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ONE OF TRIDEL’S FIRST CONDO COMMUNITIES CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

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	On October 16, 2004 more than 125 residents of Skygarden, one of Tridel's first adult lifestyle, gated communities that was completed in 1979 joined together to celebrate the buildings 25th anniversary. Among them were nearly all of the 42 original owners, who purchased their homes while the community was still under development.

Toronto, Ontario… The night of October 16, 2004 will never be forgotten by the more than 125 residents of Skygarden, one of Tridel’s first adult lifestyle, gated communities that was completed in 1979. That evening, the owners of the 270 suites in the first of the two Skygarden buildings in Toronto’s Warden and Finch neighbourhood, joined together for a celebration of a lifetime, the buildings 25th anniversary. Among them were nearly all of the 42 original owners, who purchased their homes while the community was still under development, the oldest of whom was in his late 90s, and the youngest in her 40s. The evening kicked off with the colourful spectacle and sounds of a highland bagpiper, followed by a sumptuous dinner and dancing to the music of today and decades gone by. Residents were also joined by Tridel’s President, Leo DelZotto, local M.P., Jim Karygiannis and local City Councillor, Mike Del Grande who each offered their warmest congratulations to the condo’s Board of Directors and all its glowing residents.

One of the most enthusiastic “hosts” for the evening was Patricia Sinclair, an original resident, Treasurer for the Board of Directors, and head of the gala event’s organizing committee. Patricia remembers moving to Skygarden with her father from their home in the west end of the city in 1979. She was only a teenager at the time, but still talks about Tridel’s marketing campaign, which included party after party in the building’s recreation centre, each designed to demonstrate the luxury and fun-filled lifestyle that comes with condo ownership. Back then, she recalls, prices for a 1,400 sq. ft. one bedroom with den suite started at $55,000.00. Today at Skygarden they start at $250,000.00!

Asked why she has been so happy at Skygarden, Patricia placed the amenities, 24-hour security and neighbourly residents at the top of her list. “We all know each other here,” she said. “Residents become friends with one and come out to the many kinds of recreational and social activities that are offered in the complex.” She noted that the residents run a number of the programs in the recreation centre from swimercise, line-dancing and yoga, to tai chi, bridge, bingo and woodworking. Social activities include the weekly ladies afternoon tea, monthly ‘Showtime’ evenings, frequent dinners, outdoor barbecues, wine and cheese parties, and outings across the city and beyond.

Much of the Tridel magic is found in the shared facilities, she adds. Skygarden and its second phase, Skygarden 2, which was built shortly thereafter, are both surrounded by five acres of lush gardens, lawns, walkways and flower beds. There is both an outdoor and an indoor pool, three

tennis courts, a golf driving range, saunas, and a whirlpool. Other features include a fully equipped exercise room, men and women’s change rooms, two squash courts, table tennis, billiards, a card room, a small lending library and, of course a great party room and dance floor!

One of Patricia’s neighbours is another original resident, Nan Curren, who is proud to be 82, still driving, and very active within the Skygarden community. A former swimming instructor, she has dedicated her life to various forms of therapy through aquacise. For example, she worked with children at Sick Kids Hospital, and has even taught deaf and blind people to swim. After moving to Skygarden in 1979 she was naturally thrilled to use both the indoor and outdoor pools, and soon established a pool aerobics program for residents that she taught for over 20 years.

Although her husband died six years ago, Nan is still passionate about her life at Skygarden. In addition to all the opportunities she enjoys to get together with her neighbours, she emphasizes the community spirit that seems to unite all the residents. She talks about them sharing life’s celebrations and sorrows together, and the importance that so many place on giving back to society at large.

Echoing the sentiments of both Patricia and Nan are long-time residents Ted and Peg Granfield. The couple are also original owners, and have lived at Skygarden for 23 years. “It was the convenience of the condominium lifestyle that appealed to us most,” notes Peg. “Over the years we’ve owned other properties where we spent six months of the year, so we liked the security and maintenance-free aspects of condominium living.” Both Ted and Peg have taken advantage of the great community amenities over the years by swimming every morning, and as active members of the Skygarden tennis club, of which Ted was President for several years, making lifelong friends along the way.

Nina and David Darling are also energetic participants in community activities, and are one of Skygardens’ love stories. Both Nina and David were residents at Skygarden before they met. The couple fell in love, were married and continue their life. Nina and David lead mornings of line-dancing, play nine holes of golf every Thursday as members of the Skygarden Golf League, and last year Nina was also a member of the choir that gathered to sing Christmas carols.

The wonderful amenities and community spirit aside, one cannot overlook the focal point of the residents’ life, their suite! Newcomers Vanaja Ghose and her husband Lal, moved into Skygarden in June and are enjoying the spacious layout of their two-bedroom suite. A corner unit, their suite includes a balcony and a solarium off the family room. “I was very attracted to the design of the suite, especially the solarium and family room,” explains Vanaja. “Since painting is my hobby the light in the solarium is very important to me. The rooms are also very large and suit my family’s lifestyle perfectly.”

With such obvious affection for Skygarden it is highly likely that Vanaja and Lal will follow the footsteps of so many other residents in making Skygarden their lifelong home. Perhaps they will become the organizers of the condos 50th anniversary in 2029!

Builder Known for Quality

Tridel is Canada’s leading developer and builder of condominium residences with 70 years of homebuilding experience. To date the Tridel Group of Companies is responsible for producing over 65,000 homes, and continues to lead the industry in innovation, technology and design. In recognition of Tridel’s outstanding service to its homeowners, Tridel has twice been awarded the coveted Ontario High-Rise Builder of the Year Award by Tarion Warranty Corporation, formerly the Ontario New Home Warranty Program, as well as Home Builder of the Year by the Greater Toronto Home Builders’ Association.