Living Next to the Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Square in Downtown Toronto

Maple Leaf Square Gets Set to Welcome Film Fest

MLS to Host TIFF Party

Big Plans for MLS for the Film Fest 

Ready, Set, Go! The Maple Leaf Square Condo, Hotel and Retail development at the ACC is getting ready to host some fabulous Film Fest Parties this coming week. In fact, when I was down there this weekend, it looked as though work had been completed on the renewed Bremner Blvd. which has been rebuilt as a interlocking stone roadway. Must say that it does leave an impression, and I wish more streets in the city experimented with different design elements.

As for the TIFF Party it will be hosted at the "Real Sports Bar and Grill" already one of my favorite spots to catch a game and grab a bit to eat, it's also massive fun for UFC fights, which I believe another big one is coming to Toronto in the next 2 weeks or so, featuring a Jon "Bones" Jones.

The Toronto International Film fest party is set to welcome all the big A List stars from Hollywood on opening night including the rumoured pair of Bruce Willis and Joesph Gordon-Levitt in the film Looper. Here is some of the press recorded about the event in the Toronto Star

Toronto Star

An estimated 3,000 invited guests will mingle among Maple Leaf Square’s restaurants, including the 25,000-square-foot Real Sports Bar & Grill, which has room for 1,000 guests and features 199 high-def TV screens, plus e11even with its private patio. Other outdoor spaces around the complex at York St. and Bremner Blvd. will also welcome TIFF guests.
Hershenhorn said she’s hoping for a clear, warm fall night — no rain, please — as Rian Johnson’s time-travel thriller Looper, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt and Bruce Willis, kicks off the 11-day festival, which wraps up Sept. 16.

• Toronto Accommodation
• L'Germain Hotel Toronto - Maple Leaf Square  
• Toronto Rental Properties - Air Canada Centre 
• Toronto Longos Apartment Rental - Condo 
• Toronto - Real Sports Bar and Grill 
• Toronto Telus House and Maple Leaf Square

Maple Leaf Square Gets Set to Welcome Film Fest

MLS to Host TIFF Party

Big Plans for MLS for the Film Fest

Ready, Set, Go! The Maple Leaf Square Condo, Hotel and Retail development at the ACC is getting ready to host some fabulous Film Fest Parties this coming week. In fact, when I was down there this weekend, it looked as though work had been completed on the renewed Bremner Blvd. which has been rebuilt as a interlocking stone roadway. Must say that it does leave an impression, and I wish more streets in the city experimented with different design elements.

As for the TIFF Party it will be hosted at the "Real Sports Bar and Grill" already one of my favorite spots to catch a game and grab a bit to eat, it's also massive fun for UFC fights, which I believe another big one is coming to Toronto in the next 2 weeks or so, featuring a Jon "Bones" Jones.

The Toronto International Film fest party is set to welcome all the big A List stars from Hollywood on opening night including the rumoured pair of Bruce Willis and Joesph Gordon-Levitt in the film Looper. Here is some of the press recorded about the event in the Toronto Star

Toronto Star

An estimated 3,000 invited guests will mingle among Maple Leaf Square’s restaurants, including the 25,000-square-foot Real Sports Bar & Grill, which has room for 1,000 guests and features 199 high-def TV screens, plus e11even with its private patio. Other outdoor spaces around the complex at York St. and Bremner Blvd. will also welcome TIFF guests.
Hershenhorn said she’s hoping for a clear, warm fall night — no rain, please — as Rian Johnson’s time-travel thriller Looper, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt and Bruce Willis, kicks off the 11-day festival, which wraps up Sept. 16.

• Toronto Accommodation
• L'Germain Hotel Toronto - Maple Leaf Square  
• Toronto Rental Properties - Air Canada Centre 
• Toronto Longos Apartment Rental - Condo 
• Toronto - Real Sports Bar and Grill 
• Toronto Telus House and Maple Leaf Square

Getting a Mortgage and Mortgage Insurance through Aviva Canada for financing a loan to purchase at FIVE Condos is actually a relatively easy process, and new rules from the federal government has required that company include new regulations, which have made the home loan and mortgage process a bit more difficult. Those changes at Aviva Canada include shortening the amortization period for which the loan can be held by the consumer, and the degree to which the property is financed by the mortgage. They have also increased deposit requirements to lift the loan insurance amount. Mortgage insurance from Aviva Canada is actually one of the major financing costs on home loans.

ICE from Harbour Street - October 2012

ICE Construction Photo Update

Taller ICE Tower at present looks to be up about 45 Floors

Second Taller tower, currently the shorter tower, is up about 21 floors of a total of 67 floors

ICE is the second project in Southcore for the developer Lanterra, which completed the first project Maple Leaf Square 3 years ago. 

ICE Condo towers will redefine the Toronto Skyline with Scandinavian Cool Culture. 

I'm looking forward to how these twin towers, and the office component progress over the coming year. 

Toronto - Southcore

Thes Southcore area is located between Harbourfront and Union Station, and between Yonge Street and Spadina to the West. It is one of the fastest growing areas in the downtown core. The towers here tend to be taller, due to restricted available land. Tallest towers currently are the Maple Leaf Square towers at 54, 45 floors and the Pinnacle Development with towers ranging from 53 to 54 floors in height. ICE Towers will be the tallest development in the area to date, and with the downsizing of both, Harbourplaza and Ten York, it will remain the tallest residential development in the area for the forseeable future.

From the Developer Website:

ICE, the residential component of York Centre consists of two towers of 67 and 57 storeys respectively, which along with its adjacent 31-storey office tower face a landscaped public square and extend the PATH as it directly connects to Maple Leaf Square. The distinct Scandinavian design of ICE features an iconic canopy element with an extensive green roof.

Maple Leaf Square and Air Canada Centre

Maple Leaf Square and Air Canada Centre

With PATH Connection and Skywalk

 

Just to the East of the Maple Leaf Square Condo

Air Canada Centre is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors Basketball Team. It is also a major concert and entertainment venue in the downtown Toronto Core.

Toronto Maple Leaf Fans Get Closer at MLS

Toronto Maple Leaf Fans Get Closer at MLS


A Brief History of England
Danica Patrick To Make History at Daytona 500
Simona Halep Has the Biggest Round Assets In Tennis
Global Condo Craze, Is Your Country at Risk
Toronto To Los Angeles - Highrise Comparison 
Toronto Condo Market Remains Steady into 2013


Now that Hockey Season is back on, after the long, long NHL Strike, Hockey Fans are making all efforts to get back into the game. One way for them to do this is with the purchase of property at the Maple Leaf Square Condo built as part of the Air Canada Complex at Bremner and York. The towers have direct access to Air Canada Centre and it's facilities so you can get to the game in a flash.

Maple Leaf Square was built in partnership with Cadillac Fairview, Lanterra and the Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment Group. In fact in the lower floors of the condo has a Real Sports Bar and Grill, and a Real Sports Apparel Shop. So you've never to far from the game regardless of your interest in sports, as the Air Canada Centre is also home to the Toronto Raptors.

As a bonus, Air Canada Centre is the premier entertainment facility in Toronto hosting concerts from all your favourite celebrities, from Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Justin Beiber.

One King West

Scotiabank Sells Scotia Plaza 

TD Bank Tower and The Falling Man

Top Ten Economic Cities of the United States

Top Ten Economic Cities of Canada 

Canadian Major City Populations

Maple Leaf Square, 60 Harbour, and ICE Condo

Maple Leaf Square, 60 Harbour, and ICE Condos

In this combo shot, we have Maple Leaf Square from Bay Street and Harbour in front of the Harbour 60 Steak House which itself is set to turn into an office tower at some point, the property is owned by Oxford.

ICE Condo continues its rise in Southcore and is very visible from this angle. Also rising just out of this shot is the Waterpark Place development to which the RBC is moving its Canadian Headquarters.

Toronto is in the middle of an unprecedented building boom for a North American City. As the world climbs out of the mess of the Financial Crisis Toronto seems to have found its global footings at this exact same time. Already on of the world's top 10 Financial Capitals this position was cemented as the Canadian Banks withstood the downturn with flying colours.

Also in the shot: Telus House and Air Canada Centre ACC

Maple Leaf Square from Air Canada Centre

Maple Leaf Square from ACC

This update from Southcore Financial Centre just in front of Telus House and Union Station. Maple Leaf Square is the large condo complex that also houses the Eleven Restaurant and the Real Sports Bar and Grill. This photo is looking west down Bremner towards York Street. 

Condo Construction Update - Lanterra

Burano - Lanterra Developments

 

Lanterra Has a Flare for Urban Renewal - Toronto Star:


In just over a decade in the condo business, the duo behind Lanterra Developments has demonstrated a talent for transforming neglected parts of the city into bustling mixed-use communities. “We always seem to be the contrarians,” explained company president and CEO Barry Fenton one recent morning at the now-vacant Sutton Place Hotel. The timeworn tower at Bay and Wellesley Sts. will be redeveloped into
 “The Britt,” a 650-suite luxury glass condo with 20,000 square feet of retail space that Lanterra hopes will spark revitalization along that stretch of Bay.


 “We’re usually the first to get into an area and redevelop it.” Case in point: North of the Gardiner Expressway, Lanterra helped turn what was once the no-man’s land between Front St. and Lake Shore Blvd. into a new centre of gravity, a mixed-use hub of condos, shops, restaurants and entertainment. The Residences of Maple Leaf Square includes two towers, the boutique Hôtel le Germain, offices and more than 100,000-square-feet of retail space.


Nearby, along York St., Lanterra is building Ïce Condos, which will comprise a pair of iconic 67- and 57-storey towers, an office building and a landscaped public square. “When you look at what we’ve created between the dome (the Rogers Centre) and Air Canada Centre,” Fenton says, “if we hadn’t gone in and played Monopoly and created the synergy by doing Maple Leaf Square and Ïce, I don’t believe you would have seen the few million square feet of office space and the other condos and hotels that are now going in.” Lanterra achieved something similar with its maiden development, WaterPark City, a two-tower, 2,000-unit project that pioneered the Fort York neighbourhood and spawned a condo cluster at Bathurst and Fleet Sts.


Getting a Mortgage and Mortgage Insurance through Empire Life for financing a loan to purchase at FIVE Condos is actually a relatively easy process, and new rules from the federal government has required that company include new regulations, which have made the home loan and mortgage process a bit more difficult. Those changes at Empire Life include shortening the amortization period for which the loan can be held by the consumer, and the degree to which the property is financed by the mortgage. They have also increased deposit requirements to lift the loan insurance amount. Mortgage insurance from Empire Life is actually one of the major financing costs on home loans.

Investment Trusts have no taken to looking to purchase rental properties and acquiring mortgages through financing auctions by the banks looking to shore up their balances sheets in light of stricter government regulation. These regulations have actually made holding residential mortgages by the large financial institutions harder to hold. Currently investors are looking to increase their position in rental properties in Toronto, at the same time the federal government in co-operation with the financial institutions are making getting and qualifying for loans and mortgages more difficult

Empire Life : What is Condo Insurance?
Condo Insurance is required to protect your personal contents from theft or fire damage in your condo if these unforeseen events should happen you should make sure that you have adequate protection. Some items in your condo are will also be protected by your condo association insurance policy which covers the general building. The events that are covered by condo insurance include Fire, as well as Lighting. Other weather related causes such as Windstorms, and Hail are also covered. The major one that most people worry about is theft which is covered by condo contents insurance policies.

Toronto Condo Market Report – February 26, 2014

Toronto Condo Prices continue to trend upwards, as sales also move up with general improvement not only in the Toronto economy, but the nation as a whole. Condo sale prices have not increased to the same degree as detached family housing, due to new supply coming onstream. However fears of a condo bubble, have not proved accurate, as trends move to the upside. Average Home prices are still up in Toronto, and look like they will continue to rise for the remainder of 2014. Year over year, detached housing prices increased by over 14%. Just amazing.

What to Expect for Home and Condo Prices in 2015 in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area

The latest reports on the Toronto Real Estate market predict that the condo prices if left unsupported will fall, due to oversupply. However, this prediction has been the case for over 10 years now, and nothing has come to pass with regard to any major price drop even with predictions of a correction coming from the world’s largest and most respected financial institutions.

Toronto is on the verge of becoming a high end retailing mecca, and this will force up home prices as well as condo prices in the central core. Word that big US retailers like Saks, Nordstorms and Target are moving into the Canadian Space, and primarily within the downtown Toronto core is likely to increase the desirability of those areas with the best access to high end shopping experiences.

Database Listing of Projects for Toronto

Here is a data base listing of all the projects.

Use the Skyscraper Listing Page to access this information


Factoring The Toronto Economic Forecast 2013What does the future hold for Toronto's Economy in the 2013 year? I'm doing a forecast based on a number of economic variables, to determine performance of our diversified economy and any external and internal impacts that might influence growth in the Golden Horseshoe Region (GTA).

The factors that seem to have the most impact on Toronto is the Global Financial Markets, and Global Currency Markets, outside of that internal factors that determine the growth of the region are heavily tied to our skyscraper and construction industries now amounting to some 7% of Canadian GDP. And construction itself is tied to macro-economic factors such as National and Global Interest rates, or cost of money. So, one by one, we will factor each of these impacts on the Toronto Economy.

In a battle of the beach cities, Hermosa Beach was the big winner last year where median home prices were concerned and Malibu the biggest loser. Malibu is home to vast amounts of celebrity real estate.
But first appearances can be deceiving. Los Angeles County luxury communities that showed the most price gains last year were largely just regaining previously lost ground






Here are the links to the Skyscraper Rankings and Listings 


15 Tallest Proposals In Toronto  

1. Oxford Place Proposal

10 Tallest Under Construction in Canada

Largest Canadian Developers of Skyscrapers



10 Tallest Buildings Under Construction in Toronto


Number 1 - Aura Condo 273 Meters (Construction Updates)

Number 2 - One Bloor East 260 Meters (Construction Updates)

Number 3  - ICE Condo - Tower 2 Construction - 234 meters - 202 meters

Number 4 - L Tower Construction Updates - 205 meters 

Number 5 - ICE Condo - Tower 1  -  Construction Update  - 202 meters

Number 7 - Hullmark Corporate Centre Construction Updates - 168 meters

Number 8 - Karma Condos - (Shoring and Site Prep)  - 165 meters

Number 9  -  Westlake Village Condos ( Under Construction) - 163

Number 10 - FIVE Condos ( Construction Updates) -  161 meters





Skyscraper Listing


1. First Canadian Place 71 built 1975
2. Scotia Plaza 68 built 1988
3. TD Canada Trust Tower 53 built 1990
4. Commerce Court West 57 built 1972
5. TD Tower 56 built 1967
6. Bay-Adelaide Centre West 50 built 2009
7. Ritz-Carlton Toronto 52 built 2011
8. Bay-Wellington Tower 49 built 1992
9. Maple Leaf Square North 54 built 2010
10. RBC Centre 42 built 2009
11. Royal Trust Tower 46 built 1969
12. Royal Bank Plaza South 41 built 1976
13. One King West 51 built 2005
14. Maple Leaf Square South 50 built 2010
15. 44 Charles Street West (Manulife Centre) 51 built 1972
16. Burano 50 built 2012
17. Success Tower 55 built 2009
18. Quantum North 54 built 2008
19. The Uptown Residences 48 built 2011
20. 33 Bay Residences 52 built 2011
21. Festival Tower 42 built 2011
22. Residences of College Park North 51 built 2006


Under Construction Listing



Aura at College Park - 272 meters

Number One Bloor - 260 meters

L-Tower - 205 meters

Ice - Structure 1 - 234 meters

U Condominiums - East Structure - 185 meters

300 Front West - Structure 1 - 159 meters

Ice - Structure 2 - 202 meters

X2 - 160 meter

Delta Hotel (Southcore) - 161 meters
55 Mill Street 3

Bremner Tower (Southcore) - 143 meters
U Condominiums - West Structure - 155 meters

Hullmark Centre - North Structure - 170 meters

FIVE Condos - 164 metes

Star Tower - 154 meters

Theatre Park (Brad Lamb) - 157 meters
Clear Spirit Living - West Tower - 144 meters

Westlake Village Condos - Structure 162 meters

Chaz on Charles - 145 meters

The Pinnacle on Adelaide - Structure 1

Westlake - Structure 2

Cinema Tower - 143 meters

Parade - Structure 3 - 144 meters

Westlake - Structure 3

Couture - 144 meters

Gibson Square - South Structure - 143 meters

Gibson Square - North Structure - 143 meters

Residences at RCMI on University - 145 meters

Bisha Hotel and Residences - 143 meters

Studio2

Westlake - Structure 4

Nautilus at Waterview

Encore at Equinox

Ultra at Heron's Hill

Milan
Ocean Club Waterfront Condominiums - Structure 1

Charlie

Emerald City - Structure 1
Emerald Park - East Structure - 142 meters

Emerald Park - West Structure

Parc Nuvo

The Gooderham Condominiums at the Distillery

Hullmark Centre - South Structure

25 Lower Simcoe - Structure 1

Infinity 3

NXT2
Thunderbird Tower

Liberty Place

New Residences of Yorkville Plaza

Motion on Bay Street

Waterscapes at Waterview - Phase Five

Triumph Condominium

WaterPark Place III

Ventus - Structure 1

West Village - Structure 2

Ultra - Structure 3

California Condos

Ventus - Structure 2

One Sherway - Structure 5

Emerald City - Structure 2

One Valhalla - Structure 1

Tango at Concord Park Place

South Beach Condos and Lofts 1

The Tower at King West

South Beach Condos and Lofts 2

West Village - Structure 1

Altitude

Palomar at Village Gate West

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences - East Structure

Dream Tower

King West Condominiums 1

One Park Place

Fly Condos

The Florian

One Sherway - Structure 4

The Yards at Fort York

Merton Yonge Condominiums

King West Condominiums 2

King West Condominiums 3

The Palm

Aristo at Avonshire - Structure 1

Mars Discovery Centre - West Tower

PostHouse Boutique Condominium

Parade - Tower 4

Hospital For Sick Children Research Institute

River Park Block 6 - Structure 1

Skyscape Altitude - Structure 2

River Park Block 6 - Structure 2

8 Chichester

10 Chichester Place

Ivory on Adelaide

Fivethirty

Bravo

Celsius

Aristo at Avonshire - Structure 2

Pears on the Avenue

Minto775 - East Structure

The Berwick Landmark

King + Condos

The York Harbour Club - Structure 2

Diversicare Tower

Scenic on Eglinton - East Structure

Infinity 4

River City - Structure 2

25 Lower Simcoe - Structure 2

The York Harbour Club - Structure 1

DNA3 - Structure 1

Fuzion

Liberty on the Park

The King East

DNA3 - Structure 2

Waterlink - Structure 1

Pier 27- Structure D

Waterlink - Structure 2

Pier 27 - Structure C

5 Hanna

Liberty Market Lofts

Upsidedown Condominium - Structure 2

The Thompson Residences - Structure 2

400 Wellington West

Gramercy Park - Structure 3

Reflections

Scenic on Eglinton - West Structure

Minto775 - West Structure

Fashion House - Structure 1

Evolution

Thirty-Two Camden

The Address at High Park

Pier 27 - Structure A

Pier 27 - Structure B

Garrison at Fort York

The East Yorker

Leslie Boutique Residences

ART

Upsidedown Condominium - Structure 1

12 Degrees Condominiums

The Thompson Residences - Structure 1

Fashion House - Structure 2

Riverhouse at the Old Mill




Getting a Mortgage and Mortgage Insurance through Empire Life for financing a loan to purchase at FIVE Condos is actually a relatively easy process, and new rules from the federal government has required that company include new regulations, which have made the home loan and mortgage process a bit more difficult. Those changes at Empire Life include shortening the amortization period for which the loan can be held by the consumer, and the degree to which the property is financed by the mortgage. They have also increased deposit requirements to lift the loan insurance amount. Mortgage insurance from Empire Life is actually one of the major financing costs on home loans.

Investment Trusts have no taken to looking to purchase rental properties and acquiring mortgages through financing auctions by the banks looking to shore up their balances sheets in light of stricter government regulation. These regulations have actually made holding residential mortgages by the large financial institutions harder to hold. Currently investors are looking to increase their position in rental properties in Toronto, at the same time the federal government in co-operation with the financial institutions are making getting and qualifying for loans and mortgages more difficult

Empire Life : What is Condo Insurance?
Condo Insurance is required to protect your personal contents from theft or fire damage in your condo if these unforeseen events should happen you should make sure that you have adequate protection. Some items in your condo are will also be protected by your condo association insurance policy which covers the general building. The events that are covered by condo insurance include Fire, as well as Lighting. Other weather related causes such as Windstorms, and Hail are also covered. The major one that most people worry about is theft which is covered by condo contents insurance policies.

Toronto Condo Market Report – February 26, 2014

Toronto Condo Prices continue to trend upwards, as sales also move up with general improvement not only in the Toronto economy, but the nation as a whole. Condo sale prices have not increased to the same degree as detached family housing, due to new supply coming onstream. However fears of a condo bubble, have not proved accurate, as trends move to the upside. Average Home prices are still up in Toronto, and look like they will continue to rise for the remainder of 2014. Year over year, detached housing prices increased by over 14%. Just amazing.

What to Expect for Home and Condo Prices in 2015 in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area

The latest reports on the Toronto Real Estate market predict that the condo prices if left unsupported will fall, due to oversupply. However, this prediction has been the case for over 10 years now, and nothing has come to pass with regard to any major price drop even with predictions of a correction coming from the world’s largest and most respected financial institutions.

Toronto is on the verge of becoming a high end retailing mecca, and this will force up home prices as well as condo prices in the central core. Word that big US retailers like Saks, Nordstorms and Target are moving into the Canadian Space, and primarily within the downtown Toronto core is likely to increase the desirability of those areas with the best access to high end shopping experiences.

New Trends in Condo Buying Emerging in the Toronto Area

A few new trends to watch out for in the Toronto area when it comes to buying homes as well as buying condos. When it comes to buying homes, the latest tactic is to put a property which had previously been listed on the MLS system, on a bidding site, or list through an auction house to get buyers, sending the price of single detached homes soaring. As for condos the latest buying technique is the new trend with regards to micro housing, or micro condo living. And we’re seeing now, specifically designed condos to meet that purpose.

Harbourplaza Condos

Construction Update Harbour Plaza condos are located in the south or district of pronto that's lame close proximity to Union Station as well as GO Transit the Young University Spadina line that's really close to air Canada center Maple Leaf square well as other entertainment facilities in the downtown or connected by a path network to harbor for adults to the harbour square so I'll sleep quote. Right next to the one you are office tower which is being built right now connected to 10 your condo tower as well as to the air Canada center Maple Leaf square connected by a path to the Union Station as well as GO Transit the right near the harbour front and you're easy access this guide on easy access to the Metro Toronto Convention Center easy access to Ripley's Aquarium easy access to all of the events and happenings at the Air Canada Centre as well so you're actually pretty well located centrally located in the downtown core can any of those types of events if that was something you were looking to do right next to me or Canada Centre when there's any concerts there as well as the sky them in Rogers Center which is actually not too far as way and that you're right in the heart of

Air Canada Centre and PATH Skywalk - Maple Leaf Square Condos

Air Canada Centre and Path Skywalk

 

Just to the East of the Maple Leaf Square Condo

 

Air Canada Centre is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors Basketball Team. It is also a major concert and entertainment venue in the downtown Toronto Core.

ICE Condos and Maple Leaf Square

ICE Condos and Maple Leaf Square

Busy Condo Market Boosts Toronto Home Sales

With fewer homes in the detached category available in Toronto, new home buyers seem to be opting for new condos, with sales heading forward at a rocket pace last month. Sales of Existing Homes in the Toronto area moved up by a whopping 2.1% in February 2014, and that is compared to the same time period last year. That was mainly due to a 12.5% increase in the sales of condos within the city so stated by the Toronto Real Estate Board. That will contrasts with the sales declines that occurred in townhomes, detached and semi-detached housing during the month, which was mainly due to a constrained supply of those housing types.

The Canadian Home Mortage Corporation (CMHC) set to alter Mortgage Insurance Rates

The federal agency which regulates mortgage insurance in Canada is set to alter the rates which is charges new home buyers to insure their mortgages against the risk of default.  These premiums which new homeowners must pay to get CMHC insurance may also impact the ability of homebuyers to purchase their homes. The federal government has been trying for quite some time to reign in the Toronto and Vancouver Housing markets where the average cost of a single family detached home has now reached over $1 million dollars.

RBC Financial Group Warns, that Rising Mortgage Rates will Make Home Ownership Unaffordable for Most Canadians.

The Royal Bank of Canada is warning that the tide of rising interest rates will make home ownership for most Canadians unaffordable. This will be very true in Toronto and Vancouver where home prices have recently climbed over $1 Million dollars for a single family detached home.  Servicing of interest related to home ownership such as mortgage rates, as well as mortgage insurance are set to rise, or have been rising over the past year. The longer term interest rates are moving at such a pace that the incomes of most Canadians will not be able to keep up.  The good news however is that the rising interest rates foretell  a improving economy for most Canadians looking to improve their financial situation

New Report States: Alberta to Lead Canadian Construction Through the Next Decade

The Alberta Home Construction Industry is set to become the new leader on the Canadian scene as states a new report from BuildForce Canada 2014-2023 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward Forecast which sees the pace of expansion in the western province expanding at an exponential rate.  Home construction in Alberta has now passed the 2008 peak and is set for further growth. Also on the Alberta front outside of homebuilding, the Oil and Gas Sector looks set to power Alberta’s economy into the next decade.  The Alberta Construction Industry has adapted well to conditions on the ground and looks set for future growth.

Sotheby’s Agent Tells Tales of the Toronto Real Estate Market

One agent, points out a 1500 square foot condo near the High Park area, it is already asking for a price well over $1.5 million dollars. This is the time we live in the agent states, as the supply of single family detached homes slows, and the supply of condos increases, so too do the prices which these properties command on the open market. Toronto is no different than New York City in a sense, the agent bemuses. He tells tales of homes listed for 735,000 dollars going over 1 million dollars and above.  These homes appeal to a certain demographic, one that wants the convenience of downtown living, as well as having a detached or semi detached home close to the core. 

Calgary's Real Estate Market is Creating Bidding Wars For Properties

And Calgary’s Market for Real Estate is becoming an  example of  the fact demand for housing in increasing as nearly 20 per cent of MLS residential sales in the city in February were for above list price. A Bank of Montreal Housing and Home Buying Report said 34% per cent of Canadians are willing to enter a bidding war when it’s time to buy a home, an increase of six points, or 21 per cent, from a year ago. The report, conducted by Pollara, said that in major city centres, the appetite for competitive bids is the highest in Toronto and Vancouver (44 per cent and 41 per cent respectively). In Calgary, it is 38 per cent and in Alberta, it is 30 per cent.

Hamilton ON Housing Market Continues to Show Signs of Improvement

Statistics from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington support Alexander's prediction of a slower increase in the local housing industry next year. The realtors' association forecast average prices in the area will rise 3.5 per cent this year after rising an average 6.7 per cent for all of 2013. The average price of a home in the region hit $395,445 last year, up 9.3 per cent from 2012. The association is also calling for 14,000 sales next year and 19,500 listings.

Maple Leaf Square at Night

Maple Leaf Square at Night

Work Continues on INDX

Work Continues on Milan Condos

Work Continues on Cinema Condos

Work Continues on Emerald Park Condos

Work Continues on Hullmark Corporate Centre

One Bloor Construction Update

Aura Construction Update

RCMI Condos - Construction Update

Pinnacle On Adelaide on Construction Update

Bisha Historic Facade - Video

Eau Du Soliel Marketing Video

Landing at Billy Bishop Airport

From the far eastern flank of Bremner blvd in Southcore just before a Raptors basketball game. The truck at the side is loaded with all the Raptors Merchandise.

Internal Interest Rates : (Factor: Positive)

The Bank of Canada has stated it's desire, to maintain the low interest rate environment in Canada. This of course will have a positive impact on the Toronto economy, it keeps people buying stuff, and it enables people to repay their debts in a reasonable fashion. Low interest rates will keep the housing market going, even as the federal government continues to tighten up the regulations regarding homebuying and builder financing. Even as hard as they try, the one area of the country that benefits the most from low interest rates is Toronto, as Toronto is the Financial Capital of the country we can turn free money, into more money through investments and trade. Read More 

Busy Condo Market Boosts Toronto Home Sales

With fewer homes in the detached category available in Toronto, new home buyers seem to be opting for new condos, with sales heading forward at a rocket pace last month. Sales of Existing Homes in the Toronto area moved up by a whopping 2.1% in February 2014, and that is compared to the same time period last year. That was mainly due to a 12.5% increase in the sales of condos within the city so stated by the Toronto Real Estate Board. That will contrasts with the sales declines that occurred in townhomes, detached and semi-detached housing during the month, which was mainly due to a constrained supply of those housing types.

The Canadian Home Mortage Corporation (CMHC) set to alter Mortgage Insurance Rates

The federal agency which regulates mortgage insurance in Canada is set to alter the rates which is charges new home buyers to insure their mortgages against the risk of default.  These premiums which new homeowners must pay to get CMHC insurance may also impact the ability of homebuyers to purchase their homes. The federal government has been trying for quite some time to reign in the Toronto and Vancouver Housing markets where the average cost of a single family detached home has now reached over $1 million dollars.

RBC Financial Group Warns, that Rising Mortgage Rates will Make Home Ownership Unaffordable for Most Canadians.

The Royal Bank of Canada is warning that the tide of rising interest rates will make home ownership for most Canadians unaffordable. This will be very true in Toronto and Vancouver where home prices have recently climbed over $1 Million dollars for a single family detached home.  Servicing of interest related to home ownership such as mortgage rates, as well as mortgage insurance are set to rise, or have been rising over the past year. The longer term interest rates are moving at such a pace that the incomes of most Canadians will not be able to keep up.  The good news however is that the rising interest rates foretell  a improving economy for most Canadians looking to improve their financial situation

New Report States: Alberta to Lead Canadian Construction Through the Next Decade

The Alberta Home Construction Industry is set to become the new leader on the Canadian scene as states a new report from BuildForce Canada 2014-2023 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward Forecast which sees the pace of expansion in the western province expanding at an exponential rate.  Home construction in Alberta has now passed the 2008 peak and is set for further growth. Also on the Alberta front outside of homebuilding, the Oil and Gas Sector looks set to power Alberta’s economy into the next decade.  The Alberta Construction Industry has adapted well to conditions on the ground and looks set for future growth.

Sotheby’s Agent Tells Tales of the Toronto Real Estate Market

One agent, points out a 1500 square foot condo near the High Park area, it is already asking for a price well over $1.5 million dollars. This is the time we live in the agent states, as the supply of single family detached homes slows, and the supply of condos increases, so too do the prices which these properties command on the open market. Toronto is no different than New York City in a sense, the agent bemuses. He tells tales of homes listed for 735,000 dollars going over 1 million dollars and above.  These homes appeal to a certain demographic, one that wants the convenience of downtown living, as well as having a detached or semi detached home close to the core. 

ICE Condos And Maple Leaf Square

ICE Condos and Maple Leaf Square


A Brief History of England
Danica Patrick To Make History at Daytona 500
Simona Halep Has the Biggest Round Assets In Tennis
Global Condo Craze, Is Your Country at Risk
Toronto To Los Angeles - Highrise Comparison 
Toronto Condo Market Remains Steady into 2013

From Bremner and York in the heart of Southcore.

Condo Sales Down 7% from Historic Average for November 2012


RealNet.ca stated that condo sales in the GTA were down just 7% in November, from their historic average compared to the long term sales of condos in the GTA. However compared to last year, which was a record year for condos, sales were down 59%. Although last year one must remember that there were a record 28,0000 condo sales in the Toronto area for the year. Condo Sales in the GTA were raised by the almost sellout performance of Tridel's Ten York development which has rocked the condo community back into action with it's sales performance. They sold 85% of the 694 units they made available to the public upon release of the development

Updated Rendering of 1 York by Menkes

Updated Rendering of 1 York by Menkes

New rendering released of 1 York by Menkes. This project just happens to be next to the Gardiner Expressway, which the City has found is falling apart and is looking at some very expensive alternatives to maintain it or faced with the undesirable task of bringing it down, and re-routing the traffic along another street, or building and underground passage, at a multi-billion dollar cost. Whatever path the city chooses, it looks as though Menkes, has resigned itself to the fact that the Gardiner will be around for another 50 or 60 years.The podium is built to bunker the lower level retail units against the ugly girth of the highway, and the skywalks are built to move people effortlessly over the offramps which speed by this project on both sides.

Work Continues on INDX

Work Continues on Milan Condos

Work Continues on Cinema Condos

Work Continues on Emerald Park Condos

Work Continues on Hullmark Corporate Centre

One Bloor Construction Update

Aura Construction Update

RCMI Condos - Construction Update

Pinnacle On Adelaide on Construction Update

Bisha Historic Facade - Video

Eau Du Soliel Marketing Video

Landing at Billy Bishop Airport

Now the good news for Menkes, is that Southcore is taking off, and that the retail within Harbour Plaza, along with that inside of the Maple Leaf Square will be the commercial and retailing epi-center of Southcore. The ICE Condos which are huge and under construction will likely be done sometime next year. In addition to the Infinity Condos, and the new Delta hotel, this is going to become a fairly lively area of the city. Things are happening in Toronto, even though some fight, tooth and nail to keep development from hapening, and stopping all mega projects in their tracks. Toronto is a city on the rise.

1 York will rise 37 Floors and 175 meters tall 
Skywalks will connect to Maple Leaf Square, and Waterpark Place

Current Listing of the Tallest Buildings in Toronto

Current Listing of the Tallest Buildings in Toronto

Here is my updated listing of the Tallest Towers Currently in Toronto, new entries to the list include, Four Seasons Hotel and Residence Toronto, Trump Tower Toronto, Burano Condos, and Shangri-la Hotel and Tower. This year we added 3 towers to the list of over 200 meter towers. Toronto is only one more Tower away from passing Houston, to become the 10th most 200 meter "towered" city on earth.  However, we are currently building 5 more towers, and will blow Houston out of the water. The 5 under construction are L Tower, ICE Tower 1, ICE Tower 2, One Bloor East, and Aura Tower at 273 meters. Toronto is not small time, and this is just the beginning over our Skyscraper Boom

Some of the  Ten Cities that remain ahead of us, include, Hong Kong, Chicago, New York, Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore, Houston and Ghanzhou China..

1. First Canadian Place 71 built 1975 - 298 meters
2. Scotia Plaza 68 built 1988  -275 meters
3 Trump Tower 60 Floors - Built 2012 - 275 meters
4 TD Canada Trust Tower 53 built 1990 - 263 meters
5 Commerce Court West 57 built 1972 - 240 meters
6 TD Tower 56 built 1967  - 224 meters
7 Bay-Adelaide Centre West 50 built 2009 -218 meters 
8 Shangri-La Hotel Toronto 66 floors - built 2012 - 214 meters
9 Ritz-Carlton Toronto 52 built 2011 -209 meters
10 Bay-Wellington Tower 49 built 1992 - 202 meters
11 Four Seasons Toronto - 55 - built 2012 - 204 meters
12 Maple Leaf Square North 54 built 2010
13. RBC Centre 42 built 2009
14. Royal Trust Tower 46 built 1969
15. Royal Bank Plaza South 41 built 1976
16. One King West 51 built 2005
17. Maple Leaf Square South 50 built 2010
18. 44 Charles Street West (Manulife Centre) 51 built 1972
19. Burano 50 built 2012
20. Success Tower 55 built 2009
21 Quantum North 54 built 2008
.22 The Uptown Residences 48 built 2011
23. 33 Bay Residences 52 built 2011
24. Festival Tower 42 built 2011
25. Residences of College Park North 51 built 2006

Southcore at York and Bremner: Strikes Back!

Southcore at York and Bremner: Strikes Back

Hong Kong Style Density: The Model For Toronto?

Would Hong Style Density be a good model for Toronto Skyscraper growth, and urban renewal. Mind you that Hong Kong, and Chinese Cities seem to have a far more chaotic layout and pace than gentle Canadian Cities. However, one has to marvel at the efficiency of Hong Kong, and other Chinese Cities when it comes to getting people around town. Now, I understand that the days of thousands of people riding down the streets of Chinese cities on bicycles have long gone, as a newly rich China has been using its new-found wealth to purchase luxury vehicles for the masses, it’s us here in the supposedly old rich countries that are the ones resorting to using bikes to get around our cities.

New Trends in Condo Buying Emerging in the Toronto Area

 A few new trends to watch out for in the Toronto area when it comes to buying homes as well as buying condos. When it comes to buying homes, the latest tactic is to put a property which had previously been listed on the MLS system, on a bidding site, or list through an auction house to get buyers, sending the price of single detached homes soaring.

 As for condos the latest buying technique is the new trend with regards to micro housing, or micro condo living. And we’re seeing now, specifically designed condos to meet that purpose. Another new trend to look out for is the lack of supply in the purpose built rental housing market in Toronto. Even as new condos come online there remains a shortage of apartments built specific to that purpose, so condo rentals have increased even as vacancy climbs, rentals rates do as well.

 Busy Condo Market Boosts Toronto Home Sales 

With fewer homes in the detached category available in Toronto, new home buyers seem to be opting for new condos, with sales heading forward at a rocket pace last month. Sales of Existing Homes in the Toronto area moved up by a whopping 2.1% in February 2014, and that is compared to the same time period last year. That was mainly due to a 12.5% increase in the sales of condos within the city so stated by the Toronto Real Estate Board. That will contrasts with the sales declines that occurred in townhomes, detached and semi-detached housing during the month, which was mainly due to a constrained supply of those housing types.

Southcore has been on a crazy run lately, even in the midst of the condo sales slowdown there have been new success with the release of Tridel's Ten York, and the start of construction on three major towers by Menkes which includes, 1 York, and Harbour Plaza Residences 1, and Harbourplaza Residences 2. Even now as we speak there are countless projects under construction in Southcore it will loath me to name them all. However, this is a skyscraper site, and it's my job to find out what's going on and list it here. So that is what I'm going to do. Each project listed on this site that is currently going up in Southcore will be listed here for your benefit and convenience. There is the chance, I will miss something however, I'll likely get back and create a post on those that don't have one, at a later date.

Proposed Towers Being Developed in Southcore:

1 York Office Development : by Menkes 
Ten York Residential Development: by Tridel
Harbour Plaza Residences by Menkes 
Harbour Plaza Residences 2 by Menkes
45 Bay Street by SITQ 


Towers Under Construction in Southcore

ICE Condo - Tower 1 by Lanterra 
ICE Condo - Tower 2 by Lanterra 
Infinity Condos 
Southcore - Delta Hotel  - BC-IMC
Southcore - Premner Tower  - by BC IMC 


Built Towers :

Telus House 
18 York - BC IMC 
Maple Leaf Square - Tower 1 - by Lanterra
Maple Leaf Square - Tower 2 - by Lanterra
Pinnacle Centre - by Pinnacle
1 Yonge Street 

ICE Condo and Maple Leaf Square Condos

ICE Condo and Maple Leaf Square Condos

 

Construction Continues on the ICE Condo
Sales Condo Purchases through Lanterra

Backstage Condo

Construction Update The backstage condo is being built by citizen developments Fernbrook homes and careful. Realty it is located beside BL tower which is a tower that it has an underground connection to buy a parking so the parking is a shirt parking lot located on young street next to Union Station bus terminal as well as Union Station itself which is like GO Transit commuter hub as well as the subway connection for the Young University Spadina line it's actually in close proximity to the Hockey Hall of Fame which is actually across the street there's a great views of the Harbourfront as well as the downtown core and it's actually pretty close as well to the Air Canada center which is across the street as well as Maple Leaf square real sports bar as well as Raptor games and maple leaf games as well as young street wear a lot of tourists come so if you're a tourist looking for a competition as might be a great spot actually located right next to be out our and it actually has really easy access by subway and or street car or bus depending on which method of transit you prefer and you actually have easy access to route the downtown or if you're at a comedy to hear great value for your money okay

ICE 1 and ICE 2 Will Dominate This Shot Next Year

ICE Construction shot from Harbourfront

ICE Construction continues
Taller tower has 47 floors to go
Shorter tower has about 12 floors to go before topping out

Toronto Southcore

The Southcore area is located between Harbourfront and Union Station, and between Yonge Street and Spadina to the West. It is one of the fastest growing areas in the downtown core. The towers here tend to be taller, due to restricted available land. Tallest towers currently are the Maple Leaf Square towers at 54, 45 floors and the Pinnacle Development with towers ranging from 53 to 54 floors in height. ICE Towers will be the tallest development in the area to date, and with the downsizing of both, Harbourplaza and Ten York, it will remain the tallest residential development in the area for the forseeable future.

 

Toronto Harbourfront

 

The Toronto Harbourfront is undergoing a massive reviatlalization as both developers and the city claim each peice of land for themselves to rebuild anew. Projects that have been master planned by the government, both local and provincial include the new Canada Square/Ontario Square development on the central waterfront. There will also be a relocation of the LRT Line to one side of Queens Quay, and the making of that street one way between Yonge and Spadina. It will infact become a grand boulvard through the downtown portion. Toronto developers are making the most hay a bit north of Harbourfront in Southcore-Bremner area with massive condo proposals that will pump life and people into the neighourhood which was industrial land/railway land for the most part about 35 years ago.