Toronto Real Estate Blog

New Urbanism is a new take on old ideals promises safe, neighbourly communities

By J. Lynn Fraser – New Dream Homes and Condos Magazine

Homeowners want more than an address when they buy a new home. They want a sense of community. New Urbanism is a design style for both homes and neighbourhoods that promises safe, neighbourly communities.

Considered a holistic approach to community design, New Urbanism is supposed to reduce the gap between where the homeowner lives, works and shops by cutting down on the amount of driving needed. Designers of New Urbanist communities take into consideration the sharing of amenities, the street and public spaces in their design.

New Urbanism is a reaction to the sprawling housing developments that dotted North American urban centres after the Second World War. Neighbourhoods in the New Urbanism style tend to be suburban with a distinct centre and borders. According to the Centre for New Urbanism, the optimal size of a neighbourhood is one-quarter mile from that centre to the border. Ideally, the neighbourhood’s centre is a public space like a square, a green space or a main intersection.

These communities are found in 20 countries worldwide, such as the Philippines, the United States and Finland.

Prof. Robert Levit, director of the University of Toronto’s Master of Urban Design program, describes New Urbanism communities as being “mixed use: apartments, houses and semi-row houses.” This neighbourhood design focuses on how these types of dwellings “relate to the street and public spaces,” Levit comments. He adds that this type of design is a reaction to how homes in subdivisions are disconnected from each other.

Individual houses are often “neo-traditionalist” by echoing late 19th and early 20th century design with front porches, pitched roofs, side entrances and garages opening onto back laneways. This design is meant to de-emphasize the dominance of garages facing streets. Neighbourliness, as well as safety, is supposed to be encouraged by New Urbanism communities.

Dr. Paul Hess, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Geography and Planning Department, is studying three New Urbanism communities in Toronto and Oakville, one of which is one hundred years old and the other two developed in the last decade. Hess is unable to say if these communities are more neighbourly or if car use was reduced. In fact, the community at Woodbine Avenue and Queen Street in Toronto is “still strongly car-based,” despite being so close to Toronto’s downtown.

Hess says that the New Urbanism homes’ design does show some evidence of lane parties and “kids playing there.” But Hess also finds a mixed response to the laneways. They were not, however, seen as a security problem. In the Woodbine community, for example, Hess finds that despite the fact that driving has not been reduced and increased neighbourliness and security is unclear, the neighbourhood is well liked by the homeowners. In fact, the value of the homes has increased.

One of the key factors in New Urbanism homes may be the commitment of the homeowners to a certain set of values, not just the homes’ and community’s design. New Urbanism demonstrates the desire of homeowners to be more connected to each other. They want to live in a community where people, not cars and garages, are most important.

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The Canadian Real Estate Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice has been the measure of professionalism in organized real estate for over 40 years. The first code was approved in 1913 at the convention of the National Association of Real Estate Boards held in Winnipeg. The first Code of Ethics specifically prepared for members of The Canadian Real Estate Association was approved by members in 1959.

The Code establishes a standard of conduct, which in many respects exceeds basic legal requirements. This standard ensures that that the rights and interests of consumers of real estate services are protected. As a condition of membership, all real estate agents agree to abide by the Code.

Some of the requirements of the Code include:

1. Real estate agents must disclose in writing whom they are representing as an agent in the transaction. Parties to a transaction must be told what their agency relationship is to the real estate agent.

2. Definitions, terminology and presumed agency relationships vary from province to province. Most jurisdictions have their own forms for complying with disclosure requirements, which have been drafted to accommodate agency relationships as they exist in your province or territory.

3. All financial arrangements between real estate agents and others (e.g. referral fees, compensation from more than one party, rebates or profits on expenditures) must be fully disclosed to clients.

4. Real estate agents cannot acquire an interest in property (either directly or indirectly) without disclosing the fact that they are real estate professionals.

5. Real estate agents cannot use the terms of an agreement of purchase and sale to negotiate commission.

While the Code of Ethics establishes obligations that may be higher than those mandated by law, in any instance where the Code of Ethics and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must take precedence.

A real estate agent’s ethical obligations are based on moral integrity, competent service to clients and customers, and dedication to the interest and welfare of the public. The Code has been amended many times to reflect changes in the real estate marketplace, the needs of property owners and the perceptions and values of society. For more than forty years, through a variety of updates, the Canadian Real Estate Association Code of Ethics is unchanged in demanding high standards of professional conduct to protect the interests of clients and customers and safeguard the rights of consumers of real estate services.

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From Tridel

Your new Tridel condo comes with an extensive warranty program and is guaranteed by Tarion (formerly ONHWP – Ontario New Home Warranty Program), a private corporation that protects the statutory warranty rights of new home buyers under the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. Every new home and condo built in Ontario is designed to meet or surpass both the structural requirements and the health and safety standards of the Ontario Building Code.

Tarion is a government regulated organization which regulates and licenses all builders and vendors of new homes in Ontario, and provides the following safeguards and benefits to all new home and condo purchasers.

1. Deposit protection of up to a maximum of $20,000
2. A one-year all purpose warranty against defects in workmanship and materials
3. A two-year “power train” warranty against defects regarding the electrical, plumbing and heating delivery/distribution systems, as well as violations of the Ontario Building Code’s health and safety provisions
4. In addition to providing warranty coverage for the individual unit, (up to a maximum of $150,000), Tarion provides warranty coverage for the common elements of the condominium, (up to a maximum of $2.5 million)
5. Protection against major structural defects (for 7 years)
6. Protection against substitutions of key elements in a new home made without the purchaser’s approval, in those cases where the agreement of purchase and sale expressly allows the purchaser to make choices regarding such elements
7. Compensation and protection to purchasers for delayed closings

All builders are required to deliver the most current version of the Homeowner Information Package published by the Tarion Warranty corporation. This package explains how the new home warranty process works including how to submit a claim to Tarion and outlining the time lines to respond to complaints. To download a copy of the Homeowner Information Package in PDF format, please visit the Tarion web site.

The warranty coverage begins from the date of occupancy (not move-in, if they are different) and remains in effect from that date, even if the unit is sold. It is important that you understand the difference between warranty items (which are covered by us) and maintenance items, which are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Suite coverage is divided into one, two and seven year protection against defects in work and materials. More details about this coverage are outlined below:

One-Year Warranty Protection

The builder warrants that the home is free from defects in work and materials, is fit to live in and meets the Ontario Building Code requirements. It essentially covers all noted building deficiencies listed in the CCP (Certificate of Completion and Possession) and otherwise brought to Tarion’s attention in writing before the end of the 1st year. If Tarion does not receive notice in writing within the 1-year warranty period, then the claim may not be allowed.

Note: Purchasers may claim from Tarion within the 1 year period for items not completed by the builder on the home/condo, for up to a maximum of 2% of the purchase price of the home, or $5,000.00, whichever is greater.

Two-Year Warranty Protection

The builder warrants for 2 years that there is no:
* Water seepage in the basement or foundation walls. (In condominiums, this protection includes all below ground areas such as parking garages)
* Defects in materials and work including caulking, windows and doors ensuring that the building envelope prevents water penetration
* Defects in material and work in the electrical, plumbing and heating delivery and distribution systems
* Defects in materials and work which result in the detachment, displacement or deterioration of exterior cladding, leading to detachment or serious deterioration
* Violations of the Ontario Building Code’s health and safety provisions

Seven-Year Warranty Protection

The builder warrants for 7 years that there are no major structural defects, which are defined as any defect in material or work that results in the failure of a load-bearing part of the home’s structure, or any defect in material or work that significantly and adversely affects the purchaser’s home.

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information

A New Experience In Condominium Living

Verve Building

Today, environmental conservation is an issue that concerns everyone, and as Canada’s largest condo developer, Tridel is taking the initiative to new levels in the condominium industry. Through it’s “Naturally Better” program, the company is working to reduce harmful greenhouse gases, waste, pollution and increasing energy costs by implementing environmentally sustainable design and construction practices, along with environmentally friendly features and finishes in all its new communities. Verve, Tridel’s newest downtown condo, will be an illustration of the company’s environmental policy, with residents seeing the direct benefits of green building, through higher performance and efficiency, a healthier living environment and reduced maintenance costs.

Verve will be a new experience in condominium living that will feed off the vibrant energy of the surrounding urban environment, and the spirit of its residents. Offering resort-style condominium living, Verve will provide the comforts of home and the style of today’s coolest boutique hotels. Located on Wellesley Street East, just east of Jarvis Street, this condominium community will anchor a new masterplanned community on the former Wellesley Hospital site. Positioned right on the edge of architectural design, this stunning building will also be healthy and energy efficient, taking the lead as one of the first truly “green” condos in the city.

Pushing the boundaries in architectural design, Burka-Varacalli Architects has made Verve a powerful visual statement, in both the local neighbourhood and on the Toronto skyline, with its 39-storey point tower of shimmering glass and concrete elements, and its hip, urban 7-storey loft building linked by a central lobby. Verve’s tower facade has been shaped to take advantage of some of the unique elements of the surrounding landscape, following the curving path of Wellesley Street as it passes by.

Verve – Hip and Healthy Living Spaces

Verve will offer 344 one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom and two-bedroom plus den tower suites with nine-foot ceilings. Ranging in size from 861 to 1,085 square feet, each suite is accompanied by either a French balcony, balcony or terrace. Tower suites are priced from $303,000 to $371,000. A series of large Signature Collection suites will also be released at a later date. The loft building will be home to 86 one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom and two-bedroom plus den lofts with ceiling heights ranging from nine to fourteen feet. Every design features either a patio, balcony or terrace, and two-storey lofts make up the top floor of the building. Loft suites range in size from 629 to 1404 square feet and are priced from $241,000 to $561,000.

Verve – The Urban Resort

In addition to leading edge living spaces, Verve will offer residents resort-style living with first-rate amenities and outstanding design. Verve’s central lobby and recreation facilities have been designed as fluid spaces that are open, inviting and pulsing with the life of the community. The two-storey lobby, created by Mike Niven Interior Design Inc., has a suspended second floor made of frosted glass, translucent light panels that change colour over the course of the day, and suspended ornamental artwork that also reflect the coloured light.

The design of the party room, with its bar and caterers’ kitchen, is flexible to meet many uses, whether it be an intimate dinner party or a much larger gathering of friends. Residents can also kick back and play a game of pool in the billiards room or watch a movie in the private screening theatre. And, residents will no longer need their gym membership, as Verve’s fitness centre and aerobics studio will offer state-of-the-art fitness equipment, sound systems and televisions.
Roof Top Swimming Pool

As importantly, Verve will provide residents with an urban oasis reminiscent of South Beach amid the bustling city. On top of the loft building, residents can spend their hot summer nights relaxing while overlooking the city. The roof is home to an outdoor swimming pool with a water wall, breezy cabanas, sunning decks and patios with barbecues. With special lighting adding atmosphere in the evening, residents will be able to entertain their guests, day or night.

Verve – Toronto at Your Door

As Verve is part of the overall masterplanned community, residents will also be able to enjoy a stunning urban park designed by internationally acclaimed landscape architect, Cornelia Oberlander. Oberlander has designed public spaces for many projects including the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the Canadian Embassy in Berlin and the Canadian Chancellery in Washington, DC. A recipient of the Order of Canada, she believes that it is imperative to provide “green living for city dwellers”, and the theme for the park is “healthy cities.”

Verve is also perfectly located to offer its residents the very best that Toronto has to offer. Just a short walk from Yonge Street, residents can take advantage of some of the best restaurants, shopping and entertainment. A stroll north up Yonge Street leads to the shops of Bloor Street, while a walk south takes residents to College Park, which is home to a large Dominion, the Eaton Centre and numerous restaurants and theatres. To travel further afield in an environmentally friendly way, residents also have access to the TTC at the Wellesley or Sherbourne subway stations.

Builder Known for Quality

Tridel is Canada’s leading developer and builder of condominiums residences with more than 70 years of homebuilding experience. To date the Tridel Group of Companies is responsible for producing over 66,500 homes, and continues to lead the industry in innovation, technology and design. Tridel is determined to develop condominium communities that meet the needs of today’s homeowners while safeguarding the wellbeing of future generations. The company is working to meet this goal by focusing on environmentally sustainable building design, performance in construction and corporate stewardship. Tridel is also a member of the Canada Green Building Council. In recognition of Tridel’s outstanding service to its homeowners, Tridel has also been awarded the coveted Customer Service High-Rise Builder of the Year Award by Tarion Warranty Corporation, and High-Rise Home Builder of the Year by the Greater Toronto Home Builders’ Association.

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information

Coming Soon: King West Condominiums in Liberty Village at King West and Strachan!

Plazacorp quality in design, architecture, finishes and features is coming this spring to Liberty Village! Full-sized suites, upscale interior design, richer finishes, impressive architecture and enhanced value, hallmarks of every Plazacorp condominium, will set a new standard for Liberty Village and you will be among the first to know about it! We’ll keep you updated as soon as we have any new information. In the meantime, if you have any friends who are interested in owning a Plazacorp-quality condominium in Liberty Village, forward this blog post to them and tell them to contact us and register to be kept up to date. We’ll keep YOU posted as soon as we know more.

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West Harbour City Phases 1 & 2 – Construction Update

If you’ve driven by the Fleet Street site for West Harbour City Phases 1 & 2 lately, you’ll have noticed that the old Molson building is now almost completely demolished, and you would have also noticed a big red construction crane on the site of Phase 1.

The demolition process was incredibly onerous as the Molson Brewery building had been engineered to a far higher standard than any conventional residential or commercial building would ever be, in order to be able to support the massive 2-storey high beer brewing vats on each of the building’s 5 storeys, each holding tens of thousands of litres of beer. Even the below grade “demolition” was onerous, as the building used concrete and steel driven right down to bedrock in its original construction.

But the demolition is now done (and environmentally managed too; as you may have read in earlier newsletters, demolition was carried out in such a way as to ensure that the maximum amount of material was recycled, steel back to steel, and concrete crushed to make gravel for new roads).

The crane on the West Harbour City Phase 1 site is now proceeding with the construction of the underground parking structures which will form the foundations for the first phase and, in September, once all of the remaining debris from the demolition process is removed, “shoring” for phase 2 is slated to begin. “Shoring” is the process of installing perimeter walls below ground level all around the foundations of the building while excavation of the basement parking levels proceeds; the shoring walls keep the sides of the construction site in place while the Phase 2 parking is being excavated and then built. It won’t be long before there are several cranes on the West Harbour City site working on construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 simultaneously. We’ll keep you posted on Phase 3 when we have any news.

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900 Mt. Pleasant – Topping Off

In every field, there are milestones that deserve to be celebrated, and, in highrise construction “topping off” is one of those milestones. When a building is topped off, it means that concrete for the top of the top floor (the ceiling of the Penthouse Suites) has been completed and, although there’s lots still to be done, it marks the point where the essential structure of the building is complete and, once the heavy rooftop heating and cooling units and elevator and other mechanical units have been hoisted up to the roof, the massive construction cranes can begin to be dismantled.

The topping off for 900 Mt. Pleasant, a party held for all the workers who have laboured on the project, is scheduled for the first half of September. (This is a construction workers party only: this is still a construction site, and still a dangerous place.) If you drive by 900 Mt. Pleasant in the coming weeks, you’ll begin to see the other exterior work progressing once the structure is complete: brick is arriving daily and being “laid up” along the building, and truckloads of windows are also arriving on site daily and are going to be installed in sync with the brick and other exterior materials. It won’t be long before 900 Mt. Pleasant starts to display its finished character to passersby.

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information