Calgary New Home Living August 2013

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 92 n August 2013

contents

14 cover feature

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The family spirit Stylish function is at the heart of Genesis’ laned homes in EvansRidge

News

Dealing with the aftermath 52

CHBA offers f lood recovery tips

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RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9

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Calgary and the Wellspring triWELLathon.

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contents Focus On

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12 Bejeweled boxes

Your jewelry boxes and stands can be as ornate as your ornaments

Show home profiles

18 Cottage country

Lifestyle Homes brings character to Kinniburgh in Chestermere

22 Aspen luxury

WestView’s Aspen Summit show homes blend luxury and functionality

Community Profile

25 Reaching the sky

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SkyView Ranch rockets New North to new heights

Lifestyle

30 Love nest

Broadview Home’s Ashbury provides setting for couples’ new life

On Trend

34 Bonus game

How to make the most of your bonus room

Shopping

37 Cool countertops

Establish the look of your home with classy countertops

Giving Back

40 Riding to battle children’s cancer

This year’s Revving Up for Kids Ride was memorable in more ways than one

News

Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre helps youths help themselves

columns

45 Around Town 53 Hope at Large

Items

10 Editor’s Message 48 Maps 52 Advertiser Index

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43 Avoiding life’s sand traps

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s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i t s 10th y e a r

editor’s message n

The silver lining Character is determined by adversity, and Calgary sure showed its strength of character in the wake of the devastating floods that swept through the city last month. It was a very trying time (and for some, it’s not yet over) but Calgary managed to show everyone that its cowboy spirit isn’t just a marketing image.

Coming from the Philippines, I’m no stranger to flooding; I’ve waded through the brackish floodwaters that frequently submerge Manila’s streets during the monsoon.

But, unlike Manila, Calgary’s so far above sea level that I never thought that this could happen here. It came as a complete and heartbreaking shock to me to see my adopted hometown in such similar dire straits. But the strong community spirit that coursed through the city even more powerfully than the flood was something I haven’t seen before.

It’s that human sense of community that stayed with me in the aftermath — the generous outpouring of wholehearted support, hundreds of volunteers eagerly coming together to help those most in need and expecting nothing in return. To all those first-responders, volunteers and anyone who assisted in any way in Calgary’s recovery, thank you, this is what resilience means. And that’s the silver lining I see through the whole ordeal.

It’s in that spirit of wholehearted cooperation that we celebrate in this issue of New Home Living, and our Around Town column is chock full of news tidbits in how corporations and individuals are pulling together to help out and show what Calgary’s all about.

Floods or no, the business of home building is too important to every one of us to stay idle for long, and we’ve rounded up some of the most stellar show homes in the city in this issue. We start out with Genesis Builder Group’s two new show homes in the popular community of EvansRidge, where their focus on family-friendly functionality has given them the edge in a very competitive market. WestView Builders’ emphasis on luxury family homes is also spotlighted in their Aspen Summit models, while Lifestyle Homes is making their high-end work felt in the new community of Kinniburgh in Chestermere with it’s $1 million-plus show home.

We also have an update on how SkyView Ranch is changing lifestyle perceptions in the New North.

The floods made us appreciate the true meaning of resilience. I am confident that Calgary will walk away from this test better and stronger, and I, for one, can’t wait to write that next feature about how well the city and its housing market has recovered.

You can bet that New Home Living will be there when that happens.

PUBLISHER

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca A s s o c i a t e PUBLISHER

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca Editor

Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca Art director

Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designerS

Lama Azhari

lama.azhari@sourcemediagroup.ca

Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca

Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca p r o d u c t i o n a d m i n i s t r at o r

Colleen Leier

colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL

Andrea Cox, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Jessica Patterson, Jim Zang Photography

Don Molyneaux A d v e r t i s i n g SALES

Heather Dougall

heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca Accounting

Donna Roberts accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY

Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA

Copyright 2013 by Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. 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.

New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area.

Pepper Rodriguez,

Editor pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca

Next month: Loving Airdrie Living Follow us on twitter: CalgaryNewHomes 1 0 n e w home liv in g Au gust 2013

New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup. ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request.

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7 1] Red box, $29.95 at Haskayne Mercantile Block at Heritage Park.

2] Peacock jewelry stand, $38 at Pier1.

3] Filigree crystal heart box, $30 at Personally Yours.

4] Earth bangle box, $21 at Bombay Company.

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5] Bronze scroll jewelry stand, $25 at Pier1.

6] Red Peacock jewelry box, $99.95 at Pier1.

7] Feather embroidered, $25 at Bombay Company.

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8]

Novelty box, $15 at Bombay Company.

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Jewelry tree, $28 at Pier1.

10] Music box antique rose, $40 at Personally Yours.

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Bejeweled boxes 6

Your jewelry boxes and stands can be as ornate as your ornaments n

By Aaliya Essa

Keep your keepsakes in a special place, where your favourite rings, necklaces, bangles are organized and easy to find. Jewelry boxes and stands are perfect for adding decor to a room and giving your space your own special touch.

Stylish and functional, they come in a variety of shapes and textures, some may be as valuable an heirloom as their contents. NL

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| Advertising cover Feature |

The family

“These new models have a more open feel than the older models… these tweaks are the direct result from listening to our customers…”

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| Advertising cover Feature |

spirit

Stylish function is at the heart of Genesis’ laned homes in EvansRidge

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he romance of the rolling prairie grasslands is captured in all its idyllic elegance in Genesis Builder Groups’ latest show homes in EvansRidge, as these laned homes expertly display the award-winning builder’s impeccable touch in creating family homes with equal parts function and style.

The street appeal of Roosevelt and Cambridge is plainly abundant; as these new show homes, opening in August, perfectly complement this northwest neighbourhood’s family friendly ambience.

A generous amount of stonework, cedar accents and trim give both these homes an enviable curbside appeal that makes them stand out even in EvansRidge’s crowded new home market.

There are 10 single-family and multi-family home builders in EvansRidge and it takes something really special to draw the buyers’ attention, says Genesis Builders Group’s marketing manager, Kristen Wilkinson. “The Roosevelt and Cambridge are our most popular models here, they are both design-driven homes, where functionality and style are emphasized.”

The new show homes do feature tweaks and variations from the previous models. “These new models have a more open feel than the older models, and these tweaks are the direct result from listening to our customers to figure out what they want in their homes.”

Affordability is never far behind though, as the 1,381-squarefoot Cambridge and the 1,561-square-foot Roosevelt start in the mid- to high-$300,000s, including GST. Which is right in the range of the first-time homebuyers who comprise the majority of buyers for these models.

“They seem to get younger and younger, many of our buyers here are in their mid 20s, and the Roosevelt and Cambridge fulfill all their wants and needs in a home,” she adds.

Both have three bedrooms with two-and-a-half baths, a sumptuously stylish kitchen with lots of room to inspire culinary adventures, not to mention the aesthetic touch to wow guests. “The kitchen is the heart of the home, we at Genesis realize that this is the single most important room where the family can gather and bond over meals, so we’ve designed all our kitchens to have a flow to it, and engender a cozy, comfortable ambience.”

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| Advertising cover Feature |

FAST FACTS: BUILDER: Genesis Builders Group AREA: EvansRidge Developer: Dundee Developments Style: Laned single family homes Size: Roosevelt start at 1,561 sq. ft., Cambridge at 1,381 sq. ft.

Price: Roosevelt starts at $383,000 and Cambridge at $363,000 including GST Address: 31 Evansridge Close N.W. Directions: North on Symons Valley Blvd., right on Symons Valley Parkway, left on Evanspark Blvd. and follow the signs

Interior images are from Genesis' Varscona show home. To see the brand new Roosevelt and Cambridge show homes please visit Genesis in Evansridge phase 4, across the street from the school site.

The Roosevelt includes a den with double doors on the main floor that would be perfect as a home office or library.

There’s a bonus room at the top of the stairs separating the master bedroom from the kids’ bedrooms for more privacy, which owners can easily turn into a fourth bedroom if needed.

The Cambridge is a little smaller but still hits all the essentials, with standard models having three bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths and a master bedroom with a spacious walk-in closet. “The Cambridge can also have the option to include an attached master ensuite,” Wilkinson says.

Like all of Genesis’ homes, nine-foot ceilings, hardwood flooring, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances all come standard. The new EvansRidge show homes also gives visitors a better idea of what the standard specs are as well as the upgrade options available. “Cambridge is done to show all of Genesis’ generous standard specifications, while the Roosevelt show home has all the bells and whistles to let visitors experience its full potential,” she adds.

“We also have bigger lots in EvansRidge that give owners the luxury of having some space for a garden to tend in the back even if they do decide to build a deck and a detached garage,” Wilkinson points out.

Regardless of the model, the simple truth is that living in EvansRidge is a reward in itself.

The northwest community by Dundee Developments is one of the fastest growing communities in the quadrant, where the considerable charms of 1 6 n e w home liv in g Au gust 2013

Hours: Mon – Thurs: 2 to 8 p.m., Friday by appointment only, Sat, Sun and holidays: noon to 5 p.m.

Phone: 403-475-8162

suburban living are quite evident.

“Evansridge has a unique inFor more information, visit www.genesisbuildersgroup.com ner-city vibe with all the convenience and charm of suburban living,” says Dundee’s Cheryl Heilman. “The community is made up of a widely varied demographic that gives it this feeling of an older community.”

It was recently announced that EvansRidge will have a new K–9 Catholic elementary school, making it an even more attractive community to raise a family, Wilkinson says. “We’re close to a ton of commercial amenities, including the Creekside and Beacon Heights shopping centres, not to mention CrossIron Mills.

The giant Sage Hill Crossing commercial area being developed by Rio Can has already begun construction, so that’s another thing to look forward too.”

All the charms of EvansRidge become even more pronounced in a Genesis home, she says. n

“Cambridge is done to show all of Genesis’ generous standard specifications, while the Roosevelt show home has all the bells and whistles…”

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show home profile n Lifestyle Homes

Cottage Country n By

Jim Zang

For residents of Kinniburgh, a new community on the east side of Chestermere Lake, it’s all about the lifestyle.

And for folks who purchase their new home from Lifestyle Homes, even more so.

Oh sure, they get all the benefits of living in Chestermere ­— a cottage lifestyle just 10 minutes from the city, a great golf course and rec centre, ample shopping and dining options, a family-friendly atmosphere — but selecting Kinniburgh and Lifestyle Homes is the icing on the cake.

For example, let’s talk location. Kinniburgh is located at the far south end on the east side of the lake. It’s just a couple of blocks off the actual lakefront itself, a short five minute walk to the yacht club. In the other direction, literally two minutes drive or another quick five minute stroll down a pathway, a retail centre is taking shape which will be home to numerous stores, restaurants and a new health care facility for the area. Not far from there is where the new K–9 public school will be opening in 2014.

It’s a fantastic community, for sure, and all the same reasons a homebuyer would choose to buy here are exactly why Lifestyle Homes chose to build here. It just feels like the right fit.

If you’ve been through a Lifestyle Homes show home before, prepare

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to be even more wowed. The Elliott show home in Kinniburgh, a two-storey, 3,070-square-foot, three-bedroom, construction, is a little larger plan than in some of the other communities they build in, but features the same exacting attention to detail in terms of both form and function.

In fact, Lifestyle Homes has several lots available in the area and a few different models for buyers to choose from. And, says area sales manager Claudette Sinclair, no matter what plan people choose, architectural controls in the area will ensure that no two homes look alike.

“Every home is distinctive, with its own unique front elevation.”

Bungalow plans range from 1,600+ square-feet, while two-storey models begin in the 2,300-square-foot range, with prices starting in the low $700,000s for base models. Large lot sizes (75 by 125 feet) mean triple garages can be accommodated but, perhaps more importantly, means there’s a full 20 feet between homes.

“Try that in the city!” says Sinclair.

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Lifestyle Homes brings character to Kinniburgh in Chestermere The Elliot takes full advantage of the large lot to enhance its curb appeal. It has a three car garage (one is a tandem stall), but it doesn’t take up the entire front of the home. The natural cedar detailing at the front entry offers a warm welcome to visitors, while extra windows brighten the home and take advantage of mountain views.

As soon as you walk in the front door, the perfect blend of form and function becomes immediately apparent. There’s not one front closet, but two. And they’re separated by a built-in bench. Whether you want to use one closet for winter stuff and one for summer, or one for guests only, it’s totally up to you.

Gorgeous engineered maple hardwood floors run throughout the main level. A separate dining room is to the left and features a spectacular coffered ceiling with more of the dark wood accent beams plus a private outdoor deck. Mere steps away is the kitchen, a jaw-dropper if there ever was one.

“This kitchen is the ultimate in kitchens,” says Sinclair. “It’s a chef’s dream.” Indeed, the huge island and food prep counters are topped with caesarstone, the appliances are all high quality stainless steel, there’s a large pantry, more pot and pan drawers than you can count, an eating nook, and even another separate outdoor deck —

only this one wraps around the whole corner of the house.

Overhead of the food prep area, another delightful dark wood panel ceiling carries on the design theme that started outside the front door and continues throughout the home.

What makes the kitchen even more special for entertaining; however, are the sight lines. From the centre of the island the chef has a clear unobstructed view of both the dining room and the entire great room, highlighted by a natural stone hearth that highlights the room’s ten-foot ceilings. You could cook your guests a five course gourmet meal and never miss a word of the conversation.

Another thing you really notice from the kitchen are the windows. To say there’s more window than wall would be an exaggeration, but not much. Standing at the kitchen counter you literally have a 180 degree view out the rear of

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It just feels like the right fit.

Fast facts: builder: Lifestyle Homes Model: The Elliott Community: Kinniburgh developer: Pollyco size: 3,070 sq. ft.

Price: From the low $900,000s address: 800 East Lakeview Road, Chestermere Directions: East Chestermere Drive south to East Lakeview Road Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays noon to 5 p.m.

Web: www.lifestylehomes.ca

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It’s the kind of intelligent design and attention to detail that Lifestyle Homes has a well-deserved reputation for ... the home through the great room, and the natural sunlight streams in at all times of day — if you want it to. Your toughest decision of the day might be which shades to close.

Entering through the garage, which has one tandem and one single parking spot, there’s a handy mudroom area, a powder room, and a secluded den/office to complete the main level floor plan.

Heading upstairs, the stairway is wide and there are more windows.

Not just upstairs in the bonus room and bedrooms, but even in the stairway itself there’s a floor to ceiling window. Speaking of windows, from the bonus room just at the top of the stairs there are views of both the lake and, on clear days, the mountains. The main upstairs bathroom has twin sinks and a bathtub/toilet area separated by a convenient pocket door. The laundry room is equipped with a highend washer dryer combo, has a sink, and plenty of counter space for folding. It even has special moisture resistant flooring.

The great vistas continue in the master bedroom, both inside and out. Looking out the large windows provides a view all the way down the linear green space to the school site. Indoors, the bedroom is open and inviting. As for the ensuite …

“Welcome to my spa!” says Sinclair. And she’s not kidding. A funky freestanding tub sits to one side in its own little alcove finished with custom wainscoting. The shower is positively gigantic, with two giant rain heads. Walking through the ensuite leads to a private dressing room — you can’t really call it a closet — with built-in hanging bars, shelves, and dresser.

The lower level of the show home is unfinished, but has some features worth noting. To start with, it doesn’t ‘feel’ like a basement.

The ceiling is nine feet and there is plenty of light from lots of large windows. There’s more to it than that, though, says Sinclair. The 2 0 n e w home liv in g Au gust 2013

window wells are made of acrylic and are shaped to funnel in light while underneath they drain directly into a weeping tile system.

“We’re part of the Holmes Approved Homes program and very proud to work with Mike Holmes,” says Sinclair, who then proceeds to point out many of the home’s more subtle — yet important — features. For example, the bathroom fans aren’t just fans. They actually draw air into a filtration system that recirculates clean air.

It’s a ‘smart’ design that goes a lot further than the electronic monitor on the wall of main floor that controls things like climate, security and sound systems, and even a front door security cam. Pink and blue wood have been used extensively in construction of the home to prevent against fire and moisture respectively. Heat vents are located in the right places. A special copper pipe system in the basement captures wasted heat from grey water and uses it to help heat water in the hot water tank. Why just let all that hot water go down the drain?

It’s the kind of intelligent design and attention to detail that Lifestyle Homes has a well-deserved reputation for and, even in this prime location, it’s surprisingly affordable. While the actual show home comes in somewhat higher, thanks to all of the upgrades, Sinclair says that she can put people into the base model Elliot in Kinniburgh for “about $900,000”.

They’ve sold a few lots already, she says, “to young couples with kids and even a retired couple.”

In either case, like the name says, it’s all about the lifestyle. NL

Did you know?

• Chestermere Lake is 4.8 kilometres long and has a maximum depth of about 7 metres • Since 2006, Chestermere has grown 62 per cent to a population of over 15,000 • Chestermere is a young population, with more than half the people under 35 years old. The median age of 34.9 is a full 5.7 years younger than the Canadian average.

• There is no business tax in Chestermere.

For more information visit www.chestermere.ca

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show home profile n WestView Builders

Aspen luxury n By

Pepper Rodriguez

The west side of Calgary has long been the most sought after real estate location in the city, it’s perfect for a family-oriented community with terrific views, tremendous accessibility and tons of amenities that puts all the necessities for a fun, relaxed and convenient lifestyle within a five-kilometre radius. The setting is just perfect for WestView Builders’ brand of stylishly functional and family-friendly homes.

Their two show homes in the southwest community of Aspen Summit have all the endearing qualities that make life in this most popular community the envy of Calgary. Designed as much to wow guests and to fulfill the family’s everyday needs, The Augusta and The Vernon very much embody the award-winning builder’s goal to give their buyers the option to contour their future home to best suit their needs.

WestView prides itself in being able to offer highly customized homes at affordable mass-market homebuilder prices. Each plan has so many options that allow the buyer to personalize the home to their particular need. The 2,587-square-foot standard plan for The Augusta has 11 options, and the 2,771 square-foot The Vernon has 12!

A casual walk through their show homes in the Aspen Summit View phase of Aspen Summit reveals a well-thought out plan loaded with innovative architectural detail that is rarely found in any other show home.

The Augusta has a handsomely developed basement, but rather than just create another man-cave for Dad, they’ve used a cor-

All photos on this page are of The Augusta 2 2 n e w home liv in g Au gust 2013

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WestView’s Aspen Summit show homes blend luxury and functionality ner of the 861-square-foot lower level to create an imaginative playhouse complete with slides and climbing walls. There’s also a hobby room and, of course, the customary wet bar and home theatre space, which just shows their commitment to creating a home for the whole family to enjoy.

The “wow” factor of The Augusta is quite evident, as one can expect from a WestView show home, including sleek Silestone countertops, wide-plank distressed-look hardwood throughout the main floor and ornate spindle railing in the staircase.

But there is an underlying sense of solid functionality imbedded amidst the glam. The mudroom is extra large with slate tile flooring, there are handy built-in lockers and benches and a spacious laundry with countertops over the washer and dryer. You can’t beat it in the amount of extra storage space it provides.

The L-shaped kitchen counters pairs well with its huge island with double sink and extended eating ledge, and the coffered ceilings above add to its stylish elegance, as do the high-end stainless steel appliances arrayed along the wall with the stand-alone pantry.

Sliding patio doors along the back of the home not only brings in tons of natural light into the interior they also create an inviting indoor-outdoor entertainment area.

The master bedroom has vaulted ceilings and a reading nook that, along with the sumptuous master ensuite, create a private haven for the owners. It helps that the show home’s windows look out onto Aspen Summit’s thickly wooded area, that is essentially its backyard.

The Vernon is equally as memorable, loaded with all the finer things in life, as well as features we never even thought of. The tech loft at the halfway point of the stairway landing is an ingenious way to make use of space that otherwise stands empty.

It also has a wide mudroom with built-in lockers and benches, and these traits are mirrored in its front foyer, which is open to above to give a very welcoming start to the home.

» The Augusta and The Vernon very much embody the award-winning builder’s goal to give their buyers the option to contour their future home…

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show home profile n

Left: The Augusta Below: The Vernon

Fast facts: builder: WestView Builders area: Aspen Summit developer: QuinnCorp size: The Augusta is at 2,587 sq. ft. and The Vernon is at 2,771 sq. ft.

Price: Starts in the $600,000s address: 4 Aspen Summit Pointe S.W. Directions: On the corner of 13 Ave and 77 St. S.W.

There is a formal dining room with sliding glass doors that you can close off for a more private gathering with adults.

Who knows, you may be entertaining your company’s board of directors. You can’t go wrong with The Vernon in that regard.

The sexy, contemporary kitchen with its stylish cylindrical hood fan over the stovetop set in the centre island, certainly invites attention. The microwave, oven and fridge are set right into the cabinetry of the kitchen to maximize the work space and allow for a better flow of movement.

The bonus room at the top of the stairs creates an efficient buffer between the master bedroom and the other rooms to give more privacy to each occupant of the home.

The double doors leading to the master suite boosts the elegance factor by more than a few notches.

The Augusta and The Vernon are both available in four distinct elevations and the amount of stonework and detail that goes into their exterior does complete an extraordinary street appeal that fits with the unique character of Aspen Summit. WestView offers homes here starting in the $600,000s.

Aspen Summit is a QuinnCorp community and as such is readily identifiable with its attention to detail, uniform fencing throughout, ornate streetlights and wide, tree-lined sidewalks. “We don’t build homes fronting onto collector streets,” says QuinnCorp architectural manager Stefan Bieber. “It’s not just a safety precaution — you never want to back your car onto traffic — but also adds to the distinct look and feel for our communities.” NL

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.

Web: www.westviewbuilders.com

The amount of stonework and detail that goes into their exterior does complete an extraordinary street appeal that fits with the unique character of Aspen Summit.

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Reaching

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SkyView Ranch rockets New North to new heights n

By Pepper Rodriguez

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kyView Ranch is a certified success today, with roughly 1,275 single-family homes already complete, as well as one multi-family complex, with more on the way. But back when Walton Development and Management L.P. (Walton) was first planning for this nearly 400-acre community, success wasn’t an assured thing.

In the early 2000s, Country Hills Boulevard east of the Deerfoot Trail was nothing but a lonely stretch of blacktop road surrounded by farmland, Metis Trail didn’t even exist, and the entire area carried the stigma of being a less-than-desirable neighbourhood to live in.

But that all changed when SkyView Ranch began development in earnest.

Walton went out of its way to work with the City of Calgary to ensure that new residents get all the benefits of living in the New North. A regular bus route was put in place well ahead of time, green space and parks were prioritized, as was the commercial area at

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the entrance to the community. Installing an EMS and fire station right in the community also showed that Walton was serious in its commitment to build the community the right way.

Walton’s Laura Mills says life in the New North has become a growth sector with unlimited opportunities, mainly with the several new commercial developments going on nearby, which can translate to plenty of employment opportunities down the road.

SkyView Ranch offers the kind of varied housing selection that fits the energetic vibe of this area, with a tantalizing range of home style available that suit all stages of life. “There is something for everyone here in SkyView Ranch,” Mills says.

SkyView Ranch offers the kind of varied housing selection that fits the energetic vibe of this area...

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Phase 8, SkyView Ranch’s current phase, is comprised of homes that have rear lane access. These homes by Innovations by Jayman, and Creations by Shane, will provide incredible value in terms of price point coupled with style and character. Prices start from the low $300,000s.

There are also homes with front attached garages available as well. These models offer a “nice variety with respect to floor plans and sizes to comfortably accommodate families at all life stages.” Builders for this product type are Excel Homes, Morrison Homes, Pacesetter Homes, Sterling Homes, and Shane Homes. Front-attached homes have prices starting from the $380,000s.

“Semi-detached homes have proven to be a popular choice in SkyView Ranch, likely due to the functionality and the pleasing aesthetic appeal of the homes,” Mills points out. However, only a few opportunities remain.

Creations by Shane is the current semi-detached builder in SkyView Ranch with prices starting in the high $200,000s.

Evolve by Lionsworthe Homes, is a townhouse development in SkyView Ranch, that offers attached with an urban contemporary flare. These three-storey units each conveniently feature double attached garages. Prices start in the$240,000s.

Lionsworth Homes’ sister company, Truman Homes, has also completed their three-building multi-family complex — Skywest Condos, some units of which are part of the Attainable Homes program.

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“The beauty of this is our group of builders realizes the unique opportunities that the community presents, and they have come out with some really innovative designs that fit our vision for SkyView Ranch.”

Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation (AHCC) is a non-profit organization and wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary that works to deliver well-appointed, entry-level homes for Calgarians who have been caught in the city’s growing affordability gap. They still have a few of the 56 units in Skywest available.

“These are quality homes and we’re proud to be part of this program,” Truman Homes’ Tony Trutina tells New Home Living.

“The beauty of this is our group of builders realizes the unique opportunities that the community presents, and they have come out with some really innovative designs that fit our vision for SkyView Ranch,” Mills says.

SkyView Ranch also offers a lot of outdoor recreational opportunities, as there is a significant amount of parks and pathways.

The Calgary Greenway (a pathway system that will encircle the city, connecting communities) will be going right through SkyView, which gives residents unlimited pathway access.

Additionally, SkyView is close to several family amenities, such as the Genesis Centre of Community Wellness (a 225,000 square foot, $120 million multi-purpose complex built to enrich the health, wellness, and unity of communities in Northeast Calgary); also nearby are CrossIron Mills Mall, LRT access and community bus service. Given SkyView’s proximity to major thoroughfares getting in and out of the city is easy.

All of this at very competitive pricing, makes SkyView Ranch a highly desirable community to call home. NL

Fast facts: community: SkyView Ranch Developer: Walton Development and Management L.P. Builders & prices: Laned — Creations by Shane Homes, Innovations by Jayman (starting from the low $300,000s) Front-Drive — Excel Homes, Pacesetter Homes, Morrison Homes, Shane Homes, Sterling Homes (starting from the $380,000s) Semi-detached — Lionsworthe Homes and Creations by Shane Homes (starting from the $270,000s — sold out) Townhomes — Lionsworthe Homes “EVOLVE” and Partners Group “ARRIVE” (starting from the mid $200,000s) Apartment condominiums — Truman Homes’ SkyWest Condos (starting in the $150,000s) WEB: www.liveatSkyView.com

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Love nest

Broadview Home’s Ashbury provides setting for couples’ new life Story by Andrea Cox n Photos by Don Molyneaux

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or newlyweds Chris and Ethel, purchasing a home together was an important step in creating a new beginning and a new life together. Initially the couple began their new home search in Airdrie and really liked a Broadview home in Hillside. But the sales agent suggested that they take a look in Redstone, as Broadview was showcasing a few other models in the northeast Calgary community. “As soon as we walked into this house, we knew that it was the one,” says Chris of the 2,364 square foot Ashbury model.

This dynamic, forty-something

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couple enjoys music, movies and visiting show homes together. “When we were dating that is what we would do on the weekends — check out all of the new show homes, so when it came time to purchase our first home together we knew exactly what we wanted,” says Ethel, who raised her two children in Airdrie. “I lived in that house for 20 years so this was a big change,” she recalls of the couple’s move to Redstone.

This is Ethel’s second marriage, and Chris’ first, and the home they chose is perfect for their new life together.

“We are now right in the middle of both of our families, so our home has become the meeting place,” says Ethel, who loves to entertain. “When the whole family gets together — there are lots of people — aunts, uncles, siblings, kids and the house has lots of room. It is fantastic.”

The layout was one of the reasons Chris and Ethel fell in love with the home. The main living space features and open floor-plan with a 12-foot kitchen island that takes centre stage. “It’s such a wonderful feature; when family is over we all hang out in here — some at the island — the kids on the couches playing DS and we can pull out the dining room table so it is fully extended,” says Ethel adding that sometimes the crowd reaches 40 and everyone is able to hang out in the open living/dining/kitchen area together.

Plus, Ethel loves to cook and for her, the kitchen with its super-sized pantry and tons of storage was a dream come true. “There is just room for s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r

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everything,” she says, noting that she still has half-full cupboards. “We moved from a home that was less than 1,000 square-feet, and now we have all of this room.” Stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors are standard features with Broadview Homes.

The couple chose a few kitchen upgrades — a gas stove, full height cabinetry and an architectural cloud ceiling that mirrors the configuration of the island.

“That is the thing about Broadview — they have so many really good standard features, so that when it comes to upgrading you are not spending a fortune,” chimes Chris.

The couple chose the same colour scheme and finishes as the show home. “I really liked what they had done,” says Ethel, noting that they did tweak a few things like the backsplash in the kitchen.

Upstairs, a large bonus room is perfect for the couple’s instrument collection — they both play guitar — she loves classical, he’s more into pop. It’s the room that they hang out in at night — either to play music or watch movies. The over-sized master bedroom sports a great view, a walk-in closet and an ensuite with dual sinks and granite counter tops. “I love the size of our room. I never thought that I would have a space where I could get a chair into my bedroom,” says Ethel with a smile. Two additional bedrooms and a full bath complete the upstairs plan.

“There is just room for everything. We moved from a home that was less than 1,000 square-feet, and now we have all this room.”

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“We just wanted to do what newlyweds do — create something new and fresh.”

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The mountain views were another compelling draw, as was the sense of community and Redstone’s ample green space connected by pathways. “And, it is so cool, at the end of every green space, there is circuit training equipment,” says Chris. “It is just fantastic that way.” Ethel chimes in about the trees and landscaping. ”I love this neighbourhood. There are so many trees planted. In fact, they put the trees and the green spaces in before they started building the houses.”

And the build process was a piece of cake. “They were so organized and the vendors were wonderful to work with. There were no glitches. It has been absolutely fantastic.”

The couple just moved in at the end of March, and not quite everything is in its place. “The garage and basement are full of boxes.

We’ve had to amalgamate two homes,” says Ethel, adding that the home is still evolving. “But, that’s okay. We are here for the longterm. We just love this house. We wanted to do what newlyweds do — create something new and fresh.” NL s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r

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Bonus game How to make the most of your bonus room

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By Jessica Patterson

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onus rooms are like jewels in the rough, says interior designer Aleks Zablotni-Schantz with Sticks and Stones Design Group Inc., in Calgary. They’re waiting for homeowners to convert them into what suits their lifestyles best, she says.

“Are you short on storage? Maybe you need a retreat from ‘open concept’ living? Would you love to have a space dedicated to your favorite activity?” she asks.

Over Zablotni-Schantz’s time with Sticks and Stones Design Group, she has seen bonus rooms turned into offices, guest bedrooms, libraries and reading nooks, kids recreation rooms, artist and yoga studios, walk-in closets, craft rooms, and even the ultimate “man cave” with a foosball room.

“The possibilities are endless,” she says. “So, a bonus room could easily be converted into a dozen different spaces with a ‘dedicated’ function. That said, it will take some careful planning and creativity to create a well-designed, functional space with more than one purpose.”

A multi-functional space could work wonders in your home. As a first step, Zablotni-Schantz says homeowners should decide on the function of the room.

Aleks ZablotniSchantz “Do you really need a guest room if you have people stay over only seven nights out of a full year? Or would this room be used three times per week if it was a beautiful yoga room or a quiet reading space?” she says. “Be honest with yourself. Don’t be limited by what you ‘ought’ to do with the room and instead create what makes the most sense for your lifestyle.”

Popular styles now include the timeless beauty of classic design, she says.

“We work to combine the client’s personal style with classic long-term trends which they won’t tire of in six months,” she explains. “There is an endless list of classic and derivative styles including modern, rustic, French country, shabby-chic and so on.”

While colours and trends change seasonally like haute couture, current trends in interior design were highlighted at the recent Architectural Digest Interior Design Show in New York, that Zablotni-Schantz attended. “We recognized a trend towards organic modern, East coast traditional and one of our current 3 4 n e w home liv in g Au gust 2013

Brown converted this flex room to a dining room with plenty of storage.

Photo courtesy Stephanie Brown Inc.

favorites ­­­— modern industrial. This is a blend between old and new; a contrast between dark and light — ­ think Restoration Hardware-inspired styling, industrial light fixtures and lots of high-quality natural fibers.”

Popular colours this season include antique white, charcoals paired with mid-tone woods, and something called greige, a grey-beige mix, Zablotni-Schantz says.

“Wide plank, matte-finish engineered wood flooring, tall flat-profile baseboards and trim, clean lines, unique door profiles, s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r

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“This is a flex/bonus area we used for a small seating area for the client’s children,” says Brown Photo courtesy Stephanie Brown Inc.

“There is an endless list of classic and derivative styles including modern, rustic, French country, shabby-chic and so on.” textured (geometric) wallpapers and large-scale patterns, artistic lighting fixtures and sculptural plumbing fixtures, all finished with high-quality hardware selections.”

No matter what you decide, bonus rooms in new homes can be as intimidating, but they can also be exciting, according to interior designer Stephanie Brown, of Stephanie Brown Inc. “It’s always good to have that luxury of extra space,” she says “If you have a room that could do double-duty for something, it’s so beneficial. We’re tying to get so much out of that space, it’s worthwhile to invest in items that are multi-functional.”

Multi-functional furniture can be super elegant, Brown says. “There are outdoor-rated fabrics that repel water and are stain resistant, and even if you have kids around, you needn’t be worried about spills and stains.”

The best time to plan for your bonus room is at the beginning, when you’re able to talk to the builder, the architect, or designer.

“Plan it at the building stage,” Brown says. “Say you want to turn the bonus room into a home theatre, you wouldn’t want to have windows. But, if you wanted to turn it into a spare bedroom, it must have windows. The earlier you can plan for that, the better.”

Brown suggests asking yourself a question, “what are we missing in our home that we could benefit from?”

No matter what you decide, bonus rooms in new homes can be as intimidating, but they can also be exciting.

Photo courtesy Sticks and Stones Design Group Inc.

Zablotni-Schantz agrees. “If it’s a pre-construction sale then it’s always worth talking with the builder as to what your plans are for the space,” she says. “Perhaps they will be willing to accommodate the future design with some design ‘tweaks’ or upgrades.”

If you’re thinking of converting your bonus room into a home theatre or spa, perhaps the room be pre-wired for sound, electricity, and Stephanie Brown light. “Does the flooring selection make sense?

It would be a shame to rip out brand new carpet once you decide to convert the room into an art studio or a gym,” Zablotni-Schantz says. “Will you be hanging anything heavy on the walls? It may be worth it to ask for additional in-wall blocking in strategic locations.”

Whatever you decide, enjoy the space. It’s not often you get the chance or opportunity to have extra in this new home market. NL

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n shopping

cool countertops C Establish the look of your home with classy countertops n

By Kathy McCormick

(Top) Corian countertops, one of the best sellers at The Home Depot.

alcutta white marble has never gone out of style since Michelangelo’s bold statement, “I saw the angel in the marble and I carved until I set him free,” says Sophie Belanger of Icon Stone and Tile.

And that’s certainly not about to change anytime soon.

On a buying trip in Italy right now, Belanger says, “marble is the rage here,” so much so that some famous people, such as Italian designer Philippe Starck and rock star Lenny Kravitz, are signing the design of their own, very sexy tile collections with Italian manufacturers.

And that’s the look we shall soon see in Calgary, she says.

“Quartzite is gaining in popularity in Italy, too. It’s just as soft as marble, often with the same sugary texture. Several have inconsistent patterns that make them exotic and very unique, but not everyone offers them because they are harder to work with than commodity granite.”

The boring, limited colours of laminate countertops of yesterday have given way to everything from marble, to quartz, granite, to cement, limestone, to Silestone, and Corian, to wood.

Laminates, too, are a far cry from those found on your mother’s countertops — and they are still the best ‘bang for the buck,’ says Brad McDonald, Kitchen & Bath Showroom Designer for The Home Depot Canada.

“We continue to see top trending materials in countertops, such as granite, Silestone, Corian, and laminate. These are great alternatives to limestone, marble and cement which are much more porous and require constant maintenance.

Laminates have come a long way in recent years and can offer the look of a highend natural stone countertop for a fraction of the price.”

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Darker colours and patterns with ‘movement’ are popular in more traditional spaces as well as rustic spaces. Photo courtesy The Home Depot.

As an example, solid surface tops all start at a similar price point at around $45-60 per square-foot installed at The Home Depot Canada. Some styles can be upgraded with edging details, polished sink cut outs, backsplashes, etc. and this is in addition to the base square foot price.

Laminate countertops, on the other hand, start around $19 per square-foot installed and include the front-edge profile and backsplash.

For the higher-end products, at Jade Stone Ltd., granite is still the most cost-effective product to put in your home when buying from most companies, says Ryan Costain, sales and marketing manager.

“However, quartz is coming down in price due to a recent increase in demand.”

And Corian is a good choice, says McDonald. Due to its excellent longevity and reparability, Corian has also proven to be one of the most cost-effective countertop materials on the market.

At Jade Stone the three most common material types are granite, quartz and marble, Costain says. “Not many people are still doing limestone and cement due to the high porosity of those materials.”

Another trend that’s become popular is installing more than one surface for counters.

There are numerous colours and patterns (of laminate) that perfectly replicate the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost, says The Home Depot. “Sometimes a larger kitchen space can have

The three most common material types are granite, quartz and marble.

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the focal point of an island with a granite or Silestone top, with the remainder of the background countertops finished in a laminate surface.”

Countertops should have similar themes throughout the home, especially in the more public areas. They should reflect the design features of the room they are in and in turn, it definitely adds a wow factor.

But don’t be afraid to add some drama in a smaller space, like the half bath or powder room.

As for colour, kitchens and bathrooms are trending towards lighter colour schemes, so that has made its way to the solid surfaces of the countertops, says Costain. “Lighter colours are very popular right now — it’s hard to even keep stock. We are seeing a ton of white quartz.”

“At The Home Depot Canada, choice for the consumer is top priority,” says McDonald. “While lighter colours such as whites and marble-like finishes create a classic, contemporary look, darker colours and patterns with ‘movement’ are popular in more traditional spaces as well as rustic spaces.”

Here are some things to watch for in repairing and upkeep: Chips are filled with resin and coloured accordingly if possible for all materials. Some will be hidden really well and others will be quite noticeable depending on where the fill happens and the colour you are trying to match.

Cracks are more difficult and are usually the result of abuse. “More often we see a complete breakage due to s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r

n shopping how dense these materials are,” says Costain. Again, depending the on the material colour and composition of the stone will determine how well a repair can be done (if possible at all).

A common mistake: breakage due to kneeling or sitting on weak locations (i.e. in front of sinks), staining due to lack of education on the product, or abuse (cooking oils and abrasive cleaning solutions are the most common).

A lot of homeowners see pits and fissures as defects in their stone, when it is in fact a natural characteristic of the stone.

Customers should not use any harsh chemicals on their countertops; most surfaces at The Home Depot Canada, for example, are designed for easy care and simply need soap and water for a great clean.

Granite, Silestone and laminate should be cleaned with a mild soap and soft sponge or cloth; Corian with its matte finish can be cleaned with a green Scotch-Brite pad and an “Ajax or Comet” type cleanser.

Corian is fully repairable and repairs are virtually invisible. “Corian is a wonderful non-porous material and will not stain,” says McDonald.

Granite chips can be filled and polished out inconspicuously. A sealer is added to The Home Depot granite countertop and comes with a stain-resist warranty.

Silestone chips can also be filled and polished out inconspicuously. As well, Silestone is a non-porous material and luckily requires no sealing. Silestone innovates by actively fighting the growth of bacteria, mould, yeast, and fungus. This is done through silver ion technology which embeds silver in the slab, a natural antimicro-

White quartz countertops are very popular. Photo courtesy Lifeseven Photography.

bial. This is the only countertop in the world to incorporate this technology.

Standard laminate is susceptible to damage from heat (hot pots and pans) and is not repairable. Water can affect a seam in a laminate countertop and is not covered by warranty.

However, The Home Depot Canada offers post-formed laminate countertops, which provide a seamless surface therefore eliminating water infiltration, dirt and grime collection.

Go to www.marble-institute.com for more information. NL

Here are some things to consider when choosing the type of countertop you want in your home: type

strengths

weaknesses

GRANITE

Highly durable material (including high thresholds for scratches and heat). More cosmetically appealing due to the natural vein and colour to certain stones. Higher resale value.

Porous material, so liquids, oils, chemicals, foods, and bacteria can penetrate and stain the stone. As a result, granite requires upkeep and needs to be sealed anywhere from one-to-four times per year; however, some sealers such as DuPont Stone Tech now have products that require a once-only application and will protect against staining (within a reasonable timeframe) and offer a limited 15year warranty. Granite is a natural product and minor imperfections, such as pits and fissures, are visible and sometimes uneven to the touch.

QUARTZ

Non-porous; zero maintenance; antibacterial; modern/contemporary looks consistent with new home builds and multi-family units.

Seven per cent resin composition makes quartz susceptible to scorching if exposed to direct heat. Lacks interest or cosmetic appeal due to its consistence in colour and pattern; however, more quartz manufacturers are creating more veined product.

Cosmetic appeal; patinas quickly (common in European or rusticdesigned kitchens/bathrooms)

Patinas very quickly. Scratches, changes colour, fissures, and stains very easily.

MARBLE

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giving back

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Riding to battle chil This year’s Revving Up for Kids Ride was memorable in more ways than one n

By Andrea Cox

Rain did not dampen spirits of the 8th annual Revving Up for Kids Ride.

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s the deluge of rain cascaded and the Elbow and Bow Rivers began to rise, just hours before Calgary was faced with its most devastating flood in history, Christian Twomey and 59 other motorcyclists from around the province were donning their gear, ready to hit the open road in support of The Kids with Cancer Society for LOOK and Stepper Homes 8th Annual Revving Up for Kids Ride.

“All of the rain was amazing. By the time we made it to Red Deer we were soaked and completely unaware of the devastation that was happening in Calgary,” recalls Twomey, one of the ride organizers and an area sales manager with Stepper Homes. Twomey, who is also a realtor with ReMax has been participating in the ride since its inception.

“There is a real need for this. What we found is that there are groups like the Kids with Cancer Society that work with the children and their families all the way through from diagnosis to survivorship or through the bereavement and healing process.”

The Revving Up for Kids Ride was the brainchild of Harry and Eva Stepper, Dan Brazinha and Burke Perry — all of whom are avid motorcycle enthusiasts. The annual event encourages motorcycle riders across the province to join together in an effort to support children with cancer and their families demonstrating that there are no geographic boundaries where childhood cancer is concerned. This year, six riders from Stepper Homes joined in the festivities — Harry and Eva Stepper, Chuck Stepper, Christian Twomey, Craig Bieber and Dave Hooge. They were joined by riders from central, northern and southern Alberta (all from a multitude of different industries and businesses) and by 10 support team members, six passengers and the Lovsins, the host family.

The ride route, which changes every year, had riders meeting in Red Deer and then proceeding through Saskatchewan Crossing to Jasper and then onto Kamloops.

“Riding in this kind of circumstance is very similar to the journey that these kids are going through; they don’t have a choice to quit. They just have to get through it. And that is what we all did.”

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dren’s cancer “ When we left Red Deer and headed to Rocky Mountain House and Saskatchewan Crossing, the road closed south to Banff and north to Jasper and then it closed behind us, so we were trapped,” says Twomey, who has been riding for over 10 years. “The roads were completely washed out with a foot and a half to two feet of water. When the road to Jasper opened again, we had to ride through it. It was crazy, absolutely crazy.”

But the group eventually made it through to Jasper. Twomey recalls that at the banquet that evening one of the participants from Red Deer made a very perceptive analogy. “She said, ‘riding in this kind of circumstance is very similar to the journey that these kids are going through; they don’t have a choice to quit.

They just have to get through it. And that is what we all did.’”

Participants in the ride pay a registration fee of $600 to cover gas, lodging and food, so that 100 percent of the funds raised (each rider is also responsible for raising $1,000) goes directly to the over 50 programs offered by The Kids Cancer Society. This year the ride raised $285,000 bringing the grand total to $1.5 million raised over the past eight years.

Childhood cancer voices some alarming statistics — 1 in 333 children will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20 and three in 10 of those diagnosed will lose their battle with the disease. Treatment for children in general, is longer (3 months to 2.5 years) and more intense than treatment for adults and often creates additional challenges, as they are completely treatment while developing and growing. The Kids with Cancer Society addresses the ongoing and emerging needs of the child and his or her family to achieve complete and long-term healing.

Twomey is already deep into organizing next year’s ride.”

It’s really a well-oiled machine. It’s one thing to have five bikes stop at a gas station for gas, it’s another thing entirely to have 60 stop.”

But Twomey’s philanthropic endeavours with Stepper don’t end with the Revving Up for Kids Ride; he is also an active participant in Stepper’s annual home building trips to El Salvador. “Stepper treats everyone as family and they have really motivated me to help out. We are all very fortunate in this business and in this city and in this province; the opportunities are phenomenal. To be able to give back is wonderful.”

To find out more about the ride and The Kids Cancer Revving Up for Kids rider, Christian Twomey, with buddy.

Society, please visit www.kidswithcancer.ca NL

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news

Avoiding life’s sand traps

Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre helps youths help themselves

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ife is a lot like golf.

No matter how much you practice, you never quite get as good at it as you’d like to be. But you keep prac-

ticing.

Because there’s always hope. Because, no matter how bad your last shot might have been, there’s another one coming right up. And another one after that. And so you keep swinging.

Because that one good shot makes it all worthwhile. Because there’s always hope.

That’s why there’s perhaps no more fitting site for this year’s Tournament of Miracles than Canmore. Sitting high atop the valley, Silvertip Golf Resort was spared the devestation many of their neighbours experienced.

But they live in town and they felt it. But they also felt the power of community, of compassion, and of hope.

The event August 27th is sponsored by Tesco Corporation and will be the 15th annual tournament in support of programs at the

Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre. Hundreds come into play. Registration deadline is Auof golfers are expected to pay $400 each for gust 16th. a full day of fun in support of the Alberta’s If you’d like to support AARC, either by golfing or donating, visit www.aarc.ab.ca NL teens. Last year’s tournament, including silent auction, raised more than $120,000, says Donna Edwards, Director of Development.

This year’s goal is $150,000.

AARC provides intensive long-term treatment for chemically addicted adolescents between the ages of 12 and 21. Treatment averages about one year in duration and are designed to prepare the youths with the skills they need to live a healthy life. Best of all, treatment is provided regardless of income, basd on what clients can afford. Since 1991, they have had more than 511 teens and 1,800 family members graduate from the program.

Corporate event sponsorships and donations make up a big part of their fundraising, but it’s important to reach out to the grass roots too and that’s where things like a golf tournament, with registration open to anyone,

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around town

By Pepper Rodriguez

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Shane Homes pledges $100,000 for flood recovery assistance Shane Homes has pledged $100,000 to help victims of last month’s historic flood in Calgary. According to Cal Wenzel, CEO/ CVO of Shane Homes, he has $100,000 set aside in a Community Disaster Assistance Fund.

It will be mainly used in offering services that will help victims recover the quickest and begin rebuilding their lives.

“It was obvious with us being Cal Wenzel in the building

industry we already have access to the knowledge, skills and equipment required to assist in such a cleanup,” Wenzel says.

“We felt rather than donate this particular pool of money to an open fund, we could be of more assistance to more families by making things happen as quickly as possible. We have business relationships with providers of many of the services and the manpower to accomplish what is needed; we use many of them on a daily basis. We are able to re-direct some services we are using ourselves to the cleanup, and can leverage our buying power to offer more help to more people.”

Shane Homes dropped off all of its

generators to various communities around the city, and maintained daily gas requirements at the height of the flood. “We will be dropping off and picking up waste bins, arranging bobcats where needed, offering experienced manpower, and professional services if needed. There is a full-time company co-ordinator ensuring things are happening as promised,” Wenzel adds.

Jim Smith, VP of Operations for Shane Homes, is responsible for co-ordination and supervision of this ‘helping hand’ along with other senior staff members. They will be working closely with community leaders in the areas to compile a list of other specific needs.

Calgary housing starts stable in June Housing starts in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 11,279 units in June compared to 11,316 in May, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR)1 of total housing starts.

“The trend in total housing starts in the Calgary CMA remained stable during the first half of 2013, supported by strong job

growth and net migration,” said Richard Cho, CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for Calgary.

CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. In some situations, analyzing only SAAR data can be misleading in some markets, as they are largely driven by the multiples segment of the markets which can

be quite variable from one month to the next.

However, the standalone monthly SAAR did reflect a decrease to 10,432 units in June, from 12,227 in May. The agency says the dip was mainly due to the slide in multi-family starts of 45.2 per cent to 358 units. Meanwhile, the single-detached market saw starts increase by 4.3 per cent to 554 units.

Calbridge acquires Greenboro single-family arm Calbridge Homes, the 2012 Grand SAM Builder of the Year winner, will be taking over the management of Greenboro’s entire active single-family inventory, including lots, show homes and spec homes, as well as homes currently under construction.

“This strategic combination will allow Calbridge to expand the expertise and further position the company’s continued growth in the most desirable communities in Calgary and surrounding area,” Calbridge CEO Larry Thomson says. Greenboro Homes currently build in Currie Barracks, Castle Keep, Legacy, the Estates of WestLarry Thomson mere, Mystic Ridge and Sage Meadows.

“This team-up opens a lot of doors for us, we’re really excited to get into those new communities,” Thomson tells New Home Living.

He stressed that the deal only involves Greenboro Estate Homes and none of the builder’s other concerns.

Greenboro Estate Homes has been well-known for building luxurious, and award-winning homes in Calgary, and their team-up with Calbridge makes complete sense, as Thomson was also Greenboro’s president for 10 years from 1999 to 2008.

“I am extremely thrilled by this evolution in our company. As a proud winner of 2012 Builder of the Year, Calbridge will continue to strive toward excellence by building remarkable homes for our customers and investing in the communities where we do business,” Thomson adds.

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East Village withstands flooding Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, the developers of the East Village project, says the flood-proofing work they have done for the ambitious land revitalization project seems to have worked but admitted there is a lot of work still to be done.

“East Village in general did not receive any more or less flooding than any other parts of downtown”, says Michael Brown, president and CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. “The flood-proofing work completed in the community was

successful in alleviating damage across the streetscape and sidewalk improvements, which remain intact and functional. The 4th Street Underpass has had some impact as a pump station located in 4th Street S.E. below the CPR tracks, has blown and will need repairs. It is too early for a full assessment of flood damage to be completed and we still have much work to do.”

The St. Patrick’s Island pedestrian bridge and island park redevelopment remain a priority focus. The pedestrian bridge was in

final phases of construction and the southward spans where being installed when the flood hit. St. Patrick’s Island park redevelopment was two weeks into an 18-24 month construction cycle and will be assessed as soon as possible.

Some sections of RiverWalk Phase lll, behind Fort Calgary, which was opened last September is showing signs of erosion damage. The pathway is closed and will remain closed until crews can assess the situation.

Aly offers design help to flood victims Alykhan Velji has been a frequent contributor in Source Media Group’s magazines, and has made a name for himself as one of Calgary’s go-to interior designers. Now he wants to give back to the community by doing what he does best for those affected by the flood.

In efforts to help those that have had their homes severely damaged by the floods, Alykhan Velji Design is offering Design Relief — a free in home design consult, as well as a walk through with one of their preferred contractors. “This is to ensure that no one is taken advantage of but to also make the re-build process less stressful.

There is a lot to think about when re-building and this is our way of giving back,” Velji says.

“This has been a pretty intense time in Calgary and I really want to try and give back to a city that has given me so Aly Velji much.”

Find out more at www.alyveljidesigns.com or follow him on Twitter at #DesignRelief.

Delighted in Dressage For those of us who don’t know what Dressage is, it’s a series of precision ‘dance’ moves performed by horses in special competitions. It’s also the name of the exclusive enclave on the west side of the community of Silverado that overlooks the world famous Spruce Meadows equestrian facility.

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In addition to the great location, homes in this upscale area feature highlights such as unique architectural design, built-in pools and outdoor entertainment centres, and huge lots.

Augusta Fine Homes recently opened their new show home in the area and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. In fact, the ‘wow’ factor is definitely there in the Ellis, a 2,209-square-foot bungalow with triple attached garage and optional walk-out basement development. Which, by the way, adds another 1,846 feet to the livable space in the home.

And speaking of spaces, there’s plenty of it in this home — starting with the16-foot vaulted ceiling. A stunning natural stone fireplace surround spans the entire height, bracketed by dark wood built-in shelving on either side. The kitchen is open and inviting, the pantry is handy, the entries are well-thought-out, there’s plenty of eating areas, and an outdoor deck space overlooking the back yard and green strip — but the single most noticeable thing for me when I walked through this home was the amount of natural light.

There are windows everywhere, big ones, little ones, vertical, horizontal, encouraging the sun’s life force to flow through the home in a way that just makes you feel, well, good.

But don’t take my word for it, visit the home yourself. Regular show home hours are Monday to Thursday 2-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

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calgary map n Northwest/Northeast

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calgary map n Southwest

Chestermere

Rainbow Falls · Westcreek · Westmere

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Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map

AIRDRIE

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Dealing with the aftermath CHBA offers flood recovery tips

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s Calgary and area residents are slowly allowed to return home and assess damages, the health and safety of individuals is of utmost importance at a time when many are vulnerable.

“It is important for homeowners — and the many wonderful volunteers — to protect themselves at this time,” says Doug Whitney, president of Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region. “As well, homeowners could be approached by unscrupulous scammers who are not qualified. We encourage homeowners to arm themselves with knowledge and a list of questions to ensure the contractors are legitimate. It’s a stressful situation for everyone as it is without adding to it.”

People working outside should ensure they bring enough water, sunscreen and bug spray.

Wear a hat. People are encouraged to wear coveralls, or at the very least, old clothes that may need to be thrown away afterwards, rubber boots and heavy-duty rubber gloves.

Bring a mask.

“People won’t know what they may face with some sewer backups and noxious gases, so please be careful,” Whitney says. The City

of Calgary has guidelines to entering homes for the first time to ensure everyone’s safety.

Once damage has been assessed and the rebuilding process begins, please protect yourself from the fly-by-night contractor who is not qualified.

The CHBA – Calgary Region website, www. chbacalgary.com has a wealth of timely information on everything related to the flood,

including a live blog with updates on where help is needed.

CHBA and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. teamed up to help homeowners “Get It In Writing” before hiring a contractor. The website helps guide consumers through the process of planning and completing a successful home renovation.

“We encourage consumers to ensure they are dealing with professionals. Ask questions such as whether the contractor is a member of RenoMark ™. Contractors must not only belong to a home builders’ association, which has strict criteria to join and where members abide by a Code of Ethics, but must provide proof of licensing, warranty and insurance annually with their membership renewals.

Check references, make sure the contractor has liability insurance, Workers Compensation, and is properly qualified. Ask if they have a warranty.

“Get a written contract, and protect yourself,” Whitney says.

“Residential construction is a very complicated, exacting process and you must make sure you have the right person to do the rebuilding.” NL

advertiser index n Brookfield Residential Auburn Bay page 42 Cardel Homes page 11 Cardel Homes Evansview page 29 Cedarglen Homes page 4

DS Homes page 49 Genesis Builders EvansRidge FC, pages 14-16 Hopewell Communities Copperfield page 21 Hopewell Communities Mahogany page 47

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Innovations by Jayman New Brighton page 55 Marketplace Events Home + Design Show page 17 Mattamy Homes Cityscape page 56

NuVista Homes Aspen page 44

United Comunities Nolan Hill page 36

Sabal Homes page 6

Vesta Properties Williamstown page 5

Tamani Riversong page 9 United Comunities Drake Landing page 28

Walton SkyView Ranch page 33 West Creek Developments Legacy pages 2-3

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hope at large

By Marty Hope

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Hope for the homeless Brookfield CEO spearheads industry fight against homelessness Calgary’s home builders and land developers have stepped up to the plate again — this time swinging for the fences.

“I guess it took about an hour, less than that really, because we were talking golf and some other stuff. I got some sandwiches and that was about it,” says Alan Norris with a wide grin recalling a meeting he hosted to seek the home-building industry’s financial support in getting a leg up on the serious shortage of affordable, permanent, and supportive housing in Calgary.

Calgary’s housing and development industries have always been quick and very willing to step forward to provide charitable assistance with shelter- and health-related issues. So it came as no surprise to Norris that financial and practical support came so quickly. Who knows, though, maybe some nibblies and a round or two of golf fibs helped a little.

You see, these days Norris is much more than president and chief executive officer of Brookfield Residential Properties Inc., he’s the current chair of the Calgary Homeless Foundation as well as chair of the RESOLVE fund-raising campaign.

And it was while wearing these deux chapeaux that he invited some good buddies from Albi Homes, Homes by Avi, Jayman MasterBuilt, Shane Homes, Qualico, Morrison Homes, and Cedarglen Homes over to Brookfield’s boardroom to pitch the opportunity to help with the 10-year Plan to End Homelessness in Calgary — an ambitious plan to provide roofs for those in need.

In return for the sandwiches and banter, each member of the two foursomes of housing execs have contributed $1.4 million each ($11.2

million in all) toward the construction of affordable housing for what Norris terms the “most vulnerable” element of Calgary’s population.

The RESOLVE fundraising effort, comprising nine organizations committed to ending homelessness, has been in the works for about 18 months with a goal to banking about $120 million to pay off existing debt and build homes. The challenge to end homelessness is slightly more than halfway through its decade-long timeline, having kicked off in January 2008. Since then, more than 4,000 people have been housed, yet shelters continue to work at or near capacity.

And don’t kid yourself, there is a desperate need.

“We think we can assist well over 3,000 individuals,” says Norris. “The goal is to give people a hand up, to get a roof over their heads. If they can get a roof over their heads, it’s much easier, then, to deal with other challenges.”

He adds: “We’ll build the product that most addresses the various needs in the community.”

The agencies involved in the 10-year challenge will select the properties they feel are best suited for the needs of their clients — likely in established communities with access to transit and nearby amenities, what style of housing will best work for the site, and will deal with getting the required permits from the City of Calgary. The builders will act as general contractors.

The nine agencies charged with finding shelter for clients are: Accessible Housing

Alan Norris

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Society, Bishop O’Byrne Housing for Seniors Association, Calgary Alpha House Society, Calgary Homeless Foundation, Calgary John Howard Society, Horizon Housing Society, Silvera for Seniors, The Mustard Seed Foundation, and Trinity Place Foundation of Alberta.

With a corporate plate already piled high enough to sate even the biggest of appetites, Norris continues to give back to the community through his Brookfield responsibilities and several extra-curricular activities.

Recently, he was presented with the 2013 Distinguished Business Leader Award by the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce — and it was presented by a former housing industry colleague, Jim Dewald, now the Dean of the Haskayne School.

Back some 13 years ago, Dewald left Hopewell Residential Communities where he was president and chief executive officer. Then and through the intervening years, Dewald has seen the level of commitment to Norris has to his industry and the people of Calgary.

“Alan Norris is a community leader in every sense. He has built a world-class company and then shared his expertise with the Calgary Homeless Foundation to provide housing options for all citizens in our society,” Dewald says. “Alan’s approach to business, his personal life, and the philanthropic work exemplify 5 4 n e w home liv in g Au gust 2013

a combination of community caring and can-do spirit that make Calgary a great city and make him a deserving recipient of this award.”

Later, over a coffee at a neighbourhood Second Cup, Dewald loosened his tie, smiled recalling the Fleetwood Mac concert he and his wife attended, and chatted about Norris and the affordable housing challenge.

“Warehousing isn’t the way to approach affordable housing, you need a stable housing environment, one that provides a solid foundation for people who will then be able to get on with resolving other issues in their lives,” Dewald says.

The approach being taken by the RESOLVE campaign whereby agencies will identify land and let builders do what they do best is the right way.

“There is and always has been an optimistic attitude among builders and developers, and Alan Norris as head of the homeless foundation, just adds more to that optimism,” says Dewald. The Distinguished Business Leader Award goes to someone who has made a real difference in this city and Alan is a natural choice.

For more information on RESOLVE and the Calgary Homeless Foundation, visit www.calgaryhomeless.com. NL

Left to right: Allan Klassen of Albi Homes, Jay Westman of Jayman, Scott Haggins of Cedarglen, Alan Norris of Brookfield Residential, Glynn Hendry of Qualico, Dave Gladney of Morrison Homes, Monte Kendall of Homes by Avi and Cal Wenzel of Shane Homes.

Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry.

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