge, dive, or crumble. Words like “increase” might become skyrocket, swell or even mushroom. A market rarely softens or flattens, it flatlines!

In 2011 there were more than 28,000 new condominium sales in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), 24 per cent higher than any year in the history of the market. By comparison, at the peak of the real estate market in the U.S. (2005 to 2007), cities like Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Dallas never had more than 17,500 new condo sales in a calendar year (per Hanley Wood Market Intelligence). Very few articles celebrated this achievement in Toronto; the titles instead read “New Condo Record Set in 2011, but Bubble Fears Loom” or “24 per cent Increase in Toronto Condo Sales, but Unsold Inventory Rising.” There was always that “but” in there, a piece of bad news, that scary looming crises, comparisons to Miami, Las Vegas, Dubai and, of course, the ubiquitous use of crash, bubble or oversupply.

Pretty scary, eh? Well, try reading the recent articles. All of the comparisons to the record high in 2011 made 2012 look terrible when, in reality, the 18,000 new condominium sales were still above the 10-year average. If you take a step back, the decrease in sales was needed to prevent the market from overbuilding.

Based on demographics, 18,000 unit sales is probably a really healthy figure for this market.

All of the comparisons to the record high in 2011 made 2012 look terrible when, in reality, the 18,000 new condominium sales were still above the 10-year average What is not scary is the fact that the average sold index price (per sq. ft.) for the Toronto CMA condominium market has increased or stayed the same for 63 of the past 64 quarters, dating back to 1997. Not a bad track record.

So, do we think that prices will continue to increase every quarter for the next 15 years? No, but we do recommend purchasing a property you can see yourself living in for five years, so if pricing flatlines, plunges, or nose-dives, it will not matter to you because you had no intention of moving.

So get yourself a good Realtor, do your research, and take everything you read with a grain of salt. Happy condo hunting!

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quick tips

De-stressing

design decisions Decorating your living space is supposed to be fun. If high prices,

high-pressure sales tactics and clueless consultants have you stressing over your design decisions, it may be time to simplify the process so you can rediscover the joy of making choices about your décor.

Here are a handful of common design decision headaches and a few ideas for curing them: Too many options Walking into a big box store or a design showroom can leave you feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices you face. Before you confront a dizzying array of options, narrow your choices by deciding what style you like. Settling on an overall style that will be carried throughout your design can help you eliminate design options right off the bat.

For example, if a traditional, country style appeals to you, you’ll know you don’t even have to look at stainless steel countertops or frosted-glassfront cabinets. Look to online resources like BHG.com (the Better Homes and Gardens home page) or HGTV.com for ideas about design styles you may like.

High-pressure sales tactics Buying design elements at a specialty store has advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you’re more likely to find a knowledgeable salesperson. On the other, you may face high-pressure sales tactics – something no one responds well to. The strong sell makes it difficult to know if you’re getting good advice or a decent deal. Shopping online at specialty sites like Blinds.com is a great solution.

You can find plenty of advice and high-quality options, minus the pressure of dealing face-to-face with a pushy salesperson in your home. If you do need to talk to a person, you’ll get someone who specializes in what you’re buying, rather than trying to buy blinds from someone who usually works in the cosmetics department.

Clueless customer service And that cosmetics department transplant is a perfect example of another major design decision stress-causer: clueless customer service.

Sometimes you need guidance. And sometimes you need to talk to someone who knows enough about what you’re buying to be able to interpret your description of what you’re looking for when you don’t really know what it’s called.

Your chances of finding that level of expertise are much better with a specialty store or online seller, whether you’re buying blinds or flooring.

High prices and questionable quality While it’s generally true in life that you get what you pay for, it’s also true that a high price does not ensure high quality, and that a low price doesn’t

082 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

exclude quality. When it comes to making design choices, it can be frustrating to find what you want only to realize the price is way beyond what you budgeted for.

Comparison shopping is the best way to avoid overpaying or purchasing poor quality goods.

And the Internet is the easiest way to comparison shop. You can Google what you’re shopping for, or try price comparison websites like PriceGrabber.com or Nextag.com.

Online merchants typically offer a wide variety of designer-quality looks at more palatable prices.

Taking the stress out of design decisions doesn’t have to be difficult. Refining your choices and using online resources can renew your enjoyment of the design process - and ensure you end up with a look you’ll love for years to come. ARA

your small space

// by Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault

Give Big Style to a Small Space

Colour helps you make the most of your compact digs

Pick the Perfect Palette

Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault joined Benjamin Moore’s design team in 2004 as the Colour and Design Specialist. In 2007, she joined CityTV’s CityLine family as a regular guest expert where she showcases the latest in colour trends and her obsession with DIY.

The easiest way to trick the eye into perceiving there is more space than may actually exist is to introduce a low contrast, monochromatic colour scheme. Using too many contrasting colours in a confined space can be jarring and create a sense of chaos, but a neutral and layered monochrome palette allows the eye to transition smoothly around a room, therefore making it feel much more open and inviting. Monochromatic certainly doesn’t mean that your colour choices are limited to washed-out whites and boring beiges. In fact, choosing a livable neutral infused with a subtle hue that best says something about you is essential to achieving a unique, personalized space.

G

ood things come in small packages. But if you happen to live in a small space and yearn to transform “small” into “stylish” and “smart,” there are a few simple tips and tricks to maximize every square inch of your close quarters.

While chic and savvy storage solutions are key to a fabulously function home of any size, the ultimate secret weapon to visually achieve big style in even the smallest of spaces is knowing how to skillfully incorporate colour.

084 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Dove Wing OC-18 Violetta AF-615 Caponata AF-650

The easiest way to trick the eye into perceiving there is more space than may actually exist is to introduce a low contrast, monochromatic colour scheme.

“box-like” and lacking a natural interior focal point, the addition of a bold colour on the trim work will add depth, command attention, and draw the eye to one of your best and most beautiful features.

Create the Illusion of Depth

Dove Wing OC-18 Violetta AF-615 Caponata AF-650

Wrap the Wall Colour onto the Ceiling

Trade in those stark white ceilings for a splash of colour overhead – but not just any colour. Try wrapping the hue from your walls up onto the ceiling to instantly minimize the dividing line around the perimeter of your room. Visually eliminating that transition from wall to ceiling further reduces contrast and naturally keeps attention down at eye level where all of your investment furnishings are accessories are on display. If you happen to have crown moulding, consider selecting a ceiling colour that is a slightly lighter tint than the wall and carry the ceiling hue down onto the crown as well. This will allow you to delicately highlight the added architectural detail, yet maintain an overall harmonious, low contrast palette.

Highlight a Great View

If you’re fortunate enough to have a breathtaking skyline view or a picturesque landscape right outside your window, why not treat it like a stunning piece of artwork and frame it with colour. Painting trim with a deep, rich hue such as black or charcoal gray continues to be a growing trend, and if your small space is rather

Dove Wing OC-18 Violetta AF-615 Caponata AF-650

It’s a common myth that using dark colours in an already small space will further exaggerate even the slightest feeling of being closed-in and confined. The reality is that introducing a dark, moody hue on even a single accent wall can actually create the illusion of depth, and seemingly expand a space.

Dark colours have a tendency to recede away from us, and they also have the ability to mask visual distractions such as oversized television sets, but it’s important to remember that a dark accent hue should be incorporated throughout the rest of a space in small doses with accessories and furnishings to create a sense of balance.

Keep It Light and Bright

Although tonal neutrals (or “hue-trals”) typically work best for achieving a low contrast look within a small space, carefully consider your lighting conditions when making your colour selections. If your natural light sources are limited, opt for clean, light hues such as trend forward pastels that are made with less gray and therefore will reflect more light.

Also consider strategically placing oversized décor mirrors directly opposite your windows to not only reflect light and a great view, but to create the illusion of more square footage. Regardless of size, it’s easy and affordable to make the most of your small space with smart and stylish colour choices! feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 085

condo watch

new releases & grand openings 36 Hazelton

by Alterra

416

Builders: If you would like to include your preview registration, new release or site opening in this feature, just email the details to susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com

Ivory

by Plaza

Newly released Pure Platinum Penthouse Collection on Adelaide, in the heart of old-town Toronto.

Web: PurePlaza.com

Life Condominiums

by Chestnut Hill Homes

Construction has started at this luxury boutique condo in the Yorkville neighbourhood.

Web: 36Hazelton.com

A stylish, 13-storey midrise at Yonge and Merton with 149 spacious suites. Now open.

Web: LifeCondos.ca

101 Erskine

by Tridel

The Madison

by Madison Homes

A quiet sensibility in the midst of Yonge and Eglinton. Grand opening.

Web: Tridel.com/101erskine

Grand opening of Top Floors at Yonge and Eglinton.

Web: MadisonCondos.ca

Avani at Metrogate

by Tridel

One Bloor

by Great Gulf

New suite release at Metrogate’s newest address at Kennedy and Hwy. 401.

Web: Tridel.com

New suite release at this coveted Yonge and Bloor condo, now under construction.

Web: OneBloor.com

The Bond

by Lifetime Developments

Picasso

by Monarch Corp. & The Goldman Group

New release – top five floors. Introducing The City Collection at Adelaide and John. Now open.

Web: TheBond.ca

E Condos

by RioCan, Bazis, Metropia

Condominium residences on the northeast corner of Yonge and Eglinton. Grand opening.

Web: ECondos.com

Exhibit

by Bazis, Metropia, Plaza

Limited edition penthouse collection at Bloor and Avenue Road.

Web: Bazis.ca

Fuse 2

by Neudorfer Corporation

Now releasing phase two of this master- planned community in Davenport Village.

Web: FuseCondos.com

Gramercy Park

by Malibu

An urban oasis built around a private park in North York. Move in soon.

Web: GramercyPark.ca

Imperial Plaza

by Camrost Felcorp

New suite release at Yonge and St. Clair.

Book your private appointment today.

Web: ImperialPlazaToronto.ca

Now open, an iconic building in the heart of the evolving Entertainment District.

Web: MonarchGroup.net

Post House

by Alterra

Construction underway at this boutique condo in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood.

Web: PostHouseCondos.com

Rise

by Reserve Properties

Downtown living at a mid-town price.

Grand opening and new release.

Web: RiseCondos.com

River City 2

by Urban Capital

New release of penthouses with rooftop terraces and townhomes up to 1,877 sq. ft.

Web: RiverCityToronto.com

Vivid

by Pemberton Group

Grand opening continues at Pemberton’s Vivid at Islington and Bloor.

Web: VividCondos.com

X2 Condos

by Lifetime & Great Gulf

Sophisticated condominium now under construction at Jarvis and Charles.

Web: X2Condos.com

continued on page 94…

086 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

GTA Edition Feb 23 - Mar 9, 2013

Your complete source for condos, lofts and townhomes in Toronto

IN THIS SECTION Maps and listings for new condo communities in the 416 region Builder news and the latest in condos in the 416

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* Due to scale restrictions, locators are approximate. Please see builder’s ads for exact locations.

# Builder 2 Great Gulf Homes 6 Cresford Development Corp.

21 Easton’s Group 22 Monarch Corporation 37 Cresford Development Corp.

59 Lindvest 64 Lamb Development Corp.

85 Harhay Developments 85 Carttera 117 Bazis Inc. 117 Metropia 117 Plaza 120 The Daniels Corporation 126 Great Gulf Homes 126 Lifetime Developments 129 Concert Properties 131 Lanterra Developments 133 Tribute Communities 137 Alterra Homes/Finer Space 140 Eden Shaw 140 45 Charles Ltd. 148 Graywood/Beaverhall Development 149 Camrost - Felcorp 171 Camrost - Felcorp 179 Graywood Developments 179 Mod Developments Inc. 189 The Daniels Corporation 192 MintoUrban Communities Inc. 193 Burnac Corporation 200 Freed 200 Carttera 202 Bazis Inc. 202 Rio Can 202 Metropia 206 Mod Developments Inc. 1 Goldman Group & Lash Dev. Corp.

1 Goldman Group & Lash Dev. Corp.

1 Goldman Group & Lash Dev. Corp.

3 Concord Adex 3 Concord Adex 3 Concord Adex 3 Concord Adex 3 Concord Adex 5 Onni Group of Companies 5 Onni Group of Companies 8 Cresford Development Corp.

8 Cresford Development Corp.

8 Cresford Development Corp.

8 Cresford Development Corp.

9 Aspen Ridge Homes 11 Menkes Developments Inc. 11 Menkes Developments Inc. 13 Streetcar Development 14 Canalfa Group 14 Canalfa Group 15 Urbancorp Development Corporation 17 Malibu Investments Inc. 18 Urban Capital 18 Urban Capital 19 Delpark Homes 20 Menkes Developments Inc. 22 Tridel Corporation 23 Tribute Communities 29 Pinnacle International 29 Pinnacle International 30 Tower Hill Development Corporation 32 Madison Homes *TH: Townhomes, C: Condo

Site Telephone TH* C* Price Range Page Finder Yonge+Richmond 416-492-7420 • from $290,000 26 16K Merton Yonge Condominiums 416-484-1900 • from $500,000 IBC 14e King Blue Condominiums 416-599-1355 • from $250,000 81 12N Picasso on Richmond 416-495-3549 • from $280,000 Insert 14M Lofts 399 416-867-3999 • from $390,000 136 14L B Streets 416-532-6636 from $300,000 99 13J The Brant Park 416-703-7271 • from $250,000 69 14M One Eleven Condominiums & Lofts 647-347-4111 • 73 13M One Eleven Condominiums & Lofts oneeleven.ca • 73 13M Exhibit Definitive Residences 416-967-7778 • from $800,000 29 14i Exhibit Definitive Residences 416-967-7778 • from $800,000 29 14i Exhibit Definitive Residences 416-967-7778 • from $800,000 29 14i One Park Place Condominiums 416-955-0559 • from $250,000 51 18J X2 416-927-0080 • from $303,000 10 16J X2 416-927-0080 • from $303,000 10 16J 88 Scott 416-216-8588 • from $400,000 59 17M Riverhouse at the Old Mill 416-766-7343 • from $520,000 27 5L RCM I on University 416-363-4800 • from $393,000 65 14M Post House Condominium 416-964-2777 • from $350,000 57 16L Chaz 416-922-0045 • from $320,000 43 16J Chaz 416-922-0045 • from $320,000 43 16J The Mercer 416-597-6940 • from $250,000 109 15M Imperial Plaza 416-925-2501 • from $400,000 3 15I Yorkville Plaza 416-966-3003 • • from $330,000 1 14H Five Condos 416-928-0555 • • from $250,000 61 15J Five Condos 416-928-0555 • • from $250,000 61 15J Cinema Tower Condominiums 416-203-2020 • from $450,000 47 14M 30 Roe 416-915-3812 • from $320,000 63 14D South Hill on Madison Condominiums southhillonmadison.com • from $200,000 55 13I SIXTY Colborne 416-601-0060 • from $300,000 83 16L SIXTY Colborne 416-598-7775 • from $300,000 83 16L E Condos econdos.ca • from $300,000 5 14E E Condos econdos.ca • from $300,000 5 14E E Condos econdos.ca • from $300,000 5 14E The Massey Tower 416-966-0197 • • from $320,000 53 16L 530 St. Clair Ave. West 530condos.com • from $344,000 12H 500 St. Clair Ave. West 416-868-0500 • from $260,000 12H the rushton rushtonliving.com • from $344,000 12H ParadeTWO Tower Residences 416-813-0999 • from $287,000 15M Grand Parade 2 at Concord CityPlace 416-813-0999 • 15M ParadeTWO Park Collection at Concord CityPlace 416-813-0999 • from $308,000 15M Quartz 416-813-0999 • • 15M Spectra 2 416-813-0999 • • 15N Garrison at the Yards 416-260-2600 • from $190,000 14n West Lake 416-260-2600 • from $240,000 14N NXT 2 416-977-5300 • • from $300,000 8N NXT2/Phase Two 416-977-5300 • • from $210,000 8N Corporate 416-977-5300 • • from $300,000 8N NXT 416-977-5300 • • from $300,000 8N VU 416-970-9500 • • from $370,000 16L Pears on the Avenue 416-323-0100 • from $381,000 14I 365 Church menkes.com • 14I Trinity Lofts 416-690-2988 • from $330,000 19l Liberty on the Park Condominiums 416-537-0047 • from $363,000 12N Liberty Place 416-537-0047 • • from $170,000 12N Westside Lofts 416-516-5848 • from $180,000 12m LTD 416-601-2223 • from $310,000 14M River City 416-862-0505 • • from $250,000 18L River City 2 416-862-0505 • • from $250,000 18L Broadview Villas 416-429-7888 • from $490,000 19g Fabrik 416-591-7700 • from $250,000 14M Ten York 416-596-9888 • 12F The College 416-363-4800 • from $300,000 M14 Success Tower at Pinnacle Centre 416-360-0673 • from $750,000 17m 33 Bay Residences at Pinnacle Centre 416-925-3325 • 17m Churchill Park Condominiums 416-966-9080 • from $900,000 13H The Madison 416-482-8090 • from $390,000 14E

Highlighted listings are advertised in this issue of Condo Guide.

Please refer to page number for complete information.

Attention Builders - Want to add your community to our maps?

Need to update existing information? Please fax the details to (416) 789-9554

Builder

Site

Conservatory Group Conservatory Group Cresford Development Corp.

Cresford Development Corp.

Cresford Development Corp.

Times Developments Inc. MintoUrban Communities Inc. MintoUrban Communities Inc. Lanterra Developments Great Gulf Homes Pemberton Group Context Development Inc. E-Park Development Emsatec Canada Inc Neudorfer Corporation Madison Homes State Building Group Freed Freed Carlyle Communities Empire Communities Lamb Development Corp.

Lamb Development Corp.

Tridel Corporation Tridel Corporation Fernbrook Homes/Cityzen Dev. DHD Developments Great Gulf Homes Treasure Hill Homes Lamb Development Corp.

Harhay Developments Plaza Menkes Developments Inc. Lifetime Developments Aspen Ridge Homes Context Development Inc. Context Development Inc. The Brownstone Group of Companies The Brownstone Group of Companies Great Gulf Homes Plaza Empire Communities Empire Communities Pemberton Group The Daniels Corporation The Daniels Corporation The Daniels Corporation Pinnacle International Lifetime Developments Triangle West Development Tridel Corporation Tribute Urban Living Tribute Communities Tribute Communities Graywood Developments Mod Developments Inc. Canderel/Stoneridge Parallax Investment Corporation BSaR Ltd Andrin Homes Matthew Kinsella Custom Homes Inc. Hyde Park Homes Lamb Development Corp.

Longo Corporation Lamb Development Corp.

Aspen Ridge Homes Cityzen Fernbrook Homes Fernbrook Homes Lamb Development Corp.

Niche Development Urban Capital Malibu Investments Inc. Lamb Development Corp.

Niche Development Alit Developments Tre Memovia Developments Lifetime Developments Lifetime Developments Aragon Properties Castlepoint/Cityzen/Fernbrook Enirox Group Pianosi Developments Plus Development Group Sorbara Group Streetcar Development Mizrahi | Khalili Developments Mizrahi | Khalili Developments Sorbara Group Lifetime Developments Centre Court Development Reserve Properties Reserve Properties Pemberton Group Streetcar Development Tofni Developments Greenpark Homes Greenpark Homes Cresford Development Corp.

Tri-Win Developments Inc Lifetime Developments Centre Court Development Streetcar Development Great Gulf Homes Menkes Developments Inc. Reserve Properties BSaR Ltd Castlepoint/Numa Dundee Kilmer Developments Tridel Corporation Torbel Group Sonterlan Mansouri Living

*TH: Townhomes, C: Condo

Telephone

TH* C*

Price Range

Page

Infinity Condominiums 416-214-1988 • from $250,000 Milan 416-928-7409 • from $520,000 CASA 416-977-1100 • from $710,000 The Bloor St. Neighbourhood 416-977-1100 • from $600,000 CASA 2 416-977-1100 • from $250,000 The 500 Condos + Lofts 416-960-0606 • from $400,000 King West 416-367-5464 • from $210,000 775 King West 416-367-5464 • from $330,000 3018 Yonge In Lawrence Park 3018yonge.com • from $390,000 Monde mondegreatgulf.com • from $300,000 The Uptown Residences 416-987-3500 • from $950,000 King West - The Lanes contextkingwest.ca • from $250,000 Foundry Lofts 416-531-7760 from $399,000 Brownstones on the Park 416-531-7760 • from $320,000 Brownstones 416-531-7760 • from $300,000 The Upper Canada Condominium 416-489-5194 • from $1800,000 The Upper Canada Condominiums 416-489-5194 • from $1.8,000 455 Adelaide West - Fashion District Lofts 416-603-6166 • • from $280,000 Fashion House 416-366-0560 • from $250,000 Beach Hill Residences 416-422-0880 • • from $200,000 Schoolhouse 416-979-1333 • from $595,000 Worklofts 416-368-5262 • from $243,000 Flatiron Lofts 416-368-5262 from $243,000 300 Front Street West 416-217-0300 • from $324,000 Reve 416-514-2710 • from $334,000 Pier 27 Waterlink 416-367-3456 • from $300,000 Condos at The Distillery 416-361-1322 • from $400,000 One Bloor Residences 416-922-0081 • from $535,000 Block liveatblock.com • The King East 416-368-5262 • from $300,000 East Condos & Lofts 416-368-5262 • from $310,000 King West kingwestlife.com • from $346,000 Four Seasons Private Residences Toronto 416-775-7500 • from $1900,000 Four Seasons Private Residences Toronto 416-775-7500 • from $1900,000 Seventy Seven Charles Yorkville 416-203-7034 • from $2100,000 Market Wharf 416-861-8181 • from $260,000 Library District Condominiums 416-861-8181 • from $222,000 Brownstones in Davenport Village 416-531-7760 from $245,000 Brownstones on the Park 416-531-7760 • from $260,000 Charlie 416-927-9772 • from $251,000 Ivory On Adelaide 416-862-0888 • from $279,000 Fly Condos 416-979-1333 from $310,000 Condo Living Store 416-979-1333 • U Condominiums 416-546-6605 • from $250,000 One Park West 416-955-0559 • from $406,000 Paintbox Condominiums paintboxcondos.ca • Festival Tower 416-203-2020 • from $350,000 The Pinnacle on Adelaide 416-596-1600 • Bisha Hotel & Residences 416-637-2211 • from $300,000 Art Condos 416-535-7775 • from $230,000 Two Old Mill 416-645-7022 • from $356,000 1717 Avenue Road 416-430-1717 from $1550,000 1717 Avenue Road 416-430-1717 • from $1295,000 Queen & Portland 416-363-4800 • from $315,000 5 St. Joseph 416-928-0555 • • from $250,000 5 St. Joseph 416-928-0555 • • from $250,000 DNA 3 416-929-1030 • from $220,000 Downtown 416-598-5088 • from $210,000 12 Degrees 416-408-1200 • from $350,000 The Berwick 416-922-9425 from $280,000 The Grove 416-824-3390 • from $840,000 Riverside Towns 416-214-2000 • from $400,000 Riverside Towns 416-214-2000 • from $400,000 KEW Beach Living 416-690-0101 • • from $350,000 KEW Beach Living 416-690-0101 • • from $350,000 Studio on Richmond 647-352-7736 • from $300,000 Backstage on the Esplanade 416-777-2533 Backstage on the Esplanade 416-777-2533 Vero verocondos.ca from $250,000 Theatre Park 416-422-0333 • from $380,000 Theatre Park 416-422-0333 • from $490,000 Tableau Condominiums 416-591-8887 • • from $450,000 Tableau Condominiums 416-591-8887 • • from $350,000 King Charlotte 416-422-0333 • from $466,000 King Charlotte 416-422-0333 • from $312,000 Tableau Condominiums tableaucondos.com • • from $350,000 Carmelina 416-423-8500 • from $250,000 Yorkville Condominiums 416-987-3222 • • from $550,000 The Bond Condominiums 416-546-7525 • • from $300,000 Showcase showcaseliving.ca • from $210,000 L Tower 416-777-2533 • from $410,000 707 Lofts 707Lofts.com • • from $255,000 Perspective Condos 416-242-3500 from $300,000 King + Condos 416-366-5464 • from $304,000 thirtytwo Camden 416-860-0060 • from $240,000 8 Gladstone 416-690-9009 • from $250,000 133 Hazelton Residence 416-487-9863 • Model Suite of the Month 416-487-9863 • 210 Simcoe 210simcoe.com • Karma 416-551-2744 • from $180,000 Karma 416-551-2744 • Rise 416-546-7399 • from $290,000 Model Suite of the Month • Neon 416-987-7878 • from $210,000 The Carlaw 416-690-8588 • from $200,000 Nero 416-792-6418 • from $300,000 Allure Condominiums allurecondos.ca • from $350,000 Allure Condominiums allurecondos.ca • from $350,000 1000 Bay 416-485-3000 • FAD Condos 416-815-1818 • from $250,000 INDX 416-987-4639 • INDX 416-987-4639 • The Carnaby 416-690-9009 • from $250,000 TUX greatgulf.com/register • from $250,000 Noir menkes.com • 109OZ 416-531-4844 • from $280,000 The Hill 416-408-1200 • from $260,000 The Sterling thesterling1919.com • • from $200,000 Canary District Condominiums 416-603-7576 • from $200,000 101 Erskine 416--480-0700 • • from $250,000 Wallace Walk wallacewalktowns.com • from $210,000 The St Clements 416--778-7070 • • The Perry 416-926-7555 • from $390,000

Highlighted listings are advertised in this issue of Condo Guide.

Please refer to page number for complete information.

Finder 16m 15I 15L 15L 15L 17I 14M 14M 14B 17M 16J 14M 9I 9I 9I 14G 14G 14L 14L 23J 13i 20J 20J 15M 15M 17N 18L 15I 12K 18L 18L 13N 15I 15I 14J 17M 17M 9j 9J 14M 17L 14M 14m 15K 18J 18J M14 15M 16m 12N 5L 13D 13D 15I 16J 16J 12N 15N 15L 14D 11O 19K 19K 24J 24J 15M 17M 17M 17M 16M 16M 15L 15L 15L 15L 15L 23J 15G 15G 19K 17L 12K 4H 16L 14L M12 14I 14I 15M 15K 15K 12H 12H 14D 19K 13L 14F 14F 15J 14M 16M 16M 12M 15M 15M 12M 11E 9L 18L 14E 9L 21K

Attention Builders - Want to add your community to our maps?

Need to update existing information? Please fax the details to (416) 789-9554

torontoregionalmaps: Toronto, East York, York

# 41 46 52 52 52 54 55 55 57 58 62 64 66 66 66 70 70 73 73 74 78 81 81 83 83 88 94 99 100 101 101 102 103 103 104 106 106 109 109 110 114 115 115 118 120 120 122 124 128 130 131 132 132 134 135 135 136 139 141 142 143 144 144 145 145 150 151 151 151 152 152 153 153 153 153 153 154 155 155 156 157 160 162 163 165 170 173 173 175 182 182 184 184 185 186 187 188 188 190 191 195 195 197 198 198 207 208 210 215 216 217 218

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torontoregionalmaps: North York

* Due to scale restrictions, locators are approximate. Please see builder’s ads for exact locations.

090

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Builder

1 96 121 122 123 124 2 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 6 8 9 14 21 28 33 34 37 40 43 43 50 50 86 94 95 96 99 101 122 125 128 130 132

Concord Adex ELAD Canada Liberty Development Corp.

Lanterra Developments Brandy Lane Homes Tridel Corporation Torbel Group Tridel Corporation Tridel Corporation Tridel Corporation Tridel Corporation Concord Adex Concord Adex Concord Adex Concord Adex Concord Adex Conservatory Group Conservatory Group Torbel Group Tridel Corporation Tridel Corporation Castle Royale Development Malibu Investments Inc. Norstar Group of Companies Menkes Developments Inc. Monarch Corporation Monarch Corporation MintoUrban Communities Inc. Devron Developments Canderel/Stoneridge DHD Developments Aspen Ridge Homes ELAD Canada The Brown Group of Companies Kantium Development Lanterra Developments Fram Building Group The Daniels Corporation Tribute Communities Fram Building Group/Cadillac Fairview

*TH: Townhomes, C: Condo

Site

Telephone

TH* C*

Price Range

Page

Opus 416-813-2999 • • 38-39 Dreamtower At Emerald City 416-492-0001 • from $260,000 67 World on Yonge 905-771-7010 • from $294,000 36 Treviso II 416-787-8882 • from $200,000 19 The Station 416-398-9777 • from $450,000 52 Trio at Atria 416-645-8866 from $258,000 IFC The Avanti Condominiums 416-636-0400 from $375,000 Hullmark Centre 416-733-2883 • from $524,000 Avonshire Parkside 416-730-0300 • • from $579,000 Aristo at Avonshire 416-730-0300 • Aristo2 at Avonshire 416-730-0300 • from $299,000 Tango at Concord Park Place 416-813-2999 • • from $236,000 Discovery at Concord Park Place 416-813-2999 • Discovery II at Concord Park Place 416-813-2999 • • from $210,000 Tango2 at Concord Park Place 416-813-2999 • from $265,000 Corporate 416-813-2999 • • from $210,000 Pearl Condominiums 416-512-1818 • from $200,000 Platinum Towers 416-512-1818 • from $340,000 Diva DivaCondo.com Argento 416-663-1818 • Alto at Atria 416-645-8866 • from $288,000 The Palm Condominium Residences 416-306-1000 • from $400,000 Gramercy Park Condominium Residences 416-703-2202 • from $600,000 Portrait Condominiums 416-282-9600 • from $300,000 Gibson Square 416-730-9722 • from $363,000 Ultra at Heron’s Hill 416-495-3548 • from $200,000 Yorkland at Heron’s Hill 416-495-3548 • from $300,000 88 416-915-3805 • from $235,000 Flo Condominiums 647-799-0356 • from $250,000 Aura At College Park 416-962-8688 • from $500,000 Gooderham 416-361-1322 • from $410,000 Scenic on Eglinton 416-805-1781 • from $190,000 Emerald City Condominiums 416-492-0001 • from $250,000 Willow Park at Bayview 416-221-6767 • from $466,000 Posh Condominiums 905-771-0134 • from $544,000 Treviso Condominiums 416-787-8882 • from $200,000 LIV Lofts 416-445-5638 • from $250,000 NY Place 416-221-3939 • from $250,000 Canterbury 647-352-2130 • • from $700,000 Flaire Condos 416-445-8868 • from $320,000

Highlighted listings are advertised in this issue of Condo Guide.

Please refer to page number for complete information.

Finder 22C 24C A18 12F 12D 24C 17C 18D 18D 18D 18D 22C 22C 22C 22C 22C 17C 18C 11C 22e 25D 17B 13E 13C 17C 25D 25D 18c 18c 16K 18l 23G 24C 21 16A 12F 22F 19C 19F 22F

Attention Builders - Want to add your community to our maps?

Need to update existing information? Please fax the details to (416) 789-9554

1

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e

Islington Ave

62

Kipling Ave

Martin Grove Rd

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vd

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401 2A

Rathburn Rd

8

44

d

50 14 51 34

70

Park Lawn

Queensway

Royal York Rd

35

11 53 3 56 39 4 37 6 33

Gardiner Expressway Evans Ave

Horner Ave

* Due to scale restrictions, locators are approximate. Please see builder’s ads for exact locations.

19

45 Bloor St W

Dundas St W

h

d

Etobicoke

409

Scarborough

ett R Scarl

Westway

ll R Mi

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40

Dixon Rd

46

Builder Great Gulf Homes Menkes Developments Inc. Lash Group of Companies Carttera Graywood/Beaverhall Development Monarch Corporation Davies Smith Queenscorp Residences Liberty Development Corp.

Empire Communities Monarch Corporation Tridel Corporation Henderson Development Limited Monarch Corporation Conservatory Group Pemberton Group Camrost - Felcorp Camrost - Felcorp Green Hill Homes Mattamy Homes Georgian Empire Communities Beaverbrook Homes Tridel Corporation Amexon Development Corporation City Core Monarch Corporation Tridel Corporation Tridel Corporation Edilcan Development Corp.

Edilcan Development Corp.

Edilcan Development Corp.

Remington Group/Brown Group Remington Group Remington Group Pemberton Group Alterra Homes/Finer Space Tridel Corporation Phantom Developments Your Home Developments VHL Developments Ltd. VHL Developments Ltd. Royale Grand Woodbine Developments MintoUrban Communities Inc. First Avenue Properties Lash Group of Companies

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d

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QEW

*TH: Townhomes, C: Condo

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nR

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Finch Ave W

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# 7 7 10 10 15 18 20 25 28 28 29 42 2 4 6 8 11 11 13 24 26 33 34 35 37 38 39 42 44 45 45 45 46 46 46 50 51 55 56 60 61 61 62 65 70 71

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Ranforth Dr

Av e

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Humberline Dr

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Centennial

28

18

East Ave Port Union Rd

Ki

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Passmore Ave

lva

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16

Beare Rd

Manse Rd

72

n

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RD

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Galloway Rd

St. Clair Ave

Orton Park Rd

Markham Rd

McCowan Rd

Bellamy Rd

Lawrence Ave E

Scarborough Golf Rd

n Dr

orto

15

427 Morrish Rd

71

* Due to scale restrictions, locators are d approximate. Please see builder’s ads n R for 1 locations. sto exact ng

Victoria Park

g

Progress Ave

Brim

Eglinton Ave E

f

29

14

Sheppard Ave E Conlins Rd

2

Brimley Rd

Warden Ave

Pharmacy Rd

e

61

Birchmount Rd

d

Kennedy Rd

Ellesmere Rd

401 Midland Ave

42 55 401 31

Milner Ave

13

Meadowvale Rd

3

Sheppard Ave E

Ave

Morningside Ave

evin

McL

12 Reesor Rd

Huntingwood Dr

c

11 Sewells Rd

Finch Ave E

b

10

Neilson Rd

McNicoll Ave

9

Tapscott Rd

McCowan Rd

A

7

65

Lakeshore Blvd W

Site Telephone TH* C* Price Range Page Finder One Sherway Condominiums 416-695-3535 • from $273,000 22-23 16G One Sherway Condominiums 416-695-3535 • from $273,000 22-23 16G Cloud 9 Condominiums cloud9condos.ca • from $220,000 100-101 22B Cloud 9 Condominiums cloud9condos.ca • from $220,000 100-101 22B Ocean Club 416-255-4663 • from $229,000 95 25C Lago 416-495-3544 • from $300,000 Insert 24c Eleven Superior 416-259-8882 • from $200,000 135 23C Watermark 416-354-2221 • from $320,000 107 19D Terrace on Danforth 416-987-7575 • 37 2F Eau Du Soleil empirecommunities.com/eaudusoleil • from $250,000 6-7 25B Encore 416-495-3543 • from $200,000 Insert 5D Ventus at Metro Gate 416-293-5535 • from $342,000 BC 4c Centro 416-296-1898 • from $185,000 6D Nautilus at Waterview 416-495-3544 • from $400,000 25H Altitude 416-321-1659 • from $230,000 25H Palais at Port Royal Place 416-239-8200 • from $260,000 23F ilofts at Mystic Pointe 416-251-8888 • from $310,000 25G California Condos 416-251-8888 • from $242,000 25g Princeton Manor 905-849-1818 from $210,000 6G Summerside mattamyhomes.com • • from $159,000 3F King’s Way at Swansea Village 416-766-4683 • from $188,000 24G Beyond The Sea Star Tower Condominiums 416-979-1333 • • from $400,000 24H Evolution 416-747-9691 • from $250,000 22G Parc Nuvo at Essex 416-231-0999 • from $398,000 22g South Beach 416-252-3000 from $209,000 25H Harmony Village Sheppard 416-493-0123 from $170,000 2C Waterscapes 416-495-3544 • from $390,000 26H Metrogate Townhomes 416-293-5535 • • from $427,000 4C West Village 416-620-1887 • from $260,000 21F One Valhalla 416-233-5554 • from $239,000 21F Thunderbird 416-233-5554 • from $240,000 21F Triumph At One Valhalla 416-233-5554 • from $230,000 21F IQ IQcondos.com • from $190,000 22G The Masters mastercondos.com • from $200,000 22G Park Towers at IQ 416-253-5838 • from $200,000 22G Vivid 416-239-8200 • from $350,000 23F Westwood Condominiums westwoodAlterra.com • from $300,000 23F Avani At Metrogate 416-293-5535 • from $248,000 4C Jade Condominiums 416-762-8818 • from $250,000 24G Nature’s Path 416-745-6686 • • from $270,000 11E 2150 Condos 416-750-2150 • from $189,000 3E Haven On The Bluffs 416-2621-9555 • from $160,000 3E Lexington 416-638-8444 • from $240,000 21C South Shore mintosouthshore.com • from $300,000 22H Qube Condos 647-351-7823 • from $200,000 24G Me 647-693-7563 • from $150,000 8D

Highlighted listings are advertised in this issue of Condo Guide.

Please refer to page number for complete information.

Attention Builders - Want to add your community to our maps?

Need to update existing information? Please fax the details to (416) 789-9554

torontoregionalmaps: Scarborough, Etobicoke

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Toronto Waterfront

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waterfrontmaps: Toronto

* Due to scale restrictions, locators are approximate. Please see builder’s ads for exact locations.

092

#

Builder

1

Pemberton Group

Park Lake Residences

Site

416-769-4343

• • from $250,000

3F

2

Monarch Corporation

Nautilus at Waterview -

416-495-3544

• from $400,000

5f

3

Cresford Development Corp.

NXT2/Phase Two

416-977-5300

• • from $210,000

4E

3

Cresford Development Corp.

NXT at Windermere By The Lake

416-977-5300

• • from $300,000

11f

6

Plazacorp/Berkley Community

West Harbour City

westharbourcity.com

• from $327,000

13E

7

Lifetime Homes

Waterparkcity – Neptune

416-203-3700

•

13f

8 Concord Adex

Grand Parade 2 at Concord CityPlace

416-813-0999

•

14f

8

Concord Adex

Quartz

416-813-0999

• •

14F

8

Concord Adex

ParadeTWO Tower Residences

416-813-0999

14f

8

Concord Adex Grand Parade at Concord CityPlace

416-813-0999

• from 293,000

14F

8

Concord Adex

Panorama at Concord CityPlace

416-813-0999

• from $389,000

14F

8

Concord Adex

Panorama Elite Suites at Concord CityPlace

416-813-0999

• from $1,135,000

14F

8

Concord adex

ParadeTWO Park Collection at Concord CityPlace

416-813-0999

• from $308,000

14F

8

Concord Adex

Luna Vista at Concord CityPlace

416-813-0999

• from $2,213,000

14F

8

CONCORD ADEX

Spectra

416-813-0999

• •

14F

9

Conservatory Group

Infinity Condominiums

416-214-1988

• from $250,000

14f

11 URBAN CPITAL

River City 2

416-862-0505

• from $250,000

16E

14 CANALFA GROUP

Liberty Central by the Lake

416-537-0047

• from $200,000

10F

14 Canalfa Group

Liberty on the Park Condominiums

416-537-0047

• from $363,000

10F

15 Malibu investments inc.

LTD

416-601-2223

• from $200,000

12F

16 CAMROST FELDCORP California Condominiums

sunsetcondos.ca

• from $280,000

24C

18 Fernbrook Homes/Cityzen Dev.

416-367-3456

• from $300,000

11F

Pier 27 Residences On The Lake

21 GREAT GULF Monde *TH: Townhomes, C: Condo

Highlighted listings are advertised in this issue of Condo Guide.

Please refer to page number for complete information.

Telephone

mondegreatgulf.com

TH* C*

Price Range

• from $287,000

• • from $300,000

Page

Finder

15E

Attention Builders - Want to add your community to our maps?

Need to update existing information? Please fax the details to 416-789-9554

Phillip Mur

TH* C*

Price Range

og

Scug

Manvers

Page

Finder

Scugog

416-255-4663 48

• from $250,000

95

416-259-8882

• from $200,000

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• from $280,000

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24C

25 queenscorp residences

Watermark

416-354-2221

• from $320,000

107

19D

28 EMPIRE COMMUNITIES

Eau Du Soleil

empirecommunities.com/eaudusoleil

• from $210,000

6-7

25B

5

United lands

Stonebrook Condominiums

905-822-8858

• from $270,000

9E

8

chestnut hill development

San Francisco By The Bay

905-831-3631

•

• from $180,000

23J

10 Pemberton Group

Bluwater Condominiums

416-987-8800

• from $350,000

5J

11 Monarch Corp.

Waterscapes

416-495-3544

• from $390,000

25C

13 GREEN HILL HOMES

Princeton Manor

905-849-1818

• from $210,000

6G

14 Phantom Developments

Jade Waterfront Condos

416-251-0707

• from $250,000

24G

Attention Builders - Want to add your community to our maps?

Need to update existing information? Please fax the details to 416-789-9554

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Please refer to page number for complete information.

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Thornton Rd

Wentworth St

Gibb St

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Up

King St W Bond St W

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condo watch

continued…

Imperial Plaza

by Camrost Felcorp

Sixteen-foot loft living at Yonge and St. Clair.

Register today.

Web: 16FootLofts.ca/cg

previews & registrations 365 Church

by Menkes

416

Builders: If you would like to include your preview registration, new release or site opening in this feature, just email the details to susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com

Indx Condos

by Lifetime & CentreCourt Developments

Coming soon to Bay and Adelaide. Register now to stay informed.

Web: IndxCondos.com

Jade Waterfront Condos

by Phantom Developments

In the heart of the action. Coming soon to Church and Carlton. Register now.

Web: Menkes.com

Opening soon on the Etobicoke waterfront. Register now to stay informed.

Web: JadeWaterfrontCondos.com

The Britt

by Lanterra Developments

Noir Condos

by Menkes

Condos with European flair coming soon to Bay and Wellesley. Register now.

Web: SunsetCondos.ca

Coming soon to the heart of Toronto, at Peter and King. Register now.

Web: Menkes.com

California Condos

by Camrost Felcorp

One Park Place

by Daniels Corp.

Register now for the Sunset Collection at California Condos in south Etobicoke.

Web: SunsetCondos.ca

Coming this spring, the “one” place to be in downtown east. Register now to stay informed.

Web: DanielsOneParkPlace.com

The Carnaby

by Streetcar

Sixty Colborne

by Freed Developments

Inspired by London; coming soon to trendy Queen West. Register now.

Web: CarnabyLofts.com

A block from everything at King Street East and Church Street. Register now.

Web: SixtyColborne.com

Cinema Tower

by Daniels

South Hill on Madison

by Burnac

World-class condo in the heart of the Entertainment District. Register now.

Web: CinemaTowerCondos.com

Coming soon to the coveted Casa Loma neighbourhood. Register now.

Web: SouthHillOnMadison.com

Context King West

by Context

Tao

by SigNature Communities

Coming soon to King West – community and design for everyone. Register now.

Web: ContextKingWest.ca

Boutique condos on Bayview in Richmond Hill.

Coming soon.

Web: TaoCondos.ca

Dragon Condos

by Ideal Developments

Ten York

by Tridel

Register now to enjoy “legendary living” at Dundas and Spadina.

Web: DragonCondos.com

Rising above it all at York and Harbour.

Register now for your private oasis.

Web: TenYork-condos.ca

Eau Du Soleil

by Empire Communities

Tux

by Great Gulf

Surfacing soon: one of Canada’s tallest and most iconic waterfront condos. Register online.

Web: EauDuSoleilCondos.com

Rising 40 storeys at King and Blue Jays Way. Take the next step – register now.

Web: GreatGulf.com/register

The Epicurean

by Monarch Corp.

The Upper Canada Condominium

by State Building Group

A stylish new condo for local foodies in Bloor West Village. Register now.

Web: MonarchGroup.net

Coming soon, affordable luxury at Avenue Road and Lonsdale. Register now.

Web: UpperCanadaCondo.com

Fabrik

by Menkes

Vivid

by Pemberton Group

Register now for this fashionable new condo, steps from Toronto’s trendy Fashion District.

Web: Menkes.com

Affordable luxury living at Bloor and Islington.

Register now.

Web: VividCondos.com

FAD Condominiums

by Tri-Win

Yonge & Rich

by Great Gulf

Fashion District Condominiums, coming soon to this trend-setting hot spot.

Web: FadCondo.ca

Live at the centre of it all at Yonge and Richmond. Register for a preview.

Web: YongeandRich.com

Yorkville Plaza

by Camrost Felcorp

Grand opening at this iconic address.

Offering the best things in life right outside your door.

Web: YorkvillePlaza.com 094 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

OWN THE BEST ADDRESS ON FROM THE WATER ONLY $228,900* INCLUDING PARKING AND LOCKER

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION! WATERFRONT LIVING IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of Toronto’s most successful waterfront condominium! NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, Ocean Club offers a great selection of suite designs and exquisite condominium living with gorgeous finishes, resort style amenities and is just steps from parks, trails, shopping, marina, dining and more.

DON’T MISS OUT! Oceanclubcondos.ca Call 416.255.4663 or email oceanclub@bakersales.info to book your private appointment

*See Sales Representative for more details.

Exclusive Listing: Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Brokerage. Brokers Protected.

Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustration is artist concept. E. & O.E.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 095

condo profile

The Sky Penthouses:

Pinnacle Centre’s crowning glory

i

ntricately designed and masterfully finished, four one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring penthouses have just been released at Pinnacle Centre. Three of these suites reside at the peak of the prominent 33 Bay Residences tower, while the other one is perched atop the opulent Palatial Collection at Success Tower, jewels in the residential crown one might say.

For connoisseurs of extravagant layouts, three of the four suites are dramatic two-level floorplans designed for those with the ultimate of exquisite tastes in mind.

Needless to say, the floor-to-lofty-ceiling-windows in these penthouses bring in a plethora of warm, natural sunlight glow that only such elevated walls of gleaming glass can provide. Overwhelming, 360-degree views of the city will take your breath away with astonishing views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands to the south, and a tremendous spectacle of Toronto’s downtown core to the north. For those who desire a flair 096 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

for the dramatic with a touch of lavishness, there is an enclosed private swimming pool and hot tub on the second floor of the penthouse residence on top of Success Tower.

Being a part of this Pinnacle Centre community goes hand in hand with an exclusive membership to an expansive 30,000-sq.-ft. recreational and fitness club with a 70-ft. long swimming pool, two fitness gyms, racquetball, squash, tennis courts and even an outdoor putting green. Instead of homeowners hiring gardeners, trades and personal assistants to tend to life in an oversized house, a condominium’s exclusive property

management team has become an all-in-one replacement to these requirements with their teams of concierges, maintenance crews and landscapers taking care of the finer details surrounding life.

To top this off, Pinnacle Centre’s location is second to none in its convenience of commuting and transportation. With Union Station, Go Transit and Toronto’s underground PATH network just around the corner, along with a series of highways in and out of downtown connected by the Gardiner Expressway at your doorstep, all avenues of travel are at your fingertips.

Though architecture and designs have progressively evolved over time, a true constant in the residential repertoire of Pinnacle International is its attention to hotel-themed luxury and detail. It

naturally draws its inspiration from its impressive resume of luxury hotel developments and the transfusion of this regal hospitality-style ambiance is strikingly apparent in 33 Bay’s and Palatial’s exquisite lobbies, refined common hallways and these distinguished suites perched high above the harbourfront. The Sky Penthouses have officially landed; come see for yourself.

Visit the presentation centre, located at 8 Harbour St. between Bay and Yonge. For further information, call 416.925.3325 or visit the website: pinnacleinternational.ca.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 097

quick tips

// by hellen buttigieg

The impact of stuff but can’t figure out why, it could be the clutter. Even if it’s stuffed in the back of the closet, the basement or the garage, you know it’s there.

Every item holds a vibrational energy; if you’ve buried sad reminders of disappointments from your past, know that as long as you keep these emotionally toxic things in your space, they are still haunting you. Break free from the past and make space for new opportunities to come into your life.

If it’s in storage and bringing you sorrow, now is a great time to let it go.

Out with the old, in with the new!

Hellen Buttigieg, CPO, is a Certified Professional Organizer, life coach, TV host and owner of We Organize U. Visit her website, WeOrganizeU.com, for a free e-Book on how to find more time, energy and inner peace.

Contact Hellen at 905.829.2219 or info@WeOrganizeU.com

E

verything around you has an impact on you whether you realize it or not. When you create and develop your décor, you are trying to set the tone of the room – give it a certain look and feel. You take time to include pieces you like and enjoy, whether they are part of the design or part of the function of the room. But other pieces make their way into your space, even though they may not belong there or may be there for the wrong reasons. By organizing, de-cluttering and streamlining, you can make sure your environment has the right effect! » Is clutter getting you down?

Surrounding ourselves with items that mean something to us brings pleasure. And then there’s all the other stuff. Often when we feel down 098 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

» Eliminate your clutter hot spots We all have certain spots in our

homes that have become magnets for clutter, usually because they provide a convenient, empty, flat surface on which to pile things. Walk around your home to determine where the clutter hot spots are, then remove the clutter (toss it in a box or laundry basket for now) and put something beautiful in its place, like a vase or a sculpture. If it’s the dining room table, set it as if you were having a dinner party. This will deter you from using it as a drop zone.

Walk around your home with the box you tossed everything into and deposit these items where they belong, either in the garbage or recycle box or stored elsewhere in your house. If they don’t have a proper home, create one.

» Detaching from sentimental attachment Things that have a story

attached to them are often difficult to let go of because of the sentimental attachment. Keep in mind that the item is not the memory; it simply triggers the memory. It may be beneficial to take a picture of the item and put it in a scrapbook or photo album with a short note telling its story. That way, the memory is preserved without taking up as much space. Another option is to pass along the items to a family member who could put them to good use. » Daily de-clutter habit You brush your teeth every day.

You shower every day. Why not de-clutter every day, too?

Make it a habit, just like the examples I gave, and it will become second nature. Throughout the day, when you pull something out, take a moment to put it back when you are finished with it. At the end of the day, take a couple of minutes to do a “clean sweep” of your home and put away anything that is out of place.

Keep a sticky note somewhere on your way to your bedroom to remind you for the first little while.

After doing it for a month, you can take the note down because it will have become a habit – one that will serve you beautifully for the rest of your life. This simple practice can help you cut down on clutter without taking a lot of time and effort.

ins w s t t the e a e r r t a s . e B eY h t s! f A o B t H c e O Proj 2012

This must be what it feels like to win big at the Academy Awards! On September 24th, B.streets was recognized with five awards at the 2012 OHBAs in Collingwood, the Oscars of the real estate world.

Our big wins included Best Ad Campaign, Best Logo, Best Brochure, Best Sales Office, and Project of the Year! We proudly share this honour with all of our supporters. There is still a great selection of incredible suites available. Book your private appointment today and make B.streets your home base.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION. From the low $300’s.

By appointment at 385 Madison Avenue

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EXCLUSIVE BROKER: MILBORNE REAL ESTATE INC. PRICES & SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. E.&O.E. CREATIVE: LA-ADS.COM

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 099

Live It Up In Etobicoke

NEW IKEA FURNISHED Model To View

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100 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

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feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 101

downsizing

// By Jonathan scott and Drew Scott

downsizing with a purpose Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott of the hit show Property Brothers offer their expert tips on downscaling to your dream home on a limited budget

W

hen it comes to real estate, bigger isn’t always better. For our clients, Tina and James, it was quite the opposite. Their children had moved out and they were ready to downsize; the only problem was that since there was very little equity in their previous home, they didn’t have the budget to support their lofty dreams. In their minds, they would have to settle for mediocrity because a dream home was too far out of reach. You can downsize to the dream home you’ve always wanted and you can do it with a limited budget.

Real estate agent Drew Scott and his twin brother, contractor Jonathan Scott, are experts who help couples find, buy and transform extreme fixer-uppers into the ultimate dream home. wnetwork.com/ propertybrothers

When touring properties, look for a place that has a footprint that would favour an open concept

102 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Here are 10 tips to do just that: 1 Change is good, but some things you just can’t change

You may be able to renovate the home but you can’t change location, amenities in the area, transit and lot size. Always keep these values in mind.

2 Cosy doesn’t have to mean cramped

When touring properties, look for a place that has a footprint that would favour an open concept. Even the smallest spaces can look spacious with an open concept.

3 Home and Hobby

If you are retiring – and therefore will be spending more time around the house – be sure to find a place that will suit your pastime needs.

For example, if you like to paint, like James, try to find a place with lots of natural light. Or if you love gardening, look for a townhouse with a small yard [Editor’s Note: or a condo with a community garden plot] to accommodate your green thumb but won’t burden you with too much maintenance.

BEFORE

after

4 Clean that closet

Many people don’t take into account that all their furnishings and knickknacks won’t fit comfortably when moving into a smaller space. Don’t ruin the design of your home by trying to clutter the rooms with all your belongings. Look at what you have for storage areas (closets, cabinets and storage locker/garage) and build organizers so you can maximize the use of space, that is, until you finally get rid of the unneeded items.

5 Out with the old, in with the new and improved

Many people don’t take into account that all their furnishings and knick-knacks won’t fit comfortably when moving into a smaller space.

Don’t ruin the design of your home by trying to clutter the rooms with all your belongings.

In a smaller space you need to maximize every inch. One of the best ways is by looking for furniture that has multiple uses. For example, seek out a coffee table that also opens for additional storage. There are many stylish and functional options out there.

6 Welcome to the 21st Century

Train yourself to be a minimalist. You likely want to keep the old photo albums and book collections. However, with today’s digital technology, you can store all your photos and books on your computer. You get better quality imaging and it can free up a lot of space.

7 Unload online

The old clunky couch and oversized coffee table are dated and taking up way too much space. The old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” couldn’t be more true. If you were to list your old furniture for sale online, you could potentially earn enough money to pay for some of your new furnishing or even that hardwood flooring upgrade you want.

8 Get crafty in the kitchen

If you are working with a smaller kitchen space, think of utilizing a breakfast bar. This saves you from devoting an additional area to feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 103

a kitchen table and doubles as a prep area for when you’re cooking or entertaining. Also consider full-height cabinets, as the additional storage space with be handy.

9 Let’s take it back to the bedroom

Don’t take the common approach, spending all your money on the entertaining areas of the home (living room and kitchen). Save a little for your master bedroom, as this is the one area of the home made for rest and rejuvenation. And don’t overlook the value of having a quality bed. We see it time and time again: people spending $2,000 on a couch yet they won’t even spend $700 on a good mattress. If you are not well rested, you won’t be able to make the most of your day. And keep in mind that most mattress suppliers will finance the cost to lessen the burden of the purchase. It’s a little something extra to help you sleep better at night.

10 Dare to compare

Just because you are moving into a smaller home, doesn’t mean the final renovated product can’t compare to the larger dream homes.

For Tina and James, they got the modern style they wanted – and the functionality they needed.

BEFORE

104 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

after

Watch the Property Brothers on the W Network.

BMO REPORT

Young Canadians

Concerned About Retirement Savings Eighty per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 are not confident in their

ability to save for retirement, according to a recent BMO Financial Group study. The study found that 55 per cent of people in this demographic think they will either be “unable” or “just equally able” to achieve their ideal retirement lifestyle, compared to their parents’ ability to do so.

BMO says this could be related to many young people focusing more on paying down debt than on saving for retirement. According to Statistics Canada, personal debt levels climbed to an record 164.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2012, meaning Canadians owe an average of $1.65 for every dollar of after-tax income they earn.

The BMO study revealed that almost half (46 per cent) of young Canadians are more concerned about paying down debt than saving for their retirement, with only one-in-four (24 per cent) more concerned about their retirement savings.

“While it’s admirable that young Canadians are focused on reducing their debt levels, they also need to allocate some money for their retirement needs,” says Janet Peddigrew, District Vice President, BMO Bank of Montreal. “By taking the time to identify both their short-term and long-term financial goals, young people can build a financial plan that works for their life now and well into the future.”

What Concerns Them?

When asked about their biggest concerns regarding retirement, the answers were as follows: › Seventy-seven per cent fear outliving their retirement savings, and 61 per cent fear outliving their spouse, family and friends › Seventy-two per cent fear developing physical health problems, and more than half (58 per cent) fear developing mental health issues › Seventy-two per cent worry about being unable to afford the lifestyle they want in retirement Where Will The Money Come From?

An overwhelming 94 per cent of young Canadians believe the Canada Pension Plan will play a role in providing funding for their retirement; 91 106 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

per cent also expect to rely on their Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP). Others think they will get the money from: › their employer pension plan (82 per cent) › retirement income from their spouse (72 per cent) › other savings (86 per cent) › an inheritance (66 per cent) “On average, the CPP pays out approximately $500 a month, so young Canadians should not rely on it too heavily to fund their retirement,” says Chris Buttigieg, Senior Manager, Wealth Planning Strategy, BMO Financial Group.

“To maximize savings, Canadians should be putting away money for the long term and finding creative ways to build their retirement savings over time. For instance, a continuous savings plan allows investors to make small, regular automatic contributions to their RRSP directly from their bank account. It’s a great option for young Canadians who may feel overwhelmed trying to come up with a lump sum before the annual RRSP contribution deadline.”

Ontario Home Builders’ Association Award Winner

THE MOST OUTSTANDING MID-RISE BUILDING IN 2012 NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION Designed to be a hallmark building featuring timeless elements of traditional architecture combined with modern sensibilities of design and function, this exclusive community will be located just steps from Lake Ontario’s waterfront. With easy access to public transit and several major highways, Watermark promises to be the perfect place to call home.

1 Bedroom • 1 Bedroom + Den • 2 Bedroom • 2 Bedroom + Den – from 649 sq.ft. to 1,225 sq.ft.

FROM THE LOW

$300’s

queenscorp.com

|

416.354.2221

All prices & specifications are subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. All Illustrations are artist’s concept only. Brokers Protected.

Long Branch

Monday to Thursday 1:00pm to 7:00pm Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 12:00pm to 5:00pm

N

Brown’s Line

3609 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Suite 104, Toronto, ON

Thirty Fifth St.

P R E S E N TAT I O N C E N T R E

Kipling Ave.

Watermark Lake Shore Blvd. W.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 107

tips & TRICKS

ROOKIE MISTAKES What to avoid when buying for the first time

Even though Canadian homebuyers do their

homework, the majority say there are some things about their first house hunt they would do differently.

“From being more thorough in their budget to exploring their mortgage options carefully, many first-time buyers think they could have prepared better for their house hunt,” says Farhaneh Haque, Director of Mortgage Advice at TD Canada Trust. “Prospective buyers would be wise to learn from other buyers’ mistakes. If you think you’re ready for homeownership, do your research and make sure you know as much as you can about the process and ongoing commitment.”

To help prepare, here are the top five things homebuyers say they would do differently according to the TD Canada Trust First-Time Home Buyers Report:

1 | Be thorough when budgeting From closing costs

and land transfer fees to ongoing property taxes and everyday maintenance costs, the price of homeownership is much more than your down payment and monthly mortgage payments. Calculate how much you spend each month on everything, such as rent, groceries, insurance, loans and taxes to determine what you can afford altogether.

2 | Make a bigger down payment The minimum down payment is five per cent of a home’s value. The larger the down payment, the less you’ll need to borrow, which saves you money in interest payments over the long term. With a larger down payment you may also qualify to save on mortgage insurance premiums up-front. If homeownership is a goal, start saving now.

108 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

3 | Buy sooner The sooner you buy, the sooner you start building equity, rather than paying money to someone else each month. Still, in the long run you may be better off to wait and save up for a larger down payment.

4 | Get pre-approved for a mortgage Pre-approval puts you in a good position when you start house hunting. It lets you know what you can afford, so you can confidently make an offer when you find a home you like.

5 | Research mortgage options Picking the right mortgage is just as important as choosing the right home. Look at your choices for the term, interest rate, repayment schedule and other flexible features.

Then, pick a mortgage that works for you.

There’s more information on the home buying process available at tdcanadatrust.com/homeownership. NC

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION DOWNTOWN’S ROARING SUCCESS ADELAIDE ST. W.

WELLINGTON ST. W. WINDSOR ST.

NEW PRESENTATION CENTRE: 24 MERCER ST. MON-THURS: 12–6PM FRI: CLOSED SAT–SUN: 12-5PM

CLARENCE SQUARE

MERCER ST.

UNIVERSITY AVE.

416.597.6940

NEW JOHN ST.

THEMERCERCONDOS.CA

KING ST. W. BLUE JAYS WAY

CONDOS AT KING & JOHN FROM THE MID $200’S*

SPADINA AVE.

VISIT THE NEW PRESENTATION CENTRE TODAY!

WIDMER ST.

PETER ST.

Excitement is building at THE MERCER, with construction under way on downtown’s most successful condominium. A great selection of Suites from studios to 3-bedrooms still available.

PEARL ST.

FRONT ST. W.

EXCLUSIVE BROKER MILBORNE REAL ESTATE INC. BROKERS PROTECTED. *PRICES AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ILLUSTRATIONS ARE ARTIST CONCEPT. E.&O.E.

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 109

condo watch

previews & registrations Centro Square

by Liberty Development

A master-planned community in the heart of Woodbridge. Register now.

Web: CentroSquare.ca

A master-planned urban community in Richmond Hill Web: SkyCityCondos.com

The Clairington

by Castleridge Homes

Upper Village Markham

by Greenpark

Active adult living in a parkside condominium in Brampton.

Web: TheClairingtonCondos.com

Courtyards of Maple

by Marino/Intercity/TriAxis

European-inspired condos coming soon to Maple. Register now to stay informed.

Web: CourtyardsOfMaple.com

905 Builders: If you would like to include your preview registration, new release or site opening in this feature, just email the details to susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com

Downtown Erin Mills

by Pemberton Group

Coming soon to Erin Mills: condo living with a downtown vibe. Register now.

Web: DowntownErinMills.com

Fairground Lofts

by Wycliffe Homes

Urban lofts are coming to Woodbridge Village.

Register now for preview.

Web: FairgroundLofts.ca

Grand Palace

by Guizzetti Corp.

Register now for the timeless art of living!

Now under construction.

Web: GrandPalace.ca

Limelight

by Daniels Corp.

Coming soon: The final glorious chapter of Mississauga’s beaming success story.

Web: LimelightCondos.com

Park City Condominiums

By Tobyn Park Homes

Currently in pre-construction at Walkers Line and Upper Middle Road in Burlington.

Register now.

Web: ParkCityLiving.ca

Pinnacle Uptown

by Pinnacle International

Construction has started on Mississauga’s live-work-play community. Register today.

Web: PinnacleUptown.com

Rain Condominiums

by Empire Communities

Coming soon to Oakville – the South Tower at Rain Condominiums. Register now.

Web: RainCondos.com

110 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Skycity Condominiums

by Pemberton Group

Now registering, UV2 – the North Tower.

South Tower is already 90 per cent sold and under construction.

Web: UV2.com

Windows on the Green

by Vandyk Communities

A beautiful selection of condos coming soon to Mississauga on Erin Mills Parkway.

Web: WindowsOnTheGreen.ca

new releases & grand openings Allegra

by Nova Trimax

Affordable luxury, steps from the Village of Woodbridge. Construction started on Phase 1.

Web: AllegraCondos.com

Garden Court Condos

by Monarch

Now open in Markham. Visit the Experience Centre at 10350 Woodbine Ave. Web: MonarchGroup.net

PSV2 & Parkside Village Townhomes

by Amacon Developments

Offering the convenience of downtown living with the tranquility of a suburban context.

Grand opening.

Web: LifeAtParkside.com

GTA Edition Feb 23 - Mar 9, 2013

Your complete source for condos, lofts and townhomes in the 905 region

IN THIS SECTION Maps and listings for new condo communities in the 905 region Builder news and the latest in condos in the 905

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905 regionalmaps: Burlington, Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Further West, Further North

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* Due to scale restrictions, locators are approximate.

Please see builder’s ads for exact locations.

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16 Vandyk Communities

Windows on the Green

17 Pemberton Group

Downtown Erin Mills Condominiums

30 Pinnacle International

TH* C*

905-822-3333

Price Range

Page

Finder

from $270,000

123

17M

PembertonGroup.com

•

from $250,000

9

6C

Pinnacle Grand Park 2

905-276-3981

•

from $250,000

119

20L

34 Pinnacle International

Pinnacle Uptown, Crystal 2

905-568-9000

•

from $250,000

121

19K

39 The Daniels Corporation

Limelight Condominiums

905-306-6996

•

from $200,000

14

21L

45 Empire Communities

Rain Condominiums

raincondos.com

•

from $400,000

115

17Q

47 The Daniels Corporation

Erin Mills

905-306-6996

•

15

17M

1

Pemberton Group

Miracle in Mississauga

905-603-6300

•

from $250,000

16M

3

Castle Group

Tuscany Gates

905-501-9557

from $340,000

20J

4

Conservatory Group

Mirage

905-232-2400

•

from $250,000

20K

6

Conservatory Group

Widesuites

905-897-8536

•

from $375,000

21K

8

Fernbrook Homes

Absolute Vision

905-803-0556

•

from $188,000

21k

8

Cityzen

Absolute Vision

905-803-0556

from $188,000

21K

•

21K

•

•

10 AMACON

The Residences at Parkside Village

lifeatparkside.com

12 Alterra Homes

Renaissance in Olde Brampton

905-454-7222

•

from $215,000

13d

12 Alterra Homes

Renaissance in Olde Brampton

905-454-7222

•

from $215,000

13d

14 Pemberton Group

Rosedale Village Golf & Country Club

905-799-5000

•

from $190,000

12e

18 Retirement Lifestyle Communities

Palisades on the Glen

905-820-8210

•

from $290,000

17M

19 United Lands

Stonebrook II

905-822-8858

•

22n

21 Casino Bay Dev. Corp./Toddglen

Panoramic Point at Brewery Bay

27 Inzola Group

•

1-866-611-5525

•

from $264,000

7Q

Park Place

905-451-7001

•

from $310,000

14G

30 Pinnacle International

Pinnacle Grand Park

905-276-3981

•

from $250,000

20L

31 Pemberton Group

Bluwater Condos

416-987-8800

•

from $350,000

17T

32 Armour Heights Developments

River’s Edge

905-533-2400

•

from $285,000

14A

35 Ashley Oaks Group

Emporium at Joshua Creek

905-618-0660

from $200,000

17P

36 Mady Development

Market Town Condominiums

705-719-1222

•

from $144,000

5r

38 Tridel Corporation

Metrogate - Ventus 2

416-293-5535

•

•

from $302,000

19J

38 Tridel Corporation

Ventus at Metrogate

416-293-5535

•

•

from $302,000

19J

46 Mattamy Homes

The Mount Pleasant Village

•

from $200,000

20M

*TH: Townhomes, C: Condo

Highlighted listings are advertised in this issue of Condo Guide.

Please refer to page number for complete information.

•

mattamyhomes.com

Attention Builders - Want to add your community to our maps?

Need to update existing information? Please fax the details to (416) 789-9554

905 regionalmaps: Burlington, Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Further West, Further North

#

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* Due to scale restrictions, locators are approximate. Please see builder’s ads for exact locations.

16

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East

10 Concess ion R

9 Line

Town of Markham 7 407

11 Concess

Hwy. 48 le Dr

Markham

ion R

Hwy. 27

40 Nova Trimax

TH* C*

arthousemarkham.com

6

Raymervil

32 Liberty Development Corp.

14 Ave

Telephone

Arthouse The Fountains

Rd

3 407

Main St S

Site

24 Liberty Development Corp.

n

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2 42

Bullock Dr Hwy 7

Aldergrove Dr

905regionalmaps: Maple, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa

To wn of O sh awa

28

McCowan Rd

35 404

Kennedy Rd

Builder Flato Development

Warden Av e

e

114

#

26

Key Maps

Major Mackenzie

15

7

2

Steeles Ave E

Steeles Ave W

St

45

34

404

John

18 Ave

16 Ave Carlton Rd

Ave

Clark Ave W

Cachet Pkwy Woodbin e

e

5

2

Leslie St

Centre St

Elgin Mills Rd

Leslie St

44

40

16th Ave.

32

Thornhill Henderson Av

407

24 1

9

Yonge St

7

31 30

23

4

rn Ave

43 10

Langstaff Rd

404

1

Strathea

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7

g 407

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22

Weldrick Rd W

Rutherford Rd

400

41 26

25

401

19 Ave

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Richmond Hill Denham Dr

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50

t nce S Clare Kipling Av

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Bayview Ave

20

Maple

Elgin Mills Rd Neal Dr

n

29

e

Regent St Mill St

St

25

Yorkland

Huntingto

11

Major Mackenzie

19th Ave.

Gamble Rd

Bathurst St

Dufferin St

d

401

28

y Cr

Teston Rd

Nashville Rd

400

Jefferson Sideroad

Keele St

Kirby Rd

Jane St

Rd

Pine Valle

c

24

401

Weston Rd

Cold Cree k

12 Line Rd

King-Vaughan Rd

To wn of Ajax

City of Pickerin g

Yonge St

King Rd

23

To wn of W hitby

Bloomington Sideroad

b

21 22

Denison St

Price Range

Page

Finder

from $200,000

71

22E

from $272,000

37

10F 14f

905-731-8302

•

Royal Gardens

905-889-9997

•

from $240,000

37

Allegra

905-850-6866

•

from $250,000

125

1F

43 Guizzetti Developments

Grand Palace

905-907-4370

•

from $295,000

79

12E

44 Liberty Development Corp.

Centro Square Condos

905-851-8877

•

35

4G

46 Empire Communities

The Mark

themarkcondos.ca

•

from $200,000

45

21E

monarchgroup.net

•

from $250,000

16D

905-948-9900

•

from $180,000

18f

1

Monarch Corporation

Garden Court

3

Remington Group

Downtown Markham - Rouge Bijou

4

Tridel Corporation

Renaissance of Richmond Hill

416-736-9500

•

from $720,000

12G

5

State Building Group

Promenade Park

905-709-3352

•

from $410,000

10g

6

Uppercity Village

Greensborough Village

905-489-9964

from $249,000

23e

7

MintoUrban Communities Inc.

WaterGarden

416-915-3800

•

from $254,000

11G

9

Amicorp

Terraces on the Park

905-265-8739

•

from $210,000

3f

10 Great Lands Corp.

The Beverly Hills Resort Residences

905-882-6636

from $250,000

13F

11 Triaxis Development Inc/Marino Developments

Courtyards of Maple

416-798-7070

•

from $390,000

8E

15 Emery Condominiums

•

•

The Essential

905-887-4888

•

from $250,000

20E

20 Solmar Development Corp

Bellaria Residences

905-417-8482

•

from $240,000

7e

22 Quadra Mgt. & Sceptre Devs.

Renaissance Court at Woodbridge Gates

905-851-4220

•

from $230,000

3G

22 Wycliffe Homes

Fairground Lofts

905-605-5900

•

from $287,000

3G

26 Rice Development

Ambria

905-796-3630

•

from $340,000

3F

28 Chestnut Hill Homes

San Francisco by the Bay

905-831-3631

•

from $180,000

22C

31 Pemberton Group

Miracle at Yonge

905-709-5700

•

from $280,000

12F

Sky City

905-709-5700

•

from $300,000

12F

32 Signature Communities

TAO Boutique Condos

905-597-2535

•

from $200,000

14F

34 Sierra Homes

68 Main Street

905-305-0822

•

from $250,000

22F

35 Remington Group

Nexus North Condominium Residences

905-948-9900

•

from $200,000

17F

31 Pemberton Group

41 Quadcam Development Group Inc

•

Vista Parc Condominiums

905-850-8883

•

42 Greenpark Homes

The Upper Village

905-554-6501

•

from $288,000

21E

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feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 115

fitness gallery

When it comes to your condo’s gym facilities,

// by mark j. stables

location is everything I

Mark J. Stables is founder of Benchmark Group and Movement Haus. He is a renowned fitness and wellness expert with over 15 years experience in the industry.

Working with hundreds of urban condominium dwellers, Mark has experience and insight into the design of condo fitness amenities and the way people use them. Visit online at movementhaus.com, email info@movementhaus.com or call 416.428.3536.

f you’re an urban condo dweller, there’s a very good chance that your building has a fitness facility built right in. It may be located in the heart of the city, or it may be on the waterfront. It may be situated on the second floor, it may be on the 55th floor. It may be oriented facing north, it may face south.

At this moment, you may find yourself asking, “Isn’t a gym, a gym?”

In short, the answer is no. Not all condo gyms are created equal.

There are several important factors to consider when designing a state-of-the-art condo gym. The first and most important step is to determine the building’s demographic – how old is the population, what is their disposable income, and are they first-time homebuyers?

Once this information is known, the fitness consultants (like those at Benchmark) can accurately calculate how many residents will utilize the space on a regular basis, determine if the fitness amenity space will be used predominantly for classes or private coaching, and lastly, decide on the various health and fitness programs that will be offered, such as yoga, Pilates, spinning or Muay Thai.

Ultimately, the fitness consultants will successfully incorporate these and numerous other pieces of information into the design stage of your fitness amenity space before it ends up in developers’ sales and marketing collateral.

Point of view

The first and most important step is to determine the building’s demographic – how old is the population, what is their disposable income, and are they first-time homebuyers?

116 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Once your condo’s architectural drawings are complete, developers then decide on where the fitness amenity will be housed. Thankfully, as condominium gyms become increasingly more popular they are evolving and more emphasis is being placed on proper design and optimal location within the building. Some of today’s most progressive and highly sought after fitness amenities are located on high floors, affording views of city skylines, harbourfront or a ravine.

U Condominiums by Pemberton Group is a fine example of a condo gym with a view, with both towers’ fitness amenities being located on the penthouse level. Now, think to yourself, would you rather see a city skyline from the 55th floor, a bunch of dumpsters on the second floor or even worse, no view or windows at all?

What’s your exposure?

As with condominium units, the exposure of the building’s fitness amenity space is also worth noting. It’s wonderful to have a condo gym on a high floor although, if the water is south-facing and the gym is facing north, you’ll miss out on a great view while you’re getting fit on the treadmill.

Secondly, a south-facing amenity is always welcoming, bathed with

natural light throughout most of the day. This often makes the space more inviting and adds extra motivation for people working out on a regular basis.

Most condo dwellers using a fitness amenity space prefer to have natural light, ideally with a south-facing view, than to work out with fluorescent lights in a dimly-lit dungeon.

Location, location, location!

Lastly, does the physical location or address of the building matter when it comes to designing the gym? Absolutely. The building’s demographic information is revisited for further consideration. First-time home purchasers with limited available income for one-on-one private services (such as personal training or Pilates) will opt for classes and small group training in their condo. In contrast, a development in an affluent neighbourhood with baby boomers and empty nesters (who have more disposable income than their younger counterparts) may seek private coaching, where privacy and personal attention is paramount.

Location will not only dictate whether your building has studio space for classes and which fitness equipment is housed in the amenity, but it will also determine which bespoke health and fitness services (like those from Benchmark) are offered. After your condominium’s fitness amenity has been allocated, the interior design team will work with fitness consultants to co-create a design, layout and equip the gym based on the residents living in your building – thus rounding out the strategic design, equipment and programming (like our Movement Haus package) offered to developers and property management companies.

While your condo may house similar fitness equipment to the building across the street, you’ll surely appreciate it when your fitness amenity is located on a high floor with a south exposure of a harbour or skyline view.

Add optimal, made-to-order health and fitness programming into the mix and you know have a winning combination that will translate into a more pleasurable experience and better quality workout that will keep you coming back for more!

U Condominiums by Pemberton Group is a fine example of a condo gym with a view, with both towers’ fitness amenities being located on the penthouse level

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 117

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February2013

rbc poll

Canadians stuck to holiday budgets: RBC poll

The majority of Canadians (about 69 per cent)

managed to keep their holiday spending in check, according to the RBC Post-Holiday Spending Poll. The poll also found that this “tightening of the belts” was led by those in Quebec (72 per cent), British Columbia (70 per cent) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (70 per cent).

Canadians used a variety of strategies to help them stick to their holiday budgets, including avoiding going into debt or increasing their debt loads (41 per cent, up one point from a year ago) or keeping track of spending (31 per cent, up four points from last year). Some survey respondents said they controlled their costs by focusing on only spending what they had (28 per cent, up two points from the 2012 survey). The desire to reach a savings goal also kept some Canadians from spending more than intended (13 per cent, up four points from a year ago).

“The majority of Canadians had a solid game plan for holiday purchases by setting goals to avoid a debt hangover for the new year,” says Kim Taylor, Director, Client, Personal Lending at RBC. “It’s encouraging to see that Canadians are paying attention to their

household debt levels and managing their debts, while continuing to save for the future.”

Almost one-third of Canadians (31 per cent) said they spent more than intended during the holidays, led by residents in Ontario and Atlantic Canada (tied at 33 per cent each). Nationally, Canadians overspent their budget by an average of $463, down slightly from the $467 overspent in the previous year.

Among Canadians who overspent during the holidays, the RBC poll found that most plan to cut back on day-to-day living expenses such as groceries, phone and cable (43 per cent), entertainment (41 per cent), or coffee and lunch money (32 per cent) in order to get back on track. Some Canadians are cutting back on debt either through their use of credit cards (38 per cent) or lines of credit (15 per cent).

“Some Canadians went over their holiday budgets and are now making short-term changes to discretionary items, such as entertainment and coffee, to get back on track,” says Taylor. “That’s why it’s a good idea to create and stick to a budget and monitor your spending throughout the year.”

Nationally, Canadians overspent their budget by an average of $463, down slightly from the $467 overspent in the previous year.

120 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

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make your move

// by dan hopkins

TECHNOLOGY ON THE MOVE The best plan when preparing for your move is to take the TVs off the walls yourself ahead of time and have them ready to be packaged properly.

Dan Hopkins is Chief Operating Officer, Two Men and a Truck Canada. twomenandatruck.ca

L

et’s face it, your electronic devices make the world go ‘round. Being in the moving business, we realize how important those items are to families.

One of the most common questions we get is how to transport electronics safely, especially big-screen TVs. During a move, whether it’s across town or across Canada, it is important to give these items special treatment so they arrive in one piece and in good working order. The best advice we have for accomplishing this goal requires some forethought: keeping the original boxes and foam spacers the electronic items came in.

That is truly the safest method for moving them.

Of course, people rarely keep these boxes, so there are specialty boxes and crates designed specifically to move big-screen TVs safely. People who do their own packing and moving should be aware of how easy it is to damage one of these units.

Spending a few dollars extra to purchase or rent one of these special boxes can make all the difference.

122 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Another thing to remember is that most of these television sets are mounted on wall brackets, and moving companies are reluctant to disassemble the wall mounts or assemble them at the other end.

Usually, if something is going to go wrong, that’s when it will happen – and again, people rarely keep the installation instructions for the brackets. It’s far too chaotic on moving day to try and find instruction manuals. The best plan when preparing for your move is to take the TVs off the walls yourself ahead of time and have them ready to be packaged properly.

Here’s a tip for anyone disassembling electronics for a move: Get your digital or phone camera and take photos of the wiring connections on the backs of the TVs, cable boxes, DVD players and the like. When it comes time to reassemble them, it will be much easier to reference how they were set up originally, saving time, stress and frustration.

The same goes for stereos and gaming systems. Many teenagers leave their entire gaming systems hooked up until moving day. It’s up to them to disassemble their systems and hopefully place them into their original packaging. If not, the best thing to do is wrap consoles in anti-static bubble wrap and place them into appropriately-sized boxes so they won’t move around during

the trip. In fact, this is the best way to treat most electronics items. That includes computers – especially desktop units. We have specialty boxes designed specifically for them that can be bought separately. If you choose not to go that route, then surround the unit with anti-static bubble wrap and place it into an appropriately sized box.

And here’s a handy tip: pack the associated hardware with the electronic item. For instance, place your computer’s mouse, keyboard, power cord, scanner, printer cables, etc. into the same box. When these cartons arrive at your new digs, you’ll be very glad you did.

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123

Scrumpdillyicious

Leslie Styles, foodie and travel aficionado, shares some delicious dishes found on her travels around the world

Gorgonzola,

Pancetta & Onion Quiche ingredients

Caramelized Onion, Pancetta & Gorgonzola Quiche Makes 6 mini quiches

› 1 large onion, peeled and chopped › 2 tbsp butter › 1/2 cup diced pancetta or thick bacon › 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese, diced › 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

› 5 tbsp finely chopped parsley › 1 cup heavy cream › 1/2 cup whole milk › 5 large egg yolks › 2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary › cracked black pepper

Pastry Dough: › 1 1/2 cups flour › 1/2 tsp salt › 1 tsp baking powder › 10 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces › 1 large egg › 1 large egg yolk

Directions For the pastry, mix the flour, salt and baking powder together in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Add butter and pulse about 20 times, to finely mix in the butter. Add the egg and egg yolk and pulse until the dough just begins to form a small ball. Turn out the dough and press into a disc about 1/2” thick. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly brush the inside of 6 removablebottom mini quiche pans with canola oil or Pam cooking spray.

Roll out the pastry thinly on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles to line the 6 pans. Prick the base of the tart bottoms and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Then bake for 5 minutes, and remove from oven; let cool on a large baking sheet.

a classic dish of French cuisine, it actually originated in Germany in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, later renamed Lorraine by the French. The term quiche came from küchen, the German word for cake.

The original Quiche Lorraine was an open pie with an egg and cream custard and smoked bacon or lardons. The addition of Gruyère cheese makes quiche au gruyère or quiche vosgienne. Quiche Alsacienne is similar to Quiche Lorraine, although onions are added to the recipe. These days, there are as many versions of quiche as there are culinary inspired chefs and home cooks. I recently picked up a set of mini tart pans with removable bottoms that inspired me to make Caramelized Onion, Pancetta and Gorgonzola Quiche. Caramelizing the onions gives them a rich, sweet flavor that compliments wonderfully with the salty crisp pancetta. Add some flavourful knobs of Gorgonzola cheese and you have a mouthful of flavours that blossom beautifully in the savoury custard and buttery crust — the perfect addition to any brunch or luncheon buffet.

although quiche is now

124 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Melt the butter in a heavy frying pan and then add the chopped onions. Cook over low heat, stirring often until onions are very soft and lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Add the pancetta into the pan and cook over medium heat until crisp and browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. To compose the quiche, divide the cooked onions and sprinkle into the bottom of each of the quiche, followed by the pancetta. Break apart the Gorgonzola and divide into the 6 pans, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, sprinkle the parsley evenly over the onions and cheese. In a bowl, beat together the cream and egg yolks until light. Add the chopped rosemary and cracked pepper. Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly into each mini quiche leaving just a little room to expand.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes or until lightly browned and set, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Leslie Styles is president of Styles Design Inc., a Toronto-based branding and communications agency, and author of Scrumpdillyicious, a food & travel blog dedicated to all things delicious. She can be reached at stylesdesign.net and scrumpdillyicious.blogspot.com

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feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 125

designer touch

// by erica gelman

Spend VS. Splurge A Toronto-based designer Erica Gelman, Principal of Erica Gelman House Of Design. Specializes in both large and small scale residential design projects throughout Toronto and the GTA. Known for enhancing and creating new possibilities in every space of your home.

House of Design www.ericagelman.com

126 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

Updating your space on a budget

s a designer, I’m involved in exciting design, décor and renovation projects daily. The notion that a designer’s job is only about creativity, colour and vision is simply not the case – that’s just the half of it. We are also number crunchers, analysts and budget planners. It’s not the best part of our profession, but at the end of the day everyone is concerned with the bottom line: what’s this going to cost me?

How do you decorate in style, invest in quality and still have enough money left over to enjoy your space? The answer is simple – make smart choices and save a little on everything along the way, prioritize and plan your purchases.

Regardless of whether your budget is luxuriously high or commonly low, everyone has a price and a number they feel comfortable spending. If you can only spend money on a few key pieces, make them impactful to your space and purchase the best of what you can afford.

The most significant changes you can make to your outdated room is by updating the lighting, changing your drapery, and replacing your rug.

Frequently, first-time homebuyers are faced with empty spaces or hand-medowns that don’t reflect their personality or lifestyle. When new furniture doesn’t fit within your budget, think of ways to repurpose or upcycle by

tips › If you own a sewing machine, make your own pillows and update the look of your sofa.

Don’t be afraid to ask a local supplier if they have any discontinued pieces they need to “get rid of.” › Look to online shopping like eBay, Craig’s List and Kijiji for antiques and vintage furniture.

You’ll be surprised at the large assortment and great options. Look beyond the dust and stains – typically they’re all easy fixes. › For the best bargains, find a local estate or moving sale (One man’s trash is another man’s treasure).

For a good quality rug you’ll need to invest a large chunk of your budget, so why not ask a flooring factory to bind or seam the edges of a carpet remnant. You’ll even be able to get it cut to a custom size.

repainting, re-staining or reupholstering — these are all easy ways to give an old piece new life. Clients who come to us with a tight budget are always encouraged to shop their personal belongings first before heading out to invest in new pieces. If our clients don’t have quality objects to restore, we turn to other creative avenues like online auctions and vintage shops — you’re guaranteed to find one-of-kind pieces and gems at a steal.

If you’re only prepared to make one large decorating commitment then look to drapery for the most bang for your buck. A good window treatment adds style, volume and layers to a space like no other décor piece. Whether you want to add side stationary side panels, light sheers or tailored romans, the options are endless and the costs can range dramatically. Custom drapery often gets a bad reputation for being too expensive. The truth is, it could be a real budget splurge but it doesn’t have to be. The overall expense all depends

When new furniture doesn’t fit within your budget, think of ways to repurpose or upcycle by repainting, re-staining or reupholstering — these are all easy ways to give an old piece new life.

on the cost of fabric, labour, lining and installation, plus hardware.

I would suggest investing in quality labour and purchase fabric that’s at a more reasonable price. Designer Fabrics in Toronto’s Queen West neighbourhood is my go-to supplier for budget-friendly fabric by the yard.

When all else fails and your budget will only allow for minimal spending and short timelines, the easiest and least expensive décor fix is the ever-trusted gallon of paint. A weekend project can turn your bland walls into a bold statement or your tired room into a stunning space. We always encourage setting your budget perimeter at the beginning of a project and making the best choices for you and your home. feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 127

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128 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

homebuyers’ help

condo buyers’

resource section

You love the condo, see what you can afford!

Compare mortgage rates for your best deal Calculate your mortgage payments using the mortgage payment calculation chart

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 129

homebuyers’ help

Calculate your mortgage payments interest rate

amortization period

chart figure

mortgage amount ÷ 1,000

monthly payment

example: 5%

25 years

5.82

125 (mortgage amount $125,000)

$

Follow these steps to see if you’ll qualify for a mortgage on your dream condo 01 Calculate the combined monthly before-tax income of you and your spouse.

02 Divide by three. This figure is the monthly payment you can afford to make on your condo.

03 Take the total price of the condo and subtract the amount of money you expect to make as a down payment.

This is the money you will have to borrow.

130 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

04 Refer to the chart on the opposite page. Look down the left column and locate the interest rate you expect to pay. Line this up with the amortization period of your choice. (Most first-time buyers take the 25-year amortization.)

05 Multiply this figure by the amount you need to borrow.

Divide by 1,000.

06 Add to this your estimated monthly heating costs and monthly property taxes.

07 If this figure is equal to or less than one-third of your gross monthly income (calculated in Step 2), you’ll qualify for a mortgage on your dream condo.

Bear in mind that this is a rough estimate.

If you have several other large loans already, you may qualify for less. Also, banks and trust companies vary in their policies. The best way to know what you can afford is to go to the lending institution of your choice and get pre-qualified.

Mortgage payment calculation chart amortization periods

%

Interest Rates

10 years

15 years

20 years

25 years

3.00%

9.65

6.90

5.54

4.73

3.25%

9.76

7.02

5.66

4.86

3.50%

9.88

7.14

5.79

4.99

3.75%

9.99

7.26

5.91

5.13

4.00%

10.11

7.38

6.04

5.26

4.25%

10.23

7.50

6.17

5.40

4.50%

10.34

7.63

6.30

5.53

4.75%

10.46

7.75

6.44

5.67

5.00%

10.58

7.88

6.57

5.82

5.25%

10.70

8.01

6.74

5.96

5.50%

10.82

8.14

6.85

6.10

5.75%

10.94

8.27

6.98

6.25

6.00%

11.07

8.40

7.12

6.40

6.25%

11.19

8.53

7.26

6.55

6.50%

11.31

8.66

7.41

6.70

6.75%

11.43

8.80

7.55

6.85

7.00%

11.56

8.93

7.69

7.00

7.25%

11.68

9.07

7.84

7.16

7.50%

11.81

9.21

7.99

7.32

7.75%

11.94

9.34

8.14

7.47

8.00%

12.06

9.48

8.28

7.63

8.25%

12.19

9.62

8.44

7.79

8.50%

12.32

9.76

8.59

7.95

8.75%

12.45

9.90

8.74

8.12

9.00%

12.58

10.05

8.86

8.28

9.25%

12.71

10.19

9.05

8.45

9.50%

12.84

10.33

9.20

8.62

9.75%

12.97

10.48

9.36

8.78

10.00%

13.10

10.63

9.52

8.95

10.25%

13.24

10.77

9.68

9.12

10.50%

13.37

10.92

9.84

9.29

10.75%

13.50

11.06

10.00

9.46

11.00%

13.64

11.22

10.16

9.63

11.25%

13.77

11.36

10.32

9.80

11.50%

13.91

11.52

10.49

9.97

11.75%

14.04

11.66

10.65

10.15

12.00%

14.18

11.82

10.81

10.32

12.25%

14.32

11.97

10.98

10.49

12.50%

14.46

12.13

11.15

10.67

12.75%

14.59

12.28

11.31

10.85

This table shows the monthly payment of principal and interest for each $1,000 of mortgage. Example: The monthly principal and interest payment for a $125,000 mortgage with a 25-year amortization period at 5% is as follows: ($125,000 รท 1,000) X 5.82 = $727.50 feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 131

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Corum volorer obis aut quiBIG odis ex TO lab SUPPLY ium aCes quisquis HOW TO CHOOSE GIVE STYLE AND DEMAND iaepero inCtur pliquasYOUR voloSMALL iur rem odit THE IDEAL COMMUNITY SPACE qui Cusa IN THEque GTAnus MARKET

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homebuyers’ help

Compare mortgage rates for your best deal CHARTERED BANKS

Variable

6 Months

1 Year

2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

ATB Financial 3

4 6.30op

3.1 6.30op

3.14 3.7 4.39 6.50op

3.19

Alterna Svgs/Alterna Bk 3

4 6.30op

3.05 3.09 3.09 3.29 6.30op

3.24

Bank of Montreal 3.1

4 6.30op

3 3.04 2.79 2.99 6.30op

3.09

Bank of Nova Scotia 3

4.55 6.45op

3.75 3.89 2.79 4.39 6.50op

3.99

Canadian Western Bank

4 6.45op

3.1 3.14 3.7 4.64 6.30op

5.24

CIBC 3.2

6.70op

3 3.14 3.5 4.39 6.35op

5.24

HSBC Bank Canada 3

2.7 3.95 2.98 4.99 6.35op

3.49

3.15

3.65

3.64

3.69

3.44

3

3

2.79

3.25

3.08

3.09 3.14 3.7 3.64 6.30op

3.79

3 3.05 3.1 3.1 4.00op

3.09

MonCana Bank

2.94

2.99

3.04

National Bank n/a

3.1 3.14 3.7 3.19 6.30op

3.79

ICICI Bank Canada ING Direct

4.45 6.20op

3.05 3

Laurentian Bank n/a

4.4 6.70op

Manulife Bank 3 4.45

President’s Choice Finan

4 6.70op

3.2

Royal Bank 3.2

4 6.30op

TD Canada Trust 3.2

2.94

3.2

2.94

3.35

3.44

3 3.04 2.99 4.64 6.30op

3.29

3 6.30op

3.19

3.04

3.24

2.79

2.99

TRUST COMPANIES AGF Trust

n/a

2.99

3.1

3.5

3.64

Community Trust

n/a

6.5

3.1

3.35

3.95

4.64

Effort Trust n/a

4.45 6.30op

3.25 3.6 3.9 4.5 6.30op

4.95

Home Trust Company

3.2

2.69

5.24

3.95

2.74

3.15

2.99

Investors Group Trust n/a

4 6.50op

3 3.14 3.65 4.64 6.30op

5.24

MTCC 3

4.55 6.45op

3.75 6.50op

4.39

3.99

3.89

2.89

3.14

2.79

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Airline Financial C.U. 4

2.99 3.25 6.25op

3.09

3.49

Comtech Credit Union 2.79

6.6 8.40op

2.99 3.25 3.29 3.19 9.00op

3.29

First National Fin. LP

3.95

2.74

2.99

3.09

FirstOntario C.U. 2.79

6.34op

3.09 3.19 3.24 3.29 6.34op

3.24

London Life n/a

3 3.14 3.65 4.64 6.30op

5.24

MCAP 2.9

3.6 3.95 4.35 4.89 7.00op

5.24

Meridian Credit Union 2.85 4.45

3.1 3.14 3.7 3.4 6.30op

3.19

Parama Credit Union

2.9

3.1

3.15

3.15

3.25

3.5

Steinbach Credit Union

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.8

2.9

3.1

3.05 6.50op

3.15

2.79

3.89

3.29

Teachers Credit Union 4

4 6.50op

4.45 6.30op

2.69

3.29

2.79

Notes **Interest rate charged subject to adjustment during term mortgage. Please consult institution for term of years available. All rates are prime rates and subject to change without notice.

R.O.R. RATES ON REQUEST op OPEN ----- NOT QUOTING N/A NOT AVAILABLE Feb. 13, 2013. Prepared By Fiscal Agents Financial Information Services 905.844.7700

feb 23 - mar 9, 2013 new Condo Guide 133

index of advertisers 45 Charles Ltd. - Chaz

43

Liberty Development Corp. - Terrace on Danforth

37

Alterra Homes/Finer Space - Post House Condominium

57

Liberty Development Corp. - The Fountains

37

Liberty Development Corp. - World on Yonge

36

Lifetime Developments - Corporate

31

Lifetime Developments - X2

10

Lindvest - B Streets

99

Bazis Inc. - E Condos

5

Bazis Inc. - Exhibit Definitive Residences

29

Brandy Lane Homes - The Station

52

Burnac Corporation - South Hill on Madison Condominiums

55

Camrost - Felcorp - Imperial Plaza

3

Camrost - Felcorp - Yorkville Plaza

1

Carttera - Cloud 9 Condominiums

100-101

Luxury Condo & Hotel Residences - Promo

128

Menkes Developments Inc. - 365 Church

Insert

Carttera - One Eleven Condominiums & Lofts

73

Menkes Developments Inc. - Corporate

Insert

Carttera - SIXTY Colborne

83

Menkes Developments Inc. - One Sherway Condominiums

22-23

Chinese Home & Condo Guide - Promo

62

Metropia - E Condos

Concert Properties - 88 Scott

59

Metropia - Exhibit Definitive Residences

29

MintoUrban Communities Inc. - 30 Roe

63

Mod Developments Inc. - Five Condos

61

Mod Developments Inc. - The Massey Tower

53

Concord Adex - Opus

38-39

Cresford Development Corp. - Lofts 399

136

Cresford Development Corp. - Merton Yonge Condominiums

IBC

Daniels Corp. - NY2 Davies Smith - Eleven Superior

25 135

5

Monarch Corporation - Encore

Insert

Monarch Corporation - Lago

Insert Insert

Easton’s Group - King Blue Condominiums

81

Eden Shaw - Chaz

43

Monarch Corporation - Picasso on Richmond

ELAD Canada - Dreamtower At Emerald City

67

Nova Trimax - Allegra

125

Empire Communities - Eau Du Soleil

6-7

Pemberton Group - Corporate

8

Empire Communities - Rain Condominiums

115

Pemberton Group - Downtown Erin Mills Condominiums

9

Empire Communities - The Mark

45

Flato Development - Arthouse

71

Freed - SIXTY Colborne

83

Graywood Developments - Five Condos

61

Graywood/Beaverhall Development - Ocean Club

95

Graywood/Beaverhall Development - The Mercer

109

Great Gulf Homes - One Sherway Condominiums

22-23

Pinnacle International - Pinnacle Grand Park 2

119

Pinnacle International - Pinnacle Uptown, Crystal 2

121

Plaza - Exhibit Definitive Residences Queenscorp Residences - Watermark Rio Can - E Condos

29 107 5

The Daniels Corporation - Cinema Tower Condominiums

47

Great Gulf Homes - X2

10

The Daniels Corporation - Erin Mills

15

Great Gulf Homes - Yonge+Richmond

26

The Daniels Corporation - First Home Longvalley Phase 2

49

Guizzetti Developments - Grand Palace

79

The Daniels Corporation - Limelight Condominiums

14

Harhay Developments - One Eleven Condominiums & Lofts

73

The Daniels Corporation - One Park Place Condominiums

51

Lamb Development Corp. - The Brant Park

69

Tribute Communities - RCM I on University

65

Lanterra Developments - Riverhouse at the Old Mill

27

Lanterra Developments - The Britt

11

Lanterra Developments - Treviso II

19

Tridel Corporation - Trio at Atria

IFC

Tridel Corporation - Ventus at Metro Gate

BC

Vandyk Communities - Windows on the Green

123

Lash Group of Companies - Cloud 9 Condominiums

100-101

Liberty Development Corp. - Centro Square Condos

35

Worsley Urban Partners - IT Lofts

Liberty Development Corp. - Royal Gardens

37

YYZed Project management - Spice Residences

134 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

75 105

ER N! D UN CTIO W RU O N ST N O C

SUITES STARTING FROM THE LOW $200s

Limited time incentives. Call today!

1 pm - 6 pm 11 am - 4 pm

10’ & 12’ lofts in King West. Cool Layouts, Awesome Amenities in the heart of the Black Tie District at Adelaide and Brant.

Brokers Protected. Illustrations are artist’s concept. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E.

136 new Condo Guide feb 23 - mar 9, 2013

PRESENTATION CENTRE 19 BRANT STREET SUITE 103 T.416.867.3999 LOFTS399.COM

RICHMOND ST. W N

CAMDEN ST. ADELAIDE ST. W KING ST. W

SPADINA AVE.

SPACIOUS LOFTS IN THE 400’s $

BRANT ST.

MOVE IN NOW

GRAND OPENING

PRICES STARTING

FROM $258,000* Parking Included PRESENTATION CENTRE

The

next great

phase of Atria.

The success of Atria continues with TRIO – the newest address in this North

2255 York community. TRIO at Atria is a 23-storey glass residence offering commuters SHEPPARD the ultimate in convenience with its prime location along the proposed Sheppard AVENUE EAST Avenue LRT** line connecting you to shopping, dining and entertainment.

NORTH YORK (Unit 120 at Settlers Rd.)

PRESENTATION CENTRE HOURS:

CONTACT US

PHONE 416.645.8866 WEB TRIDEL.COM

Monday to Friday 11 am – 7 pm, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 12 pm – 6 pm

A Tridel Built Green. Built for Life.® community. *Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are artist’s concept only. **Source: The City of Toronto Official Plan and the Agincourt Secondary Plan, a future bus and subway terminal or other transit related uses are proposed for this location. Building and view not to scale. Any retail uses will not be complete or available for use at the time of occupancy. Map not to scale. Tridel®, Tridel Built for Life®, Tridel Built Green. Built for Life.® are registered trademarks of Tridel and used under license. ©Tridel 2013. All rights reserved. E.&O.E. February 2013.

atria@tridel.com

Facebook.com/Tridel

Twitter.com/Tridel

tridel.com

WALK THIS WAY

Rendering is artist's impression.

ACT NOW! WELL UNDER CONSTRUCTION - MOVE IN NEXT WINTER! introducing

The Streetside Collection Urban 1 and 2 storey Townhomes from 1000 to 1700 sq. ft. with vibrant street access and private interior gardens. Centrally located in the heart of Davisville village, flanked by the lively neighbourhoods of Eglinton & St. Clair and located at Yonge & Merton. Steps to the subway, parks, trails and great shopping.

M ERTO N YO NGE TOWNHOM E S

Fresh Urban Towns from the low $500,000’s 416.484.1900 myccondo.com

To see up-to-date construction progress visit cresford.com Call today for your private appointment.

New Presentation Centre underway.

BROKERS PROTECTED. PRICES AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ILLUSTRATIONS ARE ARTIST CONCEPT. E.&O.E.

MOVE IN NOW!

Tour our designer decorated model suites & amenity areas.

PRICES STARTING

2E+D DESIGN FROM $341,500* Parking included

PRESENTATION CENTRE

52 VILLAGE GREEN SQUARE SCARBOROUGH Kennedy Road, north of Hwy. 401 CONTACT US

PHONE 416.293.5535 WEB TRIDEL.COM

Suite 607

Feel at home in the Ventus 2E+Dining suite, providing 838 sq. ft.* of gracious living. This corner suite offers an open concept kitchen overlooking the dining room, perfect for entertaining. The spacious two-bedroom design includes superior features and finishing details with a walkout balcony overlooking the eco-friendly Metrogate Park. Includes one parking spot. See the stunning lobby with attentive concierge, tour the Club Ventus recreational amenities and visit our 4 new designer decorated model suites.

PRESENTATION CENTRE HOURS: Monday to Thursday 11 am – 7 pm Friday Closed Saturday & Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm

A Tridel Built Green. Built for Life.® community. *Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Tridel®, Tridel Built for Life®, Tridel Built Green. Built for Life.® are registered trademarks of Tridel and used under license. ©

Tridel 2013. All rights reserved. E.&O.E. February 2013.

metrogate@tridel.com

Facebook.com/Tridel

Twitter.com/Tridel

tridel.com