Resort Attracts Toronto Real Estate Buyers Looking For a Lakefront Escape Close to the City

Construction/Building — January 10, 2013

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 10, 2013) -

Editors Note: There is an image associated with this press release.

Friday Harbour, the innovative new waterfront resort development on the shores of Lake Simcoe, has generated overwhelming response since sales opened to the public a few short weeks ago.

The pioneering 600-acre development by Geranium Corporation and Re:Play Resorts Inc. is the largest new resort of its kind in North America and offers all the ingredients for year-round relaxation and recreation: a state-of-the-art 40-acre marina with up to 1000 boat slips, an 18-hole championship golf course, walking trails through a 200-acre protected Nature Preserve and a vibrant waterfront pedestrian village inspired by Europe's great harbour towns. This dynamic resort community also offers a variety of condominiums and townhomes all just an hour from downtown Toronto and conveniently accessible by GO Train.

After 10 years of planning and approvals, 2012 proved to be a new phase for Friday Harbour with over $40 million in sales occurring on opening weekend including several homes at prices over $1 million. Two home designs were completely sold out.

"The first phase of our launch was a success and Friday Harbour is off to a great start. It confirms that the market shares and embraces our vision," said Geranium Corporation president Earl Rumm. "Purchasers have responded to what we have to offer and we couldn't be more pleased."

"The response so far has exceeded expectations and initial sales have been record-setting for the Ontario resort industry," added Bill Green, chief operating officer of Re:Play Resorts. "While headlines talk to the potential softening of the downtown real estate market, Friday Harbour has proven that Torontonians' desire for a lakefront escape close to the city is much desired."

Friday Harbour is a new style of lakefront resort that combines the best aspects of cottage life with sophisticated style, comprehensive amenities and without the maintenance hassles.

Friday Harbour is designed as a four season's resort where homeowners will be able to indulge in a wide range of year-round pursuits including boating, fishing, kayaking, beach volleyball, cycling, golfing, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, ice-skating and much more. The Lake Club with its swimming pool, training centre and social scene for all ages will be a central gathering spot. In the village, residents and guests will be able to relax with a meal or refreshing beverage at one of the resort's restaurants, cafes or patios as well as shop in unique boutiques and enjoy events or concerts along the water's edge.

As the developer, Geranium Corporation and its team have taken an "environment first" approach to Friday Harbour. From water quality to wild life and fish habitat, Friday Harbour has been proactive in becoming a steward to this lakefront environment.

The community of Friday Harbour will be built by Geranium Homes, Ontario's 2012 Builder of the Year. First occupancies are scheduled for 2015.

In addition to Geranium Corporation and Geranium Homes, Friday Harbour's world-class team also includes international resort operators Re:Play Resorts, famed New Urbanism architects Duany Plater-Zyberk and Co., award-winning golf course designer Doug Carrick, global marina designers Applied Technologies & Management and acclaimed architect Peter Clewes to create Friday Harbour.

Friday Harbour's downtown Toronto Exhibit is located at 49 Wellington Street East, 2^nd Floor. www.fridayharbour.com.

Quick Facts About Friday Harbour

Friday Harbour, the largest lakefront resort under construction in North America, will include up to 1,600 residential units, 400 hotel rooms, a pedestrian village, a 40-acre marina with up to a 1,000 boat slips, an 18-hole championship golf course and a 200-acre environmentally conscious nature preserve
Friday Harbour will set a new benchmark for sustainable resort development and has incorporated considerations such as wildlife habitat, endangered species protection, water quality and reduction of greenhouse gases into its planning
Its world-class team includes leading New Urbanism planners Duany Plater-Zyberk, resort planners/designers/operators Re:Play Resorts Inc.; international marina consultants and designers Applied Technology & Management; award-winning golf course designer Doug Carrick; and architect Peter Clewes of architectsAlliance
The full-service marina can handle any boat that can navigate the Trent Severn Waterway
Friday Harbour will create approximately 1,000 permanent jobs and 1,486 jobs off-site upon completion
Friday Harbour will create almost 8,000 person years in employment during the construction phase currently underway
Resort will generate approximately $4.4 million annually in taxes for Innisfil, $2.4 million annually in taxes for Simcoe County
$190 million will be spent annually by visitors and owners of the resort in the local and regional community

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Contact Information

Media Contact:
Vicbar Marketing Limited
Vicki Griffiths
416-510-0073
vgriffiths@vicbarmarketing.com