News
Press and Media
“This new development shows that Toronto can actually build affordable housing – and fast”
Toronto Star
October 21, 2025
2444 Eglinton Ave E is proving that government, private developers, and non-profits, united with urgency, can tackle Toronto’s housing crisis.
“State of housing: Geothermal’s rise: a timely innovation for a housing market in transition”
Urban Toronto
October 20, 2025
Jenny McMinn, Partner, Communications & Impact at Windmill Development Group, says the adoption of geothermal is changing how developers and policy makers think about housing as an investment.
“Cooperative housing is making a comeback”
Corporate Knights
July 2, 2025
At a time when even basic housing has become unattainable for many in advanced economies, the housing co-op movement is gaining ground in Canada.
“2025 CAGBC Awards showcase projects that are reshaping Canada”
Construct Connect
June 27, 2025
The CAGBC Awards spotlight the innovators transforming Canada’s building industry, including Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jonathan Westeinde, CEO and founder of Windmill Development Group.
“Innovation and leadership take centre stage at the CAGBC awards”
Environmental Journal
June 24, 2025
CAGBC presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Jonathan Westeinde, CEO and founder of Windmill Development Group. A pioneer in sustainable real estate development, Westeinde has led more than $5 billion in high-performance, socially responsible building projects across Canada.
“Windmill to develop Evergreen mixed-use project in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill area”
Connect Canada CRE
May 9, 2025
Windmill Development Group is partnering with a local entrepreneur to launch The Evergreen, a nine-storey mixed-use condominium project in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill neighbourhood.
“Leaders gather to reimagine Ottawa’s downtown core”
CTV News
April 23, 2025
The 2025 City Building Summit brought together business leaders, policymakers and developers, including Windmill CEO Jonathan Westeinde, with a focus on growing a vibrant downtown core.
“Intelligent City constructs Toronto’s tallest residential mass timber building”
SustainableBiz
April 9, 2025
Windmill, partnering with Intelligent City, will use pre-fabricated panels manufactured in B.C. to construct Toronto’s tallest mass timber residential building later this year.
“Intelligent City starts production on nine-storey Toronto mass timber project”
Construct Connect
April 7, 2025
Vancouver-based Intelligent City, a company specializing in the design, engineering and manufacturing of prefabricated mass timber building systems, has started production on Windmill’s mid rise infill project in Toronto’s Mimico neighbourhood.
“Canadian CRE Has Plenty to Celebrate on International Women’s Day”
Connect Canada CRE
March 9, 2025
Canadian commercial real estate has plenty to celebrate as another International Women’s Day passes. Jenny McMinn, Windmill’s Partner of Communications & Impact, is now leading efforts to educate the real estate market on One Planet Living and the integration of sustainability frameworks into Windmill’s North American developments.
“Windmill eyes mid-2025 start date for pair of major rental development projects”
Ottawa Business Journal
February 10, 2025
Windmill Development Group is poised to break ground on two new rental apartment complexes, partnering with two non-profit entities to add a total of more than 850 units to the capital’s stock of rental housing.
“Three appointments made at Windmill”
RENX
December 15, 2024
Windmill Development Group recently completed three new leadership appointments. It tapped Jenny McMinn as partner, communications and impact, Scott Pickles as managing director of Urban Equation, and Graeme Hussey as director, affordable housing.
“People and Companies: News for Week Ending December 13, 2024”
Connect Canada CRE
December 12, 2024
Windmill Developments has announced three leadership appointments that aim to showcase the company’s dedication to sustainability and social impact.
“Planetary Designation: Windmill Development earns Global Leadership distinction”
OHBA Magazine
Summer 2024
Toronto’s Windmill Development Group has become the first company to earn a Global Leader endorsement under the One Planet Living (OPL) framework. “A Global Leader shows potential for far-reaching systemic change and is taking steps to actively inspire others in their industry to follow suit,” noted Bioregional CEO and co-founder Sue Riddlestone.
“Change Agent: Dan Van Leeuwen, Windmill Developments”
Connect CRE Canada
September 2, 2024
Dan Van Leeuwen discusses the benefits of mass timber and modular construction and the need for. the real estate industry to adopt artificial intelligence. He also offers advice for up-and-coming industry leaders.
“E11 – Windmill Developments: Sustainability for Profit and Impact”
Efficiency in CRE Podcast
August 26, 2024
Windmill’s CEO Jonathan Westeinde join’s ULI Ottawa’s Mateo Chiyangi to discuss opportunities in sustainable real estate and how we can build a future that is sustainable, resilient, and profitable for all.
“Windmill Development Group’s ‘eco-concierge’ service helps condo owners practise sustainability”
Ottawa Business Journal
July 15, 2024
When a condo building is purchased, developers are typically quick to walk away. But Windmill Development Group has decided to stick around to help new owners prioritize sustainability throughout the lifecycle of the building.
“Modern Living: The co-ops are coming”
National Post
March 13, 2024
The logjam for co-op housing in Ontario is set to loosen somewhat in the next few years when 612 new homes become available, likely via lottery, in Ontario’s largest new co-op property.
“‘Time is right’ for return of co-op housing, says developer”
Toronto Sun
March 1, 2024
2444 Eglinton will be the first private sector-led site under the City of Toronto’s Housing Now program, which develops transit-oriented affordable housing on city-owned land. The estimated 918 units planned for 2444 Eglinton are to be built with affordability in mind.
“Are we entering a new era of the co-op? Let’s hope so”
The Toronto Star
January 21, 2024
A new, big project on Eglinton may usher in the return of the co-op in a big way, writes Shawn Micallef. This project, a partnership between Windmill, Civic Developments, CreateTO, and the Cooperative Housing Federation of Toronto, is exactly the kind of development that is needed to help get us out of the housing crisis.
“Toronto’s new co-op housing points to a dense, beautiful future”
The Globe and Mail
January 13, 2024
Toronto is back in the housing business. This week the city’s government announced a new housing development near Kennedy subway station in Scarborough, and it is big. Big in scale, with 918 homes – making it the largest co-operative housing project in Ontario in 25 years – and big in ambition.
“Toronto is a step closer to building one of the largest affordable housing projects in decades”
CBC News
January 12, 2024
Windmill’s new housing development that the city says is one of the largest affordable housing projects in the last 25 years is a step closer to becoming a reality.
“Province’s largest co-operative housing development coming to Toronto”
ConstructConnect
January 10, 2024
The City of Toronto and CreateTO announced Civic Developments, Windmill Developments, and Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto as development partners for new affordable housing project.
“Developers Selected for Co-Op and Affordable Housing Project at Kennedy Station”
Urban Toronto
January 10, 2024
A transformative housing project at 2444 Eglinton Ave E in Scarborough promises to invigorate the area around Kennedy subway and GO station with the introduction of three striking towers. A substantial addition of affordable housing to the area, they are positioned across Eglinton Avenue from the transit hub.
“Massive new development will be the largest co-op housing project in Ontario”
Streets of Toronto
January 9, 2024
CreateTO, The City of Toronto’s real estate agency, will work with Windmill Development Group and Civic Developments on a 2.88-acre development which represents Ontario’s largest co-operative housing project and one of the province’s most substantial affordable housing developments in the past 25 years.
“New affordable housing project set to rise on Eglinton Ave. E”
REMI Network
January 9, 2024
The City of Toronto and CreateTO have named Windmill Developments, Civic Developments, and Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto as the development partners for a new housing project at 2444 Eglinton Ave. E.
“No piece of land too small”
Toronto Sun
November 10, 2023
“Windmill Development’s Stone Abbey Residences is a partnership with a church that adds much needed homes but is also helping to reinvigorate the church community. ‘Finding creative ways to use land and taking on community partners is the future of urban development,’ says Stephen Savell, Partner, Development Management.”
“In Toronto, an old gas station site is being transformed into a mid-rise, transit-oriented tower meeting ‘One Planet Living’ standards”
Revitalization
October 25, 2023
“On September 19, 2023, Windmill Developments broke ground on a mid-rise redevelopment at the site of a former gas station and auto repair shop in The Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto. The project will follow the One Planet Living framework, including measurements around active transportation, health, and happiness.”
“Windmill’s Courcelette turns former Toronto garage into green condo”
RENX Homes
October 5, 2023
“Windmill breaks ground on mid-rise in the Upper Beaches that promises environmentally friendly features such as geothermal energy and an efficient building envelope, projected to cut greenhouse emissions by almost two-thirds compared to a conventional building.”
“Windmill to build nine-storey at former All Saints Church site”
Ottawa Business Journal
June 19, 2023
“Windmill to build nine-storey mass-timber condo at former All Saints church site, featuring an Ottawa first for a building of its height: rather than using concrete beams, it will be built from cross-laminated timber.”
“Véhicules électriques : les acheteurs de condos réclament des bornes de recharge”
Radio-Canada
Feb 26, 2023
“La demande pour des bornes de recharge était présente il y a quelques années, mais c’était plus lent. Maintenant, 100 % des acheteurs nous demandent si l’infrastructure est là pour les bornes de recharge et s’il y a la possibilité d’en installer. Et la réponse, c’est oui,” lance la directrice des ventes et du marketing Karina Wieser.
“Addressing Climate Change through Advocacy, Policy and Planning”
Canadian Architect
Nov 1, 2022
“McMinn draws from her experiences with many Windmill projects where the idea of a strong narrative includes experiences such as connections to local food production, community partnerships, or district energy production such as geothermal or waste heat recovery systems”
“Windmill plans new group home, residential towers near former site of Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre”
Ottawa Business Journal
Jul 4, 2022
Windmill is partnering with Parkway House to build a new group home for adults with physical disabilities, along with two residential towers, designed and constructed to be one of the most sustainable new developments in Ottawa.
“Green Mid-Rise Draws Families”
National Post
Jul 2, 2022
Land vendor buys several units at Courcelette condos replacing his Kingston Road gas station. “The Spiros family is very embedded in the local community, and was very committed to making sure whatever happened with the property would be positive for the community,” explains Windmill founder and CEO Jonathan Westeinde.
“Auto shop owner ensures a new condo has his community at heart”
Toronto Star
Jun 23, 2022
Tom Koskinas waited to sell his land to the right builder. Now he’s working with Windmill to develop Courcelette, a condo that will leave a positive legacy for his neighbourhood.
“Courcelette is designed to embrace outdoor living and facilitate a sense of community among residents”
Condo Life
Jun 18, 2022
Courcelette’s design is guided by the One Planet Living sustainability framework, which comprises 10 principles, including measurements around active transportation, health, and happiness.
“A condo project in Canada is sustainable and beautiful”
Inhabitat
Jun 14, 2022
An eight-storey, 57-suite boutique community, Courcelette’s design will focus on outdoor living and create a strong sense of community for its residents. The planned amenities include garden spaces, communal outdoor kitchens and plenty of bike parking spots.
“Windmill Developments to convert gas station into sustainable midrise community in The Beaches”
NextHome
Jun 2, 2022
Windmill Developments is transforming an existing gas station and garage into a bike-centric, midrise development in The Beaches using the One Planet Living framework.
“All about amenities”
NRU
May 20, 2022
Features such as a bike wash and bike maintenance area within Courcelette are key amenities that will be at ground level, maximizing convenience for bike owners when it comes to being able to clean, maintain and park their bikes without having to carry them through building halls and in elevators.
“Gas station in Upper Beaches being converted to condos”
REMI Network
May 10, 2022
Windmill is transforming an existing gas station and garage into a bike-centric, mid-rise development at Kingston and Courcelette Roads in the Upper Beaches area of Toronto’s East End.
“Why cross-laminated timber in Ontario makes for great buildings”
GB&D
Apr 19, 2022
A first for a condo project in Toronto, Windmill and Leader Lane Development’s buildings will utilize CLT construction prefabricated off-site to significantly reduce embodied carbon for the structure, construction timelines, and construction waste and overall carbon emissions.
“Prefabricated modular condos can help address Toronto’s housing shortage, builders say”
CBC News
Apr 13, 2022
Inspired by a style of building found in parts of Scandinavia, Germany and elsewhere in Europe, Windmill and partners hope to construct three mid-rise condo buildings and do so quickly and sustainably using prefabricated modular CLT.
“Separating true ESG from green washing in Toronto development”
Forbes
Mar 30, 2022
As increasing numbers of Toronto, Ont.-area builders and developers tout an ESG focus, Windmill and Epic Investment’s One Planet Living Fund is helping differentiate efforts aimed at true sustainability from endeavours merely serving up ESG lip service.
“Windmill and Leader Lane partner on CLT condo”
Sustainable Biz
Mar 1, 2022
Windmill and Leader Lane Development’s joint venture will bring pre-fabricated, cross laminated timber (CLT) condo projects to Toronto, providing an opportunity to help with the city’s “missing middle” housing shortage.
“Path of Least Resistance”
Novae Res Urbis
Feb 25, 2022
Windmill and Leader Lane Developments are joining forces, in partnership with R-Hauz, to develop three midrise condominium buildings, near the Mimico GO Station, that aim to be Toronto’s first mass timber condominium project.
“Pre-fabricated CLT condo will be a first in Toronto”
REMI Network
Feb 18, 2022
The cross laminated timber “CLT” construction of Windmill and Leader Lane Developments’ new condo project will be pre-fabricated off-site to significantly reduce embodied carbon, resulting in some of the most sustainable homes on the market.
“Windmill breaks ground on Stone Abbey Residences”
NextHome
Dec 18, 2021
Windmill broke ground on a new pipeline of comprehensive, community-focused developments recently, marking the occasion with a small ceremony at Southminster United Church in Old Ottawa South.
“Six-story apartment building revitalizes Ottawa neighbourhood”
Inhabitat
Dec 16, 2021
Stone Abbey is the first project to receive funding through the One Planet Living Fund, demonstrating that history can be preserved without sacrificing ecological and social innovation.
“The community-focused redevelopment of an underutilized property will help revitalize this 90-year-old church in Ottawa”
Revitalization
Nov 26, 2021
Windmill broke ground on Stone Abbey, a project that aims to deliver a gentle mix of density into an in-demand neighborhood while fortifying operations for a significant community hub.
“Toronto is emerging as a global stronghold in pursuit of the UN’s 11th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of sustainable city-building”
Daily Commercial News
Nov 9, 2021
At ULI’s symposium, themed The New Urgency, Responding to the Growing Demands of our Future, Windmill’s founder and CEO Jonathan Westeinde led a discussion on how collaborations in real estate should proceed, and on the importance of public, private and nonprofit partnerships.