Putting the “community” into master-planned communities

If you’re among the many people on the quest for a new home or you’re someone who’s simply fascinated by all things real estate, the term master-planned community may be a familiar one.

You’ll likely have noticed the definition of a master-planned community is rather flexible and would include a variety of elements. Typically, it is a multi-building development with easy access to transit, and can have a massive national grocery chain, banks and services, plus a lively public plaza with restaurants and perhaps an art gallery with maybe a small, street-level coffee shop and convenience store tucked under three storeys of condos.

In this issue, we chat with Bob Ransford, Century Group’s vice-president of development, about what community means and how developers can enhance it.

New Home + Condo Guide: Century Group has long been a leader in developing people-centric communities that reintroduce the ambience and interconnectivity that defined villages of the past. From your experience, what’s the most important part of creating true communities?

Bob Ransford: It all comes down to placemaking, focusing on small details that make it easy for people to engage with their neighbours.

For example, rather than having a double garage facing the street, we put them at the back facing onto the lane. Then we use the space in front for a porch where people can sit or chat with neighbours passing by. You don’t just park your car and disappear inside your home without ever meeting the people you live right next door to.

It’s also important to create places where people can gather easily, such as in small parks, children’s play areas with picnic tables, community halls for events and celebrations. As an example, in our Southlands community in Tsawwassen, we built a public, terraced parkette with seating and a free library in the centre of one of the townhouse stratas. People can access it from the street or from a perimeter trail, so it becomes an outdoor space where people spontaneously meet.

NH+CG: Many urban dwellers complain about finding it difficult to meet people or make friends in modern cities. Why do you think it is important for people to be able to spontaneously connect socially in a community and what kind of design features can facilite it?

BR: I believe with so many social connections now made digitally, people are yearning for something more. You might be on Facebook with a friend every day, but if that friend lives 500 miles away, they aren’t going to be able to help you in an emergency.

The magic about living in a true community is being able to trust your neighbours to have your back. I live alone and I have a heart condition, so knowing that my neighbours know my routines and will intervene if they think I’m in trouble, gives me a huge sense of security.

Community gardens are another social activator with a long history. Gathering to grow and eat food together has always been part of human history. It’s healthy, it’s educational, and it encourages multi-generational connections.

And, of course, with everyone shopping online, knowing your neighbour will keep an eye on a large delivery is even better than the traditional Block Watch. Mine often texts me to say he’s put my delivery in his garage and to just knock on his door when I get home.

NH+CG: But what about high-density tower communities that might not have space for those types of amenities?

BR: That’s when you need to get creative. At Century City Holland Park in Surrey, there’s a podium-level courtyard that we programmed around agriculture by incorporating picnic areas, an apple orchard, and a greenhouse. Almost the entire landscape is edible.

And we raised a few eyebrows with the city planner when we decided to put the bicycle repair room behind a glass wall adjacent to the grand lobby. He couldn’t believe it. We thought why not? When you see someone inside fixing their bike, you’re far more likely to go in and start a conversation. It’s a great opportunity to make friends with someone you already know shares a common interest. Plus, you’ll often learn something new or be able to share your own knowledge.

NH+CG: Any final thoughts?

BR: For the last 50 years, we haven’t designed communities to foster social engagement within a community. The pandemic really emphasized how isolated people have become because of it. Looking ahead, I hope we’ll get back to a more village-oriented lifestyle.

For information about Century Group, visit centurygroup.ca or email bob.ransford@centurygroup.ca.