contents A p r il 2014
n
volume 6 issue 49
8
Cover Feature
8 Uncommonly stylish builder turns 20
ACOA Owners’ corner
21 Vacation proof your condo
Alberta mainstay Sabal Homes marks two decades in building for form and function
22 Urban Development
Condo Profile
Walker Lake Gate looks good to astute condo buyers
10 Ground floor opportunity
NEws
Features
Institute
Working for land developers, homebuyers and commercial property owners
30 Tales from the condo zone
13 Innovation, dedication
What’s New?
and commitment
Edmonton builders shine at annual awards gala
24 Just the facts
Alberta Economic Dashboard provides easy access to important stats
25 Happy trails;
13
A snowball’s chance
Early Easter
items
6 Editor’s Message 19 Around Town 26 Maps 27 Ad Index A p r il 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 5
editor’s message
Zanger checks in
PU B LISHER
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca
While in Edmonton for the Economic Forecast dinner earlier this year, and again this past weekend at the Awards of Excellence, in addition to the great dinner and speakers, I also had the opportunity to chat personally with some of the folks who officially represent the local housing industry. I’m talking about the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton Region (CHBA – ER) and Urban Development Institute (UDI) — and came away from my conversations suitably impressed. With such experienced, dedicated and passionate people leading the charge, Edmonton-based builders and developers, as well as consumers, are clearly in good hands. Further, these groups boast a solid working relationship with all levels of government, unlike some cities I could name, where the municipal government and the housing industry genuinely don’t get along. The work these organizations do is ultimately to the benefit of homebuyers, and I encourage you to check out their websites (and the UDI feature article in this edition) for breaking news, events and advice that might interest you. As for our regular new home and condo coverage, we’ve got lots of that too, starting with Sabal Homes and their 20th anniversary celebrations. I did some snooping around myself this month, and came up with some ‘news you can use’ in Around Town, while good friend of the local home building industry Joy Van Marck also checked out a couple of new communities in the first of what I hope will be many editorial contributions. Meanwhile, this magazine’s former editor, Ann Sutherland, gives us the condo lowdown at Carlisle’s Walker Lake project. As for our regular columns, if you want some serious expert advice on condominium living make sure to follow the Alberta Condominium Owners Association (ACOA). For some not-so-serious condo talk, mixed in with some hockey, turn to my Condo Tales on the inside back cover. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to hit the indoor driving range. I’m visiting Palm Springs in April and have a wicked slice to fix.
A s s o c i a t e PU B LISHER / E d i t o r
Jim Zang
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Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca G R A PHI C DESI G N e r S
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megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca production administrator
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca Editorial
June A. Donaldson, Rusty Lehay, Ann Sutherland, Joy Van Marck, Shelley Williamson d i r e c t o r o f S A LES
Norma Robertson norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca A d v e r t i s i n g S A LES
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New Home & Condo Living™ is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Edmonton and area. One-year subscriptions are available for $12 in Canada, $48 internationally. New Home & Condo Living™ accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to: enleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request.
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@EdmHomeandCondo 6 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A p r il 2 01 4
EdmontonHomeandCondoLiving
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Cover Feature
Vasi show home at Trumpeter.
Insight show home.
UncommonlY Stylish Builder turns 20 Alberta mainstay Sabal Homes marks two decades in building for form and function
T
hough it has seen many milestones since the company began as Basal Homes two decades ago, the more things change, the more they stay the same at Sabal Homes. The home builder, who just hit the 3,000 mark in home sales last year, is still offering buyers smart, desirable abodes to call home in communities in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane and, of course, Edmonton. “Sabal Homes was founded to provide uncommonly stylish homes to a starter and first-time move up buyer, and as we grow and offer new product types and price points, we continue to remain strong in these two markets by providing
First year of selling more than 100 homes with 137 home sales
Becomes accredited with the Alberta New Home Warranty Program 1994 Company is founded as Basal Homes
8 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A p r il 2 01 4
1996
great designs that suit our customers,” says Larry Fan, who founded the company two decades ago and remains a director on Sabal’s board. While 2014 marks a coming of age of sorts for the company, the best is yet to come. “The future will only see more exciting developments, with plans to launch unprecedented new show home models that will cater to a wide range of home buyers in both Calgary and Edmonton in 2014,” says Richard Daley, senior vice-president of operations for Sabal. “This year, we are also branching into the Edmonton marketplace with our multi-family offerings, and, we’ll
1999 Becomes a Certified Master Builder
2003
Opens first Edmonton show homes 2004 Opens its first designSense Studio in Calgary
2007
2009 Hits 100 staff in Calgary and Edmonton
Cover Feature
“The future will only see more exciting developments, with plans to launch unprecedented new show home models...”
be launching many other exciting new initiatives as well, which we’ll detail throughout 2014 on our new ‘Year of Innovation’ website, sabalhomes.com/20years.” In Edmonton, the builder is crafting new single-family show home addresses in the coveted communities of Trumpeter, Secord and the brand-new master-planned community of VITA at Crystallina Nera. As it always has, Sabal will offer plenty of home-buying opportunities for buyers to get excited about in the city this year, says marketing manager Nicole McLaws. “In the beautiful northwest community of Trumpeter, we will be opening a brand new Vasi2 garage show home early this summer,” Mclaws says. “This stunning family home is just over 2,500 square-feet and features an open-concept main floor, private den off the front foyer, second floor laundry and entertainment room, and three bedrooms, including a spacious master retreat.” With close proximity to St. Albert and a prime location adjacent to Lois Hole Provincial Park and Big Lake, Trumpeter is the ideal spot to dig in roots for those looking for a home close to all amenities, yet surrounded by nature, adds McLaws. Sabal has had a presence in Secord for several years, but will open five new show homes this year in the Hopewell Residential community. Wins Multi-Family Builder of the Year at the CHBA – Calgary SAM Awards
Sabal Edmonton moves into new office and expanded designSense Studio
Unification with Hopewell to become Hopewell Residential
2010
“Surrounded by mature trees and natural wetlands, Secord’s beauty and prime west-end location make this community one of Edmonton’s most desirable and is easily accessible from anywhere in Edmonton,” notes McLaws. Coming this summer are two front garage show homes by Sabal in Secord. The homes, themselves, will offer as much appeal as their coveted community — from the Reflex’s 1,900-square-feet of liveability including a walk-through mudroom and dual master bedroom walk-through closets, to the impressive inner expanse of the Vasi2, which boasts a private mainfloor den, second-floor laundry, and cosy entertainment room centred in the heart of the second floor. By fall, three laned show homes will round out Sabal’s single-family Secord showcases, which McLaws promises will “include brand new, innovative details that haven’t been seen yet in the Edmonton marketplace.” And though they are two of the builder’s newest show homes, McLaws says that Sabal’s model duo in VITA at Crystallina Nera is also among its most popular with buyers. The Xeno sports a fresh “Haute Moroccan” style, which helps maximize its 1,280 square-feet, while the Insight’s “Farmhouse Fresh” décor shows off its best attributes, including an open floor plan, main-floor den, well-appointed kitchen and practical second-floor laundry. People are as drawn to VITA as they are the stylish laned-style homes, says McLaws, citing a convenient location off the Anthony Henday with close proximity to CFB Edmonton Garrison. For more information please visit sabalhomes.com/20years. n
2013 Combined with Edmonton and multifamily, Sabal sees 600 sales in a year
Sabal Homes turns 20 2014
Sabal Edmonton places second in North America for percentage of sales from referrals
A p r il 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 9
condo profile
Ground floor opportunity C
arlisle Group hasn’t even broken ground on their new condominium project, Walker Lake Gate, in southeast Edmonton, and it’s already proving to be popular with eager buyers. Located in the Walker Lake Landing neighbourhood, the Carlisle Group is constructing two four-storey buildings starting this spring with possession dates of early 2015. Sales for Walker Lake Gate are as brisk as our winter winds. Pre-sale frenzy for Building One has already seen 81 of the available 91 apartmentstyle units sold, according to Kim Laskin, area sales manager. “We launched sales for Building One in December and it’s close to being sold out,” he says. “We’re launching Building Two on March 1 and expect it to be just as popular.” Building Two will have 99 units ranging in size from 615 to 1,025 square-feet. There are 10 different layouts from two-bedroom, twobedroom plus den, and three-bedroom options. The show suite, which is at Carlisle’s Heritage Landing development, is a spacious two-bedroom packed with style and comfortable conveniences: large windows, in-suite stacked washer
10 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A p r il 2 01 4
Walker Lake Gate looks good to astute condo buyers
By Ann Sutherland
and dryer, and a master bedroom with walk-through closet to the ensuite. The modern kitchen includes a flush eating bar and four appliances. The suite’s foyer has closet and storage space, plus a small open-concept den that’s the perfect size for a desk and bookshelves. It’s not just the stylish suites that are drawing people to Walker Lake Gate. More than anything, it’s the price. Buyers can get into the market starting in the $130,000s for a two-bedroom suite or three-bedroom starting in the $190,000s. That includes surface parking, although underground heated parking is available at additional cost. “No one touches us in terms of price,” says Laskin. “We’re going into our fourth year here in Edmonton and we’ve sold 1,600 units in the past three years.” Buyers are pleasantly surprised with what Carlisle Group offers. “Our standard specifications are sensational with contemporary laminate countertops
condo profile
and melamine cabinets for instance,” says Laskin. “But when people hear the price of our upgrades they don’t even hesitate.” For $795 you can upgrade to wood cabinets or to granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. “Walker Lake Gate is a beautiful product at a reasonable price,” says Laskin. “It’s a win-win for everyone.” With prices in reach for many, it’s not surprising that Walker Lake Gate is popular with first-time buyers and young professionals. There is no age restriction so it’s an option for young families as well. It’s also very popular with downsizers who want money left over for a comfortable retirement and a hassle-free lifestyle. And it’s not unheard of for there to be repeat customers. “We actually have a lot of repeat customers. We really take care of them and they like the price and product, so they come back to us,” says Laskin. Location is another draw. Situated at 50th Street and Walker Lake Common, it’s just off Ellerslie Road and within a few minutes drive to the Anthony Henday. A major transit station and a Park ‘n Ride are steps away. Nestled in a park-like setting, residents can take advantage of the several parks, ponds and walking trails. A new recreation site and a future retail centre are under construction in the neighbourhood. Ellerslie Road boasts all the amenities — schools, groceries, banks and restaurants — practically out the door, while South Edmonton Common is a quick drive down the road for more shopping choices. n
“Walker Lake Gate is a beautiful product at a reasonable price.”
Fast Facts Builder: Carlisle Group Project: Walker Lake Gate Style: Apartment-style condominiums, two and three-bedroom suites Size: 615 – 1,025 square-feet Price: Starting in the $130,000s for two-bedroom and in the $190,000s for three-bedroom Address: 50th Street and Walker Lake Common Show Suite Address: Heritage Landing, 11803-22nd Avenue S.W. Hours: Monday to Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m.; Weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m. Web: www.walkerlakegate.ca
A p r il 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 11
news
Innovation, dedication and commitment Edmonton builders shine at annual awards gala
O
n Saturday, March 15, 2014, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton Region hosted its 34th Annual Awards of Excellence in Housing Awards Gala, formerly known as the Sam Awards, to a sold out crowd of over 1,600 people. The Awards of Excellence in Housing pay tribute to the best in sales and marketing ideas, outstanding products, superior home building, and exceptional neighbourhoods. Simply put, they’re the best of the best. Brookfield Residential was one of the big winners on the night, taking home seven awards in total, including Best Community and the very important New Homebuyers Choice Award from the Professional Home Builder Institute. Other multiple award winners included Large Volume Builder of the Year winner Homes by Avi, Kimberley Homes, Carrington Communities and Perry Signature Homes. Congratulations to all the following winners of the 2013 Awards of Excellence in Housing! n
Small Volume Builder of the Year: Kimberley Homes Large Volume Builder of the Year: Homes by Avi Multi-Family Builder of the Year: Carrington Communities DEVELOPMENT Best Community Entrance, Logo & Signage Alldritt Land Corporation – Granville Best Community Landscaping & Amenities Canada Lands Company – Village At Griesbach Best Show Home Parade Beaverbrook – Greenbury Best Community Brookfield Residential – Lake Summerside BUILDERS CHOICE Supplies or Manufactures a Tangible Product Directly to the Builder/ Renovator All Weather Windows Supplies and Installs a Tangible Product directly to the Builder/Renovator Gem Cabinets Supplies a Service Directly to the Builder/Renovator Progressive Home Warranty Solutions Inc.
Large Volume Builder of the Year – Homes by Avi
LEADERSHIP Best Leader Rohit Communities
A p r il 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 1 3
news
Landmark Group of Builders — Magrath Green
Sterling Homes (Edmonton) Ltd. — Design Q
APARTMENT STYLE Best Multi-Family under $250,000 StreetSide Developments – Canterbury Best Multi-Family Apartment Style $250,000 to $350,000 StreetSide Developments – Durham Best Multi-Family Apartment Style over $350,000 Carrington Communities – Lammond TOWNHOUSE/DUPLEX STYLE Best Multi-Family under $275,000 Homes by Avi – Marshall Best Multi-Family $275,000 to $300,000 Bedrock Homes – Birk Best Multi-Family $300,000 to $330,000 Marcson Homes Ltd. – The Oliver
Kimberley Homes — Essence
Best Multi-Family $330,000 to $425,000 Kimberley Homes – Essence Best Multi-Family over $425,000 Dolce Vita Homes – Capri TOWNHOUSE/DUPLEX DEVELOPMENT Best Townhouse/Duplex Project Landmark Group of Builders – Magrath Green RENOVATION Best Exterior Renovation Ackard Contractors Ltd. – Saskatchewan Drive Residence Best Interior Renovation A Cut Above Living – Scoggins Best Renovation under $200,000 Ackard Contractors Ltd. – Lessard Drive Residence SALES CENTRE Best Sales & Information Centre — Single-Family Jayman MasterBUILT – Orchards
1 4 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A p r il 2 01 4
White Eagle Homes Ltd. — The Blue Diamond #1
news
Best Sales & Information Centre — Multi-Family Carrington Communities – Ellerslie - Wernerville (E’scapes Conominiums) Best Design Centre / Show Room Sterling Homes (Edmonton) Ltd. – Design Q SINGLE-FAMILY WITHOUT ATTACHED GARAGE Best Single-Family under $250,000 UrbanAge Homes Inc. – Design 18 Best Single-Family $250,000 to $300,000 Pacesetter Homes – Lexi B Best Single-Family over $300,000 Perry Signature Homes – Newport BUNGALOW/BI-LEVEL Best Single-Family under $350,000 Daytona Homes – Versa IV Best Single-Family $350,000 to $450,000 Coventry Homes Inc. – Aurora Paradise Best Single-Family over $450,000 Perry Signature Homes Inc. – Greyhawk TWO STOREY/SPLIT-LEVEL WITH GARAGE Best Single-Family under $275,000 Homes by Avi – Yorkdale Brookfield Residential — Lake Summerside
Best Single-Family $275,00 to $300,000 Tristate Signature Homes – Malbec Best Single-Family $300,000 to $325,000 Homes by Avi – Wellesley Best Single-Family $325,000 to $350,000 Crimson Cove Homes Inc. – O’Regan Residence Best Single-Family $350,000 to $375,000 Coventry Homes Inc. – Omega Best Single-Family $375,000 to $425,000 Marcson Homes Ltd. – The Kimberley Best Single-Family $425,000 to $500,000 UrbanAge Homes Inc. – The Copperwood Best Single-Family $500,000 to $600,000 Kimberley Homes – New Hampshire IV Best Single-Family $600,000 to $750,000 White Eagle Homes Ltd. – The Blue Diamond #1 Best Single-Family $750,000 to 1 Million Perry Signature Homes Inc. – Chelsea
Homes by Avi — Marshall
Best Estate Home over $1 Million Rimrock Elevations – The Opulence
A p r il 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 15
AROUND TOWN By Jim Zang
Happy Birthday! Sabal Homes is having an exciting stylebration to mark its 20th anniversary and thank past, present and future homebuyers. To celebrate this momentous occasion every single Sabal homebuyer between March 1, 2014 and July 19, 2014 will be entered into a grand prize draw for $20,000. In addition to the 20-week, $20,000 grand prize contest, all Sabal homebuyers will enjoy plenty of perks and prizes over a full year, ranging from March 1, 2014 to Feb. 28, 2015. All new Sabal homebuyers receive a beautiful customized front door gripset and a $2,020 gift card to Sabal's designSense Studio. Twenty years of building innovative, high-quality and uncommonly stylish homes has seen Sabal Homes grow from a three-person enterprise in 1994, to a company of over 200 today. Sabal has built
thousands of homes since its inception, always priding itself on its attainable pricepoints, wide range of features and lasting value. “We’re proud of all that we’ve accomplished in 20 years,” says Richard Daley, Senior Vice President, Operations, “and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to provide uncommonly stylish, well-built, and thoughtfully-planned homes to thousands of families.” 2013 was a notable year for Sabal, as it opened a brand new office and designSense Studio in Edmonton; rose into a Top 10 position for Edmonton permits; sold a record 600 homes across Alberta; and unified with Hopewell Residential Communities to become Hopewell Residential. For more information on Sabal's anniversary, contest, innovation or more, please visit sabalhomes.com/20years
Viva Vita Walton Development held a special VIP preview of their new community, VITA at Crystallina Nera, on March 22, with a ribbon cutting followed by the official public community grand opening. The community offers a selection of home styles and unique designs appointed through Craftsman, Prairie, and Modern resulting in diverse yet harmonious streetscapes. Eight beautiful new show homes are open, including by Morrison Homes, Sabal Homes and Homexx. Positioned in Edmonton's thriving north, VITA offers plenty of convenient opportunities for indoor and outdoor recreation, nearby shopping and dining, and an easy commute throughout Edmonton via Anthony Henday Drive. VITA is located at 77th Street and 181st Avenue, or visit www.liveatvita.com
Props to Brookfield peeps Brookfield Residential’s employees in Calgary and Edmonton have been awarded “Best Employees in Customer Satisfaction Nationwide” by Avid Ratings Canada for providing exceptional customer experience. Avid Ratings Canada is the country’s leading industry award program and provides professional, third-party surveys to help track customer experience with homebuilding companies from across Canada. Ten of Brookfield’s employees were among those who made the cut out of thousands of home building employees from across Canada. The awards are presented to those in the top fifth percentile based on customer surveys collected by the Avid Ratings GoSurvey program between July 2012 and June 2013.
Housing starts Actual housing starts in the Edmonton CMA increased 25 per cent from 619 in January 2013 to 776 in January 2014. Both the number of single-detached starts and multi-family starts increased on a year-over-year basis. Foundations were poured on 388 single-family homes in January, up from 304 a year prior. There were also 388 multi-family housing starts in January, a 23 per cent increase from the 315 units started in the same period of 2013. The number of single-detached housing starts in the Edmonton CMA increased 28 per cent in January. Within the City of Edmonton, 290 single-family homes were started, up from 218 one-year prior. Strong employment growth of 3.6 per cent in 2013, coupled with elevated migration, will continue to drive demand for single-family homes in Edmonton in 2014. A low vacancy rate in the Edmonton CMA has helped support construction in the multi-family sector. The averaged absorbed price for a new single-detached home increased 10.5 per cent in January to $562,354, up from $508,847 in January 2013. n A p r il 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 19
ACOA OWNERS’ CORNER ALBERTA CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCIATION (ACOA)
Vacation proof your condo Whether you own or rent, when taking a vacation or leaving your unit for a period of time (even a long week-end), take steps to protect your home and investment. Don’t get caught up in the idea you can simply “lock it and leave it”! Here are a few things to do before you close that door. If you own, ensure you have comprehensive insurance on your unit and contents. If you rent, ensure you have a tenant’s insurance package to cover personal effects. Insurance companies have taken a beating with disasters of all types coming their way in southern Alberta last year. Insurance claims are now very carefully evaluated. Know owner insurance responsibilities as outlined in the condo bylaws. If you aren’t fully covered you run the risk of being held financially and legally responsible for damage to your unit and neighbouring units should a fire, flood or other nightmare take place while you are away. Do not skimp on insurance for your unit, contents and liability. The condominium policy will not cover your contents or damage caused to the contents of neighbouring units and you do not want to be in a position where you are held responsible for damage to yours and other units. Let the management company and condo board know your contact information, destination and return date. Provide them with contact information of a trusted individual who has a key to your unit and who can access your unit while you are away. Check with your insurance company and learn how often your home is to be inspected during your absence. Often, the requirement is every 72 hours however requirements vary so make certain you know what is required in your policy.
When leaving your unit, ensure your windows and doors are closed and locked. Set heat to an acceptable temperature should a storm hit. Turn off water taps inside your unit. Put the hot water tank on “vacation”. Discontinue your paper and have someone collect mail or flyers. If you are in a townhome condo, set up an automatic light system so it appears someone is home. Condo bylaws allow the board to access your home in the case of an emergency or after a 24-hour notice has been given. For example, if you are in Australia and something unfortunate happens, emergency people might have to enter your unit to address the situation. That is why leaving your contact information and a key with someone you trust is wise as it might be necessary for someone to enter your home before you arrive home. If a key is not available the board does have the right to access and charge the owner, or renter, for incurred costs. When arriving home, personally thank those who helped you while you were away. By taking responsibility for as much as you can prior to leaving means you should be able to lock it and leave it and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. n This month’s article by Dr. June A. Donaldson, ACOA Vice President.
The Alberta Condominium Owners Association (ACOA) is a non-profit association intended to represent ALL Alberta condominium owners and give them a concerted voice in issues that affect living in a multi-family environment. Co-Founders are Bernice M. Winter and Dr. June A. Donaldson, Calgary based business women who have diverse and extensive condo, business, entrepreneurial and academic experience to bring to this most necessary initiative. Visit www.Albertacoa.com for more information and how to become a member. A p r il 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 21
| Advertising Feature |
Working for land developers, homebuyers and commercial property owners
Urban Development Institute E
verything the Urban Development Institute (UDI) does, they do for you. When they represent developer interests at various levels of government, they do it for you. When they offer special guest speakers to industry members, that’s for you. And when they work with home builders and commercial property owners to help bring you better communities, well, they’re definitely doing that for you too. Because, when you’re talking about the land development industry, the consumer’s the end of the line. Every single thing that happens in the process before you, the homebuyer, even get involved affects the final purchase price of your home.
So who is UDI? The easy answer is the official one, right off their membership kit: they’re a regional non-profit association representing the development industry. Their 180+ members include residential, industrial and commercial development companies and complimentary professionals such as planners, surveyors, architects, engineers, contractors, lawyers, financial managers, municipalities and utility companies. On a more personal level, they’re your next-door neighbour. Your son’s hockey coach, or daughter’s Girl Guide leader. They’re people just like you; living, working and playing in Edmonton’s communities. For that reason, their commitment to the cause is genuine. And there’s no one more committed than Rick Preston, 2 2 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A p r il 2 01 4
| Advertising Feature |
executive director of the Edmonton chapter of the UDI. Preston, who’s been heads up the local UDI office under the direction of a ten member, volunteer board of directors, believes the Capital Region land development and housing market is well-positioned for the future. But he’s also been around long enough to know that things can change in an instant (does 2009 ring a bell for anyone?), and that, in an industry where long-term planning is a necessity, decisions made now can have consequences years down the road. “We have an educational job to do,” he says. “We need to raise awareness of some of the issues surrounding land development. For example, who pays what for various services to be brought into new developments. If we were to do a public opinion poll right now, today, most people wouldn’t know what development companies pay for in terms of getting land serviced and ready for housing and commercial development.” Throughout the Edmonton Region, UDI plays a strategic role in planning for development whether it’s in the downtown, mature areas, or the new suburban areas of the region. For them, meeting the needs and demands of the marketplace through innovation and creativity are the cornerstones of providing places for people to work-live and play. UDI also enjoys productive relationships with various municipal governments and specific key departments within those governments, something Preston says is absolutely necessary to “have an environment that is conducive to growth.”
That’s important now, more than ever, for a lot of different reasons. High employment and wages, increasing in-migration, and stable interest rates; plus high rents and low apartment vacancies; are all combining into a perfect storm of increased demand for new homes which exert upward pressure on housing costs. Luckily for Edmontonians, “We’ve got Rick Preston a great council and Mayor,” says Preston. Right now, says Preston, “infrastructure is probably the greatest challenge due to costs. Costs which eventually get passed on to the consumer and affect affordability of new homes.” And that’s where UDI comes in, working with government and developers, bringing the parties together to anticipate challenges and proactively draft a co-operative response that’s a win-win-win situation for municipalities, companies and ultimately homebuyers. n
Just the facts • According to the City of Edmonton’s Economic Outlook 2012-2013, the city will have in-migration of another 7,400 people. • A study by Will Dunning Inc., an independent economic research firm, estimated the value of residential construction in the Edmnton region to be approximately $5.6 billion in 2012. This resulted in the creation of 17,200 person years of employment, the equivalent of 573 separate 30-year careers. • UDi estimates the remaining suburban neighbourhoods in Edmonton will require about 25 years to complete, including around 185,000 housing units. • Based on government imposed charges and land taxes, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation estimates that residential construction in Edmonton will generate approximately $8.2 billion in revenues over the next 25 years. • UDI estimates 775 hectares of commercial development to support housing in Edmonton suburbs will boost combined total economic value from both residential and commercial development to more than $149 billion over the next 25 years.
A p r il 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 2 3
news
Just the facts
Alberta Economic Dashboard provides easy access to important stats By Rusti Lehay
W
hen you are ready to buy a house, a lot of things go into making your decision. Factors like location, price and size of the home come to mind. But criteria like population demographics and growth statistics, as housing prices increase, are becoming more important as things that could be the difference between making a good and bad long-term investment. Which is just one reason why the new Alberta Economic Dashboard is good for consumers. It offers current, meaningful economic statistics analyzed in plain lingo for accessibility. The first of its kind in Canada, Deputy Premier, Dave Hancock and Todd Hirsch, Chief Economist with ATB Financial, launched the Alberta Economic Dashboard at Startup Edmonton on February 21st. The AED provides economic metrics information specific to the Alberta
2 4 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A p r il 2 01 4
economy on a variety of topics, like housing starts, average weekly earnings, and employment rates, to name just three of the 26 categories regularly updated. For homebuyers, it’s good to know work or business — and housing — opportunities exist before you move. For example, did you know Alberta accounted for 87 per cent of Canada’s employment gain between February 2013 and February 2014? To try the AED visit www.economicdashboard.albertacanada.com n
what’s new? with Joy Van Marck
Happy Trails Aspen Trails in Sherwood Park, a Genstar Development community, recently celebrated the opening of four beautiful new show homes. Marcson Homes features the Aberdeen, a 2,345-square-foot three-bedroom home, with tandem three-car garage and oversized mudroom. With a private den plus bonus room on the upper level, it can be easily converted into a four-bedroom home. Coventry Homes’ Elara boasts 2,706 square-feet of living space with three bedrooms. This home is highlighted by an impressive circular staircase and a spa-inspired master suite. You don’t need to have a butler to love the spacious walk-through butler’s pantry. Park Royal Homes’ popular floor plan, the Tiffany, has 1,928 square-feet of living space. This cozy design has a centrally located staircase off the great room
and kitchen. The upper level bonus room is separated from the family bedrooms by a split staircase. Homes by Avi’s the Glendale, a 2,146-squarefoot three-bedroom home, features a spacious front entry and double-sided fireplace in the great room connecting to the outside deck. The kitchen hosts an abundance of cupboards, plus an extended island with eating bar and a walk-through pantry. Aspen Trails offers a rich motif of heritage detail and colour. The show homes are located on Armitage Crescent. From Lakeland Drive go north on Aspen Trail then right onto Armitage. n
Early Easter Easter is coming early at Dansereau Meadows in Beaumont. Dansereau Meadows, a United community, is celebrating the opening of four new show homes on Saturday, April 5, from noon to five. Join in on some early Easter fun with food and beverages plus enter to win a Crosstrail Sport Disc bicycle. CISN Country 103.9 will be on site with a remote. Three well-respected builders are showcasing four beautiful homes. Pacesetter Homes features the Kristana, a 2,333-square-foot threebedroom move-up singlefamily home with front attached double garage. Just a few of this show home’s highlights are a large island kitchen, walk-through pantry,
and upper floor laundry. You can also ask about the Pacesetter townhomes soon under construction. Caliber Master Builder’s the Quinnell IV, a 1,863-square-foot two-storey move-up singlefamily home with front attached double garage has an innovative floor plan. A two-storey great room, fully developed basement, walkthrough front entry closet and cornerstone fireplace are just some of its best features. Landmark Communities presents two fabulous semi-detached homes. The Apex III, with singlecar garage, has 1,514 square-feet of living space while the Apex III, with double-car garage, showcases energy efficient solar panels. Dansereau Meadows is easy to get to and has all the amenities close by. Just turn west onto Rue Montalet off 50 Street and follow the signs. n
Joy Van Marck has been a fixture on the local new housing scene for more than 25 years, working for both industry publications and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton Region. When it comes to knowing who is developing or building what, and where, nobody knows more than Joy. A p r il 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 25
CITY OF EDMONTON MAP
INNER CITY Legend Shopping Centre
Point of Interest
Hospital
College /Universitie
CONDO PROJECTS 1. Aurora 2. Serenity 3. Axio Parkland 4. Mosaic Meadows Parkland 5. Windermere Village 6. Macewan Gardens 7. Sandstone at Walkers Lake Station 8. Aspen Meadows 9. Meridian Plaza 10. The Corners 11. Griesbach Wood II 12. Griesbach Wood III 13. Carlton Villas on the Lake 14. Trails of Millcreek 15. The University Brownstones 16. Century Park 17. Hollick Kenyon Pointe 18. Evergreen Community 19. Maple/Oak Ridge Community 20. The Esates of Upper Windermere 21. The Ion 22. Grand Scala 23. Heritage Landing 24. 12th Street Station 25. Mosaic Town Square 26. Mosaic Summerside 27. Axio in Parkland 28. Stone Pointe 29. Aspen Meadows 30. Walker Lake Landing 31. Rutherford Landing 32. Fox One 33. Fuzion
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Condo Project New Home Project
NEW HOME PROJECTS 1. Walker Lake Estates 2. Lewis Estates 3. Secord 4. Parkland 5 The Hamptons 6 Copperwood 7 South Hamptons 8. The Properties of Donsdale 9. Cameron Heights 10. Terwillegar Towne 11. South Terwillegar 12. Palisades 13. Upper Windermere 14. Windermere Ridge 15. Ambleside in Windermere 16 Rutherford 17. Callaghan 18. Walker Lakes Station 19. Lake Summerside 20. Ellerslie Heights 21. Tamarack 22. Griesbach 23. Fields of Summerside 24. Allard in Heritage Valley 25. Tuscany Hills 26. McConachie Landing 27. McConachie 28. Laurel 29. Ravines of Richford 30. Trumpeter at Big Lake 31. Axio Summerside 32. Touchmark 33. Hawks Ridge at Big Lake 34. Woodhaven – Edgemont
ADVERTISERS INDEX Avid Ratings Canada www.avidratings.ca
Page 18
Brookfield Residential Mosaic Shores www.livebrookfield.com
Page 12
Carlisle Group Page 20 Elements II / Heritage Valley Station www.elementscondos.ca www.heritagevalleystation.ca Hunter Douglas www.hunterdouglas.ca
Page 16
Landmark Homes www.landmarkgroup.ca
Page 24
Sabal www.sabalhomes.com Tamani Communities Southfork Leduc www.southforkleduc.com Urban Development Institute www.udiedmonton.com
FC, Page 31 Pages 2-3
Page 4
Walton Development McConachie www.mcconachie.ca
Page 32
Walton Development VITA www.liveatvita.com
Page 7
Walton Development Page 17 Woodhaven Edgemont www.woodhavenedgemont.com
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EDMONTON AND AREA MAP NEW HOMES 1. The Banks of Sturgeon Valley 2. Erin Ridge 3. North Ridge 4. Tuscany Hills 5. The Crossing at River’s Edge 6. The Manors of Oakmont 7. Regency Heights Estates 8. Kingswood 9. Greystone Manor 10. Pinnacle Ridge Estates 11. Riverstone Pointe
CONDOS 1. Lakeview Estates 2. Sierras of Inglewood 3. Grande- Mission Hill 4. Tenor 5. Sage Gardens
NEW HOMES 1. Stony Village 2. Brookview 3. Graybriar 4. The Fairways 5. Willow Park 6. Lake Westerra 7. Stellar Homes
CONDOS 1. Laredo On The Park 2. Station 33 3. Stony Village 4. Graywood Terrace 5. Cedar Brae 6. Urbia Place
NEW HOMES 1. Jesperdale 2. Stoneshire 3. Harvest Ridge 4. Deer Park Estates 5. Hilldowns 6. Spruce Village 7. Spruce Ridge 8. Hawthorne at Heatherglen 9. Springate at Spruce Ridge 10. Legacy Park 11. Lakewood
CONDOS 1. Parkland Village 2. Fairway Eight 3. Harvest Ridge 4. Nova Ridge Villas 5. Spruce Ridge Manor 6. The Pointe 7. Kingstreet on Park
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EDMONTON AND AREA MAP NEW HOMES 1. Village Champlain 2. La Rose 3. Grandin Park Close 4. Notre Dame Estates 5. The Lakes
NEW HOMES 1. Valley Pointe Estates 2. Forest Ridge in West Park 3. Westwood Trails 4. West Woodlands 5. Southfort 6. Southpointe 7. Sienna
CONDOS 1. Village Champlain 2. Maple Brooks Villas 3. La Rose
CONDOS 1. Riverview Estates 2. Fort Gardens 3. Walnut Grove
NEW HOMES 1. Strathcona Village 2. Aspen Trail 3. Summerwood 4. Lakeland Ridge 5. Clarkdale Park 6. Foxboro 7. Willow Ridge/The Ridge 8. Sherwood Hill Estates 9. Balmoral Heights 10. Fountain Creek Estates 11. Sherwood Golf & Country Club Estates
CONDOS 1. Pallisades on the Ravine 2. Strathcona Village 3. Crystal Estates 4. Axxess 5. Summerwood Greens 6. Maple Ridge & Oak Ridge
NEW HOMES 1. Deer Valley 2. West Haven 3. Bridgeport 4. Aspen Creek 5. Suntree 6. Windrose 7. Southfork 8. Tribute 9. Meadowiew Park
CONDOS 1. Brooklands at Bridgeport 2. Ravine Villas 3. Urbia Manor 4. Urbia Green 5. The Springs at Bridgeport
NEW HOMES 1. Coloniale Estates 2. Montalet 3. Citadel Ridge 4. Eaglemont Heights 5. Montrose Estates 6. Westbrook 7. Four Seasons Estates 8. Goudreau Terrace 9. Triomphe Estates 10. Beaumont Lakes 11. Place Chaleureuse 12. Beau Val 13. Royal Oaks
CONDOS 1. Coventry Homes 2. The Village at Beaumont 3. Beausjour 4. Montrose View 5. Giselle Valley Manor
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Feature
Tales from the condo zone A snowball’s chance Story by Jim Zang Illustration by Lama Azhari
W
ump! I’d recognize the sound anywhere. I did grow up in Canada,
after all. It’s the sound of a near miss. The sound a loosely packed snowball makes when it meets an immovable object, in this case the outside wall of my condominium. “Hmm,” I think to myself, and return my attention back to Hockey Night In Canada. The Oilers and Canucks, on hi-def on a 50inch screen, no less. Wump! Wump! Wump! The impacts are louder even than Don Cherry, who’s ranting on about players who wear athletic cups being sissies, or some-
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thing like that. “Back in my day,” he says in a surprisingly deep voice … As for the snowballs, Gordie Howe rules apply: once is an accident, more than that and someone needs straightening out. So I turn down the volume on Coach’s Corner — Ron MacLean is making a bad pun about bell ringing — and head for the patio doors to see just who is interrupting my Saturday evening ritual. I part the curtains and glance out. Nothing. Nobody in sight. Hmm. I pop the deadbolt, slide the door open, then the screen, just enough to squeeze out sideways and head out on to the deck, carefully closing the door behind me so as not to let the cold air in. Big mistake. Wump! Wump! Wump! Snowballs are exploding all around me now, showering me with their slushy shrapnel. I scramble to take cover behind the barbecue and try to peer through the base, out over the edge of the balcony to the ground below. Still nothing. Nobody. Wump! Wump! Wump! And the snowballs are still coming. And then I notice something from the safety of my barbecue bunker vantage point. The snowballs aren’t coming up from the ground at all, but rather are arriving on a downward trajectory. They’re coming from above. I scan the building opposite, part of a neighbouring condo development, and, sure enough, there he is on a deck, about 20 metres away and three
floors up, grinning like a Cheshire cat. And, to make it worse, he’s wearing a Vancouver Canucks jersey. That explains the poor snowball construction and marksmanship, but it doesn’t help my situation any. I’m still stranded on my deck, sans ammunition. Why, why did I sweep the snow off my deck last week?! To get to the barbecue, of course, but jeez what I wouldn’t have done for a little pile of snow. And maybe a coat. And some mitts. I hear the roar of the crowd on the TV through the window and I know someone’s scored. Henrik, as I’ve nicknamed my new adversary, must have heard it too, as he’s stuck his head back into his condo to see what’s happened, turning the back of his number 33 jersey towards me. I scramble out of hiding and into my man cave, safe. I look at the TV and see it’s actually the Flames who’ve scored. Again, to take a big lead into the second period. I straighten my trusty Oilers jersey, a number 99, and throw back the curtains, ready to taunt my nemesis, but he’s not there. I’m disappointed. So disappointed that I make sure to haul up a green garbage bag of loose snow the next morning, just in case. After all, it is a home and home series and there’s another game tonight. I’ve got my jersey on overtop of my parka, and a plastic garbage can lid for a shield, as I venture out onto my deck at the start of the game. Ostensibly to light my barbecue. Baiting my trap. But my target never shows. Maybe he moved. Maybe someone reported him to his condo board. Maybe he’s like the Canucks and only attacks when he thinks you’re not looking. Or maybe, just maybe, he’s one of those guys Don Cherry was talking about. In which case he’s got about as much chance of winning as the Canucks, a snowball’s chance. n