F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 3
2012 in review
What the experts say
Community spotlight
Spruce Grove
4 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
contents n
vo l u m e 5 i ss u e 3 6
9
COVER FEATURE
9 The numbers say it all
2012 was a bumper year for Edmonton’s housing industry
25 Familiar face
Condo Profile
12 Townhome treasures
Feature
Homes by Avi goes multi-family with The Villas in Creekwood Chappelle Show Home profile
lands top job
Sharon Copithrone announced as new CEO of CHBA – Edmonton Region
Market view
30 Buy now — prices expected to rise in 2013!
15 Loving Lincolnberg
Semi-detached homes offer comfortable affordability
City Connection
6 Editor’s Message 24 Around Town 26 Maps 27 Ad Index
living
18 Sprucing things up
New communities add to enviable lifestyle in Spruce Grove
12
items
15 F e b r u a r y 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 5
Cover illustration by Ainsley Ashby-Snyder
F e b r u a r y 2 013
editor’s message
Goodbye to a good year The final numbers are in from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for 2012 and, as expected, there’s good news and bad news for the housing industry. The good news is, 2012 housing start numbers are up significantly from 2011. Singlefamily starts increased 13 per cent to 5,658 units, while multi-family starts were up from 4,315 units in 2011 to 7,179 in 2012, an increase of more than 66 per cent. The bad news? That’s a pace of growth that is not sustainable and we can expect a moderation in 2013. Closer to a balanced
P UBLI S HER
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca Assoc i a t e P UBLI S HER / Act i n g E d i to r
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca AR T DIRE C T O R
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GRA P HI C DE S IGN e r S
Lama Azhari
market, really, where inventory, demand and
lama.azhari@sourcemediagroup.ca
prices all remain relatively stable.
Dave Macaulay
In addition to a healthy market, there’s
dave.maucaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
more good news this month from the world
megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda
of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association
p r o d u ct i o n a d m i n i st r a to r
Colleen Leier
– Edmonton Region, as Sharon Copithorne
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca
was named Chief Executive Officer of CHBA –
EDI T O RIAL A S S I S T AN T
Edmonton, a role she’s held twice previously.
Aaliya Essa
aaliya.essa@sourcemediagroup.ca
We talk to Sharon on page 25.
E d i to r i a l
And, just to officially make this our ‘good news edition’ we interviewed five prominent members of the local home building industry and asked for their views on the years past and future. And although they all say it in a slightly different way, all agree on the bottom line: Edmonton’s still going to be a pretty good place to be in 2013.
Wesley Gunderson, Kate Hamilton, Rusti Lehay, Michelle Lindstrom, Heather McIntyre p h oto g r a p h y
Brock Kryton, Rusti Lehay, Merle Prosofsky d i r e cto r of S ALE S
As for home features this edition, we visited Homes By Avi’s Villas at Creekwood
Norma Robertson
Chappelle, townhomes that feature many of the advantages of a condo lifestyle; plus
norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca
Lincolnberg Master Builder’s semi-detached homes in Walker Lakes. Both these new
A d v e r t i s i n g S ALE S
developments offer affordable options for both the starter home and down-sizing markets. Meanwhile, out in Spruce Grove, our mobile reporter, Rusti Lehay, takes us on a tour of her home town. With more than a dozen new communities underway, Spruce Grove is fast becoming a favourite with young families looking for a comfortable mix of small town lifestyle and city conveniences. And wrapping things up, Mr. Positive himself, Wes Gunderson, lends his voice to the choir singing the praises of building and buying homes in the Edmonton area. I’d lend mine too, but, if you’ve ever heard me sing (ask someone in our office), you’ll be glad I didn’t. Let’s just say I agree with the experts, and leave it at that.
Al Donegan
al.donegan@sourcemediagroup.ca A C C O UN T ING
Donna Roberts
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Source Media Group, Media Classified I SS N 1918 - 4 4 6 8 PRINTED IN C ANADA
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Edmonton Home & Condo Living™ is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Edmonton and area. One-year subscriptions are available for $12 in Canada, $48 internationally.
Jim Zang Associate Publisher/Acting Editor jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca
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F e b r u a r y 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 7
8 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
cover feature
The numbers say it all 2012 was a bumper year for Edmonton’s housing industry By Kate Hamilton
T
he Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s fourth quarter Housing Market Outlook, released November 5, estimated housing starts in the Edmonton metropolitan area increased a massive 26 per cent in 2012 from 2011, while MLS sales snuck back to almost pre-recession highs. Forecasts based on a mountain of statistics and emerging market trends suggest things will slow down a bit in 2013, but the province will continue to enjoy a strong demand for housing. Edmonton Home & Condo Living has interviewed a few of the industry’s key players to get a take on 2012 and some predictions for the year to come.
»
Artwork illustrated by Ainsley Ashby-Snyder
F e b r u a r y 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 9
cover feature
David Lan Senior Market Analyst for Edmonton, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Single-family starts rose 11.6 per cent to 5,600 in 2012 from 5,017 in 2011. The increase on the multi-family front is even more impressive, with new starts increasing 48.3 per cent to 6,400. “Supported by low mortgage rates, robust job growth, and continued gains in net migrations, new home starts will increase in 2012,” says Lan. “In 2013, however, modestly higher mortgage rates and reductions in the pace of job growth will slow demand.” A healthy economy and high employment rates drove up demand for existing homes in 2012, with MLS residential sales up 6.1 per cent. It is expected the resale market will continue to grow moderately in 2013, however the number of new home sales is expected to decrease — new single-family homes by just 1.8 per cent, but multi-unit activity is expected to drop 17 per cent as developers adjust production to avoid excess inventory. “In 2013, demand for new single-detached homes will moderate,” says Lan. “While higher levels of employment will continue to bring more potential buyers, competition from the resale market will impact the traffic to builders’ sales offices, contributing to lower single-detached starts.” The average price for a new home in the Edmonton region rose 2.6 per cent to $334,000 in 2012, from $325,595 in 2011. Lan said balanced market conditions are expected to persist into 2013, and the average house price is projected to reach $341,000 by the end of the year.
Alphonse Pilon President, Edmonton Home Builders Association
With around 4,600 permits issued in Greater Edmonton at the end of November, sales and starts are definitely on the up, but Pilon believes 2012 was a year of preparing for an even better 2013. “We feel like we’re on the cusp of quite an exciting year for 2013,” says Pilon, who is also founder and president of 10 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
Edmonton’s Marcson Homes. “In 2012, we’ve been purchasing land, building infrastructure and we’re ready for what we believe is going to be a very positive year.” Although it’s difficult to compare Edmonton to other markets across the country, Pilon said the industry here is strong, helped along by good relationships with all levels of government. “The country talks about Alberta being a hub. Generally speaking, Ontario leads the country, but in the last year in Ontario they’ve been speaking very highly of Alberta and what’s been happening in Alberta,” he says. “Greater growth and more migration into Alberta means more excitement.” 2012 hasn’t been without its challenges though. One hurdle was the introduction of tighter mortgage and lending rules by the federal government in July, which saw the maximum amortization rate for government insured homes cut from 30 years to 25, while the amount homeowners can borrow on their homes was lowered from 85 per cent to 80. “It affected us in a big way, especially in the starter market, around the $300,000 mark and lower,” says Pilon. “Affordability went down so it’s very challenging for the industry. We think everybody should be able to own a home and we don’t need tighter mortgage laws at this stage in our economy.”
Kendra Milne Marketing Manager, Walton Development and Management L.P.
For community developers, 2012 presented tremendous opportunities for growth, thanks to the strong market for new home inventory. “We were able to deliver our lot inventories to the market and maintain a competitive pricing structure in each of our projects,” says Milne. But it wasn’t all rosy; Milne says hurdles included delays and timing of municipal approvals, but 2012 was still a year of huge growth and positioning for the future. Walton has had a presence in the city for years. In 2011, the company’s McConachie neighbourhood in northwest Edmonton was rated one of the top 10 communities in the city based on building permits. And the company is poised to increase its E-town
cover feature footprint over the coming years. “In terms of development in 2012, we saw the launch of our newest community, Hawks Ridge at Big Lake, and the construction start on three additional communities in Edmonton with projected openings in 2013,” says Milne. Lot sales will commence in Woodhaven at Edgemont, Henley Heights at Secord and VITA at Crystallina Nera later this year, bringing an additional 1,500 single-family lots to Edmonton’s inventory. “We are projecting continued steady growth in the Edmonton residential market in 2013,” says Milne, adding that Walton is basing sales and lot delivery projections on many economic indicators, including employment rates and migration. “We are also optimistic with our role in the marketplace.”
Clay Hamdon President, Cove Properties Ltd.
Cove Properties has been building condominiums for more than a decade. They may not be the biggest player when it comes to condo development, but they can boast a solid presence in our city. According to Hamdon, Cove unit sales hit approximately 400 in Edmonton and Calgary in 2012, which more than doubled 2011 numbers. “In 2012 there was a combination of less overall condo units on the market and we had more ready to go or almost completed units,” he says. Cove’s Edmonton projects include Essence at Windermere, with 225 adult units located in southwest Edmonton, Sanctuary at Edgemont, with 95 adult condo units located in the West End, Estates of Upper Windermere with 62 townhouse units, and Palisades Estates, a townhome project in Sherwood Park. Hamdon said pricing is the biggest challenge the company faces since delivering top quality at a competitive price is not an easy task. Cove’s most affordable project, Essence at Windermere South, has units priced from the $160,000s.
“We have reduced our margins in order to be able to deliver a very affordable home,” he says. “This has allowed us to remain busy through these times and deliver first rate homes to our customers at great prices.” And projections for 2013 are positive. “We’re anticipating a very good year in 2013,” says Hamdon, adding that several of Cove’s current properties will complete this coming year so the company will be busy looking for new land and projects to replace them. “Alberta looks to remain in a very competitive but robust housing market, and we at Cove are well positioned… to be able to participate aggressively in the continued growth of our province.”
Sandra Young Vice President and General Manager, Homes by Avi Edmonton
In 2012 Homes by Avi sales reached approximately 350 units across a variety of housing products, from in-fill and multifamily to single-family dwellings, in 12 communities across Edmonton. “Overall 2012 was a stronger year for the company than 2011,” says Young, adding that 2013 will be the company’s 35th year selling homes in Alberta. “We certainly saw the market respond to our product offering with strong interest.” A highlight of the year for Avi was the launch of the new StreetTown product (a townhome without condo fees) in Creekwood Chappelle on Edmonton’s south side — the response from local homebuyers was overwhelming, with Phase 1 selling out in just a couple of months. “We also launched our new duplex homes with a front attached garage in Trumpeter by Big Lake in northwest Edmonton and Southfork in Leduc,” says Young. “These stylish homes meet the unique needs of many, and come at an affordable price.” The company is also optimistic about 2013, with projections for sales and construction similar to 2012. “We feel the market is presenting itself with similar strength as the past year, as purchasers demand a high quality housing products,” says Young. And her advice for homebuyers over the coming year? “Ensure your purchase a home that meets your unique needs. No matter the building type, ensure the home and your builder provides you the flexibility to allow you to meet your needs.” n
Balanced market conditions are expected to persist into 2013, and the average house price is projected to reach $341,000 by the end of the year. F e b r u a r y 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 11
condo profile
Townhome trea Homes by Avi goes multi-family with The Villas in Creekwood Chappelle Story by Michelle Lindstrom | Photos by Merle Prosofsky Photography Ltd.
Pictures on these pages are of the Lance Khan show suite
12 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
condo profile
sures I
f a community can look this good in the middle of winter, one can only imagine what spring and summer will bring! Indeed, just driving through the southwest Edmonton neighbourhood of Creekwood Chappelle, this up-and-coming community’s wetlands, trees and pathways envelope you to make sure their presence is acknowledged and appreciated — snow or no snow. As you meander along Chappelle Drive, the blue siding of Homes by Avi’s Craftsman townhome show suite for The Villas grabs your attention at the end of the road. Three of the builder’s townhomes sit along the street side-by-side, two groups of three attached units and one of four, displaying contemporary features of tall roof lines, exposed beams and brackets. About a block away, over on Chappelle Road, sit the remaining four buildings, each containing four separate units, totalling 22 units for Phase One. The first phase of The Villas opened in Creekwood Chappelle roughly a year ago and caught the immediate attention of buyers. Fully 82 per cent of Phase One sold in the first six months, leaving two units available for immediate possession. The two show suites will be available in six months time. But don’t fret. The new year rang in with the release of Phase Two, meaning 16 additional units for those on the hunt for high quality, well-priced housing options. The Villas is a contemporary project that includes large windows and thoughtful layouts that appeal to many: those wanting to downsize from large, single-dwelling homes, all the way to young professionals simply too busy for a home in need of a lot of maintenance, explains Nancy Reardon, Homes by Avi’s Area Sales Manager for The Villas in Creekwood Chappelle. “The price point is perfect, too,” she says. The four units remaining in Phase One range from 1,118 square-feet at $299,999 (including GST) to 1,305 squarefeet at $329,900 (including GST). The corner show suite at 638 Chappelle Drive exemplifies well-planned use of square-footage. The townhome’s wooden front porch welcomes visitors through the front door into a spacious tiled foyer. The great room’s views are just that — great — with broad sightlines through large windows and no structure across
The Villas is a contemporary project that includes large windows and thoughtful layouts.
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F e b r u a r y 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 1 3
condo profile
Fast Facts Builder: Homes by Avi Area: Creekwood Chappelle Style: Two-storey townhomes Price: $299,900 -$329,999 (incl GST) Show Suite Address: 636/638 Chappelle Dr. S.W. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Fridays. Web: www.homesbyavi.com
the street. A table for four fits nicely between the great room and kitchen, adding another eating area option to the flush granite eating bar that the kitchen island offers. Wideplank engineered hardwood in varied shades of dark brown makes the space feel inviting while blending nicely with the kitchen’s light ceramic floor tile, which matches the foyer. “Buyers like the large kitchens and the ceiling-height cabinets,” Reardon says, adding that customers also notice and appreciate an extra closet or bathroom shelving that could easily have just been left as wasted space. The carpeted stairs (shag or Berber options available) lead up to a large master bedroom and two secondary bedrooms — all with plentiful closet space and enviable window sizes. The stairs also lead down to an unfinished basement with roughed in plumbing for a future bathroom and space that could add more than 600 square-feet to the home, when finished. Sharing the unfinished space is a 95 per cent high efficiency furnace, electric hot water tank and drip humidifier. Phase Two has four different pre-designed layouts with two- and three-bedroom options ranging from 1,200 to 1,300 square-feet. The units also have pre-selected colour palettes for new homeowners to choose from for their interior finishes. Layout standards include 2.5 baths, stainless steel appliances, raised sinks in the bathrooms, rear wooden decks, knock-down ceiling texture, energy efficient ECO 5 windows, central vacuum rough-in and a 20 by 20-foot detached twocar garage. Creekwood Chappelle currently has express bus service to and from Century Park LRT until the community’s own LRT station is built. By car, Anthony Henday Drive is minutes away, and Edmonton International Airport is roughly a 15-mintue drive. And, while the community itself continues to develop, the various surrounding neighbourhoods with established shopping centres are also accessible within minutes. Homes by Avi has more than 35 years of home building experience, so it’s no surprise they know what their customers want. And, judging by sales, they want The Villas. n 1 4 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
“Buyers like the large kitchens and how the cabinets go to the ceiling.”
Lance Mair show suite
Nikolai Chipman show suite
show home profile
Loving Lincolnberg living Semi-detached homes offer comfortable affordability By Heather McIntyre
N
estled in south central Edmonton, the community of Walker Lakes is the place to be. And it is where Lincolnberg Communities has been building duplex style homes for the last four years. “I think the access from this specific location, south central Edmonton here and Walker Lakes, is probably second to none in the city,” says Stephen Anderson, area manager for Lincolnberg Communities. “Simply because of the infrastructure that has been put in place over the last three or four years.”
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F e b r u a r y 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 15
show home profile
The area is close to Anthony Henday Drive, Calgary Trail, Gateway Boulevard, South Edmonton Common, Mill Woods Town Centre, Grey Nuns Community Hospital, and more. And there is a bus station slated for the community, which will allow for a quick ride into Mill Woods or to Century Park Station. There is also a park and trail system, as well as ponds. “It’s definitely a nice change from being cooped up in an apartment,” says Anderson. And the people making that move are the targets for Lincolnberg Communities when it comes to their show homes, The Banff and The Jasper, on display at 64 Street and 16 Avenue south of Ellerslie Road.
“I think it’s important that people see that both style and design have to meld together in order to create a functional home.” 16 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
“People are doing one of two things today,” says Anderson. “They’re either moving out of an apartment or out of mom and dad’s basement, and they’re starting their life on their own or their family is growing. “On the flip side, the boomers turn 65 this year, and lots of them are fortunate enough that their kids are now out of the house … So I get lots of empty nesters who are coming in and they’re downsizing, but they don’t want to downsize too small and they want something that’s new.” The duplexes come with an oversized single garage (with a double garage option), a front veranda and rear deck made of a composite material to better withstand weather, as well as stone detailing. Front landscaping is included, as are five appliances in white or black, a gas fireplace and mantel, and two-and-a-half baths. Both The Jasper, starting at 1,317 squarefeet and $311,900, and The Banff, starting at 1,398 square-feet and $321,900, feature an open, functional main floor. A working triangle makes for a spacious kitchen, which opens to the back of the
show home profile
Fast Facts Builder: Area: Developer: Model: Style: Size: Price: Address: Directions: Hours: Web:
home, featuring living and eating quarters — and a lot of natural light. The real difference between the two is upstairs. Both models have two smaller rooms, which could be used as spare rooms, kids’ rooms or office space — or turned into a second master suite. The master bedrooms and ensuite are “the same size master bedroom or bigger you would get in a beautiful 2,200-square-foot single family home,” says Anderson. The addition in The Banff is a loft at the top of the staircase, which tends to evolve as a family grows and changes, says Anderson. “This is a really, really neat space,” he says. “Right now you’re a couple waiting for kids, it’s a home office. You have the kids — bam,
Lincolnberg Master Builder Walker Lakes Lincolnberg Communities The Banff Semi-detached 1,398 sq. ft. From $321,900 6408 16 Ave. S.W. Elleslie Rd. west to 62 St., turn south on Watt Blvd., west on Welsh Dr. and then south on 64 St. until 16 Ave. Monday to Thursday 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays noon to 5 p.m. www.lincolnberg.com
it’s a playroom! Kids get a bit older, it’s back to a home office or a study area for the kids. Kids move out, and now it becomes that place you put the treadmill you may or may not use or it becomes the home office again. “This becomes the living area for a family.” The draws to the models, says Anderson, include the size, amount of natural light and the fact they’re designed for function. “I think it’s important that people see that both style and design have to meld together in order to create a functional home,” he says. “When you get into a more compact environment, utilizing that space to the best of your ability is an art. And it’s something we strive to do.” n
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c i t y c o nnect i o n : S pr u ce gr o v e
Sprucing things up New communities add to enviable lifestyle in Spruce Grove Story and photos by Rusti Lehay
Y
ou can take the girl out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the girl. Spruce Grove echoes this delightful combination, mixing in a healthy dose of new homes and communities with the country charm that remains at its core.
One of the region’s busiest land developers, Melcor Developments Ltd., has been building vibrant Spruce Grove communities for 35 years, including three current developments. History is important to Melcor, and nowhere is that more evident than in the new community of McLaughlin. There, says, Mark Tanasichuk, Development Manager for Melcor Developments Ltd., “We are working with a family that homesteaded the whole site to create a back-to-the-land feel and a heritage piece that outlines the history of the land.” Meanwhile, Stoneshire, another Melcor
community, surrounds a golf course where lots back onto the greens in summer and cross country trails in winter. Each neighbourhood has a theme, says Tanasichuk. Stoneshire is all about golf while Jesperdale has Dog Creek running through the community. Melcor focused on this natural attribute and tucked a nifty trail system into this neighbourhood. Spruce Grove is all about connections, community and a city of firsts. “It’s not just the neighbourhoods that create community,” says Tanasichuk. “The entire city contribShow homes in McLaughlin
18 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
Greenbury show home
utes. Partly it’s the city’s small town feel in that you can roam from one side to the other in 10 minutes.” This ease of movement allows people to connect and create relationships across the entire city. Residents enjoy more than 40 kilometres of tree-lined paved trails, outdoor soccer fields, baseball diamonds, the amazing TransAlta Tri-Leisure Centre with two NHL sized rinks, public ice rink, two indoor soccer fields, a water park and, if you live in the award-winning Windsor Estates, watch horses galloping outside your window. Nearing completion is the $36 million Tri-Village Common development, which will include a 130 room Holiday Inn Express, restaurant, commercial retail, and medical centre. And, when the kids aren’t busy playing, there are nine (six public and three separate) schools, including a new K-9 school. The city has budgeted to extend Grove Drive east to Pioneer Road and, says Mayor Stuart Houston, “We’re adding a $3.1 million dollar sanitary sewer hook-up on the Pioneer lands to serve the new school and area.” With eight per cent of the population being preschoolers under four, the school comes just in time. Spruce Grove, Tanasichuk says, “is an incredible place. We are pleased to be part of Spruce Grove’s history.”
“It’s not just the neighbourhoods that create community, the entire city contributes.” No arguments there from Mayor Houston, whose every word shows his pride in this “dynamic, vibrant, sustainable community” which, he says, boasts an average of 520 new home starts per year. The city’s development permits average $365,000 every day and $831 million in building permits since 2006. One of those developments is the environmentally friendly Greenbury community, which uses low-impact development techniques such as bioswales, constructed wetlands, and special vegetation plantings to manage storm water. In addition, Greenbury is the first neighbourhood in the Capital Region to introduce wind power to a residential subdivision. Three Windspires®, residential sized wind turbines, greet you at the entrance and harvest wind energy to power the neighbourhood’s entrance lighting and feed the local power grid. Ready to launch into its bright future, this diversified city is supported by a range of industrial and commercial businesses. With world-class features and amenities, it is an island set apart from the big city’s hustle and bustle. Everything a resident could want is right at their doorsteps. With Edmonton, the International Airport, the Peace River region and Alaska Highway gateway all minutes away, it’s easy to get anywhere from Spruce Grove. Of course, with all the housing, education, recreation and job possibilities available right in town, other than a trip to West Edmonton Mall, an Oilers game or a big holiday, there’s really no need to go anywhere else. n F e b r u a r y 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 19
2 0 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
F e b r u a r y 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 21
c i t y c o nnect i o n : spr u ce gr o v e
Just the facts New Community
Developer
Builder
Type
Size Range
Price Range
Deer Park Estates
Broadview Developments
Evani Showhomes
Two-storey triple garage Bi-level triple garage
2,315 sq. ft. —
$609,00 – $689,000
East Campsite Industrial Park
Melcor Developments
N/A
Industrial Lots, Condo Bays, Mezzanine Options
Starts at 3,600 sq. ft.
TBA
Greenbury
Beaverbrook Developments
Western Living Homes
1.640 – 2,188 sq. ft.
$344,500 – $459,000
Cami Comfort Homes
Single Detached, Single Detached - double garage, Single Detached - single garage, Three-storey rear lane Single Detached - rear lane
McLachlan & Mitchell Homes
Duplex
1,423 – 1.438 sq. ft.
$296,000+
TBA
Celico
Rear - detached garage
1,315 – 1,728+ sq. ft.
$320,000+
Alquinn Homes
Townhomes, Single Detached - single garage
1,348 – 1,577 sq. ft.
$290,000 – $400,000
Kenton Village
Beaverbrook Developments
Allquinn Homes Urbanage Homes
Phase 1 will feature single-family homes with rear lane access
TBA
TBA
The Woods at Kenton
Beaverbrook Developments
Hillview Master Builder Alquinn Homes
Estate lots will back onto protected tree stand
TBA
TBA
Prescott
Beaverbrook Developments
Averton Homes McLachlan & Mitchell Homes
Single-family Duplex
TBA TBA
TBA TBA
Legacy Park
Gilbert Cook. Imperial Land Development
Masterpiece Custom Homes
Two-storey Opening April 2013
1,882 sq. ft.
$378,650
McLaughlin
Melcor Developments
Look Homes
Single-family attached garage duplexes Single-family double attached garage
1,449 sq. ft.
$304,900+
1,400 – 2,500 sq. ft.
$415,000+
Bedrock
Two-storey front attached double garage
1,546 – 2,503 sq. ft.
383,100+ – 506,100+
Spring Gate at Spruce Ridge
Qualico Communities
Sterling Homes
Duplex & front attached
1,428 – 1,746 sq. ft
$270,000 – $360,000
Alquin Homes
Two-storey from attached double garage
1,504 – 2,507 sq ft.
$320,000 – $600,000+
Spruce Village
Beaverbrook Developments
Alquin Homes Celico Builders Evani Homes Inc
Bungalow front attached Two-storey attached Two-storey front double attached
1,456 – 3,500 sq. ft. 1,315 sq. ft. 2,356 sq. ft.
$500,000 – $800,000+ $389,000+ $580,000+
Stoneshire
Melcor Developments
Canyon Spring Master Builder
Bungalow front attached Two Storey Single-family two-storey
1,531 – 1,965 sq. ft. 2,300 – 3,000 sq. ft. 2,432 sq. ft.
$500,500+ $580,000+
Western Living Homes
$599,900
Vanderbuilt Common
SG Developments
McLachlan & Mitchel Homes
Duplexes, front attached garage
1,264 – 1,274 sq. ft.
$269,000
Heron Point
Lamont Developments
Homexx
Two-storey
1,472 sq. ft.
$270,000 – $450,000
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AROUND TOWN By Jim Zang
One stop shop BCM Developments’ new Station Pointe Village condo project, conveniently located just one block from Belvedere Station, is currently undergoing construction of the first of three phases. The first phase starts off with the two buildings called the Landing, which will both have 56 units in each building. The Manor building is set to be built in the second phase of this project, there will be 84 units in this building, which will also have ground-floor apartment-style townhomes, that will include front entrances and terraces. The Garden tower will be built in the third phase of this project, with 96 units in this tower, this building is for seniors and will come equipped with suites that can accommodate those buyers. “People can live in the same community, with their families living close by, and still have their own space,” says Alessandra Lozzo, BCM Developments sales and marketing co-ordinator. The Landing is currently pre-selling suites starting at $199,900. There are
eight layouts to choose from, with either one or two bedrooms and ranging in size from 629 to 975 square-feet. All suites come with an underground parking stall. Possession is set for summer 2014 and buyers that get in early can enjoy a year with no condo fees courtesy of BCM Developments. The Manor will have both townhomes
and suites with one bedroom, two ‘true’ bedrooms as a California split-style design, and three bedroom layouts. These units will start at $220,000 ranging in size from 650 to 1,200 square-feet. The Garden will have specialty suites ranging in size from 550 to 1,400 squarefeet that cater to people with accessibility requirements starting at $220,000.
So far so good Statistics from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for the most recent month available at time of writing, November, show single-detached starts increased by 19 per cent to 505 units, which is up from 423 units from the previous year. Single detached starts reached 5,246 units, which compared to the year before is a healthy 13 per cent rise from 2011. “An elevated level of multi-family home starts contributed to the strong housing activity in November. However some moderation is expected in the coming months given the heightened pace of multi-family starts thus far this year,” says David Lan, 2 4 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for Edmonton. Multi-family starts, including semi-detached units, rows, and apartments, have been calculated to 1,229 units, that in comparison to this time last year was only 258 units. There were a total of 6,802 multi-family units that broke ground by the end of November, which compared to 2011 was only 3,993. All of which means good selection , good prices, and good value is still out there for new home buyers.
feature
Familiar face lands top job Cadenza is a splash hit in Lake Summerside Brookfield Homes introduces their new front attached garage duplex series of homes in Lake Summerside. These homes start at 1,400 square-feet and range up to 1,700 square-feet, with prices starting in the $290,000s. The new Cadenza show home ranges from 1,612 to 1,651 square-feet in size, with three bedrooms and two and half bathrooms. “Designed with the customer in mind, the split-level Cadenza model provides shared family space and private, personal sanctuary with the master bedroom on its’ own level, separate from the two bedrooms and flex space on the upper floor,” says Jennifer Smith Brookfield Homes’ marketing manager. With a starting price of $320,900, the Cadenza has been receiving great reviews from homeowners in Lake Summerside, Chappelle Gardens and The Orchards, “people are definitely loving these homes,” says Smith. And the community of Lake Summerside makes for a picturesque backdrop for residents here, as “it’s the only Edmonton community with a recreational lake,” says Smith. The 32-acres of freshwater lake makes it ideal for ice-fishing and skating during the winter months, and swimming and paddle boarding in the summer months, adds Smith. Visiting hours for this show home are Monday to Thursday from 2 till 8 p.m., Friday to Sunday from noon till 5 p.m., the Cadenza show home is located at 7205 22 Avenue S.W. in Lake Summerside. n
Sharon Copithrone announced as new CEO of CHBA – Edmonton Region Story by Jim Zang | Photo by Brock Kryton
S
haron Copithorne, the new Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders Association – Edmonton Region, is no stranger to the Edmonton home building industry or the CHBA, having held the position twice previously. She first served as Executive Director from 1989-1997, and again from 2001-2007; a total of more than 15 years. Sharon has been on the local home building scene for more than 36 years since she first started out at NuWest Development Corporation. Recently, she has worked with the Landmark Group of Builders team as Human Resource Manager, and most recently, as Executive Officer for Built Green Canada. “In a way,” she says of her third term at the helm of the CHBA – Edmonton Region team, “it feels like I’m coming home.” The CHBA – Edmonton Region represents the association’s membership, liaising with all levels of government and industry associations, and promoting them to potential customers. “I look forward to working with the Association’s internal and external stakeholders,” says Sharon, “to ensure that all issues affecting the industry are addressed, and all Association initiatives and programs are delivered effectively and efficiently.” Sharon’s expert tip for new home buyers is simple: “get everything in writing. This gives the home buyer and builder a solid foundation on which to build their relationship.” Sounds like good advice to me. n F e b r u a r y 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 25
CITY OF EDMONTON MAP
INNER CITY Legend Shopping Centre
Points of Interest
Hospitals
CONDO PROPERTIES 1. Aurora 2. Serenity 3. Axio Parkland 4. Mosaic Meadows Parkland 5. Windermere Village 6. Macewan Gardens 7. Sandstone at Walkers Lake Station 8. Aspen Meadows 9. Meridian Plaza 10. The Corners 11. Griesbach Wood II 12. Griesbach Wood III 13. Carlton Villas on the Lake 14. Trails of Millcreek 15. The University Brownstones 16. Century Park 17. Hollick Kenyon Pointe 18. Evergreen Community 19. Maple/Oak Ridge Community 20. The Esates of Upper Windermere 21. The Ion 22. Grand Scala 23. Heritage Landing 24. 12th Street Station 25. Mosaic Town Square 26. Mosaic Summerside 27. Axio in Parkland 28. Stone Pointe 29. Aspen Meadows 30. Walker Lake Landing 31. Rutherford Landing 32. Fox One 33. Fuzion
Colleges /Universities
NEW HOME LISTINGS 1. Walker Lake Estates 2. Lewis Estates 3. Secord 4. Parkland 5 The Hamptons 6 Copperwood 7 South Hamptons 8. The Properties of Donsdale 9. Cameron Heights 10. Terwillegar Towne 11. South Terwillegar 12. Palisades 13. Upper Windermere 14. Windermere Ridge 15. Ambleside in Windermere 16 Rutherford 17. Callaghan 18. Walker Lakes Station 19. Lake Summerside 20. Ellerslie Heights 21. Tamarack 22. Griesbach 23. Fields of Summerside 24. Allard in Heritage Valley 25. Tuscany Hills 26. McConachie Landing 27. McConachie 28. Laurel 29. Ravines of Richford 30. Trumpeter at Big Lake 31. Axio Summerside 32. Touchmark 33. Hawks Ridge at Big Lake 34. Woodhaven – Edgemont
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ADVERTISERS INDEX Carlisle Group
Page 31
www.elementscondos.ca Lincolnberg Homes
Page 2-3
www.lincolnberg.com Marketplace
Page 7
Edmonton Home + Garden Show www.edmontonhomeshow.com Melcor
Page 23
Jesperdale www.jesperdale.com Melcor
Page 21
McLaughlin www.livemclaughlin.com Melcor
Page 20
Stoneshire www.livestoneshire.com Walton Development
Page 8
McConachie www.mcconachie.ca Walton Development
Page 4
Hawksridge www.hawksridge.ca Walton Development
Page 32
Woodhaven www.woodhavenedgemont.com
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EDMONTON AND AREA MAP NEW HOMES 1. Northern Lights Estates 2. Erin Ridge 3. North Ridge 4. Tuscany Hills 5. The Crossing at River’s Edge 6. The Manors of Oakmont 7. Regency Heights Estates 8. Kingswood 9. Greystone Manor 10. Pinnacle Ridge Estates 11. Riverstone Pointe 12. The Banks of Sturgeon Valley
CONDOS 1. Lakeview Estates 2. Sierras of Inglewood 3. Grande- Mission Hill 4. Tenor
NEW HOMES 1. Stony Village 2. Brookview 3. Graybriar 4. The Fairways 5. Willow Park 6. Lake Westerra 7. Stellar Homes
CONDOS 1. Laredo On The Park 2. Station 33 3. Stony Village 4. Graywood Terrace 5. Cedar Brae 6. Urbia Place
NEW HOMES 1. Jesperdale 2. Stoneshire 3. Harvest Ridge 4. Deer Park Estates 5. Hilldowns 6. Spruce Village 7. Spruce Ridge 8. Hawthorne at Heatherglen 9. Springate at Spruce Ridge 10. Legacy Park 11. Lakewood
CONDOS 1. Parkland Village 2. Fairway Eight 3. Harvest Ridge 4. Nova Ridge Villas 5. Spruce Ridge Manor 6. The Pointe 7. Kingstreet on Park
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NEW HOMES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Village Champlain La Rose Grandin Park Close Notre Dame Estates The Lakes
NEW HOMES 1. Valley Pointe Estates 2. Forest Ridge in West Park 3. Westwood Trails 4. West Woodlands 5. Southfort 6. Southpointe 7. Sienna
CONDOS 1. Village Champlain 2. Maple Brooks Villas 3. La Rose
CONDOS 1. Riverview Estates 2. Fort Gardens 3. Walnut Grove
NEW HOMES 1. Strathcona Village 2. Aspen Trail 3. Summerwood 4. Lakeland Ridge 5. Clarkdale Park 6. Foxboro 7. Willow Ridge/The Ridge 8. Sherwood Hill Estates 9. Balmoral Heights 10. Fountain Creek Estates 11. Sherwood Golf & Country Club Estates
CONDOS 1. Pallisades on the Ravine 2. Strathcona Village 3. Crystal Estates 4. Axxess 5. Summerwood Greens 6. Maple Ridge & Oak Ridge
NEW HOMES 1. Deer Valley 2. West Haven 3. Bridgeport 4. Aspen Creek 5. Suntree 6. Windrose 7. Southfork 8. Tribute 9. Meadowiew Park
CONDOS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Brooklands at Bridgeport Ravine Villas Urbia Manor Urbia Green The Springs at Bridgeport
NEW HOMES 1. Coloniale Estates 2. Montalet 3. Citadel Ridge 4. Eaglemont Heights 5. Montrose Estates 6. Westbrook 7. Four Seasons Estates 8. Goudreau Terrace 9. Triomphe Estates 10. Beaumont Lakes 11. Place Chaleureuse 12. Beau Val
CONDOS 1. Coventry Homes 2. The Village at Beaumont 3. Beausjour 4. Montrose View 5. Giselle Valley Manor
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market view by Wesley Gunderson
Buy now — prices expected to rise in 2013! Right now is a great time to buy a new home. This is more than our opinion. Housing price growth is expected to be around two per cent for Edmonton in 2013, and possibly as high as three per cent. Many economists and housing experts are pointing to Alberta and Edmonton’s outlook for continued economic, population and employment growth and low interest rates as evidence of a buying opportunity.
Population Growth and Strong Employment Increase Demand
“Over 95,000 people came to Alberta” in 2012 according to a recent speech by Premier Alison Redford, and “the province’s population is growing at its fastest since 1980.” That is incredible considering our province is growing faster than the large population increase that precipitated the boom of the mid 2000s. The largest component of this increase is international migrants. What’s more astonishing is that according to a longitudinal study by Immigration Canada, over 35 per cent of immigrants buy a home within two years of moving here and over 50 per cent by year four. These are averages, some groups exceed the national average of around 65 per cent within four years of immigration. More than just a growing population, though, Albertan’s have jobs. According to the City of Edmonton’s Chief Economist, John Rose, Edmonton’s unemployment is the lowest of any metropolitan centre in Canada at 4.3 per cent. This strong employment is another factor creating housing demand.
Low Inventories Reduce Supply
Edmonton’s active listings on MLS are very low. At the end of December there were just 4,354 active single family listing in Edmonton. This is almost 19 per cent lower than December 2011 and almost 24 per cent lower than December 2010. On the new construction side, lot inventories are down because of a poor development season. A rainy spring and an early winter meant less lots were serviced than developers planned.
Low Interest Rates Create Buying Opportunity
While there is much debate among economists about when rates will go up, there is a belief that they will go up. In Canada, interest rates are expected to be raised either in the second half of 2013 or early 2014. Locking in today’s rates can save you lots of money. Buyers would save over $4,700 over the term of a five year mortgage for every one per cent increase in rates on every $100,000 in mortgage. For a typical home at $350,000 this saving would be over $16,500 if a one per cent rate increase were to occur.
Conclusion
Home buyers have a unique opportunity to lock in incredible interest rates and get the home they want before prices go up, in one of the best economies in the world. All of which means now is a great time to buy a new home. n
Wesley Gunderson is Vice President of Finance for Growth Marketing an Edmonton based real estate consultancy firm providing integrated marketing services to its valued clients. Mr. Gunderson has been with the firm since 1997 and actively involved in economic and market research, marketing and product strategy as well as advertising and sales promotion. 3 0 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G F e b r u a r y 2 01 3
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