New Home & Condo Living - March 2015

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CONTENTS M A R C H 2015 n V OL U M E 7 I S S U E 6 0

COVER FEATURE

Variety of works part of Edmonton’s cultural landscape

8

8 Public art

13

LIFESTYLE

13 A home of their own

Newlyweds get by with a little help from their friends

NEWS

17 Housing outlook

CHBA – Alberta predictions for 2015

FEATURES

19 Get a head start on spring

47th annual Edmonton Home + Garden Show runs March 19-22

22

22 Representing Edmonton

Local builders finalists for national CHBA awards

ITEMS

6 Editor’s Message 24 Whats New? 26 Maps 30 Around Town F E B R U A R Y 2 015 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 5

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

PUBLISHER

Source Media Group

For art’s sake

info@sourcemediagroup.ca ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER /EDITOR

I’m not usually not much of an art afficianado, one of my favourite black velvet paintings is ‘Dogs Playing Poker’, but I know what I like when I see it. And I like the public art around Edmonton. And I’ll bet there’s more of it than most people know about.

Which is why I commissioned a feature article on some of this city’s finest public art works. From giant feet, to pyramids, to a structure made entirely of guns welded together, they may not be everyone’s cup of tea but one thing’s for sure — they inspire conversation.

We’ve also got a great first-person account of a new Edmontonian’s experience with the new home building process from newlywed Lani Lupul, starting with meeting her husband online and ending with them living happily ever after in their brand new home. It’s a modern love story with a home building angle.

Of course every new home owner has lots of ideas for their home, and so does the annual Home + Garden Show.

Check out the article on page 19, and then drop by the show in person, to see what new products might fit your new lifestyle and what the experts have to say about some common household topics.

Still on the local front, the provincial office of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association checks in with their analysis of where we’re headed in 2015 in terms of things like migration and employment, some of the factors that play a large role in influencing the housing market. It appears things are trending down, which is to be expected after a couple of years in a row of unsustainably high numbers. The stats I got from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation echo these conclusions in my Around Town piece.

Meanwhile Joy Van Marck continues to do her thing , promoting the industry when and where she can, as do Edmonton’s top builders. In fact, several local builders will represent the Capital Region at the national SAM Awards in Halifax later this spring.

Have a great spring!

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Stephanie Dubois, Lani Lupul Ann Sutherland, Joy Van Marck DIRECTOR OF S ALE S

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COVER FEATURE

PUBLIC ART P

ublic art in Edmonton is something Edmontonians have come to embrace, despite sometimes rocky starts to many of the pieces that have become part of the city’s landscape

today.

But eventually the relationship between Edmontonians and their public art evolves and many have come to embrace — and demand — works of art in the city.

“Public art in Edmonton is more conceptual and diverse than it has been historically,” says Eva Marie Clarke, spokesperson with Edmonton Arts Council.

Here are some of the public art pieces within the city:

CONTINUUM

“Continuum” hangs at Century Park Station

For those who use Century Park LRT station, Continuum is a daily part of their commute as the piece of art has been suspended from the ceiling since it was created in 2009.

Hundreds of coloured maple leaves make up the giant orb created by the industrial design team of Cezary and Danielle Gajewski who used a fallen leaf at the University of Alberta campus as the inspiration for the leaves that made up this reflective piece found in

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the transit station. At night, the sculpture is lit so it appears as if the leaves are floating as part of this display.

GIANTS OF EDMONTON

Many of the Giants of Edmonton murals are hard to miss, which was the point of the program that was created to help fight graffiti.

As part of the Graffiti Management Program (GMP), Capital City Clean Up partnered with local radio station 630 CHED so that businesses can apply to have a mural painted by a local artist on the side of their building in order to deter graffiti from happening. Twelve murals are already in the place on private buildings in the city and range in theme from sports to local volunteers to environment.

GUN SCULPTURE

At first look, the Gun Sculpture looks just like a giant cube sitting in Edmonton’s Prince of Wales Armouries. But upon a closer look, the sculpture is made of different weapons, each with a story and background.

Artists Sandra Bromley and Wallis Kendal, who have loaned the sculpture to the City of

COVER FEATURE The art piece Immense Mode stands tall at Southgate Station.

Variety of works part of Edmonton’s cultural landscape

By Stephanie Dubois

Edmonton, created the piece of public art to encourage discussion on issues of human rights and violence. Five tons of donated weapons from around the world make up the sculpture which has over 7,000 deactivated weapons, including handguns, AK47s, rifles, landmines, and ammunition.

According to the work’s Facebook page, “Gun Sculpture is both a microcosm of the political and economic history of the world since the twentieth century, and an imposing monument to the bloodshed on which that history was forged.”

IMMENSE MODE

Edmonton has one giant, striped pair of feet and they don’t belong to the Wicked Witch of the East. Found at the corner of 115 Street and 51 Avenue is Immense Mode, a piece of public art created by Red Deer-based artists Dawn Detarando and Brian McArthur. The two imagined the thousands of pairs of legs who would use the nearby transit centre and meant to inspire a smile during a shared morning commute. The sculpture was made of 42,000 pounds of brick and mortar featuring hand-carved bricks and glass tiles.

“PUBLIC ART IN EDMONTON IS MORE CONCEPTUAL AND DIVERSE THAN IT HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY.” Gun Sculpture

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FEATURE

“ITS VISUAL QUALITY IS NOT STATIC, AND THEREFORE CREATES A BALANCE BETWEEN ITS PERMANENCE, AND ITS CHANGEABLE APPEARANCE THAT SUGGESTS THE MUTABILITY OF NATURE.”

Talus Dome

TALUS DOME

Arguably one of Edmonton’s most controversial pieces of public art, Talus Dome sits beside the Quesnell Bridge/Whitemud Drive and is composed of 1,000 handcrafted stainless steel spheres.

Its price tag and location have inspired debate, but many Edmontonians — including Mayor Don Iveson — have come to embrace the sculpture created by artists Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues with Ball Nogues Studio.

The sculpture of stainless steel — created in 2012 — is a mound that reflects its environment, which is meant to be both a sculpture and mirror of its landscape. Artists say due to its reflective nature, “its visual quality is not static, and therefore creates a balance between its permanence, and its changeable appearance that suggests the mutability of nature.”

THE MIGRANTS

It’s 1957 and Edmontonians are upset that the city has spent $60,000 on a piece of public art known as the “spaghetti tree.”

“Everybody really hated it but it complimented the international architectural style of the then City Hall and it remains very much of its time,” says Clarke. Fast-forward to today and the Tobin bronze sculpture now sits proudly next to City Hall.

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The sculpture is inspired by Canada Geese, and was created by artist Lionel A.J. Thomas from sketches done in Vancouver’s Stanley Park over several days. According to the City’s description of the artwork, the five standing and four flying geese “symbolize Edmonton as a destination for progress and as the aviation gateway to the North, while paying homage to the city’s history and the immigrants who played a role in building the city.”

RUNNING TRACK

It’s hard to miss the giant red and white sculpture sitting outside of the Terwillegar Recreation Centre. A hybrid between runner and the running track, Running Track directly refers to the activities that happen inside the recreation centre as per artist Inges Idee’s creation. According to the piece’s description on the city’s website, the “intensely coloured sculpture combines the concrete, graphic aesthetic of sport (the lines of a racetrack, the sole of a running shoe, the stripes of athletic clothing) with the sculptural power of a dynamically curving form.”

‘WE ARE HERE’ AT MUTTART CONSERVATORY

The pyramid in front of the pyramids found at the Muttart Conservatory has greeted visitors to the conservatory and the river valley since 2009.

Artist Mia Weinberg created the granite pyramid following the City’s massive overhaul of the conservatory. She wanted to capture guests

FEATURE

We Are Here coming to the area with a black pyramid. Sandblasted onto two of the granite sides are images of plants while the other two sides are maps of the City of Edmonton. According to the city’s Public Art website, “this juxtaposition points out similarities between the vascular system of plants and the macro-view of our streetscapes — they are both “skeletons” for the organism/city, shuttling nutrients/passengers to where they are needed.”

Vaulted Willow

VAULTED WILLOW

One of Edmonton’s newest piece of public art is Vaulted Willow (known simply as “Willow”), an aluminium, multi-coloured sculpture which has attracted the eyes of many Edmontonians since it was first installed in Borden Park in 2014.

Artist Marc Fornes describes the sculpture as an “architectural folly,” as colours seem to meld together from afar but are in fact shingles of colour when inspecting up close. Using Borden Park as inspiration, the artist “pushed” the hues in the sculpture to the next level so it could stand out in the public park. n

A HYBRID BETWEEN RUNNER AND THE RUNNING TRACK, RUNNING TRACK DIRECTLY REFERS TO THE ACTIVITIES THAT HAPPEN INSIDE THE RECREATION CENTRE...

Running Track

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FEATURE

A home of their own I

ndiana Jones was playing on the television late one Saturday night; a night that forever changed my life.

No, it wasn’t by Indy and his charm.

I signed up on match.com and met my handsome husband the very next day!

Almost one year later to the day, August 9, 2014, we were married.

Troy and I had both owned property

Newlyweds get by with a little help from their friends

By Lani Lupul

before, but as we began to look at the market in Edmonton and area, we were a bit aghast at the rental prices. Since I had a small dog and my husband-to-be had a lot of tools, we knew a yard and garage were high on our priority list.

Coincidently, or maybe it was fate, at the same time as our spring engagement, my husband’s uncle was beginning a development in Stony Plain called The Brickyard at Old Town, with homes built by his company, Lakeview Developments, as well as Daytona Homes Master Builder, and Kirkland Homes Master Builder.

»

...MAYBE IT WAS FATE, AT THE SAME TIME AS OUR SPRING ENGAGEMENT, MY HUSBAND’S UNCLE WAS BEGINNING A DEVELOPMENT IN STONY PLAIN CALLED THE BRICKYARD AT OLD TOWN...

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FEATURE

After a few discussions, we were completely blessed with the opportunity to have a home of our own as we started our life together. And just a few days before Christmas, we got the keys to our brand new duplex.

Covering 54 acres of the west end of Stony Plain, the community is situated an easy walking distance from the charm of old main street with shops and restaurants, parks, and a school.

Lakeview Developments, who we purchased from, offers adult living (40+) in bungalow style homes, with 16 different floor plans to choose from. We liked the “country classic” exteriors that came in a variety of colour palettes. Even though it’s a duplex, our house comes with things like a dormer that sets it a part just a little bit from the next.

Brickyard Bungalows range from $445,000 for 1,275 square-feet to $690,000 for 1,852 square-feet, which, includes fully finished basements, six quality stainless steel appliances, no maintenance decks and all landscaping. While all Lakeview homes are spec homes, buyers do have the opportunity to give feedback and we found the builder amazing to work with. While they made every effort to be price conscious, building bungalows costs a bit more when you consider that the larger the footprint of a home is, the larger your basement concrete pour and roof will be. Personally, we love the wide-open concept our bungalow offers!

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Since it is HOA operated, there are no condo fees, but we will still receive the benefits of snow removal, grass cutting, and so forth that the builder knew would be important to all future buyers.

The other builders, Daytona Homes and Kirkland Homes, are primarily family-oriented housing with options ranging from semi-detached (starting at low $300,000s), detached garage (high $300,000s), and attached garage (low $500,000s for largest). Sizes vary, but floor plans start at 1,218 square-feet and up to 2,500 square-feet for a two-storey with attached garage.

Once all phases of The Brickyard at Old Townare

COVERING 54 ACRES OF THE WEST END OF STONY PLAIN, THE COMMUNITY IS SITUATED AN EASY WALKING DISTANCE FROM THE CHARM OF OLD MAIN STREET WITH SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS, PARKS, AND A SCHOOL.

FEATURE

complete, there will be over 1,000 units that will range from bungalows, twostorey homes, stacked row houses, and adult care residences. With this many options, home-buyers will have an array of choices to meet their needs in what we are learning is such a quaint area of Stony Plain! A lake will also be a part of the finished product, which is a great additional feature.

Now, the settling into our home begins. Fortunately, both Troy and I have very similar tastes. He likes wood, I like a bit of chic. We love how mixing textures in furniture and accessories can become an art form in itself.

We chose bright white kitchen cabinets, with a dark island to offset. Our love for contrast came in all our lighting as well where we tried to keep as much wrought iron as our budget would allow. What I have learned so far about building a home is, that if you focus on building some strong basics into your design, then you can compliment it with almost any colour or theme you like.

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WHAT I HAVE LEARNED SO FAR ABOUT BUILDING A HOME IS, THAT IF YOU FOCUS ON BUILDING SOME STRONG BASICS INTO YOUR DESIGN, THEN YOU CAN COMPLIMENT IT WITH ALMOST ANY COLOUR OR THEME YOU LIKE. F E B R U A R Y 2 015 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 15

FEATURE

FOR NOW, WE’LL FOCUS ON LEARNING HOW TO BE CREATIVE AS WE PACE OURSELVES AND ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF OUR NEW HOME.

Since styles, tastes and seasons can change so frequently (especially for us women!), having strong basics can really allow you the freedom to change up your accessories as the decorator-whim moves you! We kept our walls a neutral palette — a simple grey with white trim throughout. My husband has yet to be convinced that flowers and candles can perfect any room and, well, any day.

Within the first couple of weeks of moving into our place, we refurbished a coffee table and end table, along with a gorgeous pedestal oak table and chairs that we purchased off Kijiji. In working with detail and refurbishing pieces my husband takes his time, and does an amazing job. I on the other hand, like to get it done while exhausting myself in a very short time period.

Patience is a virtue I haven’t quite mastered, but I am learning that setting up a home the way you want to takes time!

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Troy had his own hardwood flooring business for a few years, and can pretty much build anything, so the ‘honey-do’ list is quite long. He plans to build in shelves as a library into the front den/ office area. With a gorgeous south-facing window, the room has optimum afternoon light; a spot that has quickly become a favourite in the afternoon for me and our dog! The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves will make the room look taller, which is a bonus in a small area. Some of the other future projects will include a barn wood headboard; a stand made out of a vintage gun case we found at a farmers market last summer for $10; along with wood shelving and frames for the mirrors in all three bathrooms.

But for now, we’ll focus on learning how to be creative as we pace ourselves and enjoy every minute in our new home.

Showhomes for Lakeview Developments, Daytona Homes Master Builder, and Kirkland Homes Master Builder are open and welcome questions and visitors.

You can find out more about The Brickyard at Old Town by visiting www.brickyardbend.ca n

NEWS

Housing outlook CHBA – Alberta predictions for 2015

C

oncerns about falling oil prices and Alberta’s economy in 2015 are real and were highlighted by Premier Jim Prentice in his December 15 announcement that the government would immediately seek to control spending by limiting hiring, purchasing, travel, training and discretionary grants. The Premier also announced he would lead a new seven-member committee to work on the provincial budget to be announced in the spring. “This is not budgeting as usual,” Prentice said.

CHBA – Alberta Economic Analyst Richard Goatcher has prepared an analysis to assist home builders and buyers plan for a period when concern over the impact of lower resource prices on all sectors of the economy will dominate provincial debate. Here are some of the highlights.

1

What we see as 2014 draws to a close: • Statistics Canada’s labour force survey numbers in November showed little impact of the recent drop in world oil prices. Building permit numbers in October were also still robust

across the province.

• Capital spending plans are getting trimmed in the oil patch.

This will impact employment in Calgary first. Elsewhere later on.

• High levels of economic uncertainly will persist into the new year.

• The Edmonton region will be more vulnerable to provincial government belt-tightening than the rest of Alberta.

2

What past experiences tell us about today’s economic situation: • CMHC’s next forecast comes out in mid-February. They will make adjustments based on the year-end stats.

• Multi-family high-rise projects in Calgary and Edmonton are likely the most at risk because their completion dates are a long way off.

• When the property markets turned in Alberta in mid-2007 there were many apartments underway but in a lot of cases the financial trouble for the developers didn’t arise until 2009-2010 when

Richard Goatcher Economic Analyst, CHBA – Alberta

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NEWS

the buildings were completed and the construction loans were due to be paid out.

This scenario, should it be repeated, will again take time to develop.

• In 2007, we saw a lot of unsophisticated investors (speculators) in Edmonton and Calgary flee the resale condo markets and active listings soared. We don’t believe there has been as much speculative activity this time round because we have not seen the historic price gains we saw in 2005 and 2006.

3

Predictions on Migration and Housing Starts: MIGRATION: • CMHC’s 2014 fourth quarter forecast calls for a nine per cent drop from 2013 peak levels in total migration based on what they saw in the first half of the year.

We’ll see the third quarter numbers before Christmas and the final 2014 numbers around March 21st. Based on the Labour Force survey numbers to November, this 2014 forecast still seems reasonable.

• In 2015, CMHC calls for a 19 per cent drop in total migration to 64,000 persons.

This is well above the average for 2005-2013 so we think the risk is on the downside. This is because Alberta’s economic growth will slow relative to the rest of Canada so there will be less incentive to move here.

• The 2015 migration number could easily approach the 2015-2013 average of around 55,000. That would be a big come-down from 79,000 this year.

TOTAL HOUSING STARTS: • The 12 per cent gain over 2013 in CMHC’s recently forecasted 2014 all area starts number (as opposed to urban) seems reasonable. This final number won’t be published until mid-January because it is released quarterly. However, urban (10,000+ cities) starts were up 14 per cent to the end of November.

• The seven per cent decline forecasted

by CMHC in 2015 is largely due to the expectation of fewer multi-family starts in Calgary — which will hit a record this year.

We think there is plenty of downside risk to that number, especially if MLS condo listings start to surge as some investors seek to exit the market.

• Based on the negative sentiment for growth in the provincial economy in 2015, the total starts number might be closer to what CMHC had forecast for 2016 (around 35,000) which is still well above the average for 2009-2013.

4

Our view on job creation in 2015: • CMHC’s fourth quarter forecast calls for job creation of around 2.2 per cent provincially in 2015 (down from 2.8 per cent this year).

• Two months ago this would seem reasonable but now seems too optimistic.

• Job creation in Alberta could be easily drop to the 1-1.5 per cent range in 2015 but could get closer to zero if WTI stays low and the provincial government cuts deep in the spring budget. n

Information provided courtesy: Richard Goatcher, Economic Analyst for CHBA – Alberta. richard.goatcher@chbalberta.ca

CHMC Forecast Tables – 2014 Fourth Quarter Housing Market Outlook Total annual housing starts Alberta - All Areas

CHMC 4th quarter 2014 forecast Year

Alberta Net Migration

2005

yr/yr net +/- Change

% Change

62,106

26,636

75.1%

2005 40,847

Units

% Change

8,597

2006

70,673

13.8%

2006 48,962 19.9%

2007

44,635 -26,063 -36.8%

2007 48,336 -1.3%

2008

56,985 12,350 27.7%

2008

29,164 -39.7%

2009

28,957 -28,028 -49.2%

2009

20,298 -30.4%

2010

21,677

-7,280

2010

27,088 33.5%

2011

45,587

23,910 110.3%

2011 25,704 -5.1%

2012

78,838 33,251 72.9%

2012 33,396 29.9%

2013

86,922

2013 36,011 7.8%

-25.1%

8,084 10.3%

Average

Average

2005-13 55,153

2009-13 28,499

2014F

79,000

-9.1%

2014F 40,400 12.2%

2015F

64,000 -15,000 -19.0%

2015F 48,962 -7.4%

2016F 58,000 -6,000 -9.4%

2016F 48,962 -4.3%

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-7,922

FEATURE

Get a head start on spring 47th annual Edmonton Home + Garden Show runs March 19 – 22

By Ann Sutherland

F

rom home renovations to gardening, landscaping, cooking and décor, it’s all under one roof at this year’s Edmonton Home + Garden Show.

The annual show, now in its 47th year, rolls into town from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22. The exhibition showcases design inspiration for both inside the home and the great outdoors.

Featuring over 600 exhibitors, homeowners will find tips, trends, and products for home renovations, gardening and landscaping projects, as well cooking and décor ideas.

“We’re expecting around 60,000 people to come through the doors over the four days,” says show manager Terri Higgins. Expect to spend between two to four hours browsing products, getting advice, comparing prices and gathering inspiration.

“It’s a fun day out and a great resource for every home project imaginable. Whether you are planning a $10,000 kitchen renovation or there to buy a $20 picture frame, the Home + Garden Show is really all encompassing.”

It’s also a chance to catch some celebrity designers. Ramsin Khachi is one of the leading design experts on CTV’s popular daytime talk show, The Marilyn Denis Show, where he shares his tips on construction, interior design, and décor.

“I’ve been meaning to come to Edmonton for some time now and I am thrilled that it’s happening,” he says.

His presentation on the Friday and Saturday is called ‘Our Changing Lifestyle: Trends and Facts.’ “It’s all about understanding and applying trends to your home renovation,” he says. “With our changing lifestyles today it’s important to decipher ‘good trends’ and understand how to best apply them to everyday life. I want to focus on helping people use trends in a manner than makes their space the best it can be — with great functionality and longevity.”

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Ramsin Khachi

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FEATURE

“PEOPLE WERE ASKING FOR US TO INCLUDE MORE LANDSCAPING, SO ALONG WITH OUR CELEBRITY EXPERTS IS A NEW FEATURE FOR THIS YEAR CALLED BACKYARD WARS.” When looking at trends, he says it boils down to do what you love and “make sure it makes your life easier and puts a smile on your face every day.”

Carson Arthur With 20 years of success in the industry, the question he is asked most often is “how much will this cost?”

His advice is not to get stuck on cost. “It will cost what it costs. What’s more important is that you do your research and understand what your needs are. Determine what the true scope of the project is in detail and then get it priced out accordingly. Only then will you know what to expect.”

Terri Higgins says that with spring around the corner, the Home + Garden Show is a great opportunity to explore what’s in store for landscaping. Two of Canada’s popular outdoor experts will be in town to give you the lowdown on landscaping.

On the main stage March 21 is “Deck Guy” Paul Lafrance, host of HGTV’s Decked Out, Disaster Decks, and Deck Wars. He’ll share his advice on creating your backyard oasis.

As well, outdoor design and lifestyle expert Carson Arthur of HGTV’s Critical Listing will be doling out practical information on how to maximize and create inspired outdoor spaces on March 19 and 20 on the Garden Stage.

Fast Facts Where: Northland’s Expo Centre, Halls A, B, C, E, and F When: March 19 and 20 from noon to 9 p.m.; March 21 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; March 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost at the door: Adult - $15.00; Senior - $12.00; children 12 and under free. Order online and save $3.00 More information: www.edmontonhomeandgarden.com

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“People were asking for us to include more landscaping, so along with our celebrity experts is a new feature for this year called Backyard Wars,” Higgins says. “Four local landscape designers each have 300 square-feet to create a garden. There is audience participation in that they get to vote for the winner, plus gather some ideas and inspiration.“ Of course cooking is always a popular draw and this year is no exception. Chefs from local restaurants, including Paul Schufelt one of Alberta’s leading chefs, will be giving demonstrations on the cooking stage, and handing out recipes and samples. And if that isn’t enough, patrons can grab something to eat from the food trucks that will be on site.

“For those with young kids, the Friday is family day,” says Higgins. “It’s back by popular demand and there will be child-friendly activities so it really makes for a day out with the family.”

And don’t forget to tour the 950-square-foot house that is being built on site.

“Instead of a prefab home like we’ve had in the past, we’ll have the façade of a house where you can walk through decorated rooms and come away with some ideas,” says Higgins. n

Paul LaFrance

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NEWS

REPRESENTING EDMONTON Local builders finalists for national CHBA awards

T

he Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) recently announced the finalists for the 2014 CHBA National SAM Awards — recognizing Canadian housing excellence, and a handful of Edmonton home builders are on the list.

These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in new homes, home renovation and community development across Canada. Twenty-four CHBA National SAM Awards will be presented at the Association’s 72nd National Conference on March 6, 2015 in Halifax.

CHBA President Bard Golightly says the 2014 SAM Finalists “reflect the use of innovative technology and construction techniques, distinctive design and remarkable marketing and sales activities.

Photos on this page Alair Homes Edmonton

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“This year’s SAM Finalists are impressive and it was a daunting task for the judges to make their determinations given the quality of entries. It reflects well on the home builder, renovator, and developer members who make up our award finalists for 2014.”

CHBA National SAM Awards are presented for projects of varying sizes in the following categories: New Home Awards (eight in total), Home Renovation Awards (five in total), and Marketing Awards (six in total).

In addition, single National SAM Awards are presented for: Green Renovation, Green Home, Community Development; Marketing Excellence; and the Grand SAM, which recognizes the new home builder who demonstrates the highest level of excellence in both the building and marketing of new homes.

Following is a list of Edmonton finalists under the various categories they are nominated for. Congratulations and good luck to all the finalists! n

NEWS

“THIS YEAR’S SAM FINALISTS ARE IMPRESSIVE AND IT WAS A DAUNTING TASK FOR THE JUDGES TO MAKE THEIR DETERMINATIONS GIVEN THE QUALITY OF ENTRIES.” NEW HOME AWARDS PRODUCTION HOMES: SINGLE DETACHED HOME UNDER 1,500 SQUARE FEET Pacesetter Homes, Edmonton, AB: “Maverick – New Castle” Rohit Group of Companies, Edmonton, AB: “The Lincoln” Sterling Homes (Edmonton) Ltd., Edmonton, AB: “Belvedere – Visscher Res”

CUSTOM HOMES: SINGLE DETACHED HOME UNDER 2,500 SQUARE FEET Carriage Signature Homes Inc., Edmonton, AB

GREEN HOME AWARD Landmark Group of Builders, Edmonton, AB

HOME RENOVATION AWARDS WHOLE HOUSE — BETWEEN $250,000 AND $500,000 Aquarian Renovations, Edmonton, AB

WHOLE HOUSE — MORE THAN $500,000 Alair Homes Edmonton, Edmonton, AB

GRAND SAM AWARD Sterling Homes (Edmonton) Ltd., Edmonton, AB For the full list of national finalists visit www.chba.ca/about/news-pubs.aspx?id=103

Photos on this page Sterling Homes (Edmonton) Ltd.

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The Brooke II by Vicky’s Homes VICKY’S HOMES HAS just opened Brooke II, located at 2104 Cameron Ravine Place. This 3,185-square-foot, two-storey home with developed lower level, shows an impressive contemporary layout with innovative designs, outstanding character, functional living spaces, and quality construction throughout.

The Brooke II truly shows the special touches from a female designer calling on personal experiences to create smooth lines, artful displays and all the little and not so little conveniences for day to day living.

The main floor features an oversized front entry, two story great room, every chef’s dream kitchen, large open dining area, an abundance of windows allowing light from all angles, and a back entrance large enough for whole family featuring hooks, shelving, various drawers located at numerous levels. There is a place for all the shoes, boots, coats, hats mitts — you name it.

The kitchen itself has many advantages you will appreciate. Two working islands, one with a farmhouse stainless sink with flushed eating bar and the other hosts a smaller sink, wine fridge and raised eating bar with decorative chrome supports. The spacious pantry entry is seamless with cabinetry finishing. Add in quartz counters, generous pots and pan drawers, built in coffee bar with its own water link, strategic placement of bulkheads to accent room divisions and the stainless and glass backsplash it is a must see to believe.

Other special features that the Brooke II offers are the integration of materials not commonly seen such as charcoal coloured leather floors, stainless trim on all

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millwork, multi layer architectural ceiling detail, recessed planters, floor to ceiling decorative profiled high gloss tile with inset big screen TV and gas fireplace plus so much more.

The upper floor hosts a beautiful, spacious master bedroom with a dream ensuite and plenty of walk-in closet space. Convenient upper floor laundry and two more bedrooms complete the upper level.

The fully developed lower level has a theatre room, full bath with heated floor, bedroom, games area as well as generous space for relaxing complete with bar for entertaining.

Built by men, but designed by a woman, Vicky’s Homes checks all the right boxes when looking for a home as unique as you are.

Take Anthony Henday to the Cameron Heights turnoff and follow the signs, you can’t miss it and you will be glad you dropped in or for more information visit the website at vickyshomes.ca

WHAT’S NEW? with Joy Van Marck

Henley Heights at Secord HENLEY HEIGHTS AT Secord, a Walton Community, square-feet, has four bedrooms and a bonus room recently opened five new show homes in Edmonton’s with balcony on the upper level. The convenient popular west end. walk thru pantry from garage entry to kitchen is a This new community offers the perfect mix of location, great step saver. A well planned kitchen and spacious accessibility and amenities. From the variety of home dining area more than accommodates the larger styles to choose from, such as semi-detached homes, families. rear laned homes and front garage homes by five of Both Bedrock Homes and Homes by Avi have Edmonton’s top builders, you will be sure to find a home alternative floor designs and options to choose from of your own at Henley Heights. so be sure to ask if you would like a change or two.

Connect Homes features three-bedroom duplex homes; Connect Homes will be opening their front the Declan with 1,320 square-feet, and the 1,532-squareattached garage home, the Jenine, with 1,780 squarefoot Kaylan. Connect Homes features nine-foot ceilings feet, mid March. and has specialized engineered flooring on the main level, Make sure you check out the new west end allowing for open development on the lower level. neighbourhood, Henley Heights at Secord. Enter Crimson Cove Homes offers laned homes with rear Secord off 215 Street and go straight and follow the detached garage. The Chimney Swift, with 1,653 squaresigns into Henley Heights. For more information you feet is great for young families with three bedrooms and can visit henleyheights.ca ■ upper floor laundry and many special features.

The Montana, a front attached double garage home by Bedrock Homes, has 2,258 square-feet of well-planned living space. This threebedroom home with upper floor laundry has a generous master bedroom complete with full ensuite and walk in closet. The split staircase provides separation from the bedrooms and bonus room.

From left to right – Dee Tran (Bedrock Homes), Dave Armstrong (Connect Homes), Maria Kennedy (Homes by Avi), Homes by Avi’s, The Sam Everitt (Walton Development and Management), Wade Grabeldinger (Crimson Cove Homes), Kendra Milne Hawthorne, with 2,402 (Walton Development and Management)

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. F E B R U A R Y 2 015 NE W H O ME & C O ND O 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

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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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CITY OF EDMONTON MAP 49 43

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71

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EDMONTON AND AREA MAP

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NEW HOMES 6

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Regency Heights Estates in Kingswood Lacombe Park Estates North Ridge Erin Ridge Upper Manor Pointe The Club & Residences of River’s Gate Tuscany Hills/Upper Tuscany Pinnacle Ridge Estates

1

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

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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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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 F E B R U A R Y 2 015 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 2 9

AROUND TOWN

By Jim Zang

Experts tell it like it is at CHBA’s 2015 Economic Forecase dinner DESPITE THE PRICE of oil dropping to well below $50/barrel (thank-you OPEC), and despite all the ‘Chicken Littles’ running around out there shouting that the sky is falling, the immediate economic outlook for Edmonton isn’t that bad.

Although there will be cutbacks and some folks will, inevitably, be innocent victims in terms of layoffs, the local economy as a whole, and the housing industry in particular, will remain relatively healthy. The important word here is the term ‘relatively’. Because, although the experts are predicting moderation for the next year (a less harsh term for ‘decrease’), it’s to be expected given the high — and unsustainable — housing start levels of the past couple of years.

Chart 1

Although they spoke for much longer, and had lots of graphs and charts, that was the basic message delivered by speakers at the CHBA – Edmonton Region’s annual Economic Forecast Dinner January 15th.

According to Katherine White, Assistant Deputy Minister, Economics and Fiscal Policy for Alberta Treasury Board, and the former Chief Economist for the Government of Alberta, growth is actually expected to continue, just not at previous rates. She still sees Alberta as the place to be, with growth levels predicted to be higher than other provinces (Chart 1), leading to in-migration, although, again, at lower levels than in recent years (Chart 2).

The other keynote speaker, Craig Wright, Chief Economist for the Royal Bank of Canada, painted a more global picture, looking at trends in the U.S. and even China that might have an effect here at home. One piece of good news, although it’s sort of like receiving a backhanded compliment, is that things will get better, with time, because oil prices will eventually go back up (Chart 3). Wright echoes White’s comments on Alberta’s economic growth and in-migration, saying we will continue to lead the country in things like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), job creation and low unemployment but, yes, the numbers will be lower than in the past couple of years. n

Chart 2

Chart 3

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