JUNE 2016
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 126 n JUNE 2016
contents
12 COVER FEATURE
12
Treasures of Tuscany Homes by Avi releases final phase of Tuscany
FEATURE
21 Finding your outdoor oasis
Tuscan-Inspired furniture collection from Debbie Travis only at Sears
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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FOCUS ON
10 Flames central
Innovative fire pit designs bring the heat to your backyard
SHOW HOME PROFILE
16 A diamond jubilee
Stepper Homes celebrates 60 years of building dreams
COMMUNITY PROFILES
22 Discover Harmony
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Enticing vision for a new brand of community is on display in Harmony’s new Discovery Centre
26 Fun amidst the serenity
Placid waters of Auburn Bay brings neighbours together
39 Around Town 42 Hope at Large
SHOPPING
30 Seamless living
Achieve a clean, uncluttered look through new storage solutions
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COLUMNS
ITEMS
8 Editor’s Message 34 Maps 41 Advertiser Index
editor’s message n
PUBLISHER
Source Media Group
Alberta Strong
info@sourcemediagroup.ca
Alberta has been on the receiving end of a lot of bad news these days, it seems. Slumping oil prices that considerably weakened the economy; a flat housing market; and now, the disastrous wildfires in Fort McMurray; that’s a lot of woe and misery all on one plate. But throughout all the adversity, Alberta and its people has remained strong. Just like in the 2013 floods that ravaged Calgary, the generous outpouring of support for the victims of Fort Mac’s devastating wildfires, to me, was more overwhelming than the disaster itself. People facing hardships of their own found it in themselves to extend a helping hand to our neighbours in the north. It is this oneness — this “I got your back” attitude — that has made me so proud to be an Albertan. I know everyone is doing their best to help the victims, and the housing industry itself has extended a helping hand. I encourage all our readers to do what they can to help our neighbours to the north. Together, is the only way we can get through these hardships. Talking about the goings on in Calgary’s housing market then, may seem just a little bit insensitive in the light of what’s happening in Fort Mac. But the world does turn. I’m just glad that our cover this issue is one of the most conscientious corporate citizens around: Homes by Avi. Their new project in Tuscany is the first effort by this well-respected builder in land development, and represents the last chance for buyers to move into a brand new home in this popular northwest community. Stepper Homes and their 60th anniversary is also focused in this issue, it’s a celebration that rewards their buyers with huge deals for some of their more popular homes. We also get to talk about the communities of Harmony and Auburn Bay, and how their distinctive water features have made them perfect for today’s stay-cation lifestyle. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger — it’s a cliché, no doubt, but Sun Tzu knew what he spoke of, and Albertans do, too.
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 DESIGNER
Dave Macaulay
dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Vivian Zhang vivian.zhang@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
Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick ADVERTISING
advertising@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
©2016 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from 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 property 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:
Designing kids’ rooms
@CalgaryNewHomes
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NewHomeLivingCalgary
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FLAMES
Innovative fire pit designs bring the heat to your backyard
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n WRITTEN BY
Aaliya Essa
FIRE PITS are a perfect way to spend time together with family and friends in your own private outdoor space and ward off the night chill in style. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a design that will either fit in with your backyard décor, or mix it up with a feature piece, you’re sure to have a ton of fun this summer. Just be sure to be mindful of any fire bans in your area. NL
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[ 1 ] Venice Beach Santorini, $3,499, at Wicker Land. [ 2 ] Fire Pit Art Third Rock, $3,999.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 3 ] Aurora ICON, $3,099 at Wicker Land. [ 4 ] Giant Hexagon $685, at Little Monkey Metal. [ 5 ] Ball of Fire, $299.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 6 ] Urban Wonder, $500 at Little Monkey Metal. [ 7 ] Brown Jordan Flo, $4,199.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 8 ] Napoleon Hampton, $899.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 9 ] Outdoor Greatroom Uptown, $3,999.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 10 ] Santorini bar 54-inch, $4,699 at Wicker Land. [ 11 ] Tuscany Wood Burning, $1,649 at Wicker Land.
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
TREASURES OF TUSCANY
All interior photos are of the Hawthorne show home in Sunset Ridge
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he northwest has always been one of the most favoured spots for building a home in Calgary. Its scenic topography, tons of amenities and easy accessibility has made it into a muchsought residential area, especially for families. The community of Tuscany has been at the top of the list of the best neighbourhoods in this sector, but many had thought it had long been built-out and the only opportunity to own a home here was through the resale market. Fortunately, that’s not the case anymore. Homes by Avi is opening the final phase of Tuscany, and homebuyers will again have the opportunity to buy brand-new homes in this well-established, thriving community. The development is being called Tesoro in Tuscany and it will have more than 100 single-family homes from two of Calgary’s most prestigious home builders: Homes by Avi and ALBI Luxury by Brookfield Residential. “Our project in Tuscany is called Tersoro, which is the Italian translation for treasure. We felt this was an
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appropriate name considering it very well may be the last chance to build in Tuscany,” says Alice Mateyko, President of Homes by Avi, Alberta (Single Family Division). “This development is very unique because most people aren’t aware that there is land available in Tuscany. Tesoro has 128 lots available, of which 93 lots will be built by Homes by Avi and 35 lots by ALBI.” For over 30 years, Homes by Avi has helped customers create their dream homes, and Tesoro marks another milestone. Tesoro will be the first offering of this well-respected and multi-awarded builder’s new land development division — Avi Land. Despite the current downturn in the economy, Mateyko says Homes by Avi’s good reputation and expertise will see them through. And although timing for their land development venture may not be ideal, Tesoro was too good of an opportunity to pass up. “The markets are cyclical. So when the opportunity of Tesoro presented itself, we couldn’t wait for the market to improve,” Mateyko says.
| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
Hawthorne show home
Homes by Avi releases final phase of Tuscany “Customers know that the economy will eventually pick back up and they recognize that moving into Tesoro is a perfect fit for many families; especially those who missed out on Tuscany in the past.” She adds that they have seen a lot of interest from people who currently reside in or in close proximity to Tuscany. “This is potentially the last chance for buyers to build a new home in Tuscany and who would like to move up to larger home within the community, which makes this a very exciting opportunity.” All the 128 homes in Tesoro will be singlefamily homes, the majority of which will be two-storey front-attached garage homes, although bungalow options are also available. Of the 35 lots reserved for ALBI Luxury by Brookfield Residential, 10 will be for rear laned homes, the first time the upscale custom home builder will be offering this type of product. “It will still have the same ALBI quality and experience as our $1.5-million-dollar homes
Tevera show home
“This is potentially the last chance for buyers to build a new home in Tuscany and who would like to move up to a larger home within the community, which makes this a very exciting opportunity.”
down the street,” says Allan Klassen, Senior Vice President, Housing, Brookfield Residential Alberta. Klassen ran the then-ALBI Homes through much of its award-winning history and continues to look after its operations after ALBI was acquired by Brookfield Residential in 2015. ALBI’s inclusion in Tesoro, in a way, ensures Brookfield’s presence in Tuscany, a community it had largely developed over the past 16 years, Klassen says. ALBI itself had been building here through much of that time. “It’s a natural opportunity for us to remain involved in the community where we know many of the residents. ALBI and Brookfield remain very much a part of the fabric of Tuscany,” he says. Mateyko says having such reputable home builders for this project is definitely getting prospective home buyers excited. “They recognize the value and the quality of the product and have a better understanding of the vision we have for Tesoro.”
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
“We are thrilled to be a part of a community that caters to families and provides the lifestyle they have been looking for.”
FAST FACTS: COMMUNITY: Tesoro in Tuscany DEVELOPER: Avi Land, a division of Homes by Avi BUILDERS: ALBI Homes, Homes by Avi STYLE OF HOMES: Laned homes, two-storey front drive homes, and bungalows SIZES: Bungalows from 1,402 sq. ft.; two-storey homes from 1,800 to 2,600 sq. ft. PRICES: From the low $600,000s SALES CENTRE ADDRESS: 9 Tuscany Valley Grove N.W. DIRECTIONS: North on Crowchild Tr., east on 12 Mile Coulee Rd., left on Tuscany Way N.W. and follow the signs HOURS: Opening June 2016. Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.homesbyavi.com
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There are primarily three distinct home styles in Tesoro — Craftsman, Tudor and Prairie — ranging from 1,800 to 2,600 squarefeet, while bungalows are from 1,402 squarefeet. Prices are from the low $600,000s. Construction for Phase 1 should tentatively start in August 2016 with possessions beginning in winter/spring 2017. Sales centres for both builders open on June 11, and show homes are expected to be ready by fall. What makes Tuscany so popular is that it is in an amenity-rich area, with five public and separate schools in the vicinity, plenty of green space, tot lots and parks, with nearby medical offices, restaurants, Starbucks, Sobeys, Esso gas station, and a Mac’s convenience store right in the community. The Tuscany C-Train Station is a five-minute drive, and bus routes ply the Tuscany route regularly. Tesoro’s location near Crowchild Trail and Stoney Trail provide easy access to downtown and the rest of the city, and an easy escape route to the mountains. “Tesoro creates opportunity for people to build their new homes in the highly sought after, established community of Tuscany,” Mateyko says. “We are thrilled to be a part of a community that caters to families and provides the lifestyle they have been looking for. Tesoro marks the last opportunity to buy a new home in Tuscany, the developments location allows for many of the home sites to have a beautiful mountain view.” n
show home profile n Stepper Homes
A DIAMOND JUBILEE
Stepper Homes celebrates 60 years of building dreams n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
OPPOSITE PAGE TOP Stepper’s new show home in Boulder Creek in Langdon, the Manchester, is perfect for growing families at 2,380 square-feet. Its inherent design functionality with lots of storage space answers their lifestyle needs and then some. BELOW The Manchester’s spacious kitchen personifies its appeal to the family. It’s a sunny, elegant space that provides a perfect comfortable environment for everyday use, and as a prime entertaining spot for large gathering with friends.
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HOW BEST TO CELEBRATE a milestone? Sixty years in business is quite an accomplishment and deserves to be commemorated. But at Stepper Homes, the only way they know how to celebrate this diamond anniversary is by making it about their customers. Stepper Homes has indeed come a long way since its late founder, Rudy Stepper, emigrated here from Germany with nothing but $7 to his name. Now — under the leadership of his son, Harry, who sits as Chairman of the Board, and Dave Hooge, the company president — Stepper Homes continues its legacy of providing innovatively stylish homes with functional designs that everyone can appreciate. “Stepper is Calgary’s longest running family-owned business, and three generations of Steppers have made — and continue to make — the builder
n show
one of the most respected in the city,” says Stepper Homes’ Emily Smith. To mark the 60th anniversary, Stepper is offering 60 homes at special celebration pricing. “For a limited time only, Stepper Homes is offering a unique opportunity to own a new home with exceptional savings in four of our most sought-after communities: Legacy in southeast Calgary, Heritage Hills in Cochrane, Kinniburgh in Chestermere and Boulder Creek in Langdon,” Smith says. “Our 60th Anniversary Collection consists of five single-family home styles (54 homes in total), and three townhome styles (six homes in total). All are built to the same specification as any other Stepper home. These homes aren’t built, so you choose your lot and select your finishes.” Lot prices vary, as do individual tastes — so whether you want a Rocky Mountain view, or prefer living in the southeast for less, the sooner you visit a show home, the better your chances of getting the lot and home combination you really want, for the price you want. Stepper’s show homes in the following pages exemplify their award-winning workmanship and stylish design.
home profile
ABOVE The Manchester’s eightfoot-tall interior doors on the main floor, custom fireplace design, and dramatic staircase to upper floor, all add to its stylish yet functional beauty, Smith says.
LEFT The Manchester is one of nine models Stepper Homes offers in Boulder Creek ranging from 2,065 to 2,762 square-foot two-storey models, and 1,437 to 1,681-square-foot bungalows. Starting price is from $550,000. The show home, including options, lot and GST is $689,900.
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show home profile n Stepper Homes RIGHT The 2,762-square-foot Hampton show home in Kinniburgh South, Chestermere, is a four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home. But there is an option to build the home with five bedrooms upstairs. “Stepper Homes is flexible when it comes to adjusting plans to fit the buyer’s needs,” Smith says BELOW Kinniburgh South provides a calm streetscape where the Hampton’s Craftsman style charm stands out. It is an upscale community with all the services of a large city, and tons of outdoor recreational activities not the least of which is Chestermere Lake. “There is also the brand new K-9 school within the community, and Chestermere High School is only a six minute drive away,” Smith says.
fast facts BUILDER: Stepper Homes COMMUNITIES: Kinniburgh South, Chestermere; Boulder Creek, Langdon, Heritage Hills, Cochrane; Legacy, Calgary S.E. HOMES: Semi-detached, laned and move-up homes PRICE: Contact specific show homes for prices WEBSITE: www.stepperhomes60.com
RIGHT The open concept design brings out the feeling of airy spaciousness of the home. But its true value may be its price. “The Hampton, on an average lot, is priced from the mid $600,000s, including lot and GST,” Smith says. “We have other models in Kinniburgh that start as low as the $550,000s, and the show home itself, with all the extras, is around $720,000.” NL
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ABOVE AND RIGHT The coffered ceiling of the Hampton’s master bedroom adds a touch of executive elegance, and the stunning ensuite with custom vanity and standalone tub fit the relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle of Kinniburgh South.
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Tuscan-Inspired furniture collection from Debbie Travis only at Sears
dd a touch of Tuscany to your backyard with the new Debbie Travis Collection, exclusively from Sears Canada. It’s no secret that Canadians retreat to their backyards to spend time outdoors with family and friends at the first hint of spring. This is exactly why internationally renowned Canadian interior and furniture designer Debbie Travis has launched a new and exclusive collection of Tuscan-inspired home products with Sears Canada. “I’ve spent much of the last few years in Italy,” says Travis. “I wanted to bring both the clean lines of modern Italian design and the richness of ancient architecture to my new Tuscan-style collection. Functionality and versatility were my top priority in designing the collection, so Canadians can now bring European pizzazz to their homes at an affordable price. The Debbie Travis Collection is available exclusively at Sears department stores or online at www.sears.ca NL
Debbie Travis Dinner Plates and Serving Bowls
Go bold with Debbie’s gorgeous and distinctive European-inspired tableware. Featuring a classic crackle ceramic finish, it’s lightweight, shatterproof and BPA free, making it easy to bring sophistication to your table. Perfect for serving delicious antipasto platters and bruschetta. Buon appetito! (Retails for $4.99 – $17.99)
LA DOLCE VITA CONTEST
Debbie Travis Reversible Highback, Seat and Accent Cushions
Sun showers don’t have to slow down your outdoor fun. These quick drying cushions feature foam inserts with antimicrobial protection and Sunbrella upholstery that’s UV and fade resistant. Add a pop of fun to your outdoor décor with these highly functional cushions in vibrant colours and chic patterns. (Retails for $19.99 – $69.99)
One lucky Canadian will win the chance to experience Tuscan living firsthand with Sears Canada’s new La Dolce Vita with Debbie Contest. The winner and a guest will travel with Debbie Travis to a gourmet getaway in Tuscany for a week in 2017 to recharge and indulge in Tuscan style. Each time customers spend $50 or more at Sears and use their registered Sears Club Rewards Card for the contest period, they will be automatically entered to win. Customers get a bonus entry if the purchase includes Debbie Travis merchandise. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on June 30, 2016. For more information, visit: www.sears.ca/debbietravis.
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community profile n Harmony
DISCOVER HARMONY n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
IT HAS BEEN a gratifying few months for Harmony — the new luxury community that’s turning heads and hearts in Springbank. First, one of its illustrious builders — Broadview Homes — took home the top award at this year’s SAM Awards for Grand SAM Builder of the Year, and its “The Hugo” show home in Harmony won Best New Home in the $720,000 – $849,000 category. Second, Harmony just opened its snazzy new Discovery Centre that features the latest state-of-the-art technology to present the entire vision of the community in an entertaining, interactive and informative manner. Third, the difficult task of filling its centerpiece Harmony Lake is going ahead as scheduled. The process began in May and should continue for the next three to four months, and residents will likely be able to enjoy the stunning recreational lake and wetland area sooner rather than later.
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Enticing vision for a new brand of community is on display in Harmony’s new Discovery Centre
The ambitious plans for the community — a joint development between Bordeaux Developments and Qualico Communities — are now coming together, and people are taking notice. “We are extremely proud of Broadview Homes not only for its win for The Hugo — featured exclusively in Harmony — but also to be recognized with the Grand SAM award of Calgary’s Builder of the Year,” says Maribeth Janikowski, Communications Manager for Qualico Communities. Two other builders from Harmony’s builder group — Baywest Homes and Homes by Avi — also did remarkably well at this year’s SAM Awards, which bodes well for buyers, as they know they know they get the best-of-the-best in the community. “A new wave, a new change, a new approach is in the
air and alive with new ideas in Harmony,” says Ryan Hall, Vice-President of Marketing and Communications at Bordeaux Properties. This air of confidence and new opportunities is brilliantly captured in the new Discovery Centre, which opened to rave reviews on April 2. “We hosted over 600 people during the launch weekend, plus some wonderful media visitors including the Weather Network, who has been airing multiple stories about Harmony’s sustainability and water initiatives,” says Qualico’s Janikowski. The 3,700-square-foot Discovery Centre was built expressly to convey the vision of Harmony in a fresh, interactive way. “This centre introduces a community grounded by its traditional roots as it takes you on a journey into the future of what it will become.” says Hall. The Discovery Centre will be a friendly gathering place for the community that will host events, inform buyers and neighbours about all the interesting facets of Harmony, share the scope of the development, and explain the sustainability practices that are being put in place. Visitors will discover the community through a dozen interactive exhibits including the first display of the Mickelson National Golf Club, with hole-by-hole descriptions and special Phil Mickelson memorabilia, interactive touchscreens and a massive projection model of the community.
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They also pay tribute to the legacy of the original land-owning family — the Copithornes, plus detailed displays and videos on sustainability, water management, community vision and more. Harmony was always going to be special. This master-planned community sits on 1,750 acres of prime real estate in Springbank, just west of Calgary. And what is planned here is something Calgary has never seen before. “It’s a holistically planned, sustainably built master-planned neighbourhood — so it’s neither a suburb nor an urban city centre,” Hall says. Harmony Lake will be a big piece of the puzzle. It is being built in two separate stages and incorporates a wetland component to provide non-motorized water activities while serving as a critical piece of the Harmony water cycle. Residents and visitors will enjoy fishing, skating, and taking in the dazzling daily lake views.
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community profile n Harmony
fast facts Augusta’s Nicklaus II show home
With water directly from the Bow River and plentifully stocked with fish, these carefully engineered and maintained man-made lakes will be deeper than any new community lake in Calgary — a spectacular and rare amenity to share with residents and their Springbank neighbours. The lake is so large, you’ll even have your own Island to paddle out to for afternoon picnics and weekend adventures. Walkways will encourage waterside strolls, and central docks, pubs, and restaurants will bring new meaning to enjoying a truly waterfront table for two. There are 15 showhomes from Augusta Fine Homes, Baywest Homes, Broadview Homes, Homes by Avi and Sterling Homes, currently offering single-family homes from the $690,000s and estate homes from $1 million. Designs range from Farmhouse, Arts and Crafts, French Country, Prairie, or a Contemporary style home in the first phase. Harmony will soon be adding Townhouses and Attached Villas on the Park, and will also offer a wide range of multi-family home options, especially in the future Village Centre, which is envisioned to be a hub of urban finesse with shopping and commercial options. Harmony is a location that will be prized for unbroken Rocky Mountain views and sunsets, easy access to the mountains, and a rapid, direct commute to Calgary.
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Broadview Homes’ Hugo
DEVELOPERS: Bordeaux Developments and Qualico Communities COMMUNITY: Harmony in Rocky View County BUILDERS: Augusta Fine Homes, Baywest Homes, Broadview Homes, Homes by Avi, and Sterling Homes PRICE: Single-family from $690,000. Estate homes from $1 million HOURS: Monday to Thursday from 2 – 8 p.m., Fridays closed, Weekends & Holidays 12 – 5 p.m. DIRECTIONS: Follow Hwy 1 heading west, take Exit 169, turn left at Range Rd 33, left at Range Rd 250 and follow the signs. WEBSITE: www.liveinharmony.ca
It is significantly closer than Cochrane, Airdrie, Okotoks, and in terms of accessing downtown or other city necessities — many of the newer city suburbs located in the far southeast or northeast Calgary. “This is a special project — it took about 12 years to come to fruition and was carefully designed with an unprecedented amount of consultation and feedback from experts in community design, airport transportation, sustainability, wetland and environment. Most importantly, the neighbours to Harmony — Rocky View County residents, and businesses were consulted extensively over the last decade,” Hall says. NL
Harmony is a location that will be prized for unbroken Rocky Mountain views and sunsets, easy access to the mountains, and a rapid, direct commute to Calgary.
community profile n Auburn Bay
FUN AMIDST THE SERENITY Placid waters of Auburn Bay brings neighbours together n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
AUBURN BAY was designed to mirror the tranquil cottage lifestyle of Ontario’s Muskoka region, but life in this southeast lake community is nothing if not action-packed. The lake lifestyle of Auburn Bay is pretty much a permanent vacation for residents — beach fun in the summer, ice escapades in the winter. And Auburn House — Auburn Bay’s 14,000-squarefoot community hall — is the beating heart of it all. “It’s a happy place to be,” says Karen Shopland, Manager of Resident’s Associations at Brookfield Residential, Auburn Bay’s developer. “Last year, we had 160,000 people — including residents and their guests — come through the gates at Auburn House. Half of that came through during the June to August period.” Unlike some older lake communities in Calgary where the water feature is mainly just for show, at Auburn Bay the lake is pretty much alive and an indispensable part of living here. The 43-acre lake was just recently restocked with rainbow trout — which, quite literally — shows how filled with life it is. “In the summer, I see families with their kids rolling up in their little wagons, beach yoga is another popular activity here, paddle boards skim the surface,” says Shopland, who once handled the
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n community
day-to-day responsibilities of the Auburn Bay residents’ association. “In the winter, we turn the water park into a skating rink with a fire pit, and we also have three hockey rinks right on the lake’s ice surface.” This contemporary communal lodge features a full-size gymnasium, banquet space, change facilities, tennis courts and space for programs and community events. It’s easy for families to live an active lifestyle here, and Auburn House has become the social and cultural heart of the community. It’s been the place where neighbours get to know each other, develop relationships and form new hobbies, and play and learn. “It’s pretty much a beehive of activity year round,” Shopland says. But life here is more than just a day at the beach. “I love it for the small town feel that it has,” says Jaime Peart, who’s lived in Auburn Bay for the past seven years. “I come from the small town of Creston B.C., and we did miss the water, and the lake is a big part of why we chose to live here. But even more so is that feeling of knowing your neighbours.” Maybe it’s because Auburn Bay is a young community with young families with small kids making up a big part of it, but whatever the case the friendliness among neighbours is palpable. Peart says there are various Auburn Bay groups active on social media that stand by ready to help neighbours whenever there’s a need. “There’s the Auburn Bay Angels whose mission is to lend a helping hand to families within the community,”
Jaime Peart
profile
she adds — and sometimes, even out of it. “They just did a bake sale to benefit the victims of the wildfire in Fort McMurray.” Marilyn Alcock, the administrator of the Auburn Bay Residents’ Association, has lived in the community the past nine years — in fact, it’s the only place she’s called home since coming over from England with her husband. “It’s such a safe place,” she tells New Home Living. Alcock is from a rough community in northern England and she appreciates the safety and security the neighbourhood offers. “There’s nothing like this where I’m from. It’s like comparing chalk and cheese,” she says. Now, she has her two Marilyn Alcock kids and seven grandchildren living
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community profile n Auburn Bay
fast facts THE HOMES OF AUBURN BAY CONDOS/APARTMENTS AUBURN WALK BUILDER: Cardel STARTING PRICE: Mid $100,000s CANOE BUILDER: Avi Urban STARTING PRICE: Low $200,000s STONECROFT BUILDER: Stonecroft Group STARTING PRICE: Upper $200,000s SEMI-DETACHED HOMES AUBURN BAY SIDE-BY-SIDE BUILDER: Brookfield Residential STARTING PRICE: Mid $300,000s AUBURN BAY FRONT DRIVE SIDE-BY-SIDE BUILDER: Brookfield Residential STARTING PRICE: Low $400,000s SEMI-DETACHED HOMES BUILDER: Homes by Avi STARTING PRICE: Mid $300,000s BUILDER: Morrison Homes STARTING PRICE: Mid $400,000s ZERO LOT LINES BUILDER: Cegarglen Homes STARTING PRICE: Low $400,000s BUILDER: Jayman BUILT STARTING PRICE: Upper $300,000s STARTER/LANED HOMES AUBURN BAY SINGLE FAMILY BUILDER: Brookfield Residential STARTING PRICE: Low $400,000s MOVE UP BUILDER: Jayman BUILT STARTING PRICE: Mid $500,000s BUILDER: Cedarglen Homes STARTING PRICE: Low $500,000s ESTATE BUILDER: Albi Homes STARTING PRICE: from $1.6 million BUILDER: Morrison Homes STARTING PRICE: From $1.6 million BUILDER: Crystal Creek Homes STARTING PRICE: From $900,000s Contact each builder for hours. But usually Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays 12 to 5 p.m.
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with her in Auburn Bay. “My daughter’s home is just two doors down from mine, and my son is a couple of blocks over.” Auburn Bay is a 900-acre master-planned community that will eventually be comprised of more than 6,000 homes encircling the private 43-acre freshwater lake. There is also a 13-acre private park and recreational area for residents to enjoy. There’s more to love here now too, as Morrison Homes just opened their Duplex show homes in Phase 47 which is just off 52nd and Auburn Bay Drive S.E. Jayman BUILT and Cedarglen Homes will have their new zero lot line show homes are opening with a big celebration scheduled for June 25. Crystal Creek Homes — a new member of the Auburn Bay builder group — will have their estate show home open by June on 404 Auburn Shores Landing S.E. For multi-family developments: Avi Urban’s Canoe will be moving their sales centre into their first building on June 25. The community is about 75 per cent complete, there are currently 5,017 occupied homes, total number of homes is expected to be approximately 6,600. A sure sign of its rapid development is that new schools are scheduled to open in the neighbourhood for the coming school year, including a K-4 public school and the Prince of Peace K-9 Catholic school. The much anticipated Auburn Station commercial centre is also opening this fall with exciting retailers that include a Co-Op Grocery Store, Co-Op Wines, Spirits and Beer, Co-Op Gas Bar, Tim Hortons, Dominos Pizza, A&W, Prestige Dance Academy and a yet to be named neighbourhood pub. “This is really small town living with big city amenities,” Peart says. “It just makes for a complete lifestyle.” Having a wide choice of home products also helps. Condos start from the high $100,000s; side-by-side/duplex homes are from the mid $300,000s and single-family homes from the low $400,000s. NL
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Achieve a clean, uncluttered look through new storage solutions
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“More clients are opting for just lower storage cabinets on either side of the fireplaces instead of the floor-to-ceiling approach.”
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Kathy McCormick
n today’s world, it’s all about simplicity. Minimalist looks are in and decluttering is the way to go. No more ‘collections’ of everything from thimbles to salt and pepper shakers; no more ‘sets’ of canisters of all sizes filling up the countertops in the kitchen; no more spoon racks on walls, bookshelves to the ceiling in living rooms or stacks of magazines in racks. Yet at the same time, living is much more sophisticated, with electronics in every room, appliances that do everything but sing a song and dinner menus that are complicated and international, requiring a vast array of exotic spices and ingredients. How are homeowners supposed to have it all without looking as if they have it all in a cluttered, full space?
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Just as lifestyles have evolved and changed, so, too, have living spaces — and it’s all about personalization, say the experts. “The best way to determine what type of storage you need is to first analyze what you need to store,” says Ulya Jensen, interior designer and RONA Home & Garden expert. That’s especially critical in a kitchen, the experts say. “The most important thing is to understand how you use your kitchen every day to make sure it fits your family’s needs,” says Michelle Jones, merchant for kitchens at The Home Depot Canada. “Are you a pastry chef at heart? Do you have the right countertops to roll out dough? Are you a big entertainer? If so, you will need a large island and a wine fridge. What if you have more than one generation living in the house? You will need to take this into consideration and allocate the space and cabinets so that everyone has room.” In fact, when planning your space, customize it with help, says Shahan Fancy, corporate sales development manager for Superior Cabinets. “Investing in the careful planning with a kitchen designer is crucial for most people,” he says, noting that Universal Design, which looks at life stages and plans for accessibility for future needs, is another consideration that is a priority for most designers today. Kitchens have seen the most change — with versatile designs to fit most every need today. And it’s all hidden from view. “Incorporating
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lots of drawers to make things more accessible and to make the space more ergonomic” is one trend that Fancy says is popular today. Jensen adds the drawers have become one of the most useful storage options. “Drawers can hold a lot of weight and a lot of kitchen accessories — and you’re able to see what’s in them so you aren’t buying 10 cutting boards!” Today’s cabinets look after virtually every need. Some of the newer things today: toe kick drawers; pullouts for garbage and pullouts for recycling; spice pullouts; pullout corner shelves; pullout work surfaces. Basically, anything goes. “Homeowners have storage options for every cabinet size,” regardless of the size of the kitchen or the size of the home, says Jones. “We have everything from standard cutlery trays, lazy susans, pots and pan organizers, spice pullouts, to less traditional baking tray dividers, message centres, wine storage, and However, almost all kitchens today, no matter the size, have tablet holders.” What you likely won’t see as much today pantries to maximize space, be it a walk-in variety with lots of are the “computer stations” that were trendy shelves, a separate ‘butler’s pantry’ or a simple pullout cabinet to a few short years ago, says Chris Grima, senior hold various spices and groceries. “It is also a hidden prep space,” design consultant with Superior Cabinets. says Jensen. “This place is okay to get messy!” “Most households have tablets these days If space is tight, go up, she says. “Use your vertical space.” And don’t forget “a junk drawer or two!” instead of bulky computers that take up much needed storage and countertop space in the Many of the same solutions are found in other areas of the home kitchen.” as well. Storage is critical for the clean, contemporary look so Fancy agrees: “Mobile technology, kitchen in vogue. “We are seeing less full wall built-ins in living rooms of homes islands and the need for more practical storage have pretty much eliminated the need for a today, which used to be a standard item in the homes of the early desk area.” ‘90s and 2000s,” says Fancy. “The designs of choice used to be As a result, “charging stations” are now a really heavy with lots of room for storage. Today, things are sleeker must in any kitchen, Fancy says. “This is a and open for style and cost-savings advantages. zone area with an ample amount of plug-ins Furniture has become more versatile to help with storage needs, to charge multiple devices.” adding to unique solutions. Murphy beds, for example, have become Upper cabinets today are often open to ac- one of the most asked-for built-ins today. Ottomans that serve as commodate the sleek, clean design — but that storage and as coffee tables, footboards on beds that have telewill limit what can go there as it will need to visions inside them that pop up when needed — there is no limit. It’s all about designing to fit your lifestyle and your needs. NL be kept clean and tidy.
shopping
TOP INSETS Toe kick drawers and pullouts are some of today’s best organizing solutions ABOVE Furniture has become more versatile to help with storage needs, adding to unique solutions.
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calgary map
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Northwest
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Southwest | Southeast | Calgary Area
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AIRDRIE
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around town n
By Pepper Rodriguez
Construction to start for Mahogany Catholic school THE MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING COMMUNITY of Mahogany just took the next step into becoming the family-friendly haven it was always meant to be, as the Calgary Catholic School Board began the process for constructing a new K-6 school in the community. Representatives from the provincial and local governments and Hopewell Residential, Mahogany’s developer, were on hand to witness the sod turning ceremony and blessing of the school ground on 22 Marine Drive S.E. Rick Fraser, MLA for Calgary-South East The school will have a maximum capacity of 750 including modulars and is scheduled to open in fall 2018. Funding for this kindergarten to Grade 6 school was announced by the province in January 2015. Hopewell’s Scott Hamilton says this will be the first of several school sites going up in Mahogany. “Mahogany attracts a lot of young families and having schools right in the neighbourhood makes life that much more easier for them.” Entrance procedures, attendance boundaries and school naming for the Mahogany Catholic school are still being determined and developed through the Help Plan Our Future (HPOF) public participation process. Currently, the designated school for Mahogany is Monsignor J.S. Smith (K-9), and parents can contact the school for additional information.
Numbers of the Calgary Catholic School Board with representatives from provincial and local government
Anna Hall is 2016 Homes by Avi Dream Home Artist
A SELF-TAUGHT ARTIST, who developed her painting skills later on in life, is this year’s winner of Homes by Avi’s Dream Home Artist Project. Anna Hall won the annual competition among local artists and will have 30 of her works displayed at the Homes by Avi Stampede Rotary Dream Home. Hall, who after years of living in Asia and Europe only came back to Cagary to help out in her dad’s business after the 2013 floods, rediscovered her passion for art at the time and hasn’t looked back. “When I was living in Asia, a friend of mine found out I painted and secretly took photos of my art and started posting them (on Instagram),” Anna explains. “I was actually mad at first,” she says, “but then I saw one of my photos got 14 likes and got really excited.” Drawing inspiration from really old black and white images, her designs translate basic imagery into textured and colourful works of art. “My colors have evolved a lot since I started,” she notes “it started with a lot of neon and now I’m leaning towards pastels and metallics.”
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Calgary housing starts continue slide in April CONTINUED JOB LOSSES and an oversupply of homes in the new and resale markets continue to rein in growth of Calgary home starts, which in April was trending at 9,127 units in April compared to 9,687 in March, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Richard Cho, CMHC Principal Market Analyst for Calgary, attributed the slow down to continued economic woes in the city. “Housing demand weakened due to full-time job losses while supply of both new and existing homes increased,” he says. Actual hosing starts for the month did show a positive sign with 815 total housing starts in April, up five percent from 777 from the same month in 2015. This represents the first monthly year-over-year increase since November 2015. However, to the end of April, there were 2,382 total housing starts compared to 3,954 during the corresponding period in 2015.
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Alberta housing industry responds to Fort McMurray wildfire THE ALBERTA HOUSING INDUSTRY jumped into action to assist relief efforts for victims of the devastating wildfires in Fort McMurray. In a bulletin to members, the CHBA – UDI Calgary Region says: “As an industry, we remember the devastating floods of 2013, and with great empathy our hearts go out to the people of Wood Buffalo and the first-responders defending the community. We have also heard from undisclosed sources that with unprecedented speed our industry is already responding to calls for assistance. We want to thank all of our members for their action as this crisis unfolds.” According to Jim Rivait, CEO of Canada Home Builders’ Association (CHBA)-Alberta, the organization has reached out to municipal and provincial officials to offer any assistance needed after the imJim Rivait mediate danger has passed. “But we already know that it will be a major job to rebuild the community and replace lost homes,” he adds. CHBA – UDI Calgary Region says it wants to recognize “in a meaningful way” members who have contributed to the effort, and encourages members to let them know of donations they may have made to help victims of the Fort McMurray tragedy. NL
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advertisers index
APEX Land Heartland, page 3
Grasslands of Beiseker page 36
Jayman BUILT page 38
United Communities Nolan Hill, page 35
APEX Land Hillcrest, page 15
Qualico Communities + Bordeaux Developments Harmony, Inside Front Gatefold, page 2
John Kearney page 41
Walton Cornerstone, page 4
Mattamy Homes Back Cover
WestCreek Developments Legacy, page 29
APEX Land MountainView, page 33 Brookfield Residential Symons Gate, page 9 CHBA – Calgary page 40 DREAM Vista Crossing pages 37, 39, 41
Harmony Park Boulder Creek Estates, page 7 Harmony Park Heritage Hills, page 43 Homes by Avi Tuscany, FC, pages 12-14
Ronald McDonald House Rock the House Run page 32
Westman Village page 25
Stepper Custom Homes page 19 Shane Homes Midtown, page 20
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By Marty Hope
PAR FOR THE COURSE Working with communities is part and parcel of QuantumPlace’s efforts THE HARVEST HILLS nine-hole golf course has been shut down, and progress is being made on plans to reshape the land for housing. Like it or not, residents of this north-central community are going to have to accept the fact they will have more neighbours when Cedarglen Homes begins building single-family homes and its sister company Cedarglen Living starts work on other forms of housing. Cedarglen purchased the land in 2014. But first, the whole thing has to clear the approval hurdles at city hall, says Chris Ollenberger, principal of QuantumPlace Developments, which is managing the whole Harvest Hills process. The redevelopment plan will be heard by Calgary Planning Commission (CPC) this month and then has a tentative date with city council in the fall. Not surprisingly, the Harvest Hill plan has had a rigourous time when it comes to soothing the concerns of residents — more than a dozen community meetings over the past year. As is typical, there is resident opposi-
tion to various elements of the development, but Ollenberger says the aim of the proposal is to satisfy all parties involved. “From the beginning of the process, through all of our communications to the community — our website, our telephone conversaChris Ollenberger tions, our community meetings, our open houses, and our engagement reports — we indicated that our goal for the expansion was to balance four key areas: community desires, city requirements, the physical constraints presented on the land and the needs of Cedarglen for a viable project,” he says in a report to city officials. Increased density, one of the main goals of the city with any new development, is a hot-button issue in Harvest Hills. The proposal going before CPC is for 716 single-family homes, townhomes, villas, and a four-storey wood frame apartment building spread across 65 acres of land. “To the extent that it was possiPart of the strategy to achieve ble, the plan submitted aimed to adhere to sensitive densification the sensitive density issue is to of the residential expansion,” increase that density from west Ollenberger says, adding that the to east with multi-family and various styles of housing has to integrate with what’s already there townhouse elements away from — “it has to look like it belongs.” the existing community and along Part of the strategy to achieve the existing road ways of Country sensitive density issue is to increase that density from west to east with Hills and the railway line.
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multi-family and townhouse elements away from the existing community and along existing road ways of Country Hills and the railway line. QuantumPlace is also involved in a proposal to make changes to The Hamptons golf course in the city’s northwest to allow more homes to be built. A submission has already been presented to city officials to close and move two holes on the upscale 18-hoper that would allow the construction of as many as 40 single-family homes. Ollenberger’s company will see the planning and approvals process through and then, hopefully, take on duties as development manager. The company is also engaged in a massive redevelopment of some 1,250 acres of land that will become part of Three Sisters Mountain Village in Canmore. Currently, the company and two original owners of the mountain village, are working closely with the Town of Canmore to bring the proposal to reality. 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.