Loving Airdrie Living - September 2014 by Source Media Group

contents

september 2014

Cover Feature

4 Getting to the Pointe Heron Pointe approaches build out, as final phase commences Community feature

7 Welcome to Airdrie A growing city with big plans for the future

20 Loving life in Williamson

developer features

Hit Vesta community is on its final phases

10 Airdrie highpoint

HillCrest’s unique location offers excellent views and access

builder features

14 Country chic

12 Prairie freedom

Homes by Avi blends scenery and style in King’s Heights

The resplendent charms of country living are evident in The Grasslands of Beiseker

16 Kingly residences Innovations by Jayman offer homes fit for a king in King’s Heights

18 On the waterfront

Pier 11 brings adventurous nautical spirit to Airdrie living

30 Prince of the prairies

Rockyview 2 displays ReidBuilt’s family home mastery

features

22 Re-use, re-purpose, rejoice Sustainability in all ways is a way of life in Airdrie

26 Game on! Airdrie — a hockey hotbed department

29 City of Airdrie Map PUBLISHER •

Source Media Group

Associate PUBLISHER • Editor •

Art director •

Jean Faye Rodriguez

graphic designerS •

Jim Zang

Pepper Rodriguez

Megan Sereda

Dave Macaulay,

PRODUCTION co-ordinator •

Colleen Leier

Darlene Casten, Aaliya Essa, Angela Unsworth, Portia Yip Contributors •

Advertising SALES • Accounting •

Cindy Marks

Norma Robertson

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.

new home Living special section

september 2014

loving airdrie living

cover feature

Heron Pointe

Getting to the Pointe Heron Pointe approaches build out, as final phase commences

loving airdrie living

SEPTEMBER 2014

ust as birds head south for the winter, chances to own a new home in Heron Pointe are fast flying away as summer comes to an end. Unlike birds though, these opportunities aren’t coming back. Nestled in the heart of friendly Reunion in northwest Airdrie, this inviting enclave of Heron Pointe welcomes families with a collection of stylish front-garage homes and perfectly located view lots — all at surprisingly family-friendly prices. It has been such a big hit that only 55 lots are left since launching last year. “Heron Pointe has really found a niche among families who love the nature trails,

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ponds and parks all around it, and the easy convenience it offers that makes for a simple, quiet life,” says Erin McGregor, marketing manager, development, at Hopewell. “We anticipate to be sold out by spring next year.” Heron Pointe offers picturesque streetscapes lined with houses crafted by award-winning home builders, each one a distinctly contemporary take on traditional architecture and design. The end result is a neighbourhood tailormade for West Airdrie’s best lifestyle. Excel Homes, McKee Homes and Sabal Homes by Hopewell offer homes from 2,000 to 2,500 square-feet in Prairie, Modern Country and Traditional styles. Homes are priced from

“Heron Pointe offers homebuyers a tranquil, unhurried lifestyle that’s enriched with community connectedness amongst the beauty of nature.” $485,000, and the few remaining homes on amenity lots that back onto the pond are from the $550,000s. “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.” The final phase holds even more surprises for buyers. “It’s really exciting because this final offering has given us an opportunity to reinvent the architectural styles in the community,” McGregor says, pointing out that they step away from the traditional architecture used in Reunion’s earlier phases. But Heron Pointe is about more than homes, it is about community and lifestyle, close to schools, shopping, retail, transportation and more. “A fantastic feature of the community is that any home within Heron Pointe is within a five minutes’ walk of Herons Crossing School,” McGregor 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.” When it comes to new homes for sale in Airdrie, there is simply no better value than Heron Pointe. n

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For more information visit www.heronpointeairdrie.com

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loving airdrie living

community feature

Welcome to Airdrie A growing city with big plans for the future

n By

Aaliya Essa

he word is out that Airdrie is the place to be, where new homes and businesses sprout like wild flowers. It’s not difficult to see why. Airdrie offers a family-friendly lifestyle that is slightly slower paced, but still has all the big city amenities just steps from home. And plans are to keep it that way. “We are going to exceed our growth from last year significantly,” says Mayor Peter Brown. “With this growth comes many opportunities and many challenges, to keep up with services for new residents in particular.” One of those challenges is providing a sufficient amount of water for residents. “We have a new water reservoir going in at Windsong,” Brown says. With this population growth there is great support for local businesses too, great for employment and the local economy all around. A new city plan is being discussed, where the newly annexed lands will be incorporated into the community. “It should paint the picture of how we need to grow, and what the most responsible way to grow is,” he says. “The ultimate goal is to provide employment opportunities, where you work and you can utilize existing transportation networks, like our bus system, and to attract more companies to our community to hire with well-paying jobs. So we can keep our workforce, which is fairly significant in our community, where you can actually work, live and play,” says Brown.

Photos by Darlene Casten

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loving airdrie living

community feature

P h o t o c o u r t e s y HO P E W E L L RES I D E N T I A L

Mayor Peter Brown

“We offer a variety of housing choices, so people that are first time homebuyers have options here.”

loving airdrie living

Airdrie real estate sales are up 32 per cent from last year according to real estate stats. Houses under $400,000 are selling within two days, which is a good indication that buyers are very interested, and are driving the market by moving here in large numbers. Though with this increase the average house price has gone up by 14 per cent over the median. Prices are still well under what you would pay in Calgary though, by about $100,000, realtors say. Airdrie also has many new communities underway, with a large variety of options, from single-family homes, which include move-up, duplex, and starter homes, as well as multifamily options, by a variety of quality builders. The City says the number of housing permits went up from1,520 in 2012 to 1,772 last year. And 2014 is looking even stronger. “A lot of what we offer here in Airdrie is affordability,” says Brown. “We offer a variety of housing choices, so people that are first time homebuyers have options here. We also have some great services; our recreation facilities, our parks, the services that are available in the community, you can really do everything here

in Airdrie now,” he adds. He’s right. For example, Genesis Place offers a variety of activities to choose from, including their aquatics which has six lanes at your disposal, dryland fitness and leisure allowing for two indoor soccer fields, a fitness centre with over 26 drop-in fitness classes per week, and their twin arena that features two NHL size ice surfaces plus seating for 250 people at each rink. Combine first class amenities with a spirit of volunteerism that is second to none and that’s

NEW COMMUNITIES   Bayside Bayside, from Genesis Land, is an exciting blend of upscale single-family 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. BUILDERS : 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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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

Genesis Place

why Airdrie was selected to host the 2014 Alberta Summer Games. “The games are going unbelievably well,” the mayor adds. “We brought volunteers together two years ago, and that group of people have pulled together all the pieces to host a safe, fun event for athletes and their families, and friends.” Another unique feature that is really starting to set Airdrie apart is their environmental stewardship, they have a new green box program, where you collect your organic waste and put it into a separate green box. “Like many things we are a little behind in when

it comes to dumpster waste and recycling in Alberta,” admits Brown. “The organics program has been a massive success here in Airdrie. We implemented it in the spring, and in June we exceeded a tonnage that we would have otherwise thrown into the regular garbage waste stream,” says the mayor. The cost is 50 per cent less to dispose of organic waste too, he says, and it’s reusable. With so many great new communities being developed, and new homes under construction, this program couldn’t come at a better time or place to help ease this growing city’s carbon footprint for the years to come. 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 by Hopewell

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

new home Living special section

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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loving airdrie living

developer feature

APEX Land

Airdrie highpoint

HillCrest’s unique location offers excellent views and access n By

Aaliya Essa

f ease of access to local amenities and proximity to Calgary are important features on your Airdrie new home shopping wish list, then go ahead and put HillCrest right at the top of the list. Located along the southern edge of the Airdrie, the community of HillCrest, by Apex Land, is possibly THE easiest residential area to get to in Airdrie from Calgary, bar none. “Proximity to Calgary is important for many looking to build in Airdrie,” says Cody Nixon, area sales manager for Excel Homes. “HillCrest is ideal for them. Located on the south end of the city, HillCrest offers quick access to the highway and back roads to travel into Calgary. It is also within a short commute to all major amenities within Airdrie and Balzac.” Of course, once you get there Hillcrest has plenty to offer to keep you here. For example, very few communities in Airdrie have such incredible views, which is due to the natural landscape of the area, says Nixon. “The community has an extensive pathway system, that connects to two existing playgrounds, a central gazebo that will serve as a communal point for the community and a storm water pond,” says Nixon. The overall plan for the community makes it easy to really enjoy the nature at its doorstep, and have the best of both an indoor and outdoor lifestyle. And that’s exactly what the vision for this community was in the first place; somewhere where there’d be room to create places for residents to be able to meet for picnics, go for a stroll, and get to know and connect with their neighbours. Apex takes full advantage of the community’s topography as the highest point in Airdrie with homes built on top of a hill — hence the name. “Hillcrest has the best the views of the mountains and downtown Calgary,” says Jeff Brodowski, area manager for Shane Homes, another builder in the area. The great location, views and community design is topped off by a wide range of homes sizes and styles from a great list of quality new homebuilders, including Excel Homes, Shane Homes, and Trico Homes.

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“Coming soon to Phase 5, Excel Homes will be introducing a new product line of townhomes with a single front attached garage,” says Nixon. In addition to such a fanstatic first-time buyer opportunity, the three builders offer single-family attachedgarage homes starting from around the mid $400,000s, and from around 1,700 square-feet in size. Phase 4 includes a variety of pre-sale lots for all three builders, while in Phase 3 there are still two duplexes available for quick possession from Excel Homes. Excel are presently sold out of pre-sale homes in Phase 5, though there are a number of quick possession homes under construction that will be available throughout the rest of the year, says Nixon. If you’re looking for an easy living lifestyle, close to nature, but with all of Airdrie’s amenities — and even the big city’s — close by, that is exactly what you will find here in HillCrest. Come on out and take a look from the top, it’s worth the climb. n

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For more information visit www.hillcrestairdrie.com

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A central gazebo serves as a communal point for residents.

developer feature

The Grasslands of Beiseker

Prairie freedom

The resplendent charms of country living are evident in The Grasslands of Beiseker n By

Portia Yip

here’s a certain charm to being in the rural countryside. From the wind gently blowing over miles of rolling fields and vast open spaces, to embracing a more relaxed lifestyle, the Village of Beiseker has an extra special charm where small town living is as easy and enjoyable as ever. With a population of 828 and growing, the village holds true to its motto “Crossroads to the Future,” as it makes way for a brand new community in town, The Grasslands of Beiseker. Sales for phase one of The Grasslands started in May with 71 single-family lots in total, and 17 lots initially available. The community is located on the west side of Beiseker and just off Highway 72. “Our lots in The Grasslands are about 55 feet wide, making the lots quite a bit larger than what you can get in a city setting,” says Aaron Badger, Vice President and CFO of The Grasslands of Beiseker Development Corporation. The two custom home builders for The Grasslands are Aquilla Homes Ltd. and River Street Homes Inc., both with years of experience building homes in and around Southern Alberta and the Calgary area. The construction of four houses, two show homes and two spec homes, is currently underway with an expected six month completion date. Lot prices range from the mid $70,000s to $80,000s and a full-package home, including lot and GST, start in the low $300,000s. On the inside, potential buyers have a lot of flexibility on home sizing, with building options to suit a wide array of options. “There’s a big price advantage to The Grasslands,” says Badger. “If you compare the price to homes in the city, potential homeowners would be looking at an attached townhouse for the same price as one of these single-family homes, which has a garage and all the extra space that Beiseker offers.” Besides having the opportunity to live a simpler small town lifestyle, The Grasslands community includes a central greenspace, a municipal pathway system, and a children’s playground. Within walking distance, residents can easily find essential shops and restaurants,

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recreation facilities, and community clubs and organizations. For those with young children, the local K-12 Beiseker Community School is just down the street. As a small town, Beiseker is rooted in community and neighbours helping neighbours. According to Badger, the community appeals well to those hitting the retirement age or young families looking for extra space. He also highlights how the town is very self-sufficient and looking forward to the expansion. “One of the big benefits to building in The Grasslands is that there’s a ton of community support from both the local government and the residents.” Another huge draw is the town’s proximity to big city amenities. It takes 30 minutes to reach Stoney Trail and under 25 minutes to the City of Airdrie. Other areas just a short distance away are the Calgary International Airport, Balzac Industrial Park, and Cross Iron Mills. At The Grasslands, residents don’t have to sacrifice big city amenities for a charming countryside lifestyle— they can have the best of both worlds. n

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For more information visit www.thegrasslands.ca

new home Living special section

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“Lots in The Grasslands are about 55 feet wide, making the lots quite a bit larger than what you can get in a city setting.”

builder feature

Homes by Avi

Country chic

Homes by Avi blends scenery and style in King’s Heights n By

Aaliya Essa

irst impressions are usually lasting ones, and that is exactly what you’re left with when you visit Homes by Avi’s The Mason show home in Airdrie. Here in the community of King’s Heights, Homes by Avi has expertly tailored a layout that seamlessly blends into its surroundings and creates a view as aesthetically pleasing inside the home as out. “People have commented to us on how there is a really good use of space in this home,” says Area Sales Manager Staci Stryker, “there isn’t a lot of wasted space in this home, and its open plus there is lots of good storage.” That’s because the Mason is designed with both style and space in mind, making use of every squarefoot in this home, and adding an openness that you can literally see and feel. Measuring in at an airy 1,976 square-feet, while starting at around $467,000 that includes house lot and GST, The Mason has three-bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and is ideal for any growing family. Simple details, such as large windows allowing in the maximum amount of natural sunlight, an open kitchen, with a large centre island, and even a walk-in pantry — perfect for storing every day goods in an organized fashion — make a world of difference. Another unique feature is the expanded garage, which allows for either two cars to be parked tandem, or for a workspace or perhaps just some extra storage, says Stryker. Adding even more to the home’s functionality is a second floor laundry room, making it that much easier and convenient to accomplish this chore without straying too far from your bedroom closet. Even the bonus room is laid out with both comfort and openness in mind. Highlighted by a vaulted ceiling and skylights, in addition to the large windows, this area is beaming with natural light, all the while providing ample room to entertain friends or just sit back and relax with the family. The generously sized master suite is the private retreat you have been looking for, and more. The ensuite is luxuriously appointed with a stand-up shower, his-

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and-her sinks, and a large soaker tub. Of course it’s impossible to overlook another great feature of The Mason, and that’s location. King’s Heights community is perfectly positioned with easy access to both local amenities and the QE2, making travelling to and from Calgary a breeze. “There is super easy access to the highway,” says Stryker. “You can get to anywhere in Calgary in the same amount of time from here then any of the new neighbourhoods in Calgary.” The best feature of all, though, is dealing with a quality professional homebuilder like Homes by Avi. “For the last five years we’ve received the Consumers Choice Award in the home builder category,” says Laurel Lapointe, Calgary Marketing Manager for Homes by Avi. “The home building process can often feel lengthy, particularly if you are a first-time buyer. At Homes by Avi, we want our customers to enjoy a stress-free, wellinformed home building experience.” For more information visit www.homesbyavi or visit the show home at 338 King’s Heights Drive. n

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Homes by Avi has expertly tailored a layout that seamlessly blends into its surroundings and creates a view as aesthetically pleasing inside the home as out.

builder feature

Innovations by Jayman

Kingly residences

Innovations by Jayman offer homes fit for a king in King’s Heights n By

Angela Unsworth

hen we were kids, we dream of being the king (or queen) in our own castle. As we grow into adulthood, we put these dreams behind and look at more practical features for the homes we choose to live in. At King’s Heights in Airdrie, Innovations by Jayman has crafted homes that blend these two elements together into a fanciful, functional whole. “The community provides a very serene and natural setting. Jayman has complimented that with an incredible selection of different home styles and unique designs,” says Jeff Mitchell, area manager for King’s Heights in Airdrie. “The value provided, from a price perspective, has really resonated with the young families moving here from Calgary.” The award-winning builder offers single-family homes here ranging in size from 1,700 to 2,400 square-feet, starting from the $420,000s, including GST. Each home is designed to meet a family’s needs — most feature walk-in closets in the master bedroom, to upper floor laundry rooms, and walk-in pantries showing functionality and style go hand-in-hand in Innovations by Jayman homes. The exteriors are designed with stone and shakes, offering a classic and beautiful façade that adds to the inviting appeal of King’s Heights’ streetscape. Recently opened in King’s Heights are The Verge, a 2,405-square-foot four-bedroom home that is making its show home debut; and perennial favourite, The Nitro, which this time is given a design twist that ensures this 1,938-square-foot home will even be a bigger hit. Both show Innovations by Jayman’s impressive design specifications and standard features. Both The Verge and The Nitro capture an inner city aesthetic of funky modernism and grounds it with the practicality of a suburban family home to fit the needs of a fun, family-friendly lifestyle. “They have a lot of the features on a family’s wish list for the perfect home but designed in a fashion that you normally wouldn’t see outside of Calgary’s inner city,” he adds. The Verge starts at around $500,000 including lot and GST, and the show home itself would be at the $650,000

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The Verge

mark. While The Nitro is at $450,000 with the show home itself going for $499,900, Mitchell says. Another draw is that Innovations by Jayman works within a sustainable framework using premium brands to give you the best quality for your home and your environment. Even the carpet is made from recycled goods, offering an environmentally friendly design without sacrificing quality. “Every Jayman home passes Built Green sustainability standards,” Mitchell says. “King’s Heights is the ideal neighbourhood in Airdrie. It is conveniently located for commuters and allows for easy access to everything that this City has to offer. The community itself is beautifully landscaped with masses of green space, parks and pathways. The amenity-rich Kingsview Market is within walking distance, so there’s really plenty for families to love here,” he points out. Another thing to look forward to is that a K-5 elementary school has been approved to be built in 2016 in King’s Heights. n

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For more information visit www.jayman.com

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The Nitro

The Verge and The Nitro capture an inner city aesthetic of funky modernism and grounds it with the practicality of a suburban family home.

developer feature

Genesis Land Development

On the waterfront

Pier 11 brings adventurous nautical spirit to Airdrie living n By

Pepper Rodriguez

enesis Land Development Corp. sets sail for the next phase of Bayside in Airdrie with the launch of Pier 11, an enclave that not only strengthens the Maritime theme of this canal-connected neighbourhood, but also offers even more family-friendly home designs and budget-friendly affordability. Pier 11 will be a select enclave with 30 lots to be released for their first offering. Genesis is the exclusive builder here and they are offering an eclectic mix of homes, each delivering the benefits of smart design while satisfying the lifestyles and budgets of any buyer. The first release will be for 30 laned homes that features Genesis’ brand of smart home design. “We have focused on creating best in class homes by incorporating smart, functional design, coupled with innovative features and thoughtful standard finishes,” says Genesis marketing manager Jesse Coderre. Homes will have NEST thermostats, LED pot lights and natural gas hot water tanks, all of which combine to reduce the overall operating cost of the home. “We’re particularly excited to offer the NEST thermostats, because this introduces a new automated lifestyle at a very affordable price,” Coderre says. “This allows you to automatically change the settings of your thermostat through your smart phone or tablet.” Homes in Pier 11 start in the mid $300,000s and feature exceptional standard finishes, including maple and iron spindle railings, stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen tops, a nine-foot main floor ceilings, and laminate hardwood floors. A show home is being built to open this fall, and quick-possession homes are available now. “We are currently offering five different laned homes, we will be releasing our Front Attached Garage collection later this year,” Coderre says. “Some will be backing onto the waterways.” That isn’t all that has buyers excited about Pier 11, as its biggest draw remains to be its location that’s surrounded by a number of family-friendly amenities. There are eight in-district schools (elementary, middle, and high school) in close proximity to Pier 11. Nose

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Genesis is offering an eclectic mix of homes, each delivering the benefits of smart design while satisfying the lifestyles and budgets of any buyer.

Creek Elementary is adjacent to the neighbourhood and there are French and Christian schools just a short distance away. Other adjacent amenities include Genesis Place — a gleaming, new recreation facility that will suit athletes of all ages; Nose Creek Park — a 40 acre park, featuring natural trails, trout-stocked pond, amphitheater, and fire pits; and the Airdrie Edge Gymnastics Club — a 24,000 square-foot, custom built facility within Genesis Place. “We are still, only 25 minutes away to Calgary, so Pier 11 really does have it all,” Coderre adds. n

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For more information and to register visit www.pier11airdrie.com

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developer feature

Vesta Developments

Loving life in Williamstown Hit Vesta community is on its final phases n By

Pepper Rodriguez

t’s a little hard to believe, but in just a span of five years since the first shovel hit the ground in Williamstown, this singular nature-inspired masterplanned community from Vesta Properties is down to its final few phases. Williamstown’s Horizons and Gateway communities are the last of its seven phases, and both are selling quickly. At Horizons, only their front-garage homes and condo-fee free rowhomes remain as their laned single-family homes are all but sold out. While Gateway will have their three-storey townhomes — and if the past is any indication, those will be snapped up pretty quickly too. “If buyers are as quick to move as they have been with our previous phases, I think we have just a year to go in Williamstown,” says Ray Dietz, Sr. Marketing Manager at Vesta. The abundant greenspace that has been the hallmark at Williamstown and the family-friendly amenities that now dot the community — including the new Heron’s Crossing Elementary School (K-4) — have all been instrumental in its success. Now, almost 800 families call Williamstown home, many of who bought here on the strength of Vesta’s vision of a nature-inspired community. “Having the school here is such an amazing amenity to parents. We’re the only new community in Airdrie where the majority of students can walk to school.” Williamstown has largely realized all its potentials and now has a very attractive mix of heritage inspired streetscapes set in a natural location where nearly 40 per cent of the 162-acre development is set aside for parks and open spaces. Even better, Williamstown backs onto the 45-acre Nose Creek environmental reserve complete with trails, pedestrian bridge and look outs. “It’s a very family-friendly environment that encourages the enjoyment of the outdoors,” Dietz says. Vesta is the exclusive builder in all phases and has offered a wide range of home styles and prices to suit any lifestyle — from first time home buyers to singles, to empty nesters, and everything in between.

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There are eleven distinct home styles in Williamstown, each displaying Vesta’s signature look with lots of stone accents and columns. “It is also a testament to the quality homes and of life available here that four of the site supervisors who work here also bought homes here,” Dietz says. Horizon’s front garage homes start from the $400,000s, Rowhomes from the low $300,000s, while Gateway’s threestorey townhomes will be from the high $200,000s. But even if Williamstown is nearing its end, it doesn’t mean Vesta is done in Airdrie. Quite the opposite, in fact. “We are quickly becoming one of the largest land holders in Airdrie and we’re excited to introduce a brand new master-planned community to Airdrie in the new year.” Dietz says. Vesta is actively building in the community of Cooper’s Crossing, offering everything from laned estate homes, duplexes and laned single-family homes. “We’ll have more announcements for even more projects soon,” he says. n

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Williamstown features heritage-inspired streetscapes.

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R Tracey Chala

ecycling in Airdrie isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. A big reason why recycling is so pervasive in Airdrie is because the city supports its residents wholeheartedly when it comes to recycling, reducing and re-using and even rethinking their purchases and where it may end up. Airdrie doesn’t have its own garbage dump and therefore must divert its waste to Calgary. It’s an expensive system, trucking the garbage to Calgary and paying $107 per tonne to leave it in their dump. Airdrie’s waste and recycling services team leader, Tracey Chala, says they are constantly looking at how they can reduce the waste going to Calgary and get more people recycling. Airdrie’s recycling depot accepts almost all household goods and the city just implemented curbside pick-up of organic waste across the city this year. When City administrators looked at the big picture they decided curbside organic recycling would come first before door-to-door recycling pick-up. “Its the biggest bang for your buck,” Chala says of organic composting, explaining that you can reduce your household waste by up to 50 per cent by taking out the organics, like food waste. Airdrie’s composting program takes in much more than what can be recycled in a backyard composter.

Residents can throw in fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, shellfish and bones egg shells and dairy products, bread, pasta, rice, beans and grains, sauces, salad dressing, cooking oil and jam. Yard waste like branches, grass clippings can be tossed in the green bin and fast food packaging, paper plates and napkins can also be thrown in with the organic waste. The program began as a pilot program last

Re-use, re-purpose, rejoice Sustainability in all ways is a way of life in Airdrie n Written

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SEPTEMBER 2014

and photos by Darlene Casten

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In order to deal with the growing amount of recycling, the city purchased a new machine that can pack up to 75 bales of recyclables that can weigh as much as 725 kilograms each.

year to see how residents would respond. Over 22 weeks, 75,640 kilograms of organic waste was collected, diverting 47 per cent of the waste in the pilot areas. The project was deemed a success and City council agreed to commit $696,635 to start the citywide organic pick-up program. At the city’s two recycling depot residents can drop off the usuals, like paper, cardboard, plastics, glass and metals, but it doesn’t end there. At the east Aird-

Used bikes were up for sale at $10 to $20 a piece.

rie depot there are bins for old cell phones, aerosol paint cans, computer printers and other electronics and they can even take fluorescent light bulbs. Also accepted are batteries, including car batteries, used engine oil and their containers, used oil filters and antifreeze. Last year the City took in more than 3,500 metric tonnes of recyclables, up 700 metric tonnes from the year before. In order to deal with the growing amount of recycling, the city purchased a new machine that can pack up to 75 bales of recyclables that can weigh as much as 725 kilograms each. Airdrie also purchased a $5,000 light bulb crusher in 2011 that separates the mercury and crushes the glass, reducing coil and long tubes into a small pile of dust. In another innovative move, the eastside recycling depot has set up several trading posts. When you pull into the depot, a bike rack is full of used bikes up for sale, at $10 to $20 a piece. The proceeds all go back into the recycling programs coffers, lowering the cost of recycling and waste for residents. Waste and recycling project manager Susan Grimm says they had a good year last year with bike sales, making $4,000. Grimm says $2,000 is about average. Its just another way the city keeps their garbage load light and add to the cash flow of their recycling program. “It all goes in the kitty and keeps the programs going,” Grimm says.

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The city of Airdrie just implemented curbside pick-up of organic waste across the city this year.

Airdrie formed a partnership with McArthur’s Fine Furniture in Airdrie, who takes away the baled Styrofoam, compacts it and sells it to a buyer in the U.S.

A shed contains rows upon rows of books that are brought in by residents and can be taken away for free. The depot also collects used clothing for the Canadian Diabetes Association and Cerebral Palsy. Another groundbreaking move by the City of Airdrie was agreeing to take in Styrofoam, a material that very few places recycle. Some towns have gone as far as banning the substance because it doesn’t biodegrade. Airdrie formed a partnership with McArthur’s Fine Furniture in Airdrie, who takes away the baled Styrofoam, compacts it and sells it to a buyer in the U.S. Darin Pound, general manager of Airdrie’s McArthur’s Fine Furniture store, says they purchased a Styrofoam compacter to deal with the large amount of Styrofoam they were dealing with. “This is not a good product to be tossed out,” he said. They reached out to Airdrie city officials in the hopes of promoting Styrofoam recycling on a larger scale. “My brother and I both live in Airdrie and we know how proud they are of their recycling program,” Pound said. “We sat down with them … and

Airdrie also purchased a $5,000 light bulb crusher in 2011 that separates the mercury and crushes the glass, reducing coil and long tubes into a small pile of dust.

At the east Airdrie depot there are bins for old cell phones, aerosol paint cans, computer printers and other electronics and they can even take fluorescent light bulbs.

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they said yes. We have been taking their Styrofoam since April. Its been going pretty good.” Pound estimates that they have brought in 150, one-cubic yard bags of Styrofoam from the city. “The win is we have a city that continues to keep this stuff out of the landfill and our business has lessened its footprint,” Pound says. Airdrie resident Scott Van Den Bussche says all the recycling options in Airdrie have caused him to change his habits. “It sure has changed a lot,” Van Den Bussche says of recycling in Airdrie. “We’ve got the composting now. Its very handy.” n

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Game on! Airdrie — a hockey hotbed n By

Aaliya Essa (With an assist from Stompin’ Tom Connors)

O the good old hockey game It’s the best game you can name And the best game you can name Is the good old hockey game

First Period: The Volunteers “Like everything else in Airdrie,” says Stacey Carefoot, Operations Manager for Airdrie Minor Hockey Association (AMHA), “our association has evolved.” In fact, it’s grown from a handful of teams to 72 teams with more than 1,200 players between the ages of 5 and 18, including six female teams that play in the Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League. Not to mention the hundreds of volunteers working behind the scenes to make things happen. Stacey is one of just three paid employees of AMHA, the others being Admin Coordinator/Registrar/Scheduler Cindy Kunitz and the other a part time treasurer. The AMHA is run by an executive and a board of directors - all volunteer. The president this year is Chris McGinnis. “We have well over 350 volunteers,” Stacey says, “from the board level down to the folks who run the time clock, keep score and sell 50/50 tickets. An organization the size of ours takes an incredible amount of volunteer hours to succeed and we definitely have some of the best volunteers who always manage to fly under the radar when it comes to recognition. “We are experiencing an increased interest in team sponsorship,” she says, “and community engagement, which has lead to some valuable relationships 26

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being formed with the community. We have hosted two successful fund raising golf tournaments and a third is scheduled for September 5th. This event serves as our association’s biggest fundraiser as well as a great kick off to the season.” And, when it comes to community engagement, it’s a two-way street, says Stacey. “Many of our teams participated in the Lioness Food Drive at Christmas and the Snow Angels program throughout the winter. Two years ago we hosted a pillow toss to donate pillows to the Lioness Hamper program, we collected over 1,000 pillows. Last year we collected Towels for the Lioness Program, we are so proud of our players, parents and fans for helping us support this very important community endeavour. This volunteer spirit is definitely something that we want to help to instill in our players no matter what calibre or what age they might be.”

Second Period: The Players Of course it’s all for the players, and as far as that goes, there’s something for every skill and interest level. “AMHA has travel teams, offering a more competitive experience,” says Stacey, “from Novice to Midget, who compete in the Central Alberta Hockey League with the rest of our teams playing in our City league-which is considered our recreational division. Airdrie has AA teams in Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget, while the three highest calibre teams under the umbrella of the AMHA are the Midget AAA UFA Bisons, The Minor Midget AAA AC Avalanche and the Bantamm AAA Xtreme. Travel teams play against teams from places like Hanna, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Canmore and others. Depending on their age and their level of play (City, Travel, etc.) AA teams can see the ice up to four times per week and Timbits once or twice per week, allowing for some variance in schedules. It’s a program that people involved are really proud of, says Stacey. “In the close to 10 years that I have been

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involved with Airdrie Minor Hockey, I have Airdrie Minor Hockey’s seen our players succeed both on and off the ice female program continues — going on to play at the college and university to grow and develop. The Female Bantam A team level as well as the professional level as is in the shown here is enjoying case of players like Dana Tyrell (Columbus Blue their second consecutive Jackets), Zach Boychuk (Carolina Hurricanes) provincial championship win. and Ty Rattie (St. Louis Blues). We also have many Bantam-age players who are fortunate enough to be drafted by WHL teams; recent AMHA Bantam Draft picks include Gary Haden, Zach Cox and Kurtis Champan to the Regina Pats, among others.” Aridrie’s female hockey program continues to evolve as well. “We have female teams in Atom, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget,” says Stacey. “Our Female Bantam A team is a two time provincial champion. Each spring we host a “Come Try Female Hockey” event and this year we were happy to have one of our most famous female alumni, Brittney Fouracres, join us for the afternoon. Brittney now plays for McGill University and is a source of great inspiration and support for our players and our entire female program.”

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Third Period: The Future As AMHA looks to the future, they have some exciting opportunities ahead. With the two new ice surfaces opening last season, the ice crunch they were experiencing has lessened. There are now five indoor ice surfaces in Airdrie: Plainsman Arena (1) Ron Ebbesen Arena (2) and Genesis Place (2). It’s hard to stress how important additional ice in the City is to Airdrie Minor Hockey, says Stacey. “Increased ice means more opportunity for players to practice. In neighbouring communities, some players see the ice four or five times a week. In comparison, most of our teams, before the new ice opened, experienced one practice and one game slot over seven days. More ice has also allowed AMHA to create more opportunities for players to get engaged at an early age. “We are looking forward to offering beginner hockey program (Mighty Mite) for ages three to five,” says Stacey. “Currently players under the age of five were traveling to Crossfield to get their first taste of hockey and it would sure be nice to start creating early memories for those players on our own home ice.”

“Our main fundraising focus right now is to raise the funds we’ve committed to ARRES and The City of Airdrie. As the biggest ice user in The City, AMHA is responsible for raising just a little shy of $470,000.” With ice running about $170/hour, however, there’s more involved than just building the rinks. “Our main fundraising focus right now is to raise the funds we’ve committed to ARRES and The City of Airdrie,” says Stacey. “As the biggest ice user in The City, AMHA is responsible for raising just a little shy of $470,000.” Although it sounds like a lot, thanks to the fiscal responsibility of past boards, administration and members — and the incredible dedication of their volunteers — AMHA is definitely not intimidated by the amount. “In fact,” she says, “raising the money has brought our association members closer together. It’s great to see parents of little five-year-old Timbits players working on fundraising committees alongside parents of players who have gone through the association and are in their last season with AMHA.” Overtime: To Register Registration is ongoing in most divisions. “If there is room,” says Stacey, “we will try and fit you in.” Costs vary depending on age and competition level. A complete fee schedule, team overviews and registration information can be found online at www.airdriehockey.ca n

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ReidBuilt Homes

Prince of the prairies Rockyview 2 displays ReidBuilt’s family home mastery

n By Darlene Casten

The gourmet kitchen offers the modern rustic look that is found throughout the home.

rom the curb, through the front door and all the way to where you rest your head, ReidBuilt Homes’ latest Airdrie show home whispers family comfort, but screams luxurious elegance. This 2,182-square-foot Rockyview 2 show home in Bayside Estates is a majestic showcase of the pampered lifestyle you can get in one of Airdrie’s most exclusive communities, as well as a testament to the skillful design sensibilities ReidBuilt Homes has gained in their pursuit of family home perfection. The show home uses natural colours and materials to give a relaxing feel, inside and out, and uses finishes that give a sense of sophistication. But the overall design flow is attuned to the functional needs of the family. “It has majestic curb appeal,” says area manager Lynn Abrams. The masterful stonework that graces the exterior establishes the home’s grandeur and the wide veranda gives it a welcoming façade. The interior is all about creating an “elegant family home,” says Abrams. And as soon as you walk through the front door you can see what she means.

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The front entry is open all the way up to the vaulted ceilings in the bonus room above creating what can only be called call a dramatic entrance. But it also has touches of practicality, including a front bench with hidden storage and an adjacent private office space. Beyond the office is the open-concept main floor, with the kitchen in contrasting white tiles and walnut cabinets. There is also a stone fireplace in the spacious formal living room and an eating nook surrounded by windows, a terrific vantage point from where you can watch Bayside’s serene waterway meander through the neighbourhood. The show home actually backs onto the Bayside’s walking paths that follow the winding canals. The gourmet kitchen offers the modern rustic look that is found throughout the home. Gleaming white subway tile laid out in a houndstooth pattern and the white quartz countertops contrast with the unique grain of the warm walnut cabinetry, which is even used in the range hood for a touch of elegance. An oversized island carries on the quartz and walnut

theme and is enhanced by hanging pendant lights. The stairs carry you up to a family oasis, with a bonus room that is incredibly spacious, but still feels cozy with tons of natural light wrapping the room in warmth. The bonus room separates the bedrooms, allowing for privacy for all members of the family. Abrams says the design is perfect for keeping family peace. “If you have two kids they are not wallto-wall,” she explains. The master suite is a true sanctuary that encompasses the entire back of the house, with a spacious bedroom, luxurious ensuite and a generous walk-incloset. The bedroom also looks over the waterway, giving it an even more resort-like feel. The ensuite, which almost rivals the bedroom in size, features a unique modern free standing bathtub, his and her sinks and a modern glass and tile shower and rustic cabinets. Chandeliers enhance the elegance of the room. Speaking more on the func-

tionality of Rockyview 2 is the upstairs laundry room, which is equipped with a built in sorting and folding area. The garage is also worth checking out, as no tool master can resist this two-car garage with an extra fivefeet of workspace on one side and a storage room with shelving in the back. Best of all is its location in Bayside, a community in Airdrie’s rapidly growing west side. It is situated close to everything a family needs — schools, parks, walking paths, shops and restaurants. The Rockyview 2 can be built starting from $504,896.31 for home lot and GST, based on a $145,000 lot. The show home itself is in the $730,000 range, Abrams says. ReidBuilt also offers 15 to 20 models in Bayside that also reflect their philosophy in home design to uphold family values. To visit ReidBuilt’s Rockyview 2 show home in Bayside’s fifth phase head to Bayside Drive. Show home hours are from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. n

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For more information visit www.reidbuilthomes.com

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Beyond the office is the open-concept main floor, with the kitchen in contrasting white tiles and walnut cabinets, a stone fireplace in the spacious formal living room and an eating nook surrounded by windows.

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