Latest News

Home . Latest News

Category: Latest News

Spotlight plans 4-tower project in Kitchener

Spotlight Development proposes bringing its “The Inclusive” brand of multi-residential housing to Kitchener. This rendering shows The Inclusive in Toronto. 

Transaction levels were slightly below average this week, with Hamilton lagging behind. However, with the start of a new month of transactional data on the horizon, it is expected that levels will pick up next week.

The biggest transaction of the week occurred in Waterloo, where Wilfrid Laurier University sold a student residence for $23 million to London Property Corp.

Another noteworthy transaction was the sale of 9.59 acres of industrial land on Hutchings Rd. in Brantford, which sold for $879,000/acre and further highlights the strong demand in the Highway 2 corridor. The price-per-acre is also of note, as it’s been rare to see land transactions of “market” value since the impacts of interest rate increases.

In the news, the CBRE has noted that cap rates are trending up, and transaction levels are slow for Q1 in Canada —  and based on our data, the same can be said for Hamilton. Additionally, HPL is planning to move to Pier 8, and the Hamilton Airport has released its 2022 report.

The GHA Sales Transaction Database offers you this week’s CRE transaction activity.

Take care,
Alex Manojlovich
Director, Strategy & Research

News Headlines

in Editorial, Latest News, Weekly Market Report Newsletter Posted by Jessica Wright

What is a Reserve Fund?

what is a reserve fund?

A reserve fund is like a special savings account that someone or a group sets up to have money available in case they have to pay for unexpected expenses in the future. If the reserve fund is meant to pay for planned improvements, they might use assets that can’t be turned into cash easily. Sometimes, a group of homeowners who live in the same area can have a reserve fund too. They put money in it whenever they pay their dues so that they can keep their community and its shared things in good condition.

How a reserve fund works

A reserve fund is like a special money pot that is set aside to pay for things that are planned, normal, or unexpected. This fund can be created by different types of groups, like the government, banks, or families.

Usually, people put money into the reserve fund regularly, and it earns interest if it’s not being used. The amount of money in the fund can vary, but it’s important to have enough in case there are sudden expenses. The money in the fund is often kept in an account where it’s easy to get to, like a savings account.

Sometimes, when people retire, they get money from a reserve fund. This is because when they were working, they put some of their pay into a pension plan, which is like a reserve fund for retirement. This money is invested to make more money and is then paid out to the employee after they retire.

reserve funds for condos & hoas

Homeowner groups and condos often have a special fund called a reserve fund. They use this fund to pay for big maintenance or renovation projects or for any emergencies that cost a lot of money. They also have another fund called an operating fund that they use to pay for regular things like cleaning, taxes, insurance, and utilities.

Homeowners or condo owners pay money into these funds regularly, and the board of directors decides how to spend the money. Sometimes, they use the reserve fund instead of the operating fund to pay for big expenses like insurance payments.

If there is a really big expense that the reserve fund can’t pay for, each homeowner might have to pay extra money to cover it. For example, if the condo’s parking garage needs urgent repairs, the owners might have to pay more money than usual to the homeowner group.

reserve studies and managing reserve funds

To avoid having to pay extra money for unexpected expenses, it’s important to make sure that a building’s reserve fund has enough money in it. A reserve study is done by experts who look at a property and figure out how much money should be in the reserve fund. They look at things like how old the property is, what condition it’s in, and what kind of maintenance might be needed in the future.

The experts recommend how much money should be in the reserve fund, but sometimes the actual amount is less than what’s recommended. If the reserve fund isn’t managed well, the people who live there might have to pay more money to cover expenses.

If someone is thinking about buying a house in a community, they should find out if the homeowner group or condo association is managing their reserve fund well so they don’t have to pay more money later.

Already have a reserve fund? Sounds like you might be an Accredited Investor! If you are, click here for more information.

in BuyProperly, Latest News, Thought Leadership Posted by Jessica Wright

Emblem Developments proposes 31-storey tower on John St. N.

The past week witnessed good transaction levels across most markets. However, Kitchener-Waterloo was an exception, with a very rare no-show in terms of transactions. For the second week in a row, most transactions were of average size.

The largest transaction of the week took place in Paris, where approximately 26 acres traded for $19.7 million or $734,000/acre. The Highway 2 corridor continues to be a hot commodity, as evidenced by the recent purchases made by Orlando Corp. and Panattoni. Over the past 24 months, these two companies have purchased hundreds of acres in this area.

In Hamilton, the largest purchase of the week occurred near the Upper Red Hill area, where 7,300 sq. ft. of industrial space traded for $3.22 million.

In the news, the DRP has reviewed two proposals for downtown residential projects, Corktown Condos sales will begin next month, and Toronto still leads North America in crane count.

Take care,
Alex Manojlovich
Director, Strategy & Research
___
News Headlines

Design briefs for Hamilton DRP, April 2023
92-100 John St. N.
325 James St. N.

Condo sales in new Corktown highrise will open next month – developer
The Hamilton Spectator, April 24, 2023

Council backs Hamilton’s housing road map
The Hamilton Spectator, April 20, 2023

Council backs plan to repair 476 empty CityHousing units
The Hamilton Spectator, April 21, 2023

Questions raised about FirstOntario Centre renovation
The Hamilton Spectator, April 19, 2023

McMaster University’s new downtown residence ‘neither sustainable nor affordable’ 
The Hamilton Spectator, April 20, 2023

Toronto continues to lead North America in crane count
Remi Network, April 18, 2023

Canada’s record population growth signals opportunities for CRE
RENX, April 18, 203

in Editorial, Latest News, Weekly Market Report Newsletter Posted by Jessica Wright

Downtown Hamilton Could See Two New Towers on the Horizon

A conceptual render presented at the March 2023 Design Review Panel meeting showcases plans for two towers at 117 Jackson Street East.

This past week saw low transaction levels across all subject markets except for Brantford, which was absent.

Hamilton’s only transaction was the sale of 169 Jackson St. E. to Fengate Asset Management for $3 million ($13 million per acre). This purchase positions the property as a potential high-density development site, especially given that Fengate had already acquired the adjacent property at 48 Ferguson Ave. S. last December.

The largest transactions of the week occurred in Cambridge, where Suncor Energy sold 11.4 acres of industrial land for $8.5 million.

In the news, two towers have been proposed for downtown Hamilton, another two towers are proposed for Stoney Creek, and designs for a mid-rise at 392 Main St. W. have been revealed.

The GHA Sales Transaction Database offers you this week’s CRE transaction activity.

Take care,
Alex Manojlovich
Director, Strategy & Research

News Headlines

Two towers proposed in downtown Hamilton at 117 Jackson St E
The Public Record, March 3, 2023

117 Jackson St. E. Design Brief
392 Main St W Design Brief
Design Review Panel, March 2023

Seasons retirement home seeks to build twin towers near Stoney Creek Lakeshore
The Hamilton Spectator, February 28, 2023

A look at Hamilton’s office market
The Hamilton Spectator, March 4, 2023

Hamilton company which produces cancer drugs will have 10 times the space
In The Hammer, March 3, 2023

Hamilton to explore pipeline tax hike
The Hamilton Spectator, February 27, 2023

Ongoing track work at West Harbour GO
In The Hammer, March 1, 2023

Ontario moves to ban NDAs in real estate transactions
The Globe & Mail, March 1, 2023

2023 Canadian Real Estate Outlook
CBRE Research, February 2022

BoC expected to hold interest rate this week
The Hamilton Spectator, March 3, 2023

in Editorial, Latest News, Weekly Market Report Newsletter Posted by Jessica Wright

Downtown Hamilton Site Purchased By Brad Lamb

Brad Lamb has purchased this 0.7-acre parking lot at 117 King William St. in downtown Hamilton.

 

This week witnessed good transaction levels in all subject markets.

We saw multiple eight-figure transactions as Sycamore Partners purchased several Lowe’s for approximately $140/sq. ft each. (It was announced earlier this month that Lowe’s will operate as RONA.) Among these transactions, the largest was in Woolwich, where 278 acres of land adjacent to the Waterloo airport was purchased for $35 million ($125,000/acre).

Beyond the Lowe’s transactions, the largest transaction in Hamilton took place downtown as Brad Lamb purchased 117 King William St., a 0.7-acre parking lot, for $7 million ($10 million/acre).

In the news, 43- and 36-storey towers have been proposed in Stoney Creek, the Jamesville Lofts development sees new life, and there’s an update on Oracle Condos, Coletara’s Main and Queen St. development.

The GHA Sales Transaction Database offers you this week’s CRE transaction activity.

Take care,
Alex Manojlovich
Director, Strategy & Research

News Headlines

43 and 36-Storey Towers Submitted for 8 Shoreview Place in Stoney Creek
The Public Record, February 5, 2023

Another residential high-rise bringing density downtown
The Hamilton Spectator, February 4, 2023

Construction resumes on momentarily defunct Jamesville Lofts development
The Hamilton Spectator, February 6, 2023

Investors own big chunk of Ontario’s condo market
The Globe & Mail, February 3, 2023

CIBC: Higher interest rates here to stay until 2024
The Financial Post, February 4, 2023

Canadian hiring spree puts pressure on BoC
The Globe & Mail, February 10, 2023

Pair of Kitchener heritage buildings to be incorporated in development
The Record, February 10, 2023

Pent up demand for housing is growing
The Toronto Star, February 11, 2023

Here’s an excellent opportunity for business owners who want to move into one of Brantford’s fastest-growing areas!
Find out more about space for lease at 111 Sherwood Dr. in Brantford on our website.
These fantastic units are great places to set up your business. There’s lots of visibility to vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and parking is available on site. This location is close to the highway and in one of Brantford’s few historical districts. The property is transforming into a great entertainment district — be part of the excitement! Tenant incentives are available.

Contact leasing@forgeandfoster.ca today or call (888) 410-9440 to book your private tour!
in Editorial, Latest News, Weekly Market Report Newsletter Posted by Jessica Wright
A rendering of the proposed 8-storey mixed-use development at 1866 Rymal Rd. E. in Stoney Creek. The Hamilton Design Review Panel will assess the proposal at their meeting on Thursday, February 9.

8-Storey Mountain Development Will Go to Design Review Panel

A rendering of the proposed 8-storey mixed-use development at 1866 Rymal Rd. E. in Stoney Creek. The Hamilton Design Review Panel will assess the proposal at their meeting on Thursday, February 9.

This week witnessed good transaction levels in all subject markets.

The largest transaction occurred in Kitchener as ONE Properties sold a relatively new retail plaza for $18.75 million ($240/sq. ft). It’s great to see the retail asset class rebounding from its pandemic lull.

The largest Hamilton transaction occurred on the Mountain, where Winzen Group purchased 8.44 acres of land for $11.2 million ($1.3 million/acre). Although it’s currently zoned agricultural, the property looks primed for a residential infill project.

Lots of news: The DRP will discuss an 8-storey proposal, the proposed towers project by Stoney Creek Battlefield House Museum and Park is headed to the OLT, and CBRE released their Q4 2022 cap rate report.

The GHA Sales Transaction Database offers you this week’s CRE transaction activity.

Take care,
Alex Manojlovich
Director, Strategy & Research

 

News Headlines

DRP to discuss an 8-storey proposal on 1866 Rymal Rd E
The Public Record, January 29, 2023

Proposed towers by Stoney Creek headed to OLT
The Hamilton Spectator, January 31, 2023

Hamilton EcDev January 2023 Stats
Invest in Hamilton, January 2023

Dofasco to build 14 km pipeline for ‘green steel’ project
The Hamilton Spectator, February 2, 2023

Hamilton considers fund for non-profit housing
The Hamilton Spectator, January 31, 2023

Hamilton not taking position at urban boundary court challenge
The Hamilton Spectator, February 1, 2023

Another strong year at HOPA Ports
HOPA, February 2, 2023

Federal Environment Minister might intervene in Ontario’s Greenbelt development plan
The Globe & Mail, January 26, 2023

Hamilton to restrict short-term rentals to tackle affordable housing crisis
CBC News, January 27, 2023

Intelligent Investment: Canadian Cap Rates & Investment Insights
CBRE Research, Q4, 2022

Canada Monthly Mortgage Commentary — Intelligent Investment: The Conditional Pause 
CBRE, January 30, 2023

in Latest News, Weekly Market Report Newsletter Posted by Jessica Wright

Hamilton’s high-density sector maturing

Just like mid-month, the end of December witnessed good transaction levels. No major deals took place in Hamilton, which could be a sign of things to come in 2023.

The largest transaction of the week took place in Cambridge, where Smartstop Self Storage purchased a 200,000 sq. ft asset for $36 million ($176/sq. ft).

The second largest transaction occurred in Thorold, where Bioveld purchased approximately 450,000 sq. ft of an industrial asset, with additional land, along the Welland Canal and will reportedly lease to the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority.

In Hamilton, the largest deal was for a 9,000 sq. ft office, which sold for $1.85 million ($206/sq. ft), which is about the typical value for most of the (very few) office transactions.

In the news, Hamilton‘s high-density sector is maturing, immigration to Canada hit a record in 2022, and the labour market crushed forecasts.

If you’re interested in learning what happened in Hamilton during 2022 and the trends heading into 2023, please join me at The Hamilton Commercial Real Estate Report: Year in Review at CoMotion on King at 115 King St. E. on January 25 at noon. RSVP today!

The GHA Sales Transaction Database offers you this week’s CRE transaction activity.

News Headlines

Greenbelt infrastructure issues could delay homebuilders 
The Toronto Star, December 30, 2022

Hamilton’s high-density sector is maturing
RENX, January 6, 2023

Hamilton Jamesville redevelopment stalled by CN appeal
The Hamilton Spectator, January 6, 2023

Labour market crushes forecasts, increases odds of rate hike
BNN Bloomberg, January 6, 2023

Record number of condos to hit Toronto market in 2023
The Globe and Mail, January 3, 2023

Immigration to Canada hits record in 2022
The Globe and Mail, January 3, 2023

Why those waiting for a return to normal commercial real estate will get left behind
The Financial Times, January 2, 2023

in Editorial, Latest News, Weekly Market Report Newsletter Posted by Jessica Wright

1.4 acres of Stoney Creek residential sold to Mountainview Building Group

Alex Manojlovich presents Forge & Foster's Hamilton Commercial Real Estate Report Year in Review on January 25 at CoMotion on King at 115 King St. E. We encourage savvy investors and well-informed citizens alike to join us for valuable insights at this free public event. Refreshments provided. RSVP today!
Alex Manojlovich presents ‘Forge & Foster’s Hamilton Commercial Real Estate Report Year in Review’ on January 25 at CoMotion on King at 115 King St. E. We encourage savvy investors and well-informed citizens alike to join us for valuable insights at this free public event. Refreshments provided. RSVP today!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday.

The midpoint of December saw good volumes but no major translations.

The largest transaction occurred in the Niagara Region, where 46 acres of ICI land traded for $12 million (approximately $250,000/acre).

In Hamilton, the largest deal was for 1.4 acres of residential land in Stoney Creek, which was sold to Mountainview Building Group for $3.2 million ($2.2 million/acre).

In the news, The Spec looked into Hamilton’s urban boundary expansion, City Centre Mall has closed, and RBC reported a slow national housing market for December.

It will be interesting to see year-end data as we typically see larger transactions close, but it may be muted due to interest rates.

If you’re interested in learning what happened in Hamilton during 2022 and the trends heading into 2023, please join me at The Hamilton Commercial Real Estate Report: Year in Review at CoMotion on King at 115 King St. E. on January 25 at noon. RSVP today!

News Headlines

Hamilton’s forced urban boundary expansion happened quickly –  how quickly for new homes to follow
The Hamilton Spectator, December 22, 2022

New law threatens to strip development protection from Hamilton wetlands
The Hamilton Spectator, December 30, 2022

City Centre Mall closes its doors for future development
CBC News, December 31, 2022

Downtown fire leaves significant damage to King St property
CBC News, December 20, 2022

Infill development approved despite objections from residents, housing advocates 
The Record, December 20, 2022

Strategic Storage Trust acquires 132,000 sqft Cambridge facility 
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. press release via BusinessWire, December 20, 2022

Housing Market stays quiet to end 2022
RBC Monthly Housing Market Update, December 15, 2022
in Editorial, Latest News, Weekly Market Report Newsletter Posted by Jessica Wright
111 Sherwood Drive, Brantford

Brantford twine factory redevelopment a labour of love

From Daily Commercial News, by Don Wall,

Forge & Foster’s 190,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project at the site of a former twine factory in Brantford, Ont. is another example of how the firm sizes up a heritage property that’s past its prime, assesses its redevelopment value and makes a final investment decision with something akin to love in its heart.

The firm’s director of strategy and research Alex Manojlovich and director of asset management Jess Malta frequently use the word “beautiful” when describing the 120-year-old Cordage Heritage District property at 111 Sherwood Dr.

The original twine factory, Brantford Cordage, at one time employed 900 people with rail cars that would be loaded for export. It was the largest rope manufacturer in Canada before its demise in 1968. A rope and twine-making operation is still present on the property.

Enter Forge & Foster, which is redeveloping the four existing brick buildings into a mixed-use commercial community. The project boasts a growing and eclectic list of tenants including a church, cycle shop, event space, bridal centre, craft brewery, poutine shop and pottery space.

READ MORE >>

in Editorial, Latest News Posted by Jessica Wright

Meet Brandon Rynka, Owner of BR365 Strength Lab Gym

brandon Wants to get you stronger — painlessly!

BR365 Strength Lab owner Brandon Rynka wants to get you stronger, fitter, and more resilient at his beautiful new, pain-free, results-driven strength training gym.

sign up for a free trial today!

At BR365 Strength Lab, your workout programming is structured, phased, and planned to optimize your results.

Brandon uses adaptation in his fitness programs which can aid you in:

  • Becoming stronger
  • Building muscle
  • Relieving chronic pain
  • Creating high resiliency to injury
  • Burning off body fat
  • Increasing explosiveness
  • Improving power output
  • Enhancing athleticism
  • Speeding up metabolism
  • Assisting in regulating hormones through strength training

A different kind of science lab

BR365 Strength Lab uses scientific and applied strength methods for genuine, lasting results. Brandon focuses on training rather than exercise. Exercise is for general physical maintenance, where as training is a results-driven method to increase strength, muscle, power, and speed while addressing pain-relief.

The BR365 Strength Lab offers you real results from proven strength coaches and athletes.

Services designed for you

The lab offers:
  1. Small group classes
  2. Small group or athlete-specific training
  3. Personalized, one-on-one training
The lab offers 7 types of memberships, including a First Responder Membership available at a special rate.

get in touch

BR365 Strength Lab
brandonrynka365@gmail.com
Insta: @br365strengthlab
315 Brock Rd., Hamilton, ON L9H 5H7

about 315 brock Rd.

This 9-unit property is in a prime location in the centre of the high net worth community of Greensville. It’s been recently renovated inside and out features spacious parking lots and large, glass loading doors. It is adaptable for industrial use, retail, and more. 315 Brock Rd. is in close proximity to downtown Dundas, Waterdown, Tews Falls, Dundas Peak, and Webster’s Falls. In peak season, it sees immense foot traffic and drive-by traffic. Learn more about 315 Brock Rd. >>

Imagine the possibilities!

via GIPHY

CONTACT A FORGE & FOSTER LEASING SPECIALIST

Book your private tour of 315 Brock and find your future space
leasing[@]forge&foster.ca
(888) 410-9440

in Editorial, Latest News, Tenant Spotlight Posted by Jessica Wright

Are you an accredited investor?

Yes
I'm not sure