VOLUME 12 ISSUE 127 n JULY 2016
contents
12 COVER FEATURE
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The heart of Airdrie Midtown capitalizes on its prime location in central Airdrie
FEATURE
Yee-haw! 35
Summer fun hits its peak in the city, as Stampede rolls in
Special Feature PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
Check out what’s happening in Cochrane
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contents 16 28
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FOCUS ON
10 Cute and cuddly
Plush toys for kids of all ages
SHOW HOME PROFILE
16 The beauty of Fairway
The golfing lifestyle meets its match in Vanity Homes’ Fairway
COMMUNITY PROFILES
20 Calgary’s newest
established community EvansRidge is on the verge of completion LIFESTYLE
25 A family home
for car lovers
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Young family finds forever home in Walden STYLE
28 Canadian style
Exercise your Canadian clout by buying local design products
43 Around Town 46 Hope at Large
SHOPPING
32 Style kids
Playful may be passé when it comes to decorating kids’ rooms
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COLUMNS
ITEMS
8 Editor’s Message 38 Maps 45 Advertiser Index
editor’s message n
Stampede frenzy
PUBLISHER
As if you need me to announce it. It’s on every Calgarian’s mind as soon as July rolls in. Stampede, of course! That time of the year when every thing in the city it seems to shut down for a 10-day party. Celebrations may be a little subdued this year with the state of the economy, but — as proven in the previous downturns — that never got in the way of a good time. We thought it would be a good idea to let everyone know what’s in store in this year’s Stampede party in Shelley Boettcher’s feature. It’s particularly handy for newcomers to the city, who may be overwhelmed by everything that’s going on not only at the Stampede ground, but in the whole city. Speaking of newcomers, Alberta is in the second year of its slump, but the population continues to grow. Statistics Canada says Alberta’s population grew 0.4 per cent in the first three months of the year, outpacing Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. New immigrants from outside the country make up a fair chunk of that growth. A lot of our readers, in fact, are new to the city, and much of what we feature in the magazine is aimed at this particular group, and we know the information we publish regularly on local housing options — and everything else that goes with it — is a helpful resource for them. For example, we can let them know of the new downtown Airdrie community called Midtown, which offers some of the best starter and move-up homes right now. Apex Developments and Wenzel Developments are jointly developing this new community — our cover feature in this issue — and its prime location in Airdrie’s established centre is proving attractive to a lot of buyers. We also take a look at the nearly completed community of EvansRidge by Dream Developments in the northwest. Its wide selection of home types and affordable prices has always been its biggest edge. Now that it is nearly complete, people don’t have to guess the kind of neighbourhood it will turn up to be, everything is there for everyone to see. Then there’s Vanity Homes in the Lakes of Muirfield, the veteran custom home builder’s Fairway show home in this golf community does bring a heightened sense of style and practicality. Life in a golf community never looked so good. We also have David Crosson talking about the option of going with locally-designed products in his STYLE section. Not only is it a money-saving option, but a deliciously designed choice that can also spur the local economy. Kathy McCormick, meanwhile, takes a look at what it takes to put together a brilliant kids’ bedroom in her Shopping story, and Aaliya Essa shows us the plush toys in Focus On that you can decorate it with. So, let’s loosen those belt buckles, put on that 10-gallon cowboy hat and head on down to the nearest establishment serving Stampede breakfasts, look for someone holding this magazine, chances are they’re new to the city. So give them a good ol’ Calgary welcome!
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 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
Shelley Boettcher, David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick PHOTOGRAPHY
Amadeo Giron, Don Molyneaux 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
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Picking your new TV
@CalgaryNewHomes
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NewHomeLivingCalgary
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CUTE AND Plush toys for kids of all ages n BY
Aaliya Essa
GROWING UP WITH our favourite cushy toy is engraved in our memories, with photos of us clutching our teddy bears, or rabbits, or ducks. There is certainly a special bond between kids and their stuffed toys. And there is certainly a wide range of materials and designs that will tug at the heartstrings and fire a kid’s imagination. NL
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CUDDLY 6 5
[ 1 ] Butterscotch Plush Horse, $34.99 at Castle Toys. [ 2 ] Gund Pusheen The Cat Detective, $36.99 at Discovery Hut. [ 3 ] Dragon Plush, 69.95 at Livingston and Cavell Extraordinary Toys. [ 4 ] Giraffe Giant Plush, $139.99 at Castle Toys. [ 5 ] TY Buddy Boo LG Leona Leopard, $29.99 at Discovery Hut. [ 6 ] Elmo, $49.99 at Discovery Hut. [ 7 ] Plush Snake, $64.95 at Livingston and Cavell Extraordinary Toys. [ 8 ] Plush Shark, $49.95 at Livingston and Cavell Extraordinary Toys. [ 9 ] Bearington Giant Wuggles Tan Teddy, $74.99 at Discovery Hut. [ 10 ] Pudge Penguin Plush, $10.99 at Castle Toys.
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
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or those looking for top quality homes and the most convenient location, but don’t want to pay a premium for either will find there is a middle ground in a newly launched community in Airdrie. Midtown in Airdrie defies the tradition of new home communities expanding the borders of a city by instead utilizing a premium location on a parcel of undeveloped land right in the heart of the community. The site offers homebuyers a unique opportunity to live steps away from their favourite stores and services with all the convenience and style of a contemporary village. “People love to walk in Airdrie. It’s a young city, and if you need to do some shopping, it’s within walking distance,” says Satwinder Notay, area manager at Creations by Shane Homes, which is one of three builders constructing new homes in Midtown — the first community launched by Wenzel Developments as a joint venture with renowned Apex Land Developments. Trico Homes and Excel Homes also launch the opening of their duplex homes, designs presenting top value for first-time buyers and empty-nesters alike. Also planned for the site is a foot-friendly park, featuring an eight-acre pond as a focal point with a walking path and promenade where homeowners can pause for a peaceful gaze over the serene setting, or let kids run through open space and burn off steam on play equipment.
The high architectural guidelines have ensured that even models for a price-sensitive buyer stand the test of time for looks and long-term durability.
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Creations by Shane presents three show homes, with models starting at $375,500 including home, lot and GST. The builder is capitalizing on the fact that parking and garages are at the back to put front verandas and upper balconies on models and boost curb appeal. In Creation by Shane’s street towns, nine-foot ceilings allow for a feeling of volume, plus a brighter and light feel to interiors plus a high-end finishing with included granite are exceeding the expectations of long-time Airdrie couples who are placing deposits on units as part of a financial plan to ditch their larger family homes, and simplify expenses and living quarters when the kids have left home.
| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
HEART OF AIRDRIE
Fully landscaped front-and-back, with fences and included detached garages, the street towns offer a turn-key solution like that of a condominium, but with no condo fees, Notay says. “Surprisingly enough it has been mature people who are buying them. They are used to owning bigger houses in Airdrie, but when the kids have left home, they want a quality of life, they want something affordable, and they want to free up money so that they can travel,” she says. Trico Homes is the exclusive builder for a section of Midtown which offers premium home sites for their duplex models overlooking the pond and featuring rear lanes for parking, says area manager Carmen De Luca. “We are the only builder in Midtown that has the lots by the water,” she points out. Designed to resemble a single-family home, the duplex units are actually two halves that make up a handsome façade featuring covered porches with views to the water. “The big wood front porches all face the pond — you can sit out there and enjoy the view,” she said. The high architectural guidelines have ensured that even models for a price-sensitive buyer stand the test of time for looks and long-term durability. The premium sites put their total offer at a starting price at $369,900, which is a package also attracting empty-nesters who have grown up kids, she said. “They are getting out of their larger home so they can spend time at their rec property,” De Luca says, adding Trico also offers homes with front-attached garages, up for grabs a block away from the pond, and start at $351,200. Lastly, Excel Homes rounds out the list of respected builders at Midtown with a value that is striking a chord with first-time buyers and families setting down roots. “We are in a really good price point, and people are seeing the value in what we are doing,” says Ken Lydiatt, area manager for Excel Homes. “With the young families focussed on price point, we can offer more value than anywhere else. People are shopping all over greater Calgary, and not seeing the same package of home and amenities,” he adds. “Prices won’t stay like this for long,” he saiys, adding Midtown will be just 600 homes when complete, and Excel’s models start at the $310,000 mark and top out at $420,000.
Midtown capitalizes on its prime location in central Airdrie Also unique to Excel’s lineup is the roomy layouts featuring up to 2,000 square-feet of living space in their duplex models. They rival the scale of higher-priced homes, said Lydiatt. Excel’s hottest selling model is the Lockeport, a duplex style design featuring a rear lane. Constructed as one of Excel’s two show homes, its open designed main floor plan features 9-foot ceilings, and demonstrates a sleek contemporary style within its upgraded granite countertops and durable laminate floors. Homebuyers lured by the energy savings of a new home will be doubly sure of their smart investment when they check the fine print of Excel’s certified Built Green standards: A membrane of wrap on foundation walls, triplepane windows, and heat recovery units in furnaces are a few features. “It offers cleaner living and energy efficiency” says Lydiatt. n
FAST FACTS: COMMUNITY: Midtown in Airdrie DEVELOPER: Apex Land Development and Wenzel Developments BUILDERS: Creations by Shane, Shane Homes, Trico Homes, Excel Homes HOME STYLES: Street towns plus duplexes with either front-attached garages, or rear detached garages, and single-family with double-attached garages. PRICES: Starting from the $300,000s HOURS: Monday – Thursday from 2 – 8 p.m., weekends and holidays from noon – 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.midtowninairdrie.com
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show home profile n Vanity Homes
THE BEAUTY OF FAIRWAY A golfing lifestyle meets its match in Vanity Homes’ Fairway Pepper Rodriguez PHOTOGRAPHY BY Don Molyneaux n WRITTEN BY
ABOVE The Fairway bungalow has a lovely curb appeal that blends well with the golf community of Lakes of Muirfield, with lots of designer stone accent to set the tone. The oversized, side triple car garage provides plenty of room for cars and a golf cart. BELOW The corner fireplace in the open concept living room does a good job of creating a focal point for the great room, and Gill says most of the features guest see in the show home are standard.
Sonik: paired show home in Mahogany
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GOLF IS A WAY of life for many. But with Calgary’s short golf season wouldn’t it make sense to make the most of that time by living in a golf community? This kind of life is exactly what Lakes of Muirfield offers, and Vanity Homes can make this dream come true. The beauty of living in a Vanity Home in Lakes of Muirfield is that this custom home builder can deliver homes that will fit your particular lifestyle. “With our 30 years of experience, we have the craftsmanship and skill required to build your dream home,” says Vanity Homes’ project manager Himat Gill. Their Lakes of Muirfield show home — aptly named, The Fairway — is a fantastic example of their exacting, and detailoriented workmanship. At 1,960 square-feet, this three-car-garage bungalow has the functionality and flair that attracts downsizers, and even young families eager to enjoy the terrific 18-hole golf course that encircles the young community in Lyalta, just east of Calgary. With 10-foot ceilings along the main floor and plenty of oversized windows that allows residents to check out the action at the golf course and take in the natural serenity of the community, The Fairway mirrors the freedom found under the clear blue skies above the tiny hamlet. “We wanted to make the home feel more open and maximize the views,” Gill says. It isn’t just for the retiring couple, as the standard plan includes both a master bedroom with luxurious attached ensuite and a second bedroom and another full bath on the main floor. “There’s a further 1,500 square-feet of developable space in the lower level that we’d be more than happy to develop for our buyers,” Gill says. The Fairway show home has the fully developed basement to give guests an idea of the full potential of the home. It has a very family-friendly price, too, starting at $550,000, including house, lot and GST, and building one similar to the show home would only cost $25,000 more.
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ABOVE The stylishly functional kitchen boasts of a huge centre island and perimeter counters with granite tops, maple cabinets adorn the space to provide plenty of storage options and the corner pantry can stock more supplies. The seamless beauty of it makes it a terrific entertainment spot and the extended ledge of the island can provide the perfect seating.
LEFT As a true custom design builder, Vanity Homes ensures that their product meets the specifications of the customer through consultative dialogue. “Buyers can customize floor plans, upgrade options and choose from a wide array of detail work offered through their knowledgeable design consultants,” Gill says.
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Vanity Homes is a family-run company, and has built in all quadrants of Calgary, including Royal Oak and Sherwood in the N.W., Saddlestone, Taradale and Taralake in the N.E., Cougar Ridge in the S.W. and Applewood in the S.E. “We’ve also built in Chestermere and Airdrie,” Gill adds. Vanity Homes has a diverse product, ranging from million dollar plus estates in Cougar Ridge and Royal Oak to starter homes in Applewood. JULY 2016 NE W HOME LIVING
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show home profile n Vanity Homes
RIGHT The flex room in front of The Fairway provides plenty of options to the owner. It can be turned into a stately sitting room as was done for the show home, or it can be converted into an extra bedroom, a home office or even a den/library.
fast facts BUILDER: Vanity Homes COMMUNITY: Lakes of Muirfield, Lyalta DEVELOPER: Muirfield Land Corp. STYLE: Bungalow on a walkout lot PRICE: Starts at $550,000, including house, lot and GST LOCATION: Just off Range Road 264 in Lyalta Alberta. East on TransCanada Hwy, left on Township Rd. 264 and follow the signs. SHOWHOME HOURS: Monday Thursday by appointment. Weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.vanityhomes.ca ABOVE The luxurious, spa-like ambience of the master ensuite speaks to the lavish lifestyle Vanity offers with The Fairway. Granite counters in the dual vanities, and marble tile facing for the corner soaker tub denote the diligent craftsmanship Vanity can offer.
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RIGHT Also in Lakes of Muirfield is Vanity’s two-storey show home, Oaklands 2. This 2,555-square-foot, triplegarage, four-bedroom home (including a second master bedroom) is perfect for the big family. And — as is their way — Vanity can customize its design to fit the buyers preferences. NL
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community profile n EvansRidge
CALGARY’S NEWEST ESTABLISHED EvansRidge is on the verge of completion
THE NORTHWESTERN EDGE of Calgary has seen a tremendous amount of growth in the past few years, and nowhere else is this transformation seen better than in EvansRidge, which now just has a handful of lots left before it is totally completed. It’s a little hard to believe that EvansRidge — launched in 2011 — is already nearing completion. “The community is essentially 95 per cent built-out. Over 1,000 homes sold to date,” says Dream Development’s Michael Tandara, Director of Marketing, Land & Housing. “Though a variety of quick possession options remain available, the development is down to its final 10 open lots for buyers looking to build a home to their exact specifications. For those sitting on the fence, it means time is running out to get into the community.” The wide variety of home options in EvansRidge has been a key reason for its popularity, offering everything from townhomes, rear laned, zero lot line, front attached garage and estate homes within the 150-acre neighbourhood. As one of the most desirable communities in Calgary, Evansridge attracted an extensive group of builder partners in different phases of the project. In the final phase, seven builders continue to offer quality built, well designed homes, including Dream’s own Homes by Dream. Still available are townhomes from $310,000 (Calbridge Homes and Jayman Modus), move-up homes from $530,000 (Genesis Builder Group, DS Homes, Homes by Dream), and estate homes from $650,000 (Calbridge Homes, WestView Homes, Homes by Dream). Tandara says EvansRidge has been a big hit because people understand it’s a community where families can grow. Situated in central northwest Calgary it has the feel of wide open spaces and big blue sky, with lots of recreational and entertainment opportunities. At this point, buyers no longer have to put faith into a rendered vision of what EvansRidge will be, as the whole community is, after all, built out
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and laid out in front of you. And the lifestyle-enabling, amenity-rich nature of the area is already there for everyone to enjoy — with more coming soon. “The brand new K-9 school, Our Lady of Grace, is opening this fall and is less than a five-minute walk from the new phases,” Tandara points out. “There’s also a future Montessori daycare upcoming, as well. And the nearby Creekside Shopping Centre continues to grow, with new additions like the Brokin’ Yolk, Tim Hortons, A&W, and a Brightpath Kids centre.” Community shopping is already available at Creekside Shopping Plaza, and residents also have easy access to Beacon Hill and Calgary’s premiere outlet destination, CrossIron Mills.
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The wide variety of home options in EvansRidge has been a key reason for its popularity, offering everything from townhomes, rear laned, zero lot line, front attached garage and estate homes within the 150-acre neighbourhood.
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COMMUNITY n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
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community profile n EvansRidge
The Stoney Trail extension enhances accessibility of residents in the neighbourhood, and this particular part of town in the northwest will be very much the centre of the action for years to come. EvansRidge is just a 20-minute drive to downtown, and much less than that if you’re going to the big employment hubs near the airport or CrossIron Mills in Balzac. The Stoney Trail extension enhances accessibility of residents in the neighbourhood, and this particular part of town in the northwest will be very much the centre of the action for years to come, Tandara says. Improved bus routes into EvansRidge also address public transportation concerns. “It’s a vibrant community that’s only getting better,” he tells New Home Living. “It’s a freshly established community with nearby shopping, walking trails, the beautiful ridge overlooking the valley, a brand new school, quality architectural controls, well-built homes by trusted builders, great access to the city as well as convenient access to Stoney Trail and the mountains to the west. It really does have it all.”
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fast facts Jayman Modus (Jayman BUILT’s multifamily arm) is selling their Avira townhome project, which will have 100 stylish two- and three-bedroom models with single, tandem and double car heated garages. They start from 1,200 square-feet and prices are from the low $300,000s. But like most of the multi-family developments in EvansRidge, it is down to its last few units. “Avira is almost 80 per cent sold, while Vantage by Calbridge Homes is all but sold out,” Tandara says. As far as single-family homes, there is still a good selection available, though that won’t last for long, including homes on prestigious west-backing ridge lots in Phase 8. This final phase includes the last of the ridge lots, semi estate lots and two car front drive midsize lot home options. Calbridge Homes is also offering some of the most affordable ridge homes in Calgary, where their double front attached homes start from the $730,000s. Homes by Dream, as well, is using the last phase of EvansRidge to launch its Arrival Collection of homes this September — marking the first time Dream has built single-family homes in the city. Despite a multi-decade history in new home construction in Western Canada, the company is still very new to Calgarians and as a result intends to make a strong first impression with its complete streetscape of 19 architecturally diverse homes. More mod-
COMMUNITY: EvansRidge DEVELOPER: Dream Developments BUILDERS & PRICES: TOWNHOMES: • Avira by Jayman Modus starting from $310,000 • Vantage on EvansRidge by Calbridge Homes starting at $390,000 SINGLE-FAMILY: • Calbridge Homes from $730,000 • DS Homes from $650,000 • Genesis Builder Group from $520,000 • WestView Homes from $700,000 • Homes by Dream from $570,000 DIRECTIONS: North on Symons Valley Rd. N.W., right on Symons Valley Pkwy. And follow the signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. or check with individual builders WEB: www.lifeontheridge.ca
est 2,000 to 2,200-square-foot homes will be priced from $579,900 with the larger estate residences being offered from the $739,900. The wide-ranging price point across all of the various product lines has been one of EvanRidge’s most attractive features and with an affordability range spanning from the low $300,000s all the way to the $1 million range, there is indeed something for everyone. With EvansRidge nearing completion, Dream is already turning its focus on its next big development: Vista Crossing. “Vista Crossing is an all-new development in Crossfield, just north of Airdrie, with a 35 minute commute to Calgary’s downtown,” Tandara says. “It will be the first master-planned community for the town, and the 160 acre development will feature over 20 acres of parkspace, five acres of protected wetland and over four kilometres of walking trails. Many homeowners that moved out of Calgary to Airdrie in order to escape the city have found Airdrie to have outgrown that small town charm, and Vista Crossing offers prospective buyers that very thing in a nearly identical commute. A true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, but connected just the same.” NL
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A family home for car lovers Young family finds forever home in Walden Pepper Rodriguez PHOTOS BY Amadeo Giron n WRITTEN BY
H
ave you ever wondered where characters from Bruce Springsteen songs end up, especially those from his car-centric songs? Like “Wendy” from “Born to Run”, “Mary” from “Thunder Road” or “Junior Johnson” from “Cadillac Ranch”? What happens after they escape the “death trap” and the “suicide rap”? If they were lucky, they could have ended up like Chris and Christine Scholz, two aficionados of fast cars and drag racing, who ended up living the suburban dream in the southeast community of Walden. Okay, there’s no white picket fence, but they have everything else in their 2,100-square-foot two-storey Homes by Avi home. This includes a couple of young kids (Austin, 4, and Sophia, 2), a couple of dogs, and an oversized double-attached front garage with 12-foot-plus tall ceilings that can fit up to four cars with lifts. “That was the one condition Chris had when we were looking for our move-up home,” Christine tells New Home Living. “He wanted a space to work on the cars.”
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Chris, Christine Austin and Sophia
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lifestyle n
The pair — in their late 20s and early 30s — met when they were barely out of their teens and their shared passion for cars led to married bliss. Chris, a fire fighter, works odd schedules, and on his rare days off loves tinkering with their cars and taking care of the kids. Christine, a mortgage specialist at ATB Financial, is herself custom-engine gearhead but that doesn’t get in the way of her taking care of the rest of the household. It’s a real partnership forged through 12 years of togetherness, eight of them as a married couple. “Finding a home design that would suit our lifestyle was very important, but so was finding the right location, and I think we found all of that
“And when we walked into the Homes by Avi show home in Walden, we knew we found the right one.”
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here in Walden,” Christine says. “It’s going to be our forever home.” It helps that both Chris and Christine work within the neighbourhood, a Genstar Development community that prides itself on its unique connection to nature with its winding pathways, parks and thick natural stand of trees. Right now, Chris is stationed at a nearby fire station, while Christine’s ATB branch is right at the entrance of the community. “We couldn’t have planned it better,” she says. “And even if Chris is eventually reassigned to a different station, Walden is accessible enough that it shouldn’t be a problem.” The home itself is the popular Hawthorne model from Homes by Avi. From it’s striking curbside appeal,
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The kitchen is sleek and stylish with quartz countertops, a massive island with extended ledge for extra seating. to its stylishly functional interiors, the Hawthorne was meant for young families. “We lived in a 1,200-square-foot starter home in Silverado prior to this, but with two kids, we felt it was time to move to a bigger home,” Chris says. “We knew we wanted to stay in the vicinity though,” Christine adds. “And when we walked into the Homes by Avi show home in Walden, we knew we found the right one.” The Hawthorne’s floor plan answers the needs of today’s modern family with its focus on functionality. The most sought-after conveniences families are looking for in homes these days are a big part of The Hawthorne’s popularity. “I love the open-to-above open concept layout of the living room, “ Christine says. The upgraded fireplace design they chose further emphasizes the spacious grandness of the room, and matches the height of floorto-ceiling windows that make up almost the entire back wall of the home. The kitchen is sleek and stylish with quartz countertops, a massive island with extended ledge for extra seating. A walk-through pantry is handy and there is plenty of storage space that young families need.
Hardwood flooring, nine-foot ceilings and big windows complement their tasteful décor that includes a lot of antique-y furniture, like their rough-hewn dining table and bench, and china display hutch. The bonus room upstairs with this modern elevation gets vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows are also a favourite feature. A second-floor laundry room also spells convenience for the family. The Scholz did a considerable amount of upgrades, but the home — which started at $513,000 at the time — is more than the sum of all its parts. “It’s a place where our kids will grow up, it’s where we can grow up as a family. We simply love it here,” Christine says. Springsteen couldn’t have written a better ending. NL
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PHOTO COURTESY BRENT WOOD CL A SSICS
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CANADIAN STYLE Exercise your Canadian clout by buying local design products
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ABOVE Ontario-based Brentwood Classics offers dramatic furniture designed and built right here in Canada.
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t’s no secret that times are tough here in Alberta. Despite some recent rallies in the price of oil, many people are still struggling to make ends meet and the ripple effect is having an impact outside of the energy sector. Add to this a weakened Canadian dollar and the deck is stacked against you — especially if you are planning to undertake any home improvement projects. Sadly, it’s not just the dollar that’s compromising many positions, it’s also the way American manufacturers are responding to it. For example, in March I received a call from a supplier saying a U.S. lighting company I use quite a bit had raised their prices by another 45 per cent — and this was on top
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of the annual increase they already put in place when we rolled over into 2016. While this is an extreme case, the fact of the matter is that American suppliers — or anyone who prices their wares in greenbacks — have us at a distinct disadvantage. Or do they? While it’s true that buying certain materials in U.S. dollars can’t be avoided (such as Canadian lumber milled in the States and sold back to us at a premium) there are ways to realize some savings. Buying Canadian has always been a go-to position for me wherever possible;
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PHOTO COURTESY WESTRIDGE CABINETS
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be seen up close and personal in order to be truly appreciated. Closer to home, but still in the reno realm, Red Deer-based Westridge Cabinets offers an enormous range of customizable cabinets built in, and suited to, Alberta’s dry climate. Westridge offers roughly 50 door styles in 50 different finishes, making the possibilities not only endless but beautiful as well. Their latest line of gloss finishes — including some juicy citrus hues — are sure to brighten the drabbest of spaces on even the dullest of days. You can check them out in Calgary at their S.E. showroom, located on 112th Avenue S.E. Home decoration items have also proven their mettle and fettle in the broader arena
ABOVE Manufactured in their facility in Red Deer, Westridge Cabinets are perfectly acclimatized to life in Alberta’s dry climate. BELOW Brentwood Classics offers a wide range of styles and silhouettes within its collection, like this chic seating, perfect for lingering over the dining table.
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PHOTO COURTESY BRENT WOOD CL A SSICS
after all, we are trading in our own currency and supporting the economy on both a local and national level. And, despite the misguided notion that home-spun products are sometimes lesser-than when compared to their international counterparts, we really do produce some cool items that deserve to be celebrated more. Although we have seen some pencils sharpened in the labour area of home improvement, materials and products needed for these jobs still represent a significant portion of most budgets. Imagine, then, the benefit of buying Canadian-made goods to counter the currency crunch from our southern neighbours. Options abound when it comes to home renos, from plumbing fixtures and cabinets to furniture and lighting. In the world of plumbing fixtures, one standout that comes to mind is Montreal-based WETstyle, internationally known and embraced for its pared-down modern chic. Whether it’s a vanity, sink, tub or towel tower, these maestros offer superb product that holds its own against any competitor. I particularly like how their products are grouped by collection, with the design direction of each dominated by a common motif. Similarly, Aquabrass (also based in la belle province) can hang with the best of them, producing plumbing fittings in a range of elegant styles that run the gamut from classic to modern. Although their precision ceramic cartridges are made in Europe, the price point on these items is truly outstanding. Both WETstyle and Aquabrass are available in Calgary through Royal Flush Kitchen and Bath Boutique and have to
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PHOTO COURTESY AQUABR A SS
BELOW This colourful freestanding bathtub, known as “Mosaik”, is a homegrown beauty from Aquabrass.
thanks to such companies as Toronto-based Brentwood Classics (upholstered furniture), Trica (casegoods, occasional furniture) and Origina (lighting fixtures). Brentwood offers a comprehensive line of silhouettes and styles in an array of fabrics and leathers, including picture-perfect pieces from my friend and mentor, Canadian design maven Kimberley Seldon. Likewise, Trica’s product offering is robust, skewing to the cool side of contemporary with many finish and fabric options to choose from. Unlike many other lighting companies with offshore facilities, Origina keeps everything close to home, with their bountiful array of more than 250 fixtures designed, engineered and manufactured in their Toronto-area facility. As the last of its kind in Canada, Origina should be stop number one when it comes to looking for lighting fixtures for your project. In Calgary, Brentwood Classics are available at Cricklewood Country Interiors and Country Furniture; Trica is available through Country Furniture and Maria Tomas (among others) and Origina is available
PHOTO COURTESY AQUABR A SS
PHOTO COURTESY WE TST YLE
Known for its superb clean lines, contemporary Canuck manufacturer WETstyle is renowned and revered around the globe as a major player in bathroom fixtures.
through Maria Tomas and Robinson Lighting and Bath Centre. As I pointed out, not everything you require for a home improvement project can be sourced within our borders. Still, increasing the ratio is a great start — and every bit helps. No matter the scale of your plans, buying Canadian is a great way to demonstrate your patriotism while decreasing the pinch when the time comes to enhance your home. NL
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Crosson is a freelance design writer and principal of the David Crosson Design Collective. He is a frequent media commentator on matters of life and style as well as a regular guest on CTV Morning Live.
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These elegantly spare “Stiletto” lavatory faucets from Aquabrass can compete with the best of the best on the world stage.
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STYLE KIDS
Playful may be passé when it comes to decorating kids’ rooms n WRITTEN BY
Kathy McCormick
W
hen most of us were kids we were lucky to even get our own room, never mind decorating it to fit our tastes. Or even if we had a room, it was likely painted blue for boys or pink for girls.
End of story. Thankfully, things have changed — a lot. So much so that kids today probably won’t think it’s punishment to be sent up their rooms, in fact, they’d probably welcome that. Today, the child’s room is as important as the rest of the house when it comes to choosing furniture and décor. And it’s more about the child than the parents, say the experts. “Most importantly, involve your child in the process,” says Sebastien Fauteux of the Urban Barn. “Their personality should shine through — and the more hands-on they are in decorating their room, hopefully the more likely they are to keep it clean!”
“Most importantly, involve your child in the process. Their personality should shine through — and the more hands-on they are in decorating their room, hopefully the more likely they are to keep it clean!” 32 | NE W HOME LIVING
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That’s not to say the whole room should be overloaded with dinosaurs from bedding to wall murals to stuffies, and more. “A kids room should reflect who they are and they should have a say in the décor schemes, to a degree,” says Tamara Robbins Griffith, décor expert with HomeSense. “But it should not and does not need to feel like a theme park.” While it may be cute to have a whole room of Disney characters, it can be overwhelming — and expensive, says Fauteux. “It is tempting to go nuts when designing a fun and outrageous child’s room, but most of the time their phases, stages and personal style change faster than you can keep up.” Instead, he says, pick timeless, staple furniture that will grow with the child — in neutral colours that never go out of style. Look for quality and versatility, says Pottery Barn Kids’ director of public relations and brand marketing. “There are so many great designs for kids’ home furnishings, so it’s important to think about functionality and quality in addition to aesthetic so you feel comfortable with the furniture in your child’s nursery or bedroom,” says Kendra Stewart. That versatility is another key to choosing furniture for the child, says Wayfair’s Jessica Dowling, head of trade services at wayfair.ca. “Choosing quality furniture that is modular is the best approach to buying furniture for your child’s room. To get the most out of your investment, look for pieces that are multi-functional and can be repurposed.”
Twin Shark Comforter, $59.99 and Shark Shaped Cushion, $14.99 at Homesense.
As an example, “an upholstered swivel glider and ottoman are practical enough to be used in a baby’s room, but it’s also sleek enough to be used as an accent piece in the family room at a later date.” Obviously, the first step is choosing the right crib and/or bed — and there are so many different options today, whether it’s a themed car, train or princess bed, bunk beds or any other design. Even trundle beds are coming into fashion today, where an extra bed is hidden under the main bed, to be pulled out when there’s a sleepover. And today’s designs are even more versatile and practical. “Look for a bed that will adjust to grow with your child,” says Stewart. Some models convert from crib to toddler to double-sized beds as the child grows. Pottery Barn has a bed that adjusts to a lower position for toddlers and a higher position to accommodate the trundle. And the bedding, too, comes in a wide variety of materials, colours and patterns. Cotton, jersey, fleece, or flannel sheets are all available — and you’ll be wise to have two sets in case of accidents. “Good quality organic cotton will wear better than bedding with synthetic fibres, which tend to pull and lose softness quicker,” says Dowling. Another tip: “Consider additional details for bedding that make creating a cosy bed a breeze,” says Stewart. “A duvet cover with interior ties and a hidden zipper enclosure help keep the insert in place. Labels to indicate the top and bottom side on a fitted sheet make it easy to change the sheets — even in the middle of the night.” Storage is another key to keeping a child’s room functional — especially if it’s a smaller room — and there are many options out there that not only are stylish, but practical and low-cost. Look for modular furniture, bookshelves and floating shelves, multi-purpose furniture such as ottomans with storage included, and boxes, baskets, bins of all sizes, shapes and colours.
shopping
ABOVE Arrow Row of Hooks, $19.99 at HomeSense.
BELOW APIS Standard Bookcase from Wayfair.
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“There are so many great designs for kids’ home furnishings, so it’s important to think about functionality and quality in addition to aesthetic…”
Madison Twin Loft Bed with Storage from Wayfair.
“Maximizing space is important,” says Wayfair’s Dowling. “Put a dresser in a closet and make it a changing station during the newborn to toddler years. Children’s clothes are so small and rarely need to be hung up, so this is a savvy approach to tight spaces.” She also suggests a crib with wheels so it can be wheeled into a corner when not in use. Bunk beds for older children also maximize space. So once you have the basics covered — and practical, transitional furniture, how do you spruce it up to reflect the child’s personality? Here are a few tips from the experts: • The main décor style of the home should be reflected. “A child’s room is where a child is able to express their creativity freely, but the ‘bones’ of the child’s space should be consistent with the rest of the home.” — Dowling, Wayfair. • Accessories reflect the child’s personality — and they’re inexpensive and easily changed as the child grows. “Add colour through accessories — pillows, bedding, throws, and lighting add dimension and personality and won’t break the bank if you’ll be updating the room frequently.” — Fauteux, Urban Barn. • Today’s kids’ rooms are becoming more and more sophisticated. “We are seeing a rising level of effort by parents put into the style of a child’s room, thanks in part to so much inspiration on Pinterest. Parents realize that they can shop in the same stores they love for the rest of the home, to buy accessories and furniture for a kid’s room — product that is chic to them but still appropriate for the tot.” — Robbins Griffith, HomeSense. • Don’t forget comfort. “A kid’s bedroom should feel comfortable with a plush rug or soft, kid-sized chairs for lounging. Window panels or shades with a blackout panel are essential
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to block out light and create a calm and restful space for sleeping.” • Don’t forget the floor. As parents, you’ll spend a lot of time on the floor, so have soft ottomans, plush throw rugs, trendy sheepskins, and more that can also be more colourful or fit the theme. • Use easily-changed-out decorations. Decals are ideal, if the child insists on creating a princess castle or Superhero hideaway. • Some of today’s trends: Botanical prints, pompom and fringe accents, geometric prints, romantic pastels or bright, bold colours with a sophisticated twist, topography, and words. Above all, have fun — and make it all about your child’s personality. NL
Charlie Twin Bed — silo smoked gray from Pottery Barn.
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Yee-haw!
Summer fun hits its peak in the city, as Stampede rolls in
n WRITTEN BY
Shelley Boettcher
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ancake breakfasts on every downtown corner. Fireworks every night. Cowboy hats, parties, horses and a big parade, too. There’s nothing in the world quite like the Calgary Stampede, which takes place July 8 to 17 this year. If you’ve never attended Calgary’s biggest party, it’s time to go. See what the fuss is about. And have a ton of fun. But first, figure out what you want to do, says Jennifer Booth, public relations manager for the Calgary Stampede. “Plan your Stampede in advance. You can even buy your tickets online so you can avoid the lineups,” she says. And prepare for the weather — hopefully, hot and sunny. “Make sure you’re wearing your cowboy hat,” she says. “Wear sunscreen, too, and stay hydrated.”
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Here, our top 10 things to see and do during this year’s Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth: The afternoon rodeo and the evening grandstand show, with the chuckwagon races, are musts. And the massive display of fireworks can’t be beat.
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Stop by the agriculture exhibits, says Booth, to see the farm animals. Heavy horse-pulling competitions are fun to watch, and you can see blacksmithing and sheep-shearing demonstrations, too. “Lots of city kids these days don’t get a chance to go to a farm,” notes Booth. “This is a great opportunity for them to find out more about agriculture in the province.”
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Indian Village has been moved to a beautiful new site behind the Saddledome. “The new space allows the 26 teepees to be in a circle, plus there’s a brand-new stage and bannock booth,” for those of us who love the traditional First Nations bread,” says Booth.
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The former Indian Village site has been turned into Adventure Park. “It will feature axe-throwing, paintball and rock-climbing — fun extreme sports for adults,” says Booth. (But younger kids are allowed on the rock-climbing wall.)
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Also new this year, the International Pavilion is a partnership with Globalfest, another amazing Calgary event, and will feature performances by community and cultural groups as well as a “street” market in the lower level of the Big Four building.
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The Peking Acrobats were such a hit at the 2014 Stampede that they’re back again, for the full 10 days. The show is free with your gate admission; check out calgarystampede.com for the schedule.
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Vin Room
Check out a free pancake breakfast. They take place all across the city — grocery store parking lots, community halls, restaurants, you name it. Go to calgarystampede. com and search “caravan breakfast” for some of the biggest and best-organized.
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The massive Stampede Parade takes place on July 8 this year, and just like every year, the entire city seems to stop to participate. Businesses close, and thousands of people head downtown to watch. Best: it’s free.
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New this year, the Dog Bowl will feature rescue dogs performing all kinds of tricks: high-jumping, dock-diving and more.
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Gold-medal riders. Extreme motorsports. The Bell Adrenaline Ranch has been moved into the Corral this year, to allow for more pyrotechnics and more action. Shows are free with park admission; check out the Stampede website for times.
Overwhelmed? Don’t be. “Just embrace it and have fun,” Booth says. “I’ve never experienced anything like this, anywhere else in the world.” That’s because there isn’t anything like this, anywhere else in the world. Mayor Nenshi
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Stampede concerts The Coca-Cola stage is always a Stampede highlight for live music fans; you can watch for free with your admission. Here are some of the acts playing this year. Show times vary; go to calgarystampede.com to confirm. July 7
Christian Hudson, J.J. Shiplett and The Dudes
July 8
Walk off the Earth
July 9
Coleman Hell
July 10
Classified
July 11
X Ambassadors
July 12
The Sheepdogs
July 13
Shawn Hook and Jocelyn Alice
July 14
Mother, Mother
July 15
Dear Rouge and The Glorious Sons
July 16
Gord Bamford
July 17
Simple Plan
A L L P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E
Saving at the Stampede Here are the top five ways to save big at this year’s event. For more ideas, click on “plan” at calgarystampede.com. Get free admission from 6 to 9 a.m. on Suncor Family Day, July 10. There’s also a free breakfast for the first 20,000 guests and more.
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Get free admission for kids ages 12 and under on July 13, a.k.a. BMO Kids Day, from 7 to 9 a.m. There’s a free breakfast (while quantities last) in the Grandstand courtyard, too.
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Spend $39.99 at Costco, and get $50 in Stampede Bucks to use on admission to the park, rides, food, plus reserved tickets for the rodeo and evening show, too.
4 5 P H O T O S B Y C H R I S B O L I N , C O U R T E S Y C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E
Get a free admission coupon for kids ages seven to 12 when you purchase select Coca-Cola products.
Seniors ages 65 and older get in free all day on Western Heritage Day, July 12. Plus, there are free coffee and pastries at the Saddledome Steps, while supplies last.
Getting there Parking can be difficult and pricey. Consider taking transit instead. The C-Train stops at both Erlton and Victoria Park, right by two Calgary Stampede entrances.
A taste of Stampede The Calgary Stampede midway is known around the world for its food — which is often pretty wacky. Here are dishes to taste (if you dare) this year: THE BIG PICKLE DOG. A hot dog stuffed into a pickle, and then turned into a corn dog. PB DUMBELLS. Peanut butter and bacon balls, deep-fried in a cornmeal batter, then topped with chocolate sauce and bacon bits. Served on a stick, to look like dumbbells. STICKY TOFFEE BUG BALLS. Meal worms and crickets (yes) served with deep-fried dough tossed in cinnamon and sugar, with a toffee sauce. A DEEP-FRIED OREO MILKSHAKE. Regular Oreos, deep-fried Oreos and a vanilla milkshake. DEEP-FRIED TEQUILA SHOT BITES. Non-alcoholic tequila-flavoured cake fried and topped with icing sugar. A MACARONI AND CHEESE-STUFFED BURGER. We’ll leave you to explain that pig-out to your personal trainer. NL JULY 2016 NE W HOME LIVING
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calgary map
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Northwest
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Northeast n calgary map
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calgary map
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Southwest | Southeast | Calgary Area
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AIRDRIE
OKOTOKS
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By Pepper Rodriguez
Tesoro in Tuscany opens HOMES BY AVI and Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential recently opened their sales centres in Tesoro, the last piece of developable land in the northwest community of Tuscany. “We’re really excited to show what we have to offer here,” says Homes by Avi Corporate Marketing Manager, Christian Orme. “This is the final phase of Tuscany where you can still build a new home.”
Tesoro in Tuscany is the initial development from Homes by Avi’s land development arm, Avi Land. It will have 128 lots, of which 93 lots will be built by Homes by Avi, and 35 lots by Albi. The majority of which will be two-storey front-attached garage homes, although bungalow options are also available. Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential will also offer 10 rear laned homes, which marks the
Homes by Avi’s Hawthorne
first time in a long time that the luxury custom home builder will offer these products. Prices are from the low $600,000s. Construction for Phase 1 should tentatively start in August 2016 with possessions beginning in winter/spring 2017. Show homes are expected to be ready by fall.
Albi’s Tevera
A new era begins with Westman Village JAYMAN BUILT EMBARKS on what is probably its most ambitious and important development, as the multi-awarded home builder and land developer launches Westman Village, which puts an urban spin on suburban living. Westman Village will rise on 13-and-a-half acres on the southwestern edge of Mahogany Lake, Calgary’s largest man-made lake. It will have some 887 multi-family units on build out and will include condos, active living, rental, and estate bungalow components. “It’s a community within the community of Mahogany, the national award-winning lake neighborhood,” says Jayman BUILT Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, Lisa Feist. “It will be the only multi-family community fronting a lake in Calgary.” Bringing the community together is a 35,000-square-foot amenity centre — the Village Centre — which is essentially a state-
of-the-art rec centre with gym, fitness centre, swimming pool, two-storey water slide, indoor garden and library, among various other amenities that make it an essential gathering spot for community-building. A two-level underground parkade underneath
Westman Village model
the Village Centre will have tunnels leading to various other developments within Westman Village. There will also be Plus-15-like aboveground walkways that will connect the entire mini-community. “No matter the weather outside, you don’t have to get in your car to get to the Village Centre or other points of Westman Village,” Feist says. Reservations have started for all four residential components. Interested buyers for the Calligraphy apartment condominiums and Lyric rental apartments can visit the on-site sales centre with show suites in Mahogany. While those interested in the Journey Club active living apartments and the Reflection estate bungalows can go to the Jayman BUILT headquarters in Douglasdale, where a couple of show suites are also available to tour. For more information, register at www. westmanvillage.com
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Rotary Mattamy Greenway PARKS FOUNDATION CALGARY, Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Disc Golf Club of Calgary and Calgary’s Richardson family help launch what will be a signature amenity on Parks Foundation‘s Rotary/Mattamy Greenway. The $700,000 David Richardson Memorial Disc Golf Park is expected to be one of the best disc golf courses in North America when the 18-hole facility is constructed in the northMayor Nenshi and World west community of Royal Oak, along the Greenway. Champion disc thrower Attendees watch disc golf demonstration by 13 World Rob MacLeod records holder Rob McLeod. Parks Foundation Calgary says this will be one of the best disc golf courses in North America, on 27-acres in northwest Calgary of rolling hills, changing elevation and spectacular mountain and city views, The $700,000 David Richardson Memorial Disc Golf Park will be an 18-hole, par 66-course that will follow alongside a stretch of the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway already built in Royal Oak. “The Rotary/Mattamy Greenway is one of Calgary’s great public spaces, and the David Richardson Memorial Disc Golf Park will a perfect addition to it,” Mayor Naheed Nensh saysi. “The continued partnership between Mayor Nenshi and members of the Parks Foundation Calgary, private donors like the RichRichardson family (Treasure ardson family, and The City of Calgary ensures that all Richardson in Green) demonstrate disc golf at opening our citizens benefit from the very best public facilities.”
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Calgary Housing Starts Decline in May HOUSING STARTS IN the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 7,726 units in May compared to 9,133 in April, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of total housing starts. Actual starts aren’t much better. New single-family home numbers shrank from 299 to 243 in May (-19 per cent) from the previous year; and all others — including multi-family homes — went down 47 per cent from 759 to 405. “Total housing starts trended lower in May as the pace of multi-family construction declined from the previous month,” said Lai Sing Louie, CMHC Regional Economist. “The economic slowdown in Calgary created by low energy prices has impacted employment and reduced housing demand. New home inventories are trending higher and builders are responding by reducing new home construction.” NL
n advertisers index APEX Land
Harmony Park
United Communities
HillCrest page 15
Heritage Hills page 24
Nolan Hill page 39
APEX Land
JaymanBUILT
Walton
Midtown FC, pages 12-13, 47
Cornerstone page 2
Cornerstone page 3
Brookfield Residential
JaymanBUILT
Wenzel Developments
Auburn Bay page 9
Westman Village page 42
Midtown FC, pages 12-13, 47
CHBA/UDI – Calgary Region
John Kearney page 44
WestCreek Developments
Mattamy Homes
Legacy page 4
page 45
Dream page 23
Cityscape Back Cover
Dream
NuVista
Vista Crossing page 41
page 19
Grasslands of Beiseker
page 14
page 40
Harmony Park Boulder Creek Estates page 31
ReidBuilt Homes Stepper Homes page 7
Trico Homes page 19
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hope at large n
By Marty Hope
BIG WIN Broadview Homes big SAMs win was a long time coming IT TOOK A WHILE for Peter-John Woolf to make his way to the SAM Awards podium to accept what, for any Calgary area builder, is the Holy Grail of the housing industry. Would you believe 10 years! After walking through the dazzling light show that April evening, and with much applause and back-slapping, the vice-president of Broadview Homes clutched the Grand SAM Award as Builder of the Year like he might never let it go — a legacy to the transformation that has been ongoing for a decade. “It’s a first for us, and has been a long time coming,” Woolf said in the light of day and a few weeks after the award-winning buzz had ebbed just a margin. Woolf had just joined Broadview, a member of the Qualico Group, as sales and marketing manager back then and his first challenge was to present a couple of designs for new show homes scheduled for Evanston. Problem was, he recalls, he “couldn’t get excited” about the stable of existing designs. So over a weekend, a “desperate” Woolf, armed with rice paper and ruler became the company’s design department. Sketch, erase, sketch and erase again and again and then finally he was satisfied with his two designs. The Birmingham and Rockport were later introduced to the marketplace and were both nominated for SAM Awards the following year. “Everyone who visited the show homes when they opened could not believe they had just walked through a Broadview home,” he says. “So looking back, I guess
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that was the start of the transformation.” All in all, the awards gala was a coming-out party of sorts for the builder, its staff, trades, and suppliers. Broadview closed out the evening hosted by the CHBA–UDI Calgary Region Association with three design awards, a Homebuyers Customer Choice Award, as well as the Broadview Homes team at 2015 SAM Awards top builder award. And no, Woolf and his people are not finished the transformajust might put us on the radar screen of tion process. more potential home buyers — to let them Six years ago, Woolf met with the Broadknow Broadview Homes can give them view team and asked bluntly if they loved the house they want and the quality they building and selling homes, and if they want- expect,” Woolf says. ed to be proud of whatthey were doing. Broadview currently builds in Evanston, A resounding yes came back to him. The Redstone, and Beacon Heights in Calgary, future course has been charted. as well as Harmony, Airdrie, Chestermere, “I have said many times the companies Langdon, and Okotoks, offering various and people in our industry are so good at housing designs in each. NL what they do they inspire us to be better — even as the market and consumers constantly change,” he says. So in the end, what does winning these Marty Hope. For more than two decades awards mean for Broadview? Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing “For the staff, it’s a big morale booster. and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In To be rewarded for all the time and effort March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf that has gone into getting where we are Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ is great. To receive validation from the Association which is given annually to a industry and our customers is a huge honnon-builder member in Canada for our, and from a marketing perspective this contributions to the industry.