Southwestern Ontario New Home and Condo Guide - Apr 12, 2014

Apr 12 - 26, 2014 Volume 17 Issue 7

THE NEW CONDO

CURRENCY IN OAKVILLE

Now that’s MINT!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

TIPS FOR BECOMING A FIRST-TIME INVESTOR

MILTON: ENGAGING, BALANCED & CONNECTED

KITCHENS: WHERE YOUR MONEY IS WELL SPENT

HURRY… LAST CHA 42 FOOT FRENZY! EXTENDED FOR A LIMITED TIME

$10,000 OFF **

42' PREMIUM LOTS

OR

$5,000

**

IN UPGRADES ON 42’ HOMES

ONLY 5% DEPOSIT***

BRANTFORD

TRUE Freehold Towns from

HAMILTON

30' Detached from

224,990

254,990

$

$

36' Detached from

44' Detached from

296,990

331,990

$

$

309 Blackburn Dr., BRANTFORD 519.756.4554

3 Binhaven Blvd., OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK:

QEW 407 QEW 407

Ask about our

Toronto Toronto

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Niagara Niagara Falls Falls

General Brock General Brock Pkwy Pkwy

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Falls Falls

ExitExit 27 McLeod McLeod Rd Rd 27

Imagine Imagine

Brown Brown Rd Rd

Montrose Rd Montrose Rd

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Easy Buy Program

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Brantford Brantford

Lake Ontario Lake Ontario

Mississauga Mississauga Lake Lake Ontario Ontario

Cambridge Cambridge 401401

Mon-Thurs: 1-7pm Fri: 1-6pm Sat, Sun & Holidays: 11am-5pm Closed Good Friday, April 18th

NN

Join the conversation @Empire_Living

Niagara Niagara Square Square

facebook.com/EmpireCommunities

ANCE!

Victory’s biggest sales event has been extended for a limited time! We only have a few 42’ homesites still available. Visit us today to take advantage of one of two irresistible offers!

STONEY CREEK

TRUE Freehold Towns from

TRUE Freehold 2-Storey Towns from

296,990

289,990

$

$

34' Detached from

42' Detached from

406,990

503,990

$

$

22 Green Mountain Rd. W., STONEY CREEK 905.930.7934

READY TO LIVE HOMES Detached from

294,990

$

NIAGARA

TRUE Freehold Townhomes from

30' Detached from

291,990

209,990

$

36' Detached from

331,990

44' Detached from

219,990

$

30' Detached from

36' Detached from

$

$

44' Detached from

46' Detached from

$

$

309,990

381,990

$

TRUE Freehold Park Townhomes from

$

239,990

$

BINBROOK 905.692.6000

PHASE 3 NOW AVAILABLE!

279,990 359,990

McLeod Rd. & Kalar Rd., NIAGARA 905.354.1710

2013 En Prices, sizes and specifications are subject to change without notice. *Please see Sales for full details, the Easy Buy ™ Program is not available at Imagine. **Applies to select 42' homesites, please see Sales for full details. ***Limited time offer, for closings 12 months or later, please see Sales for full details.

Map not to scale. Exclusive listing brokerage: TFN Realty Inc. Broker Protected. E. & O.E.

EMPIRE IS ENERGY STAR PLUS!

e r Q u a lit y

empirecommunities.com

mattamyhomes.com

The Indigo Model Home In Wildflowers.

Saturday, April 12th We’re Open With Our New Release & 4 Spectacular Model Homes.

Come For A Tour, Stay For A Lifetime.

• New Release of Detached Homes and Townhomes • Surrounded by great shops and restaurants

• Parks, playgrounds, walking/biking trails, scenic ponds, mature forest • Well-appointed contemporary interior and exterior designs

30' Home, The Indigo, Elev. ‘B’, 1,780 Sq.Ft., $342,990

ok Seabro Dr.

n ro Hu

.

Rd

H Watsoomer n Blvd .

40 1

Sales Centre

8

HW Y

KITCHENER

her S. Fiscn Rd. ma Hall

WILDFLOWERS

& HWY 7

43' Home, The Ladyslipper, Elev. ‘D’, 3,010 Sq.Ft., $474,990 KITCHENER Sales Centre: 179 Seabrook Drive

Townhomes From $251,990 Detached Homes From $299,990

Follow us: Presentation Centre Hours: Monday - Thursday 1pm-8pm; Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-6pm Model Home Hours: Monday - Thursday 1pm-7:30pm; Friday 1pm-5:30pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-5:30pm 6

All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

A new season, a new home.

50% SOLD!

from the mid

200s

$

CountryGreenHomes.com | 905-690-7600

CENTRE RD.

Come see for yourself how big city convenience can nestle perfectly with small town charm, only in Waterdown.

WATERDOWN

PARKSIDE DR.

6 DUNDAS ST.

403

HAMILTON ST.

New release of freehold three storey urban towns that will suit your lifestyle.

407 QEW

Monday to Wednesday 2-7pm Thursday/Friday by Appointment Saturday & Sunday 11-4pm APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 7

contents p. 14

apr 12 - 26, 2014 || volume 17 issue 7

oN THE CovER

NEW HoRIzoN HoMES

Get ready for the new condo currency – Mint Condos in Oakville

22

regular and special features

community focus features

in every issue 10 Editor’s Note 75 Hot Dates 76 Ad Index columnists 36 Building Blocks

22 London

Tips for becoming a first-time real estate investor

by Jeff Paikin

66 Expert Advice

Want the best return on your home purchase? Invest in the kitchen

by Karen Kessel

68 Fundamentally Speaking

Proximity to infrastructure more important than ever

Sifton Properties Westwood Village – luxury condos in the heart of Andover Trails

42 Caledon

Monarch Corporation The Village of SouthFields – townhomes with a built-in business opportunity

46 Multi-site

42

Forest Park Homes Forest Park Homes creating distinctive family homes inside and out

78 Multi-site

Great Gulf Homes Step beyond the quality myth and into the reality of a Great Gulf home

by Wayne Karl

in the news 26 Tarion Warranty Corp.

Builders to be recognized for excellence in customer service

New Home Watch

18 London 29 Hamilton 57 Waterloo

46

homebuyers’ help 54 City Focus

Milton – engaging, balanced and connected

by Wayne Karl

69 Homebuyers’ Resources

Mortgage Calculator & Rate Table

78

LOOK

WHAT

THE

WIND

BLEW

IN

windy lane estates you’ll be b lown away

A stunning new collection of homes in Niagara Falls’ favourite family neighbourhood. Surrounded by amenities, steps from renowned golf courses & greenspaces, minutes from wine country and vibrant downtown Niagara Falls - Discover Windy Lane Estates and be blown away.

40’ AND 50’ SINGLES & TOWNHOMES from

$219,900

NOW SELLING! www.mountainview.com

905.323.6232 APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 9

//EDITOR’S NOTE

What rules your new-home choice?

Lifestyle increasingly influential for buyers

N

ew-home buyers are often driven by different influences, but there’s no doubt lifestyle is an increasingly important factor. Whether you’re considering a home near the beach, a golf course or a city penthouse or pied-à-terre, you’re likely looking to compensate for what you don’t have in your current residence.

The issue is usually the amount of living space – either too much or too little. Most young families are looking for more living space, which is why builders are designing homes with interiors that maximize every square foot of living space to make the most of your money.

As we get older, the quest for living space may take a different direction.

Downsizing is usually the answer, although many homeowners with existing homes in suburban or rural areas are acquiring townhomes or pied-à-terres in the city. An urban location gives owners and their friends a chance to enjoy the social and cultural activities of the city without having to drive for hours to get home.

In today’s hectic world, your new home will be your retreat, so it’s important to find a home that suits your needs and lifestyle. In this issue, we profile new communities which offer the perfect place to put up your feet, plus the latest industry news and features about buying and owning a new home. Enjoy!

SUSAN LEGGE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Wall2Wall Media Susan.Legge@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/SusanLegge Like us on Facebook. Search: New Home Guide

How Green is your home?

VICE-PRESIDENT, WALL2WALL MEDIA

Jacqueline Hill

DIRECTOR OF SALES, NATIONAL

Josh Heppner

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Susan Maxwell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

Susan Legge ART DIRECTOR

Daiana Garay EDITOR

Wayne Karl CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sara Duck Elisa Krovblit Lydia McNutt

DISTRIBUTION & SALES CO-ORDINATOR

Jennifer Bistron

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Antoinette Jackson MANAGER OF PRODUCTION

Bala Gnanapandithan CO-ORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Viosa Barileva CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joanne Keenan Jeffrey Reed Michele Sponagle

Published By

New homes today are far more energy efficient and cleaner, offering you opportunities to save and live heathier

E

ven though the first day of spring is March 20 (something Mother Nature largely ignored), April usually offers more signs that the season has actually arrived. Temperatures begin to rise, rain rinses away winter’s residue and in a matter of days (we hope), tree buds sprout and green will wash around us.

It’s also the natural time of year when people renew their commitment to living Green.

When it comes to buying a home, new product today is miles ahead of that built 25, 20 or even 10 years ago.

Home builders in Ontario strive to make product that is among the most energy efficient and sustainable in the world. Programs such as Energy Star for New Homes are intended to make homes that are as Green as possible, because that’s what sells, what makes sense and what you – the consumer – wants.

Still, there are varying degrees of “Green-ness,” and builders often offer different features and technologies to meet today’s increasingly stringent standards for energy efficiency and “clean” housing.

As you go about your new home search and visit model homes and sales centres, ask each builder you’re serious about buying from: How Green is this home?

WAYNE KARL

EDITOR Wall2Wall Media Wayne.Karl@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/WayneKarl Like us on Facebook. Search: New Home Guide 10 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

#500-401 The West Mall Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J5

newhomeandcondoguide.com

T 416.626.4200 F 416.784.5867

Call Susan Maxwell at 416.580.1654 FAX: 416.784.9554 Toll Free: 1.877.269.8257, follow prompts, ext. 4260; e-mail: susan.maxwell@wall2wallmedia.com Office hours are Mon-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-12

ADVERTISING:

Free distribution. Published bi-weekly from Sept.-Nov. & from Feb.-June and monthly in June, July & Dec.

CIRCULATION:

TERMS: Advertisers, Editorials and New Home & Condo Guide are not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All prices are correct as of press time and are subject to change without notice. E. & O. E. EDITORIAL: Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the address above, to the attention of the Editor.

All rights reserved by New Home & Condo Guide, Toronto, Ontario.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited. Contents of this publication are covered by Copyright and offenders will be prosecuted under the law. The views and data expressed by columnists do not necessarily represent those of the publication.

Wall2Wall Media is a trademark of Yellow Pages Group Co. in Canada.

COPYRIGHT 2014:

Please recycle this magazine! Wall2Wall Media participates in the Partners in Growth Reforestation Program through St. Joseph Communications. To date, Partners in Growth has planted over 2.5 million trees in parks, recreation and conservation areas, and other public spaces across Canada. Established in 1990, this program was started with Scouts Canada to help replenish the environment.

GRAND OPENING CONTINUES! Urban Towns.

Natural Setting. $ from

244,900

Many townhome units adjacent to Konkle Creek

TWO GREAT COLLECTIONS. ONE FABULOUS COMMUNITY. Beautiful Beamsville Truly Has Something For Everyone.

• Modern and spacious home designs • Surrounded by lush vineyards & walking trails • Convenient retail & amenities steps away • Minutes from the QEW and short commute to GTA, Niagara and the border • New 46,000 sq. ft community centre, hockey arena and public library • Better value than Burlington, Hamilton, Binbrook or Grimbsy.

Make a smart investment.

LIN

GT ON

BEAMSVILLE

W PK LL

BARTON ST.

GRIMSBY

BEAMSVILLE SALES CENTRE

SERENA DR. KI NG ST .

From Niagara

ONTARIO ST.

STONEY CREEK

From GTA

ONTARIO ST.

N

EXIT

64 QEW FIFTY RD.

Y.

SK YW AY HAMILTON

CENTENNIAL PKWY.

Now under construction! Move in this summer!

LAKE ONTARIO

BU R

HI

274,900

D

from

RE

STUNNING FREEHOLD TOWNS! Designed for $ your lifestyle

ASK ABOUT OUR NO DOWN PAYMENT NO PROBLEM PROGRAM!*

MAY ST.

DOWNTOWN BEAMSVILLE

IMPORTANT: Take Ontario St. (Hwy #18)/Beamsville Exit #64 (From GTA Do Not Take Ontario St./Grimsby exit)

Sales Centre Hours & Location: Intersection of Ontario & May Street, (Serena Drive), Beamsville Hours: Monday - Thursday 1pm - 6pm Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 5pm Fridays by appointment only 289.566.8889 • HomesByDeSantis.com

* 100% financing option available on approved credit.

Please see sales agent for details. Prices subject to change without notice.

Illustrations are artist’s concept. E. & O.E.

Live the Life ™

Now Open in Waterdown

Feature-Filled Luxurious Towns Discover The Region’s Best Value!

2 & 3-Storey Town Collection

403

407

Brant St.

Dundas St. E.

Waterdown Rd.

towns

Site

Hamilton St. N.

Feature-filled & Fashionably priced from the

6

Bohemian

215 Dundas St. E. Waterdown

follow us

*

N

$300’s

Same Quality and Better Prices Than You’d Find in Burlington Call Doreen Coughlin at 1-877-567-5005 to book an appointment

branthaven.com

Prices, sizes and specifications are subject to change without notice. Renderings are artist’s concept. E.&O.E. Prices, sizes and specifications are subject to change without notice. Renderings are artist’s concept. E.&O.E.

We’re excited!

Register Now Online Get in now on Branthaven Early Registrant VIP Advantages Milton

Oakville

Lake Ontario

Exciting New Branthaven Communities Coming Soon Waterdown

Branthaven Homes Early Registrant VIP Advantages:

Aldershot Grimsby Waterfront Binbrook Stoney Creek

Register Now and have VIP Access to new home communities in these exceptional locations

Register Here

Early Floorplan Preview Early Lot Selections Early Bonus Incentives Early Preview Pricing Early Purchase Opportunities 1-855-811-7770

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branthaven.com Prices, sizes and specifications are subject to change without notice. Renderings are artist’s concept. E.&O.E.

//cover story

Get ready for the new condo currency register now for

Mint Condos in oakville

H

ere’s a hot tip! If you are considering buying into the new condo currency, look no further than Mint Condos in Oakville. Coming mid-spring, New Horizon Development Group will launch a brand new condo community that offers the perfect opportunity to live well for less.

Ideally located in prestigious Upper Oakville, Mint’s two, eight-storey towers will rise above an elegantly landscaped courtyard with a parking circle in between.

The twin buildings will boast silvery Arriscraft stone podiums, sophisticated stucco, charcoal glazing and dramatic pilasters that will culminate in a chateau-inspired roofline and signature clock-piece. “Mint’s elevations suggest Old-World, timeless elegance that’s perfect for its traditional Oakville residential neighbourhood,” says New Horizon’s Jeff Paikin.

Mint’s lobby delivers a new height of affordable luxury for residents and their guests. Soaring two-storeys, the lobby lounge is dressed in smoky grey with glamorous tuxedo sofas, club style seating, stunning art chandelier and marbled wall feature. This well appointed space is simply sensational and sophisticated.

Why not invest in your well-being, too? With Mint’s full service amenity spaces, you can socialize in the party room, media theatre, and even live a healthy lifestyle with the fitness centre and Mint’s Bikeshare program. Things will really look up when you take in the views from Mint’s four, 1,000-sq.-ft. outdoor rooftop terraces, two in each building. It’s the perfect place for entertaining or relaxing… Now that’s Mint!

14 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

New Horizon has collaborated with Toronto’s Croma Design, through their principal Ryan Martin, to assemble a stylish selection of three designer standard palettes – Dove Grey, Warm Walnut and High Gloss White that buyers can choose from. “Our selection process is easy and provides a value added benefit for buyers,” suggests Paikin. “By choosing from Mint’s coordinated kitchen, bath and flooring palettes, your suite will make a big statement. It will have a designer’s touch, look larger and have a seamless flow.”

In addition to Croma’s designer packages, Mint buyers will also be treated to Kohler’s Purist Line of kitchen and bath faucets with taps and fixtures that are sleek and contemporary. For those who like to sing in the shower,

NEW HORIZON HOMES | Mint Condos

getting ready to greet the workday will be a pleasure with the Kohler Waterproof Shower Speaker, too!

Suites at Mint have been designed with functional layouts that provide maximum livability. Consider the Platinum, an 862-sq.-ft. corner suite with lots of smart design and sleek living spaces. Drenched in sunlight from the many wrap around windows and the furniture-sized balcony, this suite features nine-ft. ceilings and open concept living and dining spaces that flow into the galley kitchen with its breakfast bar for three. The master bedroom has a huge walk-in-closet and the spa-inspired ensuite has a large and luxurious floor-to-ceiling window. The private master ensuite has corner views too, even a romantic Juliet balcony! In addition, the Platinum has a second bedroom and large main bath equipped with practical stacked laundry. Every suite has individual Geothermal heating and cooling so you can rest assured that you are saving both energy and money!

“This really is the upside of affordable luxury,” says Paikin. “All the suite designs are spacious and smart layouts with no wasted space. The standards are tastefully chosen and crafted, allowing owners to enjoy smart and sophisticated finishes in their suite!”

Mint Condos has a diverse portfolio of plans to choose from. Consider the Silver, a 585-sq.-ft. one-bedroom plan starting from $249,990. Or the Mint suite, a one-bedroom plus den layout at 713 sq. ft. starting at $327,990, or the 862-sq.-ft.

Platinum’s two-bedroom corner suites start at $442,990.

There is also a limited release of only eight two-storey, loft-like plans that will cater to the unique buyers looking for rare urban condo living.

The location is Mint too! It’s easy come, easy go with transit at your door and a newly expanded Dundas corridor, and Hwy. 407 and the QEW nearby.

With the state-of-the-art New Oakville Hospital, Sheridan College Campus, destination 16 Mile Creek Community Centre, public and private golf courses, shopping and services, it’s a safe bet you’ll love the cachet Mint’s Bronte and Dundas location affords.

Register now at newhorizonhomes.ca/ mint to receive Mint VIP privileges!

Location Bronte and Dundas, Oakville Housing type One-bedroom, onebedroom plus den, twobedroom corner suites and two-storey, loft-like condos contact newhorizonhomes.ca/mint

APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 15

Dear Mortgage, I’m taking time off to make memories.

Take time off from your mortgage payments.

A flexible mortgage from TD lets you focus on what’s really important to you. Just add a little extra to your regular payments and you could have the option to take a payment vacation for up to four months1. It’s just one of TD’s flexible mortgage features.

Visit a branch or tdcanadatrust.com/paymentvacation

1

Conditions apply. See us for details. ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

16 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

mattamyhomes.com

The Primrose Model Home In Wildflowers, Kitchener

New Interior And Exterior Designs Available In Our New Release In Hawthorne Village.

Hawthorne Village in Milton is now even more popular.

Coming Soon Never Before Offered Semis’, 34' & 43' Homes Designs.

• New Townhomes and Detached Homes • Enjoy the beauty of Escarpment living

• More than 10,000 families living in the community • Home designs to suit any size family

Elev. ‘B’

407

Trafalgar

401

403 To QEW

Winston Churchill

Sales Centre

Trudeau Dr. James Snow Parkway

4th Line

2-Storey Townhome, The Springvale, Elev. ‘B’, 1,764 Sq.Ft., $411,990

36' Home, The Hawkesbury, Elev. ‘D’, 1,950 Sq.Ft., $524,990

MILTON Derry Rd. E

Sales Centre: 10180 Derry Road

Townhomes From The $350’s Detached Homes From The $450’s

Follow us: Sales Centre Hours: Monday - Thursday 1pm-8pm; Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-6pm All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

17

LONDON

New Home watch builders: if you would like to include your new model home or site opening, email wayne.karl@wall2wallmedia.com. please say you saw it in New home & Condo Guide!

preview registration eastforest homes London | Andover Trails the preview continues – last chance for preconstruction pricing in this community of quadroplex and townhome designs.

eastforesthomes.com

new openings sifton properties London | Westwood Village Grand opening of luxury one-floor energy star condos from the low $300’s.

new releases auburn developments London | Foxfield Community a variety of housing options are available in this community, including single-family lots.

auburndev.com

cachet reid heritage homes London | Copperfield final single-family homes available in this community. single-detached designs close to schools, shopping, recreation and parks.

cachetreid.com

sifton.com

senator homes Woodstock | Havelock Corners

claysam homes Woodstock | Sally Creek

senatorhomes.com

premium twin town designs now including finished basements.

claysamhomes.com

claysam homes Woodstock | Neighbourhoods of Devonshire Get affordable homeownership in this community of single-family homes minutes from hwy. 401.

claysamhomes.com

18 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

Detached homes from $209,990 in an established community.

BayfieLD BLyth CLiNtON GraND BeND iNGersOLL LONDON MitCheLL seafOrth shakespeare st.thOMas stratfOrD tavistOCk tiLLsONBurG WiNGhaM WOODstOCk

London:

WINGHAM, GODERICH, CLINTON, MITCHELL, STRATFORD, WOODSTOCK, INGERSOLL, TILLSONBURG, AYLMER, ST. THOMAS, STRATHROY, DUNWICH

401

403

402 401

402

401

De t.

Se m Bu i ng To alo w w Co nho n m Ad do e ul tL ife sty le

Please see advertisers ads for location of sites

LOCATION

BUILDERS

SITES

PRICES

Ilderton

SIFTON

Timberwalk

•

from mid $300's

25

Ingersoll

SIFTON

HarrisView

•

from the $290's

25

London

EASTFOREST HOMES

Andover Trails

London

FOREST PARK HOMES

Amour Riverbend

•

from $234,900

48

London

FOREST PARK HOMES

Central Park

•

from $224,900

48

North London

SIFTON

Ballymote Woods

•

from mid $300's

25

South London

SIFTON

Andover Trails

•

from mid $300's

25

South London

SIFTON

Westwood Village

Tillsonburg

TILLSONBURG DEVELOPMENTS

Baldwin Place

•

•

West London

SIFTON

RiverBend

•

•

West London

SIFTON

Riverbend Park

•

Woodstock

CLAYSAM HOMES

Neighbourhoods of Devonshire

•

Woodstock

SENATOR HOMES

Havelock Corners

•

•

•

•

•

• •

PAGE

63

from low $300's

25

from $232,000

21

from the $290's

25

from mid $300's

25 27

•

•

from $209,990

20

APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 19

20

BALDW I N PLAC E, TILLS ONBUR G

WOW You can’t beat the quality, value and lifestyle at Baldwin Place.

Onsite, there’s a fully-equipped recreation centre… reach great golf and scenic drives in just minutes. And because we’re right in town, shopping, dining and medical facilities are just a few blocks away. Come for a visit and see why so many retirees of all ages have made the Baldwin Place community their new home.

Our all-brick, detached, freehold homes start at $232,000 (incl hst) with a monthly association fee of just $30!

Call us now at 1-800-265-5709 or visit: www.baldwinplace.ca 3 ESSELTINE DRIVE, TILLSONBURG MODEL HOME HOURS: OPEN MONDAY - THURSDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10AM TO 5PM. FRIDAYS & HOLIDAYS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. E.& O.E. Prices & Specifications are subject to change without notice.

21

//community focus

Sifton ProPertieS’ WestWood ViLLage

Luxury condos in the heart of Andover Trails Location London Housing type Condominiums saLes centre 33451 Morgan Cres., open Monday to Wednesday noon to 5 p.m., weekends 1 to 5 p.m. contact 226.663.6291 sifton.com

Q

uietly nestled amidst peaceful walking trails, parks and open spaces, Sifton Properties’ Westwood Village offers an exquisite collection of 30 one-floor condominiums within the heart of the Andover Trails neighbourhood in southwest London.

Energy Star qualified, cost effectiveness and sustainable building are all important elements to the Sifton Properties promise, and at Westwood, Village Sifton delivers in spades.

With two- and two-plus-one bedroom options and four models from 1,470 to 1,741 sq. ft. available starting from the low $300,000s, Westwood Village is the perfect place to call home.

22 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

A brand-new collection from Sifton, the one-floor condominiums at Westwood Village feature impeccable craftsmanship and the finest finishes throughout, all within the setting of an intimate enclave. This is luxury living at its best, and within the heart of nature – many of these new homes back onto a designated naturalized open space. Yet, Westwood Village is also within one of London’s fastest-growing corners, offering every necessary modern amenity.

There are three terrific model homes available from Sifton for viewing at Westwood Village: the two-bedroom, 1,470-sq.-ft.

Cobblestone model; the two-plus-one bedroom, 1,741-sq.-ft. Parkview model; and

SIFTON PROPERTIES | Westwood Village

Sifton believes in building homes that suit your lifestyle, save you heightened utility bills, and also works to save the environment for our future generations. the newest offering, the two-plus-one bedroom, 1,633-sq.-ft. Riverwalk home.

Each of these new one-floor condominiums offers availability of both plan selection and location at its best, since Phase I is up and ready for homeowners to apply their personal finishing touches. The Riverwalk end unit, at $332,900, is underway and scheduled for completion this summer. In addition, the first block of four homes in Phase II is coming soon – two have been sold, and a remaining two units may be available for 2014 occupancy if you act now!

In fact, now for a limited time when you purchase any of the new one-floor condominium homes at Westwood Village, you’ll receive $5,000 in free upgrades!

And right now, there are express homes available at Westwood Village that offer occupancy in 90 days.

As an Energy Star qualified builder, Sifton creates homes that are 25 per cent more efficient – just one of Sifton’s incredible standard features. Energy Star test results may qualify homebuyers up to a $1,000 on-bill gas credit with Union Gas through the Optimum Home Program.

Union Gas says that independent testing has found Energy Star rated homes achieve between four and six per cent better resale value in a shorter time than other homes.

Sifton Properties is an award-winning builder, recently named Best Home Builder in the Best of London 2014 Awards. Sifton believes in building homes that suit your lifestyle, save you heightened utility bills, and also works to save the environment for our future generations.

Award-winning craftsmanship, quality after-sales service and complimentary design services are just a few reasons why you should purchase a new home from Sifton Properties. Visit the Westwood Village sales centre at 3451 Morgan Cres., Monday to Wednesday noon to 5 p.m., weekends 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 226.663.6291 or visit sifton.com APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 23

Model Home Compliments of Sifton Properties Ltd. www.sifton.com

ON THE RIVER

Live where you Play at RiverBend Golf Community in London, Ontario. This award-winning “Basswood” home design boasts a spacious 1,756 square feet of luxurious one-floor living space.

APRIL2014 Sifton Properties Ltd. has been featured as “MODEL HOME OF THE MONTH” as seen in the new home & condo guide model home calendar

TM

Make Westwood Village Your New Home • Unique selection of luxury one-floor condominums • Featuring Energy Star® rated homes • Pricing from the low $300’s • Some units available for occupancy within 90 days • Shopping and recreation just minutes away • Purchase before May 31st and receive $5,000 in FREE upgrades

226.663.6291 Visit the Sales Centre Today!

3451 Morgan Cres., London, ON Mon. - Wed.: 12:00-5:00 pm Sat. and Sun.: 1:00-5:00 pm

Sifton.com

//IN THE NEWS

New home builders

RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE Tarion Warranty Corp. announced today the finalists for the 2014 Tarion Awards of Excellence, the only awards in Ontario that recognize new home builders based solely on their customer service delivery.

“Attention to detail has become essential in today’s competitive home building industry and this extends past the construction phase into a superior experience after taking possession of a new home,” says Tarion President and CEO Howard Bogach. “The 2014 Tarion Awards of Excellence fi nalists have been recognized by their home buyers for providing fi rst-in-class after-sales service, which is what truly resonates with homeowners for years after the sale is complete.”

Finalists were determined based on the results of a comprehensive survey sent to almost 46,800 Ontario homeowners who took possession of a new home between Oct. 1, 2012 and Sept. 30, 2013. More than 6,400 survey responses were received, representing 14 per cent of consumers who bought a new home in Ontario during that time. The results were tabulated by Crunch Research in partnership with Harris Decima.

Survey questions focused on homeowners’ satisfaction with their builder, covering every stage in the homeownerbuilder relationship from the signing of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, through construction and the pre-delivery period, to after-sales service.

To qualify for the Awards, builders must have at least five new home possessions during the survey timeframe and a specified number of completed questionnaires must have been received.

Award recipients will be announced at a luncheon in Toronto on Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

The following new home builders compete in four award categories: small, medium, large volume and highrise.

26 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

HIGHRISE BUILDER CATEGORY

(More than 100 highrise possessions per year) The Daniels Corporation, Toronto Domicile, Ottawa The Tricar Group, London Tridel, Toronto One Sherway T4 Inc., Toronto (A joint venture between Menkes and Great Gulf Homes) LARGE VOLUME BUILDER CATEGORY

(More than 100 possessions per year) Fusion Homes, Guelph Devonleigh Homes Inc., Orangeville Great Gulf Homes, Toronto Monarch Corporation, Toronto Pidel Homes, Guelph

MEDIUM VOLUME BUILDER CATEGORY

(21-100 possessions per year) Geertsma Homes, Belleville Grey Forest Homes, St. Catharines Hayhoe Homes, St. Thomas Klemencic Homes, Trenton Wrighthaven Homes Ltd., Elora

SMALL VOLUME BUILDER CATEGORY

(5-20 possessions per year) Castell Homes, London Castlemount Homes, Gormley Dwyer Homes, Strathroy Larry Otten Contracting, Stratford S.L. Witty Construction, Barrie Van EI, Mount Pleasant

dream

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Applicable to the price of the home and does not include upgrades. Please visit the sales center for details. Offer and conditions may be subject to change without notice. E. & O. E.

believe you can have it all

CHINESE HOME & CONDO GUIDE 網上 參閱 - Apr 19, 2014 三月八日至四月十九日 / Mar 8

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newhomeguide.ca 28

hAmilton hAlton niAgArA

New Home watch Builders: if you would like to include your new model home or site opening, email wayne.karl@wall2wallmedia.com.

Please say you saw it in new home & condo guide!

preview registration mattamy homes Waterdown | Cranberry Hill coming soon – family community of townhomes and detached homes.

mattamyhomes.com

new horizon homes Oakville | Mint Condos

AncAster BeAmsville BinBrook BrAnt BrAntford Burlington cAthArines grimsBy hAmilton

spallacci homes Hamilton | 101 Locke Condos

kingwood homes Paris | Village on the Grand

register now – Boutique condo living is coming to hamilton’s hip locke street.

now open – luxury riverfront towns backing onto the grand river in historic downtown Paris, from the $230’s.

spallaccihomes.com

molinaro group Burlington | Paradigm the new Burlington opens soon – a new standard of condo living from the $200’s.

paradigmcondos.ca

kingwood homes Brantford | Riverwalk coming spring 2014 – master-planned community of luxury 40-ft. singles beside the grand river.

kingwoodhomes.ca

dicenzo homes Stoney Creek | Blue Shores Waterside semis and singles from the mid $300’s.

villageonthegrand.ca

spallacci homes Hamilton | Eden Park grand opening of chateau-inspired semis collection.

spallaccihomes.com

tradition meets urban living at Bronte and dundas in these affordable luxury condos.

newhorizonhomes.ca

milton niAgArA oAkville PAris Port dover st. cAthArines stoney creek vinelAnd

new openings lakeview homes Niagara-on-the-Lake | Cannery Park now open – 38-ft. singles in this community among tree-lined streets, shopping, vineyards and wineries.

cannerypark.ca

forest park homes Fonthill | The Village Landing

mountainview homes Fonthill | The Residences at Lookout second phase now open – new bungalow collection on 50-ft. lots.

mountainview.com

Bucci homes Grimsby | Bliss two-storey freehold executive towns located near 50 Point conservation Area, priced from the mid $260’s.

buccihomes.com

grand opening on now for fonthill’s newest community – single-family homes and village homes.

augustine group Stoney Creek | Treviso

coming spring 2014 – detached homes and townhomes, on-site greenspace, easy access to highways, conservation area and other amenities.

rosehaven homes & homes By desantis Stoney Creek | On the Ridge

trevisostoneycreek.ca

rosehaven homes Mount Albert | Victoria Highlands

liveontheridge.ca

blueshores.info

toByn park homes Stoney Creek | Stoneywood Park

thevillagelanding.com

select suites still available at this condominium in downtown stoney creek – including corner units and penthouses.

now open – towns, semis and singles from the mid $200’s at mud st. and upper centennial Pkwy in stoney creek.

new releases

rosehaveninmountalbert.com

Branthaven homes Waterdown | Bohemian Towns

coming soon – model homes plus new release of 50-ft. detached lots.

new horizon homes Bronte | Harvest

branthaven.com

stoneywoodpark.com

coming soon – 50-ft. detached singles.

coming soon – register now for these luxury freehold townhomes backing onto Bronte Provincial Park.

newhorizonhomes.ca

spallacci homes Hamilton | Eden Park coming soon – simona Place the towns of eden Park exquisite collection of executive townhomes.

spallaccihomes.com

now open in Waterdown – feature-filled luxurious towns from the $300’s.

homes By desantis Beamsville | Fiera now open in Beamsville – urban townhomes in a natural setting, priced from the low $200’s.

homesbydesantis.com

adi development group Burlington | LINK Condos + Towns grand opening – design-forward condos and towns in Burlington from the $200’s.

rosehaven homes Chippawa | Lyon’s Creek rosehavenhomes.com

emery condominiums Burlington | Appleby Club Phase ii now open – country club condominiums at Appleby and dundas.

applebyclub.com

dawn victoria homes Ancaster | Evergreens on Southcote final release of single-detached homes from the mid $400’s.

dawnvictoriahomes.com

adidevelopments.com

APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 29

30

Paris

Port Dover

Binbrook

Grimsby

Georgetown

Caledon

Smithville

Welland

Fonthill

Thorold

OAKVILLE, BURLINGTON, HAMILTON, ANCASTER, PARIS, BRANTFORD, STONEY CREEK, VINELAND, LINCOLN, THOROLD, FONTHILL, NIAGARA, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, FORT ERIE

Halton / Hamilton / Wentworth / Niagara:

Ridgeway

Stevensville

Chippawa

Fort Erie

De t Se . m Bu i n To galo w w Co nho n m Ad do e ul tL ife sty le

LOCATION

BUILDERS

SITES

PRICES

Ancaster

DAWN VICTORIA

Evergreens

•

Ancaster

LOSANI HOMES

Ancaster Glen

•

Ancaster

SCHUIT HOMES

Perth Park

•

Beamsville

HOMES BY DESANTIS

Lincoln Square

Beamsville

HOMES BY DESANTIS

Fiera Collection

Binbrook

LOSANI HOMES

Fairgrounds

Binbrook

LOSANI HOMES

Parkside

Beamsville

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

Hillside Estates

•

Brantford

EASTFOREST HOMES

D'Aubigny Forest Estates

•

Brantford

EMPIRE COMMUNITIES

Wyndfield

•

Brantford

KINGWOOD HOMES

Riverwalk West

•

Caledon

MONARCH

The Village of SouthFields

•

•

from high $300's 40&41

Fonthill

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

The Residences at Lookout

•

•

9

Fort Erie

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

Beaver Creek Estates

•

Grimsby

BUCCI HOMES

Bliss

Grimsby

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Wave

Grimsby

LOSANI HOMES

Sunflower

•

Grimsby

PHELPS HOMES

The Bedford Collection

•

Hamilton

EMPIRE COMMUNITIES

Summerlea

•

Hamilton

LOSANI HOMES

Greenhill Glen

•

Hamilton

LOSANI HOMES

Sherman Oaks

•

Hamilton

STARWARD HOMES

Country Ridge Estates

•

Milton

MATTAMY HOMES

Hawthorne Village

•

Niagara

EMPIRE COMMUNITIES

Imagine

from mid $400's

35

•

from $374,900

77

•

from $274,900

11

from $244,900

11

49 •

•

•

77

•

from $256,900

77 9

•

63 •

from $224,990 from low $300's

2&3 39

38

•

from $177,990

13

from $501,900

77

•

from low $400's from $291,990

2&3

from $439,900

77

•

from $309,900

77

from $435,000

53

• •

from the $350's

•

from $209,990

•

from mid $200's

48

from $326,990

79

Niagara, Fonthill

FOREST PARK HOMES

The Village Landing

•

GREAT GULF

Edgewood

•

Niagara

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

Fernwood

•

•

Niagara

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

Thundering Waters

•

•

Niagara

PHELPS HOMES

Streamside on the Twenty

•

Niagara Falls

ROSEHAVEN

Lyon's Creek

•

•

Niagara on the Green

•

• •

Niagara on the Lake LAKEVIEW

Cannery Park

•

17 2&3

9 9

•

Niagara on the Lake BW HOMES

32

•

•

from mid $300's

32

from low $320's

34

from mid $200's

• •

5

from $290's

51

from $290's

51

from $339,990

44

from $249,900

37

Oakville

MENKES

Millstone

Oakville

NEW HORIZON

Mint Condominiums

Paris

EASTFOREST HOMES

Grandville

Paris

KINGWOOD HOMES

Village on the Grand

•

from $224,990

Scarborough

MONARCH

Evergreen

•

from upper $400's 40&41

Simcoe

EASTFOREST HOMES

Woodway Trails

Smithville

PHELPS HOMES

Brookside on the Twenty

•

from mid $200's

32

from mid $300's

32

from low $300's

4

• •

•

•

63

• • •

63

Smithville

PHELPS HOMES

Harvest Heights

•

St. Catharines

BW HOMES

Victoria Village

•

•

St. Catharines

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

Generations

Stoney Creek

EMPIRE COMMUNITIES

Victory

•

•

Stoney Creek

HOMES BY DESANTIS

On The Ridge

•

•

Stoney Creek

ROSEHAVEN

On The Ridge

•

•

Thorold

GREAT GULF

Rolling Meadows

•

Thorold

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

West Community

•

Thorold

ROSEHAVEN HOMES

Gibson Heights

•

Waterdown

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Bohemian Towns

Waterdown

COUNTRY GREEN HOMES

The Uptowns of Waterdown

Welland

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

Harvest Estates

•

•

9 from $289,990

2&3 33&34 33&34

from $370,990 •

39

•

79 9

•

from the $250's

34

•

from the $300's

12

•

from mid $200's

7

•

9

Halton / Hamilton / Wentworth / Niagara:

from mid $260's

OAKVILLE, BURLINGTON, HAMILTON, ANCASTER, PARIS, BRANTFORD, STONEY CREEK, VINELAND, LINCOLN, THOROLD, FONTHILL, NIAGARA, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, FORT ERIE

9 •

Niagara

Niagara on the Lake SOLMAR DEVELOPMENT CORP Cannery Park

PAGE

31

THE PERFECT HOME STARTS WITH THE PERFECT HOMETOWN.

FROM FIRST TIME BUYERS TO EMPTY NESTERS, now every new home buyer can own a Phelps quality home in Smithville! Drop in and discover Harvest Heights, Brookside and Streamside, our three successful communities in Niagara’s favourite hometown, each one backing on beautiful Twenty Mile Creek. Choose from a wide selection of homes with designs for every family. Every budget too! Live the good life in a Phelps Home that’s perfect for you and the whole family.

p

HURRY IN FOR UNBEATABLE VALUE ON LARGE 50’ LOTS Detached homes from the mid $300’s Semi-detached homes from the $270’s

VISIT US AT OUR OTHER COMMUNITIES IN SMITHVILLE NIAGARA’S PREMIER ADULT LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY ON 50’ WIDE LOTS

SPACIOUS EXECUTIVE HOMES ON 50’ WIDE LOTS

Townhome bungalows from the mid $200’s Detached bungalows from the mid $300’s 905.957.1777

Bungalows from the mid $300’s Two-storeys from the low $400’s 905.945.6978

Call Bob:

32

289.956.0178 | PhelpsHomes.com Prices, features and specifications are subject to change without notice and are accurate at time of publication.

Subject to availability. Please see sales representative for details. E. & O.E.

Grand Opening Continues!

Rosehaven Homes

Rosehaven Homes

Homes by DeSantis

On The Ridge’s Presentation Centre is now open at Mud St. and First Ave. West. It’s the kind of community where neighbours greet each other by name and kids make best friends for life. Where nature is spectacular along the Niagara Escarpment. These homes offer exceptional charm and are as special as the families who will call

Towns Semis 35’& 40’ Detached

300’s $ 300’s $ 400’s $

from the low

from the mid from the mid

them home. Visit today!

Walk, Bike or Play in Stoney Creek’s Newest Family Friendly Community!

LiveOnTheRidge.ca

KEYMAP

Like us on facebook and follow us on twitter to stay connected with the “On the Ridge” community.

SITE

MUD ST. E.

HIGHLAND RD. W.

Join the Conversation

FIRST RD. W.

PRESENTATION CENTRE

UPPER CENTENNIAL PRKWY *Prices and specifications correct at press time. Rendering is artist’s concept. E. & O.E. Prices quoted are in $ thousands.

33

I am happy, I am comfortable,

Current Communities

CHIPPAWA/NIAGARA 50’ Singles & Freehold 35’ WIDE Bungalow Loft Townes from the low $320’s.

NEW RELEASE OF 50’ LOTS

THOROLD 45’, 40’, 36’ Singles, Semis & Towns from the $250’s. Quick closings on Select Towns & Attached Singles.

8 MODELS OPEN

STONEY CREEK 40’ & 35’ Singles from the mid $400’s.

Semis from the mid $300’s.

GRAND OPENING CONTINUES!

For directions, hours and community information call our hotline (1-888/416) 410-0175

or visit

RosehavenHomes.com

Prices and specifications correct at press time. Prices quoted are in $ thousands. E. & O.E. 34

OUR FINAL RELEASE IN ANCASTER. MOVE IN THIS YEAR.

SINGLE DETACHED HOMES FROM THE MID

403

6

SOUTHCOTE RD

$400s

GARNER RD E

Ancaster | 905-304-6099 Sales Office Hours Mon – Thurs 1pm – 6pm Sat & Sun 12pm – 5pm | Friday by appointment

Maureen Hall, Sales Representative Darlene McCauley, Broker | 905-528-8956

DAWNVICTORIAHOMES.COM 35

//building blocks

Tips for becoming

a first-time real estate investor » by Jeff Paikin

Jeff Paikin

Past President of HHHBA, has been in the building industry for more than 20 years. As President and CEO of New Horizon Development Group (Builders of the inaugural CHBA Green Home of the Year), there isn’t much in the housing world he hasn’t seen. Jeff will provide regular insight and perspective of what’s going on in today’s market and what buyers should be aware of as they prepare to make a purchase.

He can be reached at info@newhorizonhomes.ca

Q: A recent impromptu discussion with an accomplished real estate investor has got me thinking about entering the market.

Do you have any tips for first-time investors?

A: No success is guaranteed with any

investment. But at the same time, becoming a successful real estate investor is much easier to do if you develop a sound plan and stick to it.

Real estate, especially residential rental properties, are considered to be among the safest, most stable investments when done properly, and offer great long-term benefits to investors who are prepared, patient and disciplined in their approach.

As with most great endeavours, though, getting started is generally the biggest challenge of all. It is wise to be cautious when making your first investment, as it will play a significant factor in determining your success. One could fill volumes about how to find a solid investment property, and we’ll be sure to examine that in our next column, but first we should discuss how to prepare yourself for the exciting road that lies ahead.

My number one piece of advice to new real estate investors is to take your time. I have always been a firm believer that “haste makes waste.” A lot of first-time investors buy a property because they believe they got a good deal and then try to figure out what to do with it. Such an approach is backwards.

First determine your investment model, and then try to identify properties that match that model.

While moving swiftly is generally essential to securing a good price, this

36 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

shouldn’t deter you from performing due diligence and being patient. Balancing these two impulses is a delicate art form, and constitutes the foundation of wise investing.

Among the best ways to avoid making a hasty decision is to keep emotion out of the process. Remember that there is always another investment property. However great an opportunity may be, even if it passes you by, the next one is always just around the corner, figuratively and literally.

I also strongly suggest you take some time to develop and nurture relationships. They are the lifeblood of successful long-term investing in any forum, not just real estate.

Experienced investors or advisors might be an ideal source of information. Offer to pay for an hour or two of their time, and don’t be shy to ask for advice or guidance.

The point is, whether it’s a relationship with a mortgage broker, a tradesperson, a reputable agent, or a prominent builder, being in a position to get accurate and unbiased insights as to what is actually happening in today’s marketplace will prove priceless as you get ready to make your move.

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having sound tax advice. A relationship with an accountant who has knowledge in handling real estate investment portfolios is an invaluable asset. Being kept abreast of the dizzying array of laws and regulations, as well as options for deductions and write-offs, is critical to achieving a healthy and firm profit margin, and to maximizing your opportunity. A good accountant should also help to ensure you don’t overextend yourself.

The bottom line is: make sure you do your homework.

You wouldn’t think you’re qualified to perform brain surgery without years of thorough education, yet many aspiring real-estate investors don’t think twice about taking their financial lives in their hands without even cracking a book.

Educate yourself before you put your financial future on the line. Read books and articles, surf the web. Research every aspect of the process. Don’t just read the success stories. Look for articles that highlight the common pitfalls that first-time investors encounter.

If you are at all serious about real estate investing, you should build your plan on a solid foundation of information and understanding. Skimping on any of these details can make your experience in these exciting investments unnecessarily challenging.

37

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R !

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LIVING LIFE ON THE GRAND

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PARIS

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Site Hours: Mon-Thurs 2-6, Sat-Sun 1-5, Fri by appt.

building beautiful new home communities on the banks of The Grand River, one of Ontario’s most beautiful and natural waterways.

PA R

IS

RD .

EXIT

24

EXIT ST .

WE ST

AV E.

ST .P AU L

CLARENCE ST.

COLBORNE ST. E.

MARKET ST. S. CLARENCE ST. S.

WY

AL PK

EMORI

ANS M

RIVER RD.

TO CAMBRIDGE

WILLOW ST. PARIS RD.

DUMFRIES

REST ACRES RD.

COLBORNE ST. W.

VETER

WAYNE GREZTKY PARKWAY

AVE. ERIE

EXIT

Grand River

E. AV

24 TO TORONTO

T AN

EXIT

GOVERNORS RD.

BR

TO WOODSTOCK

DUNDAS ST. WEST

1-888-757-7737

kingwoodhomes.ca

TO TORONTO

.

RD

IV

DR

AN

r ive dR .

S an Gr ER ST.

GR

KING EDWARD ST.

SITE

WILLIAM ST

RIS PA

WILLIAM STREET

KING GEORGE RD.

TO WOODSTOCK

SITE

BIRKETT LANE

Monarch first.

Before the ‘60’s changed the world.

Before the Baby Boom began. Before the Roaring ‘20’s took us dancing to the Charleston or out to the movies, Monarch was here. First. For 96 years, families have trusted Monarch for the most important investment of their lives.

So choose the one builder who has always been there for Canadian families.

And visit Monarch. First.

40

MONARCH MONARCH COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES KLEINBURG KLEINBURG | | KLEINBURG KLEINBURGCROWN CROWNESTATES ESTATES| |GRAND GRANDOPENING OPENINGOF OFDESIGNER DESIGNERMODELS MODELS $ * * 700,000’s SINGLES SINGLESFROM FROMTHE THEUPPER UPPER$700,000’s Sales SalesCentre Centrelocated locatedatat165 165Timber TimberCreek CreekBoulevard Boulevard 416-495-3513 416-495-3513 CALEDON CALEDON | | SOUTHFIELDS SOUTHFIELDS | | NEW NEWRELEASE RELEASE .WORKTOWNS $ SINGLES SINGLES&&LIVE LIVE.WORK TOWNSFROM FROMTHE THELOW LOW$600,000’s 600,000’s $ TOWNHOMES TOWNHOMESFROM FROMTHE THEUPPER UPPER$300,000’s 300,000’s Sales SalesCentre Centrelocated locatedatat12515 12515Old OldKennedy KennedyRoad Road(Old (OldKennedy KennedyRd. Rd.and andMayfield MayfieldRd.) Rd.) 905-843-0707 905-843-0707 AJAX AJAX | | TRANQUILITY TRANQUILITY | | DESIGNER DESIGNERDECORATED DECORATEDMODELS MODELS $ 500,000’s SINGLES SINGLESFROM FROMTHE THEUPPER UPPER$500,000’s Sales SalesCentre Centrelocated locatedatat33Bignell BignellCrescent Crescent(Salem (SalemRd. Rd.North North&&Rossland RosslandRd. Rd.East) East) 416-495-3542 416-495-3542 SCARBOROUGH SCARBOROUGH | | EVERGREEN EVERGREEN | | AAFEW FEWCHOICE CHOICEHOMES HOMESREMAIN REMAIN $ TOWNS TOWNSFROM FROMTHE THEUPPER UPPER$400,000’s 400,000’s Sales SalesCentre Centrelocated locatedatat70 70Town TownCentre CentreCourt Court(Town (TownCentre CentreCrt. Crt.and andBorough BoroughDr.) Dr.) 416-495-3574 416-495-3574 SCARBOROUGH SCARBOROUGH | | DANFORTH DANFORTHROAD ROAD&&EGLINTON EGLINTON | | COMING COMINGTHIS THISFALL FALL KITCHENER KITCHENER | | TOPPER TOPPERWOODS WOODS | | COMING COMINGSOON SOON

ALSO ALSOBUILDING BUILDINGHIGH HIGHRISE RISECOMMUNITIES COMMUNITIESIN: IN:

ETOBICOKE ETOBICOKEWATERFRONT WATERFRONT | | THE THEKINGSWAY KINGSWAY | | DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWNTORONTO TORONTO HOURS: HOURS:Monday Monday– –Thursday: Thursday:1pm 1pm– –8pm, 8pm,Friday: Friday:12pm 12pm– –5pm, 5pm,Weekends Weekends&&Holidays: Holidays:11am 11am– –6pm 6pm

discover discovermore more

MonarchGroup.net MonarchGroup.net

first. first.

*Special *Special pricing pricing noted noted above above includes includes allall applied applied eligible eligible bonuses bonuses and and is not is not to to bebe combined combined with with any any other other promotions promotions featured. featured.

Please Please seesee a sales a sales associate associate forfor fullfull details. details.

E.&O.E. E.&O.E. 10037 10037 APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 41

//community focus

Monarch townhoMes with a built-in business opportunity Location Caledon Housing type Live-work townhomes saLes centre 12515 Old Kennedy Rd. contact 905.843.0707 monarchgroup.net twitter.com@monarch_group facebook.com/monarchcorp

42 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

a

t the Village of SouthFields, Monarch is introducing a new idea that’s gaining in popularity in the GTA... Live-work townhomes.

These innovative homes mix business with pleasure, designed with approximately 677 to 826 sq. ft. ground floor “storefronts” and exceptionally spacious up to 3,026-sq.-ft. of living space on the upper two floors.

The designs are perfect for a wide variety of small businesses, such as studios, personal services, consultants, salons, gifts and more, or a business that requires a storefront location in the area. The homes are set in the heart of the thriving, growing Village of SouthFields, and it is expected that they will form a compact retail area that will be a destination for the whole neighbourhood.

Stepping upstairs is like stepping into a world of spacious style. These quality homes feature kitchen with breakfast bar, living/dining room with coffered ceiling and gas fireplace, master retreat with ensuite, walk-in closets in all bedrooms, media lofts, second storey terrace, fully landscaped front yard, distinctive exteriors and more.

Just seven of these spacious three-storey townhome designs are being offered, so if you are looking for this type of live-work opportunity, visit SouthFields in Caledon right away.

MONARCH CORPORATION | The Village of SouthFields

The designs are perfect for a wide variety of small businesses, such as studios, personal services, consultants, salons, gifts and more, or a business that requires a storefront location in the area.

The Village of SouthFields is a masterplanned and already established community that’s waiting to welcome new families.

Schools, parks, ice rink, pond, playground and trails are built and more than 1,000 families have already moved in. On the village green, children can be found playing while moms meet for a chat. Kids can walk to school and families can get outside and enjoy themselves together as they bike or hike along the miles of trails that connect to the Etobicoke Creek.

There are community groups and a weekly Farmer’s Market, seasonal events such as Spring Fling and Community Day. Residents enjoy the full and rich village life as it’s been lived forever, where neighbours know each other by name and community connects.

Headquartered in Toronto, Monarch is one of Canada’s oldest and largest home builders.

Monarch has been consistently recognized in the home building industry and by its customers, for superior quality and outstanding customer satisfaction. Monarch builds and develops single-family detached and attached homes in Toronto and Ottawa and builds highrise condominiums in the Greater Toronto Area.

Monarch focuses on style, design, quality and livability in all of its homes and is the Canadian brand of Taylor Morrison Home Corp.

For Monarch’s SouthFields, visit the sales office and model homes located at 12515 Old Kennedy Rd., or call 905.843.0707.

Monarchgroup.net twitter.com@monarch_group facebook.com/monarchcorp

APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 43

44

45

//community focus

Forest Park Homes creating distinctive family homes inside and out

f

orest Park Homes is an award-winning builder creating family-friendly communities across Southwestern Ontario – from London to Fonthill in the town of Pelham. Forest Park Homes has successfully surrounded itself with a team that strives to go the extra mile for the families they build homes for. Forest Park Homes’ primary focus is building in and enriching smaller communities with a belief that the community you live in is as important as the homes within it, and therefore takes pride in creating desirable environments with plentiful modern amenities that families can grow in and proudly call home.

Forest Park Homes understands that in such a competitively priced market, the quality of the home becomes the primary consideration. Therefore, the company consistently provides customers with more for their money, offering quality standard appointments and other customizations that add value and style to an already superb home.

46 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

Location Ayr, Waterloo, Fonthill, London Housing type Ayr, single-family homes; Waterloo, 38- and 40-ft. lots in a master-planned community; Fonthill, 43- and 47-ft. singles and towns; London, townhomes contact forestparkhomes.ca

FOREST PARK HOMES| Multi-site

From selecting the finest skilled tradespeople with an eye towards quality craftsmanship, to employing professional sales and decor staff, Forest Park Homes ensures that customer satisfaction is the paramount focus of the business.

The company offers a range of styles from semi-detached to luxury estate homes all possessing the same attention to detail and quality workmanship that their customers have grown to expect. Qualified and highly professional sales staff work with the client throughout the entire home buying process to make it one that is an informed, hassle free and pleasurable experience.

In 2010, Forest Park Homes was the proud recipient of Project of the Year, as awarded by the Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association, for Hilltop Estates in Ayr. Continuing to live up to this award-winning status, Forest Park recently won the WRHBA’s award for Most Outstanding Two-Storey Single-Detached Design for its model home in Vista Hills, Waterloo, The Langdon II. Forest Park Homes is currently building in five communities; East and West London (Central Park and Amour), Ayr (Hilltop Estates), Waterloo (Vista Hills) and the town of Fonthill in Pelham (The Village Landing). Each location is carefully selected based on its offering to prospective purchasers.

Forest Park Homes is an award-winning builder creating family-friendly communities across Southwestern Ontario – from London to Fonthill in the town of Pelham.

Hilltop Estates in the village of Ayr is a rapidly expanding community. Although small in size, Ayr offers many amenities and unique attractions such as the Annual Fresh Ayr Festival and is a short drive from the KW area.

Hilltop Estates features 39- to 44-ft. singlefamily homes, on a quiet crescent with no rear neighbors, overlooking pond space.

Clairmont, at the top of Vista Hills in Waterloo, is the ideal family setting. Only a select number of homes are available on 38and 40-ft. lots in this prestigious masterplanned community where landscape packages are included with every home to maintain timeless curb appeal. Vista Hills offers residents simple access to schools, universities, shopping, dining, recreation and the expanding Boardwalk at Ira Needles.

The Village Landing offers a masterfully crafted collection of 43- and 47-ft. singles and towns in the small town of Fonthill. Located minutes away from St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, The Village Landing is a breathtaking oasis cradled amongst rolling hills, rows of vineyards and flourishing peach, apple and cherry orchards.

Central Park (East London) and Amour (West London) are Forest Park’s newest up and coming communities. Like all of Forest Park’s homes, each design will feature a choice of exterior elevations as well as many customizable interior options.

Currently, model homes are open to view in Vista Hills, Hilltop Estates and The Village Landing. For individual model home hours visit forestparkhomes.ca Forest Park Homes has worked hard to establish and maintain a reputation of integrity and honesty. It is this synthesis of qualities that will add to the longevity and success of their company, and the timelessness, appeal and quality of each and every one of their homes.

APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 47

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//city focus

Milton

Engaging, balanced and connected » by Wayne Karl

L

ike many small but growing towns in Southwestern Ontario, Milton knows the importance of honouring heritage and history – but it also realizes growth and development are essential to future prosperity.

And when the Niagara Escarpment, Sixteen Mile Creek, the Bruce Trail, Kelso Conservation Area and other nature lands are your nextdoor neighbours, there’s also a recognition that that growth and development must come with responsibility and balance.

It’s fitting, then, that the vision for Milton, according to the Town and its economic development department, is “Engaging, Balanced and Connected.”

“If you’re looking for a balance of rural and urban, of corporation and consideration, of health and hearth – Milton is the perfect balancing act,” the Town says.

54 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

History

Important stuff for a town with roots as far back as the early 1800s, when English immigrant Jasper Martin settled along Sixteen Mile Creek, building a grist mill. The mill became the centre of the settlement, and by 1837 the area had a population of about 100 people and was aptly named Mill Town – precursor to current name Milton.

Today, Milton is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, with a population of 102,000, up from 84,362 in

2011 (according to the Canada 2011 Census), an increase of 56.5 per cent from 53,939 in 2006. The Town projects population could grow to 228,000 by 2031.

Location, Location, Location

What’s the attraction? For businesses and residents alike – location, location, location.

Situated west of Toronto just off Hwy. 401 and near Hwys. 407, 403 and the QEW, Milton is blessed with proximity to major markets in Ontario, as well as entry points to the U.S. For commuters, these highways, as well as improving mass transit and infrastructure, make living in Milton and traveling to work in Toronto or surrounding areas an increasingly viable option. GO Transit has a regular GO Train route to downtown Toronto, and Milton Transit has been providing public transportation throughout the urban centre since 1972, as well as a feeder route for GO Transit trains and buses. For out of town travel, Toronto Pearson International Airport is but 20 minutes away along the 401.

Encompassing a land area of more than 366 square km, Milton boasts bountiful greenspace and recreational areas. And it’s not just the Niagara Escarpment; a number of conservation parks – including Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Mount Nemo Conservation Area, Mountsberg Conservation area and Rattlesnake Point – make Milton a nature lover’s playground.

Indeed, heritage conservation is paramount in Milton, as evidenced by the number of museums, protected historic buildings and parks in town.

Fresh Taste and Metro Truck among the companies that have moved into or expanded in the area.

Last year, Toronto Premium Outlets opened a new outlet mall just off Hwy. 401 at Trafalgar, with 85 stores, including Banana Republic, Bench, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Michael Kors and Restoration Hardware. recreation With so many conservation parks, campgrounds and recreational areas in Milton, sports and leisure opportunities are aplenty. In addition to nature lands, there’s also no shortage of recreation options, from the Glen Eden Ski & Snowboard Centre to the Milton Curling Club to sports organizations and arenas – and even Mohawk Raceway. The Milton Icehawks Junior A hockey team, playing in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, have been a staple in the community in one form or another since 1966.

Active pursuits in Milton are getting another huge boost with the new Mattamy National Cycling Centre – the home of Canadian Cycling. Currently under construction and scheduled to open in October, the $56-million velodrome is being financed by the federal government, the Town and private

DeveLopment Sustainable development is

central to Milton. Indeed, the broad vision for the town is to ensure growth is “engaging, balanced and connected,” with five main goals: » A responsible, cost-effective and accountable local government » Well managed growth and well planned spaces » A safe, livable and healthy community » A diverse and sustainable economy, and » And a thriving natural environment that is a valued community asset to be protected, maintained and enjoyed Major industries in Milton include automotive, advanced manufacturing, distribution and food production – with amazon.ca, Advanced Test & Automation, APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 55

miLton at a gLance PoPuLation

102,000

Distance from toronto

52 kilometres

number of PubLic, cathoLic anD Private schooLs

32

major emPLoyers

Automotive, advanced manufacturing, distribution and food production average home Prices*

Nov. 2013: $592,870 Nov. 2012: $565,191

source Canadian Real Estate Association, Town of Milton, Milton Economic

Development. Photos courtesy of the Town of Milton *oakville-milton

engines from the 19th century, hundreds of tractors and stationary engines, along with antique cars, models and agricultural displays that recreate life from more than 100 years ago.

Also at the Milton Fairgrounds is the Milton Fall Fair, held every year on the last weekend of September for more than 160 years. eDucation As a growing community with lots of new young

partners – including Mattamy Homes. Mattamy has donated a total of $6 million through a combination of personal contributions from owner Peter Gilgan, the company and its Tour de Bleu cycling fundraiser. The host facility for indoor track cycling events of the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Games, the Mattamy National Cycling Centre also includes a fitness centre, yoga and pilates studio, walking and jogging track, and three courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and corporate events. cuLture The Downtown Milton Street Festival for the last

two years has been named one of the Top 100 festivals in the province. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, June 7.

Every Labour Day weekend, the Milton Steam-Era takes over the Milton Fairgrounds. Produced by the Ontario Steam & Antique Preservers Association, the event showcases steam

56 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

family residents, the education system in Milton is well equipped with almost two dozen public elementary and secondary schools, 10 Catholic schools and another five private schools.

Even post-secondary education has a future in Milton. The Town and Wilfrid Laurier University are proposing to build a new campus in town as part of the Milton Education Village.

“If our partners at the province are looking to develop a new campus in a community where students can pursue undergraduate studies close to home, there is no better place than Milton,” says Mayor Gord Krantz. “With Milton’s young demographics and our plans for growth, that will see Milton more than double in the next 15 years, the demand for a university campus in this area will only continue to grow.”

In the meantime, the Town’s plans for the Milton Education Village are well underway. The Milton Education Village Innovation Centre opened earlier this year as a hub for entrepreneurship, offering collaborative space, incubation, business services and education and training.

resiDentiaL growtH New home development has been central to Milton’s growth, with a number of new subdivisions in recent years, including Mattamy Homes’ Hawthorne Village. Mattamy initially opened the community in 2000, and it quickly became one of the company’s most successful communities.

Home to more than 10,000 families, Hawthorne Village recently reopened with a new release of Mattamy’s popular Village Homes and two-storey townhome designs, along with rear lane townhomes. There are also 30- and 36-ft. detached homes in new architectural styles. Townhomes start from $309,990 and detached homes from $444,990.

HaltON HIllS WEllINGtON WatERlOO

New Home watch builders: If you would like to include your new model home or site opening,email wayne.karl@wall2wallmedia.com. Please say you saw it in New Home & Condo Guide!

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new releases menkes Georgetown | The Enclaves of Upper Canada

Coming soon – 30-ft. detached homes from 1,300 to 2,450 sq. ft. Register now for priority preview.

New release of semi-links in this family community backing on to a ravine mature trees.

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reid’s heritage homes Kitchener | The Oaks

Register now for priority preview of this collection of townhomes surrounded by woodlands behind Eastview Road.

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macpherson builders Fergus | Summerlea Coming soon – single-family homes from the $280’s. Register today.

mysummerlea.com

macpherson builders Seaforth | Bridges of Seaforth Country living at its finest at one of Ontario’s premier adult lifestyle communities.

bridgesofseaforth.ca

new openings mattamy homes Kitchener | Wildflowers Coming soon – Mattamy’s first master-planned community in Kitchener, with affordable townhomes and detached homes.

mattamyhomes.com

gemini homes Guelph | Morning Crest Energy Star model home is now open. Visit at Watson Road and Couling Crescent for details on available single and semi-detached homes.

geminihomes.ca

alMaa ayR CaMbRIdGE ElORa FERGuS GEORGEtOWN GuElPH KItCHENER ROCKWOOd WatERlOO

Grand opening of new 56-suite condominium.

Offering a great selection of floorplans that suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles in an established community.

reidsheritagehomes.com

reid’s heritage homes Guelph | Westminster Woods New building release at Kingsbury Square, as a result of the first Kingsbury building selling out quickly.

New standard features and finishes. located in desirable South Guelph.

reidsheritagehomes.com

reid’s heritage homes Fergus | Westminster Highlands two-storey townhomes just released, midrise coming soon. Master-planned community in Fergus. Choose from a variety of single-detached homes, and bungalow and executive townhomes – close to amenities and trails.

reidsheritagehomes.com

fusion homes Guelph | Blueberry Hill brand new semi-detached and 30-ft. detached lots.

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fusion homes Guelph | Privada Final release now underway for this collection of bungalow townhomes.

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APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 57

58

New Hamburg

Plattsville

Stratford

Baden

Owen Sound

Breslau

Collingwood

MILTON, GEORGETOWN, ROCKWOOD, GUELPH, FERGUS, ELORA, ALMA, CAMBRIDGE, KITCHENER, WATERLOO, AYR

Halton Hills / Wellington / Waterloo:

Acton

Scarborough

Ajax

Kleinburg

PRICES

PAGE

Ajax

MONARCH

Tranquility

•

from high $500's 40&41

Ayr

FOREST PARK HOMES

Hilltop Estates

•

from $321,900

Baden

EASTFOREST HOMES

Baden Country Estates

•

Cambridge

EASTFOREST HOMES

Carriage Lanes

Cambridge

EASTFOREST HOMES

Highland Ridge

•

Cambridge

MATTAMY HOMES

Wildflowers

•

Cambridge

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Aspen Heights

Collingwood

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Georgian Meadows

Collingwood

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Silver Glen Preserve

Fergus

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Westminster Highlands

Georgetown

MENKES

The Enclaves of Upper Canada

Guelph

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Village by the Arboretum

Guelph

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Westminster Woods

Kincardine

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

The Highlands at Hunter Ridge

•

•

BC

Kincardine

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Inverlyn Lake Estates

•

•

BC

Kitchener

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Joy

Kitchener

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Nestings

•

Kitchener

EASTFOREST HOMES

Doon South

•

Kitchener

EASTFOREST HOMES

Eby Estates

Kitchener

EASTFOREST HOMES

Grasslands of Stauffer Woods

Kitchener

EASTFOREST HOMES

Huron Landing

Kitchener

EASTFOREST HOMES

Huron Point

Kitchener

EASTFOREST HOMES

Huron Village

Kitchener

LOSANI HOMES

Doon Creek

Kitchener

LOSANI HOMES

Victoria Common

Kitchener

MONARCH

Topper Woods

•

Kitchener

WILLIAMSBURG HOMES/

Eby Estates

•

48 63

•

63 63

•

from $251,990

• •

BC

•

• •

BC

•

•

•

•

BC from $260's

•

from low $400's •

65&BC 45 BC

•

•

6

BC

•

from $270,200

13

•

from $400's

13 63

• •

•

•

from $345,400

63

•

from $289,990

63

•

63

•

63

•

•

63

•

•

from $287,900

77

•

from $259,900

77

from $345,400

60&BC

40&41

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES Kitchener

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

The Oaks

•

Kitchener

TERRA VIEW HOMES

Edgewater Estates

•

from $380's

Kleinburg

MONARCH

Kleinburg Crown Estates

•

from high $700's 40&41

Meaford

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Gates of Kent

•

BC

•

61

BC

New Hamburg EASTFOREST HOMES

Riverside at New Hamburg

•

63

Owen Sound

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

The Residences of Cobble Beach

•

•

Port Elgin

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Summerside

•

•

Puslinch

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Heritage Lake Estates

•

Scarborough

MONARCH

Evergreen

Thornbury

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Lora Bay

•

•

•

BC

Waterloo

EASTFOREST HOMES

Woodway Trails

•

•

•

63

Waterloo

FOREST PARK HOMES

Vista Hills

•

BC •

•

BC BC

•

from high $400's 40&41

from $399,900

48

MILTON, GEORGETOWN, ROCKWOOD, GUELPH, FERGUS, ELORA, ALMA, CAMBRIDGE, KITCHENER, WATERLOO, AYR

SITES

Halton Hills / Wellington / Waterloo:

BUILDERS

De t.

Se m Bu i ng a To low w Co nho nd m Ad o e ul tL ife sty le

LOCATION

59

NOW OPEN! 2 NEW MODEL HOMES

A HERITAGE COMMUNITY COMPLETE WITH MODERN AMENITIES Eby Estates, an exceptional ENERGY STAR® community, offers delightful singledetached designs that combine architecturally distinct heritage houses with energy efficient products to produce pristine, environmentally friendly homes.

A unique neighbourhood in which the developer has fostered an old-style setting via deeper than average lots, a gracious entryway, heritage-style streetlamps and homes which reflect a by-gone era. Across the board, the designs at Eby Estates are truly spectacular with inspired architecture, unique stone and brick accents and the ambiance of distinct old world craftsmanship. Choose from 30’, 36’ and 40’ Lots.

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APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 61

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//expert advice

Want the best return on your home purchase?

Invest in the kitchen » by Karen Kessel

Karen Kessel is the Broker of Record of Planet Realty Inc., located in Guelph. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the sales and marketing of homes and condominiums across Ontario. She can be reached at Karen@planetrealty.ca or visit planetrealty.ca

Ever wonder why the kitchen is called the heart of the home? In decades past, even a century or two ago, it was the gathering place of the home for purely practical reasons. That’s where the heat was – the hearth – the fireplace. With heat radiating from the burning embers of the fire, families prepared food and served meals, and everyone gathered to stay near the food and the warmth.

Today, there is a figurative sense of warmth that continues in our home designs, as home designers and builders keep kitchens on the front burner, so to speak. Today’s home design wraps around the kitchen. Often barrier-free, today’s kitchen is open and welcoming.

Usually alongside a dining area or Great Room with plentiful seating and a visual connection, the cook is the star of the show surrounded by his or her family or guests.

Because this is where we spend our time, the kitchen has been designed with as many comforts as a living room – a desk for family business, lower cabinets for after school snacks, lower shelves for easier access to the microwave, counters with both chair and stool heights, and sometimes a crafting or scrapbooking area. The larger the kitchen, the more cabinet and counter space. Range hoods and cabinets resembling furniture establish the space as a true family room.

When homebuyers are looking to buy a new home or condominium, their focus is ultimately on the kitchen and these considerations. What are you looking for in your kitchen? Do you bake a lot and need a large surface? Is there

66 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

one cook or two? Will the kids be doing their homework here?

A two-level breakfast bar can define the space, leaving them a lower area while you have an upper counter for your needs. A deep sink for pots and pans with a long-neck faucet is a popular option. Faucets are an art in themselves, with many features and finishes, and instant-on functions to choose from. For entertaining, a second sink in a breakfast bar is ideal for beverage preparation and bar service. Will you have a dining room? If not, collectors opt for glass doors to showcase formal serving pieces, collectibles and family heirlooms.

For new-home buyers, if upgrades are a consideration, this is the place to do it for the best return on that investment.

Granite countertops, wall ovens, cook tops, wine coolers and pantries – add these and the next buyer will thank you.

Backsplashes of patterned tile or the latest mosaic designs, and well-designed, well-placed lighting are additional options that enhance the kitchen with practical, functional features that future purchasers will appreciate.

For the larger family or those who enjoy entertaining, an island or peninsula with additional seating brings everyone closer to the cook and accommodates larger groups. Invest a little extra in stainless steel appliances or coverings to match the cabinets for a seamless design.

If selling your older home may be in the future, consider updating the kitchen. Just as when you’re buying a new home and you’re creating a kitchen with all the bells and whistles, placing your renovation dollars in the kitchen is another good investment with a high rate of return. The only other room that sees this type of return is the bathroom, and I’ll discuss that in a future column. Kitchen renovations are the number one home improvement project, and with good reason. Older homes may have charm, but a sorely outdated kitchen can lower your price (often more than a reno would cost!) and make a sale much more difficult. Even an investment of $10,000 to $20,000 on cabinets, flooring and lighting is money well spent and will be returned in your purchase price.

An updated kitchen is as fashionable as it is functional, and is always a great investment when designing your new home or updating your older home for resale. The kitchen is what makes your house a home.

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APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 67

//FUNDAMENTALLY SPEAKING

Proximity to infrastructure and amenities MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER » by WAYNE KARL

WAYNE KARL

is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business.

In Fundamentally Speaking, Wayne explores the basics – such as economic fundamentals – you need to examine when buying property.

He can be reached at

wayne.karl@wall2wallmedia.com

or follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/WayneKarl

If you’re paying attention to the mayoral race down the highway in Toronto, you know residents there are in for months of rhetoric, bickering, banter and hyperbole. Until Oct. 27, the date of the election, you will hear and read all about the candidates’ views on highway and transit issues, subways versus light-rail, infrastructure needs and a host of other topics.

For homeowners and prospective homebuyers in and around the GTA, including Southwestern Ontario, it all serves as a reminder of just how important some of these matters are: namely, proximity to infrastructure. Indeed, access to a variety of amenities and essentials – from transit to health care to schools to shopping to recreation – are critical determining factors for builders and buyers alike, for lifestyle and comfort while residents live there, as well as for resale potential down the road.

It’s an important topic we’ve written about before in Fundamentally Speaking and elsewhere in New Home & Condo Guide. It’s also a topic home building associations across the country are paying close attention to. Development charges imposed by local and regional municipalities to help pay for new infrastructure, typically total tens of thousands of dollars per home – costs that are passed directly on to new-home buyers.

The federal government has provided some hope in this regard, increasing support for infrastructure development. Still, municipalities across Canada continue to lobby Ottawa to make sure they get their share of available funds to address road and transit needs.

68 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

Faced with such infrastructure and funding challenges, municipalities typically are also considering other options – including new taxes, road tolls and other fees – to help pay for what’s needed.

For homeowners and prospective new-home buyers, then, it is clear that proximity to existing infrastructure and amenities is becoming more important than ever.

With continuing immigration, general growth and construction expansion – all happening at a quicker pace than infrastructure improvements – our highways and transit systems will all be tested until everything catches up.

Consider, for example, the population of the GTA continues to increase by about 100,000 people per year.

Research suggests that by 2031, there could be three million more people living in the area – bringing with them an additional 1.5 million vehicles. You think traffic and transit are challenging now? Just wait.

So, as you’re out shopping for your new home, look around to see how far you are from the nearest highway or rapid transit system that affords you a reasonable commute; and how close you are to health care, schools, shopping and recreation. These communities will be at a premium, now and in future.

homebuyers’ help//

Homebuyers’ Resource Section You love the home, see what you can afford! » Compare mortgage rates for your best deal

» Calculate your mortgage payments using the mortgage payment calculation chart

APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 69

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Calculate your mortgage payments interest rate

amortization period

Chart figure

example: 5%

25 Years

5.82

mortgage amount ÷ 1,000 (mortgage amount $125,000)

125

monthly payment

$

Follow these steps to see if you’ll qualify for a mortgage on your dream home

01 02 03

Calculate the combined monthly before-tax income of you and your spouse.

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

Take the total price of the home and subtract the amount of money you expect to make as a down payment. This is the money you will have to borrow.

04

Refer to the chart on the opposite page. Look down the left column and locate the interest rate you expect to pay.

Line this up with the amortization period of your choice. (Most firsttime buyers take the 25-year amortization.)

05

06 07

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

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

Multiply this figure by the amount you need to borrow.

Divide by 1,000. » Bear in mind that this is a rough estimate. If you have several other large loans already, you may qualify for less. Also, banks and trust companies vary in their policies. The best way to know what you can afford is to go to the lending institution of your choice andget pre-qualified.

72 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

Mortgage payment calculation chart %

Interest rates

amortization periods

10 Years

15 Years

20 Years

25 Years

30 Years

3.00%

9.65

6.90

5.54

4.73

4.21

3.50%

9.88

7.14

5.79

4.99

4.48

3.25% 3.75%

9.76

9.99

4.00%

10.11

4.50%

10.34

4.25% 4.75%

5.00% 5.25%

5.50% 5.75%

6.00% 6.25%

6.50% 6.75%

7.00%

7.25%

7.50%

7.75%

10.23 10.46 10.58

7.38

6.04

5.26

7.63

6.30

5.53

7.50 7.75

7.88

11.31 11.43

8.66

8.80

11.56

8.93

11.81

9.21

11.68

9.07

7.55

7.69

7.84

12.45

12.58

9.76

9.90

10.05

12.84 13.10

13.24 13.37 13.50

13.64

13.77

14.04 14.32

14.46 14.59

10.33 10.63 10.77 10.92

11.06

11.22

11.36

11.52

7.00 7.16

4.90

5.04 5.19

5.34 5.49

5.64 5.79 5.95

6.11

6.26 6.42

6.59

6.75

8.28

7.63

7.25

8.59

7.95

8.74

7.47

7.79

8.12

8.86

8.28

9.20

8.62

9.52

8.95

9.05

9.36 9.68

10.98

12.28

11.31

7.76

7.93

8.45

9.12

9.63

11.97

7.59

8.78

10.16

10.32

7.42

8.10

9.29

10.49

7.08

8.45

9.84

10.00

10.65

12.13

6.70

6.85

4.76

6.91

11.66 11.82

6.40

4.61

7.32

8.44

9.48

5.96

4.34

7.99

9.62

14.18

12.75%

7.41

12.19

12.00% 12.50%

7.12

8.14

13.91

12.25%

6.10

9.34

11.50%

11.75%

6.85

11.94

10.48

11.25%

5.82

6.55

8.53

12.97

11.00%

6.57

7.26

11.19

9.75%

10.75%

5.67

6.25

10.19

10.50%

6.44

5.40

6.98

8.40

12.71

10.25%

6.17

8.27

11.07

8.14

9.25%

10.00%

5.13

10.94

10.82

12.32

9.50%

5.91

6.74

8.50% 9.00%

4.86

8.01

12.06

8.75%

7.26

5.66

10.70

8.00% 8.25%

7.02

9.46

9.80 9.97

10.15

8.28 8.63

8.80 8.98 9.16

9.34

9.52

9.70

9.88

10.81

10.32

10.06

11.15

10.67

10.43

10.49

10.85

10.25 10.61

This table shows the monthly payment of principal and interest for each $1,000 of mortgage. example: The monthly principal and interest payment for a $125,000 mortgage with a 25-year amortization period at 5% is as follows: ($125,000 รท 1,000) X 5.82 = $727.50 APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 73

Compare mortgage rates for your best deal CHARTERED BANKS

Variable

atB financial

2.7

alterna svgs/alterna Bk

2.6

Bank of montreal Bank of nova scotia

3 2.6

Canadian Western Bank Cff Bank CiBC

3

hsBC Bank Canada

2.65

iCiCi Bank Canada manulife Bank

3.05 2.7

national Bank

n/a

president’s Choice finan royal Bank

3 3

td Canada trust tangerine

3 3

6 Months

1 Year

2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

4 6.30op 4 6.30op 4 6.30op 4.55 6.45op 4 6.45op

2.94 6.30op 2.98 6.30op 3.14 6.30op 3.29 6.50op 3.14 6.30op 3.69 3.09 6.35op 2.7 6.35op 3.15 3 4.00op 3.14 6.70op

2.89 6.50op 2.98

2.99

3.04

3.39

2.98

2.94

2.98

3.04

3.85

4.39

2.99

3.14

3.44

2.94

4.79

3.04

3.75

4.39

4.99

3.75 2.79

3.79 3.75

3.79 2.97

3.24 4.99

3.95

2.93

3.09

3.49

3.65 3.05

3.64 3.1

3.69 3.19

3.89 3.24

3.04

3.75

2.99

3.39

3.24 3.04

3.59 3.75

3.69 4.54

4.09 4.94

2.79 3.24

3.44 3.49

2.97 3.69

3.39 3.99

3.25 3.6

3.95 3.7

4.74 4.6

4.99 4.95

2.89 3.14

2.79 3.75

2.94 4.64

3.09 4.99

3.14

3.44

2.94

4.79

3.1

3.33

3.65

3.99

3.25

3.29

2.99

2.99

2.59 3.14

2.79 3.29

2.87 2.95

3.19 3.29

3.14

3.95

4.74

5.34

2.75

2.95

2.9

2.95

3.95 3.14

4.35 3.65

4.89 4.39

5.14 2.95

3.05 2.8

3.15 2.9

3.25 2.95

3.4 3.2

6.70op 4.45 6.20op 4.45 4.4 6.70op 6.30op

3.14 6.30op 3.09 3.19 6.30op

TRUST COMPANIES Community trust effort trust

n/a n/a

home trust Company investors group trust

2.5 n/a

mtCC

2.6

6.5 4.45 6.30op 3.95 4.2 6.50op 4.55 6.45op

3.14 3.25 6.30op 2.89 3.14 6.30op 3.29 6.50op

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS airline financial C.u.

4

Comtech Credit union

2.95

first national fin. lp firstontario C.u.

2.7

london life

n/a

luminus financial

2.55

mCap meridian Credit union

2.6 2.6

parama Credit union steinbach Credit union

2.85 2.5

6.2 6.40op 3.95 6.34op 4.2 6.50op

4

3.01 6.25op 2.99 6.30op 2.99 3.09 6.34op 3.14 6.30op 3.05 6.3 3.6 3.09 6.30op 2.85 2.7

notes: **interest rate charged subject to adjustment during term mortgage. please consult institution for term of years available. all rates are prime rates and subject to change without notice. r.o.r. rates on reQuest op open ----- not Quoting n/a not aVailaBle apri 7, 2014. prepared By fiscal agents financial information services 905.844.7700

74 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

hot dates//

apr 12-13

apr 18-20

Taste of Niagara on the Lake

Easter Festival

On the Friday night, there's a wine and cheese reception. On Saturday night, enjoy a five course progressive dinner through five of the top restaurants in town. Each course paired with wine. atasteofniagara.ca

Egg hunt with the Easter Bunny, wagon rides, puppet show, Fun Farm Yard, bunny ears to wear and more. springridgefarm.com

apr 12-13

downtown St. catharineS St. catharineS

493 regent St. niagara on the lake

Oakville Lifestyle Home Show

glen abbey recreation centre oakville

apr 12 to 26

Oakville residents use the Oakville Lifestyle Home Show as their major source for home improvement investments. It offers consumers convenient, one-stop shopping in a comfortable, low key and local environment. jenkinsshow.com apr 12-13

Calendar of events London Spring Home beginning from & Garden Show April 12 to weStern fair diStrict 26, 2014 london Southwestern Ontario's largest home and

garden show in it's 38th year! Everything for your home and garden with more than 330 exhibitors under one roof. londonhomeandgardenshow.com

Springridge farm milton

apr 25-27

In the Soil

In the Soil is an explosion of creativity in downtown St. Catharines – three days of music, media, theatre, dance, installations and one-time, out-of-thebox performance experiences. inthesoil.on.ca apr 26-27

The Vintage Marketplace 2014

careport centre hamilton

A two-day vintage lifestyle shopping event – antique furniture, fashion, textiles, housewares, decor and jewellery and more. thevintagemarketplace.ca

APRIL 12 - 26, 2014 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 75

Advertiser index Bayview wellington: Victoria Village

4

menkes developments: Enclaves of Upper Canada

Bayview wellington: Niagara-on-the-Green

5

monarch: Corporate

Branthaven homes: Multi-site

12 & 13

mountainview homes: Corporate

45

40 & 41 9

Bucci homes: Bliss

38

new horizon homes: Mint Condominiums

37

claysam homes: Neighbourhoods of Devonshire

27

mississauga home show

52

phelps homes: Multi-site

32 65

countrygreen homes: The Uptowns of Waterdown

7

dawn victoria homes: Evergreens

35

reid’s heritage: Westminster Highlands

eastforest homes: Grasslands of Stauffer Woods

63

reid’s heritage: Corporate

empire communities: Multi-site forest park homes: Corporate great gulf: Rolling Meadows/Edgewood

2&3 48 IBC

BC

rosehaven homes: Corporate

34

rosehaven homes: On the Ridge

33

schuit homes: Perth Park

49

homes By desantis: Fiera Collection/Lincoln Square

11

senator homes: Havelock Corners

20

homes By desantis: On the Ridge

33

sifton properties: Westwood Village

25

kingwood homes: Village on the Grand/Riverwalk

39

solmar development corp: Cannery Park

51

lakeview homes: Cannery Park

51

starward homes: Country Ridge Estates

53

milton home show

50

td Bank

16

losani homes: Fairgrounds

77

terra view homes: Edgewater Estates

61

tillsonBurg developments: Baldwin Place

21

williamsBurg homes: Eby Estates

60

mattamy homes: Wildflowers

6

mattamy homes: Hawthorne Village

17

menkes developments: Millstone on the Park

44

76 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

//community focus

GREAT GULF HOMES | Multi-site

Step beyond the quality myth and into the reality of

A GreAt Gulf home

A

t Great Gulf Homes, perfection is much more than having the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a good-sized yard, great location… In reality, perfection begins at the foundation, extending up through the framing with quality placed first and foremost.

While quality is a word as overused as last year’s “tree canopy” and references to “fresh” and “natural,” it is a concept that is easily quantified by Great Gulf Homes. “Quality isn’t a myth when you understand its true meaning,” explains Great Gulf ’s Karen Gold.

Great Gulf contracts Brockport, an indoor construction site where all framing is done mechanically and in controlled conditions to minimize moisture content in lumber.

Using the indoor facility, Great Gulf can assure homebuyers their homes will be built square from day one. It uses a robotic process that enables framing to take place in two days rather than two weeks; a process that greatly reduces the incidences of warping and mold in 78 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | APRIL 12 - 26, 2014

the wood. “In fact, other builders request our framing, which is a huge compliment,” says Gold.

Every Great Gulf home begins in this manner, whether it’s being built in the GTA or one of the company’s newest communities in Niagara.

With sound construction practices in place and world-class designers contributing their know-how, Great Gulf then focuses on extensive economic and geographical research to determine locations for its communities such as Edgewood in Niagara Falls and Rolling Meadows in Thorold. As Niagara embarks on an ambitious plan to cultivate business and manufacturing, Great Gulf has communities in place to greet the influx of employees that greater economic growth will bring.

This type of commitment to quality at every level comes with a price, but a price the savvy consumer will accept, explains Gold.

In fact, Rolling Meadows is attracting buyers from the GTA, including repeat and move-up buyers, who are saving as much as $300,000 on their homes and investing the savings in additional upgrades, creating a level of luxury partnered with a quality seldom seen in Niagara communities. “Not only are we defining quality, but we are driving up the value in these areas. We’re presenting a quality living experience and our buyers recognize that. They know they’re getting a Mercedes at a huge savings by buying here.”

Investing in quality of life, Great Gulf has built Active House in Thorold. These key components of a quality home promote well-being through cleaner air, more natural light and perfect climate control to improve the overall quality of life.

“That’s the best definition of a quality home that I’ve ever seen,” says Gold.

Soon, these systems will be available to all new-home buyers through Great Gulf ’s new décor centre that opens in Toronto this summer.

Both Edgewood and Rolling Meadows are “10 minutes from everywhere.” It’s 10 minutes to Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, the U.S. border, live theatre, the Wine Route, golf, shopping, recreation… and Hwy. 406 and the QEW offer quick access for commuters. And they do – commute from their stunning Great Gulf homes to Oakville, Mississauga and Toronto proving they can and do Live Greatly in Niagara.

For more information, visit greatgulf.com

GREAT SAVINGS IN NIAGARA! Discover the best of life in Niagara with Great Gulf

GREATGULF.COM

BUY NOW AND SAVE ANCE!

Victory’s biggest sales event has been extended for a limited time! We only have a few 42’ homesites still available. Visit us today to take advantage of one of two irresistible offers!

The time has never been better to make your move to a new

STONEY CREEK ROLLING MEADOWS, THOROLD

TRUE Freehold Towns from

TRUE Freehold 2-Storey Towns from

296,990

289,990

$

$

34' Detached from

42' Detached from

$503,990 406,990 Lot 23 • The Erie • 2,300 sq. ft. on a 42 ft. lot Lot 38 • The Bartlett • 2,480 sq. ft. on a 42 ft. lot $380990 $380990 $370990 $370990 $

Now From

Now From

22 Green Mountain Rd. W., STONEY CREEK 905.930.7934

EDGEWOOD, NIAGARA FALLS

READY TO LIVE HOMES

NIAGARA

Detached from

294,990

$

TRUE Freehold Townhomes from

30' Detached from

291,990

209,990

$

36' Detached from

331,990

44' Detached from

30' Detached from

36' Detached from

$

$

44' Detached from

46' Detached from

$

$

279,990 359,990

McLeod Rd. & Kalar Rd., NIAGARA 905.354.1710

BINBROOK 905.692.6000

Lot 36 • The Stamford • 1,755 sq. ft. on a 40 ft. lot Now From

219,990

$

309,990

381,990

$

TRUE Freehold Park Townhomes from

$

239,990

$

$336990

PHASE 3 NOW AVAILABLE!

$326990

Lot 8 • The Butler • 2,195 sq. ft. on a 40 ft. lot

$354990

Now From

$344990

2013

Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. E. & O.E. Illustrations are artist’s concept. All square footages are approximate. Actual usable space varies from stated floor area.

Prices, sizes and specifications are subject to change without notice. *Please see Sales for full details, the Easy Buy ™ Program is not available at Imagine. **Applies to select 42' homesites, please see Sales for full details. ***Limited time offer, for closings 12 months or later, please see Sales for full details.

Map not to scale. Exclusive listing brokerage: TFN Realty Inc. Broker Protected. E. & O.E.

EMPIRE IS ENERGY STAR PLUS!

empirecommunities.com

THOUSANDS! Great Gulf home in 2 fabulous Niagara communities

• Award winning, designer inspired homes • Just minutes from everything: shopping, schools, parks, Hwy. 406 and more!

N

Lot 5 • The Queenston • 2,810 sq. ft. on a 42 ft. lot

$390990

Now From

$380990

SALES OFFICE: 1 Sunset Way off Barker Parkway and Hwy. 58 Thorold (905) 680-0841

• An outstanding, fully established community.

Walk to parks, schools and shopping!

• Fabulous upgrades included!

m

Lot 161 • The Montrose • 1,740 sq. ft. on a 50 ft. lot

$389990

Now From

$379990

Garner Rd.

Thorold Townline

m

N

Thorold Stone Rd.

Lundy’s Ln. McLeod Rd.

SALES OFFICE: 9118 Forestview Blvd. off Garner Road Niagara Falls (905) 356-9408

Sales office hours: Sat. & Sun. 12pm - 5pm • Mon. - Wed. 2 - 7pm • Closed Thurs. & Fri.

GREATGULF.COM

Build with the best.

Reid’s Heritage Homes is recognized as an industry leader – named 2013 Ontario Home Builder of the Year, and honoured with many environmental, quality, customer service, and employee satisfaction awards.

All of this simply underlines the reality that when you choose a home in one of Reid’s Heritage Homes’ fine communities throughout Ontario, you are investing in the best: the best quality, the best reputation, the best team – the best for you and your family.

reidsheritagehomes.com Cambridge | Collingwood | Fergus | Guelph | Kitchener | Meaford | Owen Sound | Port Elgin | Puslinch | Thornbury