VOLUME 10 ISSUE 108 n DEcEMBEr 2014
contents
12 CoVER FEATURE
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Doing it right the first time Mike Holmes teams up with Lifestyle Homes and West Ridge Fine Homes to make it right in Chestermere
FEATURE
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Lace ‘em up Enjoy winter in Calgary’s outdoor skating rinks and ponds
PUbLIcATIONS AGreemeNT NO. 41072011. reTUrN UNDeLIVerAbLe cANADIAN ADDreSSeS TO: Source media Group corp. 207 - 5809 macleod Trail S.W., calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
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contents 22
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focus on
Christmas surprise
Fill the home with kids’ laughter when they find these toys under the tree
Show home profiles
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Family first
NuVista’s Saxony show home brings comfort, convenience to fore
22 A tandem for three
Tandem Bay introduces triple car garage concept for the move-up crowd
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Community profiles
28 Family-friendly Fireside
Small town living never looked more inviting than in LaVita’s Fireside
Shopping
37 A Calgary Christmas
Support your neighbourhood store this holiday season
columns
47 Around Town 54 Hope at Large
Style
43 DIY Christmas
8 Editor’s Message 48 Maps 52 Advertiser Index
Put your personal touch in holiday décor
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editor’s message
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Holiday buzz
I realize that this holiday issue hits stands on the last week of November, which seems a little to early to be spreading Christmas cheer (but try telling that to the malls, seems the tinsel is out earlier every year). Still, there is a lot to cheer about in Calgary’s new home market, and from the looks of it Santa came early this year to our builders, too, as housing starts continue to grow. Calgary new home construction bucked the national downward trend with yearover-year housing starts in October climbing 21 per cent. Leading the charge are multi-family homes with a 110 per cent increase to 9,687 new units in the market from January to October, while single-family homes are also up two per cent. That’s something to celebrate, right? There’s more. Celebrity home builder, Mike Holmes, is bringing his considerable talent, commonsense-oriented and environmentally sustainable approach to home building to Chestermere, where Holmes Approved Homes by Lifestyle Homes and Westridge Fine Homes are creating a holiday buzz with some of the best homes around done right the first time. We also have Cardel Homes’ Tandem Bay in Walden, a move-up home with three-car parking in its front attached garage and affordability to boot — how’s that for a Christmas treat? Then there’s NuVista Homes’ Saxony, one part of their semi-detached show homes in Evanston, which has all the features of an upscale estate home. We also bring you to Fireside in Cochrane, where LaVita Land is busy introducing a wide array of home options. The holidays also mean the start of winter and Courtney Allen takes us on a journey to discover the joys of ice skating in outdoor rinks, and she goes all over the city to tell us where to find them. Kathy McCormick also travelled far and wide to bring us Christmas gift ideas from Calgary’s best local shops. David Crosson also gives us tips on DIY Christmas décor, while Aaliya Essa brings us the hottest toys in her Focus On photo feature. So, early as it may be, let us at Source Media Group be the first to greet you a Merry Christmas and holiday tidings. You can expect more from us next year, as we continue to chart our city’s growth and the changing lifestyles that this brings.
puBLIsHEr |
Source media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca A s s O c I At E p u B L I s H E r |
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca EDItOr |
Pepper rodriguez
pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca Art DIrEctOr |
Jean Faye rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GrApHIc DEsIGNErs
rylyn Kvarnberg
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megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca p r O D u c t I O N A D M I N I s t r At O r |
colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDItOrIAL
courtney Allen, Darlene casten, David crosson, Aaliya essa, marty Hope, Kathy mccormick ADVErtIsING sALEs |
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Gallant Distribution Services, media classified, Source media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PrINTeD IN cANADA
©Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area. New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. New Home Living® is a registered Trademark the propperty of SOURCE MEDIA GROUP CORP. Reg. CIPO TMA 693289. Source Media Group, 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9. T: 403.532.3101, F: 403.532.3109, TF: 1.888.932.3101 E: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca
NEXt MONtH:
Keeping fit in the winter
@calgaryNewHomes
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Christmas surprise Fill the home with kids’ laughter when they find these toys under the tree n by
Aaliya Essa
All toys are educational in that they ignite children’s imaginations. They can be anything from a simple jack-in-the-box, to elaborate play castles, or even high-end superhero statues, they all can spark a kid’s dreams. This year, Mom and Dad (and Grandpa and Grandma) will have lots to choose from to put under the tree. NL
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1] Green Running T-rex, $29.95 at Livingston & Cavell Extraordinary Toys. 2] Sideshow Collectible Harley Quinn statue, $485 at Redd Skull Comics. 3] Iron Man bust, $106 at Redd Skull Comics. 4] The Dark Knight Returns: A Call to Arms Statue Year of the Horse Edition, $424 at Redd Skull Comics. 5] Yoyo Factory, $39.99 at Discovery Hut. 6] Two Peas In A Pod, $19.99 at Castle Toys. 7] Crawl N Go Snail, $36.99 at Castle Toys. 8] Dancing Groot, $18.95 at Redd Skull Comics. 9] Curious George Jack Box, $29.95 at Livingston & Cavell Extraordinary Toys. 10] Enchanted Tower, $39.99 at Discovery Hut.
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
DOING IT RIGHT THE
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ike’s Holmes Approved Homes Program sets a new standard in residential construction that goes above minimum code to make sure homes are built right the first time. Over 10 years ago, Mike Holmes made a name for himself by fixing other contractors’ mistakes in his breakthrough hit TV series, Holmes on Homes. But when more and more of those mistakes were being made by homebuilders, and the homes he was fixing were no more than five years old, West Ridge Fine Homes
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there was no denying it: Houston, we have a problem. And something had to change. “I could have done an entire series just fixing new homes,” says Mike Holmes in a recent episode of Holmes Makes It Right — his latest series in a string of major television successes. “It’s ridiculous. This shouldn’t happen.” Mike decided enough was enough. In 2011 he rallied a team of industry leaders to develop an innovative residential housing program that would raise the bar when it came to building homes right. “I’m just one guy. I can’t fix every home,” says Mike. “What I can do is set a standard that says ‘this is how homes should be built,’ so we prevent problems before they happen. If you give homebuyers the choice of a better built home, they don’t mind paying a little extra for something that could save them thousands in damages. It’s smart construction. When you build smart, it’s win-win.”
| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
FIRST TIME What Mike developed was a three-tiered program called Holmes Approved Homes (HAH), which select homebuilders could offer their clients. As a HAH Partner Builder, homebuilders work with the HAH team to develop a set of material and installation specifications that make sense for the environments they build in, as well as local infrastructures and strengths. “What we’re finding is that most new builders that sign on offer the program as a standard across the board on all their homes, so every house they build is Holmes Approved,” states Seth Atkins, Director of HAH. “That wasn’t always the case. In its inception, Partner Builders would give homebuyers the option of building their house to the HAH standard. But once our partners started realizing the value of the program, for both their buyers and their brand, it was logical to make all their homes Holmes Approved.” Every house registered as a Holmes Approved
Mike Holmes teams up with Lifestyle Homes and West Ridge Fine Homes to make it right in Chestermere
Home undergoes a series of Mike Holmes Inspections throughout different (and critical) stages of construction to ensure product specifications and proper construction practices are followed. The result is homes with healthier indoor air, higher energy efficiency and extra resistance against mould, water, moisture and fire. “We started with just a handful of builders to test out the program. We wanted to make sure we got it right before taking it across the country,” adds Atkins. “But it’s grown rapidly. Only three years in and we have over 30 builders. We’re even looking at moving [the program] into the United States.” The HAH Program is collaborative in nature, where different Partner Builders can work together, sometimes on the same project or development. One example is East Lakeview Road, a
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West Ridge Fine Homes
“I’m just one guy. I can’t fix every home. What I can do is set a standard that says ‘this is how homes should be built,’ so we prevent problems before they happen.”
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
East Lakeview Road is set to change the way homes and communities are built in Chestermere to help support healthy active lifestyles. small development in Chestermere, Alberta consisting of 10 lots where two HAH Partner Builders — Lifestyle Homes and West Ridge Fine Homes — are building luxury custom homes that are Holmes Approved, each under their own brand. Lifestyle Homes is one of the program’s initial members, committed to attaining the highest value and quality in homebuilding today by incorporating new and improved elements, which they test themselves through their own research and development program. It is this commitment to top building practices and their comprehensive approach to building that made them a perfect match for the program. West Ridge Fine Homes recently joined the HAH program and jumped at the opportunity of working on the East Lakeview Road development. They are a family business with a penchant for building healthy, sustainable homes for every stage of life — one of the reasons Mike chose them as a Partner Builder. East Lakeview Road is set to change the way homes and communities are built in Chestermere to help support healthy and active lifestyles. The development is within walking distance to a new school, and it’s the only lake community in the Calgary area that allows motorized water sports — it even hosts the World Wake Board Championships! It also boasts a summer water festival and has two public beaches. And while there’s sailing and golfing in the summer you can also enjoy snowmobiling and skating on the lake during winter. The HAH program understands that building better homes in healthy communities equals better lives. It’s about putting the best builders, products and practices together and building homes right for a stronger, healthier future. n
FAST FACTS: BUILDERS: Lifestyle Homes and West Ridge Fine Homes COMMUNITY: East Lakeview Road, Chestermere DEVELOPER: Holmes Communities STYLE: Luxury Homes PRICE: From the $900,000s ADDRESS: 800 and 804 East Lakeview Road, Chestermere HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays 2 to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.eastlakeviewroad.com
Left/above: Lifestyle Homes’ Elliott show home in East Lakeview.
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show home profile n NuVista
Family first NuVista’s Saxony show home brings comfort, convenience to fore n Written by
Pepper Rodriguez
The semi-detached homes have been in big demand in Calgary over the past few years, as buyers love the comfort, convenience and condo-fee-less lifestyle they offer. NuVista Homes’ Evanston Ascent line of semi-detached homes brings an estate-feel element to the market. At 2,146 square-feet, the Saxony show home in the popular northwest community of Evanston brings abundant style and functionality to these homes with shared walls. Not to mention, a ton of prestige and an unmistakable feel of an estate home. The Saxony is perfect for young families, downsizers and snowbirds looking for a home that offers the freedom and convenience of a single-family home and the affordability of a townhome. What they also get with the Saxony is room to grow, says Nicole Bull, area sales manager for NuVista in Evanston. The Saxony has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths with nine-foot ceilings in both main and upper floors offered as a stan-
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dard. Even the basement of the Saxony show home has ninefoot ceilings, which you don’t see everyday. The oversized windows that give the interiors a sunny countenance enhance the open concept layout of the main floor. The hardwood and tile flooring in the main floor adds to its executive elegance that is usually only found in estate homes. Bull says the Saxony has plenty of estate home features such as a main floor office/den, a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances neatly arrayed on the wall for a seamless design flow, and a beautiful fireplace with built-in shelves. “It’s a beautiful home for entertaining,” she says. “And our location in the amenity-rich community of Evanston perfectly complements what the Saxony offers.” With available spec homes starting from $548,900, the Saxony is as affordable estate-like lifestyle in a semi-detached home.
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Opposite Entertaining will be easy with the open concept layout of the Saxony, and its design makes it look more like an estate home than a semi-detached model. There is a wide foyer at the front of the home with mosaic tile floor that will give a warm welcome to guests.
Left The waterfall design of the central island with Caesarstone quartz tops brings glitzy polish to the gourmet kitchen. The full-height cabinetry gives the Saxony not only a clean, aesthetic look but provides plenty of usable storage space as well.
Below The open concept living room is as stylish as they come, and the Silhouette blinds lend glamour. The openness of the space is illustrated by the huge sectional sofa that would have looked cramped in any other semi-detached home.
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show home profile
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NuVista
fast facts BuILDEr: NuVista Homes cOMMuNIty: evanston DEVELOpEr: Qualico communities sIZE: 2,146 sq. ft. prIcE: Starts at $548,900 ADDrEss: 116 evansglen close N.W. DIrEctIONs: From Stoney Tr. N.W., go north on Symons Valley rd., turning right at Symons Valley Parkway. Follow the Parkway to evanston Way, turn right and follow the signs. HOurs: monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBsItE: www.nuvistahomes.com
bELoW The modern fireplace with tile facing brings the wow factor to the home, the built-in shelving of the show home is a welcome addition that adds to the Saxony’s appeal.
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RIGHT A dandy dining nook with elaborate lighting fixture makes for an intimate dinner setting with just the family. The Saxony is loaded with convenience too including a walk-through pantry that leads straight to the mudroom and the two-car front-attached garage.
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Left “The master bedroom and ensuite are a luxury retreat,” says Bull. “The master suite is separated from the other bedrooms by the bonus room, providing very private quarters for the owners.”
Above The Saxony and Shannon semi-detached homes’ exterior is designed in the classic four-square style, which incorporates the Prairie School and Craftsman styles that were popular in the early 1900s. “The exposed aggregate driveway and stone columns present a grand finish and impressive curb appeal,” says Bull.
Left The master ensuite continues the estate-feel of the home with its peninsula tub flanked by twin vanities, large walk-in shower and an enormous walk-in closet. NL
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show home profile n Cardel Homes
A tandem for three Tandem Bay introduces triple car garage concept for the move-up crowd n Written by
Pepper Rodriguez
Tandem bikes are bicycles made for two, tandem sofas have seating for two, but Cardel Homes’ new Tandem Bay has room for three cars. This new move-up home features a front-attached garage that can fit three cars and then some — a feature that can usually be only found among the more expensive estate homes. Let’s face it, we are still a society that depends on cars, and as families grow the need for three-car parking becomes inevitable. Tandem Bay shows how an innovative floor plan design can answer this necessity without breaking the bank. We’ve all seen how some single-family homeowners have coped with this need by cementing over the strip of land separating their driveway from their neighbours (which, by the way isn’t allowed in Calgary) to add additional parking space. The Tandem Bay — by elongating one side of the front-attached garage to fit two cars in tandem — is a solution that makes the most sense. “Even if you don’t need three cars yet, that extra space is perfect for a workshop or extra storage space that every family needs,” says Tracie Sartori, Cardel’s community sales associate in Walden. Another advantage for Tandem Bay is that most three-car garage homes need a 50-foot-wide lot to work, but this model — which starts at 2,143 square-feet — can fit on a 34-foot wide lot. Its profile also blends perfectly with any suburban streetscape. “The Modern Prairie look of Tandem Bay fits beautifully with Walden, it has a very urban look that wouldn’t look out of place in an inner-city setting,” Sartori says. Of course, the interiors also have the Cardel Homes’ stamp of excellence, with an open layout brought alive by the nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows. It is a three-bedroom home with bonus room that features everything growing families want today, including an attached master ensuite, walk-in corner pantry and twoand-a-half baths. Price starts from $520,000s including GST, the show home — with all the upgrades — is around the $600,000 mark.
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Below The low-pitch roof lines and generous stone detail give the Tandem Bay a modern sophistication that blends well with the inner-city feel of Walden. “The community is very family-friendly with lots of parks and green space, but the style of homes here make it feel more modern than most suburban neighbourhoods,” Sartori says.
home profile
Above The Tandem Bay show home’s grey and cream hues are balanced by the dark hardwood floor, and the back wall of big windows gives the interiors a sunny countenance. The cantilevered gas fireplace gives it a sedate elegance.
Top right Distressedlook hardwood flooring grace the main floor of the Tandem Bay show home that gives the home a warm, rustic look, offset by the quartztopped counters and island and seamless look of the kitchen.
right Sidelight windows over the dining nook add to Tandem Bay’s sunny interiors, which brings out the the look of the distressedstyle hardwood flooring.
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show home profile
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Cardel Homes
fast facts BuILDEr: cardel Homes cOMMuNIty: Walden DEVELOpEr: Genstar Development co. sIZE: Starts at 2,143 sq. ft. (the show home is at 2,200 sq. ft.) prIcE: Starting at $520,000 including GST DIrEctIONs: From macleod Tr., take 194 Ave. S.e. east into Walden and follow the signs. HOurs: monday to Thursday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. WEBsItE: www.cardelhomes.com LEFT The upstairs laundry, bonus room and the attached master ensuite answer most of the must-have checklist of move-up families. The deep soaker tub, big vanity, standup shower are all standards, but the estate-feel of the design is free.
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Opposite top The home office/ den at the front of the home is well suited for busy families, where kids can do their homework and parents can still keep an eye on them. The double doors with glass inserts give it a handsome demeanor. Families love the flexibility this feature brings to the home.
Left The bonus room upstairs is at the front of the home and is large enough to handle kids and their friends hanging out after school. Tall ceilings and oversized windows give it a comfortable spaciousness. NL
Above The kids’ bedrooms aren’t mere afterthoughts in the Tandem Bay and are big enough to adequately answer their growing needs. Spacious double door cabinets are provided for each of the two spare bedrooms.
Above The master bedroom — at over 14-by-14-feet — has room for all the necessities of a quiet retreat. King sized beds are easily accommodated with room left for night stands and bureaus, though the roomy walk-in closet past the attached master ensuite provides plenty more room for wardrobe needs.
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community profile n
Family-friendly Fireside n Written by
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Darlene Casten
December 2014
Small town living never looked more inviting than in LaVita’s Fireside
LaVita Land n community profile
T h e r e i s wa r m glow coming from southwest Cochrane, as the welcoming friendliness of Fireside brings in more new homeowners everyday. This LaVita Land community just off Highway 22 near the Bow River valley is fast becoming the neighbourhood of choice for a wide demographic of buyers. Surrounded by prairie landscapes, hills and natural wetlands, Fireside provides a warm and inviting setting to call home. Further blessed by the scenic backdrop of the Rockies, it’s only a quick drive down Highway 1 for a mountain adventure. But Fireside itself has acres of land for biking, hiking and other recreational activities right in your own backyard. Thirty-two acres of parks and pathways connect the community, drawing people together. Flagstone Park is a getaway for families, with a full playground for the kids and benches and picnic areas for parents to keep an eye on young ones while talking with friends and neighbours. Families will find the community has their future in mind. For
Surrounded by prairie landscapes, hills and natural wetlands, fireside provides a warm and inviting setting to call home.
example, a central school site with adjacent sports fields has been set aside for future development. Bulrush Park surrounds two large wetlands that sit side-by-side on the west side of Fireside. Nature trails and walking paths in Bulrush Park provide a perfect spot for relaxing and wildlife watching. Phase five of Fireside is currently selling, including single-family homes, semi-detached, villas, and townhomes that back onto Bulrush Park. Fireside’s four reputable builders — Calbridge Homes, Janssen Homes, Landmark Homes, and ReidBuilt Homes — offer a selection of homes to fit every lifestyle. Single-family homes come with rear or front garages, and laned homes are available starting in the $340,000s. Semi detached homes and townhomes are available, from the $320,000s and just last month Calbridge Homes launched sales for their Vantage townhomes. Also new are Landmark’s Whitney townhomes, a 29-unit complex of two-storey homes, which opened show homes here in September. The 1,338-square-foot homes have three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths and are loaded with the energy efficient features Landmark is known for. These start from the $320,000s. Calbridge Homes also offer new semi-detached homes ranging in size from 1,600 to 1,800 square-feet that start from the $430,000s. Besides the semi-detached and townhome models, there are nine single-family show homes to visit in Fireside, along with new models of Calbridge’s Clearbrook villas. These are from the $550,000s.
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community profile n
“There is something for people in all stages of life,” Tucci says. “It’s a place where grandparents can come live to be closer to their grandchildren.” Fireside will continue to cater to the family as the community builds out, Tucci says. A large central park will be built as future phases are completed. The Embers commercial area, including the now-open gas station and Tim Hortons, is already providing much-needed convenience to the neighbourhood. A new K–8 public school is opening September 2017. Tucci says when completed, Fireside will have 1,700 single-family homes and 800 multi-family homes. But its small town feel will remain the same, she says. Fireside is located just off Highway 22 and can be accessed from both Highway 1 and Crowchild Trail from Calgary. NL
Fireside will have 1,700 single-family homes and 800 multi-family homes. But its small town feel will remain the same. 30 | NE W HOME LIVING
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fast facts Community: Fireside Developer: La Vita Land Area: Cochrane, Alberta Builders: Calbridge Homes, Janssen Homes, Landmark Homes, ReidBuilt Homes Style: Townhomes, semi-detached, laned and front-attached garage homes Prices: Starting in the $320,000s Directions: West on Highway 1 and exit on Highway 22 towards Cochrane. Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Web: www.firesidecochrane.com
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Lace ‘em up Enjoy winter in Calgary’s outdoor skating rinks and ponds n Written by
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Mahogany Lake is one of the few private commuity lakes exclusive to residents and their guests. Photo courtesy Hopewell Residential.
The city-run rinks are free of charge for you, your family and friends and offer a safe, fun environment for a good time. 32 | NE W HOME LIVING
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Courtney Allen
s there a better sound than that of skates slicing through a thin skiff of fresh snow on a thoroughly frozen surface of glorious ice? Is there a better feeling than the warm sun on your face shining from the bluebird Alberta sky? Or how about the taste of warm, sweet hot chocolate on your tongue after a day out in the crisp, cool air skating with your little ones and neighbors? In our growing city of Calgary, there are over 100 outdoor skating rinks for you to take part in all of the above. Whether you live in one of the city’s new communities or are ensconced in one of the long time ‘hoods, there’s an outdoor rink near you. The city maintains seven rinks including of course, our famous Olympic Plaza downtown. 1. Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Avenue S.E. (10 a.m - 9 p.m.) 2. Evergreen – Everoak Dr. & Everridge Drive S.W. 3. Big Marlborough Park – 6033 Madigan Drive N.E. 4. Prairie Winds Park – 223 Castleridge Boulevard. N.E. (7 a.m. - 10 p.m.) 5. Carburn Park (pond rink) – 67 Riverview Drive S.E. (5 a.m. - 11 p.m.) 6. Prince’s Island Park – 4 St. and 1 Avenue S.W. (5 a.m. - 11 p.m.) 7. And last but certainly not least is our beloved Bowness Park Lagoon, which is currently receiving an overhaul after the June 2013’s flood. We are hoping we will see it open in 2015. 8900 48 Avenue N.W. (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.). The city-run rinks are free of charge for you, your family and friends and offer a safe, fun environment for a good time. There is something special about each of the rinks, Prince’s
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Olympic Plaza, photo courtesy City of Calgary
Island Park has lights and music all day and the Olympic Plaza ice skating rink opens around November, and the earliest of all the outdoor rinks and can stay open until around March, due to the refrigeration ice used. Most of the rinks aim for a mid-December opening date, perfect for all of your holiday celebrations and usually close sometime in February. For more information on each of these City of Calgary maintained outdoor playgrounds, you can check out their website www.calgary. ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Outdoor-skating-rinks. aspx. Or call 311 for more details. Besides the city-run rinks, there are over 40 volunteer-run rinks in communities around the city. All of these frozen wonderlands are dependent on weather of course, like most of our outdoor activities in Alberta. Although our Chinooks offer a brief reprieve from cold winter temps and provide a helpful breeze to help you glide around the rink, these warm winds can enhance or ruin the icy surfaces, so it’s best to check the website of the community your rink is located to make sure it’s safe to skate. On the city rinks helmets are a yes and hockey sticks are a no, as with the volunteer-run rinks. Some communities have created rinks for shinny where sticks are allowed; again, the almighty web will yield the answers you seek so it’s best to log-in before you pack your gear!
It takes over 150 dedicated, passionateabout-ice volunteers to keep these community skating rinks operating within the various neighborhoods. The list can vary depending on the availability of said volunteers, but for the most part, the list is accurate. If you find yourself in a community without a rink, you’re in luck; just call your community or residential association and request information about the Adopt-A-Rink-Program! www.calgary.ca/ CSPS/Parks/Pages/Volunteer/Adopt-a-rinkprogram.aspx Some communities have also created second rinks to allow for shinny and casual puck handling fun, so be sure to ask about that too. An old-fashioned phone call to your community association should sort out any queries you may have. With an impressive 195 communities in our vibrant city, it’s not surprising that there some rinks missing from the lists. If you’re looking for a hip place to skate, try 17th Ave’s Tomkin’s Park located on 17th Avenue & 8th Street S.W. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can head
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The frozen lake of Auburn bay provides winter fun for residents. Photo courtesy brookfield Residential.
The lake communities have the advantage of having these placid water features that become natural outdoor skating rinks when they freeze over. off to the one of the neighborhood’s chic pubs or fashionable eatery’s to warm your toes after your skate. For a cultural twist for the family, Heritage Park has an outdoor surface for the whole clan, free of charge at 1900 Heritage Drive SW. Open from 10 AM to 6 PM; this surface is man-made and always smooth making it a great place to learn and gain confidence. If it’s date night you’re looking for, try a night out at the trendy East Village Skating Rink located at Riverwalk Plaza, 618 Confluence Way, SE. Open daily and nightly, you can skate by the lights of Langevin Bridge while holding one another up. The lake communities — especially the new ones of Auburn Bay by Brookfield Residential and Mahogany by Hopewell communities — all have the advantage of having these placid water features that become natural out-
COMMUNITY RUN RINKS
door skating rinks when they freeze over. The Concorde ultra-luxury condo going up near the Peace Bridge in Eau Claire is building their own private pond that will serve as the resident’s exclusive skating rink in the winter. These lakes and ponds are for private use of residents and guests only. In a city where we’re known for working hard and playing hard, the many volunteers have made it safe to say there is a rink for everyone. So strap on your skates folks, it time for some winter fun! NL
In South Calgary, you’ll find rinks at the following locations:
If you’re looking for a rink in the North:
Altadore 1908 47 Ave S.W. 4220 Passchendaele Rd. S.W.
Glenbrook 4725 Graham Dr. S.W.
Banff Trail 24 Cathedral Rd. N.W.
Mount Pleasant 607 30 Ave. N.W.
Haysboro 1204 89 Ave. S.W.
Brentwood 2925 Blakiston Dr. N.W.
Scenic Acres 345 Schooner Cv. N.W.
Kelvin Grove 1315 Kelowna Cres. S.W.
Charleswood 4316 Charleswood Dr. N.W.
Mayfair 160 Malibou Rd. S.W.
Hillhurst 1715 Broadview Rd. N.W. 2325 Broadview Rd. N.W. 2132 2 Ave. N.W.
Silver Springs 204 Silver Valley Rd. N.W. 132 Silvercreek Gr. N.W.
Britannia 925 Crescent Blvd. S.W. Cedarbrae 475 Cedarille Cr. S.W. Chinook Park 91 Colleen Cr. S.W. Discovery Ridge 3 Discovery Ridge Gate S.W. Eagle Ridge 39 Eagle Ridge Pl. S.W. Elbow Park 3820 13A St. S.W. 307 39 Ave. S.W.
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Southwood 924 Southland Dr. S.W. Springbank Hill 3804 Springbank Blvd. S.W. Willow Park Winterbourne Cres. S.W. Woodbine 257 Woodbrier Ci. S.W.
Houndsfield Heights 1404 21 St. N.W. Huntington Hills 7831 Hunterquay Way N.W. 130 Huntington Gr. N.W. Mayland Heights 320 19 St. N.E. 2165 MacKid Cr. N.E.
Sunnyside 5a St. & 3 Ave. N.W. Varsity 1140 Varsity Estates Rise N.W. 4931 Viceroy Dr. N.W. 3028 Vardell Rd. N.W. Winston Heights 9 Marsden Rd. N.E.
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A Calgary Christmas
Support your neighbourhood store this holiday season n Written by
Kathy McCormick
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t started quietly with food — buy fresh, made-at-home food without preservatives; a healthy alternative. That ‘whole’ movement is no longer quiet; it’s a fact of life for many, many households today. And it has translated into many facets of our way of living that is healthier and more sustainable. The latest trend that has caught on in a big way has gained momentum for many reasons. Buy local. Here is one explanation of why it’s important from www. thinkshopbuylocal.com. Think. Your local businesses give back more to the community Shop. You can find anything you need locally. Buy. For every $1 you spent at local businesses, 45 cents is reinvested locally. Local. Local businesses value, respect and appreciate your patronage. We did, indeed, shop local and stayed away from big-box chain stores to find a variety of businesses that offer a wonderful array of products to fit any budget, just in time for Christmas. Here are some of our favourites, although we must confess not all are entirely local. A couple are, indeed, stores that are branches of companies who have shops in other locations — but the ones we picked are either unique or new to Calgary, so they were included to whet your imagination and inspire you to put something wonderful under the tree for your loved ones this year. Here are some of our favourites:
Mastermind Toys
Mastermind Toys opened its first Calgary location in Westhills in 2013 since it had always had a strong Calgary customer base online since its inception 30 years ago. The success of the Westhills location led to the opening of Shawnessy store this year and the newest location in Country Hills opens this month. With more than 10,000 unique, educational and fun toys, games, arts and crafts, puzzles, science kits, and books, it’s the go-to place for all of your kids’ entertainment needs, says Beth Merrick of Zazou Communications, representing Mastermind.
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Electrokidz from Mastermind Toys $19.99.
OG Vintage Car (doll not included) at Mastermind Toys, $129.99.
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“Mastermind features brand-name items including Hansa’s life-size and lifelike plush animals, the latest and best-selling selection of LEGO and Playmobil, the hot fashion-forward line of Our Generation Dolls, plus an expansive book collection with over 5,000 carefully-selected titles.” Other must-haves on this year’s Christmas list: Anything ‘Frozen’, including Ravensburger Frozen puzzles (from $15.99), charms, books and bracelets. LEGO is still a best seller and Mastermind has hardto-find sets starting from $129, and “Hexbug VEX Robotics (starting at $59.99) is very hot — build your own robotic bug that can then be remote-controlled. And for snow lovers, check out the Stiga Snow Kick, a cool scooter for snow and Stiga Snow Racer, great for the hills.” Also among the best-sellers are Electrokidz ($19.99) that have sound-activated dancing hair.
Suzanne Truba Ltd.
Suzanne Truba is a unique clothing boutique that is one of the city’s oldest independently-owned retail shops under the same ownership. It was opened in 1968 by Suzanne Truba and her sister Toni Thomas. It has been in the Dalhousie Station location since 1997, carrying a distinctive collection of separates and accessories for the discerning woman. “We sell versatile pieces that can be put together to suit the woman’s attitude, personality and lifestyle. What’s hot for this Christmas? Stocking stuffers such as Celeste Stein Couture Trouser socks and tights in an array of prints (from $17 to $42); scarves imported from Germany and Austria range from $49 to $160, Niki Biki tanks in a myriad of colours and jewellery by Dryberg Kern and Shereen de Rousseau. “I don’t usually work on trends but more on investment dressing,” she says, noting that jeans and tops continue to be a mainstay at the store. “Such separates, if chosen correctly, will suffice in a casual or upbeat casual wardrobe — and will suit the workplace, too.” Jeans, particularly the popular skinny jean, will continue to be a favourite with shoppers. “I also recommend those immortal items such as a simple, but functional, white shirt, a great fitting pair of designer jeans, a stylish leather jacket, and a pair of good leather boots.”
Stephanie’s Kids
Cosy fleece, footed onesie from Stephanie’s Kids. From $43.
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This iconic children’s store has been in business since 1976 with Frances Douros owner since 1990. It started in Willowpark Village and a second store opened a year ago in Dalhousie Station. “We are now serving our second generation of children,” Douros says. Specializing in formal dress wear for boys and girls, Stephanie’s Kids carries brands such as Biscotti, Jolene, Isobella, Chloe, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, and more. Biscotti styles range from $115 to $149, and the onesies start at $43, Douros says. “We are local and independently-owned with staff who are passionate and take pride in giving our customers the best personalized shopping experience possible,” says Douros. Look for popular Christmas items such as “cosy fleece, footed onesies or two-piece flannel pjs that are opened the night before Christmas so that on Christmas morning everyone is photographed in their new pjs,” she says.
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Local businesses value, respect and appreciate your patronage. Ten Thousand Villages Canada
Here is perhaps the most ‘organic’ of the whole home stores ever and, although it is a chain, its uniqueness puts it on our Christmas list. Ten Thousand Villages has 36 stores across Canada as well as an online store and Calgary has three locations — Crowchild Trail N.W., which opened in 1984, Heritage location S.W. in 1995, and its latest on 17th Avenue S.W. this year. The huge range of products includes everything from jewellery and personal accessories, to home décor, some furniture, personal care items coffee, and chocolate. “All of the handcrafted goods are quality-made by artisans in marginalized communities around the world,” says Holly deGraaf, director, retail operations and public relations. “Every purchase made supports our mission to create opportunities for these artisans to earn income through amazingly-crafted products, all embedded with rich stories of hope and a stable way of life.” The not-for-profit stores are fair trade retailers. The shops are geared up for Christmas and if you are looking for unique, you’ve come to the right place. “Christmas is a really fun time in our stores,” says deGraaf. “We carry a large selection of unique and fun ornaments that you can’t find anywhere else. From our yoga giraffe, hand-carved in Kenya ($16), to our stringwrapped snail, made in Columbia ($6), you can find the perfect ornament for everyone on your list. Whether you are looking for a warm scarf for cold nights, or just the right piece of jewellery to match your party dress, we’ve got it all. This year we’ve added some felt cushions to our collection that we believe customers will enjoy as they decorate their homes.” Grey reindeer cushions for example are perfect seasonal adornments ($29).
Nesting tables from Ten Thousand Villages Canada, $375.
“Vine Styles ‘style’ concept creates a more intuitive and approachable buying experience by grouping wine and craft beer with similar characteristics, tastes and profiles regardless of wine region or grape variety.” “If you’re looking to treat your taste buds, challenge long-standing beliefs on the Merlot grape or if you simply need a nice wine to pair with dinner pick-up a bottle of the 2008 Camaraderie Merlot which has hit our shelves as a BOLD exclusive. It will be the best $36.70 you’ve ever spent.” The shops focus on unique, small-production wineries, breweries and distilleries. Prices are very varied, but a Wild Goose Pinot Gris from their Crisp collection is at $19, a Chateau Myrat Sauternes 2010 from the Rich series is at $38.45. And they can go up to $64.45 for their Bruno Michel Cuve Rose from their Sparkling collection. NL Vine Styles
Vine Styles
What would the holidays be without sitting by the cosy, warm fire and relaxing with a wonderful bottle of wine or beer? Vine Styles was purposefully located in two of Calgary’s most vibrant areas: Kensington and the Design District in west Calgary’s downtown. “We’re excited for the changes we have seen in both these areas and we wanted to play an active role in this change,” says Darren Stewart, chief Vine stylist, who teamed up with Nathalie Gosselin, chief experience designer, to bring wine and craft beer to customers. “We believe our style-based approach has a transformative effect on how people shop for wine and craft beer by creating an environment focused on customers’ unique tastes, preferences and needs,” says Stewart. December 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
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ALBI • CALBRIDGE • EXCEL • JAYMAN • LIFESTYLE • MORRISON • SHANE • STEPPER • STERLING • TRICO • WESTCREEK
Spruce Meadows Tr SE
Stoney Tr SE (Hwy 22X)
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194th Ave SE 210th Ave SE
SHOWHOME HOURS Monday - Thursday 2 - 8 PM Weekends/Holidays 12 - 5 PM Closed Fridays
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ANOTHER GREAT COMMUNITY BY
MULTI-FAMILY TOWNHOMES & CONDOS
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FROM THE MID
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DIY Christmas Put your personal touch in holiday décor n Written 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 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.)
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Homemade Christmas décor adds cheer to the holidays.
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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 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
Your guests will marvel at your cleverness and possibly even steal the idea as a tradition of their own. 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. 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.
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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. NL
style
Tailoring the look and feel of a gift to the tastes and preferences of the person recieving it is an excellent way to honour the recipient.
Try not to overdo the Christmas theme with gift wrappers. Understated paters are best.
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around town n
By Pepper Rodriguez
Inglewood voted best community in Canada The vibrant, eclectic charm of Inglewood has always been one of Calgary’s best kept secrets, but now that secret is out as this historic neighbourhood — founded when Calgary was young — has just been picked as this year’s best community in Canada. The Canadian Institute of Planners says Inglewood was chosen in part because “it is a great neighbourhood to visit, but also, and perhaps most importantly, a great neighbourhood to live.” According to one of the judges, Andrea Winkler, Inglewood “has the bedrock elements of an inclusive community with a large affordable housing stock, a range of transportation options, support for local businesses and community facilities.” The jury was also impressed by “the expression of local culture from night markets to celebrating local artisans in everyday objects. It’s also hard to resist a place that has the odd chicken roaming the streets.” There were 32 nominations this year, and more than 14,500 votes were received from Canadians across the country over the seven-month contest period.
The 2014 winners were announced as part of Canadian celebrations of World Town Planning Day. “The winning places this year accentuate just how diverse Canada truly is. Great Places in Canada always showcases the best our country has to offer and this year is no exception. The winning places are inspiring and impressive,” says Michael Gordon, President of the Canadian Institute of Planners, the professional association of urban planners. The Grand Prize winners — selected based on planning excellence as judged by a panel of experts — are: • Great Neighbourhood: Inglewood, Calgary, AB • Great Street: La rue du Petit – Champlain, Québec, QC • Great Public Space: Antigonish Town & County Library (The Peoples’ Place Library), Antigonish, NS
Lucky winner unlocks $10,000 from Excel Homes
Andrea Lundberg Wiles (right) and her daughter, Kylie.
Andrea Lundberg Wiles’ detective’s skills paid off, as she is the big winner in Excel Homes 26th Anniversarey scavenger hunt contest. By following a series of online clues, Andrea — one of the 10 finalists — was able to track down the winning key to Hillcrest, Airdrie that unlocked a door to reveal a cash prize of $10,000. “When I turned the key and felt the lock click I almost burst into tears!” says Andrea. “My husband and I got married this summer and everyone knows how expensive that is. This is like a belated wedding present. Thank you Excel Homes!”
The ten finalists all brought the key they had found via clues on the Excel Homes Facebook page to the finale event at the Excel Homes show home in Walden. Over the past three months, 10 keys were hidden in Calgary and area communities; including Downtown, EvansRidge, Walden, Heron Pointe and HillCrest (Airdrie), Heartland and Sunset Ridge (Cochrane) and Mountain View (Okotoks). Andrea found her winning key in the community of Hillcrest, Airdrie. “We are very fortunate to have wonderful residents in our Excel communities and this was one way that we could give back to the people of Calgary and say thank you for their loyalty, trust and commitment over the past 26 years,” says Excel Homes Curt Woodhall, VP of Sales and Marketing. “We couldn’t be happier with the response and outcome of the contest.”
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calgary map n Northwest/Northeast
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Dream hands $50,000 cheque to unsuspecting winners Living the dream got easier for Valerie Teichroeb, after she won $50,000 in cash prize during Dream Development’s lucky homeowner draw. The former Dundee Developments held the contest to celebrate their rebranding and was open to anyone who purchased a home between May 12 and October 31, 2014 in their communities of Montrose, in High River, and EvansRidge in northwest Calgary. Valerie and her husband, George, had purchased the Homes by Avi show home in EvansRidge almost at the cutoff date for the contest, which they didn’t even know was going on. The couple had just moved to Calgary from Kentucky and the Yorshire show home was the only one they looked at. “We just fell in love with the house, and living here is winning enough for me,” Valerie says. “I thought I was being pranked when I got the phone call saying we won.” According to Dream Development’s Mike Cowie, Vice President of Calgary Land: “When we changed our name to Dream Development, it just made sense to make it a celebration,” he said. “We are happy to extend that celebration to new homeowners like Valerie and to make this important milestone in their lives more memorable.”
Dream winners Valerie and George
Calgary starts keep ticking upward Calgary new home construction bucked the national downward trend with year-over-year housing starts in October climbing 21 per cent. Leading the charge are multi-family homes with a 110 per cent increase to 9,687 new units in the market from January to October, while single-family homes are also up two per cent. In October 454 single-family homes were started, down 20 per cent from 569 in the same month last year. While multi-family homes climbed to 956 units from 593 in 2013 for a 61 per cent increase. Felicia Mutheardy, CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for Calgary says the pace of housing starts remains elevated, “particularly in the multi-family market where the inventory of complete and unabsorbed units remains low.” NL
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calgary map n Southwest
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Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map
AIRDRIE
OKOTOKS
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advertisers index n Dream Development EvansRidge page 52
Avid Ratings page 40 Brookfield Residential pages 2-3
Enmax page 27
Brookfield Residential Cranston page 31
Genesis Land Pier 11 page 7
McKee Homes page 42 Tamani Developments Riversong page 35 The Grasslands of Beiseker page 46
Homes By Us page 20
United Communities Drake Landing page 55
Cardel Homes Walden page 53
Hopewell Communities Mahogany page 46
United Communities Nolan Hill page 36
CHBA Homexpo pages 20, 26
Innovations by Jayman Chaparral Valley page 21
Vesta Properties page 4
Cardel Homes Chaparral Valley page 9
Mattamy Homes page 56
Concept Coverings page 15
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WestCreek Developments Legacy page 41
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hope at large n
By Marty Hope
Attached appeal Sabal’s new rear-attached garage homes wow in Mahogany Every once in a while something new in floor plans comes along that just makes you want to get out of that cozy easy chair, take on the cool December air and venture to a show home. That something is called a “wow factor.” This time around, it’s Sabal Homes that has caught the eye of home-shopping consumers with its unique layouts featuring a rear-attached garage and side-slung courtyard. Oh sure, there have been similar designs showing front-drive attached garages with courtyards to the side, or those with detached rear garages and options for a finished rearyard option, but I can’t recall ever seeing the layout like this being offered by Sabal. Part of the Lakeland Collection of homes being shown by builders in the award-winning southeast community of Mahogany, Sabal has opened the doors of three of these appealing and affordable homes with the garage-courtyard tandem to rave reviews. Three of the models — the Encore, Aria, and Triumph — are the three show homes, but there are also the Evoke and Cameo floor plans available. Pick a floor plan to match your lifestyle. Hey, you can even have a fireplace in the courtyard if you want. The trio of homes is at one end of a 41-lot enclave set aside by Hopewell so Sabal could show off the attractive designs. By the way, the Encore also serves as the sales and information centre. Sabal Homes marketing manager Amanda Henderson says the unique master plan for Mahogany has offered up some great opportunities to work with city officials to come up with some different housing looks to entice
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potential buyers. “In the case of Sabal, we listened to buyers who were looking for a home that took full advantage of a lower-maintenance lifestyle without compromising size or design, but with a character façade — an attached garage and courtyard,” she says. Hey, an attached garage, whether it’s front or rear is most definitely a bonus — particularly in winter in Calgary. But a private courtyard is just cool to have, maybe not so much in winter, but for the rest of the year it’s a great, private nook to chill in. Or as Henderson puts it: “Our designs feature a prominent side courtyard which presents a unique indoor/outdoor sense of living in a community which prides itself on a four-season lifestyle. “These are homes for people who want a great design and a home that wows people from the moment they step through the front door — a house that offers creativity, style and a sense of individuality.” The fact the courtyards along the street are all on the same side of the house ensures privacy. This way, you’re not staring into the courtyard of the next home. The three homes on display range in size from 1,877 square feet up to 2,154 and are pricing starts in the $520,000 range. And what’s really nice is that they will fit onto 32-foot to 34-foot wide lots. So, who’s going to be interested in buying these homes? Well, according to Henderson, a wide swath has been cut across the demographic.
Henderson says interest is coming from inner-city couples looking for something larger but not cookie-cutter, older couple looking to downsize, and young families who are looking to take advantage of everything Mahogany has to offer. “They’re attracted to the unique floor plans which are unlike anything seen in quite some time,” she adds. Consider these unique homes an anniversary gift from Sabal that is celebrating 20 years in the home-building business. By the way, until February anyone buying a Sabal home gets a $2,020 upgrading gift card and a custom front-door lockset. NL
Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry.