The exclusive group of northern European countries known as Scandinavia are often cited as some of the happiest and most livable places in the world. That’s thanks, in large part, to the Nordic Model, an approach that prioritizes an elaborate social safety net, working towards socio-economic equality and ​​good health for all. There’s even a name for this concept – jante, the Scandinavian philosophy of collective wellbeing – and it’s been a foundational pillar of Nørdic Condos from day one.

Nørdic rethinks the connection between good design and good living, using a human-centred approach to development where everyone has a chance to create the perfect home. To that end, we’re enormously proud to announce our partnership with the City of Toronto and Habitat for Humanity GTA (Habitat GTA), a collaboration that will introduce 10 affordable homes to the Wilson Heights community.

“Integrating affordable homes into market-rate condominium developments isn’t easy,” says Fernando Valenzuela, Collecdev Vice-President of Development. “It requires a commitment to enhancing the residential experience for everyone on site, and a high-level vision that creates a thriving sense of place. But as a conscious developer, we have a responsibility to improve housing accessibility, and to ensure that our communities are designed to enrich society as a whole. This collaboration brings us one step closer to that vision.”

When construction is complete, these 10 units will help address the affordable housing crisis, increasing access to a community with extensive green space, thoughtfully designed amenities, innovative architecture, and integrated connectivity to everything around. Nearly 11,000 square feet of considered outdoor spaces at Nørdic bring nature right to the front door and foster a sense of well-being and good health. An innovative geothermal heating and cooling system will produce 70% less greenhouse gas, saving over 5 million litres of water every year, while offering residents predictable monthly maintenance fees. Wide, shallow suite layouts will help flood spaces with natural light and ensure a more efficient flow. Bike share, exceptional transit connectivity, and an electric car charging station will provide better options for people who need to get from A to B – whether that be from Yorkdale to York University, Union Station to U of T, Downsview Park to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, all less than a 30-minute commute.

"These new homes at Nørdic exemplify the triumph of housing initiatives that give people access to vibrant, thriving, connected, and affordable communities. Every time we create affordable homes for working families, we empower parents and their children to build strength, stability, and self-reliance, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come," says Joshua Bénard, Executive Vice-President of Real Estate for Habitat GTA. "Our collaboration with the City of Toronto and Collecdev showcases the power of partnerships in creating equitable, vibrant, and economically strong neighbourhoods throughout the GTA. We are committed to working with municipalities and community-minded builders to ensure even more families experience the benefits of affordable homeownership across our region."

Demonstrating the tenacity typical of the Nordic spirit, a team made up of key members from Collecdev, Habitat GTA, and the City of Toronto, worked tirelessly to make these homes a reality, and soon, 10 families will move in, becoming an integral part of the fabric of Nørdic, a community that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and wellbeing for all. And with that, Toronto will move a little closer to the Nordic model, a way in which everyone wins.

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