Following this summer's ceremonial groundbreaking, construction is now well underway at Harmony Village Sheppard. With the first phase of the two-tower, 291-unit project by City Core Developments and Fortress Real Developments up first, we take a look at construction progress on the site of what promises to be one of Canada's most progressive and wellness-oriented communities for today's active seniors and energetic baby-boomers. 

A rendering of the Phase I towers, image courtesy of Citycore/Fortress

Construction activity began during the Summer with the demolition of the low-rise industrial and commercial buildings on the site. With the warehouse and mechanical facility that occupied the area now gone (below), only the sales centre remains on site. A large garage and a number of smaller portable structures were removed, with the debris now cleared as construction continues.

The previous structures during demolition, image courtesy of Citycore/Fortress

Previously attached to a larger building that stretched out behind it, the sales centre now directly borders the construction site at its north (below), where two 30-storey Page + Steele / IBI Group Architects-designed towers will rise. 

The sales centre is now the southwest boundary of the construction site, image courtesy of Citycore/Fortress

As Summer has turned to Fall, demolition of the low-rise buildings that occupied the site has given way to geo-thermal drilling. Geo-thermal energy will eventually heat and cool the buildings in an environmentally sensitive manner, transferring energy from the "source" to the "sink." In the Summer, heat sourced from the building passes through the pipes to the colder underground sink, while the opposite process takes place in the Winter. 

The geo-thermal drill at work, image courtesy of Citycore/Fortress

While relatively expensive to install, the geo-thermal energy system provides low-cost, sustainable heating and cooling over the long term. Still considered a somewhat innovative technology in North America, geo-thermal energy is more widely used in continental Europe, and particularly in Iceland, where it is used in over 85% of buildings. 

A closeup of the drilling process, image courtesy of Citycore/Fortress

Besides using green energy to heat and cool the building, the complex will feature energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as water-saving fixtures. The suite interiors and the project's amenities—both appointed by NAK Design Group—are also geared at promoting a sustainable and progressive vision of golden years living.

An elegant dining room at Harmony Village Sheppard, image courtesy of Citycore/Fortress

Each suite will be equipped with accessible shower entrances, lowered light switches, and raised electrical outlets, tailoring condominium living to an older generation. In addition, the 35,000 square foot podium will house an indoor pool and range of dining venues (above), as well as space for classes, seminars, and social activities, fostering a sense of community among residents.   

A rendering of the Zen garden, image courtesy of Citycore/Fortress

Outdoor amenities will include a Zen garden (above), as well a terrace outdoor furniture, complete with fire pits and barbecues. On-site home healthcare and full meal plans will also be available for the residents that may need them in the future, allowing home-owners to maintain their independent lifestyles, even if their health changes. 

A closer look at the podium, image courtesy of Citycore/Fortress

The Phase I towers will eventually be followed by a mid-rise building and townhouse complex further to the north, which will provide additional flexibility in housing options.

Want to know more about Harmony Village now? Check out our dataBase entry for the development, linked below. Want to talk about it? You can join in on the conversation in the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.