COCHRANE LIVING
| 2 | S P R I N G
2 016
COCHRANE LIVING
| 3 | S P R I N G
2 016
CHBA - Calgary Region
2014
£ÓÇq£Ç£ , ÛiÀ i } Ìà À Ûi] V À> i] Ƃ LiÀÌ>
COCHRANE LIVING
| 4 | S P R I N G
2 016
contents VO LUME 6 ISS U E 1 2
SP RIN G 2 0 1 6
13
14 HOMES MARKET OVERVIEW
8 | Looking back, looking ahead
26
11
Housing market sets sail for stormy economic seas COMMUNITY
10 | Doors Open Cochrane Special day offers behind the scenes tours
13 | Giving back Activettes dedicated to helping others
BUILDER FEATURE
20 | Enjoying Fireside’s warmth Brookfield gains new fans in Cochrane’s Fireside DEVELOPER FEATURE
HISTORY AND CULTURE
11 | Pipe band
Celtic music lovers come together in Cochrane NEWS
16 | Fun in the sun Family-friendly community focused on living life to the fullest
18 | Loving Heartland
12 | A welcome sign
Apex’s Heartland is growing into a well-connected community
La Vita to develop Old Town Hall site
28 | The River’s song
COVER FEATURE
Riversong, Cochrane’s only new riverside community, grows
14 | Carefree living in Cochrane Stepper Homes launches Heritage Hills townhomes with no condo fees
30 | Where is your favourite place to go out for dinner in Cochrane? 06 | Note from the Editor 07 | Mayor’s message 26 | Events 29 | Town of Cochrane map
22 | Small town charmer Cochrane has grown up from its pioneer days, and how! | 5 | S P R I N G
YOU SAID IT
ITEMS
A DAY IN COCHRANE
COCHRANE LIVING
22
2 016
note from the editor P U B L I S HE R
Source Media Group
Many ways to get involved
A SS O CI AT E P U B L I S HE R /E DI TO R |
Cochrane Living isn’t a newspaper and we don’t try to do what newspapers do. In fact, we don’t bring you the ‘news’ at all. Instead, what we bring you is a collection of articles focused on many of the positive things happening around town, with an emphasis on connectivity and how people can particpate. Our pieces aren’t going to win any Pulitzer prizes for investigative journalism, but they do help remind readers of all the great things there are to see and do in Cochrane. Not to mention, of course, all the great new homes and communities. And don’t forget, in addition to reaching close to 7,000 Cochrane households, more than 12,000 copies of Cochrane Living get distributed in Calgary, helping promote Cochrane businesses to thousands of potential new customers. The inclusion of Shelley Boetcher’s A Day In feature, is tailored to these non-resident readers, although Cochranites might learn a thing or two also as we spend a day bopping around town with Shelley. You might hear them before you see them, as the Cochrane Pipe Band is a familiar sound at many small town Alberta parades and of course at home in Cochrane for Robbie Burns Day. Another group that’s ‘on tour’ are the Cochrane Activettes, a group of like-minded women whose entire club is centred around helping others, including their Food Drive April 16. Check out the story on page 13 to see how you can get involved. If joining the Activettes or the Pipe Band isn’t your bag (pun intended), one of the great things in Cochrane is there’s always something else going on. Check out our two full pages of upcoming events on page 26. Two town-sponsored events, Doors Open and Rock the Waves also get special mention, as Cochrane starts to bloom with spring happenings. As for Cochrane’s housing market, I won’t lie to you, it’s seen better days. However, the ripple effects of the oil and gas downturn were just reaching Cochrane in January and February, so it’s hard to say how much new home prices might be impacted. Right now it’s a buyer’s market, provided the buyer has job security. Look at the numbers in our article on page 8 for new homes and for re-sale market data check page 9. Finally, don’t forget to get out the Lifestyle Show at the Spray Lakes Rec Centre April 30 and May 1 to have some fun and support local businesses and community organizations. Put on your best smile and drop by the Cochrane Living booth on Saturday and have your photo taken for an upcoming edition of the magazine.
COCHRANE LIVING
| 6 | S P R I N G
Jim Zang
jim.zang@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 |
Dave Macaulay
dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca G R A P HI C DE S I G NE R |
Vivian Zhang
vivian.zhang@sourcemediagroup.ca CO NT R I B U TO R S
Shelley Boettcher, Darlene Casten, Aaliya Essa, Anne Gafiuk, Nadia Moharib, Pepper Rodriguez P HOTO G R A P HY
Angie Boyler, Darlene Casten, Meghan McMaster, Don Molyneaux P R O DU CT I O N CO - O R DI NATO R |
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca A DV E R T I S I NG S A L E S
Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca
Andrea Glowatsky andrea.glowatsky@sourcemediagroup.ca
James Pearce james.pearce@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCO U NT I NG |
Norma Robertson
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca VOLUME 6 ISSUE 12
Copyright 2016 Source Media Group Corp. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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
2 016
message from the mayor
Spring
is in the air — and with the longer days, a bunch of great things to do and
see in our town. The Town’s Economic Development department is following up on the fall Shop Cochrane campaign with a special Made in Cochrane showcase at the Cochrane Trade Show April 30 and May 1. Visit the Town display at the show and you’ll see many innovative, unique products made right here in Cochrane. There are lots of other great social, cultural and arts events coming up, including the Cochrane Rotary Club Youth Talent Festival (May 8-10), Doors Open Cochrane (May 13-14) and the Cochrane Children’s Festival presents Dr. Von Houligan’s Carnival of Calamities (May 28). Look for links and information on www.cochrane.ca. And it’s not too early to think about summer! Registration is already open for Town of Cochrane summer camps: go to www.cochrane.ca/ eServices and choose the Program registration link. More summer events are listed in the Summer Program and Activity Guide coming out the first week of May. One of the favourite activities in Cochrane is volunteering. If you’re a volunteer, put Saturday April 9 — our annual volunteer appreciation event — in your calendar. Even if you don’t volunteer, you can still support others by contributing to the Cochrane-wide food drive Saturday April 16. Spring is also when you’ll start to see more Town staff on local roads and parks. They’re cleaning the streets, planting flowers and getting sports fields ready for another busy season. Remember to obey traffic signals and stay clear of staff working for their safety and yours. If you’re getting your garden ready, remember to take yard waste to the Cochrane Eco Centre: grass clippings and leaves accepted April-November; tree trimmings and branches accepted year-round. Council has a busy spring planned, too. Say hello at the Trade Show, find out about long-term plans for capital projects and other initiatives, or watch a Council meeting — the public is always welcome. Council meetings start 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
TownofCochrane
@TownofCochrane
COCHRANE LIVING
| 7 | S P R I N G
2 016
homes market overview
Looking back, looking ahead
Housing market sets sail for stormy economic seas n By Jim Zang
I
f you just looked at the final year-end numbers, 2015 would seem like a pretty good year for the Cochrane new home market (see chart A). With 969 starts, including all types of housing, and 960 completions, 2015 easily outpaced 2014 in terms of new home sales and construction activity. It’s not until we look at things on a month to month basis that the big picture becomes a little clearer. After smooth sailing through most of 2015, the month
Chart A
2015 FINAL
2014 FINAL
Starts
969 880
Completions
960 754
Chart B
Starts by Dwelling Type
DEC 2015
JAN 2016
Single family
21
24
JAN 2015
Semi-detached
14 4 6
Row
6 0 35
Apartment
0 0 0
Total
41 28 60
19
Chart C
Under Construction
DEC 2015
JAN 2016
Single family
126
Semi-detached
72 70
138
Row
294 254
Apartment
80 80
Total
572 542
COCHRANE LIVING
of December took us into some rough waters as the ripple effects of the stumbling economy, especially the energy sector, finally reached Cochrane. December starts were down nearly 32 per cent from the same month in 2014 (chart B). The trend continued into January 2016, the most recent month for which Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has numbers for. Total starts were down from December and from 60 last January to just 28, less than half, this year. January is traditionally even slower for starts than December, but it’s something to keep an eye on. Of course you’ll still see a lot of construction activity around town, but those are last year’s starts (chart C). It’s also worth noting that the 80 apartment units are the same 80 that have been under construction for several months. In a town the size of Cochrane, where fewer than 1,000 homes per year are built on average, a single townhome or apartment project can account for nearly 10 per cent of total annual starts. That’s why it’s so important, to gain a real understanding of the market, to look beneath the surface of the immediate numbers to some of the longer-term trends. So what are the numbers saying? For builders, it’s batten down the hatches, steady as she goes, and all hands on deck. For potential homebuyers, however, those who aren’t adversely impacted by the economic downturn, right now is a good buying opportunity. In fact, the average absorbed purchase price for a single-family home in Cochrane in January 2016 was $532,700 compared to December 2015, when it was $639,708. Again, caution, you’ve got to know how to read the numbers as well as what NOT to read into them (I knew that Sociology degree would come in handy eventually!). Not all of the drop in average price is because the price of new homes has dropped that much. Prices don’t go down by more than $100,000 in one month. It just doesn’t happen. What’s a more likely explanation is that people are buying less expensive homes as, like the new home industry itself, they try to weather the storm.
| 8 | S P R I N G
2 016
homes market overview
Resale homes
Slowing demand means more inventory and lower prices
O
f course any overview of the Cochrane housing market is only half complete without taking a look at home resale activity, and for that we turn to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) and local RE/MAX realtor Iris Sikina. In 2015, sales activity in Cochrane declined while new listings grew, resulting in a net gain in months of inventory supply. Meanwhile, according to CREB’s year-end stats, the total number of home sales (all types) in Cochrane for 2015 was 598, with an average single-family detached home list price of $537,031 and average sale price of $497,431. The least expensive home listed was in the low $300,000s, with the upper range topping out at over $1.5 million. In the bigger picture, looking at all of Rockyview
County, Cochrane home sales outpaced other major markets by almost a two-to-one margin (See pie chart). The total number of listings at time of writing, according to Sikina, was 300, with about 135 of those being single-family dwellings. On average, homes are spending about 68 days on the market. But, she notes, that will probably change.“Last year we experienced a slow down in the market, largely due to the uncertainty in the economy and the election. This year, higher end homes will see a slight slow down, while homes median priced or under $500,000 should sell competitively in the market. CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie echoes those sentiments in her 2016 market forecast. Weak demand and supply gains are expected in 2016, she says, adding to an already elevated level of inventory.
COCHRANE LIVING
| 9 | S P R I N G
2 016
In this situation, the market’s ability to effectively absorb more inventory will be limited, resulting in some downward price pressure across all housing sectors. n
SHARE OF SALES
ROCKYVIEW REGION 2015
Source: CREB
community
Doors Open Cochrane Special day offers behind the scenes tours
E
ver wondered how a snow plow works? Or maybe how to make a bronze statue? And exactly what do the RCMP do when they’re not out in their cruisers? Doors Open Cochrane — Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14 — is your chance to find out about all of the above, and it’s all FREE. The Doors Open concept originated in France in the mid 1980s and has since been held in New York City, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and many other cities and town around the world. The idea came to Canada in 2000 when Toronto held its first annual Doors Open event. Cochrane may not have the population of some of these big metropolitan centres,
but one thing it does have is a genuine close-knit community feel, and Doors Open takes this to the next level by inviting people to meet their neighbours. Except in this case the neighbours aren’t the people next door, but local businesses, charitable organizations and municipal facilities. Last year’s Doors Open day was just the second for Cochrane, with more than 400 people showing up at 10 different participating locations. So far this year there’s already 15 participants signed up, including: Alberta Fish and Wildlife, Cochrane Movie House, Cochrane Protective Services Centre, Cochrane & Area Humane Society, Ink’d Graphics, Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary & College, Cochrane RCMP, Half Hitch Brewing, Snap Dance Studio, Studio
COCHRANE LIVING
| 10 | W I N T E R
2 015
West Bronze Foundry & Gallery, Town of Cochrane Roads, Parks, Waste and Recycling. “It’s a great opportunity for local businesses and town groups to spend some one-on-one time with visitors and showcase their operations,” says Laurie Drukier, senior communications advisor with the Town of Cochrane. And, of course, it’s just good old-fashioned Western hospitality. Most sites are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and may take up to 30 minutes to visit — some require you to pre-register. Allow enough time to travel between sites and squeeze in a meal. For a full list of participants, maps and times, visit the website at www.doorsopencochrane.ca n
history & culture
Pipe band
Celtic music lovers come together in Cochrane By Anne Gafiuk n
“W
e represent a culture, a small town and support the surrounding communities,” says Keith McFarquhar, piper in the Cochrane Pipe Band. “I’ve been a member since October 2014.” Having taken a break from band-life for 15 years, McFarquhar found a fit in Cochrane. “I played in my youth and with the Army Reserves.” He is from Calgary, and his fellow players are from Cochrane and from other nearby areas, some having been members for over 10 years. There are about 20 people in the band, men and women, with just more than half pipers over drummers. Susan Flowers, Band Manager, also a piper, and one of the original members since 1999, says, “We’d like to see more young people join us and take up the hobby, keeping the band going. Our numbers ebb and flow. I started by learning the chanter, then moved to the bagpipe. Being in the band has taken me to places I would never have gotten to otherwise, including Scotland and Prince Edward Island. We are heading to Nova Scotia this year for ten days as part of the Antigonish Highland Games.” Fundraising events, such as their Robbie Burns Night in January, help with the costs. J. P. Searle, Pipe Major, says, “Being in the band is an outlet for me. And the love of Celtic music brings and keeps us together.” “We play Highland music in a non-competitive environment,” says
COCHRANE LIVING
| 11 | S P R I N G
2 016
McFarquhar. That said, one of the members, Ann Gray, plays with a professional pipe and drum band in Los Angeles as a piper, but with this band, she plays the drums. Meeting once a week for two hours at the Cochrane Ranche House, it is not a teaching band. Flowers adds, “We will have extra practices if there is a special occasion or event. And, we know an instructor in town who teaches piping for beginners who are interested.” McFarquhar explains how he owns his own set of bagpipes, as do the other pipers. The band, on the other hand, may provide drums. The band also provides the kilt and jacket. “We support Cochrane events, such as a park’s unveiling. I like the fact that this band had a recreational aspect to it.” What touring they do is done within a half-day’s travel. “We don’t travel very much. We are made up of volunteers, there is no bus and no funding,” says McFarquhar. “My favourites,” says Flowers, “are the parades up in Didsbury and Carstairs. We’ve also been to Black Diamond, Banff and Canmore and of course, here in Cochrane. We have an affiliation with the Legion. Remembrance Day is a big day for the band. We also pipe in the nominees for the Community Awards. This year, our 17th annual Robbie Burns Night was so much fun. We had about 120 people come and a 91-year-old woman, from Scotland, could not thank us enough. She was so excited to get a ticket.” Flowers explains how Jack Tennant, who is a huge supporter of the band was unable to attend and gave his tickets to the visitor. “Jack is our Clan Chieftain. He and his wife have supported our band through the Cochrane Eagle paper. “We love bringing piping music to events and see people get excited and emotional. They come up to us and thank us for playing, often with tears in their eyes. And they tell us stories,” says Flowers. “If you know how to play, come join us for a few sessions and see how you fit in,” she suggests. The band can be contacted through their website at www.cochranepipeband.ca. n
news
A welcome sign La Vita to develop Old Town Hall site
L
a Vita Land continued to make its presence felt in Cochrane, as the developer of Fireside and Willows of River Heights communities, was awarded the rights to develop the Old Town Hall site. Cochrane Council agreed to La Vita’s proposal to buy this key piece of land near the entrance to town for $2.75 million. Council says the new development will act as a gateway and visual welcome to the heart of Cochrane, including the historic downtown area, from Highway 1A via Centre Avenue. The site had remained undeveloped since the Old Town Hall has demolished in 2008, but Council had always felt that
this was an important piece in Cochrane’s growth and approved a framework for development to create the Downtown Heritage District in 2015. That led to the call for proposals, and out of the four that were reportedly submitted, they chose La Vita’s as the one closest to their vision to reinforce Cochrane’s Western Heritage identity. La Vita’s design concepts shown at the press conference in February announcing the deal included three buildings with retail space on the ground floor with office and residential space above, with the maximum height of the buildings being four storeys.
COCHRANE LIVING
| 12 | W I N T E R
2 015
There will also be pathways running through the development, and on the corner of 2nd Street West and Centre Avenue there will be a gathering place that can be used by both those living in the new area and shopping in the historic downtown. La Vita President Kent Hystad told reporters that their development will “compliment downtown and not compete.” The timeline for the project has not yet been established but Hystad says he would like to see construction start before winter this year. n
community
Giving back Activettes dedicated to helping others n Story and photos by Darlene Casten
A
group of Cochrane women are staying active, but it’s not by hitting the gym, it’s by strengthening hearts. The Cochrane Activettes are busy putting on miles in the community, volunteering at events, providing meals for shut-ins, running the local food bank and raising money at their thrift store, the Clothesline. The Activettes were founded in 1978 by a group of women who wanted a spin-off from the Young Actives, a men’s service organization. Fast forward 38 years and you will find 50 dedicated women who support all walks of life in their community. President Helen Parnell says it is amazing to see so many women willing to give their time to make other people’s lives better. She has been an Activette for five years and is now at the helm. “I like to give back to the community,” she says. There is inspiration working with likeminded women, Parnell adds.
Helen Parnell
“Its absolutely amazing,” she says. The Activettes are also supported by women who are not official members, but are regular volunteers, some of whom have been giving their time for 20 years, she says. As well as volunteering at local events like Winterfest, the Activettes raise money throughout the year. Last year the Activettes dispersed $35,000 through scholarships, supporting school lunch and breakfast programs, providing legal aid assistance for low-income individuals, administrating a meals on wheels program, supporting women’s shelters, the Tom Baker Centre and the local Boys and Girls Club. A major source of funds for the group is The Clothesline, a thrift store run by the Activettes and volunteers. The Clothesline moved to downtown Cochrane in February, adding 600 square feet of space. “It’s already paying off,” Parnell says of their new 4th Ave. West location. “We get more donations, we sell more clothes and we can give back more.” The focus for the group is running the busy food bank, Parnell says. “The food bank is our priority,” she says. “There is a need for food and it is growing. It is because of the economy.” Between July of last year this February 352 adults and 149 children received hampers. In January alone 20 hampers per week were distributed. Two major food drives help stock the shelves of the food drive. Another local organization, Helping Hands, assists with the community-wide initiative. Helping Hands executive director Jackie Shrier says they coordinate the 300-plus volunteers who comb through the streets of Cochrane, picking up donations left on people’s front step. The next food drive is on Saturday, April 16. Cochrane residents will receive a bag the Wednesday prior and are asked to put out the bags with food donations before 10 a.m. Shrier says currently about one in every three homes donates food and she hopes to see that grow to one in every two homes. “The goal is to stock the food bank,” she says, adding last year 60,000 pounds of food was collected between the two food drives. “Its amazing that people are so generous.” n COCHRANE LIVING
| 13 | S P R I N G
2 016
Cochrane Activettes volunteer Debbie Howard at the Cochrane food bank. Needy recipients receive a heaping grocery cart of food that lasts them four to six weeks.
cover feature
STEPPER HOMES
Carefree living in Cochrane Stepper Homes launches Heritage Hills townhomes with no condo fees n By
Darlene Casten
L
iving condo-fee free amidst the natural beauty of the foothills of Cochrane is a reality at Stepper Homes’ Heritage Hills townhomes. This will be the renowned builder’s first attempt at creating freehold townhomes, where buyers get the affordability of owning a multi-family home, but get none of its headaches, says area manager Maureen Harrison. “There are no condo fees,” she says, adding there’s no need for condo boards, and buyers never have to worry about getting the dreaded “special assessment” cost that condo dwellers can be subjected to. Every homeowner will own and be responsible for only their home and property, but Stepper will still take care of landscaping, as well as decks and fencing. “It is a great feeling to move in and know your costs are set and you don’t have any more upcoming expenses,” Harrison says. Three models are available ranging from 1,338 to 1,405 square-feet and start in the low $300,000s, including GST. Homeowners will be able to enjoy their beautiful backyards within a few months because the first six townhomes will be ready for possession by August, or early fall, Harrison adds. “These townhomes will enjoy views of the Rockies to the west and overlook the community pond,” she says. Surrounded by a protected environmental reserve, the area is a peaceful prairie oasis. “The view will never change,” Harrison says, adding that a pathway winds its way up the hill, through the prairie grass and up to the surrounding farmland, which provides even more stunning views of the foothills and the dramatic mountain ranges. The three models offered are the Collins, the Andover and the Baker,
COCHRANE LIVING
| 14 | S P R I N G
2 016
Homeowners will be able to enjoy their
beautiful backyards within a few months because the first six townhomes will be ready for possession by August, or early fall.
and each has a layout with unique highlights. The 1,338-square-foot Baker features a full-size laundry room, and the spacious Andover is 1,405 square-feet and comes with a loft space on the upper level. The Collins, at 1,369 square-feet, is an end unit model that feels bigger than its size because of its extra windows. Harrison says the ensuite in the Collins is spectacular and features dual sinks, a stand-alone shower, and separate bathtub. Each townhome comes with a stylish and modern kitchen, with quartz or granite countertops, maple shaker cabinets, and stainless steel Samsung appliances. The quartz or granite-topped island creates a focal point that also provides practical extra counter and storage space. The finishes chosen for the first building have something for every taste, Harrison says. Durable vinyl plank flooring, that is hard to distinguish from hardwood, is standard. In some units, the flooring has been upgraded to hardwood. Other high-end upgrades, like quartz and granite countertops in the bathroom, have been added
cover feature to some units for those looking for a more luxurious home. Heritage Hills, developed by Harmony Park, is on a quiet hillside on the west end of town. The community appeals to young couples, young families, and downsizers, Harrison says. “There is something for everybody.” Creative architectural controls will establish a distinctive and family-friendly streetscape. Adding to this is that Stepper’s townhomes are lavished with exterior details and cohesive colour variations. Each townhome front door will have a distinctive colour that gives every townhome its own personality, Harrison says. All homes also come with its own single-car attached garage and driveway. The 24-foot long garage leaves space to spare for a work area or storage, and the extra long driveway also leaves room to park another vehicle. Until the townhomes are built, interested buyers can check out Stepper’s Prospect single-family show home in Heritage Hills to get an idea of what the townhomes will look like. The Prospect is a close walk from the sales centre, which is located at 8 Heritage Terrace, along Highway 1A on the west side of Cochrane.
Heritage Hills is a short drive from downtown Cochrane. Harrison, a Heritage Hills resident herself, says the town provides everything needed, from groceries to entertainment and great places to eat and shop. However, she was excited to see a small commercial plaza opening up on the west side of Heritage Hills. A Freshii, daycare and gym are already occupying the space and there is more to come, she adds. She says it will be a meeting place for the already friendly community. “There is a really friendly neighbourhood vibe,” she says. “So this will be really good for the community. You can just walk over and get what you need.” For those looking for city life or mountain retreats, Cochrane is in the middle of both. Calgary is a quick 15 minute drive on Highway 1A and only a 35 minute drive to the Calgary airport. To the west the lakes and mountains can be reached in as little as a half-an-hour. “You are that much closer to Canmore and Banff,” she says. n
For more information, visit www.stepperhomes.com
COCHRANE LIVING
| 15 | S P R I N G
2 016
developer feature
MELCOR DEVELOPMENTS
Fun in the sun Family-friendly community focused on living life to the fullest n By
Aaliya Essa
W
hen a community is called Sunset Ridge, you expect spectacular sunsets. On that score Sunset Ridge in Cochrane, by Melcor Developments, delivers big time. Like judging a book by its cover, however, judging a community by name alone can sometimes be a little misleading. Because, while the views of the sun setting over the Rocky Mountains are truly spectacular, there’s a lot more to this popular community. In fact, poised as it is on the hill overlooking the town of Cochrane to the south and the Rockies to the west, Sunset Ridge literally soaks up the sun all day long. But it’s not just the location that’s the big attraction for homebuyers, it’s the total package. “Many of the families living in Sunset Ridge love the amenities, with our centrally located pond and large playground, and the fact there are two schools in the community is a big bonus,” says says Catharina Mendonça, marketing manager for Melcor Developments. “Sunset Ridge is the only new community in Cochrane with two schools. “There are also some great commercial amenities, with a small grocer, neighborhood pub and restaurant, a wine store as well as some medical and health services,” she adds. Cochrane also offers a variety of amenities making it possible to pick up anything you need right in town, while the drive to Calgary is also just as easily accessible, via either Highway 1A or 22x, just a 15 minute drive. Of course Sunset Ridge really makes the most of outdoor living. There are over 50 acres of greenspace, including six park areas connected via linear parks and pathways. There will also be an outdoor exercise circuit, two soccer pitches, community gardens and multiple picnic table areas. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy the environment, whether as a family or on your own, right in your community.
“Cochrane is a great heritage town that attracts both families and individuals seeking small town living close to the Rocky Mountains,” says Mendonça. “We see a lot of buyers who love to get out hiking or cycling in the Kananaskis and Canmore areas. It is also a small town that has comparatively more commercial and recreational amenities than some other satellite towns.” Sunset Ridge will have 2,700 homes at build-out, with a healthy mix of single-family and multi-family homes, says Mendonça. “We offer the most diverse housing product in Cochrane, which includes fee simple townhomes, semi-detached homes, front drive garage homes, and estate homes,” she says. Buyers will also appreciate the affordability that Sunset Ridge offers, with townhomes starting in the low $300,000s, semi-detached homes from the $340,000s, front drive homes from the low $400,000s and estate homes from the mid $500,000s. Both the home styles and pricing are master-planned to allow people to move within the community as their families grow and lifestyles change. The icing on the cake is that this wide variety of homes are built by a number of award-winning local builders, from Jayman BUILT, to Landmark Homes, Excel Homes, and Homes by Avi. The end result is there is an abundance of quality choices to select from, making it possible to check off every box on your wish list, and even a few more that weren’t on your list. n
For more information visit www.liveinsunsetridge.ca
COCHRANE LIVING
| 16 | S P R I N G
2 016
COCHRANE LIVING
| 17 | S P R I N G
2 016
developer feature
APEX COMMUNITES
Loving Heartland Apex’s Heartland is growing into a well-connected community n By
Pepper Rodriguez
W
ord-of-mouth is a powerful thing, just look at how referrals have transformed Cochrane’s Heartland into a community of friends and relatives. “Word gets around quickly, and when buyers tell their friends and relatives about how great living in Heartland is, they all seem to want to follow,” says Charla Power, Excel Homes’ area manager. “As a result, Heartland has a unique familial connection with the number of referrals we’ve been able to generate over the last few years.” Why everyone is falling in love with Heartland is easy to see, not the least of which is the amazing amount of green space that surrounds the community and gives it a feeling of true country living. There’s even more to love now, as this year also saw the introduction of Jayman BUILT as the newest builder in the community. “Heartland is an affordable and growing community, and a great opportunity for Jayman BUILT to keep with the momentum of Cochrane’s growth,” says Jayman BUILT area manager, Kym Daigle. “We are looking forward to showing off our great family floor plans at a price point that really makes sense.” Both Excel Homes and Jayman BUILT have opened new show homes in this APEX Development community on the western part of Cochrane. An abundance of choice in homes, surrounded by large green spaces, and the proximity to the indoor/outdoor lifestyle has already made Heartland into one of the fastest growing communities in town. “Heartland is a 250-acre community,” says Susan Henderson, Senior Development Manager for Apex Developments. “When it is complete it will have approximately 1,500 homes that are a mix of single-family, duplex and freehold townhomes. There are also six multi-family sites, a local commercial site, lots of parks and a great pathway system to get around the community safely. Heartland offers such
a wide selection of product that it’s able to welcome first time buyers, empty nesters, and move-ups,” she adds. Excel Homes offers a selection of both single-family and street townhomes with no condo fees, which is perfect for buyers from a variety of demographics. Jayman BUILT also offers a selection of single-family. With four new show homes, buyers have the opportunity to see for themselves the different designs available, from a range in sizes, to a range in price, there are options for every buyer, all offering exceptional value. “Big families are our main demographic in Heartland and our homes are designed to fit their needs,” Power says. Having their homes built to meet BuiltGreen standards is another way that Excel brings peace of mind to homeowners. Excel also offers townhomes in Heartland. “Prices start from the low $290,000s, including townhouse, lot & GST — plus, these townhomes are freehold, which means there are no condo fees. It’s a great bonus for buyers,” says Henderson. Jayman BUILT, meanwhile, offers double front-attached garage two-storey homes, ranging from 1,900 to 2,400 square-feet, “with our Best Price First policy pricing starting at $409,000,” Daigle says. Their best-selling Nitro and the new Dakota show homes are now open. Apex is known for their excellence in designing communities that enhance the lives of their residents, where coming home is truly the best part of your day, and that is exactly what you find here in the Heartland. n
For more information visit www.heartlandcochrane.com
COCHRANE LIVING
| 18 | S P R I N G
2 016
COCHRANE LIVING
| 19 | S P R I N G
2 016
builder feature
BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL
Enjoying Fireside’s warmth Brookfield gains new fans in Cochrane’s Fireside n By
Nadia Moharib
T
hey imported the best — all the way from Calgary. Brookfield Residential’s new homes in Cochrane’s Fireside community feature floor plans loved and refined from several of its Calgary communities. And they are finding new fans here. The 87 homes they will have in La Vita’s Fireside on the southern part of Cochrane marks the first time Brookfield Residential is building in this western heritage town west of the city. “We definitely intend to be building in communities outside of Calgary in the future, this is our first opportunity to do it,” Brookfield sales manager, Ashley Buchanan says. “We are bringing the most popular floor plans out of Calgary, which we have perfected over the last 10 years.” Brookfield is offering four different product types in Fireside; single-family front drive move-ups from the mid $400,000s; single-family laned from the upper $300,000s; semi-detached front drive from the mid $400,000s; and semi-detached laned starting from the mid $300,000s. Each product style has three different floor plans available and some unique options, including an indoor/outdoor fireplace in the Hudson, and a curved staircase in the Belvedere. Each has proven popular in their Calgary communities like Auburn Bay and Cranston.
Those floor plans now have new fans, including Darren Bezubiak and his wife, Maureen, who bought who bought the 2,141-square-foot Hudson. The couple was already living in Fireside but the addition of a baby prompted them to find a bigger home. “With the inclusion of one more in the family, now we get a lot more visitors,” says Bezubiak, a new dad to a 10-monthold daughter. The young couple had looked at nearby communities in their search for a larger home but found Fireside was still the ideal fit. And their new four-level split — with its stunning views and impressive bonus room with vaulted ceilings — backing onto the popular pathway system, is simply perfect. He says the pricing of their Hudson, which starts at $452,000, was “exceptionally competitive,” and included a lot of standard features like laminate hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances and stone counter tops. But the beauty of Fireside was the biggest draw. “It’s just beautiful here,” Bezubiak says. “Everything we need is here.” That includes easy access to the Highway 22, which is extra convenient for the couple who have jobs in Calgary. It’s also easier to go on a mountain getaway from here. Fireside itself boasts of beautiful paths and ponds and is a short walk to a school. “My mother-in-law moved to Fireside on my request about a year ago (and) we are trying to convince my sister-in-law to move here, too.” n
For more information visit www.discoverfireside.com
COCHRANE LIVING
| 20 | S P R I N G
2 016
COCHRANE LIVING
| 21 | S P R I N G
2 016
Cochrane Coffee Traders
Small town charmer
Maybe you’re visiting Cochrane for the first time. Or planning a move. Or you simply want a fun day of sightseeing. Whatever you do, we recommend heading into the old downtown. Park (free!) on or around First Avenue and then wander. Here, a few of our favourite places:
Cochrane has grown up from its pioneer days, and how!
Get caffeinated
n By Shelley Boettcher
L
ess than half an hour from northwest Calgary lies beautiful Cochrane. Nestled between the pristine grasslands of southern Alberta and the Rockies in the distance, this quaint, western heritage town is a wonderful place to live or visit. Just ask Janet Byl. The owner of Addie’s Creative Fabrics, she is a huge fan of the town where she lives and works. “It still has that small-town feel. People share what’s going on in their lives — their sorrows and their joys,” she says. “Cochrane feels like home. It is home.” Indeed, Cochrane became incorporated as a village in 1903, and is named after rancher Matthew Henry Cochrane. By 1971, it was officially a town. These days, Cochrane — like so much of southern Alberta — has expanded considerably, with a population of about 24,000 and a little of everything: doctors, dentists, fitness facilities, restaurants, shopping and more. Some long-time Cochrane residents still remember the time when you had to drive back to Calgary if you forgot to bring home milk. Janet Byl of Addie’s This historic town has certainly grown up, and Creative Fabrics there’s a lot more to see and do.
COCHRANE LIVING
| 22 | S P R I N G
2 016
Located in a beautiful log cabin, Cochrane Coffee Traders (114 Second Avenue W.) serves up homemade baking and great coffee. The team behind the shop does their own roasting just a few blocks away, using Rainforest Alliance Certified Arabica beans. Prefer tea to coffee? Then stop in at Tea and Other Things (110 Second Avenue W.), a pretty little shop that sells all kinds of tea and related gadgets, as well as a good cuppa; you can shop online, too, at teahippie.com.
a day in cochrane
Tea and Other Things
Meghan Tayfel of MacKay’s Ice Cream
MacKay’s Cochrane Ice Cream (220 First Street W.) has been serving its legendary ice cream for more than 65 years, since the family-owned business was started in 1948. (The family still uses their grandma’s recipes!) Favourite flavours include vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and maple walnut. Around the corner, Tim’s Gourmet Pizza (111 Second Avenue W.) is a beautiful little restaurant that offers — you guessed it — homemade pizzas, plus pastas, steak and salads. Stay for lunch or dinner, or pick up pizza for the next time you’re too busy or lazy to cook. The Spolombo Sausage is brilliant, a blend of sausage, prosciutto and dried cranberries. Need a feast and not worried about the calories? The Texas Gate is in the old hotel (304 First Street W.) and is your place to go for big home-style hamburgers and good fries. Don’t miss the gorgeous vintage tin roof and, in the back, you can play pool. But go early if you’re aiming for lunch; this place gets busy.
Photo courtesy timsgourmetpizza.com
Tim’s Gourmet Pizza
Eat out
Legacy Guitar and Coffee House
Just go Legacy Guitar and Coffee House (214 First Street W.) defies categorization. Yes, you can buy guitars here, or get your guitar fixed. But you can also get music lessons and there’s regular live music, too. Check out Legacy’s Facebook page for updated information. Vintage Veranda
Shop till you drop The beautiful Vintage Veranda (208 First Street W.) offers retro prairie antiques, inspiration and décor, as well as great classes for those looking to paint their own unique pieces. If you love to sew, quilt, knit or make fabric art, Addie’s Creative Fabrics (420 First Street W.) is a must. Sign up for a class or two, or just browse the shelves; you’ll find buttons, patterns, fabrics and advice, too.
»
COCHRANE LIVING
| 23 | S P R I N G
2 016
Photo by Angie Boyler Photography
Photos coutesy teahippie.com
a day in cochrane
The fabulous Poor David’s (318 First Street W.) just may have the best name in town; it’s named in honour of the store owner’s husband, David, who does a lot of the shop’s grunt work: hanging signs, building shelves. Stop here for gift cards, books and jewelry for everyone you love. And if you can’t find what you need at Poor David’s, head next door to Heavenly Outhouse (312 First Street W.). Yes, another great business name. Owned by the same family that’s behind Poor David’s, this place offers home décor and more: art, clocks, cushions, dishes, baby gifts and skincare products, including the wonderful Rocky Mountain Soap Co. products. They also hold the annual Outhouse Races that has become a staple Cochrane summer event.
Get fit Crossfit Cochrane (544 Railway Street W.) is your place to get fit like a movie star. Stop by and see what all the fuss is about. Got kids? Snap Dance Studio (69 Railway Street E.) will make them happy, with jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop and musical theatre classes. Centre Pilates (105 First Street W.) is your stop for all things Pilates-related; in spring, you can even sign up for classes to help with your golf game.
COCHRANE LIVING
| 24 | S P R I N G
2 016
Centre Pilates
Come summer, the Cochrane Golf Club (240 Riverview Drive) is a nine-hole semi-private regulation course with a licensed restaurant, lessons and pro shop. And if you dream of horseback riding, track down the folks at Lazy H. Trail Co. (lazyhtrailco.com) for lessons, trailing riding and group events.
Make your house a home Bought a place and now you need to landscape it? Hire a professional at Big Sky Landscaping (www.bigskylandscamping.net). Your yard will be looking good in no time. n
community
Rock the waves
Work continues on new aquatic, curling facility
M
eanwhile, over at the Aquatic and Curling Centre job site, work continues with good progress made thanks to the mild winter. Pool concrete has been poured, a state-of-the-art thermal heat exchange system installed, and roofing, fireproofing and window installation is happening at the Curling Centre. By the time you read this, even more will have been done as the project moves steadily towards its spring 2017 opening. The new aquatic venue will have eight 25-metre lanes suitable for competitive and lane swimming, plus two slides, hot tub, a leisure pool with wave chamber, and even a warm-water therapy pool. Six full
and three junior curling sheets are also being added, and the fitness centre is also growing. All told, the facility will be adding 150,000 square-feet. Total budget for the Aquatic and Curling Centre capital budget is $45 million, with the Town’s contribution to come from provincial grant funding. A public fund raising
COCHRANE LIVING
| 25 | S P R I N G
2 016
goal of $10.7 million was established, with approximately $4.6 in donations raised at time of writing. No municipal tax dollars are being used towards the project. From the beginning, corporate Cochrane has gotten behind the project in a big way also. Since Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre was announced as the location for this project, that organization has thrown themselves wholeheartedly into the effort, including through their Leave a Legacy program. Jayman BUILT has put up a cool $1.1 million to sponsor the Jayman Aquatic Centre; PBA Land Development, in partnership with Philco Farms, has put up $1.35 million for the Phillips Curling Centre; and LaVita Land has contributed $750,000 to the Fireside Fitness Centre. Dozens of other companies big and small have also contributed and are listed on the website. For more information, to be a corporate sponsor, or to contribute, visit the website at www.rockthewaves.ca/donate. n
events APRIL EVERY FRIDAY. The Legion holds a BBQ every Friday night from 6-7 p.m. Membership not required. We serve steaks for $9 and Hamburgers for $7.50. Families welcome. 114 5th Avenue West
1
, 2, 3, 15, 16 Extreme Cowboy Clinic, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). Spectators Welcome. www.cochraneagsociety.com
9
Foothills Art Club Annual Spring Show and Sale, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., St Andrew’s United Church, 128 First Street East. Free admission, free draw for an original painting, refreshments. www.foothillsartclub.com
16
Helping Hands Cochrane Wide Food Drive to help fill the local Activettes Food Bank. Volunteers Welcome! 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cochrane Alliance Church. To volunteer call Helping Hands at 587-580-9448
23
Quarter Horse Show, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). Spectators Welcome. www.cochraneagsociety.com
30
– MAY 1 Cochrane and District Trade Show, Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission $2. Per person per day. Kids under 12 — Free. Family pass (valid for 2 adults, and up to 4 kids): $5 per day. Entrance fee is CASH ONLY! www.cochranechamber.ca
Cochrane Art Club’s 57th Annual Fine Show & Sale, The Cochrane RancheHouse, 101 RancheHouse Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE admission. “A Gallery Event Featuring Original Fine Art by Local Artists” www.cochraneartclub.com
M AY EVERY FRIDAY. The Legion holds a BBQ every Friday night from 6 – 7 p.m. Membership not required. We serve steaks for $9 and Hamburgers for $7.50. Families welcome. 114 5th Avenue West
13,14
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.doorsopencochrane.ca Special Exhibit at Just Imajan Art Gallery, 320 1st Street West, “3 Yukon Artists” Art Opening Friday, May 13, Meet & Greet, 6 – 9 p.m. Saturday, May 14, Talk & Demos 1 – 4 p.m. Sandra Grace Storey (ceramic sculpture). Paul & Jeanine Baker (Metal Sculpture/Cast Glass) www.justimajan.com
7, 8
14, 15
8
14
Extreme Cowboy Show, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). Spectators Welcome. www.cochraneagsociety.com
Season Opener Mothers Day Airsoft Big Game, 9 a.m., Capture the Flag Paintball & Airsoft. 9 a.m. Setup, 10 a.m. Start. Entry Fee $30 includes all day play, unlimited food & drink, all equipment excluding rifle. www.capturetheflag.com
8-10
Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival. Cochrane Toyota, 8 River Heights Drive. The festival focuses on vocal and instrumental performance, while also providing opportunities for presentations of musical theatre, speech, band, and composition. www.cochraneyouthtalent.ca
13-16
Calgary Kennel Club Dog Show, Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, 800 Griffin Road.Adults $5, Youth and Senior $3, and children under 6 are free. www.slssportscentre.com
COCHRANE LIVING
| 26 | S P R I N G
2 016
Reigning Alberta Spring Show and Clinic, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). Spectators Welcome. www. cochraneagsociety.com
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. Thank you to the animal health technicians and professional groomers who are donating their time for this event. 62 Griffin Industrial Point. www.cochranehumane.ca
21
Pace and Chase Event, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). Spectators Welcome. www.cochraneagsociety.com
21, 22
Equicup West Show, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). Spectators Welcome. www.cochraneagsociety.com
22
Copperhead Road Paintball Big Game, 9 a.m., Capture the Flag Paintball & Airsoft. 9 a.m. Setup, 10 a.m. Start. Entry Fee $5 for those with their own equipment, $10 for those who need to rent, includes all day play, unlimited food and drink. All equipment included; level 3 upgrade marker, camo, mask, chest protector, barrel bag. www.capturetheflag.com
23
Jumping Pound Beef 4H Achievement Show, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). Spectators Welcome. www.cochraneagsociety.com
28
Children’s Festival at the Historic Cochrane Ranche Site. Three circus shows. Tickets are on sale online at www.maxsolutionsonline.com/townofcochrane or call us at 403-851-2534. Branches and Banks 2015, 20th Annual Tree Plant and Watershed Clean Up, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, 800 Griffin Road. www.cochrane-environment.org
30, 31
Beyond Words Library Book Sale, Nan Booth by Library, 405 Railway Street W. The Friends of the Nan will be hosting the annual “Beyond Words” sale of gently used Books, CD’s, DVD’s, and pictures, on Saturday, May 30 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and a half-price remainder sale on Sunday, May 31 ( noon – 4 p.m.). All proceeds will support the Library.
JUNE EVERY FRIDAY. The Legion holds a Friday Night BBQ every Friday night from 6 – 7 p.m. Membership not required. We serve steaks for $9 and Hamburgers for $7.50. Families are welcome, 114 5th Ave. West.
events n To list your event email your information
to jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca. For more listings and further information check www.cochraneevents.ca or www.cochrane-tourism.ca
SATURDAY MORNINGS, Cochrane Farmers’ Market, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm, Historic Cochrane Ranche Site, Junction of Hwy 1A & Hwy 22. www.cochrane-environment.org SUNDAYS 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bearspaw Farmers’ Market, Bearspaw Lions Clubhouse, 25240 Nagway Road, Beside Hwy 1A just west of Calgary city limits. www.earspawlions.com
4, 5
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
4, 11
Capital One Race for Kids in support of Boys & Girls Club of Cochrane and Area. www.raceforkids.ca
11
Spring Tea at Beaupre, Beaupre Hall, 263035 Beaupre Creek Road, 1 – 4 p.m., Tickets: $5. Come celebrate spring. Beaupre Hall is located just 15 minutes west of the Town of Cochrane. Take Hwy 1A west to Hwy 40, turn right (north), drive one kilometre, Hall is located on the right hand side of Hwy 40. beauprecommunity@gmail.com or www.beauprehall.com Commemorative Spring Services of Worship at the historic McDougall Memorial Church, 3 p.m. The McDougall Stoney Mission Church was built in 1875 and stands as the oldest building on the original site in Alberta. This is the site of Southern Alberta’s first settlement, Morleyville. West of Cochrane on Hwy. 1A. www.mcdougallstoneymission.com
COCHRANE LIVING
| 27 | S P R I N G
2 016
17
Special Exhibit at Just Imajan Art Gallery, 320 1st Street West, “Painted Passions” Art Opening. Friday, June 17th 5 – 9 p.m. Janet B. Armstrong & Marla Blackwell. www.justimajan.com
17, 18, 19
Extreme Cowboy Event, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). Spectators Welcome. www.cochraneagsociety.com
18
Cochrane Health Show. Experience all there is to know about healthy living through 40 plus exhibits and live demos. Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission $5/2 adults OR free with donation to the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank. Children under 12 & Seniors free. Visit www.opulencealliance.com for more information.
25, 26
Alberta Horse Trials Clinic, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). Spectators Welcome. www.cochraneagsociety.com
30
– JULY 1 Cochrane SummerFest, Cochrane Ranche Historic Site, June 30th night. Summerfest kicks off with entertainment and a movie under the stars. The fun continues July 1st from 11 a.m.– 5 p.m, Annual Family SummerFest community festival. Pony rides, magician, interactive hula hooping, stilt walkers, Taiko drummers, music, family fun games, bounce houses and more. www.cochraneevents.ca/summerfest
developer feature
TAMANI COMMUNITES
The River’s song Riversong, Cochrane’s only new riverside community, grows n By
Pepper Rodriguez
R
iversong by Tamani Communities is the town of Cochrane’s only new community being built right on the banks of the Bow River, and its quiet, nature-connected solitude is easily one of the biggest reasons for its success. But its amenity-rich character and increasingly tight-knit community bonds make it an even more appealing place for a forever home. Since the first show homes opened in Riversong in 2009, there are now more than 900 homes here, and the coming release of Phase 9 in Riviera in Riversong promises to bring a new sense of luxury, comfort and refinement to the community. The Riversong community is divided into three unique areas: Riversong located on top of the escarpment, Riviera, located adjacent to the Bow River, and Precedence, a future community located east with amazing mountain and river views. The Riversong area is all but done, with having only 20 homes left for immediate possession. Riviera in Riversong — comprised of the upscale RiverReach villas and manors and Riviera single-family luxury estate homes — is the focus of growth now. It’s the part of the community closest to the river, and the idyllic views from the beautiful, high-end homes here add to its allure. The underlying theme and architectural controls for Riversong tie it all together as a whole community, and the kilometres of pathways that wind through the neighbourhood illustrate its connectivity. But having these micro-communities within it serves to bring a tighter focus on what Riversong can truly offer, says Tamani Marketing Manager Sandi Serr. Tamani’s devotion and care in building the community is being rewarded, as the developer is one of the finalists in this year’s CHBA – UDI Calgary Region’s 2015 SAM Award for Community of the Year and Showome Parade of the Year.
Riversong is located in Cochrane’s southern tip just off Highway 22, on a gentle slope at the edge of the Bow River. It is about 340 acres with approximately 100 of those set aside as an environmental preserve. There is a landscaped storm pond adjacent to the Bow River with a park and additional pathways for residents to further enjoy this connection to nature, 40 per cent of the community will be devoted to green space. Besides being the newest Cochrane riverside community it is also the only one with a pedestrian bridge connecting residents to the Town of Cochrane and Spray Lakes Recreation Centre right across the river from Riversong. Two award-wining home builders Trico Homes, and Jayman BUILT/Jayman Modus are active in the community. Available are Rise townhomes from the $294,000s, front drive homes from the $470,000s, and villas and manors — only four left — from the $550,000s. And for a limited time, Tamani is offering a $5,000 lot incentive on frontdrive homes. Its proximity to the river is undoubtedly one of Riversong’s biggest assets, but having a ton of amenities within or near the community adds to the easy-living lifestyle here. “We have a high school by the entrance of the community, and we’re just five minutes from downtown Cochrane,” Serr says. “We’re also just 26 minutes to northwest Calgary and an hour to Banff, so getting to the city or the mountains is a breeze,” she adds. n
For more information visit www.riversongcochrane.com
COCHRANE LIVING
| 28 | S P R I N G
2 016
COCHRANE LIVING
| 29 | S P R I N G
2 016
you said it
“
Where is your favourite place to go out for dinner in Cochrane?
Olive ‘R Twist Bistro and Bar is for sure one of my favourites. Kasandra Works at Heavenly Outhouse
“
n By Meghan McMaster
I really like eating out with my family, but I’d have to say MacKay’s Ice Cream is definitely my favourite! Titus Grade 8 student
“
I always enjoy the Indian restaurant, Jaipur. I just love the variety of rich flavours.
“
Dana
Randy
University student
“
The Cochrane Cafe. I love that you don’t have to choose between cuisines and there’s something for everyone. IT Expert
“
Guy’s Bakery and Cafe is just wonderful. When my children were young we would often go there for lunch — I loved their kid’s combo of a small soup (with an ice cube!) and a half sandwich.
Twisted Basil is wonderful. Germaine
Angus
Works at The Vintage Verandah
Tanya
“
Works at The Vintage Verandah
Engineer
Definitely Portofino. They make delicious pastas. Candace Works at Traditions: A Country Store
“
The Texas Gate Bar and Grill is great! I love going there with my whole family. Janel Stay at home mom
“
“
I really love the Thai restaurant, Chiang Rai. Marian Retired
COCHRANE LIVING
| 30 | S P R I N G
The Texas Gate Bar and Grill makes a great steak!
2 016
“
That’s easy. Tim’s Gourmet Pizza is definitely my favourite. McKenzi Works at The Country Kitchen
1A 22 1
HERITAGE HILLS
stepperhomes.com