JANUARY 21, 2016 DISTRIBUTION: 337,500

HOMES CONDOS&HOMES&HOMES & CONDOS&CONDOST O D AY ’ S

NEW HOME BUYER’S GUIDE SERVING TORONTO & YORK REGION

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MASONHOMES.CAQUALITY LIVES HERE

Illustrations are artist’s concept. See sales representative for details. Sizes, prices and specifications are correct at press time and subject to change without notice. E. & O. E.

1-866-443-7900(705) 741-3676

1224 Chemong Rd,Peterborough K9J 0B3

PETERBOROUGH

Lindsay Rd.

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SALES CENTRE HOURS: Open Daily: 11am – 6pm. Closed Thursdays

NEW RELEASE OF TOWNS & SEMIS COMING SOON!

PETERBOROUGH’S MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY

Gourmet Inspired Kitchens

Parklands is already the popular choice with families of all shapes and sizes andthis month we are growing again! Register now for the First Choice Preview of TheBroadway Collection of Freehold Towns & Semis — the newest addition to Parklands’exciting portfolio of 2-Storey and Bungalow designs in this established community.

• Direct access from a rear-lane garage • Courtyards with privacy fencing • Centralair conditioning • Direct garage access with door opener • 3 appliances • Californiaceilings • Energy Star® Rated and Mike Holmes Approved • Plus so much more!

Peterborough’s Favourite Master Planned Community!Showcasingaspectacularsettingwithavisionfor thefuture,ParklandsenjoysPeterborough’sbest location. Just steps to quality schools of all levels, first class recreational and leisureamenities, acres of parks, ponds & trails, shopping and convenient public transit.

Register Today at masonhomes.ca

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$200’SFROM THEMID

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$100,000OULDN’T YOU DRIVE 10 MINUTESEAST OF AJAX/WHITBY TO SAVE…W

…ON YOUR NEW HOME?

Single family homes on 37’&40’lots from the irresistibly low

FOR PRIORITY REGISTRATION VISIT:

robinsonridge.ca

Set within the existing and much sought after community of Robinson Ridge, thiswill be the final release of only 42 select homes. Just a few minutes from DarlingtonProvincial Park and the Lake, this is a safe, upscale neighbourhood right on Oshawa’sborder. Look around for yourself and then be prepared to save at our PRIORITYREGISTRATION & DESIGNER DECORATED MODEL HOME OPENING in February.But only those who have registered will be invited.SO REGISTER TODAY FOR THIS FINAL OPPORTUNITY!

Coming to Courtice In February

$450’s

Prices & specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustration is artist’s concept. Phone 800-810-2842

PICKERING, ONTARIO, JAN 14, 2016 - Seaton Taunton marks Mattamy’s return to Pickering. The company established itself as a builder of repute here some years ago. Mattamy has since grown to become the largest privately owned home builder in North America. They have accomplished this, as their current homeowners in Seaton Creekside will attest, to their focus on thoughtful design and on customer service. These two categories genuinely go hand-in-hand as the company’s focus has always been on complete customer satisfaction. They always think of a house more as a home. Which is why Mattamy always designs according to the real needs and desires of their homeowners. Mattamy was recently named the GTA Builder-of-the-Year for an unprecedented sixth time, by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD). Mattamy also master-plans their communities, designing them to function as real neighbourhoods where people are consistently well-served by the placement of streets, parks and amenities. As they did in Seaton Creekside, Mattamy’s latest community of Seaton Taunton continues a healthy blend of

preservation and modernity. The natural landscape is maintained to describe the contours of the community, with streets and trails winding gracefully among the forest and ravines. Take note of their characteristically people-friendly streets

and pathways. Mattamy has always attempted to reinforce a feeling of connection and community, encouraging neighbours to easily greet one another in cheerful common spaces. As well, Mattamy’s streetscapes are

also recognized as fresh and visually stimulating. As Seaton Taunton preserves nature, it similarly promises to deliver all of the desirable, modern conveniences to its homeowners. Pickering readily offers a surplus of entertainment, shopping, dining, culture, and nightlife. Happily, access to anywhere is

almost immediate, thanks to the proximity of major highways and thoroughfares. In fact, a brief 10-minute drive will find you at shores of Lake Ontario should you wish to partake in the scenery and recreation to be had. Varieties of Townhomes & Detached Designs Seaton Taunton will continue to offer an inspiring choice of home options, including townhomes and detached homes. Mattamy’s sophisticated floorplans ensure that every space within is optimized for real family living. Windows are typically generous to admit gorgeous, natural light. Passageways are large and rooms are unobstructed by unnecessary barriers. Thoseinterested are welcomed to tour the three impressive Model Homes on-site.

The company’s commitment to personalization also addresses for interior decor. The Mattamy Design Studio offers a myriad of finishings and materials - with professional design consultants always at hand to guide you through the abundance of choices. Mattamy encourages people to make their homes their very own, so they offer their exclusive Architect’s Choice Options. These allow buyers to personalize structural aspects of their homes to accommodate any lifestyle preferences. To register for upcoming releases visit mattamyhomes.com. The Sales Centre is located at 1075 Taunton Road in Pickering and is open Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information and to register for updates, visit www.mattamyhomes.com.

Mattamy Returns To Pickering With Ingenious New Living Designs

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Excitement is building for the upcomingrelease of freehold townhomes at Esprit,a new Sundial Homes community

in the heart of Newmarket’s vibrant YongeSt. and Davis Dr. neighbourhood. Interestedpurchasers are encouraged to register online atwww.SundialHomes.com, to reserve a spot for apreview showing of these beautiful homes, andto be first in line for best selection and pricing.

“We had a phenomenal response to ourrecent release of single detached homes at Esprit,and are expecting our freehold townhomes tosell just as quickly,” says Elena Reid, Sales andMarketing Manager for Sundial Homes. “Esprithas the best location in Newmarket, and ourcontemporary designs are unique and new tothe area. There is huge pent-up demand forthese townhomes, so we’re very excited to beoffering this new release.”

Ideally situated just west of Yonge St., atDavis Dr., Esprit is a stunning master-planned

community that offers homebuyers easy accessto a wealth of amenities. Residents are right nextto the dozens of stores and services at UpperCanadaMall, and the Newmarket Bus Terminal,including GO Service, is across the street. Livetheatre, the latest blockbuster films at SilverCity,recreation facilitiesand boutique shoppingin Newmarket’scharming downtowncore are all justminutes away. Fromcasual cafés to finedining, there is noshortage of excellentrestaurants in thearea, including agreat selection ofinternational cuisine.

The sleek,contemporary homedesigns, so popularin the GTA, bring

modern sophistication to Newmarket forthe first time. Elegant stonework, decorativewindows, private glass balconies and coveredfront porticos are just a sampling of the designfeatures thatdistinguish thesehomes.Beautifullycrafted interiors are equally impressive and offeropen concept floorplans. Designed for today’sgrowing families, Esprit townhomes come in anarray of sizes, with models up to 2,532 sq. ft.,and three bedroom plus den or optional fourthbedroom designs available.

Within Esprit, there is a proposed publicelementary school. Residents are also right nextto an existing park, with meandering pathways,and people can also stroll along a large sparklingpond. Just to the north, residents have access tomore pathways along water features, as well aslush forest lands.

“What’s so unique about Esprit is that itoffers homebuyers the best of country and cityliving,” Reid says. “Every amenity is close athand, yet Esprit has a quiet country setting, withgreenspace and plenty of opportunity to enjoythe outdoors.”

MoneySense has consistently rankedNewmarket as one of the top 25 Places to Livein Canada.The Town’s central location is perfectfor those who commute, with easy access toHighway 404, GO Train and GO Bus services,and the recently completed Viva bus rapidwayalong Davis Drive.There are excellent schools inthe area, including the prestigious St. Andrew’sCollege, just 15 minutes south in Aurora.Popular attractions include Fairy Lake Park,which hosts several festivals and communityevents throughout the year.

Register today at SundialHomes.com to bethe first in line for the best selection and pricing

of Esprit freehold townhomes.

ContemporaryFreehold townhomesCome to newmarket

Illustration is artist’s concept

During the winter, homeowners know that shortened days mean less light inside their homes, which can become dreary. Many homeowners pick up their paintbrushes in an effort to make their homes more colourful. But homeowners need not embrace their inner Picasso to brighten their homes’ interiors. The following are a handful of paint-free ways to add some splashes of colour to your home this fall.

Bring nature inside. Flowers and plants •can make colourful additions to a home’s interior. Flowers tend to be aromatic, which can make a stuffy house in which windows need to be kept closed a lot more pleasant. Plants and flowers also can improve indoor air quality. Several studies have shown that houseplants improve indoor air quality by filtering out volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can be harmful to human health. That’s especially important come late fall and winter, when homeowners typically shut their windows and keep them shut until spring, making it difficult for fresh air to enter a home.Invest in some colourful throw pillows. •Natural sunlight brightens a room come spring and summer. But sunlight is increasingly scarce as fall turns into winter, and rooms that do not boast too many colourful accents can quickly grow drab as summertime sunlight dwindles. Instead of buying new furniture, invest in some colourful throw pillows to give a room a more vibrant look. Patterns can be mixed and matched to provide some contrast and transform a room from somewhere to spend time into a sight to behold.Paper the walls. While many of today’s •homeowners prefer paint to wallpaper, those who want a less permanent solution to brighten up their homes may want to consider removable wallpaper. Such

paper is less expensive than traditional wallpaper, and many do-it-yourselfers find removable wallpaper is easy to both install and remove. Choose a colourful pattern that can turn an otherwise plain wall into a potent palette that adds some life to your home’s interior. Because removable wallpaper does not require a significant financial investment, you can experiment with various colours or change things up each month if you so desire.Add some artwork. Another way to add •colour to the walls inside your home without dusting off your paintbrush is to hang some colourful artwork. Paintings that feature bold colours tend to draw your immediate attention when you enter a room, and that quality can make you forget the room is not benefitting from natural light. If you want to go the extra mile, find a painting that features colours which match throw pillows or other accessories in the room. This way your walls and your accessories are working in concert to make a room more colourful.Rug it out. A patterned throw rug is another •accessory that can effectively brighten a room without much effort or financial investment on the part of homeowners. When choosing a throw rug, find one that’s colourful but does not clash considerably with existing furnishings, as you don’t want the rug to draw attention for all the wrong reasons. You have more freedom with regard to rugs if you’re furnishing an empty room, as you can choose whichever rug you look and then choose additional furnishings based on the rug.Homes tend to darken as late fall turns into

winter. But homeowners can brighten their homes in various ways, even if they prefer not to paint.

— MS

Paint-free ways to brighten your home

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COMING EARLY 2016

Freehold TownhomesAt Yonge & Davis

Welcome to a ContemporaryCommunity Unlike Any Other• Spacious living spaces up to 2,532 sq. ft.• Steps from Upper Canada Mall and close to all major amenities

and conveniences• Minutes from Highway 404, GO Transit & Viva Rapidway• Quick access to Richmond Hill, Markham, and Toronto

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Rendering is artist’s concept only. Limited quantities available. E. & O.E. January 14, 2016.

REGISTER NOW at SundialHomes.comTo be First in Line for Best Selection and Pricing

Green Lane

Davis Drive

Newmarket

UpperCanadaMall

Mulock Drive

YongeSt.

BathurstSt.

St. Johns Sideroad

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Repurposing salvaged wood is a popular trend in the home improvement industry. Not only can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of-a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorporate the three Rs of green living into your lifestyle: reduce, reuse and recycle.

Reclaimed wood is often used in flooring, beams, wall treatments, and doors, but it also can be turned into furniture or home accent items. Reclaimed wood adds warmth and historical interest to a home’s decor that newer materials may lack. Although finding wood that can be salvaged takes time and some legwork, such efforts can quickly pay off. Many businesses are now devoted to reclaimed timber, which can help make the process of finding and using salvaged wood even easier.

Homeowners considering reclaimed wood may be interested to learn that such wood can serve various functions aside from benefitting the planet.

Match old-growth wood. New regulations •may prevent certain species of trees from being cut down. That means it can be

challenging to match old wood in a home, particularly if you’re looking to maintain historical value and authenticity. Relying on salvaged wood items can alleviate this concern, ensuring that you can find rare woods that are no longer available brand new.Salvaged wood has character. It’s difficult to •mimic the natural age marks and character that older wood may have. Instead of being raised on farms, wood harvested decades ago probably grew in natural environments, making the wood both durable and strong. The colour and grain of salvaged wood may also be unique.Look at objects in a new way. Doors are •versatile pieces of reclaimed lumber because they’re already flat and rather large. Doors can be turned into headboards, tables or benches. Staircase or porch posts can be turned into candlestick holders, and wood shutters can dress up walls and provide a place to hang artwork and other wall items.Reclaimed wood can be found everywhere. •

Most people do not have to look too far to find wood they can salvage. Check salvage yards, landfills, dumpsters in front of older homes being renovated, or older, unused barns in rural settings. You also can collect driftwood or discarded shipping crates.While some reclaimed wood can be used

as-is, some pieces may require millwork,

including sanding, cutting, shaping, and finishing. If you do not have these skills, you probably will have to hire someone who does.

The Internet is awash with ideas for putting salvaged wood to use. Get inspired and then find the pieces that will fit your project.

— MS

As winter wears on, it’s not uncommon for people living in cold weather climates to experience some cabin fever. Winter weather confines many people to their homes, making many antsy to get out once the first signs of spring begin to appear.

In addition to contributing to cabin fever, winter weather can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. While air pollution is something most often associated with densely populated cities, the air inside homes is not immune to pollution, especially during long winters when windows are often closed for months at a time. Though open windows in spring and summer can vastly improve indoor air quality, there are ways to ensure that air stays fresh and healthy regardless of which season it happens to be.

Control indoor air moisture. Moist air •is great for dust mites and mould, both of which are very bad for humans, so do everything you can to maintain healthy levels of indoor air moisture. Dehumidifiers can reduce indoor air moisture and control allergens, but it’s important to take additional steps as well. When bathing, try to keep a bathroom window open on a slight crack to prevent mould growth. When preparing meals in the kitchen, make use of your exhaust fan. In addition, don’t overwater houseplants, as they can become breeding grounds for mould.Resist synthetic fragrances. A home that •smells good tends to feel more pleasant, especially during winter months when windows are closed. But synthetic fragrances, such as those found in detergents and air fresheners, may be providing that welcoming scent at a heavy cost to a home’s inhabitants. Such fragrances may be emitting

various chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into the air, affecting indoor air quality and possibly even human health. When buying laundry products, look for those that are fragrance-free, also choosing home cleaning products that do not include any artificial fragrances.Indoor air quality tends to suffer in •colder months, when windows are closed and doors are open only briefly. But homeowners can take a handful of simple yet effective steps to ensure the air in their homes is healthy all year long.Clean the floors. Dirty floors are one of •the chief contributors to poor indoor air quality. Dust, dirt, pollen, and pet dander can accumulate on floors, leading to poor air quality and potentially aggravating respiratory conditions such as asthma. When vacuuming, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is a uniquely designed mechanical air filter that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites. When you finish vacuuming, mop floors to gather any dust or allergens that escaped the vacuum.

— MS

Cooler weather keeps many people indoors. Although this may cause a bit of cabin fever, time spent inside gives people a chance to tackle some much-needed organization projects without the distractions of outdoor activities.

One task to tackle as winter settles in is sorting through wardrobes and making room for new clothes, as extra clothing can quickly take over a home. In fact, according to the National Association of Professional Organizers, too much clutter, general disorganization and difficulty determining what to keep and/or discard are the primary reasons individuals reach out to professional organizers. If clearing away closet clutter is on the top of your winter to-do list, consider the following tips.

Know what you have. It’s easier to determine what you can keep and what you can donate or discard when you have an idea of what’s in your closet. Take all of your clothes out of closets and drawers and place them on the bed or floor.

Clean the closets thoroughly. Try completing a thorough cleaning yearly. This includes dusting shelving and vacuuming the floor of the closet. You can do the same with armoires and dresser drawers.

Take inventory of your clothing. Create three main sorting piles. Label one “keep,” another “donate” and the third one “sell.” As you look at your clothing, keep only those items that fit you well and suit both your tastes and your lifestyle. If a piece is high-quality and worth the cost of repair, bring it to a tailor or make the modifications yourself. Let go of items you

never wear or those you bought on a whim because you wanted to try something trendy. In addition, figure out which type of clothing best suits your lifestyle. If you have 10 pairs of yoga pants but never hit the gym, you can thin out that collection.

Immediately bag donation items. Move items you will be donating out of the room. Place them by the front door and make a plan to drop them off at a thrift store or in a nearby clothing bin.

Don’t overlook sales opportunities. An easy way to make a little extra money is to sell used belongings at consignment stores. Such stores are popular in towns all across the country as more people attempt to conserve and cut back on their spending. Consignment shops typically do most of the work, including marketing the items, which can be less hectic and safer than selling things on your own. Only bring in items that are clean and in good condition. Opt to have clothing donated after the consignment period is over if items haven’t sold so they don’t end up back in your closet.

Group remaining “keep” clothes in the closet by category. Organize the clothing you keep by colour or style (i.e., casual, formal, exercise, etc.). Arrange the clothes in a way that makes most sense to you.

Consider moving off-season clothes. Sturdy storage containers and bags can be used to keep off-season clothing out of the closet until it’s needed. This frees up more space.

— MS

3 ways to improve indoor air quality

Tackle wardrobe organization

Reclaimed wood adds instant appeal to home projects

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All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

FOLLOW US:SALES CENTRE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 1pm-8pm; Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-6pm

MODEL HOME HOURS: Monday - Thursday 1pm-7:30pm; Friday 1pm-5:30pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-5:30pm

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR COMMUNITIES REGISTER AT MATTAMYHOMES.COM

Naturally Beautiful LivingIn Mattamy’s Seaton TauntonNear to the many conveniences of a major metropolis, yet situated within naturalforests and rolling hills, Mattamy has returned to Pickering in Seaton Taunton.Located by our original community of Seaton Creekside – close to major highways& GO Transit – our newest community is designed to address the needs anddesires of modern families.

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The Shelburne Model Homein Seaton Taunton, Pickering