Condo Living - March 2019 by Source Media Group

CONTENTS

MARCH 2019 | VOLUME 15 ISSUE 231

45 COVER FEATURE 12 | Welcome to Evanston Park!

StreetSide launches Evanston Park with new ﬂoor plans and new opportunities for home ownership in Evanston FOCUS ON 10 | For your furry friends Spoil your pet pals with trendy toys and accessories

STYLE 41 | De-cluttering, declassiﬁed How to simplify the spring cleaning ritual

CONDO PROFILES 16 | A welcome arrival New ARRIVE at Sage Meadows show home opens eyes to aﬀordable luxurious lifestyle

FEATURE 45 | Garden talk Carson Arthur plants the seeds of garden design at the Calgary Home + Garden Show

21 | Inner-city luxury Upper Mission Townhomes bring modern, urbane vibe to Erlton

IN THE CITY 49 | Doggy day care Where to take your furry best friend when out of town

26 | The feeling of community Sanderson Ridge is small town living in the city COMMUNITY PROFILE 30 | More to choose Walden widens choices, adds three more builders to its roster DESIGNER SERIES 33 | Storytelling by design Sandgate’s show suites relate the possibilities of living in this Mahogany Lake condo LIFESTYLE 38 | Seton beckons Seton’s urban district also has outdoorsy appeal C A LG A R Y H O M E L I V I N G . C O M

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

HANG IN THERE, CALGARY

With temperatures hovering around the -26 C level for what feels like years (and well below that with the wind chill), winter is, indeed, here! No matter what little comfort we can take from Balzac Billy’s prediction of an early spring, the frigid temperatures and snowy landscape might make some expect to see Game of Thrones’ White Walkers and dragons on our prairie tundra. But the hint of spring is there and beginning to bud. With the Calgary Home + Garden Show coming to town, it is a sure-fire reminder that warmer weather will be here shortly. We even got to talk with Canada’s garden guru, Carson Arthur, for his advise in getting your condo or backyard garden ready for the spring. He is one of the headliners in the coming Calgary Home + Garden Show and his insights for growing your garden — even if you are not a green thumb — are quite enlightening. He is as engaging and lively as he is on TV, so don’t forget to check him out at the show, hope to see you all there. Another reminder that spring is nigh is the rush of new show home openings. Our cover feature on the opening of StreetSide Developments’ new Evanston Park marks the start of the annual spring show home openings. Evanston Park is all about park-side living, and the promise it holds — especially come spring — is tantalizing. We also have ARRIVE at Sage Meadows opening their new show home in March, and its developers, Partners Development Group, is taking great strides in offering some of the best environment-friendly and affordable — not to mention, luxurious — townhomes in the northwest. We also talk about Honeyycomb’s new Upper Mission Townhomes, one of the most anticipated inner-city developments with its promise of spectacular downtown views from their rooftop patios. And then, there is Sanderson Ridge on Fish Creek Park that has quickly created a tight-knit community among its residents with the fabulous in-house amenities they offer. NEXT MONTH: Our very own Cristina Loc channels her innerMarie-Kondo as she offers up her spring-cleaning The garden issue tips and wisdom gathered through years of being a super-meticulous organizer. We also have our Focus On photo feature on pet accessories and Brandi Holmes’ In The City take on pet care. As I write this, the city is still under an extreme cold warning and it looks like this cold snap will be with us for the next little while. But, hey, at least the Calgary Flames are doing great, right?

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

PUBLISHER |

EDITOR | Pepper Rodriguez pepper@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR | Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Vivian Zhang vivian.zhang@sourcemediagroup.ca Colleen Leier colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR |

EDITORIAL

Maria Bartolotti, Darlene Casten, Brandi Holmes, Marty Hope, Christina Loc, Mario Toneguzzi, Richard White, Portia Yip PHOTOGRAPHY

Christina Loc, Don Molyneaux, Sue Moodie Photography ADVERTISING SALES

Andrew Best andrew.best@sourcemediagroup.ca Brandi Holmes brandi.holmes@sourcemediagroup.ca Jennifer Mills jennifer.mills@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING | Norma Robertson accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY

Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSUE 231 • ISSN 1918-4409 ©2019 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., 6109 — 6th Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9; Tel 403.532.3101 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; www.sourcemediagroup.ca

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FOCUS ON |

FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS Spoil your pet pals with trendy toys and accessories

BY PORTIA YIP

OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS are important companions in our lives, so it’s only natural to treat them like family too. Spoil your canine pals with trendy toys and accessories they’ll love just as much as you do. Got a fluff ball with some cat-titude? Surprise them with some new goodies and they’ll be purring for more. Whether you have cats or dogs (or both!) these local businesses in Calgary are stocked with plenty of fun gear to keep your lovable pets smart and stylish to forever happy and comfortable. CL

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7 6 [ 1 ] FoFurBalls Pet Toy Squeaker, $14 at Unleashed. [ 2 ] Felted Bird Cat Toy, $16 at The New Forest. [ 3 ] Fetch & Follow Dog Collars, $70 at The New Forest. [ 4 ] SlimCat Adjustable Cat Treat Ball, $9.99 at PAWSitively Natural. [ 5 ] Chilly Dogs Great White North Jacket, $75.95 at Unleashed. [ 6 ] Tall Tails Rope Leashes, $29.99 - $39.99 at PAWSitively Natural. [ 7 ] The Odin Dog Treat Bowl, $30 at The New Forest. [ 8 ] Tower of Tracks Cat Toy, $29.99 at PAWSitively Natural. [ 9 ] Rocky Mountain Dog Waist Leash, $44 at PAWSitively Natural. [ 10 ] Fun Feeder Dog Food Bowl, $21.99 at PAWSitively Natural. [ 11 ] Rover Pointed Dog Collar, $32 at The New Forest. C A LG A R Y H O M E L I V I N G . C O M

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Welcome to Evanston Park!

StreetSide launches Evanston Park with new floor plans and new opportunities for home ownership in Evanston

ark-side living is emphasized at Evanston Park, the townhome community from StreetSide Developments, that puts the cherry on top of multi-family opportunities in this established northwest community. As this popular, family-friendly community of Evanston approaches final buildout, Evanston Park represents one of the final opportunities to own a new townhome here. “We have homes that look out onto scenic parks and green space instead of their neighbour’s property,” says area manager Sabrina Richardson. “Our buyers love the fact that they can wake up every morning to a scenic, well-manicured park space instead of someone’s backyard,” Richardson tells Condo Living. Evanston Park is a modern take on New England saltbox style homes, an architectural style they carried over from the first phase of the community. The contemporary look of its exterior lends to the allure of the Evanston community with perfect rows of pitched roofs that are a charmingly nostalgic

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sight. “You will always get to enjoy this view whether you enter from the attached garage or the neatly landscaped front green space,” she adds. “The effect is a space that leaves you with the sense that Evanston Park is a place you would be happy to call home.” In fact, StreetSide chose to name it Evanston Park due to the central park area in the community and the interior parks that are in each of the phases. “What we want to emphasize with Evanston Park is that the outside areas are just as important as the inside of the homes, it’s a total package,” Richardson says. “We designed it so that if you are sitting out on your patio, you’re looking out into neatly kept interior parks,” she adds. The concept has been a hit. “We’re currently building Phase 2 of the community, while Phase 1 only has a handful of move-in ready homes remaining. Our second phase has 38 homes currently released for purchase,” she says. “Our second phase is almost fully built-out and there are homes that are move-in ready, as well.” Two new show homes opened on February 9 — The Crescent 18.0 and Avenue 14 — that bring Evanston Park’s vision to life. A third — the Boulevard 16 — is scheduled to open this spring. The Crescent 18.0 is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath townhome with a tandem lower level garage. It is 1,429 squarefeet with an open concept design on the second level. “The large kitchen with flush counter breakfast bar is perfect for busy couples

“The effect is a space that leaves you with the sense that Evanston Park is a place you would be happy to call home.”

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with an eye for entertaining,” Richardson says. “Families with young children or grandchildren will also appreciate its great use of space.” The 1,130-square-foot Avenue 14 is a double master townhome with two-and-a-half bathrooms. It features a third level laundry, private front covered entry with patio and a single-car lower level garage with extra space for storage. “It’s a perfect starter home for a young couple, or someone who would like a roommate” she points out. The Avenue 14 starts at $279,755 (+GST) with current promotions and the Crescent 18 is from $322,050 (+GST) with current promotions. “They’re the best value you can get in Evanston, considering the upgraded standard package that we offer includes nine-foot ceilings, quartz countertops and luxury vinyl plank flooring on the main floor,” she says. The development’s central location is also a key factor in its popularity.

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FAST FACTS COMMUNITY: Evanston

DEVELOPER: StreetSide Developments, a Qualico company

PROJECT: Evanston Park

STYLE: Townhomes with single and tandem garages

SIZE: 1,130 to 1,429 sq. ft.

PRICE: Starting from the $280,000s plus GST

SALES CENTRE:

110 Evanscrest Manor NW

HOURS: Monday to Thursday from 2

to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m. Closed Fridays WEBSITE: evanstonpark.com

“Evanston is really a gem of a community, and Evanston Park is one of the final opportunities to own an affordable, stylish and practical home here.”

“We’re just walking distance to the vibrant Evanston Towne Centre that is the commercial and social hub of the entire community.” The 3.45 acre Evanston Towne Centre has 27,327 square-feet of commercial space, and already has a Sobeys grocery store, coffee shops, a variety of pubs and restaurants, veterinary services, and a host of other already-established amenities. Evanston is developed by StreetSide’s parent company, Qualico, and is the premier established neighbourhood in the northwest. It is unlike any neighbourhood the northwest has seen before, Richardson says. It has a multitude of green

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spaces, and an urban pathway system that encourages a healthy, active lifestyle. There is a neighbourhood gazebo that draws residents to the outdoors. A public library, playgrounds, and three schools offer little ones happy and productive childhoods. There are established bus routes nearby; schools are in abundance within the community and just outside of it. “Evanston is really a gem of a community, and Evanston Park is one of the final opportunities to own an affordable, stylish and practical home here,” Richardson says. n

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A welcome arrival

New ARRIVE at Sage Meadows show home opens eyes to affordable luxurious lifestyle

BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

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ifestyle may be one of the most important factors that go into choosing a new home, and show homes go a long way in establishing the fact. ARRIVE at Sage Meadows will now be able to give potential buyers a much better portrayal of why the lifestyle to be had in this latest Partners Development townhome community is so compelling. Opening on March 9, the 1,798-square-foot Blossom show home is a three-bedroom plus den, two-and-a-half bathroom three-storey townhome with two-car attached garage that gives buyers an idea of the potential for a carefree, luxurious lifestyle that can be found here at such an attainable price. C A LG A R Y H O M E L I V I N G . C O M

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cabinetry, and quartz countertops throughout that blend well with Blossom’s contemporary design. The upper floor is as enticing as it is practical with spacious bedrooms, an upstairs laundry for added convenience, and a vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom that adds to the feeling of luxury. Inspired by Scandinavian Modernism, the design by Gravity Architecture gives ARRIVE at Sage Meadows an uncomplicated, yet stylish look that potential buyers can actually see themselves living in. “We were inspired by Scandinavian modernism to create a clean aesthetic comprised of simple, elegant forms and high-quality materials aimed to resonate with buyers of all ages,” says Trent Letwiniuk, Principal at Gravity Architecture. “We designed a contemporary, high-quality community that met Partners Development Group’s goal of providing a variety of attached housing types to serve various aspects of the market within one development,” he adds. The new phase where the Blossom townhomes are located is one of the best in the community and looks out over pristine green space across 136 Avenue N.W., says Ismahan Omer, the sales manager for ARRIVE at Sage Meadows townhomes. “The first phase is about 70 per cent sold, which shows that there is a clear appetite for the homes we offer here,” she says. At build out, ARRIVE at Sage Meadows will consist of 31 buildings with 164 premium townhomes, two playgrounds, and private homeowner gardens. There are eight floor plans to choose from ranging in square footage from 1,080 to 1,798 and price starts from $259,900 and includes net GST. Two- and three-bedroom townhomes are offered with a full complement of upgraded standard features. “Everything most homebuyers want are already included in our standard package,” Omer adds. “Laminate hardwood floors, washer and dryer for each unit, triple pane windows, many master suites with vaulted ceilings, quartz countertops throughout and more. We want to give buyers the best value for their money.” The upscale exteriors that include brick accents with stylish and sturdy cement board siding bring a beautiful curb-side appeal that blends well with the upscale nature of Sage Meadows. The extensive Built Green features that Partners has made available to all its ARRIVE townhome developments. “We are a Certified Gold Built Green® builder and our buyers are eligible for a 15 per cent rebate on mortgage insurance premiums, if applicable,” Omer says. “Having Built Green certification adds long term value for the whole community, Show it don’t tell it has always been the offering superior building standards, lower operating costs, and a healthier living edict for show homes, and ARRIVE at Sage environment.” Developed by Genesis Land Development, the community of Sage Meadows sits Meadows’ new Blossom model sets up nicely in a pocket of growth in the northwest, where new commercial, residential and emthe affordably stylish and functional townhome ployment hubs seem to be sprouting at a very healthy clip. ARRIVE at Sage Meadows opportunities that await in this northwest community. itself will have its own commercial area that’s currently under construction and The open concept main floor features up- services will start opening in the spring, featuring a new gas station, Wynn Nail scale laminate flooring, full-height soft-close and Spa, Canadian Pizza restaurant, Solo Liquor store and medical, pharmacy and

“We were inspired by Scandinavian modernism to create a clean aesthetic comprised of simple, elegant forms and high-quality materials aimed to resonate with buyers of all ages.”

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“Sage Meadows is a young community in the middle of an already established sector in Calgary. Everything that our residents could need is right at their doorstep or just a few minutes drive away.” dental services.“Sage Meadows is a young community in the middle of an already established sector in Calgary. Everything that our residents could need is right at their doorstep or just a few minutes drive away. We’re near Stoney Trail which one of the best ways to get around the city and adds to our accessibility,” Omer says. Partners has always had a knack for finding the right location for their ARRIVE townhomes. Their current and past developments in communities including Crestmont West, Redstone, Evanston in north west Calgary, and Drake Landing and D’ARCY in Okotoks, prove just how they are able to pick communities that are accessible, rich in amenities and affordable. So far, ARRIVE at Sage Meadows has seen every type of buyer possible, “those looking to right-size for their lifestyle” — whether it’s a first-time home buyer, empty nesters looking to downsize, or snow-birds looking for a maintenance free lifestyle, Omer is “happy to say we’ve captured all of the above, as well as those in between.” Which is a sign of a great start for a diverse community. Following the opening of the Blossom show home, Partners will also have Jasmine and Lotus model show homes to follow in the summer of 2019. Omer points out that there are deals to be had with their pre-construction incentive program.

Partners strives to make the home buying experience easy and enjoyable. “Our vision has always been about handing over keys to happy homeowners and welcoming them into our family as they ‘arrive’ home,” says Omer. When purchasers choose Partners as their homebuilder they are guaranteed to have quality construction for great value in a well equipped home and a stellar community. CL

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Sage Meadows PROJECT: ARRIVE at Sage Meadows DEVELOPERS: Partners Development Group STYLE: Townhomes SIZE: 1,080 to 1,798 square feet PRICE: $259,900 to $374,900, including net GST DISCOVERY CENTRE: 59 Sage Meadows Circle N.W. SHOW HOME: 2941 136 Ave N.W. as of March 9, 2019 HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 – 8 p.m., weekends & holidays 12 – 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.arrivehome.ca

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INNER-CITY LUXURY BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

Upper Mission Townhomes bring modern, urbane vibe to Erlton

algary’s inner-city can be a busy honeycomb of upscale homes that tout luxury and convenience, and Honeyycomb Developments knows all about it as the custom home builder has created some of the most iconic infill homes around the downtown area for the last 15 years. Now, Honeyycomb is about to launch their first townhome development, Upper Mission Townhomes, which will bring their love for sleek, contemporary design to a multi-family setting. Honeyycomb (not a misspelling, notice Calgary’s YYC call sign in the middle) wanted to bring their brand of stylish, luxurious living in a townhome to one of the most scenic spots in the city on a hill in Erlton. “The panoramic views that will be available to residents on the rooftop patios of these townhomes will be the picture perfect snapshot of the downtown. It’s the perfect vantage point to enjoy the cityscape views and the Stampede fireworks in the summer,” says Kamil Lalji of YYC Inner City Towns, who handles the marketing for Honeyycomb. “The luxurious finish, the well-thought out design and the ability to own a home

“IT’S THE PERFECT VANTAGE POINT TO ENJOY THE CITYSCAPE VIEWS AND THE STAMPEDE FIREWORKS IN THE SUMMER.”

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“The centre island is massive and is about nine-feet long with quartz countertops. Each townhome also gets a skylight over the kitchen which helps add to the feeling of luxury by bringing more natural sunlight inside.” and a rooftop patio. The open concept design work with the oversized windows to bring the beauty of Erlton’s scenic hillside vistas in. “The centre island is massive and is about nine-feet long with quartz countertops. Each townhome also gets a skylight over the kitchen which helps add to the feeling of luxury by bringing more natural sunlight inside,” Lalji says. The fantastic curb side appeal of Upper Mission Townhomes cannot be overstated. The staggered exterior design follows the hillside topography of its location adding to its compelling architecture. Using top-notch exterior materials such as AL-13 metal accents, James

here at a fraction of the price that single-family inner-city homes are going for are the reasons why Upper Mission Townhomes have attracted a lot of interest,” he adds. “But the only thing is that it is a very limited opportunity as there are only four townhomes.” These row townhomes have about 1,370 square-feet of living space above-grade, with an additional 440 square feet in the basement that can be developed to fit the buyers’ lifestyle. Sales begin on February 25 and there is already a lot of interest. “When you buy pre-construction, you have the freedom to customize your home, just the way you’d like,” Lalji says. “There is a lot of potential for these townhomes,” he adds. The standard features include nine-foot ceilings, three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths (including two full ensuites upstairs) a gas fireplace

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Hardie cement fibreboards and stucco also helps present a tantalizing visual experience. “The look of it really fits the upscale nature of the neighbourhood, it gives a sense of executive luxury and a timeless appeal,” Lalji says. Upper Mission Townhomes will fit a lot of lifestyles, he points out. “They can be a couple working downtown, retirees looking to downsize, or even families with grown children. These townhomes were designed to fit their needs,” he points out. The community of Erlton and Mission are some of the most historic in the city, and homes here have held their value through the ups and downs of Calgary’s economy. “It’s a fantastic location, close enough to walk to downtown, the Repsol Sports Centre is just around the corner so its perfect for an active lifestyle, it’s also near the river walk and bike paths for leisurely strolls around the neighbourhood,” Lalji says. “This location is higher than the rest of the neighbourhood so it did not experience any of the overland flooding in 2013.” Upper Mission Townhomes sits on a corner lot on 28th Avenue S.W. and Erlton Street. “It’s conveniently close to Macleod Trail but far enough that you don’t hear the traffic noise. We’re also close to the commercial and entertainment district of 4th Street S.W. so residents can have a bite to eat or meet up with friends

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in some of the trendiest bars in the FA S T FAC TS city and stay near enough to home.” Starting price is at $655,000, which PROJECT: Upper Mission Townhomes Lalji feels is quite a steal considering COMMUNITY: Erlton/Mission its location and upscale finish. “This price is very attainable and is only a DEVELOPER: Honeyycomb Developments fraction of what single-family homes STYLE: Luxury townhomes sell in this neighbourhood. It’s also SIZE: From 1,370 sq. ft. above grade, plus 440 the last piece of land that has this sq. ft. developable basement unique vantage point where you can enjoy such amazing city views in the PRICE: From $655,000 privacy of your own rooftop patio,” ADDRESS: 55 28th Ave. S.W. Lalji says. WEBSITE: www.yycreadvisors.com Enjoy luxury living with gorgeous panoramic city views from your own rooftop patio in the prestigious neighbourhood of Erlton! Just a few blocks away from the action on 4th Street, these towns will blow you away. The busy bees at Honeyycomb worked very had to create the most amazing town homes possible. Each home has a gourmet chefs kitchen, wet bar and gas fireplace. You will absolutely love coming home to your new Erlton Town Home. With luxury finishes, high-ceilings and open concepts throughout, these town homes create a space you won’t want to leave. The layout is perfectly designed for functionality; whether you enjoy nestling in by your gas fireplace or entertaining guests, these town homes are designed to fit your lifestyle. CL

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THE FEELING OF COMMUNITY Sanderson Ridge is small town living in the city

BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

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he raucous laughter of a friendly game of mah-jong rings down the hallway, excited instant reviews after movie night are heard right outside the auditorium, chatting away over a cup of coffee in the café right outside their home. These are all little vignettes of life one might expect to encounter in any town, but they are the realities of everyday living in Sanderson Ridge on Fish Creek Park. “Our residents have created their own community and Sanderson Ridge provides the environment that encourages the kind of neighbourly relationships that you can find in most small towns,” says Jennifer Thacker, Sanderson Ridge’s marketing manager. Think of it as living in a luxurious, all-inclusive resort, a permanent stay-cation, if you will. After all, Sanderson Ridge on Fish Creek Park has everything that anyone

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“Our residents have created their own community and Sanderson Ridge provides the environment that encourages the kind of neighbourly relationships that you can find in most small towns.”

can ask for a fun-filled time, and with its pristine location at the edge of Calgary’s largest urban park, life here is anything but dull. Sanderson Ridge sits on a hilltop in the southwest neighbourhood of Evergreen and has a commanding view of Fish Creek Park, which literally makes up its backyard. In fact nearly all its 300-plus units offer an outstanding vantage spot from which to enjoy this natural vista.

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As you walk into Sanderson Ridge you immediately feel a sense of community. There are groups of people in almost all common areas, socializing, reading a book, putting together a puzzle and even making wine. Residents already living in Sanderson Ridge have bonded almost instantly, and the crowd (all at or over the age of 40) has found a lot of common ground in the

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fabulous amenities that are readily available in the sprawling complex. “Friday night happy hour is big, so is movie nights, many have made friends over bowling, and mah-jong — the Chinese tile game — has become one of the more popular activities here,” she adds. Thacker says, “residents can be as involved as they want”, which really contributes to the small town feel. “There is a mixture of all types of people — couples, divorcees and widows,” says Thacker, “everyone knows each other and looks out for one another.” Sanderson Ridge on Fish Creek Park has more than 26,000 square-feet of amenity space and common areas that all residents have access to. These include a lap pool, hot tub, a fitness room, a games room with several pool tables and shuffleboards. There are six widescreen TVs scattered throughout these areas. There is also a 42-seat theatre residents can book for movie nights with their friends or family. Topping it all off is a two-lane, five-pin bowling alley, a woodworking shop, complete with power tools and even a wine room where residents can learn to make their own wine. It also has a full kitchen that residents can use to plan out their big family dinners and get-togethers. “They can bring their own caterers who would have full use of this kitchen,” Thacker says. There is an art room, multi-purpose room, library, hobby room and a main lounge with a magnificent fireplace surrounded by comfy couches and chairs. There is even a dedicated bike room where residents can repair and store their bicycles. “It’s one of our most commonly used amenity space, people love their bikes here. With Fish Creek Park just outside, I don’t blame them. They have all the luxury to enjoy to hike or bike through the pathways of this spectacular natural environment.” Functionality isn’t forgotten either. Sanderson Ridge also has guest suites available for residents, there’s a car wash bay in the underground, secured parking. Two-bedroom suites get two parking stalls. Thacker says “there is always something going on, no matter where you go throughout the buildings. We have tons of weekly classes and activities, no one is left out.” There are calendars in every activity room to keep everything in order, “all you

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have to do is find your day, write in your name and time and you booked it, it’s that easy,” says Thacker. There is a daily coffee hour in the fireside coffee bar that is also conveniently located beside the library, a weekly happy hour and tons of other events that go on throughout the year. The look of Sanderson Ridge itself bespeaks of a mountain resort charm with exteriors that showcase exposed wood and intricate stonework. The entirety of Sanderson Ridge fits seamlessly into the backdrop that is Fish Creek Park. The interiors are just as meticulously detailed, and “there is no need for upgrades,” Thacker says. Luxury finishes are standard and include full height cabinets with soft close drawers, wide plank engineered hardwood, gorgeous tiled backsplash, tiled shower and tub enclosures, quartz counter tops, California closets, elegant light fixtures and upgraded appliances including a washer and dryer. Sanderson Ridge offers one-, two- and two-bedroom + den floor plans. One-bedroom suites range from $344,900 and two-bedrooms start at $720,900. Condo fees cover all utilities, except cable and phone. Immediate possession for some units is available. Phase four is selling now. CL

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Evergreen PROJECT: Sanderson Ridge DEVELOPER: Telsec Developments Ltd STYLE: Apartment Condos SIZE: From 751 to 1700 square feet PRICE: From $349,900 ADDRESS: 2330 Fish Creek Blvd S.W. DIRECTIONS: Take Macleod Trail South to James McKevitt Road S.W., turn right onto Fish Creek Boulevard and follow to Sanderson Ridge on the right. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 – 6 p.m. Weekends and Holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.sandersonridge.ca

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MORE TO CHOOSE

Walden widens choices, adds three more builders to its roster

WRITTEN BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS BY SUE MOODIE PHOTOGRAPHY

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alden has already been one of the most successful communities in Calgary and one of the strongest performing in terms of sales. It continues to attract buyers of every stripe with its perfect combination of varied home styles and plentiful amenities that seem to be getting better everyday. The addition last year of Arcuri Homes, Daytona Homes and Prominent Homes to their stable of single-family homebuilders cast an even wider net for choice. Now with the latest addition of Baywest Homes, Walden looks even more promising to an even wider audience. “2018 was a busy year, we brought on three new builders to the area: Prominent Homes, Daytona Homes, and Arcuri Homes. This has given people more to choose from so they can truly find a home that fits their needs,” says Genstar Development project manager, Travis Putnam. “So far in 2019, Baywest Homes has started building in Walden. They will be selling homes on our ridge that looks over the Bow River and has views of the city.” He adds that Baywest will also be selling something that has never been seen before in Walden — a product that fronts directly onto park space. “These homes will be a bungalow villa duplex product type.” Putnam says Walden remains as one of Genstar’s strongest performing communities. “There seems to be a real draw here as a new community in Calgary with already established amenities. We are also seeing people move C A LG A R Y H O M E L I V I N G . C O M

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“There is something for everyone, whether your looking to buy your first home or condo or you want to move up on the ridge.”

within the community because one, it is so desirable here and they want to stay and two, there is opportunity for people to move into something that fits their lifestyle, whatever that might be. There is something for everyone, whether your looking to buy your first home or condo or you want to move up on the ridge.” About 75 per cent of the 411-acre community is built out, he says, with approximately 600 more homes to go. Walden will total to about 4,000 homes with an estimated population of 12,000. “It was launched in 2008, allowing Walden to provide already established amenities that surrounding newer areas can’t,” Putnam says. But there is even more to look forward to, including a 65-acre, 700,000-squarefoot regional commercial centre that is about to start construction on 210 Avenue S.E. and due to be completed in 2021. It will include some of the most popular big box stores in the city and provide a ton of convenience to residents. “There was also the completion of our feature park last year, so new residents can enjoy two kilometres of walking trails that wrap around a pond and connect to the regional pathway system in Fish

Creek Park. We will also have a soccer field and a baseball diamond ready for use in 2019.” Walden’s location on the southern edge of the city just off Macleod Trail has always been one of its biggest advantages with the accessibility it offers residents. “Walden residents enjoy having quick access to Macleod and Stoney Trails, as well as to Deerfoot Trail; being close to a variety of amenities on Macleod Trail and in Shawnessy; and being just five minutes from the Somerset LRT,” Putnam says. But the sense of place that

Homes by Avi townhomes

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Walden has makes it different. “Walden was designed with winding streets without your typical block patterns. This slows traffic down and has a real small-town family orientated feel. When I drive through the community, I see first hand people coming home from work, parking their car and walking to get groceries and enjoying the one of many park spaces throughout Walden. This setting sets Walden apart.” Walden’s 122-acres of green space also makes a difference in their residents’ lives, providing a sense of connection to nature that is hard to find in the city. The figure is well above the 10 per cent of total land coverage the city requires of community developers to set aside held for municipal and environmental reserves. “We are especially excited to offer another first for Walden, oneof-a-kind ridge lots that present stunning views of downtown and the Bow River valley. These lots will back onto a pathway system that connects to the river valley and to Fish Creek Park that is about a 15-minute walk or five-minute bike ride away,” Putnam says. He adds the lots are “efficiently laid out” to encourage affordable housing options on the ridge, something that will simply add to the opportunity to enjoy more leisure time. Walden offers everything from apartment condos, townhomes, duplexes, laned homes, move-up homes and now estate homes on

the ridge. “There is not one set of select buyer group that has been consistently buying in Walden,” Putnam says. “I think this is due to all the different products available. If I had to pick, we see a lot of first-time buyers and new families starting out here in Walden” CL

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Walden DEVELOPER: Genstar Development Company SINGLE-FAMILY: Duplex from the $300,000s – Homes by Avi, Excel Homes, Cardel Homes, Laned from $400,000s – Homes by Avi, Excel Homes, Cardel Homes, Front drive from $500,000s – Daytona Homes Homes by Avi, Excel Homes, Cardel Homes Bungalows from $500,000s – Prominent homes, Baywest Homes Move up- semi estate from $600,000s On the ridge: California Homes, Arcuri Homes, Baywest Homes, Cardel Homes from the $700,000s MULTI-FAMILY: Cardel Lifestyles’ Walden Place – condos from the $130,000s and townhomes from $300,000s Excel Homes’ Holland Park – townhomes from the $290,000s Avi Urban’s Jackson and Winston – townhomes from the $290,000s Rockford Developments’ Axis – townhomes from the $290,000s All new showhomes can be conveniently accessed from 210th Avenue (keep left into Walden onto Walgrove Boulevard. S.E. or Walcrest Gate S.E. for the ridge homes) WEBSITE: waldenliving.ca

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STORYTELLING BY DESIGN Sandgate’s show suites relate the possibilities of living in this Mahogany Lake condo

WRITTEN BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS BY DON MOLYNEAUX

very home has a story, and in the case of Hopewell Residential’s Sandgate condo show suites in Mahogany, their tale begins right at the doorstep of each stunningly designed room. Signature inspiration boards created by Hopewell’s design team capture the essence and style ideas for the four show suites of this lakeside condo. These boards explain to visitors what images, or colours, or snippets of life, fired up the imagination of their in-house design team to come up with these stylishly realistic vignettes of life here. English sophistication, trendy urban vibe or relaxing lake home comfort; these are but some samplings of the life that can be made to enjoy in Sandgate as illustrated throughout their show suites. Certified designers Diane Chrusciel and Carrie Sauvie are part of the team at Hopewell Residential that does all the design work for the single- and multi-family show homes by the renowned land developer and homebuilder. They also help out buyers make their selections for finishings for their homes.

Building the vision for show homes is an art in itself. “The first step is to envision the buyer for a particular home and what we think would appeal to their lifestyle,” Diane says. “You can look at it as each suite telling the story of those who live there.” With a buyer profile in mind, they then formulate the look of the living space. “The finishings we choose are historically what our customers at Hopewell like,” Carrie adds. “The goal though is to design a home that people can see themselves living in,” Diane says. The two-bedroom and one-bedroom show suites at Sandgate do just that. All the possibilities of and opportunities for style to fit its lakeside life can be found in these show suites. “Hopewell does a great job in providing the floor plans and finishes that work well with a wide range of lifestyles, and we just do our best to design these spaces that make them memorable to the visitor,” Diane points out.

C ARRIE SAU VIE (LEF T) AND DIANE CHRUSCIEL

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Mahogany may be in suburban south Calgary, but that doesn’t mean you can’t style your home to look like a modern urban loft. Just check out Sandgate’s 664/2.1 show suite. The faux white brick feature wall gives it a rough-around-the-edges look with an industrial urban flair, inspired by a New York loft, Diane says. The show suite has quartz countertops in the kitchen and stainless steel appliances that add to its glamorous look.

The 957/2.2 show suite is a majestic retelling of a downsizer’s story. The inspiration board in front calls it Rustic Romantic, and it shows. “It has a relaxed and charming atmosphere with a vintage element and a neutral palette that makes anyone feel at ease and at home immediately,” Carrie says. The wide-plank laminate hardwood flooring adds to the impression of spaciousness, further elevated by the standard oversized windows and nine-foot, knockdown ceilings. “It comes together as an appreciation of traditional and transitional allure and warmth.”

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| DESIGNER SERIES The 601/1.1 design is playful and fun. Taking inspiration from London Street Style, this model’s style is quirky and eclectic. This show suite features a mixture of eye-catching bold colours and feminine details to create a welcoming space to gather and entertain. Laminate flooring is pulled into the bedroom which creates a seamless flow from space to space of this home. This model is perfect for any young professional who may be purchasing for the first time. They are attracted to the functionality of the floorplan and maintenance free living when they are off travelling for work or pleasure.

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“The 664/2.1 has an environment that’s part metropolitan sleek – smokey greys, off whites and chocolate browns, set against a stylish backdrop of exposed white brick, leather, tweeds and wools,” Diane says. The ingenious use of the second bedroom with a bunk bed (not shown) illustrates just how flexible its design can be. “It’s for a young professional, who was drawn to Sandgate for the ease of maintenance and proximity to work. This homeowner is travelling often with work and likes their space to be organized and functional. The secondary bedroom is a perfect place for their child to stay, equipped with bunk beds so there is an opportunity to host sleepovers with friends.

The impeccably meticulous design of the 957/2.2 has made it a clear favourite among downsizers. The soft touch of colour along with the lighter palette gives it a sunny outlook that those looking to scale down from their singlefamily homes find inviting. “The top concern for those looking to downsize is that they imagine that condo life would be too confining for them, this show suite shows them that they can still have a lot of space to entertain and and don’t have to compromise on how they live,” Diane says. “They have family and grandkids in Calgary, and appreciate the amenities and restaurants of Mahogany, as it offers everything they need just a short walk away.” Sandgate is selling in Building Three (of four) with homes starting in the $190,000s. Visit Sandgate’s show suites at #114, 10 Mahogany Mews S.E. CL

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SETON BECKONS Seton’s urban district also has outdoorsy appeal

BY DARLENE CASTEN PHOTOS BY DON MOLYNEAUX

ow did a farm girl at heart end up in south Calgary’s Seton Urban District? Carleigh, who loves her family’s High River roots, explains Seton’s urban district called to her for a variety of reasons. First of all, when Carleigh was looking to move out of her parent’s Cranston home two years ago, Seton was still up and coming, with wide open spaces still waiting for condominium construction. Seton’s health and wellness district was anchored by the South Health Campus and the retail district was already well known for upscale restaurant Starbelly and gastro pub The Tommyfield, as well as a grocery store, fast food outlets and smaller service shops. Carleigh says the future of the area, including the LRT green line, the YMCA and library, the MEC store, as well as the VIP Cineplex, were an important factor in her decision to purchase in Seton early on.

“I WANTED SOMEWHERE NEW AND THAT WAS ESTABLISHING BECAUSE I ALSO SAW IT AS AN INVESTMENT, SETON WAS JUST GETTING GOING.” Carleigh

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“I wanted somewhere new and that was establishing because I also saw it as an investment,” she says. “Seton was just getting going.” Cedarglen Living was one of the first builders to begin residential development in the area with Seton Park Place, located a block from the YMCA, two blocks from the hospital and a 10-minute walk to the Seton Superstore. When Carleigh visited the show home in 2016 she had her pick of one of two end units. She purchased a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment condominium just under 1,000 square-feet for around $270,000. “I put down a down payment in November 2016,” she says. “I was making money before I even moved in.” She took possession last May and still has a view of the grasslands to the east and on her wraparound patio she can see the mountains to the west, which suits her outdoorsy side. “It’s a beautiful sunrise,” she says. More importantly, she has a half-an-hour drive to her grandparent’s farm in High River and it is a 40-minute drive to her boyfriend’s house in Airdrie. “I just hop on Stoney and can avoid most the traffic that is happening in the city,” she says, adding to get around the city is typically also a 30- to 40-minute commute because C A LG A R Y H O M E L I V I N G . C O M

of the proximity of Deerfoot Trail. Carleigh says the walkability of the area, which is designed to be a self-sufficient urban centre in the suburbs, suits her active lifestyle. “I can walk to the Superstore from here and I’ve done that a couple of times — on a nice summer or fall day,” she says. “It is 10 minutes there and 10 minutes back so why would you drive when you only need to pick up seven things? There’s a couple bars that are walking distance — if you want to go meet for drinks and just up 52nd there is a Brewhouse — it is like a 20-minute walk, but still nothing drastic.”

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Inside her condo, she was able to reflect her love of farm life in her design choices. Cedarglen’s design centre allowed her to mix and match from their flooring, cabinetry, countertop and paint selections to create a modern farmhouse look. “I went with more of a farm rustic look,” she says. “I like the dark greys in the cupboards. It’s really easy to match with furniture. You can pull any colour to go with it.” Her palette combines medium browns with light greys that she’s combined with chunky wood furniture and a masculine leather couch with nail head details. The dining room in the open living space gives her room for a table to seat six and three bar stools at the eat-up kitchen peninsula. “I just had my parents and brother and his girlfriend over for breakfast

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and we just moved the couch a little bit towards the wall and we had lots of room,” she says. She says all of her choices, including quartz countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, undermount sinks, stainless steel appliances, wide plank laminate flooring and flat-profile cabinets were all standard. The only upgrade she made was adding a rough in for an air conditioning unit. The layout of the apartment is another plus, she says. The entrance is a hallway that leads to the main living space, separating her from any noise from outside her door. “The bedroom wall is the only one share with someone,” she explains. “In the open living space I don’t hear a lot of noise.” She likes having the extra space of the second room for storage and has rented it out to a family member for a couple of months. Underground parking was also something she was looking for. “It’s nice to not have to go outside into the cold to start your car,” she says. Cedarglen Living is currently selling units under construction in phase two of Seton Park Place. The show home can be found at 20 Seton Park S.E. CL

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DE-CLUTTERING, DECLASSIFIED How to simplify the spring cleaning ritual BY CHRISTINA LOC

or some, spring cleaning is therapeutic. For the rest, it's a daunting task leaving us feeling overwhelmed and already exhausted just thinking about it before the task has even begun. The key to spring cleaning is to create a list of things you want to address. Rather than looking at the big picture and feeling defeated, focus on one area or task at a time. Walk around the house to determine places that need attention. Remember: Rome wasn't built in one day, so don't pressure yourself to getting it all done in one weekend. Rather, set a goal of spending 30 – 45 minutes a day cleaning, and if you're in the mood to continue, do so. But, if that's all you can handle, then consider your expectations met. Tackle a little at a time and reward yourself on a job well done. When it comes to cleaning, clutter is the first thing to address. Purging is the first step. From a feng shui perspective, clutter will block flow leaving energy levels feeling low, blocked and confused. It is important that every item in your home serves a purpose and has its own home — meaning things like your wardrobe should be neatly hung or folded, your toiletry well-organized in a drawer or cupboard, and your pantry filled with easy to access nutritional foods (okay, a few yummy treats, too, for you and your furry friend!). Spring is a great time to get rid of the old to make room for the new, just like what the season represents. Pull items out of the closet, cupboards and drawers. Give shelves and drawers a good wipe down or vacuum. Then, go

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through everything to decide whether you will keep, recycle, donate or discard.

CLOTHES

Go through your closet and organize your clothes, shoes and accessories. Decide what you will keep; donate the gently-used; or discard the articles of clothing that have served their time. First, sort your items into categories like clothing into long sleeve, short sleeve, pant, skirt, suit or dress and then sub-categorize them by colour.

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LEFT A great way to organize your scarves is to sort them on rods. BELOW Throw out expired items in your pantry and freezer. Use air-tight containers to store opened bag items to keep product fresh, tidy and easily identifiable.

Empty your drawers and throw out socks and underwear with holes as well as stained or spoiled t-shirts. Give the drawer a good wipe to collect all the lint and dust before neatly folding and putting your clothes back in. If you are limited for drawer space, invest in decorative baskets to store your undergarments, t-shirts, sweaters and denim. Seasonal clothing could be stored in bins or vacuum bags. There are also many storage beds available on the market with a hydraulic storage system or built-in drawers. Tip: For more advice and step-by-step instruction, turn to organizing consultant and author Marie Kondo. Her ever popular book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" and new Netflix series, "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" insists we "keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy". Her folding clothes technique is also quite unique.

P H OTOS BY CH R I S TI N A LOC

ABOVE Sorting and organizing your wardrobe doesn’t necessarily make it easier to decide what to wear but it certainly helps with locating the garment you want.

JUNK DRAWER(S)

Everyone has one of these. Some look more startling than others, with knick-knacks that get tossed in to deal with "later". Months pass by and more miscellaneous items get thrown in to the mix. It's amazing what one

TOILETRY

Next, go through your toiletry. Throw out expired items. If you haven't used it within six months, it's time to ditch it. This includes lotions and make-up. Tip: Organize all your essentials in to one basket or toiletry bag for your morning and evening regime. Keeping everything together in one place makes it so much easier to reach for.

PANTRY AND FREEZER

Same thing with the freezer and pantry. Throw out expired items. Organize items by type and try to keep everything air tight to ensure freshness. Make everything visible to prevent wastage. Tip: Use mason jars or air-tight containers to store opened bag items like pastas, flours, lentils and spices as this keeps items fresh, tidy and easily identifiable.

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ABOVE Always scrambling to find the right handbag that will go with your ensemble? DustyLuxe Bags are a simple storage solution for organizing your handbags while keeping them protected. Custom made dust bags are available online at www.dustyluxebags.com.

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| STYLE

Being organized and having a place for every item in your home is a huge part of interior design. Clutter is not pretty. Beauty with function is what deﬁnes a space great. can find in a junk drawer including everything from pens, change, receipts, elastics, pins to a loose screw, button, scraps or puzzle piece found on the floor and not sure where it came from. Invest in dividers to section up your drawer for easier placement and finding. Tip: Rather than just plopping things down, spend that extra few seconds to put that item away back in its place.

SHELVING, COUNTERS AND FLAT SURFACES

Take advantage of these spaces to style things in a way where you are storing useful belongings in a decorative way. The key to this is balance through grouping things together and placement. Don't overstuff your shelves or counter. Rather, stack, pair and group things together that look aesthetically appealing together. Use decorative boxes or baskets to discreetly store more utilitarian items on the shelf. Mix in decorative items like a statue, vase or plant to create interest. Tip: Keep things fresh by occasionally moving things around. Spring is a great time to take items off the shelf

and counters to dust so why not change things up to keep it appealing. Being organized and having a place for every item in your home is a huge part of interior design. Clutter is not pretty. Beauty with function is what defines a space great. With so many products available on the market to help you get organized from baskets, bins, storage bags, jars, boxes, dividers and racks, what better time than this spring to get your home in the best shape it can be to welcome the new season, new energy and new opportunities. CL

A basket filled with your AM and/or PM regime is an easy way to keep everything together and then tuck away under the sink once done.

Group together functional items with decorative items to create visual interest.

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| FEATURE

GARDEN TALK

Carson Arthur plants the seeds of garden design at the Calgary Home + Garden Show BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

here may still be snow on the ground in Calgary at the moment, but it’s never too early to talk about the coming garden season. It starts with coming up with a plan, and Canada’s garden guru, Carson Arthur, has some ideas to help the green thumb. Carson, an internationally renowned landscape designer and outdoor lifestyle expert, will be one of the headliners for the upcoming Calgary Home + Garden Show, happening February 28 to March 3, 2019, at the BMO Centre & Corral at Stampede Park. And he can’t wait to share his ideas on planning your private outdoor space, whether you live in a home with a spacious backyard or in a high-rise condo. At the show, Carson will be sharing exactly how to grow your own thriving garden and food no matter the space, including insights from his soon-to-be-released debut book “Vegetables, Chickens and Bees: An Honest Guide to Growing Food.” “Nobody wants to see their vegetable dreams die the tragic death of a #gardenfail!” he says. His insights to gardening — especially taking into account Calgary’s sometimes-unpredictable weather — is a helpful guide. “Whether it’s a backyard, a rooftop, a balcony or even just a window ledge, I can tell you everything you need to know about sunlight, space, soil, seeds, and setup.” Carson may seem like a polished speaker, an accomplished presenter on TV and on the stage. But even though he has been in the game for a long time, he tells Condo Living that he is very much an introvert at heart. “I love being at home or in my store even though I spend a lot of time on the road shooting television shows or public speaking. I am not very good in large groups and often fade to the background at big social events.” This trait though may be the secret to his success. “That’s why I love creating intimate and private spaces in people’s yards. I design areas that I’d Carson Arthur be happy disappearing into.”

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HIS FOLLOWERS CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF HIS SAGE ADVICE IN CREATING THE PERFECT GARDEN. AND HE SAYS ANYONE CAN DO IT, WHETHER THEY LIVE IN AN APARTMENT CONDO OR ESTATE HOME. THE KEY IS IN THE PLANNING. His love for design grew from watching television. “I watched all of the Designer Guys shows and wondered why no one created outdoor spaces the way Steven and Chris thought about indoors ones. The ‘Outdoor Room’ movement was in areas like California and Florida but not north of the border. I really wanted to change that, hence my first TV series Room to Grow.”

His appearances at these home show events is something he looks forward to. “I am all about audience participation. I want to know what people are thinking. I love when homeowners come with questions. It’s their chance to get an unfiltered response to the landscaping issues they are faced with,” he says. Paradoxically, even if Carson is an introvert, he says he loves the back-and-forth banter he has with his audience at his various appearances. “I am passionate about making sure that every single question gets an answer and that every single person leaves the show knowing more than they came in with. It’s what I live for.” His followers can’t get enough of his sage advice in creating

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the perfect garden. And he says anyone can do it, whether they live in an apartment condo or estate home. The key is in the planning. “Before you get inspired by all of the outdoor options available; sit down and really think about how you are going to use your space. Most times, adding an area outside that you don’t have indoors is the best way to ensure that you will actually have a purpose for the renovation,” he says. “I love adding outdoor fireplaces and sitting areas in small yards, especially if the homeowner doesn’t have an indoor option. The same for dining rooms or even a spot to read the newspaper. It doesn’t matter the size of your space, there are ALWAYS options that work. Even for those in high-rise condos or townhomes.” Carson appears at the Home + Garden Stage Friday, March 1 at 5 p.m., Saturday, March 2 at Noon and again at 5 p.m. CL

2019 CALGARY HOME + GARDEN SHOW HEADLINERS The 38th annual Calgary Home + Garden Show opens bigger and better this year with even more headliners, as the city’s biggest home + garden trade show continues to inform and entertain and wow. HGTV Canada star Todd Talbot of Love it or List it Vancouver will return to Calgary to headline the Main Stage at the annual Calgary Home + Garden Show, taking place February 28 March 3, 2019 at the BMO Centre & Corral at Stampede Park. “We are so excited to welcome Todd back to Calgary, along with an outstanding line-up of celebrities and local experts, to inspire homeowners to tackle their indoor and outdoor spaces this spring,” says Teri Salazar, Show Manager for Marketplace Events, producers of the Calgary Home + Garden Show. “Todd is known for his no-nonsense real estate advice and his practical approach to making the most of your home. He’ll be tailoring that insight for Calgary homeowners when he takes to the stage at the Home + Garden Show.” Joining Todd on the Main Stage is HGTV Canada gardening and outdoor lifestyle expert Carson Arthur from Home to Win,

along with a lineup of local favourites, more than 550 exhibitors and an outstanding list of new features designed to whip any home and garden into shape. She adds that Calgary Home + Garden is more popular than ever. “We have found that consumers are more interested in renovations then before – because maybe it doesn’t make sense to sell their house and buy a new one in this economy, so they are staying put and making their current homes work for them by doing either minor or major renovations.” Salazar also says that the annual event – the biggest of its kind in the city – is a good place to ﬁnd new design inspirations. “People love to see what new products and solutions are out there right now. We also are noticing a shifting trend with DIY’ers, and so they can come to the show and get expert advice or ideas for how to do Todd Talbot projects on their own.” CL

For more information, or to buy tickets online and save $2, visit www.calgaryhgs.com. Get to the BMO Centre early and save! The ﬁrst 400 visitors on Thursday, February 28 and Friday, March 1 will receive free parking with proof of ticket or purchase.

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| IN THE CITY

DOGGY DAY CARE Where to take your furry best friend when out of town BY BRANDI HOLMES

The resort is for all types of pets, is veterinarian run and offers boarding, day care, grooming, training and even a retail store. The facility sits on 12 acres in Springbank, with two 50,000-square-foot main buildings, that feature ten indoor areas for your dog to socialize. Cats are well looked after at the resort too, with spacious, well-ventilated two room cat condos with tons of big windows to look out of. For more information on Springbank Pet Resort, visit springbankpetresort.ca Other doggie day care and boarding facilities that may be a little closer to home that are worth checking out are both Dogtopia located in Douglas Glen S.E. or Chasin’ Tails located on Centre Avenue E.

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t’s always fun to plan a getaway to a far away place — but when you look down at your four-legged fluff ball, you can’t help but to feel a bit guilty that they can’t come with you. Now most of us have trustworthy relatives, friends or even neighbours that are willing to look after our creatures while we are out of town. But where or who can you turn to when you don’t have helpers in your life? Luckily, the pet sitting business is booming! There are all types of pet sitting needs offered — from long term boarding, at home over night stays, doggie spas, mid day walkies, all the way to the traditional sense of pet sitting. And thanks to technology there are all sorts of ways you can make sure your pet is being properly taken care of. If you prefer taking your pooch to a boarding facility or simply just a doggy day care — there are tons around the city that are great options. One of our dog owners here at Condo Living swears by Springbank Pet Resort. “Lola just loves it there, we trust the people and they even send us vaccination reminders” says Jenn.

Springbank Pet Resort sits on 12 acres in Springbank, with two 50,000-square-foot main buildings, that feature ten indoor areas for your dog to socialize. Cats are well looked after at the resort too, with spacious, well-ventilated two room cat condos with tons of big windows to look out of.

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IN THE CITY |

Lola ABOVE “Lola just loves (Springbank Pet Resort), we trust the people and they even send us vaccination reminders” says Jenn. RIGHT Scarlett Francis Professional Cat Care has tons of experience caring for cats and have been in business since 2009 with over 500 clients to date. TOP RIGHT Dogtopia offers day care, boarding, training and grooming services while staying dedicated to open play spaces. Your best pal is assigned to a designated play area based on size and activity level and is constantly supervised by caregivers to ensure animal safety.

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It is important to do your research and meet with sitters in advanced before allowing them into your home when you are out of town. Your animals are part of your family and you wouldn’t want to leave them to just anybody. Both facilities offer day care, boarding, training and grooming services while staying dedicated to open play spaces. Your best pal is assigned to a designated play area based on size and activity level and is constantly supervised by caregivers to ensure animal safety. Dogtopia allows pet parents to check in on their animals via live stream webcams that can be accessed from their website. Chasin’ Tails has 24-hour caregivers on site and at any given time there is a minimum of two caregivers supervising playtime. They are open seven days a week and also have a 6,000-square-foot outdoor area for the warmer months. Cats are a little more difficult since they tend to be fickle creatures and are not usually comfortable in a place that is not their own or with other animals they do not know. This is where in-home pet sitting comes into play — where a sitter of your or your felines choice comes to your house once or twice a day to feed, entertain and care for your cat(s). It is important to do your research and meet with sitters in advanced before allowing them into your home when you are out of town. Your animals are part of your family and you wouldn’t want to leave them to just anybody. Over the years, I personally have used the services of Scarlett Francis Professional Cat Care. Kelly and Erin have tons of experience caring for cats and have been in business since 2009 with over 500 clients to date. We all know cats can be a little difficult with new humans, but both Kelly and Erin are Phantom dedicated to earning your feline’s trust and love.

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I completely trust Scarlett Francis to come into my home and they even provide me with great updates on how Phantom is doing — for me that eases the concern more than anything. Kelly or Erin will stay and play for at least 30 minutes once or twice a day to give your cat all the love he or she needs. Visit scarlettfrancis.ca for more information. Whatever your pet sitting needs there is certainly something for everyone here in Calgary. Whether you need to board your pup for a two-week vacation or need someone to come to your house to feed your feline, there is a caregiver for every type of need and every type of pet. But don’t forget to do your research; Pet Sitters International is a great resource to find a locally certified pet sitter. There are also other sites such as rover.com, spotwalk. ca and pawshake.ca that can connect you instantly to the sitter of your choice. CL C A LG A R Y H O M E L I V I N G . C O M

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AMENITY-RICH RADIUS CONDOS WELCOME FIRST RESIDENTS

ucci Developments’ latest building in Bridgeland, Radius is ready for residents! Possession for many homeowners began on January 28, and they have since been enjoying in the simplistic luxury offered at Radius. With an abundance of in-house amenity spaces, nothing has been left to be desired. A total of 16,000 square-feet of shared space with separate studios for yoga/barre, spin, weight and cardio training makes up almost half of the amenity space in the building. All equipment is brand new and state of the art — which means residents no longer have to pay for an off-site gym membership. Radius also takes care of the less obvious, everyday needs, such as online grocery deliveries. A common pantry called the ‘SPUD’ room allows residents to order groceries online at SPUD.ca and have them delivered straight to Radius any day of the week. Also equipped with a concierge service, any type of package delivery will never be missed. The community of Bridgeland itself plays a key role in Radius’ complete lifestyle package. The location is extremely unique and is park side in a quiet neighbourhood while still being close to all major arteries in the city. Radius is also only a five-minute walk to the Bridgeland CTrain stations and the RiverWalk pathway system at the Bow River. There is absolutely no need to

Spin room

SPUD room

compromise anything living at Radius. Bucci Developments thought of everything when designing Radius. Every home has heated underground parking, additional storage lockers, air- conditioning and private balconies with a gas line. We also can’t forget about the sprawling 8,000 square-feet roof top patio that is sure to be the most popular spot in the building. Radius oﬀers a mix of plans ranging from 618 square-feet to over 1,200 square-feet, with the majority of homes being Junior two-bedroom twobathroom plans; where most come in well under the $400,000 mark. With only 35 per cent of Radius homes remaining, visit the Radius building for a tour to see the stylish functional sophistication theses homes and amenities have to oﬀer for yourself. Visit bucci.com/radius for more informations. Connect with our sales team to learn more 403.225.0023. n

AROUND TOWN

By Pepper Rodriguez

MATRIX OFFERS UNIQUE DOWN PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

he developers of Matrix condos in Mission is offering a unique opportunity to spur sales among its Millenial target market with its zero-dollars-upfront down payment plan. A five per cent down payment loan is now available through the Matrix, with zero dollars up front and payments spread over 24 months OAC. And to protect buyers from mortgage rate rises, the Matrix is arranging 24 and 36-month interest rate holds to all buyers. Interest-only mortgages are also available, offering 37 per cent reductions in monthly mortgage payment; a windfall for many. Matrix is a five-storey condominium project, which will provide 67 homes in Calgary’s historic Mission neighbourhood. It’s the latest project headed by Harold

Sicherman, who has a 20-year track record of development in Mission. A survey by the developer conducted this fall of more than 190 interested parties found that more than 60 per cent were seeking to buy a condominium within the next year, but the top two factors holding them back are high monthly payments and saving for a down payment. “First time buyers have few options for making the down payment on a condominium purchase, and mortgage rate increases are a challenge for new buyers,” says Zee Zebian, marketing manager, Buss Marketing, who is leading the sales and marketing for the Matrix. “We have launched three new finance packages to make things more affordable.”

Visit their sales centre at #117 - 17th Avenue S.E. for more information.

JASPER LAUNCHES IN LIVINGSTON

vi Urban opens its newest multi-family development in Livingston: Jasper. Invoking the pioneer spirit of Calgary’s new north, Jasper fuses farmhouse characteristics with Scandinavian elements and introduces a refreshing twist on customary architecture. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment configurations offer attached parking and private access to each unit, innovative design and striking architecture. “We’ve put our hearts in to designing a home you can be proud of, from interior selections, to layouts and functional spaces,” says Avi Urban’s Stephanie Dickson. “Because it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Jasper starts from the $197,000s, and has seven floor plans ranging from 643 to 1,224 square-feet. Register at aviurban.com/jasper to learn more, or come by the new sales centre located at #1102-350 Livingston Common N.E.

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CALBRIDGE HOLDS VIRTUAL GROUNDBREAKING FOR TRIVERI HOUSE

albridge Homes took its turn to launch its contribution to the RESOLVE Campaign to end homelessness in Calgary with the virtual groundbreaking ceremonies for Triveri House. Triveri House marks the eighth new permanent supportive housing development to be constructed for the Calgary Homeless Foundation and its housing collaborator HomeSpace Society, through the RESOLVE Campaign. Calbridge Homes is one of 11 home builders and developers that each Joe Ferrraro committed $1.4 million to create affordable rental housing with support services for up to 3,000 vulnerable and homeless Calgarians. Including other donations, $27 million has been donated by the local homebuilding industry to RESOLVE. Construction for Triveri House is underway in Calgary’s southeast community of Forest Lawn, and is the largest project to date, with 38 bachelor-style suites. Each home will have a kitchenette and washroom, there will be communal and amenity space in the building for residents’ use, and they will have 24-hour supports available. Construction is expected to be completed in February 2020. Triveri House is named after Calbridge Homes Chairman and Founder Joe Ferrraro’s mother’s side of the family, and dedicated to the memory of both of his parents — Catherina Triveri-Ferraro and Raimondo Ferraro. CL CO N D O L I V I N G M A RCH 2019

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THE IMPORTANCE OF CONDO FEES

ASK MARIA

By Maria Bartolotti

The maintenance of your condo is in your hands

Q: A:

Hi Maria; Can you tell me why condo fees are so important?

You’ve heard me say it before and it goes without saying. A condo is a living organism and the condo fee is its lifeline. If you’re living in a condo, this is as constant as giving birth and paying taxes, but it is completely necessary for the good of your condo.

Every condominium operates under the same basic financial principles. Owners pay condominium contributions (also referred to as “fees”) to the condominium corporation. These contributions are calculated based on unit factor assigned to their unit. Condominium contributions vary with large amenity-rich buildings usually having higher fees than smaller buildings with minimal to no amenities. The condo fees are made up of all the costs associated with running the condo corporation. From water and sewer expenses, common electricity, insurance, payment to a management company, legal, landscaping and snow removal are just a few items that may be included in putting together a budget. And let’s not forget, a portion of this fee is allocated towards the capital reserves to pay for major expenditures over the lifetime of the building. The great thing about being on a condominium board is they decide how owners’ contributions will be allocated each year. The board is required to provide owners with a yearly financial reporting, typically done at an annual general meeting, showing

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.

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how their money was allocated in the previous year and how it proposes to use the upcoming year’s contributions. Condominium fees are not optional or negotiable and must be paid to the corporation on a monthly basis, normally on the first of the month. Owners who default in paying their condo fees can put their condo corporation in jeopardy, and tend to place a burden on those owners who do pay. Before making the decision to move into a condo, ask yourself, “can I afford to pay the monthly condo fees and any extra expenses that might occur.” Condominiums are not the same as purchasing a single-family home. A side from paying condo fees, you also have a responsibility to follow bylaws that govern the condominium corporation. These are specific rules that must be followed. The moral of this story is simple: If you choose to live in a condo, be prepared. Know the facts and always plan for the unexpected. Don’t place the burden on other owners to pay your fees Until Next Time… CL

Maria Bartolotti

ACCI, FCCI is the ownermanager 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 RCH 2019

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HOPE AT LARGE

VIVA, VILLAS!

By Marty Hope

Villas of Silverado a springboard for sales at StreetSide

pring always seems to bring with it the rebirth of optimism. And this year is no different, despite the fact clouds of economic doubt continue to hover over the province. Ian Macdonald and his sales and marketing team at StreetSide Developments are no different. Matter of fact they are openly excited about what they have to offer those shopping the semi-detached bungalow villas segment of the new-home market. Hey, and with what they currently have to offer now and what will be added to the list of available homes, why wouldn’t they be. “We are optimistic for the spring market based on the level of interest we have seen to date,” he says. “Many of our prospective buyers are looking to right-seize and we offer the right price with the right features in the right community.” Not only that, the style of the homes that have been created by StreetSide help fill a void in the marketplace — one that caters to retirees, those semi-retired, and seniors who want one-level living at an affordable price (starting in the mid-$500,000 range) and in a great location. The condo fees, at a relatively inexpensive $250 per month, cover landscape maintenance, irrigation and repairs, snow removal

Villas of Silverado show home

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and recycling pickup, repair and maintenance of common areas, capital reserve fund contribution and reserve fund study fees, and property management fees. Macdonald, Director of Marketing and Sales for StreetSide, says the pace of interest and sales for the company’s Villas of Silverado 50-home enclave in Qualico’s successful southwest community of Silverado has been running strong since its October grand opening, although there was a slowdown over the Christmas/New Year period. “It’s been a big seller for us since we first opened our doors in October. We have already sold about 25 per cent of them and we still have a lot of interest from those shopping this particular segment of the market,” he says from the great room of the Meadows show home. And just to give that healthy level of interest an added jolt, StreetSide is planning the release what might be the cream of the neighbourhood’s homes — eight Morgan layouts that will back directly onto an 80-acre natural reserve area. With 1,188 square-feet of living area, the Morgan is the smaller of the two floor plans being offered. The Meadows plan comes in at 1,222 square feet. The models all have the master bedroom on the main, large ensuite, walk-in closet, flex space off the foyer for a den or home-office, one-and-a-half baths, main-floor laundry, a spacious, workable kitchen, and two-car front-drive garage. “We’ve already got a list of a couple of dozen people interested in the eight homes we will be releasing,” says Macdonald. “I think the sweet spot for a lot of those people is the square footage combined with the price and location.”

Villas of Silverado show home

That is in addition to a list looking at the existing models, but have not committed. “While this villa market is not impacted by mortgage stress, they are impacted by level of activity in selling their existing home,” Macdonald says. But to further entice those considering one of the Silverado villas, StreetSide has gone all out with exterior and interior finishings. Outside, the homes feature Hardieboard siding with stone accents. On the inside, luxury vinyl plank flooring is used along with granite or quartz countertops in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances, fireplace upgrade options, and flat-panel or shaker-style cabinetry. For more information visit liveinsilverado. com or visit the show homes at 101, 20 Silverado Crest Park S.W. Show homes are open from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays, and are closed Fridays. 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 RCH 2019

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THE MISSING MIDDLE

CONDOSCAPES By Richard White

Mid-rise condo buildings present a terrific option for developers

eing a sucker for a good alliteration I love the new urban planning term the “missing middle.” What is “missing middle” you ask? It is a relatively new urban development term for the lack of multi-family residential developments between 6 storeys (low-rise) and 12+ storeys (high-rise) in inner city communities across North America. Why is the “missing middle” important? Because these buildings provide inner city housing at more affordable prices than row housing or low-rise buildings. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out, that if you add two or three more floors to a 6-storey building to allow for say 25 more homes you can spread the land and development cost to more buyers and thereby charge less per home. Mid-rise buildings also don’t create the same problems high-rise buildings. For example, they don’t stick out like a sore thumb amidst a sea of single family homes. They are what urbanists like to call “human scale” buildings as they also don’t over-power the pedestrians walking by. As well, they are large enough to allow for retail at the street level which in turn enhance the pedestrian experience. European City Centres are full of them. It is what makes those cities so pleasant to explore on foot. In Calgary’s inner city, we are beginning to see more “missing middle” projects like the luxury AVLI condos in Inglewood and Pixel, LIDO and Ezra on Riley Park and in Kensington. Perhaps one of the best and first examples of a new “missing middle” project on a high profile inner city site was St. John’s Tenth St. completed in 2014. The nine-storey Annex will be the next

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mid-rise in Kensington, with other mid-rise projects in the works for Bridgeland/ Riverside, Winston Heights and West Hillhurst. Outside the inner city, Truman’s West District is almost entirely a “missing middle” community. While there will be a few townhouses on the edge of the community, the rest will be mid-rise residential, office and institutional buildings. Truman is currently completing construction of Gateway the first two buildings of their ambitious project in the community of Wellington, on Calgary’s west side. Their Kensington Legion site condo is good example of a “missing middle” development in the inner city. Bottom line- the “missing middle” is all about trying to create more diverse housing options in our inner city communities that the average Calgary family can afford. GOOD NEWS / BAD NEWS The good news is there are currently about 25 construction cranes scattered throughout the city building new multi-family residential buildings, ranging from four to 40 storeys. This is a healthy sign. The bad news is that BOSA Development has taken down the cranes that were supposed to build the two-tower ARRIS project above the retail podium that will include the long awaited City Market by Loblaws. The good news is the retail is still

LIDO

going ahead and is scheduled to open in early 2020. The fact Truman hasn’t moved forward with the development of the Kensington Legion site is also bad news. Is this a sign Calgary’s City Centre condo market is saturated at the moment? The good news is four new condo projects are being marketed south of the tracks. In the Beltline, Battistella Developments is marketing Nude and TAK Developments is selling Fifth. In Mission, Matrix is being actively marketed by Mission 19 Ltd. and a new developer Bowman Development needs to sell a few more condos and he will be able to proceed with The Nest on the Elbow River. University District continues to share good news as they have signed up new tenants like Analog Café, J. Webb Wine Merchants, Cineplex VIP Cinemas, OEB Breakfast, Orangetheory and YYC Cycle for their main street. CL

Richard White has been writing about Calgary urban living for over 20 years. Follow him on twitter @everydaytourist, read his blogs at everydaytourist.ca or contact him at richardlw@shaw.ca CO N D O L I V I N G M A RCH 2019

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RENTALS RISING

REAL ESTATE INSIDER

The rental market sees growth in the soft new home market

By Mario Toneguzzi

he rental market in Calgary is reaping the benefits these days of a number of economic factors combining to create heavy demand by people who are wanting to rent a place to call home. The so-called mortgage stress test, which is making it more difficult for some people to qualify for lending, the threat of higher interest rates, elevated home prices, a trend in declining home prices as well, and continued uncertainty when it comes to the economy and the labour market are all weighing heavily on the minds of consumers in Calgary these days. All that is buoying the city’s rental market. “Rental rates appear to be on the rise in part due to an increase in demand thanks to increasingly strict mortgage lending rules, a bottoming out of rental market pricing, and less new rental housing coming online,” said Shamon Kureshi, CEO of Hope Street, a rental and property management company based in Calgary. “Landlords have reason to be optimistic for the coming year.” For example, Kureshi says Calgary-area private landlords experienced the average rental rate, blended for all types of advertised rental homes and condos, reaching $1,671 per month as of January 15. This amount represents a 13 per cent hike in the past five months as the average rental rate in September 2018 was $1,481. The Greater Calgary Area’s vacancy rate has also edged down to three per cent, which is down from 4.1 per cent in October. The Rentals.ca website platform released an interesting report highlighting rental market predictions for 2019 from experts in the real estate industry. C A LG A R Y H O M E L I V I N G . C O M

James Cuddy, senior market analyst for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, said in the report that spiking oil prices and high unemployment at 8.2 per cent has “put downward pressure” on the rental market. “Given high unemployment and recession, affordability has been eroded across Calgary... These affordability challenges are putting an increased demand on rentals, and the millennial generation and international migrants are leading this demand,” added Cuddy. Yes, vacancy has plunged in the market but the city continues to have an elevated level of inventory — higher than most other Canadian cities in fact. Matt Danison, CEO of Rentals.ca, which lists properties for rent across Canada, said demand for the rental market in Calgary will continue to increase this year and the company is predicting a four per cent hike in rental rates in 2019. Ben Myers, president of Bullpen Research & Consulting Inc., a boutique residential real estate advisory firm, said many Millennials today are choosing not to buy for various reasons, including costs and the tighter mortgage rules.

“They like the flexibility to live wherever they want, to be able to move and not worry about selling, especially in Calgary, where you’ve seen some decline in house prices in the last couple of years,” he said. “When you have declining prices... it just makes people nervous about purchasing. It may be their preferred way to live – to own something — but they don’t want to buy unless they think prices are going to go up.” According to Rentals.ca, Calgary rents in December averaged $1,270 for one-bedroom units and $1,448 for two-bedroom suites. CL

This article was shortened for space considerations. For the full text, visit www.calgaryhomeliving.com

Mario Toneguzzi. Based in Calgary, Mario Toneguzzi has 37 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, city and breaking news, and business. For 12 years as a business writer, his main beats were commercial and residential real estate, retail, small business and general economic news. He nows works on his own as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/ training. Email: mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com. CO N D O L I V I N G M A RCH 2019

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My Legacy Park II Brad Remington Developments page 54, back cover Nolan Park Cardel Lifestyles page 3 Norma Robertson Calgary Home Seller page 54 Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 25 Radius Bucci Developments oversize size insert Regatta Brookfield Residential page 9

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