The relationship between Bloor Street United Church and Collecdev has been built upon mutual respect and a shared vision for a stronger community. This month, that relationship reached another milestone with the ceremonial handover of the church.

Bloor Street United Church has been a cornerstone of the Annex for over 130 years. Now, through a historic collaboration with Collecdev, the site will soon transform into a thriving new community that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable, a community that will enrich the neighbourhood and allow BSUC to continue its great work for the next 100+ years.

On March 23rd, members of the BSUC congregation and members of Collecdev met at the Cielo Presentation Centre to mark the next stage of development. The event included an opening prayer, remarks from both groups, a look ahead at construction and a lively meet-and-greet, a particularly convivial momentthat marked the first time many participants had been face-to-face in over two years, due to the global pandemic.

Honouring both the significance of the event and the spirit of our commitment to social sustainability and public art, Collecdev presented the church with a special edition print of the hand-sketched illustration of Cielo by local artist, “Pen to Papier.” Members of the Design Advisory Committee signed the print, leaving a physical symbol of their lasting impact on the project, a symbol that will be on permanent display once the redevelopment is complete.

The culmination of the event was the symbolic handover of the key from BSUC to Collecdev, a gesture signifying how the church has entrusted the site to our team, confident that we will shepherd it into a new era of prosperity and community. 20 smaller commemorative keys were handed out to the BSUC Trustees, Chair of Council, the Redevelopment Steering Committee and the Relocation Task Group, all of whom have played an integral role in the development, stewarding the entire process on behalf of the church.

The afternoonmarked a significant milestone for everyone in attendance, a symbol not only of the years of hard work and dedication that have led up to this point, but of the generations of inclusiveness, belonging and community that Cielo will come to signify when it is complete.

To learn more about Cielo and about Collecdev’s full portfolio of inspiring, engaging communities, register today.

For artists, inspiration is everywhere. Shakespeare proved that in the late 16^th century when he wrote these famous words for star-crossed lover Juliet, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Four centuries later, the young artists of the Claude Watson Secondary Arts Program – Earl Haig campus (CWSAP-EH) are also feeling inspired, by the very same flower.

Another Collaborative Art Initiative from Collecdev

In Collecdev’s second art initiative with the Visual Arts Department at Earl Haig (Claude Watson Program) (you can read all about our first initiative for our Nørdic Condos site here), CWSAP-EH students have been invited to create a design collaboration, inspired by blooming roses and romantic floral motifs, that will grace the lobby at Westwood Gardens.

“Our collaboration with Collecdev is a wonderful opportunity for our senior students to gain experience in commercial art making and commissioned projects. The chance to be part of an installation that extends beyond the academic realm and into the real world, brings the curriculum to life in a way that leaves a lasting impression on our students.” Nazy Sakhavarz, Head of Visual Arts, CWSAP-Earl Haig

“Our first initiative with CWSAP-EH for Nørdic Condos was such a success that we were inspired to do it again. This partnership exemplifies one of our core beliefs – that art has the power to engage the public and enhance the built environment.” Natascha Pieper, VP of Sales and Marketing, Collecdev

Submissions will be posted to the Collecdev Instagram and Facebook channels in early March where you’ll be able to vote for your favourite submissions, helping us shortlist the semi-finalists. For each winning piece, the artist will receive a $200 gift card and their artwork will be permanently displayed in the East Tower lobby at Westwood Gardens, along with credit, given to this talented class of young artists–as well-deserved recognition of their impressive work. Together, the pieces of the exhibit will create a gallery of roses and a dreamy entrance for residents each time they arrive home. It’s a fitting theme for a building whose moniker was inspired by the ubiquitous perennial.

How Richmond Hill Became Known as ‘The Rose Capital of Canada’

In the early part of the 20^th century, an influx of horticultural entrepreneurs, led by William Lawrence, moved north of the city, settling in Richmond Hill and bringing with them the beginnings of an industry that would soon flourish in every sense of the word.

In 1914, “Richmond Roses” took top prize at floral shows across the continent, garnering international acclaim for the specialized industry that was “blooming” in the village, and by the 1930s, Richmond Hill was officially known as ‘the Rose Capital of Canada.’

A Tapestry of Beauty at Westwood Gardens

Inspired by the celebrated floral history of Richmond Hill, Westwood Gardens presents a community where exquisite landscape design is integral to the overall residential experience. From the Dreamer’s Court, a bold street-level patterned courtyard radiating out from a central island full of greenery, to the eighth-floor rooftop terrace where a dramatic central corridor leads to a fireside lounge under glowing chandeliers and a flowering pergola, outdoor spaces have been carefully programmed to create the feeling of an intimate urban backyard.

Now, the CWSAP-EH students are being invited to continue the story of beautiful landscapes at Westwood Gardens with their rose-inspired art. “Like the Rose, I Flourish,” “En la Rose Je Fleuris,” states the Richmond Hill motto, and that’s exactly our aim – to see Westwood Gardens residents and future generations of young artists, flourish, just like the Richmond Hill rose.

Westwood Gardens is currently sold out and under construction. To learn more about other inspiring Collecdev communities, register here. And to vote on the student-created pieces from CWSAP-EH, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Source of Historical References: Toronto.com

At Collecdev, we’re all about the long-term value of a community, and that value (both social and economic) increases exponentially when we put green building systems into practice. From our building sites to our own corporate head office, from high in the sky to deep underground, we strive to implement the systems and technologies that ensure a brighter future and a better tomorrow.

We take great pride in creating communities that stand out from the rest, and it’s even more special when others acknowledge you for doing so.

As a company we are honoured to share our latest recognition with the 2021 Best of the Best Award Winner in the category of Green Building Culture Award from the Toronto Construction Association. The Green Building Award is presented annually to the TCA member firm that best demonstrates a corporate green building “culture” in terms of how they conduct their day-to-day business. The recipient will be an industry leader whose actions inspire environmental sensitivity and encourage a green building culture.

With Environmental Stewardship as one of our three key company pillars (alongside Social Sustainability and Experiential Design), we acknowledge an inherent responsibility over the impact of our communities on the natural and built environment and strive to implement a forward-thinking approach that reduces the carbon footprint of our developments and results in long-lasting, balanced urban landscapes. 

Adopting environmentally-friendly protocols.

With every email, every document, every sheet of paper, our team is acutely aware of our environmental footprint, that’s why Collecdev uses cloud-based construction management software that allows us to operate virtually paperless.

Demonstrating a commitment to promoting sustainability.

Collecdev buildings are designed and built to conserve more energy and resources than standard code compliant buildings. We are committed to achieving a higher Tier Toronto Green Standards (TGS) certification and engage creative design solutions to ensure high-performance thermal envelopes that minimize unwanted solar gain and heat loss, and sustainable green roofs that contribute to greater water conservation, reduced maintenance, and improved aesthetics.

Implementing proactive waste management programs.

Our waste management program goes above and beyond the Toronto Green Standards (TGS), recycling 80-90% of material/content on our sites during construction and placing recycling bins in every suite to encourage resident recycling.

Using environmentally-friendly products.

Every element that goes into a Collecdev community is carefully considered for maximum benefit and minimum impact. We use things like low-VOC paint, LED lights that save money by using less energy, programmable thermostats that drive greater energy conservation, efficient water fixtures and low-flow toilets, Energy Star certified appliances that reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, ERVs to reduce energy demands and enhance air quality, and locally-sourced materials like Canadian flooring products and Ontario stone.

Promoting innovative technologies that optimize results in environmental sustainability.

Collecdev buildings were early adopters of innovative technologies like geothermal energy. The technology is less expensive to operate and maintain, reducing the exposure to unexpected energy fluctuations and equipment repairs which impact condo fees over the life of the building. This means that the building will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% per year compared to a conventional building, saving more than 5 million litres of water per year. Collecdev communities also provide electric car charging stations for residents and incorporate innovative technologies that promote environmental sustainability and bring the planet to the forefront when considering what it truly means to live well.

Collecdev is creating a higher standard of accountability and awareness of environmentally friendly approaches to construction, inspiring environmental sensitivity in all sectors of development, ensuring a greener tomorrow for everyone.