Loving Airdrie Living - May 2018 by Source Media Group

M AY 2 0 1 8

contents

12 4 Editor’s Message 6 Mayor’s Message

COVER FE ATURE

8 Airdrie’s high point Hillcrest is a high point in Airdrie lifestyle and aﬀordability MARKE T OVERVIE W

11 Good news on the housing horizon 2018 poised to add another chapter to last year’s success story COMMUNIT Y

12 Walking the dog Several local parks cater to canines

20 8

FE ATURE

14 Water watchers Nose Creek Watershed Partnership playing a key role CULTURE

17 Bert Church Theatre Experience the magical world of live theatre, dance and music in your own community! DE VELOPER FE ATURE S

18 Parkside living in Airdrie Brookﬁeld aims to hit it out of the park with Chinook Gate

20 The best of Airdrie Airdrie is Mattamy Homes’ southern Alberta home turf NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

M AY 2 0 1 8

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

editor’s message

This spring, celebrate life

pring has finally arrived and I know I should be happy. But it’s hard. Like many, I’m still reeling from news of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team’s tragic bus accident. For many residents of Airdrie, it hits close to home as local lad Ryan Straschnitzki

played for the Broncos and was seriously injured in the crash. Events such as the community rally held at the outdoor rink at Airdrie’s Chinook Winds Park, have offered a show of support for the family, and #strazstrong hats are being sold by friends to raise money for ongoing medical expenses after ‘Straz’ returns home. Like many, I played hockey my whole life (still do) and I’ve put my hockey sticks on my front porch in honour of the deceased and injured. I’ve driven the stretch of Saskatchewan highway from Tisdale to Nipawin myself. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those touched by this event, whoever and wherever they may be. One way to get away from it all, and maybe be alone with your thoughts, is to take your best four-legged friend for a walk. Airdrie has many pathway systems, as well as designated off-leash areas where you can take Fido for a stroll. See if we mention your favourite place starting on page 12. Speaking of path systems, one of the most popular winds its way along Nose Creek, through the centre of town. In this edition, just in time for summer, we take a look at the Nose Creek Watershed Partnership and what’s being done to preserve this important part of Airdrie’s past, present and future. They say music can soothe the soul too, and if that’s the case then Airdrie has something for every musical taste. There’s a bit of a live music scene happening in town, starting with the Bert Church Theatre and the various performances they bring in throughout the year. Personally, I absolutely loved the 54.40 unplugged concert! On the homes side of things, Airdrie continues to grow at a decent pace, and developers and builders are doing an admirable job of keeping up — providing new homebuyers with a variety of practical, affordable options in several new communities. We’ve profiled a few here in the magazine, but it’s always best to get out and take a look for yourself. Especially now that the snow’s finally gone!

PUBLISHER •

Source Media Group

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | EDITOR • ART DIRECTOR •

Jim Zang

Jean Faye Rodriguez

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS •

Dave Macaulay, Vivian Zhang

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR •

Colleen Leier

Ines Cortada, Brandi Holmes, Carmen Solana-Martin, Pepper Rodriguez CONTRIBUTORS •

Brandi Holmes, Jennifer Mills, Ian Serpanchy, Jim Zang

ADVERTISING SALES •

Photo courtesy City of Airdrie

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

M AY 2 0 1 8

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

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 2018 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, 6109 - 6 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1L9. E-mail info@sourcemediagroup.ca; Tel 403.532.3101; Fax 403.532.3109; Toll free 1.888.932.3101; Printed in Canada. Distributed by Media Classified, Source Media Group, YPG. PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Source Media Group, 6109 - 6 Street., Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9.

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

M AY 2 0 1 8

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

mayor’s message

Welcome

am proud to call Airdrie home and even more honoured to represent this City as Mayor. Residents of Airdrie enjoy a vibrant community and a high quality of life, while holding on to their smalltown values. Our City is full of enthusiastic people who look out for their neighbours and support

local businesses. This commitment to each other contributes to Airdrie’s sense of safety, belonging and our strong, local economy. These sentiments are also supported by our annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey. In 2018, 99 per cent of respondents felt safe during the day and 94 per cent felt safe overall. We are committed to maintaining this high level of satisfaction and sense of safety and because of this commitment, six additional RCMP officers have been budgeted for in 2018. According to the survey, 95 per cent of residents were satisfied with their quality of life, with respondents saying that Airdrie’s ‘small town feel’ was the biggest contributing factor to a high quality of life. Our friendly neighbourhoods, safe environment and caring nature have attracted many families to our growing city and continue to do so. Airdrie has excellent schools with more than a dozen public, private and separate schools, catering to more than 7,000 students. Airdrie is a young and dynamic community with no shortage of things to do. Our beautiful Festival of Lights and various parade and firework celebrations contribute to a full calendar of cultural experiences. The Bert Church LIVE Theatre attracts renowned musicians and performers from around the world and adds to the artistic and cultural fabric of the City. Airdrie’s parks and pathways are well-used by our residents and our extensive network of pathways make it easy to get around by foot or bike, year-round. Airdrie’s Nose Creek Park has a new boardwalk and amphitheatre along the south side of the pond, which is a great place for small plays and concerts. Airdrie is located just off the Queen Elizabeth Highway II, north of downtown Calgary, giving Airdrie residents’ direct access to YYC Calgary International Airport and a great jumping off point to four UNESCO World Heritage sites within a two hour drive. I encourage you to experience the energy and community that Airdrie offers. Come see it for yourself — you’ll be welcomed with open arms!

Peter Brown, Mayor City of Airdrie

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

M AY 2 0 1 8

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

cover feature HILLCREST

Airdrie’s high point Hillcrest is a high point in Airdrie lifestyle and affordability

illcrest quite literally is Airdrie’s highest point. Located on a hillside rising gently on the southwest side of the city, it is a move-up community that ranks high among young, growing families that see in it an affordably stylish neighbourhood attuned to their needs. It does have lots going for it in terms of lifestyle, value and variety of homes, what it is running short of is actual lots, as Hillcrest is nearing completion. The last phase has been released and limited opportunities to own a new home in this family-oriented, amenity-rich community from Apex Developments will be coming to an end. A variety of front-drive homes, laned homes, paired homes and townhomes are still available from its renowned builder group that includes Excel Homes and Shane Homes. Excel Homes is introducing freehold townhomes in the community, and single-family homes on 36-foot wide lots are now available, as well as

Shane Homes

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

M AY 2 0 1 8

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

three-car-tandem garage homes. Excel Homes area manager David Zanini says they have brand new limited selection of townhomes from $318,000 and single front garage duplexes from $350,000 in Phase 9. “We’ve been attracting a lot of young families in Hillcrest, and they are by far our biggest demographic,” he tells Loving Airdrie Living. “They see in us a very affordable option for a move-up home that their families can grow in at a fraction of what a similar home in Calgary would cost.” Excel’s six front-drive models, he says, are their best-sellers. “Our four-bedroom models, especially, are selling well. Hillcrest is the best community for young families — many moving up from their townhomes or condos as their families grow — and the homes we offer here have a great mix of affordability and style that fits their needs.” Shane Homes has laned homes, paired homes and move-up homes. Their laned homes start from $360,000 including GST and are from 1,368 to 2,110 square-feet.

Shane Homes

Excel Homes – Barrett

Excel Homes - Eaton Excel Homes - Eaton

“Being on the high point of Airdrie gives our homes such terrific views, Hillcrest offers views like no other community in Airdrie.” They are designed to creatively maximize living space and include double garages. They also have front-drive garage homes starting from $445,000 with some 20 models to choose from starting at 1,694 square-feet. “Our front drive homes are perfect if you are

looking for more living space for a growing family or for a large extended family,” says Shane Homes’ sales associate Angela Killick. “Four and five bedroom options are available. Plus all of our floorplans are fully customizable.” Paired homes (or duplexes) from 1,472 square-feet are available starting from $350,000 from Shane Homes in Hillcrest. “Our buyers love Hillcrest’s proximity to Calgary,” says Killick. “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

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

M AY 2 0 1 8

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

cover feature

Shane Homes

within Airdrie and Balzac.” She noted that access is improved after the recent completion of 40th Avenue that borders the community up to Main Street. “This will eventually connect to Deerfoot Trail giving our residents even better access,” she adds. Hillcrest has plenty to offer to keep residents here. For example, very few communities in Airdrie have such incredible views, which is due to the natural landscape of the area, says Zanini. “Being on the high point of Airdrie gives our homes such terrific views, too,” he says. “Hillcrest offers views like no other community in Airdrie.”

Shane Homes

1 0 LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

M AY 2 0 1 8

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

The community also 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,” he points out. There’s a new K-8 school slated to begin construction in Hillcrest in 2019, says Killick. “There’s also a new commercial area that just opened close by, and these are just the kind of easy-living amenities that our buyers — who are mostly young families — want.” “It’s also worthwhile to note that even with all these in-community amenities, Hillcrest doesn’t have community fees,” Zanini says. People also like the architecture of Hillcrest’s character homes featuring spacious and stylish floorplans, and the overall pristine nature of the community. Its family-friendly nature works well with its proximity to grocery stores, schools, and medical clinics. It’s also close to Genesis Place Recreation Centre, Plainsmen Arena, several schools and an assortment of outdoor parks, picnic areas and recreation centre’s. The 58.4-hectare community will have about 890 homes on build out, and from the looks of it, build out will come sooner than later. n

For more information visit www.hillcrestairdrie.com

market overview

Good news on the housing horizon

2018 poised to add another chapter to last year’s success story n By

Jim Zang

hen things take a turn for the worse, everyone all of a sudden turns into Chicken Little. “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” they shout at the top of their lungs to anyone within earshot. Yet, when things take a turn for the better, the silence is almost deafening by comparison. Yes, we’re talking about the local housing market here folks — and the fact that things are actually on the upswing, and have been for a while. It’s just that, well, it’s human nature to dwell on the negative and expect the positive. Especially in Alberta, where it’s taken for granted when times are good, but the moaning and complaining ramps up tenfold when things take a turn for the worse. It’s just the way we are. So, that being said, on with the celebrations! Because, as it turns out, 2017 was a pretty good year for the local housing industry — not just in Airdrie, but in neighbouring communities as well. It is still early in the year, so the year-to-date numbers for 2018 are a relatively small sample size, but starts are expected to continue to grow as long as the economy stays steady. Down in Calgary, 2017 year-to-date home starts were up 58 per cent in the first couple months compared to 2016, and 2018 is up another 32 per cent from that. Comparing this year to 2016 sees an increase of more than double! Cochrane started slow in January, but picked up the pace so that February 2018 starts were up 51 per cent from last year. Meanwhile, out in Okotoks, where CMHC keeps quarterly records, the final quarter of 2017 outpaced 2016 fourth quarter totals by 18 new home starts, a 78 per cent boost. On a yearto-date basis, housing starts were up 68 per cent compared to 2016’s final tally. Here in Airdrie, it’s a slightly different story — the population has grown to nearly 65,000 and shows no signs of stopping, but rather than a sudden surge in new home construction it’s been more of a steady progression. The year-to-date numbers for 2016, 2017 and the first three months of this year are remarkably similar, give or take a multi-family project. The proximity to Calgary, lower new home prices and a small town feeling are all factors in why Airdrie continues to growing so rapidly. The fact that this year’s total is only eight starts behind 2017 bodes well for the year-end as the first couple months of the year are traditionally the slowest — meaning things are

expected to pick up as the weather improves and we move through summer into fall. Beyond the numbers, however, and perhaps more importantly, what it all means is that the City of Airdrie, local land developers and home builders, are working diligently to provide alternatives that meet resients’ wants and needs both in terms of both lifestyle and affordability. Which is good news indeed. n

Housing Starts by Dwelling Type Airdrie

Feb. 2018

Feb. 2017

Single-family

YTD 2018 YTD 2017 YTD 2016 58

Semi-detached

Row

Apartment

Total

132

140

160

2017 census population = 64, 922

Cochrane

Feb. 2018

Feb. 2017

Single-family

YTD 2018 YTD 2017 YTD 2016

Semi-detached

Row

Apartment

Total

105

158

2017 census population = 26, 320

Calgary

Feb. 2018

Feb. 2017

296

Single-family

YTD 2018 YTD 2017 YTD 2016 621

517

218

Semi-detached

170

154

Row

109

112

160

145

Apartment

278

118

259

Total

578

508

1,229

934

589

Okotoks

Q4 2017

Q4 2016

YTD 2017

YTD 2016

182

114

Semi-detached

Row

Apartment

Total

212

126

Single-family

2016 census population = 28,881

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

M AY 2 0 1 8

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

community

Walking the dog Several local parks cater to canines n Story

and photos by Carmen Solana-Martin

irdrie’s five off-leash dog areas are pawsitively great places for canines to socialize, get exercise and play. “Our city has very good dog parks with lots of wide open spaces,” says Kevin Brinson, City of Airdrie Parks Department Team Leader. “Nose Creek Park and Kings Heights are the most popular parks for dog owners in Airdrie.” King’s Heights Off-Leash Park, located at Sharp Hill Way and Kings View Road, has a fully fencedin area with a pond surrounded by a paved path. The south side of Nose Creek Park also has a fully fenced-in area for off-leash use. Other City off-leash dog parks include East Lake, a fully fenced-in area designed for small dogs under 30 pounds, and the partially fenced-in Big Springs. Edgewater, is a partially fenced-in off-leash area along Edmonton Trail, located on the pathway south of Third Avenue to Sandstone Crescent, between the residential area and the QEII highway. Lynn Mackenzie, City of Airdrie Municipal

Airdrie resident Josh Lyuber plays with his dog Saba in the off-leash dog area at Nose Creek Park.

1 2 LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

M AY 2 0 1 8

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

community

Airdrie resident Judy HynesAnthony takes her rescue dog Tessa to Nose Creek Park’s off-leash dog area often, to socialize with other canines.

George, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Cocker Spaniel mix plays in the off-leash dog area at Nose Creek Park.

Enforcement Team Leader, says residents need to follow the signs in off-leash areas by waiting until they are inside the park to take their dogs off-leash. According to City Animal Control Bylaw, dogs must be under the effective control of their owners at all times, on or off-leash, and must be able to respond promptly to voice, sound or sight commands. Last year, the City offered Manners Classes for Dogs, free dog training sessions, for off-leash area users, hosted by a certified professional dog trainer. The purpose of the program is to teach dog behavior and management, thereby empowering residents to become ambassadors for off-leash dog areas, as well as enhance the experience in these parks. “People really enjoyed learning how to train their dogs for free,” says Mackenzie. “We are hosting lessons again this summer and fall, and the upcoming dates will be announced on the City’s website.”

Brinson says the City’s dog parks have doggiedo dispensers to keep the areas clean so they are enjoyable for everyone. “We want to make sure that people pick up after their dogs even in off-leash areas,” says Brinson. “Picking up after your pet is a wonderful thing.” The City is excited to announce that a new dog park will open in Southpoint in 2019. “The park will have four acres fenced-in, and three acres not fencedin, as well as an agility area,” says Brinson. “People will be able to teach and train their dogs to run up and down on installed logs and step ups.” “We receive a lot of great feedback from residents about our dog parks,” Brinson adds. “They want the best for their dogs, and we try to accommodate as best we can.” n

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

M AY 2 0 1 8

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

feature

Water watchers

Nose Creek Watershed Partnership playing a key role n By

he Nose Creek Watershed Partnership (NCWP) was established in 1998 with the main goal ‘to protect riparian areas and improve water quality in the Nose Creek Watershed.’ In 2008, the partnership completed the Watershed Management Plan, which has since been updated in 2018 to include policy changes, new challenges and advancement in knowledge concerning the watershed. Jessica Mills, a board member representative for the City of Airdrie for the NCWP since 2015, says “there is a new draft Water Management Plan 2018, we are planning our final engagement sessions and hope to finalize it soon.” The watershed spans 989-square-kilometres, from north of the Town of Crossfield and south to the Bow River in Calgary. It is made up of two main tributaries: West Nose Creek, which flows into Nose Creek itself, which then flows into the Bow River — in addition to smaller tributaries and unnamed draws. Because of the wide reach of the watershed it requires a handful of jurisdictions to be represented. The City of Airdrie, City of Calgary, Calgary Airport Authority and Rocky View County are all represented and work together with

1 4 LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

M AY 2 0 1 8

Brandi Holmes

planners, engineers, environmental experts and stakeholders to ensure the success of past and future watershed management plans. These plans are developed in direct response to increasing population and development within the watershed. The increase in population has led to an increase in impermeable area in the watershed, which means more stormwater runoff. This leads to an increase in flow volume and velocity in Nose Creek, which increases stream bank erosion and sediment transport, degrading downstream water quality. It is important to protect the watershed from further degradation, says Mills. “The updated plan will help our overall goal to improve riparian function and water quality protection,” she says, plus support strategies to ensure water quality and quantity within the watershed. This watershed is a natural lifeline and sustains a large amount of local flora and fauna. There is hope, though, and there is evidence that previous plans and steps are slowly starting to improve the overall health of the watershed. Storm water quantity and quality is monitored more closely, and changes such as altered mowing practices have allowed for increased riparian vegetation growth. Brown trout have even been observed spawning in West Nose Creek! The City of Airdrie plans on integrating Nose Creek Watershed Watershed Management Plan (NCWWMP) recommendations and stewardship strategies into strategic guidance and statutory plans that include: AirdrieOne Sustainability Plan, Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Master Stormwater Drainage Plan. In addition, the Planning and Development Department is aligning policies with the NCWWMP, which will impact Community Area Structure Plans and Neighborhood Structure Plans. These are all small improvements that are contributing to the overall well being of the surrounding environment. Further steps and procedures are ongoing in order to ensure future viability for the Nose Creek Watershed Partnership. • In 2013, an ecological Inventory identified environmentally significant areas within the NCW, including wetlands, riparian areas and tributaries of Nose Creek, to be considered in any future land use planning within Airdrie.

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

feature • A Salt Management Plan is in place to reduce the environmental effects of snow and ice management through use of beneficial management practices (BMPs) for salt storage and application as well as snow disposal. • In order to improve stormwater quantity and quality the City of Airdrie has implemented a street sweeping program that removes 600 to 700 tonnes of winter road sediments and other debris from city streets, annually. The sweeping program includes a residential Tag and Tow component to ensure that the sweep is thorough. • A minimum of 300 millimetre top soil depth is required in the Standard Landscape Guidelines and Specifications to encourage absorbent landscaping. • Stormwater is reused for irrigation of parks and green spaces. • Community programs like the annual Stamp Out Poo Shoe! event — held in off-leash areas to clean up dog waste leftover from the winter season — help raise awareness of the importance of cleaning up after pets. • Rain barrels can be purchased for the City to help residents reduce the amount of runoff coming from their yards. • An annual toxic roundup and paint exchange program provides residents a way to safely dispose of harmful household chemicals. • A Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance Program was implemented to ensure the cleaning of piping and ponds and the inspection and repair of outfall structures. In addition, a natural biological process is being

used to reduce the occurrence of algae-causing nutrients in stormwater. • Commercial and residential developments such as Creekside Crossing and Williamstown have taken steps to protect Nose Creek by establishing riparian setbacks and/or using low impact development techniques for managing stormwater runoff. • Various local businesses, and community groups sponsor Nose Creek cleanup events to engage citizens in environmental stewardship. n

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

M AY 2 0 1 8

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

culture

Bert Church Theatre Experience the magical world of live theatre, dance and music in your own community! n By

Ines Cortada

hanks to the support of theatre followers, the 2017-2018 professional performance season has been remarkable at the Bert Church Live Theatre. 35 extraordinary shows have been booked, from George Canyon to Pinkalicious The Musical. From one of Canada’s best female guitarist, Megan Lane; to a sold out 54-40 show; to an improv comedy with Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath. Canada’s Ballet Jorgen performed Anastasia in an impressive dance show, and the Olate Dogs brought laughs and entertainment for the whole family. To wrap up this amazing season are two fantastic upcoming shows. Infinitus a critically acclaimed beatboxing string trio, bring a unique sound and upbeat performance style, on May 17th. Meanwhile James and the Giant Peach is presented by the Nose creek Players on May 24th, 25th, and 26th. Take the whole family to watch this enchanting adaptation of Roald Dahl’s tale! Next season promises a wide array of entertainment choices for the citizens of Airdrie, continuing with the BCLT’s tradition of offering something for everyone in the community. The Theatre Professional Series kicks off with the inaugural show on September 13th, where the great country singer Aaron Goodvin will delight all with his magnificent voice and well known songs. Other performances include international star Terry Bozzio, who will enchant the audience with his skills and abilities playing on the largest tuned drum and percussion set in the world, and Duane Steele, paying tribute to the iconic singer and songwriter George Jones, will take the stage in November. As always, there will be shows that will entertain kids and adults alike, such as Spidey — a Magic show on January 21st, and on February 17th the well-known Will’s Jams will have kids and their parents dancing, laughing, and singing out loud from start to finish. You don’t want to miss Heather Rankin for the Christmas season, followed by the award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter Luke

McMaster in February and the worldclass artists, The Celtic Tenors, April 12th will give you a night to remember. The Bert Church Live Theatre is such a beautiful theatre where every seat is a great seat, and the sound and lighting are fantastic. In addition, it is easy to get to, the parking is free, and you can bring your refreshments into the auditorium while you enjoy the show. Follow on social media and check the website www.airdrie.ca to get the latest news, promo contests, and a complete list of upcoming shows. n

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

M AY 2 0 1 8

LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

developer feature BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL

Parkside living in Airdrie Brookfield aims to hit it out of the park with Chinook Gate n By

Pepper Rodriguez

pending Saturdays in the park never sounded so inviting than in Airdrie’s newest community, Chinook Gate — Brookfield Residential’s first residential development in the city. Backing onto Airdrie’s Chinook Winds Park, Chinook Gate offers the kind of enviable four-season parkside living that families dream of. Homebuyers will get a chance to see this for themselves when the community celebrates the opening of new show homes on May 26. “Residents will have access to over 55 acres of developed parkland space, three playgrounds, a kidfriendly water park, and over two kilometres of paved pathways,” says Dejan Savic, Brookfield’s Community Manager at Chinook Gate. “There’s a whole lot more, and living in this community is just perfect for families looking for a healthy, active lifestyle.” Chinook Gate brings Brookfield Residential’s vaunted experience and acumen in developing familyfriendly, connected communities to Airdrie. “We’re one of the only communities with this kind of access to Chinook Winds Park, and it provides a natural common space where neighbours can gather. You don’t even have to wait years for the amenity to be built, everything in the park is already in place to be enjoyed,” Savic says. Like its other award-winning communities, Brookfield has taken pains in ensuring that Chinook Gate will have a vibrant, colourful and innovative design that will reflect not only the boutique nature of the community but the small town values of Airdrie as well. “It will be unlike anything that Airdrie has ever seen,” Savic promises. “There will be only 800 residences so it will be quite intimate, a small town within a small town, so to speak.” But a small town like no other, as modern home designs and unique architecture bring a fresh urban look that values individuality as much as active living. “Brookfield is really excited to be building in Airdrie. There is an incredible energy here, people

1 8 LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

M AY 2 0 1 8

are passionate and there is a strong desire to know your neighbours and connect with them,” says Justin Castelino, marketing manager for Brookfield Residential. “Now is a great time to call Chinook Gate home, you are able to get in right at the start of a masterfully-designed community — a place where neighbours quickly become friends. Pick-up hockey games after school, summer days at the ball diamond, biking to school and backyard barbecues — this is what Chinook Gate is all about.” Chinook Gate will offer townhomes, duplexes, laned homes and front-drive garage homes from Brookfield Residential, Excel Homes and McKee Homes. Brookfield will have duplexes starting from $318,400 and laned single-family homes from $368,000. Excel will offer duplexes with attached garages, frontattached and laned single-family homes; McKee Homes will have move up homes. Savic says like much of Airdrie, Chinook Gate has quite the price advantage over Calgary. He estimates that a single-family home in Chinook Gate will cost around $18,000 less than a similar home in the big city to the south. Besides the parkside life it offers, Chinook Gate is also set in a very accessible spot in the western edge of Airdrie. “Even though we are at the end of Yankee Valley Boulevard, we are just off Range Road 13 that becomes Centre Street as you enter Calgary, it takes 10 minutes to get onto Stoney Trail on that route.” n

Now is a great time to call Chinook Gate home, you are able to get in right at the start of a masterfullydesigned community — a place where neighbours quickly become friends.

For more information, visit www.chinookgate.com

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION

developer feature M AT TA M Y H O M E S

The best of Airdrie

Airdrie is Mattamy Homes’ southern Alberta home turf n By

Pepper Rodriguez

ven as Mattamy Homes continues its rapid expansion in southern Alberta, Airdrie will always remain special in its plans. After all, this growing city just north of Calgary is where Canada's largest privately-owned home builder and land developer made its mark in the province. Mattamy entered the southern Alberta market in 2009 with the launch of Windsong in southwest Airdrie. It has since opened two other communities here with Southwinds and Gates at Hillcrest that continues to showcase the renowned developer’s verve in building innovative home products and creating communities that emphasize architecture and connectivity. Southwinds, their encore community to the sold-out Windsong, is about 65 per cent complete and preparing to launch its Phase 7. There’s even more to look forward to in this family-friendly neighbourhood with a new K-8 school in neighbouring Windsong and new commercial amenities just across the street. “Southwinds is a perfect complement to our highly successful community of Windsong. All roads and pathways lead to Osborne Park at the heart of the community,” says Mattamy Homes vice-president of sales and marketing, Warren Saunders. Conveniently located on the popular west side of town, bordered by 8th Street and 40th Avenue S.W., Southwinds occupies approximately 150 acres of prime real estate in one of Airdrie’s most desirable areas. As always, Mattamy is the exclusive builder within the communities they develop, with 1,150 homes expected at build-out in 2020, more than half of them (660) single-family. Currently, three different types of single family homes available. 31-foot single car garage and double car garage homes as well as 40-foot double car garage. Prices for single family homes start in the $360,000s. Later this summer Mattamy will be starting with its popular Urban Townhomes with double car garages. Mattamy has a limited time promotion $40,000 personal choice allowance with the purchase of select 31- and 40-foot single-family homes in Southwinds.

2 0 LOVING AIRDRIE LIVING

M AY 2 0 1 8

The Gates at Hillcrest promises to add to Mattamy’s already sterling reputation and as Airdrie’s top selling home builder. It sits on the west side of Airdrie, just across 8th Street from Windsong and Southwinds, and shares many of the advantages of these well-loved communities. The Gates of Hillcrest has a total of 159 units, made up of 123 manor townhomes and 36 village homes. The manor townhomes are all two-storey, front drive garage (mostly single, but some two-car garage models) with a full basement. While Village Townhomes are threestorey townhomes with single car garages. The Manor Townhomes are a new product for the builder, offering a front-drive garage, rear yard and more square footage than what Mattamy has done with townhomes in previous developments. Saunders says the manor townhomes at Gates at Hillcrest will be the largest townhome product in Airdrie, ranging from 1,471 to 1,698 square-feet. Starting at only $304,990, and No Condo Fees they may be the most affordable in the city as well. “They also all have oversized lots in length so owners get quite a lot of room in the back, double what you usually see in townhomes,” Saunders says. “The lots are fully sodded both front and back and They’re great for people with pets and small children, giving them plenty of room to play in their own backyard.” The Gates at Hillcrest will also showcase its own environmental reserve with walkout lots opening onto this exquisite backdrop. n

Mattamy entered the southern Alberta market in 2009 with the launch of Windsong in southwest Airdrie. Southwinds and The Gates at Hillcrest have since been added to its sterling reputation as Airdrie’s top selling home builder.

For more information, visit www.mattamyhomes.com

NEW HOME LIVING SPECIAL SECTION