Condo Pro: Ah, Summer in the City!

By Barbara Lawlor

As we head into warm weather, the thoughts of Torontonians naturally turn to summertime fun. After the long winter, we welcome every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors - and in our city, fun can be anything from sneaking a peek at the Giant Pandas in their new habitat at the Toronto Zoo, to strapping on a harness and testing your mettle with EdgeWalk high on the CN Tower. The multitude of attractions in Toronto draw millions of visitors each year from around the world – but imagine what your life would be like if you lived in a condominium in the city and could walk or hop on public transit to indulge in summertime festivities. The days of sweating in gridlock, looking and paying for parking would be gone!

This summer promises a kaleidoscope of possible adventures within easy reach of condominium owners. If you lived downtown in INDX Condos on the south side of Richmond between Yonge and Bay, for example, you would be close to a lot of the action. Just a few blocks away, next to the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada will open this summer to showcase a variety of sea life. In July, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition will offer a fresh-air alternative to conventional art shows, and the 25th Toronto Fringe Festival will bring grassroots theatrical performances to appreciative audiences. In August, the streets will come alive with the Scotiabank Buskerfest featuring amazing street performers.

How about our spectacular Entertainment District? If you lived in King Blue Condominiums at King Street West and Peter Street, or at Noir Condos on Peter Street between King and Adelaide, you would have TIFF Bell Lightbox and the Toronto International Film Festival, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, galleries, Air Canada Centre and Roy Thomson Hall at your doorstep! The brand new Yonge + Rich condominium is coming to a location adjacent to the Entertainment District, Financial District and Eaton Centre. From all of these condos, access to the city’s PATH System is convenient, opening the door to 27 kilometres of underground shopping, services and entertainment. The Carlaw is situated in Toronto’s trendy Leslieville area; Canary District Condominiums is steps to the historic Distillery District; and The Carnaby Lofts is on Queen Street West in the heart of one of the city’s trendiest shopping neighbourhoods.

Maybe you are a culture buff? If you lived at Exhibit Condominium Residences on Bloor and Avenue Road, your neighbour across the street would be the Royal Ontario Museum. Yorkville is home to Toronto’s Mink Mile, and the gorgeous condos going in around the area uphold the cachet of this superb location. The Yorkville, the luxurious boutique condominium at Davenport Road and McMurrich Street places residents within a stone’s throw of the enviable shopping and dining in that world-famous stretch along Bloor.

Rise Condominiums at Bathurst and St. Clair; The Hill Condos on Eglinton west of Bathurst; and E Condos at Yonge and Eglinton are examples of condominiums that offer Forest Hill addresses. This esteemed, established neighbourhood is home to amazing shops and services, and some of Toronto’s finest public schools and most beautiful parks.

And speaking of parks, Toronto is full of them, and there are new ones going in. The IQ Condominiums neighbourhood at Islington Avenue and The Queensway in Etobicoke is actually centred around a new $2 million park being built by Remington Group and landscaped by Janet Rosenberg & Studio. This restful oasis will feature flowering trees, art installations, pathways and an amphitheatre - perfect for gatherings or simply relaxing in the fresh air.

Whatever your pleasure in Toronto this summer, consider how wonderful it would be to live the condominium lifestyle. With maintenance taken care of, you would have more time to immerse yourself in everything this vibrant city has to offer – all year long!

Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com