The growth of master-planned communities continues

The growth of master-planned communities continues to attract buyers of all ages throughout Metro Vancouver builders are creating master-planned communities to accommodate the exploding demand for live, work, play.

Master-planned communities are transforming neighbourhoods all across Metro Vancouver. But what do we mean by a master-planned community?

Not just ordinary subdivisions, typically they are considerable-sized neighbourhoods that offer residents much more than just a home. They often consist of several amenities, including pools, communal gathering spaces, restaurants and all types of services.

Naturally, that’s appealing to a number of buyers, most of whom get to move into never-lived-in brand new home with all the bells and whistles.

Defining "master-planned"

The City of Vancouver does not have a formal definition for the term, but generally, a master-planned community is a community built entirely from scratch. So says Jag Sandhu, communications coordinator, City of Vancouver.

“Before construction begins, the town is carefully mapped out by planners who want to shape the look, feel, and future of the community,” says Sandhu, adding that he believes the terminology was coined in the construction industry. “The community may have a specific purpose, or it may simply be an attempt at developing sensibly. In order for this type of community to succeed, it must have a rich diversity of input from planners and potential citizens.”

Right now, the City of Vancouver has a number of major neighbourhood plans in the works and in the planning stages.

In Surrey, the city describes master-planned communities as Neighbourhood Concept Plans (NCP). Oliver Lum, the city’s communications manager, went on to say that a customary description would be best defined as “a development that involves a number of phases arranged over a large site, all planned in conjunction by a single “master developer” according to an overall scheme. Individual phases may be developed over time either by the master developer or by others, but in keeping with the overall initial plan.”

“In Surrey, there are 25 Neighbourhood Concept Plans with three more in the process of being finalized,” adds Lum. “Any NCP provides future land use information along with a road layout concept, design guidelines, servicing plan and financing plans.”

In Coquitlam, Jim McIntyre, the general manager of planning and development, says the city doesn’t really use the term “master-planned communities.” However, having said that, the closest the city does come to defining it is by looking at the Beedie Group’s Fraser Mills projects.

“The Fraser Mills Waterfront Village Centre Neighbourhood Plan provides a general description that describes objectives and criteria of a “master-planned community,” adds McIntyre. “The Fraser Mills consists of two parcels which will feature industrial buildings with the residential component to be built at a later date. To go ahead with the residential component, it will require a significant investment by the builder to incorporate site amenities and features.”

He goes on to say that the Fraser Mills’ Waterfront Village Centre is a comprehensively planned and compact neighbourhood that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

New and ongoing suburbs are transforming cities

In Langley, Sunmark Developments Ltd. is developing Keaton – 80 townhomes – in Willoughby. This master-planned community is showcased by new schools, new parks and commercial centres all within walking distance.

“Because there were so many local amenities nearby, we were able to incorporate some exciting features within the project,” says Sunmark’s vice president Sanveer Shoker. “There was a nearly acre-long wildlife corridor running through the site. We were able to incorporate community garden plots so homeowners could not only have their own backyard, but access to individual garden boxes within the community garden.”

The Keaton master-planned community brought together many different styles and layouts of townhouses. “There is a spacious 2,000-sq.-ft. townhouse for the owner who had just sold their single-family home and didn’t want to sacrifice any square footage, and the 1,200-sq.-ft. townhouse for the young couple purchasing their first home,” he adds.

Shoker went on to say: “We understand our homeowners want to see an abundance of greenery, local amenities and strong educational opportunities for their children. We’ve found people are willing to commute for work, but don’t want to commute for their social lives. So, once they are home after work or on weekends, they want to put the car keys away and be able to enjoy their community.

Anthem Properties and Beedie Living are developing Station Square Metrotown, a 12-acre mixed-use residential and commercial development in the heart of Burnaby, near the Metrotown SkyTrain station and bus loop. Station Square will eventually include five towers and lots of retail and commercial space. Among the confirmed tenants are Rexall, Save On Foods, TD Canada Trust and Caffe Artigiano.

“Station Square is centre ice … I believe this is the most exciting masterplanned community in the Lower Mainland because of its livability and amenities,” says Elva Kim, vice president of sales and marketing for Anthem Properties. “The vision here is to create a sense of place by elevating the wants and needs of our residents.”

When completed in 2020, Station Square will encompass five towers rising between 41 to 52 storeys, and feature more than 1,800 homes for an estimated 25,000 residents.

“The last phase of SSQ will consist of two more towers,” she adds. “There will be public art and common gardens to encourage gathering, a well as shopping, dining and great services to promote work, live, play.”

Nestled in the heart of South Surrey, South Ridge Club is an ambitious master-planned community surrounding by the pedestrian-friendly shopping of Morgan Crossing and Grandview.

South Ridge Club covers 3.65 acres being developed in three phases – Willsbrook, Greenway (coming June 2016) and Grandview.

“Within the South Ridge Club we offer amenities comparable to luxurious hotels, including private access to an extensive 6,500-sq.-ft. clubhouse packed with amenities, the South Ridge Club. It consists of a pool, hot tub, movie theatre, fireside lounge, 1,300-sq.-ft. multi-purpose gymnasium, fitness room, indoor/outdoor gourmet kitchens, picnic area, and on-site concierge service,” says Eric Andreasen, vice president of marketing and sales for Adera.

At South Ridge Club, the developers prioritized the need for community building and opportunities for increased interaction amongst neighbours. The focus is for increased social wellbeing and an improved quality of life for residents by creating central hubs and community engagement among residents.

“One of the many ways we will do this is by hosting community events to encourage connectivity,” adds Andrerasen. “We will provide residents of our community exciting and engaging activities such as fitness, health, entertainment and educational events.”

Sitting on the former Fantasy Gardens theme park in South Richmond is one of the most exciting masterplanned communities in years – Townline’s The Gardens. Perhaps the most prominent aspect of the Gardens is that more than half of the site – 12 out of 22 acres – will be transformed into a combination of parkland and gardens that has been officially turned over to the city of Richmond for the enjoyment of everyone.

“In a park setting, The Gardens is about creating a resident-friendly community where residents can live, work and play and have all of their needs at their doorstep,” says Chris Colbeck, VP marketing and sales at Townline. “This vibrant master-planned community will be home to approximately 510 homes, consisting of townhomes and condos.”

Homeowners will also have exclusive access to the 6,000-sq.-ft. Gardens Club that will feature a fitness centre, gymnasium for badminton and basketball, plus a meeting room. Ironwood Plaza and Coppersmith Mall are just across the street, with Riverport multiplex entertainment centre only a short drive away.

However you want to define masterplanned community, Metro Vancouver home buyers have embraced the lifestyle in a huge way.