Editor's Letter

Healthy Habitats

Canadians are still reporting high levels of pandemic-related anxiety and depression, despite relaxed restrictions kicking in this summer. This was a key finding from Mental Health Research Canada’s second poll in a series of national surveys on how coronavirus is impacting mental health. Dr. Thomas Ungar, psychiatrist-in-chief at St. Michael's Hospital, spoke on this topic in a recent webinar. While quickly distinguishing between mental illness and mental health, he said of the latter that it’s normal to feel scared amid a serious, social existential threat. “It’s appropriate to be stressed and worried and down and sad,” he said. “It’s just not a normal life right now; we’re adapting.”

Developers and designers have also been musing over what it means for residents to be cooped up with limitations. The idea that design can influence the psychological needs of spaces, that it can positively influence physical, emotional and mental health, is making greater strides this year. In our design and renovation issue, we give voice to experts who are building and shaping communities of the future with this in mind.

Many foresee inspiration coming from commercial properties like high-end offices, hospitals and hotels where wellbeing has become a major concern. For instance, in the office sector, this translates to recruitment, retention, productivity, physical and mental health, and a work-life balance. Now, with many people working from home and nowhere to really go, the same applies to the health of a residential building and each individual — even more than it already has.

Further to this concept, an interior designer brings forth the latest trends for common elements. Condo corporations thinking about undertaking a renovation project can also benefit from expertise on avoiding a DIY disaster and figuring out what design process to choose from.

Also in this issue: a recent legal case where a developer avoided a class action suit after cancelling a condo project; the intricate connection between noise complaints and renovation agreements; and how to give condo doors a proper do-over.

We hope you enjoy, and wish you a happy fall season.

Rebecca Melnyk Editor, CondoBusiness rebeccam@mediaedge.ca

JTB_Condo_May_2020_FINAL.pdf 1 2020-06-16 12:16 PM

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