Top 5 Condo Launches to Watch in Ontario This Year

Ontario's condominium market continues to evolve with innovative designs, amenity packages, and locations that reflect changing buyer preferences. For investors and homebuyers alike, staying informed about upcoming launches can provide valuable opportunities. Here are the five most anticipated condominium launches across Ontario for the remainder of 2025.

1. The Canopy at Port Credit

[IMAGE: Architectural rendering of The Canopy at Port Credit waterfront development]

Developer: Westdale Properties & Diamond Corp

Located in Mississauga's charming Port Credit neighborhood, The Canopy represents a new approach to waterfront living with its biophilic design principles and emphasis on connecting residents with nature.

Key Features

• Location: 70 Port Street East, Mississauga
• Units: 358 residences across two mid-rise buildings (11 and 14 storeys)
• Price Range: Starting from $720,000 for studios to $2.3M+ for premium waterfront penthouses
• Estimated Completion: Fall 2028
• Deposit Structure: 15% spread over 18 months

What Makes It Special

The Canopy stands out for its integration with the revitalized Port Credit waterfront and marina. The development includes:

• Over 20,000 sq. ft. of vertical gardens and green walls
• A 2.5-acre public waterfront park being developed alongside the residences
• Canada's first residential "forest bathing" pavilion with controlled humidity and indigenous plantings
• Direct access to the expanded Port Credit Marina
• A water taxi service connecting to downtown Toronto (seasonal)

The development has already received significant attention for its sustainability features, including:

• Geothermal heating and cooling system reducing energy consumption by 40%
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation and non-potable water needs
• Mass timber construction elements (one of the first in the GTA)
• LEED Platinum targeted certification

Investment Potential

Port Credit has consistently outperformed the broader Mississauga market, with average price appreciation of 7.8% annually over the past decade. The area's limited development opportunities and waterfront location suggest strong potential for value retention.

The project's sales launch is expected in September 2025, with VIP broker access beginning in late August.

2. The Wellington Exchange

[IMAGE: Architectural rendering of The Wellington Exchange with its distinctive copper-clad facade]

Developer: Allied Properties REIT & RioCan Living

This ambitious adaptive reuse project in downtown Toronto transforms the historic Wellington Exchange Building (circa 1931) into a mixed-use development that honors the past while embracing contemporary living.

Key Features

• Location: 489 Wellington Street West, Toronto
• Units: 204 loft-style residences in the heritage structure plus 312 units in a new 26-storey tower
• Price Range: Heritage lofts from $950,000; Tower units from $780,000
• Estimated Completion: Heritage building: Early 2028; Tower: Late 2028
• Deposit Structure: 20% over 24 months

What Makes It Special

The Wellington Exchange stands out for its thoughtful preservation of industrial heritage combined with forward-thinking design:

• Original brick facades and architectural details meticulously restored
• Soaring 14-foot ceilings in heritage lofts with original exposed beams and columns
• 35,000 sq. ft. of creative office space integrated into the podium levels
• A public food hall featuring local artisanal vendors on the ground floor
• Rooftop urban agriculture program with resident gardening plots

The amenity program focuses on the intersection of wellness and productivity:

• Co-working spaces with bookable meeting rooms and podcast studios
• Wellness center with meditation rooms, fitness facilities, and spa
• Demonstration kitchen and communal dining spaces for social gatherings
• Art gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions from local artists
• Pet spa and indoor relief area for urban pet owners

Investment Potential

King West continues to command premium resale values and strong rental demand. The project's unique heritage component creates a differentiated product in a market saturated with glass towers. The mixed-use nature of the development provides built-in amenities that enhance livability and investment appeal.

Registration is currently open, with the official launch expected in October 2025.

3. Arbor Heights

[IMAGE: Architectural rendering of Arbor Heights showing the terraced design and extensive greenery]

Developer: Minto Communities

Located in Ottawa's rapidly evolving LeBreton Flats district, Arbor Heights represents the next phase in the area's transformation into a sustainable urban community.

Key Features

• Location: 200 Lett Street, Ottawa
• Units: 492 units across two connected mid-rise buildings (12 and 15 storeys)
• Price Range: Starting from $450,000 for studios to $1.2M for three-bedroom penthouses
• Estimated Completion: Summer 2028
• Deposit Structure: 15% over 18 months

What Makes It Special

Arbor Heights is positioned as Ottawa's most sustainable residential development to date:

• Net-zero carbon operations through all-electric systems and renewable energy
• District energy connection to the LeBreton Flats community system
• Over 30,000 sq. ft. of green roofs and planted terraces
• Passive house design principles reducing energy consumption by up to 90%
• Direct access to the expanded Ottawa River recreational trails

The development's location offers exceptional connectivity:

• Adjacent to the new Pimisi LRT station
• Walking distance to the new Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada joint facility
• Direct connection to the expanded Capital Pathway network
• Five minutes to downtown Ottawa and ten minutes to Gatineau

Investment Potential

Ottawa's stable government employment base and growing tech sector provide a solid foundation for real estate investment. The LeBreton Flats redevelopment represents one of the most significant urban transformation projects in Canada, with billions in public and private investment planned over the next decade.

The project is expected to launch in November 2025, with priority registration now open.

4. Lakeside Residences at Friday Harbour

[IMAGE: Architectural rendering of Lakeside Residences with marina views]

Developer: Geranium Corporation & Friday Harbour Resort

Building on the success of earlier phases, Lakeside Residences represents the most luxurious offering yet at the award-winning Friday Harbour Resort on Lake Simcoe.

Key Features

• Location: Friday Harbour Resort, Innisfil
• Units: 186 residences across three boutique mid-rise buildings
• Price Range: Starting from $680,000 for one-bedrooms to $2.5M+ for premium waterfront units
• Estimated Completion: Phase 1: Summer 2028; Phase 2: Fall 2028
• Deposit Structure: 20% over 24 months

What Makes It Special

Lakeside Residences offers a unique value proposition as both a primary residence and recreational property:

• Full-service resort amenities including:
  • 18-hole championship golf course
  • 200-slip marina with direct access to Lake Simcoe
  • Beach club and multiple swimming pools
  • Tennis and pickleball courts
  • Winter activities including skating and cross-country skiing
• Optional rental program for investor owners
• Concierge services and property management
• Exclusive residents-only amenities separate from the public resort facilities

The development caters to the growing "work from anywhere" demographic:

• High-speed fiber internet throughout the community
• Co-working spaces with private offices and meeting rooms
• Just 60 minutes from downtown Toronto
• 15 minutes from Barrie and the GO Transit connection

Investment Potential

Earlier phases of Friday Harbour have demonstrated strong appreciation, with original purchasers seeing gains of 35-45% over five years. The resort's established reputation and comprehensive amenities reduce the risk typically associated with recreational properties.

The project is scheduled for launch in August 2025, with a priority registration event for existing Friday Harbour residents in July.

5. The Garrison at Uptown Waterloo

[IMAGE: Architectural rendering of The Garrison showing the mixed-use podium and residential tower]

Developer: Perimeter Development & Zehr Group

Located in Waterloo's thriving Uptown district, The Garrison represents the evolution of the city from university town to technology hub with housing designed specifically for the region's growing professional population.

Key Features

• Location: 145 Park Street, Waterloo
• Units: 324 units in a 28-storey tower
• Price Range: Starting from $420,000 for studios to $950,000 for three-bedroom units
• Estimated Completion: Early 2029
• Deposit Structure: 15% over 18 months

What Makes It Special

The Garrison is designed to bridge the gap between Waterloo's academic institutions and its growing technology sector:

• 10,000 sq. ft. innovation hub in the podium with flexible workspace for startups
• Partnership with Communitech providing residents with networking and mentorship opportunities
• Technology-forward amenities including:
  • Smart home features as standard in all units
  • Building-wide IoT infrastructure
  • Electric vehicle charging in all parking spaces
  • Automated package delivery and storage system
• Ground floor retail focused on local businesses and services

The location offers exceptional convenience for the Waterloo Region:

• Adjacent to the ION LRT Waterloo Town Square station
• Walking distance to Uptown Waterloo's shops and restaurants
• 10-minute LRT ride to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University
• 15-minute drive to the Region of Waterloo International Airport

Investment Potential

Waterloo Region continues to benefit from the expansion of major tech employers and the growth of its academic institutions. The limited supply of high-quality rental accommodations in the core has maintained strong rental rates and low vacancy rates, creating favorable conditions for investors.

The project is expected to launch in December 2025, with registration opening in September.

Market Outlook and Buying Strategies

As these five developments prepare to enter the market, potential buyers should consider several factors in their decision-making process:

Timing Considerations

• VIP Access: Register early with the sales teams to secure priority access before public launches
• Phased Releases: Initial phases typically offer the most attractive pricing, with increases in later releases
• Deposit Timing: Consider how the deposit structure aligns with your cash flow and investment timeline

Unit Selection Strategy

• Floor Plans: Efficient layouts with functional spaces typically perform better in both rental and resale markets
• Exposure: Consider sun patterns and views when selecting a unit orientation
• Floor Premium Balance: Middle floors often offer the best value, balancing view premiums with overall cost

Market Projections

Ontario's condominium market is expected to continue its recovery through 2025-2026, with particular strength in:

• Transit-oriented developments as commuting patterns evolve
• Mixed-use projects that create complete communities
• Developments with strong sustainability credentials as energy costs continue to rise

These five developments represent the leading edge of Ontario's evolving condominium market, offering distinctive living experiences that respond to changing lifestyle preferences and work patterns. Whether you're an investor or end-user, these launches merit close attention as they come to market throughout 2025.