Now taking shape on the former York Downs Golf & Country Club, the 412-acre master-planned neighbourhood by Minto Communities GTA and Metropia will have extensive walking and cycling trails, naturalized spaces, multiple parks and a skating rink.
“We were really attracted by the builder’s vision for nature and wellness,” said Chong.
It’s the first time Minto has offered Net Zero Ready, or Net Zero, energy self-sufficiency as an upgrade on its homes; it does build to Energy Star criteria as a standard.
“Sustainability really speaks to us and solar panels are a unique option for a builder to offer a homeowner,” said Chong.
“We are only offering it on single family homes and it does seem to be popular,” said LaPlante.
Due to the response at Union Village, Minto is also offering the NZ and NZR options for single family homes at another of its master-planned communities, the Heights of Harmony, just launched in north Oshawa.
There will be four phases in Union Village when the community is complete, with more than 1,200 homes with a variety of forms and a diverse range of architectural styles, from heritage-inspired to contemporary.
“It’s difficult to have something for everyone but we try to appeal to a wide range of buyers,” said LaPlante.
Union Village will incorporate some of the housing trends that have been discussed in the building industry for years but have been amplified by the pandemic, said LaPlante, including multi-generational living.
Minto consulted with local feng shui master Paul Ng on the homes’ designs, to ensure harmony and positive energy using principles from the ancient Chinese practice.
“Unionville has a great, historic Main Street with boutique shops and restaurants,” said LaPlante.
As their new home won’t be ready until fall of 2023, they plan to rent in the same neighbourhood where they’re buying so their daughters won’t have to change schools later on.
When complete, 1,200 homes including detached, various townhouse styles and with a variety of architectural designs.