Minto Communities, one of Ontario’s leading real estate development companies, received top recognition at the 2020 Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) National Awards for Housing Excellence today, winning Mid to High-rise Condo or Apartment Project (planned) for downtown Toronto development The Saint, Brochure/Kit for fellow downtown Toronto development 123 Portland, and the Net Zero Home Award for the 2019 Minto Dream Home in support of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. The CHBA Awards received over 700 entries from across Canada, and nearly 200 judges reviewed images, floor plans and project descriptions before announcing the winners.
Located at the heart of Toronto’s vibrant downtown core at Church and Adelaide, The Saint is carefully designed to honour the preserved historic buildings of the neighbourhood including the nearby St. James Cathedral. Inside, Japanese minimalism inspired design with biophilic elements combine to create a serene environment, and 10,000 sq. ft of amenity space focused on health and wellness provides residents with a home where they can “find their centre.” The robust amenity program includes calm supporting spaces like an infrared sauna, a rain chromotherapy room, a star-gazing room, a zen garden, and a glowing mediation room with an entire wall made of illuminated salt rock. Select units are still available for purchase.
“Downtown Toronto is in need of housing supply for young professionals and first-time home buyers, so when Minto Communities began our work on The Saint, we really wanted to create something special,” said Matt Brown, Director, Product Development, Minto Communities GTA. “We focused on maximizing The Saint’s amazing location through striking and neighbourhood complimentary design features and building out a thorough wellness-inspired amenity program that gives residents countless opportunities to relax, decompress, and put their holistic health first. We’re thrilled with the end result and are extremely thankful for the recognition from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Awards.”
In contrast to The Saint’s minimalism-inspired aesthetic, 123 Portland’s design is rooted in a pre-modern aesthetic and is heavily inspired by Parisian apartments with Juliette balconies and dramatic French doors. The result is a modern-take on European buildings mixed with a Toronto-specific loft vernacular. To support the project, 123 Portland’s marketing brochure brought the rich and luxurious interiors to life, offering prospective homeowners a compelling preview of life on King St. W.
“123 Portland is an elegant and refined boutique condo offering right on King St. West,” said Alexis Albert, Director, Marketing, Minto Communities GTA. “It’s a gorgeous property with standout features like a stunning lobby and a spectacular rooftop terrace. We knew we had to do this incredible development justice with a brochure that could accurately capture the vibe for future homeowners. Not only have we been extremely successful with sales for the development, now to win a Canadian Home Builders’ Association National Award for Housing Excellence is the cherry on top. We’re so glad our brochure has resonated with purchasers and it shows us we’re remaining well-positioned in a competitive marketplace.”
Rounding out the success of Minto Communities at the CHBA awards, Minto Communities Ottawa was the winner of the Net Zero Home Award for their 2019 Minto Dream Home in support of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Lottery fundraiser. Minto Communities Ottawa has been participating in CHEO’s “Dream of a Lifetime Lottery” since 2001. To support the important work of the CHEO, Minto Communities builds and donates the grand prize of the Minto Dream Home, located in Pottery’s Key, Stittsville. The Minto Dream Home for 2019 was notable for its certification as a Net Zero Energy home and reflects both Minto Communities’ commitment to sustainability and supporting community initiatives.
Up to 80% more energy-efficient than typical new homes, Net Zero Energy homes produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis — meaning lower energy costs for the homeowner and less impact on the planet. Taking this innovative approach for the 2019 Minto Dream Home means that every part of the house works together to provide greater indoor comfort and air quality with highly efficient insulation, mechanical systems, and solar panels to produce the energy it needs. The grand prize package also included an electric vehicle and a garage is fully equipped with a car charging station, allowing the winner to live and drive with minimal energy costs.
These wins contribute to a successful awards season for Minto Communities to date, having won several DRHBA awards last month for Whitby development Ivy Ridge, along with 8 BILD award nominations with winners to be announced in early September.
About
Minto Communities is a family-owned, fully integrated real estate development, construction and management company with operations in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and South Florida, and has been instrumental in the design and construction of more than 85,000 residential and commercial properties.
An industry leader, Minto Communities is known for high-quality and sustainable developments. A testament to its outstanding leadership, Minto Communities was recognized by the Ontario Home Builders Association as Home Builder of the Year in both 2014 and 2012, and Ottawa’s Builder of the year in 2019 by GOHBA.
