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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 137 n MAY 2017
contents
12 COVER FEATURE
12
Life begins at Cornerstone The new face of Calgary’s northeast takes shape in Cornerstone
INDUSTRY NEWS
37
And the winners are… Brookfield Residential’s Builder of the Year win caps 2016 SAM Awards
Special Feature PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 6109 — 6th Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9
Check out what’s happening in Airdrie
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37 22
FOCUS ON
10 Summer lovin’
Deck out your patios, terraces and other outdoor space in summer style
31 “Green”
gardens
DESIGNER SERIES
Cedarglen Homes’ The Rise show homes bring contemporary glamour to fore SHOW HOME PROFILE
Augusta Fine Homes’ Westwood brings SAM Award-winning quality to Artesia COMMUNITY PROFILE
27 Ecologically yours
Environmental friendliness blends with small town values in Drake Landing
SHOPPING
34 Nurture nature
Gardening tips to bring the best in your backyard
COLUMNS
22 Custom elegance
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Sustainability plays a key role in today’s gardens
17 Inner-city stylin’
STYLE
49 Around Town 50 Hope at Large
ITEMS
8 Editor’s Message 44 Maps 48 Advertiser Index
49 31
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editor’s message n
A winning season
Hello, everyone. I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you all to the latest addition to the Source Media Group team: Shylo Thompson. Shylo will be our social media expert, and she will lead our efforts to establish a stronger presence on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. and early indications seem she is already succeeding. There’s been much more activity across all our social media platforms since she started, and her first post — Arf in the Park, 10 best off-leash areas in Calgary — is a certified hit, our most “liked” post on Facebook! One of her first big assignments was accompanying me to the recent SAM Awards gala night. The night — the industry’s Oscars, if you will — was a terrific chance to put our thumbs to the test with the tweets, re-tweets and Facebook posts we did throughout — including our first Facebook Live post of the Grand SAM Winners. So follow us on our various social media platforms to see the latest of what’s going on in Calgary’s condo and new home world. Speaking of the SAMs, a BIG congratulations to all the winners, especially Brookfield Residential who took home the Grand SAM Builder of the Year honours this time. The first few residents in Walton’s new community of Cornerstone must feel like winners themselves, as they get to be the first to enjoy all that this master-planned northeast community has to offer. It promises to revolutionize the residential lifestyle in this particular quadrant of the city, and the sheer number of new show homes here (28 to be exact) shows just that. We also have 2016 show home winner the Westwood from Augusta Fine Homes as one of our features in this issue. It’s also in the running for the National SAMs so it is definitely a home worth visiting in the neighbourhood of Artesia at Heritage Pointe — itself a winner for best show home parade at this year’s SAM awards. Cedarglen Homes is our first feature in the Designer Series in New Home Living and their Macleod 2 and Huxley 2 models in the new community of The Rise West Grove Estates certainly look like winners themselves. I spoke to Steve LePan of Anthem United about their about-to-be-completed Drake Landing neighbourhood in Okotoks. The town just south of Calgary has seen a surge in demand for new housing and this new townhomes and new phases for single-family homes certainly answers the call. Gardening season is here and David Crosson talks to experts in his STYLE column on how condo dwellers can partake of the activity, and Kathy McCormick lays out the tools needed for the endeavour. Award-season or not, trust New Home Living in bringing you the latest in what’s happening in Calgary’s vibrant market for new homes — and now you can do know all about it in our much-improved social media reach.
PUBLISHER
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITOR
Pepper Rodriguez
pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Dave Macaulay
dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Vivian Zhang
vivian.zhang@sourcemediagroup.ca S O C I A L M E D I A & C O N T E N T C O - O R D I N AT O R
Shylo Thompson
shylo.thompson@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
David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Kathy McCormick, Marty Hope PHOTOGRAPHY
Don Molyneaux, Earl Raatz ADVERTISING
advertising@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
©2017 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, 6109 — 6th Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9. T: 403.532.3101, F: 403.532.3109, TF: 1.888.932.3101 E: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca
NEXT MONTH:
Micro living
@CalgaryNewHomes
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NewHomeLivingCalgary
focus on
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Summer lovin’
Deck out your patios, terraces and other outdoor space in summer style
12
AS THE WEATHER gets warmer, we find this growing urge to spend more and more time outside, now you can have the best of both worlds by jazzing up your backyard. New lounge chairs are a must, to sit back and rock in, feeling the breeze gently caress your face, or perhaps have a cold beverage plunged in a bucket of ice, add some decorative lighting and you’ve the ideal backyard retreat. NL
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n focus
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n BY
Aaliya Essa
[ 1 ] Stainless Steel Compost Pail, $55.92 at Crate and Barrel. [ 2 ] Vivere Aluminum Wave Rocker, $220 at Walmart. [ 3 ] Driftwood Lantern, $299 at Crate and Barrel. [ 4 ] Vivere Aluminum Wave Rocker, $220 at Walmart. [ 5 ] Luau Beverage Tub, $169.95 at Crate and Barrel. [ 6 ] SEGLARÖ, $199 at IKEA. [ 7 ] ASKHOLMEN, $89.99 at IKEA. [ 8 ] Henryka Large Blue Stripe Hammock Swing, $138 at Walmart. [ 9 ] Howell Tall Planter, $149 at Crate and Barrel. [ 10 ] KORPÖN, $39.99 at IKEA. [ 11 ] Carswell Large Firepit, $699 at Crate and Barrel. [ 12 ] Watering Marine Blue Can Small, $29.95 at Crate and Barrel.
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Life begins The new face of Calgary’s northeast takes shape in Cornerstone
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
at Cornerstone
T
he excitement is quite palpable in the new community of Cornerstone, where new residents have begun to move in and enjoy all that their new life has to offer in this brand new northeast community. “People started moving in this February, and it’s quite exciting to see the community start to get that lived-in feel,” says Kendra Milne, vice-president, marketing, at Walton Development and Management. And it will feel even more “lived-in” as Cornerstone has seen strong sales since opening in October. As of March, they also recorded 278 building permits, one of the highest rates in the city. “We had 590 lots serviced to begin with in the initial phase, and to have building activity on over half of that inventory speaks to the demand for new home product in the northeast sector,” she says. Central to the success of Cornerstone is Walton’s extraordinary vision to bring a new residential lifestyle and outlook to the northeast. Taking shape over 1,100 acres, Cornerstone will be home to approximately 30,000 residents and forge new ground in the northeast quadrant of the city.
“Cornerstone will continue to change the face of northeast Calgary,” says Milne. “We’ve carefully considered the landscape where the community sits and the needs of the City of Calgary. Our goal is to build a beautiful and diverse community that reflects the unique attributes of Calgary itself.” Cornerstone encompasses five distinct neighbourhoods both north and south of Country Hills Boulevard: Park, Point, View, Ridge, and, Gate. Each neighborhood features distinctive elements, connected by the Major Activity Centre (MAC), a central retail, commercial and transit hub. “The combined energy of these five neighborhoods comes together to forge new ground for the city of Calgary,” she adds. Like the neighbouring Walton community of Skyview Ranch, one of Cornerstone’s biggest strengths is the wide range of homes that are offered here. There are five home builders offering five different product types, including, duplex, zero-lot line, courtyard, street oriented townhomes and traditional front-drive homes. Cornerstone promises a home to fit any lifestyle and budget from their all-star cast builder group that includes Jayman BUILT, Morrison Homes, Pacesetter Homes, Shane Homes and Truman Homes. The appeal to diverse lifestyles can be clearly seen in the 28 show homes that Walton opened here last year, an unprecedented number to open all at once. Prices start from the low $300,000s. “The zero-lot line and traditional move-up homes have been especially popular,” Milne says. “There’s still a really good selection of lots for those types.” She has noticed a surge in demand for move-up homes that serve the needs of multi-generational households, and those with extended families living under one roof. “The popularity of single-family homes with more bedrooms has been rising. Homes with separate side entrances for secondary suites — which are allowed in Cornerstone — have also become popular,” Milne says. “This just shows the strength in the diversity of lifestyles that are offered here.” She adds that Jayman BUILT’s courtyard homes have also taken off. “People have been able to see the unique benefits of the idea of these rear-attached double garage homes.” She shares that Shane Homes and Jayman BUILT will open showhomes for their street townhomes on June 3. “These are townhomes with no condo fees that will start from the $320,000s.”
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
But other than just another new community, Cornerstone offers a whole package of lifestyle amenities that make living here a joy. Cornerstone and Skyview Ranch are both close to Stoney Trail, Metis Trail, Country Hills Boulevard, and Deerfoot Trail, and this convenient location has fuelled their popularity. “There are five major access points, which give residents the ability to get easily by car from where they are in Calgary, to home,” Milne says. Conveniently, there is also existing Calgary Transit bus service, close proximity to the Saddletowne LRT station, and the highly anticipated future next stop of the NE Calgary LRT line is planned near the Major Activity Centre (MAC) area at the heart of Cornerstone. Cornerstone residents can easily access a wide array of amenities and employment hubs. There are over 10 schools in the area; Genesis Centre, Calgary Northeast Sports Facility and Max Bell Arena are all nearby for family activities; the Calgary airport is a few minutes away and provides not only convenience to frequent travelers but as a source of employment to many residents. “Sunridge Mall, CrossIron Mills, and the redeveloped Deerfoot City — to name a few, are all within 15 minutes from Cornerstone to provide a varied selection of shopping, entertainment and dining choices,” Milne says. It is also a uniquely walkable community as well, affording residents access to a major activity centre, extensive pathways around protected wetlands, recreational facilities and future LRT access. “We have 95 acres of dedicated parks and school spaces, and 14 kilometres of regional pathways connecting the community and offering attractive gathering places and inviting opportunities for walking, jogging or cycling,” she adds. It’s conducive to a healthy lifestyle and perfect for active families with its natural areas and open spaces that accommodate leisure activities and organized sporting events. “Plus, Cornerstone is the future home of Calgary’s next regional park in the northeast,” Milne says. Holding this all together is the Major Activity Centre, which will offer plenty of shopping, commercial and employment opportunities, making it a true live-work-play community. But Milne feels that Cornerstone’s focus on preserving the environment is also key in its timeless appeal and sustainability.
It’s conducive to a healthy lifestyle and perfect for active families with its natural areas and open spaces that accommodate leisure activities and organized sporting events.
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“The most significant environmental consideration is the preservation of 180 acres of environmentally significant natural wetlands that promotes preservation of natural attributes of the area,” she says. These natural wetlands will become a part of a new regional park for northeast Calgary. The park will encompass 20 acres and connect to the Rotary-Mattamy Greenway — a 140 kilometre network of parks and pathways. “We are only beginning to see the potential for a new lifestyle in the northeast with Cornerstone, there is still much growth ahead,” Milne says. n
FAST FACTS: COMMUNITY: Cornerstone DEVELOPER: Walton Development and Management BUILDERS: • Jayman BUILT — zero-lot-line homes, street-oriented townhomes, and courtyard homes • Morrison Homes — duplexes, and front-drive homes • Pacesetter Homes — zero-lot-line homes, and front-drive homes • Shane Homes — duplexes, zero-lot-line homes, street-oriented townhomes and front-drive homes • Truman Homes — front-drive homes and a multi-family development in the future PRICES: From the low $300,000s DIRECTIONS: North on Deerfoot Tr., east on Country Hills Blvd, north on Metis Tr. and follow the signs HOURS: 2 – 8 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekdays and holidays WEBSITE: www.liveatcornerstone.ca
n designer series
INNER-CITY STYLIN’ Cedarglen Homes’ The Rise show homes bring contemporary glamour to fore
n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
INSPIRATION STRIKES TWICE in Cedarglen Homes’ just-opened show homes in the new inner-city community of The Rise West Grove Estates, and the contemporary bent of the design brings a fun, frilly, yet functional style to the family home. Having a knockout show home is always a good way to introduce yourself to the neighbours, after all the Huxley 2 and the Macleod 2 show homes are Cedarglen’s initial offerings in this elegant, new semi-estate neighbourhood in the southwest. Cedarglen’s Sales and Marketing Supervisor and chief show home designer, Sandi Fedorchuk, took the reigns in coming up with the look for these two homes. And for an innercity community as cool as The Rise, Fedorchuk came up with a sophisticated palette that relied on contemporary appeal.
“I went with a more industrial look for Huxley 2 and a warm sophistication for Macleod 2,” Fedorchuk says. “They both embody the family-friendly lifestyle of this new community of The Rise, but with a more funky, urban tone that resonates with our clientele here.” After all, The Rise at West Grove Estates brings a new opportunity to live in the much-sought southwest. And live in a way that not only offers stylishly affordable and well-designed homes, but in a truly connected community that engenders familyfirst values. A walk-through these two show homes at 106 and 110 West Grove Way S.W. brings a realization that life can really be as blissful as we can imagine, all we need’s a little inspiration. Cedarglen offers semi-estate homes in The Rise starting from the $720,000s.
Sandi Fedorchuk
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designer series n
Fedorchuk pulls off the industrial look of Huxley 2 with a focus on polish. The chrome pull-out Delta faucet in the central island sink, the black stainless steel appliances and the concrete-look quartz countertops bring a gleaming modern vibe to the home.
The stylish ‘70s vibe of the lower level development (it seems a shame to call it just a basement) owes much to the electric fireplace with its designer stone façade. It’s a man-cave — with its entertainment centre, and custom-made billiard table — but with a decidedly feminine touch. “Alberta Billiards made a table for us with a custom grey stain that matched the colour scheme of the basement,” Fedorchuk says.
n designer series The Cosmopolitan white hardwood flooring and the white brick wall of the full-height kitchen backsplash heighten the stunning white glam look of the open concept Huxley 2. “This design just shows that having all that whiteness in the home isn’t at all intimidating. The three colours used in the cabinetry — white, grey and textured melamine — bring a ton of character, but the industrial look of that dining table inspired the whole design for this show home,” Fedorchuk says. The hexagon tile of the master ensuite in the Macleod 2 is a bit of a throwback, but works well with the subway tile wainscoting that continues through to the 10-millimetre glass shower stall. The deep, free standing tub and the elaborate lighting design from Cartwright gives it an aesthetic touch.
The five-piece master ensuite of the Huxley 2 speaks to its functionality and style. The textured melamine cabinets with quartz countertop brings a continuity in the design.
The Macleod 2’s endearing family-friendly feature is captured in the fabulous locker set up along its wide, welcoming foyer. “It’s a fantastic option that a lot of our buyers want. There’s tons of storage which every family needs, and a functionality that can’t be beat,” Fedorchuk says.
There’s a modern cottage simplicity in the Macleod 2 with its Chateau hardwood floor, but there’s an artistic touch as well. It’s not seen in the picture, but the ceiling over the dining room is accented with a similar hardwood design patten. The show home also boasts a main floor bedroom and full bath. “This speaks to the multi-generational reality of today’s families, which is what we are seeing in The Rise,” she adds. NL
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CUSTO Augusta Fine Homes’
The 24-by-24-inch Statuario porcelain tile flooring that is used through most of the main floor brings a sense of executive elegance to the home, and the master ensuite with its tray ceiling and double-sided fireplace cranks this to an even classier level.
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Augusta Fine Homes n show home profile
OM ELEGANCE Westwood brings SAM Award-winning quality to Artesia Pepper Rodriguez Earl Raatz
n WRITTEN BY PHOTOS BY
ELEGANCE AND FUNCTIONALITY come hand in hand in Augusta Fine Homes’ Westwood show home in Artesia at Heritage Pointe, as it blends the best qualities of these two winners at this year’s SAM Awards. Heritage Pointe Properties, the developers of Artesia at Heritage Pointe, won the 2016 SAM Award for Show Home Parade of the Year, while Westwood itself took home Best New Home ($1,000,000 - $1,499,999). Which just shows the perfect blend of the ideal custom made home in one of the best communities in the city. Furthermore, the Westwood is also nominated at this year’s National SAM Awards. “We’re just so proud of this accomplishment,” says Augusta Fine Homes’ area manager, Cabby Zecca. “The Westwood is an impeccably made custom home that answers every need of our buyers in this specially sustainable, family-friendly community.” And the way this show home is presented just takes the breath away. Augusta has always known how to take traditional designs and make them into something special with their tried and true custom home finesse, and the masterful craftsmanship of the Westwood brings this all together. The 2,076-square-foot main floor of this custom-made estate bungalow simply takes the breath away with its outstanding finish. The Westwood show home also has 1,617 square-feet of developed basement space that shows the vast potential of the home and makes complete use of the walkout lot that backs onto a pond. “It’s meant for people who want to take it easy,” Zecca says. “It’s perfect for people in their late 40s or early 50s who might be contemplating retirement and now have more time to think of themselves than just raising a family or their careers.” And with Augusta’s expertise in building custom homes, buyers will have the opportunity to modify the designs to fit their own lifestyles, she adds. “You never have to settle for anything with Augusta.” The scenic, country club beauty of Artesia at Heritage Pointe adds to the allure. “Artesia is such a friendly community, there are a lot of young families that bring an energy to the area, while the ponds, green space and pathways add a rare park-like lifestyle to the community.” Augusta can build a similar home in Artesia for $1.3 million, Zecca says. TOP LEFT The stately ambience of the executive-style living room is in full display with the folding full-length glass doors that lead to the oversized deck looking over one of Artesia’s many water features. Fun fact, these bio-swales in Artesia help irrigate homeowners’ lawns, providing functional and aesthetic values. LEFT The massive island features black granite with white quartz veining. It ha a raised bar at the end features a sink and seating, so food preparation can be a communal event with family and friends. The kitchen also features stacked upper cabinets that run the height of the 10-foot ceiling, with grey waterglass in the uppers. A tone-setting mosaic backslash completes the splendid scene.
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show home profile n Augusta Fine Homes BELOW The three-car garage Westwood has such an elegant curb appeal with its Modern Prairie profile using acrylic stucco, brick and fibre cement siding for emphasis. The location boasts impressive mountain and river views, and is just minutes from the open-to-the-public Heritage Pointe Golf Course and to the world-class amenities of the rapidlydeveloping Seton commercial complex in south Calgary.
RIGHT It has an ultra modern kitchen displaying the finest appliances with maple recessed-panel cabinetry with licorice finish. It also uses LED undercabinet lighting for extra functionality. Built-in TV display keeps owners tuned in to news (or soaps) while working in the kitchen.
fast facts BUILDER: Augusta Fine Homes COMMUNITY: Artesia at Heritage Point STYLE: Triple garage estate bungalow SIZE: 2,076 sq. ft. PRICE: Homes in Artesia start from $1.5 million including GST. Augusta offers both two-storey and bungalows here. ADDRESS: 102 Waters Edge Dr. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.augustafinehomes.com
RIGHT The doublesided fireplace gives the master bedroom its wow factor, but it’s doubly gorgeous with its tray ceilings and wood shutters, but its calming view of the pond right outside is worth something owners will look forward to most. NL
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LEFT The wide, welcoming foyer is open to above with a dainty chandelier and glass doors and sidelights that add to the enormous natural light that pours in the home. Westwood has a main floor master and a guest bedroom downstairs making it the ideal downsizer home. BELOW The developed basement has a dedicated home theatre for magical movie nights with the family. Just outside the door is a glass encased wine room that makes this the perfect entertaining home. The only problem might be guest may never want to leave.
Drake Landing n community profile
ECOLOGICALLY YOURS
Environmental friendliness blends with small town values in Drake Landing
n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
SM A L L T OW N L I V I NG has always been the allure of Okotoks, a trait precious to firsttime homebuyers, families and downsizers. But buying a new home in this quaint prairie town by the Sheep River is a challenge given that there are only a few new communities left here where buyers can still build their dream home. And it’s about to get even more scarce as Drake Landing approaches final build out. This exceedingly popular, family-oriented and environmentally sustainable community from Anthem United is down to its last few lots, as it opens its final phase. “Drake is almost entirely built out. There are just over 50 lots remaining,” says Steve LePan, sales and marketing director for Anthem United. “Phase 12, our final phase, is now available. There are also a number of quick possession homes also available for those looking for quick move-in dates.”
Drake Landing, situated above Okotoks’ historically picturesque town centre, overlooks the Sheep River Valley with extraordinary views of the mountains and rolling foothills. But asides from its crystal clear views, Drake Landing has also earned a reputation for its environmental stewardship in Okotoks with its various water conservation and solar power initiatives. “We were the first community in town to include a water conservation program and have our home builders include low flow taps, toilets and showers in their builds, and keep rain barrels in yards,” LePan tells New Home Living. “Our water conservation measures through United’s PEER program and partnerships with Built Green™ Builders were so popular, the Town of Okotoks adopted the specifications as their standard,” LePan says. Drake Landing gained global recognition in 2011 for its ground-breaking project: Drake Landing Solar Community (DLSC). A 52 unit neighbourhood that stores solar energy in the summer months to heat homes in the winter.
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community profile n
Additionally, the community offers an abundance of linear green space incorporated with the Town’s extensive regional pathway system. A ravine complete with a naturalized pond frequented by wildlife and residents alike, takes advantage of the peaceful surroundings. With an off-leash dog park and neighbourhood playgrounds and pathways, it’s truly an active family’s dream. The builder group gathered by Anthem United has also taken the call to include built-in green features in their homes, as well as institute family-friendly designs in their homes. Lifestyle Homes, Prominent Homes and Sterling Homes offer front-garage and rear laned homes in Drake Landing. Front-garage, two-storey homes start from the $400,000s, and rear-laned homes are from $380,000s. Front-attached garage bungalows are also
fast facts
COMMUNITY: Drake Landing, Okotoks DEVELOPER: Anthem United AVAILABLE HOMES: Multi-family (Townhomes) ARRIVE at The Landings starting at $319,000 (50+ Villas) The Parkhouses from the $500,000s Single-family: Lifestyle Homes – rear detached garage on a lane, and front attached garage homes Sterling Homes – rear detached garage on a lane, and front attached garage homes Prominent Homes – rear detached garage on a lane, and front attached garage homes PRICES: Rear detached on a lane: $380,000s Front attached bungalows: $430,000s Front attached 2-storey: mid $400,000s HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. DIRECTIONS: Follow Highway 2 south to Okotoks, turn east on Milligan Drive, and follow the road to Drake Landing. WEBSITE: www.drakeunited.com
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offered from the $430,000s, as well as The Parkhouses villas from Lifestyle Homes from the $500,000s. ARRIVE at The Landings from Partners Development Group recently just launched here offering townhomes from the $319,000s. “It is a small development with only 30 townhomes — two-storey with full basements and three storeys,” says Jade Mahon, vice-president for sales & marketing at Partners Development Group. Like the rest of Partners’ ARRIVE line of townhomes, ARRIVE at The Landing boasts superior green qualities, affordability and style. “Every ARRIVE townhome is BuiltGreen certified, with beautiful modern specs, and offers a maintenance-free lifestyle that brings the best of what home ownership has to offer,” Mahon says. LePan says majority of buyers are past Drake Landing homeowners who are “taking the chance to move up in a community they already know and love.” There are also empty nesters who are enamoured by the
villas and bungalows here. While growing families from Okotoks and south Calgary are taking advantage of the value. “They choose Drake for the access to parks and green space, quick access to Calgary, but small town charm of Okotoks,” he adds. Not enough can be said of Okotoks’ friendly, small town character, which has made it unique in today’s new home marketplace. “Okotoks has a unique charm and character and even at 30,000 people still feels like a small town,” LePan says. “Access to the foothills and mountains and the beauty of the Sheep River running through town make it a picturesque location.” Family activities are encouraged with the enormous amount of greenspace, including several tot lot parks, paths, protected environmental reserve and a dog park. “We’re also moments away from Seaman Stadium and the local soccer fields, and it is just a 10-minute drive to south Calgary and the South Campus hospital and the exciting new developments in the Seton commercial complex.” NL
n style
“Green” gardens Sustainability plays a key role in today’s gardens
n WRITTEN BY
Kathy McCormick
I
t’s tempting in a place like Calgary to embrace the concept of a “disposable garden”. With late-season killing frosts, petal-shredding downpours and the inevitable hail, the risk of discouragement is high for those seeking to flex their green thumbs. Now, a lack of cooperation from Mother Nature is nothing I can fix with a mere column but, according to local industry expert Meryl Coombs, of Spruce It up Garden Centre, the notion of sustainable gardening in our own back yard (literally, for some) is not just a matter of blue-sky thinking. “Calgary is now a 4A climate zone,” he says, “which offers more options than ever before so people don’t have to rely just on the tried-and-true such as potentilla, dogwood and spirea. Growers have also sourced varieties from similar climate zones in Europe and brought those back here with great success.” One thing Calgary is known for is terrific perennials and that’s an excellent place to start provided you have a small bit of in-the-ground soil to develop. Coombs says that space at his garden centre devoted to these recurrent visitors has doubled in the past few years, especially with the mix of YYC-viable botanicals increasing. He offers examples such as Annabelle Hydrangeas, Yellow Rocket Ligularia, hostas and peonies — beautiful, bountiful shrubs that do well here, particularly in the shade. “Hostas practically glow in the dark so they’re great for shade — and we have about 20 types to choose from,” he says. “Peonies love our cool nights and warm days so you really get a nice showing around late May or early
Boxwood
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Annabelle Hydrangeas
Karl Foerster Grass
“What we really push — and what people are wanting — are natural plantings with things that thrive in this area with minimal maintenance.”
June.” With the latter, though, Coombs long-lasting botanicals or even vegetables suggests using them as more of a back- that will produce pretty much all season long. ground planting than a centre-stage feature, Lettuce is an especially prodigious crop in especially since their blooming cycle is so the latter category, and some balcony-friendly Hostas short. “They’re really good for cutting and tomato varieties are known to multiply like rabbits under the correct conditions. taking inside but don’t expect them to ‘make’ your garden.” One thing Coombs does see waning in popularity is xeriscaping (gardenFor flower-producing or other, more decoraing that minimizes the need for water use). It was embraced for a period tive varieties of plant, look to things like tea — possibly because so many Calgarians had seen successful examples in roses, Little Bobo Hydrangea, wave petunias such desert locales as Phoenix and Palm Springs — but with its reliance on or Supertunias for a growing season that can gravel ground-covering and our preponderance of weeds it can actually last well into the fall in some cases. Hostas require more maintenance and herbicide use than ‘traditional’ gardening. can be used in container gardening to great “What we really push — and what people are wanting — are natural plantings effect, provided you understand they won’t with things that thrive in this area with minimal maintenance,” Coombs come back and either have to be transplanted says. “A good example of that is Calgary Boxwood, which sat in the Reader in a garden or just treated as annuals. Coombs Rock Garden for 70 or 80 years before somebody thought to cultivate some also suggests filling containers in with reliable cuttings for use. Karl Foerster Grass is also great here in Calgary; you can tropicals like yucca or dracaena to give yourleave it in place over the winter and then cut it back in April to have it flourish self a background for more fleeting annuals for the summer. We can actually give you a ‘Vancouver-style’ garden here if that’s how you roll. It doesn’t matter if your thumb is as green using that, Calgary Boxwood and Quick Fire Hydrangea.” One thing worth noting is that the above blend will also provide interest as Kermit’s or as toxic as the touch of Death in the wintertime covered in snow. Coombs advises keeping pleasing (as mine is), gardening is meant to be fun so shapes in mind when designing a garden so that its appeal lasts long after don’t let a lack of expertise hold you back. the blooms are gone. Statuary, lighting and interesting containers also Even if you do default to containers stuffed help to make exterior spaces appealing in the off-season, which is why with annuals it’s a great way to embrace a short season so get out there and grow! NL Coombs jokes he’s “… the biggest pot dealer in Calgary!” Although our city has taken a turn for the better in terms of gardening, what about the people who live in high-density dwellings? Those who ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Crosson is a live in condos — particularly apartfreelance design writer and principal of the David ment-style ones — don’t have a lot Crosson Design Collective. He is a frequent media of options when it comes to “workcommentator on matters of life and style as well ing the land”. Although container as a regular guest on CTV Morning Live. For more gardening doesn’t really lend itself of his design ideas, visit www.dc-dc.ca to the cultivation of perennials, there are options out there for either
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Nurture nature Gardening tips to bring the best in your backyard n WRITTEN BY
Kathy McCormick
S
o you’re just moving into your brand new home — and you’re itching to get some plants, flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs in place to make the outside as beautiful as the inside. But don’t be too hasty, say the garden experts. If you’re moving into a new home or condo, it’s nothing but a field of mud or bare balcony and you need to take the time to plan out your dream outdoor space before you start. “Think about what matters to you,” says Kristen Busse, Greengate Garden Centres greenhouse supervisor. “If you love gardening, then pretty much anything is open for you. If you lead a busy life, perhaps you want a landscape that requires less care. You should choose plants that fit your lifestyle. Look into xeriscaping.” Xeriscaping is creative landscaping that needs minimal watering and is easy care. “The best place to start is by thinking about how you want to use your property,” says Judy Shiriff, Canadian Tire’s Calgary business manager of live goods. “It is all about creating a landscape that will accommodate your lifestyle — whether you want to kick a ball around with the kids, entertain family and friends, or if you are active gardeners.” Remember, says Busse, “Rome wasn’t built in a day — and neither will your garden be. Gardens are quite fluid and are never really quite finished. It’s not imperative to get it all done in one season.” In fact, creating the vision is the first step, then translating that into a layout is next, says Shiriff. “Then comes the game plan — what to do when and how to work the dream into the budget. “Living in your new home for a season before doing any big projects is often a good way to see where the traffic flows, how the spaces knit, and where the sun is at different times of the day and season.” Then buy the right tools. “Hose, sprinkler, hand sprayer, spade, lawn rake, weeder, trowel, gloves, and pruners” are the essentials, says Greengate’s Busse. Buy quality, Shiriff says. “What I would say about garden tools (as I would for tools in the kitchen) is buy the very best you can afford. If you take good LEFT Greenworks 60V Lithium Brushless, Cordless Lawn Mower, 20-inch, $599 at Canadian Tire. TOP Yardworks All-Weather Polyurethane, $129.99 at Canadian Tire.
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care of them, good tools can last a lifetime. Another thing to remember is that the easier and more comfortable they are to use, gardening becomes that much more fun.” Start with the items that are semi-permanent, like decks, fences and patios. “Expensive to install and remove, so are best done once and done well,” says Shiriff. “Do them when you can afford to do them the way you will want them for the long term. The good news is they are usually a good investment, adding value to your property while enhancing your lifestyle.” As for the yard “invest in good quality soil before you plant,” Busse says. “Trees and shrubs are the backbone to any landscaping design. Planting trees first will give you a better idea of where other beds and features should be — and always think about the mature size of the trees and shrubs you choose.” Then have fun. “Once you have the bones of the garden — the trees and shrubs, chairs and tables, fences and borders, you are set for the long term,” says Shiriff. Perennials, of course, are the best bang for the buck, as are “herbs such as thyme, sage, mint, and chives which are perennials in our climate, too,” says Busse. “Choose annuals that will look good all season long. Grass, petunias, lobularia, calibrachoa, and nemesia will look great from the time they are planted until frost.” But what if you have a super small yard, such as some townhome backyards, or just a balcony? No worries, say the experts.
n shopping
Consider the flow and activity, but don’t overdo these at the expense of “friendly access,” says Canadian Tire’s Shiriff. “Select all elements with scale in mind — and for plants and furnishings, stick to a tighter colour palette. This can make a garden look bigger, as can paler colours.” ‘Square-foot gardening’ (squarefootgardening.org) and container gardening are two ways to make the most of small spaces, says Busse. Indoor design trends move to the outdoors — and this year, that includes colours like rose gold and grey. The Home Depot Canada carries new decorative pebbles this season to enhance your landscape. Three on-trend varieties from Vigoro (Rosa Beach, Mixed Polish and Grey Beach) can be used in gardens, planters and ponds. And if you only have a balcony for outdoor living space, “think of your space in three dimensions — and really leverage your vertical space,” says Shiriff. Hanging baskets are one way to do this effectively, but make sure the pots are deep enough and have enough soil in them because they dry out much faster. In fact, all manner of container gardening continues to grow in popularity and can be customized to fit the space, big or small. Look for traditional planters, boxes, hanging baskets, wall bags, raised beds, and more. And you can go even further, says a spokesperson from The Home Depot Canada — “Leveraging height is one of the best ways to get the most out of a small space. A vertical garden wall can inject greenery and life into a small area, while also helping to provide some privacy.” But one thing to keep in mind is the amount of sunlight your balcony receives, The Home Depot says. “Make sure to monitor this before-
“Invest in good quality soil before you plant.” hand and then ask an in-store expert for the plants or flowers that thrive best in your space.” “There are a few critical things to remember: choose containers that drain, use a good potting mix that has been formulated for containers, and feed regularly to replenish nutrients,” Shiriff says. The Home Depot also has ‘Burpee Space Savers’ that can be grown in containers on an urban balcony, a high-rise rooftop or a backyard deck. The latest trend gaining popularity is growing your own vegetables. “Start small,” says Busse, “and get bigger with experience and need. Vegetables can also be grown in containers — lettuce and greens, tomatoes, peppers, kale, beans, peas (with a trellis for support), eggplant, and more. There are seeds available specifically for container vegetable gardening.” If you’re looking to grow early-season vegetables, there are some crops that will do better in cooler spring weather, says The Home Depot. Leafy greens grow quickly from seed and can be harvested in as little as 45 to 50 days. Other early planters are radishes, peas, onions, and potatoes. And here’s a Home Depot tip: Cover the seeds with potting soil instead of heavy garden soil — potting soil holds moisture and is lighter in weight, making it easy for tiny seedlings to break through. NL
“The best place to start is by thinking about how you want to use your property.”
Miracle Gro Moisture Control, 56-L, $14.99 at Canadian Tire.
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n industry news
AND THE WINNERS ARE… Brookfield Residential’s Builder of the Year win caps 2016 SAM Awards
I
n PHOTOS BY
Don Molyneaux
t was another night to remember as Calgary’s home building industry celebrated its biggest night of the year at the 30th SAM Awards gala. Brookfield Residential took home the Builder of the Year honours. Other Grand SAM winners are: Timber Tech Truss Inc. for Partner of the Year; Riverview Custom Homes for Builder of Merit; Renova Luxury Renovations for Renovator of the Year; and Hopewell Residential Managaement LP for Multi-family Builder of the Year. BILD Calgary Region (formerly CHBA-UDI Calgary) had close to 800 entries for the 2016 SAM Award, noting that the economy did not suppress member enthusiasm to compete for 60 industry awards. Winners were announced at the April 8, 2017 SAM Awards Gala at the Telus Convention Centre. “For three decades the SAM Awards have demonstrated the determination and innovation of member companies, and this year will be no different,” says Shane Wenzel, chair of the SAM committee. “This year we celebrate the SAM Award’s 30th anniversary and the first Awards for BILD Calgary Region, the new identity of the association.” Here is a partial list of this year’s winners. For the complete listing, go to www.chbacalgary.com.
»
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GRAND SAM WINNERS
ADVERTISING & MARKETING AWARDS
PARTNER OF THE YEAR • Timber Tech Truss Inc.
BEST BILLBOARD
BEST AUDIO MEDIA
• Mattamy Homes Outdoor Billboard
BUILDER OF MERIT • Riverview Custom Homes
BEST BROCHURE
• Lux Windows & Glass Ltd. Triple Pane Promotion Radio Commercial
BUILDER OF THE YEAR • Brookfield Residential
BEST DIRECT MAIL PIECE
RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR • Renova Luxury Renovations Ltd. MULTI-FAMILY BUILDER OF THE YEAR • Hopewell Residential Management LP
• Dream Development Vista Crossing
• Bordeaux Developments Corporation & Qualico Communities 12 Reasons to Live in Harmony
BEST MOVING MEDIA • Shane Homes Ltd. Love It or Customize
It, Better Way To Build Commercial - SHANE HOMES
BEST PRINT AD • Lux Windows & Glass Ltd. Made Right Here Print Advertisement
BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN • Bordeaux Developments Corporation & Qualico Communities The Community of Harmony Launch Campaign
BEST WEBSITE • ALBI Luxury by Brookfield Residential Albi Refresh
BEST ONLINE CAMPAIGN • Hopewell Residential Management LP Sandgate by Hopewell Grand Opening Online Campaign
Brookfield Residentiall COO Trent Edwards
DEVELOPER AWARDS SHOW HOME PARADE OF THE YEAR • Heritage Pointe Properties, a division of Upper Lakes Group Inc. Artesia at Heritage Pointe Show Home Parade of the Year
NEW COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR • Bordeaux Developments Corporation & Qualico Comnmunities Harmony, Rocky View County
COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR – CITY OF CALGARY • WestCreek Developments Ltd. Legacy
COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR – CALGARY REGION Hopewell Residentiall Vice-President Multi-Family, Jeff Rust
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• Bordeaux Developments Corporation & Qualico Communities Harmony
n industry news MULTI-FAMILY DESIGN AWARDS BEST NEW DESIGN APARTMENT STYLE CONDO UP TO 699 SQ. FT. • Brad Remington Homes (2010) Ltd. (2010) Ltd. Super E, 215 Legacy Blvd. SE.
BEST NEW DESIGN APARTMENT STYLE CONDO 700 SQ. FT. TO 899 SQ. FT. • Brookfield Residential The Kingston at Regatta, Auburn Bay, Calgary
BEST TOWN HOMES $350,000-$549,999 • Millenium Plus Homes M 12432, Private
SALES TEAM OF THE YEAR – SINGLE-FAMILY
BEST TOWN HOMES $550,000 AND OVER
• Mattamy Homes Breann Kostrosky, Stefan Vavrek, Caitlyn Giorgio – Cityscape
• Maillot Homes Inc. Maillot Homes Cliff Bungalow Town Homes, 1924 5A Street SW, Calgary
SALES TEAM OF THE YEAR – MULTI-FAMILY
BEST VILLA / DUPLEX UP TO $374,999
BEST NEW DESIGN APARTMENT STYLE CONDO 900 SQ. FT. AND OVER
• Brookfield Residential The Linden, 211 Fireside Drive, Cochrane
• Remington Development Corporation Champagne 5 Suite H, 221 Quarry Way SE, Calgary
BEST VILLA / DUPLEX $375,000 AND OVER
BEST NEW DESIGN VILLA/DUPLEX/ TOWNHOME UP TO 1,199 SQ. FT. • Calbridge Homes Ltd. The Galwey, Vantage Fireside, Cochrane
BEST TOWN HOMES UP TO $349,999 • Hopewell Residential Management LP Chalet by Hopewell P Plan, 95 Copperstone Common SE, Calgary
• Millenium Plus Homes M 2422, Private
• Jayman BUILT The Sonata in Cornerstone, 1075 Cornerstone Street NE, Calgary
• Jayman BUILT Overture - Unit E, 303 33 Burma Star Road SW, Calgary
• Stepper Homes Ltd. St. Andrew 3 Sales Centre, Langdon
BEST APARTMENT STYLE CONDO TWO BEDROOMS & UP
BEST SALES & INFORMATION CENTRE – DETACHED
• Remington Development Corporation Champagne 4 Suite 501, Private
BEST NEW HOME – $620,000-$719,999 • Treehouse Developments Ltd. Urban Elegance in Altadore, Private
BEST NEW HOME – $720,000-$849,999
• Douglas Homes Ltd. Mount Rundle, 128 Sundown Grove, Cochrane
• Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc. Waterford in Artesia, 106 Waters Edge Drive, Heritage Pointe
BEST NEW HOME – $325,000-$374,999
BEST NEW HOME – $375,000-$424,999
BEST NEW HOME – $850,000-$999,999 • Sagebrook Developments Inc. Richmond in Richmond Park, Private
• Ashton Luxury Living Inc. The Luca, Private
BEST NEW HOME – $1,000,000$1,499,999
BEST NEW HOME – $425,000-$484,999
• Augusta Fine Homes, a division of NuVista Homes Ltd. The Westwood by Augusta Fine Homes, 102 Waters Edge Drive, De Winton
• Brookfield Residential Tevera, 16 Tuscany Valley Grove NW, Calgary
BEST NEW HOME – $485,000-$549,999 • McKee Homes Ltd, The Carlingford RT, 1347 Bayside Drive, Airdrie
SALES & INFORMATION CENTRE AWARDS BEST SALES & INFORMATION CENTRE – ATTACHED
BEST NEW HOME – $275,000-$324,999
• Treehouse Developments Ltd. Parkside in Highland Park, Private
• Brad Remington Homes (2010) Ltd. Bryan Logel, M. Vivian, S. Boyce, S. Scarse, K. Waterhouse, V. Lee, J. Winsor, J. Pelletier – Legacy
BEST APARTMENT-STYLE CONDO – ONE BEDROOM + DEN
NEW HOME AWARDS BEST NEW HOME – UP TO $274,999
SALES ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
• Bordeaux Developments Corporation & Qualico Communities The Discovery Centre At Harmony, Rocky View County
INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS BEST INNOVATION: IDEA/PRODUCT • Cardel Lifestyles (Panamount Inc.) Independent Air Ventilation System
MULTI-FAMILY COMMUNITY AWARDS BEST MULTI-FAMILY COMMUNITY • Cove Properties The Armory, Currie Barracks, Calgary
BEST NEW HOME – $1,500,000$2,299,999 • Riverview Custom Homes Infinity, Private
BEST NEW HOME – $550,000-$619,999
BEST NEW HOME – $2,300,000 AND OVER
• Crystal Creek Homes Inc. The Kingsley II, Private
• Riverview Custom Homes Belvedere, Private
For the complete list of winners, go to www.chbacalgary.com
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| ADVERTISING FEATURE |
NanoTech Solutions New product improves energy efficiency of windows
“N
anotechnology is here right now,” says Alain Vadeboncoeur of NanoTechnology Solutions, a local authorized distributor of Sketch Nanotechnology, based in Montreal, “and it’s going to change the window industry forever.” When it comes to energy efficiency, windows are a building’s weak spot. In fact, glass can allow as much as 71 per cent of the sun’s direct heat in, and let 48 per cent of radiant heat — produced by your furnace, for example — out. As part of an overall building envelope, windows can account for as much as 20 to 25 per cent of a building’s total energy loss. Nanotechnology changes all that, says Vadeboncoeur. Nanotechnology involves the use of particles that are between 10 and 100 nanometres in size (a nanometer is one billionth of a metre, and a human hair is
about 80,000 nanometres thick). When material is broken down into particles that small, it presents more atoms at the surface level — so its effective surface area increases. A layer that’s just the thickness of one particle can possess extremely high density and hardness. In testing, results are quite dramatic with both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) transmission decreasing exponentially with the nano coating, while visible light is changed negligibly. Three-millimetre-thick glass, nano-coated on one side, handily outperforms six-mm low-e industrial glass in tests. The potential for savings on energy bills by using the nano coating is significant. Some experts, like Gordon Giles at Alberta Innovates, are even talking about the possibility of coated windows being a future energy source. “One exciting area of investigation and development is in ‘smart’
window applications,” Giles says. “Applying a thin film of CNC (cellulose nanocrystals) to the surface of a window could allow for the replacement of blinds and could offer privacy or reduce damage from ultraviolet radiation, as the CNC can change colour with the application of an electrical field.” Nano-coatings can also be used in passive solar collection and storage, he says, allowing surfaces to contribute to a home’s power supply, he adds. Installation is straightforward, and the solution can be applied to any window, installed or not. After a curing period it reaches its full durability and effectiveness. There’s no cracking, and no peeling because the liquid coating bonds direct with the glass. “The cost is job dependent,” says Vadeboncoeur, “but the energy savings and comfort are immediate.” n
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calgary map
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Northwest
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Northeast n calgary map
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Southwest | Southeast | Calgary Area
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Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map
AIRDRIE
OKOTOKS
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advertisers index
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Anthem United Inside front gatefold and page 2 APEX Land Heartland, page 21 APEX Land Hillcrest, page 15 APEX Land Mountain View, page 43 Augusta Fine Homes page 25 Brookfield Residential Albi Homes in Auburn Bay page 4 Brookfield Residential Albi Homes in Symons Gate page 36 Cedarglen Homes page 16 Dream Vista Crossing, page 48 DS Homes page 45 Genstar Walden, page 46 Harmony Park Boulder Creek, page 3 Homes by Avi page 20 Jayman BUILT page 42 Jayman BUILT Westman Village page 29 La Vita Land Fireside, page 9 Mattamy Homes Back cover NuVista Homes page 40 Qualico Communities Dressage, page 7 Qualico Communities Evanston, page 30 Qualico Communities Ravenswood, page 51 Sketch NanoTechnologies page 41 Walton Cornerstone, front cover and pages 12-14 Westcreek Developments Legacy, page 33
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around town n
Signature Villas open in Harmony
The Rise wows TOGETHER WITH ALBI Luxury by Brookfield Residential and Cedarglen Homes, Brimor Developments has launched its latest development with 200 semi-estate lots in Calgary’s long sought after west end. As an extension of West Grove Estates, The Rise is a testament to providing real value to consumers who expect both affordability and the highest quality of living from a west side address. Located just off Bow Trail and 85th Street S.W. in the community of West Springs, The Rise offers semi-estate homes from the $700,000s. The show home Grand Opening was on April 8. “We already have more than 100 lots serviced, and customers have already begun to choose their lots, design their homes and make their purchase.” Dhanani says. From the strict architectural controls, seven acres of active and passive green space and the proximity to convenient lifestyle amenities, the established West Grove Estates neighbourhood creates a sense of welcome the moment you arrive. “We have listened to consumers who are still seeking a new home in this market,” says Aleem Dhanani, managing director of Bri-mor Developments, “but one that provides true value with quality, lifestyle amenities, greenspace, and close access to downtown and the mountains, all at an affordable price.”
By Pepper Rodriguez
NUVISTA HOMES IS HOLDING their Grand Opening in Harmony of their Signature Villa Collection on April 22. “We are so pleased to announce Harmony’s highly anticipated Signature Villa Collections,” says NuVista’s Wendee Bishop. “We have an enclave of bungalow style villas offering a total of 28 homes, with five unique one- and two-bedroom designs to choose from,” she says. “’Live life with a little spice’ is how we see life lived in this dynamic community. Designed to offer sophisticated, comfortable living, the Cayenne, Saffron, Lavender, Cilantro or Sumac floor plans will be sure to fulfill your goals for a refined yet relaxed lifestyle.“ Harmony — which won two community awards in this year’s SAMs — is the only new master planned lake community just five minutes out of Calgary west’s city limits. It
Cayenne show home
is being developed around a vibrant 35-acre Village Centre in a quiet country setting and brings together the best of both urban and rural experiences within a remarkable, historic place that is neither a suburb nor city centre. The Signature Villas pioneering prices start at approximately $699,000 for a limited time. Models range from 1,444 to 1,721 square-feet with a total finished space of 2,454 to over 3,000 square-feet.
Homes by Avi Alberta single family division wins big at H.O.M.E. Awards HOMES BY AVI ALBERTA excelled at the H.O.M.E. Awards, taking home some of the nights most regarded awards. Homes by Avi Edmonton single family and Homes by Avi Calgary single family were both awarded in the category of 250 + homes for Best Customer Experience (1-month & 13-month post-possession reviews). While Homes Alice Mateyko by Avi Calgary single family took home the Builder of Choice award, which is calculated by highest score across best employee, trade and customer satisfaction. The Home Owner Mark of Excellence (H.O.M.E.) is a third-party certification program for new home builders who achieve a superior rating for customer satisfaction, as rated by their customers. “Homes by Avi was founded on the guiding principle of customer satisfaction with the most important home we build, be the one for you, the customer,” says Alice Mateyko, president of Homes by Avi Alberta’s single family division. “Being recognized for these awards is a true accomplishment because it comes directly from our customers. And in the case of being recognized as Builder of Choice, we owe thanks to our employees, trades and customers for awarding us with this special honour.”
Upswing seen in March Calgary home starts TOTAL HOUSING STARTS in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) rose significantly to 1,145 actual units in March 2017, a 278 per cent increase from March 2016 when only 411 home constructions started. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, single-family home starts in the city went up to 283 from 217 the previous March. Multi-family construction had
the biggest impact, climbing to 862 units in March from 194 last year. “We’re seeing an increase in housing starts for Calgary in single detached and multi-family,“ says Richard Cho a market analyst with CMHC. “The market supply on the resale side has come down so builders can increase activity.” NL
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hope at large n
By Marty Hope
SHOW HOME STYLE Mattamy’s Don Barrineau has a personal stake in show home design LET’S SEE? Where would show home visitations rank on the list of favourite date destinations? Likely not anywhere near the top 25, would be my guess. That is unless you asked Don and Shelley Barrineau. These days, Don is president of Matttamy Homes’ Calgary division. I ran into him at the grand opening of the company’s show homes in The Gates at Hillcrest in Airdrie, and just happened to comment on the cool, stylish look of the Aspen and Birch models. As it turned out, Barrineau admits he lent a hand in designing the final look and feel of the homes. “While we want to continue to offer quality and affordability in our homes, we wanted to offer more. We want to focus more on the floor plans because liveability is the driver of most buying decisions,” he was saying from the dressedin-grey stylish kitchen of the Aspen. He told me the last time he had been involved in the design of floor plans was back in 2007, but obviously he hasn’t lost the passion that comes with designing from Don Barrineau the buyer’s perspective. He can be rightfully proud of the design of these two models — one with an array of upgrades and the other showing many of the standard specs used by Mattamy. “I thought I might have lost my mojo, being away from it so long, but it’s back — and
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I feel good about these homes,” he adds. Actually, his wife Shelley is just as passionate and involved as he is. “We started dating in 1979, and before I was even interested in the (housing and development) business she used to take me to show homes as a date,” Barrineau says. “We both still love the business, and we walk show homes on weekends for entertainment.” As a builder, there are many balls being juggled in the air when it comes to home design — aesthetic appeal both inside and out, cost, energy efficiency, and durability — and sometimes liveability is forgotten. And it shouldn’t be. It impacts the homeowners’ everyday lives. Barrineau says that when the design process gets to the floor plan and elevation concepts, he does a “thorough mental walkthrough” of the home, looking at it through a buyer’s eyes. “I pretend that I’ve just arrived home from work and walk through the front door or garage and mentally go through the whole home. I have my wife do the same thing,” he says. For the couple, the whole focus of the virtual-realty-like tour is on liveability, on
what impacts homeowners lives every day. “We try to find holes in the floor plans that might impact that liveability — and then try to determine how to fix them,” says Barrineau. Standing in the Aspen kitchen, he talks about one of his pet peeves. “Look at this island, and the same with the island in the Birch next door, it’s not rectangular. I don’t like rectangular islands, they’re boring. There is no design option for boring islands.” The Mattamy show homes are in The Gates at Hillcrest in Airdrie. Take Eighth Street, turn east on Hillcrest Avenue and follow the signage. 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.
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