GTA Condo Life - September 9, 2023

SOPHISTIC ATED LIVING IN THE HEA RT OF OAKVILLE

1, 2 & 2-BEDROOM+DEN SUITES

Dundas and Trafalgar is buzzing. The newest landmark in downtown Oakville soars above the intersection, with incredible views of all that the city has to offer. Presented by Ballantry Homes, The Villages of Oak Park is a new, master-planned, multi-phased community coming soon to the neighbourhood of Oak Park. Select from luxurious 1, 2 and 2-bedroom+den suites. Enjoy the endless amenities offered to residents. Close to parks, trails, shops and restaurants, The Villages of Oak Park offers easy access to the QEW, Highways 403 and 407, and the Oakville GO Station. This is sophistication at a whole new level.

Limited Time Incentives & Extended Payment Structure Available

MORE HELP IS ON THE WAY

Before the words even left his mouth, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau surely must have known he erred last month when he said that housing was “not my problem.”

Here we are, barely a few weeks later, and Trudeau was walking back those comments, saying that while housing may not be a direct federal responsibility, there are ways Ottawa can help.

Cue the recent meeting of his cabinet in Charlottetown, PEI, which discussed exactly that, as the main agenda item.

As Dave Wilkes, president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association writes in his column on page 50, the federal government absolutely does have means to help build more homes.

At the provincial level, Premier Doug Ford announced on Aug. 21 the Building Faster Fund, a new three-year, $1.2-billion program to provide new funding to municipalities, based on performance against provincial housing targets. The fund will provide $400 million in new annual funding for three years to municipalities that are on target to meet provincial housing targets by 2031. Municipalities that reach 80 per cent of their annual target each year will become eligible for funding based on their share of the overall goal of 1.5 million homes.

WAYNE KARL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

He had earlier pointed out that some municipalities needed more help to reach their targets than others. For example, on the high side, Brantford was on pace to meet 109 per cent of its target, Pickering 107 and Toronto 90 per cent. At the low end, Burlington is on pace to hit just five per cent of its target, Brampton 23 and Mississauga and Ajax 29 per cent.

Trusting that such a program encourages municipalities to find ways to expedite their homebuilding, and that Trudeau and company devise their own helpful measures, we now can turn our attention to the Bank of Canada and interest rates.

Hopefully, BoC too will help the cause, by keeping a hold on rate increases.

PERSONAL FINANCE | JESSE ABRAMS

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

WESTERN VIEW | MIKE COLLINS-WILLIAMS

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

HOME REALTY | DEBBIE COSIC

Debbie Cosic is CEO and founder of In2ition Realty. She has overseen the sale of more than $15 billion worth of real estate. With Debbie at its helm, In2ition has become one of the fastest-growing and most innovative new home and condo sales companies. in2ition.ca

REAL ESTATE PRO | BARBARA LAWLOR

Barbara Lawlor is President and CEO of Baker Real Estate Inc., and an indemand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, Barbara oversees the marketing and sale of condo developments in Canada and overseas. baker-re.com

DECOR | LINDA MAZUR

Linda Mazur is an award-winning, nationally publicized designer and Principal of Linda Mazur Design Group. With almost two decades of experience this in demand multi-disciplinary design firm is known for creating relaxed, stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada. lindamazurdesign.com @LindaMazurGroup

TRREB REPORT | JASON MERCER

Jason Mercer is Chief Market Analyst the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. His sought-after market analysis helps realtors and their clients understand housing trends and underlying economic drivers in the GTA. trreb.ca.

STAT CHAT | BEN MYERS

Ben Myers is President of Bullpen Consulting. Ben provides pricing recommendation, product mix, and valuation studies on new residential housing developments for builders, lenders and property owners. bullpenconsulting.ca

BIG STYLE | LISA ROGERS

Lisa Rogers is Executive Vice-President of Design for Dunpar Homes (dunparhomes.com). Lisa has shared her style and design expertise on popular television programs such as Canadian Living TV, House & Home TV and as a regular guest expert for fashion and image, health and wellness and design on CityTV’s Cityline. Follow Lisa’s blog at craftedbylisa.ca

LEGALLY SPEAKING | JAYSON SCHWARZ

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

BILD REPORT | DAVE WILKES

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

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, SALES, NEXTHOME

Hope McLarnon 416.708.7987, hope.mclarnon@nexthome.ca

DIRECTOR OF SALES, ONTARIO, NEXTHOME

Natalie Chin 416.881.4288, natalie.chin@nexthome.ca

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Amanda Bell 416.830.2911, amanda.bell@nexthome.ca

Nina Downs 1-888-532-2579, nina.downs@nexthome.ca

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Amanda Pereira

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – GREATER TORONTO AREA

Wayne Karl, wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

Jesse Abrams, Mike Collins-Williams, Debbie Cosic, Sara Duck, Barbara Lawlor, Linda Mazur, Ben Myers, Lisa Rogers, Jayson Schwarz, Dave Wilkes

EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Jacky Hill

Michael Rosset

VICE-PRESIDENT, MARKETING – GTA

Leanne Speers

MANAGER, CLIENT RELATIONS

Sonia Presotto

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES/SERVICE

Marilyn Watling

SALES & MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR

Gary Chilvers

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Josh Rosset

DISTRIBUTION distributionteam@nexthome.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@nexthome.ca

DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid–Sachs

VICE-PRESIDENT, PRODUCTION – GTA

Lisa Kelly

PRODUCTION MANAGER – GTA

Yvonne Poon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER

Alicesa Pullan

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mike Terentiev

Published by nexthome.ca

Advertising Call 1.866.532.2588 ext. 1 for rates and information. Fax: 1.888.861.5038

Circulation Highly targeted, free distribution network aimed at real estate buyers using street level boxes, racking and Toronto Star in-home delivery.

Canadian subscriptions 1 year = 13 issues – $70 (inc. HST). Canada Post – Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40065416.

Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. All copyright and other intellectual property rights in the contents hereof are the property of NextHome, and not that of the individual client. The customer has purchased the right of reproduction in NextHome and does not have the right to reproduce the ad or photo in any other place or publication without the previous written consent of NextHome.

Official Media Partners:

Terms Advertisers, Editorial content are not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All prices are correct as of press time.

Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at editorial@nexthome.ca.

GTA NEW HOME MARKET SLOWS IN JULY IN RESPONSE TO INTEREST RATE HIKES

The GTA new home market slowed in July, as rising interest rates left prospective buyers cautious during what is already typically a quiet month for new home sales, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) reports.

There were 1,190 new home sales in July, down 18 per cent from July 2022 and 50 per cent below the 10-year average, according to Altus Group, BILD’s official source for new home market intelligence.

“GTA new home sales slumped in July,” says Edward Jegg, research manager at Altus Group. “The latest interest rate hikes have pushed many buyers to the sidelines again as affordability continues to deteriorate.”

Condominium apartments, including units in low-, medium- and highrise buildings, stacked townhouses and loft units, accounted for 828 units sold in July, down 39 per cent from July 2022 and 50 per cent below the 10-year average. It was the lowest number of condominium units sold in July in 23 years.

There were 362 single-family home sales in July, up 281 per cent from July 2022 but 51 per cent below the 10-year average. Single-family homes include detached, linked and semi-detached houses and townhouses (excluding stacked townhouses).

Total new home remaining inventory inched up in July from the previous month’s total, to 16,683 units. Remaining inventory includes units in preconstruction projects, in projects currently under construction and in completed buildings.

With slowing sales and rising inventory, benchmark prices softened. The benchmark price for new condominiums was $1.08 million, which was down nine per cent over the last 12 months. The benchmark price for new single-family homes was $1.67 million, down 13.5 per cent over the last 12 months.

“It is time the federal government recognized its role in helping provinces, municipalities and the industry meet housing demand pressures for which its own policies and federal institutions are in part responsible,” says Dave Wilkes, BILD president and CEO. “The measures within the government’s scope that can help with affordability and new housing supply include deferring HST on purpose-built rentals, helping municipalities financially to deliver infrastructure that supports housing, and indexing the thresholds for the GST/HST new housing rebate. We call on the federal government to act with the urgency the situation demands.”

SEPT 29 - OCT 1 ENERCARE CENTRE | EXHIBITION PLACE

The Fall Home Show is back!

It doesn’t matter where in Toronto or the GTA you live. It doesn’t matter how big or how small your home is. It doesn’t matter if your style is modern chic or rustic wonder. The Fall Home Show is for you! Shop over 300 home and lifestyle vendors, plan your next renovation, get free interior design advice, and more!

Don’t Miss!

Learn From the Experts!

Don’t miss your favourite celebrities, including HGTV Canada’s Scott McGillivray and more at the Fall Home Show this year!

Get Hands On!

Tired of the clutter in your home and workshop? Stop by the DIY Centre to find some storage and organizational projects you can easily tackle.

For more information vist: FALLHOMESHOW.COM

Free Design Advice

Meet with Reno+Decor

Magazine designers and decorators for a complimentary 15-minute interior design consult!

SOFTENING FALL RESALE MARKET COULD REPRESENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUYERS

Canadians are more likely to rely on BoC interest rate announcements to determine the best time to buy or sell (47 per cent of Gen Zs and 52 per cent of Millennials).

“While we wait for governments to implement a tangible national housing strategy to boost Canada’s supply of both affordable and diverse housing, the market is starting to ease in some regions,” says Alexander. “This is bringing some much-needed relief from the sky-high prices we’ve experienced over the past couple of years.”

GTA MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

While Canada grapples with the highest interest rates in decades, ReMax Canada brokers and agents across the country are reporting that both the interest rate climate and lack of inventory are likely to result in a softer market this fall. According to the 2023 Fall Housing Market Outlook Report, ReMax expects the national average residential sale price across all home types to remain flat, with no change anticipated between now and the end of the year.

Potential good news in this scenario, however, is that holding prices may represent an opportunity for well-prepared prospective buyers. In addition, many Ontario markets are holding their own and some will likely even show price growth.

“If the fall market is an early indicator for 2024 activity, we may see a very active first quarter as buyers and sellers take advantage of easing prices into the earlier part of next year,” says Christopher Alexander, president, ReMax Canada.

The housing inventory shortage is having the greatest impact on Millennial and Gen Z homebuyers. According to a Leger survey commissioned by ReMax Canada as part of the report, lack of affordable housing inventory is leading more than half of Gen Zs (55 per cent), and nearly half of Millennials (49 per cent) to change their housing plans.

In addition to the lack of inventory, the interest rate environment is still on the minds of Canadians, especially ahead of the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) next announcement (which took place on Sept. 6). According to the Leger survey, 33 per cent of Canadians who are interested in buying or selling a home in the next 12 months will wait and see how interest rate changes play out before buying. On the other hand, over half of Canadians (51 per cent) say further interest rate increases this year will not change their financial situation or impact their plans to buy or sell a home. Overall, younger

Ontario is a diverse mix of average residential sale price estimates heading into the fall, with seven regions forecasting a decrease, including Hamilton (two per cent), Kitchener-Waterloo (four per cent), and Durham Region and Peterborough (five per cent). Peel Region, meanwhile, is likely to remain relatively flat (zero per cent) this fall.

Regions that expect an increase in average residential sale price estimates this fall include Burlington (one per cent), Oakville (two per cent), York Region (2.2 per cent) and GTA (2.5 per cent).

In Ontario, 53 per cent of markets are likely to be sellers’ markets this fall, while 40 per cent are anticipated to be balanced, and seven per cent buyers’.

Across Ontario, the simultaneous impact of inventory shortages and rising interest rates has influenced markets throughout 2023 and will continue to do so heading into the fall.

While rising interest rates throughout 2023 has created some consumer reluctancy to enter the market in some regions, by comparison, buyers in regions such as Hamilton and Burlington were actually aided by rising interest rates this year.

Pass the hat for mental health

In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. In honour of World Mental Health Day on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023, let's make a difference, together.

Source: Canadian Mental Health Association, 2023

Join us in passing the hat to empower industry leaders, in the construction, development, trades industries to create conversations about mental health care, and have fun!

Pass The Hat encourages company wide teams to engage in fundraising together, alongside corporate donation matching, and exciting workplace activations and games.

This fundraising and wellness initiative is coordinated by Hats On For Awareness, a charitable organization dedicated to breaking barriers and building brighter tomorrows for mental health care in the Greater Toronto Area. To date, we have raised over $1.3 million and continue to disrupt the status quo definition of access for all.

Learn more about Hats On for Awareness at www.hatsonforawareness.com

Help us create access to mental health care for all. Start by passing the hat today.

ELLISDON DEVELOPMENTS LAUNCHES ARCADIA DISTRICT IN ETOBICOKE

EllisDon Developments introduces a new master-planned community in Etobicoke that it says will redefine the local landscape – Arcadia District residences at Bloor and Kipling. Nestled in the heart of the community, Arcadia District promises an unparalleled blend of sophisticated living, convenience and a turnkey lifestyle experience.

Etobicoke is evolving into a hub of cultural diversity and modernity, making it an ideal destination for those who seek to move to an enriching lifestyle. Arcadia District stands as a testament to the evolution, drawing inspiration from the neighbourhood’s rich heritage, while embracing contemporary, clean and inviting aesthetics. Residents will relish the harmonious coexistence of lush green public spaces, modern architecture and a welcoming sense of community that is unique to Etobicoke.

One key feature of Arcadia District is its proximity to transit options, with access to Bloor and Kipling Transit Hub, multiple major highways, Toronto Pearson Airport, GO Transit lines, Mississauga MiWay and a network of TTC routes.

Arcadia District celebrates the essence of urban living, located in the heart of Etobicoke, surrounded

by a wide variety of retail and dining options. Whether you’re seeking the latest fashion trends at Sherway Gardens Shopping Centre, or indulging in exquisite culinary experiences within walking distance, this neighbourhood has it all. From quaint boutiques to contemporary shopping centers, cosy cafes to upscale restaurants, every palate and preference will be catered to within the Arcadia District.

EllisDon says Arcadia District is not just a collection of residences; it is a lifestyle crafted for everyone. Whether you are a young professional looking for a modern urban oasis, a family seeking a harmonious environment, or

looking to settle down in a beautiful neighbourhood with everything located right at your front door, Arcadia District offers a range of living options to suit your needs.

In related news, EllisDon also announces it has partnered with SMEG Canada to bring that company’s luxury, award-winning appliances to all future residents of Arcadia District. All residential units across the project’s four towers –ranging from 12 to 42 storeys with more than 1,300 units combined –will feature SMEG appliances from its Classica Collection.

arcadiadistrict.com

ellisdondevelopments.com

OHBA ANNOUNCES 2023 AWARDS OF DISTINCTION FINALISTS

The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) has announced the finalists for the 2023 Awards of Distinction (AoD). Judged by a panel of industry professionals from across Canada, entries were submitted into 49 categories showcasing excellence in building, design, professional renovation and sales and marketing across Ontario.

Winners of the OHBA 2023 AoD Awards will be announced Tuesday, Sept. 19, during the OHBA Annual Conference at Blue Mountain Resort Village Conference Centre in Collingwood.

At the event, OHBA will also announce the winners of the Prestige Awards, presented to companies

that exemplify outstanding professionalism and integrity within their business, community and the industry at large.

FINALISTS IN THESE CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

OHBA Builder of the Year

–Small Volume

Dietrich Homes, Peterborough & The Kawarthas HBA

Khanani Developments, Durham Region HBA

SLV Homes, Sudbury & District HBA

OHBA Builder of the Year

–Large Volume

Great Gulf, BILD/Durham HBA

The Daniels Corp., BILD Tridel, BILD

Finalists for the OHBA People’s Choice Award, Project of the Year

Lowrise, and Project of the Year

High- or Midrise include:

•Amexon Development Corp., The Residences at Central Park, Toronto

•Branthaven Homes, West&Post, Oakville

•DECO Homes, Greenwood Seaton, Pickering

•Minto Communities, The Heights of Harmony, Oshawa

•National Homes, Northshore, Burlington

•Rosehaven Homes Ltd., The Vincent Condominiums, Vaughan

For a complete list of finalists, visit ohbaaod.ca.

MINTO SET TO LAUNCH LATEST PHASE OF THE HEIGHTS OF HARMONY IN DURHAM

Minto Communities is getting set to launch the newest phase of its award-winning master-planned community, The Heights of Harmony, in Durham Region. Phase II offers 168 townhomes to suit the diverse lifestyles, different life stages and preferences of families. Offering an array of flexible floorplans paired with a variety of architectural styles, Phase II continues Minto’s commitment to building well designed and adaptable homes in one of Canada’s fastest growing communities.

Location just north of Phase I, The Heights of Harmony Phase II is located off Harmony Road North, with just a short drive away from Oshawa’s waterfront. Together, both phases span over 46-acres and mark Minto Communities’ second project in Oshawa. Drawing inspiration from

the initial launch, Phase II offers new townhomes that foster a serene and idyllic environment, giving residents a sense of peaceful living while enjoying the convenience of urban amenities. A brand-new parkette will be introduced, continuing the strong sense of connection to nature for future residents for The Heights of Harmony community.

Phase II offers back to back townhomes and rear lane townhomes with flexible floorplans to accommodate different needs. Ideal for first time homebuyers and growing families, the townhomes start in the $600,000s, and range from 1,349 to 1,628 sq. ft., featuring two- and three-bedroom options. For larger families, the real lane townhomes start in the $800,000s and begin at 1,886 sq. ft.

“It was important for Minto Communities to support multigenerational housing options at a time where housing flexibility is in demand,” says Vince Santino, vice-president of development, Minto Communities GTA.

minto.com

CONDO LAUNCH

Emblem’s The Design District in Hamilton the right condominium investment with the right development partner

Making an impact in Hamilton that will be felt for decades to come, The Design District by Emblem Developments offers the chance to own real estate in the heart of Hamilton’s emerging new downtown.

ANALYSIS

Is now the time to enter the GTA condo market?

Catch

at

INSIGHT

Federal government has policy tools that can help build more homes

Given the sensitivity of the housing sector to adjustments in interest rates, recent interest rate hikes are not only going to increase housing costs, but will also hamper the addition of new housing supply. The federal government should use the tools at its disposal to help counteract these forces.

DECOR

Pink! It’s not just for barbie

With the recent resurgence of Barbie, we are seeing all shades of this fantastic colour everywhere. Pink is not necessarily a hue that many would turn to in decorating, and it’s not always easy to mix and match, but it’s a happy colour that can be calming or a bold statement.

BUILDER PROFILE

Gairloch Developments connecting well-designed, thoughtful buildings to their local neighbourhoods

Gairloch Developments is one company fully in tune with buyer demands today, creating signature projects where design and architecture are central features, and amenities that speak to local energies and characteristics.

or check us out on @condolifemag

A MARKET IN TRANSITION… DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS WEIGH IN

BEN MYERS

Housing affordability in the GTA has been a hot topic for many years, with the more recent focus on improving affordability by adding more housing supply. Following an unexpected boom in new housing sales activity coming out of the pandemic, higher interest rates have made it more difficult for new housing developers to make “the numbers” work on future projects.

I recently sat down for a roundtable discussion with several real estate experts on the Toronto Under Construction podcast to discuss the current state of the new housing market. The panel comprised: Linda Chen, vice-president of investments at Harbour Equity, who focuses on underwriting and structuring new investments, as well as managing existing joint venture relationships; Francesco Margani, founder of Franc & Co., a boutique commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm that delivers innovative, strategic financial solutions for developers, lenders and investors; and Noorez Lalani, president and co-founder of MOD Developments, a highrise condominium builder and developer.

The first topic we discussed was the Greenbelt controversy. The Conservative government and Doug Ford plan to open up the Greenbelt to housing development, and there are calls for the housing minister to resign because of it. A recent auditor general’s report concluded that there was preferential treatment to developers with financial ties to the conservative government. Margani

mentioned that tackling the housing crisis would come with tough decisions, and that some Greenbelt lands are adjacent to well-established communities, with infrastructure such as GO Train lines built and ready to accommodate more passengers. Chen countered by stating that while these lands might give some housing relief, they are not the silver bullet that some think, as much of the Greenbelt lands are zoned primarily as agricultural lands for a reason: They do not have great access to public amenities such as water, sewer and power and the developers that build on them will incur significant additional costs to service these lots and those costs will be passed onto consumers in the form of high prices.

A second market point of discussion was the slow new condo sales, but a hot rental market. Gone are the days when developers could expect 95 per cent of units to be pre-sold to investors in a couple of weeks. While optimism is still present as it relates to the long-term outlook for the GTA new housing market, it comes with a dash of caution. Chen noted the tougher underwriting standards by lenders right now could stifle supply and add significantly to developers’ carrying costs on land purchases. All panelists agreed that after a long run of increased valuation across all property types, margins are not what they used to be, making things particularly challenging. The highrise condo market operates with a notable time lag. Slow sales today could lead to even greater undersupply in three to five years, as buildings that were supposed to be completed are not launched.

All panelists were further in agreement that trades and hard construction costs were not decreasing, despite the slowdown in

new home sales over the past year. Land prices have declined, but not as much as is needed to make a project work, given the lower revenue. There are not many distressed sales yet, and most existing landowners are in no hurry to sell in a softer market.

To spur more housing supply, Lalani suggested reducing government surcharges and taxes, where he noted that the biggest beneficiary of new developments is not the developers, but rather the government, which takes 30 per cent of revenue without assuming any risk. On a previous podcast, Zev Mandelbaum of Altree Developments mentioned that government fees on the units he’s building in New Jersey are $12,000 per unit, versus more than $300,000 per unit in Toronto.

We remain in a transition period, with most developers unable to reduce pricing to meet demand, as costs remain high due to a high level of new housing units under construction, built-in trade union salary increases, rising government fees and requirements, and much higher borrowing costs. Savvy buyers willing to take some risk will be handsomely rewarded when the market returns to its booming ways, which may end up coming faster than we think. Good Luck.

Ben Myers is the President of Bullpen Consulting, a boutique residential real estate advisory firm specializing in condominium and rental apartment market studies, forecasts and valuations for developers, lenders and land owners. Contact him at bullpenconsulting.ca and @benmyers29 on Twitter.

CENTRAL PARK

NATURE-INSPIRED COMMUNITY RISING IN THE BAYVIEW VILLAGE NEIGHBOURHOOD NOMINATED FOR FIVE COVETED OHBA AWARDS

Central Park is a vibrant, masterplanned, mixed-use condominium community that is receiving rave reviews. Located in the east end of the prestigious Bayview Village neighbourhood on Sheppard Avenue, Central Park is a nexus between the urban and natural worlds – residents enjoy proximity to a range of urban conveniences, and have direct access to the East Don Parkland’s sprawling, forested ravine that embraces the property in lush nature.

The development is one of the largest residential projects currently under construction in Toronto. The first residential building in this 12acre, environmentally sustainable community is already 85 per cent sold. Buyers are responding with enthusiasm for a variety of reasons, including Central Park’s excellent location, forward-thinking green features and an array of indoor and outdoor amenities offering lifestyle opportunities for all ages.

FIVE OHBA AWARD FINALIST NOMINATIONS

Central Park has received five Ontario Home Builders Association (OHBA) 2023 Distinction Award finalist nominations, including Project of the Year and The People’s Choice Award – Prestige Award nominations given to companies that exemplify outstanding professionalism and integrity with their business, their community and the industry at large.

“Our project team includes a group of talented consultants, including CORE

Architects Inc. and II BY IV Design,” says Amexon’s executive sales manager, Jason Shiff.

Central Park is just down the street from Bayview Village Shopping Centre, offering everything from upscale restaurants and retail to lifestyle and wellness venues.

Loblaws, Pusateri’s Fine Foods, and Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill are just a few of its popular destinations. And getting around the city, the GTA and beyond will be incredibly convenient – the Leslie Subway Station and relocated Oriole GO Station are situated at Central Park, so residents have public transit available right at their front door. In addition, Yorkdale, Fairview Mall, golf courses, parks and other destinations are within easy reach, with Hwys. 401, 404 and Don Valley Parkway close by.

At the heart of the community, is the award-winning Central Park Common – a landscaped, threeacre urban park that will resemble a traditional village green. Destined to become a social hub to meet with friends and neighbours, this park will feature pedestrian-friendly streets lined with bike paths, casual dining

venues, fountains, reflecting pools, and year-round programming that will include a farmers’ market and iceskating rink. Other highlights include retail space, restaurants and services including on-site daycare facilities.

The East Don Parkland’s 500 acres of lush, urban forest embraces Central Park, making nature a neighbour and elevating an active lifestyle in this prime Toronto location. According to Shiff, “Central Park is a natureinspired, upscale community unlike anything else in Toronto. Central Park will be a quiet oasis in vibrant urban surroundings, where outdoor lovers are going to be able to immerse themselves in nature all year long. The ravine is part of the Don River Valley parklands where there’s a network of walking and cycling trails to explore that lead all the way downtown.

And the trails are beautiful during all four seasons, so residents can enjoy outdoor pastimes to the fullest, like hiking, biking, birding and crosscountry skiing. The opportunities for a high quality of life in this upscale community are exceptional.”

Environmental sustainability is high on the priority list, and the entire

community will be constructed to Amexon’s Green Development Standard, incorporating industryleading green features. Setting a new standard in the sustainability arena, Central Park is the first largescale project of its kind in Canada to include EV charging stations in all parking areas, as well as having on-site auto-share and bike-share options available. The towers’ design features reflective solar panels that supplement the building’s energy needs, and Green roofs that reduce energy consumption. Thermal building envelopes minimize energy usage and next-generation mechanical systems incorporate advanced airflow and filtration.

The visionary design of Central Park is another attraction for prospective residents. Amexon enlisted an award-winning team to craft what is sure to become a local landmark. CORE Architects has created a striking exterior for the condominium towers that focuses on an intimate connection with nature – the facades feature an organic leaflike design in a continual interplay of sun and shade, and six-ft.-deep

balconies offer inspiring views of the Toronto skyline and meandering East Don Parkland ravine through floor-to-ceiling windows. Central Park’s design features an elegant, hotel-inspired, port-cochere entry, with an artisan-designed fountain, original art installation and lush landscaping by renowned Cosburn Nauboris Landscape Architects. These architectural highlights express a harmonious coexistence between sparkling glass and nature, setting this condominium residence apart as something truly visionary.

Suite and amenity interiors by II

a state-of-the-art fitness club and half-court basketball. Families are sure to make great use of the screening room/theatre, ice-skating rink, piano lounge, bowling alley, private event space, hobby studio and kids’ club. Guest suites will be available to accommodate friends and family members.

spaces incorporate flow-through layouts that make the most of spectacular views from the floorto-ceiling windows and generous outdoor balconies. Prices begin from the $700,000s.

Amexon Development Corp. is one of Toronto’s most prominent and innovative real estate developers, building its reputation as a multiaward-winning firm by delivering superior-quality properties. The firm owns and manages an impressive portfolio of office, retail, industrial, hotel and residential properties.

BY

IV DESIGN are both warm and sophisticated, with modern features and finishes grounded in natural materials and earthy colours. The focus was on capturing the allure and comfort of nature, uniting a love of the outdoors and creative living. The effect is new and fresh, evoking a conception of classic modernism.

All Central Park residents will have the use of 55,000 sq. ft. of fitness, wellness, leisure and social amenity space. A highlight is The Park Club, where fitness enthusiasts can access indoor and outdoor saltwater pools,

Among the other leisure-inspired amenities will be rooftop zen gardens, barbecue areas, a golf simulator, a yoga studio, a recording/media studio and pet daycare/grooming facilities. The Park Club will include a spacious 5,000-sq.-ft. coworking space that will foster networking and productivity for either a hybrid work model or growing your own business, with smart technology, meeting rooms, hot desks and a business centre – giving new meaning to “working from home.”

The community will eventually encompass more than 1,500 suites in one- to three-bedroom plus den layouts, in sizes from 439 to 1,200 sq. ft. Features and finishes include nine-ft.-high ceilings and Europeaninspired kitchen cabinetry by II BY IV DESIGN. Best of all, these living

The Residences at Central Park is a world-class destination that offers a five-star experience and sets new standards in the condominium industry. Amexon’s must-see 10,000-sq.-ft., all-glass Central Park Presentation Centre is located at 1200 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto. Indulge in gallery-like surroundings that include kitchen, bathroom and walk-in closet vignettes displaying many of the high-end appointments that come standard here.

Call 416.252.3000 or visit centralparktoronto.com.

BUILDING AFFORDABLE AND

SUSTAINABLE CITIES

For more than 80 years, the West End Home Builders’ Association has been advocating on behalf of both the homebuilding industry and homebuyers. The use of land and design of our urban environment has gradually changed and evolved to address socioeconomic and environmental impacts, as well as to adapt to the needs and lifestyles of the people living in it. Through all these years, WEHBA has been actively supporting proactive urban planning and forwarding-thinking city management.

Working towards positive reform to urban policies allows for more sustainable and affordable urban living that results in vibrant, complete communities. These progressive urban living practices and initiatives include an increase in infill and mixed-use development, more public transit options, bike-friendly infrastructure and more compact communities. They not only help build healthier lifestyles, but also significantly decrease the costs of owning and sustaining a home in the city. The housing crisis our province has been facing over the past few years has been calling for immediate solutions that facilitate and support new home construction of all types in communities across Ontario.

Mandated parking reform is a great example of more sustainable urban planning. For years it has been one of WEHBA’s greatest advocacy focuses with municipal government. WEHBA has been proposing to remove parking requirements in many areas of Hamilton and reductions citywide

to facilitate more housing options for people that don’t need a car. Through WEHBA’s advocacy efforts, the City of Hamilton is now proceeding with parking minimum reform and public engagement. This significant improvement to public policy wouldn’t be possible without the work and support of Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) students who performed an extensive study on the benefits, feasibility,and possible implementation of parking minimum reform in both Hamilton and Burlington.

Another example of WEHBA’s advocacy work is the maintaining and enhancing of City of Hamilton’s Brownfield Remediation Program ERASE. The ERASE program provides tax grants towards remediation of contaminated brownfield sites to support their redevelopment and reuse. Initially, there were concerns the program would be cut, but after WEHBA’s robust involvement in the City process, sharing it’s importance to our members and the whole of Hamilton’s community, the exact opposite was implemented. This program helps new home developers remediate contaminated land at more attainable costs for consumers.

WEHBA has been advocating for housing affordability and choice by supporting regulations that facilitate new home construction of all types, and by proposing reforms of policies that keep our cities stagnant. By encouraging planned and responsible growth, we aim to help balance economic development and population growth at a time when housing affordability and availability is at an all-time low. WEHBA continually advocates for a holistic and integrated approach to city building, involving collaboration among all levels of government, private sectors, nongovernmental organizations and local communities. While no city is entirely without challenges, the gradual incorporation of innovative strategies and approaches, can create more livable, resilient and inclusive cities for current and future generations.

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

MIKE COLLINS-WILLIAMS

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT ISN’T DOING TO

HELP

THE HOUSING CRISIS

Duca, president and COO of Chestnut Hill Developments. “That builders can’t even bring housing solutions to the market.”

Toronto’s housing shortage is at an all-time high. Prices for homes and rental units have soared. I’m not telling you anything that you don’t already know, but because development approvals can take years, new-home construction hasn’t been able to keep up with population growth.

Recently, the provincial and city governments signed an agreement to top up the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) by $13.4 million. This investment is supposed to provide rental supplements and help to match applicants with available homes. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow pointed out that this one-time injection of funds will help 1,350 people find a place to live. My question to Mayor Chow is, where are you going to find this accommodation? It’s not going to miraculously appear if there’s nothing currently available. What are the plans for building and repurposing vacant structures to house people?

IF IT’S BROKEN – FIX IT

It can be said of most government agencies, and no one is buying the pandemic excuse anymore, but many departments are so far behind the eight ball that the piles of work are teetering at dangerously high levels. You can feel this disparity and lack of accountability if you try to get a rushed passport or lodge a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board. The LTB is close to two years behind. Chances are, many disputes will never get resolved, and when you have this type of physical and emotional delay,

no one wins. Those who are looking for a resolution about their situation will not benefit if there’s a severe lack of logical thinking because the staff are also in crisis mode. How is this effective governing?

Antiquated processes and procedures need to be revaluated, and then new policies and work strategies have to be put into place. So many people resist change, but when you keep doing things the same way and expect different results, nothing improves.

Applications are being stalled at every government level, and we need to build houses at a faster rate to accommodate the growing need. From permits to approvals, the municipal offices can’t handle it – so change it. The wheel doesn’t have to be reinvented, but departmental restructuring is necessary so that it’s more efficient and can rotate at a higher speed. “There’s such a backlog at the municipal level,” says Ralph Del

Del Duca goes on to say that if the government taxes investors, then it affects the investment pool. “Builders need investors so that they can build condos.” Investors equal sales. Sales equal construction. And construction equals completed buildings that are available for rent.

Most politicians don’t have the education or work experience when it comes to developmental planning and construction, and those who sit in government offices rubberstamping projects, are no more informed. If the staff is overworked, then it would serve everyone to collaborate with the unions and to outsource tasks that require specific expertise, such as assisting with planning permissions that would help to expedite the home-building process.

We talk about AI (Artificial Intelligence), but we struggle with EI (emotional intelligence), or to put it more simply – common sense. If there are less rentals coming to the market, then prices are going to be higher because there’s less inventory available. “If there is an overabundance of housing,” says Del Duca,” rents will control themselves and prices will adjust accordingly.”

Debbie Cosic is CEO and founder of In2ition Realty. She has overseen the sale of more than $15 billion worth of real estate. With Debbie at its helm, In2ition has become one of the fastest-growing and most innovative new home and condo sales companies. in2ition.ca

HOW TO GO ABOUT BUYING

PROPERTY IN FLORIDA

As Canadian “Snowbirds” prepare to flock south for the winter, they often revisit the idea of purchasing Florida real estate. It is no secret that Florida real estate is attractive, as its resilience during the pandemic, low tax environment, favorable creditor protection laws and great reputation among international visitors all make the idea of owning property in the sunny south increasingly palatable. Yet one of the biggest fears of owning foreign real estate is the question of, “What happens when I die?”

As you may expect, there is an elaborate set of U.S. tax rules that will apply if you die while owning the real estate. For 2023, on death, U.S. taxpayers have an approximately $13 million value exemption before graduated estate tax rate apply (topping out at 40 per cent). This would only apply to you if you took permanent residence in the USA. A Canadian resident would, however, have a lower exemption amount of only $60,000.

But it is not all bad news. Let’s address, in broad strokes, how this process works.

First, at the time of death, does the Canadian need to subject the Executors (Estate Administrators) to dealing with IRS and disclosing the full value of the deceased’s assets and getting into all of the myriad of cross-border tax issues that appear the minute we need to deal with the US authorities? Not if we can avoid it. Proper planning in this area can be of great value.

Canadians who purchase property in the U.S. have certain advantages over other non-residents. First, Canada and the U.S. have a tax treaty that prevents Canadians from paying double tax in many circumstances. This will protect Canadians from double taxation on the sale of the property. Second, for both tax and succession purposes, the property can be placed into a carefully constructed Canadian resident partnership or corporation, in turn owned by an appropriate family trust (the “Sunshine Trust”) or directly by the Sunshine Trust. There are a variety of options to consider at this point, all of which will create more or less favourable outcomes depending on whether the Canadian owns the property until death, sells it prior to death or generates income from the property.

To determine your eligibility and what is the best way to structure the purchase of your property, it is necessary to meet with a legal and/or financial professional (tax accountant) familiar with all of the complex issues that affect the area, and to help the professionals understand the individual needs of the person or family requiring the advice. This will allow for the careful

planning necessary to make the right choice in how to hold the property and comply with the tax legislation of both the U.S. and Canada. The cost to establish the right structure and administer it is a small price to pay to avoid the extremely expensive, timeconsuming, frightening and complex world of U.S. tax.

Now is a great time to purchase land in Florida, Arizona and elsewhere in the U.S. – if done properly. Speaking to the right Canadian and U.S. law expert, together with the right tax accountant, can greatly decrease your potential risks in falling afoul of either the Canadian or U.S. taxation authorities When done properly, a Sunshine Trust will provide peace of mind and security. In other words: Use a Sunshine Trust to shelter you from the cold.

JAYSON SCHWARZ, LLM & JAMES A. SCHMIDT

Jayson Schwarz LLM is a Toronto business lawyer and senior partner in the law firm Schwarz Law Partners LLP. James A. Schmidt, Esq. is a Florida-based tax and business lawyer. Visit schwarzlaw. ca or email info@schwarzlaw.ca

EXPANDING AND ADAPTING:

THE IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION ON THE RENTAL MARKET

Immigration is steadily on the rise across the GTA and beyond. Can our rental market accommodate the unprecedented demand? Will newcomers and current residents alike be able to find affordable places to live?

On a recent episode of TRREB’s Ready to Real Estate podcast, I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Frank Clayton of the Centre for Urban Research and Development at Toronto Metropolitan University. We discussed potential ways that governments can alleviate the housing supply issue for our growing population.

Immigration is absolutely crucial to Canada’s economic development and population growth, but it is imperative that our infrastructure expands to reflect the growing demand. Looking ahead over the next three years, federal government immigration targets will allow for approximately 500,000 newcomers per year to settle across the country. From that amount, a record number is expected to settle in southern Ontario. On top of this, we will also see a substantial number of temporary workers and students requiring a place to live in our region.

THE HOUSING CHALLENGE

Historically, many new arrivals to the GTA have initially chosen to rent.

The issue with this is that our rental market has become remarkably tight. Add to this the fact that higher borrowing costs have precluded some would-be first-time buyers from moving into homeownership, and it’s not surprising that rental accommodations have been hard to come by. This suggests that it will be difficult to bring enough affordable rentals online to meet the demand over the next few years.

QUICK FIX: SECONDARY SUITES

According to Dr. Clayton, one effective solution to build rental housing quickly is for federal and provincial governments to provide grants and interest free loans to homeowners to create “secondary suites.” Examples of this would include finished basements within an existing dwelling or even adding ancillary suites (such as laneway housing) to an existing lot. These types of units can be built relatively quickly and cheaply, compared to new rental housing, which presents a high cost to build per unit.

SOLUTION THROUGH COMPROMISE

Another way to shelter the growing population is to accelerate the construction of new homes. Bringing more houses to market would allow middle-income renters to upgrade, thereby vacating their rental units.

Dr. Clayton recommends a compromise between the highdensity housing and traditional single-family homes on larger lots. He suggests that we need to build “up and out.” To build out, governments

must make more land available and allow for market-friendly processes to hasten development. This doesn’t need to result in large lots and low-density communities – it might include a mix of small lot singles, townhouses, stacked townhouses and multi-plexes. Essentially adding the “missing middle” we’ve heard so much about to new developments.

If you’d like to listen to my entire conversation with Dr. Clayton and other informative discussions with thought leaders, head over to TRREB’s Ready to Real Estate podcast. We cover a wide array of topics to keep our listeners up-to-date on all things real estate in the GTA.

You can also stay up to date with our monthly Market Watch. We break down prices, sales and new listings each month with an easy to glance report. Visit trreb.ca to explore the latest look into the housing market. Plus, connect with a TRREB member realtor and search listings in real-time on any device.

Jason Mercer is Chief Market Analyst the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. His sought-after market analysis helps realtors and their clients understand housing trends and underlying economic drivers in the GTA. trreb.ca.

THE DEMAND-SUPPLY CONUNDRUM

IN REAL ESTATE

Recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke about the housing crisis in Canada. He mentioned the National Housing Strategy his government initiated in 2017 but added that housing is far from a primarily federal responsibility. He stressed that provinces and municipalities must step up to help solve our demand-exceeding supply problem. And a problem, it is – and will continue to be as our population explodes. In June, we surpassed the 40-million milestone, and we could hit the 50-million mark in the next 10 years. It begs the question, where are these people going to live?

In the spring, I watched an interesting podcast addressing Canada’s population surge and the challenges it places on our real estate industry. Last year, we welcomed more than a million newcomers into Canada, an all-time high in a single year. Many of the immigrants who land in Canada head for our cities. Today in the GTA alone, nearly four of every five residents are first- or second-generation newcomers.

Of course, immigration is important to our country to counteract our low birth rate and aging population and help to replenish our labour force as baby boomers retire. Immigrants add dynamism to our economy and social cohesion for an increasingly diverse make-up. In addition to housing, we need the infrastructure necessary to provide the quality of life we enjoy for everyone. We need more social and community services, parks, hospitals,

schools and the like. The conundrum is that we need more skilled workers to build homes and infrastructure, but as we welcome hundreds of thousands more immigrants each year, we need even more homes and amenities.

Certainly, with our three levels of government responsible for varying aspects of our lives, we must rely on more coordination to ensure that housing needs are being met. Provinces and municipalities could help more by streamlining the paperwork and red tape that goes into obtaining approvals for new home builders.

Although municipalities and provinces must act, so too must the federal government do more, especially to address affordability. David Wilkes, president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Association, says the federal government could help by adjusting price thresholds for the GST/HST new housing rebate program as promised, which would have an immediate positive effect.

In the interim, we may have to rely on alternative housing delivery models to satisfy the needs of renters and others who may not be able to afford market homes or condos. We also need more lowrise homes for seniors who want to age in place. The answer may be to bring in some public-private initiatives that have worked in the past.

With the influx of immigrants, our built environment had better expand in a hurry. Whatever happens, owning real estate in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area is a solid investment, whether you live in it or rent it out.

Barbara Lawlor is CEO of Baker Real Estate Inc. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of new home and condominium developments in the GTA, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, and internationally in Shanghai. baker-re.com

BARBARA

LAWLOR

Bellwoods House by Republic Developments

HELOC VS HOME EQUITY LOAN:

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

PROS

JESSE ABRAMS

When Canadian homeowners are facing major expenses, home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) can serve as viable options for extra funds. While these financing options offer flexibility, it’s crucial to understand their differences before taking any of them on.

WHAT IS A HOME EQUITY LOAN?

A home equity loan allows a homeowner to borrow a lump sum of money with the equity built up in their home as collateral. This is usually referred to as a second mortgage and can be used to finance larger expenses such as home improvements, debt consolidation, education expenses or emergencies. A home equity loan allows you to borrow up to 80 per cent of your home’s equity at a higher rate than normal prime mortgages, but generally at a lower interest rate than other loans such as credit card debt and payday loans. It also is repaid over a set number of years, which makes it a stable and predictable option. Often times, it is also interest only, so monthly payments are lower, too.

Similar to the process of getting a mortgage, homeowners need to apply for the loan and get approval from lenders. To qualify, homeowners typically need to have paid off at least 15 to 20 per cent of your home’s value and maintain a credit score of 700 or above. It’s also recommended to keep your debt below 43 per cent of your total monthly income.

• Lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards

• Flexibility in how the funds can be used

• Fixed monthly payment makes budgeting easier

CONS

• Though lower than other loans, interest rates are much higher than normal prime mortgages, and often come with a one- to three-per-cent fee, too

• Risk of home loss if you fail to make payments

• Fixed interest rate which can be a disadvantage in a low interest rate environment

• Funds are limited and homeowners cannot take out any more in case of emergency

WHAT IS A HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT (HELOC)?

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a flexible alternative for homeowners who need access to funds. Similar to a credit card, a HELOC allows you to withdraw money up to a certain limit, depending on how much you need, and you’re required to pay interest on only the amount borrowed. However, it’s important to note that the interest rate is variable and can change based on market conditions.

The initial draw period usually lasts about 10 years and allows homeowners to utilize the available funds at their discretion. After that, the loan enters the amortization phase, which can span approximately 20 years, during which you make regular monthly payments.

Applying for a HELOC follows a similar process to a home equity loan. Lenders evaluate the market value of your home, conduct an assessment of your financial history to determine if you’re eligible and consider factors such as your home equity, debt-toincome ratio and credit history.

PROS

• Flexible credit usage

• Potential for lower interest rates if your credit improves or if market interest rates go down

• Credit line available for emergencies

CONS

• Payment fluctuations can make budgeting difficult

• Potential for higher interest rates if your credit declines or market interest rates go up

• Risk of home loss if you default

• Flexibility of credit limit increases likelihood of overspending

As we move into a higher interest rate environment as we have seen recently, these options should be looked at as an “as needed” loan decision. They can be expensive and large financial decisions to make. So, before taking on any additional loans, it’s important to read the fine print and understand how they can improve and/or impact your financial health and future.

thinkhomewise.com

Jesse Abrams is Co-Founder at Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm.

RISING TO NEW HEIGHTS

AT TWO LOCATIONS WITH NATIONAL HOMES

Transforming the world of real estate with two successful new condo communities, National Homes continues to prove what groundbreaking real estate development can look like when backed by 50 years of exceptional experience. As one of the GTA’s most respected, prolific builders, National has continued to push the boundaries of new-home building by implementing deep research, focus groups and thinktanks to change the perspective on homebuilding. Within these two new condominiums, National Homes tells a story of modern condo living at its very finest.

From its first release, DUO Condos began making a statement on the city of Brampton as a partnership between National Homes and Brixen

Developments. Two bold towers rising above the city, the project’s captivating architecture reflects a modern, richly textured sawtooth design in sharp black and white projections. Its proud presence will stand on the corner of Steeles and Malta Avenue, right between Sheridan College’s Davis Campus and minutes to the new Hazel McCallion LRT at Hurontario.

But transit and education are only the beginning of Brampton’s sensible infrastructure. As the second-fastest growing major Canadian city, the region has implemented growth plans to support the growing population while simultaneously promoting healthy, transit-focused communities to improve the overall livability of the city. That means that

shopping, dining and services are all within 10 minutes of your door, and that every neighbourhood is filled with parks, schools and recreation.

DUO is perfectly positioned to take advantage of all that, and then takes it to another level. Inspired by the European piazza, DUO’s two towers will shelter a street-level brick-paved courtyard designed to encourage residents to engage with each other and their community with a cafe, seating areas and more. This focus on togetherness continues upstairs, where a half-floor amenity space caters to finding the perfect work/life balance through private and shared workspaces, a lounge and party room, a fitness and yoga studio, and a huge outdoor patio to grill, dine or relax in the sun.

DUO Condos, Brampton, penthouse living

To offer this lifestyle to a wide range of demographics, the suites at DUO were carefully designed across the spectrum to accommodate all budgets. With a wildly successful first release, construction is well underway at DUO Condos, with few suites remaining. More opportunities to own are coming this fall however, as this vibrant community prepares for its second release. The new release will include another collection of studio, oneand two-bedroom, and one- and two-bedroom plus flex suites, alongside an exclusive collection of penthouses and the extraordinary addition of modern townhomes as a part of this spectacular condominium.

Looking to the southwest, National Homes’ latest community invites you to land on Burlington’s north shore, with a contemporary condominium rising over the rolling fairways of Burlington Golf and Country Club at 490 Plains Rd. E. Northshore is a prime example of National’s “Million Dollar Difference,” combining modern design with unsurpassed quality to create residences with lasting style.

Carrying National’s legacy of building in some of the finest locations across the GTA, Burlington is a unique city with a rich local culture, robust infrastructure and great connections to both Toronto and Hamilton.

Commonly considered a foodie’s paradise, Burlington boasts a wide

variety of locally-owned restaurants, cafes and eateries. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to amazing amenities here in the city –from the Mapleview Shopping Centre to Aldershot Arena, LaSalle Park to the Burlington Waterfront, there are endless opportunities for shopping, dining, playing and more.

Northshore itself is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the city’s transit systems, with its central location lending to prime access to both the QEW and Hwy. 403 and two nearby GO stations, making it one of the most convenient locations within the city, with impeccable access to McMaster and Guelph Universities. Within a walkable neighbourhood, everyday necessities are only ever just minutes away.

Inside and out, Northshore offers the same balance of convenience and enrichment that Burlington itself does. With the intention of having amenities for the whole family to enjoy, there are spaces for your pets, your kids and for yourself. Outdoor gardens and parks are sheltered from the street, but there’s also an incredible indoor amenity area designed for entertainment, connection, productivity and revitalization in all its forms.

The suites themselves boast a welcoming boutique style, with sun-filled spaces and contemporary design available in a wide range of sizes to suit the lifestyle residents are seeking. Like every new National Homes community, every suite

comes packed with “Bright Ideas for Living,” implementing ingenious storage solutions, smart home features and services to make everyday living so much easier. This summer, Northshore’s official launch was met with great enthusiasm, spelling an amazing Burlington success story for National Homes. Construction will begin this fall, starting the exciting process of bringing this inspiring new community to life.

To learn more about National’s new condo developments, visit duocondos.ca, email sales@duocondos.ca, check out mynorthshore.ca or call 905.333.4445.

Northshore Condos, Burlington, rooftop terrace

Northshore Condos by National Homes, Burlington

DUO Condos by National Homes and Brixen Developments, Brampton

SPACIOUS CONDOS MORE ROOM FOR LESS

CONDO LIVING JUST A SHORT DISTANCE FROM FOUR-SEASON ADVENTURE

Barrie is rapidly becoming a favoured residential hub. People are yearning for affordable and enriched lifestyles, and Pratt Homes, the largest new homebuilder in Barrie, has been meeting this demand for more than a century with townhomes, detached homes and condominiums. Condos, often linked with urban life, are now extending their advantages to quieter settings such as Barrie, promising a balanced lifestyle without compromise.

Situated between Toronto’s bustle and Muskoka’s serenity, Barrie offers an ideal blend of opportunities. Condos, priced notably lower than detached homes, are particularly enticing for first-time buyers and downsizers. Located in the southeast, two exceptional condo communities, Bistro 6 and Elements Condominiums, are redefining modern living and granting swift access to year-round recreation. Found just steps from the south GO station, they’re quickly becoming the residential choice of many.

Bistro 6 Condominiums draws inspiration from culinary culture and contemporary living. Its six midrise buildings coexist harmoniously with acres of protected land. Merely minutes from the GO Station, Park Place Shopping Centre and downtown Barrie’s waterfront, Bistro 6 fosters connections through food and community. Innovative amenities such as a culinary community kitchen, outdoor kitchen, yoga retreat, basketball court and a gym, emphasize a wholesome lifestyle. The layouts showcase spaciousness and practicality, with well-appointed kitchens at their core. While this project is sold out, a limited number of move-in ready suites remain for sale. These one-, two- and threebedroom units span from 740 to 1.379 sq. ft., promising ample space for comfortable living.

Next door to Bistro 6, Elements Condominiums showcases Pratt Homes’ latest ingenuity. Embracing biophilic design, Elements integrates

nature into residents’ living spaces. With natural elements such as water, fire, earth and air, Elements promotes a stress-free, healthconscious lifestyle. The buildings foyers feature an indoor tree, a welcoming fireplace and a tranquil waterfall, fostering a serene atmosphere. Outdoor fire pits, art installations and a jogging track with fitness stations encourage residents to commune with nature and one another. Every suite at Elements boasts a spacious fourseason solarium balcony, providing a year-round connection to the outdoors. With water and air purification systems, these homes ensure a clean and healthy living environment. Elements includes three midrise buildings; the Luna building, which is sold out, Nova, which is a future release, and SOL, which is now selling. These suites, priced from the $500,000s, range from 770 to 1,300 sq. ft., merging value and luxury.

One of the core perks of condo living is freedom from property maintenance. The absence of snow shoveling, lawn care and exterior upkeep attracts those craving a hassle-free lifestyle. Furthermore, underground parking removes the need to scrape ice from vehicles, a blessing during winters. For travellers, condo living grants the liberty to lock-and-go without fretting about home maintenance.

In essence, residing in Bistro 6 or Elements is a smart choice for those seeking a spacious and stress-free condo. These communities not only offer contemporary amenities, but also instill a sense of belonging within a unique and thriving neighborhood. With more room available for a lower price, living in a Pratt Homes condo brings a life full of possibilities, all while enjoying what Barrie has to offer.

For more information, visit pratthomes.ca.

CENTRECOURT UNVEILS PICKERING CITY CENTRE

– A TRANSFORMATIONAL MASTER-PLANNED DEVELOPMENT IN DOWNTOWN PICKERING

CentreCourt Developments has announced its highly anticipated plans for Pickering City Centre, a new mixed-use community located directly off Hwy. 401, at the epicentre of Pickering’s emerging downtown core.

Recognizing the immense potential of the site, CentreCourt secured the existing Pickering Town Centre Mall and surrounding lands in early 2023 and plans to develop a seamlessly integrated master-planned community. Over the next decade, a new thriving urban centre will come to life, featuring more than 6,000 residences across more than 10

mixed-use towers and a revitalized Pickering Town Centre Mall, creating an undeniable anchor for Pickering and all of Durham region.

“Pickering City Centre is an unparalleled opportunity to transform a cherished community hub into a modern downtown destination,” says Gavin Cheung, managing partner, president, CentreCourt. “As one of the fastest growing submarkets in the Greater Toronto Area, Pickering is on the cusp of an exciting moment. We are proud to be a part of this natural evolution, and to ensure Pickering City Centre becomes a true, complete community that showcases

some of the finest residential, retail, commercial and public spaces in the GTA for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Featuring more than 55 acres, Pickering City Centre has been thoughtfully designed to take advantage of existing commercial, retail and institutional uses, including the Pickering Town Centre Mall and adjacent Pickering City Hall. New at-grade retail will complement these existing uses and connect the community via tree-lined streets, enhanced sidewalks and active pedestrian walkways, providing an unmatched experience for people

Pickering City Centre Renderings

Credit: CentreCourt Developments

to work, live or play in this new urban centre.

Globally acclaimed architecture firm Diamond Schmitt designed Pickering City Centre to include an intricate network of large open greenspaces and urban plazas, helping build its identity as a place that brings people together. “The connected series of wide streets, parks, midblock landscaped courts, and urban piazzas are designed to connect people and activate a sense of community,” says Donald Schmitt, CM principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects. “With the tallest highrise building at 55 storeys, it was important to design a grade related network of amenities that support walkability and community connection. The cornerstone elements of the development include urban squares, which integrate the new community with a transformed retail precinct connected to public transit and other lush public greenspaces. These spaces will be places for community gatherings, markets, festivals and performances where residents and visitors come together for special moments including sporting events and social gatherings.”

Because of the masterplan’s significant scale, Pickering City Centre intends to offer an unprecedented collection of world-class amenities for future residents, including a 20,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art fitness centre that will feature yoga rooms, spin rooms, saunas and high-end fitness equipment. Other amenities

in the towers will include a rooftop pool, outdoor lounge areas and grilling stations, co-working and social areas, and a golf simulator lounge. Residents of Pickering City Centre will also enjoy the lush interior courtyards that connect to the network of greenspaces, accessed at the doorstep of many of the at-grade amenities.

CentreCourt is also unveiling plans for a “Virtual Clinic” provided by the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. This marks the first amenity of its kind in Canada to be offered in a masterplanned condominium community, allowing all residents at Pickering City Centre to connect with a Cleveland Clinic Canada clinician and receive a diagnosis or referral without needing to leave their building.

“We are excited to bring highquality and convenient healthcare directly to residents and support the innovative lifestyle that the Pickering City Centre offers,” says Michael Kessel, president and CEO, Cleveland Clinic Canada.

“As the Mayor of Pickering, I’m thrilled to help launch this transformative project that will be a major step forward towards reimagining and revitalizing our downtown,” adds Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe. “This signature development, located in the heart of our city centre, will bring the density where it should be. We envision a dynamic, walkable, sustainable and connected destination that will become a bustling downtown node, welcoming visitors, commuters

and residents alike. We believe that a community cannot be complete without a thriving downtown, and this project will be the key to fulfilling that vision. With our iconic pedestrian bridge seamlessly linking our downtown to the GO station, we aim to attract more visitors and workers to come to Pickering and experience the vibrant energy of our city centre.”

Known for its leadership on transformational projects such as the Transit City (at the VMC masterplan community in Vaughan), CentreCourt has gained a reputation for developing highrise residential communities in proximity to major amenities, transit and employment hubs across the GTA. Pickering City Centre continues this trend, with unmatched access to high-order transit, including Hwy. 401 and a direct connection to the Pickering GO Station (taking commuters to Toronto’s Union station in less than 40 minutes).

To learn more, visit pickeringcitycentre.com.

ARTFUL EXPRESSIONS

by LINDA MAZUR

Art is often thought of as part of the finishing touches of your decor, a last-minute addition to the space. But is this really the case? When art is well curated it can transform and elevate any room, while also adding to the overall aesthetics of the space.

Understanding the role art plays in your space is important, as your selection of artwork can either make or break your room. Art is often used to add colour and life to a room,

create a focal point, add texture and dimension or to highlight personality and style within a space. It can be the starting point when designing or it could be that extra layer needed to create a well-curated room.

Many would feel that great artwork should stand alone and really have nothing to do with the finished decor of your space. However, when working with clients, I often find that art always will have a greater impact

and look better within the space when the decor supports the pieces in questions.

Whether you are working with original art, prints you fell in love with, photography from your travels or some great vintage pieces you found while thrifting, you need to decide the role these pieces will have within your space. Is art to be used as the inspiration for your designs, a focal point within the space or

simply be a piece that accompanies and completes the overall space? However you decide to incorporate these pieces, know that they will certainly add dimension and richness to your space.

So, the question remains: How do you design a space to highlight your art. One of the more classic and easiest ways to coordinate your art selections within your living spaces is drawing on colour. This is not about having your art “match” everything in the space, but rather developing a palette of colour and texture throughout that will help enhance the pieces. This could be a simple repetition of some of the colours found within the piece through paint, fabric and accessories which will help to strengthen the visual impact of the art. A coordination and balance of colour, pattern and texture within your decor will draw you into the room and visually highlight the art.

For a more modern approach, the design of a room can be a bit more restrained, both in colour and composition, allowing the art to become more impactful. With the use of strategically placed directional lighting, you can add another element to highlighting your art and truly create a focal point within your space. When working with impactful or large scaled pieces of art, put some thought in to how you’d like to display these pieces and make the design or decor of your space complement them instead of just making the art exist. If you are selecting fresh pieces of art for your room, select wisely, both in size and composition. While

art is subjective and personal, it does need to vibe with the space it will be in to truly shine.

Your art should make you happy while complementing and unifying the space. Make a bold statement with your art selections or create a calm and relaxing environment. Be creative with your selections, and don’t be afraid to play with scale as well. A large piece on a smaller wall can really make an impact in a space, and the same goes for the reverse. Your selection of art is a reflection of your personality, have fun with it and don’t be shy to show your true self.

Linda Mazur is an award-winning, nationally publicized designer and Principal of Linda Mazur Design Group. With almost two decades of experience this in demand multi-disciplinary design firm is known for creating relaxed, stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada. lindamazurdesign.com

@LindaMazurGroup

KITCHEN SPACE DESIGN TRICKS 9

TO MAXIMIZE A SMALL

by LISA ROGERS

Small condominiums and townhomes certainly have plenty of charm, but when it comes to roomier kitchen space, they can be lacking. When dealing with a small kitchen, the key is to get creative. From organization hacks to problem-solvers for space, many tricks can help you make the most of your limited storage. Here are simple solutions to maximize your kitchen space.

USE BOTH SIDES OF AN ISLAND

Not only is an island a great place to include storage – add cabinets that open on both sides of the island – but it can also work triple-duty as a dinette table or a prep station. Avoid bulky stools (they can take up more space than they’re worth), and choose backless seats tucked under the counter so they’re out of the way when they’re not in use.

OR OPT FOR AN ‘OPEN’ ISLAND

Instead of your cabinet-based island, try using an island cart. With its open sides, island carts will make the kitchen appear more relaxed while offering plenty of helpful storage you can access from all sides. Better yet, if the island is moveable, you can push it out of the way or even move it to another area of your home to serve as a drink or buffet cart.

ADD INTERIOR CABINET ORGANIZERS

These work in any kitchen scenario but are essential in a smaller kitchen. You want to squeeze in as much storage as possible in a compact space, so breaking up drawers into compartments and organizers allows you to store much more efficiently.

ADD FLOATING, OPEN SHELVES

Open shelves are highly functional and make it easier to access dishes and glasses. They can also add significant visual appeal to your space, making the room appear larger and roomier. You can see into the kitchen without being boxed by sight lines or heavy cabinetry.

DON’T FORGET HANGING STORAGE

Every niche spot in your kitchen can be optimized. Consider adding a rail to your backsplash or the bottom of upper cabinets to give you a convenient place to hang your kitchen utensils, tools, mugs, cups or tea towels.

OPTIMIZE THE TOP OF YOUR FRIDGE

The top of the fridge is often the most underutilized space in a kitchen. Purchase storage bins to reduce the look of clutter and keep all your overstock goods in one place (paper towels, napkins, seasoning refills, canned goods and more). The bins will make your kitchen look tidy while also adding more storage.

USE LIGHT COLOURS

The lighter the kitchen, the larger it can feel. Keep a soft palette on countertops, backsplashes, walls and millwork – the kitchen will feel more open. This can also translate to your pots, pans, linens

and small appliances. They can lift the space by simply blending into the environment. If you can’t live without colour, play the rainbow with your dishware and glassware –that’s where you can have a creative licence.

GET RID OF CLUTTER

Countertops are a prime location for clutter, instantly making your space feel smaller. Get rid of all your mismatched dinnerware or

plastic containers you no longer use, and tidy up your pots and pan collections, too. Anything you think clutters your countertop, get rid of it.

HANG A PEGBOARD

Pegboards are multifunctional and give you space where you didn’t think you had. You can find many prefabricated pegboards online and use them to hang everything from measuring cups to your colanders, cookware and more.

Lisa Rogers is Executive Vice-President of Design for Dunpar Homes (dunparhomes.com). Lisa has shared her style and design expertise on popular television programs such as Canadian Living TV, House & Home TV and as a regular guest expert for fashion and image, health and wellness and design on CityTV’s Cityline. Follow Lisa’s blog at craftedbylisa.ca

LIVING etc.

by SARA DUCK

The latest seasonal decor and design inspiration you are going to love

Soak up the final sundrenched summer days with Relay, the ultimate outdoor sofa by Burrow. Crafted with a sleek frame of powder-coated, galvanized steel that's totally rust-proof, this baby is built to last. And don't even worry about spills or dirt because the quick-dry cushions are wrapped in all-weather fabric that repels liquids, grime and even those pesky UV rays. $3,595. burrow.com

Dream big

In 2017, childhood pals Albert Chow and Kenneth Mo had a dream. They wanted to make beautiful home pieces that checked all the boxes — quality, transparency and eco-consciousness. And voilà, Silk & Snow was born. The collection includes everything from European flax linen sheets and responsibly sourced Acacia wood bed frames from Vietnam to comfy mattresses made right here in Canada. We are particularly fond of the flax linen bedding in marble white — sweet dreams indeed! silkandsnow.com

Breathe EASY

Thinking of buying an air purifier for your home? You’re not alone. A survey by Léger Marketing for Dyson in Canada found that 58 per cent of Canadians worry about the air quality in their home. Dyson’s latest game-changer, the Dyson HEPA Big+Quiet Formaldehyde, is its quietest and most powerful purifier yet. With its Cone Aerodynamics system, it delivers double the airflow — up to 90 litres per second. Covering 1,000 sq. ft., it’s acoustically engineered to operate quietly, even at the highest power setting. This air purifier traps allergens, gases, and smoke with its sealed HEPA H13 filtration, eliminating up to 99.97 per cent of ultra-fine particles and permanently destroying formaldehyde. It monitors CO2 levels in real time and alerts you when it’s time to ventilate. $1,199. dysoncanada.ca

1. Wooden BED FRAME. From $1,500.

2. Flax linen BEDDING. From $130.

3. Muslin cotton ROBE in mist rose. $125.

4. Silk sleep MASK in orchid pink. $35.

Shop, click, buy

Bonne Choice is a new online destination for architects, interior designers and design enthusiasts seeking curated, authenticated and one-of-a-kind decor pieces to elevate residential or commercial projects. From coveted vintage finds to contemporary European designer furniture and locally crafted homewares, Bonne Choice offers a diverse range of design-focused statement pieces, including furniture, lighting, art and decor accessories.

Founded by Carlo Colacci, a Toronto entrepreneur and design consultant for Drake Hotels and co-founder of Toronto’s Drake General Store, Colacci brings a passion for vintage furniture and two decades of experience in the industry to his new enterprise. Bonne Choice will also open a 4,000-sq.-ft. designer showroom in Toronto’s west end, accessible by appointment only for previews, design consultations, designer collaboration pop-ups, and as a studio and event space.

bonne-choice.com

Italian travertine TABLE (vintage)

Bruno Rey CHAIRS (vintage)

Lucie Kaas milk glass DINNERWARE (new) Forged iron CANDLESTICK holders (vintage)

COLOUR TREND: Cobalt blue

This vibrant hue makes a bold statement in living spaces, whether it’s on an accent wall, a feature furniture piece, or eye-catching accessories. With its energetic and confident vibe, cobalt blue injects a dose of creativity into any room, instantly making it stand out.

1 2

Photo: John Watts

Bedroom design: Amanda Shields Interiors

Photo: Larry Arnal

1. Apilco traditional DINNERWARE collection in blue-banded porcelain. $25-$679. williams-sonoma.ca

2. Colour wash RUG. From $449. westelm.ca

3. Mitzi kids’ NIGHTSTAND in cobalt blue. From $268. westelm.ca

Old is new again

Art Deco furniture is experiencing a major comeback, with its iconic geometric shapes, luxurious materials and glamourous details capturing the attention of design enthusiasts. From sleek velvet chairs with curved lines to elegant, mirrored tables, art deco pieces add a touch of sophistication and vintage allure to contemporary interiors.

Move on

Did you know June through August is the most popular time to move? If you’re planning a house move soon, take note of these top tips from Aaron Parker of Parker’s Moving.

TIP 1 | PLAN EARLY

It's essential to begin planning your move as soon as possible, especially if you have a lot of stuff to move or are relocating long-distance. Take some time to prepare a list of all the things that need to be done before your moving day, and make sure you stick to a schedule. This will help prevent last-minute stress and ensure everything is done on time.

TIP 2 | DECLUTTER BEFORE PACKING

Before packing, declutter your home and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. Not only will this make packing and unpacking easier, but it will also save you time and money when it comes to moving. Sell or donate items you no longer need or dispose of them if necessary.

TIP 3 | LABEL BOXES AND KEEP AN INVENTORY

To make the process as organized as possible, label all your boxes clearly and create an inventory list. This way, you can quickly locate specific items when unpacking, and you'll have a clear idea of what has already been packed. Keep this list with you and check off items as they are loaded onto the truck and also when everything is unloaded, to ensure nothing gets left behind.

TIP 4 | HIRE PROFESSIONAL MOVERS

It’s okay to save money packing and moving your items yourself, but hiring professional movers can be more efficient and less stressful, especially if you have a lot of heavy furniture. Not only do professional movers have the necessary experience and equipment, but they also offer additional services such as insurance, packing, unpacking and storage.

TIP 5 | STAY ORGANIZED AND KEEP CALM

Moving can be a busy and chaotic experience, but remaining organized and calm can make all the difference. Try to stay on top of your schedule and tasks, delegate responsibilities to family members or friends if necessary, and take breaks when needed. Remember, a successful move is all about careful planning and proper execution.

1. Starburst COFFEE TABLE. $749. westelm.ca | 2. Fayette BAR CABINET $2,599. crateandbarrel.ca | 3. Glass and gold CONSOLE table. $349. bouclair.com | 4. Fitz channelled LOVE SEAT in green velvet. $2,499. cb2.ca

CONDO PROFILES

Elements Condominiums Barrie

Duo

Brampton

developer: PRATT HOMES

style: Midrise

size: 700 sq ft – 1300 sq ft

prices: starting in the $500’s features:

• Biophilic Nature-Focused Design

• Spacious Solarium Balconies

• Foyer with Large Windows and Live Tree

• Live Indoor Tree, Water and Fire Features in Foyer

• Outdoor Waterfall Features

• Exercise Room with a View

• Social Seating Around Gas Firepits

• Water Filtration and Air Purification Systems in Every Suite

• Outdoor Gym, Track and Covered Bicycle Racks

• Landmark Art Installations

• Steps to Barrie’s South GO Station contact: sales@pratthomes.ca | elementscondos.ca

location: 723 Mapleview Drive East

Central Park

North York

developer: NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND BRIXEN DEVELOPMENTS INC.

style: Highrise

size: 26 storeys

features:

• Studio, 1 bed, 1 bed + den, 2 bed, 2 bed + den

• Lobby, Gym, Co-Working Space

• Kids Playroom, Party Room, Private Dining Room With Catering Kitchen

• Rooftop with BBQ’s, Flex Lawn, Dining and Lounge Areas register at: duocondos.ca

location: Steeles Ave. W and Malta Ave. just west of Hurontario

First Release is Sold Out. Register for New Release.

The Villages of Oakpark Oakville

developer: AMEXON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

style: Highrise – 12-acre, master-planned community size: 436 - 1,200 sq. ft.

prices from: from the $700,000s

features:

• 1 Bed, 1 Bed+Den, 2 Bed, 2 Bed+Den, 3 Bed+Den

• Spacious layouts, terraces/balconies

• Located in the Bayview Village neighbourhood

• Leslie subway station and GO Transit at your door

• Direct access to the East Don Parkland ravine

• Central Park Common – a three-acre urban park offering year-round, outdoor event programming

• 55,000 sq. ft. of resort-style amenities including coworking space, skating rink, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, privately operated childrens’ daycare, EV charging stations in all parking areas contact: centralparktoronto.com

• (416) 252-3000

location: 1200 Sheppard Avenue East

developer: BALLANTRY HOMES

project name: The Villages of Oakpark

style: Highrise size: 500 to 1506 sq.ft.

features:

• Easy access to the QEW, Highways 403 and 407, and the Oakville GO Station.

• Select from luxurious 1, 2 and 2-bedroom+den suites.

• Rich amenities include gym, party room, rooftop terrace, lounge, co-work space, 24/7 concierge.

• Geothermal and Ballantry Connect Smart Package contact: ballantryhomes.com

location: 90 Oak Park Blvd, Oakville

Arcadia District Toronto

developer: ELLISDON DEVELOPMENTS

features: • 1,300 units, spread across four majestic residential towers (ranging from 12 to 42 storeys)

• 62,000 sq. ft. of shared amenity space

• 14,000 sq. ft. of retail space

• 26,000 sq. ft. park

• State-of-the-art SMEG appliances in every unit

• Close proximity to Bloor Kipling Transit Hub: Kipling GO station, TTC, Mississauga MiWay transit

contact: RARE Real Estate info@rarerealestate.ca | 416-233-2071

location: 56-60 Fieldway Rd.

The NKBA’s certification program emphasizes continuing education and career development and includes designers and professionals in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. The NKBA has become a valuable resource for both professionals and consumers.

1st Place Small Kitchen Linnea Lions

1st Place Medium Kitchen Beverly Binns

1st Place Large Kitchen Glen Peloso & Elizabeth Smith

1st Place Compact Kitchen Martin DeSousa

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

BRAMPTON

1. Bristol place 199 Main St, North, Brampton

2. Duo condos Malta ave & Steeles Ave

CALEDON

3. Mayfield Collection 2256 Mayfield Road. Mayfieldcollection.ca

ETOBICOKE

4. Curio Condos 801 The Queensway marlinspring.com

5. Humberwood Heights 50 Humberwood Blvd. tributecommunities.com

6. Arcadia District Bloor & Kipling arcadiadistrict.com

MARKHAM/ UNIONVILLE

7. Panda Markham 8200 Warden Ave. lifetimedevelopments.com

8. Varley Condo Residences 20 Fred Varley tributecommunities.com

9. Canvas on the Rouge Donald Cousens Pkwy & Ninth Line flatogroup.com

10. Gallery Towers at Downtown Markahm 162 Enterprise Blvd. downtownmarkham.ca

11. Highmount 4077 Hwy. 7 highmountbykingdom.com

MISSISSAUGA

12. Birch at Lakeview Village Lakeshore & Dixie Rd. branthaven.com

13. Artform Condos 86 Dundas St. E. artformbyemblem developments.com

14. Exhale Condominiums Lakeshore Rd. East & Dixie Rd. exhalelakeshore.ca

NORTH YORK

15. Central Park Sheppard Ave. East & Leslie St. amexon.com

PICKERING

16. Vupoint Kingston Rd. & Liverpool Rd. tributecommunities.com

OSHAWA

17. U.C. Tower 2425 Simcoe St N,Oshawa tributecommunities.com

TORONTO

18. 111 River St. Condos 111 River St. lifetimedevelopments.com

19. Lawrence Hill Urban Towns Don Mills & Lawrence lawrencehillurbantowns. com

20. 489 Wellington St. W. 489 Wellington St. W. lifetimedevelopments.com

21. 500 Dupont St. 500 Dupont St. lifetimedevelopments.com

22. Artistry Condos 292 Dundas St. W. tributeartistrycondos.ca

23. Panda Condos Yonge & Dundas. lifetimedevelopments.com

24. 36 Eglinton Ave. W. 36 Eglinton Ave. W. lifetimedevelopments.com

25. Linx Condominiums Danforth & Main tributecommunicties.com

26. Y&S Condos 2161 Yonge St. tributecommunities.com

27. 50 at Wellesley Station

50 Wellesley St. East pureplaza.com

28. No. 1 Yorkville 1 Yorkville Ave. pureplaza.com

29. Theatre District Residences

Adelaide & Widmer pureplaza.com

30. Bijou on Bloor 2450 Bloor St. West pureplaza.com

31. The Briar on Avenue 368 Briar Hill Ave. pureplaza.com

32. One Seventy Spadina & Queen St. West pureplaza.com

33. King West & Charlotte King St. West & Charlotte pureplaza.com

34. Forest Hill Private Residences 2 Forest Hill Rd.

foresthillresidences.com

35. Oscar Residences 500 Dupont St. W. at Bathurst oscarresidences.com

36. Kingside Residences Kingston Rd. & Danforth altreedevelopments.com

37. Allure Condominiums 250 King St. East emblemdevcorp.com

38. XO Condos King & Dufferin lifetimedevelopments.com

VAUGHAN

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

39. 225 Jarvis Street Condos Dundas St. East & Jarvis amexon.com

40. 316 Junction Condos Campbell & Dupont 316condos.com

41. The Residences of Central Park Sheppard Ave. East & Leslie centralparktoronto.com

42. The Dawes at Main Street Danforth & Main St. thedawes.com

43. Park Avenue Place 1 & 2 Jane St. & Rutherford Rd. solmar.ca

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

The latest properties in the Southwestern Ontario Area to keep your eye on

BURLINGTON

1. Affinity Condos Plains Rd. E. & Filmandale Rd. rosehavenhomes.com

2. Millcroft Towns Appleby Line & Taywood Dr. branthavenmillcroft.com

3. North Shore North Shore Blvd. & Plains Rd. nationalhomes.com

FORT ERIE

4. Discovery Condos SigNature Communities discoveriecondos.ca

HAMILTON

5. 1 Jarvis 1 Jarvis 1jarvis.com

6. The Design District 41 Wilson Street thedesigndistrictbyemblem.com

NIAGARA REGION

7. Lusso Urban Towns Martindale Rd. & Grapeview Dr. lucchettahomes.com

OAKVILLE

8. The Greenwich Condos at Oakvillage Trafalgar Rd. & Dundas branthaven.com

9. Synergy McCraney St. E. & Sixth Line branthaven.com

10. Upper West Side at Oakvillage 351 Dundas St. E. upperwestsidecondos2.ca

11. Greenwich Condos at Oakvilage Trafalgar Rd. & Dundas St. branthaven.com

12. Villages of Oakpark Dundas & Trafalgar ballantryhomes.com

STONEY CREEK

13. Casa Di Torre 980 Queenston Rd. branthaven.com

14. On The Ridge Lormont Blvd. & Chaumont Drive liveontheridge.ca

Niagara Falls

Welland

A T RE E FO R EVE RY HER O.

Join us in planting 2 million trees along the 401 Highway of Heroes, a tribute to the men and women who fought for Canada in our wars, and a living memorial to the 117,000 who died for freedom.

Get involved today:

As part of Trees for Life’s Tree Coalition, we are proud to work collaboratively with GrandTrees Climate Solutions.

TO SUPPORT HOUSING

This summer, at a housing announcement in Hamilton, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that while housing is not primarily a federal responsibility, it is “something that we can and must help with.” Given that the federal government’s immigration policy is set to increase Canada’s population by 1.5 million people by 2025, thus dramatically increasing housing demand, the government should indeed use the specific powers at its disposal to help meet that demand.

One action the government can take is to financially assist municipalities to build more infrastructure that supports housing. New homes can only be built when roads, water management systems and power networks are in place. We cannot simply rely on the development charges levied on new homes to pay for the infrastructure communities need. Continually adding costs such as these to the prices of new homes contributes to the affordability challenges that Canadians face.

The federal government should also keep its decades-old promise to index the thresholds for the GST/HST new housing rebate. In 1991, when the GST was originally introduced on new homes, the average cost of a new home in the GTA was $250,000; today, it is $1.2 million. Yet the rebate thresholds remain the same, with the federal government collecting nearly $60,000 per housing unit in tax

revenue. The time has come to give some of that money back to the newhome buyer to help with housing affordability.

Finally, the government could defer the collection of HST on purposebuilt rental housing. Deferral would preserve federal revenue while still helping to accelerate the building of new supply in this very important housing class. There is precedent for this: Federal tax policy in the 1970s resulted in a golden age of purposebuilt rental building in Canada.

THREE ACTIONS FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT +MORE CONTENT ONLINE

Welcoming 1.5 million new Canadians in the next few years will help make our economy more competitive and our society more dynamic. But all levels of government will need to plan for how they are

going to meet the accompanying increase in housing demand. As the driver of immigration policy, the federal government must do its share to provide housing for newcomers and address housing supply and affordability for all Canadians.

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

nexthome.ca

DAVE WILKES