New Home & Condo Living - December 2014

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Discover your Happily Ever After at southforkleduc.com

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contents D ecem B E R 2 0 1 4 n v o l u me 6 i s s u e 5 7

9 Cover Feature

9 O Christmas tree!

There’s one out there, waiting for you Condo Profile

13 Quality affordability

Carlisle builds condos to fit customers’ budgets

27 Victoria beckons

Village Walk in Victoria, B.C., is attracting Albertans

features

17 Civic census results

Edmonton is growing up, in and out

24 Moving day helpers

Here are some tips to orchestrate the big move and ensure a smooth transfer

26 Be our guest

A few helpful show home viewing tips go a long way

40 Urban Development

Institute

Working to make Edmontonians’ lives better

What’s New?

Condo tales

37 Show home parades

13

46 The amazing condo race

items

6 Editor’s Message 39 Around Town 42 Maps

20

community profile

20 Making a statement

Master planners work hard to build communities with character

design & decors Beyond tinsel

Holiday decorating by the numbers

31

35 Shopping spree

Gifts for the home, and more D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 5

editor’s message

‘Tis the season

P U B LISH E R

Source Media Group

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

info@sourcemediagroup.ca

Everywhere you go.

A s s o c i a t e P U B LISH E R / E d i t o r

Especially in major department stores at this time of year.

Jim Zang

And what’s in season is Christmas trees. Cynthia Dusseault took on the brave assignment of shoping for Christmas trees in early Novemnber and found...there was lots available. Join her in her quest on pages 9-12.

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

Jean Faye Rodriguez

jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca

Speaking of quests, we had a couple of other writers

G R A P HI C D E SIGNerS

Rylyn Kvarnberg

go on journeys of their own, in search of some of

rylyn.kvarnberg@sourcemediagroup.ca

Dave Macaulay

Edmonton’s newest show homes and most ‘character’

dave.maucaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca

communities. Joy Van Marck keeps us in the know, while

Megan Sereda

Rusti LeHay visits several of the city’s most popular

megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca

areas. Maybe your new home is somewhere in here?

pr o d u c t i o n a dm i n i s t r a t o r

Colleen Leier

Or maybe it’s in one of the half-dozen plus condo

colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca

projects Carlisle Group has going on in the Capital

Editorial

David Crosson, Cynthia Dusseault, Stephanie Dubois, Karen Durrie, Rusti LeHay, Rosalyn Lazaruk, Pepper Rodriguez Ann Sutherland, Joy Van Marck

Region. If you’re a first time owner, this is definitely where you start. But they’re got larger suites also and offer a convenient lifestyle for downsizers and professional couples.

d i rec t o r o f SAL E S

But before you go looking at any show homes, be sure to read Pacesetter

Norma Robertson

norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca

Homes’ tips on show home viewing. There’s not a lot of them, but it’s good to

Ad v er t i s i n g SAL E S

know the rules before you go.

Jennifer Mills

As always, I’m the number cruncher. I’ve reprinted a story that the CHBA –

jennifer.mills@sourcemediagroup.ca

Edmonton ran in their member magazine, Industry Insider, which talks about

D IST R I B UT E D B Y

Edmonton’s latest civic census results and what they might mean for the housing

Source Media Group, Media Classified

industry, and home buyers. I’ve also sampled the CHBA – Alberta’s market guru,

I SS N 1918 - 4 4 6 8

Richard Goatcher, to look at the overall provincial housing situation. Which looks pretty good, by the way, despite the current price of oil.

Our gift to readers comes in the form of extra stories, with regulars like Rosalyn Lazaruk, plus a bonus interior decorating feature, some tips on moving, and a profile of a Victoria condo — because what’s more seasonal than a recreation or retirement property winter getaway?

Which reminds me, I leave for Palm Springs tomorrow, and I’d better get packing.

On behalf of all of us here at Edmonton New Home & Condo Living magazine and Source Media Group, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

@EdmHomeandCondo

EdmontonHomeandCondoLiving

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Canadian Home Builders’ Association

PRINTED IN C ANADA

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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.

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Feature

O Christmas tree!

There’s one out there, waiting for you

By Cynthia Dusseault

N

othing brings the holiday spirit alive more than a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

Imbuing your home with joy and warmth, it evokes memories of Christmases past and holds promises of Christmases to come. What type of tree will you decorate this year? If “faux” (the term “artificial” is passé) is the way you prefer to go and you’re in the market for a new tree, you have some choices to make.

Head to Canadian Tire, Walmart, Costco, or a department store like The Bay or Sears and you’ll quickly learn a few things about faux trees. They range significantly in price,

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Feature

7-Ft Decorated Noble Pine, $188, Walmart, walmart.ca 7.5-Ft Kennedy™ White Pine with Multicolour Lights, $199, Walmart, walmart.ca

7-Ft GlucksteinHome Pre-Lit Endicott Pine, $499.99, Hudson’s Bay, thebay.com

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7-Ft Pre-lit Claremont White Pine, $279.99, Canadian Tire, canadiantire.ca

Feature

from $50 to upwards of $700. Like trees in the forest, they come in a range of sizes and types. And, some offer a real tree look while others are more … whimsical.

Heightwise you can go as low as four feet (perfect in a foyer or a child’s room) to as high as twelve feet. For your main tree, around which the presents will go and the family will gather, choose one that’s approximately one foot from your ceiling so you have room for a tree topper plus a bit of open space.

The greater the diameter of the tree, the more natural it will look, so go as large as you can. Ideally that’s about 60 inches for a seven- to eightfoot tree. If your space is limited, have a look at the “narrow,” “slim,” and “pencil” trees with diameters as small as 28 inches. Visit www.walmart. com to see a huge selection of these, ranging from $50 to $200. At prices this low, owners of large homes often buy these trees as accents.

“They look great, even undecorated, on both sides of a fireplace,” says Anna McArthur, Category Manager (Seasonal) with Walmart.

7-Ft GlucksteinHome Pre-Lit Flocked Algonquin Pine, $699.99, Hudson’s Bay, thebay.com

»

7-Ft Pre-Lit High Park Balsam Fir, $349.99, Canadian Tire, canadiantire.ca

The greater the diameter of the tree, the more natural it will look, so go as large as you can. Ideally that’s about 60 inches for a seven- to eight- foot tree.

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Feature

ScentSicles – Hang a few of these fragrant sticks on your faux tree to give it that fresh-from-the-forest smell. 6-pack, $7 at Canadian Tire.

Photo courtesy Canadian Tire.

Most stores carry faux fir, spruce, and pine. Firs are the bushiest of the three and look great with minimal decorations. Spruces have the strongest branches so can hold large, heavy ornaments. Pines have fewer, less dense branches and are ideal for showcasing a vast, varied ornament collection. You’ll see that faux trees have specs that include number of tips and number of lights. The more tips, the fuller the tree. Aim for 100 lights per foot, so a seven-foot tree should have at least 700 lights. You can of course add on extra lights at home if the tree you buy doesn’t hit the target.

Arren Williams, Creative Director of Home with Hudson’s Bay, has his favourite faux tree, the company’s Pre-lit Flocked Algonquin Pine. He says the just-snowed-on look makes the branches look fuller. Pre-lit means the tree has lights embedded in the branches. No strings! Some prelit trees come with a remote control, allowing you to change the colour of the lights and set them to blink or not.

For an ultra-real look, how about a tree with pinecones and faux berries attached to the branches? Or go totally the opposite with a unique metallic tree or even an all-white tree such as Canadian Tire’s Claremont White Pine.

Whichever tree you choose, once you take it home and adorn it your way, it’ll be just perfect. n

24-inch Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, $18.80, Walmart, www.walmart.com, Plays cartoon theme song at the push of a button.

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Pre-Cut and Fresh-Cut If you can’t imagine Christmas without a real tree, there are plenty of places where you can buy one. At the end of November, private Christmas tree lots selling pre-cut trees simply seem to spring up. Some lots charge by the foot, so expect to pay $6 to $12 per foot, depending on the type of tree. A few greenhouses and grocery stores also sell Christmas trees. Save-On-Foods does—usually noble firs—at a set price for any tree in the lot. The company hasn’t set the price yet for this Christmas, but in past years it has been under $50.

One-half hour north of St. Albert, at Gouldson Tree Farm, you can have some family fun as you cut your own tree. The owners will provide you with a saw and a sled. Head out and choose any type of tree (fir, spruce, or pine) in any size, as they all cost $50. When you’re done, sit by the fire and sip a cup of hot chocolate. The tree farm is open every Saturday and by appointment only Monday through Friday.

At the Fir Ever Green Tree Farm, south of Edmonton, near Falun, you also cut your own tree. Most popular is the fragrant balsam fir, ranging from $60 to $200 depending on the height. Open every day, hot chocolate and cookies are on the house for tree-buying families, and you may even get to enjoy a sleigh ride.

If you buy a pre-cut tree, make a fresh cut about one inch from the original cut before you put the tree in a stand. If you cut your tree yourself, and can’t get it into a stand within four hours, you’ll need to make a fresh cut before you do that. Then water, water, water. Your tree may drink several litres per day.

You’ll see that faux trees have specs that include number of tips and number of lights. Aim for 100 lights per foot...

coNDO profile

Quality affordability

Carlisle builds condos to fit customers’ budgets

By Stephanie Dubios

Q

uality affordability is Carlisle Group’s simple motto, and it’s something they have been sticking to since they first started building in Edmonton nearly 15 years ago.

Their talent for giving clients exactly what they want without breaking the bank has proven to be a successful model for the multi-family housing company. In fact, since December 2010, Carlisle has sold almost 2,000 units in Edmonton alone.

Why rent when you can own for less? That’s what Carlisle Group has been asking Edmontonians for several years now, and it’s helped earn them the reputation of market leader in low-rise condominiums with several projects in the city for people to choose from.

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coNDO profile

“I always tell clients we sell a Timex, not a Rolex. It runs very, very well.”

“The reason for our numbers is affordability and what we offer for that price,” says Kim Laskin, manager of Edmonton projects.

“We have some wonderful features.”

Of those features, suites often have spacious modern kitchens, soft-close cabinet doors and free digital TV & Internet for a year, among several other features in the spacious units. And if the basic features don’t cut it for the buyer, Carlisle also offers extras like granite in the entire suite for $795 or wood cabinetry for the same price.

The design of the units varies from project to project, but company officials say the suites are designed well and offer homeowners what they want at a great rate.

“I always tell clients we sell a Timex, not a Rolex. It runs very, very well,” says Laskin.

Their focus is on building sturdy four-storey wood frame developments, as they aim to be the top multi-family builder in

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the Edmonton, Calgary, Airdrie, Invermere, Cochrane and Vernon areas respectively.

In Edmonton, the condo company is keeping pace with the staggering amount of population growth and development in Alberta’s capital city. Current projects include the expansion of their popular Vita Estates and MacTaggart developments. New development in the Heritage Valley Station area in the south side of the city further proves that the demand is consistently there from future buyers if the value is there.

Company officials say the launch of a new project typically results in great initial sales, with past launches seeing people line up in 40-below weather to ensure they get the home they want.

Four of Carlisle’s condo communities in Edmonton have sold out, with the seven more projects currently in the works also showing impressive sales.

coNDO profile

“We always look for great locations. We build a wonderful product at a wonderful price.”

One of those developed projects is MacTaggart Ridge Gate, which Laskin says is a much-sought-out development in the south side of the city, a booming area home to many popular amenities that suit any age.

The condos were so popular that on their May 10 launch for the two buildings at MacTaggart, 190 suites were sold in only two hours.

In the opposite end of the city, their Vita Estates project provides those looking to move to the north side a great suite in an up and coming neighbourhood.

“We always look for great locations. We build a wonderful product at a wonderful price,” says the local project manager.

Those wonderful prices happen in part due to the efficiencies always found when possible during building, says Laskin, which in turn is then passed along to the homeowner in cost-savings.

“We don’t gouge anybody, we have low margins and we do high volumes,” he adds. “We do a very good job with our customers but our prices are spectacular and it’s appreciated.”

The condos suit a varied range of buyers and their incomes, with salaries starting at $35,000 possibly qualifying for purchase. How is this possible? The company’s two-bedroom condos start roughly from the $130,000s, and monthly payments start at $688.

The Carlisle Group’s motto has proven successful since they started building in Edmonton and the rest of the province, and it’s something they don’t plan on changing anytime soon.

“Affordability is something we’ll always offer,” says Laskin.

For more information on the company’s different developments in Edmonton, visit www.carlislegroup.ca. n

Edmonton Projects Current: Creekwood Landing I and II Elements II at McConachie Heritage Valley Station Vita Estates Walker Lake Gate MacTaggart Ridge Gate Sold Out: Elements I at McConachie Heritage Landing Rutherford Landing Walker Lake Landing

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feature

Civic census results Edmonton is growing up, in and out

O

n August 29th, Mayor Don Iveson held a news conference to announce results of the City of Edmonton’s 2014 municipal census. The study confirmed what we in the home building industry already knew — that our city is experiencing a period of rapid growth — to the tune of 60,428 new residents or 7.4 per cent population growth over the past two years alone. This has clear implications for how the City advances plans to grow the city “up, in and out.”

Population growth from 2012 to 2014 City of Edmonton 7.39% Alberta 6.5% Canada 2.3% Source: City of Edmonton, Alberta Treasury and Finance

Strategies

Edmonton has developed purposeful strategies to accommodate our long-term growth.

• Transformational projects such as downtown revitalization, Transit Oriented Development, the Quarters, Blatchford and Rossdale redevelopment are helping our central neighbourhoods and the areas along Edmonton’s expanding LRT routes grow “upward.”

• The planning and construction of new residential neighbourhoods in developing areas of the city, and an Annexation bid to secure needed residential and nonresidential land supply in the south in particular, will enable our city to grow “outward.”

• Infill redevelopment initiatives to increase housing choice and supply in mature and established neighbourhoods will help Edmonton grow “inward.”

These strategies support the long term goals set for Edmonton by City Council and citizens in 2008 (The Way Ahead). They will build a vibrant and livable Edmonton with a sustainable balance of residential, commercial, and industrial opportunities and choices.

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feature

Age of population

Our population is young. The largest single age group in Edmonton is the 20-39 year old range. This has implications for what type of housing is most in demand, the speed at which we’re creating new homes, and for the schools and neighbourhood amenities that will accommodate the children of young families. At the same time, the number of senior citizens is also rising, with implications for the way we enable more housing opportunities for older generations.

Where growth is happening

Population growth is happening across Edmonton, but the majority is in the south in “developing neighbourhoods” (see neighbourhood-classification map below for more information about where our neighbourhoods are located).

Nine of the top 10 fastest growing neighbourhoods over the last five years are in the south. Top five-year increases by neighbourhood are as follows: Edmonton has 382 standard census

years, the overall population gain in the mature and established neighbourhoods combined was over 11,000 people (not including the “central core neighbourhoods”).

Although there has been overall growth city-wide: 44 established neighbourhoods and 39 mature neighbourhoods experienced a population loss over the last five years. This represents 43 per cent of the mature and established neighbourhoods (not including the “central core neighbourhoods”).

All wards gained in population with wards 9 and 12 exhibiting the strongest growth (see “Population Growth by Ward: 2012-2014” map).

Labour Force and Working Age Population

The significant growth in the workingage population puts Edmonton in a very good labour force position. These very strong results have helped keep Edmonton’s labour market more balanced then in the period from 2005 to 2008 when unemployment in the city fell to very low levels and helped spark a round of Summerside 6,507 Rutherford 3,916 higher inflation.

The Hamptons 5,146 South Terwillegar 3,878 Nonetheless, some Windermere 5,017 Ambleside 3,244 industries such as Walker 4,424 Tamarack 2,795 construction, manufacturing Laurel 4,409 Charlesworth 2,775 and professional services continue to experience shortages with respect to some specialized neighbourhoods of which 317 are skill sets. predominantly or partially residential.

High levels of net in migration must A majority of the 11 “central core” be combined with continued efforts to residential neighbourhoods increased in improve the quality and flexibility of population over the last five years for a Edmonton’s labour force. total growth of over 5,700 people. Within the core, the Downtown neighbourhood alone increased by more than 1,500 Population Growth and residents .

Economic Momentum Sixty “mature neighbourhoods” and With outstanding population growth forty-seven “established neighbourhoods” comes a rising demand for housing as well gained in population. Over the last five as consumer products and services. This

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rising demand will give the Edmonton’s economy internal momentum, making the local economy less vulnerable to external shocks. Over the coming year we anticipate growth that will pivot from manufacturing, professional services and logistics toward retail, personal services and hospitality.

New arrivals to the city

The proportion of international migrants is increasing among new arrivals to the city. The census results indicate that 26 per cent of newcomers to the City were international migrants.

This means we are succeeding in attracting more international newcomers directly to Edmonton.

Traditionally new comers have tended to move first to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. As well the city is now drawing on a deeper, more global labour pool which offers a full range of skills and experience as well as enhancing the cosmopolitan quality of life in Edmonton.

Transportation

The 2014 census data show that Edmontonians use a variety of transportation modes when commuting to and from the workplace and that transportation modes vary across Edmonton neighbourhoods. For example, while in the general population 16.4 per cent of Edmontonians take public transit to work, neighbourhoods along the LRT line see more than 30 per cent of residents taking the LRT to work.

• 69.9 % drive cars, trucks or vans • 6.2 % travel as passengers in cars, trucks or vans • 16.4 % take public transit (ETS) • 3.7 % walk • 0.8 % ride bicycles • 3.0 % use other means (e.g. taxis, skateboards, etc.) n

feature

Population Growth by Ward

Ward

2012

2014

Percent Gain

Ward 1

64,547

68,364

5.9%

Ward 2

68,558

72,534

5.8%

Ward 3

64,987

69,385

6.8%

Ward 4

70,849

75,578

6.7%

Ward 5

66,600

70,882

6.4%

Ward 6

72,281

76,136

5.3%

Ward 7

62,284

64,895

4.2%

Ward 8

66,999

68,857

2.8%

Ward 9

80,664

94,122

16.7%

Ward 10

60,475

61,796

2.2%

Ward 11

61,916

64,067

3.5%

Ward 12

77,338

91,310

18.1%

817,498

877,926

7.4%

Total

WARD 4

+ 4,729

WARD 3

+ 4,398

WARD 2

+ 3,976

WARD 7

+ 2,611 WARD 1

+ 3,817

WARD 5

+ 3,855

WARD 8

+ 1,858

WARD 11

+ 2,151 WARD 10

+ 1,321

WARD 5

+ 4,282 The City of Edmonton municipal census took place in the spring of 2014. the next census is scheduled for 2016. For more information visit www. edmonton.ca/census

WARD 9

+ 13,458

WARD 12

+ 13,972

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Community profile

Making a statement Master planners work hard to build communities with character

By Rusti LeHay

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COMMUNITY PROFILE The Orchards at Ellerslie by Brookfield Residential

Upper Windermere by Beaverbrook

L

ike an alchemist at work, a community master planner must consider many elements when designing a new community. Add in the growing need to preserve environmentally sensitive areas, and the planning becomes even more of a challenge to ensure the elements merge into a symbiotic landscape of nature and housing; the wild and the tamed.

Take Hawks Ridge, a Walton community that opened in October 2012, for example. The uniqueness in the planning of Hawks Ridge is how the designers strove to merge the development with the existing environment. Surrounded by a sensitive environmental area, natural features are incorporated right into the development concept.

“We had to manage unique environmental considerations during the planning, engineering and construction of the neighbourhood,” says Jill Curtis, Marketing Coordinator for Walton Development and Management. “Particularly moose and ungulates which travel in certain patterns.” The designers even incorporated a wildlife crossing, a bridge called Hawks Ridge Pass, which will maintain the key wildlife corridor bordering the community.

The wildlife will cross under the structure. When completed, it will look just like a bridge alongside 215 street. Designing the pass compatibly into the community keeps regular migratory patterns intact.

Hawks Ridge and four other communities are part of the Big Lake Area Structure Plan, which guides the overall development of the area.

“Consultation with local environmental groups is ongoing,” says Curtis, “and has been a key part of the planning process.” An environmental focus will continue to guide Walton’s development of Hawks Ridge. The entire Big Lake neighbourhood will eventually be home to over 25,000 people.

Even the fence material in the neighbourhood is a complement to the environment through the designer’s chosen architectural guidelines, with an earthy natural finish rather than just a wood fence.

The varying topography including hills, a ravine and the Big Lake shoreline allows for that variety of lot types including walkouts onto the bioswale and Big Lake. Complementing the unique surrounding environment and the preserve, the two architectural styles offered are

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Community profile

Here, you can avoid weekend traffic and crowded beaches; just walk out your back door and onto your own wharf.

Mountain Vernacular and Arts and Crafts. Many builders are choosing two tones of siding, natural materials and stone which really complements the forest and Big Lake. Curtis says, “it’s almost like the homes suit the surrounding environment.”

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as other Edmonton area developers and builders have also jumped on the ‘character communities’ bandwagon.

If water sports or hanging out on the beach is your thing, you are in luck with Brookfield Residential’s Lake Summerside.

Brookfield Residential’s master planners seek “to cultivate exceptional life experiences.” Here, you can avoid weekend traffic and crowded beaches; just walk out your back door and onto your very own wharf.

It is peaceful listening to the whispers of a breeze rippling the surface of a lake. Even if it is a man-made storm pond or bioswale assisting natural drainage patterns. The bioswale, essentially a landscaped ditch, allows rainwater runoff an escape route from impermeable surfaces to slowly soak into the earth.

Native plant vegetation in bioswales is used to strategically manage and treat storm water runoff by filtering pollutants, regulating flows, and increasing filtration. A secondary filtration of rock, sand or gravel provides further purification before the water finds its way back to aquifers or other water sources. At Hawks Ridge, a 23.7 acre environmental reserve includes these storm water management facilities, a pathway system and boardwalk. The pathways wind through the community.

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Walton’s VITA at Crystallina Nera also uses bioswales with 15.7 acres of open space and storm ponds within the community. Architectural styling in VITA at Crystallina Nera integrates the feature characteristics of the landscape, while providing a contemporary interpretation using modern, clean lines and building materials. Colonial, coastal and prairie influences are evident in the community architectural guidelines.

Inspired by Northern England’s Lake District, designers chose to borrow the traits of an English garden, with features such as gently rolling ground, bodies of water, and colourful flowers 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.

Master-planned communities these days are developed around a theme. They encourage recreational activities, incorporate green spaces, offer nearby lifestyle amenities, and have tons of character that’s reflected in things like architectural styling of homes as well as distinctive features like community entrance signage. Following are a few photos of some of Edmonton’s ‘coolest’ communities. n

community profile McConachie by Walton Development and Managment

Village at Griesbach by Canada Lands Company

Lake Summerside by Brookfield Residential

Paisley at Heritage Valley by Brookfield Residential

Hawks Ridge by Walton Development and managment

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Feature

Moving day M

oving is said to be one of the top sources of stress in life. While most of us are thrilled about the purchase of a new place, all the little details and chores that need to be dealt with prior to a move can temper that excitement into “what a drag” territory.

But if you go into preparation mode like a real warrior, you’ll ensure you have the best possible move, with everything in its place, rather than everything all over the place (um, where does this box go?).

Here are some tips culled from seasoned folks who’ve got it down to a science, and those who learned the hard way what they should have done ahead of time:

Whether you’re currently in an apartment, a condo, or a single-family home, know which utilities you are responsible for, and make the transfers as soon as possible before your move. Many companies have change of address, hookup requests and cancellation forms online, as well as phone numbers to call. Have your new address handy for form filling or relaying.

If you’re on a contract for phone, cable, and internet, call the provider as soon as possible to switch to your new address and arrange installation at your new home. Most companies will cease service at your old home on the day of your move.

If you’re moving a landline with voicemail, even if it’s the same number, write down voicemail messages to ensure you have backup in case they’re wiped in the transfer.

For new or transferred internet and television, check for service availability at your new location. Some may not be available, or there may be additional options you didn’t have access to before. For example, in some areas, providers don’t have high-speed internet options available,

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helpers while others have the highest-speed services only in certain parts of the city.

It would be wise to check and compare speeds, rates, and bundling options for your new neighbourhood.

If you have renter’s insurance, cancel it or switch it over to a new policy for your home. This may seem like a no-brainer, but more than one poor soul has forgotten to cancel it, and not realized it until years after moving, and dozens of automatic withdrawals later.

Open your wallet, and pull out all your cards: credit, bank, library, health care, library and retailer awards cards, and contact each institution to change your address.

If you have licensed pets, call the City of Calgary’s 311 line to update your address.

Whether you’ve sold or purchased a home, or both, ensure you call the city’s property tax department to cancel your old payments and enroll for payments on your new home.

Contact Canada Post by phone or online to change your mailing address. If you would like mail forwarded from your prior address for a period of time, you can sign up for four or 12-month options for a fee. In case the previous owners neglected to leave keys for the mailbox, you can also submit a work order through Canada Post to have the box re-keyed, and new keys supplied.

Here are some tips to orchestrate the big move and ensure a smooth transfer

By Karen Durrie

Contact Canada Revenue Agency to change your address. You can do so online, or via phone, mail or fax, so that your GST and child benefit cheques and other CRA mail ends up in the right place.

Notify your current and/or previous employers about your address change for the mailing of T4 slips.

If it’s new, you’re golden, but if your new-to-you home is preowned, don’t assume it will be clean when you move in. Put a clause in the purchasing paperwork ahead of time stipulating the place be professionally cleaned prior to possession. Alternatively, hire a professional service yourself to clean house right before you move in.

If you’re hiring a mover, do due diligence. There are plenty of unscrupulous operations out there. Get friend recommendations and contact the Better Business Bureau.

If you are paying someone to move you, pay close attention to the damage liability stated on the contract, and if it isn’t there, have them add the terms. If they add them in writing, be sure you both sign off on them on all copies.

If you are doing a self-move and plan on renting a truck or trailer, book the vehicle(s) as soon as possible. End of/beginning of the month are heavy booking times for rental places and fill up quickly.

Put items you’re really sure you’re going to need the first night and first day aside in a separate box or suitcase, so you don’t feel pressured to unpack absolutely everything immediately, or end up rooting through boxes last minute.

Label all boxes with content names and what room it needs to go in, and put those boxes into those rooms during the move, to avoid dragging boxes from room to room. One good tip is to use colour-coded stickers to ensure each box gets to the right place.

Placing a sheet of paper with the corresponding colour on the door or beside the doorway ensures everything gets to where it should go. ■

D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 25

Feature

Be our guest A few helpful show home viewing tips go a long way

W

hen you plan a vacation to another country, it’s always a good idea to get armed with as much information as you can before stepping off the plane. It not only prepares you with what to expect, but it also helps you get the most out of your trip. Not to mention, it helps prevent possible disasters like not knowing how to say, “washroom” in the native language.

Visiting a show home may not exactly be a “vacation spot”, but it certainly has unique things worth knowing before stepping inside.

Below are some important things you should know that will make your visit more impacting and worthwhile!

The garage does NOT come with a desk, chair and computer.

Most Sales Centres are located in the front-attached garage of a single family home or duplex. Everything you see, including the carpet, walls, windows and lights, will be reverted back to a regular garage before the owners take possession. Also, where you enter is not necessarily the actual entrance of the house. Sometimes it’s an entry point uniquely created for that particular show home so be sure to ask where your garage entrance actually is if you’re not sure.

Show homes always put their best foot forward.

The builders intentionally have their homes “dressed to impress” in order to catch your eye and imagination. This means that upgrades and features are displayed throughout the house that sometimes don’t come standard. It’s a good idea to always ask what’s included in the home you’re interested in or set aside in your budget room for extras and upgrades you’ll surely fall in love with.

The home is designed to be test-driven.

Don’t be shy, go ahead and open the drawers. Feel the resistance of a cabinet door. Peek inside the closets. Run your finger along the granite countertop. (Don’t turn on the appliances though!) Sit on the couches in the bonus room with your family. You want you to leave feeling like you could actually live here!

If the kids start fighting over which room they want and the media room has taken shape in your mind, the builder has done thier job.

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You are free to use the main public washroom.

The washroom on the second floor may look ready to be used, but don’t even think about it. Some show homes may have signage and some may not, your best bet is to find the one functioning washroom for the public and it’s always the one on the main floor.

It’s home, but not your home.

Remember that show homes are a place of business.

Builders have put time and energy into decorating them, making sure they look great for when friends come over (that’s you!) and you should respect that while going through each one. Just as you wouldn’t leave your children at home unattended, please do not leave them alone in the show home.

Reservations accepted Show home hours are set to suit your needs. Show homes are open in the afternoon, evening and weekends, except Fridays. If you would like a more time with the sales representative to ask questions, ask to book an appointment or visit on a weekday. Weekends are usually the busier times. n Reprinted with permission from Pacesetter Homes For for information visit blog.yourpacesetter.com/blog

coNDO profile

victoria beckons Village Walk in Victoria, B.C., is attracting Albertans

By Pepper Rodriguez

T

he calm, sunny weather, the romantic seaside ambiance and the quaint village atmosphere of Oak Bay in Victoria, B.C., is a heady combination, enough to convince anyone to move down here and live a rich and fulfilling life. But, increasingly, it is buyers from Alberta who are heeding the call, especially in the new luxury condo development: Village Walk.

Located right in the middle of this historical neighbourhood on Oak Bay Avenue — near the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and the Uplands Golf Course — Village Walk is a stunning collection of 22 contemporary residences that distinctly reflect the heritage and vibrancy of this coastal city.

Mike Miller, president and founder of Abstract Developments — Village Walk’s developer — tells New Home & Condo Living that this four-storey, mixeduse condominium may perhaps be the crowning achievement of his career.

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D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 27

coNDO profile

“We’ve built more than 65 single- and multi-family developments in the Greater Victoria area for the past 15 years and we’ve received over 30 Gold home-building awards, including a National SAM Award for Best Townhome Development for Terra Verde Townhomes. But I can honestly say Village Walk is going to be the best one yet.”

Miller says the contemporary appeal of the development and its location have been key in attracting buyers from all over Canada, but mostly from Alberta.

“People are mostly buying units here as a second home where they can spend the winter, and still be relatively near their other home,” Miller says. “They just love the quality and the relaxed lifestyle offered here.”

With suites ranging in size from 888 to 1,595 squarefeet Village Walk offers spacious, luxurious homes in a contemporary, open concept design that is more warm than trendy.

“These aren’t your typical vacation homes, rather they are residences that feel like a single-family home and not a tiny apartment; homes where you can live your life in a picturesque neighbourhood,” Miller says.

Designed by award-winning D’Ambrosio architecture + urbanism, the inspired urban building design pays tribute to neighbourhood’s heritage through the subtle use of warm brick, metal wooden and glass accents. Lush landscaping and rain gardens provide a natural contrast to clean and contemporary lines.

2 8 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G D ecember 2 01 4

Village Walk offers one- and two-bedroom plans most include dens. There are also four premium penthouses located on the top floor. At street level, Village Walk contributes to the vibrancy of the community with 5,800 square-feet of prime commercial/retail space. Already confirmed tenants are Good Earth Coffeehouse and JUSU Organic Juice Bar. The lobby has a generous seating area with overheight wood ceilings, feature lighting and original artwork by local artist Bill Porteous.

Over-height ceilings and expansive windows combine to create a comfortably modern living area full of natural light and allowing fantastic views of Oak Bay and its idyllic community.

The homes boast an immaculate design touch with

coNDO profile nine-foot ceilings throughout, wide-plank engineered white oak hardwood flooring with in-floor radiant heating, a dream kitchen with plenty of storage spaces and stylish touches to boot. All come standard.

Miller says they also take pride in the environmentally sustainable design of the building that encourages alternative transportation options, including secure bicycle storage.

“We’re located within close walking distance to major shopping, restaurants and coffee shops, parks, outdoor venues, so our outstanding walkability contributes to keeping greenhouse emissions down.”

Besides that, Village Walk adheres to Built Green® Canada standards, homes will be third-party certified for energy efficien-

cy. Rain gardens are used allowing for the capture of storm water into the surrounding landscaping and conserving water and increasing water quality through the reduction storm water runoff.

Village Walk’s green features undoubtedly contribute to the enviable lifestyle the whole development projects.

The price is just as appealing, with units starting from $450,000 plus GST, and go all the way up to $1.25 million.

“This is what draws our customers here, the ability to live their lives in a green, well-designed, quality-built home,” Miller says. n

Fast Facts Project: Village Walk Developer: Abstract Developments Area: Oak Bay, Victoria, B.C. Style: Apartment-style condos and penthouses Size: From 888 to 1,595 sq. ft.

Price: From $450,000 to $1.25 million Sales Centre: 1969 Oak Bay Avenue Hours: Open daily noon - 5 p.m.

Closed Fridays Website: www.villagewalkvictoria.com

D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 2 9

3 0 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G D ecember 2 01 4

Design & DÉcor

Beyond tinsel Holiday decorating by the numbers

By David Crosson

H

oliday decorating is a funny thing: a joy for many and a chore for some — although there’s really no getting around it unless you’re green and live with a little dog on top of a mountain. Here are a few things I like to do to help make the festive season feel, well, more festive!

VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS — AND APPLES AND ORANGES AND PEARS...

No matter what style your abode is the other 11 months of the year, the holidays are a time we find comfort in tradition — or the trappings thereof. One thing I have always found both charming and attractive is sugared fruit, an elegant, decorative element rooted in history.

The process is easy: simply create an egg wash with the whites of two eggs and apply to the skin or peel of assorted fruit using a medium-sized brush. Once each piece is coated with the wash and tacky to the touch, sprinkle with superfine (also called berry) sugar until fully covered (some will melt if the fruit is too wet so keep layering until you get a relatively even “crust”) and set aside to dry. For added sparkle, put a small amount of opalescent glitter into the sugar.

Once your pieces are done assemble them in a bowl, basket or other suitable vessel. The results will be beautiful — even more so if you intersperse bits of evergreen or cut flowers with the fruit.

Creating a mixed arrangement is the most traditional version but a grouping of all one thing (lemons, for example) has a more modern edge to it. (Note: even if you don’t mix glitter with your sugar, the raw

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Homemade Christmas décor adds cheer to the holidays.

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Design & DÉcor

Your guests will marvel at your cleverness and possibly even steal the idea as a tradition of their own. from an office supply store. Just be sure when you’re picking ornaments you select ones with an opening in the neck at least ¼-inch wide so they can do double-duty as tiny bud vases.

To prep the baubles, all you have to do is pull the hanging ring out of the top and fill them with water.

The opening should be just wide enough to accommodate a single, narrow-stemmed bloom (delphinium, small orchids, spray roses, etc.) and, if there’s still space, a tiny sprig of feathery cut cedar. Once assembled, place the ornament on a binder ring for stability and repeat the process until you have the length of the table or each place setting sufficiently “dressed”. Your guests will marvel at your cleverness and possibly even steal the idea as a tradition of their own. egg in the wash makes these pieces non-edible so keep your creations away from curious kids and/or hungry pets or substitute powdered egg whites.)

BLOOMING BAUBLES

If sugared fruit seems a bit too much like work to you, here’s another decorative project you can practically do in your sleep (just promise me you won’t). These items can work in lieu of a centerpiece if you scatter them down a table or be used as takeaway favours for guests if you put a few at every place setting. The only things you’ll need for this project is an assortment of tree baubles and a package of loose binder rings

These items can work in lieu of a centrepiece if you scatter them down a table or be used as takeaway favours for guests.

3 2 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G D ecember 2 01 4

Design & DÉcor

Try not to overdo the Christmas theme with gift wrappers.

Understated patterns are best.

THAT’S A WRAP

I’ve long maintained that people know when the festive season is upon them without being bashed over the head with wreaths and candy canes. Whether it’s how you decorate your home for the holidays — or even wrap your presents — literal representations of Christmas can easily read more tired and tacky than trad.

When it comes to gift giving, I’m always surprised to see thoughtfully selected items presented in the most underwhelming way possible, wrapped in drugstore paper festooned with Santa faces or snowmobiling polar bears. I always make a point of choosing a specific theme or colour scheme for my gifts each year and as a result have only to put the recipients’ names on them as it’s very clear whom they’re from.

On the flipside, a present is even more special if you take as much care with the outside of the package as you do with the inside. Tailoring the look and feel of a gift to the tastes and preferences of the person receiving it is an excellent way to honour the recipient. Consider departing from the usual fare into the world of gorgeous florals or on-trend pastels for ladies on your list, both young and old, or opt for punchy geometrics and bold colours for the gents. With so many options available in both single sheet and roll formats, your presents can be as varied as the people on your gift list and bring a joyful riot of new colours, patterns and even textures to that prime real estate beneath the tree.

No matter how you decorate — and celebrate — I wish each and every one of you the very best of the holiday season. n

Tailoring the look and feel of a gift to the tastes and preferences of the person recieving it is an excellet way to honour the recipient.

D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 3 3

3 4 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G D ecember 2 01 4

DESign & DÉcor

Shopping spree Gifts for the home, and more

By Rosalyn Lazaruk

I

love to shop. Thankfully my career allows me to do lots of that for other people curbing the spending and shopping when it comes to myself!

At this time of year my shopping patterns change and its not sofas and porcelain tile I am shopping for but that awesome something for that special someone.

I love the idea of, as we all do, shopping local. I start by looking for locally made products if possible, but in the end I try to do all my shopping at locally owned stores, supporting local small businesses like myself.

Here are a few of my favourite shops that I will be visiting this season!

Plum Home & Design Plum is owned by a local interior designer. The store just off 124st is filled with fabulous textiles, one of a kind jewelry, and plenty of beautiful pieces for your kitchen. There is something in store for the person on your list that loves simple and classic home décor. www.shop.plumhomeanddesign.com Provisions by Duchess When my favourite bake shop opened a provisions shop a few years back it has been gift go-to for me. If you have any cooks and chefs on your list they will have something in store; all the tools and ingredients needed to attempt to create some of the wonderful treats from next door or possibly their just released cookbook. www.duchessprovisions.com

Twisted Sister Boutique This little south-side boutique carries conventional lines like Micheal Kors and Ugg, but they also have some great lines of local jewelry and a few clothing lines with great original pieces. At this time of year it is also a great place to go for that unique party dress! www.tsboutique.ca Total Eclipse Total Eclipse is a locally owned and operated sunglass shop.

They carry a large variety of brands and styles including great goggles for hitting the slopes. Though glasses may not seem like a usual gift, a good pair is something a lot of us won’t buy for ourselves, and I find with the snow and bright blue skies this is the time of year I need them most! www.totaleclipsesunglasses.ca Kunitz Shoes I must have passed it on to my kids but somehow shoes or boots always end up on their wish list, not to mention slippers for Grandpa! The brand selection as Kunitz is like no other and they don’t just stop at shoes, they have great wallets, bags and the perfect pair of socks for that stocking stuffer! www.kunitzshoes.ca 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.

D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 35

3 6 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G D ecember 2 01 4

what’s new? with Joy Van Marck

Lamb Development comes to Edmonton Brad Lamb of Lamb Development Corp. hosted an evening at the Art Gallery of Alberta on Thursday, November 6th to announce the launch of Jasper House, a luxury condominium project.

Over 300 guests enjoyed refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and jazz tunes from the AB Trio band.

Jasper House, currently in preconstruction, is located on 106 Street just north of Jasper Ave. It will provide 252 units rising 37 stories, and include amenities such as the Jasper Club, featuring the club Mayor Don Iveson and Brad Lamb lounge, private fitness facility

and stunning plunge pool.

Mr. Lamb, well known and respected in the industry, has been leading Canada’s condominium market for the past two decades and has projects in Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto. Mr. Lamb welcomed everyone and announced he was very excited to be in Edmonton.

An invitation was extended to visit the Sales Centre, on site, complete with a phenomenal model suite to experience. The Sales Centre will open on Saturday November 22.

Mr. Lamb stated that a second tower north of Jasper House is planned for future development. Lamb Development Corp. fully intends to be part of Edmonton’s exciting future.

Hudson Park hosts Santa Claus Avoid the malls and come see Santa Claus for free in Hudson Park. Join us along with Santa in Hudson Park on Saturday, December 6 from noon to 4 p.m.! There will be Christmas crafts for the kids, a balloon artist, Hudson Park giveaways, and free family photos with Santa.

Visit four single-family show homes which were expertly crafted by Dolce Vita Homes and Cameron Homes. Cameron Homes offers the Alyssa Ashley, a 1,886 square-feet two-storey home with three bedrooms and bonus room on the upper level. The Sofia III has 2,122 square-feet of open living space.

Dolce Vita Homes presents the Glenora with 1,864

square-feet showcasing an open main level concept and The Portofino with 2,375 square-feet, perfect for the growing family.

Treat yourself this holiday season and be one of the first to buy Hudson Park’s new Duplex product.

Hudson Park provides a rare opportunity to build a brand new house within an established community, offering all the amenities a family would need. View these beautiful showhomes and have some fun at 138 Street and Hudson Road, just follow the signs.

Dream playground in Tamarack On November 1, people of all ages gathered to participate in the opening dedication of the new playground and park area in Tamarck. The president of the Tamarack Park Development Project Association, Amanda Jober, welcomed everyone and thanked all the committee members, volunteers and community in

general for helping to make the playground a reality.

Honorable, Gene Zwozdesky congratulated the committee and community on a job well done. Councillor Amarjeet Sohi, who helped fund raise, commended the volunteers for their hard work and recognized it took the collaboration of many to create such a beautiful area for everyone to enjoy. David Morris, Senior Development Manager from Dream Development, the developers of the community, congratulated the committee and the community for working together so hard to build such an impressive park and playground.

A representative from Alberta Recycling presented a cheque to President Jober, everyone gathered around for the ribbon cutting and enjoyed cake and Starbucks coffee.

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D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 37

WHAT’S NEW?

Manning Village opens with Santa Manning Village is celebrating the Grand Opening of two new show homes, by Lincolnberg Master Builder and Sterling Homes, on Saturday, Dec 6th. Stop by from 1 to 4 p.m. for the festivities including photos with Santa, gifts for the kids and milk and cookies.

Manning Village, the newest neighbourhood from Cameron Communities, is located in the heart of north Edmonton’s Manning Drive area.

Manning Village features several well-known builders providing a variety of homes that will suit today’s family’s needs and desires including duplex homes, rear laned homes and homes with front double car garage.

Currently building your dream in Manning Village are Dolce Vita Homes, Lincolnberg Master Builder and

Sterling Homes. Cameron Homes will join the team early in 2015.

Manning Village is located adjacent to Manning Drive with easy access to both the Anthony Henday and Yellowhead Trail.

Drop by today by taking 153 Avenue east off Manning Drive and going south on Ebbers Boulevard or enter south from the entrance to Manning Town Centre. Follow the signs to the rear laned show homes located on Ebbers Boulevard.

Edgemont Place...new west end community Edgemont Place is a new west end neighbourhood by Qualico Communities, featuring single family and duplex style homes by Rohit Communities.

Rohit Communities celebrated the grand opening of their duplex show homes. The Carlton and the Lawrence feature open concepts, two- or three-bedroom

options with flex area on the second floor and single or double attached front garages range from 1,379 to 1,529 square-feet.

Rohit is also building single-family homes in Edgemont Place, featuring four different floor plans ranging from 1,316 to 1,509 square-feet. So whether you are just starting out or looking to upgrade Edgemont Place has something to fit your lifestyle needs.

Visit the beautiful Rohit show homes in Edgemont Place by taking Lessard Road westbound off Anthony Henday and follow the signs.”

Tapestry Homes have it all Tapestry Developments recently opened their new show home at 7356 May Common, located in Larch Park, renown for forested trails, its stream course and breathtaking vistas.

Tapestry Ravines is a private cul-de-sac of ten prestigious adult bungalow villas ranging from 1,464 to 1,865 square-feet, plus a beautifully finished lower level. Tapestry Homes specializes in the design and development of maintenance-free, niche bungalow communities and creates exceptionally crafted homes with premium finishes and sustainable technologies.

In Tapestry Ravines you have the choice of detached homes or duplex model homes with double or triple car

attached garages.

Homes feature innovative floor plans and creative use of space.

Choose from single bedroom plus den or two bedrooms plus den on the main level and all homes have two full bedrooms on the finished lower level.

Home purchases include landscaping, underground sprinkler system and perimeter fencing, oversized rear deck with glass railing and gas outlet. 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. 3 8 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G D ecember 2 01 4

AROUND TOWN

By Jim Zang

Only in Calgary you say...pity It took more than two years of collaborating, investigating and creating a unique opportunity for homebuyers, but it is in place as of Wayne Copeland today — in Calgary. The City of Calgary is now allowing building permit applications for six-storey

wood-frame construction for already-approved land-use zones as a further choice in the marketplace.

“We continue to advocate for different housing options for people in all areas of the city, and this will bring a new, cost-effective building form to the marketplace to do just that,” says Wayne Copeland, president of CHBA – Calgary Region.

This type of construction is already available in Quebec and B.C. and will be

in place as of January 1, 2015, in Ontario.

The made-in-Calgary solution includes enhanced Fire Safety Plans during construction. “Our recent tour to Vancouver with representatives from the industry and The City showed the innovative projects that can be built — and we are excited to see this building form here in the near future,” Copeland says.

And if it’s happening in Calgary, can Edmonton be far behind?

Alberta home builders bullish on 2015 18,250 units province-wide next year, According to Richard Goatcher, representing a 1.6 per cent reduction from Economic Analyst for CHBA – Alberta, the current year. the province’s new home builders expect The members produced a consensus construction will ease off slightly in 2015 forecast for 2014 of 36,900 housing starts but remain significantly above average province-wide, for an increase of 2.5 per levels as robust economic growth spurs cent from 2013. Much of this year’s gains continued strong demand. came in the multi-family sector. Builders A sample of the CHBA – Alberta memcited affordability concerns as entry-levbership was polled in late August and early September on their expectations for el buyers are increasingly considering higher-density products, something that’s new housing activity during the balance a bigger problem in Calgary than here in of 2014 and the year ahead.

Edmonton, but still a concern.

In 2015, the CHBA – Alberta members Robust economic growth continues to surveyed generated a forecast of 36,000 attract many newcomers to the province total starts, representing a decline of 2.4 and increase demand for homes. Alberta’s per cent from the current year. Construcpopulation increased by nearly 2.5 times the tion will remain well above the 28,500 national average in the second quarter of units started on average during the fivethis year, with net interprovincial migration year period 2009 to 2013.

Most of the moderate pullback next year is expected Alberta Housing Starts - All Areas in the multi-family segment,

2011 2012 2013 2014F where starts are forecast to Single-detached 15,193 17,493 18,431 18,550 decline by 3.3 per cent to Multi-family 10,511 15,903 17,580 18,350 17,750 units. Single-detached Total Units 25,704 33,396 36,011 36,900

starts are expected to reach

of 13,204 people.

CMHC’s Market Analysis group is also expecting a busy year ahead for the new housing industry. The Federal housing Richard agency’s Third Goatcher Quarter Housing Market Outlook released in August predicted total housing starts in 2014 will reach 38,600 units, for an increase of seven per cent from all of 2013. In 2015, CMHC expects total housing starts across Alberta to decrease by almost five per cent to 36,800 units. A strong increase in multi-family activity this year, primarily in Calgary, should bring about some retrenchment in apartment starts in 2015.

CMHC will be releasing its next forecast update at their 2015F annual Housing Outlook 18,250 Conferences on November 18 17,750 in Calgary and November 25 in 36,000 Edmonton. n D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 3 9

Advertising Feature

Urban Development Institute Working to make Edmontonians lives better

4 0 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G D ecember 2 01 4

C

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.

Advertising 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 D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 41

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

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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

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57 63 65 62 58 59 62 60

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78 81 77 80

76 72 84 75

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INNER CITY

CITY OF EDMONTON MAP 49 43

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19 24 D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 4 3

EDMONTON AND AREA MAP

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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

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3 2 1

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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

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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

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NEW HOMES

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CONDOS

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

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NEW HOMES

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

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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

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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

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1. Walnut Grove

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CONDOS

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1. Riverside Point

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4 FORT SASKATCHEWAN

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NEW HOMES

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

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6 SHERWOOD PARK

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

CONDOS

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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

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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

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

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CONDOS

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1. Goudreau Heights 2. Montrose Estates

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9 BEAUMONT D E C E MB E R 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 4 5

Condo Tales | Tales the condo Feature | Tales from from the condo zone zone

Got an interesting Condo Tale to tell?

Email us at jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

The amazing condo race Story by Jim Zang Illustration by Rylyn Kvarnberg

M

y wife and I went on the Amazing Race, and we’re still happily married!

Well, okay, maybe it wasn’t THE Amazing Race, just our own personal version of it.

It all started when our son and his girlfriend (now fiancé) announced their intention to buy a condo, preferably a townhouse, they said. Of course, my being a so-called expert on the local condo scene plus my wife’s financial acumen and eye for design detail meant that we volunteered to help them with their search (whether they wanted it or not).

We narrowed the search area down to the deep south, and then to a couple of different communities. We checked out a couple of pre-owned places on the web, thinking a quick possession date might be desirable.

Turns out that was just wishful thinking on my wife’s part, as the girlfriend still has a year of university left and our son, um, well let’s just say he isn’t in a big hurry to leave home. It’s pretty nice to come home from work and find your bed made, your room

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vacuumed, your clothes cleaned and your dinner cooked — all courtesy dear old Mom. So, new condos it is. They’ve saved their money and have enough to make a healthy down payment as a deposit, which means we have our budget.

Armed with this information, but still handicapped by my wife’s inability to read a map and my unwillingness to ask directions, we headed off on our quest one sunny Saturday afternoon.

We drive about 15 minutes from our suburban bungalow to a new community, with a lake. I can definitely see Grandpa (me in a few years) at the beach here. We looked at some very cool stacked bungalow townhome condos, super starter or retirement homes, but they were just above our maximum price range. We also saw a very cozy basement suite condo that my wife and I both thought was great for a first time buyer, but it had no indoor parking. We had a third set of condos to look at in that community, before IT happened. The inevitable. We got lost.

My wife’s navigating while I drive, but can’t make out the street names in the fine print on the map before we come to them. She’s not that good with maps. For her, a gal from small town Saskatchewan, directions usually consist more of something like “turn left at the green house on the corner with the big tree and then right at the fire hydrant by the mailbox”.

She wants me to go back in and ask the condo lady directions, to their competitor’s condos, and we both know that’s not going to happen. So I pull over and take a look at the maps for myself. And, after studying them for a couple of minutes, I’m still lost.

Turns out, the map I was using was slightly out of date and didn’t show a couple of new condo projects in town. Which is not a good thing considering I’m in charge of the magazine the maps are in. However, it does mean we’ve updated all of the maps in all of our magazines so that your condo quest will hopefully go a little smoother than ours.

In the end, we completed our task, and my son and future daughter-in-law purchased one of the condos we told them about, with a move-in date of next summer. As for the real Amazing Race, forget it; I’ve got a fear of heights, and as for any eating challenges, I can’t even force myself to eat Italian or Chinese food, let alone any kind of crazy local delicacies. n

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