As a global energy superpower, the City of is expected to double its population to over three million people by 2050, with this extraordinary growth being largely driven by the fact that Calgary is the epicentre of ’s vast strength in the hydrocarbon sector.

While global markets remain shaky due to crushing sovereign debt, Canada is widely considered an investment safe haven – in large part thanks to ’s energy industry fueling the country’s continued economic growth.

It is often said that people from Calgary work hard and play hard; and when it’s time to play, many head right for , Alberta’s only provincial mountain park and its very own Crown jewel.

Officially designated in 1976 by former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed, this 4,200 square-kilometre, world-class forestry reserve begins its vast sprawl at Bragg Creek, only half-an-hour west of Calgary, and extends directly into the world-renowned The Bragg Creek Opportunity , Canada’s first national park. Kananaskis Country was intentionally created to provide Albertans with a place to recharge their batteries, and as Calgary begins to reach its full potential, the appeal of this one-of-a-kind, natural recreation Mecca will increase exponentially.

, When I met Peter Lougheed last summer, he told me that he and Calling Artists his team always envisioned a second Kananaskis Village. Bragg Creek’s strategic proximity to both Calgary and Kananaskis Country certainly makes it ideally positioned to fulfill that and pioneering vision. Investors Bragg Creek is the closest gateway to Kananaskis Country for the vast majority of Calgary residents, and by keeping commercial development outside of Kananaskis Country, the picturesque is also the most ecologically sound ‘second village’ option.

Entrepreneurs Bragg Creek provides Calgary residents with three major access routes to Kananaskis: a 30-minute drive from the south end of A combination of beauty, location and Calgary via Highway 22X; a 30-minute ride from the city’s west timing make Bragg Creek an outstanding end via Highway 8; and a 35-minute drive from the city’s north end investment right now via Highway 1. ______Article by Dwayne Zaba The combination of Bragg Creek’s direct adjacency to Kananaskis Photography by Dr. Robert Berdan Country and the triple access it affords to Calgary makes it the natural staging area for Calgary residents wishing to enjoy Kananaskis Country.

24 25 The Bragg Creek Opportunity

To: Lake Louise To: Calgary Airport and The combination of beauty, location and timing make and Banff Calgary North Bragg Creek an outstanding investment right now: 1

MOUNTAINS Beauty – Located in the Rocky Mountain front ranges and set in one of the most stunning forests in the world, with the sparkling, crystal-clear 8 running directly through Bragg Creek. To: Calgary West

Location – Only 20 minutes west of Calgary, Canada’s economic growth epicentre; a 50-minute drive to the N Calgary International Airport; and directly adjacent to Kananaskis Country. 22 W E

Timing – Calgary is embarking on an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity, and Bragg To: West Bragg Creek S Creek has just commenced work on a major communal Provincial Park 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 water and sewage infrastructure investment to enable and K-Country Kilometres larger-scale commercial development. Bragg Creek Provincial Park To: Calgary South Surrounded by a growing number of affluent people Elbow River and routinely attracting big-spending visitors from 22X around the world, Bragg Creek offers an unrivaled 66 To: Elbow Falls and K-Country staging area for countless outdoor adventures such as hiking, cycling, skiing, canoeing, kayaking, horse- Distance/Travel Times from Bragg Creek riding and more, making it destined to become a Key Destination kms mins true, world-class resort town. 1 Calgary North 38 25

RIVER 2 Calgary West 32 20 Moreover, the proximity of a growing number of high- 3 Calgary South 30 19 income earners with avid interest in the arts provides 4 Calgary Airport 65 50 A 5-Star Retreat offering Bragg Creek with extraordinary potential to develop 5 Elbow Falls 22 15 Accommodation, incl. gourmet 6 Banff 115 1.25hrs into a world-class centre for performing arts, drawing breakfast and Function Facilities: 7 Lake Louise 173 1.75hrs art-lovers and culture connoisseurs from Calgary’s • Wedding Ceremonies Destination times and distances are approximate west end and far beyond. • Sponsored Functions*: - Presentations - Concerts Bragg Creek is quite literally a diamond in the rough, ______- Art Exhibits offering entrepreneurs a unique once-in-a-lifetime • Corporate Events* opportunity to play a direct role in the responsible • Movie/Fashion industry events • Group Photo Sessions* development of Canada’s most desirable, newly- Bragg Creek Inquiries Rocky View Inquiries *Extra charges apply. Minimum of one night stay required. emerging model of a resort town for the 21st Century. Ask about our elegantly presented Gift Certificates

104 White Avenue, Please call us if you would like to discuss Bragg BANDE D PEAK Bragg Creek, AB, T0L 0K0 Creek’s potential: We will be glad to help you realize Communications (403) 835-6032 an outstanding return on your investment. Dwayne Zaba Dave Kalinchuck www.riversidechateau.com FORREST ______Publisher, Bragg-About the Creek Economic Development Manager (403) 949 3400 (403) 230 1401 Watch a video tour of Bragg Creek: [email protected] [email protected] www.braggcreek.net/video16 26 27