homes&C CoNDos T O D AY ’ S
NEW HOME BUYER’S GUIDE SErviNg TOrONTO & YOrk rEgiON FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2017
distRiBUtion: 225,500
Today’s Homes York • Thursday February 23 to Wednesday March 8 2017 • 2
york region a hotbed of activities between now and spring
A
Dorothea Helms Connects people and ideas, and can be reached at writer@wsws.ca
Join the folks at the Markham Museum for the Family Fun Nature Walk on March 4th (Photo courtesy of the Markham Museum)
s I look out my window at growing snow banks, I think about how to make the most of winter until we feel the first warm rays of spring. If you live in York Region, the answer is simple: take part in any of the myriad of activities and events going on. Discover exciting ways to fill your leisure time that don’t involve grumbling about politics on Facebook! Venture into the great outdoors, treat yourself to a movie, take the kids for story time at a library, skate, swim, shop ‘til you drop, enjoy some culture … it’s all there waiting for you. Here are JUST A FEW of the upcoming events.
YOUR MINI-EvENTS CALENDAR FOR
YORK REGION
February 24, 25 Aurora Winter Blues Festival (AWBF) St. Andrew’s College Theatre, 15800 Yonge Street In support of CHATS and Blue Door Shelters of York Region, and the SWBF Youth in Music Program. February 28 Screening “Marguerite” Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Boulevard Wealthy music-lover Marguerite Dumont, who thinks she’s a singer, decides to perform in front of an actual audience. Box Office: 905-305-7469. March 4 Family Fun Nature Walk Markham Museum, 9350 Markham Road, 10 a.m. to noon Families can explore the museum’s winter wonderland with an instructor, then create a winter bird feeder. For costs and details, visit MarkhamMuseum.ca March 7 International Women’s Day 2017: Celebrating the Diversity of Women Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Crescent, 6 p.m. Keynote speaker: Paola Gianturco, International photojournalist and author. Fundraising event supports Women’s Centre of York Region. Tickets $50 per person: www.newtix.ca or box office 905-953-5122. March 11 Light Up the Night Lantern Workshop Markham Museum, 9350 Markham Road, 1 to 3 p.m. Create your own beautiful handmade ceramic tea-light lantern in time for Earth Hour. Ages 4+. Cost for 1 child and 1 adult, additional adults or children $20 each to a maximum of 2 additional participants. Includes supplies and firing. Pre-registration REQUIRED. MarkhamMuseum.ca March 11-May 6 Art Heals Exhibition and Sale Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church Street Group exhibition of York and Durham Region artists, with pieces that represent their healing processes. Gallery admission no charge. AuroraCulturalCentre.ca
March 11-May 6 Lush Gravitas Exhibition of Works by Allan O’Mara Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church Street Over-sized, hyper-realist portraits by this award-winning artist. Oil on Canvas. Gallery admission is at no charge. For details and Gallery hours, visit AuroraCulturalCentre.ca March 13-17 Amazing Race March Break Camp Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre, 14732 Woodbine Ave., Gormley Kids will “travel” the globe through activities, games and crafts. Ages 5-12. $160.00 per child. Pre-registration required. Call 905-7278954; TOLL FREE 1-888-290-0337. March 13-17 March Break Ultimate Art Camp Winged Canvas Art Hub, 185 Bullock Drive #1, Markham Ages 6-10, children learn art skills while having fun. Pack a lunch. Full week, full day $388; Full week, half day $258; Drop-in prices and extended hours available. Register: WingedCanvas.com/march-break-art-camp
Check your local municipality websites for information on upcoming March Break camps!
March 14 Music & Magic Magna Centre, 800 Mulock Drive, Newmarket Interactive indoor music and magic shows, crafts, games, jumping castle, train rides and more. $5 per child. Tickets available online and at the door. March 16 Weaving Words: Speaker Series Sharon Temple, 18974 Leslie Street, Sharon, 7 to 9 p.m. Stories come alive to delight, inspire and entertain. Visit SharonTemple.ca for details. Admission is free; donations welcome. March 21 Screening “The Dressmaker” Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Boulevard This award-winning film stars Kate Winslet. Box office: 905-305-7469.
Enjoy many special events at the Markham Museum in all four seasons (Photo courtesy of the Markham Museum)
You’ll find Events Calendars on all of the following websites. Make the most of your exploration of York Region. Get out there and enjoy! York.ca • YorkScene.com • Aurora.ca • EastGwillimbury.ca Georgina.ca • King.ca • Markham.ca • Newmarket.ca RichmondHill.ca • Vaughan.ca • TownofWS.ca
TO bOOK YOur AD, CAll YOur TODAY’s hOMes & CONDOs sAles TeAM: :
homes&C CoNDos
Shelley Thompson
T O D AY ’ S
YOUR NEW HOME BUYER’S GUIDE
sthompson@yrmg.com 416-500-5982
Publisher:
GeNerAl MANAGer:
905-853-8888 dana.robbins@metroland.com
905-853-8888 ssauve@metroland.com
Dana Robbins
Shaun Sauve
Monika Madden
mmadden@yrmg.com 905-717-0382
Members of B.I.L.D. BUILDING A GREATER GTA
ADVerTisiNG PubliCATiON/ sAles MANAGer: sPeCiAl FeATures eDiTOr:
Amanda Smug
Dorothea Helms
905-853-8888 asmug@metroland.com
905-852-9294 writer@wsws.ca
Building Industry and Land Development Association
Visit their website at: www.bildgta.ca
Today’s Homes & Condos and its advertisers are not responsible for errors made in advertisements or editorial. All prices are correct at press time, however, due to the lead time required to publish Today’s Homes & Condos, prices and other conditions may have changed. Please note prices and conditions are subject to change without notice.
3 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday February 23 to Wednesday March 8 2017
OPEN-CONCEPT
THE GO
INDIGO CONDOMINIUMS IN MAPLE
Last chance for pre-construction prices! Two-bedrooms from the mid $400’s Townhomes from $656,900 Join the success before pricing goes up. Our collection of spacious two-bedroom suites are almost gone. Don’t miss out! Visit the presentation centre today.
pembertongroup.com
MAJOR MACKENZIE DR W
DUFFERIN ST
Exclusive Listing Brokerage, Royal LePage - Your Community Realty. Brokers Protected. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are artist concept E.&O.E
EAGLE ROCK WAY
MCNAUGHTON RD E
Presentation Centre 1860 Major Mackenzie Dr., Units 7 & 8
KEELE ST
905.553.1430
MCNAUGHTON RD
Today’s Homes York • Thursday February 23 to Wednesday March 8 2017 • 4
SkyCity’s rooftop landscaped terrace is ideal for entertaining.
cover story
SKYCITY2 ACT Now for LImITed-TIme SpeCIAL SAvINgS
P
emberton Group suite owners enjoy an enviable lifestyle in sought-after neighbourhoods across the Greater Toronto Area, plus the peace-of-mind that comes from buying from a well-trusted builder. In York Region, Pemberton currently offers two spectacular condominium communities for you to choose from – SkyCity2 and Indigo Condominiums. Highly successful SkyCity2 Condominiums is under construction in Richmond Hill. Those who act quickly may take advantage of special savings on the final selection of beautiful suites. As part of the company’s Chinese New Year’s Celebration, buy before February 28 and receive 1 per cent off the already valuepacked prices! This master-planned community is in the amenity-rich, transportation-friendly City Centre at Yonge Street and Highway 7.
Residents will be able to walk to shopping, dining, entertainment venues and the York Region Transit Hub, where they can easily access GO Train and GO bus service. This location is one of the most convenient in York Region and the Greater Toronto Area, as the City Centre is situated in the geographic centre of the GTA. Richmond Hill caters to a wide spectrum of needs and interests and has excellent schools and parks. Residents will be able to take advantage of existing area amenities from the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts to Community Centres and sports fields, and four championship golf courses. Within this dynamic municipality, SkyCity2’s 20-storey tower features a contemporary lobby with 24-hour concierge service. The three-storey central podium houses over 17,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor amenities.
The 17,000 square-feet of amenities include the sophisticated party room.
Highlights include lushly landscaped grounds and courtyards with pathways; a theatre room; two video gaming rooms; a chic party room; dining room; a yoga/Pilates studio; equipped exercise room; indoor swimming pool and lounge with double-sided fireplace, and change rooms featuring steam showers. Residents will also appreciate SkyGarden, the landscaped terrace with an outdoor fireplace, gazebos and arbours, lounge-style seating, barbecue stations, and an al fresco dining area. Quality suite features include, all as per plan, 5½” wide laminate flooring, a passthrough in the kitchen, under-mount stainless steel double sink, contemporary designed cabinetry with 40”-high uppers, under-cabinet lighting with a valance, choice of Caesarstone or granite countertops, glass or marble mosaic backsplash, high-quality appliances, and spainspired bathrooms with porcelain flooring.
Available suites range in size from a wellproportioned 640 sq. ft. one-bedroom layout to the spacious 1,080 sq. ft. two-bedroom + den design. First occupancies are slated for January 2018. Prices start from the mid-$300’s, and include one underground parking space and a locker. Prices and specifications are correct at press time. See a sales representative for full details. The SkyCity Presentation Centre and furnished kitchen/living room and bathroom vignettes are at the corner of Red Maple Road and Highway 7. Hours are: Monday to Thursday 12 to 7 p.m.; weekends from 12 to 6 p.m.; Fridays closed. Call 905.709.5700. To learn more about Pemberton’s many fine condominium communities and those coming soon, visit pembertongroup.com. You can also follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
The indoor swimming pool and lounge share a double-sided fireplace.
5 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday February 23 to Wednesday March 8 2017
SPECIAL CHINESE NEW YEAR PROMOTION SAVE 1% OFF THE PURCHASE PRICE* Discover the second tower at the successful SkyCity Condominiums in the heart of Richmond Hill. An unsurpassed fusion of great location, 17,000 sq. ft. of gorgeous amenities and outstanding value all just minutes from the GO Transit, VIVA and YRT transportation hub.
FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO OWN! UNDER CONSTRUCTION Condominiums at Yonge & Highway 7 from the mid $300’s.
Sales Centre: Red Maple Rd., at Highway 7 T 905.709.5700
Learn more at pembertongroup.com *See a sales representative for full details. Exclusive Listing Brokerage Circle M Realty Corporation. Brokers protected. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustration is artist’s concept E.&O.E.
Today’s Homes York • Thursday February 23 to Wednesday March 8 2017 • 6
INDIGO CONDOMINIUMS IN MAPLE Construction Starting Soon
N
ow is your last chance for pre-construction pricing at Indigo Condominiums in Maple by Pemberton Group, where groundbreaking is slated to take place in March! Indigo will rise to 10 storeys in an ideal location next to the Maple GO Station. From there to Union Station is just over a half-hour ride. Indigo will also be well served by the GO Transit Barrie rail line, GO Transit buses, York Region Transit and the Toronto Transit Commission. Highways 400 and 407 are only minutes away.
Indigo’s party room has a caterers’ kitchen, a bar and private dining room
Indigo will rise to 10 storeys with 255 spacious suites, and 8 townhomes. Among this condominium’s inviting amenities are the party room with caterers’ kitchen, bar and private dining; a fitness centre with steam rooms; indoor hot tub and yoga studio; theatre; ground floor patio with barbeques; landscaped rooftop terrace with lounge and barbeques; and a dog wash.
The landscaped 9th floor terrace will have a lounge and barbeques.
Pemberton’s renowned suite features and finishes include smooth ceilings throughout, 5”-wide laminate flooring in all living areas, 9’ ceiling heights in principal
rooms, and a premium stainless steel appliance package, plus a cooktop, wall oven and microwave hood. Available two-bedroom suites range in size from 850 to 895 square feet and begin in price from the mid$400’s. The two-bedroom + den townhomes range from 1,290 to 1,590 square feet, priced from $662,900. Prices and specifications are correct at press time. Pemberton suite owners enjoy an enviable lifestyle in sought-after neighbourhoods across the Greater Toronto Area, plus the peace-of-mind that comes from buying from a well-trusted builder. The Indigo Presentation Centre at 1860 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Units 7 & 8 (one block west of Dufferin). For more information, call 905.553.1430. To learn more about Pemberton’s many fine condominium communities and those coming soon, visit pembertongroup.com. You can also follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
OVER 90% SOLD
Nord East at Expo City Opens with Skyrocketing Sales
N
ord East, the third tower at Cortel Group’s Expo City, was released to registrants mid-February and the response was overwhelming. In less than two short weeks all Tower suites are completely sold out, and only a limited amount of Podium Suites remain. Move-ins are expected late 2019. Located at Highway 7 & Jane Street, Expo City is the centrepiece of the much anticipated Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC), and a 5-minute walk to the new VMC Subway Station. This transit hub will connect commuters to Toronto’s YorkUniversity-Spadina subway extension, GO transit, Brampton’s Zum, YRT, and Viva. “Buyers know that it’s all about being in the right location,” says Peter Cortellucci Vice-President of Cortel Group, “and that’s
secure your opportunity to purchase it’s imperative that you register online, so you can receive exclusive updates, floorplans, and price lists as they become available. Register at nordcondos.ca, don’t miss out!
why Nord Condos offers the ideal living and investing opportunity in Vaughan”. In addition to the must-have location, Nord Condos offers exciting amenities such as a theatre room, event room, pet spa, professional meeting space, fitness centre and luxurious indoor pool. Nord West, the 4th tower at Expo City, is planned for release in early spring, offering a wide selection of models with 1-2 bedrooms, with or without a den, at affordable prices. With such high-demand, there is no doubt that Nord West Condos will sellout quickly. In order to
In less than two short weeks all Tower suites are completely sold out, and only a limited amount of Podium Suites remain.
THE MAGIC OF THE INTERNET WHEN IT COMES TO DÉCOR
I
’ve always said that you can find ANYTHING on the Internet, because I believe it’s true. For fun, I googled “outrageous decorating” and discovered a whole new world of creativity when it comes to people’s ideas for reflecting their personalities in their homes. For example, I saw a photo of the bedroom of avid travelers who installed a mural of a world map behind their bed and flanked it with stacked suitcases for end tables. One of the kids’ rooms on Pinterest is painted blue, including the ceiling, from which models of the planets are hung. Have a feature wall? Instead of
wallpapering it, adhere the paper to various sizes of artist’s canvases and hang as a collage. To instill excitement in your stairway, paint the faces of the steps in a bold neon colour such as orange or lime green. In fact, think about using unusual colours in main living areas. One of the prettiest living rooms I’ve ever seen had orange walls. Paint a piece of furniture with bright colours or introduce a wildly patterned area rug to the room to give it energy. At the other end of the spectrum, maybe less truly is more. Go dramatically monochromatic with all-white walls,
Outrageous décor can be practical too.
Dorothea Helms Connects people and ideas, and can be reached at writer@wsws.ca furniture, rugs, cushions, lamps and other accessories. Outrageous décor can be practical too. In the bathroom, attach baskets with their bottoms against the wall to hold rolledup towels and pretty soaps. Consider purchasing a plain frame for an accent mirror and glue vintage jewelry to cover it. The effect is stunning. Hanging black-and-white photos in a collage on a white wall is equally as eye catching. Pet-lovers, how about giving your furry loved one something to look at while they’re dining by hanging artwork near the floor behind the water and food dishes? Book-lovers, add visual interest to any room by using bookshelves as transoms over doorways. Paisley prints, geometric patterns, non-traditional colour combinations … if you’re decorating challenged like I am, let the Internet be your guide. Oh, and have some fun in the process!
E
verywhere we look these days, we are being presented with the Danish concept of “Hygge” (pronounced Hooga). Hygge is a lifestyle that means good social atmosphere and bringing comfy, cozy elements into your day-to-day life. It’s about embracing family, good friends, delicious comfort foods and your favourite design and decorating elements.
trends to impress your friends; trends are just that - trendy. Design and decorate your home with furniture and art you love. Have an escapism space for you to unplug from technology. This could be an intimate reading nook, a place to mediate, listen to music or just be. De-clutter your home, and live with minimal “stuff.” Not only will you feel better, but you will also save time and money.
At Tomas Pearce, without knowing it, we have been creating Hygge for years! In today’s day and age when space is at a premium, we find ourselves utilizing every nook and cranny of our clients’ spaces to provide cozy design functionality. This includes inviting window seats with plush down-filled seating and lots of toss cushions for curling up and relaxing, and large, appealing club chairs and sofas with ottomans. We seek sumptuous textiles and materials that are super soft and cozy, yet luxurious and sophisticated.
Spend lots of time outside. Go for a walk and enjoy nature, ride your bike or have a picnic outdoors. If your living space has access to the outdoors, create a welcoming spot where you can sit outside and let your mind and body be still. Use your imagination and create your very own hygge retreat, and you may just find some piece of mind along the way.
Kitchens as a place for families to gather, and we like to maximize plush seating and incorporate areas for entertaining. For the chefs of the house, we provide ideal layouts for cooking and conversation. We design bathrooms with heated floors and towel bars and install oversized bathtubs for two. In the bedroom, we use soft colours, lower levels of lighting and supple bedding with down duvets.
Hygge can be found in various spaces around my home. I work hard during the day, and when I come home, I want to be able to stop and drop anywhere my heart desires. My favorite hygge is wrapping myself in a soft cashmere blanket in my cozy club chair adjacent to the fireplace with my favorite coffee mug and slippers. Second would be my comfy bed with eucalyptus bed sheets, down duvet and sea of toss cushions. For myself, the real secret to a happy life is to love unconditionally, live simply, travel often, be a positive influence and be grateful for who you are and all that you have.
Essentially, hygge and cozy are the same thing, and it’s very easy to add elements of hygge into your home. In fact, most people probably already practice some aspect of it. Easy ways to add more hygge into your space can include soft and fuzzy throw blankets, down-filled toss cushions, relaxed fabrics and textures. Think favorite pair of slippers and warm bath robe. Light some candles and soften your lighting levels by adding dimmers, and you will create a hygge type environment. Surround yourself with colours you love. It’s about what feels familiar and comforting to you. It’s not all about material items, but also ways to embrace the most important elements in your life - your family and friends.
EIYVOUR D C E ON
REST
R TE
IN
SPACIOUS NEW DESIGNS Stouffville 7 storey building adjacent to conservation lands, 700 sq. ft. to 1,900 sq. ft. all with balconies or terraces A condominium with a variety of spacious and unique plans Residences from the high
300’s
$
VISIT OUR LUXURIOUS MODEL SUITE*
royalpinecondos.com
Demark is a leader in initiating a lifestyle that we can all appreciate. Today’s world is fast paced and technology driven with no signs of slowing down. Hygge is an inspirational word that is a reminder to slow down and savor what is important in life. Nurture your relationships, embody who you truly are and enjoy life’s simplest of pleasures with your loved ones! To make a happier home, be true to the way you and your family want to live. Design your home as per your lifestyle. Avoid getting caught up in the latest
*
Sales Office: 5402 Main St., Unit #7 Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 1H3 905-591-8600 hamptonplacecondo@gmail.com
Tania Richardson
Principal and partner in Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting inc. Can be reached through www.tomaspearce.com
STOUFFVILLE
Sales Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 1pm to 6pm Friday: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 12pm to 5pm *See sales representative for details. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E. Rendering is artist’s concept.
7 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday February 23 to Wednesday March 8 2017
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT HYGGE?
% ITS E 5EPOS
Today’s Homes York • Thursday February 23 to Wednesday March 8 2017 • 8
Come to the
NORD SIDE N
D
R
O
NORD
CONDOS EXPO CITY
Steps to Subway!
JANE STREET + HIGHWAY 7 FROM THE LOW 300’S*
REGISTER NOW NORDCONDOS.CA *Price & information correct at press time. Rendering is artist’s concept. E. & O. E.