New Home Living - June 2017 by Source Media Group

JUNE 2017

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 138 n JUNE 2017

contents

12 COVER FEATURE

A winning Heritage Artesia at Heritage Pointe continues to win acclaim, but the real winners are the residents

FEATURE

Timber King HGTV star André Chevigny no stranger to Alberta

PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 6109 — 6th Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9

JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 5

contents 20 10

FOCUS ON

10 Kings of the backyard

Put the sizzle in summer with the latest barbecues and smokers

SHOW HOME PROFILES

16 Imaginative practicality

Stylish functionality shines in new ALBI Luxury by Brookfield Residential show home

FEATURE

33 The reader’s corner

Here’s the best places to find used books in Calgary

A DAY IN BANFF/CANMORE

20 Spice of life

NuVista’s Signature Villas bring hot design style to lake living

34 The call of the Rockies

Explore Banff, Canmore and beyond

COMMUNITY PROFILE

COLUMNS

23 Loving Legacy

Back-to-back SAM wins puts Legacy in a class of its own

STYLE

30 Living big in small spaces Unlimited design imagination brings small living spaces to life

6 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

43 Around Town 46 Hope at Large

ITEMS

8 Editor’s Message 38 Maps 44 Advertiser Index

editor’s message n

A chronicle of growth foretold

One of the things I love about this job is that I get a front row seat in actually seeing the city’s growth. I was there for the launch of Auburn Bay and Mahogany in the southeast that began in earnest around the time I started working here some eight years ago. Now, Auburn Bay is down to its last single-family phase and Mahogany is zooming right along. Both have blossomed into premiere lake communities they were always intended to be, but that’s a far cry from the piled dirt construction sites they were when I first started writing about them. I see the cycle beginning again in the new communities of Legacy in the southeast and Harmony out in Springbank, and Livingston and Carrington and Cornerstone in the northeast. All green field developments making room for future Calgarians, and I’m thankful to all the developers who take their time and talk to us about their visions for these future communities. I’ve always felt that New Home Living (and Condo Living) chronicles Calgary’s growth and is the best way for Calgarians — new to the city or not — to see where it’s headed. One of the finest indicators of growth of the city is our cover feature this month: Artesia at Heritage Pointe, which has received a ton of industry and peer awards and is on its way to become one of the best estate enclaves south of the Bow River. It’s pretty fitting that as the developer, Heritage Pointe Properties, celebrates their 25th anniversary that they would take home more hardware from the last SAM Awards. The best thing about it though is that residents are always the winners in this family-friendly, sustainable and luxurious community. We have another award-winner in this issue — that’s the Lavello 2 the new show home by ALBI Luxury by Brookfield Residential in Auburn Bay, which took home the Interior Design award at the 2017 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. The imaginative use of space to create a stylishly practical family home that has to be seen to be appreciated, and as I mentioned they are in the last phase of Auburn Bay so visit them now. We also have NuVista Homes’ Signature Villas out in Harmony in Springbank and the feesimple, bungalow style villas have been a big hit with the downsizing crowd who appreciate its free flowing space that’s great for entertaining. They especially like the fact that there is no condo fees. I also went out on a tour to Legacy to see the opening of their latest laned show home parade and Jared Goldade, development manager of WestCreek Developments, took me on a tour of the up-and-coming sections of this back-to-back SAM Award winner for Community of the Year. I have to say I am mighty impressed with all that they have planned for this fast growing community. We’ll be telling you all about it in the coming issues too. Finally a hearty congratulations to all the winners at the 2017 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, Calgary did particularly well with a total of seven awards. Keep an eye for further stories on the growth of Calgary in these pages, and of course, you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook and see the latest.

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

Shelley Boettcher, David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope PHOTOGRAPHY

John Bilodeau, Brent Mykytyshyn, 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:

The Stampede issue

@CalgaryNewHomes

8 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

NewHomeLivingCalgary

focus on

Kings of the backyard

Put the sizzle in summer with the latest barbecues and smokers n BY

Aaliya Essa

ONE OF THE best smells of summer is the wafting aroma of barbecues, where that heavenly smell takes over your senses, and reminds you its time to pick up some steaks and burgers on the way home. Find a variety of options from grills, to smokers, either charcoal or propane, and even natural gas to choose. NL

11 13

12 10 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

n focus

2 6 7 [ 1 ] Backyard Grill 30” Charcoal Barrel Grill with Side Smoker, $128 at Walmart. [ 2 ] Backyard Grill 14.5” Portable Dome Grill — Red, $19.86 at Walmart. [ 3 ] Napoleon Prestige P500RSIB Special Edition — Natural Gas — (propane), $1549.99 at Barbeques Galore. [ 4 ] Cuisinart Outdoor Oven, $1499.99 at Canadian Tire. [ 5 ] Weber 22” Limited Edition Master Touch Kettle in Spring Green, $299.99 at Barbeques Galore. [ 6 ] Master Chef® Vertical Smoker, $99.99 at Canadian Tire. [ 7 ] Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D Dual Fuel Grill, $749 at Walmart. [ 8 ] Broil King Signet 320B — Propane in black, $499.99 (propane) — $549.99 (natural gas) at Barbeques Galore. [ 9 ] Napoleon Travel Q™ TQ285XRDA, $399.99 at Barbeques Galore. [ 10 ] Bradley Smart Smoker Automatic Electric Smoker, $799.99 at Barbeques Galore. [ 11 ] Napoleon Apollo® 300 3-in1 Charcoal Smoker, $449.99 at Canadian Tire. [ 12 ] Weber Genesis II LX CSE-340 — for both gases , $1699.99 at Barbeques Galore. [ 13 ] Kamado Joe Classic Joe in black, $1599.99 at Barbeques Galore

5 JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 11

| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

a winning heritage

Artesia at Heritage Pointe continues to win acclaim, but the real winners are the residents

eritage Pointe Properties, the developer of Artesia at Heritage Pointe, have accumulated more than its share of industry awards — the latest of which came this year at the SAM Awards for Best Show Home Parade. It’s a fitting feather on the cap of one of the Calgary region’s most renowned land developer even as the team celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. “We are celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year and an award such as this is really a great reminder of how truly spectacular Heritage Pointe is,” says Bill MacDonald, project manager, land development at Heritage Pointe Properties. It is just one of the many accolades Artesia has won since opening in the fall of 2012. Artesia has won a SAM award for New Community of the Year – Calgary Region and a SAM Award for best website. In addition, Artesia has been named a two-time finalist for Community of the Year – Calgary Region and was also a top five national finalist for Community Development of the Year. “We are very proud to be named a finalist again for Community of the Year for the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. To be a finalist competing against the great communities and talents all across Canada is indeed an honor,” MacDonald says.

12 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

In fact, the team is well-deserving of all the awards and acclaim, as Heritage Pointe Properties’ commitment to building family-friendly, sustainable communities remains its main focus. “Winning Show Home Parade of the Year is a reflection of our commitment to Artesia’s community vision. Our entire team at Heritage Pointe, including both land and golf, is very proud of our accomplishments that we have achieved in Artesia,” he says. “We want Artesia at Heritage Pointe to be the number one choice for young families, couples, empty nesters and all of those wanting to live in an estate enclave community that provides the best combination of urban and rural living.” What the awards and acclaim does give is assurance to residents and prospective buyers. “Home buyers can have more confidence that they are making a good choice investing their hard earned dollars into building their dream home in Artesia,” MacDonald says. Located immediately adjacent to Calgary’s southern boundary, elevated on top of the ridge overlooking the Bow River, Artesia has blossomed into the close-to-nature community it had been envisioned to become. More than 75 per cent of the lots that have been released are sold. And it has accomplished this remarkable feat in an ecologically responsible manner that includes leaving nearly half of the 137-acre development to open spaces, and the use of an ingenious irrigation system that provides

| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

for residents’ watering needs. Artesia’s three storm ponds are not only aesthetically pleasing, but are used to redistribute collected storm water for irrigation purposes for both common areas and homeowners’ lawns. Artesia is the final chapter of Heritage Pointe Properties’ quarter century endeavour to create spacious, luxury communities in the rolling prairie grasslands in the Hamlet of Heritage Pointe. The original Heritage Pointe residential development and its adjacent 27-hole golf course answered a burgeoning demand to cater to the lifestyle needs of corporate executives, business owners, lawyers, doctors and their families. Artesia may be the final chance to experience this quiet, idyllic lushness so close to the thriving, major urban centres of south Calgary. “Artesia answers a specific lifestyle need for a safe, secure, comfortable community where neighbours know each other, and still remains a close commute to Calgary’s city centre,” MacDonald says. “We’re also just across the river from Brookfield’s exciting commercial and retail development in Seton. Our residents have the benefit of living a peaceful, relaxed

lifestyle but with big city amenities close by.” One of Artesia’s most compelling attractions is that every lot backs onto a spectacular community amenity. Whether green space, a spectacular water feature, a protected environmental reserve, or an escarpment, each home will always have a beautiful backyard view. On build out, Artesia will have 279 homes, with 72 of them dedicated as villas, and 207 to single-family homes. And not just any single-family home, but truly luxurious, well-appointed homes from a select group of award-winning builders who take to heart what Artesia is all about.

“Home buyers can have more confidence that they are making a good choice investing their hard earned dollars into building their dream home in Artesia.”

JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 13

| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

“…We have created a fine balance between ideal location, low-density living, pleasing community design and pricing.” The luxury homes at Artesia rival that of any community in the Calgary Region, and they should, he adds. “Our builders are three of Calgary’s most awarded: ALBI-Luxury by Brookfield Residential, Homes By Avi and Augusta Fine Homes. Together, we have coined them as the ‘A-Team’ and all three builders offer single–family home styles that provide great consumer choice, which compliment what we have achieved so far in the community,” MacDonald says. “Both Homes by Avi and Augusta’s Artesia show homes have won individual SAM awards and Brookfield won the 2016 Grand SAM for Builder of the Year, so clearly we are in good company.” Calbridge Homes, meanwhile, exclusively offers upscale bungalow villas in Artesia, bringing a luxurious low-maintenance lifestyle to those wanting to simplify life. There are limited opportunities remaining for buyers, with pricing starting in the $750s. “Sales in 2017 have certainly started off stronger in comparison to last year,” MacDonald says. “I believe homebuyers in our community are recognizing the long-term value proposition and have more confidence in the market, despite all the negativity we are seeing and hearing in the news lately.” With relatively low mortgage rates, MacDonald thinks there is still tremendous interest in the higher-end housing market. “Folks are realizing that they if they purchased their existing home several years ago, they are still coming out ahead on re-sale and they are able to capitalize on very competitive, limited time pricing now in order to build new. The reality

14 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

FAST FACTS: COMMUNITY: Artesia at Heritage Pointe DEVELOPER: Heritage Pointe Properties BUILDERS: Single-Family Estate Homes by ALBI – Luxury By Brookfield Residential, Homes By Avi, Augusta Fine Homes Bungalow Villas by Calbridge Homes PRICES: Single Family Estate Homes starting from under $1M and Bungalow Villas starting from the $750s DIRECTIONS: South on Deerfoot Trail and exit on Dunbow Road and follow the signs HOURS: Monday to Thursday 12 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.liveartesia.com

too is that new luxury homes purchased today still require up to a full year to build, so purchasers are in effect ‘buying low’ with the intent of gaining equity as their new home is being built.” Maintaining a realistic price ceiling is one of the biggest advantages of building a home in Artesia. “As the developer for Artesia at Heritage Pointe, we feel we provide the value and lifestyle choice people are looking for in the luxury home market. We have created a fine balance between ideal location, low-density living, pleasing community design and pricing.” MacDonald feels strong that the time to buy in Artesia is now. “With more and more restrictions coming forward from a policy perspective, coupled with ongoing cost increases on land and home building, future opportunities to develop a community like Artesia are no longer viable options. There really is limited opportunity and Artesia buyers are recognizing this, and capitalizing,” he says. “We have some great promotions currently happening and there is a limited time opportunity to be part of our beautiful community for under $1million. We call it the perfect lifestyle at the perfect price and we encourage folks to visit our show homes for more details.” n

show home profile n Albi Homes

IMAGINATIVE PRACTICALITY Stylish functionality shines in new ALBI Luxury by Brookfield Residential show home n WRITTEN BY

Shylo Thompson

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PRACTICALITY has never been more stylish than the latest show home in Auburn Bay by ALBI Luxury by Brookfield Residential, as the Lavello 2 brings a sharp contemporary edge to estate living in this southeast lake community. The Lavello 2 is designed for growing families, as it has something for everyone — a wall-length wine rack and bar in the developed basement; a knockout kitchen with enough space to prepare meals, cook, and entertain friends all at the same time; and a central bonus room upstairs that separates the kids’ bedrooms from the master bedroom for better privacy for all. What makes this 2,980-square-foot triplegarage, two-storey estate show home stand out is the sophisticated, modern vibe it confidently exudes. It blends a strong, modern — almost industrial — vibe blended with a rustic, cottage-by-the-lake sentiment. Lavello 2 took home the Interior Decorations award at the 2017 National Awards for Housing Excellence. It’s easy to see why. The contemporary metal lighting fixtures and concrete-like countertops in the island and perimeter counters in the kitchen bring that modern industrial feel alive, while the dark oak hardwood flooring, open concept main-floor, and fireplace area keep it feeling cozy. All the while keeping in mind the needs of the family: like extra storage space, plentiful cabinets and drawers in the kitchen, a walk-through pantry and a generously sized mud room. “The overall flow of the home is what every one loves about Lavello 2,” says Jenna McBride, Marketing Lead, Calgary, for Brookfield Residential. “It’s a perfect fit for the young family and has the flexibility to answer future needs as the family grows,” she adds. “We get a lot of

16 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

positive comments about the big mud room, it just provides a lot of functionality for busy families.” The Lavello 2 show home’s deck is gorgeous, it’s partly covered and has screens to let residents enjoy their outdoor space. “The Lavello 2 actually has an optional second deck on the side of the home that effectively extends outdoor entertaining space,” McBride says. The community of Auburn Bay itself lends to the allure — it’s a great stay-cation community — and the fact that there are schools and shopping and entertainment amenities already within the neighbourhood makes this last phase special. “This may be the last chance to build a new home in this wonderful community,” she adds.

RIGHT The dining area is open to the great room and kitchen at the back of the house, giving it ample amounts of natural light. The flooring is engineered oak hardwood (featured throughout the entire main floor). This area of the show home has quick access to the deck and backyard, which has private lake access.

ABOVE The fireplace hearth features the same material as the grey counter on the kitchen island, bringing the two spaces together. This area gets ample natural light through the large, triple glaze windows.

ABOVE The spacious kitchen features a walk-through pantry, and an eating bar that’s part of the huge tiered island. The kitchen uses two-tone Dekton counters — with a lowered grey counter for the seating area and the upper portion for an open workspace. The kitchen also boasts built-in appliances, full-height cabinetry, and a generous amount of room between the counter and island.

LEFT The Lavello 2 comes with an attached triple-car garage, handy for growing families. The peaked roof outline adds to the comely street appeal of the home, and makes it stand out even in the company of other estate homes. The Lavello 2 starts from the mid $800,000s but building one similar to the show home will be in the $1.2 million mark

JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 17

show home profile n Albi Homes

ABOVE The optional developed basement comes with an additional bedroom, full bath, and family room. There is also an option to add a wet bar (as featured here in the show home). “People love the basement development, because with the higher ceilings it doesn’t feel like a basement at all” says McBride.

fast facts BUILDER: ALBI Luxury by Brookfield Residential COMMUNITY: Auburn Bay STYLE: Triple-car garage estate home PRICE: The Lavello 2 starts from the mid $800,000s ADDRESS: 10 Auburn Shores Cape HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.brookfieldresidential.com

ABOVE The flex room on the main floor is a dream for harried homeowners. It can serve as a tidy den where kids can do their homework in peace and while parents can keep an eye on them even if they’re busy in the kitchen. The glass barn doors add an element of style. RIGHT The master ensuite connects to the walk-in closet and on to the walk-through laundry room that gives it an extra bit of practical style. “The walk-through closet is more like a dressing room than anything else and having the easy access to the laundry is just special,” McBride says. There is extra insulation between the walls to mute the noise from the laundry room. NL

18 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

show home profile n NuVista Homes

SPICE OF LIFE NuVista’s Signature Villas bring hot design style to lake living Pepper Rodriguez Earl Raatz

n WRITTEN BY PHOTOS BY

The smooth porcelain tile surface of the central fireplace ties together the varied design elements of Cayenne, but that is just secondary to the views available from the spacious covered deck just outside. The engineered hardwood flooring balances the modernity of the décor with a classic country lodge feel.

20 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

THE BLAMELESS BLUE skies and rolling grass plains surrounding Harmony give the new lake community in Springbank a soulful, idyllic existence, but NuVista Homes’ stylish take on villas brings a new lifestyle ingredient to the heady mix. NuVista Homes’ Signature Villas have attracted the right-sizing crowd to this emerging lake community west of Calgary, and the five models they offer here have been a big hit with eight of the first 10 homes already spoken for (including the two show homes). “We’re really popular among the snowbirds, and empty nesters, and active mature couples who want to experience life here in this new exciting community of Harmony,” says NuVista sales associate Dell Finerty. “Our Signature Villas answer a lot of their needs, and since these are fee-simple villas they like the idea that they don’t have to worry about condo fees,” she adds. There are five Signature Villa models (Cayenne, Safron, Sumac, Lavender and Cilantro). These are bungalow style villas from 1,444 to 1,721 square-feet with double front attached garage homes and one- or two-bedrooms on the main level.

NuVista Homes n show home profile

“The Cayenne has been our bestseller, but they are all designed to offer sophisticated, comfortable living with floor plans that will be sure to fulfill your goals for a refined yet relaxed lifestyle,” she says. All models feature nine-foot foundation and main floor ceiling heights, quartz or granite countertops, hardwood and tile flooring, fireplaces, finished basements, covered decks, and a landscaping package, which includes underground irrigation and fencing. Best of all is buyers get to be among the first to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Harmony. This master-planned community, being jointly developed by Bordeaux Developments and Qualico Communities, sits on 1,750 acres of prime real estate in Springbank, just west of Calgary. And what

is planned here is something Calgary has never seen before. “It’s a holistically planned, sustainably built master-planned neighbourhood — so it’s neither a suburb nor an urban city centre,” says Ryan Hall, Vice-President, Marketing & Communications at Bordeaux Developments. At full build-out, residents will enjoy 140 acres of recreational lake and wetland area, a golf course designed by Phil Mickelson, shops and retail with a stunning village centre concept, and eventually business campuses and places to work. Buyers are given the chance to enjoy this incredible community at The Signature Villas with their limited time offer introductory pricing starting at $699,900 until May 31, 2017.

ABOVE The Cayenne’s kitchen is a wonder to behold. The sophisticated sheen of the quartz countertops and the two-tone cabinetry combining white high-gloss and wood-grain finishes lend a transitional design touch. Upscale appliances like a drawer-style microwave in the central island are some of the most sought after features.

BELOW The open concept main floor of Cayenne mirrors the Big Sky wonder of Harmony in Springbank. Nine-foot ceilings (on the main floor and basement development) along with oversized windows bring in tons of natural light and open up to the mountain vistas beyond.

JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 21

show home profile n NuVista Homes

fast facts BUILDER: Nuvista Homes COMMUNITY: Harmony in Springbank BELOW LEFT The practicality of the Cayenne is never lost, as the roomy laundry is brilliantly designed with a sink, counters, drawers and overhead cabinets. “There’s lots of storage spaces in this plan, and right-sizers who always seem to struggle with finding the storage they need will not have any such problems with the Cayenne,” Finerty says.

BELOW RIGHT The master bedroom is as relaxing as it is spacious. The view west towards the prairielands and mountains beyond is something worth waking up to. The Cayenne show home also has a basement development with two extra bedrooms and a full bath, plus a media room.

DEVELOPER: Qualico Communities and Bourdeaux Developments STYLE: Fee-simple bungalow style villas SIZE: Signature Villas from 1,444 to 1,721 sq. ft. PRICE: From $699,900 to $789,900 (limited introductory pricing up to May 31, 2017) ADDRESS: 3&7 Yarrow Gate, Rocky View County DIRECTIONS: West on Highway 1 and take Exit 169 to Range Road 33, left on Township Rd. 250 and follow the signs HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.nuvistahomes.com

LEFT The attached ensuite on the main floor of Cayenne is as luxurious as they come with dual vanities, a big walk-in closet a private toilet and a fully-enclosed glass shower tiled all the way to the ceiling. In-floor heating keeps everything at a comfortable temperature. The Cayenne starts at 1,537 square-feet with an additional 1,268 square-feet of living space in the basement. It starts from $749,900. NL

22 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

Legacy n community profile

LOVING LEGACY Back-to-back SAM wins puts Legacy in a class of its own n WRITTEN BY

Pepper Rodriguez

W H E N W E STCR E E K DE V E LOPM E N TS unveiled Jane Seymour’s ‘Open Hearts’ public art piece in their southeast community of Legacy last year, it was meant to symbolize the openness and caring between neighbours that they hoped to engender in what has become one of the city’s fastest growing communities. They continue to build on that promise, even as Legacy took home the 2016 SAM Community of the Year award, it’s second in as many years. “Getting back-to-back SAM Community of the Year awards means a lot to us,” says WestCreek marketing manager, Kalida Goldade. “It validates the amount of work we, as well as our residents and builders, put in this community. We made sure that we get even the smallest detail right to make Legacy a community residents can be proud of.” And the work continues. And how! WestCreek has a lot of plans coming into fruition this year at Legacy that makes it an instant favourite for the SAM Awards hat trick next year. Asides from the opening of two new show home parades — including a new laned home parade in May and another for move-up homes in June, Legacy is creating more spaces where neighbours can interact with one another and create stronger bonds of community. “Our vision for Legacy is about being so much more than that place where you live and you drive into your

JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 23

community profile n

driveway and shut your garage door behind you. We want it to be a place where you speak to your neighbours and come together as a community,” she says. On May 15, they will be opening their community garden for residents. With 65 plots, this will be one of the largest of its kind in the southeast, maybe the entire city. “I know it’s the only organic community garden in a new community the south,” Goldade says.

fast facts

COMMUNITY: Legacy DEVELOPER: WestCreek Developments SIZE: Legacy encompasses 442 hectares including 122 hectares of builder-protected environmental reserve. On final build out Legacy will be home to 20,000 people living in 7,400 homes. BUILDERS & PRICES: Apartment condominiums: • My Legacy Park by Brad Remington Homes, starting from $119,000. • Legacy Gate by Carlisle Group starting from $200,000. Townhomes: • Trico Homes coming soon. • Legend of Legacy by Aldebaran Homes starting from $320,000. • Stepper Homes coming soon. Duplex: • Creations by Shane Homes starting from $300,000. • Trico Homes starting from $350,000. Single-family Homes: • Jayman BUILT starting at $480,000. • WestCreek Homes starting from $500,000. • Trico Homes starting from $450,000. • Sterling Homes starting from $500,000. • Stepper Homes starting from $460,000. • Calbridge Homes — Move-up homes starting from $450,000; estate homes from $850,000. • Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential starting from $900,000. • Morrison Homes starting from $900,000. DIRECTIONS: Drive south on Macleod Trail past Stoney Trail. Turn east on 210 Avenue S.E. and take second or third right to access the community. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m., closed on Friday. WEB: www.legacylife.ca

24 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

WestCreek is providing raised garden beds (measuring either three-byfour-feet, or three-by-eight-feet) and on-site water sources to all Legacy residents in this community garden. “It provides neighbours an environment where they can get to know one another, share gardening tips, and strengthen those small town values.” The Legacy residents association will also be holding its first Stampede breakfast on July 8. “It’s already a WestCreek’s Bravin Goldade strong association and this will be and Jane Seymour at the Open their first major event,” Goldade says. Hearts public art. With all the amenities offered, its community fees are among the lowest in the city, ranging from $35 to $60 a year. But what Legacy has always been known for is the amazing range of home products offered here, encompassing the whole gamut from starter home, move-up, estate and downsizing home. “We will have new laned products with new show homes opening in May. We haven’t had laned homes since they sold out quite quickly in Phases 1, 3 and 6,” Goldade says. These laned homes, measuring 25- to 27-feet wide are from Shane Homes, Stepper Homes and Jayman BUILT. Prices start from the $400,000s. “These homes will have a big focus on entryways with Hardiboard planks in front porches and interesting elevations throughout. Best of all, they are affordable,” she adds. New move-up homes will also be unveiled in two separate phases. One with Stepper Homes, Calbridge Homes and Sterling Homes, and another with WestCreek Homes, Trico Homes and Jayman BUILT. The latter will all be backing onto premium lots like parks, ponds,

Legacy n community profile

“WE WANT PEOPLE THAT LIVE AND BUILD IN OUR COMMUNITY TO BE PROUD OF IT. THAT MAKES THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY STRONGER.” or a naturalized forest. These move-up home parades will be open to the public in June and are from 1,800-2,400 square-feet and priced from $450,000s. Legacy’s estate homes are the pride of the community. Their “The Ridge” estate enclave not only has some of the most amazing homes but is also blessed with some of the most exquisite views of the mountains and the entire Bow River Valley. Making this even more compelling is that The Ridge also has some of the largest lots in Calgary. Lots that are certainly big enough to fit triple front attached garage, and four-bedroom homes and bungalows from some of the finest home builders in the city. “On the Ridge in Legacy, you can let your imagination be your guide, these homes are truly custom designed for whatever your family needs,” says Goldade. There are six show homes in The Ridge from Calbridge Homes, Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential and Morrison Homes. The select builder group was handpicked to help bring about the grand vision for The Ridge and

make the most of the panoramic views from these lots, some of which back right onto Legacy’s natural escarpment. Goldade says they have a special limited time promotion for “The Ridge” with buyers getting a $7,500 credit for landscaping. “The Ridge” has interior lots from the $600,000s and ridge lots from the $850,000s. On the multi-family side, Legacy is also set to release new townhome developments from Stepper Homes and Trico Homes. Brad Remington Development’s My Legacy Park apartment-style condos has been such a hit that it is now on its final building. Legend of Legacy townhomes by Aldebaran Homes also just opened their new show suites, and they are some of the biggest in the city, they have some on ridge lots, too. Legacy really is a community for everyone, with new commercial developments hitting the ground and a new high school opening in the community within next few years, it really is a small town unto itself. “There is an 800,000-square-foot commercial centre being developed by Royop just across the street, and WestCreek Developments is opening a second commercial area in the community, too,” Goldade says. “Construction of a high school from the Catholic School Board is on-going and will open in the 2018 school year,” she adds. Recreational opportunities in Legacy include 20 parks, which include four playfields, two baseball diamonds, four soccer fields, a football field, and two water features. There are currently three playgrounds which all have rubberized surfaces. “We want people that live and build in our community to be proud of it. That makes the entire community stronger. Jane Seymour’s ‘Open Hearts’ sculpture truly captures this spirit of the community,” Goldade says. NL JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 25

feature n

Timber King HGTV star André Chevigny no stranger to Alberta

f you’re a fan of home building and renovation television shows, you’ve probably heard of — or watched — the Timber Kings. The show began airing its fourth season on HGTV earlier this spring and, if you haven’t seen it, you’ve missed the construction of some incredibly beautiful log homes and cabins. André Chevigny is the Operations Manager for Pioneer Homes of Williams Lake, B.C., the actual company behind the projects. Besides wielding a mean chainsaw, André is no ‘made for TV’ pretty boy and what you see is pretty much what you get. He’s a little rough around the edges, like some of the raw timber they work with. André has first-hand knowledge of building in Alberta. In Season 3, he worked on the 7,000-square-foot log home of Brad and Amanda Kelly of Ponoka. “It was an amazing

28 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

build,” he recalls. “Challenges were in every area, especially some trick joinery around the front of the home with massive logs. The other challenge was the deadline and winter on its way in. The final results were spectacular — she’s a beauty.” André’s passion for his work comes across loud and clear, even over the phone. For starters, he loves his job, absolutely loves it. “I’ve got the best job in the world,” he says. “It’s not really going to work each day when you love what you do.” Another passion is his desire to share his knowledge and experience. He’s a sought-after speaker on the home show circuit, making an appearance earlier this spring at the Red Deer Home Show, but even if you don’t get the chance to chat face-to-face, you can always follow him on Facebook, Instagram and @AndreChevigny on Twitter. And of course, you can always tune in to reruns and new episodes on TV. NL

n feature

“I’VE GOT THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD. IT’S NOT REALLY GOING TO WORK EACH DAY WHEN YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO.” JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 29

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F C R AT E & B A R R E L

style n

Living big in small spaces Unlimited design imagination brings small living spaces to life n WRITTEN BY

30 | NE W HOME LIVING

David Crosson

JUNE 2017

n style

ccording to the oft-repeated adage, “Good things come in small packages.” This can be especially true when it comes to living spaces, as small-footprint dwelling is on the rise and being embraced with gusto in housing markets where it’s not even a necessity. New HGTV shows like Tiny House Hunters, Tiny House, Big Living and Tiny Luxury are testament to the growing movement, even though they do tend to represent the extreme end of the spectrum. Obvious benefits aside, if you are used to living in more sprawling digs then the adjustment to functioning in reduced square footage can present some challenges — at least as far as perception is concerned. Truth be told, nothing you do will make 400 feet feel like 4,000 (or whatever your ratio is) but if you heed these few simple pointers you will find yourself living large even in the tiniest of spaces.

FACE FACTS — AND MEASUREMENTS As I mentioned, your home can feel larger, it just won’t be larger. When looking for ideas in magazines or on sites like Houzz, be sure to scale your expectations appropriately to your dwelling. Looking at large spaces for inspiration when you live in a small one is like obsessively watching the Food Network when you are on a diet.

the nucleus of a room but not so large that it dominates the space. It’s always best to start with your biggest pieces like beds and sofas (again, ones that will fit through the door) and then back-fill with smaller, supplementary items. Be sure to include a few “leggy” things to help light move through the space but balance them with more solid pieces so your furnishings don’t come across like a flock of flamingoes!

REACH FOR THE STARS Making use of vertical space is one of the smartest things you can do — in a home of any size. The available square footage of walls often goes untapped and it’s a great opportunity for both storage and display. Don’t be afraid to use dramatically high shelves to accommodate everything from books and TVs to lighting and tchotchkes. Forcing the eye upwards makes you appreciate your “airspace” more and can help even a seven-foot ceiling

SPEAKING OF MEASUREMENTS

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F D AV I D C R O S S O N D E S I G N C O L L E C T I V E . P H O T O B Y J O H N B I L O D E A U.

Be sure to get exact numbers on everything before you buy anything, be that the actual dimensions of the rooms or the width of the doors your purchases have to fit through. I always measure access points on behalf of my clients but this is something that rarely occurs to the general public. As much of a fuss as it may seem, pre-purchase measuring will save you from permanently placing that new sofa out on the sidewalk or your front lawn.

SIZE DOES MATTER

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F C R AT E & B A R R E L

Scale — the actual size and (to some degree) proportions of things — plays a huge part in savvy reduced-space living. Many people think they are restricted to only buying small furnishings but the reality is a few well-chosen larger pieces will help anchor a room and delineate its purpose. A great go-to sofa is Crate & Barrel’s LoungeII, which is substantial enough to act as

LEFT Though it may seem counterintuitive, anchoring a small space with a substantial; piece of furniture helps to ground and define it. Crate & Barrel’s LoungeII sofa is definitely a top pick for the task.

RIGHT Painting doors and their frames out in a similar colour to your walls helps keep functional elements from becoming features. Here, they would have competed too much with the focal-point fireplace and one of the the clients’ favourite paintings.

JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 31

feature n RIGHT Exploiting vertical surfaces helps draw the eye upward and make a room feel grander in scale, like this shelving unit filled with collected objets does in the corner of a client’s living room. BELOW The Galaxy Ottoman is a quadruple threat, offering storage seating, a perch for weary feet and a handy surface when topped with a tray.

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F D AV I D C R O S S O N D E S I G N C O L L E C T I V E . P H O T O B Y B R E N T M Y K Y T Y S H Y N

COLOUR YOUR WORLD A lot of people think light colours will help a room feel larger but that’s not necessarily the case. Contrast is what makes your eye stop within a space and recognize its limitations so eliminating that factor goes a long way in making something feel bigger than it actually is. (By the way, darker colours are beautiful in small spaces and make them feel more intimate and cozy.) I often ‘wrap’ wall colour onto a ceiling for visual consistency and flow, or do it at 50 per cent pigmentation if it’s particularly dark or rich. Similarly, your home can look like a fun-house if doors and jambs are done in contrasting colours so consider painting everything out in one hue to help your eye move more freely. If you really want to highlight them, do it in a subtle way by employing a sheen change, such as matte on the walls and satin on the trim.

32 | NE W HOME LIVING

GET A TWO-FER Dual-purpose furniture is always the right answer when it comes to maximizing square footage, be that in the form of storage coffee tables (touched upon in the April issue) or the new crop of surprisingly comfortable sleeper sofas for occasional guests. One model I really like is Vancouver-based Van Gogh Designs’ Galaxy Storage Ottoman, an upholstered piece that does triple-duty as a perch for feet, a coffee table (if you add a tray to the top), extra seating at a party, and a catch-all for pillows, throws and all manner of other household debris. 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. For more of his design ideas, visit www.dc-dc.ca

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F C R AT E & B A R R E L

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y VA N G O G H D E S I G N S

soar. Just make sure to use appropriate hardware to anchor furniture to the wall so there’s no chance of anyone getting hurt; that is definitely considered a “design fail”.

JUNE 2017

n feature

The reader’s corner Here’s the best places to find used books in Calgary n WRITTEN BY

Shylo Thompson

or book lovers and collectors, reading can turn out to be quite an expensive hobby. If you are trying to save money on books, or even if you are just struggling to find an older, specific book — you might want to try a second-hand store! If you have a huge bookshelf full of books you need to downsize — maybe you’d like to consider donating, selling, or trading books at any of these used stores. (Each store has their own policies regarding donations, sales, and trades). We have scoped out Calgary for the best used bookstores to try out!

BOOKS BETWEEN FRIENDS 3434 34 Avenue N.E. This store is great for their low prices. Books Between Friends also hosts regular charity events, and donates generous amounts in both book donations and money to various charities. FAIR’S FAIR Multiple Locations Fair’s Fair definitely has a large selection to choose from. You can spend a lot of time browsing their stores. If you are looking for a specific book, they are able to use their computerized database to see if it is in stock in their store. They are also able to transfer your desired book(s) to a location most convenient for you for pickup.

AQUILA BOOKS 826 16 Avenue N.W. Aquila Books is great if you are looking for anything history-related or antiques! Their specialty is books regarding Polar Exploration, Western Canadiana, Mountaineering, the Canadian Pacific Railway, and more. On top of their book selection, Aquila Books also sells antique items such as maps, prints, photographs, and bookcases. CABIN FEVER BOOKS 2101-B Centre Street N.W. On top of selling used books, Cabin Fever Books also has a vast selection of vinyl LP records, antique prints, framed pictures and functional and even decorative pottery. CALGARY’S LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES Various Locations These little mailbox-style boxes are located in various parks and neighbourhoods all over Calgary (a map of all locations can be found on familyfuncanada.com). The “leave a book, take a book” concept encourages readers to leave their used books for a stranger to enjoy, and take some that were left behind. This is a good way to get outside, and find something new and likely unexpected to read! VALUE VILLAGE/THRIFT STORES Various Locations If all else fails, Value Village and other local thrift stores typically have a stocked section of used books, and are always happy to take donations as well. NL JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 33

a day in banff/canmore n

The call of the Rockies Explore Banff, Canmore and beyond n WRITTEN BY

Shelley Boettcher

Banff Sunshine Village

34 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

ummer isn’t complete for me without a trip to Banff and Canmore. Maybe we spend the day hiking, followed by relaxation time at the hot springs. Maybe we wander the shops along Banff Avenue in Banff, buying trinkets and eating well. Maybe we spend the night at a fancy hotel, or a bargain we’ve booked on Hotwire. Maybe we drive home. No maybes about having fun though. Here, then, is a very short guide to keeping busy in Banff and Canmore this summer. Use it as your starting point to exploring this beautiful part of our world.

Raw Distillery

The Bison Restaurant and Terrace

Balkan

P H O T O B Y D A N E VA N S

CANMORE Located about 80 kilometres west of Calgary, the town of Canmore has grown considerably over the past 25 years. It offers the best of both big-city living and small-town charm, and the proximity to the mountains means there’s always plenty of skiing, mountain biking, hiking and camping. And Canmore’s restaurant scene has grown along with the town. Stop by The Grizzly Paw Brewing Co. for locally made beer and soda, as well as excellent pub food for the entire family. The newly renovated space is bright and fun; highlights include the beer and cheese experiences on Saturdays. In the next few months, the brewery team will release limited-edition beers aged in wine and spirits barrels. Also coming up this summer is a lemon shandy — a refreshing, low-alcohol drink for hot days. The new Canmore Brewing Company is another place for beer fans and aspiring cicerones. Each beer pays a nod to the region’s history. For instance, the Georgetown Brown (a strong ale) is named after an old coal mining town west of Canmore. Then there’s Raw Distillery, a new distillery offering vodka, plus Raw Rum, Raw Canadian Whisky and gins including the Raw Peppercorn

Canmore Brewing Company

Gin made with tellicherry peppercorns. The Trough Dining Co. offers sophisticated mountain charm, plus great food and wine. Try an heirloom tomato salad with smoked feta, perhaps, or smoked pork chops from Canmore’s renowned Valbella Gourmet Foods.

INSET: The Grizzly Paw Bewing Co.

JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 35

a day in banff/canmore n

And Crazyweed has been around forever, but still has some of the best food in Southern Alberta. Get a wood-fired pizza and save room for dessert. Want to get fit and get outside? Then head to the Canmore Nordic Centre. It’s a snow-lover’s mecca but in summer, enjoy disc golf, mountain biking, roller skiing, hiking and trail running.

BANFF Go hiking. Go mountain biking. Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views 2,900 feet above the town. Sign up for mountaintop yoga with Brewster Travel Canada (Brewster.ca) while you’re there. Want to spend the night? The new Moose Hotel & Suites has three rooftop hot pools, all with views of the mountains. Or spend the night at Sunshine Mountain Lodge at Sunshine Village. In summer, you can take the gondola from the base to the top village terminal; then hike through the alpine meadows, looking for both wildlife and wildflowers. But don’t forget to eat and drink. First up: Balkan, a modern take on delicious Greek cuisine. Friendly staff and good food make this place a winner, year-round.

Then make time for a stop at Park Distillery Restaurant & Bar. Book a tour of the distillery, Banff’s first, and try a few of the vodkas and gins. Then head to the restaurant (you can take the kids) for “campfire cuisine” that includes cheese and whisky fondue and raclette. Swiss chef Hans Sauter at Post Hotel and Spa.

Moose Hotel & Suites

36 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

Grapes Wine Bar at Faimont Banff Springs Hotel.

My family and I always try to eat at The Bison Restaurant and Terrace for hearty dishes that focus on local producers. Get a charcuterie board to start, but save room for dessert — perhaps a slice of mille-feuille, puff pastry layers with key lime and dark chocolate mousse and hazelnuts. And on warm days, you can eat on the patio. On a budget or in a hurry? Grab takeout from Barpa Bill’s Souvlaki. There are burgers, salad and calamari, but the souvlaki can’t be beat. And for breakfast on a budget, stop at Wild Flour: Banff’s Artisan Bakery Café. The scones. The coffee. The everything. Mmm. Never one to rest on their laurels, the team at the Fairmont Banff Springs has been busy with fresh new changes. The Grapes Wine Bar has been renovated and is now Grapes Charcuterie Bar Cellar. Stanley’s Smokehouse is open for golfers and diners, and so is the Lookout Patio, which offers awe-inspiring views of the Bow Valley. Even the coffee shop in the lobby has undergone a facelift. It’s now Stock Food & Drink, and features dishes focused on ingredients from local farmers. And, of course, you can spend the night or simply stop in for a meal and visit.

A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD: The Post Hotel and Spa in Lake Louise is legendary for its European-style hospitality. Make sure you stay for dinner; Swiss chef Hans Sauter’s cuisine is outstanding, and the wine cellar here wins international awards every year. In May, The Posts hosts Wine Summit Lake Louise, featuring some of the world’s greatest winemakers. NL

JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 37

calgary map

Northwest

38 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

Northeast n calgary map

JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 39

calgary map

Southwest | Southeast | Calgary Area

40 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map

AIRDRIE

OKOTOKS

COCHRANE JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 41

42 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

around town n

By Pepper Rodriguez

New show homes open in Qualico’s Ravenswood and Evanston QUALICO COMMUNITIES CONTINUES to grow as the award-winning land developer announced the opening of new show home parades in their Ravenswood and Evanston communities. Ravenswood in Airdrie will see the opening of single-family laned homes and laned duplexes in Phase 7 on June 3. These will be from NuVista Homes, Broadview Homes, McKee Homes, and Pacesetter Homes. “Buyers love

Homes by Avi announces 2017 Stampede Dream Home featured artist

Ravenswood for the familiarity of a small-town setting, a community with a blossoming calendar of events and the family friendly design,” says Qualico marketing specialist, Daisy Lieu. While in Calgary’s northwest community of Evanston, May 27 will see Qualico’s “Here We Grow Again” event that have five beautiful new front-drive show homes from NuVista Homes, Broadview Homes, Sterling Homes, Trico Homes and Jayman BUILT for Phase 29. “Evanston is one of the largest and most established communities in northwest Calgary, Evanston has two new schools (public elementary and Catholic K-9 both now open) within the community, more green space, fewer fences and an environment created for growing families to flourish while finding a home within budget,” Lieu says. Phase 29 lots are also larger than new communities we are currently selling, which means more yard space for families, she adds.

Ravenswood

Upswing continues in April Calgary home starts TOTAL HOUSING STARTS in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) rose significantly to 1,099 actual units in April 2017, from April 2016 when only 815 home constructions began. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, single-family home starts in the city went up to 402 from 224 the previous April. Multi-family construction also climbed to 697 units in April from 591 last year. BILD Calgary Region also says that April was a positive month for single-family permits.

Permits were up 6.5 per cent from the month earlier, and up 57.8 per cent year-over-year, from 230 in April, 2016 to 363 in April, 2017. While permits for multi-family dropped significantly in April, seeing an 83 per cent decrease month-over-month. In March multi-family permits were 243 and in April they dropped to 41. This should be looked at as a positive as it will help balance out the unabsorbed product on the market, BILD says in a statement.

AN ARTIST OF VARIED callings, John F. Gerrard, was named the 2017 Homes by Avi Dream Home Artist and will have his exemplary work displayed in this year’s Calgary Stampede Rotary Dream Home. Gerrard, a graphic designer/photographer/ musician, will have his work displayed in Homes by Avi’s Dream Home at the Stampede Park over the duration of the Calgary Stampede. The Dream Home averages about 130,000 visitors during that time and presents a unique opportunity for Calgary’s emerging artists to expose their work. Gerrard was selected from about 100 people who entered the competition to have their work featured in this year’s Calgary Stampede Rotary Dream Home. “It’s such a wonderful opportunity,” says Gerrard. “There are so many demographics … it’s international. I’m really excited about it.” “Thankfully, we had a diligent team of Homes by Avi staff members and designers, art gallery professional, and past winners who focused on the theme of Scandinavian design to fit this year’s home and collectively, they picked the winner,” says Homes by Avi’s Christian Orme. Gerrard has been creating art ever since he was a child, and has experimented with different forms and mediums over the years. “Besides his obvious talent, what really drew us in is the unique mix of paint with charcoal to create his dramatic effect,” says Julie Punter, manager of show home selections and presentation at Homes by Avi. “We love his abstract expressionism, city skylines, and portraits and can’t wait to see the final product in the home!” JUNE 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

| 43

around town

advertisers index

Legacy opens new laned home parade TWO-TIME SAM COMMUNITY of the Year winner Legacy continues to impress with the opening of their new laned home show home parade. On Saturday, May 13th , Legacy held their Carnival grand opening event for the six new laned homes from Shane Homes, Stepper Homes, and Jayman BUILT with prices starting from the $400,000s. “Laned homes sold out quite quickly in our first phases, we’re glad to be able to offer more of these in this new phase,” says

Kalida Goldade, marketing manager at WestCreek Developments, Legacy’s developer. Legacy has more parades opening this year, including front drive garage homes by Calbridge Homes, Jayman BUILT, Stepper Homes, Sterling Homes, Trico Homes, and WestCreek Homes.

Anthem United page 2 Artesia at Heritage Pointe Cover, pages 12-14 Brookfield Residential Albi Homes in Legacy page 4 Brookfield Residential Albi Homes in Symons Gate page 45 DS Homes page 39 Genstar Walden page 40 Harmony Park Boulder Creek page 3 Jayman BUILT page 19 Jayman BUILT Reflection, Westman Village page 47 Mattamy Homes Back cover Medical Travel Show page 26

Calgary does well in 2017 National Awards for Housing Excellence THE CANADIAN HOME Builders’ Association (CHBA) announced the winners for its 2017 National Awards for Housing Excellence, representing the best new homes, new communities and home renovations in Canada. Calgary performed well with five local home building and renovation companies taking home a total of seven awards. Alloy Homes won for their “Kensington Townhome” in the Attached Homes – 1,500 square-feet and over category. Dream Development’s “Arrival Collection 301” took home Detached Home – Production 2,501 to 3,500 square-feet award. Brookfield Residential also won for Interior Decorating for the “Lavello 2” show home in Legacy (featured in this issue). Kon-strux Developments and Ultimate Renovations brought home two national awards each. Kon-strux won in the Kitchen - $50,000 to $100,000 and Whole House - $100,000 to $250,000 categories. While Ultimate Renovations won for their “Lake Bonavista Ensuite” in the Bathroom category, as well as for Whole House - $500,001 to $1 million. The full list of winners is available at www.chba.ca/housingawards NL Lavello 2

44 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

Qualico Communities + Bordeaux Developments Harmony page 9 Qualico Communities Dressage page 7 Qualico Communities Evanston page 27 Sketch NanoTechnologies page 42 Trico Homes page 42 Walton Cornerstone page 15

hope at large n

By Marty Hope

RIVERSONG SOARS Riversong mirrors Cochrane’s continued growth I REMEMBER THE day well. A typical fall day with a comfortable crispness in the air. The invitation to the grand opening of Riversong by then-fledgling developer Tamani Communities had landed on my desk a couple of weeks earlier and, as always, there was this sense of anticipation. And the fact the development was being carved out of bench lands near Cochrane made the whole event that much more interesting. This all happened in 2008; since then, Riversong has continued to grow — fighting off the impact of a couple of economic downturns along the way — keeping pace with the growth and appeal of Cochrane.

The most recent downturn, according to prognosticators and others in the know, is, after two tough years, beginning to fade. There is a renewed sense of coming economic resurgence, and consumer confidence. “We’re seeing more sales and more traffic coming out to the show homes, which is great,” says Tamani vice-president Cam Hart. “As the local and regional economies continue to stabilize and improve, we

46 | NE W HOME LIVING

JUNE 2017

believe we’ll see more people looking at the community, and buying.” And people are coming — and they are buying. Hart says that to date sales are closing in on 900. That would account for slightly more than half the 1,700 homes projected to spread over the 320 acres of Riversong at buildout in 2021. Riversong is made up of three segments. The original Riversong; Riviera, which runs along the valley on the southern shore of the Bow River; and Precedence, a new element slated for servicing in 2018 that is located on the bench lands! As a further enticement for would-be buyers to visit the award-winning community, the inventory of six existing show homes — four single detached homes by Jayman BUILT and Trico Homes and two show suites in Jayman’s townhome project called The Rise — will be joined by four more detached homes in what Hart calls a “once-in-a-lifetime” location backing onto the Bow River. Residences in The Rise start from the $280,000s, and from the $410,000s for the single-detached homes. Prices include GST. “Given that our homes are very competitively priced with the Calgary market, visitors the community quickly understand the great value we offer,” says Hart. So, what kind of buyer profile has Tamani developed so far?

“We have a wide cross-section of buyers with a large number are young families or couples planning to start a family,” says Hart. “And we’re getting them from all over Alberta, but the two largest groups would be from Cochrane itself and northwest Calgary.” What is the appeal of Cochrane and Riversong? The small-town lifestyle of Cochrane and the ease of access to the mountains appeal to them, as do the value and quality that Riversong is providing, Hart adds. And the growing development has amenities that also serve as a magnet for new-home shoppers. There is the mighty Bow River that serves as the north boundary of Riversong, and the pedestrian bridge over it that allows access to Cochrane’s downtown and the Spray Lakes rec centre; 100 acres of treed area that runs through the middle of the development, four acres of walking paths, and elevations that provide mountain, river valley, and downtown views, a high school, and two residential-sized windmills that provide lighting to the park area. 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.