BALANCE AT DOCKSIDE GREEN
DEVELOPER: Windmill Developments and Vancouver City Savings Credit Union
PRICE: From $289,900 to $1,233,900
SIZE: From 559 sq. ft. to 1,421 sq. ft.
SALES CENTRE: 1107 Wharf Street, Victoria. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CONTACT: Phone 1-877-382-7278 or visit www.docksidegreen.com
Developer Joe Van Belleghem has lofty goals for his Dockside Green project, aiming for it to become the first LEED Platinum community in the world.
By meeting the requirements of building industry's highest environmental standard, Mr. Van Belleghem hopes to attract the interest of likeminded buyers; buyers dedicated to creating a socially vibrant, economically sound and ecologically restorative community.
"We are attracting purchasers who are interested in sustainable living and businesses that are committed to social and environmental ethics," he says. "Creating a sustainable community means ensuring that all its components share similar values and goals."
The 15-acre, master-planned community on Victoria's downtown harbour also strives to be the first greenhouse gas neutral development in North America. The buildings at Dockside Green will be heated by a process called "clean energy gasification", using local waste wood for fuel.
To help Victoria's sewage waste management, Dockside Green will treat 100 per cent of its waste onsite and use the treated water for flushing and irrigation.
Dockside has also partnered with Triton Logging, a company that harvests preserved trees from submerged hydro sites for construction use.
To top it all off, Dockside has initiated a car share program and a mini-transit system. The development site adjoins the Galloping Goose trail, which runs from Sydney to Sooke, and has incorporated pedestrian friendly walkways to connect residents to the downtown core.
Inside Balance, the second phase of Dockside's first neighbourhood, Dockside Wharf (there will be three distinct neighbourhoods within the community when complete) owners will benefit from continued environmental accents like carbonized bamboo floors, Energy Star rated kitchen appliances and a 100 per cent fresh air ventilation system.
Balance also has rooftop gardens, waterfront trails, wharf access and a boat launch. The open-concept suites are designed to maximize natural light and showcase water views with floor-to-ceiling windows and 200 sq. ft balconies.
Dockside Green is a live/work community that enforces its philosophy with business tenants as well. "We're looking for small local businesses that share our philosophy, which is a triple-bottom-line approach to environmental, social and economic issues," says Ryan Slogotski, the development manager.
The businesses signed-on thus far, which include an organic bakery, café and restaurant/pub, were chosen to help contribute to the bond of the community by reflecting its sustainable values. "For example, the baker is sourcing local ingredients and doing the right thing for the environment," says Mr. Slogotski. "We hope and expect that the office tenants locating here will demonstrate these values too."
The Dockside Green will be comprised of 26 buildings when completed, with construction spanning the next ten years. Dockside Warf homes are on sale now and a phase one move-in date has been set for January 2008. The entire Dockside Warf neighbourhood is scheduled to be completed by 2009.
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