Central Alberta Homes & Lifestyle - Fall 2016 by Source Media Group

fall 2016 | issue 17

contents

27 Lifestyles

8 Focus On

Toys for big boys (and girls). Everyone knows that Central Alberta is off=road country

13 Culture

Wine time. Canadian, eh? Some fine wines from close to home vines

19 Business

Cleared for takeoff. Red Deer airport expansion makes flying an attractive option

27 Getting to Know

Dustin Edey Proform Precast Products Ltd.

30 You Said It

What is your favourite Halloween costume?

Homes 10 Industry News

Leaders of the pack. 2016–2017 CHBA – Central Alberta Board of Directors

11 Market Overview

Hearts and minds. Show home builders aim for perfect blend of form and function

21 Industry News

Avid Home Quality Awards. Platinum Homes receives customer satisfaction award

Reno ideas aplenty. CHBA – Central Alberta’s fall Renovation + Design Show

25 Industry News

Something in the water. Sylvan Lake swimming against the current

15 Show Home Profile

22 Events

Ch-ch-ch-changes. New Alberta Building Codes come into effect this November

Items 6 Message from the chief executive officer 28 Maps Central Alberta and Red Deer

new communities

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message from the chief executive officer

Bring it on! Summer is almost over! My head shook typing those very words but considering the weather we have had in Central Alberta over the past few months maybe it is not a bad thing. So bring on the fall! Bring on the leaves changing; the crisp, cool mornings; the final harvest of fresh local vegetables; the start of hockey season; and, from a new home building perspective, bring on what is traditionally one of the strongest seasons for new home sales. Our magazine’s about lifestyles, and when you’re talking lifestyles, it all begins at home. First you’ve got to find just the right one, and then you’ve got to get it just the way you want it. In other words, first you’ve got to check out our massive show home listings inside this edition and tour some homes to find the one you want, then you’ve got to head down to the fall Renovation & Design Show (see story page 22) to gather the finishing touches that make a house a home. According to the latest market statistics from CMHC (page 11), it’s still a great time to buy a home in Central Alberta, and your local Canadian Home Builder’s Association – Central Alberta Region board of directors (see page 10) is working to keep it that way. These industry representatives come from all walks of the home building industry — from land developers and home builders, to trades and building material suppliers, to professional services like bankers and lawyers — to provide Central Albertans with a variety of quality, affordable housing options. They’re also your friends and neighbours, living in the same communities you do. Take a couple minutes to get to know Dustin Edey, from Proform Precast Concrete, and his family, on page 27. Speaking of industry experts, we’ve got a couple of very different feature articles this edition as local wine aficionado BJ Tumanut shares some of her personal selections; while residential construction guru Darrell Paul shares his insights into how some recent building code changes could affect both home builders and buyers. Our Focus On photo essay has been expanded to two pages this time around, all the better to showcase the latest ‘big toys for big boys’ — and girls too, of course. Whether you prefer four wheels or three, off-road or on, or even the track and skis combo of a snowmobile, Central Alberta is the place to be. And if that doesn’t satisfy your need for speed, try flying the friendly skies out of the newly expanded Red Deer Airport (YQF). Longer runways and increased ground services mean bigger planes, more passengers and, yes, better direct flight destinations coming our way soon! We interviewed YQF head honcho RJ Steenstra and have the low-down starting on page 19. Finally, in celebration of Halloween, we took to the streets for our You Said It page with the question: “What is your favourite Halloween costume?” What’s yours?

Sincerely,

CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION – CENTRAL ALBERTA represents professionals in the housing industry. CHBA – Central Alberta has been in existence for over 60 years and is a network of professionals that manages industry issues to provide value to our members. #200, 6700-76 Street Red Deer, Alberta T4P 4G6 Tel: 403.346.5321 Toll-free: 1.888.346.5329 Fax: 403.342.1301 Toll-free: 1.877.342.1301 E-mail: eo@chbacentralalberta.ca www.chbaca.ca Denie Olmstead | Chief Executive Officer eo@chbacentralalberta.ca Joan Butler | Administration & Event Co-ordinator admin@chbacentralalberta.ca Sharon Stange | Administration Assistant info@chbacentralalberta.ca

PUBLISHED BY Source Media Group Corp. 6109 – 6th Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 1L9 Tel: 403.532.3101, Fax: 403.532.3109 Toll free: 1.888.932.3101 Email: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | Jim Zang ART DIRECTOR | Jean Faye Rodriguez GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Dave Macaulay, Vivian Zhang PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR | Colleen Leier CONTRIBUTORS | Tanya Lee, Jock Mackenzie, Shae Paterson, David Shepherd, BJ Tumanut, Laurette Woodward DIRECTOR OF SALES | Norma Robertson norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca ADVERTISING SALES | James Pearce james.pearce@sourcemediagroup.ca © 2016 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group Corp. reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Central Alberta Homes & Lifestyles is published quarterly and is distributed to every member of the Canadian Home Builers’ Association – Central Alberta, as well as on free stands throughout the region.

Denie Olmstead Chief Executive Officer CHBA – Central Alberta 6

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focus on

Toys for big boys BY TA N YA L EE

Everyone knows that Central Alberta is offroad country. Whether for work or play; from farmers to oil industry workers; for backwoods camping, hunting or just for trail riding; Central Albertans love their ATVs. In winter, of course, the snowmobiles come out. And lately the new kid on the block, the three-wheeled Spyder series, has been seen cruising around town.

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focus on

(and girls) 4

1 2 3 4 5

Kawasaki Teryx 2 side-by-side, $18,271 at Precision Cycle. 2016 Can-Am Renegade 1000 XMR, $15,299 at Turple Bros. Ltd. Polaris ProRMK 800 sled, $16,580 at Parkland Sled and ATV. 2016 Can-Am Maverick 1000R XDS turbo, $25,599 at Turple Bros. Ltd. 2016 Can-Am Spyder RT-S special series, $30,899 at Turple Bros. Ltd.

6 2016 Summit SP 174 800R E-Tec turbo, $13,049 at Turple Bros. Ltd. 7 Polaris Outlaw 10 blue, $3,800 at Parkland Sled and ATV. 8 Kawasaki 750 CC Brute Force Quad in camo, $13,360.

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industry news

Leaders of the pack 2016-2017 CHBA – Central Alberta Board of Directors

CEN T R A L A L B ER TA H O M E S & L I FE S T Y L E S

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Back row, L to R: Derek Freeden, Christopher Stephan, Kevin Wilkie, Tyler Hansen, Kelly Coutts, Dustin Edey. Front row: Chris Beaumont, Brandon Bouchard, Lori Erickson, Denie Olmstead (Executive Officer, CHBA – Central Alberta Region). Missing: Dorinda Gallant, Leigh Stuart, Andrew Wiebe.

Homes and Tyler Hansen of Melcor Developments. Returning Directors serving their

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second year of a two-year term are Kelly Coutts of Door Masters Inc. and Dustin Edey of Proform Precast Concrete.

PHOTO BY JOCK M ACKENZIE

he Canadian Home Builders’ Association — Central Alberta Region has a new board of directors resulting from elections at the Annual General Meeting held on June 15. Brandon Bouchard of Paul Davis Restorations was appointed to the position of President, with Dorinda Gallant of Sorento Custom Homes appointed as 1st Vice President. Chris Beaumont of Abbey Master Builder was elected to the position of 2nd Vice President, and Lori Erickson of Erickson Homes assumed the role of Past President. Leigh Stuart of Red Deer Overdoor continues as Treasurer. New Directors elected to the Board for a two-year term were Andrew Wiebe of Carpet Colour Centre — Carpet One, Christopher Stephan of Christopher Stephan Corp. of JD Law, and Derek Freeden of True-line Homes. Re-elected Directors for an additional two-year term were Kevin Wilkie of Laebon

market overview

Something in the water Sylvan Lake swimming against the current BY J I M Z A N G

ven though they’re all in Central Alberta, and within a few minutes drive of each other, it would be a mistake to look at the region as a single housing market. In fact, each town is quite distinct and needs to be examined on its own, which they would be the first to tell you. Starting at the hub, Red Deer proper, July was a pretty decent month in terms of new home starts with 20 this year compared to 21 in 2015 — basically no difference (see Chart A). However, a couple of multifamily projects bumped last year’s totals up by another 20 homes, while so far this year nobody’s started any new townhome or apartment projects. At least not until they’ve sold all the units they’ve still got in inventory right now. It’s when you look at the year-to-date totals that the fallout from the economic slowdown really becomes clear, even in the single family category. Last year, through the end of July, more than 150 single family homes were started. So far in 2016 that number has shrunk to just 77 homes, a little more than half last year’s total. Factoring in all types of housing, total starts were down over 48 per cent from a year ago. Looking at pricing, Just north of town, the City of Lacombe is like a mirror image (see Chart B). The second quarter of 2015 saw 13 single detached starts while this year there were 11, basically no change. Multi-family starts over the same time period, meanwhile, have 2015 outpacing this year at a rate of four to one. When you mix it all together, this year’s total starts to date are down 37.5 per cent.

HOUSING STARTS BY DWELLING TYPE RED DEER

July 2016

July 2015

YTD 2016

YTD 2015

Single detached

151

Semi-detached

Row

Apartment

154

232

All

264

429

Chart A

Source: CMHC

In the surrounding County, the gaps are even more pronounced as both the second quarter and year-to-date statistics show a greater than 50 per cent drop off from 2015 numbers. Since it’s mostly a semi-rural and rural district, it’s no surprise that there were zero multi-family home starts — those tend to only happen inside city and town limits.

Moving on alphabetically, to Olds, it’s more of the same. This year’s totals are approximately half of last year’s — once you add in the six semi-detached units. If you’re just looking at single-family, 2016 starts are actually down a whopping 75 per cent on a year-to-date basis. Red Deer County, which includes estate homes west of the QE II and Gasoline

HOUSING STARTS BY DWELLING TYPE LACOMBE

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

YTD 2016

YTD 2015

Single detached

Semi-detached

Row

Apartment

All

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

YTD 2016

YTD 2015

Single detached

Semi-detached

LACOMBE COUNTY

Row

Apartment

All

33 Source: CMHC

Chart B

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market overview

HOUSING STARTS BY DWELLING TYPE OLDS*

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

YTD 2016

YTD 2015

Single detached

Semi-detached

Multi-family

All

RED DEER COUNTY

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

YTD 2016

YTD 2015

Single detached

Semi-detached

Row

Apartment

All

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

YTD 2016

YTD 2015

Single detached

Semi-detached

Row

Apartment

All

SYLVAN LAKE

Chart B – Continue

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Source: CMHC *Source: Town of Olds building permits

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Alley, checks in with some pretty decent numbers. Incredible numbers, in fact, with 2016 ahead by three starts in the second quarter and two starts for the year in the single family category. And that’s all there is, there are no multi-family projects in the area. Meanwhile, out in cottage country, Sylvan Lake is an interesting contrast. Single detached home starts are down from 28 in the second quarter of 2015 to 17 in the same segment this year, the 39 per cent drop pretty much matching the decrease in most of the other communities. And the year-to-date total is also down by 42 per cent. However, Sylvan Lake saw a huge increase in multi-family starts — from 25 to-date in 2015 to 59 so far in 2016 — so that total housing starts in Sylvan Lake in 2016 are currently ahead (yes, ahead!) of last year’s pace by a very respectable eight per cent. There must be something in the water out there. Whatever it is, they need to bottle it and sell it.

culture

Wine time Canadian, eh? Some fine wines from close to home vines BY B J T U M A N U T

have a confession. I love wine, but it’s a challenge for me to get excited by Chardonnay and Shiraz. In the ’90s there was Chardonnay; the then trendy wine whose trademark was oak so heavy that it left splinters on your palate. And then there was Shiraz, also known as Syrah, that had its heyday not so long ago. These big, jammy, over-the-top fruit bombs were all the rage. The party may be over, but my teeth are still red.

Today things are different. Chardonnay and Syrah, the up-and-coming grape varietals in Canada, are much more balanced and elegant compared to their previously trendy counterparts. For a taste of this modern Canadian style, here are a few easy to find Okanagan Chardonnay and Syrah wines that are well worth trying:

Black Hills Syrah — Black Hills has had a cult-like following for years and now that their Syrah is easily found in the marketplace, I have no doubt their following will grow. Their Syrah has rich dark fruit flavours along with coffee, smoke and cocoa on the nose and palate.

Summerhill Cipes Brut — If I were stuck on a desert island and could only have one type of wine, it would be bubbly. I would definitely include this classic Canadian spar-kler made from an organic Chardonnay blend with apple, lime, almond and grapefruit notes. Naomi Delafield

Quail’s Gate Chardonnay — This Chardonnay has a delightful balance of stone fruit, orange blossom, bright acidity and elegant French oak. The quality continues through the lingering finish and is an ideal pairing for pan seared scallops.

Burrowing Owl Athene — Burrowing Owl, another long-time Okanagan darling, blends Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon to make this rich, alluring wine. It is full-bodied and packed with black cherry, blackberry, baking spices and bittersweet cocoa.

BJ Tumanut is a graduate of the Canadian Wine Scholar program who teaches wine Dean classes O’Brien in Red Deer.

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show home profile

Hearts and minds Show home builders aim for perfect blend of form and function

ou’ve seen their ad in the magazine. You’ve browsed their website. Now it’s time to hit the streets, put the pedal to the metal, get your feet on the ground, and visit some new show homes. Because, no matter what you’ve seen or heard anywhere else, there is absolutely no substitute for actually walking through a home. That’s why home builders have them, after all, is to literally show you what they can do. And it’s not all about the floor plan either. Oh sure, the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, is important — but it’s not the be all and end all. Of course price is a factor, too. But, as you meander through these homes, remember to pay attention to the details. Any builder can frame any floor plan, but it’s the attention to detail, the finishings, the way a home fits your lifestyle, that you need to be aware of. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, that’s why the builder rep

AVALON

MODEL:

is on hand. What are the cabinets made of? Are those triple-pane windows? Can I bump up the insulation factor? Just how much will that countertop or appliance upgrade cost me? Fall is usually show home season, with many spring and summer starts at or near completion, so, with that in mind, Central Alberta Homes & Lifestyles called up local builders and asked them for a list of what they’d have open or opening soon. It’s not an exhaustive list, by any means — it’s just the folks who got back to us — but with 29 show homes listed it’s a good place to start.

KREST HOMES

The Blossom

MODEL:

COMMUNITY: Savanna in Laredo

Laredo

COMMUNITY: Vanier Woods East

SIZE:

1,106 sq. ft.

1,918 sq. ft.

SIZE:

2,168 sq. ft.

STYLE:

Condominium townhomes

Two-storey

STYLE:

Two-storey

BEDROOMS: 3

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2.5

2.5

BATHROOMS: 3.5

PRICE: $314,900

$499,900

PRICE:

ADDRESS:

1203, 339 Viscount Drive

114 Lundberg Crescent

ADDRESS:

27 Vancouver Crescent

HOURS:

2 – 8 p.m. Mon. – Wed.;

1 – 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun.

HOURS:

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. – Wed.;

12 – 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun.

1 – 5 p.m. Tues., Thurs., Sat. & Sun.

WEBSITE:

www.kresthomes.ca

WEBSITE: www.liveatsavanna.com

www.avalonhomes.ca

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The Vault

$750,000

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show home profile

ABBEY MASTER BUILDER

MODEL:

Loretto

www.abbeymasterbuilder.ca

Lansdowne

Lismore

COMMUNITY: Laredo

Clearmont

The Vista in Ryders Ridge, Sylvan Lake

Hawkridge Estates, Penhold

SIZE:

1,688 sq. ft.

1,790 sq. ft.

1,292 sq. ft.

Bi-level

Two-storey

Townhome

2,208 sq. ft.

STYLE: Two-storey

The Westbrooke

BEDROOMS: 3 3 3 3 BATHROOMS: 2.5

2.5

PRICE: $633,500

$562,900

$542,900

$292,500

ADDRESS:

17 Larratt Close

9 Caribou Crescent

4280 Ryders Ridge Blvd.

170 Hampton Close

HOURS:

1 – 5 p.m. Sat. – Wed.

MODEL:

The Westbrooke

2.5

The Westbrooke

Lismore

Brighton

COMMUNITY: Ryders Ridge, Sylvan Lake

Crestview, Sylvan Lake

Aurora Heights, Blackfalds

SIZE:

1,412 sq. ft.

1,084 sq. ft.

1,292 sq. ft.

STYLE: Townhome Townhome Bi-level

Bi-level

BEDROOMS: 3 3 2 2 BATHROOMS: 2.5 2.5 2

$259,900

$323,900

ADDRESS:

33 Rowberry Court

57 Crestview Blvd.

10 Aurora Heights

HOURS:

1 – 5 p.m. Sat. – Wed.

By appointment

LARKAUN HOMES

www.abbeymasterbuilder.ca

unnamed :HOME MODEL:

Oxford Landing, Penhol

Two-storey

2.5

$429,900

:BEDROOMS: 3 :BATHROOMS: 2.5 :PRICE: $779,000 :HOURS:

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1,903 sq. ft.

:STYLE: Two-storey

186 Norseman Close :ADDRESS: By appointment

unnamed

:COMMUNITY: Lardeo

1,644 sq. ft. :SIZE:

PRICE: $300,500

132 Larratt Close 1 – 6 p.m. Mon – Sat; 1 – 5 p.m. Sun.

show home profile

FALCON HOMES

MODEL:

Meadows

www.falconhomes.ca

Hawthorne

Rafferty 2

Belmont

COMMUNITY: Aspen Lakes West, Blackfalds

Hampton Pointe, Sylvan Lake

Ryders Ridge, Sylvan Lake

SIZE:

1,200 sq. ft.

1,300 sq. ft.

1,065 sq. ft.

1,200 sq. ft.

STYLE: Two-storey

Two-storey Two-storey Bungalow

BEDROOMS: 3 3 3 2 BATHROOMS: 2.5 2.5 2.5 2 PRICE:

$239,900

$247,800

$336,900

ADDRESS:

6 Ava Crescent

9 Hawthorne Place

26 Hampton Crescent

2 Rosse Place

1 – 5 p.m. daily

1 – 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun.

HOURS:

$369,900

LAEBON HOMES

MODEL:

Montego

www.laebon.ca

Brixton

Lyndon

Oxford

COMMUNITY: Beacon Hill, Sylvan lake

Palisades, Penhold

Trinity Crossing, Lacombe

Timber Ridge

SIZE:

1,361 sq. ft.

1,426 sq. ft.

2,135 sq. ft.

2,015 sq. ft.

STYLE:

Bi-level Bi-level Two-storey Two-storey

BEDROOMS: 3 3 3 3 BATHROOMS: 2 2 2.5 2.5 PRICE:

$399,900

$401,000

$430,500

$521,900

ADDRESS:

24 Bardwell Way

129 Mann Drive

5 Trinity Street

7 Tory Close

HOURS:

Noon – 5 p.m. every day

McGONIGAL SIGNATURE HOMES MODEL:

unnamed

SORENTO CUSTOM HOMES MODEL:

The Avianna

COMMUNITY: Laredo

SIZE:

2,818 sq. ft.

SIZE:

2,617 sq. ft. main floors, 1,004 sq. ft. basement

STYLE:

Two-storey

STYLE:

Two-storey with developed basement

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 3

PRICE:

$829,900

PRICE:

ADDRESS:

136 Larratt Close

ADDRESS:

109 Lazero close

HOURS:

1 – 5 p.m. Fri. – Sun.

HOURS:

1 – 5 p.m. Wed. – Sun.

WEBSITE:

www.sorentocustomhomes.com

WEBSITE: www:mcgonigalsignaturehomes.com

$749,900

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show home profile

TRUE LINE HOMES

www.truelinehomes.com

MODEL:

The Clearmont

Arlington

The Aberdeen

COMMUNITY:

Clearview Ridge

Laredo

SIZE:

1,690 sq. ft. main floors;

1,303 sq. ft.

1,033 sq. ft. developed basement

1,260 sq. ft. main floors; 1,057 sq. ft. developed basement

STYLE: Bi-level

Bungalow

Bi-level

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS:

3.5

2.5

PRICE:

$669,989

$616,084

$578,859

ADDRESS:

122 Caribou Crescent

6 Little Close

130 Lalor Drive

HOURS:

1 – 5 p.m. Wed. – Sat.

1 – 5 p.m. everyday

1 – 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun.

MODEL:

The Sierra 2

The Connaught 2

Kinsmen Dream Home

Aspen Lakes

Crestview, Sylvan Lake

Laredo 1,475 sq. ft.

COMMUNITY: SIZE:

1,472 sq. ft. main floors;

1,538 sq. ft. main floors;

975 sq. ft. developed basement

900 sq. ft. developed basement

STYLE:

Bi-level Bi-level Bungalow

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS:

2.5

PRICE:

$532,935

$599,959

$100 per ticket or 3 for $250

ADDRESS:

4929 Aspen Lakes Blvd.

9 Cole Way

45 Larrett Close

HOURS:

1 – 5 p.m. Wed. – Sat.

TBA

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business

Cleared for takeoff Red Deer airport expansion makes flying an attractive option BY L AU R E T T E WO O DWA R D

lying is about to get a lot more convenient for Central Albertans. Thanks to a significant expansion nearing completion at the Red Deer Airport, the future of flying directly from Red Deer to multiple domestic and international destinations is stronger than ever before. “We are on a very good path,” says RJ Steenstra, Chief Executive Officer, Red Deer Airport. “The market for more flights and more destinations is definitely here in Central Alberta. And, now we have the infrastructure to increase the flights that are available.” A runway expansion is the focus of the current work, and is a part of a larger modernization and master plan. Planning began in 2013 with an area structure plan, and that turned into a master plan in 2014.

Part of the planning was to determine whether there was a market for expansion. The clear answer is yes. In fact, Central Albertans are investing $250 million in airplane tickets out of Edmonton and Calgary each year. Another way of looking at it: • 700,000 arrivals and departures (from and to Edmonton and Calgary) each year, involve passengers who are from Central Alberta. • Of those, 476,000 departures/arrivals involve Red Deerians, and another 80,000 are Sylvan Lake passengers. “There’s definitely a market here. Not

only do we want the convenience of flying from home for our passengers, but we also want the economic impact of those flights to stay here in Central Alberta,” says Steenstra. “Currently the airport has an economic impact of $100 million each year.

“There’s definitely a market here. Not only do we want the convenience of flying from home for our passengers, but we also want the economic impact of those flights to stay here in Central Alberta.”

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business

“With a longer runway, the airport will be better positioned to take on the next phase of growth and further expand the economic possibilities for Red Deer and the Central Alberta region.” Two hundred people are employed either at the airport or through businesses that rely on the airport. That’s significant, and we want to grow it.” The first phase of expansion began in April 2016, and involves the runway expansion from 5,500 to 7,500 feet. The project is worth $9.5 million, funded through a partnership with the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County and the Province of Alberta. Completion is due in September 2016. With the longer runway, the airport is now equipped for 737 jet aircraft and, as a result, it can offer direct flights to Vancouver, Toronto, or other Canadian cities, or eventually even charter flights to international destinations. “Central Albertans are interested in direct flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Palm Springs, and even London, England” says Steenstra. In addition to direct flights, Air Canada currently flies three times daily from Red Deer into Calgary, for connections to other destinations. Steenstra anticipates 20

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connecting flights out of Red Deer with Air Canada and other airlines could increase as well. “The bottom line is it’s more convenient to fly from Red Deer,” says Steenstra. “Passengers depart and arrive closer to home, so they spend less time travelling.” “Parking is free at the Red Deer airport which is another big advantage,” says Steenstra. “Also, people can check their luggage straight through to their final destination and do their security screening right here. The crowds of people at larger airports aren’t here, and our security staff is very friendly. There’s a good feeling here. It’s very convenient, and a great place to fly from.” Steenstra says the airport is working on attracting more commercial airlines, in addition to Air Canada, 2 016

to offer flights from Red Deer. “Now with the runway expansion, we are making a stronger case for those airlines,” says Steenstra. “A big limitation for them has been removed.” The master plan for the future outlines additional phases to the airport’s expansion. The current $9.5 million phase is the first part of an overall $100 million to be invested in the facility. The next step is to expand the terminal, parking lot and modernize taxi-ways. “We’ve taken the first step of a broader expansion,” says Steenstra. “With a longer runway, the airport will be better positioned to take on the next phase of growth and further expand the economic possibilities for Red Deer and the Central Alberta region.”

RJ Steenstra, Chief Executive Officer, Red Deer Airport

industry news

Avid Home Quality Awards Platinum Homes receives customer satisfaction award

n recognition of home builders providing extraordinary customer experiences, Avid® Ratings Canada presented its third annual Home Quality Awards at the Canadian Home Builders Association – Alberta conference in Jasper September 16 – 18. These awards recognize the top-rated builders by assessing customer satisfaction in terms of new home quality, features and service, and Central Alberta’s Platinum Homes and Developments won in the custom small volume category. Winners are determined based on results of surveys distributed to customers in Avid’s database of Alberta warranty provider builders, in addition to year-end warranty surveys conducted for Avid’s Alberta clients. Responses for approximately 130 Alberta builders were analyzed to identify the 2016 award recipients.

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events

Reno ideas aplenty CHBA – Central Alberta’s fall Renovation + Design Show BY L AU R E T T E WO O DWA R D

f you’re looking to spruce up your home, and just need some ideas or to ask an expert a particular question, a great opportunity is just around the corner. From October 21-23, the Central Alberta Fall Renovation + Design Show, at Westerner Park in Red Deer, will be presented by the Canadian Home Builder’s Association – Central Alberta. At the show, you’ll find a wide range of information about products and services to do with home renovation or construction. Displays / experts include: • Interior design • Electronics / gadgets • Material / building supplies • Flooring / windows / lighting • Plumbing / electrical • Roofing Attendees will be able to circulate among display booths to talk to vendors, and while at the show get infornmation on the 2016 Fall Parade of Homes. “Come to the show to get lots of ideas, and start thinking about what you can do with your home,” says Brandon Bouchard, President, CHBA – Central Alberta.

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New this year is an ‘ask-the-expert’ booth. The CHBA will have the booth manned by a variety of professional trades, so you can ask your questions directly. You won’t find a group presentation format, but a one-on-one, face-to-face discussion so you really can get the answers you need. The schedule of experts will be posted in advance on the CHBA website so you can visit the booth when the expert you want to talk to is there. “I am really excited about this new element,” says Bouchard. “People will be able to stop and ask their questions without feeling an obligation to buy anything. Without the pressure of a sale, people can just get the information they need.” Bouchard says this is great for anyone, but especially for those who are just starting the planning, and who need information to help them make decisions. Also at the event, will be a guest speaker: Jo Alcorn, who has been featured on HGTV and Discovery Channel.

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This is the second annual show. Last year 3,500 people came to the event, and this year organizers are hoping for 5,000 or more. The event’s sister, the Red Deer Home Show has welcomed visitors in the spring for about 37 years, and is very successful. CHBA decided to put on another show because “people don’t just need ideas in the spring,” says Bouchard. “This is a chance for people to meet with a wide variety of trades all in one spot, and get what they need to move forward.” Bouchard says the spring show has a variety of exhibits relating to outdoor living and landscaping, but the fall show emphasizes renovation. He says in the spring we often think outdoors, and in the fall we start preparing for colder weather. “Renovation and interior design is a great focus for this time of year,” he says.

events

One of the exciting draws to the Canadian Home Builders Association show in Red Deer in October is the visit of guest speaker, Jo Alcorn, a designer who has been featured on HGTV, and the Discovery Channel, most recently as the designer on HGTV’s show ‘Home to Win’. Alcorn has also worked as production designer for a handful of films, and she recently launched her own furniture line. Alcorn is the Style Editor for Canadian Home Trends Magazine. She also teaches at Toronto’s Humber College. Alcorn’s focus at the Red Deer Renovation Show will be interior design. “I’ll be speaking about what types of renovation projects give the best return on investment,” says Alcorn, “and providing budget friendly ideas. There should be a little something for everyone to enjoy!” Alcorn has never been to Red Deer, but says, “I am excited to visit. I’ve heard Red Deer is adorable, and has stunning views. I’ve also heard the people are very nice.”

HGTV’S JO ALCORN TO VISIT CENTRAL ALBERTA RENOVATION + DESIGN SHOW

Alcorn was impressed to learn that Red Deer’s official cookie is the Caramel Surprise, and that Red Deer had the first court case in Canada to include female jurors.

For complete details on the 2016 Central Alberta Renovation + Design Show, visit www.reddeerhomerenoshow.ca

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industry news

Ch-ch-ch-changes New Alberta Building Codes come into effect this November BY DAV I D S H EP H ER D

ome builders, tradespeople, and home buyers will all be affected by two changes to the 2014 Alberta Building Code which will come into effect this November. The first change alters window installation requirements, and the second change relates to the energy performance of a building. While B.C. and Ontario adopted these codes years ago, Alberta has lagged behind, says Darrell Paul. Paul runs Qualistat Building Performance Consultants, which does building performance assessments, including site reviews and diagnostic tests. He’s been involved in residential construction since 1978. While the 2014 Alberta Building Code came into effect last November, Part 9.36 was delayed until this November 1st. The reason for the change? “The national code is changing,” says Paul. “It’s changing to try and reduce greenhouse gases, the carbon footprint, and all of the environmentally sensitive things people are worried about.” The new code requires insulation be measured by its effective value, rather than its nominal value. In laymen’s terms: the nominal value is the heat loss if there were no studs in the wall, just thick insulation. The effective value is the heat loss through a combination of both thick insulation between the studs and the heat loss through the studs themselves. For instance, a nominal R-20 has an effective R-16 because about 25 per cent of the wall is studs, which are only about R-7. The more studs, or solid lumber in the wall, the lower the effective R-value. The effective value is a

more accurate reflection of what the real number is — which is what the new code demands. “There’s a couple of ways you can meet code,” says Paul. “The first way is through a prescriptive requirement. Basically you just follow the prescriptive requirement and fill in the blanks. The other way is through a performance based route.” The performance-based route requires builders to produce an energy model of the house to determine what the house is going to use for energy, then build it in such a way that the proposed design “will not consume more energy than an equivalent building built to prescriptive requirements,” according to the City of Calgary website.

“It’s changing to try and reduce greenhouse gases, the carbon footprint, and all of the environmentally sensitive things people are worried about.”

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“When you look at what the government is doing with the carbon tax, if our utility rates go up, improved energy efficiency will help offset the cost of operating your home. It’s like buying an electric car — you spend more upfront, but you’re day-to-day expenses go down. The code forces builders to do that.”

What does this mean for home builders? Paul explains. “From a builder’s perspective, if they were into energy efficiency, some of them already meet the code, and they’re not going to see much of a difference. But the builders that are price point sensitive, those are the ones that will see an increase in building cost as they adjust.” In the current economic environment, no one knows how much of that price change will be passed on to consumers. “When you look at what the government is doing with the carbon tax, if our utility rates go up, improved energy efficiency will help offset the cost of operating your home. It’s like buying an electric car — you spend more upfront, but you’re day-to-day expenses go down. The code forces builders to do that.”

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In particular, the code affects three core components. First, the building envelope, which includes the insulation and air tightness. Then, the mechanical systems, which include the efficiency of the furnace and ventilation. Finally, domestic hot water will also need to meet new requirements. Paul estimates that over 50 per cent of tradespeople are going to see the effects of the new code. “People in the trades have to understand what is required and which areas are impacted.” One of the big impact areas? Air tightness. “That’s going to impact a lot of the trades. Framers, electricians and mechanical, plumbing, insulators, siding contractors — it’s a wide-ranging impact.” For home buyers, the code change likely won’t affect those interested in purchasing higher end homes, as most will already be designed to surpass the requirements of the new code. Those looking for homes at a lower price point may find the cost to build increase, though Paul notes it’s difficult to say how much of the cost will be passed on to consumers due to the current economic climate. Despite the update, Alberta remains almost a full code change behind — which means builders can expect more changes on the horizon. “The national code changes every five years, and we were already behind when the 2014 Alberta code came out,” says Paul, noting that the national code will be updated once again this fall. “The mandate from what I’ve heard from the government is that they want to keep close to the national code. That means in the next couple years we’re going to get another code change. Energy is the big ticket item — but we don’t know exactly what the details of it are until the code is released.”

getting to know

Dustin Edey Proform Precast Products Ltd. BY J I M Z A N G

iant slingshots, road trips, family reunions, and laughter. For Dustin Edey, the sales and marketing guy at Proform Precast Products, these are some of his fondest childhood memories. The last three, fine, but giant slingshots? It’s really no surprise Dustin should have such great memories of his youth, since most of it was spent right here in good old Central Alberta. Born and raised in Red Deer, the youngest of five children, he has three older brothers and one older sister. “My parents have been married for 45 years,” he says, “and have called Red Deer home for the last 35 years. Both owned local businesses.” Dustin’s own brush with entrepreneurship came early in life, working as a newspaper carrier while in junior high. After that, his first real job experience was working at a horse ranch for a couple of summers. His first vehicle was a 1989 Jeep YJ. “It was awesome,” he says with a laugh. “Doors off, top down, cruising around town.” Dustin graduated from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and then earned his Journeyman certificate in cabinet making from SAIT in Calgary. Since returning to Red Deer, Dustin’s started his own family and is thrilled that daughter Bridget (13), and sons Brayden (10), and Trent (8) are able to grow up in his home town. “Red Deer is great,” he says. “The little big city. Tons of green space, great people, no matter where you go,

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you’ll bump into someone you know.” He’s been married to wife Krysta for what he describes as “two unbelievable years” and is currently building a new home on the east side of town. “we plan to be in before Christmas,” he says. They have two dogs, Charlie and Tessa. Dustin’s been with Proform for the past three years, but is actually on his second tour of duty with the company. “I started at Proform in the field doing labor work, then up to finisher and stringliner, back in the late ‘90s. I then went on to college and did renovations, home building, and pool tables. All of these really helped me understand the industry.” For Dustin, the best part of his job is getting to meet all the different builders and contractors involved in the new home business. “There are a lot of really good people in the industry,” he says. “It’s great to see how people can all get along even when they are competitors in a tight market.” This spirit of cooperation is a recurring

theme in his life. “My buddy Glenn Styles has been a huge influence in my life. His positive attitude and willingness to help anyone and everyone has helped shaped me even since he passed away.” The rewarding things in life, he says, are “making a difference in someone else’s life. It could be small. But the look on their face makes everything worth it.” In his free time, he enjoys just relaxing and maybe going out for drinks with his wife and some friends. He also volunteers with the Red Deer Public School District and as an Auxiliary Member of the local RCMP. Hmm, wonder what they’d say about those giant slingshots?

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CENTRAL ALBERTA Community Residential Development Map

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you said it

What is your favourite Halloween costume? BY S H A E PAT ER SO N

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Brook, age 7

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Chloe, A Buck or Two Plus

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Buzz Lightyear.” Cameron Brown, RDC student

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Tom Williams, Queen City Belt Maker

Cody, Arctic Skins

Elsa from Frozen.”

The White Walker from Game of Thrones.”

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The Hamburgler.”

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Superman.”

The guy from Deadpool.” Jaden, age 8

Iron Man.” Mike Gisby, Patch Life Apparel

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Zack went as a buffalo.” Zack the horse and Sharlene, Circle J Horses