New development to ease housing crunch

BY MARIE LITALIEN

Phil and Louise Landry, owners and developers of Nature’s Haven Parkland Estates and Condominiums, are developing 77 acres of land on St. Michel Street, purchased in 2004 from a private owner.

The $100-million residential development will include 151 homes on fully-serviced, rectangular lots, which range from 70-by-147 feet to 82-by-174 feet.

These lots are bigger than the usual ones typical for newly-built homes, said Robert Kirwan, director of marketing, public relations and strategic planning for the new development.

One area of the land will have 100 semi-detached living units and a three-story, 108-unit one and two bedroom condominium complex, which will be one of the largest of its kind built in northern Ontario.

The site is in a wooded area, surrounded by nature trails, and is within walking distance to schools and stores.

The housing development will create 351 more living spaces, said Kirwan. With the city’s low vacancy rate, these new homes are a necessity.

Kirwan does not expect any of the homes to be worth less than $300,000 because of  the current housing market trends.

The three-floor condominium building is scheduled to be completed by 2010. Kirwan said he expects these units to sell in the low $200,000 range.

The condominiums are also different, he noted.

The developers want to steer away from the “claustrophobic feeling” typical of many condominiums.

“They are designed for people who want an apartment but all the luxuries of a house,” said Kirwan.

Kirwan said he believes condominium living is a trend that is developing all across the country because baby boomers are looking for a permanent home that allows them to travel without worry.

Though there is money to be made in this business endeavour, Kirwan noted this development is not only about bringing in the cash.

“Otherwise, he (Landry) would make the lots a lot smaller and squeeze in more lots.”

Most of the formalities and paperwork has been completed for the development, said Kirwan. The only step left is a visit before city council where Landry is “pretty confident the development will be approved.”
The city council appearance has not been scheduled.

“This is a big investment for Hanmer and it’s good for the town,” Kirwan said.

For more information visit natureshaven.ca.