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contents
cit y outlook
4 Double or nothing Airdrie population projected to hit 100,000 by 2057 Cover Fe ature
6 Leisurely living Cooper’s Crossing offers luxurious, laid-back lifestyle de veloper fe ature s
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8 Picture perfect HillCrest is the high point of life in Airdrie
18 The crown jewel King’s Heights a precious gem in Airdrie builder fe ature s
10 Super selection Homes by Avi gives buyers an abundance of choices in King’s Heights
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14 Love for innovation
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condo fe ature
Innovations by Jayman bring classy edge to King’s Heights
20 Choices galore Merge Developments offers tons of townhome options
16 An Airdrie original McKee Homes proud to be born and raised in Airdrie
sports fe ature
22 A winning run Airdrie steps up to bat against breast cancer
fe ature
12 Secret Airdrie A guide to some of Airdrie’s hidden must-see spots
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23 City of Airdrie map
PUBLISHER •
Source Media Group
Associate PUBLISHER • Editor •
Jim Zang
Pepper Rodriguez
Art director •
Jean Faye Rodriguez
graphic designerS •
Dave Macaulay, Megan Sereda
PRODUCTION co-ordinator • Contributors •
Colleen Leier
Aaliya Essa, Darlene Casten
Advertising SALES •
Cindy Marks
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 written permission from the publishers. Copyright 2015 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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city outlook
Double or nothin I airdrie population projected to
f you live in, or are planning on living in, Airdrie over the next few years you’re in luck. Not only will you and yours reap the benefits of all the different lifestyle amenities Airdrie offers but, thanks to a proactive City Council, the growth strategy for the municipality has been all mapped out for the next 40+ years. The starting point for any kind of growth management strategy is population growth or, to be more precise, projected population growth. The City of Airdrie has been experiencing relatively high rates of growth over the past decade or so, and most predictions call for this to continue, although perhaps at a somewhat slower rate influenced by various unpredictable factors like the price of oil or a change in provincial governments. In 2012, for example, the rate was 5.92 per cent while 2011 was at an unsustainably high 8.37 per cent. The average annual growth rate over the past five years is 7.6 per cent, resulting in a 2014 Civic Census people count of 54,891 (see chart below).
loving airdrie living
Population
growth
growth %
54,891
5,331
10.76
2013
49,560
3,849
8.42
2012
45,711
2,556
5.92
2011
43,155
3,333
8.37
2010
39,822
1,731
5.54
2005
27,069
1,463
5.71
According to the Airdrie Comprehensive Growth Strategy prepared back in 2011 by Dillon Consulting, Airdrie’s population is expected to hit 85,000 by 2037 and 110,000 by 2057. At that rate, the city should hit 80,000 sometime before 2030. That’s one of the reasons why, in 2012, the Province of Alberta approved the annexation of approximately 12,640 acres of land — including 230 dwelling units and
Photo courtesy City of airdrie
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Year 2014
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hit 100,000 by 2057 714 residents — from the County of Rocky View to the City of Airdrie. The rationale for such a large annexation was to limit smaller incremental annexations which make long term planning difficult and result in uncertainty for landowners. With the annexation of these lands, the City hopes to have added a 50-year land supply to be developed over the next several decades. On average, a quarter section developed for residential yields about 3,100 residents for an average density of around seven homes per acre. According to the City of Airdrie’s Strategy for Future Growth, published in 2013, its going to require 14,826 new dwelling units by 2037 and another 9,804 by 2057 for a total of 24,630 new homes. As of 2013, there were 17,573 dwelling units recorded for Airdrie. Current statistics from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation show Airdrie’s new home market holding its own in the face of the economic slowdown. Total year-to-date starts lag a little behind 2014, but that’s mainly due to a couple of new multi-family (ie. condo) projects. For the same reason, 2015 June starts are way up from the same month last year, overall yearto-date (YTD), however, 2015 is still a good 24 per cent off last year’s pace (see chart right). Still, it’s more than enough starts annually to keep pace with projected demand. Development continues in many new neighbourhoods — Reunion, Willamstown, Ironwood, Canals, Baysprings, Cooper’s Crossing, King’s Heights and Ravenswood — while a number of projects are also
happening in areas like Midtown, Southwinds, HillCrest and the remaining portions of Cooper’s Crossing (south end) and Bayview. Other land parcels that are next up for residential development include along the west edge of town, south of Yankee Valley Boulevard, and south of Ravenswood. However if growth rates remain high (more than five per cent per year) over the next several years — and with Airdrie’s favourable business climate and relatively low housing costs (average June 2015 price of a new home in Airdrie was Airdrie Housing Starts (Source: CMHC) $670,648, compared to $737,844 in Calgary) Single Family Semi-detached Row Apartment that’s a distinct posJune 2014 73 4 22 0 sibility — there could June 2015 52 16 8 201 just be residential YTD 2014 396 16 106 436 land shortages sooner YTD 2015 316 30 96 284 than expected. n
Total 99 277 954 726
Annexation It’s not a bad word
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to the term ‘annexation’. It does not mean that someone (City or Town) can come and take your land. That activity would more accurately be termed expropriation, which is commonly and incorrectly confused with annexation, and which is seldom done. In Alberta, the growth of cities and towns is accommodated through annexation, a longterm planning process, made possible thanks to partnerships between local municipalities. That simply means that a municipal boundary is expanding or being changed from the current state of affairs. Changes are determined by the growth of a region and, when a municipality is projected to outgrow its current supply of land, then discussions to start the process usually begin. Landowners cannot be forced to sell their land and, in fact, can hold onto it even if others all around them have sold. How much a developer pays for land is determined by the market in negotiations between the developer and landowner. The municipality involved has nothing to do with the legal sale of the property. The closer the land is to existing infrastructure, the more valuable, in most cases.
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cover feature cooper’s crossing
Leisurely
A
irdrie’s Cooper’s Crossing truly offers the best of two worlds. It offers a life of undeniable peace and comfort in a idyllic close-to-nature environment; and at the same time easy accessibility to world-class entertainment and recreational facilities and big-city amenities. The 130-hectare (320-acre) community on Airdrie’s southwest side is a well-established neighbourhood where you can have the life and the home you have always wanted. In Cooper’s Crossing you can find mature trees, schools, a central park and shopping alongside brand-new homes to suit any walk of life. Cooper’s Crossing developer Westmark Holdings Ltd. broke ground 15 years ago with a decade of planning behind it. The goal was to create a place where people could live work and play, with an interconnected pathway system and parks. That vision is nearly complete. Over the years Cooper’s Crossing has developed into a familyfriendly community where people put down roots, get to know their neighbours and have everything they need within walking distance. In Cooper’s Crossing there is pride of ownership and a sense of working together to create the best community possible. “I believe that homebuyers in Cooper’s Crossing share our vision of creating the finest community in Airdrie; a community where the homes and streets are as unique and vibrant as the homeowners; a community where you can buy a lot for considerably less than in Calgary,” says Paul Gerla, Westmark Holdings Ltd. General Manager. “The look of the homes, plus all the amenities within the community makes people feel like they want to put down roots. The pride people take in their homes and community is noticeable when you visit.” 6
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living
Cooper’s Crossing offers luxurious, laid-back lifestyle n By
Those in the new home market have plenty to choose from. McKee Homes and Trico Homes are constructing move-up front drive homes starting from the $500,000s. “With stunning architecture and smart floor plans these homes are perfect for those looking to move up,” Gerla says. Vesta Homes is constructing single-family homes with rear lanes also from the $500,000s. “The rear lane collection features welcoming front porches and enough room for a triple car garage on some lots,” he says. Estate living in Cooper’s Crossing also comes with front garages and rear-lane access. Canterra Custom Homes, Crystal Creek Homes and Harder Homes are offering estate front garage homes from the $800,000s on lots ranging from 54- to 60feet wide that all back on to park or water. “Eleven exclusive lots have just been released in our newest phase,” Gerla says. “Many of these lots back west directly onto water and are destined to become one of the most prestigious addresses in the entire city.” Estate Rear Lane Homes from McKee Homes and Vesta Homes start from the $700,000s and front onto a central park.
Darlene Casten
The near future will also see estate bungalow villas by Augusta Fine Homes starting in the $800,000s. These craftsman-inspired villas back onto the park and pond. Those looking for a lower maintenance lifestyle also have plenty to choose from. Semi-detached homes with rear lane access are available from Vesta Properties. While NuVista Homes and McKee Homes will soon have front garage attached homes in Cooper’s Crossing. The amenities are growing along with the community. A public K-4 school is opening next fall and a Catholic High School is within walking distance of Cooper’s Crossing. A trendy shopping plaza is in the final planning stages and construction should get underway next year. “It’ll have a wonderful ‘main street’ feel with a sunny open air plaza and will of course be easily accessed via the park trail system,” Gerla says. This popular neighbourhood, voted best community in the local newspaper’s reader survey in 2013 and 2014, is sure to only become more beloved as it grows. n
“With stunning architecture and smart floor plans these homes are perfect for those looking to move up.”
For more information about Cooper’s Crossing visit www.cooperscrossing.ca new home Living special section
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developer feature apex de velopments
Picture perfect HillCrest is the high point of life in Airdrie n By
Aaliya Essa
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f a picture is worth a thousand words, then living in a picturesque community — inspired by nature — now that’s priceless. HillCrest, an Airdrie community by APEX Developments, is designed to compliment its surroundings, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Here, residents enjoy not just the views, but the stunning array of amenities that surrounds them. “Hillcrest has been very well-received in Airdrie,” says Susan Henderson, Senior Development Manager for APEX, “because of its extensive landscaping, and gorgeous entry feature, in addition to its upscale architecture that really gives the community an estate feel.” With a full 58.4 hectares of land, HillCrest is able to offer residents ample space to breathe, and the ability to run, jump and explore their community, including the many pathways and parks interspersed throughout the community. With a variety of recreational activities to participate in throughout the year — from cross-country skiing in the winter, to riding your bike along the pathways in the summer — HillCrest truly is the perfect setting for enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle all year round. Easy access to major roads like Deerfoot Trail make driving to Calgary a breeze for residents that work in the big city, while there’s also a huge variety of amenities located conveniently nearby, such as CrossIron Mills and, of course, the numerous shops and services in Airdrie itself. Having a who’s who of top builders to choose from is another major feather in the cap for Apex, and an added bonus for buyers, with builders like Excel Homes, Shane Homes, and Trico Homes all staking a claim in HillCrest and offering a selection of homes that will suit virtually any buyer’s wish list. Single-family homes are starting from around $399,000, while townhomes are from around $300,000, making it possible not only to live in the very community you desire, but to do so at a price point that fits your budget.
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“We are currently servicing HillCrest Phase 7,” says Henderson, “which will have Shane Homes building laned townhomes and Excel homes building front drive garage townhomes. Both builders will also be selling laned single-family homes, while Excel Homes, Shane Homes and Trico Homes are also selling front drive garage single-family homes.” APEX Developments designed the community to blend in within the natural topography, by simply working with the lines of the hills. Homes here are apart of the nature that surrounds them, making it the ideal retreat, and a community that stands out above the rest. n
With a full 58.4 hectares of land, HillCrest is able to offer residents ample space to breathe, and the ability to run, jump and explore their community, including the many pathways and parks interspersed throughout the community.
For more information visit www.hillcrestairdrie.com
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Super selection
Homes by Avi gives buyers an abundance of choices in King’s Heights n By
Aaliya Essa
Y
ou can never have too many choices, especially when you are purchasing a new home, and that is exactly what Homes by Avi offers in the thriving Airdrie community of King’s Heights. “We build about 15 different models,” says Staci Stryker, Homes by Avi’s area sales manager. “We have a fantastic array of homes to choose from, that are able to meet all of our buyers’ wish lists, and more!” she says. “Each plan also has a number of different predesigned options, allowing our buyers to personalize their home to suit their needs,” she adds, making this the perfect option for families that may want to partially tailor a design to fit their family. Homes here range in price from around $445,000 to $700,000, so that there’s not just a home to fit any lifestyle, but any budget as well. And, with homes ranging in size from 1,733 to 2,600 square-feet, living space is never an issue. “We have a mix of buyers in King’s Heights,” says Stryker. “They include first-time buyers, some downsizers, and families looking for a move-up home, so we really do offer something for everyone.” The community of King’s Heights itself is another major draw for buyers looking for new a home. Upon completion, the community will include 27 acres of green space. Residents here will be able to take a leisurely stroll down the many pathways mere steps away, and have fun at one of several play parks with their children. There is also a new K-5 elementary school that will be built in this community, set to open in the fall of 2016, making it a very attractive community for young families who appreciate the opportunity for their kids to be able to walk to school. “King’s Heights is also well located for individuals that commute into Calgary or other surrounding communities, with easy access to Highway 2 and Stoney Trail,” says Stryker. “Plus, the Kingsview Market is conveniently located within the community and Sierra Springs, Airdrie’s largest commercial 1 0 loving airdrie living
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district, is just a short drive away,” she says. Topping it all off, is the fact Homes by Avi is a builder renowned for providing excellence. “Homes by Avi is a certified master builder serving Calgary and area since 1978,” says Stryker. “As a familyowned and operated company, we take pride in building a home our customers will be proud of too. We have a great selection centre, Avi Definitions. It’s a one-stop-shop for all our customers’ interior finishes. No running around from supplier to supplier.” For buyers looking for a home that best suits their lives, living in a community where they are able to enjoy the surrounding outdoor areas, Home’s by Avi has a home design specifically with you in mind. n
“We build about 15 different models. We have a fantastic array of homes to choose from, that are able to meet all of our buyers’ wish lists, and more!”
For more information visit www.homesbyavi.com
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Secret Airdrie n Story
a guide to some of airdrie’s hidden must-see spots
and photos by Darlene Casten
F
or those looking to relax, have a good time, eat an amazing meal or update their home or wardrobe, there is a place for that in Airdrie. Whether its family time on the weekend, or a night out with friends, some retail therapy or just a quick dinner solution, there are so many interesting choices to be made.
DINING
yum yum chicken
Yum Yum Chicken and BBQ Korean Cuisine got its start in Airdrie. Head chef and owner Darrich Lee came to Canada from Korea with a love of Korean fried chicken. He has developed his own recipe for Korean favourites, Yum Yum chicken, which has a sweet and spicy sauce, and Shallot chicken, with an amazing crunchy crust full of surprising flavours and a pile of savoury shallots on top. Each order is served up with a side of tangy daikon, an Asian radish, cut into cubes in a vinegar sauce. You can also order up a plate of Homemade Korean beef bulgogi or pork barbecue with salad, rice and chicken or make it poutine-style. Healthy eating franchise Chopped Leaf, set up shop in Airdrie a year-and-a-half ago. Airdrie residents can partake in the amazing freshly made salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups. Chopped Leaf serves up their signature bowls with healthy greens and vegetables on top of brown basmati rice, which can be
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personalized with a choice of five proteins, and one of-a-kind dressings, like Goddess, a sesame based dressing with a hint of soy sauce, lemon, green onion and vinegar. Menchies frozen yogurt shop is a perfect place to stop for a cool after dinner treat. With 16 flavours of frozen yogurt that are changed regularly, including the latest flavor — Nutella — and 52 topping options and five sauces, there is a palette pleaser for everyone. Menchies always has a no sugar and no dairy options and all the nutritional information is posted on every flavor. Another après dinner option is to bring home some old-fashioned desserts by stopping off at Avenue Bakery during their daytime hours. Pastry chef and Avenue Bakery owner Debi Macleod says she uses tried and true recipes that are familiar to everyone and at times puts a modern twist on them. “We bake memories for people,” Macleod says. Row upon row of cupcakes in flavours like banana split, Skor bar and sweet po-
feature
leFt: the store upstairs rigHt: nose creek valley museum Far rigHt: standard tap public House beloW: avenue bakery
tato greet customers as they walk through the door. The glass case is also full of modern and old-fashioned treats like caramel bars, pies and sticky and frosted cinnamon buns that fill the air with an irresistible scent as they are baked throughout the day.
SHOPPING
If it’s shopping you desire then look up. The Store Upstairs located on the second floor of Pharmasave, near Airdrie’s downtown core, is a 12,000 square foot mini-department store and pharmacy, with unique men’s and women’s fashions, shoes, swimwear, active-wear, children’s toys, home décor and gift shop. Operations manager Tim Nicholls tells Loving Airdrie Living that they source their inventory from all over North America, looking for unique, high-quality items you won’t find anywhere else. When it comes to fashion they keep it exclusive for their customers, Nicholls says, ordering only one item in every size. You can spend hours perusing the fascinating inventory at antique and curio shop, Where on Earth Did you Get That Antique Mall, found on Airdrie’s north-
west side. Travis Drader works at the store and said his parents, who have owned the business for more than 10 years, put the Canadian Pickers to shame when it comes to travelling around North America looking for great finds. The 15,000-foot warehouse is home to antiques, mementos, furniture, jewelry, records, collectables and comics from the Victorian age all the way to the present day, all organized into room vignettes that make it easy to take it all in.
RELAXING
Whether it’s a warm tea or latte that settles your nerves or beer at the end of a long day, there are some fabulous places to unwind in Airdrie. Standard Tap Public House always has 35 cold ones on tap and another 50 different bottled beers. You can also mix it up with beer mixers, like the Ruby Redneck, a mixture of vodka, grapefruit juice and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, served on the rocks or draught mixers, where two beers meet in one glass. While enjoying a beverage patrons can take in a game from the big screens that line every wall or enjoy the sun at the indoor patio. Waves Coffee Shop on Airdrie’s Main Street is the perfect place to grab a hot or cold beverage and chat with a friend or simply watch the world go by in the charming downtown core.
CULTURE
Its important to know where you come from and the Nose Creek Valley Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Airdrie’s history, from the Blackfoot First Nations that originally inhabited the land, to the first European settlers. Take a guided tour or poke around yourself to learn about Airdrie’s founding fathers, native wildlife and hear interesting stories from the past. If it is entertainment you seek look no further than Bert Church Live Theatre where musicians please the ear and theatre groups, including Airdrie’s own Nose Creek Player, stage their performances. For the Bert Church Live Theatre schedule visit www.airdrie.ca. n
Where on earth did you get that antique mall
builder feature i n n o v at i o n s b y j a y m a n
Love for innovation Innovations by Jayman bring classy edge to King’s Heights n By
Pepper Rodriguez
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nnovations by Jayman thrives on their practical, inventive home designs to carry the day, in fact, it’s what their buyers expect. The award-winning builder’s innovative design minds sparkle once again with new show homes in Airdrie’s King’s Heights. “Innovations is what we do, and it’s plain to see in our Verge and Nitro show homes,” says area manager Troy Taylor. The Verge is a new model that made it’s debut in King’s Heights, while the Nitro is one of Innovations by Jayman’s best-sellers. “But our version of The Nitro is different from the others in keeping with our mandate for innovative thinking.” The Verge is a 2,405-square-foot four-bedroom home that sparkles with new design ideas. While perennial favourite, The Nitro, was given a design twist that ensures this 1,938-square-foot home will even be a bigger hit. Both are attached double garage homes that embody the single-family lifestyle with their contemporary design and flair, and prove, without a doubt, that Innovations by Jayman does not rest on its laurels. “Both the Nitro and the Verge feature amazing kitchens and ensuites combined with sensible floor plans that are designed and crafted with families that are busy and on the go!” Taylor says. Its location in the family-friendly neighbourhood of King’s Heights in southeast Airdrie fits the character of their homes perfectly. “King’s Heights in Airdrie is the perfect size to offer big city amenities while still maintaining that small town charm!” Taylor says. Melcor, the developer behind King’s Heights, has released Phase 19 and pre-sales have already started in this new phase which features greenspace walk-out lots. 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.
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“Also a major grocery chain will soon be joining the “Both the Nitro and market!” Taylor adds. “A new Public K-5 will be joining the Verge feature amazing kitchens the existing French immersion school a few blocks and ensuites away from the show homes and is set to open 2016.” combined with Sales have remained steady for both their insensible floor plans that are designed ventory homes and pre-sales, he says, despite the and crafted downturn in the economy. “We were able to hold on with families that are to prices, too.” busy and on the go!” Customers can build The Verge starting from the $500,000 including lot and GST. The very nicely appointed show home is listed for $629,900, including a fully developed basement. While The Nitro is at $450,000, with the show home itself going for $494,900 including the basement. Innovations by Jayman offers 12 other models of double-attached garage homes in King’s Heights with prices starting from $404,900. n
For more information visit www.jayman.com
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builder feature McKee Homes
An Airdrie original McKee Homes proud to be born and raised in Airdrie n By
Aaliya Essa
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t’s one thing to build homes in a community. It’s another to live there yourself. McKee Homes is exactly that, having been building exclusively in Airdrie for nearly three decades, and this family-run business has been the biggest local home builder maintaining a strong presence in all of Airdrie’s best communities. Airdrie is home to them and they do everything in their power to make new home buyers feel that way too, beginning with the vast assortment of home styles they have to choose from, and in a variety of communities too. “We have two bungalow show homes currently open,” says Heather Yates, area sales manager for McKee, “as well as multiple two-storey plans. We are a custom builder, so we have lots of options in different developments through out the city.” McKee Homes caters to a wide variety of buyers, she says. “Clients are pleased to be able to customize their own home, so that no two homes that we build are exactly alike. “We’ve been building in Airdrie for over 27 years, so we have hundreds of plans and modifications in our records to help clients get what they want in their next home.” McKee Homes offers home designs that start from 1,262 square-feet, says Yates, so for buyers that want something simple to something larger, they have a variety of selections to choose from. For buyers looking to get settled in sooner than later, there are great options for you too. “We also typically have 25 homes or so under construction for quick possession,” she says, “ranging from immediate possession to early next year move-ins.” Homes encompass the whole range from starters, move-ups and estate-style homes, and start from as low as the $360,000s. And, of course, with McKee it’s not just the home and budget that perfectly match your needs, it’s the location too. It’s one of the great perks of building in a large variety of communities, says Yates, that buy-
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ers looking for a McKee Home are able to select one from the community they want as well. “All of the communities we build in have excellent features. Cooper’s Crossing has kilometres of pathways and numerous parks. Ravenswood has some of the most spectacular park spaces in the city. Bayside Estates and Canals have stunning walkout water lots and lots of green space,” she says. “We are currently building in Bayside Estates, Canals Landing, Cooper’s Crossing, Heron’s Pointe, and Ravenswood,” she says. “These are all family-friendly communities with different levels of schools within walking distance and each community offers parks, pathways, and easy access to amenities.” “Buyers are very excited that they are able to customize their home when building with McKee Homes. We have been voted Airdrie’s favourite Builder six years in a row,” she adds. “McKee Homes is an Airdrie builder, and proud of it.” n
“Clients are pleased to be able to customize their own home, so that no two homes that we build are exactly alike.”
For more information visit www.mckeehomes.com
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developer feature melcor developments
The crown jewel King’s Heights a precious gem in Airdrie n By
Aaliya Essa
T
he regal charm of King’s Heights is undeniable, and residents live lives of royal leisure and comfort in one of southeast Airdrie’s most vibrant communities. King’s Heights by Melcor Developments has the very best in family living that Airdrie has to offer, with everything you need right in your own community. “Melcor designs communities where residents can live, work, play, and shop,” says Catharina Mendonca, marketing manager for Melcor. “Kingsview Market at the entrance to our community is a hub of retail, medical and food services. Everything from Shoppers Drug Mart, to Starbucks, to a neighbourhood pub is right out your front door. A public Francophone school opened last year on the border of our community and a new K-5 school is being built and will open in the fall of 2016.” It’s an excellent place to raise a family, says Mendonca, with more than 27 acres of green space, 10.5 kilometres of winding natural trails, and storm ponds with themed stone features and pedestrian bridges. “As well, we have recently completed construction of two amphitheaters and a faux bridge at the south end of the pond. Residents have been using this space for picnics, a quiet space to read, or just an outdoor play space for families,” she adds. “It offers all the amenities of city living without being in the city. Residents have big city shopping at Cross Iron mills just five minutes south of the community and Calgary is a short 20-minute drive away,” she says. King’s Heights will also include about 1,200 homes at build-out, with a wide variety of elevations to create an eye-catching streetscape and automatic curb appeal. The entire community features bold natural colour palettes with comprehensive trim packages, varied roof pitches, and decorative craftsman elements like gables, brackets, blocks, and false trusses. “The architecture in our community really stands out,” says Mendonca. “The exteriors of homes in
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King’s Heights are inspired by the Tudor, Craftsman and Georgian Colonial styles.” Selling now in Phases 18, 19, and 20, there is a great variety of homes, both single and multi-family, to choose from, with an equally impressive selection of quality builders, including Shane Homes, Innovations by Jayman, Homes by Avi, and Merge Developments. The community’s developer, Melcor is built on a solid foundation of more than 90 years of residential real estate development history in Alberta, with a well-earned reputation for having a strong commitment to building master-planned communities where families can live, work, shop, and play. For examples, one need look no further than some of their past communities, says Mendonca, “such as Arbour Lake, Hawkwood, and Westmere in Chestermere.” Eight unique show homes are open in King’s Heights right now, enabling buyers to see for themselves the myriad of options available, and check out the lavish community that they could soon call home. n
“We have recently completed construction of two amphitheaters and a faux bridge at the south end of the pond. Residents have been using this space for picnics, a quiet space to read, or just an outdoor play space for families.”
For more information visit www.kingsheights.ca
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condo feature Merge developments
Choices galore
Merge Developments offers tons of townhome options n By
Aaliya Essa
T
he benefits to a buyer of having plenty of options when looking for a new home simply cannot be overstated. In fact, they are downright essential. Merge Developments recognizes this and gives their buyers exactly that. No matter whether you are looking for a large two-storey townhome that answers the needs of those just starting out in life, or perhaps a single-level suite to enjoy a relaxing retired life in. In Airdrie, Merge Developments has two current projects to choose from: Brookside at Baysprings, and StoneKeep at King’s Heights. Both offer a wide array of townhome designs that suit every lifestyle and budget. Brookside at Baysprings has an interesting compilation of homes that come with a variety of top-shelf standard features, offered at an affordable price. “The sizes of these homes at this price point are what makes them unique,” says Rick Spooner, President and Operating Partner at Merge Developments. “They are 1,670 square-feet in size, and starting in the mid $300,000s. Our townhomes include a fenced yard and double garage, and there are two main floor plans, and three upper floor plan options to choose from.” With a total of 57 townhomes in this project, “there are a number of homes already occupied,” he says, “and there are also a few quick possession homes currently available.” The two main floor plans, the Slate and Tyndall, both include the option of two-master bedrooms, three-bedrooms, or three-bedrooms with bonus room layouts. Each design also features two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a double garage in the rear of the home. “Brookside is perfect for young couples or families,” he says, “with the large homes and fenced backyard. It has also been appealing to downsizers, who are able to keep their current furniture, and enjoy the lock-andleave convenience of a condominium,” he says. Meanwhile, StoneKeep at King’s Heights offers buyers the opportunity to choose from three differ-
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ent styles of townhomes, all with attached garages. “This project offers buyers a choice of three different layout types — the two-storey Streetside Series and Backyard Blocks, and the single-level Courtyard Collection,” Spooner says. The Courtyard Collection ranges from 779 to 909 square-feet, the Backyard Blocks are 1,026 to 1,085 square-feet, while the Streetside Series measures in at a spacious 1,041 to 1,124 square-feet, making it possible to satisfy a variety of lifestyle needs. “Homes in this project start in the low $230,000s,” says Spooner, which makes it an incredible value for anyone from first time buyers, to downsizers, and everyone in between. There are 71 homes in StoneKeep, set around a beautiful central landscaped park, and many homeowners have already moved in. “New possessions are available from quick to longer time frames depending on the customer’s needs,” he adds. n
Brookside at Baysprings has an interesting compilation of homes that come with a variety of top-shelf standard features, offered at an affordable price.
Visit www.brooksideatbaysprings.com and www.stonekeep.ca
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sports feature
A winning run airdrie steps up to bat against breast cancer
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Pepper Rodriguez
he battle against breast cancer is one of the most crucial, but it doesn’t mean people can’t have fun while combating this deadly disease. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/ NWT Region is doing its best to raise funds and awareness against breast cancer in a fun and inventive way as they hosted the 7th Annual Batting Against Breast Cancer™ slo-pitch tournament on August 8. Proudly presented by Mattamy Homes, this year’s tournament was held at Chinook Winds Ballpark in Airdrie. The day-long series invites ball players of all ages and skill levels. A total of 17 teams in two divisions — recreational and competitive — participated. Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown kicked off the opening ceremonies, where he especially thanked the efforts of sponsors, whom he says are finding ways to keep donating time and money during these tough economic times. Presenting sponsor, Mattamy Homes, shares in the vision of a future without breast cancer as a step towards stronger communities. “We take pride in building communities, not just homes,” said Don Barrineau, Calgary Division President, Mattamy Homes. “It is a privilege to be able to support wonderful causes like the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation through events that help bring communities together, like Batting Against Breast Cancer. Community is one of the pillars of our business and giving back through actions both large and small remains one of our top priorities.” “We’re looking forward to seeing many new and returning teams on August 8th at Chinook Winds Ballpark,” says Kara Wozniak, Se-
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mayor peter brown and pepper rodriguez
nior Manager of Community Partnerships for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region. “All of the committee members and participants have been working hard raising awareness and fundraising over the past few months and we’re excited to see the final results.” Laura Reynolds, Development Officer for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region says the all-day event raised over $85,000. The money will go to funding research projects in the effort to find a cure. Last year, the CBCF invested $3.7 million that went to 11 research projects. The top fundraising team will receive a Waterway Houseboat trip on Shuswap Lake in B.C. The top individual fundraiser will receive a trip to Jasper courtesy of VIA Rail with accommodations at Marmot Lodge. According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, in 2015, it is estimated that 25,000 women and 220 men in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and that 5,000 women and 60 men will die from the disease. n
city of airdrie map
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