By Wayne Karl, Editor, Building Excellence
When Natasha Paikin entered the homebuilding industry in 2018, things were a lot different. Housing was booming and demand was explosive. A couple years later COVID hit, and the entire sector had to rethink everything. And now today, market challenges are once again forcing builders to adapt.
For Paikin, director of client experience at New Horizon Development Group in Burlington, Ont., agility and resilience are simply parts of the job. Being a woman in a leadership role in a male-dominated industry means she also faces additional challenges – but also opportunities.
Whatever the task, she takes the responsibility seriously.
What is the focus of New Horizon Development Group these days?
New Horizon is focused on finding creative solutions to build communities that meet the realities of today while anticipating the needs of tomorrow. That means doubling down on attainable and sustainable housing offerings and continuing to innovate in how we deliver homes and experiences to our purchasers.
The company’s history as a builder is one focused on sustainability and Green technologies. What’s the future there?
Sustainability has never been a trend for us – it’s been a core value since the beginning. We were early adopters of geothermal heating and cooling systems – building our first geothermal-supported custom home in 2008, and first geothermal-supported condominium building in 2011. We have built more than 3,000 residential units supported by geothermal in the history of New Horizon. Looking ahead, we’ve been taking the time to explore even more solutions that help homeowners reduce their environmental footprint. The future of sustainability is bright, and we’re committed to continuing to be at the forefront of that space.
New Horizon has also made building attainable, entry-level housing a priority… What are some examples of this approach?
We are committed to doing our part to address the affordability crisis within the housing sector. The majority of the communities we’ve designed have been specifically to give first-time buyers and young families a foothold in the market, and nearly 10 per cent of homes we’ve completed have been designated affordable sales or rentals. Most recently, we built more than 130 townhomes in Stoney Creek that were sold at below-market rates and offered, through a non-profit partnership, financing assistance to new-home buyers. On the rental front, our most recent completed building at 870 Queenston Rd. offers 20 per cent of its units as below-market, affordable rentals.
What are some of your other signature projects, and what distinguishes them from other offerings in those communities?
New Horizon’s signature project that differs significantly from our typical attainable, entry-level housing offerings was Bridgewater Residences on the Lake in Burlington, Ont. The first of its kind in the GTA west, this project offered 151 “completely custom homes in the sky” – custom condominiums unmatched in the GTHA and attached to the Pearle Hotel and Spa. Bridgewater was a finalist for CHBA’s Best Completed Mid-/Highrise in Canada in 2024 – and later featured on the cover of Building Excellence in spring 2025. New Horizon is still incredibly proud of our team that succeeded in offering once-in-a-generation luxury condominium living – a product that is very much outside of our “bread and butter.”
The company’s tagline is “redefining expectations of what a home can be.” What is the origin of this philosophy, and how is it evolving in the current market conditions?
This philosophy comes from our belief that a home is more than four walls – it’s a foundation – and one that provides a community – for people’s lives. From day one, New Horizon has challenged the idea that buyers must choose between affordability, sustainability and functionality.
You’re Director of Client Experience at New Horizon… What’s your favourite aspect of the job?
I love the creativity and collaboration that is involved with working with a team to take the “blank slate” that is a piece of land, and designing a future of new homes on it. That feeling is tied with helping purchasers navigate what is often the biggest investment of their lives. Witnessing their excitement and pride on occupancy day – or hearing that they feel truly at home once theirs is complete – that’s incredibly rewarding.
How is it all changing – amid evolving eras? You joined the industry in a booming housing market, followed by COVID and now the challenging conditions many in the industry are facing…
The last several years have completely reshaped our industry – and personally, my ability to cope with change. There has been a constant need to pivot since I joined the business in 2018. The boom years when I started brought overwhelming demand and growth – municipal approvals could not keep up and internal processes were pushed to adapt. And then, COVID-19 forced us to rethink how we communicate to, build for and support employees and homeowners. And now, today’s unprecedented market challenges in Ontario require significant resilience, creativity and a renewed focus. What hasn’t changed, in the eight years I’ve navigated significant change, is the importance of trust. New-home buyers want stability and clarity, and builders need to be adaptable and transparent to earn that trust.
What’s it like working in a male-dominated industry (negative or positive) and how have you navigated it?
There are challenges, of course, but there are also tremendous opportunities. I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who value competence and collaboration above anything else. Navigating the industry has meant learning to be confident in my skills, growing expertise and building strong relationships within the industry’s demographics. I’ve also learned that representation matters – when women see other women as leaders in the industry, it accelerates the timeline for their confidence.
You’re on CHBA’s Urban Council and Women in Residential Construction Council… What do you hope to accomplish in that capacity?
On Urban Council, I want to contribute to solutions that make housing more creative and attainable across the country. On the Women in Residential Construction Council, my goal is to help create pathways for women to enter, stay and advance in the industry. This includes mentorship, visibility and advocating for workplace cultures that support women at every stage of their careers.
What’s the biggest challenge you think developers and builders are facing today?
In Ontario, it is the fact that builders cannot build a home for a cost the market is able to bear. This is a convergence of years of affordability pressures, regulatory complexity and increasing costs to build. Delivering homes that people can afford, at the pace communities need, while navigating rising costs and lengthy approval processes, is incredibly difficult. Housing starts and job losses in our sector have hit record 30-year levels – something has to change immediately to provide a solution for new-home builders, buyers trades, suppliers and their communities alike.
What’s next for New Horizon?
Challenge is where the team at New Horizon thrives – I’m excited to see and share where our creativity takes us all as we continue to navigate the current industry challenges in Ontario.
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AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE…
What or who is your greatest inspiration for what you do?
I take so much pride in seeing how a new home – one that people I admire have worked together to create – can change someone’s life. This is what motivates me to continue to be my best supporter and leader for our team.
When you’re not on the job, away from the office…
I am outside somewhere with family or friends. Spending time unplugged, completely present and – as a bonus – enjoying activities such as running, hiking, skiing, canoeing or swimming, in the beauty of our natural world, is so soul-filling. I am grateful for my mom who taught my sisters and me the value of simply being together – and being in the moment together.
What’s on your binge watch, reading or podcast lists these days?
I always have to recommend the book The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. A dear mentor and friend who has built an impressive business in our industry recommended this stoic way of thinking to me years ago, and it has changed my perspective on life and work ever since.
