Construction Season in the GTA means Condo’s Galore
In Canada, there is a joke that there are only two seasons: winter and construction season. Spring means the beginning of road repairs, especially those pesky potholes. Buildings and homes can be built quicker and easier in the spring and summer months versus the winter. Developers and construction managers get to work, putting in the overtime to keep their projects on time and on budget.
Although for residents and tourists alike, construction can be annoying, dirty work; it actually signals that the economy is thriving and growing. Therefore, construction is good news. Increased job opportunities, more affordable housing and environmentally efficient buildings are at the forefront of discussion this spring. All of these factors are considered when designing and developing a new building, especially in the condominium and rental housing market.
Increase in construction for all neighbourhoods
If you live anywhere close to the GTA, you have seen the spike in condo developments. In the article Condo Real Estate Trends for 2019, the rising trend of family-friendly suites and suburban condominiums is explained. Condominium living has been accepted as more affordable, convenient, amenity-rich and accessible. Whether you decide to rent or own, there is most likely an appealing condo design with all the amenities you need right in your neighborhood.
There are some specific projects in Toronto that are making headlines. Sidewalk Labs Toronto and Sugar Wharf are two large waterfront projects that are expected to be tech savvy, green and pedestrian friendly. These condominiums will be more than boxed living spaces. The focus is on community rich environments where “work and play live happily”. The Bayside wood buildings are also about connectivity and community. Interaction between residents, office workers and outdoor elements will be built into the design of the buildings.
What makes these three projects, and many more, so exciting is that they are being built in an area of Toronto that has not had any large-scale construction. There has not been much residential growth in the lakeshore east corridor. It is not only Toronto’s waterfront that is being heavily developed. All along GTA’s waterfront from Bowmanville to Hamilton, new condos are rising. Construction will be plentiful all summer long, and the population is expanding.
It is not always love in the air
According to the article The most hated condos of 2019 a lot of “their incoming projects are usually towering buildings breaking bylaws, cutting through communities or set to replace historic homes”. Understandably, neighbourhoods can often become irritated by a demanding condo intruding into the low-rise landscape; yet most often these new condominiums bring vibrant and refurbished architecture enhancing communities instead of attacking them. From construction to opening day, increased noise, traffic and people will be apparent. Construction season is in full swing by July.
Another example of complete redesign and mass construction is Yorkdale mall in Northwest GTA. This project, titled ‘Yorkdale Master Plan’ is not under construction yet, but when it does break ground, the name of the game is residences. The GTA needs more housing, and huge malls are becoming a thing of the past. Therefore, this massive mall area will need to initiate a change soon or else risk the chance of becoming obsolete mainly due to internet shopping. The plans include a lot of residences and an active community culture rather than the current concrete mass off the highway. Developers eventually hope to turn Yorkdale Shopping Centre into the heart of a bustling residential community.
New condo construction projects are leaning towards whole community integration, including family friendly amenities, eco-friendly alternatives, and work-life balance. Hopefully with these built-for-life condos, current area residents can see the benefits to a growing city and make a little room in their neighbourhoods for some new comers.