The Fountains has always stood out as one of the most desirable condominium communities in Thornhill. With its modern lobby design, a full range of amenities, and a location that balances convenience with comfort, it represents the very best of premium condo living. But in recent years, many residents have begun asking whether our rising monthly fees still reflect the value we receive.
A Community with Character
When you enter The Fountains, the first thing you notice is the vibrant atmosphere created by our namesake feature: the fountains themselves. The sound of water rising and falling into the pool provides a calm backdrop not only for residents but also for neighbors who often stop by to enjoy the view. This feature alone sets our community apart from countless other condos that blend into the cityscape.
Our property itself is also visually striking. The buildings curve together in a signature circular layout, a design that sets The Fountains apart from its neighbors. From above, this layout creates a sense of harmony and balance, giving the community a distinctive aerial character that few properties can match. The greenery surrounding the complex enhances this effect: landscaped trees, bushes, and lawns bring vibrancy in the warmer months and a welcoming frame of nature that makes the property not just a place to live but also a beautiful landmark in its own right.
Inside, residents enjoy a variety of amenities: a well-equipped exercise room, a swimming pool, a sauna, a party room, and a billiards lounge. The units themselves are spacious, with open-concept layouts that feel more like luxury hotel suites than cookie-cutter apartments. Add in the premium location – minutes from major highways, walking distance to grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and the Promenade Mall – and it’s no surprise that The Fountains is considered one of the most convenient and upscale places to live in the area.
Our buildings have tremendous potential. The Fountains was designed to be more than a residence – it was meant to be a lifestyle. And yet, despite all these advantages, something has changed in recent years.
Where Has the Value Gone?
Over the past three years, residents have noticed a troubling disconnect: while our condo fees keep rising steeply, the improvements to our common areas and services have not kept pace.
Take the parking garages, for example. In 2025, they have not been cleaned at all and remain dusty and dirty as we approach the middle of September – a clear sign that even basic maintenance has been neglected. Common areas that once sparkled with attention now often feel overlooked, with worn-out chairs adding to the impression of neglect. Projects seem to drag on with no clear communication, and residents are left wondering what exactly we are paying for.
Here are the last three years of fee increases:
2023 – 2024: +10.38%
2024 – 2025: +9.53%
2025 – 2026: +11.00%
That’s a cumulative increase of more than 30% in just three years. For many owners, this means hundreds of extra dollars each month – without the visible improvements that should accompany such costs.
To put this into perspective, as of June 30, 2025, Strata.ca reports that condos at 75, 85, and 95 North Park Road carry average maintenance fees of about $0.86 per square foot – well above the citywide average of roughly $0.67 per square foot. In other words, residents of The Fountains are already paying premium fees, but without receiving the premium level of service that should go with them.
The ICON Years
It’s no coincidence that these rising costs align with the three-year management contract with ICON Property Management, which is set to expire on October 31, 2025. Under ICON’s leadership, residents have faced:
- Rising condo fees year after year
- Little transparency in how funds are allocated
- High staff turnover, with assistant managers changing frequently
- Unfinished projects that seem to stall without accountability
While ICON has overseen the administration of our buildings, many residents feel that the premium we’ve been paying has not translated into premium results.
A Turning Point
Despite these frustrations, there is reason to be optimistic. The Fountains is not a place in decline – it is a community with enormous potential waiting to be unlocked. The fundamentals are all here: strong design, desirable location, valuable amenities, and a resident community that deeply cares about where they live.
The question is whether our condo corporation is being managed in a way that truly supports this vision. Many owners believe that by taking control of our future – by electing directors who will prioritize transparency, accountability, and value for money – we can restore The Fountains to its rightful place as a premium residence.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming Annual General Meeting will be a pivotal moment. With ICON’s contract ending, the corporation faces a decision: continue on the same path or choose a management partner better aligned with the needs and expectations of our community.
Premium living should mean more than just high fees – it should mean excellent maintenance, timely projects, and a management team that respects owners’ investments. If we can achieve that balance, The Fountains will not only remain a desirable place to live but also a smart place to own property in the long term.
The Fountains deserves nothing less.
