New Home & Condo Living - November 2014 by Source Media Group

CoNteNts No v E m BE R 2014 n v oL U m E 6 I S S U E 5 6

8 covER fEAtURE

8 Uncommonly stylish Sabal show home stands out from the crowd fEAtURES

11 Heritage Homes Historic residences have an interesting tale to tell

24 Urban Development Institute

Working to make Edmontonians’ lives better commUNItY PRofILE

14 Life made simple

tALES fRom tHE coNdo ZoNE

VITA at Crystallina Nera oﬀers aﬀordable northeast living close to creature comforts dESIGN & dEcoR

17 Holiday entertaining Making the most of small spaces WHAt’S NEW?

30 Senior living

Saskatchewan-style

ItEmS

6 Editor’s Message 25 Around Town 26 Maps

21 Show home parades

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editor’s message

PUBLISHER

Best is yet to come

Source Media Group

info@sourcemediagroup.ca

With Thanksgiving and Halloween over, the leaves falling, we’re truly into late

A ss o c ia t e P U B L I S H E R / E d i t o r

fall. All that’s left now is for the snow to come, at least it hadn’t when I wrote this. It’s an interesting time of year because you start to look back and think “where

Jim Zang

jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca A R T D I R E CTO R

Jean Faye Rodriguez

has the year gone?” At the same time, some of the best of

jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca

the year is still to come.

G R A P H I C D E S I G N er S

Rylyn Kvarnberg

Our magazine is like that this month too. We take a

rylyn.kvarnberg@sourcemediagroup.ca

look back, visiting a handful of Edmontons historical

Dave Macaulay

residences — including the McLuhan house and the

dave.maucaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca

George Durrand residence — but we also look to the

megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca

Megan Sereda

future, as we hear from the Urban Development Insistute

pr o d u c t i o n a d m inis t ra t o r

about how they’re working to make our quality of life

Colleen Leier

colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca

even better. For most Edmontonians, thankfully, it’s

E d i t o rial

pretty good right now.

Stephanie Dubois, Rosalyn Lazaruk, Ann Sutherland, Joy Van Marck, Shelley Williamson

Our cover feature puts the focus on Sabal Homes’ eight new show homes in Secord Landing, with the spotlight on the Reflex model. With such a great location, quality

d ire c t o r o f S A L E S

Norma Robertson

character construction, family-friendly design and affordable pricing — it’s a

norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca

hard act to follow.

A d v er t ising S A L E S

But follow it we must, with a feature on Walton Developments VITA at

Jennifer Mills

jennifer.mills@sourcemediagroup.ca

Crystallina Nera. This master-planned community is host to several reputable builders and some of the city’s most affordable starter home condos. You’d be

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surprised what $140,000 can buy you!

ISS N 1918 - 4 4 6 8

Bringing up the rear, as always, are our regular columnists: myself, designer-

P RI N TED I N C A N ADA

extraordinaire Rosalyn Lazaruk, and the ubiquitous Joy Van Marck. I’m the numbers guy, of course, with the CMHC housing start stats, while on the lighter side you can join Rosalyn for some holiday entertaining tips or hopefully get a chuckle out of my Condo Tales. Out on the road, the intrepid Mrs. Van Marck visited no fewer than five new communities to bring us all the latest show home openings. It’s news you can use, from the people who know, every month in New Home & Condo Living magazine.

© Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express 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 & 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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EdmontonHomeandCondoLiving

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Canadian Home Builders’ Association

COVER FEATURE

Uncommonly stylish Sabal show home stands out from the crowd

sually when someone talks about a house being a ‘character home’, you can substitute the word ‘old’ for the word ‘character’. And, as any fan of TVs Home & Garden network can tell you, when you buy an older home, you’re often buying someone else’s problems. That’s what’s so fantastic about Sabal Homes by Hopewell. Their character homes are all fresh builds, with plenty of opportunity for customer input. Take the Reflex show home, for example, located in the community of Secord, at 1361 Secord Landing N.W. The two-storey, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom show home is one of eight models the company is offering in the area, and it’s making a big impression on prospective home buyers, says Marketing Manager Amanda Henderson, especially professional couples and families. “When people visit the show home, they are impressed by how well laid-out, and how functional the space is. They love the openconcept, amount of natural light, and are surprised how much we have fit into 1,890 square-feet. They also enjoy seeing how well the décor compliments the home, as it really sets Sabal apart from other home builders.”

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Indeed, this Craftsman-style home features unique roof lines that add definition to the streetscape of the community. Warm, neutral tones of siding are complemented by feature rock flanking either side of the garage and front step column. A simple thing like staggering the placement of shakes gives this home an appeal like no other. With a west-facing backyard and full landscaping, this home’s curb appeal comes full circle. Adding to its already charming personality, the home is decorated in a “Concrete & Pearl” style palette. Concrete has a strong, organic-like presence that, when combined with the natural beauty and sheen of pearl, creates a serene and tasteful design pairing. Layered neutrals in soft whites and greys are accented with alluring metallic finishes of copper, rose gold and chrome. Walking into a welcoming entry that’s open up to the second floor and lit by a stunning chandelier, the Reflex literally invites guests in. For residents, a mudroom, off the attached front-garage, houses handy storage lockers and a convenient side-by-side laundry.

COVER FEATURE

Fast Facts Community: Secord Developer: Hopewell Residential Model: Reflex Builder: Sabal Homes Style: Single-family, two storey Size: 1,890 sq. ft. Price: Starts in the $470,000s Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m., closed Fridays Web: www.sabalhomes.com

Moving into the home, the warm, light tone of Havana Oak laminate flooring is fashionable and functional underfoot. The kitchen is spacious, featuring extended-height cabinets, stained in a modern grey shade, along with a side pantry and peninsula cabinetry, providing plenty of storage. Cool grey quartz countertops are highlighted by potlights and uniquely shaped pendant lights over an eatat peninsula. Stainless steel appliances add to sharp and clean feeling of the space. The dining room is defined as a space of its own through a beautiful gold wallpaper treatment and ultramod chandelier, while a 20-square-foot nook extension is added to the room providing ample space for a large dining table, and looks out onto the rear deck and west facing backyard. Centered as the focal piece of the open-concept living room is the modern and contemporary Lambda gas fireplace. Topped off with an asymmetrical mantel, the fireplace shows like a piece of art. Upstairs, a rear entertainment room awaits, along with two generously sized bedrooms and main bath. Down the hall to the front of the home, the master suite is secluded and offers it’s own comforts in the form of an ensuite with dual sinks and his and her walk-in closets. Pricing varies depending on upgrades and such, but right now, in Secord, the Reflex starts around the $470,000s. The show home is, of course, fully loaded. Sabal Homes has been building their brand of character homes in the capitol region for nearly eight years now, says Henderson, at a pace of almost 200 per year.

In addition to Secord, she says, they’re currently building in communities like, McConachie, Trumpeter, Hawks Ridge, Woodhaven, and Vita at Crystallina Nera. “You can build this model in every community where we offer front-garage homes. In Edmonton, that would be all communities with the exception of Vita where we focus on our laned home offering.” Secord provides the perfect harmony of new homes in an established, amenity rich community. Surrounded by mature trees, natural wetlands, parks, playground, and picnic areas, Secord’s beauty and prime west-end location make this community one of Edmonton’s most desirable, and is only minutes away from additional amenities, including schools, shopping and dining. In this current phase, says Henderson, “we have around 40 lots, with approximately half still available, starting in the $140,000s. “Secord is a desirable neighbourhood and people like that it is already well-established compared to other newer communities in the area. We are now into our last phases, so people who want to be in the community are jumping on the chance.” n

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feature

Heritage Homes Historic residences have an interesting tale to tell By Ann Sutherland

troll the streets of neighbourhoods like Old Strathcona, Oliver or Highlands, and you’ll discover our heritage in the form of dwellings that make our city what it is today. These buildings add character, but more importantly house our heritage and stories that built our city. We highlight three noteworthy buildings that were built in the early part of the 20th century, when Edmonton was a boom town. These dwellings have been saved from the wrecking ball thanks to Municipal Historic Resource designations which restrict what alterations can be made and also ensure they can’t be demolished without City Council’s consent.

Le Marchand Mansion – Oliver

Overlooking the North Saskatchewan River in the Oliver District, LeMarchand Mansion boasts an impressive display of French Beaux Arts architectural elements.

LeMarchand Mansion – Oliver

The four-storey, H-shaped building is now commercial space for offices, but for decades it was considered the most luxurious apartment building in Edmonton. Located at 11523-100 Avenue, construction on LeMarchand Mansion started in 1909 and was completed in 1912. Named after its owner, Rene LeMarchand, a Parisian entrepreneur, the building was touted as the finest and most modern apartment west of Toronto. Edmonton was booming at the time, and the luxury apartments became home to some of the city’s affluent citizens — doctors, lawyers, politicians and businessmen. It was designed by A.M. Calderon, a Winnipeg architect, and built by Charles May, one of Edmonton’s leading contractors who used nothing less than the best construction techniques and high quality materials. It had 43 suites that ranged in size from four to nine rooms, and were equipped with modern conveniences such as a gas burning stove and an electric dumbwaiter. The building was also home to Edmonton’s first elevator. Each suite, as well as common areas, was finished with exquisite decorative elements and beautiful woodwork. In the lobby was a brass-hooded fireplace, marble flooring, and stained glass. The exterior was no less magnificent: red brick façade and sandstone trim, wrought iron balconies, columns and arches, and parapets.

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FEATURE

McLuhan House – Highlands

McLuhan was a year old when his family moved into the home at 11342 - 64 Street in 1912. His Parents bought the lot the year before and built the bungalow-style home for $3,000.

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After World War II, lower level suites were converted to offices. In 1977 the building was given Provincial Historical Resource designation and $4.5 million restoration work was performed. Today all of the suites have been converted to offices and boutiques. A 16-storey condo highrise, LeMarchand Towers, has been built to the east of LeMarchand Mansion as a nod to one of Edmonton’s most elegant pre-World War One buildings.

McLuhan House – Highlands

Marshall McLuhan, Canada’s celebrated philosopher of communication theory and mass media, who coined such terms as ‘the medium is the message’ and ‘global village’, was born and raised for the first four years of his life in a modest home in Highlands. McLuhan was a year old when his family moved into the home at 1134264 Street in 1912. His parents bought the lot the year before and built the bungalow-style home for $3,000. At around 1,500 square-feet, the house was considered modest for the times. It was designed by Nesbitt & Morehouse and built by a local contractor, Baily

FEATURE

The Durrands lived in the house until 1920 and was a private residence to two other families until 1969. It was then converted into office space by an engineering firm in 1974 and is now occupied by a health services group. & Berry. Set back from the street, it’s built in the Craftsman style and has a rustic feel: low-pitch roof, exposed beams, and full open veranda with tapered square columns and concrete block piers. It also features horizontal wood cladding on the lower level, cedar shingles on gable ends, and double hung wooden sash windows. The McLuhans lived there until 1915 when they moved to Winnipeg. They still owned the house and rented it out until 1923 when they sold it to Gladys Griffith, a teacher and assistant principal at Highlands School. It went through three other owners. When the last owners decided to sell in 2012, and knowing the history of the house, they wanted to make sure it would be preserved and not torn down. In June 2012, a hundred years after the McLuhans had moved in, the house was saved from the chopping block when Arts Habitat purchased the house with support from the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Arts Council. Linda Huffman, executive director of Arts Habitat, says the home is a way of honouring McLuhan as one of 20th century’s greatest thinkers. “Even though he moved away at the age of four, he continued to have a relationship with Edmonton and often spoke fondly of his ties with the city and Western Canada.” Arts Habitat, an organization that finds and manages space for the arts, has its office in the house. Several rooms will be writer’s studios, plus the garage will be an artist’s studio. Other areas of the house can be rented by groups for meetings or readings.

George Durrand Residence – Old Strathcona

The stately Durrand house is one of several homes along Saskatchewan Drive where affluent middle class folks built homes in the early 1900s. With a beautiful view of the North Saskatchewan River, the two and one-half storey brick house was built between 1912 and 1914 at 10417 Saskatchewan Drive. Built for the exorbitant price of $8,000, the house is a fine

George Durrand Residence – Old Strathcona

example of Edwardian style. Its symmetrical architecture and neoclassical elements imply grace and stature. Its grand entrance, behind an arched front porch with six columns, commands attention. A complex roofline and facades add to the grandeur of the dwelling. Bay windows are found above the grand entrance as well as on the east and west sides of the home. Inside, the grandeur continues. According to the Old Strathcona Foundation, the home featured “generously proportioned receptions spaces that reflect the value of formal entertaining among the social and business elite of the time.” George Durrand, a noted contractor who worked in the construction industry, arrived in Strathcona with his family in 1892. Given that he worked in construction, his home was built using the finest materials and high quality craftsmanship. The Durrands lived in the house until 1920 and was a private residence to two other families until 1969. It was then converted into office space by an engineering firm in 1974 and is now occupied by a health services group. The house was declared a Municipal Historic Resource in 2002. Although some modifications have been made to the front porch, much of the original features such as wooden floors, doors, trim and ornamentation remain. n N OV E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H OME & C O NDO L I V IN G • 1 3

COMMUNITY profile community PROFILE

Life made simple VITA at Crystallina Nera offers affordable northeast living close to creature comforts

By Shelley Williamson

uite simply, the word vita comes from the Latin root for life. So it stands to reason that Walton Development and Management L.P.’s (Walton’s) community of VITA at Crystallina Nera is a master-planned neighbourhood where life gets a little simpler. Easily accessed by the Anthony Henday ring road, VITA is conveniently nestled in northeast Edmonton at 82 Street and 180 Avenue, north of 167 Avenue and close to many of the city`s creature comforts. “VITA is about simplifying life — the pleasure of purchasing a beautiful new home at an attainable price point while staying close to transportation routes, restaurants and shopping,” says Jill Curtis, marketing co-ordinator for Walton. Within the 84.4-acre community, the streetscape blends traditional and modern styles, with something available to suit every buyer. Meanwhile, the charming northeast neighbourhood was designed to mirror the Lake District of Northern England, including gently rolling ground, water features and flowers throughout in sweeping plant beds. Connectivity of the natural areas throughout all parts of VITA at Crystallina Nera is a key principle of development for the community. When complete, part of the VITA’s community’s space will include more than 15 acres of open space and storm ponds. At build-out in four years, VITA will be home to about 470 singlefamily homes, plus two condominium developments. The builder group, which Curtis notes is “top-notch”, offers a wide selection of styles and products. Among them, Homexx is crafting front-attached garage addresses from the $400,000s as well as detached garage homes with practical rear lanes along with Sabal and Morrison Homes, priced from the affordable $300,000s. Front-drive lot sizes vary from 34 to 38 feet in width, while the rear drive lots span from 28to 32-foot widths. “Couples and families with roots in the northeast, looking to move

Connectivity of the natural areas throughout all parts of VITA at Crystallina Nera is a key principle of development for the community.

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COMMUNITY profile community PROFILE

into a single-family home with or without an attached garage,” says Curtis, adding, “Homebuyers in VITA love the architectural styling, attainable price point, choice of builder and home style and easy access to keep life simple.” In addition to the single-family selections, buyers looking to get into their first address, or perhaps pare down responsibilities like snow shovelling and landscaping to live life even more simply, have been purchasing VITA Estates condominiums at pre-sale prices starting in the $130,000s by Carlisle Group, which are currently selling out of Carlisle’s McConachie sales centre. The community first opened in November of 2013, and sales have been strong in the first phase, so much so that Walton has recently released lots in Stages 1B. Home elevations include modern, prairie and craftsman, all which add to the property’s staying power in terms of value. “We’ve seen some fabulous elevations from our home builders, particularly in the modern styles,” says Curtis. Punctuated by clean lines, large windows, interesting roof pitches and using sleek finishing materials, these popular architectural styles offer an eye-catching urban contemporary design, she adds. And careers, education, transit, and leisure pursuits are never far away from VITA front doors, as the community is situated for quick access to myriad established amenities nearby, including restaurants, grocery stores, schools, coffee shops, retail outlets, services and recreational facilities. “People like the fact that it’s already close to established neighbourhoods. You don’t feel like you’re getting out of town to get to your new home. It is part of town,” says Curtis. n

Fast Facts Developer: Walton Development and Management LP Community: VITA at Crystallina Nera Builders: Homexx, Sabal Homes and Morrison Homes Price: Single-family front-attached garage homes starting in the $400,000s; single-family homes with rear-detached garage potential from the low $300,000s; and pre-sale condominiums by the Carlisle Group are priced from the $130,000s. Location: 82 Street and 180 Avenue, just off 167 Street Hours: Show homes are open Monday to Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., weekends from noon to 5 p.m. Web: liveatvita.com

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desigN & dÉCor

Holiday entertaining Making the most of small spaces By Rosalyn Lazaruk

t is overwhelming thinking about having all of your family and friends over during the holidays when your space is limited. There is a definite feeling of needing to amp up your usual Friday night entertaining that consists of a few snacks, a bold glass of red and a favourite board game! Take a few tips and tricks when entertaining in small spaces that will help make the night enjoyable for all … even the host!

a sheet of plywood to lay over the table. Be sure to protect the finish of the table underneath and throw a tablecloth on top, now you have seating for 12-14! If your group is larger be sure to have old-school TV trays and nesting tables for guests that don’t mind being seated at the sofa!

SImPLE IS ALWAYS tHE WAY to Go!

From the menu to the décor keep things simple. The more items you have, the more cluttered and overwhelmed the space will feel. Have a bar set up in an unused nook, keep it to wine, beer, and a signature cocktail or punch. When it comes time to set tAKE A Good LooK ARoUNd the table only set what you really need. Stem less wine glasses What will you be using and what is just in the way? Use your bedroom as storage for the evening and remove any are multipurpose; great for water, wine or punch. Go slim and tall for centrepieces. Serve your guests at a buffet away from pieces that just add clutter to the space. Alternatively, look in other rooms for furniture that may be repurposed the main table. Don’t go crazy with to many dishes, a main with for the evening. Long dressers moved onto an open wall a few fabulous sides and of course a show-stopping dessert will can act as a buffet for the evening while a shorter dresser leave everyone more than satisfied. or tall nightstand can be a make-shift bar. Pull out extra LEt tHERE BE LIGHt! seating from bedrooms and oﬃces to accommodate Small spaces are cozy as it is so don’t worry so much about extra guests. creating mood lighting. Have your overhead lighting on SIt doWN oR EAt WHERE YoU SIt? dimmers and be sure to turn on all table and floor lamps. If you have a table that extends to seat all of your guests Candlelight always creates a warm glow, set up on mantles (a separate kids table is fine) you have already planned or higher shelves to ensure they don’t get bumped! Bring in well for small space living! Most nooks or small dining mirrors from other areas of your home. Lean them on mantles, rooms accommodate a table that seats four or six, if bookshelves or floor standing in corners. They will reflect the you plan to have more for dinner and your table is not light making the room brighter and also give the illusion of extendable, head to the nearest hardware store and grab depth making the space feel larger. n

Designer Rosalyn Lazaruk established her business, Wicket Blue Interiors, in 2004. She has a broad repertoire in designing personal spaces within the home, as well as in implementing intriguing space and design concepts within the commercial setting. The frequent Home Show presenter is devoted to developing and implementing unique design ideas that reflect the vision and individuality of her clients. To see more of Rosalyn’s design ideas visit www.wicketblue.com.

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AROUND TOWN By Jim Zang

CHBA – Alberta announces new President TALLY HUTCHINSON OF the Daytona Group of Companies was announced as the CHBA – Alberta’s new president during the BUILD 2014 conference in Jasper, September 18-20. Hutchinson, who has served on the boards of both CHBA – Alberta and Edmonton Region, became President of the Edmonton-based Daytona Group of Companies in 2007. The company was founded in 1993 by Tally’s father, Ralph Hutchinson, who served as CHBA – Alberta President in 2007. “Residential construction is one of Alberta’s most important industries,” he says, “with investment of more than $18 billion in new home construction and renovation. This year builders are expected to start work on 38,600 single and multi-family homes — that’s more than 100 homes a day

and up seven per cent over 2013.” One concern Hutchinson has, “is that prices are also rising in many cities and making it more diﬃcult for Albertans — especially young people — to achieve the dream of home ownership. Our Association

Tally Hutchinson

will be focused in the coming year on ensuring that provincial government leaders understand the impact of new legislation on the affordability of homes and choices about how and where people live.” CHBA – Alberta is actively engaged in the review of the Municipal Government Act and consultations for proposed changes to the Condominium Property Act. “These are complex pieces of legislation,” he says. “But the principles we bring to the table for discussion are simple. How will changes affect the price of homes, and are they fair to our customers and our industry? We look forward to working with Premier Jim Prentice and his team to find solutions that will support economic growth and provide Albertans with the high quality of life that makes this province a great place to call home.”

Looking good THE PROSPECTS FOR Greater Edmonton’s home building and renovation industry remain bright, according to a report by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta (CHBA-AB) and backed up by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) statistics. One of the main reasons is migration into Alberta continues at high levels due to the continued growth of the labour market and low unemployment. The CHBA report says to look for continued strong housing demand going into 2015. So far in 2014, total housing starts in the Edmonton CMA have decreased by about nine per cent from the first nine months

Housing starts for edmonton Cma of 2013 to 10,038 units, due mainly to fewer row September 2013 September 2014 Jan-Sep 2013 Jan-Sep 2014 and apartment starts. single-detached 518 616 4,474 4,924 However, a slowdown multiples 559 684 6,546 5,114 was anticipated considtotal 1,077 1,300 11,020 10,038 ering that 2013 saw the second-highest number of multi-family starts on record across the single-family homes have sold this Capital region. year at price points below $450,000. Single-family home builders are enDespite an improvement in new semi-dejoying an active year, with starts to the tached activity this year, multi-family starts end of September up by 10 per cent from from January to September were down by year-ago levels to 4,924 units. During 22 per cent from the first nine months of the same time frame this year, CMHC’s 2013 to 5,114 units. average absorbed new house price was The local renovation and resale sectors up by 5.4 per cent from January through are also expected to continue to benefit August of 2013 to $552,102. Fewer new from the strong housing market activity. n N o v E mB E R 2 01 4 Ne W H o me & C o Nd o L i V iN g • 19

WHAT’S NEW? with Joy Van Marck

augusta arrives in Langdale at auGusta Fine HoMes, everything is about the finer things. Recently the estate home builder offered all the finer things to prospective clients and invited guests in their new Langdale show home. Augusta Fine Homes teamed with local businesses to provide an experience of art, fine cars, food and drink. It began with a perusal of the new Lexus LS 460F Sport on the driveway, and inside guests were offered fine wine from deVine Wines & Spirit and enjoyed an array of palate pleasing hors d’oeuvres from chef Andrew Fung of Nineteen that spanned a grand kitchen island. The kitchen, a centre of any good party, held over 50 people as they networked and enjoyed the evening. The two-way fireplace and large upstairs lounge area boasted beautiful art pieces from local artist Annette Sicotte for everyone to enjoy. Located in Langdale,

southwest Edmonton, this flagship home priced at just under $1.1 million has all the fine details that transform a house into a home. The Shaughnessy, with 3,064 square-feet of luxurious living space, is a combination of outstanding elegance and owner convenience. The floor plan was created for family living and entertaining, and it shows. It was designed with comfort, inspiration and individuality in mind — capturing the essence of the finer things in life. Residential construction expert, Sandra Young, Vice President of Augusta Fine Homes, has many years of experience in the housing industry and with her specialized and dedicated team of skilled designers, trades people, installers and sales professionals, is proud to deliver estate homes that not just meet, but exceed expectations. Be sure to visit the show home at 640 – 180 Street SW, and see for yourself how fine details transform a house to a home, or visit augustaedmonton.com for more information and register online for the their newsletter to hear about future events.

Cy Becker beckons cy becKer, a QuaLico community, announced the opening of five new show homes to the already amazing choice of housing available in this popular northeast Edmonton neighbourhood. Saturday, November 15 from noon to 5 is the oﬃcial opening day but drop by anytime and tour a new home that’s just perfect for you. Coventry Homes opens two single-family show homes with front attached garage; featuring The Titan, at 2,600 square-feet.; and the Pandorian, with 2,035 square-feet. Sterling Homes features two single-family show homes as well; the Thomas, with 2,470 square-feet; and the Tiera II, with 1,769 square-feet of comfort and convenience. Connect Homes makes the scene with The Kaylan, a 1,532-square-foot single-family show home with rear lane access. Cy Becker, named after one of Alberta’s first bush pilots and finest wartime flying Aces, is developed for residents to experience “life in motion” in a neighbourhood built with an active lifestyle in mind.

Step outside your door and enjoy fully integrated walking paths, parks, ponds and green spaces in this vibrant, quality built, family friendly area. Cy Becker is easy to find, south of Anthony Henday and east of Manning Drive on 167 Avenue . Visit the new show homes by taking 167 Ave and turn north on 50 Street then right on Cy Becker Boulevard. The new show homes are on your right. After visiting the Coventry, Sterling and Connect homes, continue on Cy Becker Boulevard to even more amazing show homes to view.

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WHAT’S NEW?

Greenbury graces ‘the Grove’

Greenbury, a brownstone community, in Spruce Grove recently opened five beautiful new show homes. This amazing neighbourhood by Beaverbrook is located beside the 60-acre Jubilee Park and has walking trails, plenty of green space and is adjacent to a new K - 9 school anticipated to open in 2016. The Brownstone style is incorporated into all of the urban design elements in the neighbourhood. The homes are dominated by brick or stone and the colours are of a darker palette. It’s a timeless, theme providing lasting style and real value. Quality builders provide a variety of homes including rear-laned homes, front attached garage homes, frontattached garage duplex homes as well townhomes, triplex and fourplex homes. There is something for everyone in Greenbury. Alquinn Homes presents the Daly with 1,512 square-feet of home and a spacious 16 x 24-foot front attached garage; and a rear-laned show home, the Aurora with 1,418 squarefeet of living space and double detached rear garage. Alquinn Homes also builds duplex, triplex and four plex homes, offering multiple floor plans to choose from.

Cami Comfort Homes features the Cambridge,, which measures in at 1,684 square-feet. This open concept home with many special features has a rear detached garage. The Listowel, by Western Living Homes, checking in at 2,346 square-feet, has impressive design elements and an amazing three-car tandem garage Dolce Vita Homes presents the Tropea, a stunning 2,598-square-foot home with walk-through pantry and upper floor laundry. Soon to open by Dolce Vita is the Dante C double front attached garage duplexes. There are two floor plans to choose from, the 1,685-squarefoot, three-bedroom home or the 1,535-square-foot, two-bedroom home. To experience this inspiring community take Century Road in Spruce Grove, go east on Grove Drive and continue past Jubilee Park and the entrance to Greenbury is on the next left. Look for the show home banners. For more info you can go to greenbury.ca

Meadowview moving on Meadowview, in Leduc, offers the ideal lifestyle: a comfortable home in a quiet community with an urban centre just minutes away — all at an affordable price. Located in Southeast Leduc, the community is a short drive from the QEII, making the International Airport and Edmonton easily accessible. Residents are minutes from downtown Leduc, the Recreation Centre, schools, churches, parks and trails. Meadowview offers single-family and duplex style homes, constructed by three builders: Connect Homes, Homes by Santos, and Tristate Homes. A mature community with discerning architectural controls, Meadowview features a variety of lot sizes and types of housing, nearby schools, and plenty of green space for all ages to enjoy. The opening of the latest phase of

2 2 • NE W H OME & C O NDO L I V IN G N OV E MB E R 2 01 4

the community is the first of many in the coming years. Drop by the grand opening of Meadowview’s new single-family homes on November 8 and 9. Come and see well-appointed homes with quality features and innovative designs, enjoy some delicious food, and enter to win some fantastic prizes. Whether you are looking for a duplex home or a single-family home with front-attached garage, there are a variety of floor plans to choose from in contemporary or traditional finishes. To visit the show homes, from Rollyview Road turn right on C.W. Gaetz Road (RR 250), then right onto Meadowview Boulevard, arriving at the show homes on Meadowview Drive located to your right.

WHAT’S NEW?

One at Windermere ONE at Windermere, a Beaverbrook Community in popular southwest Edmonton, recently celebrated the opening of four new show homes. Visit the new premier show homes, stating from $800,000, by Ace Lange Homes and Dolce Vita Homes. Ace Lange Homes, features the Belle, a contemporary modern design with 2,773 square-feet. Dolce Vita presents the Valley, a prairie elevation home with 2,876 square-feet. Also just opened is Bedrock Homes’ duplex models. The Avery checks in at 1,800 square-feet, and the Adele features 1,742 square-feet, both have front double-attached garage. One at Windermere has easy access to all amenities, a wide array of retail shopping, theatres, golf courses and is only a few minutes from the Terwillegar Recreational Centre. Close to the Anthony Henday allows you to be anywhere with ease. Architectural guidelines for all housing options offer individual yet complementary home styles in One at

Windermere, contemporary modern and prairie modern. So you get to choose the home that best reflects your own taste and personality both inside and out in a neighbourhood with a unique identity. To Visit ONE at Windermere take Anthony Henday, turn south on 170 Street (Terwillegar) then right at Windermere Boulevard. Turn right again onto Windermere Wynd. The Premier show homes are straight ahead. To reach the duplex models turn right on Ware Crescent and follow the road around to the show homes. For more information, visit oneatwindermere.com 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.

N OV E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H OME & C O NDO L I V IN G • 2 3

Feature

Urban Development Institute Working to make Edmontonians’ lives better By Stephanie Dubois

reating better communities for Edmontonians and surrounding residents is what the Urban Development Institute-Edmonton Region (UDI-ER) does best. The non-profit’s primary role is to represent more than 180 land development industry members, which includes planners, surveyors, engineers and others to give them a platform when it comes to growth. “In short, we’re an advocacy group for the land development industry. We’re essentially a voice for that new homebuyer, the new industrial development owner or the new retail owner in a commercial area who don’t currently have a voice. That’s the voice we’re representing,” said Jordan Davis, chair of UDI-Edmonton Region. Land development is a hot topic in the Edmonton region at the moment, as regional progress is on a steady incline to match the population growth, something which contributes to the increasing role UDI-ER has in the area.

Feature

Developers are some of the biggest drivers to the region’s economy and for the Edmonton region, which signified an end residential construction value of $5.6 billion for 2012. The combined total economic value (direct, indirect and induced) from both residential and commercial development in remaining Edmonton suburbs is estimated at $149.21 billion over 25 years. The local non-profit is working with this regional growth, as they engage with both industry professionals and city officials on a municipal level, with a provincial UDI group engaging with Alberta authorities for province-wide issues. Land development can be a lengthy process but UDI-ER officials work locally to ensure once farmers’ fields get zoned into lots and developed by planners, regulations are followed and zoning is changed when needed so that ultimately, homeowners can one day enjoy their new home. “The representation we do is on a regional level, so with the different municipalities around the Edmonton region — with the City of Edmonton being the main organization we would chat with,” said Davis. One of the specific initiatives UDI-ER is tackling at the moment is the engineering drawing approval process within the City of Edmonton. Davis says with Edmonton’s growing community, it can be difficult to get a speedy approval from city officials. They want to change that for developers and builders. “It is taking quite some time to get through that process so in turn the costs are going up, which means the prices are going up for that new home buyer. It’s our goal to bring on good product, create beautiful communities but also keep it very cost competitive as well,” said Davis.

…with Edmonton’s growing community, it can be difficult to get a speedy approval from city officials. They want to change that for developers and builders. Founded in Calgary in 1958, UDI chapters are established across the province, with the UDIEdmonton Region known to be one of the most active in Alberta. Moving forward, UDI-ER representatives say there are numerous benefits to the region as development growth continues. “If you look at the employment numbers, they’re quite good, we have a lot of net migration into the area too and we have some amazing projects that are well underway in Edmonton right now. All of this happens because of the growth our city and region is seeing right now. That in itself is a huge positive,” said Davis. He added there are some negatives to the growth happening in the region, one of which includes the ‘growing pains’ when it comes to the approval process due to the increasing volume of applications city officials are receiving. “It puts a lot of strain on the labour force to keep up with the demand, but the positives far outweigh the negatives right now,” said Davis, adding the growth in the region means only great things for the area. “It really is an exciting time to be living in the Edmonton region with some of the projects that are well underway that are really only going to put our city on the map more so than it is right now.” n N OV E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H OME & C O NDO L I V IN G • 25

CITY OF EDMONTON MAP

HOME PROPERTIES 1. Ambleside in Windermere 2. Langdale in Windermere 3. Glenridding 4. Upper Windermere 5. Keswick on the River 6. Windermere Ridge 7. Windermere Grande 8. Creekwood Chapelle 9. Windermere South 10. Chappelle Gardens 11. One at Windermere 12. Ambleside South 13. Ellerslie Heights 14. Lake Summerside 15. Callaghan 16. Rutherford Heights 17. Walker Lakes North 18. Willow Haven 19. Walker Lakes Station 20. Allard 21. Ravines of Richford 22. Callaghan in Heritage Valley 23. The Orchards at Ellerslie 24. Royal Oaks 25. Charlesworth 26. Mapleridge & Oakridge 27. Tamarack 28. Laurel 29. Laurel Crossing 30. Maple Crest 31. Willow Haven 32. Tamarack Common 33. Lakeview 34. McConachie 35. McConachie Landing 36. Cy Becker 37. Village at Schonsee 38. College Woods at Lakeview 39. Terraces at Schonsee 40. Vita Crystallina Nera 41. Manning Village 42. Fraser River Park 43. Castlebrook 44. Hawks Ridge at Big Lake 45. Village at Griesbach 46. Trumpeter by Big Lake 47. Newcastle 48. Morningside 49. Tuscany Hills 50. Palisades 51. Legacy Pointe 52. Starling at Big Lake 53. Hudson Park 54. Woodhaven-Edgemont 55. Wedgewood 56. Properties of Donsdale 57. River Pointe at Cameron Heights 58. Hampton Terrace 59. Edgemont 60. Copperwood 61. Cameron Heights 62. Hampton Pointe 63. Granville 64. Secord

CONDO PROPERTIES 1. Elements Glenridding 2. Ion in Ambleside 3. Village at Langdale 4. L’attitude Studios 5. The Signature 6. Windermere Mansions/Waters 7. Elements at Windermere 8. The Leger 9. South Terwillegar 10. Ravine Point at Mactaggart Ridge 11. Magrath Green 12. Waterstone in Mactaggart Mains 13. Sparrow Landing at Larch Park 14. Rutherford Landing 15. Callaghan Ravines 16. South Callaghan Townhomes 17. Creekwood Chappelle/Landing 18. Callaghan Landing 19. Elan 20. E’scapes 21. Regency at Windermere 22. Charlesworth 23. Southwinds 24. Walker Lake Landing 25. Elements Hamptons 26. Elements at Laurel Crossing 27. Trails of Millcreek Estates 28. Urban Village on Whyte 29. Aspen Meadows 30. Southern Springs 31. The Edge in Ellerslie 32. Mirra 33. Shorewinds 34. Station Pointe 35. Northshore 36. Brintnell Summit 37. Clareview Vistas 38. The Avenue at Hermitage 39. Air Harbour 40. Lakeview Terrace 41. Elements at McConachie 42. Elements at Hermitage 43. Village at Griesbach 44. Albany Trails

2 6 • NE W H OME & C O NDO L I V IN G N OV E MB E R 2 01 4

45. Aviva 46. Victory Lane/Point/Park 47. Upper Carlton 48. Bellwether Park 49. Silhouette at Carlton 50. McCrae Estates 51. Village at Trumpeter 52. Legacy Pointe 53. Starling at Big Lake 54. Elements at Albany 55. Caernarvon Keep 56. Juno 57. Californian Parkland 58. Pacific Rise 59. Secord Corner 60. South Hamptons 61. Jade 62. Glastonbury Estates 63. The Vanier 64. Glenora Skyline 65. Stafford Greens 66. Mill Creek Park 67. Bentley 68. Urban Village 69. The University Brownstones 70. Studio off Whyte 71. Vistas Estates 72. Fox 73. Symphony 74. Alta Vista 75. Icon 76. Encore 77. Serenity 78. Studio ED 79. Meridian Plaza 80. Pearl 81. Quest 82. High Street District Properties 83. Edmontonian Sky Garden 84. Ultima 85. Jasper House 86. Azure 87. Infiniti

46 51

53 52

44 48

59 64

57 63 65 62 58 59 62 60

54 82

78 81 77 80

76 72 84 75

74 79

86 73 5

INNER CITY

CITY OF EDMONTON MAP 49 43

51 52

40 38

54 45

40 33

35 39

41 39 34

50 47 49

41 37

50 45 56 46 43

58 55

42 38

64 63

66 70

69 26 56 57 27 30

5 61

32 28

11 7

29 6

4 2

1 3

13 31 25 18

21 10 8

15 16 22 20

14 17 23

19 24 N OV E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H OME & C O NDO L I V IN G • 27

EDMONTON AND AREA MAP

NEW HOMES 6

1. Regency Heights Estates in Kingswood 2. Lacombe Park Estates 3. North Ridge 4. Erin Ridge 5. Upper Manor Pointe 6. The Club & Residences of River’s Gate 7. Tuscany Hills/Upper Tuscany 8. Pinnacle Ridge Estates

2 3

3 2 1

CONDOS 1. Sage Gardens 2. Citadel Village 3. Botanica 4. Tenor on the River

1 ST. ALBERT

CONDOS 1. Maple Brooke Villas

2 MORINVILLE 4

9 10

2 1

12 7

5 6 1

1. Hilldowns 2. Vanderbuilt Common 3. Spruce Village 4. Parkland Village 5. Hawthrone at Heatherglen 6. Springate at Sprice Ridge 7. Greenbury 8. Hills of Twin Lakes 9. Deer Park Estates 10. Kenton Village 11. The Woods at Kenton 12. Prescott

NEW HOMES

5 7

CONDOS

1. Windsor Estates 2. King Street on Park 3. Century Gates

5 SPRUCE GROVE 7

NEW HOMES

5 4

1 6

7 STONY PLAIN 2 8 • NE W H OME & C O NDO L I V IN G N OV E MB E R 2 01 4

2 3

CONDOS 1. Barth & Gosset Manor 2. Willows End 3. Westerra Manor

9 2

1. The Brickyard at Old Town 2. Genesis on the Lakes 3. Lake Westerra 4. Silverstone 5. Spring Lake Ranch 6. Southcreek 7. The Estates at Waters Edge 8. Hills of Twin Lakes 9. Willows End

8 LEDUC

EDMONTON AND AREA MAP 6

NEW HOMES 1. Southpointe 2. Southfort Ridge 3. Southfort Meadows 4. Southfort Estates 5. Forest Ridge in West Park 6. West Woodlands 7. Sienna

CONDOS

1. Walnut Grove

CONDOS

1. Riverside Point

3 GIBBONS

5 2

4 FORT SASKATCHEWAN

NEW HOMES

8 1

1 6

1. Aspen Trails/Emerald Hills 2. Foxboro 3. Ardrosson Heights 4. Lakeland Ridge 5. Summerwood

10 7 3 2

4 9

6 2

6 SHERWOOD PARK

9 NEW HOMES 1. Meadowview 2. Tribute 3. Windrose 4. Suntree 5. Southfork 6. Robinson

CONDOS

6 2

CONDOS 1. Princeton Court 2. Creekside Village in Summerwood 3. Element Lofts & Flats 4. Lakeland Ridge 5. Centre in the Park 6. Evolve Lakeland Ridge 7. Elements Summerwood Park 8. Eton Park Villas 9. Windsor Park 10. Estates at Sunview Lane

1. Windrose 2. The Springs at Bridgeport 3. Royal West Homes 4. Suntree Pointe 5. The Rushes of Southfork 6. Southfork Street Towns

NEW HOMES

1. Coloniale Estates 2. Place Chaleureuse 3. Triomphe Estates 4. Dansereau Meadows 5. Ruisseau 6. Royal Oaks

CONDOS

1 3 2

1. Goudreau Heights 2. Montrose Estates

9 BEAUMONT N OV E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H OME & C O NDO L I V IN G • 2 9

FeatUre | tales from the condo zone

Got an interesting Condo Tale to tell? Email us at jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

senior living saskatchewan-style Story by Jim Zang Illustration by Rylyn Kvarnberg

few years ago we had to move my wife’s parents to a senior’s facility in Saskatchewan. They needed a little more help than we could give them in their own condo, and for them, it’s home. Their place in Melfort, Saskatchewan, about and hour and a half northeast of Saskatoon, isn’t too bad. It’s got an ‘open plan’ living room/kitchen that is plenty big for two people, a good sized bedroom, a bathroom and several closets. There’s lots of cupboard and counter space in the kitchen, although a dishwasher would be a nice addition, if there was somewhere to put it. The entire suite is probably about 500-550 square-feet. There’s a shared residents’ laundry room just down the hall, a small games/library area, and even a community barbecue — which we made use of to prepare a feast of hamburgers, fresh grilled carrots and corn on the cob. A dining facility provides one meal per day, lunch, for a minimal extra cost. It’s a good place for them, because it’s home. They’ve got various friends and family, it’s a small enough town that they can still get around on their own — Grandma doesn’t drive anymore and Grandpa doesn’t read, and it’s what they can afford.

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They’ve been there more than two years and this is our first trip out to see them. We should have gone last year, but didn’t. This year, we booked a long weekend at one of the four hotels in town, the best one, at $140 a night, loaded up the golf clubs, and hit the road across the prairies. So what does all this have to do with condos? Because, even though technically they rent and don’t own, they are living a pretty similar lifestyle. For instance, the place is full of characters. Which makes for good stories. First, there’s the ‘greeter’. No, she’s not the official greeter, but this old gal can be found sitting on the sofa in the main foyer, saying “hello” to every person who comes in, goes out, or walks by. One day, I walked by her three times in the space of two minutes, going into the apartment and then back out to the car for barbecue utensils and then back in again, and she looked right at me and smiled and said “hello” each and every time. I’m told her eyesight’s not that good. To get to my in-law’s suite you have to walk through the games/puzzles area. That’s where the puzzle lady is. “Good morning, Pastor Dave,” she says as I walk by. Hmm. Okay, whatever. I don’t feel the need to correct her. In the two days we’re there the puzzle lady is in the room every time I walk by and completes an entire 1,000 piece puzzle which, I presume, she’ll hang on the wall with the others she’s done. And we mustn’t forget Uncle Arthur. Good old Uncle Arthur. Rumour has it that just before he came to the seniors’ home, after his wife asked him to feed the cats, instead of feeding them he took them out back of the farm house and shot them. Apparently Uncle Arthur makes a habit of casually walking into other people’s suites if they are not locked. And this is small town Saskatchewan, so a lot of them probably aren’t. “Don’t talk to Uncle Arthur,” warns my mother in-law. “He’s crazy.” Good advice, but, as it turns out, not necessary. Uncle Arthur was moved to an extended care facility the next day. One without cats, I hope. n

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