Edmonton Home & Condo Living August 2013

S O U R C E M E D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 1 0 T H Y E A R A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 E D M O N T O N H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G • 5

COVER FEATURE

8 Urbanmelody Symphony a masterpiece in

the making for homebuyers

CONDO PROFILE

11 WestrichinWindermere

Southwest highrise leaving its Signature in Ambleside

SHOw HOME PROFILE

14 TheSofiasings Cameron Homes’ Albany show

home full of form and function

COMMUNITY PROFILE

18 Agrowingconcern Qualico’s SummerWood

community still branching out in Sherwood Park

A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 n V O L U M E 5 I S S U E 4 1

CONTENTs

DESIGN & DÉCOR

21 Branchingout Greener pastures ahead by

cultivating some life at home

MARkET VIEw

23 Nottoolatetolockandlearnwithinterestrates

FEATURE

30 Talesfrom thecondozone 50 shades of condominium

ITEMS

6 Editor’sMessage25 AroundTown26 Maps27 AdIndex

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14

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6 • E D M O N T O N H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 S O U R C E M E D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 1 0 T H Y E A R

It’s hard to believe it’s not only getting near the end of a season, but also the end of one of my favourite times in my life. I have enjoyed bringing you the latest developments and homes from builders and developers in and around the city, industry news, and some ideas to change your living space. This will be my last editor’s message to you as I am leaving my post for an opportunity to move back to Calgary.

As always, I hope you will enjoy this issue of Edmonton Home & Condo Living, where we bring you scores of useful information, some new ideas, and a little bit of humour.

The cover story this month is about a unique high-rise condominium project nestled next to the Alberta Legislature that’s sure to get the votes of many readers. If your condo preferences are a little less downtown, you will want to check out this month’s feature on Westrich’s Windermere project, Signature Condominiums. Those shopping for more walls of their own will want to turn the page to 14, where we take you on a tour of Cameron Homes’ duplex show home in Albany, the Sofia.

Of course, no issue of the magazine would be complete without Wesley Gunderson’s latest on the market, and once again this month it’s good news for buyers. Turn to page 23 for tips on locking in to a mortgage now, while the going is still pretty, well, great. And since we like to add a little light to every issue, once again Associate Publisher Jim Zang shows his humorous side in this instalment of his tongue-in-cheek Tales from the Condo Zone.

Our go-to design gal Rosalyn Lazaruk gives her best advice in this month’s Design and Décor, this time planting some ideas about adding greenery and blossoms to your living space. Speaking of room to grow, this month’s community feature tells the story of an evolving neighbourhood, as you’re invited to take a trip through the established SummerWood by Qualico Developments, which is still growing strong.

Let me take this opportunity to welcome and introduce your next editor of Edmonton Home & Condo Living, who comes to the role highly-recommended with a wealth of experience, knowledge, and talent. I feel the readers will be in excellent hands as I pass on my hard hat to Michelle Lindstrom. Welcome Michelle!

Happy reading.

Canadian Home Builders’ Association

P U B L I S H E R

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A S S O C I A T E P U B L I S H E R

Jim Zang [email protected]

E D I T O R

shelley [email protected]

A R T D I R E C T O R

Jean Faye Rodriguez [email protected]

G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R S

Lama Azhari [email protected]

Dave Macaulay [email protected]

Megan sereda [email protected]

P R O D U C T I O N A D M I N I S T R A T O R

Colleen Leier [email protected]

E D I T O R I A L

Wesley Gunderson, Kate Hamilton,Rosalyn Lazaruk, Michelle Lindstrom,

Heather McIntyre, Jim Zang

P H O T O G R A P H Y Kate Hamilton, Michelle Lindstrom,

Heather McIntyre

D I R E C T O R O F S A L E S

Norma Robertson [email protected]

A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S

Jennifer Mills [email protected]

A C C O U N T I N G

Donna Roberts [email protected]

D I S T R I B U T E D B Y

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I s s N 19 1 8 - 4 4 6 8P R I N T E D I N C A N A D A

Copyright 2013 by source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written

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refuse any advertising at its sole discretion.

Edmonton Home & Condo Living™ is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Edmonton

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Edmonton Home & Condo Living™ accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any

submissions including all personal information to: [email protected]. Unsolicited submissions will not be

returned. Advertising information available only by request.Shelley [email protected]

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EDITOR’s MEssAGE

Augustagreatmonthforchange

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Discerning condo shoppers who don’t mind paying a little extra for the view will find the Alberta Legislature’s future neigh-bour to be music to their ears and a feast

for their eyes.The Symphony is the brainchild condo tower for

Rockwood Management, now marketing the future highrise at 9704 106 St. Construction will begin this fall, while first residents will likely take possession by the spring of 2016.

So far that has been gaining favour of couples and empty-nesters, says Ed DePrato, a realtor who is selling the 148-suite property.

Buildings surrounding the Symphony, Foote House and the Parkview Apartments, have a great deal of history and developers aim to maintain their heritage as they develop the site. The former will

Urban melodySymphony a masterpiece in the making for homebuyers

become the sales centre for the project, and both have been given Municipal and Historic Resource status by the City of Edmonton.

Lower level suites range from 661 to 1,380 square-feet, spanning from one to three bedrooms; the higher you travel up in the building, the larger the unit sizes.

Penthouses are 3,210 square-feet, while two sub-penthouses will offer just shy of 2,500 square-feet of living space that will be fully custom designed.

Townhomes rounding out the base of the tower will span 1,331 to 1,781 square-feet over two floors, with some offering a ground-floor entrance to the building and street access. Finishing details are high-end, including granite countertops, gas stoves, engineered oak flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows and central air conditioning for the building. And that is just the first 17 floors.

“From the 18th floor up is all custom-designed,” explains

| Advertising cover FeAture |


S O U R C E M E D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 1 0 T H Y E A R A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 E D M O N T O N H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G • 9

DePrato of the 27-storey structure.And, like most real estate professionals will tell you, the top

three features of the Symphony will be the location, location, location.

“Location is Number One. The view, a lot of glass and the stunning architecture — we get a lot of comments on the architecture,” says Jessie McCracken, another realtor selling the project. “People coming into the sales centre say it’s the best location for unobstructed views.”

The building will not only boast extensive landscaping and a fountain feature on a stepped up central platform when complete in 2016, but the views of the Legislature dome and its historic grounds from Symphony suites will never be dis-turbed.

“On days like this there are children splashing around in the fountains (at the Alberta Legislature),” says Sara Jones Lopetinsky, who is also part of the sales team, adding sights of

the grounds and its 10,000 Christmas lights over the holidays are sure to be equally appealing.

In addition to being a stone’s throw from the trappings of downtown, appealing interior ameni-ties will include an amenity or social room and fitness centre for residents and their guests.

Speaking of construction, the tower will be built green. Environmentally conscious features include a rain water collection tank, for landscape watering, ultra-low-flow plumbing features, air-to-air heat exchangers, and 99 per cent efficient boilers.

Those interested in learning if Symphony is in tune with their lifestyle and home shopping wish list can visit the sales centre Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to see floor plans and a scale model of the high-end tower. n

Fast FactsProject: The SymphonyArea: Legislature/River ValleyDeveloper: Rockwood ManagementStyle: Apartment condominiums and townhome

condominiums.Size: 611 to 1,381 square-feet for units up to the

17th floor; penthouses and sub-penthouses range from 2,467 square-feet to 3,210 square-feet.

Price: $298,000 to $731,000Address: 9704 106 St.Hours: Monday to Thursday noon to 6 p.m.,

weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Web: www.symphonyliving.caPhone: 780-701-0058

“Location is Number One.The view, a lot of glass and

the stunning architecture ...”

| Advertising cover FeAture |

S O U R C E M E D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 1 0 T H Y E A R A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 EDMONTON HOME & CONDO L I V ING • 9

Pegged as more than just concrete and steel, The Signature Condominiums in Ambleside by Westrich Pacific Corp. is an iconic project under construction in Edmonton’s southwest neighbourhood of

Windermere — and it’s selling fast.According to sales and marketing representative Shannon

Speidel, units are 75 per cent sold.“We had a really big boom in the last two months,” she

says, noting the show suite grand opening — on site at 5151 Windermere Blvd. — was May 11.

Pre-sales started in April 2012 and construction began last summer on the development, which will consist of two towers, an east and a west, connected by a three-storey grand lobby building with curtain-wall glass and marble finishing that will be home to a gym, party room, 16-hour concierge service, double-sided fireplace and infinity water feature overlooking a lake to the south.

Westrich in Windermere

southwest highrise leaving its signature in Ambleside

There will be eight floors in the east tower and 12 in the west — and something for everyone.

“Our larger units definitely cater to the baby boomers who are looking to downsize but still want that high-end feel,” says Speidel. “But we also see a lot of first-time buyers, especially for our smaller units.”

“We have a variety — from one bedroom at 625 square-feet to a penthouse at 2,165 square feet,” she adds. “Then our most common is the two bedroom, two bath 865-square-foot units.”

“Our larger units definitely cater to the baby boomers who are looking to downsize but still want that high-end feel ... But we also see a lot of first-time buyers, especially for our smaller units.”

»

CONDO PROFILE

Story and photos by Heather McIntyre

S O U R C E M E D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 1 0 T H Y E A R A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 EDMONTON HOME & CONDO L I V ING • 11

Rendering courtesy Westrich

Some of the suites, on the far west side of the development, will be Villas, with private glass elevators, floor to ceiling windows and a 240-degree view; while there will also be two-storey main level condo units along the south side of the building with an attached double garage and walkout basement.

“These are two different layouts that really set us apart,” says Speidel.

Another noteworthy aspect of the development is that all second floor suites have patios that are 400 square-feet in size.

“They wanted to make the lower floors more attractive — and those are almost sold out in the east tower,” says Speidel.

Standard features throughout the units include hardwood floor in the living area, granite countertops and porcelain tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, glass backsplash in the kitchen, five stainless steel appliances, and air conditioning.

Upgrades include hardwood throughout, under

cabinet lighting, appliance options, closet organizers, storage options, and the ability to purchase a fully furnished home.

“If you want to fully furnish your apartment, we can do that for you,” says Speidel. “We just send you over to Signature Lane Interiors.”

Three furnishing packages are available at $7,500, $10,000 to $15,000.

Upgrades include hardwood throughout, under cabinet lighting, appliance options, closet organizers, storage options, and the ability to purchase a fully- furnished home.

CONDO PROFILE

1 2 • E D M O N T O N H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 S O U R C E M E D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 1 0 T H Y E A R

Fast FactsBuilder: Westrich Pacific Corp.Area: Ambleside in Windermere, southwest

EdmontonMove-in ready: East tower – January 2014 West tower – December 2014Size: 625 square-feet to 2,165 square- feetPrice: $199,000 to $819,000 (two-bed,

two-bath units start at $254,000)Show suite address: 5151 Windermere Blvd (across

from the Safeway in Ambleside)Hours: Monday to Thursday 3 to 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday 12 to 5 p.m.Web: www.signatureambleside.com

The show suite itself is a 1,740-square-foot furnished two-storey main level condo unit on the east end of the east tower.

The walkout basement includes a back patio with paving stones and planters, which enters from the south onto an open concept living area, dining area and kitchen. Straight down a hallway is a den with a double French door, as well as a standard half bath. At the end of the hallway, at the north end of the unit, there is a laundry and

storage room, as well as access to the double garage on the first level of the parkade.

Upstairs is the doorway to enter from through the building, which opens up onto a wide landing with access to a full bath and two bedrooms, including the master, which has a walk-through closet and full bath.

Both bedrooms have doors out to a shared second level terrace.

The view from that terrace — and anywhere else in the building — shows a growing yet natural community in Ambleside.

Not only are there plenty of water features and walking paths close by, as well as access to the river valley and the nearby River Ridge Golf Club, Currents of Windermere — featuring restaurants, retail shops and the city’s only VIP movie theatre —

is across the street to the north.“Living in a condo across from it means you can walk

to it,” says Speidel. “And access to the rest of the city is really good too — Terwillegar Drive, the Henday and the airport. That’s definitely been a draw for sure.

“It’s a big city feel in the suburbs.” n

The view from that terrace — and anywhere else in the building — shows a growing yet natural community in Ambleside.

CONDO PROFILE

S O U R C E M E D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 1 0 T H Y E A R A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 E D M O N T O N H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G • 1 3

show home profile

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Story and photos by Kate Hamilton

the sofia singsCameron Homes’ Albany show home full of form and function

Simple or stylish? Modern or practical? Spacious or comfortable? With Cameron Homes’ Sofia III show home in Albany there is no need to choose. You can have it all.

With three bedrooms, a bonus room and flex space, this abode is ideal for professional couples or families. “It’s definitely one of our most popular models, especially in Albany,” says Derrek Keating, area sales manager. “Some features that make it popular are the size, the functionality of the floor plan and the open concept main floor.”

The main floor boasts a large, living/dining/kitchen area with gas fireplace and loads of windows to let the natural light flow in. The flex space next to the kitchen can be utilized as an open plan playroom or formal dining room, or it can be closed in for use as a den or study.

The kitchen — the central and social hub of most homes — has a large island (a recent change to its shape means room for more bar stools), plus copious cupboard space and a walk-in pantry.

Upstairs, the master bedroom features his-and-hers

show home profile

S O U R C E M E D I A G R O U P C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 1 0 T H Y E A R A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 E D M O N T O N H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G • 1 5

Cameron Homes’ Albany show home full of form and function

“It’s a contemporary-modern design and the high standard will mean high resale values.”

walk-in closets, and an ensuite with dual sinks, a deep soaker tub and separate water closet.

There are two other good-sized bedrooms for the kids or guests, while the bonus room above the double-car garage means lots of space for a separate living area, games room or entertainment zone. Another plus is the second-floor laundry room, which will save countless trips up and down the (unfinished) basement stairs with heavy baskets of washing.

The show home, all 2,130 square-feet, is priced at $506,000 including lot, home and GST. And according to Keating, “what you see is what you get.”

Standard luxury finishes are used throughout the show home to give potential homeowners a true feel for what their own Sofia III would look and feel like. It is not over-the-top ritzy, but simply the kind of house you’d look forward to coming home to.

“Most of what you see on an Albany spec sheet is

what you’ll see in the show home,” says Keating. From designer laminate and porcelain tile flooring to granite countertops throughout, and cultured stone on the exterior of the home, it’s all included in the price.

Architectural controls mean every home is constructed to a high standard, which gives the community great curb appeal. “It’s a contemporary-modern design and the high standard will mean high resale values,” says Keating. But once you move in you may never want to move out.

With quick access to Anthony Henday Drive and St Albert Trail, Keating says Albany is an especially great location for people who work in St. Albert but don’t want to pay the

property taxes to live there.“There are a lot of green spaces, they’re

developing a central park, there’s public access to the pond for great walking trails and shopping just two minutes drive from Albany,” says Keating. “There are new schools and lots of opportunity for growth.”

Fast FactsBuilder: Cameron HomesModel: Sofia IIIArea: AlbanyStyle: Two-storey duplexSize: 2,130 square-feetPrice: $506,000 including lot, home and GSTHours: Monday to Thursday 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays 12 to 5 p.m.Web: www.cameronhomes.ca

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show home profile

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If you swing by for a look at the Sofia III, why not stop in next door for a gander at the Mateo, Cameron Homes’ other Albany show home? Similar in appearance, the Mateo is a little more flexible when it comes to the floor plan because the bonus room can be converted into two large bedrooms, great for larger families wanting four bedrooms.

Whichever you prefer, they come with the same quality guarantee Cameron Homes has provided customers for over a decade. Keating says the company’s mantra is “quality versus quantity.”

“We’re not a production builder, we keep construction under 100 homes per year so we can ensure we’re building quality homes,” he says. “It’s all about our family building for your family.” n

“We keep construction under 100 homes per year so we can ensure we’re building quality homes.”

a growing concern

Story and photos by Michelle Lindstrom

Qualico’s summerWood community still branching out in sherwood Park

COMMUNITy PROFILE

Not many communities have the space to develop, a continued interest from builders, and popularity with homebuyers, to continue expanding over the course of more than a decade. But the community of

SummerWood in Sherwood Park has done just that: surviving the housing market as it cycles to favour buyers, then sellers, then buyers again.

Even more surprising is to find an area manager who has seen and sold homes in the community from its beginning stages all the way through to today, 11 years later. “I’ve been there since SummerWood Home parade Number One,” says Carla Weinmeyer, Pacesetter’s SummerWood area manager. “It’s funny because I have people that I’ve sold homes to 11 years ago and they come in with their kids that were in car seats but are now mini-people. These people are coming back to look for something now more for their teenaged kids, not their young, just-starting-out family.”

Pacesetter sells two options of single-family homes in the community: double attached front garages, popular designs averaging around 2,500 square-feet, and detached garage options with rear lane access, averaging around 1,500 square-feet.

During SummerWood’s growth, the pleasant surprise for Weinmeyer has been the decision Qualico Communities, the developer, made to keep the 13.4-acre urban forest. It’s generally assumed that such wild treed areas will not withstand the entirety of a community development, especially a popular and large community like SummerWood. “It’s almost like a piece of wilderness right there by your home,” Weinmeyer says. “The kids have a blast in it because there are trails to walk through and


COMMUNITy PROFILE

explore.” She adds that one day she even saw a moose checking out the trail, tree and pond-friendly neighbourhood.

The natural green space is a major reason homebuyers look in the area to build and buy, agrees Camille Garcia, Qualico Communities marketing co-ordinator. Other crowd-drawing features in SummerWood include a creek, many playgrounds, a storm water management facility and great walking or running trails that weave through the community.

Nature isn’t a bad thing to proudly boast about being in tune with, but there are many other amenities successfully drawing people to this northern Sherwood Park area to live and play in. “The commercial site located at Lakeland Drive and Clover Bar Road offers a major grocery chain, a drug store and lots of little shops,” Garcia says. “It is very close to the new hospital site, and

it’s just a short drive to the new Wal-Mart.”

The area around the new hospital site continually expands and residents can currently enjoy newer chain coffee shops, major banks, a pet supply store and other useful and convenient retail finds.

Easy access to major arteries — Highway 16 and 21 and the Anthony Henday — make SummerWood a community to consider for people who work in Fort

Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park or Edmonton. Being just outside of Edmonton is also an alluring thought to homebuyers who prefer a quieter, small-town feel for where they reside and plan to raise their families.

Surely appealing to families are three designated schools for the community — an elementary, junior high and high school — each less than a 15-minute drive from SummerWood. Family activities can extend past the scholarly type when school is done and

Fast FactsDeveloper: Qualico CommunitiesCommunity: SummerWoodBuilders: Pacesetter Homes, Jayman MasterBUILT, Rohit

Communities, Streetside and Aspen Woods Estates (coming soon).

Prices: Single-family homes with front attached garages start at $390,000; single-family homes with rear detached garages start at $380,000; duplexes with front attached garages start at $300,000; and duplex adult bungalows start at $416,000.

Location: Northeast Sherwood Park at Clover Bar Road and Lakeland Drive

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.

Web: www.qualicolandedm.com

include swimming, skating and working out at Millennium Place, a popular Sherwood Park facility less than 10 minutes away from the community.

Weinmeyer says the community’s various amenities are what her customers rave about, but those moving onto their second or third home are finding an added bonus: great resale value. “Compared to the other communities in Sherwood Park, the builders in SummerWood tend to build a little more of the larger homes ... so if you are building a larger home, you aren’t going to be the biggest house on the block and people building smaller homes are going to be surrounded by a lot more expensive homes,” she says. “So for resale, it’s quite different from a lot of the other areas in Sherwood Park where the builders don’t tend to build that large of homes on a regular basis.”

This mature community will not have available land forever, though, so the time is now for buyers to take a hold of their chance to get into SummerWood, Weinmeyer says, before the opportunities to build are all gone. n

The time is now for buyers to take a hold of their chance to get into SummerWood... before the opportunities to build are all gone.



Somehow I did not inherit the green thumb that comes so easily to my mother. She has always had an amazing knack with gardens, be it

vegetables, perennials or beautiful annual pots and planters. Our house growing up always had a variety of house plants, including a Christmas cactus she still has that continues to bloom every year!

I love the way a plant can change the way a space feels and I think that comes from growing up with plants all around. It took me a few years to learn, and accept, that I struggle to keep plants alive, let alone get them to bloom from year to year. This has yet to deter me — and with a little research and trial and error behind me, I now have a home that, if the room has a window, it also has a plant!

Not only do plants give life and improve air quality in a space, they also create line and movement, almost like a living sculpture of sorts that continues to evolve over time. They are the perfect thing to fill the empty corner of a living room or create a warm welcome on the console at the front door.

I have a few favourites that to me are the perfect plant (for non-green-thumbers):

Air Plants (Tillandsia)• Modern spiky plants that

come in several varieties• Do not need soil

By Rosalyn Lazaruk

• Immerse in water for two or three hours once a week • Thrive on drift wood, stone or in glass bowls • Like to be near a window that does not receive direct sun

(not south facing)• If your air plant withers, soak for 24 hours, then resume

weekly watering

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)• Grows tall stems with shiny uniform green leaves• Uses regular soil, needs no plant food or fertilizer • Needs watering once every two to three weeks, once soil

is dry • Prefers in-direct light but will thrive in all lighting • It is said the only way to kill this plant is to over water!

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) •Long,tallsword-shapedspikeswithpatternedleaves

•Usesregularsoil•Needswateringonceeverytwotothree

weeks, once soil is dry•Lovesbrightlightbutwilldowellin shadier conditions as well•Willdeveloprootrotifover-watered

Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)•Large,darkgreenshinyleaves and as the tree ages the leaves get larger•Cangrowtobeaneightfeettall

tree, or if pruned, can be kept smaller•Needswateringeverytwotothree

weeks, once soil is dry •Likesmediumtobrightlight n

DEsIGN & DÉCOR

Greener pastures ahead by cultivating some life at home

Branching out

Designer Rosalyn Lazaruk has been working in design and décor for seven years, and established her own business, Wicket Blue Interiors, in 2004. She has a broad repertoire in designing personal spaces within the home, as well as in implementing intriguing space and design concepts within the commercial setting. Rosalyn is devoted to developing and implementing unique design ideas that reflect the vision and individuality of her clients. To see more of Rosalyn’s design ideas visit www.wicketblue.com.


BMO ECONOMICS’ FIRST Time Home Buyer’s Report came out with an astonishing statistic this month — 31 per cent of first-time buyers expect interest rates to stay the same over the next five years.

While nobody knows for certain what rates will be in the next five years, our view is that they will be higher. More importantly, though, first-time home buyers don’t have to wait for great rates, they are here — and if they do wait the risk is they could end up paying more.

Interest Rates at 60 Year LowsJust a few months ago Canadian lenders were providing five year fixed mortgages below three per cent — as low as 2.69 per cent. This was even after the Finance Min-ister Jim Flaherty expressed his disapproval with BMO offering a special 2.99 per cent rate in March.

To put this in historical perspective average residential mortgage lending five-year rates*:

Not too late to lock and learn with interest ratesRates More Likely to RiseMost economists will tell you they expect mortgage rates to rise, they just don’t know when and by how much. We have already seen rates come off their lows. The major reason for the recent uptick has been the US Federal reserve chairman Ben Bernanke hinting that the U.S. treasurer could begin scaling back the government program to buy its own bonds. This sent bond rates higher which in turn affects lending rates.

Important to remem-ber was that this was just the Fed chairman hinting at a change in policy possibly later this year. Surely when the Federal Reserve actually starts removing stimulus the effects will be more pronounced.

ConclusionThe incredible opportunity facing homeowners today is when to lock in interest rates that are as good as they have ever been in the last 60 years. Our opinion is that there is no better time than now. Consumers don’t typi-cally get a warning shot that rates are going to change, butitseemsthistimetheymayjusthave. n

MARkET VIEWby Wesley Gunderson

Wesley Gunderson is Vice President of Finance for Growth Marketing an Edmonton based real estate consultancy firm providing integrated marketing services to its valued clients. Mr. Gunderson has been with the firm since 1997 and actively involved in economic and market research, marketing and product strategy as well as advertising and sales promotion.

Period Date Rate (%)

10 years Ago July 2003 5.71






*Source: Bank of Canada

Any way you look at it, today’s rates are better than our not only our parents, but likely our grandparents mortgage rates as well.


By Shelley Williamson

AROUND TOWN

THE LATEST STATISTICS from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are out, and they reveal a spike in home starts for the month of June. According to CMHC, the multi-family sector fuelled the rise in building activity. “The trend in total housing starts continued to rise in June, largely due to heightened starts in the multi-family market,” says Lai Sing Louie, CMHC’s regional economist for the Prairie and Territories Region. “Edmonton’s recent increase in multi-family construction has been led by the apartment segment, with elevated starts reported for both condominium and rental

Home starts spike in June

STAFFERS AT SABAL Homes and the company’s partners took a swing at raising money for charity recently at the Sabal Homes’ 2013 Golf Tournament. The event, held at the Links at Spruce Grove, during raised more than $9,000 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital, says Nicole McLaws, Sabal marketing manager.

“We’re thrilled to donate these funds to such a worthy organization, and are proud to have more than doubled the amount we raised in 2012,” says McLaws.

Proceeds will go to specialized equipment, medical education and research toward treatments and cures in child health issues, as well as programs designed to better family and patient outcomes at the Stollery.

Meanwhile, Carrington Construction and Bedrock Homes treated their tradespeople to a day on the links, at the same time raising some green for a good cause. The golfers raised more than $10,000 at the 24th Annual Trades Golf Tournament, to support Project Touchdown, a Changing Futures initiative in partnership with Terra Centre for Pregnant Teens. Project Touchdown is a transitional housing four-plex that will be specifically designed to meet the needs of young teen parents working hard to build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Sabal, Carrington tee up for charity

tenure,” Louie adds. Overall, starts in the Edmonton Census

Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 16,354 units in June versus 14,712 in May, a recent release from CMHC says.

CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for swings in monthly estimates. The standalone monthly SAAR was 20,306 units in June, compared to 22,158 in May.

Looking further ahead, the projected total starts in the CMA for the year are ex-pected to reach 12,300 in 2013, according to the CMHC’s Spring 2013 Edmonton

HOME BUILDERS LOOkING for workers and folks looking for a job in the industry have a place to connect on a new employment listings site. The Canadian Home Builders Associations –

Alberta (CHBA – Alberta) has recently launched the website, at albertabuilderconnect.com, where members of the

association can post jobs specific to the building industry.The entire job search database is easily accessible and

searchable by keyword or by category and see all the recent jobs posted in Alberta. Users can also learn more about popular career paths in the residential construction industry and access helpful job search skills like resume writing and interview strategies.

Building jobs, employees a click away

Time running out for condo QuestTHOSE LOOkING TO get into a certain downtown condomini-um highrise at 104 Avenue and 105 Street may have only a narrow window left to buy. Quest Condominiums by Regency Develop-ments has just four units left for sale in the Arena District tower.

Condo shoppers looking for a one-, two- or three-bedroom-and-den suite can visit the sales centre and tour the suites in the 117-unit by appointment by calling (780) 850-1100.

Prices range from $305,000 for one-bedroom to $850,000 for the penthouse.Formoreinformation,visitqcondos.com. n

Housing Market Outlook released re-cently. That means a decrease of four per cent from 12,837 in 2012. Next year is expected to have moderate growth as well, as total starts are projected to reach 11,800 units, the report says.

“The reduction over the next two years can be attributed to a slower pace of job growth, moderating net migration, and heightened supply levels, particularly in the multi-family market,” says Louie of the numbers.

CITY OF EDMONTON MAP

INNER CITY

CONDO PROPERTIES1. Aurora2. serenity3. Axio Parkland4. Mosaic Meadows Parkland5. Windermere Village6. Macewan Gardens7. sandstone at Walkers Lake station8. Aspen Meadows9. Meridian Plaza10. The Corners11. Griesbach Wood II12. Griesbach Wood III13. Carlton Villas on the Lake14. Trails of Millcreek15. The University Brownstones16. Century Park17. Hollick Kenyon Pointe18. Evergreen Community19. Maple/Oak Ridge Community20. The Esates of Upper Windermere21. The Ion22. Grand scala23. Heritage Landing24. 12th street station25. Mosaic Town square26. Mosaic summerside27. Axio in Parkland28. stone Pointe29. Aspen Meadows30. Walker Lake Landing31. Rutherford Landing 32. Fox One33. Fuzion

NEW HOME LISTINGS1. Walker Lake Estates2. Lewis Estates3. secord4. Parkland5 The Hamptons6 Copperwood7 south Hamptons8. The Properties of Donsdale9. Cameron Heights10. Terwillegar Towne11. south Terwillegar12. Palisades13. Upper Windermere14. Windermere Ridge15. Ambleside in Windermere16 Rutherford17. Callaghan18. Walker Lakes station19. Lake summerside20. Ellerslie Heights21. Tamarack22. Griesbach23. Fields of summerside24. Allard in Heritage Valley25. Tuscany Hills26. McConachie Landing27. McConachie28. Laurel29. Ravines of Richford30. Trumpeter at Big Lake31. Axio summerside32. Touchmark33. Hawks Ridge at Big Lake34. Woodhaven – Edgemont

LEGEND

29

shopping Centre

Points ofInterest

Hospitals Colleges/Universities


ADVERTISERS INDEX

Brookfield Homes Page 31 Mosaic Townhomes www.buildwithbrookfield.com

Carlisle Group Page 10 Elements II www.elementscondos.ca

Hopewell Page 7 Secord www.liveinsecord.com

Lincolnberg Master Builder Page 2-3 www.lincolnberg.com

Sabal Page 24 www.sabalhomes.com

Symphony Pages 8-9, 20 www.symphonyliving.ca

Walton Development Page 17 Hawks Ridge www.hawksridge.ca

Walton Development Page 32 McConachie www.mcconachie.ca

Walton Development Page 22 Woodhaven www.woodhavenedgemont.com


EDMONTON AND AREA MAP

CONDOS1. Lakeview Estates2. sierras of Inglewood3. Grande- Mission Hill4. Tenor

NEW HOMES1. Northern Lights Estates2. Erin Ridge3. North Ridge4. Tuscany Hills5. The Crossing at River’s Edge6. The Manors of Oakmont7. Regency Heights Estates8. Kingswood9. Greystone Manor10. Pinnacle Ridge Estates11. Riverstone Pointe12. The Banks of sturgeon Valley

CONDOS1. Laredo On The Park2. station 333. stony Village4. Graywood Terrace5. Cedar Brae6. Urbia Place

NEW HOMES1. stony Village2. Brookview3. Graybriar4. The Fairways5. Willow Park6. Lake Westerra7. stellar Homes

CONDOS1. Parkland Village2. Fairway Eight3. Harvest Ridge4. Nova Ridge Villas5. spruce Ridge Manor6. The Pointe7. Kingstreet on Park

NEW HOMES1. Jesperdale2. stoneshire3. Harvest Ridge4. Deer Park Estates5. Hilldowns6. spruce Village7. spruce Ridge8. Hawthorne at Heatherglen9. springate at spruce Ridge10. Legacy Park11. Lakewood


NEW HOMES1. Deer Valley2. West Haven3. Bridgeport4. Aspen Creek5. suntree6. Windrose7. southfork8. Tribute9. Meadowiew Park

CONDOS1. Brooklands at Bridgeport2. Ravine Villas3. Urbia Manor4. Urbia Green5. The springs at Bridgeport

CONDOS1. Village Champlain2. Maple Brooks Villas3. La Rose

NEW HOMES1. Village Champlain2. La Rose3. Grandin Park Close4. Notre Dame Estates5. The Lakes

CONDOS1. Riverview Estates2. Fort Gardens3. Walnut Grove

NEW HOMES1. Valley Pointe Estates2. Forest Ridge in West Park3. Westwood Trails4. West Woodlands5. southfort6. southpointe7. sienna

CONDOS1. Pallisades on the Ravine2. strathcona Village3. Crystal Estates4. Axxess5. summerwood Greens6. Maple Ridge & Oak Ridge

NEW HOMES1. strathcona Village2. Aspen Trail3. summerwood4. Lakeland Ridge5. Clarkdale Park6. Foxboro7. Willow Ridge/The Ridge8. sherwood Hill Estates9. Balmoral Heights10. Fountain Creek Estates11. sherwood Golf & Country

Club Estates

CONDOS1. Coventry Homes2. The Village at Beaumont3. Beausjour4. Montrose View5. Giselle Valley Manor

NEW HOMES1. Coloniale Estates2. Montalet3. Citadel Ridge4. Eaglemont Heights5. Montrose Estates6. Westbrook7. Four seasons Estates8. Goudreau Terrace9. Triomphe Estates10. Beaumont Lakes11. Place Chaleureuse12. Beau Val


If you read last month’s column, then you’re familiar with ‘the librarian’ — the octogenarian who treated the condominium library as if it were her own personal book collection. Picture the librarian ghost who turns into the scary monster near the

beginning of the classic movie Ghostbusters and you’re getting close. Cruella Deville, only meaner.

Anyway, like I was saying, my in-laws lived in an age 45+ condo just a couple of miles from us and we used to visit them all the time. I would borrow books from the library (which I also donated books to, by the way), and on one such occasion had the misfortune to experience a retired librarian’s wrath first hand. I think if she’d had a ruler she would have hit me with it.

Unfortunately, that was not my only brush with literary exclusion. Just last year I was denied entry to Oprah’s Book Club for actually liking the Captain Underpants series.

Anyway, back to the library, this time with kids in tow. Or, more accurately, dad in tow. The kids and I raced up the stairs, them giggling, me panting, to the library.

“Shush!”I heard it before I saw it. “Oh no,” I thought, “not the librarian.”

tales from the condo Zone

50 shades of condominium

It was as if she had been waiting for me. As if she’d made it her own personal mission to guard the condo’s book supply. Probably driving a patrol from building to building, library to library. Maybe watching out her condo with binoculars.

My first thought was for the safety of the kids. “Dad,” said my son, still young and totally oblivious to the dan-

gers that lurked in condo libraries, “she ‘shushed’ us”.“It’s okay,” I said. “don’t make eye contact. Just hand me your

books and slowly back away. Slowly. And I’ll just put these books back. That’s right, just putting the books back and saying good-bye to the nice lady. Now backing away, slowly, backing away. OK, now RUN!”

The kids took off but as I tried to leave the cane again blocked my way and I had to quickly side-step her moving wheelchair. As I did, she passed me a book, her fingers lightly, yet unmistakably purposefully, brushing the back of my hand as she did so.

Hmm. I thought to myself, that’s the first time she’s ever been nice to me. And she smelled … good. Then I looked at the book and a cold shiver went down my spine.

It was Fifty Shades of Grey. n

Illustration byLama Azhari

FEATURE

By Jim Zang


Edmonton Home & Condo Living August 2013

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Transcript of Edmonton Home & Condo Living August 2013