New Community Issue Go Inside Today’S Fastest-Growing Neighbourhoods Getting Warm Okotoks’ New Subdivisions Are Heating up with Buyer Activity

Home , Calgary Herald, Calgary Queens Park, Chestermere, Golf course community, Nolan Hill, North Calgary

Suburbs Satellites CALGARY & NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES& • JUNE 2012

New Community issue Go inside today’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods Getting warm Okotoks’ new subdivisions are heating up with buyer activity

PLUS Spotlight SOLD! on Calgary’s New look for Airdrie’s suburbs hot real estate market

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 1 Do you own your own home? Why not? FINAL PHASE NOW SELLING NEW SHOWHOME OPEN NOW

Brand new fabulous 3 bedroom townhomes Live, being built now Laugh, Townhomes available for late summer & fall possessions featuring open plans, 9 foot ceilings Love in with 3 bedrooms + master ensuite Get out of the rental market today! Your home-buying dollar gets you so much more at Wildwood Village – in the heart of Strathmore. Brought to you by Call Stan Johnson now 424 Ranch Ridge Meadow, 403.560.9364 Strathmore www.PartnersHomes.ca 2 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS in this issue Suburbs 2A 20 Airdrie New areas Satellites DIDSBURY CALGARY & NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES& • JUNE 2012 582 put city in the CARSTAIRS spotlight. New Community issue Go inside today’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods Getting warm Okotoks’ new subdivisions are heating up with buyer activity

PLUS 2 Details on SOLD! Calgary’s New look for Airdrie’s suburbs 24 Cochrane 23 Chestermere hot real estate market Lakeside bedroom community WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES APRIL 2012 1 Show homes provide inside AIRDRIE is playing to its strengths. look into real estate scene. COCHRANE SUBURBS + SATELLITES A special publication 1 1A CHESTERMERE STRATHMORE of the Calgary Herald 1 14 Calgary 560 18 Strathmore Special Projects Manager: Fresh-faced communities offer 22 LANGDON 22X New developments pace Barb Livingstone, 403-235-7339 buyers with fresh alternatives. 22 another round of growth. [email protected] Project Co-ordinator: 7 OKOTOKS BLACK 2 Jamie Zachary, 403-235-7552 12 High River DIAMOND [email protected] Future plans expected to put town HIGH RIVER Contributors: Wil Andruschak, on the map for homebuyers. LONGVIEW CAYLEY Alex Frazer-Harrison, Shawn Hoult, NANTON Annalise Klingbiel, Jessica Patterson, Carl Patzel, Joel Schlesinger, 7 Okotoks STAVELY Paula Trotter and Gerald Vander Pyl 13 Nanton & Claresholm Something old, something new for Southern Alberta towns CLARESHOLM ‘small town’ in Alberta’s foothills. think outside of the box. Cover photo: Courtesy Lakes of Muirfield ADVERTISING FEATURE Wildwood Village in Strathmore offers perfect combination uality and value come together at Strathmore is coming into its own Wildwood Village in Strathmore as a viable alternative for those who Qwith a blend of well-appointed want big-city amenities in a small- homes, fantastic pricing and a quiet and town atmosphere. It is also close convenient location. enough to Calgary for commuters — a This popular townhome development 30-minute drive to the city limits via the by Partners Development Group is TransCanada Highway. located on Strathmore’s east side, Since 1998, Partners Development minutes from shopping, dining, parks Group has built more than 800 multi- and schools, and surrounded on all sides family units in the Calgary area, by the wide-open beauty of the Alberta including Arrive at SkyView Ranch prairies. in Calgary, Arbours of Langdon in With the final phase now available and Langdon, Tara Springs in Calgary, Silver selling fast, this is your last opportunity to Creek Lodge in Canmore and both take advantage of incredible price points Dakota Sky Ranch and Spring Meadows on a mix of two- and three-bedroom in Okotoks. townhomes, with select units including To see what Wildwood Village has front-attached two-car garages. to offer first-hand, visit the new Three-bedroom, 1,125-square-foot show home located in Strathmore at townhomes start at $194,900. Larger 424 Ranch Ridge Mdws. 1,425-square-foot units with two-car Other standard features include high- selections. Furthermore, each home To get there, head east from Calgary garages, three bedrooms, two-and-a-half efficiency furnaces, rounded corners, includes a large unfinished basement, on the TransCanada Highway, turn left bathrooms and built-in entertainment/ nine-foot-high ceilings and large kitchens allowing for future growth. on Lakeside Boulevard, then right on fireplace wall unit start at $239,900. featuring an island. Garage models also Wildwood Village surrounds a large Archie Klaiber Trail (formerly East Ridge Whichever home you choose, it is easy feature a pantry. park, is just one block from an elementary Road) and watch for the signs. to see its value, with tens of thousands Homebuyers are also able to customize school and is close to many amenities For more information visit www. of dollars in savings versus a comparable their home with a trip to the design including shops and restaurants. PartnersHomes.ca, or call Stan Johnson home within the Calgary city limits. centre for cabinet, flooring and colour With 100 years now under its belt, at 403-560-9364.

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 3 >> Coopers Crossing, Westmark Holdings

>> Mahogany, Hopewell Residential Communities

>> Mahogany, West 85th Developments

>> The Summit of Cranston Ridge, Baywest Homes

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

4 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS >> Lakes of Muirfield, Lyalta >> Coopers Crossing, Westmark Holdings the great migration Once sleepy towns, suburbs wake up to new reality of Calgary and area’s real estate market

By Joel Schlesinger economic development, but another factor Airdrie, Okotoks, High River, Chestermere, together to ensure everyone is making the has been the migration of people working Cochrane and Strathmore, to name a few — most of the available land, says Decker etired City of Calgary employee in Calgary who have sought a less hectic life- have grown at a much more rapid pace. Yet Shields, a senior planning analyst with the Bob Bourassa recently gave up his style — and, of course, lower cost housing. they’re able to handle the growth because City of Calgary. Rfive-bedroom estate home in Airdrie In that regard, too, these communities they’re designed for more densely populated “The city always needs a 30-year supply for a 1,200-square-foot townhome across have changed. Denizens of these communi- development, notes Kalinchuk. of land for development, so we have to be the city — and he couldn’t be happier. ties have more choice than ever — from For Bourassa, Airdrie has been the ideal innovative in how we develop and work “I love it,” says the 62-year-old former high-end mansions and urban chic condo- community to live in while working in together so everyone is on the same page,” >> Mahogany, Hopewell Residential Communities bus driver. “It’s everything I wanted.” miniums to affordable family homes, town- Calgary. he says. At 1,200 square feet, the two-bedroom, houses and apartments. “It’s a nice, easy pace, and it’s a 15-min- Over the next 15 years, Calgary needs two-and-a-half bath townhome built by David Kalinchuk, economic develop- ute drive from downtown Calgary.” 58 square kilometres of new suburban Mattamy Homes in the development ment manager with Rocky View County And most importantly, it’s affordable. areas that are planned, subdivided and ser- of Windsong is a big downsize from — which encompasses the unincorporated “The base price for (my) townhome was viced. That’s to accommodate 19 per cent Bourassa’s former five-bedroom home in communities to the north, east and west $199,900. With the upgrades, it came to population growth to more than 1.3 mil- Edgewater Estates. of Calgary, including Bearspaw and just over $234,000,” says Bourassa. lion. But with the nest empty, the sleek and Springbank — says the region has become “It’s an awesome price because I saw a “Traditionally, the majority of Calgary’s modern townhomes of Windsong were the increasingly “rurban” — taking the best of program on HGTV featuring my identical population growth has been in new subur- perfect fit. rural and urban lifestyles and mixing them unit only in Toronto for $330,000.” ban communities that tend to be away from Bourassa has lived in Airdrie for 20 years, together. Mattamy Homes sales and marketing the city’s centre,” says Shields. so he’s seen it transform from a bedroom Rocky View, in particular, has experi- director Norah Latter says the homebuilder Certainly, Bourassa feels he made the community into a vibrant, urban centre. enced a shift in the real estate market over knows its offerings are resonating with right choice. His new residence fits him like “There wasn’t a single traffic light in the last few years from acreages and estate people. Since it opened its sales office in a pair of comfy shoes. It features a garage, Airdrie when I moved out here except for homes to communities complete with con- Airdrie in 2009, response has been over- storage and laundry room on the ground >> Mahogany, West 85th Developments off the highway,” he says. “It was all four- dos, townhomes, grocery stores, schools and whelming. floor, a great room, kitchen and dining way stop signs.” parks. “It was a low point in the real estate room on the main, and two bedrooms and The city of 43,000 isn’t alone in its dra- “These are communities with 1,500 to market but we got a fantastic welcome to two full baths on the top floor. >> The Summit of Cranston Ridge, Baywest Homes matic metamorphosis. Most of Calgary’s 2,000 homes,” he says. the city of Airdrie, selling more than 750 “In the great room, there’s a breakfast bar suburban and satellite communities have Unlike towns and cities around Calgary, homes since.” and the kitchen has all stainless-steel appli- experienced enormous growth and develop- growth in Rocky View County has been Builders and planners are also doing more ances,” he says. “It’s really nice.” ment in the last decade. slow and steady. with less. Available land is more sought But the best part is convenience. In fact, Outlying sleepy hamlets have grown It has to be, says Kalinchuk. The county after than ever, as municipal boundaries he says it was surprising how accommodat- into bustling communities, and towns have covers such a large area, it needs the time to begin to bump up against each other. ing the homebuilder was to his needs. mushroomed into small cities — developing provide services, such as road maintenance, To manage sprawl — a dirty word in “They’re one of the best builders I’ve ever their own unique cosmopolitan feel. water and wastewater. planning these days — Calgary and sur- seen, customer service wise,” he says. “They Much of the growth has been driven by Calgary’s surrounding towns and cities — rounding communities are closely working made it a really pleasant experience.”

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 5 ■ AIRDRIE Bayside Estates - ● ●; Breeze at Airdrie – ●; The Canals North – ● ●; Cooper’s Crossing – ● ● ●; King’s Heights – ● ●; Ravenswood - ● ●; Sagewood – ● ●; Thorburn Meadows – ● ●; Prairie Springs – ●; Morningside – ● ●; Reunion – ● ●; Windsong - ● ●.

■ BLACK DIAMOND Willow Ridge Estates – ● ● ●.

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

■ CHESTERMERE LAKE Rainbow Falls – ● ● ●; Waterfront Estates – ●; Westmere – ● ● ●.

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

■ DIDSBURY Deer Coulee Ranch – ● ●; Valarosa Crossing – ● ●.

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

■ LANGDON Boulder Creek Estates – ● ●. Hanson Park – ● ●.

■ LYALTA The Lakes of Muirﬁeld – ● ●.

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

■ PRIDDIS Hawk’s Landing – ●.

■ TURNER VALLEY Seclusion Valley Estates – ●; Everwood Estates – ●.

■ SPRINGBANK Grand View Park – ●; Morgans Rise – ●.

■ Sundre North Sundre – ● ●.

6 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS OKOTOKS

>> Cimarron. Photo courtesy Tristar Communities Crown jewel of the foothills New neighbourhoods are putting Okotoks on the map for homeowners thinking outside of the box by Gerald Vander Pyl cent between 2006 to 2011, making it “the “We have 55 square feet of retail space per Okotoks, most new residents are flocking to 10th fastest growing community in Canada,” capita, versus 27 square feet in Calgary,” says communities springing up on the outskirts of hen it comes to new communi- says Shane Olson, economic development team Olson. town, says Olson. ties, Okotoks has been growing leader with the Town of Okotoks. “We are the principal trading centre and Olson is quick to point out the preferred Wboth in population and popular- That follows on the heels of a 47.7 per the largest community between Lethbridge term is neighbourhoods, not communities, in ity as an alternative to big-city living. cent increase from 2001 to 2006, and also a and Calgary.” keeping with the desire of residents to pre- In fact, the last census showed 24,511 people significant increase in commercial and retail While there has been some residential rede- serve Okotoks’ small-town feel. now live in Okotoks, an increase of 42.9 per development in the community. velopment in older areas such as Olde Towne // Continued on 8 NEW Showhome Now Open!

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WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 7 Continued from 7 \\ Residents even indicated in a survey they would like Okotoks to remain a town, rather than achieve city status. Okotoks is one of the youngest communities in Alberta, with an average age of 32, says Olson. About 25 per cent of the population is under the age of 25. With so much new residential development, the town is reviewing its existing plans to handle growth. “Some residential areas are nearly built out, and we do have a finite growth model,” says Olson, adding the current plan dates back to 1988. For people buying in one of Okotoks’ new neighborhoods, one of the major attractions still comes down to value, says Clark Hogan, marketing manager with Trico Homes, which builds in the south Okotoks neigh- >> Pictured left: Crystal Ridge Family Golf Centre. Pictured right: bourhood of Cimarron. Cimarron recently launched a new phase of its nearly 260-hectare Homeowners can buy a 42-foot lot in community. Calgary Herald photo (left) Wil Andruschak photo (right) Cimarron, for example, for a much better price than in Calgary, he notes. But that doesn’t mean homeowners have to Hogan adds Trico’s latest show home, the who obtain employment in Calgary but still Escarpment, Cimarron is a popular and give up amenities. Tremont, just opened in Cimarron, which is want to live in a smaller town. well-established family-oriented neighbour- “What’s really great about Okotoks is you currently in its 36th phase. Here’s a look at some of the new home hood. There are already three schools com- get all the big-box stores, but there is still He says in addition to being popular with neighbourhoods in Okotoks: pleted or under construction in the area, the small-town attitude,” he says. “It’s the Calgarians looking to escape the city, Okotoks Comprising nearly 260 hectares of along with a central park. best of both worlds.” is a ideal for people from smaller communities picturesque land along the Sheep River // Continued on 10 ADVERTISING FEATURE Picture-perfect view for homeowners in Okotoks community hile the scenic vistas are what’s “There will be a lasting value in the given the Okotoks community property. There are no concerns with Wof MountainView its name, unknown future built form or what the residents don’t need to look far to find ultimate development will be,” says scenic beauty and wide open spaces. Campbell. Nearly half of the master-planned MountainView’s homebuilding partners community consists of green space, with include Excel Homes and Sterling Homes. an environmental reserve space taking up While the focus is on two-storey homes, more than 14 hectares. bungalow designs are also available. MountainView also features old-growth Because of the size and variety of trees and a lively creek that blends with a the lots, as well as flexible architectural naturalized wet pond and man-made park guidelines, homeowners have the freedom spaces connected by a winding system of to build the home of their dreams. trails. And with homes starting in the “The physical land itself is quite $400,000s, including lot and GST, that spectacular,” says Collin Campbell senior dream is surprisingly affordable, too. development manager with APEX, which For more information call 403- is developing the community. 264-3232 or visit online at www. “We’re preserving an impressive mountainviewokotoks.com. amount of the natural features. There is Both Excel Home and Sterling Homes an escarpment that is going to remain Okotoks community offers quick access to immediately north of the community. have also recently opened show homes in pretty much untouched, and we’ve Highway 2, with Calgary just a 15-minute The first phase of MountainView the community. Excel Homes show homes incorporated a lot of mature tree stands drive away. consists of 88 lots ranging from 36 to are located at 234 and 236 Sandstone Dr. into our existing design. The community MountainView also sits within walking more than 46 feet wide, and some as Sterling Homes show homes are at 3 is built around natural features.” distance to historic downtown Okotoks and much as 150 feet deep. and 5 Mount Burns Green. For more Along with providing a number of its eclectic mix of shops and fine dining. All homes in the community have information, contact Excel Homes at beautiful natural features, MountainView’s And for those who enjoy a round on been designated single-family with 403-982-0040, or Sterling Homes at location is also convenient. The northwest the links, the D’arcy Ranch Golf Club lies front-attached garages. 403-982-0795.

8 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS Showhomes NOWOPEN

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We are proud to present this N 2 DEERFOOT TRAIL NORTHRIDGE new and exciting community DRIVE MOUNTAINVIEW GATE 2A RECONNECT WITH NATURE. Perched on a spectacular 2 MOUNTAINVIEW Phone: (403) 982-0040 ELIZABETH ST escarpment in northwest Okotoks, MountainView boasts views RE DOWNTOWN excelhomes.ca ET OKOTOKS e She p R iv e of the rugged Sheep River and majestic Rocky Mountains. This r quaint community is made exclusively of single-family homes Phone: (403) 982-0795 SOUTHRIDGE and seamlessly blends untouched environmental reserves with DRIVE sterlinghomesgroup.com expansive lots to give you the space to enjoy life outdoors in 7 your backyard or beyond. Find your place in MountainView today, visit MountainViewOkotoks.com

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 9 Continued from 8 \\ Major shopping is available in the nearby With so much residential Gateway commercial district, while real estate development, the town is choices in Cimarron include starter, move-up, estate and country estate homes. reviewing its existing plans Crystal Ridge, meanwhile, is a lake neigh- to handle growth bourhood with a private beach house, picnic areas and fishing pier. River Heights offers kilometres of pathway The adjacent Crystal Ridge Family Golf and green spaces along the river. Centre adds additional green space to the Willowside Equestrian Estates is a town- neighbourhood, which offers prairie and meets-country residential neighbourhood on mountain views. the outskirts of Okotoks, with acreages 1.6 Known for its innovative solar housing to two hectares in size. The country lifestyle development, Drake Landing provides an combines with the all the conveniences of alternative for people who value environmen- nearby Okotoks. tal stewardship. Green builders and sustain- An exclusive neighbourhood with only able practices such as water conservation 150 lots, The Hill in Westridge will feature combine with a natural setting that includes a three distinctive parks, including one at the ravine and wet pond. high point of the area with stunning river Located within the Okotoks Air Ranch, valley views. Lot sizes are generous and old- Canada’s first private air park facility, world home designs add to the neighbour- Rancher’s Rise is a unique neighbourhood hood’s charm. with country estate homes and the ultimate One of the highest points of land convenience of an air strip for residents. The in Okotoks is under development as lots also have inspired some extraordinary Westmount Estates, formerly known as >> Shane Olson, custom home designs. Eagle Crest. The final phase in the larger economic development Set on an escarpment, Sheep River Westmount community, Westmount Estates team leader with the Heights overlooks its namesake Sheep River, offers 0.10- to 0.13-hectare lots, and is Town of Okotoks. river valley and town of Okotoks. A presti- described as “the jewel of Okotoks” thanks Wil Andruschak photo gious neighbourhood of estate homes, Sheep to its spectacular location and views.

The community of your dreams is no longer wishful thinking. make your every wish come true Now is the time to consider the fully developed family community of Cimarron. A stunning escape from the bustle of the big city. Enjoy country living with full urban servicing and all the conveniences of city living: shopping, schools, golf, parks and a world of recreational opportunities at your doorstep. Homes by: Astoria Homes, Coco Homes, Excel Homes, Kunz Group, Timbercreek Homes, Trico Homes, Westview Builders.

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10 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS OKOTOKS

>> Edison School teacher Tracy Gilluley SET YOURSELF with students Alister Salmon and Kessler Bishop. Wil Andruschak photo FREE. Downsize and enjoy Back to school a maintenance-free Local educational institutions add to town’s allure lifestyle. School, located several kilometres south of by ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON From the $220,000’s + GST. Calgary’s city limits off Range Road 12. ocation is taking a back seat to “About 75 per cent of our student body education as two Okotoks-area schools comes from Calgary,” says Bruce Mutch, Lare reversing the traditional flow of director of admissions at the school, which traffic between the town and its big-city has 670 students. neighbour Mutch says the school used to be Penncross is your Free & Easy Plan. It really is. “We’ve always had 40 to 50 per cent located in inner-city Calgary, but moved Two-bedroom suites overlook the interior courtyard, which of our students from Calgary,” says Beth to its present location in 1971 after a land includes a gazebo and gardens. Minutes from Okotoks town Chernoff, headmistress at Edison School, donation by a student’s family. Originally located off Highway 2A north of Okotoks. on a 65-hectare site, the school recently centre, next to Crystal Ridge Golf Club and with easy access Edison, with 170 students enrolled in expanded its campus to cover more than 89 to Calgary. Best of all, no maintenance! kindergarten to Grade 12, focuses on education hectares. that promotes character development and self- “We have over five kilometres of walking confidence, says Chernoff. trails, which we use for everything from Buy today for the FREE & EASY Visit our show suite today “We also offer something that, as far as we cross-country skiing to running, and a pretty Plan: and find out how you can have know, no other school offers — as young as large pond where kids get to do things like • Immediate possession more freedom at Penncross. Grade 9, you can take university courses and canoeing and kayaking,” says Mutch. • Free listing of your existing 129-1 Crystal Green Lane, Okotoks complete them via the Advanced Placement “It’s an area where, if the kids come in home 403.995.0742 program,” she says. “We have one student for the day, they’re here for the entire day [email protected] (graduating this year) with essentially a year and parents don’t have a lot to be concerned • Legal fees* free of university already finished.” with.” • Free condo fees for the first Being a smaller school has its advantages. Both Edison and Strathcona-Tweedsmuir 6 months “If we hear about something exciting School offer busing to and from Calgary. • Preferred mortgage rates happening at the science centre, we can go “I think a lot of parents are surprised by

within an hour,” says Chernoff. “Canoe trips, our proximity to the city,” says Mutch. “If * Must use developer solicitor. This is a limited time hiking trips — they’re easier to plan and there’s no traffic, it’s only about 20 minutes offer and is subject to end at any time. execute.” from downtown. And that’s often doing a Being located in a rural area is also an ‘reverse commute’ against traffic.” advantage. Mutch says growing demand spurs penncrosscondo.com “There’s a lot of merit to the fact the kids expansions at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School can’t just walk to the store; we’re very safe,” every decade or so, and another is on the says Chernoff. “We know every single person horizon. who comes by the school, every grandparent.” “There’s increased demand from families This added safety of a rural environment in general, and we want to make our building similarly appeals to Calgary parents who are more conducive to 21st-century learning,” sending their kids to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir he says. WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 11 HIGH RIVER

>> Montrose. Wil Andruschak photo

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

>> Hampton Hills. Calgary Herald High tide for town High River planning for the future with recent annex and new communities

By JESSICA PATTERSON Montrose, a master-planned community Builders in Montrose include Crossley, by Dundee Developments that’s set on 81 Greenboro, Lifestyle, Stateman and he Town of High River is expecting hectares of land centred around a 6.5-hectare Westview. big things in the coming years pond. Other ongoing developments in High Tafter recently annexing enough Just east of Montrose is École Secondaire River include Highwood Village, Vista land to handle growth over the next three Highwood High School, and across the Mirage and Hampton Hills. >> Montrose. Calgary Herald decades. street from the development is the Bob The established northwest community of “High River has just completed a very Snodgrass Recreation Complex. Highwood Village still features a number large annexation, 17 quarter sections,” says The community is also close to walking of lots in the $300,000s. The community is Mayor Emile Blokland. “That is enough to trails, bike paths, golf courses and multiple located just minutes from the Highwood Golf handle growth in High River for the next 30 shops, restaurants and services. and Country Club and Highwood River, and years.” Montorse represents Dundee’s first foray provides easy access to Calgary via Highway 2. In the past 15 years, High River been into a satellite community. Hampton Hills in High River’s northeast, growing on average of 500 people a year. “We have built quite a community in meanwhile, has plenty of choices for those “We’re just under 13,000 now and we Montrose,” says Dundee marketing co- looking to build or buy. anticipate that growth will continue.” says ordinator Cheryl Heilman, noting the The community, which is home to single- Blokland. community features a variety of products family and multi-family units, is currently The town’s northwest quadrant, west of ideal for first-time buyers, families and selling into its second phase. the agricultural society grounds, is expected empty-nesters. Builders include Timber Creek Homes and to be first area slated for future development. “There was an opportunity to showcase Cornerstone Homes. In the meantime, construction continues our master-planned community, and we felt The community boasts a 5.6-hectare pond, on a number of existing neighbourhoods in High River was the perfect location.” 6.8-hectare nature park, and 8.8 kilometres the town. Dundee recently released an additional 54 of pathways integrated into the “Happy >> Highwood Village. Calgary Herald Located south of 12th Avenue S.E. lies single-family home lots in the second phase. Trails” system.

12 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS NANTON & AREA Town & country Away from the action, residential developments spark new interest in Nanton and Claresholm

By Annalise Klingbeil “We like to think that people are coming galow villas, senior residences and assisted- here because they believe in the small-town living accommodations. Commercial space is We like to think that people traddling Highway 2 between Calgary lifestyle, and they’re looking for those values also planned. are coming here because and Lethbridge, the southern Alberta of safety and quiet and tranquility and know- Just over 30 kilometres south of Nanton, they believe in the small- towns of Nanton and Claresholm con- ing your neighbours. It’s a very caring com- Claresholm is also home to a number of new S town lifestyle tinue development on new subdivisions that munity,” says Georgina Sharpe, planning and developments in the works. both municipalities feel appeals to homebuy- development officer for the town of Nanton. The Westlynn subdivision, which is adja- ers’ sense of escape. Sharpe estimates Westview is about half cent to the town’s 18-hole golf course, is The planned developments are good news A 40-minute drive south of Calgary, finished. A children’s play park was recently about 96 per cent sold, says Judy Nelson, for those looking for a laid-back country Nanton is continuing to develop the completed, and more park development is broker and owner of Willow Creek Realty lifestyle, close to big-city amenities, says Westview subdivision, which will include planned. in Claresholm and Nanton. Less than six Nelson. more than 300 homes when complete. Last fall, the town approved area structure lots remain. Nelson, who was born and raised in Westview is currently in Phase three; 85 plans for Lancaster Landing, the town’s Work continues on a to-be-named com- Claresholm, says the area attracts a range of fully serviced large lots are currently ready to first private development. Westview is being munity in the town’s northwest corner. The people. be bought and built upon. developed by the Town of Nanton. development is expected to house upward of “We have a lot of retirement (people) The new subdivision is largely made up of Nestled on 50 hectares of land on the 700 homes. Developers have been adding ser- come in, but also a lot of young families,” single-family homes on lots in the 50-foot- northwest side of Nanton, adjacent to vices to the area over the last year. Sales are she says. “Some people (are) moving up in by-130-foot range. The community also Westview, Lancaster Landing is expected to expected within the next year or two. their homes, some people (are) downsizing. has a smaller amount of duplexes and condo- feature 660 dwellings, including single-family A separate 80-unit townhome and condo- We do have a real seniors’ community — it’s miniums. homes, multi-family townhomes and bun- minium subdivision is also in the works. a real variety.” Suburbs Discover Satellites A Herald magazine looking at Calgary’s &bedroom communities Nanton Calgary’s new communities and nearby towns are now a lot closer than you think. Photos by Russ Sedin 45 minutes South of Calgary on Highway #2

Suburbs & Satellites magazine Visit the town of Nanton and enjoy the warm embrace from a community that still values small town living. is now available online at Great activities and events will keep the entire family www.calgaryherald.com/subs busy year round. Nanton welcomes you to come for the day and stay! Read more stories from Okotoks, Airdrie, Cochrane, A Great Place to Live Lot prices from $57,500 to $97,500* ( *$2,500 incentive available ) High River, Chestermere, Strathmore, Langdon, • walk-out lots available • lot sizes averaging 7,000 sq.ft. Longview, Canmore and more. • front or rear garage options • mountain views, playground, pond • freedom to custom build your own home

www.nanton.ca Now available online at www.calgaryherald.com/subs

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 13 buying in the burbs From Calgary’s vast north corridor to its lake-centric south quadrant and diverse eastern plots to breathtaking western lands, this city is buyers’ oyster, with homes their pearl.

by Gerald Vander Pyl

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

14 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS CALGARY

hen Barry Welch and Nicole Levesque- tectural guideline, and offers a mix of homes with front Welch moved to the northwest community driveways and back lanes, along with semi-detached and Wof EvansRidge last May, it was the final step multi-family townhome developments. in their quest for the perfect home and, as it turned out, North Calgary is also home to Kincora, with its dis- the perfect community. tinctive Celtic-style 80-foot tower and stone wall at the Like many homebuyers, the couple had a preference community’s entrance. for a certain quadrant of the city, and did most of their In south Calgary, new phases are underway in searching in northwest Calgary. Cranston, an already well-established community with “All our friends live in the northwest, so we figured it two schools and the Cranston Market shopping centre. would be best if we moved closer to them. We’re always Close to parks and the Bow River, Cranston is west of driving there anyway,” says Levesque-Welch. Deerfoot Trail via the Cranston Avenue exit, and has real While they looked in some other northwest communi- estate offerings that include everything from apartment- ties, they found their future home in EvansRidge — a style condominiums, to duplex and semi-detached homes, three-bedroom model from Genesis Builders Group. move-ups and estates. Many of the couple’s favourite stores are nearby, and Calgary’s largest residential lake is being developed in being close to the airport is great as the couple tend to Mahogany, and will create the city’s first island homes fly several times a year, and also have family and friends — two islands in the lake will be reached by causeways. arriving on visits. The community will also have a 5.3-hectare park adja- While Levesque-Welch’s workplace is in the city centre, cent to the lake, accessible along 52nd Street S.E. south 14th Street N.W. provides a direct route downtown. from Marquis of Lorne Trail. While there wasn’t much built in EvansRidge when Bordering Fish Creek Provincial Park to the north and they first starting looking, the community is now on the west, Evergreen Estates is a well-established low-density move, with parks being built, a new fire station in the residential community with a central park space and area and even plans for a future school. numerous pathways. buying in the burbs “It’s just a convenient location for us,” says Welch. Quick access to Macleod Trail provides abundant A similar story is playing out all over Calgary as home- nearby amenities, including shopping, restaurants and the buyers search the city’s many new communities to find the Fish Creek-Lacombe LRT station. one home and neighbourhood that is perfect for them. Timberline Estates, meanwhile, is an new community Recognizing that homebuyers’ needs vary, local devel- on the west side of Springbank Hill, near 34th Avenue and opers are trying and give each new community its own 85th Street S.W., and boasts spectacular mountain views. identity, says Paul Boskovich, development manager with Architectural guidelines will ensure all homes will Genstar Development Company, which currently markets use a French Country, Tudor, Craftsman, Prairie or five new communities in the various quadrants of the city, Contemporary styling, and have a minimum of 1,800 each with its own descriptive catch phrase. square feet for bungalows, or 2,800 for a two-storey. For example, Genstar’s community of Walden is Silverado in southwest Calgary is known for its green defined as “Life, Simplified,” while Evergreen is touted as >> Nicole Levesque-Welch and Barry Welch. space, with 36 hectares of parks and playgrounds, 24-plus Calgary’s “Garden Community.” Carl Patzel photo. hectares of environmental reserve and a 2.8-hectare pond. “The goal is to try to cater to new homebuyers’ needs, It also offers the unique chance to own an acreage so each one of those marketing catch phrases are a reflec- within city limits in an exclusive area of large estate lots. tion of what we’ve tried to do to differentiate the com- Sage Meadows is partially defined by West Nose Southeast Calgary offers several additional new community,” says Boskovich. Creek, which runs through the community. munities, including Auburn Bay, which features a Developers also seek to broaden the appeal of a new Just north of Stoney Trail via Symons Valley Road 17-hectare lake and includes a private community club community through its choice of home builders. are the communities of Evanston, Evansview and for residents called Auburn House located in five hectares “We try to provide as many different products as we can EvansRidge, which rise in elevation from the valley floor of parkland. in our developments. Within a master-planned community, along West Nose Creek to a high point in the region. Chaparral Valley, meanwhile is tucked beneath the you want to provide a range of price points to as many peo- Collectively, the communities offer a variety of real- Bow River escarpment and adjacent to the Blue Devil golf ple as possible in the marketplace who can afford a home, estate options, from apartment-style condominiums course, which was recently acquired by new owners and and ensure their needs are met in your development.” and townhomes to starter homes, move-ups and estates, will be expanded to an 18-hole public course. Here’s a look at some of the new communities in Calgary: including The Ridge neighbourhood in EvansRidge. Trails link the community to the Bow River Pathway. In north Calgary, the neighbouring communities of The area is also known for its many amenities, with Nearby, Walden is being developed with abundant Sage Hill and Sage Meadows are located west and east many stores nearby at Creekside Shopping Centre and parks, open spaces and a naturalized wet pond and clear- of Symons Valley Road, north of Stoney Trail. Beacon Hill Centre, as well as easy access via the Queen water pond. A village centre will include a variety of retail Sage Hill has broad expanses of rolling hills and pro- Elizabeth II Highway to CrossIron Mills mall. and service amenities. vides grand mountain views from many areas of the com- Wide open spaces and views toward the mountains and Copperfield is a family-friendly community that has munity. city skyline are part of the flavour of SkyView Ranch, parks, ponds, playgrounds, pathways, skating rinks and A naturalized pond is surrounded by a mix of single- which can be reached from Metis Trail via Country Hills tennis courts. family homes, duplexes and future multi-family develop- Boulevard in the south or Stoney Trail in the north. It also has a variety of real estate, including condomini- ment. The community has an Arts and Crafts-style archi- ums, townhomes, laned homes and front-garage homes.

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 15 ROCKY VIEW

Full plate for county Rocky View’s communities offer smorgasbord of options for homebuyers

By Annalise Klingbeil Calgary, is the 65-hectare community of Park’s custom homebuilders, or go with Morgans Rise. their own builder. avid Kalinchuk likes to compare The development boasts 58 0.8-hectare Less than five lots in the development Rocky View County — the horse- lots, all on slopping land with spectacular remain for sale. Dshoe-shaped region surrounding views of the Rocky Mountains. Springbank isn’t the only community Calgary — to a menu. “The location is absolutely priceless,” in Rocky View that boasts a full plate of “You’ve got the less expensive housing says Morgans Rise developer Jon Stucky. luxury-housing options. options, you’ve got the more expensive Morgans Rise is in its final stages of con- Located west of Calgary, Bearspaw was housing options; you can live east or west struction, with nearly 50 of the 58 homes once a farming district and is now a mix- or north of the city,” says the county’s eco- built and occupied. ture of farms, ranches, acreages and planned nomic development manager. “Architecturally, it has the most stringent subdivisions. Which is to say, if the area is like a menu, controls in Alberta, which gives it a fabu- Willow Creek, for example, is a master- Rocky View has the winning recipe. lous look,” says Stucky. planned community that’s already 35 per Homebuyers are flocking to the county “The homes range anywhere from $1.5 cent sold out. It’s home to more than 12 thanks to a number of new housing devel- million to $6 million.” hectares of parklands, creeks, ponds, path- opments, most of which fit within the Springbank is an ideal location for those ways and 52 0.8-hectare lots. luxury home market, says Kalinchuk. who want to be close to both the moun- Watermark is another distinctive com- “There’s not a huge condo market ... tains and downtown Calgary, adds Stucky. munity in Bearspaw currently being devel- most of the residences we have, particularly “If you live in Montreal, Toronto or oped. The community’s first phase includes in construction, are estate properties,” he Vancouver and you want to live in the 108 fully service lots, from 0.1 to more says. country, you have to drive an hour and than 0.4 hectares in size, more than half of The typical homebuyer moving to Rocky a half one way. Here, I can get down to which are already sold. View County is “in the peak of their Banker’s Hall, literally, in 15 minutes,” he In Langdon, a quaint prairie hamlet career, the peak of their earning capacity says. located east of Calgary, lies Boulder Creek >> Morgans Rise in Springbank and (have) the ultimate dream of owning Springbank is also home to Grandview Estates, a 428-home community being is in its final stages of development, their dream home,” adds Kalinchuk. Park, a 59-home community. built by Stepper Custom Homes and with nearly 50 of the 58 homes built In Springbank, an estate/acreage com- Owners can choose to build on their Carpenter Homes. or occupied. Calgary Herald photo munity located on the western edge of 0.8-hectare lots with one of Grandview Phase four lots are currently available.

16 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS ADVERTISING FEATURE Northwest Calgary home ownership within reach in EvansRidge f you’ve ever dreamed of living in a or friends who already call the area few footsteps away from numerous Homes, Morrison/Discovery Homes and northwest Calgary neighbourhood, home. recreation areas, including five ponds in WestView Builders. Inow is the time to visit EvansRidge EvansRidge offers a wide variety of the community. Shopping amenities In addition, Calbridge Homes has two and see how affordable home homes at differing price points, walkouts, are also within reach, including show homes on The Ridge, EvansRidge’s ownership can be in this desirable new front-drive homes, laned homes and zero- Creekside Shopping Centre and Beacon exclusive estate home neighbourhood community. lot-line homes. Hill Centre. that is now selling. The latest project by Dundee Develop- Prices start in the low $300,000s. Eleven new show homes are now open, For more information on the northwest ments, EvansRidge was designed to EvansRidge was also designed with featuring Stepper Custom Homes, Genesis Calgary community of EvansRidge, in- allow more people to own property northwest Calgary’s wide-open spaces in Builders Group, Homes By Avi/Avi Mix n cluding directions and show home hours, in the northwest, and be near to family mind. Residents are never more than a Match, Innovations by Jayman, Landmark visit www.lifeontheridge.ca.

Life on the Ridge is about family and the space to enjoy life. In EvansRidge we chose our builders on their experience and reputation because we know you’re looking for a home, not just a house. We also know that you aren’t the same as everyone else, this is why we ensure a quality range of products all the way from starter to estate. This is what’s important. It’s about bringing you home.

New Showhomes Showhomes by: Now Open! Avi Mix + Match 403.536.7277 NW

St. Calbridge Homes 403.816.6329 Blvd. Evanston Dr. NW Genesis Builders Group 403.475.8162 Centre

Symons Evanspark Homes by Avi 403.536.7275

Symons Valley Parkway V alley Innovations by Jayman 403.452.3896 NW Road Trail Landmark Homes 403.695.7950

Stoney Beddington Morrison/Discovery 403.984.2675 NW Stoney Trail Stepper Custom Homes 403.452.7714 Blvd. NW Country Hills Trail NW WestView Builders 403.452.5317

lifeontheridge.ca 403.245.3515

Showhome Hours: Mon - Thurs 2pm-8pm Sat, Sun & Holidays 12pm-5pm Homes for Townhomes Rear Garage Front Garage Ridge Walkouts starting at starting at starting at starting at every lifestyle! $280,000 $296,000 $341,000 $600,000

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 17 STRATHMORE Born to boom New developments expected to set the pace for another round of growth

By PAULA TROTTER smaller mobile-type housing, duplexes, starter great value in terms of what you get for what and estate homes and senior housing. your spend.” >> Wildflower Ranch is expected to he population spike that Strathmore The pending population increase is already Wildflower Ranch is represented by four have 1,800 mixed residential units. experienced about four years ago attracting a growing commercial base. homebuilders: Aquilla Homes, Canterra Photo courtesy Cancorp Property Group Tmight have since levelled off, but “We’re excited about it,” Stanford says. Custom Homes/Ribero Homes, Carpenter it’s poised to become a burgeoning bedroom “As the population grows, we can attract Homes and Paradyme Homes. community yet again. more businesses and give people a better vari- Wildwood Village, meanwhile is in its “We have a lot of developers that are ety of shopping.” final phase, with the last 30 of 112 town- enthused and proposing a lot of projects,” The new communities join a number that homes being built. says Dwight Stanford, the chief administra- are currently under development, The remaining three-bedroom, 1,125-square- tive officer who has watched Strathmore’s Wildflower Ranch is a 110-hectare com- foot townhomes start at $194,900. Three- population triple to approximately 12,500 munity on city’s western edge that’s halfway bedroom, 1,425 square-feet townhomes with over the past 20 years. through developing the first phase. A total of two-car garages start at $239,900. In fact, a number of new communi- 1,800 mixed residential units are anticipated Located west of Strathmore, the golf- ties are on the books, including Prairie’s for Wildflower Ranch, including the 61 course community of the Lakes of Muirfield View, Prairie’s Edge, Grandview Gardens, homes slated for the first phase. is also heating up, with a number of villas Heritage Heights, North Hill Heights, Fifty-foot estate lots accommodate roughly starting in the high $300,000s. Lakewood Meadows and WestCreek. 1,800 square-foot homes that start at $340,000. Lakes of Muirfield is represented by >> Lakes of Muirfield in Lyalta, about These developments will offer a variety “It’s perfect for young families,” says Ribero Homes, Douglas Homes, Todays 11 kilometres west of Strathmore. of housing options such as modular homes, development manager Steve Lister. “There’s Homes and Compass Rose Homes. Photo courtesy Lakes of Muirfield

ADVERTISING FEATURE Community offers country-club living without sticker shock he Lakes of Muirfield is sophisticated Scott Staley, director of Muirfield Lakes country-club-style living — only more course, says builders have become leaders Taffordable. in the community, often helping plan local, A master-planned community northeast charitable events. of Calgary in the hamlet of Lyalta, the “They’re doing more than just building heart of this idyllic, new community is the homes; they’re building a sense of spectacular Muirfield Lakes Golf Club. community and belonging, too,” he says. An 18-hole championship course A new show home parade is now open, designed by reputed Calgary golf with four select builders having new models architectural firm Newis Wilson Design, it available for viewing right across from the is an avid golfers’ delight, with more than golf course clubhouse. 6,200 yards of immaculately manicured The Lakes of Muirfield features homes bluegrass fairways and USGA standard and villas from Ribero Homes, Douglas Bentgrass greens. Homes, Todays Homes and Compass Rose Make no mistake; Muirfield Lakes Golf spaces and trails nestled among a pastoral colourful playground in the heart of the Homes. Club is the jewel in the crown of this setting, says Muirfield developer Jimmy community. “Smart Certified” homes from Compass community. Souza. Earlier this year, Compass Rose Homes, Rose Homes, for example, are wired But once the community of the Lakes of “With homes starting in the high Muirfield Lakes Golf Club and the Lyalta for the 21st century complete with Muirfield, only a 30-minute drive northeast $300,000s in a golf course community, Community Association launched Live home management centres — central of Calgary, is fully developed, the course families living here get more home and Lyalta to help connect families to the technology hubs that make integrating your will be one of many world-class amenities lifestyle all within a short and peaceful many special events taking place in the smartphones, tablets and entertainments that will draw young families, urban commute from Calgary,” he says. community — everything from Stampede systems a snap. professionals, empty nesters and retirees “It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s breakfasts to a Mother’s Day tea. Compass Rose Homes also feature the alike. affordable.” The website, www.livelyalta.com, also latest energy-efficient appliances, oversized The community has already generated a Family life is a focus, with more than half provides residents with the opportunity mudrooms, smart storage solutions and lot of interest from homebuyers looking for of Phase one lots designated for spacious to receive complimentary rounds of golf even tankless water systems. the ideal blend of golf course community family homes. A central feature that is sure and access numerous special events at the To find your home today, visit www. living, elegantly designed homes, green to be a hit with the kids is the Tot Lot — a course. livelyalta.com. 18 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS L I COUNTRY HILLS BLVD HWY 564 ROAD 264 A R T W O L R A

B MCKNIGHT BLVD LYALTA Y R A

G TRANS CANADA HWY 9 L Y A W C H

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 19 AIRDRIE

Air(drie) supply City’s housing options resonate with buyers who want it all

by Alex Frazer-Harrison

hen Chris and Lisa Hinksman moved to Airdrie from south WCalgary 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- >> Lisa and Chris Hinksman with daughters built three-bedroom house with developed Emily and Georgia in Cooper’s Crossing. basement in Cooper’s Crossing, located on Adrian Shellard photo (left) Airdrie’s fast-growing south side. Top. Hillcrest. Calgary Herald photo “I first drove through Airdrie about five 20 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS >> King’s Heights. Calgary Herald photo

years ago, and I wasn’t too keen on the place ture for Airdrie, says Susan Henderson, then,” says Chris, who had recently moved to senior development manager with Apex Canada from England at the time and who Developments, which is overseeing the new married Lisa last year. They’ve spent the last Hillcrest community off 8th Street. year combining their households along with “They can still come in and buy a Chris’ daughters Emily, 15, and Georgia, 12. 2,000-square-foot home with a two-car Lisa also admits Airdrie was the last place on front-drive garage for $25,000 to 30,000 less her list — at least until they explored it more. (than Calgary),” she says. “The girls have commented that things are Elsewhere in the city, new communities are better in Airdrie. They noticed we spent a lot represented by Reunion and Williamstown in of time driving in Calgary; I think it wears the north, Bayside, the Canals and Sagewood everybody out,” she says. in the west and Ravenswood in the southeast. Cooper’s Crossing is one of several new Condo developments such as The Breeze communities that have emerged as Airdrie in Bayside and The Edge near Genesis Place has evolved from being a sleepy bedroom are also emerging.. community into a vibrant city of more than “What draws buyers is they hope to get 40,000. a little more for their dollar in Airdrie, and “A lot of it has to do with lifestyle,” says they do,” says Paul Gerla, development man- Alan Boucher, assistant development manager ager with Westmark Holdings Ltd., devel- with Melcor Developments, which is oversee- oper of Cooper’s Crossing. ing King’s Heights on Airdrie’s southeast “There will always be that type of buyer side. who is more of a big-city person, but he or “Airdrie is going for the really family com- she may not realize some of the same ameni- munity feel. All the amenities you’d find in ties are already here. Calgary are either at CrossIron Mills a short The Hinksmans say they’ve been made to drive away, or in downtown Airdrie or the feel welcome in their new home. (new) Kingsview Market.” “We were reticent at first, scared of Cooper’s Crossing is one of several neigh- change, but we really settled in and everyone bourhoods springing up west of Sierra is so friendly,” says Lisa. Springs, a big-box commercial development “Our daughters love the parks and the south of downtown Airdrie. green space, and we love the friendliness and Linked by linear parks and pathways, small-town feel and the services close at hand. communities such as Cooper’s, Hillcrest, You go into the shops and they recognize Prairie Springs and Windsong provide a you — it’s not as cold and impersonal.” variety of housing styles for young families, Adds Chris: “They have a proper Main mid-career buyers and empty-nesters wanting Street, non big-box stores, independent res- quick access to amenities such as the Genesis taurants — but if you want the big stuff, it’s Place recreation centre (currently undergoing here as well. expansion) and Bert Church Theatre. “It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan place. Airdrie Affordability remains a big selling fea- is worth a second look.” WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 21 ADVERTISING FEATURE AIRDRIE’S COOL NEW CONDOS FROM THE Stylish Airdrie condo project enjoys living on ‘The Edge’ $150,000’S.

hic, sleek lines, open-concept, avant-garde design and Ccosmopolitan 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 PHASE 2 NOW SELLING centres. The Edge is urban living, refined. Located on East Lake Boulevard in northeast Airdrie, the 119-suite UP TO $10,000 development is located beside Genesis colour palettes to choose from.” Place recreation centre, as well as The ultra-modern, four-storey design IN FREE UPGRADES!* footsteps from Bert Church Theatre of The Edge features brilliantly designed and a diverse local commercial scene. floor plans in a number of layouts with In addition, the Edge’s architecture nine-foot ceilings and top-floor suites is a marriage of flowing modernity and with vaulted ceilings. Visit our show suite: space-conscious practicality. Streetside also has an incentive package T #1104 – 604 N

E “The Edge is a stylish choice — great for buyers, offering, for a limited time, C East Lake Blvd NE S

E for first-time buyers and empty-nesters,” R Airdrie $10,000 in upgrades. Add thick granite C

K says marketing manager Steve Hobbs. countertops in the kitchen and baths, Y A

L W

“And it has great access to all the T or a full-height kitchen backsplash in H

S Take the East Lake

A H amenities you’d come to expect from a either matte and glass tile mixed mosaic, E T Crescent exit off of the

E thriving community like Airdrie.” stainless steel tile mosaic, glass tile mosaic B

A Queen Elizabeth Highway

In fact, the city’s rapid growth and or oval pebbles. I

L Genesis Place and follow the signs. affordability have combined to make The final phase is now under E

N Airdrie an attractive place to live and a construction and, like the first, will E EA E S T L U A key driver for The Edge’s success, adds feature an on-site, underground, heated KE Q BL VD Hobbs. parking garage with elevator access. SE The Edge suites feature unique one- Tenants’ guests also have access to and two-bedroom floor plans from above-ground parking stalls. 582 to 982 square feet, starting from a First occupancy for the final phase is fashion-forward price: in the $150,000s. scheduled for summer 2013. But it’s what you get for your money Visit the show suite in the first phase that makes The Edge a truly cool deal. at Suite 1104 604 East Lake Blvd. N.E. 403.980.2817 “Our interior finishes are unique and Hours are Monday to Thursday, 1 to 7 CoolFactory.ca modern and really are part of Streetside p.m., Friday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. AIRDRIE’S COOL FACTORY Development’s signature,” says Hobbs. For more information, visit coolfactory.ca “There are three contemporary designer or call 403-980-2817. Visit our show suite at #1104 – 604 East Lake Blvd NE in Airdrie. *Limited time offer, some restrictions may apply. Visit our sales centre for more information. 22 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS CHESTERMERE Silent treatment Lakeside bedroom community is using idyllic setting to attract new homebuyers by Jessica Patterson

state homes, townhomes, laned It has been a really homes, condos — quite sim- Eply put, this isn’t your parents’ successful community. Chestermere. We’ve seen a ton of growth Once lauded solely for its lakeside charm, the personable town directly east Chestermere is set to change fur- of Calgary on the TransCanada Highway ther thanks to Mattamy Homes’ new is undergoing a modern-day renaissance, Lakepointe community. The 14-hectare with a number of new residential develop- development will feature 220 homes ments planned or already underway. once complete, says Mattamy sales and First established in 1997, the com- marketing director Norah Latter. munity of Westmere has witnessed, and “Mattamy’s collection of homes in contributed, to much of Chestermere’s Lakepointe has been architecturally recent transformation. inspired by the local surroundings,” she The 188-hectare community is the says. current and future home to some 2,000 “The neighbourhood has been planned lots, 18 hectares of green space and two with homes at various setbacks from the elementary schools. curb, which helps create very attractive Its crown jewel includes luxury homes streetscapes.” in the Estates of Westmere and Shores of Homebuyers will have plenty of choic- Westmere by Melcor, the later of which es when looking to buy in Lakepointe. “is an exclusive enclave in the Estates that Mattamy’s signature WideLot two-storey backs on to an environmental reserve, townhomes will feature a single-car which backs on to Chestermere Lake,” says garage and backyard. Also available will Graeme Melton, development manager be two-storey semi-detached two-car with Melcor. garage homes and two-storey two-car Builders in the Shores include Homes garage single-family homes. by Avi and Albi Homes. In the Estates, Mattamy has already released homes builders include Greenboro Estate Home, in the first phase of Lakepointe. The ReidBuilt Homes and Landmark Homes. second phase is expected to be available “It has been a really successful commu- later this summer. nity,” Melton says of Westmere. “We’ve “Mattamy carefully chose the town seen a ton of growth.” of Chestermere because of its easy Part of the reason behind Westmere’s access to downtown Calgary,” says success over the years is its unique fea- Latter. tures, he adds. “Chestermere Lake can be enjoyed “In the middle of the community, by all residents and can be accessed we’ve created Chestermere Station, directly from the area via future walking which is a town centre,” says Melton, paths.” noting the area also includes a library Elsewhere in Chestermere, Rainbow town hall, grocery store and other retail Falls at Chestermere Lake features a shops. range of housing options, including Chestermere Station is also home to an condos, townhomes and estate homes. >> The face of Chestermere continues to change, assortment of bank branches, gas bars, Builders include Jager Homes, Beattie with a number of multi-family units joining a crop restaurants and shops, as well as a 240- Homes and Truman Homes. of move-up and estate homes. Calgary Herald photo unit development by Slokker Canada Within the community is also The West that offers a mix of two- and Brownstones, a townhome condo three-bedroom townhomes. development by Lionsworthe Homes.

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 23 COCHRANE

>> Sunset Ridge >> Sunset Ridge >> Lofts on the Bow >> Lofts on the Bow Show & tell Communities are putting their best foot forward this summer with a parade of show homes

by ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON retired people as well — we find people are building quite large houses out there.” uying a new home isn’t like buying a When completed, Heritage Hills is expect- car — you can’t test-drive a bungalow. ed to house to up to 1,500 residents, B Yet show homes offer the next best A key draw to Cochrane’s new communi- thing. ties is that, unlike some of the larger Calgary And for buyers looking to find a home in ‘burbs, they are not “mini-towns.” Cochrane, they offer a window into the life- Riversong, for example, is located off a style offered by the booming town. winding road on the south side of the Budding neighbourhoods such as Heritage Bow River. Featuring laned homes in Hills, Sunset Ridge, Riversong and Jumping The Heights (including show homes by >> Cochrane’s mountain views Pound Ridge will be dotted this summer Sabal and Innovations by Jayman) and are what ultimately drew with display homes by some of the region’s estate-level homes in The Pointe (watch for Heidi Camacho to the town. top builders. show homes by Jager, NuVista and Jayman Camacho is with Cornerstone It’s all about providing prospective buyers MasterBUILT), Riversong doesn’t feel like Homes, which is currently constructing its first show the same choice of options that they might something cut from urban sprawl. home in Cochrane’s Jumping find in Calgary, says Tom Waterhouse, sales On the west side of Highway 22, the Pound Ridge community. manager of Lofts on the Bow, a 45-plus con- new Fireside community offers a show Adrian Shellard photo dominium development on George Fox Trail home parade featuring designs by Calbridge, that backs onto an environmental reserve. Landmark, Kingsmith, Janssen and ReidBuilt, “We’ve got different styles and shapes — in a community far removed from the hustle they’re not all square boxes,” he says. and bustle of Calgary. Close proximity to city-calibre amenities West Pointe Estates and MonTerra on get to know each other better in this small-town location off the northwest tip of the new is a major draw for those checking out the Cochrane Lakes, north of Cochrane, are also environment then they do in Calgary.” Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park — coupled building’s show suites, says Waterhouse. attracting attention. Cornerstone is constructing a new 2,437- with its proximity to the Rockies, Kananaskis “You’re two minutes away from everything “Part of the appeal is there’s access to life- square-foot three-bedroom show home in and the Ghost River area — is a huge draw in Cochrane,” he says. “Our building has that style amenities that apply to any age range Jumping Pound which is set to open this for potential residents. So is the town’s mountain/Canmore/Banff feel, with all natu- and demographic,” says Michael Dandenault, summer. historic downtown, the unique Cochrane ral stone outside, a western mountain theme vice-president of operations with Jumping “What drew us to Cochrane is the prox- RancheHouse, and the Spray Lake Sawmills – and people can have a view of the valley, a Pound Ridge Developments. imity to the city and the mountains,” says Family Sports Centre, situated in a scenic courtyard or a river view.” Located off George Fox Trail, Jumping Cornerstone area manager Heidi Camacho, riverside location. Heritage Hills, on Cochrane’s northwest Pound Ridge is an enclave of 170 lots, herself a Cochrane resident. “I think the lifestyle in Cochrane is fabu- corner, is built on a hillside overlooking the including two show homes by Westview (the “Cochrane, to me, is the only town sur- lous – no one can be in a bad mood driving town, featuring three- and four-bedroom show Manchester and the Princeton) and another rounding Calgary that has the views (of the out Highway 1A from Calgary after they get homes by Trico Homes and Stepper Homes. by Cornerstone Homes. mountains) that you can really take advantage that gorgeous mountain view,” says Katherine “We’re currently selling move-up homes,” “We call it an island paradise,” says Jumping of. People want to back onto some sort of Bennett, area sales manager with Jayman says Ashlyn Elliot, marketing manager with Pound Ridge Developments president George greenery, whether it’s the mountains, a hill or MasterBUILT which opened a show home in Harmony Park Developments, which is Roseboom of the neighbourhood. the river, Most of the people we find moving Sunset Ridge in April. developing Heritage Hills. “There’s only one entrance, one exit and we’re to Cochrane are nature lovers.” “More young families are choosing “We have a lot of young families and lots of surrounded by nature reserve. People seem to Indeed, Cochrane’s Bow River valley Cochrane for its lifestyle choices.”

24 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS ADVERTISING FEATURE Upscale Cochrane community offers a taste of ‘unspoiled’ living umping Pound Ridge in Cochrane is 170-home community is surrounded on the area’s Western heritage with upscale Prices start around $500,000. Homebuy- different things to different people. three sides by the Toki Nature Reserve. modern features. ers who act this summer can save up to JIt is a hidden oasis in the foothills, a And with only local traffic coming into or The true gems of Jumping Pound Ridge $40,000 on premium ridge lot offerings. quiet neighbourhood on the doorstep of out of the community, Jumping Pound are its ridge homes. A number of 52-foot For more information, including direc- the Alberta wilderness and a perfectly Ridge provides a relaxing respite from ridge lots are available, each looking out tions, visit www.jumpingpoundridge.com. planned community with a style that the hustle of Calgary, just a 20-minute over a gorgeous vista that will remain Or visit the community’s show home reflects the beauty of its surroundings. drive away. unspoiled for decades to come. parade, featuring designs from Corner- But most of all, it is home. Every home in the community is built Building in the community is Corner- stone Homes and WestView Builders, Perched atop a ridge in the south- to match the splendor of its setting, with stone Homes, Gallery Homes and West- with a new home from Gallery Homes west corner of Cochrane, the secluded Craftsman-style themes that combine View Builders. set to open later this month.

Jumping Pound Ridge is proud to offer incredible savings on Ridge Lots

Jumping Pound Ridge is proud to unveil a full new show-home parade with stunning masterpieces from Gallery Homes and Cornerstone Homes joining our beautiful Westview showhome. Incredible 52- foot wide ridge lots remain, overlooking the serene Toki nature reserve. And, with various offers up to $35,000 in savings on these ridge homes, you can make the move to a beautiful estate now! Come visit us at Jumping Pound Ridge!

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

WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 25 ADVERTISING FEATURE Shane Homes offers last chance to buy in Drake Landing or more than a decade, homeowners downspouts and timers for hoses. have been flocking to Drake Landing The community of Drake Landing itself Fand Crystal Ridge in Okotoks. features a pathway system that weaves in In that time, the peaceful neighbourhoods and out of ample parks, playgrounds and perched on the edge of the Sheep River wide-open green spaces. Valley have realized the dreams of Though Okotoks offers its share of small- developers and residents alike. town charm and laid-back atmosphere, it But as the Drake Landing development also boasts an array of amenities, including moves into its final phase, time is growing major retailers, recreation facilities and an short for prospective homeowners looking excellent school system. for the opportunity to build their own “Over the years, Okotoks has become dream home. completely self-contained,” says Albo. Shane Homes has been an important “There really isn’t any need to drive part of Drake Landing since day one. And to Calgary for anything. It’s all here. All while the builder has offered exceptional the big shopping is here. And if you have lots throughout the community’s history, to go into Calgary, it’s only 15 minutes it has saved some of its most attractive down the road.” lots for last. And because Drake Landing is located Lots ranging from 40 to 62 feet in size in northeast Okotoks, it provides are available, with the majority backing particularly quick access for commuters. onto parks, green spaces, a wildlife See first-hand what Drake Landing reserve — and many with breathtaking “A lot of thought and planning and areas and granite countertops in the has to offer by visiting Shane’s gorgeous mountain views. research have gone into the design kitchens and the bathrooms,” 2,028-square-foot Triumph show Shane Homes’ selection of two- concepts of the homes that Shane builds Shane’s homes are also among the home at 148 Drake Landing Loop, storey and bungalow-style homes — all with families in mind,” says area most efficient on the market. All homes Okotoks. all with front-attached garages — offer manager Candice Albo. are designed for water conservation For more information, call Candice incredible value starting from as low as “The finishing quality includes things and include upgraded appliances and Albo at 403-536-2308, or visit www. $376,000. such as tile flooring in all high-traffic plumbing fixtures, rain barrels on shanehomes.com.

ADVERTISING FEATURE Picture yourself relaxing by the shores of Chestermere Lake attamy’s new community of To get a first-hand look at the quality Lakepointe in Chestermere is a and style of Lakepointe homes, Mattamy Mplace where you don’t have to invites buyers to its well-established drive to the lake. It’s a place where you and award-winning neighbourhood of can see the lake every single day. Windsong in Airdrie to enjoy a tour And what better time than now to stroll its show homes. Windsong is a highly through the quaint town of Chestermere regarded community that more than and along the shores of Chestermere 600 families call home. Lake? Few things are more enjoyable Mattamy carefully chose Chestermere than a sunset over a lake. because of its easy access to downtown Lakepointe offers a wonderful family Calgary. As the builder and developer, atmosphere in a casual setting. It’s Mattamy has an advantage in planning. a place where a maximum number If you’d like to see a community and of homes offer views of the lake. Its homes designed to surpass expectations, adjacency to the lake, and the space to make sure that Lakepointe is on your list the shores, will always be preserved. of “must sees.” Relax and explore the There are also walking paths that area today. connect residents to downtown The Lakepointe sales centre is located Chestermere. It’s a community of natural at 400 West Park Dr. in Chestermere. features and green spaces. It’s a place Hours are 1 to 8 p.m. Monday to where you’ll hear lots of children’s neighbourhood has been master-planned requirement can be satisfied in Lakepointe. Thursday, 1 to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. laughter. It’s a place where children will with homes at various setbacks from Prospective homebuyers will find WideLot to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. rediscover the great outdoors. the curb, which helps create attractive town homes starting from $254,990, two- For more information, call 403-519- And Mattamy’s collection of homes streetscapes. car garage semi-detached homes from 4083. For a look at the home styles in Lakepointe has been architecturally The homes come in a variety of $339,990 and Series I & II Grand detached and floor plans available, visit www. inspired by the local surroundings. The sizes and styles so nearly every family homes from $389,990. mattamyhomes.com.

26 SUBURBS + SATELLITES JUNE 2012 WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS Last Now Selling Final Phase! Chance! Limited Lots Remaining!

$ s the Starting from 376includes house, lot and GST. SINGLE FAMILY HOMES WITH A DOUBLE ATTACHED GARAGE

Crafted with premium specifications: Community Highlights: granite countertops 6 appliances mountain views homesites backing onto parks and pathways energy efficient specifications luxury ensuites walking distance to schools and amenities large greenspace cul-du-sac walk out lots available

Deerfoot Ext. Showhome Location: 148 Drake Landing Loop, Okotoks 2 Showhome Hours: Mon - Thurs: 2 to 8 pm | Sat, Sun & Hol: 12 to 5 pm 2A Call Candice at: 403-536-2308 32 Milligan Drive

Street How to get there: Shane Homes Take Highway 2 to Highway 2A, left on Milligan Drive, E. Showhome Okotoks turn right at the second Drake Landing Loop entrance. Drake Landing Loop shanehomes.com Follow us: twitter.com/shanehomeliving Find us: facebook.com/shanehomes WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBS SUBURBS*Price includes +house, SATELLITESlot and GST. Subject JUNEto change 2012without notice. 27 mattamyhomesalberta.com

Discover The Pleasures Of Chestermere In Mattamy’s Lakepointe. Lakepointe Lakepointe Offers The Joy Of Lakeside Living.

Lakepointe is a special, master-planned neighbourhood where a maximum number of homes offer views of Chestermere Lake. It is a place of walking paths that connect your family to downtown Chestermere, a place with pleasing natural features and greenspace.

You’ll find a wide variety of home styles so there is a home for every modern family need. There are WideLot™ Townhomes, Double Car Garage Semis and Detached Homes in two distinctive Series, all with Double Car Garages.

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

Live By The Shores Of Chestermere Lake Airport 10 mins. To Calgary Trans-Canada or 16th A ve. We Road st P Widelot™ Townhomes from $254,990 D ark rive adise

a r Sales Semi Detached Homes from $339,990 P Centre Series I Double Car Garage Homes from $389,990 17th Ave. Chestermere Series II Double Car Garage Homes from $449,990 Lake These prices include the lot, the home and GST. There are no condo fees on any Mattamy home. 400 West Park Drive, Chestermere, Alberta

Elev. ‘A’

WideLot™ Townhome, The Ashby, Series II Double Car Garage Home, The Nottingham, Elev. ‘A’, 1,156 Sq.Ft., $254,990 Elev. ‘A’, 1,126 Sq.Ft., $241,990 Sales Centre Hours: Monday to Thursday 1pm-8pm; Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-6pm 28 SUBURBS + SATELLITESAll illustrations JUNE 2012are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice.WWW.CALGARYHERALD.COM/SUBSE.&O.E.