Rec Properties Feature
AGEING IN PLACE
SURVEY SAYS
More Calgarians choosing to stay put
What makes horticulturists happy
COMMUNITY A10
The mountains are calling
DONNA BALZER A11
A9 FREE aug 21 to aug 27 2015 issue 05-32 editorial 403-781-1324 advertising 403-263-4940 crebnow@creb.ca
real estate news from industry experts
THE NIMBY ISSUE Has “not in my backyard” become Calgary’s unofficial slogan? CODY STUART
managing editor
T
he cry “not in my backyard” has been heard in this city over many topics. From secondary suites to skateparks to special needs schools and even bottle depots, objections have arisen on projects both public and personal. Having even spawned its own Twitter handle, Calgary’s long-running history of NIMBYism has seen
residents object to special needs schools on the basis that they would lower property values, social housing based on an increase in population density and skateboard parks based on the “racket” created by budding Tony Hawks. For those tasked with moving projects forward in the face of such criticism, it can be a delicate balance. “Obviously there is NIMBYism in Calgary, as there is in every city. Whether or not there’s more, I don’t
MLS® MONTH END INVENTORY* JUL ‘13 – JUL ‘15
JUL13 3931 AUG13 3597 SEP13 3616 OCT13 3388 NOV13 2743 DEC13 1765 JAN14 2181 FEB14 2641 MAR14 3033 3820 APR14 4528 MAY14 4759 JUN14 4678 JUL14 4591 AUG14 4559 SEP14 4162 OCT14 3826 NOV14 3213 DEC14 4655 JAN15 5474 FEB15 5693 MAR15 5579 APR15 5342 MAY15 5070 JUN15 5055 JUL15
CITY OF CALGARY
know,” said RESOLVE spokeswoman Amy Hurst. Working alongside nine organizations such as Horizon Housing and the Calgary Homeless Foundation, RESOLVE is a one-time fundraising campaign designed to see Calgary’s Plan to End Homelessness come to fruition. In the process of meeting the organization’s long-term goal of build supported rental housing for 3,000 Calgarians by raising $120 million by 2018, Hurst said she has seen those who support such projects as well as those who oppose them. “We’ve seen some really positive stories through some of our builds and some not so positive ones but we’ve received a lot of really good support
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity. Includes detached, attached and apartment.
Redwood Meadows $549,000 MLS®C4019548
Lee Edwards 403-540-0540
from different communities in the city.” “There are certain communities that wrap around these projects and are really excited about welcoming into their community, but it’s all going to depend on the community.” Last year, a proposed affordable housing project in Wildwood was met with criticism from area residents who challenged that the 48-unit project would increase traffic, decrease safety and drive property values in the area downward. “We believe affordable housing is required and important for the city of Calgary, but it needs to be done right,” stated a website started by Wildwood Citizens Coalition, a group opposed to the location of the project. “The current proposal is not in the best
interest of current Wildwood residents or potential future affordable housing residents. We believe that all citizens, regardless of their housing situation, deserve to live in safe environments and communities. The current proposal does not provide a safe environment.” The project is currently in the planning stages, with another public hearing set for Sept. 14. Earlier this year, the city was forced to put the brakes on a proposed skatepark as a result of similar arguments from those in the community.
NIMBYISM A3
CONTENTS
HARPER GOVERNMENT RAISES HOME BUYERS’ PLAN LIMIT
NEWS BRIEFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 FIVE THINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4
CREB® STAFF
HOA fees
T
he Harper Government has announced that they will increase the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit from $25,000 to $35,000. “Investing in a home is an exciting milestone for young families, but is also a major financial decision,” said Prime Minister Harper. “We want to continue supporting Canadian families in achieving their homeownership goals.”
INDUSTRY A3
CalgaryNEXT
MUNICIPAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Cecil demolition
INDUSTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6 EVENT LISTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6 RURAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Bike lanes
PROVINCIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8 Cochrane’s Riverfront Park
MORTGAGE RATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8 MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 OPEN HOUSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B19 @crebnow
/crebnow
crebnow.com
FULLY RENOVATED 6 BEDROOM HOME WITH A GREAT LOCATION
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY AUG 23RD 1- 5 PM 44 Sleigh DR, Redwood Meadows
CANYON CREEK
Very unique fully renovated 6 bedroom home with a great location in Redwood Meadows. Over 3300 sq. ft. of living space with soaring 18 ft. vaulted ceilings and an open concept main floor. The expansive great room is highlighted by a stunning 2 story high river rock fireplace and a row of clerestory windows at the top. New kitchen with custom cherry cabinets, high end stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. Spacious master bedroom featuring a walk-in closet, luxurious 4 pce. ensuite bath with a jetted corner tub, and patio doors opening onto the huge back deck with built-in seating and a porch swing. Downstairs is fully finished with 3 additional bedrooms, a huge games/rumpus room, and a 4 pce. bath. The double attached garage is insulated, drywalled, and has roughed in in-floor heat and overhead storage. Nestled in a wilderness setting on a 1/3 acre corner lot, this family home is less than a 20 minute drive to the west side of Calgary or Cochrane.
lee@braggcreekrealestate.com