Calgary Condo Living July 2013 by Source Media Group

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Focus On 10 Giddy-up! Bring Stampede style into your home Cover Feature 12 City serenity The Park provides peaceful living amid thriving inner city Condo Profiles 16 Living at The Edge Streetside adds a little cool factor to Airdrie’s east side 22 Albert Park Prime location, affordability makes Albert Park Station an irresistible draw 28 A new Mosaic lifestyle Brookfield expands to the innercity with Mosaic Bridgeland Community profile 34 Historical heritage Curie Barracks fulfills urban development promise features 41 Calgary’s condo evolution Are Calgary’s inner-city condos meant for singles? 56 The bare truth Just what is a bare land condo? 66 Critter control Getting the clues to determine who’s been munching on your garden 86 Tales from the condo zone I’ll never forget the day I met ‘the librarian’

news 46 Going green Recycling strategy for condos on the horizon

ITEMS 8 Editor’s Message 80 Maps 84 Ad Index

on trend 51 Floral patterns Green thumbs make container gardens grow

shopping 60 In with the old Decorating with antiques is an emerging trend that never left Columns 71 Condoscapes by Richard White 73 Ask Maria by Maria Bartolotti 75 Hope at Large by Marty Hope 77 Around Town by Pepper Rodriguez

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CONDO LIVING |

EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

Bargain bin

PUBLISHER

The bargain hunting gene is encoded in my DNA. I love browsing through flea markets and garage sales on the hunt for that special, one-of-a-kind collectible or memorabilia for my Batman collection. The wife frowns on it, but the call is strong. All of us have our own little collectible passion — whether its wine or cars or buttons — it’s an itch that needs to be scratched. And for those who love antiques, Kathy McCormick just has what you need. She takes us on a whirlwind tour of antique stores and flea markets in her Shopping story and gives us some tips to tell if an article is a genuine antique or junk. But then again, what one considers junk is really up to the individual doing the considering. The selection of condos we have for you this month are as much a bargain, whatever the price, with their strong eye on quality and value. The Park, by Lake Placid Group, is such a terrific opportunity that sales have been just zooming along and our cover feature explains why its location between two of the Beltline’s best parks make it such a compelling condo. The Edge by Streetside continues to ride the wave of affordability in Airdrie, while Albert Park Station is the Carlisle Groups’ latest amazing development in one of the most sought after multi-family locations near the MaxBell LRT station. Mosaic Bridgeland also further illustrates Brookfield Homes’ knack for finding the most strategic land for its popular line of townhomes, and this one just across the bridge from downtown is turning into one of the hottest sites in town. Karen Durrie updates us on what’s happening in the former military land of Currie Barracks that shows you can still honour the historic past while designing homes for the future. Karen does double duty for us again in this issue with her explanation on what a bare land condo is, explaining in very clear terms on how different they are from your standard condominiums. Next month: Jessica Patterson gives us some design ideas for the garden and flowerbeds, which you can still do even in the limited Bookshelves and patio space you may have in your townhome or apartment the bonus/flex condo. We also have a feature on backyard critters that can room design get become a problem, especially in developments that edge on the spotlight Calgary’s environmental preserves of Fish Creek and Nose Hill parks. Aaliya Essa also takes a fun look at Stampede-themed equine art for your home as summer rolls in. These are exciting times in Calgary, the condo market is booming, so many terrific options all over the city. One thing’s for sure, the choices are a-plenty, and making a decision to find your new condo starts right here.

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca Editor

Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART director

Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designers

Lama Azhari lama.azhari@sourcemediagroup.ca Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Colleen Leier colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL

Maria Bartolotti, Greg Beneteau, Karen Durrie, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Jessica Patterson, Christine Roulston, Richard White, Portia Yip, Jim Zang Photography

Karen Durrie, Jim Zang ADVERTISING SALES

Al Donegan al.donegan@sourcemediagroup.ca accounting

Donna Roberts accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY

Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group Issue 163 • ISSN 1918-4409 Copyright 2013 by Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group 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. Condo Living® is published 12 times per annum with copies available for distribution at more than 1,500 locations every month. Condo Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to: cleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request.

Pepper Rodriguez

Editor pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca Follow us on twitter: CondoLivingYYC 8 |

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Condo Living® is a registered Trademark the property of Source Media Group Corp. Reg. USPTO 3,584,683 & 3,584,583. Contact: Source Media Group Corp., 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9; Tel 403.532.3101 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; www.sourcemediagroup.ca

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FOCUS ON | By Aaliya Essa

Giddy-up! Bring Stampede style into your home

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Our annual Stampede celebrations is one of the things that makes Calgary unique, and you can bring this love for our Western heritage into your home with this fantastic range of Stampede-themed décor that will accentuate that urban cowboy appeal. A pancake breakfast maybe the only thing missing. CL

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| Focus on

1] antiqued resin horse, $159.95 at Pier1 imports

2] large horse head sculpture, $1,797 at crave Furniture 3] artistic iron animal large horse – red, $507 at crave Furniture 4] avengers – Bronze, $16,000 at gainsborough galleries 5] morning high – Bronze, $4,600 at gainsborough galleries 6] rocking horse, $79.95 at Pier1 imports 7] melody i, $807 at crave Furniture 8] gold horse head, $129.95 at Pier1 imports 9] genesse – wire, $6,000 at gerry thomas gallery

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|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;Advertising cover Featureâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|

City serenity The Park provides peaceful living amid thriving inner-city

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| Advertising cover Feature |

new condominium project is taking shape in Calgary’s Beltline where residents can enjoy living in a parklike setting within the city’s dynamic downtown. Nestled between Central Memorial Park and Haultain School Park, steps from the downtown core, The Park, from Lake Placid Group of Companies, fills a niche for upscale condo living in the area. Richard Lobsinger, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, says the Park has garnered a huge response from clients, largely because of its unique location. “People recognize the type of lifestyle they will be able to enjoy here,” Lobsinger says. “They look at our project as a park-like setting, set apart from the busy thoroughfares, and yet with the same proximity to everything living in the beltline offers.” Located on the corner of 13 Avenue and 2 Street S.W., the development is surrounded by green space and some of Calgary’s most captivating architecture. Residents will also be steps away the vibrant downtown core, the 4th Street and 17th Avenue shopping and entertainment districts, and a short walk to public transit and the Stampede Grounds. The Park’s location has even won over some clients who never would have considered living downtown. “Our most recent sale was to an individual who said they had discounted living downtown due to street noise,” Lobsinger says. “After sitting outside our site, surrounded by the library, two parks, the tennis courts, and the absence of traffic, they were sold.” As a result of the overwhelming response, 70 per cent of

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the units are now sold. “Lawyers, judges, and doctors that work in the core; oil and gas professionals; as well as empty nesters downsizing out of Mount Royal, Rideau and Elbow Park; have all been attracted to the project,” says Lobsinger. He notes that while sales have been incredibly strong, there is still the opportunity to purchase one of their many unique floor plans. When the project is complete in November 2014, The Park will stand 18-storeys tall and consist of 156 suites. It offers one-, twoand three-bedroom suites for their tower homes, townhomes and penthouses, ranging in size from 700 to 2,000 square-feet. Prices start at $349,000. With 37 distinctive floor plans and two professionally designed colour palates to choose from, residents can truly make the space their own. All suites will feature timeless contemporary style with

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| Advertising cover Feature |

GE stainless steel appliances, and environmentally smart technology. Designed with an open concept style, the suites will use all available space wisely, and the floor-to-ceiling windows add to their natural appeal. “With luxurious full frontage streetscape of the two historically protected parks, and tennis courts, show stopping views are in virtually every direction,” Lobsinger says. The building itself is designed to take advantage of its unique location, with suites from the 14th floor up featuring balconies that spread from 75 to 600 square-feet, creating The Park’s distinct, tiered look. Adding to The Park’s appeal are the amenities that homeowners will be able to enjoy. Residents and their guests can take advantage of a huge fitness centre, a guest room, and common areas with boardrooms, billiards and TVs. Outside, a 2,000-square-foot second floor communal garden will be landscaped and equipped with barbecue grills and benches for that park-within-a-park feel. To date, The Park’s foundation has been completed, with 179 underground parking stalls constructed. “The rest of project will begin to take shape now as construction proceeds on the tower portion of the building.” Lobsinger says. “In addition, the surrounding area will only become more desirable with the 13th Avenue Heritage Greenway situated directly in front of The Park started and slated to be complete this October.” The Park is Lake Placid’s first condominium project in Calgary, where 14 |

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the company is based. They have been involved in a variety of commercial and residential developments in Saskatchewan, B.C. and Alberta, and recently won the Gold Tommy Award for Best Residential Development of the Year for their Centuria Urban Village development in Kelowna. With all that this Lake Placid project has to offer, it’s no wonder Lobsinger says clients see The Park not just as an investment but as a place they truly want to live. The Park’s off-site sales centre is open and interested parties can register at www.liveonthepark.com. n

Fa s t Fa c t s Community:

Victoria Park

Project:

The Park

Developer:

Lake Placid Group of Companies

Style:

18-storey tower with apartment-style condos, townhomes and penthouses

Size:

Starting from 700 to 2,000 sq. ft.

Price:

Starts at $349,000

Address:

Corner of 13 Ave. and 2 St. S.W.

Sales Suite:

300A 17 Ave. S.W.

Hours:

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week

Website:

www.liveonthepark.com

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Living at The

Streetside adds a little cool factor to

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By Jim Zang | condo profile

Photo by Jim Zang

Edge

Airdrie’s east side

here’s a saying in the sports entertainment world that goes something like this: We’ll sell you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge. Many condo buyers in Airdrie, it appears, are saying the same thing: We only need The Edge. The Edge condominiums, that is. In fact, if you listen to many of the residents of these new condos from Streetside Developments, that’s what you’ll hear them saying. They could live in abigger home, but why? Many are ‘right-sizing’ from single-family homes or farms. They want to stay in the area, but no longer want the ball and chain of single-family homeownership weighing them down. Others are first-time homebuyers, young singles and families, who see the value and opportunity The Edge offers. “The demographic has certainly been a lot different than what we expected,” says Lindsey Michalchuk, Lead Sales Consultant for the project. “We thought it would attract first time homebuyers from Calgary but what we’re actually seeing is about 50 per cent ‘right sizers’ from the surrounding area, with a mix of first-time buyers from Airdrie, Crossfield, Carstairs and Calgary.” The development features two four-storey buildings, with the second building, offering 119 condo units (20 one-bedroom and 99 two-bedroom) under construction and selling right now. Possessions are scheduled for later this fall. Five one-bedroom suites remain available, with two different floor plan options starting at around 598 square-feet and ranging in price from $161,958 to $173,693 (plus GST). Two-bedroom homes (82 remain for sale) come in a choice of 14 floor plans from 805 to just under 1,000 square-feet and are priced starting at $188,116 all the way up to $280,827. The show suite is a two-bedroom plus den/office model that measures in at a very roomy feeling 837 square-feet.

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What we’re seeing is about 50 per cent ‘right sizers’ from the surrounding area, with a mix of first-time buyers...

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Fa s t Fac ts Community: East Lake, Airdrie Project: The Edge Developer: Streetside Developments Style: Apartment style condos Size: One-bedroom from 598 sq. ft. Two-bedroom from 805 sq. ft. Price:

$161,958 - $280,827

Address:

1104, 604 East Lake Blvd.

Directions: East on Yankee Valley Blvd. turn north at East Lake Blvd. Hours: Monday to Thursday 1-7 p.m.; Friday to Sunday and holidays 12 – 5 p.m. Website: www.condosinairdrie.com

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“We have a variety of features and price points for our wide variety of buyers,” says Michalchuk. All suites come with stainless steel appliances, and a menagerie of other upgrades included standard. “We’ve gone ahead and made many of the upgrade selections,” says Michalchuk, “so that all the units will be ready for move-in this fall.” For example, granite is standard in the one-bedroom units, but not necessarily in all two-bedrooms, while some two-bedroom suites have upgraded flooring, counters and backsplashes. With so many units, and so many floor plans, and so many upgrade combinations, there truly is something to suit every homebuyer’s fancy. Need some extra space? Each condo has at least one outdoor deck. Top floor east-facing units have a view of the lake. If it’s inside space you crave, check out the airiness of the 16-foot ceilings in the corner units. And, speaking of space, each one-bedroom home at The Edge comes with an underground parking stall, most with an additional storage area. A majority of the two-bedroom suites have underground parking also, including two spots for residents of the corner suites and plenty of above ground guest parking. Condo fees can run anywhere from $218 to $356 a month, says, Michalchuk, and include everything except electricity, cable, Internet

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| condo profile

and property taxes. “Although right now,” she says, “ we’re offering a free Shaw cable TV and Internet package for the first year.” While the development itself isn’t loaded with extra amenities — all those bells and whistles cost money, you know, and “we wanted to keep the condo fees low,” says Michalchuk — the area in which it’s located is. The Edge is located on the east side of Airdrie, just off East Lake Boulevard. Genesis Place recreation centre is right next door. Next door to that is the East Lake Athletic Park and just down the road from that is Bert Church school. So what’s the best thing about The Edge? Lifestyle? Location? Affordability? Cool factor? Of course it doesn’t hurt when the developer is a multi-award winning condominium developer like Streetside, one of the region’s busiest and best, voted Grand SAM winner as multi-family builder of the year for 2012 at the most recent Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region’s annual awards gala. “It’s close,” says Michalchuk, “but it’s got to be location. We’re in a quiet area surrounded by an abundance of amenities and recreation opportunities. And, with its unique exterior, our building is like nothing else you’d find in Airdrie.” CL

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CONDO PROFILE | By Greg Beneteau

Central station

Prime location, affordability makes Albert Park Station an irresistible draw

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ne of the cardinal rules of real estate is that it’s all about location, location, location. The closer you live to the comforts of city living — transit, shopping, schools and parks — the more you have to pay. Calgary-based Carlisle Group turns this concept upside-down at Albert Park Station, a new condominium development boasting some of the lowest introductory prices in the city. What’s more, the condo apartment complex provides convenient access to the downtown and has plenty of amenities just waiting to be explored, notes Jim Bryce, vice-president of sales at Carlisle Group. “It’s about a five-minute drive to downtown. It’s also within walking distance of the (Barlow/Max Bell) LRT station,” says Bryce. “In terms of park space, you’re right s o u r c e m e d i a g r o u p : CE L E B RA T I N G i t s 1 0 t h Y EAR

| CONDO PROFILE

next door to a playground and an outdoor skating rink. Walk a few blocks south and you’ve got the shops on International Avenue.” Albert Park Station consists of 271 units spread across five buildings between 12 and 14 Avenues at 27 Street S.E., on the site of a former public school in Albert Park/ Radisson Heights. Two-bedroom units start in the $140,000s, all the way up to penthouse suites in the low $300,000s. The majority of units adhere to one of eight different floor plans ranging from 615 to 984 square-feet. Some three-bedroom units with optional dens will also be available. Each four-story, wood-frame building at Albert Park Station has a slightly different layout. Buildings 3000, 4000 and 5000 all have setback units on the fourth floor, as well as personal patios for each unit. Additionally, s o u r c e m e d i a g r o u p : CE L E B RA T I N G i t s 1 0 t h Y EAR

Building 5000 boasts mountain views on the west side on the third and fourth floors. The complex also offers heated underground parking with keyless entry. Albert Park Station’s modern, contemporary feel extends indoors. All units come standard with soft pile carpet and underlay in the living, dining and bedrooms, as well as laminate countertops, Melamine cabinets, double-glazed exterior windows and five appliances. Homebuyers can also customize their decor scheme and purchase upgrades like hardwood flooring and granite countertops. But one of the most attractive features of Albert Park Station is what isn’t there — in-house amenities like a gym, hot tub or swimming pool are conspicuously absent, which allows Carlisle to keep condo fees among the lowest in the city.

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“It’s about a five-minute drive to downtown. It’s also within walking distance of the (Barlow/Max Bell) LRT station. In terms of park space, you’re right next door to a playground and an outdoor skating rink. Walk a few blocks south and you’ve got the shops on International Avenue.”

“If you don’t need or want that extra stuff, then you shouldn’t have to pay extra,” Bryce says. He estimates owners will pay between 35 and 40 cents per square foot in condo fees, or about $300 a month for a 750-squarefoot unit. Bryce readily admits that Albert Park/Radisson Heights is a “neighbourhood in transition,” saying that Carlisle Group sees the development as part of an ongoing revitalization of the area. “There’s a huge amount that’s already been achieved, to the point where the neighbourhood doesn’t necessarily deserve the reputation it had 20 or 30 years ago,” he says. “You have homeowners who have put money back into their homes to renovate them. We’re part of that transition.” With more than 25 years of experience in the real estate business, Carlisle Group has rolled out nearly a dozen new projects in the past few years, including Indigo Sky and Lakeview at Saddleridge, Riverpointe in the downtown and Indigo Sky at Taralake. The developer has also expanded outside Calgary with Creekside Village in Airdrie and Stonecreek Village in Cochrane, as well as developments in Edmonton and Invermere, British Columbia. No matter where you live, says Bryce, consistency is one of the hallmarks of Carlisle’s work. “Whether you’re buying a condo from us in Saddleridge

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or Taralake or Cochrane, there isn’t a huge difference in terms of the what we offer,” he explains. “Some developers don’t like to admit that, but that’s our niche in the market. Our buildings are high-volume, durable, very consistent and affordable for first-time buyers.” Albert Park Station held its sales launch in early June. The developer hopes to break ground in midsummer, with possessions expected to start in the summer of 2014. Carlisle is expecting to sell out before possession, so interested buyers should not delay, Bryce says. “If you look at any developments in a five or even a 10-mile radius, you’d be hard-pressed to find units that start under $300,000,” says Bryce. “At Albert Park, we have 268 units under $300,000 — and the most affordable units are going to sell first.” CL

Fa s t Fac ts Community: Albert Park/Radisson Heights Project: Albert Park Station Developer: Carlisle Group Style: Apartment-style condos Size: Starts at 614 sq. ft. Price: Two-bedroom units starting in the $140,000s Sales Centre: 352 4th Avenue S.E. (off Riverfront Ave – across from Bookers) Hours: Monday to Thursday noon-6 p.m.; weekends 12 – 5 p.m. Website: www.albertparkstation.ca

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condo profileâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

Fa s t Fac ts Community: Bridgeland Project: Mosaic Bridgeland Developer: Brookfield Homes Style: Walkout townhomes Size: Ranges from 1,096 sq. ft. to 1,480 sq. ft. Price: Starting in the $400,000s including GST Sales Centre: 101 12th Street N.E. Hours:

Friday to Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday 2 to 8 p.m.

Website: www.mosaicbridgeland.com

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By Portia Yip | condo profile

A new Mosaic lifestyle

Brookfield expands to the inner-city with Mosaic Bridgeland

ith the hustle and bustle of Calgary’s core just an arm’s length away, Mosaic Bridgeland extends a welcoming hand to inner-city living with all the charm, convenience and culture to suit your everyday needs. Brookfield Homes is set to launch their first ever inner-city multi-family development in one of the most livable communities in the city. Home to dozens of unique diners, shops and cafes, homebuyers can settle in Bridgeland comfortably knowing there is an ever-thriving commercial and cultural environment at their doorstep. Mosaic Bridgeland is composed of 18 boutique-style walkout townhomes and features two models, the Mikado and Sienna, ranging from 1,096 to 1,480 square-feet. Brookfield Homes’ Mosaic townhomes first began in Calgary’s suburban neighbourhoods, but the new inner-city development offers more contemporary finishings and high-end specifications. Both models come with an open-concept floorplan — ideal for entertaining family and friends — along with two or three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a centre island in the kitchen, a private attached garage and a spacious balcony and patio area. “We’ve taken a model that has worked really well for us in the past in our suburban communities and we’ve modified it to fit the inner-city,” says Kelly Halliday, Sales and Marketing Manager with Brookfield Homes. Just a five-minute commute from downtown with easy access to the C-Train, Memorial Drive and Deerfoot Trail, this leaves more time to enjoy the luxurious details in Mosaic Bridgeland. All townhomes come standard with granite countertops, hardwood and tile floors, and stainless-steel KitchenAid appliances. Buyers also get to choose from four lavish and modern colour boards: Americano, Brulee, General and Hazel to suite their interior tastes. Brookfield Homes includes many eco-friendly and sustainable features in all their homes and Mosaic Bridgeland is no exception. Each townhome will be built according to registered EnerGuide 80 specifications and includes fibreglass exterior door slabs, low flow faucets and showerheads, forty per cent recycled insulation, and more.

“We’ve taken a model that has worked really well for us in the past in our suburban communities and we’ve modified it to fit the inner-city.”

Photo is of Brookfield’s Axio on 12th show home.

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condo profile | Photos are of Brookfield’s Axio on 12th show home.

With so many advantages both inside and outside the home, its no surprise that Mosaic Bridgeland has seen a great response from interested buyers and the community. From couples looking to downsize in the area to first time buyers, renters and single professionals, the project has attracted a varied mix. “We’ve had buyers from 27 years old to probably just over 60,” adds Halliday. Prices start from the mid $400,000s, and they’re being snapped up fast. Five townhomes have already been sold and there are many currently on hold. Construction broke ground in late May and the possession date is slated for early 2014. Halliday says Brookfield Homes always strives to design a great home with maximum value for the purchaser. “We’re looking for something that adds character to the community, in addition to what Bridgeland already has to offer.” Established in 1914, Bridgeland has the perfect mix of old and new to delight and attract an array of people, young or old. “There’s so much history here and people are willing to share it,” says Halliday. “It’s a great community feel.” The history extends down to the Bow River pathway and up to the beloved Bridgeland Market and other quaint shops you’ll find along First Avenue — where remnants of “Little Italy” are still noticeable. Enjoying the outdoors and getting out-and-about is key to experiencing

all the charm Bridgeland has to offer. And with four schools in the area, parks, tennis courts, an off-leash dog park and a community garden, living local has never been easier. “It really connects people to so much that the inner-city has to offer. We’re really pleased with the location, and our purchasers to date are really excited about having that walkability right at their doorsteps,” says Halliday. Let’s not forget that two of Calgary’s most popular tourist attractions are also in the area: the Calgary Zoo and the new TELUS Spark Science Centre. “A lot of people have been commenting on the proximity to the zoo and how they haven’t been there in so long,” says Halliday. “But if they’re back in Bridgeland, they’ll finally go.” And if you head up towards St. Matthew Lutheran Church — next to Murdoch Park and a fantastic soccer field — you’ll see the newly constructed Bow Tower in all its splendor amidst Calgary’s striking skyline. On top of the hill, which overlooks Mosaic Bridgeland, is the perfect hassle-free spot to watch the fireworks during the Calgary Stampede. And the best part? Home is just around the corner if you need to grab an extra blanket or more snacks should the fireworks run late. As far as the near future goes for Brookfield Homes, plans to seek out more opportunities in the inner-city are well on the horizon. Brookfield Homes’ first project in Bridgeland started with their single-family development Axio on 12th. Mosaic Bridgeland is just a short ways away and will be built at the corner of McDougall Road and McDougall Court N.E. with much anticipation. CL

Two of Calgary’s most popular tourist attractions are also in the area: the Calgary Zoo and the new TELUS Spark Science Centre. 30 |

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Story and photos by Karen Durrie | condo profile

Historical heritage Currie Barracks fulfills urban development promise

ust beyond the iconic series of whitewashed buildings that once were part of a military base, its namesake neighbourhood, Currie Barracks, is taking shape. The transformation began in 2008 to turn the historically significant 200 acres in the southwest into a unique urban village that will eventually be home to more than 6,000 people. Once completed, Currie Barracks will be a veritable town within a city, and a charming destination for all Calgarians to visit for a stroll, a spot of shopping or a nosh. It’s an incredible opportunity when land so near the city’s core is opened up for new residential development, and if similar past projects are any indication, Currie Barracks will be a resounding success. The project is the last of three developments built on former CFB land in Calgary’s southwest. Award-winning

developments Garrison Woods and Garrison Green were the first two communities developed by Canada Lands Company, a crown corporation that develops federal property no longer required by the government. Numerous historical buildings will be retained at Currie Barracks — many are designated provincial heritage sites — and incorporated into the fabric of the neighbourhood. The military base was built in the 1930s, and was decommissioned in 1998. “People are not just buying a home, they’re buying into a planned community. There is something for everyone, too. You can start in apartments, move to townhouses, up to houses, back to apartments, and then over to the seniors’ care centre. You never have to leave,” laughs Carol Wardell, an ambassador at the Currie Barracks Sales Centre, housed in the stately rooms of the former Officers Mess building. The sales centre includes numerous scale models of the community, information about Currie Barracks history, and interactive touch screens showing what the area will be like when its 10-year development is complete. Currie Barracks is now nearing completion of its first of many phases, and a perusal of the neighbourhood reveals a picturesque boulevard flanked by Avi Urban’s Victoria Cross townhomes, exuding old-world charm with their distinctive mix of styles and exteriors. “The goal was to build a collection of luxury inner-city townhomes that not only became a statement within the community of Currie Barracks, but also built a community within a community,” says Joy Syratt, marketing and communications co-ordinator for Avi Urban.

“You can start in apartments, move to townhouses, up to houses, back to apartments, and then over to the seniors’ care centre. You never have to leave.”

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Fa s t Fac ts Community: Currie Barracks Developer: Canada Lands Company Builders: Single-family — Birchwood Properties, Crystal Creek Homes, Empire Custom Homes, Mission Homes, Greenboro Estate Homes Multi-family — Avi Urban, Evolution by Greenboro, Jayman Modus (coming soon) Price: Multi-family starts at $690,000 and single-family from $790,000 Sales Centre: J5, 2953 Battleford Ave. S.W. Directions: South on Crowchild Tr. and exit on Flanders Ave. S.W. and follow the signs. Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., Fridays, weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.curriebarracks.com

Photo courtesy Avi Urban

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A full gamut of luxury abodes, single-family houses, townhomes, condos and apartments will be found at Currie Barracks. “We’ve already seen this come to fruition as two of the four phases are sold out, with homeowners living in and loving their places.” The townhomes appeal to working professionals and downsizers, Syratt says, as well as people who enjoy inner-city living with quick access to downtown and local amenities. The centre of the boulevard features a wide walkway dotted with blooming crabapple trees, benches, and plaques and flags honouring war heroes. A gorgeous expanse of the Rocky Mountains to the west is glimpsed at the end of the boulevard. The cozy, winding streets are lined with single family homes in a wide array of traditional architectural styles. The approved code includes Tudor, Craftsman, Prairie, Stick, Victorian, Modern Classical, Queen Anne, Colonial, and Richardson Romanesque. Within those styles is something for everyone, and this extends to housing choices, too. A full gamut of luxury abodes, single-family houses, townhomes, condos and apartments will be found at Currie Barracks, where numerous builders are taking part in the community’s creation. Prices start from $690,000 for multi-family homes and $790,000 for single-family. New residents are already living in the first phase of the community. People are seen tending to gardens, and parents and small children stroll and bike through the community. Beautiful landscaping and green spaces are an important aspect of the area, as well. “There’s been a significant amount of park development in the first phase, and the total development will have over 20 acres of public municipal reserve or park space,” says Doug Cassidy, Canada Lands’ western region vice president. “Commemoration has been a theme in the projects, with an ongoing emphasis on programming space for residents in the community, tot lots, and park areas to provide amenities for residents of all ages.” Everywhere in Currie Barracks, the proud legacy of the Canadian military is honoured. Street names include names of Victoria Cross recipients — the highest honour in the Canadian military. And plaques set by corner walkways explain the significance of all street names. Valour Park and Victoria Cross Park pay tribute to Canadian military branches with bronze statues, and informative storyboards. The redevelopment of Currie Barracks has earned a gold certification from the LEED for Neighbourhood Development program. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Smart, sustainable s o u r c e m e d i a g r o u p : CE L E B RA T I N G i t s 1 0 t h Y EAR

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Photo courtesy avi urban

The redevelopment of Currie Barracks has earned a gold certifiction from the LEED for the Neighbourhood Development program. development at Currie Barracks includes adapting and reusing heritage buildings, efficient site planning with walkable, mixed-use streets, preservation of mature trees and greenery on site, and having schools, parks and shopping within walking or biking distance. The future High Street will be one of the most exciting features of Currie Barracks. The European-inspired main street will be lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, services, and possibly a boutique hotel. Many of the three and four-storey High Street buildings will also contain upper-storey residences. Parade Square, once a ceremonial venue for the military, will be revitalized into the heart of the community, where neighbours can gather for special events and activities. Parade Square is the largest Heritage precinct ever designated in Alberta. Several show homes are available for viewing at Currie Barracks. These include homes by Birchwood Properties, Crystal Creek Homes, Mission Homes, Greenboro Homes, and Avi urban. Over the next month, Canada Lands will announce more details about phase two of Currie Barracks. “As the community planning process unfolds over the next month, we will be planning a large variety of housing forms and types, including more single-family, semi-detached row townhomes, apartments, condos, and a seniors assisted-living project in order to provide housing for Calgarians of all types and at all affordabilities as we move into phase two,” Cassidy said. cL s o u r c e m e d i a g r o u p c e L e B r aT i N g i T s 10 T h Y e a r

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By Richard White | feature

Calgary’s condo evolution Are Calgary’s inner-city condos meant for singles?

ome people have said that if we had more amenities for families in the City Centre, we would get more families living there. (My definition of City Centre being from 17th Avenue S.W. to 16th Avenue N.W., from Sunalta to Inglewood, Hillhurst to Bridgeland, which from a square kilometre point of view is on par with how Toronto defines their City Centre or downtown). Sorry, I don’t buy that. There are already lots of amenities for families in our City Centre — workplace school, daycares, elementary, junior high and high schools, a zoo, museum, science centre, major recreational facilities (YWCA/YMCA/Talisman Centre/Skatepark), two libraries, two river pathways and an indoor garden with playground. Everything a family could want is a short drive, walk or bike ride away including grocery stores.

Editor’s note: This is the conclusion of Richard White’s two-part feature on the development of Calgary’s condo market in the inner-city. This time he discusses who has been buying condo units downtown.

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Photo courtesy Embassy Bosa

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Photo courtesy Embassy Bosa

One reason larger, higher priced condo units don’t sell well in Calgary, I expect, is that once you get into the $800,000 range, you can get an 1,800-plus-square-foot infill house with basement and two car garage in West Hillhurst, Parkdale, Bridgeland, Inglewood, Ramsay or Killarney, all of which are just a short drive, bike ride or even walk away from downtown. You can’t go one or two kilometres out of downtown Toronto or Vancouver and get a large modern single-family home for under $1 million! When given the choice, most Canadians will still choose a house over a condo. In chatting with Parham Mahboubi, VP at Qualex Land-

mark, a company which has built four condo buildings and is starting on their fifth, all in the Beltline, he told me their focus is totally on singles and young couples in Calgary. In many ways, I think the condo is the new “starter home” which, when you think about it, makes sense. The downtown condos are mostly one- and two-bedroom suites and about 650 to 900 square-feet — exactly what starter homes were in the ‘50s and ‘60s. There is great debate on whether the current crop of Yuppies will adopt urban living as a lifelong lifestyle and raise their children in the inner-city … or if they will migrate to larger homes in the suburbs as their incomes

One of the trends we are now seeing in calgary’s downtown condo market is the move to build more mid-rise (five to 15 floors), rather than high-rise condos. PIXEL - Battistella

VEN - Bucci

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increase; and follow the cycle established by previous generations. One of the trends we are now seeing in Calgary’s downtown condo market is the move to build more mid-rise (five to 15 floors), rather than high-rise condos. All of the new projects in Kensington are less than 10 floors — St. John’s, Ven and Pixel. Even in the Beltline we are seeing “shorter” condos in the mid-teens like Calla and Drake. Bridgeland has always been a mid-rise condo community which has helped keep the community more pedestrian-friendly since high-rises often shadow parks and sidewalks, cause wind tunnels and are out of scale with the existing, single family and walk-up apartments in the community. Mid-rise developments are more like infilling and are a natural evolution from the four-floor, low-rise condos that were built as part of The Bridges redevelopment of the old General Hospital site. STEPS, a new, six-storey condo designed by Jeremy Sturgess, was recently announced — it has the look of a stacked townhouse massing with funky box units at

the top that will add some fun and charm to the community. Over the past 20 years, condo developers, both local and out of town, have learned and continue to learn (sometimes the hard way) what sells and what doesn’t in Calgary. We are learning that Kensington is different than the Beltline, and East Village different than Eau Claire. Watch out for Sunalta to take off now that they have their own LRT station. It will also be interesting to see how the next phase of mid-rise condos at University Village sell. As with any industry, condo developers must constantly adapt to an ever-changing market. CL

CALLA - Qualex-Landmark

News | By Jessica Patterson

Going green Recycling strategy for condos on the horizon

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n a year’s time, condo owners may see changes to their recycling options. Recently, the City of Calgary invited condo owners, townhouse residents, and apartment dwellers, to voice their opinions on a future recycling strategy. Two open houses were held in various parts of the city in April, to garner opinions about three options for recycling. Options presented at the open houses and available online for discussion included a bylaw mandating recycling, which would see condos and other multi-family residences required to provide recycling services for their residents, as well as a city-coordinated, privately-serviced program that would see recycling contracted out, and a third option that would see both private service providers and the city, providing recycling service. At the open houses in April, there were some diﬀerences of opinion, says Philippa Wagner, Waste Diversion Specialist with the City. “Some people are happy with the cart system, they don’t mind taking their materials to the depots,” she says. “Others are happy to see that Calgary may have a program for residents in multi-family units and they’re excited, they’d like to see something.” In June, the City moved the discussion online. Residents were encouraged to visit an online forum to voice their input on recycling, through the City of Calgary website, Wagner says. “They voted on their favourite option, or participated in an online discussion,” she says. The City of Calgary has a 80/20 waste goal, which would see 80 per cent of the waste Calgarians produce diverted, with only 20 per cent going to landfill by 2020. Recycling, reducing and reusing is a big part of that goal.

The City defines multi-family dwellings as typically places where there are more than four housing units on a parcel of land, or are part of a complex with a private road. This may include apartment buildings as well as some condominium complexes and townhouses. Multi-family housing is currently not eligible for the Blue Cart recycling program that is available for singlefamily homes. Condo owner Sheila, who preferred not to give her last name, attended an open house in May to make sure her voice was heard. Sheila lives in a complex in the south west quadrant of the city, where no recycling is done at all. “I want to recycle and I think it’s an opportunity for condo boards to make money, potentially,” she says. Sheila used to use the city’s community recycling depots, but they weren’t convenient, and too far out of her way. “Unless the City of Calgary mandates and runs a recycling program, it’s simply not going to occur in my condo complex,” she says, adding that she takes her recycling to her father’s house to use his blue cart. Of the three options presented to the public, Sheila liked the first option presented — a bylaw mandating recycling. “I would like to see a city-mandated, mandatory program for condo complexes,” she says. “I’d like to see a single, large blue dumpster for all recyclable materials, and have it collected once a week.” In condo owner Kevin’s 500-unit building in Victoria Park, there are recycling facilities for residents. “We have about 15 bins, where you have to separate your tin from your paper,” he says. “My building is already doing this, privately, and we have to pay for it.” He likes option 1, as well, “where each condo building has to find a private service, because then it’ll range in fees instead of a blanket tax,” he explains. “And all the city would have to do is inspections to make sure they’re compliant.” Prior to living in his Victoria Park condo, Kevin lived in Sunalta, and never recycled. “There was just no room to store all of the recyclables.” cL

the City of Calgary has a 80/20 waste goal, which would see 80 per cent of the waste Calgarians produce diverted, with only 20 per cent going to landfill by 2020.

a city-coordinated, privatelyserviced recycling program is one of three options being studied.

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By Jessica Patterson | ON TREND

Floral patterns Green thumbs make container gardens grow

D Photo courtesy Susan Baldrey of Vintage Garden Design.

esigning gardens isn’t much different than designing interiors. Just ask landscape artist Susan Baldrey of Vintage Garden Design in Calgary. “It involves the same concepts as interior design; with a focal point, flow, repetition and layers,” she says. Baldrey, who has been designing other people’s green spaces for 22 years, says to create flow in a townhouse backyard or on a condo balcony, use some of the same plants throughout, maybe some of the same colour. “It definitely does depend on the space,” she says. “Some people want a more contemporary look, which may involve a few different types of plants to create flow with repetition. You can create a contemporary look with texture and colour.” Depending on the space you have, your likes and dislikes, designing in the great outdoors can be

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as complex or as simple as designing indoors: Determine what you want to do in the space. “If you wanted to make it an outdoor living space, create that space with a sofa, a small barbecue, chairs and tables,” Baldrey says. Condo and townhouse owners don’t typically have a lot of space to work with. That’s when you become more creative, the expert says. “Built-in planter boxes are becoming popular,” Baldrey says. “You can plant flowers, vegetables and herbs.” Add colour or a punch of character to your patio or balcony with pots, barrels and planters. Container gardening is easy to take care of, to control, and ideal for growing vegetables and herbs. Condo owners get more bang for their buck, when it comes to gardening, because they’re not putting a lot of energy into maintaining a lawn, says landscape designer Clayton Ditzler, from The Landscape Artist in Calgary.

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(above) if you add a patio heater, some weather-resistant patio furniture, a fire pit, the outdoors can be much friendlier in the more frigid months. Photo courtesy susan Baldrey of vintage garden design.

What is important to condo owners, who choose to live in condos for the maintenance-free lifestyle, is low-maintenance. Ditzler suggests an automatic watering system for potted plants, so condo owners can enjoy a trip out of town without worrying about their plants. “Working within a condo’s rules can be challenging,” he says. “You can get a little more creative with smaller spaces. A lot of things have to be portable, like a portable planter or water feature.” It’s no surprise then, that the major trend in Calgary is low-maintenance gardens. Everyone finds themselves with less time these days, Ditzler says. “If you have a family and a job, and all of these other things pulling at your time, gardening can get away from you,” he says. “Ninety per cent of our clients want their gardens to look good across the growing season, from spring until fall and through the winter. They want things blooming at different times.” Ditzler, who has been a landscape designer for 23 years, says the biggest change he’s seen over the years is that Calgarians are using their outdoor space to relax and entertain. “We’re starting to see fire pits and water features becoming more popular,” he says. “That draws inspiration from California and Europe, where they do more al fresco dining and that type of thing. In Calgary, we’re don’t typically have the same type of climate to be outside as much as them.” But, if you add a patio heater, some weather-resistant patio furniture, and a fire pit, the outdoors can be much friendlier in the more frigid months. In terms of plants, Calgary is one of the toughest growing environments, with semi-arid conditions and unstable temperatures in the winter. “We have a smaller selection of wooded plants than even Edmonton does,” Ditzler says. “People think of Edmonton as having colder and longer winters, but because they have a stable winter without the chinooks, they have a broader selection of plants to choose from than people in Calgary.”

Calgary also has a higher elevation than Edmonton does, which makes for a less forgiving climate. Winters may be milder, but chinooks can be devastating on plants not suited to the conditions. In Calgary, the number of frost-free days varies, but it can be as short as 90 days, Ditzler says. “The critical thing when planting is the soil temperatures,” he says. “We’re about two weeks behind this year, which compresses the growing season.” Choose plants that are suited for the Calgary area. The City of Calgary Water Services lists water-wise plants that are drought-tolerant, act as filters and sponges for runoff. These include annuals like nasturtiums which attract birds and butterflies, gazania which thrive in dry and sunny conditions, and perennials like alpine asters, which prefer dry, light soil, coral bells, pasque flowers and peonies which thrive in the sun. Yucca plants have white bell-shaped flowers, spiky leaves and are drought-resistant natives of Southern Alberta. cL

| ON TREND (left) Calgarians are using their outdoor space to relax and entertain. (below) Fire pits and water features are becoming more popular. Photos courtesy Clayton Ditzler of The Landscape Artist.

“The critical thing when planting is the soil temperatures. We’re about two weeks behind this year, which compresses the growing season.”

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feature | By Karen Durrie

The bar Just what is a bare land condo?

here is a lot of confusion over just what constitutes a bare land condominium. Put simply — with a bare land condominium, only the land is condominiumized. “The best way to describe it is to compare it to a traditional condo,” says Rick Murti, owner and broker for Edmonton-based Pinnacle Realty and Management, who is also a board member on the Association of Condominium Managers of Alberta. “A traditional one is three-dimensional,” he says, stating the condo incorporates the common elements shared among unit owners, and this includes the master lot, walls and roof as common property. “A bare land condo is like an overhead helicopter view. It’s two-dimensional. I don’t have to walk through anything. The dimensions are laid out by land titles. Anything that falls within those boundaries is considered the owner’s responsibility.” And even if the bare land condo includes joined units that share roofs and walls, there is no common element to them. Owners must co-ordinate with one another on any concerns or needed repairs. What you are purchasing when buying a bare land condo is the land and anything built upon it, and it is your responsibility to repair and maintain it. Sometimes, exterior repairs and maintenance of bare land units are transferred to the condo corporation via registered bylaws. According to Service Alberta, a bare land unit is designated within a land parcel and defined by survey markers. Parts of the land parcel not comprised in a unit are common property, which is held by owners of all the units. There are numerous bare land condominium communities in and around Calgary, including Tanglewood Estates, The Lake at Heritage Pointe, Okotoks Air Ranch, Elmont Green, and Lott Creek Grove. Despite a common misconception that a condominium must be an attached townhome or apartment, the term “condominium” does not mean a specific type of structure, but a form of ownership referring both to the private residence and any common property for which neighbours share responsibility. Condominiums can be townhomes, apartments, villas, single-family homes, and even luxury estate homes.

The term “condominium” does not mean a specific type of structure, but a form of ownership referring both to the private residence and any common property…

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e Truth Luxury homes in the one million-plus category are what you’ll find at Lott Creek Grove, which is a bare land condo community nestled within Elbow Springs Golf Course. Executive homes placed on large lots in the area conform to size and exterior finish guidelines in order protect the community’s appeal, says Anna Zajac, west Calgary sales manager for Lifestyle Homes Inc., Lott Creek Grove’s developer. “The designation of bare land condo will assure your common areas of greens, path connectors will be taken care of,” Zajac says. There are several advantages to buying a bare land condo, Murti says. The condo fees are often lower, because there are fewer common elements involved, but there is still a condo board to protect owners’ interests. “The misconception is you have the freedom to do whatever you want. So if you wanted to change the siding to purple, you could. But no — the corporation has to protect their interest, and it would still require board approval,” Murti says. Another advantage to bare land condos is that units are an attractive prospect for buyers because of lower condo fees. Developers can build sooner, because they can hand over titles right away and build as they have funds. This is unlike a traditional condo, where they would have to wait until a development is near completion before being able to sell units. Bare land condos have been a hot topic in real estate news recently following an October 2012 court decision that impacted bare land condos. A court ruling determined bare land condo corporations did not have authority to collect money or use reserve funds from owners for managed property repair and maintenance expenses, such as roof repairs or window replacements. Bare land condo owners then called for changes to the Condominium Property Act to prevent sudden large special-assessment fees levied against them for managed property. In May, an amendment to the Act was made to clarify that bare land condo corporations could collect fees and use reserve funds if their bylaws were written to allow it. The Calgary Real Estate Board applauded the amendment, stating the earlier decision had created a great deal of uncertainty for bare land condo owners. “The amendment lifts the cloud of uncertainty and means homebuyers can enter into purchase agreements with confidence, and that the maintenance fees can be collected and used as they’re intended,” said Becky Walters, president of CREB’s board of directors. CL

Mike Holmes and Anna Zajac

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shopping | By Kathy McCormick

In with the old Decorating with antiques is an emerging trend that never left

ne man’s junk is another man’s treasure. That’s never been as true as it is when you are talking about home décor — but the way people decorate homes today is much different than the traditional antique collector in Mother’s day. Long-gone are the fussy groupings of small collectables, the priceless displays of porcelain figurines, and the beautiful tapestry design on the rigid, uncomfortable chair in the sitting room. Also out of style is the ‘shabby-chic’ distressed bureaus and tables that are often painted to look rustic, with sponged or ‘ragged’ walls to match. Not to say those fashions are wrong — many people still love those looks. But today’s homeowners are trending toward sleek, contemporary looks that are even minimalist. No fuss; no muss. No worry about having a house full of dust collectors to worry about. The popularity today of the many television shows revolving around seeking out and finding unusual treasures, whether it’s through garage sales, antique stores, auctions, storage lockers, pawn shops, or flea markets, has raised the profile of antiques once again. But this time, the treasures are different — and the uses of those things in the home have changed, say some of the experts in the field. “Antiques are coming back fast and furious,” says Terry Dixon, owner of the largest and very popular antique store Sentimental Journey Antiques, part of the antique walk in Nanton, Alberta, and the new Iron Crow antique store in Calgary.

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“People appreciate heritage more now, and they want statement pieces, not just knick-knacks.” The key is repurposing. “Some of the most popular and sought-after items right now are industrial pieces and also rustic, primitive pieces,” says Heather McCormick, founder of Rus Vintage — a business that has a unique approach as well. Rus Vintage rents unique pieces for backdrops for anything from weddings, to photo shoots, movies, or events. It’s a great way to make a statement without the cost of buying. “These unique pieces are tougher to find and require thinking outside the box,” she says. For example, metal dental cabinets from the 1920s that are slightly rusted are now used as a hutch in a sleek, modern dining room. “Incorporating something like this into your décor can really give your space a sense of history and warmth without being too stuffy or precious,” McCormick says. “The tension of rustic against modern can’t be beat and all it takes is a couple of interesting finds to really amp up the character of a space.” Architectural items are also in hot demand, says Dixon, whose Iron Crow shop in Calgary is a bit different than the Nanton store. You’ll find everything from an authentic 150-year-old hand-carved canoe, to some old gas pumps and more traditional antiques. “People look for things like general store dried-goods counters, big plank tables that

Heather McCormick

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they’ll use for islands; they’ll make vanities of old side boards.” It’s all about finding something unique and using it differently and you have an instant focal point that’s economical since you only need that one special piece to show off your style. Folk art is another hot item today, says Dixon. “People are interested today in that one conversation piece — not a cheesy, mass-produced item.” Decide what your taste and style are and how and where you want to incorporate the items, says Rick Koftinoff, who is the auctioneer and owner of Rick’s Auction Galleries, which has an antique and estate auction the last Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. and weekly Wednesday auctions the rest of the month. “Then you set a price range and you can go for it when you see it.” Retro is another wanted item these days, says Koftinoff.

“Looking for antiques takes time,” says McCormick. “Half of the fun is the thrill of the hunt — but it doesn’t provide the instant gratification of walking into a store and leaving with what you were looking for that day. It just takes dedication and repeat visits to antique stores, scouring online sites like Kijiji, and visits to auctions.” Don’t rule out picking through barns and garages of relatives, if they’re downsizing. Outdoor sales and flea markets in the U.S. have a great variety of pieces that you might not find anywhere else, but they require transport back. The key is to do the research to know what to look for, how to pick out quality, and what prices are reasonable. Pricing is one question that comes up and one that is hard to judge. It depends on the piece, its rarity, its quality, the demand for it, and the place where it is selling. Some areas just generally might charge

“The tension of rustic against modern can’t be beat and all it takes is a couple of interesting finds...”

Photo courtesy Iron Crow antique store

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“Antique stores have a great variety and you can look, touch and feel the pieces.”

more than other areas, just because of the popularity of antiques and the buyers living there. Watch those many TV shows, visit antique stores and compare, look online, go to auctions. “Always think what you want the piece for,” says McCormick. “Are you just looking to add character or are you looking for a collector’s piece that can be verified as authentic and from a specific period? Look closely at joints on drawers and layers of paint to determine if a piece is truly old or just looks old, if that’s important to you.” If that isn’t important to you, and you love it, that’s all that matters. Some repairs, refinishings and recovering can be done at home, but some is best left to the pros, especially if it is an authentic piece. “If you want some guidance on refinishing older pieces in a fresh way, consider attending classes at a place such as Lauren Lane Décor where you can take an evening or weekend class to learn how to recover and repaint using proper technique,” says McCormick. “Antiques stores have a great variety and you can look, touch and feel the pieces,” says Dixon. “Staff is knowledgeable and able to help.” Auction sales may have great buys, but it is buyer beware, so you need to check the pieces out ahead of time and set a limit to the amount you want to pay, so you don’t get caught up in the excitement of bidding against someone. Auctions take time — something that a lot of people don’t have these days, says Koftinoff. “But many people come for the entertainment value and the social atmosphere.” Auctions are fun — and those who are looking for something unique and a bargain, may just find it. Flea markets, garage sales and the like take time and lots of patience. You may find incredible bargains — but you may never find what you originally wanted. And if it’s just a one-off event, consider renting, says McCormick. “All it takes is a few special items to make it a memorable event that feels much more personal. Again, think outside the box with things like a unique, antique dresser as a dessert or candy bar.” CL 62 |

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Photo courtesy Rus Vintage

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Feature |

CrItter CONtrOL CrI

Getting the clues to determine who’s been munching on your garden

olmes and Watson, Riggs and Murtaugh, Starsky and Hutch — when it comes to sleuthing out just what critter is munching on your spring garden, you may feel like your partnership with Mother Nature is as contentious as any of the good cop-bad cop films that graced the big, or small screen. After all, how are you supposed to fight the “crime” of a decimated garden if you can’t identify the suspect who’s been devouring your daylilies? And while Mother Nature may happily grace your garden with rain, warmth and sunshine, she may not always be on the same team when it comes to keeping critters out of your gardens and landscapes. Foraging pests can destroy your yard, literally overnight. As our townhomes and bare land condos edge nearer nature reserves like Fish Creek Park in the south and Nose Hill in the north, encounters between animals and humans come with increasing regularity, and they aren’t all as friendly as some of the commercials on TV will lead you to believe. The critters you think look so cute in the Disney films can be downright pests when it comes to tending your garden. It is possible to thwart garden thieves, but first you have to know what animals have been dining on your plants and shrubs. Once you’ve identified the culprits, you can settle on effective animal repellents that will persuade pests to leave your garden alone. Here are some facts to get your detective work under way:

deVouriNg deer Ragged bites, typically a foot or more above the ground indicate deer damage. Deer are notorious for devouring gardens and landscapes. You’ll see them, and their offspring, every year, making dinner of your daisies, daylilies and other ornamental plants. raVeNous raBBiTs If plant damage is low to the ground — a few inches above the soil — and includes stems clipped cleanly at an angle, you’re probably dealing with rabbits. These four-legged foragers will eat just about any kind of vegetation, including your fabulous flowers, bushes and other woody plants. If you don’t want bunnies nesting and raising families near your garden, remove brush and other debris that could provide them with shelter. Voracious VoLes When flower bulbs disappear from the ground or plant roots go missing, chances are you have voles — mouse-like creatures that burrow underground and that are highly destructive to gardens. Exit holes are further indications that voles are tunneling under your garden. Teeth marks around the base of trees, droppings or trails in the grass can also indicate the presence of voles.

It IS POSSIBLe tO thWart GarDeN thIeVeS, But fIrSt yOu haVe tO KNOW What aNIMaLS haVe BeeN DINING ON yOur PLaNtS aND ShruBS. 66 |

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| Feature Feature

greedY grouNdhogs Mounds of dirt beside burrow entrances are a sure sign of groundhogs, a garden pest that eats just about every type of green plant. Groundhogs can destroy a garden. These solitary herbivores live in burrows underground. capricious chipmuNKs The on-screen antics of Chip and Dale might charm your children, but the presence of chipmunks in your garden is nothing but bad news. Damage to flower bulbs, plant shoots and leaves, uprooted plants and dug-up roots are all signs you have chipmunks. Their underground burrows may be a challenge to spot since the entrances are usually only about 2 inches in diameter and not surrounded by noticeable dirt mounds. You can curtail their activity by removing yard debris where chipmunks hide. saLacious sQuirreLs While you might think of them as mostly the enemy of anyone with a bird feeder, squirrels can also cause damage to gardens. They live in colonies, digging underground tunnels and mounds in grassy areas and around trees that can lay waste to gardens and landscapes. Once you’ve identified the culprits assaulting your garden, you’ll need the right tools to take care of them. Most traditional pest-control measures — row covers, netting, noise deterrents, predator urine or even human hair strewn around the yard — simply don’t work. Fences can do the job, but they’re expensive and you may live in a community that restricts the type and height of fences you can erect.

WhILe yOu MIGht thINK Of theM aS MOStLy the eNeMy Of aNyONe WIth a BIrD feeDer, SQuIrreLS CaN aLSO CauSe DaMaGe tO GarDeNS. almost any type of wild animal problem, from squirrels in the attic of a home, to bat removal and control, or any Calgary wildlife removal. Peregrine General Pest control also offers a variety of wildlife control services that focus on the capture and release, passive deterrence and environmental modifications. Skunk dens found under front steps, sheds, porches and decks can prove to be handful for the untrained so professional help is recommended. To thwart deer damage, try Bobbex Deer, an all-natural repellent made from a combination of ingredients, including putrescent eggs, garlic, fish, clove oil and vinegar. By mimicking predator scents, this fear repellent also tastes unpleasant to deer. The product is more effective than nine other commercial repellents (including coyote urine), according to independent testing by the Connecticut AG Station. For more information on keeping wildlife away from your yard, please visit www.bobbex.com/bobbex-canada. Visit www.peregrinepestcontrol.ca for more animal control tips. cL

simpLe soLuTioNs Some small animal repellents, however, do work. Bobbex-R is an all-natural, environmentally friendly solution that has proven effective at protecting ornamental plantings from small, four-legged garden critters. In testing by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the product — which works through smell and taste aversion — received a 100 per cent efficacy rating at repelling rabbits. usable in any weather, it won’t burn plants or wash off. use it as a bulb dip to deter underground damage, or spray it at the mouth of burrows to prevent animals from re-entering. Safe for humans, pets, birds and aquatic life, as Bobbex-R contains no petro chemicals. If that’s not enough, there are also local companies that provide the safe, professional removal of problematic animals (raccoons in the attic, etc.), like Animal Damage Control in Calgary. The company says they can handle

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COnDOSCAPeS By richard white

fIfth aVeNue faNtaSy Five west’s design gives it a new york state of mind

obody would confuse Calgary’s downtown Fifth Avenue with New York City’s famous midtown thoroughfare. NYC’s Fifth Avenue is not only one of the world’s most prestigious shopping, but is home to some of the world’s most important buildings — Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Flatiron Building, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lords & Taylor, New York City Library and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. While Calgary’s Fifth Avenue has a long way to go to become a vibrant pedestrian street for Calgary’s rich and famous, it is not out of the realm of possibility. In 2004, when Calgary’s LaCaille Group announced their Five West condo project at Fifth Avenue and 8th Street I immediately liked it. There was an early 20th century charm about the design with its sandstone three-storey podium with an arched colonnade with shops at street level. From the podium rises two red brick towers with blue reflective glass that echo Calgary big blue sky. The top of the building is capped with a blue metal cupola with a small spire. It is a classic high-rise design, a base that grounds the building, a tall narrow tower with an ornamental roof element. I loved that it was both modern and yet timeless. The cupola can be traced back to the 8th century Islamic architecture and over time has been used extensively to add character and charm to buildings around the world. Five West’s cupola lights up at night to become a beacon on the northwest side of the downtown. The use of red brick as the major exterior façade material is also a salute to the past. Calgary has very few brick buildings, but our most famous one is the Mewata Armory, which is only a few blocks away. I often hear Calgarians lament that we don’t have more brick buildings. By using red brick, Calgary’s Poon McKenzie Architects (now NORR) has created a design

that will stand the test of time. Brick technology is the oldest known and most versatile building material dating back to 7000 BC in Turkey. It ages well and is tolerant to air pollution, fire and doesn’t stain. Despite the lack of brick buildings in southern Alberta, we have a long history of brick manufacturing. Medicine Hat was once the epicenter of western Canada’s brick manufacturing with five brick plants. Today, the Hat’s I-xL Industries is the only brick manufacturer in western Canada. As I said earlier, when I first saw the plans for Five West, I immediately liked it — and I like it even more today. Recently I was walking along the river with friends from London, England, and one of them commented on how much they also liked Five West. The discussion then turned to modern architecture and urban design. I was surprised, when they told me how much they liked Calgary’s architecture and one of them commented on how much more they liked our architecture and urban space over Toronto’s where she had just been. Sometimes it takes visitors to help us appreciate what we have. While Calgary’s Fifth Avenue might not have the status today of New York’s it could have in the future. Plans are currently in place to develop an enhanced pedestrian corridor along 8th Street to link 17th Avenue to the River. Five West at the corner of 8th Street and 5th Avenue is positioned to become an integral part of the corridor. Who knows what could happen in 100 years! cL

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condo name: Five west developer: lacaille

richard White is the urban Strategist at Ground3 Landscape architects. he has written about urban living, urban development and urban design for 25 years. he can be followed @everydaytourist or you can view more of his blogs, rants and essays at www.everydaytourist.ca

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ASK MARIA By maria Bartolotti

DySfuNCtIONaL BOarD what you can do to better manage board meetings

ear Maria: Help… I’m currently serving on a small self-managed Condo Board that has differing positions on every issue. The Board argues almost every point, there is lack of trust among the directors and things that need to be done for the best interest of the corporation are not getting done. I’m afraid that if we do not come together as a Board soon, our building may suffer the consequences. What can we do? It is sad, but as a condo director you wear several hats and must have leathery-tough skin, because that’s what is required in dealing with diverse personalities, including bullies. As managers, we know this well. Here are some tips to help you deal with this type of situation. 1. Boards can establish codes of conduct for their board meetings which could curtail bullying behaviour: • Limit the length of time for each speaker. • No abusive language or insulting remarks against anyone. • No personal attacks. • No yelling or interruptions when someone is speaking or during the meeting. • It is important to put the code of conduct in writing and circulate a copy to each Board member. 2. As a director, you know that words can easily be misunderstood, personalities clash, and not all individuals will see reason in what you say. Taking the following steps may help

alleviate some of the stress and pressure that might come from having to deal with difficult people: • Address the issue immediately in a non-confrontational manner. Ignoring the situation does not make it go away, it may make it worse. • Be willing to accommodate, if possible. • Agree to disagree. If you cannot establish some common ground, move on, no need to argue about it endlessly. • State in a clear manner that abuse, insults, threatening remarks or yelling will not be tolerated and that discussions can be held when both parties are calm and relaxed. • Don’t try to rush the situation, be patient and let them work through the problem with you. • Keep in mind that not all behaviours can be controlled. If you fear for your safety, contact the proper authorities. As a self managed board, having procedures in place to deal with complaints, concerns and abuse is essential. If personality conflicts arise at Board level, the board may want to consider hiring a management company to take over the day to day functions of running the condominium corporation, or hire a mediator to help guide and facilitate discussions among the Board members. This could help the Board get back on track with managing the condominium corporation. until next time … cL

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Editor’s note: Readers are encouraged to ask their most confounding condo questions to our resident condo specialist: Maria Bartolotti.

maria Bartolotti

is the owner-manager of New Concept Management Inc. She has developed a strong reputation for rendering timely and eﬃcient services to the condominium industry. Maria believes that her company’s success hinges on her hands-on approach to condominium management as well as maintaining open lines of communications with her clientele. Maria is actively involved in her industry. for more information, visit www.newconceptmanagement.com

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HOPe AT lARGe By marty hope

the PrICe Of SuCCeSS

Jayman modus charts careful course in looming land crunch

and. There’s plenty of it here in the Prairies. The trick is, though, to find it, develop it, and build on it — keeping affordability at the forefront of any decisions being made. “That’s probably our biggest challenge, finding the right land for our projects, in terms of affordability and density,” says Laurie Gordon, president of Jayman Modus. “And we’re constantly doing our homework on this.” Despite the fact that work has started on about only half as many multi-family units so far this year as there were a year ago, the demand for condominium townhouses and apartments is continuing to gain the favour of house-hungry Calgarians looking to fulfill or take the first steps in homeownership. unlike those buyers in the previous generation who looked at condos strictly as “all they could afford,” today’s buyers want style and value packaged up with an appealing price point. “The condo townhouse is becoming the new single-family home, given the rising cost of housing,” says Gordon. Condominium living is about value — and much more than that, it’s about lifestyle. “It’s a lifestyle choice, hence product style, size, indoor and outdoor community amenities, nearby shopping, ease of traffic routes, and desirable locations will affect price points,” says Gordon. “And whether it’s townhome or apartment, people are looking for efficient liveable spaces that are thoughtfully laid out and have a sense of design.” All of which brings us full circle and back to the issue of how to maintain affordability and the challenges builders face in attempting to keep the lid on things. Gordon says that in order to maintain price points between $150,000 and $350,000 per unit, densities have increased and the size of hous-

ing units have decreased. “What concerns me is that housing affordability is directly related to escalating land prices due to planning and infrastructure-related policy,” she says. She continues by saying that affordable housing choices must be planned for in The Trinity by urban and suburban locations, Jayman modus and that infrastructure-related needs and solutions must take into consideration the movement of people and goods in those locations. Jayman Modus has its development and building feet in both sectors. Currently, it is selling its 99-townhouse Trinity development in suburban Nolan Hill and will be selling Overture, an estate condo product in Currie Barracks located off Crowchild Trail in southwest Calgary, later this year. Modus has been successful in combining affordability with good looks, having laid claim to a couple of design awards at Aprils SAM Awards gala hosted by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region. One was for its Karma model in Mint in southwest New Brighton, which is priced from the mid$200,000s, and the other was for the Amber layout in The Concept in Cochrane’s Sunset Ridge, priced from the mid-$300,000s. As well, the company scooped up a J.D Powers Award as validation for customer service excellence. “The Modus team is passionate about creating liveable, design-savvy homes that meet the needs and affordability preferences of our customers,” says Gordon. Visit www.jaymanmodus.com for more information. cL

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Laurie gordon

marty hope. for more than two decades Marty hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf award from the Canadian home Builders’ association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry.

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AROUnD TOWn By Pepper rodriguez

new income criteria For attainaBle homes

ttainable Homes Calgary Corporation (AHCC) announces it is implementing new income criteria in an effort to help more families enter the property ladder in Calgary. This announcement comes even as Mayor Naheed Nenshi gives the keys to Jessica Thompson, the latest owner of an Attainable Homes’ condo in Skyview Ranch built by Truman Homes. As of June 1, 2013, the Attainable Home Ownership Program income criteria will be: • Maximum household income of $90,000 per annum for single and dual parent families with dependent children living in the home • Maximum household income of $80,000 per annum for singles and couples with no dependent children living in the home. All households were previously required to have income of $80,300 or less, regardless of family circumstances. By raising it to a high of $90,000 for families, AHCC remains in line with the median family income in

Calgary (2010, StatsCanada). AHCC President and CEO David Watson said the new criteria reflected the additional financial burdens incurred by parents. “In the rental market, families have to manage increases in rent and moving from time to time, as well as all the regular and unexpected costs of raising children that make it difficult to save.” “We have found that many families earning just over $80,000 were still struggling to save the down payment required in the ownership market,” he said. AHCC has currently sold a total of 240 units; 30 per cent were singles or couples with children. “We hope our new income criteria will allow us to support more families who are seeking the stability of homeownership.” AHCC is a non-profit organization and wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary. Visit www.AttainYourHome.com for more information.

mayor nenshi and Jessica thompson

attainable homes and truman homes oﬃcials with mayor nenshi and the new homeowner.

theriver launches Phase two

HERIVER, Calgary’s luxury condominium development, has reached nearly $20 million in sales for its Phase Two sales that launched in May. Phase Two presents 8 single-level Riverhomes situated in a four-storey low-rise structure, and four multi-level Riverhomes located in the base of an adjacent 15-storey tower. The Phase Two Riverhome launch marks the next chapter for THERIVER which has surpassed historic Calgary condominium sales records. This includes the May 2012 sale of its $8.99 million, 5626 sq. ft. tower penthouse. Developed by 26th Avenue River Holdings Inc. (an affiliate of Ledcor Properties), Chief Operating Officer, Chris Bourassa, credits the project’s success to a number of factors, including its category-defining ‘luxury estate condominium’ positioning.

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“There’s an unserved need in Calgary for luxury condominiums offering large, single-floor living spaces, quality construction and superior finishes,” says Chris Bourassa. “Sales in the tower confirmed the need, and this past week’s Phase Two Riverhome sales have only reinforced it.” Phase One tower is now 80 per cent sold with only a few larger suites remaining. The remaining Phase Two floor plans range from 1,297 to 2,986 square-feet. Prices range from $820,000 to $3.59 million. THERIVER development is located at 135 – 26th Avenue S.W. Construction is currently underway. Occupancy is slated for Spring 2015. Ranging from $820,000 to $8.99 million, THERIVER offers only 38 luxury estate condominium residences, now with limited availability.

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Around town |

Mosaic Riverstone gets Ethan Allen touch

rookfield Homes is pleased to announce its partnership with Ethan Allen – Calgary, a leading interior design company, manufacturer and retailer of Classic and Casual home furnishings. Ethan Allen will be furnishing the Olive II and Slate II showhomes in the Mosaic Riverstone multi-family development. “We are thrilled to partner with Ethan Allen — we share the same philosophy of giving customers an exceptional experience from start to finish, plus superior quality, style and craftsmanship,” says Kelly Halliday, Sales and Marketing Manager with Brookfield Homes. “Moreover, we really wanted to step outside the ‘box’ and do something different that promotes our community partners.” According to Doug Cook, Chief Operating Officer with Ethan Allen – Calgary, the partnership is a natural fit. “For Ethan Allen, luxury made affordable and our professional non-commission design and service team is what differentiates us from other retailers in the home furnishings and interior design market,” he explains. Mosaic Riverstone will consist of 64 single level estate townhomes with double attached garages and floor plans ranging from 1,413 sq. ft. to upwards of 1,450 sq. ft. The Olive II and Slate II showhomes are scheduled to open in the fall.

May housing starts trend

ousing starts in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 11,316 units in May compared to 11,270 in April, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR)1 of total housing starts. “The trend of total housing starts increased slightly in May, due to strong construction in both the single-detached and multi-family markets,” said Richard Cho, CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for Calgary. CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. The standalone monthly SAAR was 12,211 units in May, down from 12,744 in April.

Big business

esidential construction is big business in Alberta. How big? $15.1 billion a year big. In fact, according to CHBA – Alberta, every 22 minutes work begins on a new home somewhere in Alberta. The financial figure comes from new research conducted by Will Dunning Inc. showing Alberta builders and renovators completed more than $15 billion in work last year, employing 48,000 workers directly and another 44,000 indirectly. Wages paid totaled more than $5.7 billion. That makes the home building industry a key player in Alberta’s economy. Consider that in 2011 shipments of Alberta agri-foods were worth $12.2 billion and forest products $4 billion, while the machinery and metal fabrication sector generated revenues of $13.7 billion. Residential construction beats them all. 78 |

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Veteran newsman helms UDI – Calgary

uy Huntingford, whose business career includes three decades with both SunMedia Corporation and Postmedia Network Inc., has been named chief executive officer of UDI – Calgary, the association’s Board of Directors announced. Huntingford brings a diverse skill set to UDI – Calgary, having worked previously as publisher of the Calgary Herald; publisher and CEO of the Calgary Sun and senior group publisher southern Alberta for Sun Media; and president and CEO, WinSport Canada. Huntingford also has early working stints in systems analysis and IT. “UDI – Calgary is moving to a new level with a new strategy that will enable us to further meet our members’ needs,” said Karin Finley, chair of UDI – Calgary’s Board of Directors. “We were impressed with Guy’s extensive media background, other business ventures and his commitment to and integration into the community of Calgary.”

Super for seniors

unrise Heights Villas in High River, by Concord View Homes, offers the perfect lifestyle for seniors. In fact, these attached bungalow homes, situated at 21 Street and 2 Avenue N.E., are quite unique. For instance, there’s no stairs. That’s right, there are no basements, making these homes ideal for independent seniors. Of course the actual age restrictions on the project only require that owner/residents be 19 years of age plus, so they’re not bad starter homes either. Villas are finished with stone and stucco exteriors, with enough outdoor space for a landscaped and treed front yard with an option for a garden or patio. Most homes have an attached heated garage. Only nine of 64 total units remained for sale at press time, with prices starting from $229,900 (plus GST) for the 1,150-square-foot, two-bedroom Britannia model. Home to professional chuckwagon races, rodeos, golf courses and 11,000 friendly neighbours, and just minutes away from the foothills and Kananaskis Country, High River is fast becoming a popular retirement alternative for many Calgarians. For more information visit www.myvilla.ca CL

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CHBA - Calgary Region

2012

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Calgary Map | North West, North East and Inner City

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North West, North East and Inner City | Calgary Map

MAP LEGEND High Volume Roads Main Roads

Inner City

Parks

28 27

Bodies of Water

12 See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

19 9

11 15

13 10

5 6

North West | North East Projects 1 Evanston Square

20 NEXT

2 Red Haus 3 SoBow

21 Groves of Varsity

4 Highland Park 5 Panorama West 6 Kincora Summit 7 TheRiver 8 The Block 9 43 Park

10 Valmont at Aspen Stone 11 Village at West Springs 12 Ovation 13 Estates of Valley Ridge

14 Brownstones 15 SageHill Village

16 Swan Landing 17 UNO Mt. Royal 19 Bridgeland Crossings

Inner City Projects 1 2

22 Albert Park Station

23 Emerald Sky

24 Sonoma at Sage Hill

25 Eighty5Nine

26 Landings at Cougar Ridge

27 Arrive @ SkyView Ranch

28 Kintalla at Redstone

29 Ginger Park

30 IndigoSky 31 Mosaic Bridgeland

32 Aspen Highlands

33 Sage.Stone 34 Galleries Renfrew

35 University City 36 Prospect Rise

18 Wildstone

37 Viridian 38 TEN Mt. Royal

11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Vogue MARK Avenue West End VEN The Montana Drake The Park First Riverfront Pointe Alura Keynote 3 Eau Claire The Guardian St. John’s Tenth St. CALLA PIXEL by Battistella Evolution 6th and Tenth Waterfront

Taking it to the streets

34 19

8 17

Condo Living magazine can now be found at more than 1,800 Calgary area locations, including all Media Classified vendor boxes.

We’re everywhere you are, with more distribution points than any other magazine in the city! Just one more reason to follow the leader – Source Media Group.

increase your advertising visibility take advantage of premium positions contact:

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Calgary Map | South West, South East and Calgary Area

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AIRDRIE

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South West, South East and Calgary Area | Calgary Map 1 ZEN Auburn Bay

2 The Galleries

3 Casel 4 Einstein

5 Harvest Mosaic

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8 Nueva 9 Ascent 10 Sonik 11 Sierra Gardens

12 Sanderson Ridge 13 Bridlecrest Pointe

14 Evergreen Grove 15 Silverado

High Volume Roads

16 Highbury 2

Main Roads

17 Canvas at Millrise

Parks

18 Stonewater at

Bodies of Water

Lake Chaparral 19 Silhouette 20 Monarch

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

6 Destiny 7 Stonecroft Auburn Bay

MAP LEGEND

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Airdrie

The Courtyards of Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heights The Edge

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Sawyer Silverado Mosaic Cranston Side-by-Side McKenzie Towne Prestwick Place Mosaic Mirage in McKenzie Towne Riverside The Chaparral Side by Side Auburn Bay Bellacasa Apex Aurora at Chinook TREO Boulevard Townes of Quarry Park Edison at Walden Chaparral Valley Riverside Townhouse Chesapeake

Ravenswood Townhomes Synergy in Kings Heights Windsong by Mattamy

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Mosaic Lakeside Auburn Bay Copperfield Park I & II Stonecroft at Copperfield Townhomes of Dallaire Ave Victoria Cross ZEN McKenzie Towne York29 Gala, The Champagne Aura in Copperfield Belmont Townhomes Evolution by Greenboro Cranston Place Chalet No 4 TRIBECA Hunter House Mint The Gates

CHESTERMERE

Townhomes of Chestermere Station

cochrane

Alora in Sunset Ridge The Homesteads of Sunset Ridge Laredo Riverstone at Cochrane Sunset Pointe The Village Townhomes at Jumpingpound Ridge RiverReach Villas & Manors

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okotoks Calvanna Village Drakes Cove Mesa Crystal Shores Penncross

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advertisers index 6th and Tenth Bel Calgary page 5 1912 Cross M2i page 64 Airdrie Air Show page 48 Aura Aldebaran Enterprises page 20 Avenue West End Grosvenor/Cressey page 4 Bridgeland Crossings Apex City Homes page 72 Carlisle Group page 44 Chalet Sabal Homes page 39 Champagne Remington Development Corp. page 21

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Copperfield Park II Brad Remington Homes pages 83 & 88

FIRST Fram/Slokker Developments page 48

The Landings at Rocky Ridge Swan Group page 70

The Edge Streetside Developments page 15

The Gates Remington Development Corp. page 76

MARK Qualex-Landmark page 6

Edison at Walden Avi Urban page 49 & 74

The Groves of Varsity Statesman page 38

Eighty5Nine Vertical Properties page 68

The Guardian Hon Towers page 55

Einstein The Providence Group page 82

Hunter House Streetside Developments page 32

Evanston Square Streetside Developments page 2 Evolution Embassy/Bosa page 85 Estates of Varsity Ridge Cove Properties page 9

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Kincora Summit Cove Properties page 9 Kintalla Streetside Developments page 79 The Landings at Cougar Ridge Statesman page 40

Mosaic Cranston Brookfield Homes page 31 PIXEL Battistella Development page 50 Riverfront Pointe Carlisle Group page 45 River Reach Jayman MasterBuilt page 25 Sage.Stone Greenview Developments page 58 Sawyer Silverado Avi Urban pages 49 & 74

Sonoma-Sage Hill Vertical Properties page 64

The Post Avi Urban pages 49 & 74

Steps Bridgeland Giustini Bridges Inc. page 65

Vantage Calbridge page 84

Stonecroft Copperfield page 26

VEN Bucci Developments page 33

Stonecroft Auburn Bay page 27

Victoria Cross Avi Urban pages 49 & 74

Stonecroft Highland Park page 27

Vogue LaCaille Sixth Avenue Inc page 59

Sunset Ridge Innovations by Jayman page 54 TEN Maple Developments page 50

Waterfront Anthem Properties page 3 Zen, Auburn Bay Avalon Master Builder page 69

The Park Lake Placid Development Corp. FC, pages 12-14

s o u r c e m e d i a g r o u p : CE L E B RA T I N G i t s 1 0 t h Y EAR

feature | By Jim Zang

Tales From The Condo Zone I’ll never forget the day I met ‘the librarian’

y wife’s mom and dad used to live in a seniors condo. Well, it wasn’t all just seniors. It was restricted to owners aged 45 and up. Since it was just up the street from our house, the kids and I used to go there all the time to visit, and also to take advantage of the swimming pool, hot tub, billiard tables and theatre room. Voracious reader that I am, I even made regular runs to their inhouse library to borrow books from time to time. I had my own key and, unfortunately, looked old enough to be a resident. Actually, they had several smaller library areas scattered throughout the complex, but it was the main library, in the lounge area above the swimming pool, where ‘it’ happened. ‘It’ being my first close encounter with ‘the librarian’. She was 80 if she was a day, with a wild shock of snow white hair, a don’t mess with me attitude, and more wrinkles than seemed to fit on her face. She drove one of those motorized wheel chairs, but also carried a cane, knitting needles and yarn. I remember thinking, “I wonder why she carries that cane when she’s in a wheelchair.” I’ll never forget the first time I saw her. “Hi,” I said, nodding as I walked into the library/lounge area on the second floor of the four-storey building. “You’re pretty loud coming up those stairs,” she rasped. “Sorry,” I said. “You’d think folks would have a little consideration, this being a library and all.” Now she’s giving me the stink-eye. “Sorry,” I said again as I continued my search for a good murder mystery. “I don’t recognize you,” she said, manoeuvring her electric wheelchair to a spot between myself and the exit. My spider sense is tingling now. Danger. Maybe there will be a murder, right here! I can see the headline now: Man killed borrowing books from condo, librarian suspected! I tried to move around the other side of the coffee table — and her cane came out, blocking the way. Now I saw why she needed both the chair AND the cane.

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“Do you live here?” she barked accusingly. “You can’t borrow books unless you live here.” “Sure I live here,” I lied, at this point more than a little nervous at being alone with a potential book lover/serial killer. “Suite 309,” I said. Not even my inlaws’ real suite number, which I could n’t remember under the pressure. “Hmmph,” she snorted, eyeing the three books in my hand, “well, make sure you leave some for the other folks.” And, just like that, she turned her wheelchair on a dime and motored off. There’s more than 1,000 books on the shelves but I put one back anyways just in case she was still watching. CL

Illustration by Lama Azhari

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