Toronto Condo Life - April 10, 2021

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Greater Toronto Area Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

Greater Toronto’s COMPLETE CONDO GUIDE

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APR. 10–MAY 8, 2021

CONTENTS COVER STORY

26 THE DUPONT TRIDEL BRINGS URBAN SOPHISTICATION AND HERITAGE CHARM TO DUPONT STREET 6 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

55

35

Personal Finance Four factors to consider when buying your first home

66 Industry Report BILD Renomark program turning 20 years old in 2021

49

INTERIORS

49 Interiors Cover 50 Decor Floored!

52

Big Style Gardening tips

54 Trend Watch Art House

55 Top Ten Small appliances

Property profiles

52

36 Y&L Excitement building at Yonge and Soudan for new Tribute project

38 DEPARTMENTS

COLUMNS

8

18

Editor’s Note A taxing idea

10

Contributors & Masthead

12

Condo Life Online

14

In the Spotlight GTA new home market has another busy month in February; more news on pages 15, 16 and 17

24 Inside The GTA 30 In Conversation With...

Shaun Levy, Flato Developments

58

Maps & Amenity Charts

65 Advertisers Index Want more information? Just ask — and you could win a prize

Stat Chat Have a five-year mindset when buying real estate

20 Condo Pro Tips for buying a condo for the first time

22

The Marketing Edge Enter the 18-hour city

29 Legally Speaking Seven risks of do-it-yourself and Internet Wills

32

Home Realty In2Ition supporting the Pinball Clemons Foundation

34 Real Insight Four factors to consider when buying your first home

Oscar Residences Lifetime Developments brings future-forward, boutique living to the Annex

40 The Landing Whitby Harbour Much anticipated new condominium coming soon from Carttera

42 Perch Condos Firmland project offers elevated perspective for much less than expected

44 M4 at M City Rogers and Urban Capital continue to shape Mississauga’s future

46 LINX Condominiums Tribute condo linking the past and future of the city

7

EDITOR’S NOTE

A TAXING IDEA

WAYNE KARL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Condo Life Magazine

EMAIL: wayne.karl@nexthome.ca TWITTER: @WayneKarl

+ get social 8 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

Don’t do it. Just simply don’t do it.

This is the stern message from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) for the federal government – if it is actually thinking about implementing a capital gains tax on primary residences.

You may have missed this little nugget of news, as Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) quietly floated out the idea recently.

For CMHC, the national agency whose mandate is to “make housing affordable for everyone,” the thinking is that such a tax may cool what it believes are dangerously hot home markets.

In its latest Housing Market Assessment in late March, CMHC says Toronto has moved from a moderate to high degree of vulnerability, thanks mostly to price acceleration. Nearby Hamilton was already showing a high degree of vulnerability in its last analysis, and combined with Ottawa, the three largest centres in Ontario are all now in that category.

As TRREB and other experts are quickly pointing out, taxing capital gains on Canadians’ principal residences – an exemption enjoyed for decades – would be anything but a minor or effective adjustment.

TRREB is dead blunt about it. “The idea continues to be discussed in various corners,” says President Lisa Patel. “This should stop.

“Imagine a first-time buyer who has been working hard to save a down payment for years and finally becomes a homeowner,” she adds. “This tax would change the rules on them midway. Many younger homeowners and buyers already feel like they have greater challenges than previous generations to become a homeowner, and now this would penalize them on the back end when they sell, something that previous generations were not subject to. For these homeowners, it’s a situation that seems unfair, to say the least.

“Enough is enough.”

Other experts are equally critical of the idea, saying there is no evidence such a move would actually deliver CMHC’s desired result.

(Last year, by the way, the agency predicted house prices in Canada would drop nine to 18 per cent over the oncoming year and a half. And of course, nothing of the kind has occurred in the GTA.) CMHC says it will discuss the idea further in September, “to explore the question: How can we treat housing as a place to call home, rather than an investment vehicle?”

Imagine an economy, especially in these pandemic times, where Canadians couldn’t financially benefit as much from their years of homeownership.

Now that’s a taxing thought.

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The Dupont is a new 9-storey condominium community coming soon to Dupont & Ossington.

At the apex of the city’s most coveted converging neighbourhoods, The Dupont brings together hotel-inspired sophistication with industrial heritage charm, and a vibrant urban lifestyle.

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©2021 Tridel Corp. All rights reserved. Building and view not to scale. Illustrations are artist’s concept only. *Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E.&.O.E. March 2021.

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CONTRIBUTORS PERSONAL FINANCE | JESSE ABRAMS Jesse Abrams is Co-Founder at Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm based in Toronto. thinkhomewise.com

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANT

Michael Rosset EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – NATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Susan Legge susan.legge@nexthome.ca EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – GREATER TORONTO AREA

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

Wayne Karl wayne.karl@nexthome.ca MANAGING EDITOR

Rise Levy CONTRIBUTORS

Jesse Abrams, Debbie Cosic, Sara Duck, Barbara Lawlor, Chris Markovic, Linda Mazur, Ben Myers, Lisa Patel, Lisa Rogers, Jayson Schwarz, Dave Wilkes SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, SALES NEXTHOME

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

Hope McLarnon 416.708.7987, hope.mclarnon@nexthome.ca SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Jessica Wilson 416.873.1049, jessica.wilson@nexthome.ca Natalie Chin 416.881.4288, natalie.chin@nexthome.ca DIGITAL SALES MANAGER

Amanda Bell VICE-PRESIDENT MARKETING – GTA

THE MARKETING EDGE | CHRIS MARKOVIC Christopher Markovic is CEO, PMA Brethour Realty Group, with 25 years of development project sales and marketing experience with some of Canada’s leading organizations. He is directly involved with the positioning, marketing and sales of PMA pre-construction projects, consulting with clients from concept and planning stage to managing the sales and customer experience. pmabrethour.com

Leanne Speers SENIOR CLIENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST – GTA

Sonia Presotto MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES/SERVICE

Marilyn Watling SALES & MARKETING CO-ORDINATORS

Gary Chilvers, Vi Nguyen HOME SHOW MANAGER & NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION – GTA

Josh Rosset 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. bullpenconsutling.ca

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

REAL INSIGHT | LISA PATEL Lisa Patel is President of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 54,500 professional realtor members in the Greater Toronto Area. You can contact her at trebpres@trebnet.com. trreb.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER

Alicesa Pullan GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Johannah Lorenzo, Mike Terentiev, Alice Wu Published by

LEGALLY SPEAKING | JAYSON SCHWARZ Jayson Schwarz LLM 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

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10 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

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M City rises again.

M4 Coming Soon The award-winning M City community is all set to reveal its newest addition. M4. An architecturally striking, exceptional example of modern design.

With inspired amenities, calming green spaces and suites made for real life, M4 will usher a new standard in urban city living in Mississauga.

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Exclusive Listing: Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Brokerage. Brokers Protected. E. & O.E. Illustration is artist’s impression.

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NEW CONDO

Affordable luxury living coming to Brantford Already one of the best cities in Ontario to buy, Brantford is about to get even better. This spring, Elite Developments is launching The Ambrose Condos, a 10-storey, 198unit boutique condominium starting from the $300,000s.

HOUSING MARKET

GTA home and condo sales reach new heights in February GTA home and condo sales are off to a record start already this year, with double-digit price growth the norm in both the 416 and 905 areas.

DEVELOPMENT

In Conversation With... Brian Brown, Principal of Lifetime Developments Brian Brown is “all in” on Toronto. But make no mistake – even during a pandemic, his strategy for Lifetime Developments and its signature condo projects is no gamble.

MORTGAGES

Mortgage options in a COVID-19 world COVID-19 hasn’t been kind to some, when it comes to personal finances and credit rating. But for prospective homebuyers, there’s still hope. Mortgage expert Jesse Abrams explains.

Visit or check us out on 12 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

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INVESTMENT

Condo assignments – what you need to know about HST Thinking of buying a condo and selling your “assignment”?

Beware this can be a complex transaction and, if not handled properly, can result in significant losses.

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in the spotlight

GTA NEW HOME MARKET SEES ANOTHER BUSY MONTH IN FEBRUARY GTA new home sales continued strong in February of this year, though below the record-setting pre-pandemic performance of February 2020, according to the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD).

Total February new home sales, with 3,240 units sold, were nine per cent above the 10-year average, but 34 per cent below February 2020, according to Altus Group, BILD’s official source for new home market intelligence.

“We need to be careful when comparing February of this year to the exceptionally busy month of February 2020, just before the pandemic hit,” says Dave Wilkes, BILD president and CEO. “We are talking about completely different sets of circumstances. The fact is that February 2021 was a solid month when compared with the 10-year average.”

Sales of new single-family homes, including detached, linked, and semi-detached houses and townhouses (excluding stacked townhouses), with 1,617 units sold, were down 30 per cent from last February, but 20 per cent above the 10-year average.

Condominium apartments, including units in low, medium and high-rise buildings, stacked townhouses and loft units, accounted for 1,623 new home sales in February, down 38 per cent from February 2020 and even with the 10-year average.

“Sales in the new condominium apartment sector in the GTA returned to a more typical level in February,” says Ryan Wyse, Altus Group’s manager, analytics, Data Solutions. “With additional new supply on the horizon, the spring market will likely yield its usual increase in activity; however, economic challenges related to the pandemic remain and will continue to provide some obstacles in the near term.”

With few projects launching in February, remaining inventory decreased compared to the previous month, to 12,095 units. It was the lowest level of remaining inventory since December 2017. Remaining inventory includes units in preconstruction projects, in projects currently under construction, and in completed buildings.

“The demand for new homes in the GTA continues strong, but bringing enough homes to market continues to be a challenge for our industry, given the impacts of the pandemic, ongoing union membership disputes and materials shortages,” adds Wilkes. “We all need to work together to ensure we can deliver homes to the GTA families that are waiting for them.”

In February, the benchmark price for new single-family homes was $1.37 million, up 25.1 per cent over the last 12 months. New condominium units were up 8.4 per cent to $1.04 million.

february new home sales by muniCipality Condominium units

single-family homes

total

Region

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

Durham

55

76

19

457

490

97

512

566

116

halton

399

262

22

83

391

275

482

653

297

Peel

110

613

127

335

309

193

445

922

320

toronto

788

1,404

523

77

18

4

865

1,422

527

York

271

260

57

665

1,093

115

936

1,353

172

Gta

1,623

2,615

748

1,617

2,301

684

3,240

4,916

1,43

Source: altuS GrouP

14 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

In the spotlIght

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE, LOW RATES CONTINUE TO DRIVE GTA HOMES SALES For the third straight month of 2021, record home sales continued in March across the Greater Toronto Area, with buyers taking advantage of favourable borrowing costs and improvement in many sectors of the economy.

According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), GTA realtors reported 15,652 sales in March 2021 – close to double that of March 2020. While sales were strong, it is important to remember that for the second half of March 2021, the performance is compared to the initial impact of COVID-19 in the second half of March 2020, when sales activity dropped off dramatically.

There were 6,504 sales reported during the first 14 days of March 2021 – up 41 per cent compared to the pre-COVID period in March 2020.

In addition, the 9,148 sales reported between March 15 and March 31, 2021 represents an increase of 174 per cent over the COVID period of March 2020. This is a stark reminder of the initial impact COVID-19 had on the housing market and overall economy a year ago.

“Confidence in economic recovery coupled with low borrowing costs supported a record pace of home sales last month,” says TRREB President Lisa Patel. “While the robust market activity is indicative of widespread consumer optimism, it is also shedding light on

the sustained lack of inventory in the GTA housing market, with implications for affordability.”

“With sales growth outstripping listings growth by a large margin, including in the condo market segment, competition between buyers in some market segments and the potential for double-digit price growth could continue without a meaningful increase in the supply of homes available for sale,” adds TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer. “This will become more apparent as population growth resumes over the next year.”

The average selling price in March 2021 hit $1.09 million, up 21.6 per cent over March 2020. Following the recent trend, lowrise home sales in regions surrounding Toronto drove price growth.

“The current state of the market has reinvigorated discussions about potential demand-side policy interventions,” says TRREB CEO John DiMichele. “Policies focussed on demand, such as a capital gains tax on primary residences, can have a short-term impact, but can also be fraught with unintended consequences like further stifling the supply of listings. The federal minister responsible for the housing portfolio has said his government will not entertain such a policy option, which is the right decision. We have been saying for too long now that policymakers must focus on the long-term goal of increasing housing supply in order to accommodate current and future demand.”

GTA resAle AverAGe prices, MArch 2021 (yr/yr % chAnGe) 416

905

Total

$1.75M (19.2)

$1.32M (31.4)

$1.40M (26.6)

$1.288M (11.5)

$932,215 (20.6)

$1.04M (17.5)

Townhome

$960,894 (15.0)

$846,401 (22.6)

$870,553 (20.7)

Condo

$707,835 (-0.7)

$607,220 (13.5)

$676,052 (2.6)

Detached Semi-detached

Source: TrreB

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 15

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE BERKSHIRE IN SOUTH OAKVILLE PRIORITIZES OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES Set along Lakeshore Road is South Oakville’s only new condominium, The Berkshire Residences, a luxury boutique four-storey residence offering spectacular lake views.

When designing the project, developer Rise Developments, together with Guthrie Muscovitch Architects, prioritized access to private outdoor and amenity spaces – essential offerings that have become increasingly more desirable throughout the pandemic.

In addition to an outdoor rooftop with spaces for dining, lounging and private cabanas, every suite features grand balconies. As well, top floor penthouses also boast expansive private rooftop terraces of up to 1,400 sq. ft., with the option for a hot tub.

Located just a five-minute walk to historic downtown Oakville and Lake Ontario, The Berkshire offers future residents access to parks and promenades, boutiques and bistros, marinas and golf courses.

The building features additional high end amenities such as a sophisticated lobby with concierge, a full gym with state-of-the-art equipment for cardio, yoga, personal

training and weight training, and a party room with a catering kitchen, stunning views and casual lounge with fireplace and projector screen.

The limited collection of suites is available in one- to three-bedroom plus den configurations, from 737 to more than 2,000 sq. ft. Interiors

by Drake+Khan Design offer soaring 10-ft. coffered ceilings, spa-style ensuites and porcelain countertops and backsplash.

Prices begin from the $700,000s to more than $2 million. berkshireresidences.com

LINDVEST TO BUILD CONNECTT IN MILTON Lindvest has announced the newest addition to its growing highrise portfolio – Connectt. Following the recent completion of its Sonic community in Toronto, Connectt is the company’s first highrise project in Milton, located at Derry Road West and Ontario Street, and is planned to include three towers in total.

Lindvest recently acquired the project from Briarwood Development Group. “In taking over this project, we look forward to continuing to move

16 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

the development from inspiration through to reality,” Lindvest says.

Connectt is also minutes away from Milton’s GO Transit station, as well as Hwys. 401 and 407. Nearby natural features include Mill Pond Park and Rattlesnake Point, and the project is also close to outlet malls, eateries and other services.

Lindvest is set to launch Connectt this spring. lindvest.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

GTA DEVELOPERS NAMED FINALISTS IN NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING AWARDS A number of GTA new home and condo developers have been named finalists for the 2021 National Awards for Housing Excellence, from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA).

The annual competition recognizes the best in Canadian new homes, community development and residential marketing.

The awards will be presented during a virtual ceremony on May 7 as part of CHBA’s Homebuilding Week in Canada.

GTA CONDO-RELATED FINALISTS INCLUDE: Best Mid- to Highrise (Completed)

• Georgian Communities, Barrie: Mountain House at Windfall • Sifton Properties Ltd., London: Helio Best Mid- to Highrise Condominium (Planned)

Best Signage

Best Sales Office

• Losani Homes, Brantford: Brant West • Tribute Communities, Toronto: Y&S

• Minto Communities and Metropia, Toronto: Union Village; with NAK Design Strategies, RN Design, II by IV Design, and Montana Steele

Best Brochure/Kit

Best Renderings

• Minto Communities and Metropia, Toronto: Union Village; with Montana Steele

• Branthaven Homes, Burlington: Upper West Side Condos • ELAD Canada Realty Inc., Toronto: Galleria on The Park; with Pureblink

Best Digital Advertising Campaign

• Empire Communities, Vaughan: Empire Home Reimagined; with Pureblink • Minto Communities and Metropia, Toronto: Union Village

Best Branding and Identity

• Empire Communities, Toronto: Empire Home Reimagined • Georgian Communities, Barrie: #LocalLovebyGC

• Branthaven Homes, Burlington: Upper West Side Condos • Kylemore Homes Ltd., Markham: Kylemore; with The Brand Factory • Minto Communities and Metropia, Toronto: Union Village; with Metropia, Montana Steele • Rosehaven Homes, Oakville: KiWi Condos; with McOuat Partnership

Best Print Ad

Best Virtual Tour Experience

• Minto Communities and Metropia, Toronto: Union Village; with Montana Steele

Best Organic Social Campaign

Best Growing Community Award

Best Long Video

• Tridel, Toronto: MRKT Alexandra Park; with Pureblink, Thomas Pearce Interior Design, Consulting Inc., SvN Architects + Planners, and The Brand Factory • Tridel, Toronto: The Well Penthouse; with Pureblink, II By IV Design, and The Brand Factory

• Georgian Communities, Barrie: Mountain House at Windfall

• Tridel, Toronto: The Well Penthouse; with Pureblink

For a full list of finalists, visit chba.ca.

• Branthaven Homes, Burlington: Upper West Side Condos; with II BY IV DESIGN • Fusion Homes, Guelph: The Copper Club at The Metalworks; with VanMar Constructors Inc.

Best Short Video

• Great Gulf, Toronto: Milton Village; with Montana Steele Strategic Marketing

PANDEMIC SAVINGS BOOSTING BUYERS’ DOWN PAYMENT PLANS: BMO First-time homebuyers are feeling the affordability pinch in hot markets such as the GTA, but also plan to use their growing savings to boost their down payment, according to a recent survey from BMO Bank of Montreal.

“The Canadian housing market, overall, is incredibly strong right now with record demand and tighter supply pushing prices up,” says Hassan Pirnia, head of personal lending and home financing products, BMO Bank of Montreal.

“While some buyers are looking to accelerate their move into the market anticipating price appreciation, we are seeing others pause on their homeownership plans.

According to the BMO survey, 80 per cent of first-time buyers intend on using some or most of their increased savings to boost their down payment.

Nationally, respondents expect to spend $433,000 on their first home, compared to $529,000 in Ontario.

The One Stop Shop for Builder Storytelling mcouatpartnership.com

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 17

ADVICE | STAT CHAT

FIVE-YEAR OUTLOOK TAKE A LONG-TERM MINDSET WHEN BUYING REAL ESTATE

BEN MYERS

Real estate prices are rising quickly, and as a result of these frothy conditions, some economists are calling for government intervention, while some pundits are labelling the situation a bubble. For many of you, buying real estate is scary during “normal” market conditions, so now it might be downright terrifying.

It probably isn’t the best time to be a property flipper, unless you like taking a lot of risk. However, there is one thing I’ve stressed many times in this column – don’t try to time the market. Buy what you can afford and where you can see yourself living for five or more years. If you do your research and buy for the long term, you likely won’t lose money.

Here’s why. A couple of years ago, I launched a podcast called Toronto Under Construction with co-host Steve Cameron, and we typically talk to real estate developers for more than an hour. Among the common themes are lack of affordability, a long and drawn-out building approvals process, and a lack of land suitable for development. These three topics share a common long-term outcome – much higher new home prices.

When developer Sherry Larjani of Spotlight Developments was on our show, she told us that between the price of land, limited supply, the rising costs of construction, NIMBYs, development charges and government red tape and delays, it’s becoming more difficult for developers to bring affordable price

18 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

points to market. She cites that the only way developers are going to build these days is if the project is luxury, as the costs are rising so quickly, and uncertainty is high.

Scott McLellan of Plaza points to the myriad of government fees pushing up new house prices, including development charges, Section 37 fees, parkland contribution, and a slew of back taxes that make things even more difficult for developers to bring reasonablypriced product to market. These costs are getting passed on to the buyers.

When Stuart Wilson of Alterra Developments was on our podcast, he educated us on the economic term “cost-push inflation.” This is when increasing costs for builders force them to raise prices to maintain the same margins. Currently, he said, it is about supply and demand; every construction trade is being called upon for bids, and with a limited number of trades, prices increase.

Paired with government regulations, more and more costs are causing the final unit price for end users to continue to rise.

Bill Gairdner of Gairloch Developments spoke about building small midrise developments in Toronto, mentioning that there are 15 line items in your budget that are all taxes, going towards the city or province, plus hard cost escalation. It is extremely challenging, he says, to make a return that everyone can get excited about.

One thing we’ve mentioned regularly on the podcast is that if a developer isn’t making a reasonably high profit on a project, they will not get construction financing. A builder can’t just choose to make less

“

Buy what you can afford and where you can see yourself living for five or more years.

”

money to improve affordability. It just doesn’t happen.

So, what does all of this mean?

There continues to be huge demand for housing, and when the borders open back up post-COVID, there will be a mad rush into the country. Into a situation where there is already very high demand, with a system that doesn’t support getting lots of new housing built. It might look like we’re building plenty of new homes in the GTA because you see a lot of cranes, but we actually built more in 2002, when the population was a lot smaller.

High demand and not enough supply equals higher prices. There may be, and probably certainly will be, volatility in pricing in the short term. But buy for the long term, and you won’t get hurt by any such fluctuations.

Ben Myers is 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. bullpenconsulting.ca Twitter@benmyers29

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A NEW VISION OF LUXURY LIVING STUNNING NEW PODIUM SUITE DESIGNS REIMAGINE LUXE LIVING Coming soon to ORO at Edge Tower in Mississauga, a limited collection of stunning new Podium Suite designs by renowned architect Roy Vacarelli. A new vision of ultra-luxe living in One-bedroom, Onebedroom + den and Two-bedroom suites. Plus, an exclusive collection of only 4 majestic Townhouse inspired duplex residences with grand interiors and luxurious finishes. Located in the heart of Mississauga’s City Centre, ORO is the only new condo community located right on the new LRT line, just steps from Square One.

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aDVICe | ConDo Pro

TOP TIPS FOR BUYING A CONDO FOR THE FIRST TIME

BARBARA lAwlOR

Whether you’re thinking of buying a new condo as your entry into the real estate market or of right-sizing from a lowrise at any age, it’s important to understand that the experience is different from purchasing a groundoriented home.

Condominiums are a breed of their own, with protection provided through the Ontario Condominium Act. To help ensure you are happy with your purchase, go into it with your eyes wide open, understanding exactly what you are buying and what to expect. Here are a few tips to help make all of that happen.

PrePare

• Even if you are a seasoned homebuyer, keep in mind that the

20 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

decision to buy your first condo involves just as much homework as when you started out.

• CMHC publishes an extremely helpful booklet called the “Condominium Buyer’s Guide,” available online at cmhc-schl.ca.

Read through this information carefully for a comprehensive overview of the process.

• If you are a first-time buyer, get pre-approved for a mortgage.

This way, you know what you can afford. My advice is to buy the most condo your budget allows for; often, once buyers check, they find they can afford more than they think.

• Look for first-time buyer seminars that cover how the condo buying process works.

ComPare

• By all means shop around, but when you compare, do it fairly by comparing apples and apples.

• The square footage of a condominium “lives” differently from that of a lowrise home.

In condos, you will rarely find wasted space in the form of hallways and stairways. Instead of comparing square footage alone, look at floorplans. Open-concept layouts live larger than they appear, especially with floor-toceiling windows.

• Look at building amenities with your own needs in mind, as well as those of others who might purchase your suite someday if and when you sell.

• Compare locations by how long your trip to work or other commutes will be. Can you walk to amenities and avoid using a vehicle for errands? Many of

today’s condos earn a 100-percent Walk Score! ask

• If in doubt about anything, ask – your sales representative, lawyer, family or friends.

• Find out what is covered under Ontario’s Condominium Act and your warranty coverage. Your warranty is a major reason to choose new over resale.

• Explore what is involved in maintenance fees and what guidelines you must follow according to the condo regulations.

• Hire a lawyer who is familiar with condominium real estate to review the paperwork and advise you.

Mortgage rates are incredibly low.

Even a fraction of a percentage of a point saved now can mean the difference of many thousands of dollars over your amortization. In a nutshell, the best advice I can give you is to buy new, and buy now.

Barbara Lawlor is CEO of Baker Real Estate Inc. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, and internationally in Shanghai. Having received numerous awards and accolades, she is an in-demand columnist and speaker well respected for her impactful industry voice.

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KINGSTON ROAD EXTERIOR

LOBBY LOUNGE

ACTUAL VIEW FROM ROOFTOP TERRACE

NATURE AND CITY. EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BOTH. Welcome to Perch.

Overlooking the verdant Highland Creek, with its spectacularly spacious suites, breathtaking views, and inspired amenities, Perch offers the best of ravine-side living right here in the city.

PRICED FROM THE HIGH $400’S FEATURING: • Ravine-side living • Unobstructed views to the west; great lake view to the east • Close to Guildwood GO, Rouge Hill GO and future Eglinton LRT • Minutes from UofT Scarborough Campus and Centennial College • Surrounded by over 600 km of parks and trails To book your private virtual or in-person appointment, please contact a sales representative at 416.724.8888 or email info@perchcondos.com

YOUR LIFE. YOUR STAGE. MORNINGSIDE AVE.

perchcondos.com / 416.724.8888

**Please note, due to the current situation with the COVID-19 virus, our sales office will be open by appointment ONLY. Video conferencing options also available.

Please contact us at 416.724.8888 with any inquiries.

“Perch”, is a trade-mark of Firmland Developments Corporation and is used under license. Reproduction in any form, without prior written permission of Firmland, is strictly prohibited. Pricing, specs and availability subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. Exclusive Agent: Milborne Real Estate Inc. Brokers Protected. Illustrations are artist’s impression. *Limited-time offer. Some conditions apply. Please see a Sales Representative for full details.

N

HWY 401 UofT

K I N G S TO N R D .

LAWRENCE AVE.

GO TO DOWNTOWN

GO

ADVICE | THE MARKETING EDGE

ENTER THE 18-HOUR CITY COVID-19 HAS HASTENED THE TREND TOWARDS HOMEBUYERS MOVING OUT OF MAJOR CENTRES

CHRISTOpHER MARkOVIC

Over the course of the past year, we have all heard a lot about the housing market – the lows, highs and the incredible rate of change and adaptation across the real estate industry. There have been a lot of projections and predictions on where the new home market is headed in the context of the pandemic and life in a post-pandemic world.

This will not be another one of those articles.

One interesting insight, and everstrengthening trend, is the increasing number of homebuyers looking to relocate further away from major centres (and from their places of employment) in order to maximize their homebuying dollar, while at the same time enjoying more space.

Enter the 18-hour city.

The concept is not new. Urban planners, placemakers and the real estate community at large have talked about this for the past decade, and COVID-19 has accelerated and amplified it. Very loosely defined, the 18-hour city is a term describing midsized cities that feature amenities and services similar to their neighbouring large cities, an attractive lower cost of living, employment growth paired with increasing investments in municipal infrastructure and transportation such as public transit.

Compared to large metropolitan areas, housing prices are more 22 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

moderate and demand is only starting to grow. Some examples of these cities include Hamilton, Barrie, and Oshawa, as they are within an hour’s drive or public transit trip from Toronto. All these areas have seen year-over-year home price appreciation in excess of 30 per cent.

We know the desire for homeownership within the Millennial cohort is strong, and many have pursued these locations to realize the homebuying aspiration, while still continuing to develop their careers.

Remote work options and expanded regional GO transit options have made the latter a reality that wasn’t possible even just five years ago.

In similar fashion, employers are drawn to these smaller centres as a source of a high-skilled employee base, along with lower costs of conducting business. Put these elements together and we have the ingredients for the rise of the 18hour city.

So, what does this mean for homebuyers and builders? It means their new communities in these 18hour cities will start to incorporate design elements that cater to these new cohorts of people making the shift from the big city.

Open-concept plans are being updated to offer more private space for buyers, such as the creation of more dens or finished basements. It’s about giving the flexibility to allow every member of a household to have their own space to conduct online learning or Zoom meetings in peace.

So, what does all this mean for the condo market? Make no mistake, there will always be a

strong market for highrise living in the GTA. Condominium developers are starting to design and include more COVID-specific amenities that cater to the needs of buyers who have shifted to work-from-home. As well, bookable treatment or workout rooms allow residents to be active indoors while guaranteeing they can do so safely. The shared outdoor amenity space is also changing.

Separated sitting booths and semiprivate barbecues and firepits are becoming more attractive ways to share outdoor space.

What happens to the 18-hour dwellers when the call comes from employers asking them to report back to the office? This is a time for city planners, developers, policy makers, employers and citizens at large to have a conversation surrounding necessity and opportunity. The demand for urban living is not over – people’s interest in the richness and energy of life in the city will return in every capacity. However, the interest in 18-hour cities is also likely here to stay. These two lifestyle options can, and will, co-exist in the future.

Christopher Markovic is CEO, PMA Brethour Realty Group, with 25 years of development project sales and marketing experience with some of Canada’s leading organizations. pmabrethour.com

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Listen in!

Be sure to listen in to the Humble and Fred Podcast!

Throughout MARCH-MAY 2021, we have category exclusivity on HUMBLE AND FRED RADIO SHOW which receives extensive signal reach into Southern Ontario.

We’re promoting our magazines to listeners to help them find the right new home or condo!

#InsidetheGTA

by SUSAN lEGGE

GTA

GOLDEN MILE REVITALIZATION

CHOICE PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST’S new partnership with The Daniels Corporation will see the revitalization and redevelopment of Phase One of the 19-acre Golden Mile Shopping Centre. Located adjacent to the new Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Eglinton Avenue East and Victoria Park Avenue, plans for Phase One include two condominium towers, a rental building, office and retail, and more. Over the next 20 years, the 280-acre Golden Mile area will become home to 40,000 new residents. choicereit.ca

Where Unionville meets the Glen Seven of the GTA’s top builders are hard at work planning the much-anticipated launch of Unionglen in Markham.

This new community is located at Major Mackenzie Drive East and Kennedy Road, just south of Angus Glen Golf Club and east of the Angus Glen Community Centre. Register on the website, and look for the #thinkunionglen hashtag on social media. unionglen.ca 24 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

Ice cream and beaches await at Lakeville in Georgina Within walking distance of the beaches of Lake Simcoe is where you’ll find Lakeville, Jackson’s Point, in the heart of Georgina.

These boutique condo townhomes are located at the corner of Lake Drive East and Grew Boulevard in one of Georgina’s classic beach

communities, and it’s less than an hour away from downtown Toronto.

Georgina is not only within commuting distance of the city, but the neighbouring communities of Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket and Aurora are also nearby. silvermanorhomes.com

North Oak at Oakvillage Minto Communities GTA has launched North Oak at Oakvillage in Oakville.

The first of two towers, North Oak debuts the developer’s first multiresidential geoexchange energy system, which will reduce carbon emissions by as much as 70 per cent.

Minto has also added wellnessenhancing design and amenities to this location with the inclusion of its “Neighbourhood Nest” concept – a

double-height atrium connecting the lobbies of North Oak and its sister building. Designed to be a space where residents can meet and socialize, the Neighbourhood Nest also serves as a resilient feature with a back-up power connection, communications system, and critical goods refrigeration for use during emergencies. Suites at North Oak start from the mid $400,000s. minto.com

New phase at Festival in Vaughan The Menkes/QuadReal site for Festive South VMC (Vaughan Metropolitan Centre) has been swirling with activity lately.

Menkes and QuadReal have dubbed this Canada’s best-selling condominium community, and it’s easy to see why. Located within walking distance of the TTC’s Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station, Toronto’s downtown core is less than 45 minutes away. Register for the next phase, Grand Festival South VMC, online now. menkes.com nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 25

COVER STORY

THE DUPONT TRIDEL BRINGS URBAN SOPHISTICATION AND HERITAGE CHARM TO DUPONT STREET

26 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

Something’s different about Dupont and Ossington. Maybe it’s in its history, preserved by the character of a unique heritage. Perhaps it’s in the spirit of diversity, as an apex of neighbourhoods converging to form an alchemy of arts, culture and greenspaces. One thing’s for certain, this is where timelessness meets urban edge, and where a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle meets eclectic amenities and a laid-back ambience.

The Dupont, Residences East of Ossington is a new nine-storey condominium, coming soon to the northwest corner of Dupont and Shaw streets. With architecture by Turner Fleischer Architects, Landscape Design by Studio TLA, and interiors by U31, this south midtown urban community will be an incredible new landmark.

by those locals in-the-know, grocers (both big box and family-owned), farmers’ markets, galleries, biking trails, parks, boutiques, schools, community programing, and so much more. In fact, The Dupont is a quick walk or transit ride to the trendy restaurants, bars and galleries on the Ossington strip; the inviting restaurants and boutiques on St. Clair West; the popular farmers’ markets and arts programming at the Wychwood Barns and Dufferin Grove; the restaurants, markets, galleries and breweries on the ever-evolving Geary Avenue; and the awaiting adventure strolls and bike rides along the peaceful Green Line Trail.

The Dupont Cultural Corridor is a passage of arts, culture and community. This is where it all begins, and you can call it all home.

RISING FROM INDUSTRIAL ROOTS

REFINED ELEGANCE AND INDUSTRIAL

The revitalization of Dupont Street has been underway for the past several years, and the area is surrounded by an established and coveted residential neighbourhood. Just one main transit stop north of Bloor Street, and perfectly positioned at the entrance to the Dupont Cultural Corridor, The Dupont brings you closer to where you want to be.

CHARM, PERFECTLY PAIRED

The Dupont respectfully complements the lowrise fabric of this community, building on the strengths of its heritage, with traditional materials such as brick and stone to reflect the industrial character of the street. High quality building materials that articulate the unique character of Dupont, create an inviting interest and rhythm from the building facade to the surrounding urban promenade.

WELCOME TO THE DUPONT CULTURAL CORRIDOR

This is where urban flair and lifestyle comforts come together in a location that’s home to unique retail, local cafes, award-winning restaurants, hidden gems beloved

THE LUXURY OF CONVENIENCES, RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR

The Dupont will also feature 31,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail filled with the conveniences of shops, cafes and

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 27

local delights. Grab your morning coffee while still in your slippers, or pick up some last-minute ingredients for dinner on your path home. Enjoy the luxury of conveniences right at your door… it’s all here for you at The Dupont.

to enjoy a refreshing swim while taking in the city skyline.

Indulge in an evening beverage with your guests while keeping warm by the firepit, or host a barbecue for open air al fresco dining in the outdoor lounge.

RELAX, IT’S A TRIDEL

INSPIRING AND INVITING INTERIORS

Inspired by a fusion of a welcoming art deco ambience with mid-century modern sophistication, experience a unique sense of arrival when you come home to The Dupont. With designs by the award-winning team at U31, interior spaces are both distinct and elevated. With a careful balance of beauty and function, the refined muted palette surrounds warm comforts that play upon textures, fabrics and scale.

EXPAND YOUR HOME WITH MORE THAN 16,000 SQ. FT. OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE AMENITIES

An extensive amenity offering awaits your arrival. With 24/7 concierge, and more than 16,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor lifestyle amenities, including a modern gym, spa with both sauna and steam room, party room and social lounge with a catering kitchen for all your intimate gathering needs, residents of The Dupont will enjoy spacious areas for activity, relaxation and entertainment. The tranquil outdoor pool invites you

28 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

Residents of The Dupont will also have the opportunity to personalize their homes in Tridel’s 8,000-sq.-ft. design studio, The Lobby. This is where appointments take place one-on-one with design consultants to make selections that personalize each suite to suit individual lifestyle needs.

As the most awarded highrise developer for customer service, purchasing with Tridel gives peace of mind. With modern innovations, including Tridel Connect, a unique SmartHome system that brings Tridel condominiums into the future, The Dupont will feature conveniences such as electronic parcel pick up, smart home wall panels for thermostat controls, digital door locks, as well as technologies that promote healthy living, such as touchless entry systems, and ERV systems for constant flow of fresh air into all suites.

The Dupont, Residences East of Ossington, will offer a wide range of suite types. Register now to be among the first to learn more about this incredible new urban community. tridel.com

ADVICE | LEGALLY SPEAKING

7 POTENTIAL RISkS OF DO-IT-YOURSELF AND INTERNET WILLS

JAYSON SCHWARZ, llM AND WIllIAM H. SHAWN

Clients often say that the cost of us preparing a Will for them is expensive, and they ask why they can’t just do one online or buy one at an office supply store (let’s call them “Internet Wills”).

Yes, there may be short-term savings, but proceeding in that fashion could end up being the most expensive mistake they ever make for those they love. There are plenty of risks.

HOW THE SERVICES WORK

The sites generally provide an online platform for customers to prepare their own legal documents by inputting data into a questionnaire.

Using software and templated documents prepared with standardized language, customers receive the final documents and can sign, execute and use them as they wish. Will packages purchased in the stores provide similar systems.

These services basically amount to do-it-yourself law. That’s comparable to acting as your own plumber, and you end up flooding the house.

HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY SUCH WILLS MAY NOT BE THE BARGAIN THEY SEEM: 1. PROPER EXECUTION: In order to

be accepted by the court, a Will must be properly executed. Under Ontario law, two witnesses are required. One of the witnesses must swear an affidavit before a

lawyer, notary or commissioner to take oaths that he or she witnessed the execution of the Will.

2. DISPUTES: An online Will is not

a good idea if you think your Will might be contested. There are many potential issues that could be used to have it declared a nullity.

3. DISCLAIMERS: Internet Wills

generally contain lengthy disclaimers or terms of service.

For example, a disclaimer may say the online service “does not provide legal services” and there is no guarantee that a Will is accurate, complete, reliable or up to date with laws, regulations and administrative requirements.

On the other hand, lawyers are required to update their skills annually with continuing legal education, and are insured in case there is any error.

4. NO RESPONSIBILITY: Those

disclaimers may say that compliance with laws is the sole responsibility of the person buying the Will and the provider is not liable for any loss or injury resulting from the document. Essentially, that means they’re selling you something for which they take no responsibility if it’s used, or if it includes incorrect content.

5. DISCLOSURE: Information shared

with Internet Will drafting services is not protected by solicitor-client privilege. Your personal data could end up anywhere.

6. NO LAWYER REPRESENTATION:

A lawyer is generally not involved in Internet Wills, unless you pay

extra fees. Some services advertise that they perform a “review” of Wills, but the documents are checked only for issues such as grammar and spelling errors – not legal accuracy.

7. NO PROFESSIONAL ADVICE:

Internet Wills are not written for your unique situation. They are one-size-fits-all documents.

Lawyers provide estate planning advice tailored to your specific needs. In addition to a Will, you may need a trust, power of attorney and other documents to fulfill your goals. Standardized, generic forms may not address issues such as taxes, stepchildren, beneficiaries, common law spouses, divorce, an executor who doesn’t survive you, business succession, property rights and much more.

A Will is one of the most important legal documents you will ever have drafted. Any problems with a Will may not be discovered until after your death, when it is too late. Our advice is, speak to a lawyer – it may be the best thing you ever did for your family!

William H. Shawn is Co-Managing Partner of Shawn Coulson Attorneys Washington, DC; Jayson Schwarz, LLM, is Founding Partner of Schwarz Law Partners LLP, Toronto. schwarzlaw.ca, info@schwarzlaw.ca

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nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 29

IN CONVERSATION WITH...

SHAUN LEVY VICE-pRESIDENT, FINANCE & OpERATIONS FlATO DEVElOpMENTS

BY WAYNE kARl

Long before the pandemic, Flato Developments was scouting about for and committing to building new communities in areas well outside the GTA. Now that COVID-19 has prospective homebuyers looking for larger homes, bigger lots and more space – even if it means moving beyond the 416 and 905 areas – Flato is especially well positioned to excel.

We spoke with Shaun Levy, vice-president of finance and operations, for his insights on how the builder was ahead of the wave, and what it is about places such as Shelburne and Dundalk that hold such appeal.

Last year was quite the surprise, given the strong performance of the industry in spite of the challenges of the pandemic. What do you attribute this to?

There is a pent-up demand for lower priced housing that has nothing to do with the pandemic and more to do with affordability and low interest rates. Flato stepped outside of the GTA earlier than most builders, to explore affordable and bigger home opportunities for homebuyers. And because of the pandemic, more people are willing to move outside of the GTA as long as the commute is reasonable. This is one of the major reasons of why Flato had strong sales last year. We were able to catch the hot market because we had approvals in place for our projects in Dundalk, Beeton and Markham.

In Dundalk, we released and sold out Phases 5, 7, 8 of Edgewood Greens, and Phase 1 to 4 of Carriage House.

In Beeton, we released and sold out Phases 1A and 1B of Beeton Village and GreenRidge.

How do you assess the current market? Clearly, COVID is having an impact, but many believe things could boom quickly once the situation is under control…

Demand remains strong in a low interest environment. We don’t see interest rates increasing in the near future, which is helping drive demand for new homes. Due to COVID, a lot of people have been working from home. Many industries and companies have made a lot of technological innovation to allow employees to work remotely and be productive. This may continue, and working from home might be permanent for a lot of people.

30 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

How did Flato pivot to deal with COVID-19 restrictions… such as virtual sales… and how are consumers responding?

We have taken precautions to make sure everyone is safe. Homebuyers who want to go to our sales office or the model home can book appointments prior to the visit. Flato has explored the new virtual tools for sales, marketing and customer service to engage with our customers. Customers now have more channels to explore the projects, models and floorplans.

During your recent 2021 Outlook Zoom meeting, the company mentioned you were about to announce a new condo project. Can you share those details?

Flato is planning to build a midrise seniors adult lifestyle community in Makham Stouffville. We cannot share too much on this right now but information will be forthcoming shortly.

Canvas on the Rouge Condos in Markham

What else do you have planned for the mid- or highrise category?

We were recently approved for five buildings in New Tecumseth, to be developed in the next few years. The buildings will provide another leg to the Flato portfolio, where the focus was previously predominantly on lowrise residential. Demand for these buildings is high, given the interest we have already had in our preliminary development phase. This will be part of a larger development, including singles, townhomes and semidetached units.

The condo market has slowed, as witnessed by lower rents in downtown Toronto. However, Flato has sold

on a personal note How have you coped or managed during the COVID restrictions… taken up any new hobbies or acquired any new skills…?

I am definitely reading more.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do once things return to “normal”?

Go out for dinner with my family and explore outdoors.

What’s on your reading list these days?

Robert Iger. The Ride of a Lifetime. Lessons learned from 15 years as CEO of the Walt Disney Co. It’s an easy read from a seasoned executive.

almost all of our units in our Canvas Condos project in Markham, and feel strongly that the condo market will rebound and continue to be robust in Ontario. The demand for condos and lowrise residential continues to be high, and we see this continuing while interest rates are low and there is pent-up demand for homeownership.

Yes, one of the trends brought on by the pandemic, as you note, is buyers looking for more space, larger homes, bigger lots… and even looking outside the GTA. But Flato committed to its communities in places such as Dundalk long before COVID-19. What did you see in the market pre-pandemic that led to this decision?

Flato identified areas where there is a connection to the GTA via highways, and saw early demand for lower priced homes, giving customers more space than what they may have had previously.

Affordability, due to supply constraints, is still an issue in the GTA and some Ontario markets. How are you addressing this issue in your communities?

Locating outside the GTA in newer areas allows Flato to build housing that is more affordable. Due to COVID, construction costs are rising, particularly with lumber prices. However, we have been doing our best to maintain the cost and keep our homes affordable. Luckily, Flato has a lot of loyal trade partners, who have been working with us for decades, and who work hard to maintain the affordability of our homes.

What’s next for Flato?

We’re working on new master-planned communities in different areas. Stay tuned! flatogroup.com nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 31

ADVICE | HomE REAlty

GIVING BACK MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER IN2ITION SUPPORTING THE PINBALL CLEMONS FOUNDATION

DEbbIE COSIC

Most companies today include some sort of philanthropy in their corporate philosophies. Typically, how they give back to the greater community aligns with their mission and values.

By doing so, they inspire the passion their employees have for participating in fundraising. It’s called putting your money where your mouth is.

For example, at In2ition Realty, our aim is to make a difference in the world by supporting local community initiatives. Most recently, we committed to supporting the Pinball Clemons Foundation by providing a $10,000 annual bursary for three years to a deserving student. The Foundation’s goal is to change the narrative for marginalized youth by providing educational resources and options to achieve success in life. The bursary carries with it a customized mentorship program to help youth enter the workforce.

This is a tremendous fit for In2ition Realty, especially as our company is based on diversity and inclusivity. Our employees include people of colour and a variety of backgrounds across all levels. Over the past two years, we’ve provided financial scholarships through the Canadian Croatian Chamber of Commerce. In 2021, we decided to back our support of the Black Lives Matter initiative by supporting a student through Pinball’s Foundation with financial aid to achieve their goal of higher education.

One way we achieved that goal was to take the money we would have spent

32 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

on holiday gifts for clients and put it toward this bursary. We appreciate the fact that it’s more than an opportunity to hand over a cheque; we will also meet our selected student when we’re permitted, based on COVID protocols, and establish a mentoring relationship with her. She is currently attending the University of Guelph Humber in Family and Community Social Services, and expects to complete a Bachelor’s Degree and possibly a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

As In2ition Realty is a female-run business, we are excited to provide this opportunity to a young woman, and we are proud to help lead the corporate citizenship charge in our industry.

A full 100 per cent of our charitable donations goes to causes related to health care, housing and education.

Over the years, we, and many colleagues in the industry, have found our own ways to address society’s needs with generosity and caring.

Home is much more than the physical structures in which people

live; it is also our surroundings and community, and wherever we feel a sense of belonging. For far too long, certain Canadians have felt ostracized. Whatever our industry players can do to improve the lives of everyone, regardless of race, gender, background or culture, contributes to the true concept of “home.”

It is the duty of all of us to make change happen, and if there was ever a time when change was needed, it’s now.

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

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ADVICE | REAL INSIGHT

TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS HELPING YOU SIMPLIFY BUYING AND SELLING

LISA PATEL Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest and most important decisions you will make. That’s where a TRREB member comes in to help guide you in finding the right home or right buyer. The journey into a new neighbourhood can be stressfree when you’re backed by a trusted professional who has your best interests in mind.

By working with a TRREB member, you can count on having access to the best tools that will match you with your home must-haves. Your realtor can create a search unique to you that you wouldn’t otherwise experience from your own house hunting. Whether it’s backyard space, or a particular neighbourhood, your realtor can put your needs and wants 34 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

at the top of the list and let you know as soon as your dream home hits the market. You’ll be able to sit back as your realtor is matching you to the right home and community that also suits your lifestyle.

As you may know, whether you’re buying or selling, the paperwork involved is complex. One thing that is certain, protecting clients’ personal and financial information is top of mind for your realtor. With all the technology out there, we know privacy is key, and through secured electronic signing systems, you can rely on your realtor to keep your information safe and secure.

TRREB Members also know the market inside and out with access to the latest housing reports and exclusive data from sources you can trust. So, when it comes to price, no matter if you’re buying or selling, they’ll know where to start. Your realtor can provide you with insights on market activity in your area, offering you the apples-to-apples

comparison you’re looking for to make the best decision.

And finally, you’ll benefit from a worry-free start-to-finish experience.

From signing your name on the dotted line, to negotiating possession dates and helping you plan for closing costs, you’ll have the answer to “what’s next?” every step of the way.

So, get started and discover how buying and selling can be simplified with a trusted TRREB member realtor. Visit trreb.ca to start your journey today.

Lisa Patel, TRREB President and realtor, is an entrepreneur and strong community leader who has served with many organizations and groups, including chairing TRREB’s Women in Real Estate Task Force. trreb.ca

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ADVICE | PERSONAL FINANCE

4 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME

JESSE ABRAMS

In the last year, there has been more emphasis and value placed on our homes. With many of us working from home for the foreseeable future and lockdown measures keeping us inside, there’s a renewed appreciation for homeownership and having a larger space. Combined with lower interest rates, this has led to an upswing of activity in the Canadian housing market, especially among first-time buyers.

At Homewise, we’ve seen an influx of applications from first-time buyers looking to get into the market. If you are doing this for the first time, there’s a few things you should consider before getting started to ensure you’re prepared and that there are no surprises. After all, this is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and it should also be an exciting experience.

1. GET PRE-APPROVED AND KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

For first-time buyers in particular, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is highly recommended. While it isn’t mandatory, a pre-approval pulls in your personal and financial information to help you establish what you can afford right from the start and what you’re eligible to borrow. Based on this, you can determine what you need for a down payment and how much to budget for other household expenses.

Having this information will also make for a more productive home search so you’re focused on which neighbourhoods and properties you can actually afford.

In a hot real estate market like the one we’re in now, there’s a lot of competition. In these situations, a pre-approval gives you greater credibility in the eyes of sellers and increases your chances of getting the home that you want.

2. MAKE SURE YOUR CREDIT IS IN GOOD STANDING

Taking the time to review your credit score will help you decide whether you’re able to make a purchase in the near future. Your credit score is a “rating” given to you based on your repayment history to credit cards, lines of credit, student loans and auto loans, and this is a key factor that lenders use to determine your eligibility for a mortgage.

Typically, lenders are looking for a credit score of 650 or higher for a Prime A mortgage (although there are unique situations where it can be as low as 600). However, if you find yourself in a situation where your credit score is on the lower end, there are other options such as B and private lenders.

There are also ways to increase your credit score, such as paying bills off on time and ensuring you have multiple credit facilities to show that you are able to keep control of your expenses.

3. SHOP AROUND AND CHOOSE THE RIGHT LENDER

When it comes to a mortgage, products and terms vary from one lender to the next, which is why you’ll want to do your research and get a full picture of what’s available in the market. As a first-time buyer, it’s important to know that there are lenders beyond the big banks, such as monoline lenders and credit unions, that often offer better features and rates. Most importantly, they also have potentially lower penalties if you ever have to break your mortgage. You

may not realize it, but most first-time buyers break their mortgage before the end of their term. Shopping around gives you the opportunity to compare various options and find the full-feature mortgage that’s right for you. Taking the time to understand the details of your mortgage can save you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. You have choices, so look for the best options available for you.

4. FIND A GREAT REALTOR

Realtors are very important in the homebuying process, and finding that right one for you is a game changer.

When you are ready to buy, interview multiple realtors to see who has the same values as you and who you feel understands your situation. Check with your family or friends for their referrals. A strong realtor can be the difference between a long home search and a short one. The longer the search takes, the more expensive your home could be.

If you’re a first-time buyer looking to make a purchase, connect with an unbiased mortgage advisor who can guide you through the process and answer all of your questions.

Our team at Homewise works with first-time buyers on a daily basis, simplifying the process so that they can find the best mortgage and enter the market with confidence.

Follow these steps to start your homebuying experience, and have fun doing it.

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

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BUILDER PROFILE | DANFORTH

LINX CONDOMINIUMS LINKING THE PAST AND FUTURE OF THE CITY It’s often said that Toronto is a city with a past as rich and warm as its future.

Tribute Communities couldn’t agree more. This is why special care was taken recently to preserve a distinct part of this city’s storied history.

Due to its recent and well-deserved Heritage Designation, the quaint cottage at 292 Main Street in the heart of the Danforth will create a lasting, and tangible, link from Toronto’s past to its ambitious future in preparation for Tribute’s newest community, The Reserve Collection at LINX Condominium. Instead of erasing any record of this once proud home, Tribute Communities had a better idea – move it slightly (80 ft. east and a little to the north, to be exact) and incorporate it into the overall design.

In other words, LINX Condominiums is creating a true physical link to 36 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

Toronto’s illustrious past.

Built in 1887 and once the home of prominent east Toronto resident Donald George Stephenson, a lumber merchant and east Toronto’s first reeve (president of a village or town council) from 1888 to 1894, the Heritage House is a “rare example of an Ontario cottage style dwelling in the area… incorporating many High Victorian era embellishments.”

The home was conscientiously moved to its final destination by Laurie McCulloch Building Moving – a family run business specializing in moving historic and masonry buildings for more than 30 years.

From there, it will be lovingly restored and merged with the podium of Tribute Communities’ latest offering of modern urban living in the city’s coveted east end – The Reserve

Collection at LINX Condominiums.

“At Tribute, we pride ourselves in smart design and execution on all of our projects in the portfolio,” says Filippo Bello, executive vicepresident, construction and project management, at Tribute Communities.

“Moving the heritage house at LINX Condos actually started years ago during the preliminary stages of design and today we have executed on that commitment. The milestone of moving the house to its final location, which will ultimately become part of the lobby/amenity space for our condo, is a testament to the amazing team of people involved at Tribute Communities, along with our trades and consultants.”

Seems only fitting that LINX Condominiums has decided to incorporate the Heritage House

among a generous offering of on-site amenities that already includes a party room, guest accommodations, a tech lounge, outdoor terraces, a wellappointed fitness centre, lounge, kids’ zone and so much more.

All this and more awaits condo buyers on the Danforth at LINX Condominiums. With groundbreaking just around the corner and construction slated to begin in the fall.

Tribute Communities is an awardwinning builder with more than 35 years of experience, which has built more than 35,000 homes and condominiums across the GTA. Tribute consistently creates unique highrise and lowrise communities that are always above industry standards for excellence and design.

The company has an outstanding reputation that has been recognized with many top industry awards.

For more information on The Reserve Collection at LINX Condominiums or to discover Tribute’s many other fine communities, visit mytribute.ca. nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 37

BUILDER PROFILE | TORONTO

LIFETIME DEVELOPMENTS BRINGS FUTURE-FORWARD, BOUTIQUE LIVING TO THE ANNEX WITH OSCAR RESIDENCES All eyes have been on the Toronto condominium market to see how it will perform over the coming months.

Leading economists, financial analysts and developers alike all stated their predictions for the market and what they expected to see, and the sentiments have been positive and optimistic: Torontonians are heading in the direction of an active, busy and strong spring, summer and fall.

March proved to be a busy month – with project launches across the city selling out in record time, and resale properties selling for hundreds of thousands over-asking. The spring market has proven to be red hot.

As a family-run business with more 38 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

than four decades of experience in the building and development space, Lifetime Developments is no stranger to ebbs and flows, recessions or market blips.

“Toronto’s reputation across the world is unparalleled,” says Brian Brown, principal, Lifetime Developments. “Not only do we have more cranes in the sky than most active markets in North America, we also can be proud of our stable banking system, low borrowing rates and strong immigration numbers. Paired with the rollout of a widespread vaccine, the market in 2021 in Toronto will prove to be one that we are very pleased with.”

Sales have officially launched and registration is now open for Oscar Residences, Toronto’s premiere address at Bathurst and Dupont.

Located in the eclectic Annex neighbourhood at 500 Dupont St., Oscar Residences will be an intimate boutique building with 155 suites, offering one-, two- and three-bedroom units, ranging across nine storeys. Lifetime has worked thoughtfully with partners Mason Design and Turner Fleischer Architects on a sophisticated and bold design that will cater to its residents, featuring sleek, multi-use amenity spaces such as an outdoor terrace, a resident’s lounge, chef’s kitchen and dining

area, fitness centre and a dog social lounge. As with all its projects, Lifetime is working with an artist collaborator – this time, with iconic Canadian photographer George Pimentel, renowned for his documentation of celebrities and power players at the world’s most exclusive A-list events, including The Oscars, the Golden Globes, TIFF and more.

Lifetime also recently announced two new strategic partnerships that will continue to differentiate the company’s buildings from others. The first, a direct strategic partnership with interactive fitness leaders, Freemotion Fitness. Those that have taken an Orangetheory Fitness class before would have used their revolutionary treadmills – Freemotion also has a full range of cardio and strength training machines paired with its proprietary iFit technology that will allow you to stream hundreds of classes. All future Lifetime projects, starting with Oscar Residences, will be renowned for their elevated fitness facilities.

The second partnership is with Toronto-based Clear Inc., a leader in water and air filtration technology.

Lifetime is the first developer to partner with Clear Inc. in Canada, and Oscar Residences being the first residential building to implement these systems. This partnership will see all future Lifetime buildings outfitted with this technology designed to kill 97.9 per cent of viruses in all common and shared amenity spaces.

As Lifetime looks to future-proof its projects, anticipating resident needs in 2021 and beyond has a lot to do with selecting Freemotion and Clear Inc. as strategic partners. “In an era of heightened awareness about our health, and how our environments can impact our overall well-being, we couldn’t have selected better partners to bring our vision of elevated, holistic healthy living to life,” says Brown.

“Both Freemotion and Clear Inc. help us bring modern solutions to condo living that have now become critical aspects of a purchasing decision. Our fitness spaces will see some of the best interactive technology I’ve ever

experienced through Freemotion’s iFit program, and residents can benefit from knowing that their air and water has been through additional filtration systems that help to minimize water and airborne illnesses.”

In addition to Lifetime’s latest launch, the development group is also offering exciting buyer incentives for some of its other renowned projects that will take occupancy in 2021 and early 2022. Whitehaus, which had its first residents move in last month, rises 31 storeys at Yonge and Eglinton, in proximity to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes and shops. With very limited inventory left, Lifetime is currently showcasing a number of fully furnished suites designed by CB2, Caslife and Bryan Patton Design, along with other attractive incentives.

Liberty Market Tower, the 28-storey finale of a three-phased mixeduse community in vibrant Liberty Village, features 281 luxury residential suites, all with connectivity to the existing Liberty Market Building. LMT delivers more than 12,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor amenity space, offering residents incredible views of Exhibition Place and Lake Ontario.

For the handful of remaining units, which are slated for occupancy in late 2021, Lifetime is offering an incredible lineup of buyer incentives – including zero development fees, a free locker and parking with most suites, and up to $10,000 in cash back.

Panda, a 30-storey perfect mix of retail and residential located a short walk to Dundas Square, the

Eaton Centre and Ryerson University campus, will take occupancy in late 2021. The black-and-white tower offers just 560 units, with architecture by Turner Fleischer and design by Cecconi Simone. With only five Penthouse suites remaining, buyers looking to invest will benefit from zero development fees, a free locker and parking with all suites and $15,000 in additional incentives – the perfect incentive to reside in a home where you can find everything at your doorstep.

Finally, XO Condos, a 14-storey development at King and Dufferin, offers residents stunning architecture at a bustling intersection where King West and Liberty Village connect.

Those buying remaining units available in the building’s 307 suites, which feature interiors by Tomas Pearce and architecture by Turner Fleischer, will benefit from capped development fees, free locker and parking on all suites and $15,000 cash back with all suites. XO2 Condos, the second phase to this development, is slated to launch in summer 2021.

In addition to the exciting projects listed above, Lifetime Developments has been hard at work finalizing zoning and starting applications for a number of projects to be announced shortly, including a second development at Yonge and Eglinton. Lifetime is confident not only in the 2021 market, but in the future of development and real estate in Toronto. lifetimedevelopments.com nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 39

BUILDER PROFILE | WHITBY

THE LANDING WHITBY HARBOUR COMING SOON FROM CARTTERA MUCH-ANTICIPATED NEW CONDOMINIUM COMMUNITY IN WHITBY The opportunity to live at The Landing Whitby Harbour, a new condominium near Whitby’s beautiful waterfront, will soon be yours – where prices will be starting from the mid $400,000s.

The Landing is brought to you by well-respected and award-winning real estate developer Carttera, and it is located at the southeast corner of Brock Street South and Victoria Street.

40 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

Within a three-minute walk, residents can be at Whitby’s GO station, the waterfront, a variety of shopping destinations and more.

Planned to make the most of these outstanding surroundings, The Landing community will include one contemporary 18-storey tower and five lowrise buildings that offer urban sophistication in the midst of small-

town charm. Connected by shared central courtyards, this community will offer communal patios and grassy areas to invite interaction, activity and play. Architecture by leading industry firm IBI Group ensures that the residences will create striking silhouettes on the Whitby landscape.

Residents will also enjoy building amenities designed by the award-

“

With prices beginning from the mid $400,000s and so close to the waterfront, suites are bound to sell quickly

”

winning interior design firm, Figure3.

Among them are a luxurious lounge and event space for indoor and outdoor entertaining, complete with an outdoor barbecue terrace; a sunfilled, well-equipped modern fitness centre; and a yoga studio perfect for stretching, relaxing and toning. Add to that Zoom rooms and a workspace off the lobby, a dog wash and bike wash/ repair, and the appeal is irresistible.

The Landing’s spacious suites boast contemporary kitchens and baths custom-designed by Figure3.

Luxurious standard features and finishes in every suite include quartz kitchen countertops, porcelain backsplashes and stainless-steel appliances. The suites have nine-ft. ceiling heights, large windows for great views, and laminate flooring throughout. Suites are available in a variety of layouts, including one-, two- and three-bedroom designs.

Many of the suites feature dens as well. The Landing definitely offers something for everyone, from firsttime buyers to active families and empty nesters.

Whitby is home to an enviable array of amenities, including a dynamic Lake Ontario waterfront offering opportunities for boating, sailing, fishing, paddle boarding, wind surfing and lounging on the sandy beach at Iroquois Beach Park. Whitby Marina is one of only 12 Ontario marinas

designated with a five-diamond ranking, and the Whitby Lighthouse is a cherished landmark of the area.

Durham College and University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) are located in Whitby, and Trafalgar Castle School is considered one of the finest all-ages girls’ private schools in Ontario. Other choices include pre-schools, public elementary and secondary schools, as well as French Immersion options.

Culturally, the town is home to Station Gallery and the Whitby Courthouse Theatre in the historic Centennial Building. Excellent shopping, tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pools, parks, trails, golf courses… Whitby has it all.

Buy with confidence from Carttera, which has a proven track record for developing superior communities with the highest levels of integrity and service. This multi-award-winning firm has successfully developed projects extending to more than $5.5 billion in total value.

The Landing is a perfect example of Carttera’s talent for situating new residences in desirable locations.

With prices beginning from the mid $400,000s and so close to the waterfront, suites are bound to sell quickly. For your chance to become part of this enviable lifestyle, register now at thelandingcondos.ca.

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BUILDER PROFILE | SCARBOROUGH

PERCH CONDOMINIUMS FIRMLAND PROJECT OFFERS AN ELEVATED PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE FOR MUCH LESS THAN YOU’D EXPECT Perched on the edge of a ravine overlooking Highland Creek off of Kingston Road, Perch Condominiums is one the first developments to help redefine what was once one of the most coveted areas of the city. A tour of the surrounding neighbourhoods reveals stately homes that boast ravine-side locations. This area is now primed for a new take on life – one that satisfies a balance between urban amenities and natural surroundings.

Because of its proximity to Lake Ontario, Kingston Road was the primary route that people used to travel when coming into Toronto from eastern settlements. It’s still dotted with attractions and retains an inherent beauty as well as a significant historical appeal. Klugmann is confident that this area is prepared for a tasteful update, while preserving its environmental attributes.

FOREVER VIEWS

WHERE PAST MEETS PRESENT

Properties of this calibre are rare within the city limits. Located in the east end of Scarborough, residents will enjoy easy access to the downtown core, as well as to Hwy. 401. “This is a beautiful pocket of nature,” says Michoel Klugmann, president of Firmland Group of Companies. “I really enjoy building projects where we can do something new and fresh, and inspire others to follow. We expect that there will be a tremendous growth spurt coming to this neighbourhood, along with increasing values.”

42 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

With the project backing onto Highland Creek and Colonel Danforth Park, mother nature is on full display with the buds of spring, the abundance of summer, the foliage of fall and a snow-covered woodland in the winter. “These stunning views and vistas will attract those with vision,” says Klugmann. “It will also draw those who recognize a luxurious development, which is expected to increase in value as other nearby projects come to market.”

POSITIONED FOR SUCCESS

Developed by Firmland and designed

by Core Architects Inc., Perch complements the surrounding landscape by following the contours of the treeline that edge the ravine.

Its curvilinear shape is accentuated with angular balconies. The minimalist facade will house 168 suites over 12 storeys, and is truly impressive from all angles.

Inside, award-winning design firm, Cecconi Simone, has taken an intimate approach to each suite, as well as to the shared common areas. By blending an organic mix of natural stone, fabrics and textures, a casual sophistication has been achieved. Chef-inspired kitchens, spa-like bathrooms and efficient office nooks or dens make home life all the more liveable.

Land Art Design is responsible for intermingling the exterior landscape of Perch with the natural greenspace around it. To augment this park-like setting, there’s a reading patio for residents to enjoy, as well as an outdoor exercise area, a kids’ play area and pet area. The rooftop terrace will include a dining

space and water features, as well as barbecue and lounge areas.

LUXURY AND LOCATION

One- to three-bedroom suites are priced from the high $400,000s to more than $1 million. Each interior layout will be carefully curated to include the finest finishes for a taste of luxury that is seldom found in homes of this price point.

Extensive building amenities have been considered for the benefit of all residents. Beautiful Wi-Fi, fireside and lobby lounges are great for relaxing. For those who require more room for hobbies and projects, work rooms are available (including a karaoke room), as well as a fitness centre, yoga studio, pet spa and wine tasting area.

Perch will be located in an already established community that includes built-in conveniences. Easy access to TTC and GO Transit, as well as grocery stores, shops, restaurants, movie theatres and schools, are all part of the extended neighbourhood.

Close by is the Scarborough campus of the University of Toronto, and Centennial College.

BUILT ON A FIRM FOUNDATION

Firmland maintains its tradition as a multi-generational real estate developer. Founder Klugmann has an intimate knowledge of the Greater Toronto Area, along with the desired credentials that are necessary for creating some of the best residential communities in southern Ontario.

Success stories include the acclaimed

B.streets Condos at Bloor and Bathurst, and the Sonic Community at Don Mills and Eglinton.

Perch Condominiums is poised to become a distinctive landmark in an evolving residential area. This project will not only help preserve what is, but will also enhance all that it will become.

“This is the next happening area,” says Klugmann. “At Perch, we’re offering early entry to affordable luxury. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Visit the sales centre, located at 4679 Kingston Rd. For an appointment, call 416.724.8888 or email info@perchcondos.com. perchcondos.com

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BUILDER PROFILE | MISSISSAUGA

M4 AT M CITY ROGERS REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN CAPITAL LAUNCH LATEST TOWER AT AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY Building on the unparalleled success of the first three phases, market leaders Rogers Real Estate Development and Urban Capital are returning to Mississauga with the pending launch of M4, the latest forward-looking tower at the award-winning, master-planned community, M City.

Spanning 67 storeys, M4 boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and a smart building ecosystem, all designed to support the future of smart living for M City residents.

“Everything about M City is inspired by our belief in Mississauga and the desire to deliver a world-class community to the city,” says John Anderton, vice-president, treasurer, Rogers Communications Inc. “When the site was first acquired over 50 years ago, the plan was to erect CHFI radio station antennas. Now, over five decades later, we may not be erecting radio antennas, but we are investing heavily in technology, and broadcasting loud and clear what the future of residential living is going to look like in Mississauga and across Canada.”

At the core of M4 is a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), which will be exclusively built for M City. This innovative infrastructure will distribute the Rogers wireless cellular network throughout M4, increasing reliable connectivity for residents to places known to be dark spots, such as inside an elevator or in the basement garage.

Residents will also receive the Rogers Ignite Wi-Fi Promise, an advanced fibre-powered network at M4, which will ensure they can enjoy secure, state-of-theart Wi-Fi coverage at home and throughout the amenity spaces. Each suite will also be equipped with Rogers Ignite Internet Gigabit, offering residents true freedom of 44 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

consistent connection with download speeds up to 1.5 gigabits per second.

To complement the country-leading infrastructure, all M City residents will have exclusive access to the Rogers Smart Community 1VALET app, a smart building ecosystem that offers a smartphone-centric living experience, including everything from enhanced contactless building access and facial recognition entry to digital keys and remote guest access, and integration with the smart door lock and smart thermostat included in every suite.

The launch of M4 comes as the development’s first two phases, M1 and M2, are rapidly rising up the Mississauga skyline. The city’s tallest tower, M3, broke ground in the fall of 2020.

“The success of our first three phases of M City continues to prove that there is deep, and consistent demand to live in Mississauga, particularly in the emerging downtown,” says Mark Reeve, partner at Urban Capital Property Group. “With M4, we’re raising the stakes, delivering one of most tech-savvy buildings in all of Canada. This is another important step towards realizing the city’s Downtown21 Master Plan and cementing Mississauga at the forefront of city building and development.”

Award-winning Canadian firm CORE Architects led the architectural vision for the building, which sees M4 come to life as a single tower made up of four “towerettes.”

The building is defined by repeating, vertical fins that rise out of a dynamic podium and terminate at different heights in the sky. The overall form of the building was

designed to resemble an “S” when viewed from a bird’s eye perspective, allowing the architectural team to create six corner units, increasing access to this desirable unit type for future residents.

“Balancing the iconic designs from previous phases, M4’s sophisticated, timeless tower is juxtaposed against a striking, deconstructed podium composed of stacked rectilinear building blocks,” says Babak Eslahjou, principal at CORE Architects. “The intention is to amplify the drama and architectural energy along the streetscape, while complementing the community-wide impact along Mississauga’s western skyline.”

Toronto-based Cecconi Simone designed suite interiors, as well as the 36,0000-sq.-ft. amenity program, which is spread across three floors and weaves between the interior and exterior of the building. Amenities include a Zen-inspired Nakaniwa Garden, open-air saltwater pool, sprawling outdoor amenity terrace, communal workspace, fitness centre, playroom, and a dual-purpose party room and co-working space.

A focal point of the amenities program is the Nakaniwa Garden – a courtyard defined by a rock sculpture garden atop a water plinth. Visible from the adjacent fitness centre, the garden can be accessed from the party room, yoga room and a curved staircase that connects to the outdoor amenity terrace above.

M4 is the fourth of eight towers planned for M City, which is expected to bring more than 6,000 units to the Mississauga core by the community’s completion.

The eight-tower, 15-acre, 4.3 million-sq.-ft. community brings spectacular architecture, abundant greenspace and modern lifestyle amenities into one landmark neighbourhood. The site will also bring more than two acres of parkland for the community, M Park, the Mary Fix multi-use trail and the future Hurontario LRT. M4 will feature 954 units ranging from 420 to 1,330 sq. ft.

Register online at mcitycondos.com. nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 45

BUILDER PROFILE | MIDTOWN

Y&S AT YONGE & SOUDAN EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING FOR NEW TRIBUTE CONDOMINIUM Seems rather appropriate that Tribute’s latest highrise development at Yonge and Soudan is named Y&S. Because it has condo buyers all over the city saying “YES” to its 35-storey offering containing retail, office and, of course, condos at the corner of Yonge and Soudan, in the coveted Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood.

And while the project has been the talk of the town for some time, thanks to its unparalleled amenities and transit access, the chatter has ramped up recently as Tribute announced that it has broken ground on this highly anticipated, not to mention almost sold-out project. With 85 per cent of the suites sold and premium suites still available, Y&S is piquing interest all across the city.

Y&S is in partnership with TenBlock Developments, a family business developing places to live in Toronto for more than 50 years. “We have watched Toronto grow into a world-class city – as such, we are reinvigorated to add new, worldclass buildings to further enhance how we live and work,” says principal Michael Naiberg. “We’re excited to be collaborating with Tribute Communities to add Y&S to this bustling midtown neighbourhood.”

Y&S offers next-level condominium luxury in one of the city’s most beloved locales – Yonge and Eglinton. Residents will revel in the incredible retail opportunities, fine dining, world-class transit, and some of the city’s greatest expanses of greenspace. This, and more, will soon be home to the city’s latest cadre

46 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

of condo buyers as they realize everything this midtown expression of style has to offer.

The surrounding neighbourhoood is replete with phenomenal flavours and secret style closets. Local hotspots such as Grazie or Bar Batavia are polishing their pepper mills in anticipation of hungry throngs from Y&S. West Elm and its hidden design treasures beckon. Or perhaps splurge on that big screen TV at nearby Best Buy. Plus, with a walk score of 99, Y&S puts the world at your fingertips. Or if you need something elsewhere, just ride the rocket via the TTC, or hit the soon-to-be-completed Crosstown LRT, all steps away and waiting to take you wherever you need to be.

Sure, Yonge and Eglinton offers some of the city’s most seductive cosmopolitan trappings, but perhaps the true beauty of Y&S lies in the incredible architecture itself. Striking, modern and smart, Y&S melds stunning architectural details such as an innovative sliding glass window system that bring the outdoors in, with incredible on-site amenities, including party room, athlete-level fitness centre, mogul-inspired media room, and more. All of this makes up the more than 15,000 sq. ft. of amenity space at Y&S. Just one more reason why condo lovers are saying YES! to Tribute’s inspiring foray into Yonge and Eglinton.

With construction underway it’s yet another reason to act now before suites in this highly anticipated development are all gone! For more information on this exciting project from Tribute Communities, visit mytribute.ca. nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 47

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INTERIORS

Edge Towers 2 in Mississauga Solmar Development Corp. edgetowers.ca | solmar.ca

IN THIS SECTION:

DECOR | TREND WATCH | STYLE nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 49

decor

floor

MORE

THAN JUST A

by LINDA MAZUR

Your floors are a core part of your home, setting the stage for your design and decorating. Beautifully worn, 100-year-old floors tell a story of their previous life, while still inspiring a vibe of eclecticism and current design trends. Herringbone floors feel elegant, sophisticated and well-curated. Warm toned, wideplank floors can create an inviting and cosy vibe, while the lighter blonde tones convey a chicer, more contemporary feel. Whatever style, texture and colour of flooring you have, it has undoubtedly inspired the look and feel of your home.

For several years now, we have witnessed a huge expansion in flooring products, colours and 50 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

finishes. We are all familiar with traditional hardwood and engineered, but what has changed drastically is the expansion of all other flooring options. Technology has expanded and now, more than ever, the “faux” options of flooring look more and more like the real thing. Today, they are not only highly durable and waterproof, but beautifully texturized to appear natural looking while being low maintenance. From wide-plank laminate to vinyl composite and LVL, you are sure to find options that will surprise and impress you.

If you are not familiar with some of these types of flooring, let’s explore a little further. Laminate flooring has been around for quite a while now.

This is a hard surface flooring that is manufactured using material such as medium or high-density fibreboard, which forms the core.

Luxury vinyl on the other hand, is a soft surface flooring product that is flexible. It comes in a variety of installation options, providing not only a great look but comfort as well. Luxury vinyl is available in an abundance of fantastic options that have the look of wood, stone or other natural material.

Vinyl composite core is still a relative newcomer to the manufactured flooring world. This flooring combines the best features of laminate and luxury vinyl. Boards are rigid planks that click together like

BuILDer: uPSIDe DeVeLoPMeNTS. FLoorS: Neue FLoorS

INSPIRATION |

PHoTo: NeueFLoorS.coM

laminate, but are constructed from a water-resistant vinyl composite material that gives them the flexibility of vinyl flooring that can be installed anywhere… even bathrooms and laundry rooms.

And then there’s wood, always a classic choice and never out of style. Whether solid wood or engineered, the strength and popularity of this material will never wane.

Wood flooring is not as delicate as some may believe. It is warm and inviting, great for a kitchen and always able be refinished as the years and trends go by.

Today’s flooring has seen a resurgence of the lighter tones, which is very welcoming. The dark reddish and espresso floors of past decades are gone, and being replaced with warm browns, natural wood tones and lighter, almost bleached at times, blonds. These softer tones invoke a brighter, warmer aesthetic. They show off the beautiful natural grains of the wood, adding texture, character and a sense of timelessness to your rooms.

Whether it’s a vintage herringbone parquet or a richly textured laminate reminiscent of reclaimed wood, a custom-milled narrow width white oak or a bold wideplank hickory, you are sure to find a seemingly endless number of possibilities available to you for your home.

Find something that speaks to you and set the groundwork for creating your warm and inviting home.

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 multidisciplinary design firm is known for creating relaxed, stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada. lindamazurdesign.com @LindaMazurGroup

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 51

INSPIRATION |

big style, small spaces

Urban garden 6 EASY WAYS TO CREATE YOUR OWN

by LISA ROGERS The idea of an urban garden is gaining popularity, and it’s easy to start your own garden with the right space and materials. Here are some starter tips!

WHERE TO SET UP YOUR URBAN GARDEN

This may come as a surprise, but building an urban garden can be done anywhere. If you’re fortunate enough to have a backyard, you can designate a section solely for your garden. But if you happen to live in a condo, you can still enjoy gardening at home. A small 52 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

balcony could serve as a garden using pots and small planters. What matters most is sunlight and living in a climate that can support plant growth. You can search online for lists of plants based on how many hours of sunlight you have. For example, leafier plants (such as spinach, lettuce and kale) don’t need much sunlight to grow and produce, and they can be placed in shadier spots. When it comes to peppers, tomatoes, squashes or eggplants, they typically need at least five hours of direct sun daily.

BUILD YOUR TOOL ‘SHED’

Once you’ve set up the location for your urban garden, you then need to acquire all the gardening tools you will need to maintain it. Any local gardening store in your neighbourhood will have all that you need: • Gardening soil • Pots, large containers, or materials to build a garden bed • Plant food • Watering can • Pruning shears, a trowel, and some good quality gardening gloves

“

Raised beds work well for condos and rooftop gardens, and you can easily assemble one yourself with the right materials and a green thumb.

”

• Plant markers so you can label your fruits and vegetables • If you have the room, a composting bin. Great for the environment

create custom garden beds for each, which will ensure successful growth and volume.

HOW TO PLANT YOUR VEGETABLES

BUILD A RAISED GARDEN BED IF YOU DON’T HAVE A BACKYARD

Raised beds work well for condos and rooftop gardens, and you can easily assemble one yourself with the right materials and a green thumb.

Raised garden beds can be any size you like, and they require less tilling (and, frankly, less work) than inground beds. Instead of digging up a compacted bed every year, many gardeners just add compost to the top of their elevated beds in the fall and then let nature do the rest over the dormant season. Also, because all plants like different soil, you can

You want your plants to be healthy and productive, so there are a few tricks to make sure you plant your vegetables correctly. First, keep seeds and small plants separated by variety so you can prevent the spread of disease and overcrowding.

Next, ensure you plant your seeds at the appropriate time based on the specific species.

Always use a good quality garden soil and fill your garden bed (or container) about halfway full, then cover the seed or roots with soil until it reaches the top. Water your plants regularly, but don’t drown them. You don’t want the roots to rot. Lastly, make sure you cut away the dead parts of your veggies to encourage new growth.

If you’re just starting out, you want to be able to pick the right variety of vegetables for your skill level. You can always expand your garden with more experience. I love growing vegetables that are easy and don’t require a lot of fuss. Herbs, lettuce and cucumbers are super-easy to maintain.

TURN YOUR BALCONY INTO A GARDEN

Thanks to container pots, hanging and vertical planters, and pallet walls, making an urban garden on your balcony is super-easy.

Because of access to sunshine and protection from the wind, your vegetables are in a great environment for growth. Annuals and perennials also do really well, if you’re looking for some beautiful flowers to add. Just make sure to place some kind of saucer below your containers to prevent water from draining off your balcony onto someone else’s.

BUILD A PALLET WALL

With a pallet wall, you can hang plants to free up space on the ground. They’re inexpensive to build, and you can also paint them in any colour you choose to match your decor. Pallets are everywhere, so take the time to find one in good condition that is not made from pressure-treated wood. They come in different shapes and sizes, and make sure it’s cleaned off and you have inspected it for any stray nails or splinters in the wood. This is a great step-by-step guide.

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

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 53

Art 8

7

6

INSPIRATION |

trend watch

HOUSE

1

by SARA DUCK

Mainstream furniture design has taken an exciting turn lately. Maybe you have noticed it, too. From sculptural lighting and Brutalist-inspired tables to Rothkoinspired designs, decor is getting artsy.

More specifically, Museum of Modern Art worthy! And I must admit I am a huge fan. I think we can all agree that it’s not just about furniture’s function; we want the form to be equally appealing. With art galleries and museums closed, for now, our need to physically connect with art has really changed. Along with adorning our space with literal paintings and pictures, it’s interesting to see that furniture can play a pivotal role, too – the rooms in our homes can become mini art exhibits. We can be the curator of our own spaces, choosing unique furniture and decor pieces that reflect our style and needs, and bring us unending inspiration every time we enter the room.

2

5

3 4

1. Dexter concrete top END TABLE. $749. crateandbarrel.ca | 2. Chromatic squares PILLOW COVER citrus by Oui. $39. indigo.ca | 3. Asana P-3769 FLOOR LIGHT by Oiko Design Office. $2,780-$2,834. lightformshop.com | 4. Outline camel SOFA. $2,999. cb2.ca | 5. Stacked SCULPTURE. $595. elte.com | 6. Noguchi COFFEE TABLE in white ash. $2,495. eq3.com | 7. Fiato MIRROR. $349. cb2.ca | 8. Shepard faux shearling ARMCHAIR. $399. structube.com 54 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

INSPIRATION |

Small

top 10

appliances

1 Dolce & Gabbana slow JUICER by Smeg. $1,900. thebay.com

by SARA DUCK

THE COOLEST GEAR TO ELEVATE YOUR KITCHEN EXPERIENCE

3

4

The Bambino Plus ESPRESSO MACHINE

A3500 ascent series BLENDER

Vortex plus six-qt. stainless steel AIR FRYER

in damson blue. $550. breville.ca

in candy apple red. $800. vitamix.ca

by Instant. $180. amazon.ca

2

5

6

7

Professional plus FOOD PROCESSOR in silver

Ottoni ELECTRIC KETTLE.

Drip 14-cup programable COFFEE MAKER

by Ninja. $150. canadiantire.ca

$80. bodum.com

by CRUXGG. $145. williams-sonoma.ca

8

9

10

The custom loaf BREAD MAKER.

Artisan series five-qt. tilt STAND MIXER

Gourmet FOUR-SLICE TOASTER

$400. breville.ca

in honey. $700. kitchenaid.ca

by Wolf. $540. williams-sonoma.ca

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 55

CONDO PROFILES

MRKT Alexandra Park

developer: style: size: prices from: features:

Toronto

Toronto

TRIDEL

Highrise from 623 to 1,270 sq. ft. $755,000 • Steps from Toronto’s Kensington Market, Queen West and Chinatown..

• Amenities designed to connect spaces and people. A Two-Storey Gym, Swimming Pool & Rooftop Terrace, Private, Landscaped Courtyard, Outdoor Terrace & Garden, Kids’ Zone and Youth Zone contact: Tridel.com location: Dundas St W. + Denison Ave.

Y&S

developer: style: size: prices from: features:

Pinnacle Toronto Cypress

Toronto

TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES

Highrise 585 to 1,226 sq. ft. $791,990 • Exquisite architecture, functional/luxurious interiors, and lavish amenities • 24/7 Concierge, fitness facility including cardio, weight rooms, yoga/stretch studio. Outdoor terrace, private dining, business and study lounges, guest suite and children’s playroom. 9’ ceilings in tower and 10’ ceilings in penthouse suites • Amazing shopping, restaurants, world-class transit access and incredible nature and recreation contact: 416-486-1660 or y&s@mytribute.ca location: Yonge + Soudan (south of Eglinton)

developer: style: size: prices from: features:

PINNACLE INTERNATIONAL

Highrise Up to 1,145 sq. ft.

The mid $600,000s • Suites include 9’ ceilings, laminate flooring, quartz countertops • Suites with full size appliances • Amenities include: gym, yoga room, party room, kids play area and outdoor terrace contact: 416.596.1600 • info@PinnacleEtobicoke.ca location: 5475 Dundas St. West (west of Kipling)

The Landing Whitby Harbour

Whitby

developer: CARTTERA style: 1 high-rise and 5 low-rise condominiums with shared courtyards size: 506 to 1,225 sq. ft. prices from: The mid-$400,000s features: • Variety of 1 Bed, 2 Bed, 3 Bed designs with spacious layouts, many with dens • Designer kitchens with quartz countertops, porcelain backsplash • Within a three-minute walk to Whitby’s GO Station, the waterfront, shopping destinations and more • 9-foot ceiling heights, laminate flooring throughout • Building amenities - indoor/outdoor lounge/event space with barbecue terrace for entertaining; modern fitness centre, yoga studio, Zoom rooms and workspace off the lobby, dog wash, bike wash/repair contact: TheLandingCondos.ca location: South of Victoria Street and west of Brock Street South, Whitby

CONDO PROFILES

Perch

developer: style: size: features:

Toronto

FIRMLAND

12 storey boutique building 466 sf – 1,385 sf • Ravine setting overlooking Highland Creek • Spectacular ravine and lake views • Large spacious suites with balconies/terraces • 9’ ceiling heights. 10’6” on floors 5,6 and 11 • Amenities include: Fireside lobby lounge, concierge, ravine-side party room, fitness centre with outdoor connection, work space, outdoor kids play area, stroller parking area, pet spa & outdoor pet area, BBQ’s on main floor and rooftop terrace, Rooftop dining and lounge contact: info@perchcondos.com / 416.724.8888 / perchcondos.com location: Sales Centre 4679 Kingston Road

Oro at Edge Towers

Mississauga

developer: SOLMAR DEVELOPMENT CORP style: Highrise size: Podium: 565-804 sq. ft.; Penthouse: approx. 2,000 sq. ft. features: • Podium suites: 1 (+den), 2 (+ den); penthouses: 3 (+den) on the 49th and 50th floors at Edge Tower 2 and ORO at Edge Towers • 24 hour concierge service.

• 9’ ceiling heights on floors 2-49; 10’ in penthouse units on 50th floor.

• Two party rooms with outdoor terraces, a state-ofthe-art gym, yoga studio, private movie theatre, games room, sports lounge, wifi lounge, and more.

• Steps from Square One and the only new condo community in Mississauga City Centre with direct access to the new LRT. contact: (905) 804-0592 location: 24 Elm Drive West, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 1P9

YOU COULD WIN A

BLACK+DECKER™ POWERSERIES™ EXTREME™ PET CORDLESS STICK VACUUM CLEANER

$

Retail Value

249.99

Enter our Clean Like a Pro Contest!

Enter Online: • Go to myhomepage.ca/contests • Select this contest within the listing and click Enter to Win. • Good Luck!

For full contest details & rules visit the link above.

Two Prizes awarded each Issue of Condo Life

www.blackanddecker.ca |

@blackanddeckerca TM

HOT PROPERTIES | GREATER TORONTO AREA

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MAPS

cArToGrAPHY: MArKeTMAPS.coM

Match the map numbers with property listings on the following Hot Properties page

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 59

HOT PROPERTIES

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

The latest properties in the Greater Toronto Area to keep your eye on

Legend: HR = High Rise CTH = City Home MR = Mid Rise LO = Loft LR = Low Rise LW= Live Work PH = Penthouse RH = Row Home TH = Townhouse

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CONTACT

Brampton..............................Urban Towndominiums .............................CTH........................ Mississauga Rd. & Wanless Dr. .............................. rosehavenhomes.com Etobicoke..............................Westerly ............................................................ HR ......................... Islington & Dundas............................................................................tridel.com Etobicoke..............................Evermore at West Village ............................ HR ......................... Eva Rd. & The West Mall ...................................................................tridel.com Etobicoke..............................Humberwood Heights ........................... CTH/FTH ................... 50 Humberwood Blvd. .......................................tributecommunities.com Etobicoke..............................The Kip District 2 ........................................... HR ......................... Kipling & Dundas St. W. .......................................... concertproperties.com Etobicoke..............................42B Queensway III ........................................ HR ......................... 1325 The Queensway...........................................tributecommunities.com Etobicoke..............................36 Zorra Condominiums.............................. MR ......................... 36 Zorra................................................................... altreedevelopments.com Markham/Unionville..........Panda Markham ............................................. HR ......................... 8200 Warden Ave. ............................................lifetimedevelopments.com Markham/Unionville..........Varley Condo Residences .............................LR.......................... 20 Fred Varley.........................................................tributecommunities.com Markham...............................Canvas on the Rouge.................................... MR ......................... Donald Cousens Pkwy & Ninth Line ................................. flatogroup.com Mississauga ..........................Amber at Pinnacle uptown ......................... HR ......................... 5044 Hurontario St. ..............................................pinnacleinternational.ca Mississauga ..........................Perla Towers at Pinnacle Uptown.............. HR ......................... 5044 Hurontario St. ..............................................pinnacleinternational.ca Mississauga ..........................Oro at Edge Towers ...................................... HR ......................... 24 Elm Dr.W..........................................................................................solmar.ca Mississauga ..........................Brightwater Condos .....................................CTH........................ 70 Mississauga Rd. S. .......................................mybrightwatercondos.com Mississauga ..........................Artform Condos.............................................. MR ......................... 86 Dundas St. E. ............................ artformbyemblemdevelopments.com Mississauga ..........................M4 at M City..................................................... HR ......................... 3891 Redmond Rd. at Burnhamthorpe .............................urbancapital.ca North York ............................M2M ................................................................... MR ......................... Yonge & Finch ..................................................................... m2mcondos.com Scarborough ........................4097 Lawrence East ...................................... MR ......................... 4097 Lawrence Ave. E. .............................................................. firmland.com Scarborough ........................Pinnnacle Toronto East ............................... HR ......................... 3260 Sheppard Ave. E. .........................................pinnacleinternational.ca Scarborough ........................Perch Condos ................................................. MR ......................... 4694 Kingston Rd....................................................................... firmland.com Toronto .................................10 St. Mary Street ........................................... HR ......................... 10 St. Mary St. ....................................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................111 River St. Condos ...................................... HR ......................... 111 River St. .........................................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................200 Queens Quay W. .................................... HR ......................... 200 Queens Quay W. ......................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................40 210 Bloor St. W. ........................................ HR ......................... 210 Bloor St. W. .....................................................tributecommunities.com Toronto .................................489 Wellington St. W. ................................... HR ......................... 489 Wellington St. W. .......................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................500 Dupont St. ............................................... MR ......................... 500 Dupont St. ...................................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................Aqualuna at Bayside ..................................... HR ......................... 200 Queens Quay East ...................................................................tridel.com Toronto .................................Artistry Condos ............................................... HR ......................... 292 Dundas St. W. ..................................................tributeartistrycondos.ca Toronto .................................Panda Condos................................................. HR ......................... Yonge & Dundas. ...............................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................Skytower at Pinnacle One Yonge .............. HR ......................... 1 Yonge St. ...............................................................pinnacleinternational.ca Toronto .................................The Prestige at Pinnacle One Yonge ....... HR ......................... 1 Yonge St. ...............................................................pinnacleinternational.ca Toronto .................................Tridel at the Well ........................................ MR/HR ..................... Spadina Ave. & Wellington St. .....................................thewelltoronto.com Toronto .................................Via Bloor ........................................................... HR ......................... Bloor & Parliament. ...........................................................................tridel.com Toronto .................................The PJ Condos ............................................... HR ......................... 283 Adelaide St. W..................................................pinnacleinternational.ca Toronto .................................36 Eglinton Ave. W. ....................................... HR ......................... 36 Eglinton Ave. W. ..........................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................Linx Condominiums ...................................... HR ......................... Danforth & Main ................................................ tributecommunicties.com Toronto .................................Y&S Condos .................................................... HR ......................... 2161 Yonge St. .......................................................tributecommunities.com Toronto .................................Burke Condos ................................................. HR ......................... Bloor & Sherbourne ................................................. concertproperties.com Toronto .................................MRKT Alexandra Park .................................MR HR...................... Dundas & Spadina .............................................................................tridel.com Toronto .................................181 East ............................................................. HR ......................... 181 Sheppard Ave. East ...................................................................stafford.ca Toronto .................................Avenue & Park ................................................. MR ......................... Avenue Rd. & Bedford .....................................................................stafford.ca Toronto .................................50 at Wellesley Station.................................. HR ......................... 50 Wellesley St. East ................................................................pureplaza.com Toronto .................................No. 1 Yorkville.................................................. HR ......................... 1 Yorkville Ave............................................................................pureplaza.com Toronto .................................Theatre District Residences......................... HR ......................... Adelaide & Widmer ..................................................................pureplaza.com Toronto .................................Bijou on Bloor ................................................. MR ......................... 2450 Bloor St. West..................................................................pureplaza.com Toronto .................................The Briar on Avenue .....................................CTH........................ 368 Briar Hill Ave. .....................................................................pureplaza.com Toronto .................................One Seventy .................................................... HR ......................... Spadina & Queen St. West ......................................................pureplaza.com Toronto .................................King West & Charlotte ................................... HR ......................... King St. West & Charlotte........................................................pureplaza.com Toronto .................................Forest Hill Private Residences..................... MR ........................ 2 Forest Hill Rd. ..................................................... altreedevelopments.com Toronto .................................Oscar Residences ........................................... MR ......................... 500 Dupont St. W. at Bathurst...................................oscarresidences.com Toronto .................................Whitehaus ........................................................ HR ......................... Yonge & Eglinton ...............................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................Liberty Market Tower..................................... HR ......................... 171 East Liberty St. .............................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................XO Condos....................................................... MR ......................... King & Dufferin...................................................lifetimedevelopments.com Toronto .................................234 King East ................................................... HR ......................... 234 King St. E. ...............................................................emblemdevcorp.com Toronto .................................The Dupont ..................................................... MR ......................... Dupont & Ossington.........................................................................tridel.com Toronto .................................Bianca Condos................................................ MR ......................... 420 Dupont St ....................................................................................tridel.com Thornhill ...............................Royal Bayview ................................................ MR ......................... Bayview Ave. & Royal Orchard Blvd. ............................................tridel.com Vaughan ................................Park Avenue Place 1 & 2 ............................... HR ......................... Jane St. & Rutherford Rd. ................................................................solmar.ca Vaughan ................................The Vincent...................................................... MR ......................... Jane St. & Hwy. 7 ........................................................................ thevincent.ca Vaughan ................................The Rose Hill Condos ................................... MR ......................... 177 Woodbridge Ave.......truecondos.com/capital-north-communities Whitby ...................................The Landing Whitby Harbour ................. HR/MR ..................... 1604-1616 Charles St. .................................................................carttera.com

MAPS

Locate properties using the map on the previous page

60 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

+

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

HOT PROPERTIES | OUT OF TOWN

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

The latest properties in the Out of Town Area to keep your eye on

Youngs Point

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nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 61

HOT PROPERTIES | SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO AREA

KITCHENER–WATERLOO

Guelph

Waterloo

Milton

Kitchener

Cambridge

5

Brantford

Hamilto n 10

4

12

3 1

13

2 11

LONDON

14

London

62 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

Mississauga

18

15 16

Oakville 17

6

MAPS Match the map numbers with property listings on the following Hot Properties page

Burlington

20 9

19

St Catharines

Niagara Falls

7

21

Welland

CARTOGRAPHY: MARKETMAPS.COM

8

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 63

HOT PROPERTIES

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

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

Legend: HR = High Rise CTH = City Home MR = Mid Rise LO = Loft LR = Low Rise LW= Live Work PH = Penthouse RH = Row Home TH = Townhouse

MAP LOCATION 1.

SITE

TYPE ADDRESS

CONTACT

Ancaster ................................Meadowlands ............................................MR/CTH .................... 559 Garner Rd E ................................................................ elitemdgroup.com

2.

Ancaster ................................Tiffany Hill ......................................................CTH........................ Raymond Rd. & Rymal Rd. ...................................... rosehavenhomes.com

3.

Brantford...............................The Ambrose Condos .................................. MR ......................... 401 Shellard Ln ...................................................... theambrosecondos.com

4.

Brantford...............................Station Sixty Lofts .......................................... MR ......................... 60 Market St. S................................................................... elitemdgroup.com

5.

Burlington ............................Affinity Condos ............................................... MR ......................... Plains Rd. E. & Filmandale Rd. ............................... rosehavenhomes.com

6.

Burlington ............................Millcroft Towns .............................................CTH........................ Appleby Line & Taywood Dr. .............................branthavenmillcroft.com

7.

Fonthill ..................................One Twenty Condos .....................................LR.......................... Rice Rd. & Highway 20 ................................................... mountainview.com

8.

Fonthill ..................................The Fonthill ..................................................... MR ......................... Rice Rd ................................................................................ elitemdgroup.com

9.

Grimsby.................................Odyssey Condos & Towns ..................... HR/CTH .................... Windward Dr. & N Service Rd. ................................ rosehvaenhomes.com

10.

Hamilton ...............................1 Jarvis .............................................................. HR ......................... 1 Jarvis................................................................................................1jarvis.com

11.

Hamilton ...............................Electric Avenue ......................................... HR/CTH .................... Upper James & Rymal Rd............................................... elitemdgroup.com

12.

Hamilton ...............................KiWi Condos ................................................... HR ......................... 212 King William St................................................................kiwicondos.com

13.

Hamilton ...............................Steeltown City Co. ...................................MR/CTH .................... Fennell Ave. E. & Upper Ottawa St. .............................. elitemdgroup.com

14.

London ..................................White Oaks Urban Towns ...........................CTH........................ London ................................................................................ elitemdgroup.com

15.

Oakville .................................5 North .............................................................. MR ......................... 1388 Dundas St. W. ...................................................... mattamyhomes.com

16.

Oakville .................................Synergy ............................................................ MR ......................... McCraney St. E. & Sixth Line ..............................................branthaven.com

17.

Oakville .................................The Randall Residences ............................... MR ......................... Randall St. & Lakeshore Rd. E. .............................. randallresidences.com

18.

Oakville .................................Upper West Side at Oakvillage .................. MR ......................... 351 Dundas St. E. ................................................. upperwestsidecondos.ca

19.

St. Catharines.......................88 James .......................................................... HR ......................... 88 James ............................................................................ elitemdgroup.com

20.

Stoney Creek ......................Casa Di Torre .................................................. MR ......................... 980 Queenston Rd................................................................branthaven.com

21.

Welland .................................L’eau ...................................................................LR.......................... 1 Albert St................................................................. info@elitemdgroup.com

MAPS

Locate properties using the map on the previous page

64 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

+

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nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 65

ADVICE | INDUSTRY REPORT

BILD’S RENOMARK PROGRAM TURNING 20 YEARS OLD IN 2021

DAVE WILKES

This is a significant and exciting year for BILD. Not only are we celebrating our 100th anniversary as an association, but we are also marking the 20th anniversary of our renovator-specific RenoMark program.

Founded by BILD in 2001, the RenoMark program is designed to distinguish professionalism and integrity in the renovation industry. It aims to raise the bar and give consumers the ability to identify professional renovators and contractors who have committed to the program’s requirements. In order to be able to use the RenoMark trademark, a contractor must agree to abide by a renovationspecific code of conduct and the code of ethics of the administering home builders’ association.

The program was founded by like-minded, ethical BILD renovator members who were well aware of the common fears of consumers when looking for a renovator, such as unscrupulous contractors who took deposits and then never showed up again. The underground economy was thriving in the home repair and renovation business, with many “tailgate contractors” willing to work for cash. They carried out the work, but the homeowner had no warranty, protection or assurance of after-sales service to fall back on. Many of these “contractors” were not well-versed in the latest building codes, safety standards and permitting systems, and did not carry the required insurance.

This was a recipe for disaster for

66 condolife magazine | Apr. 10–May 8, 2021

the homeowner. The Ministry of Consumer and Business Services received roughly 250 home repair and renovation complaints in 2001.

The RenoMark program was founded to address these challenges in the industry and provide consumers with confidence that their renovations would be undertaken in a professional and reliable manner.

Since 2001, the program has grown to more than 1,000 RenoMark members in nine provinces, in more than 40 communities. There are more than 200 RenoMark renovators, trade contractors and custom home builders in the GTA alone.

Over the past 20 years, RenoMark has developed many consumerfacing initiatives, such as the Reno Guide, which provides homeowners with step-by-step information on how to approach a renovation or custom building project. In 2020, RenoMark launched the Professional Renovator Education Program (PREP). All RenoMark renovators must take this continuing education program, which includes courses such as Code of Ethics, Customer Service, Risk Management, Finance,

Project Documentation, Contracts and the new Construction Act, all designed to improve the consumer’s experience when working with a RenoMark renovator.

Consumers want a quality renovation that is on time and on budget with minimal corrections and minimal call-backs. They want protection and the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that their renovator has all the necessary permits, licences and insurance.

That’s what RenoMark is all about.

If you are interested in finding out more about RenoMark, please visit renomark.ca or email renomark@bildgta.ca.

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.

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