Modern, Sustainable, Urban Community Breaks Ground in Kitchener-Waterloo

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON, March 31, 2013 (Press-News.org) For years, people have gathered at Victoria Park, the oldest and most important outdoor park in Kitchener, Ontario. Now, with the launch of Victoria Common, there's a vibrant new place to meet, mingle and live, right in the heart of a thriving community just 35 minutes from the western Greater Toronto Area.

"Victoria Common is the culmination of a new urbanism vision," said Bruno Suppa, vice-president of Queensgate Developments (Kitchener) Inc. which is spearheading the development. "Taking our cue from the greatest cities in the world, we're building on the rich industrial and cultural heritage of the Kitchener-Waterloo area to present a pedestrian friendly, activity-based community that redefines city dwelling," he said.

Once a leather tannery, the completely remediated site is being transformed into a unique cosmopolitan centre, including 220 classic townhomes by Losani Homes, five condominium buildings ranging from four to 12 storeys by Queensgate Developments Inc. and a beautifully landscaped piazza with a clock tower, skating rink, splash pad, concert podium, benches and cafe-style seating areas. With its own retail space bringing in local businesses, residents can enjoy the convenience of having their everyday necessities at their doorsteps. The dramatic transformation taking place at this site promises to make Victoria Common a 'poster child' for urban renewal.

At the same time, the community is breaking new ground in sustainable living with a three-pronged energy strategy designed to save homeowners money and reduce their carbon footprint. Billed as one of Canada's most advanced green energy systems for new home communities, Victoria Common will rely on a combination of geothermal, co-generation and solar technologies to significantly reduce its environmental footprint as well as its consumption, keeping energy costs down and ultimately saving homeowners thousands of dollars over the years. "There's more than one reason to feel good when you live here," said Suppa. "We're offering affordable luxury - more than $100,000 in savings compared to similar developments in the GTA - right in the heart of a thriving municipality, with easy access to transportation and amenities, and we're doing it with the environment in mind."

Phase One from Queensgate features a sleek, midrise building with a stunning steel, brick and glass facade designed by Architecture Unfolded, a visionary young architectural firm based in Toronto, bringing the chic urban style of Toronto's King St. West to Kitchener. It boasts 77 luxurious suites starting at $187,900, with one bedroom, one bedroom plus den, two bedroom and two bedroom plus den floor plans ranging from 490 to 890 square feet. All suites feature a private balcony, terrace, or patio with luxurious finishes such as stainless steel appliances, deep soaker tubs and granite countertops in the kitchen. Common amenities include an exquisitely appointed party room with outdoor barbeques and fully equipped fitness studio designed by Bryon Patton and Associates.

For a limited time, homebuyers will receive a $10,000 upgrade package, including a kitchen island with granite breakfast bar, bathroom potlights, under-mount kitchen lighting, a storage locker and mirrored closet sliders.

Victoria Common is located in the heart of Canada's Technology Triangle, just minutes from downtown Kitchener and uptown Waterloo, and close to healthcare, restaurants, night life, parks, recreation and the renowned Farmer's Market. The community is within walking distance of GO transit, the new light rail line expected to open in 2017 and situated near major highways for quick and easy access to Mississauga, Toronto, Hamilton and London, as well as Pearson International Airport.

"We're building a community within a community," said Suppa, noting that Kitchener-Waterloo is a rapidly growing area, home to two outstanding universities that fuel many technology start-ups and businesses for employment opportunities. "Victoria Common will reflect the unique blend of big city amenities and small town friendliness this area is already known for, the ideal living place for young and old homeowners alike," he said.

For more information about Victoria Common, visit http://www.victoriacommon.com or call 1-888-240-5332.

Media Contact: Mark Wessel, Bullpen PR, (705) 445-2733, mwessel@bullpenpr.com