California charm and contemporary European flair shifting Mississauga’s centre of gravity to Lakeview
What do Canadian entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen have in common? They all love living in a park-like setting by the lake — in Mississauga.
Within a decade, the sleepy pocket of Lakeview (south side of Lakeshore Rd. E, Hampton Crescent and Montback Crescent), surrounded by three lake-front parks, and just in front of Lakeview Promenade Marina and Port Credit Yacht Club, transformed into an oasis of California charm with contemporary European flair. European Canadians of Portuguese, Polish, Italian and Ukrainian descent transformed the former rundown neighbourhood into a showcase of world-class Contemporary European house design.
According to realtor Ellen Sydney, there had never before been so many builders with their architects wandering around the area pretending to be potential buyers.
“We must have done something right if so many seasoned professionals are visiting our houses,” jokes Rob Chojak, General Manager of EuroQ Construction Inc. ( euroq.ca), who managed the construction of 658 Byngmount Ave. He continues: “When it comes to custom homes, our philosophy is quite simple: Hire the best architect, interior designer, project manager and the best European craftsman, who all pride in what they do, and you can never fail.”
There is a fundamental difference between building a subdivision home and a custom home. During the subdivision construction process, work must be done quickly and the materials must be inexpensive. When the builder builds a custom home of European quality, he will choose the best craftsmen and the best material that money can buy.
In these homes, every detail of the design counts, every material has to be carefully chosen and approved by the interior designer and/or the architect; nothing is done by chance. Many fixtures, like the open riser stairs, have to be custom-made with steel/ stainless steel, solid wood and glass. Windows have to be tall and wide, made of aluminum or fibreglass. The roof has to be flat and has to withstand a serious load of potentially heavy snowfall.
In contemporary design, drywall and plastering have to be of a much higher quality, since no crown moulding or window trims are used. All of these details increase the cost of construction by roughly 30 per cent.
According to official data provided by Statistics Canada, 67 per cent of the population is English speaking, followed by speakers of various European languages, and by Chinese and Russian speakers. Community insiders say that this neighbourhood is populated by computer entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, retired Middle Eastern Executives and, more recently, by wealthy Chinese and European investors and their families.
It seems that many people relocated to Lakeview for the luxury lifestyle, local amenities, and natural beauty. Many have their yachts or motorboats parked in the marina which is within a short walking distance from their homes. Bikers have access to miles of biking trails along the lake all the way from Toronto to Clarkson. Kayakers and other paddlers have easy access to the lake through piers, marina or the beach. Beach lovers can sunbathe on the beach or walk along the beautifully artificially created inlet.
The City of Mississauga recently approved three major developments: Lakeview Inspiration to the east, Port Credit Inspiration to the west and LTR Metrolinx linking Brampton with Port Credit. All three projects will move the centre of gravity of Mississauga to the Lakeview area, create thousands of jobs and make Lakeview area a major North American destination. No wonder that every small parcel of land here costs in excess of $1.2 million, despite the provincial price curbing policies.
Privileged individuals who want the ultimate in European Luxury in a California-like setting may wish to study the marvels of contemporary European architecture recently built in the area. No two homes in this neighbourhood are alike, and every house is an expression of its owner’s personality.
Prices for new homes in this neighbourhood start at a whooping $2 million. The beauty and luxury of European contemporary home design, the best materials and impeccable build in proximity to the beach, marina and downtown do not come cheap.
Those interested in new homes should contact local expert and real estate broker, Ellen Sydney, Right At Home Realty, 1396 Don Mills Rd B121 T. (416)391-3232, F. (416)391-0319 C. 647-717-7457, ellen.sydney@gmail.com