Kylemore has been creating master-planned communities and building new homes that prioritize wellbeing since 1997.

Indeed, with a goal to offer residents closely-knit luxury communities, the company is building on this tradition by increasingly focusing on wellness throughout – even in today’s more challenging environment.

Ahmed Jabri, director of construction and operations, explains.

We just completed the federal election… what are your general thoughts?

The election was necessary; Canada needs a stable, functioning federal government to address critical issues such as tariffs, rising costs and especially housing. While affordability continues to dominate the conversation, housing still isn’t getting the level of support it urgently needs. We have many capable residential builders ready to deliver, but excessive red tape continues to slow us down. It’s not about the government building homes; it’s about creating the right conditions for builders to do what they do best. That means policies that reduce approval timelines, unlock development opportunities and support builders. Improving GST cuts and offering relief from rising construction costs, development charges and municipal fees would make a real difference. We’re fortunate to work in an industry with strong, well-paying jobs and a deep talent pool, but that potential is underutilized by current market constraints.

What suggestions might you have for the new federal or provincial government on housing policy?

To effectively tackle Canada’s growing housing challenges, governments must provide stronger support for builders who embrace alternative construction methods, energy-efficient designs and practical, family-oriented living spaces. Streamlining approvals, supporting innovation and removing bureaucratic bottlenecks can go a long way in helping the housing industry meet demand with affordable and sustainable options.

Support should focus on:

• Expedited permitting and approvals for innovative and efficient building designs.
• Reduced or waived development fees to encourage affordability and reduce upfront costs.
• Shortening development approval timelines including subdivision and site plan registrations as well as streamlining construction permit applications. All of which help to lower carrying and financing costs.
• Recognition and certification pathways for alternative construction methods, such as modular, prefabricated and panelized builds.
• Update the HST New Home Rebate thresholds to reflect current market realities in high-growth areas such as the GTA, allowing more first-time homebuyers to benefit – not just those purchasing homes priced up to $1 million, such as entry-level condominiums, but also townhomes and family-sized homes.

Alongside broader systemic reforms, our industry association BILD continues to advocate for action on the three most urgent challenges facing our sector. By removing regulatory obstacles and offering targeted financial incentives, all levels of government can play a vital role in fostering innovation and accelerating the delivery of the housing Canada urgently needs.

How is 2025 shaping up for Kylemore?

It has been an exciting year as we continue welcoming families to Angus Glen South Village in Markham, following our first home closings in late 2024. It’s incredibly rewarding for our team to see homeowners move into their dream homes. This master-planned community which offers a variety of housing options, from townhomes to spacious single-detached homes with three-car garages, also features significant trails, parks and outdoor amenities enhancing the overall lifestyle and experience of the new community residents. We’re also preparing for the next phase of Angus Glen South Village, with earthworks scheduled for completion this summer paving the way for land servicing and future home construction. While sales have been slower than in past years, we’re optimistic that federal leadership changes, potential trade agreements with the U.S., and anticipated interest rate stability will support a stronger market ahead.

What have been the highlights so far, and what’s still to come?

A major highlight for us has been welcoming families into their new homes at Angus Glen South Village. We’re also actively working with City of Markham staff on the design of the community’s first park, which we aim to deliver by late 2026. In addition, we’re advancing plans for a commercial plaza that will bring essential services to the neighbourhood, including medical services, wellness options, banking, professional offices and dining.

Elsewhere in Markham, we’re nearing completion of our Brownstones in Angus Glen community, where we’ve proudly welcomed more than 130 families. Final landscaping and park construction are on track for completion by fall 2025, further enhancing the livability of this vibrant community.

This year, we’ll be releasing a limited number of remaining homes in this exclusive townhome enclave. Many of these residences back onto preserved greenspace and offer stunning views of the prestigious Angus Glen Golf Course, which is rare and highly desirable.

What are your current incentives for buyers?

We’re offering special inventory pricing on a limited number of lots and homes at Angus Glen South Village. What really benefits potential purchasers is the opportunity to walk the site, see exactly where their future home will be built, experience the surrounding community and appreciate the neighbourhood’s connection to Main Street, Unionville.

Development charges are a hot topic these days, and some municipalities are reducing them on their own to facilitate homebuilding. Some prospective buyers are skeptical that, even with reduced DCs, affordability will remain an issue, and that builders may not pass on those savings to buyers. What are your thoughts on this?

Development charges have long posed a significant challenge for homebuilders. These fees, levied by municipalities to fund infrastructure and services for new communities, continue to rise as the result of inflation-based indexing and updates to municipal background studies. Over time, these costs escalate and directly impact the purchase price of a home, making it increasingly difficult for prospective buyers to enter the market.

Fortunately, we're beginning to see some encouraging signs of progress. Several municipalities have begun freezing or even reducing development charges, acknowledging the impact these fees have on housing affordability. These early signs of reform are a welcome, positive step in the right direction, benefiting not only builders but also homebuyers, who stand to gain from overall reduced costs.

In the current market, every dollar saved helps more buyers move closer to the dream of homeownership. In a housing environment where every bit counts, continued collaboration between industry and government is essential to achieving meaningful, lasting progress.

What general advice would you offer prospective homebuyers these days?

Despite current economic conditions, I believe that this is an excellent time for homebuyers. Inventory levels are healthy, giving buyers more choice without heightened competition from others, along with attractive incentives that may not be available in a tighter market. Pricing has stabilized in both the new construction and resale markets, bringing greater confidence and moving away from the volatility we've seen in recent years. Builders are more motivated to offer limited-time promotions, enhancing the overall value proposition.

For those considering pre-construction, the benefits are even more compelling. Buyers can secure today’s pricing while having more time to plan financially and prepare for their move, all while their new home is being built. This means locking in value in a potentially rising market, with the bonus of personalizing their home to suit their needs.

While no one can predict the market perfectly, the current conditions offer a rare combination of choice, value and time; making it a prime time to take that step toward homeownership.

What else about Kylemore would you like prospective buyers to know?

At Kylemore, we take pride in creating niche communities designed with purpose and tailored for real people at every stage of life. Whether it’s spacious homes for move-up buyers, flexible layouts for multi-generational living or elegant residences for downsizers, our communities reflect the evolving needs of modern families.

What sets Kylemore apart is our unwavering commitment to design consistency, premium finishes and exceptional craftsmanship. Every detail – inside and out – is carefully considered to ensure our homes are both beautiful and built to last. Our team is continuously seeking ways to innovate and build more efficiently, embracing new techniques and technologies, while never compromising the quality that defines the Kylemore name.

That dedication is felt the moment you step into a Kylemore home. There’s an immediate sense of luxury, care and timeless design that resonates with buyers. It’s more than just a house, it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. For many, that unmistakable feeling is what makes them say, “This is a Kylemore home.”

What’s next for Kylemore?

We have several exciting projects on the horizon that reflect our continued commitment to thoughtful community building and long-term vision. Most of our land holdings are in the city of Markham, where we are proudly based and deeply rooted in the community’s ongoing growth.

The master-planned community, Angus Glen South Village, continues to evolve. Alongside delivering high-quality, luxury lowrise homes, we’re actively progressing on key elements of the next phases. This includes the development of a vibrant commercial plaza offering convenient retail, dining and service options, as well as medium-density (condominium) residential blocks to provide more diverse housing choices. Planning is also well underway for future phases of homes, ensuring Angus Glen South Village remains a dynamic and desirable place to live.

Looking ahead, we’re in the early planning stages of a visionary redevelopment of portions of the Angus Glen Golf Course. This plan will thoughtfully integrate new residential areas while preserving an 18-hole championship course as the centrepiece of the future community. The goal is to create a unique lifestyle destination that blends architectural excellence with open space, recreation and the natural beauty of the golf course setting.

kylemoreliving.com

AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE...

How do you occupy your time when not at the office?

My wife Shaza and I are usually tag-teaming our way through a busy but fulfilling schedule of activities, school events and classes for our three kids. Like many parents, we’ve become experts in coordination; juggling drop-offs, pick-ups and cheering from the sidelines.

Weekends are sacred family time, and we do our best to make them memorable. Whether we’re exploring a local trail, discovering a hidden gem in the city or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon or a movie night at home, our focus is on creating shared experiences. It’s the small moments; laughing together, trying something new or just relaxing that shape childhood and strengthen our bond as a family.

No matter how full our calendars get, we always come back to what matters most – time together.

What do you consider your greatest inspiration, personally or professionally?

Travel has always been a powerful source of inspiration for me; both personally and professionally. There’s something incredibly enriching about experiencing how other cities are planned, how neighborhoods function and how architecture evolves across different cultures and climates. From the seamless integration of public spaces in European cities to the bold, innovative housing designs found in parts of Asia, each destination offers a fresh perspective.

I’m especially drawn to museums when I travel, not just as places of art or history, but as living testaments to how cultures have evolved over time. They reveal shifting values, changing priorities and the unique ways people have adapted to their environments. A visit to a museum often sparks deeper reflection on how different societies think, create and solve problems; insights that can inspire entirely new approaches to our own work. It's a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s shaped by the cultural context in which it exists.

As someone involved in community development and homebuilding, I find these observations invaluable. I'm always curious to see how others approach similar challenges. Whether it’s increasing density without sacrificing livability, designing around natural landscapes, or incorporating sustainability in meaningful ways.

Whenever I come across an idea or approach that feels right, I’m eager to explore it further. Ultimately, it’s about continuous learning, staying open-minded and being curious.

What’s on your reading, podcast or TV binge watchlists these days?

Podcasts are a big part of my routine, not just for entertainment, but for the fresh perspectives they offer. I frequently tune into The Joe Rogan Experience for its variety of guests and unfiltered conversations, which often spark a thought or raise a topic that leads me down a rabbit hole of research and reflection. SmartLess is another favourite, it’s funny, fast-paced and the hosts have great chemistry, making it an easy but engaging listen.

On the streaming side, my wife and I recently started No Good Deed. We expected something light to unwind with at the end of the day, but it surprised us with its twists and turns, definitely a "just one more episode" show, after the kids are in bed.

Next up, we’re planning to revisit The Last of Us, and Your Friends & Neighbours is high on our watchlist after several recommendations.

Whether it's a thought-provoking podcast or a binge-worthy series, I'm always on the lookout for content that entertains, informs or inspires; ideally, all three.