Toronto area: Live on the lake at Pier 27

Eight minutes is all it takes to walk home from work in the Bay St. Financial District, says Lori Seguin, who recently moved with her husband Gilles into their suite on the 11th floor at Pier 27 Condos.

The Seguins feel their 750-sq.-ft. suite is perfect, combining everything they could possibly want about downtown life: walking distance to all that downtown has to offer, a panoramic view over the lake, and an array of on-site amenities.

They have it all – a spacious suite overlooking the lake, in a building designed by renowned architect Peter Clewes, a resort-like amenity package with pools and cabanas, and theatres, shops and restaurants at the front door.

“By living downtown … I feel like I’ve expanded my life,” says Gilles. “We don’t plan to ever leave because it feels like we’re at a resort every day.”

For all its being in the centre of so much action, Pier 27 is an oasis for residents. Lori says she instantly feels calm coming home after the buzz and bustle of downtown. “It’s being able to see the water – it makes me feel tranquil and I sit there for hours,” she says.

When the couple isn’t relaxing in front of the view, they’re taking advantage of Pier 27’s resort lifestyle: a spa-like indoor pool, with views of both city and lake; an outdoor pool with barbecue areas and cabanas for soaking up the sun; games room; theatre; party room; outdoor terraces; and professional grade fitness facilities custom programmed by Movement Haus by Benchmark Group.

Waterfront Toronto’s plan to transform Queen’s Quay into a grand lakeside boulevard is one of the most ambitious urban revitalization projects in the world. The tree-lined 45-metre-wide promenade for pedestrians and cyclists will open up the whole waterfront area, says Sam Crignano, president of Cityzen Corp, which developed and built Pier 27 in partnership with Fernbrook Homes.

It means a coveted 100 per cent walkability score for the project, with easy access to St. Lawrence Market, Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, Entertainment and Distillery Districts, Union Station, subway, GO Transit, VIA Rail and the ferry to Toronto Island and the Billy Bishop airport.

The revitalization project connects the neighbourhoods to the Martin Goodman Trail for pedestrian and biking access to Sugar Beach, Cherry Beach, Tommy Thompson Park and to the several sailing clubs and marinas. A quick walk to the west, is Harbourfront with year-round performance events, boutique shops and cafes, and skating rinks.

The launch of the Queen’s Quay LRT will pave the way for more retail along Queen’s Quay, more commercial and office space, and more residential development.

“It’s going to be quite the destination,” Crignano says, “with the increased nightlife, restaurants and evening related commercial activities. I’m quite excited about the future here.”

Designed by architect Peter Clewes of architectsAlliance, Pier 27 has drawn attention for its iconic structure, especially the unique “bridge.” Only a handful of suites remain from the first two phases – two 14-storey towers connected by a “bridge” of suites.Currently on the market is Phase 3, Pier 27 Tower on the Lake, a 35-storey tower with a 12-storey podium on the south side of Queen’s Quay.