New 1,700-unit development inspired by Milton’s natural setting

There is an art when it comes to designing a modern development in Milton. A back-and-forth among architects, designers, town planners and future neighbours.

The multi-step process to get from a developer purchasing a lot to having people move in is often fraught with setbacks and compromises, by all parties.

But those seem to be in the past for The Laurels, a new Mattamy development planned for the west side of Regional Road 25, north of Britannia Road.

Multiple public meetings and consultations with town staff over the last two years have finally brought the project, formerly known as Framgard, to fruition.

Eventually expanding to either seven or eight buildings and 1,700 units, depending on whether or not a small piece of land is purchased, The Laurels will kick off with the first building likely starting to be built early in the new year.

“We’re going to be going one at a time,” confirmed Tim Schnarr, director of development, Mattamy GTA Urban. “Generally, we wait until about 60 per cent of units are sold before we start the construction process. Once one building meets the target, the next one goes up for sale.”

That said, Mattamy has no intention of waiting too long to finish the build-out.

“We don’t want it to be a construction site forever.”

One thing being emphasized in this project is making sure it’s as friendly as possible to the surrounding area.

Mattamy is making a sustainability commitment through various initiatives to minimize its carbon footprint. These include optimizing the building envelope for energy efficiency and cost savings, using geothermal systems for heating and cooling to cut energy use, employing energy recovery ventilators for better air quality, and more.

“Sustainability is a huge focus of Mattamy,” said Quinn Samardzic, director of sales and marketing. “Everything we learn about being more eco-friendly is shared with other builders. We should all be building for today while keeping the future in mind.”

One example of that is the geo-thermal exchange that is being incorporated. It’s not a new technology having long been used in Europe, but it’s gaining popularity here.

“We drill holes between 650 and 850 feet deep into the ground and we’re able to circulate fluid there,” said Schnarr. “The system pulls heat out of the air in the summer and cold in the winter.”

Also emphasized for this build is living in harmony with the natural elements that surround it, including the escarpment.

During public meetings over the last couple of years, neighbouring residents complained about the lack of green space, parks and playgrounds for children. They also thought the heights of the buildings were too ambitious.

Schnarr said Mattamy listened to that feedback before getting final approval for the design.

“This development backs onto a natural heritage system, our intention is to preserve it. We want to connect to it, honour it, not be separate or demolish it.”

To help achieve that goal, the buildings were set closer to the adjoining major roads, allowing for more space behind it and the introduction of a promenade.

In addition, there will eventually be 10,000 sq.-ft. of retail space spread over the development. Half of that will come with the first building, facing Etheridge Road.

“We want to create a vibrant, natural area and a livable community.”

For more information about the development, visit here.