Modelled on Sir Ebenezer Howard’s concept of urban planning in 19th century England, these strategically-planned neighbourhoods are an answer both to the growing need for housing around the country’s urban centres as well as work-life balance.
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Not enough hours in the day.
Just like sands through the hourglass, so are the things we intend to do but never get around to. Like rest and exercise. Commuting to work and hauling children from point A to point B seem to take up a very large chunk of our lives.
We know we need rest and connection. And food. But we don’t want to mission across the city to get it. Enter master-planned communities. These developments have been strategically designed to meet the social and physical needs of the people who will live in them.
A walk in the park.
You will find parks, green spaces, walkways, swimming pools, gyms, restaurants, children’s play areas, shopping complexes, transit centres, and workspaces. You can live, work, play and go about your daily activities without getting into your car. And with the gas price being what it is, that in itself is a reason to get excited.
These communities can be a collection of condos, townhomes, or detached homes. They can also offer different housing options at various price points. Homeseekers who can’t afford a detached home on a large lot can buy the home they can afford but enjoy a lifestyle that they would not otherwise have access to.
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Where’s my hoverboard?
Adding to the convenience of being able to walk everywhere, these projects are often future-minded, intentionally focusing on technology, energy reduction and carbon neutrality. Great Scott!
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How to pick your community.
Here are some good questions to ask to help you understand if a community-in-development is right for you and your family.
- Who is the target homeseeker? Ask the builder or salesperson to give a description of the community and the homeseekers it is designed for. Inquire about the type of homes available in terms of size, styles, and price range, and ask for a profile of people who have bought to date.
- What communal facilities or lifestyle features are planned? This will include things like fitness facilities, childcare options, outdoor spaces, recreational spaces and retail options.
- What services will be offered ongoing? This includes security, maintenance of common areas, garden services and snow removal. Make sure you know what fees or costs are associated with the services provided.
- Ask to see the complete plan. Does it facilitate what is important to you? Look for narrow or curved streets to slow down traffic, and sidewalks and pathways for pedestrians and bicycles. Check if you have shopping and other service areas within walking distance. Note the location of other important things like schools, transport links and connection to other parts of the city. If you are commuting to work, drive the route during rush hour so you have a good idea of distance and time.
- Talk to the people who live in the community. If the project is already started and some homes are being lived in, walk around and get a sense of the space. Chat to people you meet and ask them questions about the community.
Speaking of planned communities, here are a couple from REW live and kicking right now on rew.ca/developments
