Suburbs Satellites - Calgary Herald Satellites CALGARY & NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES • JUNE 2012 New...

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 1

& Suburbs SatellitesCALGARY & NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES • JUNE 2012

New Community issueGo inside today’s fastest-growing neighbourhoodsGo inside today’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods

New Community issue

PLUSSpotlight

on Calgary’s suburbs

Okotoks’ new subdivisions are heating up with buyer activity

Getting warm

New look for Airdrie’s hot real estate market

SOLD!

2 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS

Do you own your own home?Why not?FINAL PHASE NOW SELLING

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AIRDRIECOCHRANE

CARSTAIRS

DIDSBURY

2

2

1

1

1A

22X 22

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HIGH RIVER

OKOTOKS

560

7

LANGDON

BLACKDIAMOND

2A

582

NANTON

CHESTERMERESTRATHMORE

CLARESHOLM

STAVELY

CAYLEYLONGVIEW

in this issue

23 Chestermere Lakeside bedroom community is playing to its strengths.

20 Airdrie New areas put city in the spotlight.

14 Calgary Fresh-faced communities offer buyers with fresh alternatives.

12 High River Future plans expected to put town on the map for homebuyers.

18 Strathmore New developments pace another round of growth.

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES APRIL 2012 1

& Suburbs SatellitesCALGARY & NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES • JUNE 2012

New Community issueGo inside today’s fastest-growing neighbourhoodsGo inside today’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods

New Community issue

PLUSDetails on Calgary’s suburbs

Okotoks’ new subdivisions are heating up with buyer activity

Getting warm

New look for Airdrie’s hot real estate market

SOLD!

SUBURBS + SATELLITESA special publication of the Calgary Herald

Special Projects Manager:Barb Livingstone, [email protected]

Project Co-ordinator:Jamie Zachary, [email protected]

Contributors: Wil Andruschak, Alex Frazer-Harrison, Shawn Hoult,

Annalise Klingbiel, Jessica Patterson, Carl Patzel, Joel Schlesinger,

Paula Trotter and Gerald Vander Pyl

Cover photo: Courtesy Lakes of Muirfield

24 Cochrane Show homes provide inside look into real estate scene.

Quality 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.

Other standard features include high-efficiency 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 small-town 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 multi-family 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.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Wildwood Village in Strathmore offers perfect combination

7 Okotoks Something old, something new for ‘small town’ in Alberta’s foothills.

13 Nanton & Claresholm Southern Alberta towns think outside of the box.


>> Bob Bourassa, a former bus driver, at his home in Windsong, a community on Airdrie’s southwest side. Carl Patzel photo.

>> Coopers Crossing, Westmark Holdings

>> Mahogany, Hopewell Residential Communities

>> The Summit of Cranston Ridge, Baywest Homes

>> Mahogany, West 85th Developments


the great migrationOnce sleepy towns, suburbs wake up to new reality of Calgary and area’s real estate market

By JoeL SchLeSinger

Retired 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 four-way stop signs.”

The city of 43,000 isn’t alone in its dra-matic metamorphosis. Most of Calgary’s suburban and satellite communities have experienced enormous growth and develop-ment 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

economic development, but another factor has been the migration of people working in Calgary who have sought a less hectic life-style — and, of course, lower cost housing.

In that regard, too, these communities have changed. Denizens of these communi-ties have more choice than ever — from high-end mansions and urban chic condo-miniums to affordable family homes, town-houses and apartments.

David Kalinchuk, economic develop-ment 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 experi-enced a shift in the real estate market over the last few years from acreages and estate homes to communities complete with con-dos, 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-min-ute 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 over-whelming.

“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 sur-rounding 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 ser-viced. That’s to accommodate 19 per cent population growth to more than 1.3 mil-lion.

“Traditionally, the majority of Calgary’s population growth has been in new subur-ban 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 appli-ances,” he says. “It’s really nice.”

But the best part is convenience. In fact, he says it was surprising how accommodat-ing 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.”

>> Lakes of Muirfield, Lyalta

>> Coopers Crossing, Westmark Holdings

>> Mahogany, Hopewell Residential Communities

>> The Summit of Cranston Ridge, Baywest Homes

>> Mahogany, West 85th Developments


■ AIRDRIEBayside Estates - ● ●; Breeze at Airdrie – ●; The Canals North – ● ●; Cooper’s Crossing – ● ● ●; King’s Heights – ● ●; Ravenswood - ● ●; Sagewood – ● ●; Thorburn Meadows – ● ●; Prairie Springs – ●; Morningside – ● ●; Reunion – ● ●; Windsong - ● ●.

■ BLACK DIAMONDWillow Ridge Estates – ● ● ●.

■ CARSTAIRSCarriage Lane – ● ●; Stonebridge Glen – ● ● ●; West Highland of Carstairs – ● ● ●.

■ CHESTERMERE LAKERainbow Falls – ● ● ●; Waterfront Estates – ●; Westmere – ● ● ●.

■ COCHRANEFireside – ● ●; Monterra on Cochrane Lakes – ●; Sunset Ridge – ● ●; West Pointe Estates – ● ●; Lofts on the Bow – ● ●; Jumping Pound Ridge – ● ●; Heritage Hills – ● ●; Riversong - ● ● ●.

■ DIDSBURYDeer Coulee Ranch – ● ●; Valarosa Crossing – ● ●.

■ HIGH RIVERHighwood Village – ●; Vista Mirage – ●; Montrose – ● ●; Hampton Hills – ● ●.

■ LANGDONBoulder Creek Estates – ● ●.Hanson Park – ● ●.

■ LYALTAThe Lakes of Muirfield – ● ●.

■ OKOTOKSCimarron – ● ● ●; Crystal Ridge – ● ●; Drake Landing - ●●; Okotoks Air Ranch – ●; Prominence Westridge – ● ● ●; Rancher’s Rise - ●; Sheep River Heights - ●; Willowside Equestrian Estates ●; The Hill in Westridge - ● ●; Westmount - ● ●.

■ PRIDDISHawk’s Landing – ●.

■ TURNER VALLEYSeclusion Valley Estates – ●; Everwood Estates – ●.

■ SPRINGBANKGrand View Park – ●; Morgans Rise – ●.

■ SundreNorth Sundre – ● ●.


By geraLd Vander PyL

When it comes to new communi-ties, Okotoks has been growing both in population and popular-

ity 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 rede-velopment 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 pre-serve Okotoks’ small-town feel.

// Continued on 8

New neighbourhoods are putting Okotoks on the map for homeowners thinking outside of the box

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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 communi-ties in Alberta, with an average age of 32, says Olson. About 25 per cent of the popu-lation is under the age of 25.

With so much new residential develop-ment, 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 neigh-bourhood 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.”

While 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

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 403-264-3232 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.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Picture-perfect view for homeowners in Okotoks community

>> 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 neighbour-hood. There are already three schools com-pleted or under construction in the area, along with a central park.

// Continued on 10


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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 neigh-bourhood 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 environmen-tal stewardship. Green builders and sustain-able 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 presti-gious neighbourhood of estate homes, Sheep

River Heights offers kilometres of pathway and green spaces along the river.

Willowside Equestrian Estates is a town-meets-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 old-world home designs add to the neighbour-hood’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.

With so much residential development, the town is reviewing its existing plans to handle growth

>> Shane Olson, economic development team leader with the Town of Okotoks. Wil Andruschak photo


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By aLeX FraZer-harriSon

Location 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 self-confidence, 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

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.

Back to schoolLocal educational institutions add to town’s allure

OKOTOKS

>> Edison School teacher Tracy Gilluley with students Alister Salmon and Kessler Bishop. Wil Andruschak photo


By JeSSica PaTTerSon

The 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

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 co- ordinator 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 single-family 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.

High River planning for the future with recent annex and new communities

High tide for town

HIGH RIVER

>> High River Mayor Emile Blokland in Montrose. Wil Andruschak photo

>> Montrose. Wil Andruschak photo

>> Montrose. Calgary Herald

>> Highwood Village. Calgary Herald

>> Hampton Hills. Calgary Herald


By annaLiSe KLingBeiL

Straddling Highway 2 between Calgary and Lethbridge, the southern Alberta towns of Nanton and Claresholm con-

tinue development on new subdivisions that both municipalities feel appeals to homebuy-ers’ 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-foot-by-130-foot range. The community also has a smaller amount of duplexes and condo-miniums.

“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 know-ing your neighbours. It’s a very caring com-munity,” 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-

galow villas, senior residences and assisted-living 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 adja-cent 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 com-munity in the town’s northwest corner. The development is expected to house upward of 700 homes. Developers have been adding ser-vices to the area over the last year. Sales are expected within the next year or two.

A separate 80-unit townhome and condo-minium subdivision is also in the works.

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.”

NANTON & AREA

Away from the action, residential developments spark new interest in Nanton and Claresholm

Town & country

& Suburbs SatellitesA Herald magazine looking at Calgary’s bedroom communities

Calgary’s new communities and nearby towns are now a lot closer than you think.

Suburbs & Satellites magazine is now available online at www.calgaryherald.com/subs

Read more stories from Okotoks, Airdrie, Cochrane, High River, Chestermere, Strathmore, Langdon, Longview, Canmore and more.

Now available online at www.calgaryherald.com/subs

Visit the town of Nanton and enjoy the warm embracefrom a community that still values small town living.Great activities and events will keep the entire familybusy year round. Nanton welcomes you to come forthe day and stay!

DiscoverNanton

A Great Place to LiveLot 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

45 minutes South of Calgary on Highway #2

www.nanton.ca

Photos by Russ Sedin

We like to think that people are coming here because they believe in the small-town lifestyle


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.

buying in the burbs

By geraLd Vander PyL

PhoToS: FROM TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: TIMBERLINE ESTATES, AUBURN BAY, MAHOGANY, COPPERFIELD, AUBURN BAY, SKYVIEW RANCH, SILVERADO


When Barry Welch and Nicole Levesque-Welch 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 communi-ties, 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 home-

buyers 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 devel-opers 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 reflec-tion of what we’ve tried to do to differentiate the com-munity,” 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 peo-ple 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 pro-vides grand mountain views from many areas of the com-munity.

A naturalized pond is surrounded by a mix of single- family homes, duplexes and future multi-family develop-ment.

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 real-estate 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 dis-tinctive 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 apartment-style 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 adja-cent 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 com-munities, 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 clear-water 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 condomini-ums, townhomes, laned homes and front-garage homes.

buying in the burbs

>> Nicole Levesque-Welch and Barry Welch. Carl Patzel photo.

CALGARY


By annaLiSe KLingBeiL

David Kalinchuk likes to compare Rocky View County — the horse-shoe-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 eco-nomic 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 devel-opments, 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 com-munity located on the western edge of

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 con-struction, with nearly 50 of the 58 homes built and occupied.

“Architecturally, it has the most stringent controls in Alberta, which gives it a fabu-lous 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 moun-tains 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 mix-ture of farms, ranches, acreages and planned subdivisions.

Willow Creek, for example, is a master-planned community that’s already 35 per cent sold out. It’s home to more than 12 hectares of parklands, creeks, ponds, path-ways and 52 0.8-hectare lots.

Watermark is another distinctive com-munity in Bearspaw currently being devel-oped. 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.

ROCKY VIEW

Rocky View’s communities offer smorgasbord of options for homebuyers

Full plate for county

>> Morgans Rise in Springbank is in its final stages of development, with nearly 50 of the 58 homes built or occupied. Calgary Herald photo


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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 zero-lot-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

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

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, in-cluding directions and show home hours, visit www.lifeontheridge.ca.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Northwest Calgary home ownership within reach in EvansRidge


By PaULa TroTTer

The 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 administra-tive officer who has watched Strathmore’s population triple to approximately 12,500 over the past 20 years.

In fact, a number of new communi-ties 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 vari-ety of shopping.”

The new communities join a number that are currently under development,

Wildflower Ranch is a 110-hectare com-munity 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 town-homes being built.

The remaining three-bedroom, 1,125-square-foot townhomes start at $194,900. Three-bedroom, 1,425 square-feet townhomes with two-car garages start at $239,900.

Located west of Strathmore, the golf-course 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.

New developments expected to set the pace for another round of growth

Born to boom>> 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

STRATHMORE

The 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

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.

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AIRDRIE

City’s housing optionsresonate with buyers who want it allBy aLeX FraZer-harriSon

When 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 custom-built 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

>> Lisa and Chris Hinksman with daughters Emily and Georgia in Cooper’s Crossing. Adrian Shellard photo (left)Top. Hillcrest. 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 oversee-ing King’s Heights on Airdrie’s southeast side.

“Airdrie is going for the really family com-munity 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 neigh-bourhoods 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 fea-

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 man-ager with Westmark Holdings Ltd., devel-oper 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 ameni-ties 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 res-taurants — but if you want the big stuff, it’s here as well.

“It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan place. Airdrie is worth a second look.”

>> King’s Heights. Calgary Herald photo


Chic, sleek lines, open-concept, avant-garde design and cosmopolitan living: The Edge by

Streetside Development offers cutting-edge 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 one- and 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

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.

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By JeSSica PaTTerSon

Estate homes, townhomes, laned homes, condos — quite sim-ply 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 develop-ments planned or already underway.

First established in 1997, the com-munity 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 commu-nity,” 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 fea-tures, 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 240-unit development by Slokker Canada West that offers a mix of two- and three-bedroom townhomes.

Chestermere is set to change fur-ther 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 choic-es 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.

CHESTERMERE

Lakeside bedroom community is using idyllic setting to attract new homebuyers

Silent treatment

>> 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

It has been a really successful community. We’ve seen a ton of growth


By aLeX FraZer-harriSon

Buying 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 life-style 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 con-dominium 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 natu-ral 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

retired people as well — we find people are building quite large houses out there.”

When completed, Heritage Hills is expect-ed to house to up to 1,500 residents,

A key draw to Cochrane’s new communi-ties 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 life-style 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

Communities are putting their best foot forward this summer with a parade of show homes

Show & tell

>> 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

COCHRANE

get to know each other better in this small-town environment then they do in Calgary.”

Cornerstone is constructing a new 2,437- square-foot three-bedroom show home in Jumping Pound which is set to open this summer.

“What drew us to Cochrane is the prox-imity to the city and the mountains,” says Cornerstone area manager Heidi Camacho, herself a Cochrane resident.

“Cochrane, to me, is the only town sur-rounding 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 fabu-lous – 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.”

>> Lofts on the Bow>> Lofts on the Bow>> Sunset Ridge>> Sunset Ridge


INTERIOR LOT HOMES starting in the low $400,000’s • RIDGE LOT HOMES from the low $500,000’s

Jumping Pound Ridge is proud to unveil a full newshow-home parade with stunning masterpieces fromGallery Homes and Cornerstone Homes joiningour beautiful Westview showhome. Incredible 52-foot wide ridge lots remain, overlooking the sereneToki nature reserve. And, with various offers up to$35,000 in savings on these ridge homes, you canmake the move to a beautiful estate now!Come visit us at Jumping Pound Ridge!

Jumping PoundRidge is proud to offer incredible savings onRidge Lots

Jumping 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 south-

west 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 Corner-stone Homes, Gallery Homes and West-View Builders.

Prices start around $500,000. Homebuy-ers who act this summer can save up to $40,000 on premium ridge lot offerings.

For more information, including direc-tions, visit www.jumpingpoundridge.com.

Or visit the community’s show home parade, featuring designs from Corner-stone Homes and WestView Builders, with a new home from Gallery Homes set to open later this month.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Upscale Cochrane community offers a taste of ‘unspoiled’ living


For 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 two- storey 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 small-town 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

Shane Homes offers last chance to buy in Drake Landing

Mattamy’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

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, two-car 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 403-519-4083. For a look at the home styles and floor plans available, visit www.mattamyhomes.com.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Picture yourself relaxing by the shores of Chestermere Lake


SINGLE FAMILY HOMES WITH A DOUBLE ATTACHED GARAGE

shanehomes.com*Price includes house, lot and GST. Subject to change without notice.

Showhome Location: 148 Drake Landing Loop, Okotoks

Showhome Hours: Mon - Thurs: 2 to 8 pm | Sat, Sun & Hol: 12 to 5 pm

Call Candice at: 403-536-2308

Okotoks

Milligan Drive

Drake Landing Loop

Shane HomesShowhome

32StreetE.

Deerfoot Ext.

2A

2

How to get there: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

LastChance!

Starting fromthe

Now Selling Final Phase!Limited Lots Remaining!

$376s

Crafted with premium specifications:

granite countertops

energy efficient specifications

Community Highlights:

mountain views

walking distance to schools and amenities

homesites backing onto parks and pathways

large greenspace cul-du-sac walk out lots available6 appliances

luxury ensuites

includes house, lot and GST.


Sales Centre Hours: Monday to Thursday 1pm-8pm; Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-6pmAll illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

Discover The Pleasures Of Chestermere In Mattamy’s Lakepointe.

Live By The Shores Of Chestermere Lake

mattamyhomesalberta.com

400 West Park Drive, Chestermere, Alberta

Trans-Canada or 16th Ave.

17th Ave.

ChestermereLake

Par

adis

eR

oad

10 mins.To Calgary

SalesCentre

West ParkDrive

Airport

Widelot™ Townhomes from $254,990Semi Detached Homes from $339,990

Series I Double Car Garage Homes from $389,990Series II Double Car Garage Homes from $449,990

These prices include the lot, the home and GST. There are no condo fees on any Mattamy home.

Lakepointe Offers The JoyOf Lakeside Living.

Lakepointe

Lakepointe is a special, master-planned neighbourhood where amaximum number of homes offer views of Chestermere Lake.

It is a place of walking paths that connect your familyto downtown Chestermere, a place with pleasing

natural features and greenspace.

You’ll find a wide variety of home styles so there is a home forevery modern family need. There are WideLot™ Townhomes,

Double Car Garage Semis and Detached Homes in twodistinctive Series, all with Double Car Garages.

Come and discover the tranquility of life by the lake.Come and discover Mattamy’s Lakepointe in Chestermere.

WideLot™ Townhome, The Ashby,Elev. ‘A’, 1,156 Sq.Ft., $254,990

Elev. ‘A’

Series II Double Car Garage Home, The Nottingham,Elev. ‘A’, 1,126 Sq.Ft., $241,990

Suburbs Satellites - Calgary Herald Satellites CALGARY & NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES • JUNE 2012 New...

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Transcript of Suburbs Satellites - Calgary Herald Satellites CALGARY & NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES • JUNE 2012 New...