VOLUME 9 ISSUE 91 n JuLY 2013
contents
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Family legacy Trico Homes offers an amazing range of semi-estate homes in Legacy
Community profile
History in the making 27
Currie Barracks honours the past with a community designed for the future
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
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contents 34 18 Focus On
12 Horsin’ around
Cowboy up your home décor for Stampede
Show home profiles
18 Options galore
23 Masterfully built
Woodmaster Homes builds on family tradition
Lifestyle
30 Downsizers’ delight
NuVista’s duplex offering in Evanston is just right for empty-nesters
Shopping
34 Past perfect
Artifacts of the past add punch to modern décor
On trend
37 Gorgeous gardens
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DS Homes builds to each buyer’s specifications
columns
45 Around Town 53 Hope at Large Items
10 Editor’s Message 48 Maps 52 Advertiser Index
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Smart choices make landscape design maintenance free
Giving Back
42 The RESOLVE to end homelessness
Home builders band together in fight against homelessness
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editor’s message n
First time There’s a first time for everything, and this month we feature a couple of home builders who are appearing in our pages for the very first time. We have the inaugural show home profiles of two builders some of our readers may not be entirely familiar with: DS Homes and Woodmaster Homes Master Builder. The former just opened their first show home in the northwest community of EvansRidge and the latter has a new one opening in the Riverwood Estates community of Black Diamond. Both are family-owned and managed businesses run by some very talented and skilled people whom we really enjoyed interviewing, and we know this won’t be the last time we’ll be talking about them either. By no means is this Trico Homes’ first appearance in New Home Living, but the cover feature on their semi-estate homes in Legacy is the first review of their two amazing show homes in this equally amazing new neighbourhood in the southeast. Both effectively show the award-winning builder’s skills and mastery of semi-estate home design, and their winning design touch reminds me why I love going to show homes so much. This month, we also get to appease my need for bargain hunting. I love browsing through flea markets and garage sales on the hunt for that special, one-of-a-kind collectible or memorabilia for my Batman collection. All of us have our own little collectible passion — whether it’s wine or cars or buttons — it’s an itch that needs to be scratched. And for those who love antiques, Kathy McCormick just has what you need, as she takes us on a whirlwind tour of antique stores and flea markets in her Shopping story and gives us some tips to tell if an article is a genuine antique or junk. But then again, what one considers junk is really up to the individual doing the considering. Karen Durrie updates us on what’s happening in the former military land of Currie Barracks that shows you can still honour the historic past while designing homes for the future. While Jessica Patterson gives us some design ideas for the garden and flowerbeds. We also find out how home builders have banded together in the fight against homelessness in Andrea Cox’s Giving Back feature. Aaliya Essa also takes a fun look at Stampede-themed design for your home as summer rolls in. These are exciting times in Calgary, the new home market is booming, so many terrific options all over the city. One thing’s for sure, the choices are a-plenty, and making a decision to find your new home starts right here.
PUBLISHER
Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca A s s o c i a t e PUBLISHER
Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca Editor
Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca Art director
Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designerS
Lama Azhari
lama.azhari@sourcemediagroup.ca
Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca p r o d u c t i o n a d m i n i s t r at o r
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
Andrea Cox, Karen Durrie, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Jessica Patterson Photography
Karen Durrie, Kevin Frew, Don Molyneaux A d v e r t i s i n g SALES
Heather Dougall
heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca Accounting
Donna Roberts accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
Copyright 2013 by Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area.
Pepper Rodriguez,
Editor pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca
New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup. ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. New Home Living® is a registered Trademark the propperty of SOURCE MEDIA GROUP CORP. Reg. CIPO TMA 693289.
We spotlight bookshelves and designing Next month: your bonus/flex room. Follow us on twitter: CalgaryNewHomes 1 0 n e w home liv in g ju ly 2013
Contact: Source Media Group, 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9 T: 403.532.3101, F: 403.532.3109 TF: 1.888.932.3101, E: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca
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1] Artistic Iron Animal Large Horse – Black, $507 at Crave Furniture 2] Large Horse Head Sculpture, $1,797 at Crave Furniture 3] Gold Horse Head, $129.95 at Pier1 Imports 4] Melody I, $807 at Crave Furniture 5] Patchwork Patina Horse, $99.95 at Pier1 Imports 6] WT Designs’ horse acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40 inches, $600 at Crave Furniture 7] Antiqued Resin Horse, $159.95 at Pier1 Imports 8] Over the Top – Bronze $4,500 at Gainsborough Galleries 9] Avengers – Bronze, $16,000 at Gainsborough Galleries 1 2 n e w home liv in g ju ly 2013
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Horsin’ around Cowboy up your home décor for Stampede n
By Aaliya Essa
Our annual Stampede celebrations is one of the things that makes Calgary unique, and you can bring this love for our Western heritage into your home with this fantastic range of Stampede-themed décor that will accentuate that urban cowboy appeal. A pancake breakfast maybe the only thing missing. NL
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| Advertising cover Feature |
Family Legacy Trico Homes offers an amazing range of semi-estate homes in Legacy
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he semi-estate home has gained a new prominence in increasingly affluent Calgary, and Trico Homes is making excellent inroads to corner this particular niche of the market with their line of lavishly luxurious but oh-so-functional homes in the new community of Legacy. The recently opened show homes of the Newport and the Birchwood in Calgary’s newest community in the southeast fulfill everything a growing family needs in a home, with comfortable functionality and jaw-dropping elegance. “As families grow and become more established, they want more in a home, and Trico’s line of semi-estate homes provide a terrific selection to fill this need,” says Area Manager Hal Pike. “Our line of semi-estate homes gives families an option of upgrading from their starter or move-up home into a larger one without necessarily going over the $1 million mark.” He tells New Home Living that Trico’s semi-estate homes in Legacy start from $600,000 including lot and GST. “Later on, we will have ridge lots with fantastic views of the Bow River Valley and homes here can go up to the $2 million mark.” In the first phase, Pike says, Trico will have lots going up to 40-feet-wide, a rare find in the city, “and you get to enjoy Legacy’s 300 acres of 1 4 n e w home liv in g ju ly 2013
s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r
Photos on these pages are of Newport.
“As families grow and get ahead in life, they want more in a home, and Trico’s line of semi-estate homes provide a terrific selection that fills this need.”
green space, including an environmental reserve, with 15 kilometres of winding walking paths.” The 2,538-square-foot Newport and the 3,042-squarefoot Birchwood are part of Trico’s Capstone Series of semi-estate homes in Legacy. “About 80 per cent of our lots in the first phase are walkouts that back onto Legacy’s fabulous green space that include pond lots. So there’s some really unique opportunities to build the perfect dream home here,” says Pike. The Newport offers an exciting new design. It is a three-bedroom home with the master bedroom on the main floor. “It’s designed for grown-up families with older children and offers a bungalow lifestyle with the convenience of a two-storey home. It is another example of Trico’s innovative way of designing the new family home,” Pike says. Skylights over the kitchen and the master bedroom give it a sunny ambience and the vaulted ceilings over parts of the main floor add to its endearing appeal. The open-to-above ceiling of the great room has a powerful visual effect accentuated by the magnificent two-storey designer stone fireplace. The master bedroom has a door leading straight to the oversized deck, making it more convenient to enjoy your private outdoor space and the calm beauty of the surroundings. The upstairs is loaded with convenience too, with two spare bedrooms, a bonus room and laundry. The show home is priced in the mid $800,000s but the Newport can be built starting from the high $600,000s. The developed walkout basement features a rec room, one bedroom, a full bath and space for a games area, home theatre, and wine storage.
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| Advertising cover Feature |
Photos on this page are of Birchwood.
The Birchwood is another great example of the amazing home designs Trico is creating. It has a very elegant open-concept plan, enhanced by a skylight over the main staircase and an open-to-above foyer. The two-way fireplace separating the great room and the formal dining room adds a dash of stylish elegance. The domed ceiling with wraparound lighting in the dining room provides a dramatic backdrop that accents the home’s unique visual appeal. “The massive kitchen has a large island with a unique bulkhead giving it a very modern appearance. The functional layout of the kitchen makes for a very smooth flow to the workspace with tons of cabinetry for extra storage space,” Pike says. The master bedroom and the bonus room upstairs have vaulted ceilings with exposed truss beams to create further visual appeal, and the ensuite has a six-by-four-foot tiled shower stall with bench and a deep soaker tub for a lavish, spa-like ambience. The Birchwood pricing starts in the low $700,000s with the show home itself in the $900,000 range. Of course, Trico’s standard specifications are a notch or two higher than one might expect, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and upgraded tile and hardwood flooring. Exteriors are just as aesthetically pleasant, with all-acrylic stucco or James Hardie cement fibre board finishings. Trico Homes also offers semi-detached homes in Legacy under the Foundation series. Pike says Legacy will be one of South Calgary’s best communities for families. “Legacy is really a community for the ages that offers an astounding array of homes at all price points. It’s designed to be as close to nature as possible and yet has all the amenities within easy reach — including the new South Health Campus hospital and the soon-to-be-completed portion of the ring road, which will make it even more accessible.” n
FAST FACTS: BUILDER: Trico Homes AREA: Legacy Developer: WestCreek Developments Style: Semi-estate homes Size: From 2,432 to 2,924 sq. ft. Price: From the low $600,000s Address: 24 and 28 Legacy Circle S.E. Directions: South on Macleod Tr. exit east on 210 Ave. S.E. and follow the signs. Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.tricohomes.com 1 6 n e w home liv in g ju ly 2013
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show home profile n DS Homes
Options galore DS Homes builds to each buyer’s specifications n By
Aaliya Essa
They say variety is the spice of life, and it’s true. Especially when it comes to choosing the design and layout for your new home. That’s why DS Homes offers their buyers all the selections they want to make their homes unique. But the decisions don’t stop with the selection of the home model or floor plan. In fact, building a new home comes with a myriad of choices to make, even after you’ve found the home of your dreams. “Customization for buyers’ individual tastes means a lot to us. We try to provide our buyers with an abundance of options, so they can have what they want in their homes,” says Harneet Garcha, manager for DS Homes From choosing the colour palette, to selecting flooring, cabinetry, counter-tops, plumbing and lighting fixtures — the list goes on. For many people, making these decisions can be somewhat stressful, but with DS Homes this is actually one of the more fun parts of the home buying experience, allowing buyers to flex their creative muscles. Their newest show home, The Chateau, located in the northwest corner of Calgary in EvansRidge, features three-bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and provides 2,443 square-feet of functional living space. “The craftsmanship and the quality in The Chateau is definitely something that is unique,” says Garcha. “We’ve had people come in after looking at other show homes and 1 8 n e w home liv in g ju ly 2013
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Fast facts: builder: DS Homes area: EvansRidge
tell us they’ve never seen anything like this. That’s the wow factor in this home.” The Chateau is packed with a variety of standard and optional finishings that allow potential buyers to see for themselves just how many different permutations and combinations are possible. In this show home, there are two types of countertops; in the kitchen there is an upgraded granite, while in the bathrooms there is a leather finish counter-top. Buyers are free to mix and match to their heart’s content. The flooring on the main level is an engineered walnut hardwood, with upgraded carpet on the stairs and upper level of the home, including a sturdy eight-pound underlay. Walking in the front door, you immediately get a feel for the spaciousness of the home, thanks to nine-foot-ceilings on the main floor, and a large open foyer. In fact, the whole flow of the home is set-up in such a way as to maximize the efficient use of space. For example, as you enter from the garage, there’s a mudroom, laundry, and walk-through pantry, that leads you towards the kitchen. This makes unloading coats, shoes, and groceries a less daunting task. The main stairway in The Chateau is crafted from a metal spindle rail and natural wood posts, and makes quite a statement. The stairs lead up to the bonus area which has a vaulted ceiling, creating the perfect setting to sit back, relax, and settle into an evening at home. The master suite, which has been dressed-up with French doors, s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
developer: Dundee Developments size: From 2,036 to 2,634 sq. ft. Price: From $479,900 address: 152 Evansborough Way N.W. Directions: North on Symons Valley Rd, right on Symons Valley Pkwy. Left on Evanston Dr. N.W. and follow the signs Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.ds-homes.ca
has a distinct aura of elegance and style, with a stunning tile design for the headboard that adds a real presence to this space. The ensuite includes a variety of upgrades that go a long way to assist buyers with making choices in this area. From the soaker tub, to the stand-up shower, his and hers sinks, skylight and a large walk-in closet — it’s almost like being able to customize your own mini spa. In addition to the skylight in the ensuite, a number of large windows throughout the home help bring the outdoors in. “People love natural light in their homes, so we try to include as many windows into the design of our homes as we can,” says Garcha.
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Every home built by DS Homes has a walk-out door from the basement, which is great for buyers that want the convenient access to their backyards. 2 0 n e w home liv in g ju ly 2013
An additional two bedrooms on the upper floor, each equipped with generous sized closets, make this home ideal for families with children of any age. The upstairs also has additional storage in the form of a linen closet, another full bath, and wide open hallways providing an abundance of room for a growing family. Every home built by DS Homes has a walk-out door from the basement, which is great for buyers that want the convenient access to their backyards. Again, says Garcha, great for families with kids. As is the location. The community of EvansRidge has bike paths and walking trails perfect for exploring the Symon’s Valley corridor, as well as the tranquil ponds located by West Nose Creek. Other amenities located just minutes away in the Creekside Shopping Centre are: Co-op grocery and liquor store, a medical clinic, restaurants and coffee shops, as well as a private fitness centre.“There is also a K to nine Catholic School opening up too in EvansRidge,” adds Garcha. This school will include two soccer fields, and will be located centrally within the community. DS Homes models in EvansRidge range from 2,036 to 2,634 square-feet, with prices starting from $479,900 to $599,900. The Chateau show home is priced at $675,000 which includes lot and GST. With nine homes sold already, DS Homes only has three remaining lots for sale in EvansRidge. But don’t worry, says Garcha, buyers can look forward to more new lots becoming available for sale soon. Building homes since 1998, Daljeet Garcha, President of DS Homes, has a great understanding of the value and quality that goes into building a home. He knows first hand as he started off on the ground floor, working as a drywaller, and worked for some of Calgary’s most prestigious builders. With this solid foundation of understanding — of the entire construction and purchase process — DS Homes is uniquely positioned to ensure satisfaction for each home buyer. DS Homes prides themselves with working with trades that they know and trust to do a job right, “our tradesman are like family to us, and the work that we do together gives us a great sense of accomplishment,” says Garcha. It’s all about attention to detail, and DS Homes is definitely paying attention. NL s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r
Woodmaster Homes Master Builder n show home profile
Masterfully built Woodmaster Homes builds on family tradition n By
Who knows how to build a family home more than a family-run home builder? And with Woodmaster Homes’ decades of experience in the industry, it’s no surprise that their line of masterfully crafted homes in Black Diamond show a high level of design expertise and, indeed, passion — a rarity in these days of mass-produced homes. Woodmaster Homes is the exclusive builder in the new community of Riverwood Estates in Black Diamond, and their finely-honed skill is easily seen in their show homes and spec homes in this idyllic suburban neighbourhood about half an hour south of Calgary. They have a couple of bungalow show homes that give visitors a good idea of the exacting detail and workmanship that goes into their homes. The Chalet is a two-bedroom, two bath, 1,440-square-foot home with a main floor laundry and a flex room. The Summerview, which opens later in June, is a triple-car garage 1,558-square-foot model that accentuates the best of single-level living. “We’re very proud of what we’ve come to accomplish,” says Allan Kroeker, who founded Woodmaster Homes in 1973 in Saskatchewan. They moved to Alberta in 1980, and have since built a thriving business in commercial and residential developments throughout southern Alberta and B.C.
Pepper Rodriguez
Allan’s son, Darren, now runs the day-to-day operations of the company and his daughter, Jennifer, designs the homes. While her husband, CIR Realtor Mike Hughes, takes care of Woodmaster’s sales in Riverwood Estates. “We’re a tight knit company. A custom home builder who takes the time to get to know the customer to find out what they need in their home, and execute the plans to the best of our master builder abilities and skills,” Darren Kroeker tells New Home Living. “Our bottom line is putting the needs of the client ahead of our own.”
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“We’re a tight knit company... Our bottom line is putting the needs of the client ahead of our own.”
Photos are of The Chalet show home s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
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show home profile n
Fast facts: builder: Woodmaster Homes Master Builder area: Riverwood Estates, Black Diamond developer: Quadrum Developments style: Custom single-family homes size: The Chalet starts at 1,440 sq. ft, The Summerview is at 1,558 sq. ft. Price: The Chalet starts at $429,900, The Summerview at $459,000 address: 820 3rd St., Black Diamond Directions: From Okotoks, follow Hwy 7 to Black Diamond and left on 3rd St. Hours: Monday to Thursday 12 to 6 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.
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The company continues to pride itself in building homes that put paramount emphasis on designs to fit the needs of families, and Allan says having a well-educated, dedicated team is a big advantage. “Darren has a BA from Trinity Western University and earned his Master Builder Certificate from the Alberta New Home Warranty Program (ANHWP), and Jennifer has a business degree from Mount Royal and is also a licensed realtor. We have more than 40 years of experience in a very competitive business, which works in our clients’ favour.” “We’re a long-time member of the Alberta New Home Warranty Program and we’ve been awarded their Platinum Award of Distinction,” Darren adds. Allan says 90 per cent of the homes they build in Riverwood Estates are bungalows. “They have an efficient design that fits the needs of young families and the above-50 crowd,” Allan says.
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n show home profile
The Chalet has a spacious open concept main floor with a den, gleaming hardwood flooring gives it an executive touch that’s augmented by the stainless steel appliances in the chef’s kitchen. The huge island is a functional feature that provides plenty of room to work on and a handy spot for quick meals for the family, and it’s perfect for entertaining. High, vaulted ceilings on the main floor add to the feeling of openness and the big windows allow tons of natural light into the home. The Chalet is priced competitively at $429,000 including lot and GST. The Summerview has loads of upgrades to impress the savvy buyer. Slate tile flooring greets visitors at the entrance, hardwood and upgraded carpet completes the flooring package. The kitchen has loads of high-end cabinetry to give lots of functional storage space. The cathedral-like windows provide a terrific view of the nearby mountains and the master bedroom features a spa-like five-piece ensuite. The Summerview starts at $459,000. Custom rockwork on the exterior of both homes adds to the streetscape charm of Riverwood Estates. “This is a spectacular neighbourhood for young families with all three levels of schools within walking distance and you’re
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still just half an hour out of Calgary and 15 minutes to the shopping and amenities in Okotoks,” says Mike Hughes. “There’s plenty of green space and tot lots in the neighbourhood and some of the homes actually back onto the environmental preserve and walking paths that wind through the neighbourhood. You also get lots of terrific mountain views and Kananaskis Country is just down the road,” he adds. “We’re almost sold out in Phase I and sales for Phase II should begin soon.” “We can build homes in Riverwood starting from $369,000 and turnaround is about three months,” Darren says. NL
“There’s plenty of green space and tot lots in the neighbourhood and some of the homes actually back onto the environmental preserve…”
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Currie Barracks n community profile
History in the making Currie Barracks honours the past with a community designed for the future n
Story and photos by Karen Durrie
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ust beyond the iconic series of whitewashed buildings that once were part of a military base, its namesake neighbourhood, Currie Barracks, is taking shape. The transformation began in 2008 to turn the historically significant 200 acres in the southwest into a unique urban village that will eventually be home to more than 6,000 people. Once completed, Currie Barracks will be a veritable town within a city, and a charming destination for all Calgarians to visit for a stroll, a spot of shopping or a nosh. It’s an incredible opportunity when land so near the city’s core is opened up for new residential development, and if similar past projects are any indication, Currie Barracks will be a resounding success. The project is the last of three developments built on former CFB land in Calgary’s southwest. Award-winning developments Garrison Woods and Garrison Green were the first two communities developed by Canada Lands Company, a crown corporation that develops federal property no longer required by the government. Numerous historical buildings will be retained at Currie Barracks — many are designated provincial heritage sites — and incorporated into the fabric of the neighbourhood. The military base was built in the 1930s, and was decommissioned in 1998. “People are not just buying a home, they’re buying into a planned community. There is something for everyone, too. You can start in apartments, move to townhouses, up to houses, back to apartments, and then over to the seniors’ care centre. You never have to leave,” laughs Carol Wardell, an ambassador at the Currie Barracks Sales Centre. Currie Barracks is now nearing completion of its first of many
“You can start in apartments, move to townhouses, up to houses, back to apartments, and then over to the seniors’ care centre. You never have to leave.”
phases, and a perusal of the neighbourhood reveals a picturesque boulevard that exude an old-world charm with their distinctive mix of styles and exteriors. The community’s cozy, winding streets are lined with multi- and single-family homes in a wide array of traditional architectural styles. The approved code includes Tudor, Craftsman, Prairie, Stick, Victorian, Modern Classical, Queen Anne, Colonial, and Richardson Romanesque. A full gamut of luxury abodes, single family houses, townhomes, condos and apartments will be found at Currie Barracks, where numerous builders are taking part in the community’s creation. Prices start from $690,000 for multi-family homes and $790,000 for single-family. Crystal Creek Homes is one of the single-family estate home builders in Currie Barracks and they are thrilled to be part of the development. “With Crystal Creek Homes in Currie Barracks you can anticipate the prospect of attractive single family home living or spectacular estate home living in the heart of the inner city,” says Ron Cummings, Crystal Creek community manager in Currie Barracks. “From 1,600 to over 3,000 square-feet, from bungalow style to three-stories, with or without a carriage house suite are some of the unique opportunities available to you at Currie Barracks.”
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Fast facts: community: Currie Barracks Developer: Canada Lands company Builders: Single-family — Birchwood Properties, Crystal Creek Homes, Empire Custom Homes, Mission Homes, Greenboro Estate Homes Multi-family — Avi Urban, Evolution by Greenboro, Jayman Modus (coming soon) Price: Multi-family starts at $690,000 and single-family from $790,000 Sales Centre: J5, 2953 Battleford Ave. S.W. Directions: South on Crowchild Tr. and exit on Flanders Ave. S.W. and follow the signs. hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., Fridays, weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.curriebarracks.com
A full gamut of luxury abodes, single family houses, townhomes, condos and apartments will be found at Currie Barracks.
Currently, Crystal Creek has 23 homes completed or underway in Currie Barracks with several more projects in the planning stages. They are also custom designing homes for the Urban Estates phase of Currie Barracks. These estate lots provide a generous private garden along with direct access to adjacent gorgeous green spaces. This is just one of the developments going on in Currie Barracks. “There’s been a significant amount of park development in the first phase, and the total development will have over 20 acres of public municipal reserve or park space,” says Doug Cassidy, Canada Lands western region vice president. “Commemoration has been a theme in the projects, with an ongoing emphasis on programming space for residents in the community, tot lots, and park areas to provide amenities for residents of all ages.” Everywhere in Currie Barracks, the proud legacy of the Canadian military is honoured. Street names include names of Victoria Cross recipients — the highest honour in the Canadian military. And plaques set by corner walkways explain the significance of all street names. Valour Park and Victoria Cross Park pay tribute to Canadian military branches with bronze statues, and informative storyboards. The redevelopment of Currie Barracks has earned a gold certification from the LEED for Neighbourhood Development program. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental 2 8 n e w home liv in g ju ly 2013
Design. Smart, sustainable development at Currie Barracks includes adapting and reusing heritage buildings, efficient site planning with walkable, mixed-use streets, preservation of mature trees and greenery on site, and having schools, parks and shopping within walking or biking distance. The future High Street will be one of the most exciting features of Currie Barracks. The European-inspired main street will be lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, services, and possibly a boutique hotel. Many of the three and four-storey High Street buildings will also contain upper-storey residences. Parade Square, once a ceremonial venue for the military, will be revitalized into the heart of the community, where neighbours can gather for special events and activities. Parade Square is the largest Heritage precinct ever designated in Alberta. Several show homes are open, including homes by Birchwood Properties, Crystal Creek Homes, Mission Homes, Greenboro Homes, and Avi Urban. Over the next month, Canada Lands will announce more details about phase two. “As the community planning process unfolds over the next month, we will be planning a large variety of housing forms and types, including more single-family, semi-detached row townhomes, apartments, condos, and a seniors assisted-living project in order to provide housing for Calgarians of all types and at all affordabilities as we move into phase two,” Cassidy said. NL s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r
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Downsizers’ de NuVista’s duplex offering in Evanston is just right for empty-nesters Story by Andrea Cox n Photos by Don Molyneaux
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vanston, Qualico’s newest master-planned community in the northwest is turning some heads for its innovative community design and varied selection of home styles. Take for example Jackie and Ray, two lively and active empty nesters looking to downsize and simplify their lives. Although their children flew the coop many moons ago (their eldest is 42 and the couple just celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary), until recently they had enjoyed the lifestyle associated with a bigger home and yard. But that mindset shifted a few years ago. “We wanted to reduce space, costs and work,” says Ray, a planning consultant, who enjoys do-it-yourself projects. “It was a very practical decision.” The couple spent a year checking out developments and projects throughout the city, visiting show home after show home. The goal was to downsize into a villa or possibly a condo. But nothing really caught their eye, until they stepped in the front door of the NuVista Homes duplex show home in Evanston. “I just knew right away,” says Jackie, comparing the knowing to when she first met Ray in high school. “It was just like that. I just knew I was going to marry him,” she adds with a giggle. And as for Ray, he was already sold on Qualico Devel-
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light opments (NuVista Homes is one of its divisions) from the get go. “This is my family’s fourth Qualico home,” he says, adding the first home was the home he grew up in during the 1950’s in the area of Glenbrook. “They build a really solid home.” The couple fell in love with the 2,200 two-storey Saxony model. “We really wanted the three bedrooms for when our grandchildren visit,” says Jackie. And both she and Ray loved the second- storey floor plan with the middle-oriented bonus room, with the master bedroom on one side and the other two bedrooms on the other. “We thought it was a really nice feature and a clever part of the design,” enthuses Ray. Pushed forward by the free title status of the property, the couple signed on the dotted line within the day. “It was a bonus finding out that this was free title. It gave us everything that we wanted, everything that we would have had in a villa environment, but it didn’t have any condo fees,” says Ray. The couple tweaked the Saxony floor plan ever-so slightly — moving a doorway in the master bedroom and removing a cutaway in the main floor den, but other than those minor changes they embraced the floorplan. And what they really covet is the lifestyle that the community offers. “We wanted to move into an area with higher density,” says Ray, adding that the community is planned so well with all types of housing available from condos to townhomes, duplexes and single-family. “There is just such a nice variety of ages in here from couples, to families with little kids and there are teenagers across the road. That’s really nice,” says Jackie, who can’t say enough about the area’s amenities. “One of the things that I really like here is the walking paths. I can walk for hours from here to way over on the other side.” And the low-maintenance s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
design of the duplex is an added bonus. “We felt that this is getting pretty close to a lock and leave it type of environment,” says Ray, noting that he is particularly thrilled with the thought of not having to shovel in the winter. “There isn’t a city sidewalk in front of the house, so I don’t have to worry about that.” And the yard gives them everything they require — a lovely deck with a southeast exposure, perfect for enjoying morning coffee and a blank canvas to create whatever type of landscaping they choose. “We are going to hardscape back here, so there won’t be any maintenance. We’ve already given away our power mower,” notes Ray, a tad gleefully, hinting that now he will have more time to work on the design of the unfinished basement, which is now a work-in-progress — a project that he is thrilled to be taking on. Without a doubt the couple’s favourite room in the house is the open-concept kitchen space with its big island. “Ray and I sit at the counter the whole time. We never use the table, except with family,” says Jackie and Ray agrees whole-heartedly. “We love sitting here. It works out well for us. It’s comfortable,” he adds, recalling a moment with his young granddaughter. “She said, ‘mama, papa — this new house of yours is really comfy and cozy.’ That was a real treat to hear her say, because we wanted it to be smaller for us, but big enough that the family felt comfortable when they came over and darn me if it didn’t work,” he says with a smile. NL
“It gave us everything that we wanted, everything that we would have had in a villa environment, but it didn’t have any condo fees.”
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Past perfect Artifacts of the past add punch to modern décor n
By Kathy McCormick
Photo from SQ Commons.
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ne man’s junk is another man’s treasure. That’s never been as true as it is when you are talking about home décor — but the way people decorate homes today is much different than the traditional antique collector in Mother’s day. Long-gone are the fussy groupings of small collectables, the priceless displays of porcelain figurines, and the beautiful tapestry design on the rigid, uncomfortable chair in the sitting room. Also out of style is the ‘shabby-chic’ distressed bureaus and tables that are often painted to look rustic, with sponged or ‘ragged’ walls to match. Not to say those fashions are wrong — many people still love those looks. But today’s homeowners are trending toward sleek, contemporary looks that are even minimalist. No fuss; no muss. No worry about having a house full of dust collectors to worry about. The popularity today of the many television shows revolving around seeking out and finding unusual treasures, whether it’s through garage sales, antique stores, auctions, storage lockers, pawn shops, or flea markets, has raised the profile of antiques once again. But this time, the treasures are different — and the uses of those things in the home have changed, say some of the experts in the field. “Antiques are coming back fast and furious,” says Terry Dixon, owner of the largest and very popular antique store Sentimental Journey Antiques, part of the antique walk in Nanton, Alberta, and the new Iron Crow antique store in Calgary. “People appreciate heritage more now, and they want statement pieces, not just knick-knacks.” The key is repurposing. “Some of the most popular and sought-after items right now are industrial pieces and also rustic, primitive pieces,” says Heather McCormick, founder of Rus Vintage — a business that has a unique approach as well. Rus Vintage rents unique pieces for backdrops for anything from weddings, to photo shoots, movies, or events. It’s a great way to make a statement without the cost of buying. “These unique pieces are tougher to find and require thinking outside the box,” she says. For example, metal dental cabinets from the 1920s that are slightly rusted are now used as a hutch in a sleek, modern dining room. s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r
n shopping
“Incorporating something like this into your décor can really give your space a sense of history and warmth without being too stuffy or precious,” McCormick says. “The tension of rustic against modern can’t be beat and all it takes is a couple of interesting finds to really amp up the character of a space.” Architectural items are also in hot demand, says Dixon, whose Iron Crow shop in Calgary is a bit different than the Nanton store. You’ll find everything from an authentic 150-year-old hand-carved canoe, to some old gas pumps and more traditional antiques. “People look for things like general store dried-goods counters, big plank tables that they’ll use for islands; they’ll make vanities of old side boards.” It’s all about finding something unique and using it differently and you have an instant focal point that’s economical since you only need that one special piece to show off your style. Folk art is another hot item today, says Dixon. “People are interested today in that one conversation piece — not a cheesy, mass-produced item.” Decide what your taste and style are and how and where you want to incorporate the items, says Rick Koftinoff, who is the auctioneer and owner of Rick’s Auction Galleries, which has an antique and estate auction the last Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. and weekly Wednesday auctions the rest of the month. “Then you set a price range and you can go for it when you see it.” Retro is another wanted item these days, says Koftinoff. “Looking for antiques takes time,” says McCormick. “Half of the fun is the thrill of the hunt — but it doesn’t provide the instant gratification of walking into a store and leav-
ing with what you were looking for that day. It just takes dedication and repeat visits to antique stores, scouring online sites like Kijiji, and visits to auctions.” Don’t rule out picking through barns and garages of relatives, if they’re downsizing. Outdoor sales and flea markets in the U.S. have a great variety of pieces that you might not find anywhere else, but they require transport back. The key is to do the research to know what to look for, how to pick out quality, and what prices are reasonable. Pricing is one question that comes up and one that is hard to judge. It depends on the piece, its rarity, its quality, the demand for it, and the place where it is selling. Some areas just generally might charge more than other areas, just because of the popularity of antiques and the buyers living there. Watch those many TV shows, visit antique stores and compare, look online, go to auctions. “Always think what you want the piece for,” says McCormick. “Are you just looking to add character or are you looking for a collector’s piece that can be verified as authentic and from a specific period? Look closely at joints on drawers and layers of paint to determine if a piece is truly old or just looks old, if that’s important to you.” If that isn’t important to you, and you love it, that’s all that matters. Some repairs, refinishings and recovering can be done at home, but some is best left to the pros, especially if it is an authentic piece. “If you want some guidance on refinishing older pieces in a fresh way, consider attending classes at a place such as Lauren Lane Décor where you can take an evening or weekend class to learn how to recover and repaint using proper technique,” says McCormick.
Above: Heather McCormick sitting at some furniture and props available for rent from Rus Vintage. Photo by Kevin Frew. Below: Vintage gas pumps. Photo courtesy Iron Crow antique store.
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Outdoor sales and flea markets in the u.s. have a great variety of pieces that you might not find anywhere else, but they require transport back. s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
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Above: Furniture and props available for rent from Rus Vintage. Photo by Kevin Frew. Right: Iron Crow antique store in Calgary.
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“Antiques stores have a great variety and you can look, touch and feel the pieces,” says Dixon. “Staff is knowledgeable and able to help.” Auction sales may have great buys, but it is buyer beware, so you need to check the pieces out ahead of time and set a limit to the amount you want to pay, so you don’t get caught up in the excitement of bidding against someone. Auctions take time — something that a lot of people don’t have these days, says Koftinoff. “But many people come for the entertainment value and the social atmosphere.” Auctions are fun — and those who are looking for something unique and a bargain, may just find it. Flea markets, garage sales and the like take time and lots of patience. You may find incredible bargains — but you may never find what you originally wanted. And if it’s just a one-off event, consider renting, says McCormick. “All it takes is a few special items to make it a memorable event that feels much more personal. Again, think outside the box with things like a unique, antique dresser as a dessert or candy bar.” NL
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By Jessica Patterson
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esigning gardens isn’t much different than designing interiors, if you ask landscape artist Susan Baldrey of Vintage Garden Design in Calgary. “It involves the same concepts as interior design, with a focal point, flow, repetition and layers,” she says. Baldrey, who has been designing other people’s green spaces for 22 years, says to create flow in a backyard, use some of the same plants throughout, maybe some of the same colour. “It definitely does depend on the space,” she says. “Some people want a more contemporary look, which may involve a few different types of plants to create flow with repetition. You can create a contemporary look with texture and colour, which is subtle.”
One popular idea in gardening circles is to actually include your children, Baldrey says. “Make their own community garden in the backyard where they can grow vegetables,” she explains. “That way, we can go back to our roots and teach people how to grow things, and not to just go to the store.” Depending on the space you have, your likes and dislikes, designing in the great outdoors can be as complex or as simple as designing indoors. Determine the function of your backyard, what you want to do in the space. “If you wanted to make it an outdoor living space, create that space with a sofa, a barbecue, chairs and tables,” Baldrey says.
Lower photo courtesy Susan Baldrey of Vintage Garden Design.
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... designing in the great outdoors can be as complex or as simple as designing indoors. Determine what you want to do in the space.
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“We’re starting to see fire pits and water features becoming more popular.” Photo courtesy Clayton Ditzler of The Landscape Artist.
For those in new homes, the trend is all about creating much needed extra privacy. “I try to incorporate a screen in every yard that I do, as a focal point or to block out neighbours,” Baldrey says. “If you’re just starting out, you may have to do that in stages. Plant material isn’t as expensive as the structural elements of decks, paving stones and screens.” Though, if you’re more of a DIY gardener, consulting with a landscape designer or architect is often a good idea. In Calgary, people love to get outdoors, after long months of winter. Calgarians are excited about colour, Baldrey says, and they often incorporate it into their backyard or front yard gardens with texture and different types of plants. “People always think of plants when designing their yards, but there are other things you can include, whether it be a nice sculpture that means something to them, or something else that adds visual interest,” Baldrey says. The major trend in Calgary gardens is low maintenance, the expert says. Plants and trees always need grooming of some sort, Baldrey says. “Even though it might be a slow-growing plant like an evergreen, it’ll need some maintenance,” she says. “If some-
one’s installed a really great low-maintenance garden, but if you haven’t touched it in five years? It becomes an out-of-control low maintenance garden. Gardens always needs care.” Everyone finds themselves with less time these days, says landscape designer Clayton Ditzler, from The Landscape Artist. “If you have a family and a job, and all of these other things pulling at your time, gardening can get away from you,” he says. “Ninety per cent of our clients want their gardens to look good across the growing season, from spring until fall and through the winter. They want things blooming at different times.” And they don’t want to be out there all of the time, snipping deadheads, or weeding. Mulch cuts down on weeds, so do gravel and landscape fabric. Ditzler, who has been a landscape designer for 23 years, says the biggest change he’s seen over the years is that Calgarians are using their green space to relax and entertain. “We’re starting to see fire pits and water features becoming more popular,” he says. “That draws inspiration
“The critical thing when planting is the soil temperatures. We’re about two weeks behind this year, which compresses the growing season.”
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n on trend from California and Europe, where they do more al fresco dining and that type of thing. In Calgary, we don’t typically have the same type of climate to be outside as much as them.” But, if you add a patio heater, some weather-resistant patio furniture, a fire pit, the outdoors can be much friendlier in the more frigid months. In terms of plants, Calgary is one of the toughest growing environments, with semi-arid conditions and unstable temperatures in the winter.” We have a smaller selection of wooded plants than even Edmonton does,” Ditzler says. “People think of Edmonton as having colder and longer winters, but because they have a stable winter without the chinooks, they have a broader selection of plants to choose from than people in Calgary.” Calgary also has a higher elevation than Edmonton does, which is a less forgiving climate. Winters may be milder, but chinooks can be devastating on plants not suited to the conditions. In Calgary, the number of frost-free days varies, but it cane be as short as 90 days, Ditzler says. “The critical thing when planting is the soil temperatures,” he says. “We’re about two weeks behind this year, which compresses the growing season.” Choose plants that are suited for the area. The City of Calgary Water Services has a good list of water-wise plants that are drought-tolerant, act as filters and sponges for runoff, including annuals like nasturtiums which attracts birds and butterflies, gazania which thrive in dry and sunny conditions, and perennials like the alpine aster, which prefers dry, light soil, coral bells, pasque flowers and peonies. Yucca plants have white bell-shaped flowers, spiky leaves and are drought-resistant natives of Southern Alberta. NL Right: (top) If you add a patio heater, some weather-resistant patio furniture, a fire pit, the outdoors can be much friendlier in the more frigid months. Photo courtesy Susan Baldrey of Vintage Garden Design. (middle) Calgarians are using their outdoor space to relax and entertain. Photo courtesy Clayton Ditzler of The Landscape Artist. (bottom) “The critical thing when planting is the soil temperatures.” Photo courtesy Susan Baldrey of Vintage Garden Design.
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Home builders band together in fight against homelessness n
By Andrea Cox
Kim O’Brien
ay and June have been busy months for giving back and for setting builder-spearheaded ground- breaking precedents in community partnerships and in well-needed and unique initiatives that address not only the basic necessities but also some serious social issues. Take for example RESOLVE, an innovative community-driven fundraising campaign aimed at creating a diverse mix of affordable, rentbased housing units throughout the city of Calgary. The initiative, which was unveiled on May 7th , is part of the implementation of Calgary’s 10 Year Plan to end homelessness and it aims to raise $120 million to create 2,000 units — housing close to 3,000 vulnerable individuals. The goal is to provide security and stability for the close to 3,500 Calgarians living on the streets or in shelters (14,000 more households are at risk of homelessness) with the aim of facilitating lasting change. Eight of Calgary’s home builders — Homes by Avi, Albi Homes, Brookfield Residential Properties Inc., Cedarglen Homes, Jayman, Morrison Homes, Qualico Developments West Ltd. and Shane Homes Ltd. — have jump-started the campaign by gifting a whopping $11.2 million worth of housing construction — that translates to 200 units. “I think that it is a tremendous, tremendous lead gift,” said Alan Norris, RESOLVE Campaign co-chair at the opening celebration. Norris, who is also President and CEO of Brookfield Residential Properties, spoke of collaboration and RESOLVE’s unique fundraising campaign. “This collaborative effort is the first in Canada,” he said. The initiative’s grass roots genesis began with three local agencies, who are at the frontlines in the battle against homelessness — The Mustard Seed, Horizon Housing Society and Calgary Homeless Foundation. The initiative was designed to build upon the Government of Alberta’s financial commitment to affordable housing.
“RESOLVE is good news for all Calgarians, RESOLVE is all about the collaborative and combined desire to create more affordable housing options in Calgary.” 4 2 n e w home liv in g ju ly 2013
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Above, from left: Allan Klassen, Albi Homes; Jay Westman, Jayman; Scott Haggins, Cedarglen Homes; Alan Norris, Brookfield Residential; Glynn Hendry, Qualico Developments; Dave Gladney, Morrison Homes; Monte Kendall, Homes by Avi; and Cal Wenzel, Shane Homes.
Amy Eagleson, spokesperson for RESOLVE, explains that agencies created a budget for their proposed capital expansions and in the process set a fund-raising goal. In response, the Alberta Government provided 70 per cent of those funds in the form of grant money; however, the agencies had to commit to raise the remaining 30 percent. So the initial three agencies collaborated to reach this goal and invited other agencies who had also received grant money to join them. “The Government of Alberta has made a financial commitment to affordable housing and it is integral that we leverage this support,” says Norris, adding that the economic impact the increase in affordable housing has on the community is immense.
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All in, RESOLVE now includes nine campaign partners, including the original three agencies plus Accessible Housing Society, Bishop O’Byrne Housing for Seniors Association, Calgary Alpha House Society, Calgary John Howard Society, Silvera for Seniors and Trinity Place Foundation of Alberta. Each partner has its own niche, whether it is people with mental illness, families, women, singles, youth, seniors or the working poor. “RESOLVE is good news for all Calgarians,” says Kim O’Brien, executive director of Horizon Housing Society, adding that RESOLVE is all about the collaborative and combined desire to create more affordable housing options in Calgary. “I challenge us all over the duration of this campaign to think about it as 3,000 individual visions — visions of front doors and backyards, of kitchen tables and of bunk beds and of meals to be prepared and yes, even chores to be done.” NL
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around town By Pepper Rodriguez
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Stampede Dream Home 2013 Preeminent architect Frank Lloyd Wright provided the inspiration and Homes By Avi brought the determination — not to mention, the charitable spirit — as one of Calgary’s top home builders unveiled their latest one-of-a-kind creation for this year’s Stampede Dream Home Lottery.
Stampede Dream Home
Veteran newsman helms UDI – Calgary Guy Huntingford, whose business career includes three decades with both SunMedia Corporation and Postmedia Network Inc., has been named chief executive officer of UDI – Calgary, the association’s Board of Directors announced. Huntingford brings a diverse skill set to UDI – Calgary, having worked previously as publisher of the Calgary Herald; publisher and CEO of the Calgary Sun and senior group publisher southern Alberta for Sun Media; and president and CEO, WinSport Canada. Huntingford also has early working stints in systems analysis and IT. “UDI – Calgary is moving to a new level with a new strategy that will enable us to further meet our members’ needs,” said Karin Finley, chair of UDI – Calgary’s Board of Directors. “We were impressed with Guy’s extensive media background, other business ventures and his commitment to and integration into the community of Calgary.” Also impressed with Huntingford’s expertise and experience is Mike Flynn, current executive director with UDI – Calgary, who retains his current role with the organization. Huntingford, who will step into the role immediately, says, “I am really looking forward to helping the team at UDI – Calgary continue to build a new direction and value proposition for our members.” s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
This 2,330-square-foot masterpiece celebrates the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Prairie design. Subtle touches throughout the home pay tribute to Wright, particularly to his belief in ‘Organic Architecture’ or living in harmony with the environment. The home, valued at over $750,045 will be Homes by Avi’s 18th Stampede Dream Home. It features features extraordinary design details including a master retreat complete with a glass feature wall and a spa inspired ensuite with steam shower. Family living is inspired with an open plan kitchen, main floor media room and an exterior wrap-around porch. “We think Frank would approve of the Dream Home’s final destination in Calgary’s southeast, Chaparral Valley,” says Homes by Avi’s Christian Orme. “It is a small community surrounded by a wealth of natural green space that’s protected from future development. Residents stay active by strolling along the Bow River pathway, jogging through nearby Fish Creek Park, or playing a round at the stunning Blue Devil Golf Course.”
Cardel gets Shawnee Park land Cardel Homes scored a big coup in June, after the multiaward-winning home builder acquired Shawnee Park, a 130-acre parcel of privately owned land in the southwest. The area used to be the Shaw-Nee Slopes Golf Course, which ceased operations in 2011, and Cardel bought this highly-sought after tract of land from Geo-Energy Enterprises. Bordering on the southern edge of Fish Creek Park, Cardel will begin development of a 1,700-unit residential project here this fall that will consist of condo apartments, townhomes, and single-family estate homes later this year. This forward-thinking product mix will address a growing need for higher density housing in an outstanding, established southwest Calgary location and will provide options for homebuyers at virtually every life stage, a company statement says. Shawnee Park will also offer a range of commercial shops and services for area residents in addition to prime access to the Fish Creek LRT Station. Community residents and the public will enjoy open access to a network of community trails and dedicated greenspace that were previously accessible only to golfers. With a vested interest in the area since 1973, Cardel is committed to preserving the majority of Shawnee Park’s mature trees while enhancing the landscape and providing much-needed housing options for a city on the grow. “I am extremely pleased with this news,” commented Diane Colley-Urquhart, Alderman for Ward 13. “Cardel Homes has a stellar reputation as one of the finest homebuilders in our city.”
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CHBA – Calgary hands out President’s Awards Charron Ungar, president of Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region, gave out President’s Awards yesterday at his year-end tribute night. The following members received awards: • Rookie of the Year Award – Wendy Jabusch, Brookfield Homes • Maple Leaf Award – Carol Oxtoby, Heritage Pointe Properties Inc. • Beaver Award – Doug Whitney, Crystal Creek Homes (and in-coming president of CHBA – Calgary Region) • Bob Ward Memorial Award – David Litwiller, Litwiller Renovations and Custom Homes • Distinguished Service Awards – Garth McDaniel, Astoria Renovations; Keith Kucharski, Artistic Stairs; and John McCoy, Ultimate Renovations • Bill Beattie Memorial Award – Albi Homes Ltd. • President’s Award – Myke Thomas, Calgary Sun • Rooftopper of the Year Award – Charron Ungar, Avi Urban • Outgoing Director Awards – Carol Oxtoby, Heritage Pointe Properties; Shane Wenzel, Shane Homes; Laura Parsons, BMO;
Jim Stinson, Astoria Homes; Marion Murray, Hopewell Communities; and Blaine Wickerson, Prestige Railings & Stairs. In addition, the night included a tribute to the 213 Doug Whitney getting the Beaver volunteers from 126 Award from Charron Ungar. companies who have dedicated time and expertise to make the Association stronger over the past year. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region is a not-for-profit organization with a membership of more than 600 people and companies representing all facets of new home construction, from single and multi-family builders, renovators, and residential land developers, to trades, suppliers, and professional companies involved in some aspect of the new home industry.
CHBA - Calgary’s new board members Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region is pleased to announce the results of the election of the new members of the Board of Directors for 2013-2015 term at the Annual General Meeting on June 12. Newly-elected were: • Roger Duurtsema, Gienow Windows and Doors • Marion Murray, Hopewell Communities
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Laura Parsons, BMO Wilf Richter, Mattamy Homes Jim Stinson, Astoria Homes Shane Wenzel, Shane Homes Blaine Wickerson, Prestige Railings & Stairs And they will be joining the following Directors currently serving the second year of their two-year term: • Wayne Copeland, Double R Building Products
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Wendy Jabusch, Brookfield Homes Larry Noer, Jayman MasterBUILT Larry Thomson, Calbridge Homes Howard Tse, Cedarglen Homes Charron Ungar, Homes by Avi Urban Doug Whitney, Crystal Creek Homes Donna Moore, CEO of CHBA - Calgary Region, is also a board member. The new executive will be elected for the 2013-15 term on June 26, 2013.
Stepper enlivens show home experience
May housing starts trend
See and feel show homes in a new light with Stepper Homes latest models in the new southeast community of Legacy. The ‘Stepper Experience’ is an intimate, emotion filled, and multi-media focused presentation that helps potential buyers visualize themselves in a Stepper Custom Home, Stepper’s Murray Danyluk tells Around Town. The ‘Stepper Experience’ starts in the Welcome Lobby in the sales center of their
Housing starts in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 11,316 units in May compared to 11,270 in April, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR)1 of total housing starts. “The trend of total housing starts increased slightly in May, due to strong construction in both the single-detached and multi-family markets,” said Richard Cho, CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for Calgary. CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. The standalone monthly SAAR was 12,211 units in May, down from 12,744 in April. n
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front-garage show homes in Legacy — The Grandin and The Conrad. The customer is welcomed by a series of brief videos that introduces them to two families actually living in the show homes. Once they enter the show home, they see and hear real life family moments taking place. With audible echoes of family dinner or the measuring of kids heights on the wall, these show homes feel like they are being lived in. “There’s been really positive feedback to this new show home experience, and some visitors have had some have come away with tears in their eyes,” Danyluk says. With the home buying experience being one of life’s most emotional decisions, Stepper Custom Homes has brought that emotional connection to the show home. As an innovative leader in the Calgary home building industry, Stepper Custom Homes believed that it was time to bring a fresh approach to how Calgary’s Home Buyers experience Calgary’s show homes.
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AIRDRIE
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advertiser index  n Brookfield Homes page 21
Jayman MasterBUILT page 40
Brookfield Residential Cranston page 47
McKee Homes page 4
Calbridge page 6 Cardel Homes Evansview page 32 Cedarglen Homes page 29 Dundee Developments Montrose page 52 DS Homes page 49 Emerald Homes Sovereign Court page 36 Hopewell Communities Copperfield page 26 Hopewell Communities Mahogany page 44 Innovations by Jayman Chaparral Valley page 9
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NuVista Homes page 55 Sabal Homes page 11 Shane Homes page 56 Trico Homes Legacy FC, pages 14-16 United Comunities Drake Landing page 22 United Comunities Nolan Hill page 41 Vesta Properties Williamstown page 5 Walton SkyView Ranch page 17 West Creek Developments Legacy pages 2-3
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hope at large By Marty Hope
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Looking ahead TwinHills development is the next step in Calgary’s growth Cool, to say the least. The creation of a full-spectrum “smart” town within Calgary has moved one step closer to reality with the recent approval by City Council of the Belvedere Area Structure Plan (ASP). TwinHills, a cyber-connected and ecologically-friendly town of about 18,000 located on infill land within Calgary, just west of Chestermere, could see the beginning of servicing, roads and commercial construction next year, says Susan Nelson, chief executive officer of OpenGate Properties, the lead developer. The next-generation town will be eight miles east of downtown Calgary, with employment hubs and the airport a short drive away, full transit service to the city along an existing southeast 17th Avenue corridor, and with existing electrical infrastructure and a main fibre-optics surety. Sounds pretty futuristic, and it is. Okay, we’re not talking here about flying cars or robots replacing people. What we are talking about here is a town where incubator-style high-tech businesses will be set down, where residents can commune with nature just steps from their homes or take a casual but safe stroll to the grocery store, to their job or to school. “TwinHills will be a town where people can work, learn, and live with nature in residential environment,” says Nelson. “It’s a place with community, connections, convenience, and commerce.” To get to the point where she is confident TwinHills will break ground in 2014, Nelson, her staff, and all development partners have had to follow a long and winding road beginning in 1977 with OpenGate’s request for land annexation — a request that was finally approved a decade later. In the fall of 2010, s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
work started on the Belvedere ASP, with TwinHills as its heart. Finally, early in April, City Council gave its official nod to the ASP. That TwinHills will be different, there is little doubt. It has been registered as a LEEDND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighbourhood Development) community that integrates the principles of smart growth, new urbanism, transit-oriented development, and green building technology — one of 40 North American projects. “TwinHills dares to be different,” says Nelson, who has major successful business expertise in environmental management and entrepreneurism. Residences are designed to meet people’s varying needs and expectations, says Nelson.
“TwinHills will be a town where people can work, learn, and live with nature in residential environment.”
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All photos provided by OpenGate Properties.
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So there will be a good mix and variety of both single- and multi-family housing suitable for all “stages, ages, and wages” coupled with cost-wise technological and green advancements. The holistic approach to the town’s design brings benefits of energy efficiency and convenient and secure urban living. TwinHills will use hills and surrounding wetlands as its prevailing nature factor. “Utilizing the wetlands with mountain and city views, low impact development will allow the use of on-site water features, a pathway system, and waterways,” says Nelson. The vision is to provide homes for what Nelson calls the millennium consumer segment — those between 23 and 39, and the retirement/ boomer crowd, as well as housing for students attending the proposed Global Technology Institute of Alberta. Also within TwinHills will be the Prairie Preserve, a multi-functional research lab that will also serve as an interactive environmental information centre and community activity centre. The Prairie Preserve will be funded by the not-for-profit OpenGate Foundation and a conglomerate of interested corporations. “TwinHills will support Alberta’s emerging advanced technology industrial solutions while demonstrating and tracking the latest advancements and research applications in construction and engineering,” the OpenGate CEO adds. From a technology perspective, TwinHills will be about smart processes, smart industries, and smart connections, built in a smart location with 5 4 n e w home liv in g ju ly 2013
smart transportation connections, smart cyber surety, and smart energy. Looking at the town from a development angle, it is about integrating development expertise to provide a “complete” community with residential, commercial and institutional development — while ensuring and preserving nature in and around it,” says Beth Sanders, president of the Alberta Professional Planners Institute. As lead developer in the Belvedere ASP, OpenGate holds about 450 acres. Other major landowners involved are Truman Developments with 140 acres, Tristar Communities with 100, and the city of Calgary’s Office of Land and Housing, Trico Homes, and Apex Land, each with 150. As well, there are another 360 acres spread among various smaller landowners, including some Calgary area builders. “Belvedere is a collaboration of these developer landowners who — based on a common vision for the land and its unique characteristics — have revitalized the Belvedere vision,” says George Trutina, president of Truman Developments. Just as important is the fact that both Belvedere and TwinHills has been designed meeting all of the City of Calgary’s policy objectives, including Plan-It Calgary, transit-oriented development, economic development, innovation, and greenhouse gas reduction. A new approach? You bet. Futuristic? Without a doubt. Doable? Why not. “TwinHills is an economical, environmental, social, sustainable model woven into and designed to save costs for municipal systems — an adaptive, dynamic, responsive smart town that works for Calgary,” says Nelson. NL
“Utilizing the wetlands with mountain and city views, low impact development will allow the use of on-site water features, a pathway system, and waterways.”
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.
s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r