LL PU T OU
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • August 29, 20088
Your Guide to New Housing Developments in the Columbia Valley
Jade Landing Business Feature by Sandra Kelly Last year at this time, Jade Landing was a project in progress. Today it’s a community of homeowners who are more than pleased with their homes and their neighborhood. “As a community, Jade Landing is really taking shape,” says Susan Smith of Marble Canyon Developments. “We’ve had very positive comments from residents and from the Village of Canal Flats.” Re/Max realtors Jan Klimek and Ed English are helping to market the Columbia Valley’s most affordable housing development. “It’s going well, and our buyers tell us they’re very happy with the homes they’ve purchased here,” says Mr. English. Jade Landing offers tremendous value. Prices start at just $219,900 for an attractive one-level townhome with 1,632 square feet of developed living space. That’s the lowest cost per square foot of any new residential development in the valley. The development also offers a hassle-free lifestyle. Lawn care, snow removal and maintenance are handled by the strata association. Owners have all the advantages of whole ownership, including the option of keeping their home for personal use or renting it out. For the final three phases of the eight-phase project, the developer has introduced a more open and spacious floor plan with big windows to capture the views. Pre-construction buyers can request selective upgrades to suit their particular wants and needs. The new show suite will be open for viewing 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Labor Day weekend, and by appointment afterward. Every townhome at Jade Landing has a generous master suite on the main floor and a fully finished basement with two bedrooms and a full bathroom.
Jade Landing is located in Canal Flats, on the shore of Columbia Lake.
www.jadelanding.ca
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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes
August 29, 2008
Starter Homes in the Columbia Valley
g n i l l e 5 S w o N hase P
Beautifully appointed and affordable Townhomes in Canal Flats. This growing and vibrant community offers the only public access to Columbia Lake, beautiful views, golf courses, hiking, skiing, shing, hunting, hockey, curling and playgrounds all just outside your front door.
3 BEDROOM TOWNHOMES
219,900 + GST
$
1,632 sq. ft. of developed space including 4 appliances and air conditioning.
CONTACT US AT
250-345-6460 • toll free 1-877-646-5890 • www.jadelanding.ca JadeLanding.ca
August 29, 2008
New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneerr • 3
Continued from Page 1 . . . The finishing features include Berber-style carpet in the bedrooms and living room, and sheet vinyl flooring in the kitchen/dining room. Air conditioning is standard and every home has a deck with views of the Purcell Mountains. It’s no wonder the development appeals to such a wide range of buyers. “About a third of our buyers are young families, a third are Albertans who want an affordable vacation retreat, and the rest are equity investors,” says Mr. English. Canal Flats is just one kilometer south of Columbia Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It’s a water lover’s paradise, offering boating (power boats are permitted), water skiing, wakeboarding and swimming. The lake’s only public boat launch is located in Canal Flats. There is also a public beach and a family picnic area. Golf enthusiasts, take note: There are 17 major courses in the valley, including ‘the Flats at Canal Flats, Eagle Ranch, Greywolf, Trickle Creek and St. Eugene Mission. The Panorama, Kimberley and Kicking Horse ski resorts offer breathless downhill adventure, and the Fairmont Ski Hill is ideal for an easy half day on the slopes. And let’s not forget Canal Flats’ very own ice arena and curling facility. Every winter sport can be enjoyed close to home. For more information, call Jan Klimek or Ed English at 250-342-6505. Contact the developer directly at 250-345-6123 or at info@jadelanding.ca.
The new units at Jade Landing in Canal Flats offer a more spacious floor plan.
4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes
August 29, 2008
1/8 shares starting at $59,900 or $456/month* 1/4 shares starting at $99,900 or $760/month*
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*Prices and mortgage rates subject to change without notice. Please call for details. Prices do not include applicable taxes and fees. Payments do include taxes and fees. Payments based on 15 year amortization, 2 year fixed rate mortgage, OAC. This is not intended to be an offering or solicitation for sale in any jurisdiction where the project is not registered in accordance with applicable law or solicitation would otherwise be prohibited by law.
New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneerr • 5
August 29, 2008
Home hot tub market heating up again Business Feature by Sandra Kelly A generation ago, backyard hot tubs were all the rage. It seemed that everyone either had one or wanted one. But then, except at posh resorts and health spas, the big bucket of bubbly water seemed to go out of style. Too much maintenance, said busy homeowners. And too many health risks. Now, hot tubs are hot again. All the resorts in the Columbia Valley maintain a tub for the exclusive use of residents and guests, and homeowners are renewing their love affair with the tub. It’s no wonder. At the end of a long day on the greens, or the slopes, what could be more soothing than a soak? The concept of the tub as a backyard getaway emerged in the 1950s, but hot tubs have been used in various forms for centuries by civilizations around the world. Having gleaned the recuperative powers of hot mineral water, the ancient Greeks and Romans built gymnasiums
near natural hot springs, effectively establishing the relationship between health and wellness and hot water. Just as they do today, these ancient baths functioned both as healing centres and as social meeting places. Historians say they also played a role in birth, marriage and death rituals. With due diligence, the modern day hot tub actually requires little care. Testing the pH level of the water, skimming the surface for tiny debris and “shocking” the water with chlorine take only a few minutes every day. If the water is kept clean and people with head colds and other infections are discouraged from entering, the tub shouldn’t pose any health risks. Hot tubs are available from two suppliers in the Columbia Valley, both located in Invermere: Diamond Heating and Spas Ltd. at 385 Laurier Street (250-342-7100), and Dynasty Spas, recently opened at 503B 7th Avenue (250-342-3922).
6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes
On-site show suite now open! TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR ESCAPE. Finally, a luxury four-season real estate investment you and your family can enjoy, just three hours from Calgary. Visit our Invermere sales office and reserve your whole or 1/4 ownership opportunities now. Opening late fall 2008. 1-866-9LUXURY www.copperpoint.ca/pioneer
August 29, 2008
New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneerr • 7
August 29, 2008
Unforgettable features of valley showhomes Business Feature by Sandra Kelly This summer I had the pleasure of viewing most of the showhomes in the Columbia Valley. I was impressed by the quality, the innovation, and the value being offered. Each one also had at least one unforgettable characteristic: • Bighorn Meadows Resort, Radium: The new showhome at the posh resort has a separate lock-off guest suite, with a bed-sitting room, a bathroom and a fully-stocked kitchen. Every home should have one. • Borrego Ridge, Radium: With its striking ledgestone enclosure for the range and hood fan, the kitchen in the bungalow showhome sets a new standard for kitchen design. • Cedarwood Glen Estates, Invermere: The showhome at this multifamily housing development has a great dine-in kitchen, but what really stands out is the warm tones and textures used throughout the home.
• Jade Landing, Canal Flats: It’s a challenge to incorporate a great room and a generous master suite into just 816 square feet (on the main floor), but this show suite proves it can be done. • Sable Ridge, Radium: At the heart of the complex is a 1,600-square-foot clubhouse with magnificent two-storey fireplace and fully-equipped kitchen. • Copperside at Lakeview Meadows, Invermere: The tall dramatic windows in the spacious show suite do more than take advantage of the surrounding mountain views. They blend nature with great living spaces. • Purcell Point, Invermere: There are many features in this three-storey townhome, but the mocha-stained ash hardwood floor is gorgeous. • Spirits Reach, Columbia Lake: This thoroughly green development is such a class act it’s hard to choose anything. But the staircase rising through the centre of the new showhome is visually stunning.
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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer - New Homes
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August 29, 2008
New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneerr • 9
August 29, 2008
What kind of retreat is right for you? Business Feature by Sandra Kelly Labor Day weekend is the ideal time to look for a recreation home in the Columbia Valley. Most showhomes have extended hours, the market offers great variety this year, and the quality is universally superb. With so many wish-list features on view, it’s easy to lose sight of what you really need in a retreat. Before embarking on a tour this weekend, ask yourself a few simple questions: • What location is right for me? Every town and village in the valley has its own special attractions. Radium Hot Springs has the famed hot pools and some of the world’s most breathtaking alpine vistas. Invermere has the lake and many fine shops and restaurants. Fairmont Hot Springs is luxurious and restful. Canal Flats has close access to all sorts of amenities. Your choice depends on what you plan to do with your time.
• How often will I actually use the home? If the retreat is for occasional use only, fractional ownership may be your best bet. It makes financial sense, and you have the comfort of knowing the home is being maintained when you’re not there. • Will I invite guests? For some of us, the term retreat means just that. But if you love having family and friends around to share in the fun, you will need a retreat that was designed for entertaining. A house with ample guest quarters and a big patio will serve you better than an apartment with a balcony. • How much maintenance am I willing to do? Even simple tasks, like cutting the grass and sweeping the patio, use up your holiday time. Here is where that apartment condo becomes the smart choice. Forget low maintenance. If you can’t find the time to cut the grass at home, you definitely won’t find it here. Opt for no maintenance.
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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes
August 29, 2008
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New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneerr • 11
August 29, 2008
Childhood memories are made at the lake By Sandra Kelly Special to The Pioneer Last Saturday I watched a young girl execute a perfect swan dive off the diving platform at Kinsmen Beach. Midair she was as graceful as the bird, and happy—laughing loud enough to be heard from the beach. She brought back some fond memories. I spent my childhood summers at Bald Lake, north of Toronto. I’ve forgotten nine-tenths of what I learned in school, and except for all those nights I was made to eat my green beans I’ve lost the details of life at home. But my memories of those long hot summers at the beach are crystal clear. What I remember most is the water. Nothing smells quite like a lake, that heady mix of fish and weeds and bugs and boat motor oil. It always tasted faintly salty, even though it was fresh. And I’ll never forget the look of the lake at twilight, a sheet of light gray glass blazing under the setting sun. There was something sad about the lake at that hour, as if it was weary and
how far from shore I could get without drowning. We kids competed for the title of Best Swimmer from mid-morning until suppertime every day. Looking back, I finally understand why our parents didn’t let us back in the water after supper. That line about a full stomach causing cramps was just that. It was really because the sandriddled bathing suits and soggy towels were too much trouble to deal with again. Besides, our time was up. They wanted theirs. I hated fishing, but I loved going out in the boats. Any watercraft would do, but the powerboats were a blast. Sometimes we little kids were allowed This little boy is doing what kids love best. to ride along with the son of the couple who owned the lakeside cabins. He needed to rest after a long day of put- was older and responsible. Meaning of ting up with kids and kayaks. But in course that he trolled to the end of the the morning it always looked refreshed. bay, turned the corner out of sight of the adults, and then let it rip. Ready to go again. Diving off the dock and the boats Like all kids who grow up near water, I was sent for swimming lessons before and high cliffs, skimming the sandy I could write. But I really learned how lake bottom, lounging atop the water to swim by being thrown off the dock at on rubber rafts and inner tubes, doing Bald Lake, and by testing myself to see handstands near the shoreline—noth-
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ing since has compared. My one and only awful lake memory is of a water snake slithering across my stomach while I treaded water, my arms spread across the dock for support. I shiver to this day. I don’t know why I remember this, but being at the lake meant being allowed to eat foods we didn’t often get at home: truly great kid foods like hot dogs and hamburgers. There was vanilla ice cream in little plastic tubs, and red licorice ropes and potato chips and chocolate bars and other treats I can only dream of eating these days. Today the demand for lakeview and lakefront properties is huge. There’s a lot of talk about their financial value, about what a great investment they are. The folks who bought lakefront lots when I was a kid are glad they did. I’m glad for them, too. But, hearing that young girl laugh as she slid into Lake Windermere, I couldn’t help but think that the true value of these properties lies not in what we get for them, but in what we get from them: Memories that last.
12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes
August 29, 2008
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