The transit factor driving growth in the condo sector
The UP Express and more subway are among the transit projects affecting where developers choose to build

MetroNews.ca
Dec. 17, 2015
Duncan Mcallister

Several exciting new transit initiatives in the GTA will have a major impact on how people commute and where they live. Whether it’s traffic congestion, the land transfer tax or the high cost of housing, more and more people are looking to make the move away from Toronto. With the GO train service, the UP Express, new regional transitways and subway extensions, more and more commuters are deciding to leave the car at home.

Union-Pearson link
The new Union-Pearson train link creates a new opportunity for condominium development along the line, which works well for commuters working in the downtown core and is equally convenient for airport employees and frequent flyers.

One such development is Triumph Developments’ Howard Park residences in Roncesvalles Village, an eight-storey mid-rise boutique-style  condominium featuring luxury finishes and large, private suite terraces. It’s a four-minute walk to the UP Express.

Vaughan
Big changes are underway in the city of Vaughan. The Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension Project will provide an extension of the existing TTC subway system between Toronto and Vaughan.

Condo residents will benefit from the transit plans in communities such as Indigo Condominiums in the Village of Maple. The new transit-friendly condo development by Pemberton Group offers several choices: the GO Barrie rail line, GO buses, York Region Transit and the Toronto Transit Commission.

The neighbourhood offers culture and convenience, with attractions like Canada’s Wonderland and SilverCity. Hot local restos include Farro Restaurant, Sorrento North Ristorante and the Stonefire Bar and Grill.

Scarborough
The Toronto Transit Commission is planning an extension to the Bloor-Danforth subway line to better serve Scarborough’s 650,000 residents. Scarborough is experiencing rapid growth in the condo sector as a result of the announced transit initiatives, with several new projects to open soon. The proposed Scarborough subway extension will replace the aging Scarborough RT.

Yan Wang is the president of Gemterra Development Corporation, and he knows the Scarborough condo scene. Gemterra’s Love condominiums and townhomes are located in the heart of Scarborough at Kennedy and Sheppard.

“Scarborough is in the midst of a massive boom. Its population is growing, real estate is in high demand and we know that it’s beginning to attract even more development,” says Wang.

The condo offers a range of suites designed by Tanner Hill Associates. The suite interiors are designed to maximize usable square footage, achieved by minimizing corridor space. The suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and hardwood laminate flooring to enhance the open concept design.