Martin Elder, an enthusiastic real estate agent in Ottawa, posts this status report on his "wall":
Richmond road in Westboro is busy with the sounds of BIG costruction. Condos and more condos. What a great life!
and gets this comment from one of his Facebook friends:
The main reason I don't like condos, is that they generally obscure the skyline, and replace older homes or businesses that had character and charm.
Martin replies:
You're right. It's unfortunate that so many condos are built along the river front where they block the view for long time residence. But think of the condo people who have magnificient views of the river. There is no win here—it's where people want to live and there is a growing trend of people who choose to walk to the village and live a denser community life. Each condo represents a social group by and large. Fascinating to witness.
As a footnote to this, I heard an interesting comment at the public meeting I attended last month (about the
proposed new condominium on Bruyère Street). It's been proven in demographics research that people owning properties at ground level are more likely to get involved in community affairs than the occupants of high rise buildings.
The rush to build new condos in Ottawa follows a demographic trend driven by the baby boomer generation. It is an afluent well educated gernation. As a group they are well traveled and having experienced European cities are more inclined to feel comfortable in a resource rich urban environment. Relish that hot cup of coffee after a weekend of canoeing or an early morning bicycle ride to Champlain Lookout.
ReplyDeleteI think that developers need to check the community first before proceeding with the project. With these, they may help in preserving the heritage and culture of a certain community. Make sure to buy for sale condos that have no issues.
ReplyDelete