The top 7 industry events of 2016
By Lucas on Dec 07, 2016
To keep you updated on all the fun stuff going on in the new home industry, we have to attend a lot of amazing parties and events. It’s a hard job, but somebody’s gotta do it. This was a pretty good year for creative shindigs, so we’re sharing our favourites with you (in chronological order).
Spending two days at Fox Harb’r in Nova Scotia
This was the first time we ever left the province for a story. We met up with Kevin Toth, President of Fox Harb’r, who unveiled their master-plan to continue to develop Ron Joyce’s (co-founder of Tim Horton’s) passion project. The gated resort is absolutely stunning, we ate the freshest seafood we’ve ever had, and we even tried our hand at golf (semi-successfully).
The first collection of new homes will be 18 duplexes near the lighthouse and marina, ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 square feet with prices starting in the $500,000s. Kevin, if you’re reading this, I think we need to come back for a follow-up story.
RAW SHIFT
RAW Design’s annual industry party makes our list every year because of the sheer creativity. The theme for 2016 was RAW SHIFT, inspired by the “fluid nature” of Toronto’s buildings. Churches are becoming lofts, warehouses are becoming condos. New retail and commercial spaces are popping up in hot areas wherever there are four walls to support them.
The moveable decorations and transformative murals were impressive, but oddly enough, our favourite thing about the party was the mustard ice cream.
The opening of the Regent Park Athletic Grounds
This event wasn’t all about the good food. The opening of the Regent Park Athletic Grounds makes the list this year because it was truly amazing to see how much the neighbourhood was impacted by the new facility.
Daniels worked some long hours with MLSE and other sponsors to make the Athletic Grounds a reality. The space is open to the public and provides equipment and facilities for community programming. The opening of the Grounds marks a milestone in the Regent Park Revitalization.
Living it up on Lake Rosseau
Believe it or not, we went on another two-night trip this year. In the summer, we visited the Rosseau Residences at JW Marriott Muskoka. We met up with COO Rosseau Developments, Michael Sneyd, who served as our tour guide for the trip.
There are condo suites at Rosseau Residences - finished and furnished - that are ideal for investors. The prestigious location on Lake Rosseau plus a trusted brand like Marriott equals a good return on your investment. Our favourite part of the trip has to be the astronomy tour we took, which is offered on the rooftop terrace.
Partying at Riverbank Lofts
When HIP Developments launched Riverbank Lofts in Cambridge last October, they went all out! The former lead singer of the Barenaked Ladies, Steven Page, performed with his band. As far as celebrities go, we think he’s the most famous we’ve seen at a new home industry event.
Located on Speed River, there were high expectations for Riverbank Lofts and it showed at the preview opening. In a single evening, more than 80% of the units sold.
Fireworks at Central Park
When Losani Homes unveiled the Central Park presentation centre in Hamilton, they went all out with a fireworks show and a new 12’ by 12’ LOVE sign, which cleverly has an “i” in the “o” so it can be read as “live” or “love.” Like the name of the community, the sign was inspired by another notable New York staple, the LOVE sign by Robert Indiana.
When the sign was unveiled, there was a fantastic fireworks show. This is probably the first time we’ve seen a fireworks show this extensive at a presentation centre unveiling (or any industry event for that matter).
Discovering the future of Toronto’s public spaces
Recently, NXT City hosted their first ever public space symposium, dubbed “re:Public.” Some of the brightest politicians, city planners, and business titans were in attendance to address the crowd on how we should all approach the development and nurturing of our public spaces.
After a full day, NXT City announced the winners of the annual idea competition at the after-party. For the last three years, NXT has held a competition encouraging people under the age of 35 to reimagine how public space can better be used in Toronto. The winner this year was for an idea called Streetcar Safety Murals!
After such a fun year of outings, we can’t wait to see what 2017 holds.
