Condo Living - March 2015 by Source Media Group

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COntents march 2015 | VOLUME 11

ISSUE 183

14 Focus On 14 | Keep it clean Delightful dispensers can be part of home decor Condo Profiles 20 | The high Point Qualex Landmark ™ continues beltline march with Park Point 26 | The Hills are alive Sonoma Nolan Hill is a stellar sequel 32 | Historical value The Armory blends heritage and quality in Currie Barracks 37 | ZEN again in Airdrie Avalon Master Builder brings popular ZEN line to Ravenswood 42 | Inner-city sanctuary Assured Communities’ MAX elevates inner-city living 47 | The easy home-owning option Copperfield Park III offers best opportunity to become a homeowner Community Profile 52 | A lasting Legacy There’s a home for everyone in WestCreek’s Legacy

Cover Feature 16 | Vivacious Verve FRAM + Slokker’s latest is integral in East Village vision CO N D O L I V I N G M A RC H 2015

COntents Lifestyle 57 | Colour your world Prestwick condo dweller prefers vibrant hues to personalize home A day in Kensington 63 | Captivating Kensington Be enchanted by the village vibe of this inner-city hotspot Feature 69 | Secret Calgary Our city may still be relatively unknown to the world, but maybe not for long

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shopping 74 | Tap that New innovations in faucet design bring style and functionality to home style 79 | Style from around the world Design trends and style tips from the 2015 Toronto International Design Show

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

Opportunity amidst the uncertainty The plunging oil prices are certainly bringing plenty of gloom in the Calgary housing market, but not everyone is panicking. Some analysts even think the correction may ultimately be healthy for the market in the long run. We cover the possibilities of how the housing market in Calgary and Alberta will look for the year in our annual outlook feature, this time brought to you by Canada Home Builders Association (CHBA) – Alberta, plus a sidebar on what Calgary developers and builders think will happen in the market this year. There are plenty of factors in play; lower oil prices will cause a downturn in the local economy, which will probably slow net migration to the city resulting in fewer home sales. However, the surprise lowering of interest rates by the Bank of Canada will support the housing market. Bucci Developments’ Mike Bucci also told us that builders can likely benefit from the lower labour costs that this scenario may bring with savings they can pass on to consumers. But CHBA – Calgary Region President Wayne Copeland warns the weakened Canadian loonie may also hurt suppliers’ buying power for materials sourced from the U.S. “That’s one factor that we didn’t have during the 2008 downturn, and we just don’t know how much this will affect the market down the road,” he says. East Village relies on its strong fundamentals to weather the looming economic storm, and FRAM + Slokker’s Verve certainly benefits from this. Our cover feature this month continues to attract a diverse set of buyers with its vibrant style and central location in this rapidly evolving neighbourhood. We have six other condo developments in this our first 100-pluspage magazine of the year, covering both inner-city and suburban developments to give our readers the full scope of what’s available out Next month: there. We have Sonoma Nolan Hills by Morrison Homes, Copperfield Garden Park III by Brad Remington Homes, ZEN Ravenswood by Avalon design Master Builder representing the suburbs. While Verve, Park Point by Qualex-Landmark, The Armory by Cove and MAX by Assured Communities show the best of the inner-city. But Condo Living is more than just condos, we also have a bunch of lifestyle features that help you make the most of life in the city. We have Shelley Boetcher spending A Day In Kensington and tells us of all the unique charms found in this thriving district. David Crosson gives us a taste of the emerging STYLEs from the International Design Show in Toronto he attended. While Kathy McCormick gives us the low-down on kitchen faucets in her Shopping story. We also have the latest news on the Condominium Property Amendment Act, which is focused on modernizing Alberta’s condominium laws and setting a framework that supports responsible self-governance of condominium corporations. Check it out in Around Town. We still believe it’s the best thing to happen for everyone owning a condo — or contemplating on buying one. It may be a while before we see the level of multi-family development activity we saw in 2014, but you can be sure that Condo Living will still be there to help you pick the best one for you.

@CondoLivingYYC

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CondoLivingCalgary

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

PUBLISHER |

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER |

Editor | Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART director | Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designers

Rylyn Kvarnberg rylyn.kvarnberg@sourcemediagroup.ca Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca Colleen Leier colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR |

EDITORIAL

Maria Bartolotti, Shelley Boetcher, Darlene Casten, David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Richard White photography

Melissa Ladner, Don Molyneaux ADVERTISING SALES | Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca accounting | Norma Robertson accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY

Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group Issue 183 • ISSN 1918-4409 © 2015 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the written permission from 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. 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 |

Keep it 10 [1] SVARTSJÖN, $6.99 at Ikea. [2] SÄVERN, $14.99 at Ikea. [3] Dixon Bamboo Soap Pump, $18.95 at Crate and Barrel. [4] Glass Soap Pump, $14.95 at Crate and Barrel. [5] Lips Soap Pump, $19 at Urban Barn. [6] Carynthum Soap Dispenser, $19.95 at Pier1 Imports [7] Oxo Stainless Steel Soap and Lotion Dispenser, $19.95 at Williams-Sonoma. [8] SimplehumanTM Rechargeable Sensor Soap Dispenser, $59.99 at Williams-Sonoma. [9] Foaming Soap Pump Dispenser, $19.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [10] Glass 16oz Mason Jar Soap Dispenser, $10.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond.

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| FOCUS ON

clean

Delightful dispensers can be part of home décor By Aaliya Essa

Washing your hands constantly is still the best way of keeping you out of sick bay, but a soap bar isn’t the most practical way to do it. Liquid soap dispensers have become indispensable in the household for just this purpose, but who says they can’t be as decorative as they are practical? CL

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| Advertising cover Feature |

Vivacious FRAM+ Slokker’s latest is integral in East Village vision

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| Advertising cover Feature |

Verve V

erve is stylish, Verve is sexy, and in Calgary, Verve is commitment. The FRAM+Slokker high-rise in East Village stands for all those virtues, and not even a looming economic crunch can dim the possibilities of living in what is quickly becoming the multifamily community of choice in East Village. Verve, FRAM + Slokker’s second multi-family development in East Village, has been so successful that it added 100 new suites last year to what had been originally planned as a 25-storey 196-suite tower. FRAM+Slokker’s Fred Serrafero tells Condo Living that demand for Verve was so overwhelming that they felt they had no choice but to add new homes to the plan. “We were very successful in the first phase of release for Verve with more than 100 suites already sold from the 7th floor up in the first few months of sales. We tweaked plans a bit to bring in 100 more suites along the four-storey podium.” They didn’t only add new homes, but new floor plans, as well. In November, Verve introduced a 730-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bath suite priced under $400,000 that Serrafero says has sold “exceptionally well.” The layout and price made it a popular choice, he points out, adding that Verve is already over 65 per cent sold. Verve also just recently released their last premium floors near the top of the tower with sub-penthouse designs, all are twobedroom-plus-den plans with incredible views.

The views aren’t all that Verve has to offer. “Buyer’s love Verve because of all the great amenities East Village has to offer all within the neighborhood. You can see it all coming together with the increasing number of cranes and activity in the area,” Serrafero says. Verve’s location on The Riff pedestrian walkway is unique to any other development in East Village. The Riff runs diagonally through the block taking Verve’s residents straight through to St. Patrick’s Island on the northeast side or to the National Music Centre on the southwest. Verve will stand out even in this architecturally-diverse neighbourhood with its statuesque design with coloured glass and arrangement of ample sized geometric balconies with expansive views. “The sixth floor outdoor terrace with lounging cabanas is ideal for star gazing,” Serrafero says.

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| Advertising cover Feature |

Verve lobby

The artful interiors by Cecconi Simone are modern and airy with custom Euro-inspired kitchens and fully integrated appliances along with luxuriously tiled baths and exceptionally designed floor plans. “All but our smallest one bedroom suites include titled underground parking.” Despite what many believe will be a down year in Calgary brought about by plunging oil prices, Serrafero believes 2015 will still be a milestone year for the Ontario-based developer. For one thing, they will be welcoming the first residents to their initial development, FIRST, this summer. “The completion of FIRST condo this year is another milestone for our firm. It will represent the fifth Province and/or State that we have developed residential properties over the last 30-plus years,” he says. That’s not all, as FRAM+Slokker will have five more buildings to complete in East Village, as they remain firmly committed in being a partner in the completion of the vision for East Village. “Our next building will be on the southwest corner of the Verve block and will be an eight-storey office building. Future buildings will include another high-rise residential tower — including townhomes — on the southeast corner and a midrise residential building on the northeast corner. We expect Calgary’s real estate market to remain strong and although the appreciation in the condo market may slow we do not see this affecting a drop in values or demand,” Serrafero says. The vision for East Village is quickly unfolding and becoming a reality with major infrastructure projects underway, including the National Music Centre, Calgary’s new Central Library, and the $75 million Hilton Hotel complex. “East Village is an exciting new emerging community where you will have restaurants, recreation, and entertainment all

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within walking distance,” adds Deb Pedersen, FRAM+Slokker Director of Sales. “You can jog or bike to Inglewood or Eau Claire along the Riverwalk and just steps away from a worldclass park. Concerts or a Flames game are a short walk away, which saves on parking. “We are optimistic about the future of East Village as the neighbourhood continues to grow and build momentum. East Village is living up to its vision and evolving into Calgary’s newest, oldest, coolest, warmest neighbourhood.” Studios are from $220,900. One-bedroom design suites pricing start at $ 309,900 (without parking) and two-bedroom design suites pricing start at $ 392,900, including parking. With our current pre-construction pricing, over 80 per cent of the Riff Suites are priced less than $400,000. For more information, visit The Verve sales centre at the East Village Experience Centre. n

Fa s t Facts Community: East Village Project: Verve Developer: FRAM+Slokker Style:

Apartment style condos, and live-work suites

Size:

From 420 sq. ft.

Price:

From the mid $200,000s

Sales centre: East Village Experience Centre, 553 Riverfront Ave. S.E. Hours:

Monday to Thursday noon to 6 p.m., weekends noon to 5 p.m., closed Fridays

Website: www.thenewcalgary.com

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CONDO PROFILE |

the high point Qualex Landmark™ continues Beltline march with Park Point

by darlene casten

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| CONDO PROFILE

igh rises continue to compete for space in Calgary’s ever changing skyline and residents in a new residential tower in the Beltline will have the opportunity to take it all in from their balconies. The 34-storey Park Point tower by Qualex-LandmarkTM will be the first of two towers and will be one of Calgary’s tallest residential high-rises along the downtown’s relatively less crowded south side, across from Central Memorial Park. Seeking some perspective, Qualex-LandmarkTM* took a few steps outside of the epicenter, and as result the slender spires of Park Point will take in the big picture with unobstructed, panoramic views of the city skyline, Central Memorial Park and mountains beyond. “Park Point is designed as one complete architectural expression, meaning its location overlooking Central Memorial Park offers viewers the opportunity to admire Calgary’s most modern urban residence as a whole, without other buildings obstructing the view. This isn’t possible in denser parts of downtown,” explains Tony Wai, project designer/manager for IBI Group. The much anticipated Park Point tower continues Qualex-Landmark’s domination of this

vital inner-city corridor, and follows the sold-out MARK on 10th as the Vancouver-based developer’s sixth highrise residential community in the Beltline. The Park Point sales centre on 301-11th Ave S.W., adjacent to the construction site will offer homebuyers the opportunity to learn more about Park Point’s premium condos with attractive pre-construction prices. One- and two-bedroom suites are available in a wide range of meticulously designed floor plans ranging in size from roughly 500 to over 1,600 square-feet. Starting in the $280,000s Park Point is sure to attract a wide variety of buyers who are looking for urban living with a sightline to everything downtown Calgary has to offer. “We are increasingly finding that in addition to the many ambitious young professionals who have shown much interest in Park Point, established executives with high disposable incomes are also looking for sleek and sophisticated urban living options close to work and amenities,” says Mohammed Esfahani, president of Qualex-LandmarkTM*. “We feel Park Point will offer those in the market for a new premium quality and care-free home, whether singles, couples or retirees, will have a unique opportunity to invest in a great product in one of the best locations to live in downtown Calgary.” From Park Point there will be clear, unobstructed

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CONDO PROFILE | FAST FACTS Community: Beltline Developer: Qualex-LandmarkTM* Project: Park Point views of the Rockies to the southwest, Style: Luxury one-bedroom and and Calgary’s very modern skyline, two-bedroom apartment-style condos juxtaposed against the historic brick buildings that dot the Beltline. Among size: From about 569 to 1, 051 sq. ft. those is the historic Central Memorial price: Starting in the $280,000s Park just across the street. address: 301-11th Ave S.W. This Edwardian-era park was redeWebsite: www.qualex.ca/parkpoint veloped and re-opened in 2010 with a refurbished Victorian garden, geometric pathways and a fountain and the sandstone Central Memorial library as the centrepiece. And this rare green oasis in the middle of this modern urban environment is readily available to Park Point residents. “Aside from what will be one of the most centralized real estate opportunities in the city, the exceptional, protected panoramic views of Calgary and Central Memorial Park makes Park Point the best of class location for investing in an active lifestyle in the rapidly evolving Calgary City Centre,” says Esfahani. Each of the 289 suites will have an open-air patio or balcony to take in the unique views. The balconies add to the uniqueness of the exterior design, creating a three-dimensional effect enhanced by the use of colour. “Park Point’s strikingly unique architectural façade will be the landmark of the neighbourhood as seen from the park, but from downtown too, as it will be the tallest building in the immediate vicinity,” says Esfahani. Park Point offers amenities inside and out. Getting where you need to go in a hurry is a snap from Park Point. The building was rated 98 per cent for walkability and will have retail space and live/work townhomes, which will allow residents to work from their homes and create a vibrant streetscape. “Downtown living is becoming increasingly popular due to walkability and the convenience of access to amenities,” says Esfahani. “Residents of Park Point will not only have all the conceivable amenities at their fingertips, such as grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, parks and schools, but they will also have access to fantastic amenities within the building.” The building also comes with its own luxuries. A zen studio will offer residents a retreat to do yoga and pilates, as well as a steam room/sauna for relaxation. Residents can also be assured that they and their guests will be taken care of with concierge service and a guest suite on site. “Our number one priority has been to understand the needs of urban-focused customers,” says Esfahani. “It has allowed us the opportunity to continue to redefine the urban home and continue to offer centralized, premium living solutions to the Calgary professional.” That includes amazing European-style interiors that feature Armony Cucine kitchens with granite countertops and backsplash and European appliances. The bathrooms are just as elegant with marble slab countertops, porcelain tile flooring and chrome fixtures. To register for information and receive first-time purchase offers register at www.qualex.ca/parkpoint CL

Each of the 289 suites will have an open-air patio or balcony to take in the unique views.

™

* denotes one or more trade-marks of Qualex-Landmark Management Inc. used under license by Qualex-Landmark Union Inc

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CONDO PROFILE |

The hills are Sonoma Nolan Hill is a stellar sequel by Pepper Rodriguez

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alive

age Hill and Nolan Hill share some distinct features: both are northwest communities that have become popular for their family-friendly orientation, an amenity-rich location with enviable accessibility, and tantalizing views of Calgary’s rolling grasslands. Both are also developed by United Communities. Beyond that, these two communities also happen to be the location of Morrison Homes’ multi-family developments: Sonoma Sage Hill and Sonoma Nolan Hill. The former was an unqualified success for the multi-awarded builder and introduced the frontto-back townhomes in Calgary. The latter will also have the popular The Boulevard and The Arrival floor plans that make the most of all available space. “We are taking the most popular units from Sonoma Sage Hill and expanding on their features. Sonoma Nolan Hill will be comprised of our Arrival Units and our Boulevard Units,” says Rob Kennedy, vice-president of Morrison Homes’ Multi-Family Division. The Arrival features two- and three- bedroom plans with attached garage and full basement with the option for a fourth bedroom development. The Boulevard plan offers spacious two-bedroom layouts with two-and-a-half bathrooms and an attached garage. “The unique front to back concept provides an open concept that allows much more natural light into the space compared to the average townhome. The Sonoma townhomes are not stacked which also means that residents don’t have anyone living above or below them,” Kennedy points out. Both are very popular as they offer two-level townhome living at single-level condo prices. They measure from 1,183 to 1,224 square-feet and start from the $330,000s. Sonoma Nolan Hill will have 106 units of two- and three-bedroom three-storey townhomes and will be located at 428 Nolan Hill Drive N.W.

“The unique front to back concept provides an open concept allowing much more natural light into the space compared to the average townhome.”

What makes this development so unique is that it all sits on a 50-footwide-by-140-feet-long parcel of land on Mission along the Elbow River. »

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FAST FACTS Community: Nolan Hill Developer: Morrison Homes Project: Sonoma Nolan Hill Style: Front-to-back townhomes size: 1,183 to 1,224 sq. ft. price: From the $330,000s address: 428 Nolan Hill Drive N.W. sales centre: 881 Sage Valley Blvd N.W. hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.sonomanolanhill.com

“The Nolan Hill site offers gorgeous ravine walkout townhomes with views of the rolling northwest valley and sunshine basements situated on green space courtyards.” There’s easy access to a multitude of amenities from Sonoma Nolan Hill, as its only 10 minutes to the airport and there are plenty of new commercial sites in and around the community, like Creekside, Beacon Hill and the new Symons Valley Farmers Market, he adds. Sonoma Nolan Hill’s unique location also offers residents some of the most pristine views around. Over 90 per cent of their townhomes feature both natural green space walkouts and sunshine basements that back onto courtyard views to make the most of this unique feature. “The Nolan Hill site offers gorgeous ravine walkout towhomes with views of the rolling northwest valley as well as sunshine basements situated on green space courtyard. No other multi-family development in the community has the same perfect views available from our location.” Sonoma Nolan Hill is bordered by a natural ravine coulee to the north and a municipal reserve to the east. “The development connects to multiple walking paths throughout the community,” Kennedy says.

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Of course, having a builder that has been named SAM Awards Builder of the Year 11 times is its own merit. “Morrison Homes Multi-Family also offers the Alberta New Home Warranty Deposit protection as well as an additional two-year building envelope coverage,” Kennedy says. “We stand behind our product.” Sonoma Nolan Hill is the perfect match for firsttime homebuyers, who had also taken the bulk of sales at Sonoma Sage Hill. The first phase is already 90 per cent sold, but more townhomes will be available soon. A temporary sales centre is located at their Sonoma Sage Hill location at 881 Sage Valley Boulevard N.W. CL

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condo ProFile |

historical value

relaxed, suburban lifestyle in one of the most visionary urban developments in Calgary await in Currie Barracks, and residents of The Armory will make the most of this promise with the astounding home value that comes with it. From superior heating and cooling features, top of the line sound attenuation, high end finishes as standard, and an environmentally sustainable nature in tune with Currie Barrack’s “green” initiative, The Armory by Cove Properties does offer a very enticing mix. Add to that the fact that — like most Cove developments - The Armory will be a +18 age-restricted condo then you’re virtually assured of attracting a like-minded community that assures an easy, quiet and maintenance-free lifestyle. That’s the kind of value that The Armory is proud to offer, says Doug Mazurek, President of Cove Properties. “We pride ourselves in creating communities rather than just buildings. By limiting residents to 18-years-old and over, the property not only retains its value over a longer period of time, but creates an environment where neighbours who share similar lifestyles can interact more naturally.” Mazurek adds that having this +18 standard increases the number of suites with end-users rather than as rental suites which can be harder on the building. “Young children and grand kids can still come to visit and stay here over a limited period of time, which we think is perfect for our market.”

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In fact, The Armory purchasers to date are made up of nearly 20 per cent of their business having been snow birds attracted not only by the +18 feature but by the easy lock-and-leave lifestyle The Armory offers, as well as the functional flow of the floor plans. The sales team at The Armory comments that “many of the buyers are scaling down from bigger homes, and they are wary of limitations that condo living entails. But when they see the floor plans and the kind of luxury each unit offers, they quickly realize that The Armory still gives them freedom to enjoy the lifestyle they’ve been accustomed to.” Over 60 per cent of the 58-unit apartment-style condos have been sold, but terrific two-bedroom opportunities are still available starting from 1,050 square-feet at $446,000 plus GST. Mazurek says Cove Properties has been able to maintain consistent pricing throughout, in spite of the numerous upgrades they’ve put in the design of the building. “We decided to include in-floor heating and centralized duct-in air conditioning in each unit to add value to the homes without passing the cost on to customers,” he tells Condo Living.

| CONDO PROFILE

The Armory blends heritage and quality in Currie Barracks by pepper rodriguez

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“When completed, Currie Barracks will be an extremely walkable neighbourhood with amenities within the boundaries of the community.” FAST FACTS Community: Currie Barracks Developer: The Armory Project: Cove Properties Style: Apartment-style condos size: Available units start at 1,050 sq. ft. price: Available units start from the $446,000s plus GST 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: Weekdays 2 to 8 p.m., weekends noon to 5 p.m. Closed on Fridays Website: www.curriearmory.ca

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Residents get much more than that, as they also get a condo they can be proud of. The Armory adds to the historic look of Currie Barracks with real brick-andmortar exterior mixed with real fir accents. “The design is contemporary but it recalls Calgary’s Mewata Armory and adds to the heritage look of Currie Barracks,” Mazurek points out. Tinted glazing of the oversized windows in each suite brings a modern touch to the exterior, not to mention that it works to maintain temperatures inside the home. “It’s another way we keep with the ‘green’ theme of Currie Barracks itself,” he adds. Buyers also appreciate that The Armory is built to Built Green™ specifications. “We are recycling as much of our construction waste as possible,” says Mazurek. “We have energy efficient appliances, we have water fixtures that use less water, and of course using environmentally safe building products as well. We will also have a recycling program for residents.” Each home comes standard with full-size stainless steel appliances, full-size washer-dryer, quartz countertops, undermount sinks, a combination of both large ceramic tiles and mosaic backsplash tiles, hardwood options will also be available, says Mazurek. The first three floors will enjoy nine-foot ceilings, while buyers on the top floor are absolutely spoiled with 10 and 12-foot ceilings. This aesthetic is no doubt complemented by The Armory’s site in Currie Barracks. “We’re the only condo to back right onto the provincial heritage park that will never be touched by any development,” Mazurek says. Then there’s the attraction of Currie Barracks itself — the former military base lands that is being converted by the Canada Lands Corporation into an urban destination in west Calgary. “When completed, Currie Barracks will be an extremely walkable neighbourhood with amenities — and even work opportunities — within the boundaries of the community. It will be a singular development and The Armory presents a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to live here,” he adds. CL

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ZEN again in Airdrie Avalon Master Builder brings popular ZEN townhomes to Ravenswood by Pepper Rodriguez

eaceful, easy, green living comes to Airdrie as Avalon Master Builder launches ZEN in Ravenswood. This will be a kind of homecoming for Avalon, as the very first project under the ZEN brand was built in Airdrie. There have been several ZEN projects since, but ZEN in Ravenswood will be the first time that the multi-awarded developer will offer three home designs in this popular series of Townhomes and Garden homes. ZEN in Ravenswood will have a nice mix of two-storey Townhomes with individual fenced backyards, single-level Garden homes with private courtyard patios, and a new version of Townhomes with single car attached garage. “We have done ZEN products in a single style, or a mix of two before, but never three,” says Avalon’s Dean Clark. “We are so excited about this because it is makes the community look awesome. Unlike so many townhome

“Unlike so many townhome communities, we will be home to all kinds of homeowners with different budgets and housing requirements.”

communities, we will be home to all kinds of homeowners with different budgets and housing requirements.” Priced to start from the $250,000s, there will be 119 total homes in 15 buildings in the development that’s going up in the Qualico Communities’ family-friendly neighbourhood of Ravenswood in southeast Airdrie. A wide range of buyers will be attracted to the variety of home designs they offer that range from 1,026 to 1,363 square-feet. One of the new models will be a single-level home with a single garage, one bedroom and one-and-a-half baths. Then there’s the single-level Garden homes with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. ZEN Ravenswood will also have the popular two storey townhomes with two bedrooms with an option to choose one or two ensuites for these homes.

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“We also have our two-storey homes with single garages. These will have either two or three bedrooms with two-and-a-half baths,” Clark says. “Some of the homes will have the option to develop the basement. This will give homeowners the opportunity for more space for another family room, bedroom and full bathroom. We’re pretty confident we have something for just about everyone.” Like every ZEN development, ZEN in Ravenswood will be as environmentally-sustainable as it is well-designed and sturdily built. “Every ZEN home is stylish, affordable and green,” Clark says. “But what does it mean to be green? It means using building materials and products that reduce your energy costs, improve moisture resistance and provide a healthier living environment. Here are other ways we better-build ZEN townhomes.” Your ZEN townhome is EnerGuide™ rated to show its energy performance. How does this affect you? “Well, you’ll see monthly energy

savings of about 30 per cent. That’s great news for your wallet and the planet.” Heat Recovery Ventilators allow you to breathe easy. Think of them as the lungs of your ZEN home, bringing fresh air in and taking stale air out. Yes, HRVs improve air quality and in winter, the warmth from the air is removed before it’s sent outside. How cool is that? But what’s the use of having great lungs if the air you breathe is toxic? “To ensure the air in your home is clean, we only use paints that have low emissions, improving the air quality inside your home. Now that’s a breath of fresh air,” Clark says. “In winter we keep warm by wearing an insulated overcoat. It’s the same with your ZEN townhome. You may not notice what’s behind the walls but it sure makes for a cozy place to live. After all, home is supposed to be a warm, comforting place.” No homeowner wants moisture, mold or outside noise, so ZEN homes use sturdy and stylish Hardie Boards for exteriors. “When it comes down to it, they’re really durable and more fire retardant than wood. That’s why we use them,” Clark says. Additionally, ZEN in Ravenswood

“What does it mean to be green? It means using building materials and products that reduce your energy costs, improve moisture resistance and provide a healthier living environment…” 38 |

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ZEN specifically offers a low maintenance lifestyle with a home that is so modern and affordable that you can still have a life. will be using a new exterior wall system. “The outside walls will be a double offset 2-by-4 system. This will eliminate thermal bridging, when the heat inside your home escapes through the studs in your walls.” Then, of course, there’s the benefit of living in Airdrie, Canada’s fastest growing community. “It really is the best of both worlds — smaller city living that gives it a great sense of community, but with all of the conveniences of a big city. There are so many stores, restaurants, bars, etc. but for a much lower price tag than in Calgary. Can’t beat it,” Clark adds. ZEN specifically offers a low maintenance lifestyle with a home that is so modern and affordable that you can still have a life, he points out. “Monthly payments are way less than rent. All from a 30-year builder with a proven customer service record. We really care about our customers… we don’t just say that. We want our your new home to be all you wanted it to be.” ZEN in Ravenswood has opened an on-site sales centre at 2400 Ravenswood View and will have show homes available by the summer. For updates, visit their website at www.zeninbalance.com CL

FAST FACTS Community: Ravenswood, Airdrie Project: ZEN in Ravenswood Developer: Avalon Master Builder Style: Single-level garden homes, single-garage two-storey townhomes, and double-garage two-storey townhomes Size: From 1,026 to 1,363 square-feet Price: Starts in the $250,000s Address: 2400 Ravenswood View, Airdrie Directions: North on Deerfoot Tr., turn right on Yankee Valley Blvd., turn right on Kings Heights Gt. and left onto Ravenswood Dr. and follow the signs. Website: Visit www.zeninbalance.com to register and for more information.

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INNeR-CIty sANCtUARy assured communities’ maX elevates inner-city living By pEppEr rOdrIgUEz

ust a couple of blocks off 14 Street S.W. along 28 Avenue, and walking distance to both Marda Loop and the 17th Avenue strip, MAX will proudly exude quiet confidence and casual sophistication. Discriminating buyers are sure to be impressed by the elegant design, oversized living spaces, high-end finishes and executive value. MAX springs from the collaborative effort of some of Calgary’s most established names in the upscale urban residence space: Designed by Jenkins Architecture and built by award-winning Assured Communities, MAX is loaded with features which are amplified by the distinguished style of Paul Lavoie Interior Design. This quality residential development follows Assured Communities’ successful Alex Courtyard Lofts development to the west along 28th Avenue S.W., yet MAX is a leader in its class. “We’ve met lots of purchasers in our urban showrooms who loved the location and the idea of larger, 2-storey apartments — but they wanted more”, said Adrian Fabro, executive vice-president of Assured Communities. “Where Alex was designed for up-and-coming young professional singles and couples, MAX will cater to executive or urban family needs for a bigger inner-city home and even higher interior design specifications.” In unveiling MAX executive townhomes this spring, Assured is introducing a premium,

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boutique townhome complex that will literally bring a new level of executive living to one of the most undervalued neighbourhoods in the inner city. Each distinctive residence offers four full storeys compared to the more common 3-storey plus rooftop deck designs in the area. “MAX is designed for flexibility and ease to accommodate residents with distinctive tastes and high standards”, observed Diane Crossley, who has led the sales team for both projects. The fourth floor can be outfitted as a master retreat, an executive workspace or an opulent lounge to relax and take in the spectacular views from this high vantage point. “Purchasers can add a two-, or three-piece bathroom option as well. It is highly customizable space that can literally and figuratively elevate your lifestyle.” Crossley says. This exceptional project further ‘elevates’ your urban experience by extending you the option of a personal elevator to help you enjoyment all four levels — effortlessly. Imagine the ease of moving groceries from the cars in your private garage to the kitchen at the touch of a button; or dinner guests from your living room to the fourth floor terrace for a night cap without ‘breaking the flow’. Below the fourth floor are two generous bedrooms with ensuites, plus laundry and storage, while the second floor features an open-plan living area with formal living and dining areas flanking a gourmet kitchen. All this sits above a

â&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;CONDO PROFILE

MAX exudes an aura of class and sophistication. Buyers are sure to be impressed by the elegant design, high-end finishings, and stylish exterior design.

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F A S T F ACT S Community: South Calgary Developer: Assured Communities with Jenkins Architecture & Paul Lavoie Design Project: MAX Executive Townhomes Area: South Calgary Style: Four-storey townhomes with double garages Size: Over 1,800 sq. ft. Price: Starts from the $800,000s Sales Centre: 2719 14th Street S.W. Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m., Saturday noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.maxcalgary.ca

private two-car garage, which in itself is a standard-setter among executive urban residences. The two-car tandem garage is almost 600 square-feet, which leaves you more than enough room for a workstation and storage space for bikes, golf clubs, hockey and other sports gear. It also features recessed lighting, epoxy floors with in-floor drainage and hot and cold hose bibs so you can access and maintain your prized ‘toys’ with ease. MAX executive townhomes have a total of 1,800 square-feet of indoor space between the four floors, “but its total livable space is so much more than that,” Crossley says. In addition to the 600-plus-square-foot garage, these magnificent designs boast two large terraces on the main and top floors that provide a further 285 square-feet of outdoor entertaining space. ‘That totals more than 2,600 square-feet of developed space — and all this for well under $1 million!” Although the price is much less than what it would cost to build a similar infill home in this prime location, MAX’s appeal goes well beyond the dollars and cents. It combines thoughtful design, luxurious appointments, sought-after brands, abundant indoor and outdoor living spaces, generous parking and storage. It’s in a great location that provides easy access to universities, urban parks, shopping and entertainment — not to mention just five minutes from downtown. This limited collection of 10 distinctive townhomes reflects an authentic ‘executive value’. Fabro says South Calgary is too often overlooked,

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with greater attention going to larger developments in higher density areas like Kensington, Marda Loop, Mission and Bridgeland. Located just west of toney Mount Royal on the other side of 14th Street, and mid-way between Uptown 17th Avenue and Marda Loop, “MAX packs a lot of space and design into a very strategic location. The rapidly gentrifying community of South Calgary gives residents some of the best city access possible — both 14th Street and nearby Crowchild Trail allow you to travel either north or south in the city with ease”. This will surely appeal to active, professional and discerning buyers looking to expand their living space without sacrificing location, and indulge themselves in higher style without ‘breaking the bank’. Downsizers will also appreciate MAX’s blend of generous proportion and easy access both within their home and around town. “For this type of buyer, MAX offers everything you need and more of what you want from a lifestyle in the inner-city,” Crossley says. Sales launch February 28 with special incentives. Visit the sales centre on 2719 14th Street S.W. for more information. CL

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tHe eAsy HOMe-OWNING OptION

copperfield Park iii offers best opportunity to become a homeowner By darLENE caStEN

he question ‘why rent when you can own?’ has just become much easier to answer. Copperfield Park III by Brad Remington Homes is offering a solution to the renting question that combines quality, livability and affordability in six irresistible show suite models. The developer has created a program to allow its Copperfield Park III customers to pay their down payment monthly while the building is under construction. “Many of our potential purchasers have told us how difficult it is today in the rental market. They really want to own their own home and create equity, but once you’re renting it is hard to save the down payment. We have an answer,” says Bryan Logel, Brad Remington Homes vice president of sales and marketing. It’s a simple process; make payments monthly while the building is under construction versus having to come up with a large sum all at once. Logel says a down payment is often all that stands between renting and home ownership, so they wanted to remove that barrier. He says Calgary’s rental market is in such demand that the cost to rent is often higher than a mortgage of a Copperfield Park III condo. The strategy of providing affordability along with quality has worked like a charm, as the first building of Copperfield Park III sold out in a matter of weeks, and the sales for the second building have been even stronger. “We experienced our longest lineups for the last launch, purchasers were camped out and lined up for days for a chance to buy.” Copperfield Park III will have four four-storey buildings when complete. One-bedroom models are from 565

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The four-storey buildings garner attention with their colourful exteriors, with a brownstone feel, thanks to large sections of bricks. square-feet and start at $149,000 while two-bedroom suites up to 973 square-feet are also available starting from the low $200,000s. Three bedroom designs start in the mid $200,000s. Logel says they have continued to perfect the floor plans by listening to what current Copperfield Park homeowners are telling them. The latest building will have homes with more space, particularly in the bedrooms. Buyers can check out all the models offered in Copperfield Park III by visiting the show homes, which remain open in Copperfield Park II, located at 755 Copperpond Blvd S.E. What can be found are large kitchens that have enough space for elements like an island that doubles as a dining area and space to prepare food. Logel says the Copperfield III kitchens have ample counter space and compares it to what can be found in single-family homes. Other luxuries like granite counters, walk-through closets,

extra storage space and titled parking are some of the creature comforts that come standard. “The homes that Brad Remington builds are affordable, innovative and stylish, for Brad it’s a constant driving force to provide a home people can be proud of, regardless of the price or size” Logel says. Virtual tours of the suite are also available online at www.copperfieldpark.com “Our sales success is based on many things, ultimately people can see themselves living here and we offer them an opportunity to create equity and become homeowners,” Logel says. “ The four-storey buildings garner attention with their colourful exteriors, with a brownstone feel, thanks to large sections of bricks. The latest Copperfield location offers stunning views in all directions. On one side is a

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neighbourhood park and on the other side is a natural wetland, offering play and serenity all right outside your doorstep. Each suite has its own 71- or 72-square-foot deck that is perfect for a barbecue and outdoor lounging that takes in the great views. Besides the views, there is a lot to be said for what is just around the corner, down the street, or a short jaunt away when you are living in Copperfield. “Copperfield sells itself,” Logel says of the two-time community of the year. Living in Copperfield allows residents access to tennis courts, outdoor skating rinks, toboggan hills, baseball and sports fields. A Catholic junior high school is open in the community and a public elementary school is slated to open in September 2016. It’s also not hard to find fun in the area when there are shops, restaurants, pubs, and children’s recreation centres in nearby Mackenzie Town or on 130th Avenue. The brand new south Calgary health campus, in adjacent community Auburn Bay, provides emergency services, obstetrics and many other medical services for south Calgary residents. Getting around Calgary from Copperfield is already easy with quick access to major connectors like 52nd Street and Deerfoot Trail and will get even easier when 130th Avenue is connected to Stoney Trail. So hop on a major thoroughfare and make your way southeast to see what Copperfield Park III has to offer. CL

F A S T F ACT S Community: Copperfield Project: Copperfield Park III developer: Brad Remington Homes Style: Apartment condos Size: From 565 sq. ft. one-bedroom, to 973 sq. ft. two-bedrooms Price: From $149,900 plus GST Address: 755 Copperpond Blvd. S.E. directions: East on 130 Ave. S.E. to Copperpond Blvd S.E Website: www.copperfieldpark.com

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A lasting

Legacy F

rom a one-bedroom condo to million-dollar mansion on a ridge, Legacy has a home to suit any lifestyle in any stage of life. In fact, the southeast community’s timelessness is its lasting legacy. Legacy has it all — from a bachelor’s pad, to stylish family-oriented estate homes, to a snowbird’s lock-and-leave nest — it is a community you can certainly set roots in and never have to leave, says Jared Goldade, the development manager of WestCreek Developments. And it’s all coming together faster than expected.

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There’s a home for everyone in WestCreek’s Legacy By pepper rodriguez

“Legacy now has over 1,000 serviced lots. There are an additional 500 plus coming in 2015. The community is really filling in great and residents can start to feel that are not living in a construction zone,” Goldade tells Condo Living. “Our first phase is virtually sold out and we are already into Phase 8 and 9.” Legacy will have around 7,000 homes on build out. Even more welcome news is that Legacy is now getting a Calgary Catholic School Board High School, which is expected to open in the 2017-2018 school year. “Westcreek is extremely excited for the residents of Legacy and all of southeast Calgary where there is a real need for additional schools,” Goldade says.

What has made Legacy stand out is that WestCreek chose to prioritize building their amenity areas to give buyers a better idea of the kind of lifestyle that awaits them in Legacy. “We wanted to establish the feel of the community. So it was important for us to have the parks, entrance features and landscaping done so that people can already visualize the community they will be living in. We wanted to make buyers proud of the community, so we put all that work on developing these features up front,” Goldade says. The appealing entrance feature calls to mind ancient Roman ruins, as well as a clock tower that captures the timeless quality of the land are already in place, as are some of its parks and pathways. “There is a great response to Legacy and I think that people are really buying into the vision of Legacy,” Goldade says, adding that the entrance feature really set the theme of timeless architecture and timeless building materials as they are made with real stone. “The building materials used in Legacy is an important issue for us as we are trying to construct a community that looks as good today as it will 20 years in the future.” The more than 1,000-acre community located just off Macleod Trail and 210 Avenue S.E. is blessed to have one of the most interesting topographies in the city. It sits on an escarpment at least 150-feet above the Bow River, and has Pine Creek running by it. Legacy’s connection to nature is underscored by a 300-acres natural environment reserve at its very heart. “We will have 15 kilometres of pathways running through Legacy, these are dedicated walkways that run through the green space and

“We will have 15 kilometres of pathways running through Legacy, these are dedicated walkways that run through the green space and not sidewalks. This just emphasizes our commitment to get our residents to fully enjoy Legacy’s strong connection to nature.” CO N D O L I V I N G m a rc h 2015

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not sidewalks,” Goldade points out. “This just emphasizes our commitment to get our residents to fully enjoy Legacy’s strong connection to nature.” Legacy also has one of the most extensive home builder partners in Calgary, gathering 15 of the most prestigious names around offering everything from condos in the $350,000s to estate homes from the $700,000s. There are a lot of things to look forward to in Legacy this year. On the single-family side of the community, Legacy will be opening new show homes in the move-up market this year. “Sterling Homes, Calbridge Homes, Stepper Custom Homes, Trico Homes, and WestCreek Homes have all recently opened or will be opening new show homes,” Goldade says. “In addition we will start construction on our escarpment show homes for the high-end market in 2015.” There are currently five single-family show home parades open in Legacy. The community also has seven multi-family projects that have either started or are about to start. Homes by Avi, Innovations by Jayman, and Trico Homes have townhome projects, while Carlisle Group and Brad Remington Homes will have apartment style condos. “Legacy truly is a timeless community for a lifetime. You can buy your first home and upgrade to your dream home. This is what we would like people to really see about Legacy,” Goldade says. CL

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F A S T F ACT S Community: Legacy Developer: WestCreek Developments BUILDERS: Multi-family: Carlisle Group, Homes by Avi, Innovations by Jayman, Trico Homes, Brad Remington Homes Single-family: Albi Homes, Calbridge Homes, Lifestyle Homes, Morrison Homes, Shane Homes, Stepper Custom Homes, StoneHedge Homes, Sterling Homes, Trico Homes, WestCreek Homes Price: Condos from the $130,000s, semi-detached homes from the $350,000s, laned homes from the $400,000s, move-up homes from the $500,000s, and estate from the $700,000s directions: South on Macleod Tr. and left on 210th Avenue and follow the signs Hours: Check with specific show homes. But usually Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.legacylife.ca

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| LIFESTYLE

Colour your world Prestwick condo dweller prefers vibrant hues to personalize home Story by Darlene Casten Photos by Don Molyneaux

lay Betker scoffs at the notion of a hint of colour and jeers at the idea of a simple pop of colour. For this architectural designer, it has to be an explosion of colour! Clay isn’t shy when it comes to throwing around colour, whether its paint on the walls, or the paintings he hangs on his walls. Clay’s mantra can best be summed up by a custom piece of art that hangs in his living room. Nanaimo painter Grant Leier’s glossy and colourful piece is framed in with the words ‘live with intent and colour your life’. Clay couldn’t agree more. He took a vibrant shade of green from the painting and used three tones of it for the paint on his walls. He says after two or three years in the two-bedroom 1,200-square-foot condo, the beige walls were starting to close in on him and he just went for it, using an olive green sparingly and a medium-toned and spring green more liberally. “I like colour,” he says. “Don’t stick with the usual.” Although Clay is a proponent of using colour, he cautions that furniture should be kept more neutral to allow for an ever-changing colour palette in the rest of the house. “Be smart with your furniture choices,” he advises. Clay Betker “It’s smarter to keep it simple and use pillows and paint to change the look.”

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Marrying vintage pieces with a modern esthetic can work, he proves, displaying precious items handed down from this grandfather with modern artwork. In his living room he chose a simple black leather sofa and has one tufted-back retro red chair as his statement piece. Versatility is also important when it comes to choosing furniture, he says. His dining room table, made of medium-toned rubber tree wood, can convert from a four-chair square into an eight. He was able to match up the colour of his side table by buying at a custom furniture store, where you can choose your stain and finish. “Wood never goes out of date,” he says. When Clay and his former partner saw the colonial style condo in Mackenzie Towne’s Prestwick neighbourhood they were able to look past the bland colour on the walls to the wall-to-wall windows that are flanked with patios on either end. One of the patios is small, perfect for an outdoor kitchen, and the other long and spacious, providing space to lounge in the summer. A huge window in the entryway and a skylight in the spare room, which serves as his office, also spoke to him. Since he works from home, he said it was very important to have lots of natural lighting.

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“I like to have lots of light during the day,” he says. When the sun goes down Clay still wants his lighting to have a presence. He updated his fixtures with sepia toned globes that harken to the ‘20s and ‘30s and uses Edison bulbs to complete the look. In his bedroom, the only room that sticks mainly to a black and white palette, with the use of Ansel Adams photos, his lighting comes from a simple small tripod light with an Edison bulb. Marrying vintage pieces with a modern esthetic can work, he proves, displaying precious items handed down from his grandfather with modern artwork. Ten years ago if you told Clay he would be redecorating a new place in an outlying southeast neighborhood, he says he likely wouldn’t have believed it. When Clay was looking for a new place, he narrowed his search down to the beltline and surround-

| LIFESTYLE

ing areas and ended up considering Mackenzie Towne in hopes of getting away from a few of the pitfalls of urban living. He said in the end the suburbs won out because it lacked the noise and parking issues, while offering the walkability and close amenities you find downtown. “During the week, I don’t really use the car at all,” he says. “I just like all the availability around here,” Clay says. Right across the street are banks and grocery store and a little further down the walking paths are the pubs, restaurants and unique shops that Mackenzie Town is known for. “Its amazing the night life with High Street,” he says. “There’s more and more stuff coming in all the time.” The vibe that comes from people being able to get around by foot is exactly what Clay was looking for. “There’s a people dimension to this place,” he explains. And if you can’t find what you are looking for right in Mackenzie Towne, there are plenty more restaurants,

grocery stores, big box stores and smaller specialty stores a short drive away on 130th Avenue, he notes. Getting away from it all is also a short jaunt away, Clay adds. Getting to Calgary’s largest nature retreat is 10 minutes away by bike, he says. “You can get over to Fish Creek Park so fast,” he says. When it comes down to it Clay says his Mackenzie Towne condo allows him to enjoy the things that are important to him, as recorded in his favourite Leier painting, which also reads: ‘Love life and celebrate often’. CL

The vibe that comes from people being able to get around by foot is exactly what Clay was looking for.

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| a day in kensington

Sidewalk Citizen Bakery

Be enchanted by the village vibe of this inner-city hotspot

Captivating Kensington By Shelley Boettcher

appy dogs wag their tails. Little kids skip along the sidewalk, while their parents gossip in the sun. Everywhere, people walk. Some are armin-arm. Some hold fragrant coffees or freshly squeezed juices. Still others carry grocery bags and briefcases, on their way home after shopping or work. Welcome to Kensington, one of Calgary’s most popular — and oldest — communities. “Tricycles, dogs on a leash, moms with baby carriages, young men and women riding or walking to work, business owners who know their customers by name,” says Nancy Carten, owner of Kensington Wine Market. “This is Kensington, a ‘small-town gem,’ literally, in the middle of one of Canada’s most dynamic cities.” Indeed, Kensington is technically the term for the Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) that straddles Hillhurst and Sunnyside, two of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Located in the city’s northwest, Hillhurst-Sunnyside is just north from the downtown core, across the Bow River.

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Peasant Cheese Shop Sidewalk Citizen Bakery

Sunnyside Natural Market Manana Imports and Gifts

New Age Books and Crystals Crave Cupcakes

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Cococo Chocolatiers

| a day in kensington

Established in 1914, Hillhurst was developed after land homesteaded by Ezra Riley — who now lends his name to Riley Park — was sold to the city. And Sunnyside was initially developed by the Canadian Pacific Railway, which built workers’ homes in the area; a street car line, located along Second Avenue N.W., transported CPR employees to and from work. These days, Hillhurst-Sunnyside is a mix of stately older homes, tiny cottages, new in-fills and condos. In Riley Park in summer, you can watch cricket players or cool off in the wading pool, or enjoy a free concert on the outdoor stage. As for the amenities, it is literally a community with everything: grocery stores, public transit, yoga, bike shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants, wine shops and more.

Find dining

Start your day with a coffee and a bagel from Higher Ground (1126 Kensington Road. N.W.). This family-owned coffee house is a favourite amongst locals. Curl up by the fireplace on a chilly day, or sit outside on a warm afternoon. Bonus: all the coffee is internationally certified organic, shade-grown and fair-trade. Plan a meal at Vero Bistro (209 10th Street N.W.) for the drool-worthy Italian-French-inspired dishes from chef/owner Jenny Chan. Go for brunch on the weekend, a romantic evening or a casual gathering with friends. Down the street, Osteria de Medici (201 Tenth Street N.W.) has long been a favourite with Calgarians who like white-tablecloth dining. The wine list is impressive, and so are the pillowy gnocchi. Save room for a cupcake from Crave Cookies and Cupcakes (1109 Kensington Road N.W.). Pick one, two, any. They’re all delicious and, by press time, the newly renovated and expanded space may be open, too. And then pick up chocolate (try a Leopold — so tasty!) at Cococo Chocolatiers (1123 Kensington Road N.W.) If you prefer something healthier, stop in at Wild & Raw Superfood and Juice Bar (1119 Kensington Road N.W.). As the name suggests, you’ll find foods with ingredients sourced from the wild. Food with organic ingredients. And superfoods, too. A favourite: Electric Lemonade, made with lemon, coconut water, sea salt, honey and other good stuff.

Get entertained

Calgary Cinematique (calgarycinema.org) screens a lot of its season here, too. A must for real film fans. Afterward, walk to the Oak Tree Tavern (124 Tenth Street N.W.), where you can have a pint or two and enjoy live music — blues, alt-country or rock — a few nights a week. Thursdays are Trash, Twang and Thunder nights. The name says it all.

Go shopping

Those in the know have long headed to Another Dimension Comics (424B Tenth Street N.W.), one of Canada’s biggest and best-known comic shops. Renowned artists often hold signings here, and you’ll find comic-related collectibles, too. Dreaming of the Tour de France? Or just want an eco-friendly way to commute to work? The cheerful staff at Ridley’s Cycle (223 10th Street N.W.) can help you find what you need. Stop by Manana Imports and Gifts (1132 Kensington Road N.W.) for textiles, jewelry and clothing from around the world. And New Age Books and Crystals (142 Tenth Street N.W.) has an incredible selection journals, jewelry candles and books. Livingstone and Cavell Extraordinary Toys (1124 Kensington Road N.W.) is a must, whether you want a cool toy for a quirky grownup or awesome somethings for your favourite little ones. Maybe wine is more your style. Or scotch. Or beer. In addition to beer from around the world (even Iceland) and fine wines, Kensington Wine Market (1257 Kensington Road N.W.) has one of Canada’s finest whisky selections, too. Then pick up appetizers at Peasant Cheese (1249 Kensington Road N.W.). Proprietor Crystal McKenzie and her staff have a phenomenal selection of cheese, and their olives, charcuterie and other comestibles are worth a taste, too. Finally, stop at Sunnyside Natural Market/Sidewalk Citizen Bakery (338 Tenth Street N.W.) for ingredients — beautiful bread, an array of salads, fine organic chocolate and locally grown produce — to make a healthy and delicious dinner. You’ll need it, after all the exploring you’ve done. CL

It is literally a community with everything…

Kensington’s oldest commercial building is the Plaza Theatre (1133 Kensington Road N.W, a city favourite for more than 70 years. Stop in to see what’s coming up: classics on the big screen, a Hollywood hit or films from around the world. CO N D O L I V I N G m a rc h 2015

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| feature

Secret Calgary Our city may still be relatively unknown to the world, but maybe not for long By Richard White

n the January 15, 2015 edition of Metro Calgary, columnist Mike Morrison lamented that when he was recently in New York City (NYC) no one he talked to had heard of Calgary. I, too, have lamented at the lack of awareness of Calgary when visiting other cities, but then my friends at Tourism Calgary are also quick to remind me of some facts — Calgary was ranked #17 on the New York Times’ list of “52 Places to Go” and Alberta #9 on the UK’s Guardian “Holiday Hotspots” in 2014. Another fact — in 2014 Calgary was added to the Ultimate Sports City shortlist the de facto benchmark of top sport cities around

the world. Now, Calgary has joined Vancouver as the only two Canadian cities on the list. Perhaps we are being a bit too hard on ourselves. Perhaps we are being too impatient. As the Guardian said, “Calgary has gone from cowboy town to cosmopolitan cool.” YES! People are starting to notice!

High Line vs. +15

Morrison, like many others who have visited NYC recently are “gaga” over the city’s new iconic High Line project, an abandoned railway track converted into an elevated linear park with a great urban vibe. I like to remind people Calgary created its High Line in 1970, over 40 years before NYC. While some like to criticize the +15 system (60 bridges connect over 100 buildings to create a 20 kilometre elevated

Photo courtesy Tourism Calgary

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feature | +15. Photo by Richard White

[The +15 system] could become our postcard like the canals of Venice or the alleys of Melbourne — it is all about how you look at it.

walkway) for sucking the life out of the streets, I say it is the one really unique urban element our downtown has and it should be something we embraced not apologize for. Why is it everybody raves about Montreal’s underground system, but not our 20-kilometre overhead walkway? Both are full of cafés, shops and restaurants, but the +15 also offers more — public art, a mega indoor garden and amazing urban vistas. Harold Hanen, the +15 visionary, saw it as a logical adaptation to our long cold winter. The +15 system could become a great tourist attraction if we would stop “bashing” it and start promoting its unique views of our ever-changing downtown. It could become our postcard like the canals of Venice or the alleys of Melbourne — it is all about how you look at it.

Visionaries

Peace Bridge. Photo courtesy Tourism Calgary

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Morrison shudders to think what Calgary would look like without visionaries like Councilor Druh Farrell (Peace Bridge, Memorial Drive, East Village and new Library), Andrew Mosker (National Music Centre) and the people at Canada Municipal Land Corporation (East Village, St. Patrick’s Island and Riverwalk). He laments that too many people are standing in the way of these

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visionaries and questions all of the petty squabbling about bike lanes, transit and disabled schools. I choose to focus on what we have accomplished to attract what he calls “new blood.” For example, Myrna Dube and the Calgary Parks Foundation’s visionary new Rotary/ Mattamy Greenway, a 138-kilometre pathway that will circle the city connecting over 100 suburban communities (over 300,000 people, 25 per cent of the city’s population). It is easily the equivalent of NYC’s High Line, just more suburban than urban in nature.

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Attracting new blood

This leads to Morrison’s question, “has anyone moved here because it is super car-friendly or because of its endless suburbs?” And his opinion is “probably not.” In fact, one of Calgary’s advantages over Vancouver and Toronto (there are many) is that newcomers can buy a large family house for hundreds of thousands of dollars less and be just a 30-minute car commute from work. Remember — not everyone can — or wants to — walk, cycle or take transit to work. And, though it might be a tough pill to swallow for urban missionaries, not everyone wants to live in dense high-rise communities like Manhattan. People are surprised when I tell them that on a per capita basis, Calgary has as many people living within 4 km of its downtown — seven per cent of the metro population. But not to worry, urban evangelists, Calgary has one of the most aggressive urbanization programs of any city in the world with a population under two million — Bridges, Currie Barracks, East Village, Greenwich, Inglewood Brewery, Quarry

Park, SETON, Westbrook Station, West Campus and West District. Collectively, they will provide urban homes for approximately 100,000 people and work places for 60,000+ in diverse, dense, vibrant urban neighbourhoods. All of this is in addition to Calgary’s existing urban districts — Beltline, Eau Claire, Downtown West, Mission, Kensington and Inglewood, the latter of which was named Canada’s greatest neighbourhood by the Canadian Institute of Planners in 2014 (with Kensington being a finalist). Great cities provide a diversity of communities for people to choose from. I would argue the Calgary region has a nice mix of urban, established, master planned suburban communities, acreages and small towns for a city its size. We must be doing something right as Calgary is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 livable cities in the world — NYC is not in the top 10. In 2014, the Economist had Calgary tied for fifth, only 1 point out of first place as of the world’s “most livable” cities.

Above: Princeton Eau Claire and Eau Claire Estates. Photo by Melissa Ladner Inset: Rotary/ Mattamy Greenway obstacle course rendering. Photo courtesy Rotary Mattamy Greenway

Last word

Obviously, what makes a city attractive is different for different people, and different at different times in their life. No city can be all things to all people. Calgary is still in its formative (teenage) years, so yes, we still have a lot of growing up to do. But, we should also be proud of what we have accomplished! CL

We must be doing something right as Calgary is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 livable cities in the world — NYC is not in the top 10. CO N D O L I V I N G m a rc h 2015

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New innovations in faucet design bring style and functionality to home

Delta faucet from Canyon Plumbing

Tap that By kathy mccormick

t started centuries ago as a simple pump whose pipe ran down into the earth to reach that precious commodity — water. Today, the venerable faucet is far more than a source of water: it’s a work of art. “It’s all about the aesthetics,” says Jason Chupik, president of Canyon Plumbing & Heating, one of the leading suppliers of plumbing fixtures in Calgary and a company that many of the larger home builders use in their new homes. “They need to be fashionable and fit in with the home’s décor.” That’s important, agrees Don Samson of Allan Forrest Sales, which distributes plumbing and heating products in Alberta, including Delta faucets to Canyon. “The faucet is the workhorse of the home. It’s one of the most used fixtures for sure — and it’s in the kitchen which is the busiest part of the home. That’s where the party is, so

“The faucet is the workhorse of the home. It’s one of the most used fixtures for sure — and it’s in the kitchen which is the busiest part of the home. That’s where the party is, so the faucet today is the conversation piece.” 74 |

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the faucet today is the conversation piece.” Today’s styles have changed dramatically from years gone by, with everything from sleek and curvy contemporary, to minimalist looks, to traditional and the popular transitional style. And faucet finishes range from stainless steel, to polished brass, and even solid gold. “They can range anywhere to $200 installed for a pull-out faucet, or $250 installed for a pulldown model, to well over $1,500 for high-end faucets — or more for the gold. The sky’s the limit,” says Chupik. Without installation, a faucet ranges from $30 to $450, says Kelly Wells, associate merchant, kitchens and baths, for Home Depot Canada. “The faucets in the higher price ranges can come with electronic touch features and electronic soap dispensers — a new innovation coming to Home Depot in June.” The Home Depot Canada carries not only Delta, but other national brands like Moen, American Standard, Kohler, and Pfister, along with their own brand Glacier Bay.

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And it’s all about those special features that set the faucets today apart from the hand pumps of yesteryear. “Innovation in faucet electronics is hot right now,” says Wells. And manufacturers aren’t disappointing. The pull-out and pull-down faucets today are the biggest innovation, says Samson — and Delta faucets lead the way, says Chupik. “Delta is the top kitchen brand because of the innovation, the technology and the breadth of the line,” says Chupik. “They look at everything — and it’s at a competitive price. “There are few things you use more in the home than the faucet, so the wear-and-tear can be pretty hard on them. For that reason, you want to choose one that is not only beautiful, but functional and practical as well — suited to your needs and the use,” Chupik says. The latest innovation in pull-down faucets actually has a “docking station” included, says Samson. Located at the point of the faucet where the hose pulls down, it is a simple

magnet technology to snap and secure the wand in place so it doesn’t dangle, as is sometimes the problem with the pull-down models. The ‘touch’ technology adds even more to the functionality — and it’s certainly miles ahead of the frustrating wave of your hands under the cold water taps at football stadiums. “Today’s technology is so sophisticated that you only need touch the faucet anywhere with your body to get it going,” Samson says. If you’ve just kneaded bread, you don’t have to spend as much time cleaning your faucet as you do your pans when you’re done. No touch; no mess. “You don’t contaminate the faucet by touching it with dirty hands,” Chupik adds. “It’s cleaner, safer and more hygienic.” Some of the other new technologies make life easier, says Wells. “The Home Depot Canada aims to be a leader in innovation with products such as faucets featuring an invisible coating that resists finger prints and water spots and will save customers time and effort when cleaning. On top of that, some of the stainless-steel faucets come with an anti-bacterial coating to also resist spots and keep the faucet cleaner.”

TOP: Moen Sullivan Pullout. Photo courtesy Home Depot. ABOVE: Photo courtesy Canyon Plumbing. “Faucets featuring an invisible coating that resists finger prings and water spots will save customers time and effort when cleaning. On top of that, some of the stainless-steel faucets come with an anti-bacterial coating to also resist spots and keep the faucet cleaner.”

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Photos on this page are Delta Faucets from Canyon Plumbing.

At Delta, a newer technology has just come out that’s • If you are replacing a faucet, consider the number great for kids and seniors in particular. A small light at of holes that are pre-existing in the solid-surface the base of some of the faucet models shows the tem- countertop. “This might affect what type of fauperature of the water coming out — red, obviously is cet you can purchase. However, both one-hole hot, blue is cold — a great safety feature. and two-hole faucets come with deck plates that Delta has also made its name with its Diamond Seal allow for conversion to three- and four holes. For technology — a special diamond-coated ceramic valve example while many faucets can be used in either inside the taps that offer a smoother and more a one- or three-hole configuration, if a two- or leak-proof operation, says Samson. four-hole configuration is present, you will need For the luxury homes, special faucets to consider the addition of something such as a include the “Pot Fillers” — industrial soap dispenser to fill the other holes.” taps that are sometimes placed • Consider the placement and style of the faucet. over stoves, coming directly out “Being able to reach all corners for cleaning is of the wall to fill large pots, or something to keep in mind. As an example, do other sink faucets in a large not put a swivel-spout faucet off to one side. Pullarch with a high-pressure noz- down faucets come in a range of heights and can zle with a lever to up the flow of be selected to match the scale of the sink.” water to help scrub pots. Just • One important consideration for Calgary comes beware, says Chupik. Some from Samson. “The cold water is not on a water of those models have the softener, so the kitchen faucet will be subject to water under such pressure more hard water here. As a result, because of its you could have a mess in a frequent use, be conscious of that and invest in big hurry if you turned those on without due care! a good faucet that will last.” Some other considerations when picking out a new Care of the faucet is relatively easy, say the exfaucet for your kitchen: perts. “Keep it simple,” says Wells. “Clean with a • Consider where the sink is placed before you buy, says soft cloth and bit of detergent and just wipe it dry.” Wells. “Look for any obstructions behind the sink like Adds Chupik: “Because of the finish, it won’t a window,” says Wells. “This might affect the ability to require abrasives. The faucet finish isn’t invincible, properly clean the area.” but it’s very, very durable.” CL

Care of the faucet is relatively easy, say the experts. “Keep it simple. Clean with a soft cloth and a bit of detergent and just wipe it dry.” 76 |

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| Style

International style trends

Design trends and style tips from the 2015 Toronto International Design Show

By David Crosson

recently had the pleasure of once again attending the Interior Design Show in Toronto, IDS15, which is a must-see for Canadian interior professionals looking for inspiration. The show is a great mix of both current and up-and-coming offerings and is, if nothing else, a great conversation starter when it comes to matters of design. Here are a few noteworthy prospects I selected for keeping an eye on at this year’s show.

BRIGHT INDUSTRIAL Reclaimed and industrial motifs are nothing new in interior design but they are being approached in a fresh new way through crayon-bright colours. Take, for example, Marco Pecota’s stunning line of furniture fashioned of wood and enameled steel in such gutsy hues as orange, aqua and fire-engine red, among others. Similarly, Rubinet — already in the forefront of coloured bathroom fittings — has added joyful flourishes to components within its line, be they turquoise handles on a vintage-inspired faucet or a cherry-red shower head that looks like it came straight out of a 1950s YMCA locker room. Delightful.

Rubinet, a frontrunner in brightly hued fixtures, offers flourishes of colour to bring new life to traditional, utilitarian silhouettes. Courtesy The Rubinet Faucet Company.

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Style | Conjuring the double helix of DNA, Spanish manufacturer Parachilna’s Anwar series pendant fixtures were a fabulous focal point in Lightform’s IDS booth. Photo courtesy Parachilna.

bring a pendant fixture to life, the resulting dirigible-shaped light covered in exquisite, frost-like facets generated collaboratively by an artist’s mind and a computer’s logic. Even old-fashioned 2D technology continues to dazzle, through digital printing on rugs and fabrics that not only fool the eye but our sense of touch as well. Rug manufacturer W Studio uses this to great advantage to create unique and exuberant offerings for all tastes.

Transitional is a term used for a style that can comfortably exist in both modern and traditional settings. Interestingly, this “Switzerland” of the design world was notable absent at IDS15. ADVANCED GEOMETRY At one time, geometric influences were relegated to the expected roster of rectangles, squares, circles and triangles. IDS15 showcased a whole new crop of mathematically complex shapes, whether they were trapezoidal components of a hair-on-hide chair in the Prototype/Studio North section or spectacular pendant fixtures from Lightform that conjured the double-helix formation of DNA. So many more examples peppered the show floor and offered wonderful solutions for infusing life into rooms, especially those functioning under the dictates of harsh right angles. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The role of technology continues to advance in the world of interior design in so many exciting ways. Stunning end tables showcased by Vancouver-based Quake demonstrated this handily, with intricate whorls and loops laser-cut into enameled steel cylinders to suggest bark. At Dystil, designer Dominik Gmeiner used a 3D printer to

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IT FELT RIGHT This could be a by-product of some of the ‘70s themes we’re seeing at the moment but felted fabrics were in abundance at IDS15 in the form of upholstery, objects and even straps that helped secure mirrors to walls. Known for its durability and heathered visual depth, this (re)emerging material is one to watch — and embrace — in 2015 and beyond. Studio Lulo designer Jose Navarrete even chose a spectacular chromium yellow felt to showcase the elegantly spare Cosmo sofa he had on display, a clever choice that made the beautiful lines of his modular pieces truly shine. BACK TO THE FUTURE Transitional is a term used for a style that can comfortably exist in both modern and traditional settings. Interestingly, this “Switzerland” of the design world was notably absent (or, at least, diminished) at IDS15, with exhibitor offerings firmly staking a claim in one camp or the other. More interesting still, the ratio seemed to skew slightly more towards a new version of traditional, somewhat pared back to its essential elements but still relatively staid nonetheless. Even IKEA, which usually showcases kitchens at IDS, opted for a two trad/one mod ratio and the results didn’t disappoint. (Note: their new Sektion line of cabinetry is stunning and coming soon to

| Style Left: Liz Eeuwes’ charming wares, influenced by the muted colours of 1940s print work, exemplified a new generation of greyed pastels. Photo by Liz Eeuwes. Below: Studio Lulo designer Jose Navarrete selected vibrant yellow felt to showcase his stunning modular “Cosmo” sofa at IDS15. Photo courtesy Studio Lulo bottom right: Traditional tipped the scales when IKEA showcased their new Sektion kitchen line at Toronto’s Interior Design Show. Courtesy IKEA Canada.

a store near you.) From tiles and textiles to faucets and furniture, everything old is new again and, speaking as a guy who’s mad for trad, I couldn’t be happier. HYPHENATED HUES For those familiar with the colour wheel, we are definitely trending towards the tertiary. What I call the “roommates” of the design world — hues such as blue-green, red-orange and yellow-green — stepped out in grand style at this year’s show, turning up in everything from glass to fabric to appliances. Also present were pale, chalky colours that picked up where last year’s pastels left off, this time around more greyed and sophisticated than their more juvenile cousins. Designer Liz Eeuwes used the toned-down palette of 1940s print work as a jumping-off point for her lovely, whimsical accessories that were widely embraced by IDS attendees. Regardless of tint/shade/tone, 2015 looks like it will prove to be a colourful year for, well, colour and I am thrilled to see more consumers taking the plunge. In uncertain economic times we generally see optimistic yearnings reflected in our colour choices and by all indications the future will be bright for those with patience. Now if we can just get basic black (read: oil) to cooperate with the rest of the spectrum we’ll all be laughing… CL CO N D O L I V I N G m a rc h 2015

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| News

Housing Outlook CHBA – Alberta predicitions for 2015

oncerns about falling oil prices and Alberta’s economy in 2015 are real and were highlighted by Premier Jim Prentice in his December 15 announcement that the government would immediately seek to control spending by limiting hiring, purchasing, travel, training and discretionary grants. The Premier also announced he would lead a new seven-member committee to work on the provincial budget to be announced in the spring. “This is not budgeting as usual,” Prentice said. CHBA – Alberta Economic Analyst Richard Goatcher has prepared an analysis to assist home builders and buyers plan for a period when concern over the impact of lower resource prices on all sectors of the economy will dominate provincial debate. Here are some of the highlights.

What we see as 2014 draws to a close:

richard goatcher Economic Analyst, CHBA – Alberta

• Statistics Canada’s labour force survey numbers in November showed little impact of the recent drop in world oil prices. Building permit numbers in October were also still robust across the province. • Capital spending plans are getting trimmed in the oil patch. This will impact employment in Calgary first. Elsewhere later on. • High levels of economic uncertainly will persist into the new year. • The Edmonton region will be more vulnerable to provincial government belt-tightening than the rest of Alberta.

What past experiences tell us about today’s economic situation:

• CMHC’s next forecast comes out in mid-February. They will make adjustments based on the year-end stats. • Multi-family high-rise projects in Calgary and Edmonton are likely the most at risk because their completion dates are a long way off.

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• When the property markets turned in Alberta in mid-2007 there were many apartments underway but in a lot of cases the financial trouble for the developers didn’t arise until 2009-2010 when the buildings were completed and the construction loans were due to be paid out. This scenario, should it be repeated, will again take time to develop. • In 2007, we saw a lot of unsophisticated investors (speculators) in Edmonton and Calgary flee the resale condo markets and active listings soared. We don’t believe there has been as much speculative activity this time round because we have not seen the historic price gains we saw in 2005 and 2006.

Predictions on Migration and Housing Starts:

MIGRATION: • CMHC’s 2014 fourth quarter forecast calls for a 9 per cent drop from 2013 peak levels in total migration based on what they saw in the first half of the year. We’ll see the third quarter numbers before Christmas and the final 2014 numbers around March 21st. Based on the Labour Force survey numbers to November, this 2014 forecast still seems reasonable. • In 2015, CMHC calls for a 19 per cent drop in total migration to 64,000 persons. This is well above the average for 2005-2013 so we think the risk is on the downside. This is because Alberta’s economic growth will slow relative to the rest of Canada so there will be less incentive to move here. • The 2015 migration number could easily approach the 2015-2013 average of around 55,000. That would be a big come-down from 79,000 this year.

TOTAL HOUSING STARTS: • The 12 per cent gain over 2013 in CMHC’s recently forecasted 2014 all area starts number (as opposed to urban) seems reasonable. This final number won’t be published until mid-January because it is released quarterly. However, urban (10,000+ cities) starts were up 14 per cent to the end of November. • The 7 per cent decline forecasted by CMHC in 2015 is largely due to the expectation of fewer multi-family starts in Calgary — which will hit a record this year. We think there is plenty of downside risk to that number, especially if MLS condo listings start to surge as some investors seek to exit the market. • Based on the negative sentiment for growth in the provincial economy in 2015, the total starts number might be closer to what CMHC had forecast for 2016 (around 35,000) which is still well above the average for 2009-2013.

Our view on job creation in 2015:

• CMHC’s fourth quarter forecast calls for job creation of around 2.2 per cent provincially in 2015 (down from 2.8 per cent this year). • Two months ago this would seem reasonable but now seems too optimistic. • Job creation in Alberta could be easily drop to the 1-1.5 per cent range in 2015 but could get closer to zero if WTI stays low and the provincial government cuts deep in the spring budget.

information provided courtesy: richard goatcher, economic analyst for chBa – alberta. email: richard.goatcher@chbalberta.ca

chmc FOrEcaSt taBLES - 2014 FOUrth QUartEr hOUSINg markEt OUtLOOk total annual housing starts alBerta - all areas

chmc 4th Quarter 2014 Forecast Year

Alberta Net Migration

yr/yr net +/- Change

% Change

Units

% Change

2005

62,106

26,636

75.1%

2005

40,847

2006

70,673

8,597

13.8%

2006

48,962

2007

44,635

-26,063

-36.8%

2007

48,336

-1.3%

2008

56,985

12,350

27.7%

2008

29,164

-39.7%

2009

28,957

-28,028

-49.2%

2009

20,298

-30.4%

2010

21,677

-7,280

-25.1%

2010

27,088

33.5%

2011

45,587

23,910

110.3%

2011

25,704

-5.1%

2012

78,838

33,251

72.9%

2012

33,396

29.9%

2013

86,922

8,084

10.3%

2013

36,011

7.8%

Average 2005-13

19.9%

Average 55,153

2009-13

28,499

2014F

79,000

-7,922

-9.1%

2014F

2015F

64,000

-15,000

-19.0%

2015F

48,962

-7.4%

2016F

58,000

-6,000

-9.4%

2016F

48,962

-4.3%

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40,400

12.2%

| news

what calgary Builders and develoPers say. . . Falling oil prices has put the housing industry in calgary on edge, but it’s a more wait-and-see attitude that prevails among its home builders and developers.

jONathaN aLLEN President calgary urban equities

slowing oF sales velocity for both new and pre-owned homes is predictable over the short term. Purchasers may delay their decisions in anticipation of price drops, however the calgary market continues to be undersupplied for multi-family housing in the short term as well. this means that most developers of multi-family product that is scheduled to deliver occupancy in 2015 and 2016 will likely not reduce prices and when the market realizes this, purchasers who cannot defer their decision for more than a few months can be expected to act before the end of the year. developer projects, which are currently in the planning or early pre-construction sales phases may extend their timelines pending greater certainty around price levels and absorption. some developers have purchased

F course Builders in our city and chBa – calgary region continue to monitor the economic conditions in our province and the drop in oil prices that have affected the world. we are watchful and ready to alter business plans to adjust to the new reality quickly. But it still remains to be seen if this is a permanent, or at least prolonged, situation. yes, we are cautious; yes, we are watchful. But it is still early and not time to jump to conclusions. we believe consumers have adopted

land at higher prices in late 2013 and 2014 for projects which may no longer appear economic at the moment, however they are unlikely to ‘dump’ these sites and more likely to hold on for improved market conditions. land prices are therefore expected to remain ‘sticky’ and not decline. all this will have a supportive effect for pricing and delivery of projects, which are currently under construction and / or nearing completion. it will also support condo pricing in the medium term as the risk of oversupply in 2017 and beyond is diminished with fewer projects commencing construction in 2015 than might otherwise have been the case if the oil price shock and ‘ripple effect’ had not occurred.

a wait-and-see attitude as the negativity and uncertaintly prevail. and that is no more than good business sense. we believe there are still strong economic indicators in the province. we believe there is still pent-up demand to house the rcord number of people who came to calgary last year. last year was a record for housing starts, so it’s unrealistic to think they would remain that high.

WayNE cOpELaNd

President canadian home Builders’ association – calgary region

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parham mahBOUBI

vice President marketing & new developments Qualex-landmark group™

or the last 15 years alberta has experienced numerous fluctuations in oil prices, yet has managed to maintain steady economic growth. there is no question that the calgary economy is closely tied to the energy sector; however, its economy is not as vulnerable to fluctuating oil prices as may be public perception. no doubt lower oil prices will have a short term impact on the employment sector with some tightening of the belt; however, it is also important to remember that other important factors such as extremely low mortgage rates, especially the Bank of canada’s recent decision to cut its key interest rate by 0.25 per cent. we also need to keep in mind that oil prices will not remain low forever. calgary is continually evolving and is not the same city as it was during the 2007 global

oming into the final quarter of 2014 we were projecting growth in 2015. we’ve since revised that to a decline of up to 10 per cent depending on city, quadrant, and product type. we still see a demand in certain areas of the market, and especially for a strong community like mahogany, which was the best-selling new community in calgary last year. that being said, we — along with most in the industry — are taking a waitand-see approach in anticipation of better economic clarity in the next two to four months at which point we can better adapt to the longer-range picture. For now, homes are still in demand, and we’re still seeing sales. more than anything the decline in oil prices means a more conservative approach

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economic downturn. calgary has increasingly gained a national and international reputation for being one of the best places in the world to live. certainly the 2015 predictions that the real estate market will be softer than 2014 may be accurate; however, we believe there is still good demand for condos in calgary. oil prices may be low, but they won’t stay low forever. we have to remember that sales and construction cycles are two to three years. when a homebuyer puts down their deposit on a condo today, they still need to wait two to three years until the building is constructed. a great deal can happen in two to three years as we have seen before.

to planning for this year. we know buyers are concerned about what they hear on the news and from friends and family, and the full impact of that effect won’t be known until further into the year. we haven’t scaled back our lot production plan for this year as we still anticipate demand. the reality is that despite market uncertainty there are a large number of homebuyers out there who need and want to buy a new home, and we expect that a lot of those people are going to pick our communities.

chrIS pLOSz

senior vice-President hopewell residential

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CONDOSCAPES By richard white

tHe FUtURe tODAy

altadore 36 may show way to developing future multi-family projects

ne of the key issues facing our City’s politicians and planners, as well as established communities, is how to foster the integration of new infill condos on single-family housing streets without “constipation of consultation.” Brookfield Residential with its Altadore 36 project (located at the corner of 36th Avenue and 16th Street S.W.) could become the model for future condos in established communities. Brookfield Residential, headquartered in Calgary, is one of North America’s largest homebuilders and perhaps best known for its suburban, master-planned communities like McKenzie Towne and SETON. What is amazing about Altadore 36 is that it recently got City and community approval in just 11 months, despite it increasing the density ten-fold, i.e. six old, single-family homes are being replaced by 62 condo homes. In many cases a project like this would take years to get a building permit. Architect Jesse Hindle (he lives in Altadore and his office is in Currie Barracks) created two interlocking ‘L shaped’ buildings oriented east/west along 35/36th Avenues S.W. By aligning the development lengthwise along 35/36 Avenue, he was able to maximize the street frontage for each unit and minimize the depth of each of the two buildings across the site. The result: two, long narrow buildings, which wrap around a 30-feet-by-160-feet central landscaped courtyard. Each unit located on the courtyard or 35/36th Avenue has 30 feet of street frontage, allowing for large windows that provide residents with views, natural light and fresh air. The two-storey,

two-bedroom suites along 35/36th Avenues and the courtyard have a total of 60’ of street frontage. All this and the building isn’t any higher than the fourplex next door. Though the zoning would have allowed a fourth floor, both architect and developer thought this scale was more synergistic with the existing buildings. Good infill development isn’t always built to maximum density. The design is also very compatible with some of the new, flat-roofed Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired homes in the community. Hindle chose a sandstone-coloured brick, yielding a warm and timeless look. The refined rectangular-shaped buildings with clean edges have a traditional, yet contemporary presence — nothing wild or wacky about this condo! Good urban design is about quality materials, as well as respecting the scale and architecture of the past and the present. From the street, each townhouse unit has a small front lawn and patio that function much like the front porch of early 20th century homes. Above the street are the penthouse flats have balconies with glass half-walls fostering interaction between the street and the building. Good urban development is about cultivating exchanges between neighbours, not privacy. All interior homes face onto a courtyard with sidewalk, trees and planters providing

an attractive view from their patio or balcony. In addition, both buildings have a rooftop patio for residents, a popular feature in high-rise condos, thought not as prevalent in smaller boutique projects. Altadore 36 is designed as an impressive hybrid of urban and suburban design. LAST WORD This Hindle-designed, Brookfield Residential condo could well become the model for successfully diversifying the housing in Calgary’s established communities. It is projects like Altadore 36 that will evolve our predominantly single-family, mid 20th century communities into attractive, animated 21st century ones that will be appealing for generations to come. cL

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 CO N D O L I V I N G M A RC H 2015

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Editor’s note: Maria Bartolotti is a board member of the Canadian Condominium Institute – Southern Alberta chapter (CCI-SA). CCI represents all participants in the condominium community.

ASK MARIA By maria Bartolotti

CONDO sANCtIONs AND yOU

sanctions for failure to comply with condo bylaws — what does it mean for you?

Maria, can a Board impose sanctions against residents that reside in a condo for not complying with the bylaws of the Condominium Corporation?

According to the Condominium Property Act of Alberta section 35(1 – 6) it states that: The corporation may impose monetary or other sanctions on owners, tenants and invitees of the owners or tenants who fail to comply with the bylaws. A bylaw under which sanctions are imposed must 1. Set out the sanctions that may be imposed, and 2. In the case of monetary sanctions, set out the amount of the monetary sanctions or the range of monetary sanctions that may be imposed. A bylaw under which sanctions may be imposed may be general or specific in its application and must be reasonable in the circumstances for which it is imposed. In other words, you cannot charge a sanction against a unit because you do not like the owners or because they made you mad. If a person fails to abide by a sanction or to pay to the corporation a monetary sanction imposed under a bylaw, the corporation may proceed under section 36 of the CPA to enforce the sanction. Section 36(1) states, that if a person fails to comply with a sanction or to pay a monetary sanction imposed pursuant to a bylaw, the corporation may, in respect of the contravention, take proceedings under Part 4 of the Provincial Court Act

to recover from the person a monetary sanction, or damages, in the case of any other sanction, in an amount not exceeding the amount that may be granted in damages under the Provincial Court Act, or take proceedings in the Court of Queen’s Bench to recover from the person. To learn more about Enforcement of Sanctions, please visit our website at www.newconconceptmanagement.com , scroll to resources and click on the link for Condominium Property Act. Until next time…. cL

maria Bartolotti

A.C.C.I,, F.C.C.I 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 CO N D O L I V I N G M A RC H 2015

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HOPE AT LARGE By marty hope

AGING GRACeFULLy

morena west offers downsizers luxury in a compact package

algary’s population is greying. According to figures from Calgary Economic Development, the number of people between 55 and 75 years old is expected to reach slightly more than 268,000 this year compared with almost 225,000 in 2011. And the vast majority of this mature crowd owns their home and are comfortable with their surroundings, but there are those who are looking for something that suits their empty-nester lifestyle — the kids are on their own, so there’s no need for the big house any longer. They’re on the hunt for something smaller and easier to maintain, maybe close to their kids or grandkids — but definitely something with style. This is where Morena West comes in. “The majority of our buyers are 55 or older,” says Darren Schaaf, president of the Rockford Group that is developing Morena West on 69th Street S.W. near Springbank Boulevard. “ The buyer demographic is what we anticipated.” As the information pamphlet says: “Morena West respects the demands of your re-energized lifestyle.” Morena West is an enclave of 54 duplex bungalows in the Arts & Crafts style set into a triangular six-acre parcel with landscaped living areas for each villa family and with front-drive two-car garages. It sits next to a municipal reserve and is just minutes away from shopping amenities. The two models — the Columbia and Robson — measure 1,492 square-feet and come with two bedrooms and two baths on the open-concept main floor. They both come with a rear deck, but the Robson will

be built on lots to allow a walkout basement level. In fact, each model comes with three lower-level development options, but are not part of the $650,000 price tag, says Schaaf, adding that most buyers are opting to develop at least part of the lower level. “What we’re building are traditional bungalows that appeal to the changing lifestyles of this age group, but we’ve also provided them with the elegance they’re used to.” While already more than half of the enclave has already sold, Schaaf will open a show home in March — with possessions beginning in May. The show home will show off the attention to detail Rockford is known for from the exterior and throughout the interior. Each home comes with nine-foot ceilings, either oak or hardwood floors in the kitchen and living/dining room and carpet in the master bedroom and den/second bedroom. And the kitchen being the heart of any home, Rockford has paid special attention to the design. An extra-large island is at the centre of the L-shaped gourmet kitchen, and there are loads of maple cabinetry in either Shaker or flat panel look, and stainless steel appliances. And while the family chef is preparing the meal,

guests can socialize from the adjoining dining room and living areas. All homes come with upgraded fibre-optic wiring and connection panel. As well, homebuyers get free high-speed optic internet, television and PVR for one year. Rockford has been named Multi-Family Builder of the Year by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Calgary Region three times. And in the more than two decades it has been around, has built more than 3,000 homes in Calgary and Edmonton. For information on Morena West, visit www.rockford.ca. cL

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. CO N D O L I V I N G M A RC H 2015

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AROUND TOWN By Pepper rodriguez

Partners teams uP with attainaBle homes calgary

artners Development Group has offered 10 per cent of its upcoming multi-family developments in the city to Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation (AHCC) to help more Calgarians move into their own home. The Calgary builder’s newest development, ARRIVE at Skyview Ranch Arbours, includes 16 townhouses that AHCC will begin selling. Another ten townhouses will be made available through the AHCC program later this year at ARRIVE at Evanston in the northwest. Partners Development Group has already delivered 23 homes for AHCC in Redstone and Skyview Ranch, which qualifying homebuyers purchased with a mortgage pre-approval and only $2,000 down. “We work with AHCC as a way to give back to Calgary; helping more middle-income Calgarians get into home ownership through this socially responsible program,”

said Greg Gutek, Partners Development Group’s president and founder. “We’re looking at our future Calgary developments to see how we can adjust the design and density to include more attainably-priced homes.” Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who is a director of AHCC, said he is pleased to see this additional commitment to attainable housing in Calgary. “Affordable and attainable housing in Calgary continues to be one of the most important issues facing our city,” said Mayor Nenshi. “Having builders like Partners Development Group backing the AHCC program is an important part of the solution.” The ARRIVE at Skyview Ranch Arbours townhomes are certified BUILT GREEN® with a New Home EnerGuide™ rating and gold status that provides efficiencies and cost savings on monthly utility bills and

(From left) matt, Jill with daughter Kenzie, david watson and greg gutek

long term building maintenance. The two- and three-bedroom townhouses available through the program have heated attached garages with full-depth driveways, and the development has a state of the art playground, gardening plots, with pergolas and trellises throughout the site.

QualeX-landmarK™ targets seventh Beltline develoPment

o sooner has the Qualex-Landmark Group launched its latest Beltline condo project, Park Point, that the Vancouver-based developer announced that it will be adding a seventh residential community in this inner-city neighbourhood with the acquisition of the 0.7 acre site at the corner of 11th Avenue and 12th Street S.W. Qualex-Landmark Group of Companies is responsible for the creation of more high-rise residential communities in Calgary’s Beltline community than any other developer. They include Stella, Nova, Luna, Calla, MARK on 10th and Park Point. With $370 million in real estate sales and more than 1,000 chic homes built (or under

construction) in the Beltline in the last ten years, the Qualex-Landmark Group continues to show enormous faith in the Calgary market. “The urban lifestyle is becoming increasingly attractive, with walkability and the convenience of access to amenities,” says Park Point Mohammed Esfahani, president of Qualex-Landmark™. “The acquisition of this seventh site is another testament to Qualex-Landmark Group’s commitment

to Calgary and long term presence in the Beltline,” he adds. “The response to our communities has been phenomenal and we are pleased to be in a position to provide more first-class residential offerings to Calgary’s urbanites, as the appeal of an active, urban lifestyle continues to grow.” Qualex-Landmark™ priority remains focused on its newest community, Park Point, located at 12th Avenue and 2nd Street S.W. See the feature in this issue for more information.

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AROUND TOWN |

Clarifying the new Alberta Condo Act

ast issue, Condo Living published an account in Maria Bartolotti’s column “Ask Maria” that basically questioned whether the Condominium Property Amendment Act is already a law. Bartolotti says in her column that the Canadian Condominium Institute – Southern Alberta chapter (CCI-SA) asserts that the Act may have been passed but it isn’t valid yet without being proclaimed. Here is the response Around Town received from Scott Seymour, spokesperson for Service Alberta regarding this: • “The Condominium Property Amendment Act received Royal Assent on December 17, 2014 — however the amendments are not in force at this time. It is anticipated that the amendments will come into force (i.e. “be proclaimed”) in stages, starting in 2015. • The Condominium Property Amendment Act is progressive legislation that will have wide-ranging benefits for condominium owners, buyers and sellers in this rapidly growing sector. It was developed in consultation with stakeholders, who will also be a key part of the upcoming regulatory process.

• Several of the amendments in the Act cannot become law until regulations are developed or existing regulations are amended. Among the Act’s provisions requiring new regulation or amendments to existing regulations are: • rules and procedures of the proposed condominium tribunal • insurance obligations of corporations • notice requirements and remedies for purchasers if there is a material change in purchase information • fees for condominium documents • details on rules set by condo boards • standards for condominium management (to be led by the Real Estate Council of Alberta). • We will give all parties time to become familiar with and comply with the new rules. • Service Alberta will be involving owners and other industry stakeholders during the regulatory process. • Stakeholders are encouraged to check the Service Alberta website for updates on development of regulations and proclamation of the Act amendments.

For more information, visit servicealberta.gov.ab.ca

Fan design at Revolve’s Home + Garden booth

evolve Furnishings is taking its participation at this year’s Calgary Home + Garden Show to the next level. The Calgary-based furniture retailer will be showcasing a 1,000-square-foot home right in the BMO Centre, with the design chosen by Facebook fans. The design to be featured will be the result of fans voting on the Home + Garden Events Facebook Page with the winning look unveiled at the Calgary Home + Garden Show on February 26, 2015. According to Teri Salazar, show manager for the Calgary Home + Garden Show, the interactive element makes the Revolve Home even more exciting for consumers. “The large majority of shoppers coming down the show are looking for ways to be inspired and ideas for refreshing and renovating their own homes,” explained Salazar. “The Revolve Home is the perfect way to show them what’s possible in as little as 1,000 square feet. The fact that the public gets to choose the overall look and feel of the space is the icing on the cake!”

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Oil slump lowers housing forecast

ccording to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) first quarter 2015 Housing Market Outlook, Alberta housing starts will decrease from 40,590 units in 2014 to 36,000 in 2015 and 34,500 in 2016. “Lower oil prices will have a dampening effect on investment and economic growth, particularly in Alberta and to a lesser extent Saskatchewan. This will contribute to slower employment growth and net migration, in turn slowing housing demand. With key drivers less supportive of housing demand and supply levels elevated in some markets, housing starts in the Prairie region are expected to decline in 2015 and 2016,” said Lai Sing Louie, CMHC’s Regional Economist.

The CMHC says that downside risks have increased since the previous forecast, due mainly to recent declines in oil prices. As a result, the agency has widened the forecast ranges for housing starts, MLS® sales and average MLS® prices to reflect these risks. In Alberta, where the risks associated with oil prices are most pronounced, the CMHC says housing starts are expected to range between 23,400 and 38,700 units in 2015 and between 20,300 units to 38,000 units in 2016. MLS® sales are expected to range between 58,000 and 74,800 units in 2015 and between 50,900 units to 76,200 units in 2016. The average MLS® price is fore Housing starts in the Prairie region are projected to decrease from 55,067 in 2014 to 49,600 in 2015 and 48,000 in 2016. After leading the Prairie region with a 5.2 per cent price gain in 2014, Alberta will record more modest price growth moving forward. With rising listings and lower demand in 2015, price growth in Alberta will ease to below two per cent to an average of $407,100 in 2015 and $415,000 in 2016. CL

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calgary map | North West, North East and Inner City 4

MAP LEGEND

High Volume Roads Main Roads

Parks

Bodies of Water

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

NOSE CREEK PARKWAY

NOSE HILL PARK

CANADA OLYMPIC PARK

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

25 PRINCE'S ISLAND

19 18 20

STAMPEDE PARK

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North West, North East and Inner City | calgary

map

1 2 3

11 12 13 14

CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

16 17

Inner City

Inner City Projects 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Kensington VEN LIDO Avenue West End Vogue The Concord Waterfront

8 FIRST 9 Evolution

10 Verve 11 6th and Tenth

15 The Block 16 Drake 17 Smith

18 The District 19 Tela

12 The Guardian South 13 The Orchard on

20 THERIVER

Twelfth 14 The Park

22 Park Point

21 The XII

North West | North East Projects 1 2 3 4

6 7 8

ZOO

Villas at Watermark Sonoma at Nolan Hill Nolan Park The Post Sonoma at Sage Hill Willow at Sherwood Sage Place Viridian Avira

10 Kincora Summit

19 LiFTT

11 Emerald Sky 12 Panorama West

20 43 Park 21 Victory and Venture

13 Arrive at Redstone

22 Bridgeland Crossings

14 Arrive at Skyview Ranch 15 Groves of Varsity 16 University City 17 Landings at Cougar Ridge 18 STEPS Bridgeland

23 Albert Park Station

24 Arrive at Evanston 25 Bridgeland Hill

26 Ezra

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calgary map | South West, South East and Calgary Area

11 7 41 8

6 8

4 6

AIRDRIE

2 10 5

MAP LEGEND High Volume Roads Main Roads

5 7 9

Parks

6 4

Bodies of Water

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

3 2

COCHRANE

1 1

CHESTERMERE

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OKOTOKS

South West, South East and Calgary Area | calgary

map

south west | south east Projects 1 Valmont at Aspen 2 3 4 5 6

39 13

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Stone Morena West Overture Axess Armory Juno The Alex GLAS Brooklyn Condominiums Altadore 36 The Royal Mission34 SoBow Boulevard Townes of Quarry Park

15 Champagne

16 The Gates 17 Bristol Townhomes

18 MidCity

19 Hunter House 20 Sawyer Silverado 21 Legacy Gate 22 Harvest Mosaic

23 Cranston Place 24 Cranston Ridge

25 Mosaic Riverstone 26 Side by Side

Auburn Bay 27 Muskoka 28 Auburn Walk 29 Canoe

30 Stonecroft

Auburn Bay

31 ZEN Auburn Bay 32 Ebony 33 Chalet No 4 & No 5 34 Aura in Copperfield 35 Stonecroft at

Copperfield

36 Copperfield Park II & III 37 Mahogany Street Towns

38 Legacy Street Towns 39 Avli on Atlantic

40 Elements 41 MAX

42 Livingstone Townes

calgary area Projects Airdrie

1 Riviera Riversong

2 Windsong 3 Creekside Village 4 Waterscape at

2 Jumping Pound

5 6

14 15 16

Cochrane

1 The Edge

Cooper’s Crossing Stone Keep at King’s Heights Ravenswood Townhomes Brookside at Baysprings ZEN Ravenswood

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Townhomes Stonecreek Landing Trading Post The Village Townhomes in Sunset Ridge Heartland RiverReach The Range Sunset Ridge Street Towns

CHESTERMERE 1 The Courtyards in

Chestermere

2 Townhomes of

Chestermere Station

Okotoks 1 ZEN Okotoks

40 36 18

35 26 34

32 37 23

28 29

31 30

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ADVERTISERS INDEXâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 6th and Tenth Lamb Development page 3

Champagne Remington Development Corp., page 94

Altadore 36 Brookfield Residential pages 2 & 35

Copperfield Park III Brad Remington Homes pages 103 & 108

ARRIVE Partners Development page 23

Duplexes in Sunset Ridge Landmark Homes page 72

Avi Urban page 6-7 Avid Ratings page 84 Brookfield Residential Townhomes page 82 Cardel Lifestyles page 11 Carlisle Group pages 60-61 Cedarglen Living page 78 Chalet NO 5 Sabal page 51

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Ezra on Riley Park Birchwood page 25

Keller Real Estate page 72 Legacy West Creek Developments page 105 Lido Battistella page 68 Livingstone Trico Homes page 56

Gordie Howe Pro-Am page 66

Max Assured Communities page 45

Guardian Hon Developments page 13

Morena West Rockford page 99

Homes by Avi, Street Towns page 46

Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 67

Hunter House Streetside Developments page 2

Resolve page 50

Innovations by Jayman, Townhomes page 24

RiverReach Villas & Manors Jayman MasterBuilt page 62

SoBow M2i page 41

The Pinnacle Cove Properties page 4

Sonoma at Nolan Hill Morrison Homes page 29

The Royal Embassy Bosa page 83

Stonecroft pages 30-31

Valmont Riverbend Developments page 90

Stone Keep Merge Developments page 68 The Armory Cove Properties page 4 The Chateaux Cove Properties page 5 The Gates Remington Development Corp., page 89 The Orchard Lamb Development Corp., page 40 The Park page 77

Verve Fram/Slokker Developments FC, pages 16-19 Victory and Venture Providence page 106 Villas at Watermark page 96 Vivace Streetside page 107 Vogue LaCaille page 92 Zen, Ravenswood Avalon Master Builder page 36

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