Learn how real estate lawyers support Canadian buyers and sellers during property transactions, including title searches, legal documents, and closing procedures.
A real estate lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in property law, assisting with the legal aspects of buying, selling, or refinancing real estate.
Why Do Real Estate Lawyers Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, lawyers are often required to complete transactions. They ensure all legal documentation is properly prepared and reviewed, and that the title transfer process is completed without issues.
A lawyer protects the buyer’s or seller’s legal interests and ensures the transaction complies with provincial real estate law. They are especially critical in complex cases such as:
Estate sales
Foreclosures or power of sale
Disputes over easements or zoning
Understanding the role of a real estate lawyer helps ensure that your property transaction proceeds smoothly, lawfully, and with minimized legal risk.
Example of a Real Estate Lawyer in Action
A homebuyer in Alberta hires a real estate lawyer to review their purchase agreement, ensure the title is clear, and handle the legal closing process.
Key Takeaways
Manages legal aspects of real estate deals.
Required for closings in most provinces.
Ensures title and funds are properly transferred.
Reviews legal documents and resolves disputes.
Protects client interests in property transactions.
A construction loan is a short-term, interim financing option used to fund the building or major renovation of a property, with funds disbursed in. more
A certificate of occupancy is an official document issued by a municipal authority confirming that a building complies with applicable codes and is. more
A bylaw variance is official permission granted by a municipal authority allowing a property owner to deviate from local zoning or building bylaw. more
Corporate restructuring refers to the reorganization of a company’s operations, assets, or liabilities, often under court supervision, to improve. more
A consumer proposal is a formal, legally binding agreement in Canada between an individual and their creditors to repay a portion of their debt over. more
In Vancouver’s Arbutus neighbourhood — where quiet charm meets central convenience — homes of 2318 Oliver Crescent's calibre rarely come to market.
Set on an exceptionally deep 8,550-sq.-ft lot, this timeless family home combines spaciousness, functionality, and thoughtful design. The address offers nearly 4,800 sq. ft of interior living space, and is framed by mature landscaping, a fully fenced yard, and a backyard built for both play and restful pause.
Inside, the home is airy and refined, grounded by white oak flooring and rich custom millwork throughout. Designed with everyday life in mind — but elevated in finish — the residence features 6 beds (two being flex spaces) and 6 baths, offering enough room for family, guests, or even multi-generational living.
The lower level, meanwhile, is fully finished with its own separate entrance, making it ideal for in-laws, teens, or a private suite.
Recent updates have ensured that the home is as comfortable as it is classic. Double-paned windows and a renewed exterior lend a fresh, energy-efficient feel, while features like central air conditioning and an infrared sauna bring a layer of modern luxury.
Step outside, and the home truly comes into its own.
The backyard feels like a private oasis — fully enclosed and landscaped to perfection, with a built-in fire pit that invites relaxed evenings under the stars. A detached three-car garage completes the property with both practicality and presence.
The west-facing backyard is a true highlight. With its spacious layout, fire feature, and lush landscaping, it’s tailor-made for relaxed evenings, garden parties, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet amid the city bustle.
The location, meanwhile, places you within easy reach of some of Vancouver’s most desirable amenities. Trafalgar Park is just a short stroll away, while top schools, boutique shopping, the Arbutus Club, and essential grocers are all close at hand.
In a neighbourhood where demand consistently outpaces supply, this is a home that hits every note — size, style, and setting.
In the rugged heart of Alberta’s Bow Valley, where wilderness meets refined living, 118 Cairns Landing stands as a rare expression of mountain luxury.
Located within Cairns Landing — Canmore’s only gated community — this estate spans more than 25,000 sq. ft of pristine alpine land and captures uninterrupted views of the Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak, and the Fairholme Range. It’s a property that offers solitude and grandeur in equal measure, just minutes from downtown Canmore and framed by the edge of Banff National Park.
With more than 4,000 sq. ft of interior living space across the main house and a private one-bedroom guest residence, the home marries timeless materials with clean, contemporary form. The great room anchors the design — a soaring, open-concept space that spills onto over 1,000 sq. ft. of elevated outdoor living. Whether you're catching the first light on the peaks or winding down with guests over a glass of wine, this space is calibrated for every season, every hour.
Inside, the home’s interiors are restrained but striking: natural textures, tailored finishes, and expansive glass walls blur the boundary between indoors and out. The aesthetic is both polished and welcoming — a place where post-ski evenings and summer barbecues feel equally at home.
Rare for the region, the home also boasts a private outdoor pool — an unexpected resort-style indulgence in a mountain town known for its wild terrain. The outdoor areas are oriented with care to maximize sun exposure and alpine vistas, while maintaining the privacy that defines the gated Cairns Landing enclave.
The heated outdoor pool is an uncommon — and unforgettable — feature in the Bow Valley. Positioned to soak up both sun and sweeping views, it’s the kind of detail that transforms a mountain getaway into a year-round lifestyle.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either. A heated five-car garage ensures room for vehicles, adventure gear, and collectible toys, while a separate guest house provides autonomy and comfort for visitors or extended stays.
The location is as much a part of the story as the home itself. Just steps from the Bow River pathway and minutes to world-class fly fishing, biking trails, and untouched backcountry, this estate places Canada’s most iconic wilderness at your feet — with the town’s best restaurants, cafés, and shops only a short ride away.
Designed as a legacy home for those who seek alpine quiet without compromise, 118 Cairns Landing offers an unmatched mix of architecture, setting, and access.
1451 Wellington Street West as of October 2024/Google Maps
Around nine months after filing for creditor protection, Mizrahi Development Group is now looking to renegotiate presale contracts with respect to its luxury condo development at 1451 Wellington Street West in Ottawa, also known The Residences at Island Park Drive.
The 12-storey, 93-unit development coming up in Westboro, owned by WellingtonCo, was started back in 2015 and is now in the final stages of construction with just interior finishing and cladding and roofing work still to be done. To date, all the necessary permits and approvals for the project have been secured except the occupancy permit and condominium registration.
The project's original competition date was November 2023, but suffered major delays attributed to “cost overruns due to construction challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, market conditions, and increased costs for goods and services,” according to a July 9 report from the Monitor in the CCAA proceedings, MNP Ltd. Phased occupancy is now expected to commence in September 2025 and completion is projected for February 2026.
The Monitor also notes that WellingtonCo has presold approximately 72 units — representing just over a 77% of the 93 units — since 2017, and that deposits related to those presales amount to around $14.8 million. That sum is insured by Westmount Guarantee Services Inc.
Renderings of 1451 Wellington/Mizrahi Developments Group
A majority of the presale agreements were reached in 2017 and 2018, however, and new condominium prices in Ottawa-Gatineau have "increased significantly," the Monitor notes. Thus, Mizrahi Developments, with support from the Monitor and the Mizrahi's realtors on the project (PMA Brethour Realty Group), is now seeking to renegotiate the terms of the existing presale agreements so they reflect current market conditions and "to determine whether incremental value can be realized for the benefit of stakeholders."
In a July 14 sworn affidavit, one of the presale purchasers expressed concerns regarding the termination and disclamation process, saying that he entered into a sales agreement in March 2017 for $1,156,990, paid deposits in the amount of $231,4000, paid $59,109 for upgrades, and that he’s since relayed to Sam Mizrahi that he is not in a position to pay the new updated price.
According to the affidavit, Mizrahi told the buyer in May 2025 that the cost to construct the building was approximately $1,200 per sq. ft. If the updated price is close to that, it would represent an increase of 50% to 60% on the original price, the buyer said, adding that he was concerned about “how much risk the deposit and interest would be exposed to” and “the timeframe for the return of the deposit.”
Nonetheless, the Monitor and Mizrahi received court approval to proceed with their plan on July 15.
Since the project was placed under creditor protection on October 15, the court has granted three stay extensions that have allowed the company to restructure, consult with stakeholders — including unit purchasers — and pay trades, subtrades, and suppliers. Most recently, the court extended the stay to September 30.
STOREYS reached out to Sam Mizrahi of Mizrahi Developments for comment when the CCAA proceedings commenced in October 2024, at which time he said that his company is “committed to ensuring all its projects and developments consistently exceed customer expectations without compromising standards and quality."
In addition, Mizrahi underscored that many of his projects “have been successfully completed and registered to date with no claims of warranty or otherwise." He cited 133 Hazelton, 181 Davenport, 128 Hazelton, and the Lytton Park Townhomes, as well as the company's portfolio of single-family residential projects.
It’s unclear if amended sales agreements have been provided to purchasers of 1451 Wellington at this time. Sam Mizrahi has been contacted for clarification by STOREYS.
High-rise towers under construction in Burnaby in 2022. / StandbildCA, Shutterstock
Around this time last year, something very interesting started to happen: developers across the country started to take aim at the development fees that governments levy on new construction and use to fund infrastructure projects. There has been varying levels of success, but what's undeniable is that there has been a sentiment shift around these fees.
Here in British Columbia, the story really begins in Fall 2023, when the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) revealed that it was raising its development cost charges (DCCs) — in some cases doubling or triping the existing rates — which vary depending on location and property type. Despite pushback from federal Minister of Housing Sean Fraser at the time, the MVRD approved the increases, but agreed to implement the increases in phases on January 1 of 2025, 2026, and 2027.
After the increases were pushed through, all parties appeared to move on and the conversation died, until a group of prominent developers — Wesgroup, Polygon, and Anthem, among others — launched a letter-writing campaign in September, taking aim at the forthcoming increases. The developers were unified in asking for a series of changes, many of which have since come to fruition.
DCCs
Earlier this month, the Province announced legislative changes to allow 75% of DCCs to be paid upon occupancy or within four years, instead of paying it all upfront and within two years. Another change expanded the use of surety bonds for such payments, which developers often prefer to use instead of letters of credit. The Province also announced this month that it was extending the in-stream protection period for the MVRD's DCCs from one year to two years. On the local level, Vancouver approved a series of changes last month to also expand the use of surety bonds and to change the timing of when payments are collected.
Governments are showing a strong willingness to make these kind of changes and both Brad Jones, Chief Development Officer at Wesgroup Properties, and Rob Blackwell, Executive Vice President of Development at Anthem Properties, tell STOREYS that they have seen a sentiment shift around development fees over the past year — with some caveats.
Jones said he believes development charges started to get really bad around 2018. The City of Vancouver introduced Utility DCLs — DCCs are called development cost levies (DCLs) in Vancouver — in 2018, after the City realized it had a big infrastructure deficit, and the fees continued escalating from there before hitting a breaking point in 2022.
Metro Vancouver total DCC rates for 2025, 2026, and 2027. / Metro Vancouver
"That's when viability started breaking — in 2022," said Jones. "Revenues had gone up a lot — costs and revenue kind of move together and offset each other — and a lot of the sentiment among governments was that revenue was going up so we can up our fees and charges, but all that happened was viability eroded and we're seeing that now. I think we're going to see horrific housing start data when it flows through."
As for the changes governments have made recently, Jones grades them as "good, but not great." He points out that the change allowing 75% of DCCs to be paid upon occupancy or within four years doesn't come into effect until January 1, 2026, that the surety bonds change doesn't allow developers to replace existing letters of credit with surety bonds, and that the fee amounts are not changing like they are in other parts of the country.
Blackwell says all of the changes are welcome and "they all help to a degree," but points out that smaller developers may not be able to qualify for surety bonds and that the in-stream protection for Metro Vancouver DCCs, even after the extension, ends in March 2026, after which the rates jump up to the previously-planned 2026 rates.
"I think what you'll see is projects will just stop again, because they can't afford to pay those new rates," said Blackwell, who adds that the in-stream protection extension is only occurring because it was a condition of the $250 million in funding that Metro Vancouver is receiving via the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, as first reported by STOREYS.
CACs and ACCs
Another longstanding development fee in BC is community amenity contributions (CACs), which many local governments charge on new projects that require rezoning. These have historically been subject to negotiation between the local government and the developer, prompting the Province to create amenity cost charges (ACCs), which are intended to have set rates and replace CACs.
Although Burnaby and Coquitlam have introduced ACC programs, most local governments are still in the process of making the transition. Last month, however, Langley-based Lorval Developments won a lawsuit against the Township of Langley over its CAC policy. Surprisingly, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Lorval and declared the Township's CACs policy as invalid and beyond its legal authority, calling into question all CAC policies in BC.
Lorval Developments Ltd. v. Township of Langley
In an interview with STOREYS earlier this month, Lorval Developments President & CEO Thomas Martini says they were planning a business park, film studio, and commercial space on about 70 acres of land that was designated for employment use. However, after the 2022 municipal elections brought in a new Council, the Township opted to update the Williams Neighbourhood Plan and introduce a CAC policy, resulting in Lorval being charged with nearly $40 million in CACs, which are not usually levied on commercial projects and made their project unviable.
Martini said there was no opportunity for discussion with the Mayor and Council, prompting Lorval to file its civil suit. Lorval is now reassessing the project and how to proceed. Martini says he believes that the ruling affects any CAC that any City has been charging and that the Province likely views the ruling as a positive because it encourages municipalities to transition to ACCs.
"What I think is important to highlight is that the Mayor and his slate took a gamble. When they ran in the last election, they were very clear that one of their main mandates was to have developers pay for soccer fields, and hockey rinks, and other amenities. I think that gamble hasn't paid off and I imagine they're quite embarrassed by that, because now they have to find the dollars to pay for the money they borrowed."
The Urban Development Institute says the implications of the ruling — which can still be appealed — could be significant and that they are reviewing the case. Both Jones and Blackwell say that the implications of the ruling remain to be seen, but could very well also become moot as local governments continue to phase out CACs and switch to ACCs.
"I think across the board, I've been surprised at how high the [ACC] rates are," said Jones, commenting on some of the ACC programs he has seen. "So far, the ones that have published projected rates have not really done a fulsome financial analysis, and I think that's a really important part of the process and legislation, because if you're doing those rates based on the market today, they're not viable. The municipalities are struggling to reconcile that because they all are trying to deliver amenities. But 100% of nothing is still nothing, so the rates need to be set in a way that we can deliver housing, because right now the cost of delivering new housing is more than the market will pay."
Will The Changes Make A Difference?
Both Jones and Blackwell say the changes that have occurred are positive, are welcome, and may help some projects, but are not enough to have a significant industry-wide impact that changes the market. Other costs such as those associated with land, financing, and construction have settled down recently, but the biggest cost remains development fees and none of the changes seen so far are going as far as to lower the actual amount of the fees.
"A fee that isn't viable still isn't viable whether you change the day of payment," said Jones. "The date of payment will help and it will help projects that are in-stream and trying to go ahead, but it isn't in a meaningful way changing the viability of projects. It's still a cost to the project and it's a really high cost. What you're doing is just moving the payment date and knocking the interest off. It's a meaningful amount of money, but it's not gonna take a project that's not viable and make it viable."
"Everything shifted and most project opportunities became non-viable when the Metro Vancouver DCCs went through," Jones added. "The theory is that it would reset the land market and land values would come down, but that's a misconstrued understanding because there's other things you can do with land. What's happening right now is sites — predominantly TOD sites — are worth more in their existing commercial retail uses than they are as a redevelopment, because of the fees and charges. We're having those conversations around the region right now where it makes more sense to leave a site as an existing strip mall or grocery-anchored shopping centre. That's a more financially-prudent decision, and higher land value, than it is to go undertake a multi-billion-dollar development. It's really undermining the provincial efforts around TOD."
Wesgroup Chief Development Officer Brad Jones (left) and Anthem Executive Vice President of Development Rob Blackwell (right). / LinkedIn
For Blackwell, he says another aspect of the problem is the lack of coordination between different levels of government. As one example, he points out that Metro Vancouver pushed through the DCC increases in 2023 a month after the Government of Canada eliminated the GST on new rental construction. That kind of "one step forward, one step back" situation is still happening, he says, such as the Province's increased sustainability and adaptability requirements, which adds more costs than these tweaks save.
"I don't think anyone argues with the intent, because on its own, it makes sense, but you have to sort of balance it with everything else that is going on and be practical about it. It's not going to be one thing that's going to change everything, it's going to be an accumulation of different things that make a difference. For that reason, these changes are welcome, but to save money here and wipe it away by spending money in a different area, you're neutral and you're not making any progress."
"The in-stream protection helps those in-stream projects because they were underwritten with an understanding of what the rules are, and then the rules changed," he adds. "So you go back to what those rules are, and that helps make those projects perform as they were originally planned to perform, as opposed to under a new set of rules, but with new projects that are under a new cost regime, those are the projects that aren't moving forward."
The real problem, both Jones and Blackwell say, is the way infrastructure is funded, which is generally through the collection of development fees and property taxes. Because raising property taxes is tantamount to political suicide, the financial burden disproportionately falls on new construction. 'Growth pays for growth,' as many governments say. There is a glimmer of hope, however, as the Liberals pledged during the election to lower development fees and support infrastructure. When that comes to fruitition is unclear, but time is clearly of the essence.
The main exit of a Hudson's Bay store amidst liquidation sales. / Ross Howey Photo, Shutterstock
British Columbia-based Chinese billionaire Ruby Liu is facing an uphill battle in her quest to acquire 25 of Hudson's Bay's former leases and the quest is getting more challenging after Cadillac Fairview (CF) made a new filing in court this week voicing its opposition to the sale.
After the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) filed for and was granted creditor protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) on March 7, all of the stores it was operating — under the Hudson's Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5th brands — were liquidated and closed.
The main piece of outstanding business is now the fates of all of Hudson's Bay leases. The Ontario Superior Court approved the lease monetization process in March, which consisted of two phases. Following the first phase, 18 parties submitted bids pertaining to 65 individual leases (with overlapping interest in certain locations). That was then whittled down to 12 parties for 39 individual leases. At the end of the process, Hudson's Bay and the court-appointed Monitor entered into an agreement with Central Walk, the company chaired by Ruby Liu, for 28 of Hudson's Bay's leases.
Last month, Liu received approval to acquire three of the 28 leases through Ruby Liu Commercial Investment Corp. for $2 million each and a grand total of $6 million. Approval was secured in that case because Liu obtained consent from the landlords of those three leases — a foregone conclusion considering the leases were for spaces at the three malls owned by Central Walk.
That left 25 leases and Liu has had much more trouble securing consent from those landlords. Although court documents suggest that many landlords are opposed to the transaction to Central Walk, the only one who has spoken out publicly is Cadillac Fairview, which is a wholly-owned real estate subsidiary of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) and one of the largest owners and operators of large regional malls in Canada.
"CF remains resolutely opposed to the assignment of the former HBC leases to Central Walk/Ruby Liu Commercial Investment Corp.," the company said in its filing, which was responding to September 11 being proposed as the target hearing date for the sale approval. "The Central Walk Transaction will cause serious material prejudice to CF and other similarly situated Landlords. If approved, the Central Walk Transaction would potentially lock the Landlords into multi-decade tenancies with an untested anchor tenant and a deeply flawed retail concept at 25 locations across Canada."
CF-HBC Leases
To date, the list of 25 leases and the landlords have not been made public, but Cadillac Fairview's filing confirms at least some of the leases pertaining to its shopping centres are included in the proposed transaction. According to court documents, Cadillac Fairview had 14 leases with HBC, including some held under Ontrea Inc., another OTPP subsidiary:
Richmond Centre / Richmond, British Columbia
Market Mall / Calgary, Alberta
Chinook Centre / Calgary, Alberta (Hudson's Bay)
Chinook Centre / Calgary, Alberta (Saks Fifth Avenue)
Eaton Centre / Toronto, Ontario (Saks Fifth Avenue)
Fairview Pointe Claire / Pointe Claire, Quebec
Les Promenades St. Bruno / St. Bruno, Quebec
Carrefour Laval / Laval, Quebec
Cadillac Fairview went on to say that it projects prospective loses in the hundreds of millions of dollars if the sale of the leases to Central Walk is approved. Last month, CF sold the Lime Ridge Mall in Hamilton — which was home to a Hudson's Bay store — to Primaris REIT for $416 million, although it is unclear if the sale had anything to do with HBC's insolvency.
According to CF, they met with Liu on June 2, but Liu failed to present a business plan. CF requested further information, but CF says Liu has not provided anything other than a brief letter on June 6. During last month's hearing for the three leases, HBC's senior lenders and the landlords agreed that they would not force the assignment of the remaining leases without consultation with the landlords, but CF says the lenders have since "declared their intent to seek approval of the Central Walk Transaction and pursue a non-consensual assignment of the remaining leases."
CF says it has not received the motion materials and requested the materials and Liu's business plans on July 18, but has not received so much as an acknowledgement as of July 22.
"Almost everything CF has learned about the Purchaser's proposed plans for the former HBC leases has come through the press and social media," said Cadillac Fairview. "If the Applicants wish to pursue this motion, they must provide their case diligently to allow a fair response. They have not."
Ruby Liu has been hosting a series of job fairs in Toronto. / Linda Quin, LinkedIn
Cadillac Fairview also voiced strong displeasure with the proposed timelines, saying that the Monitor — Alvarez and Marsal — and senior lenders have both proposed timelines that provide themselves with more time "to finalize a motion they have been working on for 2 months, than for the Landlords to respond to a motion they have never seen."
"The APA was executed two months ago. Presumably, the Applicants have been acting with due diligence to prepare their materials. They should produce these materials, together with supporting materials from Ms. Liu and the Purchaser, this week, i.e. no later than July 25. Central Walk consents to this timeline."
Cadillac Fairview has responded with its own proposed timeline that revises some of the case management deadlines, but does not change the targeted hearing date of September 11. Despite not yet receiving approval to take over all the leases, Liu and Central Walk have been hosting a series of job fairs in Toronto to secure staff and vendors, according to event invitations the company has sent to STOREYS.
In a "near-historic low," just 510 new homes were sold last month, up from a measly 345 in May — however, that figure was higher than it was in any month since the beginning of the year. Still, June's sales remain 60% below June 2024 and 82% below the 10-year average. For reference, a typical June would have seen around 2,801 new homes sold — more than five times the sales recorded last month.
June's weak numbers are no outlier, coming amid what BILD has called "the worst downturn of new home sales in the region on record." Sales hit record lows multiple times in 2024 and this May marked the eighth consecutive month of record all-time lows, as higher interest rates, affordability issues, and economic uncertainty have slowed demand to a trickle.
Altus Group
“June 2025 new home sales across the GTA extended the prolonged downturn plaguing the new home market” said Edward Jegg, Research Manager at Altus Group. “Consumers are lacking the confidence to enter into one of their largest purchases as the economic uncertainty centred largely on US tariff policies weighs heavily on potential homebuyers.”
BILD President and CEO David Wilkes also highlights that alongside a downturn in demand, high development costs in the GTA are putting further strain on an already struggling industry.
“This is not a healthy or sustainable environment," he says. "[...] To revitalize the market — a sector that is critical to Canada’s economic health — we need bold, immediate action from all levels of government. That includes measures like significant GST relief and broadening the work we have seen on DC reductions so far."
In recent months, a number of municipalities in the GTA have lowered development charges, including Vaughan, Peel, and Mississauga, while Toronto will vote later today on whether or not to exempt sixplexes from development charges. Still, many feel more reform is necessary or that development charges should be eliminated entirely.
"Without urgent intervention," says Wilkes, "the future housing supply and economic wellbeing of the GTA is at serious risk.”
Of the 510 sales recorded in June, 217 were condominium apartments, down 67% from June 2024 and 89% below the 10-year average, while 293 were single-family home sales, down 53% year over year and 62% below the 10-year average.
With sales low, listings continued to pile up last month, hitting 22,254 units made up of 16,696 condominium apartments and 5,558 single-family homes. This marked a slight increase from the 21,571 units listed in May and represents a combined inventory of 19 months — the highest inventory level seen to date, according to BILD's records.
Altus Group
On the price front, the benchmark price for condo apartments was $1,028,527, showing "no material change" from last June, while single-family homes fell 6.4% year over year to $1,510,126. Month over month, condo prices increased from $1,021,339 in May and single-family homes ticked up from $1,505,539.
Set high on a hillside in the rolling countryside of Erin, Ontario, 9255 Sideroad 27 isn’t just a home — it’s a fully realized estate.
Stretching across 46 acres of panoramic land, the property is an ultra-private retreat where English gardens meet classic architecture, and where every inch has been crafted for both grandeur and comfort.
From the moment you pass through the gated entrance and follow the winding, lamp-lit driveway, it’s clear that this is a rare offering.
The custom-built residence spans more than 7,000 sq. ft and has recently undergone a top-to-bottom renovation — with no expense spared. Its classic profile is set against a lush backdrop of colourful perennial beds, intricate stonework, and cascading fountains, all positioned to draw the eye toward the valleys below.
Inside, the home opens with a dramatic two-storey foyer and sweeping curved staircase. A double-tiered formal living room sets the tone for sophisticated entertaining, while a separate dining room and sunken family room offer distinct zones for gathering. An elevated oak-panelled office floats above the main level, accessed by a sculptural staircase that adds architectural flair.
At the heart of the home sits a chef-calibre kitchen by Woodland Horizon, featuring floor-to-ceiling maple cabinetry, quartz countertops, a nine-foot island, and a full suite of premium appliances. A casual dining area with a built-in coffee station completes the space — perfect for early mornings or unhurried weekends.
Upstairs, the primary wing is a sanctuary unto itself. A large sitting room with fireplace, expansive ensuite with six-piece layout, walk-in closet, and dedicated home office make it ideal for those seeking a private, self-contained retreat. Two additional bedrooms and a five-piece bath complete this level's R&R offering.
On the opposite side of the home, a west wing opens up new possibilities for multigenerational living. This space includes a second full kitchen, three additional bedrooms, a den, and a grand great room with its own balcony and private views. Ideal for extended family, in-laws, or long-term guests, the layout offers independence without compromising on style or amenities.
The layout is a masterstroke of flexibility — whether you’re accommodating extended family, hosting guests, or carving out private work-from-home quarters, the west wing opens up endless possibilities without sacrificing cohesion or style.
And finally, the exterior is nothing short of resort-worthy. Anchored by a 20-x-40-ft saltwater pool and hot tub, the backyard features a full outdoor kitchen, dedicated pool house, change room, and four-piece bath. A series of decks, patios, and gazebos take full advantage of the sweeping vistas, offering countless spots to lounge, dine, or simply watch the sun set over the hills.
With a heated four-car garage, workshop space, and impeccable finishes throughout, this countryside estate offers scale, serenity, and substance, all in equal measure — a turnkey retreat just over an hour from Toronto.
This article was submitted by John DiMichele, CEO of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).
York Region is home to some of the most desirable communities in Canada. But increasingly, this Region is facing a combination of challenges that pose significant risks to its residents and economic outlook, namely high home prices, falling housing starts, and some of the highest development charges (DCs) in the country.
Now is the time to consider a change of direction. Municipalities across York Region must reduce or defer DCs to help unlock the desperately needed housing supply and protect Ontario’s economic competitiveness. Through Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, the province is allowing the deferral of the collection of DCs for all residential projects as an incentive to get more shovels in the ground.
New home construction across the Region is falling short of provincial housing targets. Several municipalities face challenges meeting their annual housing goals to reach their 2031 targets. In particular, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) is exploring opportunities to collaborate on specific housing policies that would assist municipalities like Markham, Richmond Hill, and Newmarket in meeting their long-term housing goals while supporting the financial needs of municipalities.
This failure to build isn’t just a housing crisis. It’s an economic crisis in the making. Ontario’s economy is facing heightened uncertainty, driven in part by rising protectionism and recent tariff threats from the U.S. administration. Our province cannot afford to sit idle while global trade pressures intensify. We need an all-hands-on-deck strategy to strengthen Ontario’s competitiveness, including building more homes, faster and more affordably.
When workers can’t afford to live near their jobs, businesses lose talent, productivity drops, and investment dollars flee. Employers are already warning that housing affordability is a barrier to attracting skilled workers, particularly in high-growth sectors like manufacturing and high-tech. If Ontario wants to win in a global economy, it must build communities where workers and their families can afford to live.
In York Region, municipal DCs, imposed by the Region and each local municipality, are a brake on the housing supply we need. Markham’s fees add up to over $170,000 on a single-detached home. In Richmond Hill, it’s $145,000, while in Newmarket it’s $140,000. DCs are costs added directly to the price of every new home built in the Region. They reduce the viability of rental and attainable housing projects while discouraging the creation of “missing middle” options like townhomes and low-rise apartments.
Decisions by other municipalities in Ontario to tackle high DCs reflect a growing consensus among municipal leaders that DC policies must evolve in tandem with housing supply obligations. For example, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Burlington have reduced their DCs to spur housing construction. Barrie is using its strong mayor powers to defer DCs and accelerate approvals. Most recently, Peel Region Council voted to reduce its DC rates by 50% until November 2026 to encourage housing development and make homes in Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon more affordable. These are not careless decisions. Instead, they are strategic moves to align local fee structures with long-term housing and economic goals.
It’s time for York Region municipalities to do the same.
We acknowledge the June 12, 2025, decision by the York Region Committee of the Whole to endorse a new first-time buyer DC-equivalent rebate for newly built homes valued at $1 million or less, contingent upon receipt of new funding from higher levels of government to fully offset those costs. This is in addition to several other changes focused on DC deferrals to stimulate new housing development in the Region. If adopted by York Region Council, these policies will align with the deferral requirements of Bill 17 and support the federal government’s efforts to lower overall DC rates, thereby improving affordability and increasing supply.
TRREB is urging York and all municipal councils across the Region to take immediate action to pause or reduce planned DC increases, defer collection of DCs until occupancy to align with Bill 17 requirements and explore targeted exemptions for affordable and rental housing. Solving the housing challenges requires a coordinated effort from all levels of government. TRREB is calling on the provincial and federal governments to step up and provide municipalities with stable funding to support the construction of the right type of housing supply. These measures won’t just help families looking for a place to live; they’ll help strengthen our economy when Ontario needs every competitive edge.
Premier Doug Ford has taken important steps to increase housing supply and counter trade threats. But local governments must do their part, too. DCs are shaping where and whether homes are built and who can afford to live in them.
Let’s not let outdated policies choke our economic potential. The path to a stronger, more resilient Ontario starts with building more homes for workers, families, and individuals — and that begins by reducing the government fees that stand in the way.