Cochrane Living - Winter 2017 by Source Media Group

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VOLUME 6 I SS UE 13

contents

WI NTE R 2017

8 FEATURE

6 | Cochrane Couture Fashionistas right at home in local boutiques

DEVELOPER FEATURE

8 | Heartland beckons

Strong growth to continue in 2018 in Heartland COVER FEATURE

10 | Riversong’s attraction With its rich riverside lifestyle, Riversong remains as appealing as ever MARKET OVERVIEW

13 | Bouncing back Local homes market rebounded nicely in 2017

ITEMS

04 | Mayor’s message 05 | Around Town

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

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 2017 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, 6109 - 6th Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1L9 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 6109 - 6th Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1L9

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message from the mayor

Winter

is a special time in Cochrane. It might get cold, but there are lots of winter

sports to get your blood flowing, and many warm and cozy locations to sit in front of a fire and enjoy a break. Call the 24-hour facility status line for updates on Cochrane’s two outdoor skating venues, Mitford Pond and Tim Bannister Memorial Rink: 403-851-2552. We also have great opportunities to celebrate the season as a community: concerts, theatre performances, craft markets and shows, and the Santa Claus Parade. Most of us also get a quiet day or two to focus on family and those close to us. Cochrane Dollars is helping you give the gift of Cochrane: purchase Cochrane Dollars from ATB Cochrane branch and you’ll get a great gift envelope and enclosure to help them get spent right here in our community. We can help our neighbours and keep Cochrane safe this winter by clearing snow and ice from sidewalks around your home or business within 48 hours of a snowfall. Town crews keep main routes clean and clear, but their mandate is to start with emergency routes, so it may take a little time to get to your neighbourhood. Please be patient, take care (especially around snowplows

From left: Councillor Susan Flowers, Councillor Patrick Wilson, Councillor Marnie Fedeyko, Mayor Jeff Genung, Councillor Morgan Nagel, Councillor Tara McFadden and Councillor Alex Reed.

and sanders), and think about staying home if conditions are really bad. Looking for an easy way to get to all Town information? Download the My Cochrane app from the App Store or Google Play. Sign up for notifications, submit requests and see event listings, all at a glance. Council members are always available to hear your thoughts or answer questions; our contact information is easy to find on cochrane.ca/Council. We also welcome everyone to Council meetings to hear how issues are discussed and how decisions are made: we meet twice each month, except July, August and December when we only meet once. Wishing you and your family all the best of this festive season and a warm, safe winter!

Mayor Jeff Genung On behalf of Town Council and staff

M O R E T O W N O F C O C H R A N E I N F O R M AT I O N www.cochrane.ca

TownofCochrane

@TownofCochrane

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My Cochrane Mobile APP

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around town

n By David Shepherd and Carmen Solana-Martin

Photo by Carmen Solana-Martin

Digging deep at The Quarry

Legion’s new statue unveiled

pringwood Developments Chairman William K. Butler presented the Royal Canadian Legion Cochrane Branch First Vice-President David Usherwood with a check for $17,500, helping the Legion reach its fundraising goal of $130,000 to add a bronze statue to the existing cenotaph. During the presentation, it was announced that Cochrane’s population has grown to 26,320, an increase of 12 per cent since 2015. Jim Rooney, the Managing Director for Garmin Cochrane and the President of Dynastream Innovations, attended the event and highlighted the town’s economic growth in The Quarry commercial area. Next spring, his company will open a 45,000-square-foot office space at The Quarry, which will serve as their Canadian headquarters. After the presentation, Cochrane resident Daniel Kroffat spoke about the theft-proof poppy fund donation box he designed with support from Cochrane Toyota owner Alex Baum and EGB Manufacturing Cochrane. n

n October 26th, the Cochrane Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion unveiled the new bronze statue at the Cochrane Cenotaph. Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois E. Mitchell and Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung were on hand for the unveiling, while Legion members, including the Cochrane Pipe Band, King’s Own Calgary Regiment, Royal Canadian Army and Air Cadets, and 41 Canadian Brigade Group members participated in the ceremony. Legion First Vice-president David Usherwood thanked Legion member Todd Puzey for bringing the idea to enhance the Cenotaph to the organization to honour the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge, Canada’s 150th birthday, and the Legion’s 90 year anniversary. Usherwood says $136,000 was raised to cover the cost of cenotaph revitalization project. The seven-foot bronze statue of a First World War soldier was sculpted by Cochrane residents Don and Shirley Stephens-Begg at their Studio West Bronze Foundry. n

There’s an app for that

y Cochrane is a mobile app that gives residents an easy way to connect with the Town about programs, services, events, information, feedback, and service requests. Mayor Jeff Genung is excited about the app’s potential. “The community has asked for more ways to be connected and appreciates an easy way to ask questions, get information, and give feedback. My Cochrane is a great way to have all that and more at your fingertips.” In addition to the information on the Town website, the app contains a host of new features. Notify Me will provide emergency alerts, event notifications, and engagement opportunities. My Requests allows residents to submit requests for service or information from Municipal Enforcement, Roads, Parks, and Waste and Recycling. Users will also be able to peruse meeting calendars, event lists, town news, job postings, and more. The My Cochrane app is available from the App Store and Google Play. n

Helping Hands Society welcoming newcomers

he Helping Hands Society of Cochrane & Area is hosting a Newcomers Welcome Night on Monday, February 5th from 6 – 8 p.m. The event is free to attend, and is designed to introduce Cochrane’s newest residents to all of the resources that are available throughout the town. n

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feature

Cochrane Couture Fashionistas right at home in local boutiques n By Carmen Solana-Martin

ochrane has a fashion scene. That’s right, you heard correct. Of course, if you live in Cochrane you might already know about some of these not-so-hidden treasures — but for out-of-towners there’s still plenty here waiting to be discovered. Cochrane Living sent writer Carmen Solana-Martin on such a quest recently, assigning her to visit a few independently-owned boutiques to meet the merchants and seek out a few treasures of her own.

THE PAISLEY BOUTIQUE The Paisley Boutique has repeatedly won Best of Cochrane for Best Women’s Boutique, and after visiting with owner Laurel Pasishnik, it’s clear why her store is so popular. Pasishnik and her close-knit team care about their customers, who shop the boutique’s unique clothing lines for their contemporary casual feel. “Everyone can wear the trends,” says Pasishnik, “as long as they get knowledgeable fashion advice. We bring the latest fashion into Cochrane and teach our customers how to wear it. Our goal is for everybody to feel beautiful.” Pasishnik and her staff love to build long-term and positive relationships with their customers. “Our customers feel fully relaxed and at home here,” she says. “We want everyone to walk out feeling fabulous.” Customer Cindy Peterson says the experience of shopping at The Paisley Boutique is one that she has not found anywhere else. “You walk out of the store feeling good about yourself.”

PEACOCK JEWELLERS STUDIO AND SUPPLY Peacock Jewellers Studio and Supply owner Abigail Engelking has made jewellery for 20 years. Engelking’s love of jewellery design began at age 6 when she found her late grandmother’s jewellery-making box. Self-taught, Engelking uses silver-smithing, metal-smithing, beadwork,

and wire-working to make her custom jewellery. “I create fine jewellery that is reasonably priced,” says Engelking. Customers who would like to make their own jewellery can find a large selection of specialty tools and materials. Engelking also teaches private and group jewellery lessons. “I want to share my jewellery with people and teach them what I know,” she says. “I’m an artist and I paint with metal and fire.”

THE SHOE CLOSET The Shoe Closet offers beautiful and unique European hand-made leather shoes for men and women, as well as accessories, jewellery, and clothing. Owner Danielle Fawcett refers to the shoes she sells as works of art. She chooses her shoes and boots for their comfort, quality, and style. “I want everyone to leave happy,” says Fawcett. The Shoe Closet was the first store in North American to sell the German line Naketano, and customers adore their comfy and soft hoodies.

SWEET PEAS WOMEN’S CONSIGNMENT & SPECIALTY SHOP Elise Ryan wants people to feel like family when they shop at her store. Stop by her boutique for a visit and you’ll find customers who are clearly enjoying their shopping trip, and their chats with the friendly owner. “I really want people to have a nice experience here and feel like they are coming into my home,” says Ryan. The store has a romantic Parisian theme and the clothes are beautiful and elegant. Ryan only accepts top-quality consignment items, and her store is full of great finds on clothing, jewellery, and shoes.

STUDIO BETTE CLOTHING ETC.

Laurel Pasishnik of The Paisley Boutique COCHRANE LIVING

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Studio Bette Clothing Etc. owner Laurel Garvin has always had a passion for fashion. She inherited her elegant taste from her late beloved mother, who was a fash-

feature

ionista. Garvin’s store carries classic but fun fashion, and she searches for unique pieces, and thus does not volume buy her clothes. “I sell top-quality clothing that looks good and lasts,” Garvin says. “My customers are my best advertising, and I buy with them in mind.”

SHREDZ SHOP Shredz Shop co-owner Sam Stuart is an avid skateboarder, and his loyal customers appreciate his niche-specialty store’s merchandise and his reputation in the sport. “My customers want to buy from someone who skateboards,” he says. “Our store is well-known on the skateboard scene.” Giving back to the community is very important to Stuart. His store supports many community, school, and fundraising events, and also sponsors skateboarders.

ANYA DIONNE The new bridal boutique Anya Dionne, which opened on August 1, offers exquisite hand-

cut and hand-made gowns. Designer Anya Getzlaf first gained attention for her custom gowns, before she decided to create a collection of bridal couture dresses, with tops and bottoms that can be mixed-and-matched to create the perfect look. “We have sixty dress samples on the floor,” says Getzlaf. “We can mix our pieces together to make the dress that you want.” The store has a cheerful and casual vibe, and she describes her independent label as authentic. “We create dresses that are unique and sell them at a reasonable price.”

THE BRIDAL EXPERIENCE BOUTIQUE Anika Sommerville has owned The Bridal Experience Boutique since June 2016. The cottage decor evokes warm and cozy feelings, and brides-to-be feel relaxed when they try on the classic and elegant gowns. Customers also feel pampered during their special Champagne appointments. “We wow and impress due to our one-on-one private appointments,” says Sommerville. n

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Abigail Engelking, Peacock Jewellers Studio and Supply

developer feature

APEX

Heartland beckons Strong growth to continue in 2018 in Heartland n By

Pepper Rodriguez

018 looks to be an exciting year in Heartland, as one of Cochrane’s most popular communities welcomes two more homebuilders to its fold. In fact, Rohit Communities and Pacesetter by Sterling Homes are both expected to open new show homes early in 2018. Edmonton-based Rohit is even a bit ahead, as they are slated to open their new, paired homes show homes on December 16. Rohit Communities and Pacesetter by Sterling Homes are joining Excel Homes, Jayman BUILT and Birchwood Properties in Heartland to widen and already impressive array of home offerings. “We’re really excited about these new show homes from the newest members of our builder group,” says Apex Developments’ Kayla-Rae Maurer. She says bringing in new blood in Heartland’s builder group — especially from such esteemed builders — is beneficial as “it means more variety and options for homebuyers.” Pacesetter’s Michelle Lefurgey says they wanted to bolster their presence in Cochrane, and they wanted to be part of the exciting growth possibilities in Heartland. “We decided to build in Heartland in Cochrane to complement our product offering in the Willows,” Lefurgey says. “We offer laned duplex and front attached garage single family homes in Heartland,” she adds. Pacesetter’s duplexes range from1,213 to 1,421 square-feet and start at $327,692; while single family homes start at $418,520 and are from 1,704 to 2,377 square-feet. They will be opening their single-family show home here in January. Rohit Communities is one of the biggest homebuilders and developers in Edmonton, and they have recently expanded to the Calgary area, including in Heartland where they are introducing paired homes from the $310,000s. They will also release a series of townhomes here in early 2018.

“Heartland is our first development here in Cochrane, and we chose to launch in here because their vision for a modern country living lifestyle is one we share,” says Rohit’s Scott Garnett. “Living in Heartland brings together nature and the great outdoors, meshes it with amenity rich neighborhoods, and gives you unprecedented value that simply isn’t available in the City of Calgary,” Garnett says. Heartland also offers single-family front drive homes, semi-detached and laned homes from Excel Homes and Jayman BUILT, as well as freehold townhomes from Birchwood Properties. Heartland is a recreation-minded, family-friendly community just off Highway 1A on the western edge of Cochrane. This 250acre community from Apex Development has been on the fast track to growth and will have 1,500 homes on build out. Phases 1 and 2 are already done, and there are only limited lots left in Phase 4, Maurer says. “Phases 5 and 6 have just been released with new show homes coming soon.” Heartland’s growth is also marked by the opening of a new access road. “The road of Heartland Boulevard off of Highway 1A is now open. Traffic lights have also been installed,” Maurer says. n

For more information, visit www.heartlandcochrane.com

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cover feature

TAMANI COMMUNITIES - RIVERSONG

Riversong’s attraction

ith the lush Bow River Valley at your feet, and the tantalizing views of the nearby Rockies just outside your window, Riversong by Tamani Communities offers a relaxed lifestyle that connects you to the surrounding natural landscape. But with some 1,000 homes already built in Riversong, the opportunities to live in this dream riverside community is fast dwindling. “We are heading into the final community within Precedence in Riversong,” says Cam Hart, Vice-President of Tamani Communities, Riversong’s developer.

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Precedence will be available in fall 2018 with single family, townhomes, and semi-detached homes. “This is the final community within Riversong and we have left the best for last. This community will be nestled on the ridge above the bow river and will feature both mountain and river views,” he says. Riversong is made up of three segments. The original Riversong; Riviera, which runs along the valley on the southern shore of the Bow River; and Precedence, a new element slated for servicing in 2018 that is located on the bench lands! Sales currently are for Riviera in Phase 9 with lots that back onto river or woodland. The four single-family show homes from Jayman BUILT and Trico Homes – they have the most impressive views backing onto the Bow River. “This is the last detached home phase in Riviera,” Hart says. The success of Riversong can be attributed to its extraordinary closeness to nature, after all, not many communities can claim having the Bow River at its backyard. Riversong also has 19 kilometres of pathways winding through the community, two large

cover feature

With its rich riverside lifestyle, Riversong remains as appealing as ever

The success of Riversong can be attributed to its extraordinary closeness to nature, after all, not many communities can claim » having the Bow River at its backyard.

playgrounds, 100 acres of natural preserve lands, and they are the only new community that has direct pedestrian access to Cochrane’s downtown. “Riversong is also home to a portion of the TransCanada Trail. The TransCanada Trail, also known as the Great Trail, connects Canada’s many coasts,” Hart says.

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TAMANI COMMUNITIES - RIVERSONG

“Riviera offers homes to families who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.” Jayman BUILT offers homes from the $430,000s. The Halcyon is their starting model with 1,977 square-feet and three bedrooms. Trico Homes offers homes from the $520,000s. Its 2,065-square-foot Berkley is popular with three bedrooms and two-anda-half baths. Ryan Buchanan, Jayman BUILT Area Sales Manager says Riversong’s charms are obvious. “[Our] customers are blown away but estate size lots at a price that would be entry level pricing in Calgary.” His counterpart at Trico Homes, Kelsey Clarke, agrees, “Riviera offers homes to families who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. With 100 acres of natural reserve, four kilometres of paved pathways and children’s play grounds our residents can enjoy outdoor living while being close to Cochrane’s many amenities. With easy access to Calgary and Banff our residents get the best of both worlds!” “The value of the scenic amenities in Riviera is timeless,” Hart says, “and there will always be customers looking to pay a premium for homes nearby. Proximity to the amenities has ensured the home prices meets the expectations of our home buyers.” n

For more information, visit www.riversongcochrane.com

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homes market overview

Bouncing back

Local homes market rebounded nicely in 2017 n By Jim Zang

f there was a housing market slump in 2017, somebody forgot to tell Cochrane. In fact, according to the most recent Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) stats available (Chart A), local

home buyers and builders teamed up on a grand total of 607 homes up until the end of October — nearly double the year prior (309). If you’re doing the math, that’s a 196 per cent increase!

Housing Starts by Dwelling Type

CHART A

Type of home

Oct 2017

Oct 2016

YTD 2017

YTD 2016

Single-family 29

232

195

Semi-detached 10

108

Row 16 11 131 36 Apartment 33

136

Total 88 33 607 309

Total housing starts

CHART B

2017 YTD

2016 Final

607

2015 Final

2014 Final

391 969

2013 Final

2012 Final

880 786 478

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While single-family home starts were up on a year-to-date basis, approximately 19 per cent, it’s the townhome (row) and apartment condos that have made the biggest impact. Townhomes were up by nearly 100 units and there were literally zero apartments started in Cochrane in 2016 so all 136 this year represent an increase. Historically speaking, 2016 was — to be completely honest — not good (Chart B). The year previous, in 2015, final housing starts were 969. In 2014 there were 880, and in 2013 786 homes were started. Total for all of 2016 was just 391 starts, so obviously 2017 has already surpassed that easily. What it all means is that this truly was a bounce back year. Whether the trend continues we’ll just have to wait and see. n

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