Suburbs Satellites

Transcription

Suburbs Satellites

&
Suburbs
Satellites
CALGARY & NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES • JUNE 2012
New Community issue
Go inside today’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods
Getting warm
Okotoks’ new subdivisions are
heating up with buyer activity
SOLD!
New look for Airdrie’s
hot real estate market
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS PLUS
Spotlight
on Calgary’s
suburbs
SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012
1
Do you own your own home?
Why not?
FINAL PHASE NOW SELLING
NEW SHOWHOME
OPEN NOW
Brand new fabulous 3 bedroom townhomes
being built now
Townhomes available for late summer & fall
possessions featuring open plans, 9 foot ceilings
with 3 bedrooms + master ensuite
Live,
Laugh,
Love in
Get out of the rental market today!
Your home-buying dollar gets you so much more at
Wildwood Village – in the heart of Strathmore.
Call Stan Johnson now
2
424 Ranch Ridge Meadow,
Strathmore
Brought to you by
403.560.9364
www.PartnersHomes.ca
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS
in this issue
&
Suburbs
Satellites
20 Airdrie
New areas
put city
in the
spotlight.
2A
DIDSBURY
582
CARSTAIRS
CALGARY & NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES • JUNE 2012
New Community issue
Go inside today’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods
Getting warm
Okotoks’ new subdivisions are
heating up with buyer activity
2
24Cochrane
Show homes provide inside
look into real estate scene.
AIRDRIE
COCHRANE
1
22
22
13 Nanton & Claresholm
Southern Alberta towns
think outside of the box.
CAYLEY
1
Special Projects Manager:
Barb Livingstone, 403-235-7339
[email protected]
Project Co-ordinator:
Jamie Zachary, 403-235-7552
[email protected]
Contributors: Wil Andruschak,
Alex Frazer-Harrison, Shawn Hoult,
Annalise Klingbiel, Jessica Patterson,
Carl Patzel, Joel Schlesinger,
Paula Trotter and Gerald Vander Pyl
HIGH RIVER
NANTON
CLARESHOLM
SUBURBS + SATELLITES APRIL 2012
A special publication
of the Calgary Herald
2
STAVELY
PLUS
Details on
Calgary’s
suburbs
SUBURBS + SATELLITES
OKOTOKS
BLACK
DIAMOND
LONGVIEW
18Strathmore
New developments pace
another round of growth.
560
LANGDON
22X
7
12 High River
Future plans expected to put town
on the map for homebuyers.
New look for Airdrie’s
hot real estate market
CHESTERMERE
STRATHMORE
1A
1
14Calgary
Fresh-faced communities offer
buyers with fresh alternatives.
SOLD!
23Chestermere
Lakeside bedroom community
is playing to its strengths.
7Okotoks
Something old, something new for
‘small town’ in Alberta’s foothills.
Cover photo: Courtesy Lakes of Muirfield
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Wildwood Village in Strathmore offers perfect combination
Q
uality and value come together at
Wildwood Village in Strathmore
with a blend of well-appointed
homes, fantastic pricing and a quiet and
convenient location.
This popular townhome development
by Partners Development Group is
located on Strathmore’s east side,
minutes from shopping, dining, parks
and schools, and surrounded on all sides
by the wide-open beauty of the Alberta
prairies.
With the final phase now available and
selling fast, this is your last opportunity to
take advantage of incredible price points
on a mix of two- and three-bedroom
townhomes, with select units including
front-attached two-car garages.
Three-bedroom, 1,125-square-foot
townhomes start at $194,900. Larger
1,425-square-foot units with two-car
garages, three bedrooms, two-and-a-half
bathrooms and built-in entertainment/
fireplace wall unit start at $239,900.
Whichever home you choose, it is easy
to see its value, with tens of thousands
of dollars in savings versus a comparable
home within the Calgary city limits.
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS Other standard features include highefficiency furnaces, rounded corners,
nine-foot-high ceilings and large kitchens
featuring an island. Garage models also
feature a pantry.
Homebuyers are also able to customize
their home with a trip to the design
centre for cabinet, flooring and colour
selections. Furthermore, each home
includes a large unfinished basement,
allowing for future growth.
Wildwood Village surrounds a large
park, is just one block from an elementary
school and is close to many amenities
including shops and restaurants.
With 100 years now under its belt,
Strathmore is coming into its own
as a viable alternative for those who
want big-city amenities in a smalltown atmosphere. It is also close
enough to Calgary for commuters — a
30-minute drive to the city limits via the
TransCanada Highway.
Since 1998, Partners Development
Group has built more than 800 multifamily units in the Calgary area,
including Arrive at SkyView Ranch
in Calgary, Arbours of Langdon in
Langdon, Tara Springs in Calgary, Silver
Creek Lodge in Canmore and both
Dakota Sky Ranch and Spring Meadows
in Okotoks.
To see what Wildwood Village has
to offer first-hand, visit the new
show home located in Strathmore at
424 Ranch Ridge Mdws.
To get there, head east from Calgary
on the TransCanada Highway, turn left
on Lakeside Boulevard, then right on
Archie Klaiber Trail (formerly East Ridge
Road) and watch for the signs.
For more information visit www.
PartnersHomes.ca, or call Stan Johnson
at 403-560-9364.
3
>> Coopers Crossing, Westmark Holdings
>> Mahogany, Hopewell Residential Communities
>> Mahogany, West 85th Developments
>> The Summit of Cranston Ridge, Baywest Homes
>> Bob Bourassa, a former bus driver, at his home in Windsong,
a community on Airdrie’s southwest side. Carl Patzel photo.
4
>> Lakes of Muirfield, Lyalta
the great migration
Once sleepy towns, suburbs wake up to new reality of Calgary and area’s real estate market
By Joel Schlesinger
R
etired City of Calgary employee
Bob Bourassa recently gave up his
five-bedroom estate home in Airdrie
for a 1,200-square-foot townhome across
the city — and he couldn’t be happier.
“I love it,” says the 62-year-old former
bus driver. “It’s everything I wanted.”
At 1,200 square feet, the two-bedroom,
two-and-a-half bath townhome built by
Mattamy Homes in the development
of Windsong is a big downsize from
Bourassa’s former five-bedroom home in
Edgewater Estates.
But with the nest empty, the sleek and
modern townhomes of Windsong were the
perfect fit.
Bourassa has lived in Airdrie for 20 years,
so he’s seen it transform from a bedroom
community into a vibrant, urban centre.
“There wasn’t a single traffic light in
Airdrie when I moved out here except for
off the highway,” he says. “It was all fourway stop signs.”
The city of 43,000 isn’t alone in its dramatic metamorphosis. Most of Calgary’s
suburban and satellite communities have
experienced enormous growth and development in the last decade.
Outlying sleepy hamlets have grown
into bustling communities, and towns have
mushroomed into small cities — developing
their own unique cosmopolitan feel.
Much of the growth has been driven by
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS economic development, but another factor
has been the migration of people working
in Calgary who have sought a less hectic lifestyle — and, of course, lower cost housing.
In that regard, too, these communities
have changed. Denizens of these communities have more choice than ever — from
high-end mansions and urban chic condominiums to affordable family homes, townhouses and apartments.
David Kalinchuk, economic development manager with Rocky View County
— which encompasses the unincorporated
communities to the north, east and west
of Calgary, including Bearspaw and
Springbank — says the region has become
increasingly “rurban” — taking the best of
rural and urban lifestyles and mixing them
together.
Rocky View, in particular, has experienced a shift in the real estate market over
the last few years from acreages and estate
homes to communities complete with condos, townhomes, grocery stores, schools and
parks.
“These are communities with 1,500 to
2,000 homes,” he says.
Unlike towns and cities around Calgary,
growth in Rocky View County has been
slow and steady.
It has to be, says Kalinchuk. The county
covers such a large area, it needs the time to
provide services, such as road maintenance,
water and wastewater.
Calgary’s surrounding towns and cities —
Airdrie, Okotoks, High River, Chestermere,
Cochrane and Strathmore, to name a few —
have grown at a much more rapid pace. Yet
they’re able to handle the growth because
they’re designed for more densely populated
development, notes Kalinchuk.
For Bourassa, Airdrie has been the ideal
community to live in while working in
Calgary.
“It’s a nice, easy pace, and it’s a 15-minute drive from downtown Calgary.”
And most importantly, it’s affordable.
“The base price for (my) townhome was
$199,900. With the upgrades, it came to
just over $234,000,” says Bourassa.
“It’s an awesome price because I saw a
program on HGTV featuring my identical
unit only in Toronto for $330,000.”
Mattamy Homes sales and marketing
director Norah Latter says the homebuilder
knows its offerings are resonating with
people. Since it opened its sales office in
Airdrie in 2009, response has been overwhelming.
“It was a low point in the real estate
market but we got a fantastic welcome to
the city of Airdrie, selling more than 750
homes since.”
Builders and planners are also doing more
with less. Available land is more sought
after than ever, as municipal boundaries
begin to bump up against each other.
To manage sprawl — a dirty word in
planning these days — Calgary and surrounding communities are closely working
together to ensure everyone is making the
most of the available land, says Decker
Shields, a senior planning analyst with the
City of Calgary.
“The city always needs a 30-year supply
of land for development, so we have to be
innovative in how we develop and work
together so everyone is on the same page,”
he says.
Over the next 15 years, Calgary needs
58 square kilometres of new suburban
areas that are planned, subdivided and serviced. That’s to accommodate 19 per cent
population growth to more than 1.3 million.
“Traditionally, the majority of Calgary’s
population growth has been in new suburban communities that tend to be away from
the city’s centre,” says Shields.
Certainly, Bourassa feels he made the
right choice. His new residence fits him like
a pair of comfy shoes. It features a garage,
storage and laundry room on the ground
floor, a great room, kitchen and dining
room on the main, and two bedrooms and
two full baths on the top floor.
“In the great room, there’s a breakfast bar
and the kitchen has all stainless-steel appliances,” he says. “It’s really nice.”
But the best part is convenience. In fact,
he says it was surprising how accommodating the homebuilder was to his needs.
“They’re one of the best builders I’ve ever
seen, customer service wise,” he says. “They
made it a really pleasant experience.”
5
6
OKOTOKS
>> Cimarron. Photo courtesy Tristar Communities
Crown jewel of the foothills
New neighbourhoods are putting Okotoks on the map for homeowners thinking outside of the box
by Gerald Vander Pyl
W
hen it comes to new communities, Okotoks has been growing
both in population and popularity as an alternative to big-city living.
In fact, the last census showed 24,511 people
now live in Okotoks, an increase of 42.9 per
cent between 2006 to 2011, making it “the
10th fastest growing community in Canada,”
says Shane Olson, economic development team
leader with the Town of Okotoks.
That follows on the heels of a 47.7 per
cent increase from 2001 to 2006, and also a
significant increase in commercial and retail
development in the community.
“We have 55 square feet of retail space per
capita, versus 27 square feet in Calgary,” says
Olson.
“We are the principal trading centre and
the largest community between Lethbridge
and Calgary.”
While there has been some residential redevelopment in older areas such as Olde Towne
Okotoks, most new residents are flocking to
communities springing up on the outskirts of
town, says Olson.
Olson is quick to point out the preferred
term is neighbourhoods, not communities, in
keeping with the desire of residents to preserve Okotoks’ small-town feel.
// Continued on 8
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Continued from 7 \\
Residents even indicated in a survey they
would like Okotoks to remain a town, rather
than achieve city status.
Okotoks is one of the youngest communities in Alberta, with an average age of 32,
says Olson. About 25 per cent of the population is under the age of 25.
With so much new residential development, the town is reviewing its existing plans
to handle growth.
“Some residential areas are nearly built
out, and we do have a finite growth model,”
says Olson, adding the current plan dates
back to 1988.
For people buying in one of Okotoks’ new
neighborhoods, one of the major attractions
still comes down to value, says Clark Hogan,
marketing manager with Trico Homes,
which builds in the south Okotoks neighbourhood of Cimarron.
Homeowners can buy a 42-foot lot in
Cimarron, for example, for a much better price
than in Calgary, he notes.
But that doesn’t mean homeowners have to
give up amenities.
“What’s really great about Okotoks is you
get all the big-box stores, but there is still
the small-town attitude,” he says. “It’s the
best of both worlds.”
>> Pictured left: Crystal Ridge Family Golf Centre. Pictured right:
Cimarron recently launched a new phase of its nearly 260-hectare
community. Calgary Herald photo (left) Wil Andruschak photo (right)
Hogan adds Trico’s latest show home, the
Tremont, just opened in Cimarron, which is
currently in its 36th phase.
He says in addition to being popular with
Calgarians looking to escape the city, Okotoks
is a ideal for people from smaller communities
who obtain employment in Calgary but still
want to live in a smaller town.
Here’s a look at some of the new home
neighbourhoods in Okotoks:
Comprising nearly 260 hectares of
picturesque land along the Sheep River
Escarpment, Cimarron is a popular and
well-established family-oriented neighbourhood. There are already three schools completed or under construction in the area,
along with a central park.
// Continued on 10
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Picture-perfect view for homeowners in Okotoks community
W
hile the scenic vistas are what’s
given the Okotoks community
of MountainView its name,
residents don’t need to look far to find
scenic beauty and wide open spaces.
Nearly half of the master-planned
community consists of green space, with
an environmental reserve space taking up
more than 14 hectares.
MountainView also features old-growth
trees and a lively creek that blends with a
naturalized wet pond and man-made park
spaces connected by a winding system of
trails.
“The physical land itself is quite
spectacular,” says Collin Campbell senior
development manager with APEX, which
is developing the community.
“We’re preserving an impressive
amount of the natural features. There is
an escarpment that is going to remain
pretty much untouched, and we’ve
incorporated a lot of mature tree stands
into our existing design. The community
is built around natural features.”
Along with providing a number of
beautiful natural features, MountainView’s
location is also convenient. The northwest
8
Okotoks community offers quick access to
Highway 2, with Calgary just a 15-minute
drive away.
MountainView also sits within walking
distance to historic downtown Okotoks and
its eclectic mix of shops and fine dining.
And for those who enjoy a round on
the links, the D’arcy Ranch Golf Club lies
immediately north of the community.
The first phase of MountainView
consists of 88 lots ranging from 36 to
more than 46 feet wide, and some as
much as 150 feet deep.
All homes in the community have
been designated single-family with
front-attached garages.
“There will be a lasting value in the
property. There are no concerns with
unknown future built form or what the
ultimate development will be,” says
Campbell.
MountainView’s homebuilding partners
include Excel Homes and Sterling Homes.
While the focus is on two-storey homes,
bungalow designs are also available.
Because of the size and variety of
the lots, as well as flexible architectural
guidelines, homeowners have the freedom
to build the home of their dreams.
And with homes starting in the
$400,000s, including lot and GST, that
dream is surprisingly affordable, too.
For more information call 403264-3232 or visit online at www.
mountainviewokotoks.com.
Both Excel Home and Sterling Homes
have also recently opened show homes in
the community. Excel Homes show homes
are located at 234 and 236 Sandstone Dr.
Sterling Homes show homes are at 3
and 5 Mount Burns Green. For more
information, contact Excel Homes at
403-982-0040, or Sterling Homes at
403-982-0795.
Showhomes
NOW OPEN
NATURE.
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OKOTOKS
2
Phone: (403) 982-0040
excelhomes.ca
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RECONNECT WITH NATURE. Perched on a spectacular
escarpment in northwest Okotoks, MountainView boasts views
of the rugged Sheep River and majestic Rocky Mountains. This
quaint community is made exclusively of single-family homes
and seamlessly blends untouched environmental reserves with
expansive lots to give you the space to enjoy life outdoors in
your backyard or beyond.
We are proud to present this
new and exciting community
SOUTHRIDGE
DRIVE
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Phone: (403) 982-0795
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Find your place in MountainView today,
visit MountainViewOkotoks.com
9
Continued from 8 \\
Major shopping is available in the nearby
Gateway commercial district, while real estate
choices in Cimarron include starter, move-up,
estate and country estate homes.
Crystal Ridge, meanwhile, is a lake neighbourhood with a private beach house, picnic
areas and fishing pier.
The adjacent Crystal Ridge Family Golf
Centre adds additional green space to the
neighbourhood, which offers prairie and
mountain views.
Known for its innovative solar housing
development, Drake Landing provides an
alternative for people who value environmental stewardship. Green builders and sustainable practices such as water conservation
combine with a natural setting that includes a
ravine and wet pond.
Located within the Okotoks Air Ranch,
Canada’s first private air park facility,
Rancher’s Rise is a unique neighbourhood
with country estate homes and the ultimate
convenience of an air strip for residents. The
lots also have inspired some extraordinary
custom home designs.
Set on an escarpment, Sheep River
Heights overlooks its namesake Sheep River,
river valley and town of Okotoks. A prestigious neighbourhood of estate homes, Sheep
With so much residential
development, the town is
reviewing its existing plans
to handle growth
River Heights offers kilometres of pathway
and green spaces along the river.
Willowside Equestrian Estates is a townmeets-country residential neighbourhood on
the outskirts of Okotoks, with acreages 1.6
to two hectares in size. The country lifestyle
combines with the all the conveniences of
nearby Okotoks.
An exclusive neighbourhood with only
150 lots, The Hill in Westridge will feature
three distinctive parks, including one at the
high point of the area with stunning river
valley views. Lot sizes are generous and oldworld home designs add to the neighbourhood’s charm.
One of the highest points of land
in Okotoks is under development as
Westmount Estates, formerly known as
Eagle Crest. The final phase in the larger
Westmount community, Westmount Estates
offers 0.10- to 0.13-hectare lots, and is
described as “the jewel of Okotoks” thanks
to its spectacular location and views.
make your every wish come true
>> Shane Olson,
economic development
team leader with the
Town of Okotoks.
Wil Andruschak photo
The community of your dreams is no longer wishful thinking.
Now is the time to consider the fully developed family community of Cimarron.
A stunning escape from the bustle of the big city. Enjoy country living with full
urban servicing and all the conveniences of city living: shopping, schools, golf,
parks and a world of recreational opportunities at your doorstep.
Homes by: Astoria Homes, Coco Homes, Excel Homes, Kunz Group, Timbercreek
Homes, Trico Homes, Westview Builders.
Visit our Show homes today; follow HWY #2 south from Calgary, exit at Okotoks and
follow the Cimarron signs.
Showhome Hours Monday-Thursday 2 to 8 pm, Weekends & Holidays 12 to 5pm,
Closed Fridays
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www.cimarronliving.com | (403)640-0708
A peaceful riverside communitybrought to you
by Tristar Communities
10
OKOTOKS
>> Edison School teacher Tracy Gilluley
with students Alister Salmon and
Kessler Bishop. Wil Andruschak photo
Back to school
Local educational institutions add to town’s allure
by ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON
L
ocation is taking a back seat to
education as two Okotoks-area schools
are reversing the traditional flow of
traffic between the town and its big-city
neighbour
“We’ve always had 40 to 50 per cent
of our students from Calgary,” says Beth
Chernoff, headmistress at Edison School,
located off Highway 2A north of Okotoks.
Edison, with 170 students enrolled in
kindergarten to Grade 12, focuses on education
that promotes character development and selfconfidence, says Chernoff.
“We also offer something that, as far as we
know, no other school offers — as young as
Grade 9, you can take university courses and
complete them via the Advanced Placement
program,” she says. “We have one student
(graduating this year) with essentially a year
of university already finished.”
Being a smaller school has its advantages.
“If we hear about something exciting
happening at the science centre, we can go
within an hour,” says Chernoff. “Canoe trips,
hiking trips — they’re easier to plan and
execute.”
Being located in a rural area is also an
advantage.
“There’s a lot of merit to the fact the kids
can’t just walk to the store; we’re very safe,”
says Chernoff. “We know every single person
who comes by the school, every grandparent.”
This added safety of a rural environment
similarly appeals to Calgary parents who are
sending their kids to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS School, located several kilometres south of
Calgary’s city limits off Range Road 12.
“About 75 per cent of our student body
comes from Calgary,” says Bruce Mutch,
director of admissions at the school, which
has 670 students.
Mutch says the school used to be
located in inner-city Calgary, but moved
to its present location in 1971 after a land
donation by a student’s family. Originally
on a 65-hectare site, the school recently
expanded its campus to cover more than 89
hectares.
“We have over five kilometres of walking
trails, which we use for everything from
cross-country skiing to running, and a pretty
large pond where kids get to do things like
canoeing and kayaking,” says Mutch.
“It’s an area where, if the kids come in
for the day, they’re here for the entire day
and parents don’t have a lot to be concerned
with.”
Both Edison and Strathcona-Tweedsmuir
School offer busing to and from Calgary.
“I think a lot of parents are surprised by
our proximity to the city,” says Mutch. “If
there’s no traffic, it’s only about 20 minutes
from downtown. And that’s often doing a
‘reverse commute’ against traffic.”
Mutch says growing demand spurs
expansions at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School
every decade or so, and another is on the
horizon.
“There’s increased demand from families
in general, and we want to make our building
more conducive to 21st-century learning,”
he says.
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11
HIGH RIVER
>> Montrose. Wil Andruschak photo
>> High River Mayor Emile Blokland in
Montrose. Wil Andruschak photo
High tide for town
>> Hampton Hills. Calgary Herald
High River planning for the future with recent annex and new communities
By JESSICA PATTERSON
T
he Town of High River is expecting
big things in the coming years
after recently annexing enough
land to handle growth over the next three
decades.
“High River has just completed a very
large annexation, 17 quarter sections,” says
Mayor Emile Blokland. “That is enough to
handle growth in High River for the next 30
years.”
In the past 15 years, High River been
growing on average of 500 people a year.
“We’re just under 13,000 now and we
anticipate that growth will continue.” says
Blokland.
The town’s northwest quadrant, west of
the agricultural society grounds, is expected
to be first area slated for future development.
In the meantime, construction continues
on a number of existing neighbourhoods in
the town.
Located south of 12th Avenue S.E. lies
12
Montrose, a master-planned community
by Dundee Developments that’s set on 81
hectares of land centred around a 6.5-hectare
pond.
Just east of Montrose is École Secondaire
Highwood High School, and across the
street from the development is the Bob
Snodgrass Recreation Complex.
The community is also close to walking
trails, bike paths, golf courses and multiple
shops, restaurants and services.
Montorse represents Dundee’s first foray
into a satellite community.
“We have built quite a community in
Montrose,” says Dundee marketing coordinator Cheryl Heilman, noting the
community features a variety of products
ideal for first-time buyers, families and
empty-nesters.
“There was an opportunity to showcase
our master-planned community, and we felt
High River was the perfect location.”
Dundee recently released an additional 54
single-family home lots in the second phase.
Builders in Montrose include Crossley,
Greenboro, Lifestyle, Stateman and
Westview.
Other ongoing developments in High
River include Highwood Village, Vista
Mirage and Hampton Hills.
The established northwest community of
Highwood Village still features a number
of lots in the $300,000s. The community is
located just minutes from the Highwood Golf
and Country Club and Highwood River, and
provides easy access to Calgary via Highway 2.
Hampton Hills in High River’s northeast,
meanwhile, has plenty of choices for those
looking to build or buy.
The community, which is home to singlefamily and multi-family units, is currently
selling into its second phase.
Builders include Timber Creek Homes and
Cornerstone Homes.
The community boasts a 5.6-hectare pond,
6.8-hectare nature park, and 8.8 kilometres
of pathways integrated into the “Happy
Trails” system.
>> Montrose. Calgary Herald
>> Highwood Village. Calgary Herald
NANTON & AREA
Town & country
Away from the action, residential developments spark new interest in Nanton and Claresholm
By Annalise Klingbeil
S
traddling Highway 2 between Calgary
and Lethbridge, the southern Alberta
towns of Nanton and Claresholm continue development on new subdivisions that
both municipalities feel appeals to homebuyers’ sense of escape.
A 40-minute drive south of Calgary,
Nanton is continuing to develop the
Westview subdivision, which will include
more than 300 homes when complete.
Westview is currently in Phase three; 85
fully serviced large lots are currently ready to
be bought and built upon.
The new subdivision is largely made up of
single-family homes on lots in the 50-footby-130-foot range. The community also
has a smaller amount of duplexes and condominiums.
“We like to think that people are coming
here because they believe in the small-town
lifestyle, and they’re looking for those values
of safety and quiet and tranquility and knowing your neighbours. It’s a very caring community,” says Georgina Sharpe, planning and
development officer for the town of Nanton.
Sharpe estimates Westview is about half
finished. A children’s play park was recently
completed, and more park development is
planned.
Last fall, the town approved area structure
plans for Lancaster Landing, the town’s
first private development. Westview is being
developed by the Town of Nanton.
Nestled on 50 hectares of land on the
northwest side of Nanton, adjacent to
Westview, Lancaster Landing is expected to
feature 660 dwellings, including single-family
homes, multi-family townhomes and bun-
&
Suburbs
Satellites
A Herald magazine looking at Calgary’s bedroom communities
Calgary’s new communities
and nearby towns are now
a lot closer than you think.
galow villas, senior residences and assistedliving accommodations. Commercial space is
also planned.
Just over 30 kilometres south of Nanton,
Claresholm is also home to a number of new
developments in the works.
The Westlynn subdivision, which is adjacent to the town’s 18-hole golf course, is
about 96 per cent sold, says Judy Nelson,
broker and owner of Willow Creek Realty
in Claresholm and Nanton. Less than six
lots remain.
Work continues on a to-be-named community in the town’s northwest corner. The
development is expected to house upward of
700 homes. Developers have been adding services to the area over the last year. Sales are
expected within the next year or two.
A separate 80-unit townhome and condominium subdivision is also in the works.
We like to think that people
are coming here because
they believe in the smalltown lifestyle
The planned developments are good news
for those looking for a laid-back country
lifestyle, close to big-city amenities, says
Nelson.
Nelson, who was born and raised in
Claresholm, says the area attracts a range of
people.
“We have a lot of retirement (people)
come in, but also a lot of young families,”
she says. “Some people (are) moving up in
their homes, some people (are) downsizing.
We do have a real seniors’ community — it’s
a real variety.”
Discover
Nanton
Photos by Russ Sedin
4 5 m i n u t e s S o u t h o f C a l g a r y o n H i g h w ay #2
Suburbs & Satellites magazine
is now available online at
www.calgaryherald.com/subs
Visit the town of Nanton and enjoy the warm embrace
from a community that still values small town living.
Great activities and events will keep the entire family
busy year round. Nanton welcomes you to come for
the day and stay!
Read more stories from Okotoks, Airdrie, Cochrane,
High River, Chestermere, Strathmore, Langdon,
Longview, Canmore and more.
A Great Place to Live
Lot prices from $57,500 to $97,500* ( *$2,500 incentive available )
•
•
•
•
•
walk-out lots available
lot sizes averaging 7,000 sq.ft.
front or rear garage options
mountain views, playground, pond
freedom to custom build your own home
www.nanton.ca
Now available online at www.calgaryherald.com/subs
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012
13
buying in the burbs
From Calgary’s vast north corridor to its lake-centric south
quadrant and diverse eastern plots to breathtaking western
lands, this city is buyers’ oyster, with homes their pearl.
by Gerald Vander Pyl
PHOTOS: FROM TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: TIMBERLINE ESTATES, AUBURN BAY,
MAHOGANY, COPPERFIELD, AUBURN BAY, SKYVIEW RANCH, SILVERADO
14
s
CALGARY
W
hen Barry Welch and Nicole LevesqueWelch moved to the northwest community
of EvansRidge last May, it was the final step
in their quest for the perfect home and, as it turned out,
the perfect community.
Like many homebuyers, the couple had a preference
for a certain quadrant of the city, and did most of their
searching in northwest Calgary.
“All our friends live in the northwest, so we figured it
would be best if we moved closer to them. We’re always
driving there anyway,” says Levesque-Welch.
While they looked in some other northwest communities, they found their future home in EvansRidge — a
three-bedroom model from Genesis Builders Group.
Many of the couple’s favourite stores are nearby, and
being close to the airport is great as the couple tend to
fly several times a year, and also have family and friends
arriving on visits.
While Levesque-Welch’s workplace is in the city centre,
14th Street N.W. provides a direct route downtown.
While there wasn’t much built in EvansRidge when
they first starting looking, the community is now on the
move, with parks being built, a new fire station in the
area and even plans for a future school.
“It’s just a convenient location for us,” says Welch.
A similar story is playing out all over Calgary as homebuyers search the city’s many new communities to find the
one home and neighbourhood that is perfect for them.
Recognizing that homebuyers’ needs vary, local developers are trying and give each new community its own
identity, says Paul Boskovich, development manager with
Genstar Development Company, which currently markets
five new communities in the various quadrants of the city,
each with its own descriptive catch phrase.
For example, Genstar’s community of Walden is
defined as “Life, Simplified,” while Evergreen is touted as
Calgary’s “Garden Community.”
“The goal is to try to cater to new homebuyers’ needs,
so each one of those marketing catch phrases are a reflection of what we’ve tried to do to differentiate the community,” says Boskovich.
Developers also seek to broaden the appeal of a new
community through its choice of home builders.
“We try to provide as many different products as we can
in our developments. Within a master-planned community,
you want to provide a range of price points to as many people as possible in the marketplace who can afford a home,
and ensure their needs are met in your development.”
Here’s a look at some of the new communities in Calgary:
In north Calgary, the neighbouring communities of
Sage Hill and Sage Meadows are located west and east
of Symons Valley Road, north of Stoney Trail.
Sage Hill has broad expanses of rolling hills and provides grand mountain views from many areas of the community.
A naturalized pond is surrounded by a mix of singlefamily homes, duplexes and future multi-family development.
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS >> Nicole Levesque-Welch and Barry Welch.
Carl Patzel photo.
Sage Meadows is partially defined by West Nose
Creek, which runs through the community.
Just north of Stoney Trail via Symons Valley Road
are the communities of Evanston, Evansview and
EvansRidge, which rise in elevation from the valley floor
along West Nose Creek to a high point in the region.
Collectively, the communities offer a variety of realestate options, from apartment-style condominiums
and townhomes to starter homes, move-ups and estates,
including The Ridge neighbourhood in EvansRidge.
The area is also known for its many amenities, with
many stores nearby at Creekside Shopping Centre and
Beacon Hill Centre, as well as easy access via the Queen
Elizabeth II Highway to CrossIron Mills mall.
Wide open spaces and views toward the mountains and
city skyline are part of the flavour of SkyView Ranch,
which can be reached from Metis Trail via Country Hills
Boulevard in the south or Stoney Trail in the north.
The community has an Arts and Crafts-style archi-
tectural guideline, and offers a mix of homes with front
driveways and back lanes, along with semi-detached and
multi-family townhome developments.
North Calgary is also home to Kincora, with its distinctive Celtic-style 80-foot tower and stone wall at the
community’s entrance.
In south Calgary, new phases are underway in
Cranston, an already well-established community with
two schools and the Cranston Market shopping centre.
Close to parks and the Bow River, Cranston is west of
Deerfoot Trail via the Cranston Avenue exit, and has real
estate offerings that include everything from apartmentstyle condominiums, to duplex and semi-detached homes,
move-ups and estates.
Calgary’s largest residential lake is being developed in
Mahogany, and will create the city’s first island homes
— two islands in the lake will be reached by causeways.
The community will also have a 5.3-hectare park adjacent to the lake, accessible along 52nd Street S.E. south
from Marquis of Lorne Trail.
Bordering Fish Creek Provincial Park to the north and
west, Evergreen Estates is a well-established low-density
residential community with a central park space and
numerous pathways.
Quick access to Macleod Trail provides abundant
nearby amenities, including shopping, restaurants and the
Fish Creek-Lacombe LRT station.
Timberline Estates, meanwhile, is an new community
on the west side of Springbank Hill, near 34th Avenue and
85th Street S.W., and boasts spectacular mountain views.
Architectural guidelines will ensure all homes will
use a French Country, Tudor, Craftsman, Prairie or
Contemporary styling, and have a minimum of 1,800
square feet for bungalows, or 2,800 for a two-storey.
Silverado in southwest Calgary is known for its green
space, with 36 hectares of parks and playgrounds, 24-plus
hectares of environmental reserve and a 2.8-hectare pond.
It also offers the unique chance to own an acreage
within city limits in an exclusive area of large estate lots.
Southeast Calgary offers several additional new communities, including Auburn Bay, which features a
17-hectare lake and includes a private community club
for residents called Auburn House located in five hectares
of parkland.
Chaparral Valley, meanwhile is tucked beneath the
Bow River escarpment and adjacent to the Blue Devil golf
course, which was recently acquired by new owners and
will be expanded to an 18-hole public course.
Trails link the community to the Bow River Pathway.
Nearby, Walden is being developed with abundant
parks, open spaces and a naturalized wet pond and clearwater pond. A village centre will include a variety of retail
and service amenities.
Copperfield is a family-friendly community that has
parks, ponds, playgrounds, pathways, skating rinks and
tennis courts.
It also has a variety of real estate, including condominiums, townhomes, laned homes and front-garage homes.
15
ROCKY VIEW
Full plate for county
Rocky View’s communities offer smorgasbord of options for homebuyers
By Annalise Klingbeil
D
avid Kalinchuk likes to compare
Rocky View County — the horseshoe-shaped region surrounding
Calgary — to a menu.
“You’ve got the less expensive housing
options, you’ve got the more expensive
housing options; you can live east or west
or north of the city,” says the county’s economic development manager.
Which is to say, if the area is like a menu,
Rocky View has the winning recipe.
Homebuyers are flocking to the county
thanks to a number of new housing developments, most of which fit within the
luxury home market, says Kalinchuk.
“There’s not a huge condo market ...
most of the residences we have, particularly
in construction, are estate properties,” he
says.
The typical homebuyer moving to Rocky
View County is “in the peak of their
career, the peak of their earning capacity
and (have) the ultimate dream of owning
their dream home,” adds Kalinchuk.
In Springbank, an estate/acreage community located on the western edge of
16
Calgary, is the 65-hectare community of
Morgans Rise.
The development boasts 58 0.8-hectare
lots, all on slopping land with spectacular
views of the Rocky Mountains.
“The location is absolutely priceless,”
says Morgans Rise developer Jon Stucky.
Morgans Rise is in its final stages of construction, with nearly 50 of the 58 homes
built and occupied.
“Architecturally, it has the most stringent
controls in Alberta, which gives it a fabulous look,” says Stucky.
“The homes range anywhere from $1.5
million to $6 million.”
Springbank is an ideal location for those
who want to be close to both the mountains and downtown Calgary, adds Stucky.
“If you live in Montreal, Toronto or
Vancouver and you want to live in the
country, you have to drive an hour and
a half one way. Here, I can get down to
Banker’s Hall, literally, in 15 minutes,” he
says.
Springbank is also home to Grandview
Park, a 59-home community.
Owners can choose to build on their
0.8-hectare lots with one of Grandview
Park’s custom homebuilders, or go with
their own builder.
Less than five lots in the development
remain for sale.
Springbank isn’t the only community
in Rocky View that boasts a full plate of
luxury-housing options.
Located west of Calgary, Bearspaw was
once a farming district and is now a mixture of farms, ranches, acreages and planned
subdivisions.
Willow Creek, for example, is a masterplanned community that’s already 35 per
cent sold out. It’s home to more than 12
hectares of parklands, creeks, ponds, pathways and 52 0.8-hectare lots.
Watermark is another distinctive community in Bearspaw currently being developed. The community’s first phase includes
108 fully service lots, from 0.1 to more
than 0.4 hectares in size, more than half of
which are already sold.
In Langdon, a quaint prairie hamlet
located east of Calgary, lies Boulder Creek
Estates, a 428-home community being
built by Stepper Custom Homes and
Carpenter Homes.
Phase four lots are currently available.
>> Morgans Rise in Springbank
is in its final stages of development,
with nearly 50 of the 58 homes built
or occupied. Calgary Herald photo
ADVERTISING FEATURE
I
Northwest Calgary home ownership within reach in EvansRidge
f you’ve ever dreamed of living in a
northwest Calgary neighbourhood,
now is the time to visit EvansRidge
and see how affordable home
ownership can be in this desirable new
community.
The latest project by Dundee Developments, EvansRidge was designed to
allow more people to own property
in the northwest, and be near to family
Homes, Morrison/Discovery Homes and
WestView Builders.
In addition, Calbridge Homes has two
show homes on The Ridge, EvansRidge’s
exclusive estate home neighbourhood
that is now selling.
For more information on the northwest
Calgary community of EvansRidge, including directions and show home hours,
visit www.lifeontheridge.ca.
few footsteps away from numerous
recreation areas, including five ponds in
the community. Shopping amenities
are also within reach, including
Creekside Shopping Centre and Beacon
Hill Centre.
Eleven new show homes are now open,
featuring Stepper Custom Homes, Genesis
Builders Group, Homes By Avi/Avi Mix n
Match, Innovations by Jayman, Landmark
or friends who already call the area
home.
EvansRidge offers a wide variety of
homes at differing price points, walkouts,
front-drive homes, laned homes and zerolot-line homes.
Prices start in the low $300,000s.
EvansRidge was also designed with
northwest Calgary’s wide-open spaces in
mind. Residents are never more than a
Life on the Ridge is about family and the space to enjoy life. In EvansRidge
we chose our builders on their experience and reputation because we know you’re
looking for a home, not just a house. We also know that you aren’t the same as everyone
else, this is why we ensure a quality range of products all the way from starter to estate.
This is what’s important. It’s about bringing you home.
New Showhomes
Now Open!
Evanston Dr. NW
Centre St.
Evanspark Blvd. NW
Showhomes by:
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ey
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ail NW
dd
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in
d. NW
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lifeontheridge.ca
403.536.7277
403.816.6329
403.475.8162
403.536.7275
403.452.3896
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Showhome Hours: Mon - Thurs 2pm-8pm Sat, Sun & Holidays 12pm-5pm
Homes for
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WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS Townhomes
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Ridge Walkouts
starting at
$600,000
17
STRATHMORE
Born to boom
New developments expected to set the pace for another round of growth
By PAULA TROTTER
T
he population spike that Strathmore
experienced about four years ago
might have since levelled off, but
it’s poised to become a burgeoning bedroom
community yet again.
“We have a lot of developers that are
enthused and proposing a lot of projects,”
says Dwight Stanford, the chief administrative officer who has watched Strathmore’s
population triple to approximately 12,500
over the past 20 years.
In fact, a number of new communities are on the books, including Prairie’s
View, Prairie’s Edge, Grandview Gardens,
Heritage Heights, North Hill Heights,
Lakewood Meadows and WestCreek.
These developments will offer a variety
of housing options such as modular homes,
smaller mobile-type housing, duplexes, starter
and estate homes and senior housing.
The pending population increase is already
attracting a growing commercial base.
“We’re excited about it,” Stanford says.
“As the population grows, we can attract
more businesses and give people a better variety of shopping.”
The new communities join a number that
are currently under development,
Wildflower Ranch is a 110-hectare community on city’s western edge that’s halfway
through developing the first phase. A total of
1,800 mixed residential units are anticipated
for Wildflower Ranch, including the 61
homes slated for the first phase.
Fifty-foot estate lots accommodate roughly
1,800 square-foot homes that start at $340,000.
“It’s perfect for young families,” says
development manager Steve Lister. “There’s
great value in terms of what you get for what
your spend.”
Wildflower Ranch is represented by four
homebuilders: Aquilla Homes, Canterra
Custom Homes/Ribero Homes, Carpenter
Homes and Paradyme Homes.
Wildwood Village, meanwhile is in its
final phase, with the last 30 of 112 townhomes being built.
The remaining three-bedroom, 1,125-squarefoot townhomes start at $194,900. Threebedroom, 1,425 square-feet townhomes with
two-car garages start at $239,900.
Located west of Strathmore, the golfcourse community of the Lakes of Muirfield
is also heating up, with a number of villas
starting in the high $300,000s.
Lakes of Muirfield is represented by
Ribero Homes, Douglas Homes, Todays
Homes and Compass Rose Homes.
>> Wildflower Ranch is expected to
have 1,800 mixed residential units.
Photo courtesy Cancorp Property Group
>> Lakes of Muirfield in Lyalta, about
11 kilometres west of Strathmore.
Photo courtesy Lakes of Muirfield
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Community offers country-club living without sticker shock
T
he Lakes of Muirfield is sophisticated
country-club-style living — only more
affordable.
A master-planned community northeast
of Calgary in the hamlet of Lyalta, the
heart of this idyllic, new community is the
spectacular Muirfield Lakes Golf Club.
An 18-hole championship course
designed by reputed Calgary golf
architectural firm Newis Wilson Design, it
is an avid golfers’ delight, with more than
6,200 yards of immaculately manicured
bluegrass fairways and USGA standard
Bentgrass greens.
Make no mistake; Muirfield Lakes Golf
Club is the jewel in the crown of this
community.
But once the community of the Lakes of
Muirfield, only a 30-minute drive northeast
of Calgary, is fully developed, the course
will be one of many world-class amenities
that will draw young families, urban
professionals, empty nesters and retirees
alike.
The community has already generated a
lot of interest from homebuyers looking for
the ideal blend of golf course community
living, elegantly designed homes, green
18
spaces and trails nestled among a pastoral
setting, says Muirfield developer Jimmy
Souza.
“With homes starting in the high
$300,000s in a golf course community,
families living here get more home and
lifestyle all within a short and peaceful
commute from Calgary,” he says.
“It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s
affordable.”
Family life is a focus, with more than half
of Phase one lots designated for spacious
family homes. A central feature that is sure
to be a hit with the kids is the Tot Lot — a
colourful playground in the heart of the
community.
Earlier this year, Compass Rose Homes,
Muirfield Lakes Golf Club and the Lyalta
Community Association launched Live
Lyalta to help connect families to the
many special events taking place in the
community — everything from Stampede
breakfasts to a Mother’s Day tea.
The website, www.livelyalta.com, also
provides residents with the opportunity
to receive complimentary rounds of golf
and access numerous special events at the
course.
Scott Staley, director of Muirfield Lakes
course, says builders have become leaders
in the community, often helping plan local,
charitable events.
“They’re doing more than just building
homes; they’re building a sense of
community and belonging, too,” he says.
A new show home parade is now open,
with four select builders having new models
available for viewing right across from the
golf course clubhouse.
The Lakes of Muirfield features homes
and villas from Ribero Homes, Douglas
Homes, Todays Homes and Compass Rose
Homes.
“Smart Certified” homes from Compass
Rose Homes, for example, are wired
for the 21st century complete with
home management centres — central
technology hubs that make integrating your
smartphones, tablets and entertainments
systems a snap.
Compass Rose Homes also feature the
latest energy-efficient appliances, oversized
mudrooms, smart storage solutions and
even tankless water systems.
To find your home today, visit www.
livelyalta.com.
HWY 564
MCKNIGHT BLVD
TRANS CANADA HWY
ROAD 264
LYALTA
TA
HWY 9
BARLOW TRAIL
CALGARY
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS COUNTRY HILLS BLVD
19
AIRDRIE
Air(drie)
supply
City’s housing options
resonate with buyers
who want it all
by Alex Frazer-Harrison
W
>> Lisa and Chris Hinksman with daughters
Emily and Georgia in Cooper’s Crossing.
Adrian Shellard photo (left)
Top. Hillcrest. Calgary Herald photo
20
hen Chris and Lisa Hinksman
moved to Airdrie from south
Calgary six months ago, they
left behind more than the hustle and bustle
of the big city.
They also left behind a lot of stress.
“We can’t believe, since we moved here,
the stress we feel when we go into the city
– you don’t realize the toll it takes on
you,” says Lisa.
The family had been living in Chaparral
when Chris, a gas turbine inspector,
learned his company was moving its plant
to Airdrie.
Rather than face the dreaded commute,
the family started scouting new homes in
Cochrane and Airdrie before settling on a
2,400-square-foot McKee Homes custombuilt three-bedroom house with developed
basement in Cooper’s Crossing, located on
Airdrie’s fast-growing south side.
“I first drove through Airdrie about five
>> King’s Heights.
Calgary Herald photo
years ago, and I wasn’t too keen on the place
then,” says Chris, who had recently moved to
Canada from England at the time and who
married Lisa last year. They’ve spent the last
year combining their households along with
Chris’ daughters Emily, 15, and Georgia, 12.
Lisa also admits Airdrie was the last place on
her list — at least until they explored it more.
“The girls have commented that things are
better in Airdrie. They noticed we spent a lot
of time driving in Calgary; I think it wears
everybody out,” she says.
Cooper’s Crossing is one of several new
communities that have emerged as Airdrie
has evolved from being a sleepy bedroom
community into a vibrant city of more than
40,000.
“A lot of it has to do with lifestyle,” says
Alan Boucher, assistant development manager
with Melcor Developments, which is overseeing King’s Heights on Airdrie’s southeast
side.
“Airdrie is going for the really family community feel. All the amenities you’d find in
Calgary are either at CrossIron Mills a short
drive away, or in downtown Airdrie or the
(new) Kingsview Market.”
Cooper’s Crossing is one of several neighbourhoods springing up west of Sierra
Springs, a big-box commercial development
south of downtown Airdrie.
Linked by linear parks and pathways,
communities such as Cooper’s, Hillcrest,
Prairie Springs and Windsong provide a
variety of housing styles for young families,
mid-career buyers and empty-nesters wanting
quick access to amenities such as the Genesis
Place recreation centre (currently undergoing
expansion) and Bert Church Theatre.
Affordability remains a big selling feaWWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS ture for Airdrie, says Susan Henderson,
senior development manager with Apex
Developments, which is overseeing the new
Hillcrest community off 8th Street.
“They can still come in and buy a
2,000-square-foot home with a two-car
front-drive garage for $25,000 to 30,000 less
(than Calgary),” she says.
Elsewhere in the city, new communities are
represented by Reunion and Williamstown in
the north, Bayside, the Canals and Sagewood
in the west and Ravenswood in the southeast.
Condo developments such as The Breeze
in Bayside and The Edge near Genesis Place
are also emerging..
“What draws buyers is they hope to get
a little more for their dollar in Airdrie, and
they do,” says Paul Gerla, development manager with Westmark Holdings Ltd., developer of Cooper’s Crossing.
“There will always be that type of buyer
who is more of a big-city person, but he or
she may not realize some of the same amenities are already here.
The Hinksmans say they’ve been made to
feel welcome in their new home.
“We were reticent at first, scared of
change, but we really settled in and everyone
is so friendly,” says Lisa.
“Our daughters love the parks and the
green space, and we love the friendliness and
small-town feel and the services close at hand.
You go into the shops and they recognize
you — it’s not as cold and impersonal.”
Adds Chris: “They have a proper Main
Street, non big-box stores, independent restaurants — but if you want the big stuff, it’s
here as well.
“It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan place. Airdrie
is worth a second look.”
21
ADVERTISING FEATURE
AIRDRIE’S
COOL NEW
CONDOS
FROM THE
$150,000’S.
Stylish Airdrie condo project
enjoys living on ‘The Edge’
C
22
PHASE 2 NOW SELLING
UP TO $10,000
IN FREE UPGRADES!*
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colour palettes to choose from.”
The ultra-modern, four-storey design
of The Edge features brilliantly designed
floor plans in a number of layouts with
nine-foot ceilings and top-floor suites
with vaulted ceilings.
Streetside also has an incentive package
for buyers, offering, for a limited time,
$10,000 in upgrades. Add thick granite
countertops in the kitchen and baths,
or a full-height kitchen backsplash in
either matte and glass tile mixed mosaic,
stainless steel tile mosaic, glass tile mosaic
or oval pebbles.
The final phase is now under
construction and, like the first, will
feature an on-site, underground, heated
parking garage with elevator access.
Tenants’ guests also have access to
above-ground parking stalls.
First occupancy for the final phase is
scheduled for summer 2013.
Visit the show suite in the first phase
at Suite 1104 604 East Lake Blvd. N.E.
Hours are Monday to Thursday, 1 to 7
p.m., Friday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit coolfactory.ca
or call 403-980-2817.
QUEEN EL
hic, sleek lines, open-concept,
avant-garde design and
cosmopolitan living: The Edge by
Streetside Development offers cuttingedge style you’d come to expect in
downtown Calgary.
Only this new condo development
doesn’t come with the hefty price tag,
the traffic jams and incessant noise of
living in one of Canada’s busiest city
centres.
The Edge is urban living, refined.
Located on East Lake Boulevard
in northeast Airdrie, the 119-suite
development is located beside Genesis
Place recreation centre, as well as
footsteps from Bert Church Theatre
and a diverse local commercial scene.
In addition, the Edge’s architecture
is a marriage of flowing modernity and
space-conscious practicality.
“The Edge is a stylish choice — great
for first-time buyers and empty-nesters,”
says marketing manager Steve Hobbs.
“And it has great access to all the
amenities you’d come to expect from a
thriving community like Airdrie.”
In fact, the city’s rapid growth and
affordability have combined to make
Airdrie an attractive place to live and a
key driver for The Edge’s success, adds
Hobbs.
The Edge suites feature unique oneand two-bedroom floor plans from
582 to 982 square feet, starting from a
fashion-forward price: in the $150,000s.
But it’s what you get for your money
that makes The Edge a truly cool deal.
“Our interior finishes are unique and
modern and really are part of Streetside
Development’s signature,” says Hobbs.
“There are three contemporary designer
Genesis Place
EA
ST
LA
KE
BL
VD
Take the East Lake
Crescent exit off of the
Queen Elizabeth Highway
and follow the signs.
SE
403.980.2817
CoolFactory.ca
AIRDRIE’S COOL FACTORY
Visit our show suite at #1104 – 604 East Lake Blvd NE in Airdrie.
*Limited time offer, some restrictions may apply. Visit our sales centre for more information.
CHESTERMERE
Silent treatment
Lakeside bedroom community is using
idyllic setting to attract new homebuyers
by Jessica Patterson
E
state homes, townhomes, laned
homes, condos — quite simply put, this isn’t your parents’
Chestermere.
Once lauded solely for its lakeside
charm, the personable town directly east
of Calgary on the TransCanada Highway
is undergoing a modern-day renaissance,
with a number of new residential developments planned or already underway.
First established in 1997, the community of Westmere has witnessed, and
contributed, to much of Chestermere’s
recent transformation.
The 188-hectare community is the
current and future home to some 2,000
lots, 18 hectares of green space and two
elementary schools.
Its crown jewel includes luxury homes
in the Estates of Westmere and Shores of
Westmere by Melcor, the later of which
“is an exclusive enclave in the Estates that
backs on to an environmental reserve,
which backs on to Chestermere Lake,” says
Graeme Melton, development manager
with Melcor.
Builders in the Shores include Homes
by Avi and Albi Homes. In the Estates,
builders include Greenboro Estate Home,
ReidBuilt Homes and Landmark Homes.
“It has been a really successful community,” Melton says of Westmere. “We’ve
seen a ton of growth.”
Part of the reason behind Westmere’s
success over the years is its unique features, he adds.
“In the middle of the community,
we’ve created Chestermere Station,
which is a town centre,” says Melton,
noting the area also includes a library
town hall, grocery store and other retail
shops.
Chestermere Station is also home to an
assortment of bank branches, gas bars,
restaurants and shops, as well as a 240unit development by Slokker Canada
West that offers a mix of two- and
three-bedroom townhomes.
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS It has been a really
successful community.
We’ve seen a ton of growth
Chestermere is set to change further thanks to Mattamy Homes’ new
Lakepointe community. The 14-hectare
development will feature 220 homes
once complete, says Mattamy sales and
marketing director Norah Latter.
“Mattamy’s collection of homes in
Lakepointe has been architecturally
inspired by the local surroundings,” she
says.
“The neighbourhood has been planned
with homes at various setbacks from the
curb, which helps create very attractive
streetscapes.”
Homebuyers will have plenty of choices when looking to buy in Lakepointe.
Mattamy’s signature WideLot two-storey
townhomes will feature a single-car
garage and backyard. Also available will
be two-storey semi-detached two-car
garage homes and two-storey two-car
garage single-family homes.
Mattamy has already released homes
in the first phase of Lakepointe. The
second phase is expected to be available
later this summer.
“Mattamy carefully chose the town
of Chestermere because of its easy
access to downtown Calgary,” says
Latter.
“Chestermere Lake can be enjoyed
by all residents and can be accessed
directly from the area via future walking
paths.”
Elsewhere in Chestermere, Rainbow
Falls at Chestermere Lake features a
range of housing options, including
condos, townhomes and estate homes.
Builders include Jager Homes, Beattie
Homes and Truman Homes.
Within the community is also The
Brownstones, a townhome condo
development by Lionsworthe Homes.
>> The face of Chestermere continues to change,
with a number of multi-family units joining a crop
of move-up and estate homes. Calgary Herald photo
23
COCHRANE
>> Sunset Ridge
>> Sunset Ridge
>> Lofts on the Bow
>> Lofts on the Bow
Show & tell
Communities are putting their best foot forward
this summer with a parade of show homes
by ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON
B
uying a new home isn’t like buying a
car — you can’t test-drive a bungalow.
Yet show homes offer the next best
thing.
And for buyers looking to find a home in
Cochrane, they offer a window into the lifestyle offered by the booming town.
Budding neighbourhoods such as Heritage
Hills, Sunset Ridge, Riversong and Jumping
Pound Ridge will be dotted this summer
with display homes by some of the region’s
top builders.
It’s all about providing prospective buyers
the same choice of options that they might
find in Calgary, says Tom Waterhouse, sales
manager of Lofts on the Bow, a 45-plus condominium development on George Fox Trail
that backs onto an environmental reserve.
“We’ve got different styles and shapes —
they’re not all square boxes,” he says.
Close proximity to city-calibre amenities
is a major draw for those checking out the
building’s show suites, says Waterhouse.
“You’re two minutes away from everything
in Cochrane,” he says. “Our building has that
mountain/Canmore/Banff feel, with all natural stone outside, a western mountain theme
– and people can have a view of the valley, a
courtyard or a river view.”
Heritage Hills, on Cochrane’s northwest
corner, is built on a hillside overlooking the
town, featuring three- and four-bedroom show
homes by Trico Homes and Stepper Homes.
“We’re currently selling move-up homes,”
says Ashlyn Elliot, marketing manager with
Harmony Park Developments, which is
developing Heritage Hills.
“We have a lot of young families and lots of
24
retired people as well — we find people are
building quite large houses out there.”
When completed, Heritage Hills is expected to house to up to 1,500 residents,
A key draw to Cochrane’s new communities is that, unlike some of the larger Calgary
‘burbs, they are not “mini-towns.”
Riversong, for example, is located off a
winding road on the south side of the
Bow River. Featuring laned homes in
The Heights (including show homes by
Sabal and Innovations by Jayman) and
estate-level homes in The Pointe (watch for
show homes by Jager, NuVista and Jayman
MasterBUILT), Riversong doesn’t feel like
something cut from urban sprawl.
On the west side of Highway 22, the
new Fireside community offers a show
home parade featuring designs by Calbridge,
Landmark, Kingsmith, Janssen and ReidBuilt,
in a community far removed from the hustle
and bustle of Calgary.
West Pointe Estates and MonTerra on
Cochrane Lakes, north of Cochrane, are also
attracting attention.
“Part of the appeal is there’s access to lifestyle amenities that apply to any age range
and demographic,” says Michael Dandenault,
vice-president of operations with Jumping
Pound Ridge Developments.
Located off George Fox Trail, Jumping
Pound Ridge is an enclave of 170 lots,
including two show homes by Westview (the
Manchester and the Princeton) and another
by Cornerstone Homes.
“We call it an island paradise,” says Jumping
Pound Ridge Developments president George
Roseboom of the neighbourhood.
“There’s only one entrance, one exit and we’re
surrounded by nature reserve. People seem to
>> Cochrane’s mountain views
are what ultimately drew
Heidi Camacho to the town.
Camacho is with Cornerstone
Homes, which is currently
constructing its first show
home in Cochrane’s Jumping
Pound Ridge community.
Adrian Shellard photo
get to know each other better in this small-town
environment then they do in Calgary.”
Cornerstone is constructing a new 2,437square-foot three-bedroom show home in
Jumping Pound which is set to open this
summer.
“What drew us to Cochrane is the proximity to the city and the mountains,” says
Cornerstone area manager Heidi Camacho,
herself a Cochrane resident.
“Cochrane, to me, is the only town surrounding Calgary that has the views (of the
mountains) that you can really take advantage
of. People want to back onto some sort of
greenery, whether it’s the mountains, a hill or
the river, Most of the people we find moving
to Cochrane are nature lovers.”
Indeed, Cochrane’s Bow River valley
location off the northwest tip of the new
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park — coupled
with its proximity to the Rockies, Kananaskis
and the Ghost River area — is a huge draw
for potential residents. So is the town’s
historic downtown, the unique Cochrane
RancheHouse, and the Spray Lake Sawmills
Family Sports Centre, situated in a scenic
riverside location.
“I think the lifestyle in Cochrane is fabulous – no one can be in a bad mood driving
out Highway 1A from Calgary after they get
that gorgeous mountain view,” says Katherine
Bennett, area sales manager with Jayman
MasterBUILT which opened a show home in
Sunset Ridge in April.
“More young families are choosing
Cochrane for its lifestyle choices.”
ADVERTISING FEATURE
J
Upscale Cochrane community offers a taste of ‘unspoiled’ living
umping Pound Ridge in Cochrane is
different things to different people.
It is a hidden oasis in the foothills, a
quiet neighbourhood on the doorstep of
the Alberta wilderness and a perfectly
planned community with a style that
reflects the beauty of its surroundings.
But most of all, it is home.
Perched atop a ridge in the southwest corner of Cochrane, the secluded
170-home community is surrounded on
three sides by the Toki Nature Reserve.
And with only local traffic coming into or
out of the community, Jumping Pound
Ridge provides a relaxing respite from
the hustle of Calgary, just a 20-minute
drive away.
Every home in the community is built
to match the splendor of its setting, with
Craftsman-style themes that combine
the area’s Western heritage with upscale
modern features.
The true gems of Jumping Pound Ridge
are its ridge homes. A number of 52-foot
ridge lots are available, each looking out
over a gorgeous vista that will remain
unspoiled for decades to come.
Building in the community is Cornerstone Homes, Gallery Homes and WestView Builders.
Prices start around $500,000. Homebuyers who act this summer can save up to
$40,000 on premium ridge lot offerings.
For more information, including directions, visit www.jumpingpoundridge.com.
Or visit the community’s show home
parade, featuring designs from Cornerstone Homes and WestView Builders,
with a new home from Gallery Homes
set to open later this month.
Jumping Pound Ridge is proud to offer incredible savings on Ridge Lots
Jumping Pound Ridge is proud to unveil a full new
show-home parade with stunning masterpieces from
Gallery Homes and Cornerstone Homes joining
our beautiful Westview showhome. Incredible 52foot wide ridge lots remain, overlooking the serene
Toki nature reserve. And, with various offers up to
$35,000 in savings on these ridge homes, you can
make the move to a beautiful estate now!
Come visit us at Jumping Pound Ridge!
INTERIOR LOT HOMES starting in the low $400,000’s • RIDGE LOT HOMES from the low $500,000’s
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012
25
ADVERTISING FEATURE
F
Shane Homes offers last chance to buy in Drake Landing
or more than a decade, homeowners
have been flocking to Drake Landing
and Crystal Ridge in Okotoks.
In that time, the peaceful neighbourhoods
perched on the edge of the Sheep River
Valley have realized the dreams of
developers and residents alike.
But as the Drake Landing development
moves into its final phase, time is growing
short for prospective homeowners looking
for the opportunity to build their own
dream home.
Shane Homes has been an important
part of Drake Landing since day one. And
while the builder has offered exceptional
lots throughout the community’s history,
it has saved some of its most attractive
lots for last.
Lots ranging from 40 to 62 feet in size
are available, with the majority backing
onto parks, green spaces, a wildlife
reserve — and many with breathtaking
mountain views.
Shane Homes’ selection of twostorey and bungalow-style homes —
all with front-attached garages — offer
incredible value starting from as low as
$376,000.
“A lot of thought and planning and
research have gone into the design
concepts of the homes that Shane builds
all with families in mind,” says area
manager Candice Albo.
“The finishing quality includes things
such as tile flooring in all high-traffic
areas and granite countertops in the
kitchens and the bathrooms,”
Shane’s homes are also among the
most efficient on the market. All homes
are designed for water conservation
and include upgraded appliances and
plumbing fixtures, rain barrels on
downspouts and timers for hoses.
The community of Drake Landing itself
features a pathway system that weaves in
and out of ample parks, playgrounds and
wide-open green spaces.
Though Okotoks offers its share of smalltown charm and laid-back atmosphere, it
also boasts an array of amenities, including
major retailers, recreation facilities and an
excellent school system.
“Over the years, Okotoks has become
completely self-contained,” says Albo.
“There really isn’t any need to drive
to Calgary for anything. It’s all here. All
the big shopping is here. And if you have
to go into Calgary, it’s only 15 minutes
down the road.”
And because Drake Landing is located
in northeast Okotoks, it provides
particularly quick access for commuters.
See first-hand what Drake Landing
has to offer by visiting Shane’s gorgeous
2,028-square-foot Triumph show
home at 148 Drake Landing Loop,
Okotoks.
For more information, call Candice
Albo at 403-536-2308, or visit www.
shanehomes.com.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Picture yourself relaxing by the shores of Chestermere Lake
M
attamy’s new community of
Lakepointe in Chestermere is a
place where you don’t have to
drive to the lake. It’s a place where you
can see the lake every single day.
And what better time than now to stroll
through the quaint town of Chestermere
and along the shores of Chestermere
Lake? Few things are more enjoyable
than a sunset over a lake.
Lakepointe offers a wonderful family
atmosphere in a casual setting. It’s
a place where a maximum number
of homes offer views of the lake. Its
adjacency to the lake, and the space to
the shores, will always be preserved.
There are also walking paths that
connect residents to downtown
Chestermere. It’s a community of natural
features and green spaces. It’s a place
where you’ll hear lots of children’s
laughter. It’s a place where children will
rediscover the great outdoors.
And Mattamy’s collection of homes
in Lakepointe has been architecturally
inspired by the local surroundings. The
26
neighbourhood has been master-planned
with homes at various setbacks from
the curb, which helps create attractive
streetscapes.
The homes come in a variety of
sizes and styles so nearly every family
requirement can be satisfied in Lakepointe.
Prospective homebuyers will find WideLot
town homes starting from $254,990, twocar garage semi-detached homes from
$339,990 and Series I & II Grand detached
homes from $389,990.
To get a first-hand look at the quality
and style of Lakepointe homes, Mattamy
invites buyers to its well-established
and award-winning neighbourhood of
Windsong in Airdrie to enjoy a tour
its show homes. Windsong is a highly
regarded community that more than
600 families call home.
Mattamy carefully chose Chestermere
because of its easy access to downtown
Calgary. As the builder and developer,
Mattamy has an advantage in planning.
If you’d like to see a community and
homes designed to surpass expectations,
make sure that Lakepointe is on your list
of “must sees.” Relax and explore the
area today.
The Lakepointe sales centre is located
at 400 West Park Dr. in Chestermere.
Hours are 1 to 8 p.m. Monday to
Thursday, 1 to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call 403-5194083. For a look at the home styles
and floor plans available, visit www.
mattamyhomes.com.
Last
!
e
c
n
a
h
C
m the
$
ro
Starting f
376
Now Selling Final Phase!
Limited Lots Remaining!
s
includes house, lot and GST.
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES WITH A DOUBLE ATTACHED GARAGE
Community Highlights:
Crafted with premium specifications:
granite countertops
6 appliances
mountain views
homesites backing onto parks and pathways
energy efficient specifications
luxury ensuites
walking distance to schools and amenities
large greenspace cul-du-sac walk out lots available
Showhome Location: 148 Drake Landing Loop, Okotoks
Deerfoot Ext.
2
Showhome Hours: Mon - Thurs: 2 to 8 pm | Sat, Sun & Hol: 12 to 5 pm
Call Candice at: 403-536-2308
2A
Okotoks
32 Street E.
Milligan Drive
Drake Landing Loop
WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS How to get there:
Shane Homes
Showhome
Take Highway 2 to Highway 2A, left on Milligan Drive,
turn right at the second Drake Landing Loop entrance.
Follow us: twitter.com/shanehomeliving
Find us: facebook.com/shanehomes
s haneho m es . c om
*Price includes
lot and GST. Subject
to change
without notice.
SUBURBS
+house,
SATELLITES
JUNE
2012
27
mattamyhomesalberta.com
Discover The Pleasures Of Chestermere In Mattamy’s Lakepointe.
Lakepointe Offers The Joy
Lakepointe
Of Lakeside Living.
Lakepointe is a special, master-planned neighbourhood where a
maximum number of homes offer views of Chestermere Lake.
It is a place of walking paths that connect your family
to downtown Chestermere, a place with pleasing
natural features and greenspace.
You’ll find a wide variety of home styles so there is a home for
every modern family need. There are WideLot™ Townhomes,
Double Car Garage Semis and Detached Homes in two
distinctive Series, all with Double Car Garages.
Come and discover the tranquility of life by the lake.
Come and discover Mattamy’s Lakepointe in Chestermere.
Live By The Shores Of Chestermere Lake
Airport
10 mins.
To Calgary
Trans-Canada or 1
6th
Paradise Road
Widelot™ Townhomes from $254,990
Semi Detached Homes from $339,990
Series I Double Car Garage Homes from $389,990
Series II Double Car Garage Homes from $449,990
Ave
.
West P
Driveark
Sales
Centre
17th Ave.
Chestermere
Lake
These prices include the lot, the home and GST. There are no condo fees on any Mattamy home.
400 West Park Drive, Chestermere, Alberta
Elev. ‘A’
WideLot™ Townhome, The Ashby,
Elev. ‘A’, 1,156 Sq.Ft., $254,990
Series II Double Car Garage Home, The Nottingham,
Elev. ‘A’, 1,126 Sq.Ft., $241,990
Sales Centre Hours: Monday to Thursday 1pm-8pm; Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-6pm
28
SUBURBS + SATELLITES
JUNE 2012
All illustrations
are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice.
E.&O.E.

Suburbs Satellites

Transcription

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