Cochrane Living - Summer 2018 by Source Media Group

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VOLUME 7 ISSUE 15

contents

SU MME R 2018

10 COVER FEATURE

PEOPLE

Rohit Communities’ townhomes and duplexes offer a bevy of lifestyle choices in Heartland

Chamber Trade Show helps people connect with community

10 | The power of choice

8 | Friends and neighbours

FEATURE COMMUNITY

5 | Thank you! Volunteers committed to community

13 | Business happens here Economic development tied to population growth ITEM

HOMES MARKET OVERVIEW

7 | The new math

04 | Mayor’s message

Housing start numbers worth a second look

PUBLISHER

Source Media Group

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 2018 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

Cochrane

is so much fun in the summer. The season is short, so we enjoy it

as much as we can. There are many options for summer fun, including our wonderful parks and pathways — like our new disc golf course at Riverfront Park — and many special events and outdoor festivals. The Cochrane Farmers’ Market runs Saturday mornings in the Historic Cochrane Ranche site, as well as some Thursday nights in our Historic Downton. Join us for Canada Day fun on July 1 — starting with a pancake breakfast and flag-raising, continuing all afternoon and evening with music, activities and fun for the whole family at Mitford Park. Cochranites mark the end of summer with the annual Lions Rodeo and Labour Day parade. Look for links to more information on cochrane.ca. Summer is also a busy time for Town staff: they run summer camps and programs and keep the parks, pathways, sports fields and roads looking good. Remember to obey signs and stay clear of crews while they’re working, for their safety and yours. But give them a wave — they work hard all year to serve our community. Please be mindful of Cochrane’s time-of-day

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

watering restrictions — they’re in effect year-round, but it’s especially important during the hot, dry months: water outside between 5 – 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. ONLY. Council meetings are reduced in the summer so we have more time out in the community: we meet once in July (Monday, July 9) and once in August (Monday, August 13), unlike the rest of the year when we meet twice each month. The public is always welcome at Council meetings to watch how issues are discussed and how decisions are made. To give feedback on Town issues, check LetsTalkCochrane.ca for projects currently open for input. I wish you and your family a fun and safe summer.

Mayor Jeff Genung On behalf of Town Council and staff

Connect with me: • Jeff.Genung@cochrane.ca • facebook.com/Genung4Mayor 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

COCHRANE LIVING

My Cochrane Mobile APP

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community

Thank you! Volunteers committed to community

undreds of local volunteers turned out to the Cochrane Movie House on April 14 to enjoy free entertainment, movies and door prizes, courtesy of the Town of Cochrane, Cochrane FCSS, non-profit partners, the Government of Alberta, Canlin Energy, Volunteer Alberta, Cochrane Youth Singers and many local businesses. Mayor Jeff Genung and members of Council, Town of Cochrane CAO Dave Devana, Volunteer Services & Community Programmer Brenda Dennis, members of Town Administration and Kaili Dale, Operations Administrator for Canlin Energy, and volunteer managers from a variety of local non-profit organizations were all on hand

Voluteer group photo.

to help thank volunteers for their hard work. Community Volunteer Appreciation is part of National Volunteer Week. This annual free event attracts attendees from a wide variety of local organizations and causes who are united by their commitment to serve the community. n

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COCHRANE LIVING

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homes market overview

The new math

Housing start numbers worth a second look n By Jim Zang

ccording to the most recent census, Cochrane has grown 5.9 per cent since the 2017 census and 11 per cent since 2016. In a perfect world, one would therefore expect local housing starts to pretty much mirror these numbers. I mean, all these new people have to live somewhere, right? Looking at the most recent Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation housing start numbers available, we indeed see that, on a year-to-date basis, 2017 starts were up significantly from 2016. However, 2018 starts are lagging far, far behind last year’s totals. In fact, at current activity levels, total starts could be down as much as 28 per cent from 2017. So, if starts are actually down, but population growth is up, what’s happening to make up the difference? A couple of things. Number one, the resale market has remained quite active and, two, not all completed homes are absorbed into the market right

Annual Housing Start Totals 2016 total

391

2017 total

690

2018 total

498*

*projected

Year-to-Year Housing Starts by Dwelling Type

April 2018 April 2017 YTD 2018

Single

YTD 2017

17 26 94 74

Semi-detached 6 Row

4 23 18 53

Apartment 0 0 12 87 Total

27 65 166 250

2018 Housing Starts by Dwelling Type

Single Semi

Row Apt Total

January 26

February 28

March 23 10

April 17 6

4 0 27

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

away, especially when you’re talking multi-family projects. For example, the percentage of starts in 2017 was up from 2016 by an incredible 76 per cent, while population growth during that period was about 11 per cent. So, for a while there, the homes were going up faster than the people were moving in. Absorptions were down, as opposed to the current situation with absorptions tracking just slightly behind completions. The bottom line: when you’re talking about things like population shifts and housing starts, short term fluctuations are inevitable and you sometimes have to look at the longer term trends to see what’s really happening. n

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Friends and neighbours Chamber Trade Show helps people connect with community THE 2018 COCHRANE Chamber of Commerce Trade Show was a huge succes! Again. Special thanks to all the exhibiting vendors who purchased booths and to the many people behind the scenes who made it possible. For the staff of Cochrane Living, the show is a fantastic opportunity to work on the front lines for a few hours, and it was super fun to be able to greet the literally hundreds of folks who came by our booth over the course of the weekend. And, of course, our photographer, Donnie Molyneaux, makes it even more fun as he both charms and coerces various passers-by into getting their photo taken. Some with silly props and some without. Thanks Don! And, finally, thanks to all of you, the Cochrane and area residents who read our magazine and attend community events. Because, really, it’s all for you. Scan QR code to download your photo, or visit our Facebook page: @cochraneliving Photos by Don Molyneaux

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cover feature

ROHIT COMMUNITIES

The power of choice Rohit Communities’ townhomes and duplexes offer a bevy of lifestyle choices in Heartland n By

Pepper Rodriguez

irst-time homebuyers, young couples with an eye on the future, or retirees looking to right-size, they all have something in common. They want a choice. And this is exactly what Rohit Communities offers in their line of street towns and paired homes in the popular Cochrane community of Heartland. “Different lifestyles call for different needs in home styles and our line of paired homes and street towns will satisfy a lot of needs,” says Rohit Communities Heartland area manager, Amy McGregor. “We

have three-bedroom and dual master models that answer almost every need, plus of course, developable basements that come in handy for future growth.” She says they are also much bigger than what is usually expected of paired homes and townhomes, and, of course, they have hit the sweet spot in pricing.

Hudson

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cover feature

Released last year, Rohit’s paired homes have been a big hit in this western Cochrane community off Highway 22 and Highway 1A. They have three models ranging in size from 1,460 to 1,627 square-feet starting from the $320,000s. Their Denver and Hudson show homes opened last fall and have caused a sensation in the community with their signature blend of functionality and flair. The 1,460-square-foot Denver show home is designed in Rohit’s Timeless Traditional style that that embraces elegance, with rich colour, texture and opulence, including the hand-sculpted, wire-brush oak flooring in the main floor. The three-bedroom two-and-a-half bath Denver fits the needs of a lot of buyers. The master bedroom has the space and standard features that first-time buyers and downsizers look for, including a spacious master ensuite and roomy walk-in closet. McGregor says they are excited to introduce their new line of street towns, Casa townhomes. The five-plex development offers 1,508-square-foot townhomes with two- or three-bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths from $315,990, including GST.

“We are really excited for these no-condo-fee street towns. They will be move-in ready with possessions by November. They also come fully landscaped in the front and back and include a deck and a double detached garage. It really is the best deal in town.” Paired homes and townhomes come with Rohit’s top standard features that include nine-foot ceilings on the main floor, laminate, tile and carpet flooring, big windows, and stone countertops in the kitchen. Speaking of choice, Rohit also takes the stress away of selecting finishes for each home with their six-palette collection that infuses

“We simplify the home-buying process by giving our buyers a designer-curated selection to choose from to create their dream home.”

Denver

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Denver

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cover feature

ROHIT COMMUNITIES

Hudson

families to create virtually a single household under separate roofs, so to speak. “Referals and word-of-mouth are the main driver of sales here, and it only makes sense for big families, extended families or multi-generational ones to take advantage of the opportunities our paired homes and townhomes offer and put down some roots in Heartland.” n

Denver

each home with style and glamour. “We simplify the home-buying process by giving our buyers a designer-curated selection to choose from to create their dream home,” says Rohit marketing coordinator, Scott Garnett. “The above-industry standard features that come standard, are incredibly popular with our buyers,” he adds. But the best part is the community of Heartland itself. Heartland is a recreation-minded, family-friendly community just off Highway 1A on the western edge of Cochrane. This 250-acre community from Apex Development has been on the fast track to growth and will have 1,500 homes on build out. Apex have prioritized developing Heartland’s parks, playgrounds and pathways first to give residents a sense of belonging to the community and give residents every opportunity to connect with their neighbours. Heartland’s growth is marked by the opening of a new access road, new stop lights to ease the flow of traffic and new commercial establishments just across the road. “The community is all about family,” Garnett says, adding that their townhomes and paired homes are the perfect opportunity for extended COCHRANE LIVING

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Hudson

For more information, visit www.rohitcommunities.com

feature

Business happens here Economic development tied to population growth n Story and photo by Carmen Solana-Martin

“R

etail depends on rooftops.” So says Mike Korman, Town of Cochrane Economic Development Manager, when he describes how the Town’s continued population growth is leading to an increase in commercial development. From 2014 to 2018, Cochrane’s average annual population growth was 9.8 per cent. Cochrane’s 2018 Census, says Korman, indicates the town’s population is currently 27, 960. That number should be declared official by the Province in September. “Cochrane offers residents a high quality of life, a wide range of housing options, and mountain views,” says Korman. “The reason we have strong commercial growth is because we have strong residential growth.” To attract business, Korman says the Town provides financial incentives, including having no business tax. That’s correct, zero business tax. Zilch. None. “Cochrane has a lower non-residential property tax rate than other similar-sized municipalities,” he says, “which attracts new business and supports business retention. The 2018 municipal non-residential tax rate is 15 per cent to 25 per cent lower than Rocky View County, Okotoks, or Airdrie.” A good example of business development is The Quarry, a 45-acre shopping centre by Springwood Land Corporation, located along Centre Avenue between Griffin Road West and Railway Street. The Quarry was built on creosote contaminated land that had previously sat vacant for more than 20 years. Springwood remediated beginning in 2010, working with environmental experts including Worley Parsons and Biogenie, who created an innovative remediation plan that

was used to clean the site. Springwood began actual construction on the site in 2012, with the development now home to more than 50 businesses — and counting. Cindy Casemore-Craig, Vice-President Leasing & Legal for Springwood Land Corporation, says it’s extremely beneficial to the Town that the land was remediated and turned into a vibrant commercial property. “Before remediation and development of The Quarry, the property generated next to zero in taxes,” she says. “Now it’s in excess of $1 million per year and growing.” Casemore-Craig says residents also benefit from the development. “The Quarry provides employment opportunities for residents,” she says. “They can also shop locally and no longer need to go into Calgary.” The final phase of the Quarry development, Bow Street Commons, located in the northwest quadrant of the site, has around 70,000-square-feet of total retail and office space completed. “Bow Street Commons is building another 6,000-square-feet this year, with up to 60,000 left to build,” says Casemore-Craig. Asked for his opinion, Mayor Jeff Genung says Cochrane states very matter of factly that “Cochrane is a great place to do business, and on the verge of becoming even greater. The town attracts entrepreneurs and very successful people.” Calling Cochrane “Silicon Valley North,” Genung says Council is focused on building a tech hub and attracting more high-tech businesses to the town. “It’s a clean industry with good paying jobs,” he says. “It’s an exciting time for our community, as tech companies are looking our way and choosing to locate their businesses here.” Cochrane already boasts high-tech companies Garmin Canada, 4iiii Innovations, mc Things, and WestWork Technology, that all have head offices in town. In fact, Garmin is moving its Canadian head office to a new 45,000-square-foot building in Bow Street Commons by the end of June 2018. Jim Rooney, Managing Director of Garmin Canada, says this will be Garmin’s sixth building in Cochrane in the past 18 years.’ “We’ve grown like crazy and we’re going to keep growing.”

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Jim Rooney, Managing Director of Garmin Canada (left) and Town of Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung (right) stand in front of the new Garmin Canada office on May 23, 2018.

feature

Overhead shot of The Quarry.

“Cochrane is a great place to do business, and on the verge of becoming even greater. The town attracts entrepreneurs and very successful people.” Garmin has made a significant investment in Cochrane and plans to stay here for the foreseeable future, says Rooney. The company now employs over 130 people. “There’s great potential here, and we have a few great enterprising tech companies in town,” he says. “Cochrane has all the ingredients it takes to build a high-tech business.” Non-residential growth has lowered the burden of property taxes on residents, by increasing the portion of total property taxes collected from non-residential properties, Korman says. “The 2018 Assessment split is Residential 86.81 per cent and Non-Residential 13.19 per cent, compared to Residential 87.42 per cent and Non-Residential 12.58 per cent the prior year.” Korman says it is an incentive to attract new businesses, when the Town makes more commercial land available for companies to develop.

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Which brings the discussion around to PBA Land and Development and their Southbow Landing development, a 545-acre project located east of Highway 22. Southbow Landing land use was approved by Council in September 2017, and will include wetlands, residential development, an industrial park and retail area located along James Walker Trail. Meanwhile, Burnswest Properties Limited is developing Greystone, a 150-acre parcel that includes residential and business properties, and industrial land, located near the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. According to Korman the development proposal is hopefully going before Council for approval in 2018. Along with the growth in residential and commercial development, Mayor Genung acknowledges that increased traffic is a concern for Council. Hence they are taking action, starting with a $292 million 10-year Capital Plan which includes $137 million in transportation projects. Genung says the $53.5 million Bow River Bridge project, funded in part through developer growth charges and the Province’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative grants program, will greatly improve the Town’s transportation network. “When building our community, Council needs to remain focused on preserving what we have and accentuating it,” he says. “We need to preserve our historic downtown and remain proud of our Western heritage. “It’s very important to me, on a personal level, to see Cochrane keep its identity.” n

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