May 3, 2016 Discovering New Neighbourhoods
As development in Metro Vancouver continues to grow with no signs of stopping, the densification plan goes beyond replacing old buildings with new. With limited supply in Metro Vancouver’s most popular and established neighbourhoods driving ever increasing prices, developers are having to envision future communities where land is available in areas that are not yet established but just as convenient and accessible. This often means creating new neighbourhoods from areas traditionally zoned for light industrial. As we might recall, some of Vancouver’s most expensive neighbourhoods such as Yaletown and Olympic Village were developed this way.
NEW NEIGHBOURHOODS STRIVE TO CREATE AN INTEGRATED COMMUNITY
When given a blank canvas to develop in a new area one might ask, where to even begin? Large-scale developments are striving to build livable family communities that include various types of housing options, plentiful amenities, green space, social spaces, retail, commercial, community centres, schools, and access to transit. Traditionally, ‘neighbourhood’ referred to single-family homes where everyone knows their neighbours, kids play at the park around the corner from the house, and everyone shops at the local grocery store. As condominium-living slowly becomes more common, the goal is to create a truly integrated community where one feels the same sense of belonging in a more dense, urban setting.
ARAGON'S PORT ROYAL VILLAGE HAS BEEN 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING
A great example is Aragon’s master-plan community at Port Royal. Most people have never heard of Port Royal but it’s been in the making for decades. Located on New Westminster’s riverfront, this neighbourhood is surrounded by parks, playgrounds, walkways, and a community garden. Port Royal is comprised of a diverse selection of condominiums, lofts, townhomes, triplexes, row houses, and single family homes – truly something for everyone. Located nearby are shops at Queensborough Landing, schools, sport fields, a community centre and a host of shops, services, and activities to come when the future pedestrian bridge links Port Royal to the New Westminster Quay. Other great examples include Wesgroup’s River District and Brewery District, as well as the major transformation happening in Burnaby’s Brentwood.
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES ARE HAPPY COMMUNITIES
Charles Montgomery’s book Happy City states that people have been shown to be happier when they live a connected life, establishing casual but regular relationships with people they meet through simple residential proximity. A community that is designed to incorporate people from various age groups and backgrounds creates a basis for an emerging neighbourhood. The key is being able to imagine the community to come.
Purchasing in presale condominiums provides an opportunity to be an early adopter, help shape a future neighbourhood, and receive extra value by getting in early.
