Parade of Homes

134 Parade of Homes FALL 2015 >> Artful design and sustainability will define the style of Winni- peg's newest genstar development, Bonavista, located on 243 acres close to the Bois-des-esprit trail system and the Seine River. With carefully incorporated parks and wetlands and thoughtful, modern architectural controls, Bonavista offers a wide selection of housing styles, along with recreational opportunities in close prox- imity to all the amenities and services families could desire — and in a prime location in south Winnipeg, between Bishop grandin and Lagimodiere boulevards. genstar development manager Marc Brown describes Bonavista as a 'life cycle community,' designed to meet a characteristic that he says is quite unique to Winnipeggers. "When people grow up in a community, they often tend to stay there, so we're try- ing to key in on that so they can remain in the community for 10, 20, 30, or 40 years," he says. "Bonavista is great for first-time home buy- ers, move-up home buyers, empty nesters and retirees — all those lifestyles." Pathways will connect the greenspace fo- cal points throughout the community. There are plans to develop a central recre- ation hub, and active transportation routes through the parks and some of the major roadways will encourage cycling. The bottom line, though, is genstar's un- derstanding that home buyers are looking for communities that come with built-in benefits. "We wanted to do something that inspires people to live happily in the suburbs, to create a sense place and identity, and we felt we could do that based on modern designs and principles with an eye to environmental responsibility and healthy community," he says. The strong sense of place starts with the way the streets are laid out, in a unique design that invites walking and also addresses sustain- ability by creating western and southern exposures for the homes. "you can take advantage of passive heating and cooling, and if you select the right building materials then you can actually save quite a bit on your heating and cooling costs," Brown says. Planned wetlands, which filter rainwater run-off and provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, will complement naturalized landscaping, and the community will be lit with energy-saving LeD street lighting. The first lots will be available this fall and show homes will be open for viewing next spring. Signature Homes sales manager Jeff Mcar- thur says he's looking forward to it. "it's going to be a fantastic subdivision nestled between island Lakes and Royalwood," he says, adding Bonavista will be attractive to buy- ers who want to be close to family, or just close to familiar locations near the south Perimeter. "They may have grown up in the area or always liked both those neighbourhoods," Mcarthur says. "We've already had some interest in the lots … and the streets aren't even in yet." Frank Cotroneo, director of overall opera- tions at gino's Homes, is excited about the design possibilities. His company is already working on ideas that will be a beautiful fit with the lot sizes in the development. "We're really trying to think outside of the box to create a new modern style of home that you maybe haven't seen yet in the city — and i would say, yes, modern is the word," Cotroneo says. "We are looking forward to building in that community for years to come." Re/Max sales agent Cam Ftoma notes that Bonavista is already draw- ing interest from prospective buyers, with good reason. "it's brand new, it's fresh, it's a great location with easy access to the city, to the schools, the grocery stores, the restaurants — all those amenities," says Ftoma. "it's a spectacular spot." The BeauTy of BonavisTa Ta T Perfecting Perfecting the art of the art of modern modern suburban suburban living living Genstar – For Parade of Homes Genstar – For Parade of Homes "it's BrAnd neW, it's FresH, it's A greAt LoCAtion WitH eAsy ACCess to tHe City, to tHe sCHooLs, tHe groCery stores, tHe restAurAnts — ALL tHose AMenities. it's A sPeCtACuLAr sPot."

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