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A low-carbon Oakville community is releasing new units

The latest phase in the master-planned North Oak at Oakvillage has an outdoorsy spirit

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Troy Dosman, vice-president of construction operations for Minto Communities, has a favourite view from North Oak at Oakvillage.

“We face east overlooking a storm pond – thousands of geese fly by daily.” The effect, says Dosman, “is of being in the city, but not in the city.”

The 20-storey, 207-unit building called North Oak is part of Oakvillage, a 93.5-acre master-planned community taking shape at Trafalgar Road and Dundas Street East in Oakville. Phases 1 to 3 are under construction. Phase 4A has just launched.

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Fringed in 300 kilometres of forest, meadow and tree-lined trails, North Oakville is a haven for nature lovers. Sixteen Mile Creek, Bronte Creek Provincial Park and Lion’s Valley Park are in the vicinity, while the Bruce Trail, the oldest and longest continuous hiking path in Canada, is a half-hour away.

To match its surroundings, North Oak at Oakvillage’s infrastructure has an outdoorsy spirit that’s carried into the building.

Showcasing the skill of landscape architects NAK Design Strategies, a plant-filled, 1.5-kilometre pedestrian-friendly street will wind its way to a retail complex. A park has been built and an elementary school is in the works for the growing area.

A standout feature of the building is what the architects call the Neighbourhood Nest, a lush, airy pavilion-lobby bordered by massive glass walls showcasing the surrounding amenity program.
A standout feature of the building is what the architects call the Neighbourhood Nest, a lush, airy pavilion-lobby bordered by massive glass walls showcasing the surrounding amenity program. Photo by Photo courtesy of Minto Communities

Designed by BDP Quadrangle, the mix of homes in the community include rear-lane stacked towns plus mid- and high-rise units.

There will be something for everyone, from singles to families, says Dosman.

North Oak condos, which have a tentative occupancy of 2024, will feature one-bedrooms, ground-floor lofts and two-bedrooms plus den that start in the $400,000s.

Quadrangle’s striking design sees two towers – the newly launched 20-storey high-rise plus another at 17 storeys, yet to be released – connected by a two-storey glass lobby.

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A standout feature of the building is what the architects call the Neighbourhood Nest, a lush, airy pavilion-lobby bordered by massive glass walls showcasing the surrounding amenity program. This includes two party rooms, one leading to an outdoor terrace with a pergola, barbecues and seating overlooking the pond.

There’s also a fitness centre with cardio studio, a yoga and pilates space, and sauna. A pet-wash area, bike repair and wash, and a coworking lounge round out the amenities mix.

Amenities include two party rooms, one leading to an outdoor terrace with a pergola, barbecues and seating overlooking the pond.
Amenities include two party rooms, one leading to an outdoor terrace with a pergola, barbecues and seating overlooking the pond. Photo by Photo courtesy of Minto Communities

An abundance of glass at the podium level will tie the indoor space into the verdant views beyond. Residents entering the lobby will also be drawn to a large planter filled with native species, with raised seating around it. These are features of the biophilic design principles in use, bringing nature indoors for its feel-good properties.

Suites by interior designer Figure 3, meanwhile, “are a good diverse product,” says Dosman, and, with their large windows, aim to pull nature indoors.

“Most units come with balconies, some with outdoor terraces. There are great views of the city, the escarpment and, once you get up to six storeys, the lake,” says Dosman.

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The kitchens have designer cabinetry and Caesarstone countertops.

“Each time we do a new building or community, we’re trying to improve on what we built,” says Dosma, noting North Oak’s amenity program is much richer in scope than its earlier phases.

Another upgrade is the building’s reliance on geothermal heating and cooling. This is the first time the developer has opted for a multi-residential geoexchange energy system, says Dosman.

The fitness centre includes a cardio studio, a yoga and pilates space, and sauna.
The fitness centre includes a cardio studio, a yoga and pilates space, and sauna. Photo by Photo courtesy of Minto Communities

“We’ll have lower carbon emissions and more controlled costs for the end user in the condo buildings,” he says.

Such an energy system reduces operational carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent, which also reduces maintenance for the condo corporation.

A whole-building water filtration system and an ionized air-filtration system are an added health-and-wellness benefit for residents, says Dosman.

“It’s in an amazing and walkable area,” he adds. “You’re close to both the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and Mississauga’s Credit Valley Hospital; you’re five minutes to Longo’s, a Walmart and a Canadian Tire. And there’s the proximity to the 403, the QEW and the 407. It’s maybe 10 minutes to the Go bus and Go Transit.”

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Prices at North Oak at Oakvillage start in the $400,000s. For more information, visit oakvillage.ca.

Three things

Make it a nostalgic night at 5 Drive-In. Bonus: The concession stand sells deep-fried pickles on a stick. 2332 Ninth Line

Rattlesnake Conservation Area, a 20-minute drive away, is a solid choice for hiking, bird-watching, rock-climbing and camping. The forest has thousand-year-old cedars and, if you’re lucky, you may spot a kettle of turkey vultures. 7200 Appleby Line, Milton

From author talks to live music and theatrical plays, the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts offers year-round cultural programming in a state-of-the-art event space. 130 Navy St.

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