Latest news with #ShawnKeeper

National Post

On the map: Stalled South Barrie community comes back to life

A once-stalled housing development in South Barrie has been kickstarted by new owners, with Dunsire Developments now overseeing its multi-phase revitalization. The site at 700 Mapleview Drive East was acquired through receivership in August 2024 and has since been rebranded as Mira, a townhome community offering a range of unit types, occupancy timelines and pricing options. Article content Article content 'When we acquired the site, there were a number of partially constructed homes and incomplete infrastructure,' says Shawn Keeper, founder and president of Hamilton-based Dunsire. 'We took the opportunity to not only complete previously unfinished units, but also to add new housing types, updated architectural finishes and enhancements to the public realm, including thoughtfully designed parks, interconnected trails and vibrant streetscaping.' Article content Mira includes three main townhome collections ranging from 1,089 to 1,915 square feet. The Vista Collection offers two- and three-bedroom homes with open-concept layouts, oversized windows, balconies with French doors and, in some units, dens that Keeper says have proven popular with remote workers. The Metro Collection consists of three-bedroom stacked townhomes with balconies or patios, and the Legacy Collection includes traditional two-storey homes with three to five bedrooms. Many homes in the latter feature legal basement suites — referred to by Dunsire as 'FlexHaus' layouts — which include separate kitchens and living areas for rental income or multi-generational living. Article content A mix of immediate occupancy, 90- to 120-day closings and pre-construction units with 2026 completions is currently available. This flexibility has broadened the appeal of the development to a variety of buyer types, Keeper says, including first-time homeowners, families and investors. Many are coming from North Toronto, Vaughan and Brampton, drawn by Mira's location, pricing and access to transit. 'People want more for their money, and being steps from the Barrie South GO Station has been a major driver of demand,' Keeper says. All units feature nine-foot smooth ceilings, quartz countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, soft-close cabinetry, and energy-efficient HVAC systems and windows aimed at lowering utility costs. 'Our designs are focused on functional layouts, efficient use of space and lasting quality,' Keeper says. 'They're intended to meet the needs of today's homeowners while maintaining a consistent standard of quality.'