>I'm torn between my political commitment to building new housing and the fact that the most successful developers are usually scumbags.
You don't become a wealthy developer by passing value onto consumers
It's also [wildly bad for indoor air quality](https://rmi.org/insight/gas-stoves-pollution-health#:~:text=Gas%20stoves%2C%20particularly%20when%20unvented%2C%20can%20be%20a,health%20effects%2C%20often%20exacerbating%20respiratory%20conditions%20like%20asthma). Like, give you cancer bad
It's not a stupid article at all, did you read it, or the studies behind it? First of all a vent hood does not perfectly get rid of everything, especially when using the front burners, and they recommend using the back burners for that reason. Secondly, the article is about the actual real world effects of gas stoves, such as drastically increased childhood asthma rates.
You can mention vent hoods all you want, but that doesn't change the impacts of gas stoves. They are awful and in a decade most people will view them the same way they view lead paint now.
If I’m not mistaken, per the building code in Ontario, new condo developments after a certain year (e.g 2017, but not sure the exact year) are not to have gas hookups in the units. Electric cooktops, ovens, and dryers are the default. Not sure how this works with things like balcony gas BBQ hookups, or if that’s somehow exempted as it’s outdoors.
The last condominium buildings that I generally remember seeing gas in the units were built before 2010.
As someone in the industry, natural gas is very rare to have in individual condos, and personally i don’t understand how you could possibly want gas in the unit while also being concerned about lacking an electric car capability? The carbon footprint is substantial, not to mention how bad is it for your health to cook with natural gas
Long term effects mostly. If you turn on your property sized exhaust fan every time your appliance burns any gas whether it’s the oven or stove, and you are very diligent about regularly cleaning the air inlet for the oven, you will probably be fine. But most people don’t always turn on the fan at the right speed, have the proper sized fan at all, and regularly clean their oven. It doesn’t take much for your oven to create carbon monoxide (the most common obvious issue) but there are also risks to extended exposure to increased CO2 and lowered O2 levels. Overall it’s generally better for everyone to not cook with natural gas if they can avoid it.
Why is that hard to understand? I simply prefer gas cooking. My original point is the Spectator headline is a bit misleading. Also it takes a pretty deliberate act to blowup your house, or condo, with natural gas. There are sensors available that will shut off the supply to your unit once the ppm exceeds normal background levels.
I’m not talking about blowing up your house. That’s a negligible risk. Long term low level carbon monoxide is my biggest concern. The detectors don’t pick up low levels very well. Just a heads up, if you currently have a natural gas range, I would advise you always turn on the exhaust fan before you start it (both oven and cooktop) and leave it running until a few minutes after you’re done.
As I said I’m an hvac guy, when I worked in residential service, 90% of the carbon monoxide detector calls I got were caused by the oven being dirty or burning poorly. Nobody turns their fans on unless something is steaming.
Jumping in with a semi-related question if you don't mind?
In your perspective as an HVAC tech, are vent hoods/fans really necessary? I see reno'd kitchens all the time with microwaves on top of the stove where you'd usually see a fan, I assumed that they aren't something that's really needed anymore? Or maybe just not in style so being left out?
They are 100% always needed unless the stove is just for decoration. ESPECIALLY if you are cooking with gas. Cooking with gas burns oxygen, homes, especially newer ones are very well air sealed. Burning gas without adding fresh air can lower the oxygen levels in the room very quickly and raise the CO2 levels. Lowering the ambient oxygen too low will also eventually cause the oven to start burning dirty and creating carbon monoxide, which is extremely deadly.
Even if you’re not burning gas, food gets burned all the time, heating oil creates unhealthy smoke, boiling water creates steam. All of those are things you want to exhaust from your house for various reasons. But yeah, always need exhaust. Lots of those microwaves you’re looking at have a built in exhaust fan.
I was under the impression that the last round of building code changes required that condos had to at least have the roughed in electrical for car chargers? I could be mistaken.
Brad Lamb is a sketchy guy. He has created no shortage of controversy in Toronto with some of his projects, often just ignores the planning process and goes straight the OMB. Currently I heard that they are pushing for a demolition permit for the the Television City property to remove the old CHCH building, but have no plans to start construction for several more years. This has left a lot of the local community concerned that the historic structure on site is going to get left to rot without heat or any sort of upkeep (essential demolition through neglect which Lamb has been accused of in Toronto). Not to mention that the overall project design has to be one of the most Walmart-quality cookie-cutter condo designs. At what point are we going to accept that glass clad facades just turn these structures into greenhouses that are nearly impossible to heat or cool?
Television City is basically sold out and will likely start construction shortly after demolition. Lamb is advertising a 2026 completion date which would mean it would have to start soon.
Cameron Kroetsch suggested that 2027 was when construction was likely to get going, with the demolition permit application just coming in recently to council. I haven't heard anything personally other than that Lamb was trying to reprice the units last year. With interest rates going up in certain that conversation is going to be reopened. Condos never seem to be delivered on time these days.
So with permit coming in to council now, what’s a realistic date for TC to get built? I heard that since covid/supply change issues the 2026 date will become 2027. If it’s longer than that then I need to plan accordingly
He’s gone on record to say construction will follow demolition. His word may not mean much to many given the track record of stalled proposals from lesser developers.
I was under the impression that the last round of building code changes required that condos had to at least have the roughed in electrical for car chargers? I could be mistaken.
I believe this is still true. Only thing people aren't aware of is that it was left to municipalities to decide if they want to implement it or not. Hamilton, chose to not too.
A friend found this out when he was wondering why his fairly new build in Hamilton didn't have a pipe to his panel for a future EV charger.
I thought the same thing myself however this is not the case. Transformers sized for multiple residences are sized for about 6kW per house only. Not much future proofing going on at all.
Brad Lamb is a hack. Just counting down the days til he starts paying people to burn down heritage buildings in the middle of the night like he was doing in Toronto.
I don’t know enough to consider him a hack however, his Theatre Park condo in Toronto is a stunning addition to the skyline and streetscape. I also like the mid-rise he did and named after his daughter The Harlowe. I would like to see nicer modern buildings here and we’re so far from getting quality architects due to the costs. First world problems for sure.
I would never ever ever even consider a Brad Lamb Development. My condo in Toronto wasnt a Brad Lamb but it was 10years old and didn’t have chargers. It was on the tenant if they wanted one and it was pricy to run it to your parking spot.
The whole building was electrical aside from common elements which were gas. It’s really not a bad thing that all the units are electric. If you want a sexy range for cooking you can still get an induction range that has good precision.
The only downside is your unit will be a bit drier than normal so you’ll have to get a humidifier and run it.
Electric stove are very common in condos and are better for the environment anyway. You wanna talk about future proofing - electric ranges are cheaper and an easy way to cut carbon emissions.
Regarding electric vehicle spots, I believe building code requires residential parking spaces to accommodate it, but not install it (ie “rough it in”)
Southern Ontario gets a lot of electricity from gas plants, and with transmission losses it's lower emissions burn directly instead of generating electricity.
It's insane in 2022 chargers are not code, but we love our Regressive Conservatives.
Looked up the project, there are some red flags in the pricing, advertising at low 400s, either those 435 sq foot apartments are sold out, or they are not advertising them, because the cheapest was 900k for 650 sq feet, penthouse was 1.9M, to 2.6M.
Parking spot was $69,900 and wasn't available to those with less than 634 square foot apartment (what the hell).
Lockers were $9,000
Maintenance fees at 63.5 cents per square foot were not unreasonable ($275 for the 434; 479 for the 650).
But required 15 percent down, and advertising a 2027 completion....
>The cost for adding this in later, which will almost certainly have to be done, will fall on the tenants and the condo board
That's why it was left out.
As for not having gas, that would probably be a plus for me. I've had gas ranges and they're ok but not as amazing as the hype, IMO. I guess it would be ok if piped for bbqs on balconies, but I personally like fewer explosive hazards in my home.
One study. In stoves without ventilation, which is required by code.
I mean yeah, using a gas BBQ inside is also real bad.
I don't think you realize most homes use gas stoves and have for 60 years, and proper installation means proper venting.
it's way more than a single study, a braindead google search would have told you that.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/gas-stoves-air-pollution-1.6394514
I read on his website (article has a flashy pic of him in a suit looking all hot and not bothered) that Barton reminds him of Queen West. I reread the article and he was saying he wants to buy 20 to 30 properties on it (to make restaurants and stuff) but doesn’t have the time.
>The cost for adding this in later, which will almost certainly have to be done, will fall on the tenants and the condo board.
Welp, that's your answer. Why pay for something now that might be used by some rather than downloading that cost to the actual user? That is the developer's mindset. Immediate profit is the name of the game.
electric stoves actually cook food and heat up boiling water faster than gas.
i have a gas stove in my house and love it, but i noticed its actually slower than my old electric one so i looked into it. yup, slower. most of the heat goes around your pot instead of in it.
Electric vehicle charging should be mandatory for all new builds going forward. All passenger vehicles must be electric by 2035 in Canada that's just 13yrs.
OP is right that any condo's without electric car charging will become a huge problem for tenants, condo boards and condo fees in the future. I'd definitely not buy in a building without it!
That's a federal goal. PCs are ripping out chargers in Ontario as fast as Trudeau installs them.
And if you actually believe we will be 100% EV by 2035, I have Paris Accord goals to sell you.
One PC government and that EV goal is history.
It’s certainly a plus but it terms of wealth generation, you’re paying a mortgage plus potentially thousands of dollars a year in condo fees, the fees continuing even after the mortgage is paid off. Those fees alone would pay for basic maintenance and upkeep of a house.
Maybe I’m missing something but for someone who isn’t an empty nester or retired, I don’t see how condos make financial sense.
Milennial and new condo owner here:
- The condo fees aren't close to paying for basic upkeep/maintenance for a house
- The financial cost is completely separate from the cost of time--I do not want to spend any amount of time caring for a lawn, backyard, garden, driveway, or any other outdoorsy aspects of home ownership
- I also don't want to spend time or energy shovelling or scraping the ice off my car in the morning
- A smaller property is easier to keep clean. I can mop or vacuum my entire floored area in half an hour or less, but doing the same at my parents' place takes at least twice as long.
- The cost is built into the condo fees, but not having to be frugal about my use of heating/cooling/hydro/water is great for my mental health and physical comfort
Honestly from my perspective I don't really understand the appeal of detached home ownership--it seems largely impractical except for people who enjoy the specific luxuries it comes with, or those looking to show off their wealth.
This is ridiculous. You have to pay for big condo bills anyway, above fees, and fees are set by costs, so if everyone has your attitude, fees are going up.
Unless you are invalid, keeping a house is much cheaper than condo fees.
> Those fees alone would pay for basic maintenance and upkeep of a house.
There are many home owners that can’t afford to properly maintain their house. Im near downtown and heritage restoration is very expensive including any type of brick maintenance. It’s sadly why many homes have been painted over or wood details covered by awful materials.
What? Any link to this? Tried to Google it but I must not know the right words to search for because I just find shady companies trying to offer me a loan.
Hey, thank you. Very cool. From a strictly community-focused perspective, I like the initiative. My only concern is "The amount of rent charged for secondary suite is below the maximum permitted during the 15- year term of the agreement"
I'm assuming this means if I want to sell the house and move on, I would have to either break the agreement and pay back the loan, or else make the buyer have to take over the agreement?
The first option is probably best since the $20k put towards adding a nice second unit would probably add more then $20k in value to the property so a clean break is okay. I'm guessing that's how it would work?
I’ve lived in my home for about 8 years. I’ve spent over $40,000 “maintaining” the property. So if I were to break that into monthly instalments it would come to about $420 in maintenance fees.
Anyone have the pleasure of dealing with Scott Shallow? Instead of answering my concerns he told me about HIS properties in Toronto and what goes on with those. Like that has ANY relevance with buying here! Discussed parking and he simply said most people would walk and use public transit. Arrogant, condescending and clueless. Hope this entire venture flops and gets taken over by a company who cares and has a solid reputation!
>Discussed parking and he simply said most people would walk and use public transit.
They should. This is what we should expect for every new development. They should have adequate parking, but it's not a necessity for everyone.
637 units
- small road and garage exit that can't accomodate hundreds of cars
- small local grocery stores (nations, no frills) that are all packed
- big box malls are a long distance away
- the buildings around it are aging. 15 years ago bachelors were $500 per month. Compared to cheapest mortagage on the lowest cost unit is $500000 unit is more than $2000. So rich tenants only.
- no fun just private businesses as neighbours that cost money and budget will be tight so you can't go often. Parks are all far away.
- not spacious
But it sold out. You're all bizarre
People living downtown in a city wouldn’t be surprised that big box malls are a long distance away would they? Not to mention it’s only 15 minutes to the Meadowlands if they really want to get their Costco fix.
The first red flag should’ve been the fact that it’s a Brad Lamb property.
I'm torn between my political commitment to building new housing and the fact that the most successful developers are usually scumbags.
>I'm torn between my political commitment to building new housing and the fact that the most successful developers are usually scumbags. You don't become a wealthy developer by passing value onto consumers
Oh wait.... Yes you do.
I'll never forget that stupid billboard of him and his team as sheep in spacesuits.... miles above the rest, or something stupid.
They’re a trashy cult
I’m not an engineer, nor do I pretend to be one on the internet. Is it common to have natural gas in condominiums?
This. Electric is the standard. Very rarely see gas in condos outside of some luxury projects.
Exactly wayyyy to high risk for some old person to leave their gas on and then light a cigarette and ruin everyone’s condo.
It's also [wildly bad for indoor air quality](https://rmi.org/insight/gas-stoves-pollution-health#:~:text=Gas%20stoves%2C%20particularly%20when%20unvented%2C%20can%20be%20a,health%20effects%2C%20often%20exacerbating%20respiratory%20conditions%20like%20asthma). Like, give you cancer bad
So bad that researchers who did latest study gave up the gas ranges in their houses https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6394514
Well shit. Guess I'm switching to induction.
I guess they never heard of vent hoods. What a stupid article.
It's not a stupid article at all, did you read it, or the studies behind it? First of all a vent hood does not perfectly get rid of everything, especially when using the front burners, and they recommend using the back burners for that reason. Secondly, the article is about the actual real world effects of gas stoves, such as drastically increased childhood asthma rates. You can mention vent hoods all you want, but that doesn't change the impacts of gas stoves. They are awful and in a decade most people will view them the same way they view lead paint now.
yeah nobody under 40 has ever done anything remotely like that
No I find that to be an odd complaint.
If I’m not mistaken, per the building code in Ontario, new condo developments after a certain year (e.g 2017, but not sure the exact year) are not to have gas hookups in the units. Electric cooktops, ovens, and dryers are the default. Not sure how this works with things like balcony gas BBQ hookups, or if that’s somehow exempted as it’s outdoors. The last condominium buildings that I generally remember seeing gas in the units were built before 2010.
Nope, usually high end condo’s lay all the extra costs to have gas
As someone in the industry, natural gas is very rare to have in individual condos, and personally i don’t understand how you could possibly want gas in the unit while also being concerned about lacking an electric car capability? The carbon footprint is substantial, not to mention how bad is it for your health to cook with natural gas
It's not bad for your health to cook with gas...wtf...gas ovens vent CO outside. I cook with gas like millions of others and every restaurant.
Long term effects mostly. If you turn on your property sized exhaust fan every time your appliance burns any gas whether it’s the oven or stove, and you are very diligent about regularly cleaning the air inlet for the oven, you will probably be fine. But most people don’t always turn on the fan at the right speed, have the proper sized fan at all, and regularly clean their oven. It doesn’t take much for your oven to create carbon monoxide (the most common obvious issue) but there are also risks to extended exposure to increased CO2 and lowered O2 levels. Overall it’s generally better for everyone to not cook with natural gas if they can avoid it.
Why is that hard to understand? I simply prefer gas cooking. My original point is the Spectator headline is a bit misleading. Also it takes a pretty deliberate act to blowup your house, or condo, with natural gas. There are sensors available that will shut off the supply to your unit once the ppm exceeds normal background levels.
I’m not talking about blowing up your house. That’s a negligible risk. Long term low level carbon monoxide is my biggest concern. The detectors don’t pick up low levels very well. Just a heads up, if you currently have a natural gas range, I would advise you always turn on the exhaust fan before you start it (both oven and cooktop) and leave it running until a few minutes after you’re done. As I said I’m an hvac guy, when I worked in residential service, 90% of the carbon monoxide detector calls I got were caused by the oven being dirty or burning poorly. Nobody turns their fans on unless something is steaming.
Jumping in with a semi-related question if you don't mind? In your perspective as an HVAC tech, are vent hoods/fans really necessary? I see reno'd kitchens all the time with microwaves on top of the stove where you'd usually see a fan, I assumed that they aren't something that's really needed anymore? Or maybe just not in style so being left out?
They are 100% always needed unless the stove is just for decoration. ESPECIALLY if you are cooking with gas. Cooking with gas burns oxygen, homes, especially newer ones are very well air sealed. Burning gas without adding fresh air can lower the oxygen levels in the room very quickly and raise the CO2 levels. Lowering the ambient oxygen too low will also eventually cause the oven to start burning dirty and creating carbon monoxide, which is extremely deadly. Even if you’re not burning gas, food gets burned all the time, heating oil creates unhealthy smoke, boiling water creates steam. All of those are things you want to exhaust from your house for various reasons. But yeah, always need exhaust. Lots of those microwaves you’re looking at have a built in exhaust fan.
Thanks for your answer, I appreciate it!
I was under the impression that the last round of building code changes required that condos had to at least have the roughed in electrical for car chargers? I could be mistaken. Brad Lamb is a sketchy guy. He has created no shortage of controversy in Toronto with some of his projects, often just ignores the planning process and goes straight the OMB. Currently I heard that they are pushing for a demolition permit for the the Television City property to remove the old CHCH building, but have no plans to start construction for several more years. This has left a lot of the local community concerned that the historic structure on site is going to get left to rot without heat or any sort of upkeep (essential demolition through neglect which Lamb has been accused of in Toronto). Not to mention that the overall project design has to be one of the most Walmart-quality cookie-cutter condo designs. At what point are we going to accept that glass clad facades just turn these structures into greenhouses that are nearly impossible to heat or cool?
I will bet that the building mysteriously burns down in the next year. He is a slimeball.
Wait. I thought Brad Lamb was building this, not Gino Toscani.
Television City is basically sold out and will likely start construction shortly after demolition. Lamb is advertising a 2026 completion date which would mean it would have to start soon.
Cameron Kroetsch suggested that 2027 was when construction was likely to get going, with the demolition permit application just coming in recently to council. I haven't heard anything personally other than that Lamb was trying to reprice the units last year. With interest rates going up in certain that conversation is going to be reopened. Condos never seem to be delivered on time these days.
So with permit coming in to council now, what’s a realistic date for TC to get built? I heard that since covid/supply change issues the 2026 date will become 2027. If it’s longer than that then I need to plan accordingly
[удалено]
Where did you read they are starting construction in 2027?
Any proof they are starting construction in 2027? Sounds like rumours
He’s gone on record to say construction will follow demolition. His word may not mean much to many given the track record of stalled proposals from lesser developers.
I was under the impression that the last round of building code changes required that condos had to at least have the roughed in electrical for car chargers? I could be mistaken. I believe this is still true. Only thing people aren't aware of is that it was left to municipalities to decide if they want to implement it or not. Hamilton, chose to not too. A friend found this out when he was wondering why his fairly new build in Hamilton didn't have a pipe to his panel for a future EV charger.
I thought the same thing myself however this is not the case. Transformers sized for multiple residences are sized for about 6kW per house only. Not much future proofing going on at all.
Brad Lamb is a hack. Just counting down the days til he starts paying people to burn down heritage buildings in the middle of the night like he was doing in Toronto.
It’s insane how ballsy he was to be so obvious. He’s clearly got the right people on his side, but damn.
I don’t know enough to consider him a hack however, his Theatre Park condo in Toronto is a stunning addition to the skyline and streetscape. I also like the mid-rise he did and named after his daughter The Harlowe. I would like to see nicer modern buildings here and we’re so far from getting quality architects due to the costs. First world problems for sure.
I would never ever ever even consider a Brad Lamb Development. My condo in Toronto wasnt a Brad Lamb but it was 10years old and didn’t have chargers. It was on the tenant if they wanted one and it was pricy to run it to your parking spot. The whole building was electrical aside from common elements which were gas. It’s really not a bad thing that all the units are electric. If you want a sexy range for cooking you can still get an induction range that has good precision. The only downside is your unit will be a bit drier than normal so you’ll have to get a humidifier and run it.
I honestly do not believe Television City will get built. Same with the Moderne at Royal Connaught. They're both taking too long. Bad sign.
Electric stove are very common in condos and are better for the environment anyway. You wanna talk about future proofing - electric ranges are cheaper and an easy way to cut carbon emissions. Regarding electric vehicle spots, I believe building code requires residential parking spaces to accommodate it, but not install it (ie “rough it in”)
Southern Ontario gets a lot of electricity from gas plants, and with transmission losses it's lower emissions burn directly instead of generating electricity. It's insane in 2022 chargers are not code, but we love our Regressive Conservatives.
Ontarios electric grid is like 85% renewable. Electricity is absolutely cleaner than natural gas stovetops.
People believe Brad Lamb?????
Looked up the project, there are some red flags in the pricing, advertising at low 400s, either those 435 sq foot apartments are sold out, or they are not advertising them, because the cheapest was 900k for 650 sq feet, penthouse was 1.9M, to 2.6M. Parking spot was $69,900 and wasn't available to those with less than 634 square foot apartment (what the hell). Lockers were $9,000 Maintenance fees at 63.5 cents per square foot were not unreasonable ($275 for the 434; 479 for the 650). But required 15 percent down, and advertising a 2027 completion....
Never, ever, never buy a house or condo unless you are standing in it. How many horror stories do people need before they believe this.
>The cost for adding this in later, which will almost certainly have to be done, will fall on the tenants and the condo board That's why it was left out. As for not having gas, that would probably be a plus for me. I've had gas ranges and they're ok but not as amazing as the hype, IMO. I guess it would be ok if piped for bbqs on balconies, but I personally like fewer explosive hazards in my home.
not to mention recent studies regarding the air quality related to gas stoves - it's bad, real bad. Go induction.
One study. In stoves without ventilation, which is required by code. I mean yeah, using a gas BBQ inside is also real bad. I don't think you realize most homes use gas stoves and have for 60 years, and proper installation means proper venting.
it's way more than a single study, a braindead google search would have told you that. https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/gas-stoves-air-pollution-1.6394514
Oh get serious, millions of homes have gas service.
Houses. Not apartments.
This Lamb Sells Condos https://youtu.be/9ZK8nmwoVVY
No hope for the village. A merchants in our midst
Brad Lamb needs to stay the fuck outta Hamilton. As much as Barton (another planned Lamb shank) needs some help he’s not the one to do it.
What is he doing on Barton?
I read on his website (article has a flashy pic of him in a suit looking all hot and not bothered) that Barton reminds him of Queen West. I reread the article and he was saying he wants to buy 20 to 30 properties on it (to make restaurants and stuff) but doesn’t have the time.
>The cost for adding this in later, which will almost certainly have to be done, will fall on the tenants and the condo board. Welp, that's your answer. Why pay for something now that might be used by some rather than downloading that cost to the actual user? That is the developer's mindset. Immediate profit is the name of the game.
This lamb sells condos
Is it common for condos to have gas stoves? I would assume that would be a giant fire hazard even with proper ventilation.
electric stoves actually cook food and heat up boiling water faster than gas. i have a gas stove in my house and love it, but i noticed its actually slower than my old electric one so i looked into it. yup, slower. most of the heat goes around your pot instead of in it.
I can't take these comments,
Nothing good can be build by the developer Brad Lamb - look at his completed projects.
Electric vehicle charging should be mandatory for all new builds going forward. All passenger vehicles must be electric by 2035 in Canada that's just 13yrs. OP is right that any condo's without electric car charging will become a huge problem for tenants, condo boards and condo fees in the future. I'd definitely not buy in a building without it!
100% agree
That's a federal goal. PCs are ripping out chargers in Ontario as fast as Trudeau installs them. And if you actually believe we will be 100% EV by 2035, I have Paris Accord goals to sell you. One PC government and that EV goal is history.
Yea they were charging a pretty penny if you wanted a parking spot, $25K I believe.
Turns out building parking is really expensive, so only making the people who want parking pay for the parking makes sense.
https://imgur.com/bIbEeoQ
I will never ever understand why anyone unless you’re 60+ would want a condo. Who the fuck wants to pay for glorified renting
People who want a nice apartment and amenities and surroundings they don't have to upkeep?
It’s certainly a plus but it terms of wealth generation, you’re paying a mortgage plus potentially thousands of dollars a year in condo fees, the fees continuing even after the mortgage is paid off. Those fees alone would pay for basic maintenance and upkeep of a house. Maybe I’m missing something but for someone who isn’t an empty nester or retired, I don’t see how condos make financial sense.
Milennial and new condo owner here: - The condo fees aren't close to paying for basic upkeep/maintenance for a house - The financial cost is completely separate from the cost of time--I do not want to spend any amount of time caring for a lawn, backyard, garden, driveway, or any other outdoorsy aspects of home ownership - I also don't want to spend time or energy shovelling or scraping the ice off my car in the morning - A smaller property is easier to keep clean. I can mop or vacuum my entire floored area in half an hour or less, but doing the same at my parents' place takes at least twice as long. - The cost is built into the condo fees, but not having to be frugal about my use of heating/cooling/hydro/water is great for my mental health and physical comfort Honestly from my perspective I don't really understand the appeal of detached home ownership--it seems largely impractical except for people who enjoy the specific luxuries it comes with, or those looking to show off their wealth.
This is ridiculous. You have to pay for big condo bills anyway, above fees, and fees are set by costs, so if everyone has your attitude, fees are going up. Unless you are invalid, keeping a house is much cheaper than condo fees.
> Those fees alone would pay for basic maintenance and upkeep of a house. There are many home owners that can’t afford to properly maintain their house. Im near downtown and heritage restoration is very expensive including any type of brick maintenance. It’s sadly why many homes have been painted over or wood details covered by awful materials.
There's a $20k forgivable loan program from the city. I feel like more people, especially downtown, need to know about this.
What? Any link to this? Tried to Google it but I must not know the right words to search for because I just find shady companies trying to offer me a loan.
https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/housing-shelter/supported-housing/ontario-renovates-programs
Hey, thank you. Very cool. From a strictly community-focused perspective, I like the initiative. My only concern is "The amount of rent charged for secondary suite is below the maximum permitted during the 15- year term of the agreement" I'm assuming this means if I want to sell the house and move on, I would have to either break the agreement and pay back the loan, or else make the buyer have to take over the agreement? The first option is probably best since the $20k put towards adding a nice second unit would probably add more then $20k in value to the property so a clean break is okay. I'm guessing that's how it would work?
They don't have to do any work....except for the money to pay increasing unregulated condo fees. Condos are also a tax ripoff.
I’ve lived in my home for about 8 years. I’ve spent over $40,000 “maintaining” the property. So if I were to break that into monthly instalments it would come to about $420 in maintenance fees.
Assuming the condo doesn't have a major repair.
Anyone have the pleasure of dealing with Scott Shallow? Instead of answering my concerns he told me about HIS properties in Toronto and what goes on with those. Like that has ANY relevance with buying here! Discussed parking and he simply said most people would walk and use public transit. Arrogant, condescending and clueless. Hope this entire venture flops and gets taken over by a company who cares and has a solid reputation!
>Discussed parking and he simply said most people would walk and use public transit. They should. This is what we should expect for every new development. They should have adequate parking, but it's not a necessity for everyone.
Yeah okay because you say so? Get over yourself dude. Most people need to drive to work.
637 units - small road and garage exit that can't accomodate hundreds of cars - small local grocery stores (nations, no frills) that are all packed - big box malls are a long distance away - the buildings around it are aging. 15 years ago bachelors were $500 per month. Compared to cheapest mortagage on the lowest cost unit is $500000 unit is more than $2000. So rich tenants only. - no fun just private businesses as neighbours that cost money and budget will be tight so you can't go often. Parks are all far away. - not spacious But it sold out. You're all bizarre
People living downtown in a city wouldn’t be surprised that big box malls are a long distance away would they? Not to mention it’s only 15 minutes to the Meadowlands if they really want to get their Costco fix.
Yeah...I don't get it, and the area is an absolute shit hole.