Waqar Ali Khan

5 Shocking Home Building Trends in Ottawa That Will Change the Way We Live As Ottawa continues to expand both upward and outward, the home building sector is experiencing significant shifts. These trends are not only reshaping the skyline but also how developers and consumers think about living spaces in one of Canada's fastest-growing cities. Let’s dive into some of the most compelling trends in Ottawa's home building landscape: 1. Sustainable Building Practices In response to growing environmental concerns and consumer demand, more builders in Ottawa are adopting sustainable construction methods. These include the use of green materials, energy-efficient systems, and designs that minimize environmental impact. The city’s recent developments have seen an increased emphasis on sustainability certifications like LEED, proving that green building is here to stay. 2. Mixed-Use Developments There's a noticeable shift towards mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational facilities in one space. This trend is particularly prominent in neighborhoods like Zibi and LeBreton Flats, offering residents the convenience of living close to where they work and play, thereby enhancing urban livability and reducing commute times. 3. Smart Home Technology Integration of technology in home building is on the rise. Ottawa home builders are increasingly incorporating smart home features directly from the construction phase. These include advanced security systems, smart thermostats, and home automation systems that enhance comfort and efficiency. 4. Compact Living Spaces With the cost of living rising, there’s a growing trend towards smaller, more efficient living spaces. Micro-condos and tiny homes are becoming more popular, appealing to first-time home buyers and millennials looking for affordable, well-designed options within the urban core. 5. Revitalization Projects Ottawa’s older neighborhoods are undergoing revitalization, with new life being breathed into long-neglected areas. This trend includes both the restoration of historic properties and the construction of new developments, aimed at preserving the city’s heritage while accommodating its growth. Engage with Us! Are you involved in Ottawa’s real estate or construction industry? What trends have you noticed in recent projects? Join the discussion below and let us know how these trends are impacting your work and lifestyle in Ottawa! #OttawaRealEstate #HomeBuilding #SustainableConstruction #SmartHomes #RealEstateTrends #OttawaBusiness #PropertyDevelopment

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🚨Exciting News: Ferris + Associates Merges with NAK Design Group 🚨 Toronto's urban landscape is set for a transformation with Ferris + Associates Inc. joining forces with NAK Design Strategies. This strategic merger aims to revitalize the Greater Toronto Area's (GTA) real estate sector, bringing together two renowned firms to reshape the cityscape. Founded in 1987, NAK Design Strategies is recognized for its innovative approach to landscape architecture, crafting public spaces and master plans that enhance urban environments and community well-being. Ferris + Associates Inc., with over three decades of excellence, has left an indelible mark on Toronto's streetscapes and skyline, with iconic projects like the National Trade Centre and the Rogers Centre. The merger aligns with market trends towards higher-density developments, where both firms excel, offering expanded service offerings and capabilities to meet the demands of an evolving urban landscape. Silvano Tardella, founding Principal of NAK Design Strategies, emphasizes a people-first approach, reflected in the firm's status as the largest landscape architecture firm in Canada. Paul Ferris, Principal of Ferris + Associates, sees the merger as an opportunity to extend their regional impact and expertise. The synergies between the two firms are evident in their rich portfolio of projects. NAK Design Group's initiatives like Lakeview Village and Palermo Village aim to create sustainable communities, while Ferris + Associates' contributions to projects like M2M Condos and Main Square at 2575 Danforth Avenue demonstrate their commitment to transformative urban design. With shared values and respect for each other's leadership, NAK Design Group and Ferris + Associates Inc. are poised to make a lasting impact on the GTA's urban landscape. What are your thoughts on this exciting merger? #UrbanDesign #GTA #Cityscape #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanTransformation #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableDesign #RealEstateDevelopment #TorontoArchitecture #NAKDesignGroup #FerrisAssociates #CityLiving #UrbanRevitalization #FutureCities #TorontoRealEstate #CommunityBuilding #UrbanInnovation

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SOLD | 3400 Tillicum Road, Saanich BC After an +/-18 month process, with numerous changes across the development landscape occurring over the duration of the listing period, this project, now known as The Odyssey has closed. This is a 1.95 acre, DP issued site for 242 residential units with ground floor commercial, just across from Tillicum Mall. ...and what an odyssey it was. While entitled projects are presently in favour, at least compared to raw land, land deals continue to be a challenge. This deal was no exception. As Brandon Selina PREC, Michael Miller, Austin Cope and I initiated our marketing campaign in January 2023, significant headwinds were encountered, including seismic code changes, step code 3 changes, and rising interest rates and construction costs. The exact effect of these changes were uncertain, but all agreed that they would contribute to reducing the value of current land prices. The market was wrought with uncertainty at the time, and some of the features of the offering, which would have otherwise been a positive attribute, such as the scale of the project, ultimately became a deterrent. Very few developers were looking for significant projects, if at all, with many focusing on their existing development pipeline. The prospective purchaser intended to pursue a purpose-built rental project, and accordingly, the deal was structured around receiving CMHC construction financing under the MLI Select program. Naturally, this was all occurring at a time when CMHC was in the process of increasing its application fees, so not only was the purchaser up against a tight timeline to submit its application prior fee increases, but also the +/-3,000 applicants whom were attempting to do the same. Due to the immense backlog of applications that resulted from this, numerous extensions were required before even having an underwriter assigned to the file. Gaining certainty around what the commitment letter terms would envisage was paramount to the transaction progressing any further. The vendor was instrumental in this deal’s success, in being extremely cooperative and coming up with creative solutions that work for both parties, along with undertaking demolition work before it was known whether the transaction was even going to proceed. Finally, after a year-long odyssey marked by countless calls and emails, having fallen out of contract several times, a deal emerged, lending was finalized and the purchaser closed. We congratulate both the vendor and purchaser on this successful transaction and look forward to the purchaser bringing forward much needed purpose-built rental product in the Tillicum area. . . . . #sold #purposebuiltrental #mliselect #developmentsite #victoriabc

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ONE Properties and IG Mackenzie Real Property Fund are excited to announce that 400 Industrial Centre’s Building B (2243 Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto) has achieved LEED Silver certification!   Comprised of 194,708 square feet, Building B promotes resilience and reduced operating costs through the incorporation of a high-performance building envelope, efficient mechanical and electrical systems, water reuse strategies, and low-impact, durable materials.   400 Industrial Centre features three best-in-class buildings totalling 1.1 million square feet fully leased to Toronto Transit Commission and Riverside Natural Foods.   CAGBC | Canada Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program is the most widely recognized international mark of excellence for green building in over 160 countries. LEED certification provides a credible, third-party verified approach towards sustainable design, construction, maintenance, and operations of high-performance real estate. Green buildings reduce waste, conserve energy, decrease water consumption, and accelerate innovation.   #ONEProperties #400industrialcentre #leed #leedsilver #cagbc #environmentalsustainability

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Investments in building construction declined 0.9 percent to $19.7 billion in January, according to Statistics Canada. The residential sector saw a 1.4 per cent decline, while the non-residential sector saw a slight increases, up 0.2 per cent.

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🔍 RE/MAX Canada's 2024 Commercial Real Estate Report examined 12 markets across the country and found that builders and developers are turning their attention to purpose-built #rental #construction. 🏢📈 Read more 👉 https://t.ly/p8h-n 💼✨ #ConstructionNews #RealEstateTrends #CommercialRealEstate

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Considering a Condo in Toronto? Think Twice About Pre-Construction! The Toronto real estate market is evolving, and so should your buying strategy. Gone are the days when pre-construction condos were the cheaper, more appealing choice. Today, you might end up paying more for the promise of a property than for an actual home around the corner. Why gamble on the unknown when immediate, tangible options are available? Dive into our latest blog where we reveal why buying pre-construction might not be what it seems—think increased risks, unexpected costs, and lengthy wait times. Is it really worth the wait? Find out now: https://ow.ly/o8lV50RmiBN

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Redefine Your Office: Aura Office's Expert Guidance for Workspace Transformation 🏢 🚧 https://lnkd.in/gJxVbHer In today's rapidly evolving work landscape, the importance of creating a conducive environment for your team cannot be overstated. Greg Wooster, Aura's VP of Workplace Strategy and Interior Design, shares invaluable insights on how a thoughtful redesign can elevate morale and productivity. "Your office environment plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction and performance," says Greg Wooster. "By incorporating elements of comfort and familiarity, such as residential-inspired design elements, you can foster a sense of belonging and well-being among your team." The article delves into the key themes of office redesign, emphasizing the need for adaptable spaces that cater to the diverse needs of modern workers. From flexible layouts to cozy breakout areas, every aspect is meticulously crafted to enhance collaboration and innovation. "At Aura Office, we understand the significance of creating spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration," says Greg Wooster. "Our approach revolves around integrating elements to evoke a sense of warmth and hospitality, ensuring that employees feel valued and motivated." Unlock the full potential of your workspace and watch your team thrive! Dive into the article now to discover actionable insights and expert advice on redesigning your office for success: https://lnkd.in/gJxVbHer #officerenovation #workplacewellness #employeeexperience #auraoffice

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Industry updates: market trends amid interest rate cut, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) & Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) awards, sustainability initiatives & more. #Toronto #development #architecture #sustainability

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So exciting to see the main Colliers LinkedIn channel mention our Strategy & Consulting group and our services! #DevelopmentAdvisory #PlanningandPlacemaking #WorkplaceAdvisory #StrategicAdvisory #ColliersCanada

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The residential construction industry in Ontario is facing an uphill battle in meeting its ambitious housing targets for 2031. A multitude of challenges, from high interest rates to bureaucratic red tape, have converged to create a daunting landscape for new homebuilders. With only a fraction of the required pace currently being achieved, the gap between existing output and the necessary level of construction is widening. Mike Moffatt, senior director at the Smart Prosperity Institute, voices concerns over the lack of alignment among governmental bodies, hindering progress towards housing targets. The need for a unified vision and bold action from all levels of government is emphasized, highlighting the urgency of addressing policy disagreements and streamlining processes. Rapid population growth exacerbates the situation, placing further strain on an already struggling system. Rising development charges and land costs outpacing income growth have rendered homeownership increasingly unattainable for many families. The fluctuating market conditions, coupled with tightening lending conditions, add another layer of complexity to the issue. Eddie Sheppard of Abacus Data underscores the prevailing pessimism regarding housing affordability and availability among Canadians, reflecting widespread concerns about the future of the housing market. The lagging performance of Toronto compared to other major cities, as highlighted by the CMHC's Housing Supply Report, underscores the severity of the situation. BuildForce Canada's outlook report paints a sobering picture of the sector's immediate future, projecting a rough period ahead before any potential recovery. Calls for greater cooperation between governments and industry stakeholders echo throughout the discourse, emphasizing the imperative of collective action to address the housing crisis. The Residential Construction Council of Ontario advocates for intensified efforts from all levels of government to tackle the root causes of the housing problem. Richard Lyall, the organization's president, highlights the detrimental impact of excessive regulations and fees on housing supply, particularly for the middle class. The urgency of the situation is underscored by his assertion that action is needed immediately. In light of these challenges, the question for residential developers becomes: How can the industry navigate this complex landscape and work collaboratively with governments to overcome barriers to housing construction? #OntarioHousingCrisis #HousingTargets #CollaborativeAction #GovernmentPolicy #AffordableHousing

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Incentives, this is how to build more homes not disincentive’s such as IZ / Rent Control all of which have unintended consequences that do not achieve the intended goal. Halfiax is well suited for conversions, great City and high rental demand. More housing of every form is needed coast to coast.

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The commercial real estate sector in Canada is grappling with a pressing issue-a high vacancy rate of 19.5% in the first quarter of 2024, as reported by CBRE Canada. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for property owners and investors to prioritize strategies that can effectively reduce these vacancies. Explore the strategy for minimizing commercial real estate vacancy... https://bit.ly/3y9jlZj #vacancyrate #vacantcommercialrealestate #cre #commercialrealestate #RoyalLePageCommercial

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The Canadian real estate market is experiencing significant pressure due to rising construction costs, affecting both residential and commercial sectors. This trend is driven by a combination of factors, including supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased demand for construction materials. Key Impacts: Increased Housing Prices: Higher construction costs are typically passed on to buyers, resulting in increased prices for new homes and renovations. This exacerbates housing affordability issues, particularly in urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver. According to Altus Group, construction costs in Vancouver for a low-rise condominium project are estimated to range from $325 to $400 per square foot, reflecting a rise from previous years​ (Business in Vancouver)​. Project Delays and Cancellations: Many construction projects face delays or are put on hold due to budget overruns driven by escalating costs. This situation reduces the supply of new housing and commercial space, further tightening the market. The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has reported a slowdown in new project starts, citing increased material costs and labor shortages as primary factors​ (https://bit.ly/4bCnL98)​. Renovation Costs: Homeowners looking to renovate are also affected by higher costs, which can deter improvements and reduce overall housing quality. The Linwood Homes report highlights that while some construction costs have stabilized, overall costs remain high due to persistent inflationary pressures and high interest rates​ (https://bit.ly/3zw7rti)​. Commercial Real Estate: The commercial sector sees increased leasing rates as developers and landlords seek to recoup higher building costs. This impacts businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, by increasing operational expenses. For example, fitting out Class B office space in Vancouver ranges from $85 to $155 per square foot, slightly up from previous years​ (https://bit.ly/3zw7wgA)​. For more detailed insights and figures on the increase in construction costs, you can refer to the following articles: https://bit.ly/4bCnL98 https://bit.ly/3zw7rti These sources provide valuable data on construction costs and their implications for the Canadian real estate market. Contact us to learn more today! #Realestate #MeloFinancialServicesInc

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This development is significant for both the Canadian architectural industry and foreign architects. For the industry, it means a more streamlined process for evaluating the qualifications of incoming architects, ensuring that they meet the high standards expected in Canada. For architects themselves, it provides a clearer pathway to navigate the immigration process, offering a level of certainty and transparency. Read more about it in https://buff.ly/2X9wEUS #immigrationnews #canadavisa

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📈🏠 Rising Housing Starts in May: A Positive Indicator for the Construction Industry The recent report from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) reveals a significant 10% increase in housing starts in May, with Montreal and Toronto leading the charge. The seasonally adjusted annual rate reached 264,506 units, a notable jump from April's 241,111 units. BMO's senior economist, Robert Kavcic, highlights that this robust output level is commendable, especially given the challenging market conditions. Kavcic notes that the number of units under construction is nearing record highs, reminiscent of the 1970s building boom in relation to the adult population size. This uptick in housing starts comes amid the federal government's efforts to tackle housing affordability through new tax incentives and spending initiatives. Notably, Montreal's annual pace of starts more than doubled with a 104% increase, and Toronto saw a 47% rise, primarily driven by multi-unit starts. Conversely, Vancouver experienced a 32% decline compared to April. Overall, urban housing starts in Canada increased by 11% to 246,111 units, with multi-unit urban starts up by 13% and single-detached urban starts rising by 2%. Rural starts were estimated at 18,395 units. Additionally, the six-month moving average saw a 3.8% increase, reaching 247,830 units in May. As construction professionals, how do you see the evolving landscape of multi-unit versus single-detached urban starts influencing your strategies and projects in the coming months? 🏗️🔧

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Sustainability at the Forefront: Tackling Waste Management At Silver Maple Apartments and Townhomes in Guelph, we proactively manage waste before it is even created. By integrating waste management considerations at the planning stage, we prevent unnecessary waste from entering the construction process. We utilize A-LINX, our in-house modular building division, to produce prefabricated light gauge steel components with precise measurement specifications. These prefabricated pieces include both Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and finished exterior wall panels with factory-installed windows and doors. This approach ensures that all components are cut to fit, eliminating excess waste. The benefits of using prefabricated components extend beyond waste reduction. This method also minimized heating loss four months sooner than if we used typical construction methods. At Amico, sustainability is at the forefront of our construction management practices. By focusing on efficient resource use and innovative building techniques, we are committed to creating environmentally responsible and sustainable living spaces. #Prefabricated #ConstructionManagement 

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At Vanway Properties, we recognize the current housing crisis in BC. Our vision is to create more complete neighbourhoods with more Missing Middle housing. #plan #design #build #builders #housebuilding #residential #bchousingcrisis

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