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Cover Feature
4 ReidBuilt strong
A SAM Award win caps ReidBuilt’s big year, as prolific streak continues in Airdrie Community feature
6 A is for Airdrie
Starting anew in Airdrie is as easy as ABC Developer features
10 Higher ground
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HillCrest offers views as far as the eye can see
14 Last chance in Heron Pointe
Builder features
Hopewell’s hit development in Airdrie saves best for last
12 Regal beauty Homes by Avi’s The Belvedere is a grand addition to King’s Heights
22 Vesta Collection
Homes built with every homebuyer’s wish list in mind
20 Savour the flavour
24 The popular choice
Sabal Homes approaches final stages in Heron Pointe
Cooper’s Crossing creating a community with the most varied housing options
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28 The Balinderry River
McKee Homes’ new show home in Ravenswood is a dream come true
26 Family kingdom
King’s Heights offers best in family living in Airdrie
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16 Shopaholics’ delight
30 Set in stone
Airdrie residents get the crémé de la crémé in retail therapy
StoneKeep’s promise of affordable, stylish homes comes true in King’s Heights
PUBLISHER •
Source Media Group
Associate PUBLISHER • Editor •
Jim Zang
Pepper Rodriguez
Art director •
Jean Faye Rodriguez
Lama Azhari, Dave Macaulay, Megan Sereda
graphic designerS •
PRODUCTION co-ordinator •
Colleen Leier
Aaliya Essa, Jennifer Seamone, Janine Workman Contributors •
Advertising SALES • Accounting •
Heather Dougall
Donna Roberts
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Loving Airdrie Living® is published bi-annually and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and Airdrie. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publishers. Copyright 2014 Source Media Group Corp. All rights reserved. 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. Contact: Source Media Group, 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9. E-mail info@sourcemediagroup.ca; Tel 403.532.3101; Fax 403.532.3109; Toll free 1.888.932.3101; Printed in Canada. Distributed by Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group. PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Source Media Group, 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9.
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ReidBuilt Homes
ReidBuilt strong A SAM Award win caps ReidBuilt’s big year, even as their prolific streak continues in Airdrie n By
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Jennifer Seamone
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eidBuilt Homes had a strong showing in this year’s SAM Awards. They were first runner-up for the prestigious 2013 Builder of the Year with five finalist entries, and winning for Best New Home in the $400,000-$459,999 and $230,000-$269,999 categories. This burst of creative energy can be readily seen in their dazzling array of new homes, no more so than the ones they offer in the charming water-side communities of Canals Landing and Bayside in Airdrie. Quickly becoming the city of dreams, Airdrie offers a quiet and peaceful lifestyle with all the amenities of big city living. Canals Landing and Bayside are perfectly located in the desirable center west area to take advantage of everything the young city has to offer. “I have lived here for 22 years,” explains Areas Sales Manager Chris Herriman. “There is no other place I would ever want to live. In rush hour, it is 10 minutes from end to end, and we have everything Calgary does.” The Maritime-themed communities of Bayside and Canals Landing are a homeowner’s dream. Connected by miles of winding pathways that follow the
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gently flowing waterways both these Genesis Land communities are within walking distance to shops and services and provide a perfect setting for ReidBuilt’s brand of family-friendly and functionally stylish homes. With 23 plans to choose from, ReidBuilt has something for every homeowner. This includes five bungalow plans ranging from 1,441 to 1,740 square-feet priced starting from $425,000. ReidBuilt’s brand of affordable luxury — or “Afforduxury” as they call it — focuses on large kitchens, spacious foyers and executive master bedrooms and ensuites. These designs fit perfectly with the idyllic nature of Canals Landing and Bayside. With beautiful water-features, parks, and easy access to all major thoroughfares including the QE2, their homes draw young families and empty nesters alike. “Our demographic here is very wide. Because of Ralph McCall elementary school
in Canals Landing and so many other schools close by it is perfect for families, and then the wider lots allow spacious bungalows, perfect for homeowners looking for a change of lifestyle,” says Herriman. The beautiful 2,529square-foot Normandy show home in Canals Landing is a welcoming start to explore ReidBuilt’s offerings. From a charming craftsman exterior, a towering two-storey foyer leads to a front office/den and then onto a great room with an executive kitchen and dining area featuring a clever and attractive built-in, upholstered seating bench. Upstairs includes laundry, main bath and three bedrooms, including the patented ReidBuilt “Afforduxury” master suite, and a generous bonus retreat area. Making life easy for their customers is something ReidBuilt believes in, so they also offer a large selection of homes ready to move in and enjoy. “We have seven homes under construction from the $510,000s in Canals Landing that will be ready in the summer before school starts, and 15 under construction in Bayside,” explains Co-Area Manager, Lynn Abrams. “Bayside has a special opportunity for homeowners, we have purchased an entire block and will be building all the homes at the same time, it means homeowners won’t deal with construction around them, and everyone can move in and get their fences and yards done at the same time,” adds Abrams. The 15 two-storey, front attached garage homes on 38-foot-wide lots in Bayside’s Phase 7 start from the $460,000s and range
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from 1,731 to 2,073 square-feet. Each one has been upgraded with the most desirable items, and depending on when they are purchased, homeowners can still make interior color choices. Upgrades include hardwood on the main floor, granite in the kitchen, tile floors in mudroom, baths and laundry, nine-foot main floor ceilings and more. Each home also has a beautiful exterior elevation with stunning architectural details and stone accents. “The stress of buying and making decisions is taken away in a process like this and that is something a lot of homeowners like, it is a very turn-key product,” says Abrams. Homeowners can also build from the ground-up in Bayside, explains Herriman, and there are many lots to choose from. To sweeten the already delicious pie, ReidBuilt Homes is the exclusive builder of the Air Miles reward miles program. For each ready to move-in home, purchasers receive 10,000 Air Miles. A new home build receives 5,000 miles. “It is an impressive bonus,” explains Abrams. “It is enough air miles to fly a family somewhere awesome, or it can be used towards hotels or other purchases.” A new show home in Bayside will be ready summer of 2014, and will continue to showcase the high quality and varied home plans ReidBuilt is famous for. n
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For more information visit www.rbhcalgary.com
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A is for
Starting anew in Airdrie
P h oto by A a l i ya E s s a
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The Jarvill family.
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inding a new life in a new city is already difficult, but coming in from another country altogether, can be downright intimidating. But more and more immigrants to Airdrie are finding that life in this prairie town just north of Calgary is an easy transition. Noo and Richard Jarvill, and their three children Lizzie, Lexi, and Harry, travelled all the way from England to find a new life in Airdrie, and they’ve settled in smoothly to their new surroundings. “We moved to Airdrie in August of 2012,” says Noo. “We had been looking for an area to live in, and we thought we’d wander around in the local areas, when we stopped in at a Starbucks coffee shop off Veterans Boulevard.” Picking up a local publication off a free magazine rack, they were intrigued by the stories on the people, places, and things in Airdrie, especially as they read about how many events were going on in town. They immediately knew “this is where we wanted to live,” says Noo. “It’s a vibrant community, with lots of people involved in many different events, so after reading those publications we decided to live here,” she says. And since that day, a year-and-a-half ago, the Jarvill family has taken to joining in on the many events they first read about; from the community choir, to sports, and even volunteering at the local food bank. “We didn’t want to live in a big city like Calgary,” says Richard. “But we wanted to live in place with all the readily available immediacies,” he adds.
Airdrie
is as easy as ABC
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Folks like Noo and Richard are representative of what’s happening all over Airdrie. “The growth in Airdrie has just been phenomenal,” says Deputy Mayor Ron Chapman. “Last year we were at an 8.42 per cent increase, basically 3,849 new people according to our 2013 census, so we (had) 11 people-a-day moving to Airdrie,” he adds. As Airdrie continues to grow in population, the City has taken steps to ensure that they are growing right along side in infrastructure. “We have annexed 12,600 acres of new land, which should be a 50-year land supply, and since that annexation there have been five new schools announced. Three of those schools will open this year, with two more to come,” Chapman tells Loving Airdrie Living. New home builders have been paying attention to this in-migration, with new communities sprouting up in all four quadrants, allowing for many different options for buyers who want to build a home in the south or the north end. “There are new communities everywhere,” says Chapman. “They’re going up in the northwest, southeast, and the southwest. We have in the northwest Morningside, southeast there’s King’s Heights and Ravenswood, southwest there’s new parts of Cooper’s Crossing opening up, and Windsong. We have communities popping up everywhere.” Multi-family developments are also coming along quite nicely, thank you, he says. “Every new community has some multi-family units in it; whether it’s walkup townhomes or three-storey condo type buildings, they are throughout the city. Especially throughout our mid-town area, there are some multi-family developments there, and it gives it a real urban feel, a walk-able feel.” “Airdrie is a very active community,” continues the deputy mayor. As proof, one needs look no further than the city’s 80-plus kilometres of paved pathways.
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“A lot of kids on their bikes or skateboards and scooters, a lot of people utilize the pathways throughout the city,” he says. “And as the communities grow there are more added, of course.” In fact, the recreational opportunities available for a city this size are nothing short of incredible. “Genesis Place is the hub of activity in the city for any recreation, we just added two new ice services, there are two indoor soccer fields, the pool with the water slide, and the gyms. This is where everybody meets; from gymnastics, the baton twirlers, the two swimming clubs,” says Chapman. Airdrie recently hosted the Alberta U12 Ringette Provincial Championships, where they were able to shine the spotlight on their new ringette facility at Genesis Place. An even bigger event, the 2014 Alberta Summer Games (see separate article) are also taking place here, at various venues around town, July 24-27. new home Living special section
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Above and beyond all the new homes, amenities and facilities, however, it’s really the people who live here who make Airdrie the great city that is. “We are a very community-based oriented city,” says Chapman. “Even though we are now a city, with over 50,000 residents, it stills feels like a small town to me, where you know your neighbours, and we have a large amount of volunteers in Airdrie,” he adds. Airdrie might feel like a small town, but they think big. One of their new developments is the Green Box organics recycling program. “It’s amazing what can go into an organics recycling bin,” says Chapman. “A household can divert at least 50 per cent of the normal household garbage into the organic bin. This includes all your food scraps; any meats scraps, like bones, fish,
NEW COMMUNITIES
“Airdrie is a very active community. A lot of kids on their bikes or skateboards and scooters, a lot of people utilize the pathways throughout the city.”
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Bayside Bayside, from Genesis Land, is an exciting blend of upscale singlefamily homes and condos. Nearly 80 per cent of all homes have private water access and nearly 50 per cent of all homes have the capability of installing private boat docks. Six kilometres of waterways are linked by walk and bike paths. BUILDER : Coco Homes | Genesis Builders | McKee Homes | Sovereign Custom Homes Canals Landing The relaxing flow of the six-kilometre waterway provides the calm backdrop to this new Genesis Land community, where a family-friendly resort lifestyle goes hand in hand with modern city convenience. Semi-attached, two-storey single-family and estate homes are available starting in the $450,000s. BUILDERS : Crystal Creek Homes | Genesis Builders | McKee Homes | ReidBuilt Homes
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leaves, it really is amazing. This is something new for residents. The bins have just been rolled out now, and they start getting picked up around mid April.” Another green feature Airdrie is excelling at is their ICE bus service (Inner City Express), which started out in 2010 and has grown enormously in popularity. “The buses are full, and we are looking into more infrastructure,” says Chapman. “We hope the province is going to come through with some green trip funding.” The true measuring stick of any community, however, is what it’s own residents feel and say about it. And based on those criteria Aidrie comes out a big winner. In fact, in the most recent citizen satisfaction survey, fully 90 per cent of Airdrie citizens responded that it is a good or very good community to live in, 99 per cent of citizens said they feel safe here during the day, and 95 per cent said they feel safe overall. The numbers speak for themselves — residents and newcomers, alike, love and admire their home city. n
Cooper’s Crossing/ Estates of Cooper’s Crossing Cooper’s Crossing is well designed and beautifully landscaped with a six kilometre pathway system connecting every corner of this hillside development. Airdrie’s most prestigious address is the Estates of Cooper’s Crossing with estate homes on lots up to 74-feet wide. BUILDERS : Canterra Custom Homes | Crystal Creek Homes | Harder Homes | McKee Homes | Trico Homes | Vesta Properties
Let the games begin! For four days this summer, Airdrie’s population is going to increase by nearly 10 per cent as the 2014 Alberta Summer Games roll into town. Held every two years, this year July 24-27, the Games will bring more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials to Airdrie for the province’s premier amateur sporting event. Amateur athletes ranging in age from 14-17, representing eight different regions in the province, compete in 15 sporting events including: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Mountain Biking, BMX Cycling, Canoe, Kayak, Lacrosse, Rugby, Handball, Soccer, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Swimming and Triathlon. Athletes are not required to affiliated with Athletics Alberta, the governing body of the event, but do need to be registered by their zone before June 14. There’s much more than just the
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Airdrie shares spirit of friendly competition as host of 2014 Alberta Summer Games
athletic events, however, with for-fun events like the Travelling Supper, concerts and cultural exhibitions taking place around town, as well as bowling and golf tournaments. And, of course, to pull all this off, behind the scenes, are more than 2,000 local volunteers working to make sure the experience is the best it can be for everyone. “This is going to be a fantastic event for the city of Airdrie and for the province of Alberta, we are looking forward to hosting the 2014 Alberta Summer Games, to showcase our community, and the facilities that we do have,” says Deputy Mayor Ron Chapman. If you’d like to get involved, as a participant, as a volunteer, or as a spectator, visit www.2014airdriegames.ca n
Heron Pointe This community is part of Hopewell Residential’s Reunion and includes expansive open spaces, perfect for residents looking for an active lifestyle. Reunion Park features picnic tables, barbeque pits, and tons of space for the kids to play in. There is also Heron Pond, which is surrounded by winding pathways. BUILDERS : Excel Homes | McKee Homes | Sabal Homes
King’s Heights Residents feel like royalty as they enter this Melcor Developments community. Its dramatic, custom stone façade entry feature goes well with its tree-lined boulevard. Single-family homes and condos are now available. BUILDERS : Homes by Avi | Innovations by Jayman | Loreck Homes Master Builder | McKee Homes | ReidBuilt Homes | StoneKeep | Shane Homes |
HillCrest Airdrie’s HillCrest community doesn’t pit nature versus nurture — in fact; it nurtures the nature that surrounds it. Located just west of the Queen Elizabeth II highway, HillCrest from Apex Land is built atop Airdrie’s southern hillside. BUILDERS : Excel Homes | Shane Homes | Trico Homes
Ravenswood Ravenswood by Qualico will appeal to a wide demographic with its affordable housing for young families and plan for sustainability over the long term. Residents will be within walking distance of downtown Airdrie or have a shorter commute to Calgary. BUILDERS : Broadview Homes | NuVista Homes | McKee Homes | Pacesetter by Sterling Homes
Williamstown Space is the key word in this community by Vesta Properties; here you will find the largest green space in a community with 60 acres dedicated to outdoor living, out of its total 160 acres. This green space will be filled with a stunning pathway system, ponds, playgrounds and park space. BUILDER : Vesta Properties Windsong Ontario-based builder Mattamy’s first venture in the province promises to be like nothing else around with their trademark WideLot Homes that help create a neighbourly atmosphere with their front porches and other Mattamy key architectural design components. It’s an exclusive Mattamy community.
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Higher ground
HillCrest offers views as far as the eye can see
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here’s nothing quite like living on top of a hill. In fact, people have been choosing to make their homes on hills for thousands of years, for lots of good reasons. And, in Apex Developments’ HillCrest community, located in the southwest corner of Airdrie, they still are. Homes here offer the total package; quality, affordability and lifestyle — with views included. The 58.4-hectare development “will have 600 singlefamily homes on build out, as well as 100 duplexes and 100 townhomes,” says Susan Henderson, Senior Development Manager for Apex. “We offer a great selection of lots and new homes here in HillCrest.” Currently building in phase five, “we will be releasing our new HillCrest Heights phase,” says Henderson. “This has been eagerly anticipated, as this is our first phase that will be built on top of the hill,” she adds. The hill in HillCrest is the highest point in Airdrie, says Henderson. “There is excellent views of both the mountains and, of course, the prairies,” she adds. There are three award-winning builders in this community, including Excel Homes, Shane Homes, and Trico Homes. Our builders are opening six new single family show homes this May, the show homes will have double attached garages, bonus rooms, over 2,000 square-feet and many outstanding features,” says Henderson. Duplex homes by Excel, which include a double front attached garage, three-bedrooms, and two-and-ahalf bathrooms, are starting from the $380,000s, says Henderson. While single-family homes, which are offered by all three builders, most of which are two-storey homes, “start from around 1,700 square-feet to just under 3,000 square-feet, and are priced from the low $400,000s,” she says. Within the community, there are a variety of aesthetic elements that help set this neighbourhood apart. Apex is known for their architectural styling and has certainly spared no expense in making this community just as unique and inviting as their others. The landscaping is designed to blend in with the surroundings, and compli-
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ment the topography of the land. A park with gazebo and benches makes the perfect gathering place for residents to get to know one another, and, of course the perfect setting for their kids to play in. In addition to a myriad of nearby shopping and dining options, plenty of other amenities, like schools, banks, medical centres, golf courses and recreation centres, are within a close proximity to this community as well. This is Airdrie, after all, the city that has the best of both worlds, big city amenities with the small town feel. HillCrest is strategically located in Airdrie to accommodate easy access to the QE2 Highway, making it effortless for residents that need to access this roadway without having to drive through the entire city of Airdrie. It also means CrossIron Mills and the Calgary International Airport are just a few minutes down the road. n
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A park with gazebo and benches makes the perfect gathering place for residents to get to know one another.
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Regal beauty
Homes by Avi’s The Belvedere is a grand addition to King’s Heights
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here are many reasons to visit and linger in Homes by Avi’s newest Airdrie show home. The stunningly designed and sublimely decorated Belvedere in regal King’s Heights is well worth the trip. Majestically blending the elements of earth, sky and water, the Belvedere’s décor is subtle and contemporary in soft grays, smoky blues and muted wood accents. The soothing palette is carried throughout the home with the clever use of paint, textiles, art and accessories. Complementing the beautiful décor is the thoughtful and efficient design of The Belvedere, where no space has been left without consideration and realworld use. “It is an elegant and practical home,” explains Area Sales Manager Staci Stryker. “It is well laid out with lots of storage for a busy lifestyle.” At 2,402 square-feet, The Belvedere offers families everything they could want in a new home. The upstairs includes a large laundry room with counter space for folding, a generous main bath and three large bedrooms, the master bedroom includes a breathtaking attached ensuite. With an immense walk-in closet, his-and-hers vanities, soaker tub and passage through to the laundry area, there is not a detail missed or corner wasted in the spacious master suite. A bonus room located along the front of the home is a crowning glory with plenty of natural light and space for family and entertaining. The show home includes a masterfully executed wet bar tucked neatly into one corner with cabinetry, ample counter space, beautiful glass mosaic tile and raised eating bar. “People are swept away by the beautiful wet bar and how it works so well with the bonus room. It is subtle yet extremely effective in design and layout,” says Stryker. Entering from the garage, a spacious mud room brings you to the walk-through pantry and into a large kitchen with an eating bar for four or more with sparkling pendant lights and island sink.
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Matching the culinary power of the kitchen with its stainless steel appliances, glass tile backsplash, and modern flat-panel beech cabinets, the dining area is perfectly suited for a large dinner party. After dinner, relax in the ample living room with family and friends and bask in the warm glow of the fireplace, as the full-height ledge stone hearth adds ambiance and elegance to your time together. “The new show homes have been well received since they opened in early March and Homes by Avi is excited to be in King’s Heights in Airdrie,” says Stryker. King’s Heights, Airdrie’s newest and largest development is regal in look and design. Old world stone arches and rustic bridges throughout this master planned community add charm and whimsy to each day.
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Matching the culinary power of the kitchen with its stainless steel appliances, glass tile backsplash, and modern flat-panel beech cabinets, the dining area is perfectly suited for a large dinner party.
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Hopewell Residential
Last chance in Heron Pointe Hopewell’s hit development in Airdrie saves best for last
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eron Pointe has proven itself to be a special enclave deep in the heart of Hopewell Residential’s Reunion community in Airdrie. How special? Well, special enough to be almost sold out just over a year since it was launched. “Since opening our stunning parade of show homes by Excel Homes, McKee Homes and Sabal Homes last spring, this community has been a popular choice,” says Erin McGregor, marketing manager, development, at Hopewell. “We still have amenity lots available, but inventory is selling quickly.” Heron Pointe is the final phase of the northwest Airdrie community of Reunion. It offers a collection of frontattached garage homes set amid a lush natural environment, with lots backing onto Heron Pond, green space and walking paths and a future school site. “Heron Pointe offers homebuyers a tranquil, unhurried lifestyle that’s enriched with community connectedness amongst the beauty of nature,” says McGregor. “The appeal really is that small-town feeling. Everybody knows everybody and it is definitely a slower, gentler lifestyle.” Streetscapes will boast refreshingly new architecture infused with bold, rich colours and a modern twist. Homes range from 2,000 to 2,500 square-feet in Prairie, Modern Country and Traditional styles. “It’s really exciting because this final offering has given us an opportunity to reinvent the architectural styles in the community,” she adds, pointing out that they step away from the traditional architecture used in Reunion’s earlier phases. The first 20 lots in the final phase of Heron Pointe have been released with prices starting from the $400,000s including home, lot and GST. There are still a limited number of laned homes available within the existing community of Reunion starting in the $280,000s. But Heron Pointe is about more than homes, it is about community and lifestyle, close to schools, shopping, retail, transportation and more, says Hamilton. “A fantastic feature of the community is that it’s within a five minutes’ walk of Herons Crossing School,”
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“The appeal really is that small-town feeling. Everybody knows everybody and it is definitely a slower, gentler lifestyle.” she says, adding Reunion offers residents parks, playgrounds, walking paths and green space. “Reunion Park is already a popular destination with its open-air pavilion, benches, barbecues and play areas.” n
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Shopaholics’ delight Airdrie residents get the crème de la crème in retail therapy n By
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outlet. We have a Winners and HomeSense combination, we have the SilverCity Cinemas and Escape Entertainment Centre. So we really run the gamut on fashion and home furnishings when it comes to our anchor stores.” CrossIron has the area’s largest collection of specialty shops too. “We have the first Jack & Jones outlet in the world,” Moller points out. “We have a great Justice store, we have an Adidas outlet, we have the Reebok FitHub which is also very unique, and we have a DKNY outlet store opening here. April 10th is their grand opening date.”
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CrossIron Mills
y name is Aaliya and I am a shopaholic. And, like many other shopaholics out there, I crave outings to the mall. For us, it’s the thrill of finding a new outfit, a pair of shoes, sunglasses, maybe a new set of bed sheets, some matching accessories, a new watch, CDs (yes, some people still buy them), printer paper and of course, some new lingerie. In fact, shopping for it is half the fun. And in these parts the best place to go for that kind of fun is CrossIron Mills. With more than 200 stores, 225 to be exact, including a mix of large anchor stores, chain outlets, and specialty boutiques. It’s truly a onestop-shop shopping centre, if you can’t find it here — you probably aren’t going to find it. “We have the largest Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us in Alberta,” says James Moller, General Manager at CrossIron Mills. “We have a fantastic Tommy Hilfiger
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“We have premium brands and we have premium outlets, that people are looking for,” says Moller. “We have a mix of both, it’s kind of a hybrid as we call it, we have the full line stores like Banana Republic, American Eagle, H&M, Hugo Boss, and then we have the outlet versions of those premium brand names.” The main thing is, they have something for everyone. Whether you’re into sports or crafts; toys for kids, or toys for big boys; there’s a store — or more — that has what you’re looking for. “We don’t just cater to women, we have a large selection of men’s stores that are either sporting or either just strictly men’s stores, we cater to families, we cater to all ages, to all income brackets,” says Moller. Because CrossIron Mills is a mall unlike any other in the region, it’s literally become a destination for shoppers from hundreds of miles around. I personally know of people who drive from Saskatchewan just to go to Bass Pro Shops. They make a weekend of it and literally spend hours there.
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The main thing is, they have something for everyone. Whether you’re into sports or crafts; toys for kids, or toys for big boys; there’s a store — or more — that has what you’re looking for.
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Or course, for Airdrie residents, the mall is just down the road. And with the new transit line in place, a quick trip to the mall to meet up with the friends is just that easy. “We have a great partnership with the city of Airdrie transit,” says Moller. “We combined resources with them, running a couple of different programs.” There are buses running seven days a week at varied times, taking residents to and from the mall. For just as much shopping adventure, but in a totally different kind of mall, the antique mall Where On Earth Did You Find That, located in Airdrie, offers a unique experience. Vintage is always in style, the older the cooler — entering each new store is like uncovering a diamond in the rough. “We have over 45 dealers,” says Gaylene Drader, Owner of Where On Earth Did You Find That. “Some of the most wellknown dealers in western Canada are here, guys and gals that have been in this industry for over 40 years. We carry a wide variety of items. It’s basically whatever we come up with when we are out hunting,” she says. From vintage toys, antique furniture, jewelry, art, and lots of vinyl records, the shelves are fully stocked. “The vinyl records are pretty hot right now,” says Drader. “We have a whole new generation that love the sound of the vinyls.” With items ranging anywhere from $3 to $1,000, or more, it’s a browser’s — and buyer’s — paradise. Another mall, New Horizons, is coming on stream soon, with construction set to begin by late 2014 or possibly early 2015. These aren’t all of Airdrie’s shopping options, however. With a population nearing 50,000, it’s safe to say that you can find whatever you need right in town, or not too far away. From big box national department stores, to chain retail outlets, to locally owned specialty shops and boutiques, there truly is something for everyone in Airdrie — even for a big city shopaholic like me. n
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For just as much shopping adventure, but in a totally different kind of mall, the antique mall Where On Earth Did You Find That, located in Airdrie, offers a unique experience.
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Sabal Homes
Savour the flavour
Sabal Homes approaches final stages in Heron Pointe
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Pepper Rodriguez
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on’t say you weren’t warned, but Sabal Homes is approaching the end of its hugely successful run in Airdrie’s Heron Pointe, with less than 10 opportunities left to build their line of uncommonly stylish homes in this desirable family enclave. “We opened our two Heron Pointe show homes — the Vasi and the Adero — in May of 2013. Today, we have fewer than 10 opportunities remaining to build a new home with Sabal in Heron Pointe!” marvels Sabal Homes marketing manager Nicole McLaws. She attributes their success first of all, to Heron Pointe at Reunion being a “fantastic, family-friendly community with desirable amenity lots, parks and playgrounds and close proximity to schools, shopping and entertainment.” In addition, Sabal Homes prides itself on its uncommonly stylish designs that are truly resonating with visitors. “With everything from main floor flex rooms, to open kitchens, to four-bedroom homes, Sabal has a home to fit your lifestyle. Our homeowners love our attainable price points, our innovative designs and our great craftsmanship.” In Heron Pointe, Sabal offers a variety of floor plans, all with front-attached garages, from the $480,000s to $570,000s. “We feature a wide range of architectural styles, interior layouts, options and price points, which makes it easy to find your perfect fit with Sabal Homes.” Heron Pointe is the final phase of the Hopewell community of Reunion in northwestern Airdrie, and its close-to-nature character with amenities near at hand makes it appealing to families with young children. “We’re noticing many families from Calgary are looking to move to a quieter location that still has those ever-important big-city amenities. Here, you’ve got Herons Crossing school less than a minute away, Starbucks and Superstore just down the street, and the close-knit community of Reunion as your friends and neighbours,” McLaws says. Their top selling model is the Vasi, which is a perfect family home with lots of space to relax and entertain.
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“Our Vasi show home showcases this perfectly, with a large walk-in closet in the foyer, which is perfect for rain boots and backpacks,” she says. “The Initia model is also winning over visitors — this is a new model that we introduced a year ago, and it’s been such a hit. This home offers four bedrooms as standard, which many of our homeowners appreciate.” The Adero show home also makes an impact — in fact, this home was a 2013 SAM Awards Finalist, and it’s easy to see why. It’s got a spacious main-floor mud room, a huge dining room, which looks to the backyard, and a functional kitchen that’s also beautiful, with a large window over the sink, and a built-in desk area near the peninsula island. “Sabal Homes has fewer than 10 lots remaining in Heron Pointe, so the time to visit is now,” McLaws says. “We also offer a variety of quick-possession homes for people who’d like to get into a brand new home quickly.”
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The U-shaped kitchen of the Vasi is wonderful for at-home chefs, especially with its lengthy peninsula island.
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Vesta Properties
Vesta Collection
Homes built with every homebuyer’s wish list in mind
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hey say variety is the spice of life, and that’s especially true when it comes to what homebuyers are looking for in a perfect home. In Cooper’s Crossing, in Airdrie, Vesta Properties is spicing things up a little, with a home building recipe sure to sate every buyer’s appetite. “Vesta Properties is excited to be adding to Cooper’s already varied mix of housing styles,” says Ray Dietz, Sr. Marketing Manager at Vesta. “If Vesta has learned one thing from the success of their Williamstown community just five minutes north of Cooper’s Crossing, it’s that families want variety in a community.” With that in mind he adds, “The Vesta Collection will include singlefamily homes, estate homes, duplexes and townhomes that will attract residents at different family stages.” Right now, he says, there are single-family laned homes available for quick possession and duplexes for pre-sale. “This is the very first duplex collection in the whole Cooper’s Crossing area.” Single-family homes start in the low $500,000s while duplexes start in the high $300,000s. Buyers have eagerly anticipated the addition of the Vesta Collection, he says, as these the public has grown accustomed to Vesta Value homes and will be surprised to see high end finishes that is typical of the Cooper’s Crossing community. “We’ve pulled from the success of building over 40 award winning communities in B.C. and Alberta to strategically plan for these finishes while staying true to our Vesta Value offering — maximizing lifestyle and investment value in every home that we build,” says Dietz. “Buyers can look forward to standard granite in the kitchen, standard hardwood flooring throughout the main floor, soaring 9 foot ceiling including the basement, and heated flooring,” he adds. Cooper’s Crossing is filled with world-class amenities, which are a significant allure for buyers all on their own. “It’s a community that feels entirely lush and green with manicured landscaping around ponds and boardwalks,” says Dietz, “long, linear parks provide more homes with convenient access to green spaces. Every home can be
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called a ‘parkside’ home!” There are two schools planned to be built in Cooper’s in the future, supporting the foundation of aging-in-place. “The whole community is eagerly awaiting the arrival of an elementary school and a few years following, the unconfirmed arrival of a high school,” says Dietz. Vesta is also exclusively developing and building the master planned community of Williamstown, where they are presently selling phase six of seven total phases. Here too, buyers can find a variety of home styles including the recent release of strata-free rowhomes starting from the low $300,000s. Waterscape, a boutique collection of waterside townhomes also built by Vesta and is tucked in the north corner of Cooper’s Crossing. These front garage townhomes are the only waterfront non-estate homes within Cooper’s and start from the mid $300,000s. n
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Vesta offers a variety of home options in Cooper’s Crossing and Williamstown.
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WestMark Holdings
The popular choice
Cooper’s Crossing offers the most varied housing options
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Janine Workman
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ooper’s Crossing has a long, distinguished history and this legacy continues on today as it was voted Airdrie’s best community in 2013. This family-centred neighbourhood continues to evolve with more housing options now available. Named after the Cooper family that settled the area in 1892, Cooper’s Crossing by WestMark Holdings continues this rich historical legacy with their collection of classically-styled homes built along gentle, rolling hills of southwest Airdrie. Currently in phase 20 out of 35, WestMark Holdings’ vision and planning for the community has culminated in livable, connected neighbourhoods all thriving in a community well on its way to completion. “The streets in Cooper’s Crossing are vibrant and rich in personality,” says Helen Shields, co-ordinator at WestMark Holdings. “This is not just another cookie cutter neighbourhood.” An impressive pathway system connects residents to parks, natural areas, amenities and each other. A large central pond features a covered boardwalk along the water’s edge with hundreds of lush plantings, pulling the community together as a centrepiece feature. With three show home parades open, visitors can walk through estate front-drive homes, single-family front-drive homes and single-family rear-lane homes. Estate front-drive homes start in the $800,000s, on lots up to a generous 62-feet wide, and back on to a park or water feature, with most offering walk-out basements. “Builders for this prestigious area include Crystal Creek Homes, Harder Homes and Canterra Custom Homes,” says Shields. Also available are rear-laned estate homes starting in the $700,000s. They are located along an exclusive street facing a large central park. Built by Vesta Properties, these homes sit on lots large enough to accommodate a triple-car garage. “This part of Cooper’s Crossing was inspired by sought after inner-city communities such as Elbow Park or Scarboro in Calgary,” explains Shields. “Like these communities, the garages are located in the back
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and allow the front of the home to feature more windows and large front porches.” Single-family homes start from the $460,000s, with front-drive options offered by Trico Homes and McKee Homes on lots up to 44-feet wide. Single-family, rear-lane homes by Vesta Properties also offer a rear access option for those who prefer the traditional look of a front-porch style home. Two new show homes in this series recently opened in February. This B.C.-based developer is also introducing duplex homes here for a more affordable alternative. Vesta Properties also opened a multi-family development here, featuring executive townhomes with doublefront garages and backing onto a picturesque pond. They start in the $360,000s. And, as all great communities are complemented by the amenities around them, Cooper’s Crossing is no different with easy access to the QE2, and downtown Airdrie, as well. n
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“The streets in Cooper’s Crossing are vibrant and rich in personality. This is not just another cookie cutter neighbourhood.”
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Melcor Developments
Family kingdom
King’s Heights offers best in family living in Airdrie
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Pepper Rodriguez
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regal community built on family values, where you don’t have to pay a king’s ransom to live in – this is the essence of King’s Heights in Airdrie. That feeling of majesty gets even better as they move into their newest phase with bolder home designs. King’s Heights, a Melcor Development community, has been one of the hottest new home markets in Airdrie. Six new show homes had recently opened — two each from Shane Homes, Homes by Avi and Innovations by Jayman. Their line of front-attached garage homes start from the $420,000s. “Our newest show homes opened on March 1st and the Grand Opening was a huge success despite the minus-32 degree temperatures!” Melcor’s Catharina Mendonça says. It was a rousing welcome for Homes by Avi and Innovations by Jayman who are building in the community for the first time. Also new is Merge Developments’ multi-family project, StoneKeep. “They began selling last fall and we welcome the further housing diversity they’ve brought to our community,” Mendonça says. StoneKeep condos/ townhomes start in the $200,000s. Adding to King’s Heights’ appeal is a fresh design direction. “We’ve done a complete refresh on the architectural controls in this newest phase of King’s Heights with bold detailing and color,” Mendonça adds. “The primary styles are Craftsman and Tudor and there is a very high level of architectural detail with cross gable roofs, extensive use of natural materials including shake and stone.” These result in an enviable streetscape with a rich, contrasting feel. King’s Heights is about 65 per cent complete. Its popularity stems from its wide variety of home options at an affordable price and an enviable location on the east side of Airdrie, with a quicker access to Highway 2 than any other new community. Furthermore, nearly 10 per cent of its 270-acre total is dedicated to green space, with winding natural trails, picturesque water features and pretty pedestrian bridges that capture the park feeling of the community. It is far from the bustle of the city and close to na-
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ture but with unparalleled accessibility to Calgary and the amenity-rich commercial areas nearby, including CrossIron Mills. They also have a ton of family-friendly amenities within the community. “We are excited by the recent news from our Provincial government that King’s Heights will be getting a new K-5 school, this is of course great news for families in our community.” Amenities are already up and running at the Kingsview Market, where residents are able to grocery shop, grab a bite to eat, go for a pedi, or have a pint with friends without having to leave their community. “This is a real bonus when you consider that many suburbs can make you feel detached from the buzz of everyday life. That’s not the case in King’s Heights, as it is a complete community in every sense of the word,” she says. n
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“We’ve done a complete refresh on the architectural controls in this newest phase of King’s Heights with bold detailing and color.”
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McKee Homes
The Balinderry River McKee Homes’ new show home in Ravenswood is a dream come true
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Aaliya Essa
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usy families understand the need for a home to accommodate their ever-changing schedules — from the moment you enter the home, to where you put away your things, to where you eat, to where you sleep. It’s all a flow of energy that buyers will find is readily accommodated in this new show home, The Balinderry River, by McKee Homes. It’s a different kind of name for a home, but then, it’s a different kind of home. “The Balinderry River definitely suits many different types of families,” says Elaine Doel, President of McKee Homes. “From the moment you enter, the mud room off the garage entrance allows everyone to have their own space, complete with divided lockers.” The kitchen is all about space, says Doel. “The fabulous chef’s kitchen is beautiful and bright with the feature window insert and the central custom cook top hood. Living space is maximized with room for enter-
taining and family fun.” With a huge centre island, it’s the perfect place to chat about your day, unload your books and do some homework, or enjoy a quick meal. A walk-through pantry is perfect for unloading groceries as you proceed towards the kitchen, and makes it easier to just put stuff away right away. An open concept floor plan enables you to entertain guests while you’re preparing the meal, allowing everyone to stay engaged in the conversation. The living area is highlighted by an inviting fireplace area too, that makes those cold winter nights a thing of the past. Large windows 28
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along the back wall let in a tremendous amount of natural sunlight, which really makes this home bright and alive in daytime. The office, or den, area at the main entrance is dressedup with a wainscoting panel, says Doel. There is also a powder room, and an additional hallway closet for guests to put their jackets and shoes in. The staircase is designed with a wood spindle railing, which leads up to the bonus room, a space dedicated to just hanging out, either as a family or a space where the kids can have fun with their friends — there’s tons of room for everyone. There are two good-size bedrooms, one with a walk-in closet, both with nice big windows to bring in abundant natural light, perfect for a child to live in and grow into. The full bathroom is conveniently situated in-between the two bedrooms, and there is a second floor laundry,
that now-a-days is hard to live without, as it is just so handy to have this room on the upper level, where the bedrooms are. The master-suite is designed to the nines, with a large open space in here too, making it a truly sweet private retreat at the end of the day. “The master bedroom and ensuite is its own little oasis within the home, separated from the other bedrooms,” says Doel. The large soaker tub has a wide ledge going around it, essential for nights when you want to kick back with a bubble bath and a glass of wine, and maybe even a partner. His and hers sinks do away with the need to share this personal space with even your significant other, as they have their own. The stand-up shower is roomy too, perfect for days where you don’t have time for a luxurious bath, but still want to feel relaxed, refreshed and, most importantly, clean. The Balinderry River show home is 2,267 square-feet in size, and every inch of space has a purpose, a practical use, beyond just assisting with the flow of energy in the home. In terms of value per square-inch, it tops the charts and, depending on what upgrades you choose, it’s available within a wide, wide range of price points. “This show home is priced at $638,000,” says Doel, “and the starting price of this home is $376,000, plus architectural detailing, home site, and GST.” Located in the community of Ravenswood, in Airdrie, buyers here really have it all: first, the reputation of McKee Homes, an exclusive Airdrie builder, and, second, an address in Ravenwood community — one of the newest neighbourhoods in town — making this a very lucrative option. “McKee Homes is a local Airdrie family business run by myself, my husband, Rob Doel, and my sister, Grace McKee,” says Doel. “Together with our great team we have been building homes in our local community for more than 27 years. Our mission is ‘crafting exceptional homes for our valued customers’ and building homes for our clients is a responsibility we take very seriously.” For information please visit For more information visit the show home at 115 Ravenskirk www.mckeehomes.com Road S.E. n
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Merge Developments
Set in stone
StoneKeep’s promise of stylish homes comes true in King’s Heights
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Pepper Rodriguez
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ark your calendars! StoneKeep’s long-awaited show homes will open on May 17 in King’s Heights, as Merge Development’s vision to bring a new sense of stylish affordability to townhomes in Airdrie begins to take shape. StoneKeep offers 72 row and terrace bungalow townhomes with a single or tandem garage surrounding a beautiful landscaped park. With an array of home styles and plans starting from the low $200,000s, homeowners can choose from three building styles and six well-designed two- and three-bedroom floor plans. “These are affordable homes that are designed to give the buyer all they will really
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need in a first home,” says Rick Spooner, president and operating partner at Merge Developments. “You can get two- or threebedroom units, with attached single or tandem garages, which are perfect for young families and those just starting their life as adults. Downsizing couples looking to stay in the neighbourhood also find a comfortable home here.” All the townhomes include stone island countertops, six appliances, soft-close cabinets and drawers, high efficiency furnaces and low-E windows, making them as functional as they are stylish. The Streetside Series features charming front porches, and convenient street ac-
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cess. The Backyard Blocks provides a quiet backyard retreat that can be enjoyed in every season. The Courtyard Collection offers single level living, and a covered porch overlooking a beautifully landscaped park. Homes in StoneKeep range from 779 to 1,124 square-feet. StoneKeep is at 1225 King’s Heights Way in the popular community of King’s Heights in southeast Airdrie, just off QE2 to Yankee Valley Boulevard. n
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For more information visit www.stonekeep.ca
}