After 34 years in Whitehorse, Yukon, Eamonn Campbell decided it was time for a change.
Campbell and his wife Karol bought an apartment in the Promontory building on Saghalie Road in Vic West, which opened on June 25. At first, they weren’t sure how they would handle the transition from their Yukon acreage to an apartment in the city, but after spending a week and a half in their new home, Campbell was convinced they had made the right choice.
“The move-in process so far has been fantastic,” says Campbell. “There’s an excitement in the air with everybody now moving in. Everybody’s been really friendly – I haven’t walked into an elevator yet without getting into a conversation.”
Like many buyers, Campbell specifically wanted to move into a new building, in order to avoid the many issues that can arise from previously owned homes – having already dealt with roof maintenance problems in older homes.
“A lot of people just like the thought that nobody’s owned it before, that they’re the first ones to really live in that space,” says Promontory sales manager Kelley Olinger.
Olinger says that another attraction for many buyers are the modern design aspects, built around the necessities of living in the 21st century. This includes infrastructure like more advanced soundproofing, “smart wiring” (allowing for a single panel to control internet modems and sound systems), underground parking and amenities within the building. Aesthetically, newer buildings often use space more functionally – hallways and corridors are done away with in favour of a more open design.
Campbell made special mention of the high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, which help to light up his new apartment.
“The location’s been key as well, with all of the amenities close by,” he says. “I wanted to be able to walk to the pub, walk to hockey games – moving here from Whitehorse, I didn’t want to be stuck in the bush again.”
While older homes can carry a quaint charm, Campbell says that the Promontory is not without its own, as living in such close proximity to neighbours has created a unique community aspect, one which he is eager to become more involved in when he moves to Victoria full-time next year.