COCHRANE LIVING
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 8
contents 12
SP RI N G 2 015
18 9
29 COMMUNITY FEATURE
6 | Sustainable growth Cochrane is in the game for the long haul PEOPLE
9 | Living the dream
35
Gallery owner provides opportunity for Canadian artists COVER FEATURE
12 | Fireside heats up in Cochrane Community development brings family and nature together
16 | Townhomes revival Homes by Avi redefines townhome living in Sunset Ridge
18 | Romance by the river
29 | Getting their kicks
RiverReach gives riverside living style and affordability
Soccer players of all ages are having a ball
24 | Full value
BUSINESS
Innovations by Jayman offers homes designed for every stage of life
SPORTS & RECREATION
32 | Spray Lake Sawmills A genuine leader in the forest industry and the community
Four new show homes illustrate Riviera’s riverside charm
Heartland gives new meaning to home sweet home
Jumping Pound Ridge Townhomes off to a blazing start
BUILDER FEATURES
14 | The ReidBuilt advantage
28 | Green efficiency
ReidBuilt’s wide range of homes in Fireside offer choice
Landmark Homes’ award-winning green design wows in Sunset Ridge | 3 | S P R I N G
20 | Riviera rising
22 | Heart of Cochrane
26 | Life by the Ridge
COCHRANE LIVING
DEVELOPER FEATURES
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YOU SAID IT
38 | What do you like most about living in Cochrane? ITEMS
04 | Note from the Editor 05 | Mayor’s message 35 | Events 37 | Town of Cochrane map
note from the editor P U B L I S HE R
Source Media Group
The Rocky Mountain Picture View
A SS O CI AT E P U B L I S HE R |
E DI TO R |
The priceless views available in Cochrane — whether of the Rocky Mountains, the sinuous Bow River and the lush river valley — are part of the way of life in this growing town along southern Alberta’s foothills. It seems that no matter where you build a home, you will always have some part of
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca
Pepper Rodriguez
pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca A R T DI R E CTO R |
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca G R A P HI C DE S I G NE R S
the bountiful scenery to enjoy.
Rylyn Kvarnberg
All the home builders and developers we talked to in this spring issue of
rylyn.kvarnberg@sourcemediagroup.ca
Dave Macaulay
Cochrane Living all point to this particular shared trait as among the most
dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
important aspects as to why people are buying homes here. From the heights of Melcor’s Sunset Ridge on the to town’s western hillside, to Tamani Communities Riviera in Riversong’s idyllic riverside location by the banks of
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca CO NT R I B U TO R S
the Bow — everyone seems to take pride in the postcard-perfect views of
Darlene Casten, Aaliya Essa, David Shepherd, Kiki Streets
Cochrane. But that’s not all that Cochrane’s about, the quaint and unique lifestyle
P HOTO G R A P HY
available in this Western heritage town is also a big part of why everyone
Darlene Casten, Aaliya Essa, Allison Seto
seems to want to move here. And that’s no hyperbole; check out Aaliya Essa’s new home market overview to find out how much the town has
P R O DU CT I O N CO - O R DI NATO R |
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca
grown. Going back to the subject of lifestyle — the arts and recreational activities are a huge part of what makes Cochrane tick. This issue, we feature articles on the town’s minor soccer association and a profile on local artist Janet
A DV E R T I S I NG S A L E S |
ACCO U NT I NG |
Armstrong to illustrate those ties. This after all is what Cochrane Living is
Cindy Marks
cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca
Norma Robertson
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca
about — informing people of the choices of homes available in town, and the lifestyle you can enjoy once you do move here.
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 8
But our main focus remains to be getting the word out on the various new homes and communities going up all over town. La Vita Land’s Fireside graces our cover for this issue and we are just amazed to see how much it has grow — the community had just launched when the then-titled Loving Cochrane Living debuted too ReidBuilt Homes’ wide selection of homes in Fireside is featured as well in the second feature. There are seven more features on the various new home builders and developers in town, the most comprehensive coverage of what’s going on in the Cochrane new home market.
Cochrane Living® is published quarterly and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and Cochrane. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Copyright 2015 Source Media Group Corp. All rights reserved. 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 reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Contact: Source Media Group, 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9 E-mail info@sourcemediagroup.ca Tel 403.532.3101; Fax 403.532.3109 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; Printed in Canada.
So, if you’re new in town or are looking into moving here, pick up this quarterly publication to find out what’s going on in town. Let us be your source for getting the most of living in Cochrane.
Distributed by Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Source Media Group, 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
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message from the mayor
Congratulations
on making it through another Alberta winter!
You’re probably looking forward to a warm and exciting spring — there are also lots of great family events and activities in town to look forward to. Watch for the official groundbreaking for Cochrane’s new aquatic and curling/multi-sport centre this spring. This $45-million facility will change the face of recreation in our community by adding a pool large enough for competitions, a warm water therapy pool, water slides and a bigger hot tub, as well as improved facilities for curling and other sports, viewing areas and more retail space. It will take 18 to 24 month to build, but everyone can get involved right now by contributing to the building campaign at RocktheWaves.ca. Cochranites love to volunteer — if you’re a local volunteer, plan to come to the volunteer appreciation events on Saturday April 11. Even if you don’t volunteer, you can support the work of other (and those in need in our community) by contributing to the Cochrane-wide food drive on Saturday April 25. There are lots of great social, cultural and arts events in the spring, including Doors Open Cochrane (April 24-25), Cochrane Youth Day (April 25), the Cochrane Trade Show (May 2-3), Cochrane Rotary Club Youth Talent Festival (May 3-5 and May 10), and a new Cochrane Children’s Festival event: Dr. Von Houligan’s Carnival of Calamities (May 30). Look for links to more information and the organizations that present these events on www.cochrane.ca. Spring is also the time of year when you’ll start to see more Town staff out on local roads and in public spaces. They’re clearing gravel off the streets, planting flowers and getting sports fields ready for another busy season of play. Remember to obey traffic signals and stay clear of staff doing work for their safety and yours. No problem giving them a friendly wave though — Town staff work hard all year to serve our community. Council has a busy spring planned, too. Stop by our booth at the Trade Show in May and find out about long-term plans for capital projects and other initiatives, or sit in on a Council meeting; the public is always welcome. Council meetings take place at 6pm on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Cochrane RancheHouse (only one meeting in July, August and December). Have a great spring,
Mayor Ivan Brooker On behalf of Town Council and staff
www.cochrane.ca
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TownofCochrane
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@TownofCochrane
feature
Sustainable growth Cochrane is in the game for the long haul n By Aaliya Essa
A
ny growing town or city faces the dilemma of either growing too slowly, or too fast. And, while both scenarios have their advantages and disadvantages, the general consensus is it’s always best to keep a steady flow — especially when it comes to a growing population. It’s just easier to predict and manage that way. Of course, we all know and understand that times change. And when the economy changes, sometimes not for the better, everyone has to react accordingly. A good example is what we Albertans are currently dealing with regards to the global price of oil. Alberta is an oil and gas province and, while that is not our only income, it does drive our province’s ability to grow, to build, and plan for the future. The low cost of a barrel of oil, while it is not quite the end of the world, is something that must be factored in as both governments and businesses will have to adjust budgets to operate with lesser funds.
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Eventually, it trickles down to the individual level, affecting people’s decisions to move out west and/or purchase a home here. And, in fact, that’s what we’re starting to see as immigration levels, powered by employment opportunities, are already beginning to decline. Luckily, the Town of Cochrane is somewhat insulated from these current events. “Even with all the concerns of the budgets potentially being slashed provincially, from what we have seen so far, there is no slow down as of yet,” says Mayor Ivan Brooker. “It’s very consistent and steady so far with building permits in Cochrane.” “I had a meeting with a realtor group, with about 30 different realtors in our community, for a briefing, and I asked them if they were seeing a slow down, and they said as of last January and part way into the beginning of February it was the busiest season they had seen yet, and that it was even better than last year, which had set a record in 2014 for housing sales,” he adds.
New home market The local housing market is definitely flourishing here in Cochrane, with housing starts totaling 177 in January 2015 alone, which includes single-family, suites, duplex units,
feature
and multi-family units. And they’ll be needed, as the population in Cochrane has grown from 19,325 in 2014 to about 22,008 in early 2015. That’s a huge jump — and they’ve got to live somewhere. Last year ended with a total of 969 starts for the entire year, including 546 single-family homes, 130 starts for duplexes, and 284 starts for multi-family units. Quite a good start to the year. New communities are all required to include a variety of home styles. “In every development application that comes forward,” says Mayor Brooker, “it has to have an element of every type of housing, so when an application comes forward it has to have single-family, duplexes, townhomes, and a higher density such a condo type of home.” In other words, there is something for everyone. Right now, developers and builders are working on several new communities in Cochrane, including Sunset Ridge, Fireside, Heartland, Riversong, and Willows of River Heights. So whether you want to live in the north or south, up on the hill or down in the river valley, they are presently selling a variety of options to choose from, making it a little easier to find a home that suits both your lifestyle and budget.
The local housing
Re-sale market
As far as the local re-sale market goes, it’s really too early to see any trends emerging for 2015. According to Jeff Simmons, Research Analyst with the Calgary Real Estate Board, there were 38 sales in Cochrane in January this year, down just three per cent from January 2014’s total. In addition, 90 new listings came on stream in January 2015. Last year, 2014, a total of 482 single-family homes sold in Cochrane for an average price of $503,679, he reports, and there were 177 attached home sales for an average sale price of $360,782. A current MLS search shows 115 active single-family listings and 92 active multi-family listings for a total of 207 current homes for sale. Average prices, however, are still significantly up from last year at this time with the average current detached home listing for nearly $562,000 and attached homes going for more an average of more than $373,000.
market is definitely flourishing here in
Cochrane, with housing starts totaling 177 in January 2015 alone…
New developments The Town of Cochrane approved construction of a new $45 million pool and curling facility to be located near the existing Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre along the Bow River. Financed by the town, Rocky View County, provincial/federal grants, developer fees and a fundraising campaign, the design plans for the new 130,000 square-foot facility call for a 25-metre lap pool, a wave pool, hot tub, “lazy river” and an outdoor splash park. Also included in the facility will be six curling rinks.
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feature
(left) Proposed main entry and natatorium view (below).
new communities Fireside There’s something to suit everyone in Fireside, from first time homebuyers, to a downsizing demographic. There will be 1,700 single-family homes and 800 multi-family units.(See cover feature for more details) DEVELOPER: La Vita Land BUILDERS: Calbridge Homes, Janssen Homes, Landmark Homes and ReidBuilt
Heartland The former TRC Ranch was acquired by Apex Land. This 250acre parcel of land is very accessible and located between Highways 1A and 22. DEVELOPER: Apex Land BUILDERS: Birchwood Properties and Excel Homes
Heritage Hills Developed by Harmony Park Development Corp. Heritage Hills is located on a hilltop, giving residents in this community some of the best views around. DEVELOPER: Harmony Park Developments BUILDERS: Stepper Custom and Homes Trico Homes
Jumping Pound Ridge Find serenity and a western neighbourly feel while remaining just thirty minutes from downtown Calgary, thanks to easy access to George Fox Trail. Homes start from the $240,000s. DEVELOPER: Jumping Pound Ridge Developments BUILDERS: Gallery Homes and WestView Builders
Commercial growth
Riversong Riversong has a selection of luxury homes including townhomes, villas, and estate lots. Choose from ravine, mountain or river views. DEVELOPER: Tamani Communities BUILDERS: Innovations by Jayman, Jayman MasterBUILT and Trico Homes
Sunset Ridge Sunset Ridge is one of the biggest new developments in town, featuring a hundred acres of land where approximately 1,000 single and multi-family homes are to be built. Townhomes, duplexes, laned homes, move-up and estate homes are available, starting from the $300,000s. DEVELOPER: Melcor Developments BUILDERS: Jayman MasterBUILT, Landmark Homes, Excel Homes and Homes by Avi
Willows of River Heights Willows of River Heights is a quaint and cozy community, with a total of 500 homes on build out, that will include single-family, semi-detached, and townhomes. DEVELOPER: La Vita Land BUILDERS: Janssen Homes, Kingsmith Homes, NuVista Homes and Sterling Homes
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The official ground-breaking is scheduled for March 26thwith a community celebration May 8. “This is huge for our community,” says Mayor Brooker. “Huge for housing because people, a lot of times, choose communities for the recreational opportunities that their families would be offered. This is big for Cochrane, and it’s big for the business community, as this will bring in a lot of tournaments, and swim meets, curling bonspiels which bring a lot of people to town traditionally for three four days at a time — so it’s going to be a really good boost to the economy.”
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Cochran’s population growth affects more than just housing, however. There is a great deal of commercial growth as well, with new businesses popping up all over the place. For example, says Mayor Brooker, “The Quarry business development downtown, for years we had the vacant land, that was close to about 40 acres, so we now have our Walmart, and Save-OnFoods, and it has continued to just boom. In the last year we got a Sport-Chek, Marks Work Warehouse, a Dollarama, a Staples … there have been many, many businesses coming to town. We’re currently in the development application process for another three or four restaurants, I understand we have Lammle’s coming to town, and Warehouse One, so even more shopping options in our downtown business development,” he adds. These new commercial businesses make it possible to minimize the need to have to go elsewhere for everyday goods, and give residents a variety of shopping — and employment — options right in town. n
people
Living the dream
n By Darlene Casten
Photo by Darlene Casten
Gallery owner provides opportunity for Canadian artists
J
anet Armstrong is living her dream. And, while she might have some doubters to thank for it, she says she is most grateful to her supporters. When the life-long artist had 24 hours to decide if she wanted to own a gallery she received a variety of opinions. “People said you can’t be a studio artist and run a gallery and I thought ‘watch me’,” she says. Her family agreed that if anyone could do the impossible, it would be Janet. Rewind a few years and you would find Janet painting in a tiny studio space sandwiched between a Cochrane art and gift store and a pottery studio. Cochrane was a natural choice for the Bearspaw resident. It was close to home and her children attended school in the nearby town, where she was an active volunteer. Having her own place away from kids and cats was necessary to focus on her art, she says.
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When she found her tiny space on First Street and Third Avenue she worked at the back of the gift store behind an antique door, that she would sometimes prop open. “People would say ‘what are you doing back here’,” she says. “I sold a lot things off the easel that way.” When the woman who ran the gift store abruptly announced she was closing up shop, the opportunity of a lifetime opened up for Janet. She called her husband and said she had until the next day to take over the lease. “My husband said go for it,” she says. Fulfilling a lifelong dream was exciting, but the next day Janet admits she was wondering if she was crazy. However, she pushed ahead, and used the money she earned from a commissioned City of Calgary mural and put a down payment on the space. It didn’t take long for her to realize that
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Photo by Darlene Casten
“My mom said when I was three I was always drawing with crayons on the wall.”
she actually wasn’t out of her mind. All it took was putting up a shelf of her favourite antiques, strategically painting a few walls her favourite colour — a vibrant red — and hanging up her trademark landscapes and Just Imajan came alive. After a few years of keeping the gallery stocked with her own original work and some antiques (her second passion in life), she began taking in originals from other Canadian artists. She now displays the art of 35 Canadian artists, which vary from paintings, to antiques to metal sculpture and even totem poles. Janet says keeping the gallery friendly has been her goal from the beginning. “Its not a snooty gallery,” Janet says. “You can bring your dog, your ice cream and its very kid friendly.” For youngsters she keeps tiny pieces of her art that she hands out to those who have enjoyed a look through her gallery. Cochrane residents are loving Janet’s gallery and work. Just Imajan was voted best art gallery in Cochrane’s best of reader’s choice awards. Readers also awarded her a bronze in the best artist category. COCHRANE LIVING
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“That speaks a lot,” Janet says of her reception in Cochrane. Calgarians are also loyal visitors to her art gallery, Janet says. “Tons come from Calgary,” she says. It is not unheard of for customers to be moved, sometimes to tears and sometimes to sing. Janet says she loves that she gets the chance to evoke emotions with her artwork. She started out as an art student at ACAD in 1977. She went on to run her own greeting card business with friend Barbara Clarke, who now runs JustImajan.com for her. She later partnered with a fellow artist to do commission paintings for businesses and theatre groups. She also volunteered her time working for local charities, including the Cochrane food bank. Giving back is mandatory, she says. She also spends time working as a movie extra, something she says is a fun hobby, especially when you get a smile from leading man Jake Gyllenhaal while working on the set of Brokeback Mountain. When she was approached to work as an art instructor at the ArtSpace at Crossroads Farmers Market she jumped at the chance and it led to continued work as an art teacher at Purple Door Studio at the Bearspaw Schoolhouse and Paintbox. She said art was a lifelong passion. Her mother was also an artist, who studied with the Calgary Allied Arts Foundation that had a school in the Coste House, a historic mansion located in Cliff Bungalow. Her parents, who were of Ukrainian descent, are both Alberta born. They raised her and her brother and sister in Calgary.
people
where her only neighbours were other artists, musicians and writers, all living in solitude and focusing on the work uninterrupted and in one of the most beautiful spots in the world. “I was listening to Vivaldi and I could see the snow falling through my skylight and I was in my happy place,” she recalls. It was there that Janet created a stirring landscape of a snowy scene in only one hour that won her the title of outstanding acrylic in the bold brush competition from the Fine Art Studio Online. She says she is so thankful that she continues to do what she loves, in the places she loves, with the support of her loved ones. Janet will celebrate her 8th anniversary as owner and artisan at Just Imajan with cake and refreshments May 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.” n
(above) The Armstrong family, from left Connor, Tatum, Kalon, Janet and Trekker. (top left) Janet with husband J. Trekker Armstrong 1983.
Photo by Darlene Casten
Her parents had very different interests. Besides art, her mother was also a musician. Her father, on the other hand, had a PHD in geology. Janet ended up taking after her mother, with a love of fine art. “My mom said when I was three I was always drawing with crayons on the wall,” she says, smiling. Looking back at her childhood, Janet remembers sitting outside her home at threeyears-old making chalk drawings on the sidewalk and being the only one at horse camp who spent time in the old cabin that served as the art room. She says her gallery income helps fuel her passion for art with plein-air painting trips like the heli-painting trip with Robert Genn she took in 2013 with 13 other artists that took her into the Purcell Mountains, where she could paint in spots most people never get to see firsthand. She was also chosen twice for a residency with the Banff Centre, where she spent up to a month alone in a cabin in the woods,
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cover feature
LA VITA LAND
Fireside heats up in Cochrane Community development brings families and nature together n By
Kiki Streets
W
ith the tranquility of the Rocky Mountains at its back and amidst the serenity of the Bow River Valley, the community of Fireside provides prospective homebuyers and current residents with an ideal place to call home. From new families to empty-nesters, La Vita Land Inc., developer of Fireside, Cochrane’s master-planned community, is building the neighbourhood with longevity in mind. The community is 280 acres in size and spans 32 acres of parkland, green spaces and pathways with a variety of home styles nestled in the natural environment. “Located in the town of Cochrane, the community of Fireside offers families at all stages of life, the opportunity to grow within the community,” says Justin Mauro, General Manager, La Vita Land. “Our carefully planned system of pathways links Fireside’s residential clusters to amenities, as well as a broader regional network of established trails that will eventually connect to the town centre.” For environmental considerations, the community has preserved two significant wetlands, now the centerpieces at two of the community’s natural parks. La Vita Land connected one of the wetlands to the community’s storm water facility to help keep the wetland’s water levels constant to create an ideal habitat for wildlife, while preserving the natural plant life. “Flagstone Park is located at the traffic circle near the Fireside entrance, and includes a children’s playground with several picnic areas,” shared Mauro. “Our second park, Bulrush Park is larger and
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was created to honour and preserve the community’s natural legacy. Bulrush is encircled by walking paths and interpretive boards that invite visitors to learn about the wetland sanctuary.” Cochrane’s small town values and easy-going lifestyle blend well with the town’s multiple amenities. From unique boutiques to big brand stores, the town is also equipped with three hockey arenas, two golf courses, new aquatic centre with indoor pools, family sports centre, public library, movie theatre, outdoor skate park, doctors and dentists and specialty medical services and so much more. Both the Rocky Mountains and Calgary are only 20 minutes away in each direction and residents are offered easy access to Highway 1. “With shops and services right in the community, as well as a new school opening in
cover feature With four builders in the community of Fireside, there are more than 30 different models available. “Whether it’s your first home or fifth there are numerous living options and floor plans to suit your needs,” adds Mauro. “Janssen, ReidBuilt, Calbridge and Landmark Homes bring quality building and supreme craftsmanship to Fireside.” Currently in Phase 5, lots for each housing type are available from a prestigious group of builders that include Calbridge Homes, Janssen Homes, Landmark Homes and ReidBuilt Homes. Offered are single-family homes, semi-detached, townhomes and villa home options. The single-family homes offer bungalow and two-storey homes and range from 1,200 to 2,000 square-feet; and the semi-detached homes range from 1,200 to 1,800 square-feet. Both styles offer front attached and rear detached garage options. And they feature three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths with the option for basement development. The townhomes start at 1,100 square-feet with the largest model at 1,480 square-feet. There are two- and three-bedroom options with two-anda-half baths. Front attached and rear detached garages are available. The villa homes are bungalow-style attached homes. At 1,400 square-feet they host one bedroom and two baths with the option to develop the basement. The townhomes and semi-detached homes start in the low $300,000s while single-family homes start from the $350,000s and villa homes start in the mid $500,000s “There are many homes available immediately in Fireside, in virtually every housing type,” says Mauro. “Possession dates for prebuilt homes are sixty to ninety days or homebuyers can take the time to select and build the home that is perfectly suited to them.” Fireside will accommodate about 2,000 homes once the community is completed in the next eight to 10 years. There are 13 show homes to view. Show home models are open from Monday to Thursday 2 – 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays from noon to 5 p.m., and closed Fridays. n
The services offered in the community spoil residents for choice, as do the homes available for potential residents to purchase. 2017, Fireside has everything families need, right at their fingertips,” says Mauro. “With amenities like Tim Horton’s and a Shell gas station right inside the community, more commercial sites will develop over the next few years with plans for a daycare, yoga studio, grocery store, restaurants and more, at the Embers shopping centre.” The services offered in the community spoil residents for choice, as do the homes available for potential residents to purchase.
For more information, visit www.firesidecochrane.com
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builder feature
REIDBUILT HOMES
The ReidBuilt advantage ReidBuilt’s wide range of homes in Fireside offer choice n By
Kiki Streets
J
ust 15 minutes from Calgary, the community of Fireside is growing like wildfire and offers the ideal combination of amenities and access to nature and is conveniently located just five minutes away from the Trans Canada and 1A highways. “Minutes to the Bow River Valley and beautiful downtown Cochrane, there are no traffic lights between here and the mountains,” says Brydon Foote, Area Manager – Fireside, for ReidBuilt Homes Cochrane. “Downtown has a thriving restaurant scene, there’s an excellent school system and Fireside offers access to wonderful parks, pathways and green spaces.” Bullrush Park is one of two wetlands in Fireside perfect for the bird watcher, pathways that run throughout the community and a K-8 school is slated to open in the community in September 2017. ReidBuilt Homes is one of Fireside’s four builders in the neighbourhood and the builder’s homestyle selections truly reflect the urban country lifestyle.
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“We are offering homebuyers a diverse selection and we have something for practically everybody,” says Foote. “In Fireside we are building 19 different models encompassing front garage, rear lane and semi-detached homes.” The Juniper model is one of ReidBuilt Homes most highly sought after floorplans. At 1,750 square-feet it gives potential homebuyers, like an expanding family, plenty of room to grow into. “Just off of the front entry of the Juniper model sits the lifestyle room,” adds Foote. “This is the place to set up a home office and grumble at the bills, a place to banish hubby when the game is on, or perhaps a
glow of the fireplace to enjoy a fine glass of wine.” At the top of the staircase, there are two medium sized bedrooms and down the hall towards the front of the home is where the main bathroom and ever-desirable walk-in laundry room are both situated. The master bedroom suite is large and open, complete with grand vaulted ceilings. “The spacious three piece ensuite boasts a spa-like four-foot shower with bench,” adds Foote. “Through the ensuite, there is a large walkin closet, large enough to accommodate even ‘his’ shoe collection.” The Juniper starts in the low $400,000s and increases based on the features and upgrades homebuyers decide on. “We send homebuyers to our excellent suppliers who each have an outstanding selection of finishes to choose from,” shares Foote. “This is an opportunity to savour the process of making your home, yours.” Also popular are ReidBuilt’s Uniti side-by-side homes, which run from 1,360 to 1,660 square-feet. They range in price from the low $360,000s to the mid $390,000s, and include rear double detached garages. For these two-storey duplexes, there are four models to choose from, the Sage, Aspen, Juniper and Caraway. The nine single-family laned models run from 1,230 to 1,750 square-feet. Laned models range in price from the low $360,000s to $400,000. The seven single-family homes with front-attached double garages offer more space and run from 1,541 to 2,123 square-feet. Prices range from the low $430,000s to the mid $470,000s. “The Stoneridge 2 is a wonderful 1,182-square-foot bungalow with double attached garage that starts in the low $440,000.00’s,” adds Foote. Energy efficiency is a key focus for the design and construction of ReidBuilt Homes. The builder utilizes local manufacturers, trades and suppliers and also uses sustainable manufactured products. The community of Fireside will have more than 2000 homes built over the next eight to 10 years. In the current phase of development, phase 5, ReidBuilt has 24 lots left with more set to released later this summer. Approximate possession dates range from one month for an express home or 10 months for building a new home. The show home models are located at 259 & 263 Fireside Boulevard., Cochrane, Alberta. Show home hours run from Monday to Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays are open from noon to 5 p.m., closed Fridays. n
for the design and construction of ReidBuilt Homes.
For more information, visit www.reidbuilthomes.com/Calgary
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builder feature
quiet reading room to allow you to contemplate the finer things in life.” Further into the home, past the grand staircase and half bath, there is a gourmet kitchen large enough to delight any chef. “The open concept space pairs the kitchen beside the dining area where you can dazzle your guests with your culinary prowess while they kick-back and relax,” says Foote. “And after dinner, you can migrate back to the great room, and sit by the warm
Energy efficiency is a key focus
builder feature
HOMES BY AVI
Townhomes revival Homes by Avi redefines townhome living in Sunset Ridge n By
Aaliya Essa
F
inding the perfect townhome in Cochrane just got a whole lot easier, thanks to Homes by Avi. “With our Street Towns, we have redefined townhome living,” says Laurel Lapointe, Calgary marketing manager for Homes by Avi, of the three new Street Town show homes on display in Sunset Ridge. “We offer our customers the entire package, the home, a landscaped, private yard, and two-car garage, without the hassle of a condo board and condo fees.” There are five different floor plans to choose from, which include either a two-bedroom and two-and-a-half bathroom, or a three-bedroom home that has two-and-a-half bathrooms. The townhomes range from 1,171 to 1,296, giving buyers an ample amount of space to use as they wish. “We have had a positive response from buyers,” says Lapointe. “Our Street Towns offer the benefits of a single family home with a private yard and two-car garage, but at a more accessible price point. They even resemble single-family homes with elevations that are offset with
each other as opposed to flush, providing more privacy,” she adds. Street Towns start in the $340,000s including GST, each home comes standard with laminate flooring, granite or quartz in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances, a rear garage, and a private, landscaped backyard. There are 60 units in total, with construction already under way, with 50 per cent sold, its no surprise that buyers like what they see, and clearly know what they want. Living in Sunset Ridge is another big draw for buyers as this new family-friendly Cochrane community includes beautiful landscaped walking paths, playgrounds, and a K-8 school expected to open in 2016. “Our Street Towns are located adjacent to the pathways, parks and the new school site,” says Lapointe. Making it all the more easier to really get out onto the trails and enjoy the outdoor life this community offers. Street Towns are appealing to a variety of buyers, for a variety of reasons. “They are very popular among first-time buyers,” says Lapointe, “but they also draw a lot of retired individuals and couples who still want the garage and private yard, but are looking for a more manageable size.” Further attracting buyers to Street Towns is that they are built by Homes by Avi, a builder that is known for their excellence in the home building industry, and for building homes with their buyers needs in mind. “Our Street Towns are turnkey,” says Lapointe. “We take care of all the details, so our customers can just move in and enjoy.” n
For more information visit www.homesbyavi.com
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builder feature
JAYMAN MASTERBUILT
Romance by the river RiverReach gives riverside living style and affordability n By
Pepper Rodriguez
I
t’s extremely rare to have luxury and natural beauty work together so well in a residential community, so no one was surprised when Jayman MasterBUILT’s RiverReach Villas and Manors exceeded sales expectations and are now down to a select few homes. In fact, all the single-level villas are sold out and only a few of the two-storey manors remain. But with its sophisticated style, family-friendly practicality and downright affordability, the remaining homes are not likely to remain in the market for long. First of all, the pristine riverside location in the Tamani Communities’ Riviera of Riversong enclave guarantees a close-to-the-beauty-of-nature lifestyle with tons of outdoor recreation right at hand. Fly-fishing on the Bow was never more inviting. Then there’s the unparalleled style and design efficiency that Jayman MasterBUILT is famous for. In fact, RiverReach’s Westwynd two-storey manors won Best Townhome design at the 2013 CHBA-Calgary SAM Awards, the same year that Jayman won SAM Builder of the Year for both single-family and multi-family categories. But winning awards has never been the goal at Jayman, as much as it is delivering flawlessly designed, impeccably finished homes — and in that, Westwynd delivers. The 2,020-square-foot two-storey manor has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths sitting on a walkout lot with spectacular views
of the Bow River and Cochrane Valley that’s yours to enjoy from almost any part of the home, especially from the main floor deck and patio below it. The spacious home has plenty of practicality stamped into it with lots of storage space in the seamlessly designed kitchen and dining area. The gourmet kitchen with KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, granite countertops is a perfect environment for entertaining guests and cozy family dinners. A fireplace in the spacious living room adds a touch of stately elegance to the home. An upstairs laundry room and dual vanity main bathroom on the second storey is perfect for the busy family. The double attached garage is a major convenience as well. “We included a nine-foot upper floor ceiling, his-and-hers ensuite and an upstairs laundry room,” says area manager Katherine Bennett. “For a townhome, it’s very unique to have those items.” Furthermore, the Westwynd starts at $594,000, and with the additional perks Jayman can provide, like free moving trucks and the use of Jayman Realty to sell your old home, it really is too good a deal to pass up. Top Built Green specifications are also part of the peace-of-mind package Jayman offers for every home here. But just in case the multi-family scene is not for you, Jayman also just opened two new single-family show homes in Riviera that will also surely take your breath away with their stately charm and functionality. “Riviera is the best family neighbourhood I’ve ever seen, it combines the romance of riverside living with convenient amenities and easy accessibility,” Bennett says. n
For more information visit www.jayman.com
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developer feature
TAMANI COMMUNITIES
Riviera rising Four new show homes illustrate Riviera’s riverside charm n By
Pepper Rodriguez
R
iviera in Riversong was always meant to be special, and just how special is steadily becoming evident, as it opens four new show homes that demonstrate its exquisite riverfront lifestyle. Jayman MasterBUILT and Trico Homes opened two new show homes each on March 7 in Riviera’s Phase 8. All the new show homes back onto the Bow River, and each brings to life all the romantic enchantment of riverside living. Riviera in Riversong, developed by Tamani Communities, is Cochrane’s newest enclave of executive estate homes and luxurious townhomes and villas. Its unparalleled location by the banks of the Bow River is its crowning glory, but far from its only feature, as it’s also close to the 100-acre environmental reserve that gives the whole community a rich natural palette. This upscale enclave features Jayman MasterBUILT’s RiverReach luxury villas and manors starting in the low $590,000s, as well as front drive homes starting in the mid $530,000s from Trico Homes and Jayman MasterBUILT. Each homes’ architecture was designed expressly for Riviera, featuring Rocky Mountain, Shingle and Urban Arts and Crafts, which complement the natural surroundings. “Riviera is a big hit and serves a niche market that is discovering the charms of riverside living in Cochrane,” says Tamani marketing manager, Nicole Westman-Jones. “We believe the opportunities for eco-friendly, active living in Riviera fit in perfectly with the Cochrane’s emphasis on family, nature and the escape from city chaos,” she adds. Homes in Riviera Riversong back onto an escarpment, the river or a pond. “It’s a community rich in natural features,” Westman says.
“We have amazing architiecture in the community and a group of award winning builders,” she adds. “Environmental sustainability plays a significant role in the whole community of Riversong, and all homes in our new Riviera in Riversong enclave are built to Built Green Gold standard.” With plenty of tot lots, parks and four kilometres of walking and biking trails, more than 40 per cent of Riversong’s total 138-hectares comes in the form of green space, with 40 hectares set aside as an environmental preserve. The pathway system along the river will connect area residents with quick access to Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre and the Cochrane Golf Club via a pedestrian bridge with and a landscaped storm pond serving as a natural focal point. A pedestrian bridge connects Riviera Riversong with downtown Cochrane and a pathway system along the Bow in the community will connect with the bridge, providing easy access to the Cochrane regional pathway system. In addition to the natural surroundings, the community’s eco-friendly presence is strengthened by two wind turbines, which will provide a renewable power source for the community’s amenities. Riversong is located on the south side of the town of Cochrane, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Calgary city limits. “A lot of our buyers like the ease of living and natural ambiance that Riviera offers, as well as its great accessibility as it is still only 25 minutes away from downtown Calgary,” Westman says. n
For more information visit www.rivieracochrane.com
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developer feature
APEX LAND
Heart of Cochrane Heartland gives new meaning to home sweet home n By
Aaliya Essa
W
hen you’re looking for a new community to live in a great town like Cochrane, it’s often the details that will make the difference. Heartland community by Apex Land is a perfect example of creating a community that is very well planned out. The community is designed with the people living here in mind, with attention to detail that adds up to big value. “We have wider streets, the details in the architectural look of each home, and the easy access that residents have to the highway, are what set Heartland apart,” says Cathey Tracey, sales area manager for Excel Homes in Heartland. The location of this community, especially, is one of the features that attract buyers here, says Tracey. “A lot of our buyers work in Calgary. And having HWY 1A on the doorstep to our community is a great feature for them.” And then, of course, the homes. Excel is currently selling single-family homes and townhomes in Phase 1, which is getting close to being sold out, so it’s a good idea to purchase now to take advantage of some fantastic pricing — single-family homes (attached double garages) start from $415,000 and townhomes start from around $330,000 — and they don’t have condo fees.
Heartland is a community that is centered on easy living, where a five-minute walk to the river with your family is an every-weekend activity, and only a 10-minute drive to Ghost Lake to enjoy a variety of activities surrounded by nature. Kananaskis Country, Banff and Canmore are also very popular destinations, and they too are just a short 45-minute drive up the road, making it possible to enjoy a full day of fun. Within the community itself, there is a pathway system, making it super easy to get out and go for a stroll, or to one of the parks along the pathways. It also makes it ideal for getting to know your neighbours, for getting out and really connecting with people in the community. The residents are very engaged in their community and have a Facebook page that all residents are invited to join to keep on top of the happenings within their community — small town at its finest. “Buyers here appreciate the quaint small town charms that Cochrane has to offer, they want to raise their children here, and they want to get to know their neighbours,” she adds. Heartland may be known first for its great location but, if you look at the details, this master-planned community has so much to offer its residents, including quality affordable homes in a family-friendly neighbourhood. n
For more information visit www.heartlandcochrane.com
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builder feature
INNOVATIONS BY JAYMAN
Full value Innovations by Jayman offers homes designed for every stage of life n By
Aaliya Essa
Y
our search is officially over. Whether you are looking for a new townhome or a new semi-detached home, Innovations by Jayman has a variety of homes to choose from in Sunset Ridge, Cochrane that will make your decision a whole lot easier. Buyers can look forward to moving into the first of four buildings as soon as June or July this year. There will be eight buildings in total, but for buyers that want to move in quick, they could be enjoying their homes by this summer. “We have four units that are currently still available in the first building,” says Ashley Hebert, area sales manager for Innovations by Jayman in Sunset Ridge. Buyers will really appreciate the size, as these homes ranging from 1,296 to 1,293 square-feet of living space, and are priced from $329,900 to $344,900. Abundant space is always a bonus, especially for a price that will fit within your budget. Each townhome comes with a fully landscaped front and back yard, fencing, a deck, double parking pad at the rear of the home, and all floorplan layouts include three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms. “Our floor plans are designed with an open main floor concept,” says Hebert. “So the flow and model of each home is similar, and window detailing is changed depending on the home.”
For buyers looking for something a little bigger, Innovations by Jayman also offers semi-detached homes that may be the right fit for you. These homes range from 1,414 to 1,704 square-feet, making it hard to believe that it is a semi-detached home. “Buyers love the layout of these homes,” says Hebert. “The way these homes are designed by Jayman, you can’t really tell that it is a semi-detached home by the way it is laid out, and we have had people comment that it feels like a single-family home,” she adds. These homes are priced at $363,000 to $399,000, the latter fully upgraded, with a mountain view, and also includes a full walk-out basement. “Our semi-detached homes are currently being built along the ridge,” says Hebert. “This is the last chance to have a semi-detached home on the ridge mountain view lots. The next phase we have will not have this opportunity.” The community of Sunset Ridge offers buyers the ability to take in the great views, to be able to enjoy the outdoors with numerous pathways, parks, and allows residents to really be able to get out and connect with their small community. For buyers looking for the perfect home to suits their lifestyle, in a community that offers them a better way of living, look no further than Innovations by Jayman for homes that will enhance your every day experience. n
For more information visit www.jayman.com
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builder feature
JUMPING POUND TOWNHOMES BY SLOKKER WEST
Life by the Ridge Jumping Pound Ridge Townhomes off to a blazing start n By
Pepper Rodriguez
A
s you go up Cochrane’s George Fox Trail, near its summit the lush beauty of the Bow River Valley is laid right at your feet, and this priceless view comes for free when you live in the new Jumping Pound Ridge Townhomes. The latest townhome offering from Slokker West is located on one of the last prime lots in the community of Jumping Pound Ridge, and the boundless panoramic views are matched with the quiet solitude of the Toki nature reserve that the development backs on to. There will be a total of 155 two- and three-storey townhomes in the complex that have so far attracted a wide variety of buyers, from downsizers to first-time homebuyers and young families. The development has already broken ground and has taken off due to the strong demand for new homes in Cochrane. Jumping Pound Ridge Townhomes has already sold 56 homes. “There is just so much to offer here, and our home designs answer the needs for a wide variety of lifestyles,” says Slokker West President Peter Paauw. “But the views here are simply incredible.” Outdoor recreational opportunities are also readily at hand with the winding pathways that lead you to the Jumping Pound Brook and the environmental reserve. And after a day of strenuous activities, what better way to unwind than enjoying a glass of wine on your spacious deck and watching the sun go down. The inherent functionality and appealing style of Jumping Pound Ridge Townhomes are also a big reason for their popularity. Similar Slokker
West townhome developments in Airdrie and Chestermere sold out in no time, and Paauw expects no different in Cochrane. Interested buyers can visit their Ravenswood Townhome show homes in Airdrie to get an idea of what kind of lifestyle they offer. Currently available are the Sagestone two-storey townhomes, and the Heritage three-storey models. The Sagestone starts at 1,137 square-feet while the Heritage is from 1,203 to 1,405 square-feet. Both are available in two- and three-bedroom styles with attached garages and developable basement levels. European-inspired finishes with clean, modern lines dominate the interior finishes, whose open concept main floor, nine-foot ceilings and big windows give the townhomes a sense of ease and comfort. “Efficient floor plans make use of every available space, and allow residents to easily define their lifestyle,” Paauw says. “Your home’s lasting value greatly depends on the quality of the craftsmanship built into every square foot,” Paauw says. “We work closely with our team of skilled trades to ensure Slokker’s high standards are met or exceeded. Jumping Pound Ridge Townhomes is one of several Slokker-West current developments in and around Calgary. All rely on the developer’s extensive experience in building great townhomes. “We know what it takes to build a great townhome. From the care taken in selecting the finest locations, to the artful approach to architecture, the precise attention to details and creating thoroughly engineered interior spaces,” Paauw says. n
For more information visit www.jumpingpound.com
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builder feature
LANDMARK HOMES
Green efficiency Landmark Homes’ award-winning green design wows in Sunset Ridge n By
Pepper Rodriguez
F
resh from winning the Green Home Award at this year’s Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) National Awards, Landmark Homes continues to show just why they are a leader in building environmentally-friendly and sustainable homes with their line of single-family homes in Sunset Ridge. The Green Home Award is presented to a new home builder or developer for outstanding environmental performance in a new single-detached home. Landmark won it for a lottery home they built in Edmonton, but the rest of their products share these same qualities. All 10 of Landmark’s single-family home models in Cochrane’s popular Sunset Ridge community have the outstanding energy-saving features that has made Landmark a leader in the field. “Every home is equipped with solar panels and other energy saving features that can save you up to 40 per cent in gas consumption and 10 per cent in electric use every month,” says area manager Jay Harder. “And no one offers these homes at more affordable prices than we do here.” Their two show homes at 125 Sundown Grove, Cochrane, are perfect examples of the stylish and energy-efficient lifestyle they offer.
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The Willowdale, at 2,374 square-feet, is also a four-bedroom semi-estate home, but it comes packed with state-of-the-art green technology. “It’s the most energy efficient home in Cochrane,” Harder says. It starts at $538,000 including house, lot, and GST. Landmark offers semi-estate homes here from 2,000 to 2,600 square-feet starting from $519,000 including GST. Best of all, the community itself is a perfect enclave for raising a family. “They’re starting to build a new K-8 school here and we’re only 18-minutes away from the newest C-Train station in Royal Oak, you get everything you need here,” he adds. n
For more information visit www.landmarkgroup.ca
sports & recreation
Getting their kicks
Soccer players of all ages are having a ball Story by David Shepherd n Photos by Allison Seto
C
atherine Decelles strides confidently across the pitch, a soccer ball tucked snugly under her arm. She holds the soccer ball between her hands. “This year we’re hoping to make the ball size proportional to the athlete, along with the nets.” Decelles is Vice President of Cochrane Minor Soccer (CMS), and she’s using the science behind Canada’s record-breaking Own the Podium Program to spearhead an innovative approach to long-term player development. CMS was incorporated in 1986, and until last season it ran similarly to other programs throughout Canada. Kids between the ages of three and 17 would sign up for either recreational or competitive programs, practice, and play games. Excellent players would dominate, leaving less experienced players with only a few touches per game. Last year, everything changed. For the youngest age groups, the competitive program was scrapped, replaced by grassroots programming that puts an emphasis on developing players rather than chalking up wins. “We want to progress our athletes
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appropriately and that means delaying competitive play,” says Decelles. “Once you put a child in a tiered situation, you’re not necessarily matching them with where their skill needs to be.” In increasingly competitive minor sports, removing the score board might seem like a step backwards — but decades of sports science, as well as the Canadian Soccer Association, backs this approach. “We’re trying to align how we’re teaching our kids in each developmental stage. We know girls will develop at a certain rate, and there’s certain areas where you need to be developing flexibility. For boys, there’s no point in doing strength training until they have testosterone in their system.” What else does the CMS do differently? It starts at the youngest level. Instead of splitting kids into competitive and non-competitive leagues, CMS mixes everyone together in their grassroots program. Then, CMS hires professional soccer coaches, and relies on parent volunteers for additional support. “We want to provide a base level of skill for our kids. To do that, we’re providing the highest quality coaching to our youngest athletes. The kids work with our paid coaches all through their time before they get to U12.” When the kids reach U12, parent
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sports & recreation
volunteers take over under the guidance of technical director John B. Castrillon. Coaching clinics are paid for by CMS. Another key difference? Ensuring each kid gets a lot of time with the soccer ball. “At the grassroots level, our sessions are split in two. The first chunk of time is dedicated to technical training, then the second half is a small-sided game.” Rather than playing 11 on 11, small-sided games may feature only six or eight players — in total, Decelles explains. “Everyone ends up touching the ball. In this type of structure, you can make mistakes and be creative. We removed participation medals because you don’t need a ribbon to tell you that you did a good job.” Starting this year, CMS is introducing an optional bridge program for their U10 players. The program is designed to test a child’s commitment to soccer, and give them and their family an idea of what to expect if they make the switch to competitive soccer at U12. Decelles says parents might be surprised
Catherine Decelles
about the lack of differences between the competitive program and the grassroots program. “There’s no difference — what matters is the desire to play. Do they want to play a little bit of soccer or do they want to play a lot of soccer?” Tiering starts once the competitive program begins, but even here, CMS strives to be different. Gone are the days where only top tier athletes had access to the best coaches and training “If you’re tier one athlete or a tier four athlete, your program structure looks identical,” Decelles says. “You just happen to be playing with kids that are also within your skill level. We’re trying to make sure that our program is good for the full development of all athletes.” CMS plays under the Calgary Minor Soccer umbrella. The kids name their own team, but it must have something to do with wolves. Last year, the CMS had approximately 750 kids in its outdoor program and almost 300 in its indoor program. The outdoor season starts late April, with tryouts beginning near the end of March. The indoor season
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runs from late September to March. “We always take late registrations,” Decelles says. “If the kid wants to come play, we want you to register late rather than sit out.” Costs vary depending on the program, with the outdoor grassroots program coming in at $145, and the competitive programs coming in between $700 and $800. Registration can be done through CMS’s website, www.932kick.com. The Town of Cochrane lines the fields and mows them. “Cochrane has been brilliant,” Decelles says. “The nets stay up all season. Whether you’re in our program or not, we want you to use the fields and the nets.” Like other minor sports, volunteers are CMS’s lifeblood. “We’re always looking for people to come help. We’d love to hear from anyone that’s interested in coming out.” Those interested in lending a hand can contact CMS at info@932kick.com. “We can promise that your child is going to have soccer skills, fun, and they’ll be able to choose what they want to do with those skills.” Decelles smiles. “For us, it’s soccer for life.” n
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business
Spray Lake Sawmills A genuine leader in the forest industry and the community n Story and photos by Aaliya Essa
E
verybody knows about Spray Lake Sawmills. Or thinks they do. They know where it is. They know they cut and sell lumber. They know their neighbour works there. Sure, everybody knows that. But there’s still lots about this family-owned company, with more than 70 years of experience in the business, that people don’t know. For example, did you know Spray Lake Sawmills employs 210 people in their sawmill, making them Cochrane’s largest employer? It’s true, with another additional 70 full time jobs out in the woods. Cochrane has been the company’s home base since 1969. “We are a very team orientated company,” says Barry Mjolsness, owner of Spray Lake Sawmills. “We have some of the best people, I believe, in the entire industry working for our company. Every person that comes in the gate every day is very valuable to our organization,” he adds. “We look for people with a strong work ethic, with enthusiasm, whom are willing to take direction, work safely and make a difference everyday,” he says. “I am very proud of our work force, we have a number of employees who have been with us for over 40 years, and several in the 30 and 20 year groupings as well as many new employees with fresh ideas and energy. We have a really great group of strong solid committed people,” he adds.
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Spray Lake Sawmills has seen their share of changes, ups and downs in the market, and to this day they continue to find ways to better the community and the forest industry. “We really like working in the Cochrane community,” Barry noted, “it’s a great community and we are honored to be involved with the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. We support many events, organizations and programs that provide youth and family activities.” he says.” He adds. “We were very involved in the Cochrane Society for Housing Options and we supplied and donated all the lumber to build the current facility.” The company is also fully engaged when it comes to ensuring that they make maximum use of every log that they bring in to their facility. “The forest industry is one of the greenest
resource industries there is,” says Mjolsness. “We reforest every acre that we touch. Every year we plant two million plus seedlings, and we are committed to grow back a healthy forest. We utilize 100 per cent of every tree that comes into the yard; we market the saw dust, the shavings, the chips, and the bark, as well as the lumber,” he adds. “We are very proud of our Top Spray Division which was developed to market out bark mulch across Alberta. This fantastic organic material looks great, has great benefits and is used in various applications including erosion control, reclamation and landscaping. The Top Spray team has further developed various coloured mulches and playground materials to add to the list of products available.” On average Spray Lake Sawmills can produce up to 625,000 board-feet per day, which is roughly about 30 per cent white spruce, and 70 per cent lodge pole pine. Providing their customers with the best service is another task they take very seriously, says Mjolsness. “Customer service is everything. Without customers we don’t have a business, and we are very fortunate that we have a good group of customers that we have been dealing with for many years and those relationships are everything to us.” They are finding ways to better their production, by utilizing progressive technology, which will allow them to produce and maintain high quality products. “We are known for producing a high qual-
Barry Mjolsness
“The forest industry is one of the greenest resource industries there is. We reforest every acre that we touch. Every year we plant two million plus seedlings, and we are committed to grow back a healthy forest.” ity product, we do every thing we can to ensure that our product is some of the best out there,” says Mjolsness. “We just completed a project in the last year, where we grade our lumber automatically,” he says. “We have upgraded to a very good piece of technology, that is really working out well for us,” he says, explaining how the new machine is programmed to inspect each piece of lumber as it comes through, ensuring that each piece is right and to the standard it should be. This commitment to quality has seen the company through some difficult times. “Any business, after 70 years, has it’s ups and downs,”
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business
“We have had some extremely difficult times, we have actually just come through one.”
says Mjolsness. “We have had some extremely difficult times, we have actually just come through one,” he says. “The years between 2008 to 2012 were very difficult, stemming from the collapse of the USA housing market. It was a very trying time for the lumber industry,” adds. They did manage to persevere, he adds, to diversify themselves, and with a very strong group of committed employees they managed to pull through it. “That was what made all the difference,” he says. Spray Lake Sawmills have received many awards over the years, from community builder of the year in 2004, to the Premier’s Award of Distinction, to also Barry Mjolsness receiving the Order of Cochrane in 2010, an award that recognizes a lasting legacy, and demonstrates leadership and sustainability in the community of Cochrane. “I was very humbled to receive the Order of Cochrane,” says Mjolsness. Since the beginning, this company’s mission has been very clear and the first sentence in the company’s Mission Statement reads that; “Honesty and Integrity are the foundational principles on
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which we will build a successful and sustainable future” Spray Lake Sawmills is a company that values their employees, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, and places the highest priority on safety. Community engagement and conserving the environment are very big priorities not just of the company but of Mjolsness personally. “It’s all about conducting all our operations at high levels of environmental performance and our woodlands activities at sustainable levels while recognizing other forest values and users,” he says. n
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events n Compiled by MacKenzie Boonstra
To list your event email your information to jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca
APRIL
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Foothills Art Club Show and Sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cochrane Alliance Church, free of charge. Proceeds are being donated to Cochrane Activettes Food Bank. Presentations begin at 12:30 p.m.
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Cochrane Valley Folk Club Presents JP Cormier, at Cochrane Alliance Church. Chet Atkins, aka JP Cormier, comes from Cape Breton Island, being named ‘one of the most important guitarists of his generation’. Doors are at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $25 online and at cochranevalleyfolkclub.com/tickets. html or at the door.
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Doors Open Cochrane, a behind the scenes look at Town facilities and local businesses and organizations including Studio West Foundry & Gallery, Big Hill Leisure Pool, the Humane Society Training Facility and more. www.cochrane.ca/doorsopen
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Cochrane Bridal Fair, Cochrane Ranche House, 101 RancheHouse Road, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fashion shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. www.cochranebridalfair.ca
M AY
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The Cochrane Art Club’s Annual Art Show and Sale, “A Spring Event Featuring Original Fine Art”, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cochrane RancheHouse. Free admission. www.cochraneartclub.com Cochrane Trade Show at Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sport Centre, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Admission $2 per day, per person, kids 12 and under are free, cash only. The Cochrane Trade Show is the largest event in town with more than 140 local exhibits that range from home based businesses to retail products.
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Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival at Cochrane Toyota. If you are 18 years of age and younger and live in Cochrane and Area and have a talent you want to share the public, register for the 2015 Youth Talent Festival! Singing, musical instruments, dance, drama, and visual arts are all categories for competing. Grande finale at Rockpointe Church on the 10th of May.
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Cochrane Humane Society Spring Peticure from 1 – 4 p.m. For a minimum of $5 donation per pet, you can get your pet feeling and looking great! All proceeds will benefit the animals. www.cochranehumane.ca
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Town of Cochrane presents the Family and Children’s Festival — Saturday of the Victoria Day long weekend at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. Beaupre Community Hall Flea Market. No admission fee, If you wish to rent a table it is $15. For more info please email beauprecommunity@gmail.com
events
18
Shooting for the Cause Paintball Big Game, 2nd Annual Cancer Charity Event, 9 a.m., Capture the Flag Paintball & Airsoft. Take Hwy 1A west of Cochrane to Hwy #40 and travel 22 km north. www.capturetheflag.com
22-24
Cochrane and Area Humane Society Annual Spring Book Sale. Donations of books will be accepted from May 14-21. www.cochranehumane.ca
30
Town of Cochrane Children´s Festival presents: DR. VON HOULIGAN’S CARNIVAL OF CALAMITIES , Miitford Park Westrock Road. Recreation, Culture & the Arts proudly brings you a carnival of entertainers, acrobats and hilarious mishaps. All ages welcome! Mitford Park under the big top. Three shows 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. $8 in advance, $10 at the door (subject to availability). No charge for children under 2 who do not require a seat. www.cochrane.ca
JUNE
7
Cochrane Farmers Market begins at the Cochrane Ranche. Saturday’s from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., come and enjoy your local pleasures. Fruits and veggies, clothing, jewelry, art, and much much more are offered from your community. www.cochrane-environment.org
6
Capital One Race For Kids presented by the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area. Teams of four will compete in 10 challenge based checkpoints in a race to the finish line. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m., awards at 1:30 p.m.. Prizes for first, second, and third will be handed out, as well as to the top fundraisers.
14
Footstock, Western Canada’s premier race is now a one day event featuring a 5 km, 10 km, Duathlon, and Iron Kids Triathlon. www.footstock.ca
20, 21
Beaupre Artists Guild Show and Sale at Beaupre Community Hall. Admission and parking is free and there will be a free draw for an original piece of artwork!
To list your event email your information to jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca
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you said it
What do you like most about living in Cochrane? n By Allison Seto
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I like the landscape, and the close proximity to the mountains and Ghost Lake.
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I like how close it is to the mountains and the Bow River. Darlene Dyck Greeter
Aryn Mything Engineer
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I like the people. It’s very friendly here, not as big as the city, and it’s close to the mountains. Bob MacPherson Retired
It’s peaceful out here; it’s a slower pace. George Forster Oil Patch Worker
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The small town feel.
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Lana Sajna Project Assistant
I’ve lived in Cochrane for 15 years. I like the weather and the fact that it’s so small and comfortable. Therese Trimble Retired
I like the nature and space. It’s a great place to raise a family. James Pendleton
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Subcontractor
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It’s a small town right next to a big town. I also like that it’s close to the mountains. Paul Rogers
I like the country way of life.
Consultant
Wendy Forster Oil Patch Worker
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