New Home living - July 2017 by Source Media Group

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 139 n JULY 2017

contents

12 COVER FEATURE

Getting better all the time Heartland becomes even more enticing with new home options, improved access

FEATURE

Step by step Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre rebuilding lives one family at a time

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 Cochrane

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contents

FOCUS ON

10 Western love

Stampede brings out our love for art reflecting our Western heritage

SHOW HOME PROFILE

17 A minimalist masterpiece

Less is definitely more in Homes by Dream’s National SAM-winning show home

DESIGNER SERIES

21 Natural instinct

Bringing natural elements into design is key to McKee’s winning ways COMMUNITY PROFILE

26 Ravenswood rising

Ravenswood continues to grow by leaps and bounds, but its small town heart remains

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STYLE

30 All decked out

Styling smaller outdoor spaces is easier than you thought

A DAY IN CALGARY STAMPEDE

35 It’s a cowboy thing

Stampede 2017 promises to be something special

COLUMNS

44 Around Town 46 Hope at Large

ITEMS

8 Editor’s Message 40 Maps 44 Advertiser Index

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editor’s message

It’s a Stampede thing

One of the most exciting things about living in Calgary is the yearly anticipation for Stampede — this summertime festivity pretty much shuts the whole city down as everyone partakes in the 10-day cowboy party that recalls Cow Town’s western heritage. Our Shelley Boettcher tells us in this issue what we can expect this time around at the Stampede grounds, what acts to catch and what food to savour — we certainly hope to see you there! I’ll probably be testing out some of the new delicacies — anyone want to try the Crispy Chicken Feet with me? The Calgary housing market has been on a wild rodeo ride for the last little while it seems, but things are starting to buck up. Housing construction starts are up, I’ve been going non-stop to show home openings and new community launches through the entire spring and you can sense the optimism returning to the market. Mattamy Homes and Anthem United — two of the biggest land developers — are rolling out plans for new communities, show homes and new phases for their communities. And that’s just the two that come to mind right now at deadline, there’s more and you’ll be hearing more about them from us in the coming issues. Speaking of western heritage, no community embodies this more than Heartland in Cochrane. The Apex Development community is enjoying a huge growth spurt even as they introduce new phases, new show homes and new products — duplexes — to the community. There are two access roads already in Heartland and a third is being built to keep pace with growth, but the small town charm that has made it endearing in the first place is still very much a part of life here. We have a couple of SAM winners in this issue as well. First we have Homes by Dream, who took home a national SAM Award for their 30i show home in Evansridge. The 30i is part of their stunning Arrival Collection — a concept of building entire streetscapes based on architecturally interesting homes. It has indeed managed to capture a groovy innercity vibe out in the middle of this northwest suburb. Then we have McKee Homes’ The Carlingford RT in Bayside, which won in this year’s Calgary SAM Awards for best new home $485,000 – $550,000 category. We spoke with Grace McKee on how she designed this 2,555-square-foot show home and what her vision is in coming up with McKee’s signature design touch. Then we turn the spotlight on Ravenswood, also in Airdrie, that opened a new move-up show homes parade in June. I tell you, there is a palpable sense of excitement in the new home market these days — you can hear first about them all if you follow us on Twitter and Facebook where we break the latest trends and show home/community events.

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 SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Ian Serpanchy

ian.serpanchy@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 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

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NewHomeLivingCalgary

focus on

Western love

Stampede brings out our love for art reflecting our Western heritage n BY

WE ALL KNOW what time of year this is: it’s Stampeding time! A tradition and event that is very much part of Calgary’s identity for over 100 years. Share your love of our culture in your homes by displaying western art with a variety of talented artists in our city and stunning galleries to choose from, there are plenty of options. NL

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Aaliya Essa

JULY 2017

n focus

6 7

[ 1 ] Sunset Dream Horse by Shannon Ford, $3,250 at Gainsborough Galleries. [ 2 ] The White Stag by Sophie DeFrancesca, $6,500 at Newzones Gallery. [ 3 ] Wind Runner by Don Toney, $1,400 at Webster Galleries. [ 4 ] Appaloosa by Rob Webber, $3,275 at Webster Galleries. [ 5 ] So Naive...I Arrived by Canoe by Kevin Sonmor, $33,000 at Newzones Gallery. [ 6 ] Fantasy by Don Toney, $350 at Webster Galleries. [ 7 ] Constitutional Going by Kevin Sonmor, $17,500 at Newzones Gallery. [ 8 ] Unbridled Spirit by Don Toney, $3,400 at Webster Galleries. [ 9 ] Bali Brown by Michelle Grant, $1,100 at Gainsborough Galleries.

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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

Getting better all the time Heartland becomes even more enticing with new home options, improved access

ust when you thought living in Cochrane couldn’t get any better, along comes Heartland. And with new townhome show suites and a new line of duplexes coming in, this popular community on the west side of town is only getting better. Located in a picturesque valley on the western edge of town, Heartland, by Apex Developments, is a community that has grown by leaps and bounds. But it still has the small town values at heart. Heartland has been master-planned to help bring people together. One way it does that is by offering a variety of homes that appeal to a wide cross-section of new homebuyers; from young families and couples, to growing families and downsizers alike, there is a home to fit every budget and lifestyle. Improved accessibility is also key in its growth. With two access points already open and a third in the works, Heartland’s growth has not affected the ease of getting in and out of the community. Its location near the junction of Highway 1A and Highway 22 makes it all the more appealing. With the numerous parks, playgrounds and pathways they have around the community, Apex has also provided the perfect environment that inspires neighbours to get together, to connect. Growth continues in the 250-acre community, at completion there will be a total of 1,500 homes, including single-family, duplex and freehold townhomes to choose from. So it comes as no surprise that Heartland is currently one of the most popular new communities in Cochrane. “There are new townhome show

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suites at Brand by Birchwood Properties. We also have new duplex homes from Excel Homes that widens our range of offerings,” says Apex Developments’ Kayla-Rae Maurer. These add to their repertoire of double attached garage moveup homes and laned homes. “Heartland offers such a wide selection of product that it’s able to welcome first time buyers, empty nesters, and move-ups,” Maurer adds. And with their vaunted builder group that includes Excel Homes, Jayman BUILT and Birchwood Properties, Heartland has become the community of choice in the west. Life is easy, the folks are friendly, even the access to the community is stress-free with quick

| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

access to main roads in and out of the community. Heartland isn’t on the way to anywhere, it’s a destination unto itself, a place for homebuyers to put down roots from which they can easily launch forays into downtown Cochrane, Calgary, or get a head start to a day in the mountains. Whichever direction you’re heading, Heartland is positioned to make that happen eﬃciently. For Apex Developments it all comes down to people: the people who buy new homes, and the people who design and build them. That’s the key to designing communities and building homes centered on the lifestyles of the people that will actually live in them. In fact, one reason Heartland has grown so quickly is because here buyers feel so welcome. There’s a kind of camaraderie among residents who help and look out for each other. Buying a home in Heartland is like walking into a tight knit small town community  and that’s exactly the way Apex planned it.

With the numerous parks, playgrounds and pathways they have around the community, Apex has also provided the perfect environment that inspires neighbours to get together, to connect.

BIRCHWOOD PROPERTIES Inspired by Cochrane’s western heritage, Birchwood’s Brand townhomes offer the best value for young families and downsizers, with possessions to begin this summer. They have their new 1,247-square-foot Galloway show

home open already, and area manager Dahlia MacRae says it has definitely sparked interest in the development. Two and three-bedroom plans are available; the two bedroom models coming with a single car garage, while the three bedroom homes have double garages. There’s even an option to convert the three-bedroom plan to a double master design. Homes come in variations of three basic plans: the Devon, Galloway, and Highland, and measure in at 1,055, 1,247 and 1,372 square-feet of living space respectively. Best of all, these homes start as low as $232,900 plus GST, and range up to the high $270,000s. It’s an incredible value that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Best of all, move-ins start this summer! For more information visit www.birchwoodproperties.ca/projects

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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

EXCEL HOMES Excel Homes offers both single-family and multi-family home options in Heartland and they are introducing the duplex option this year. “We aren’t slowing down here in Heartland,” says Charla Power, area manager for Excel Homes. “This past year has been incredible, the volume of people interested in living here has definitely grown as word of what a great place to live Heartland is gets around.” They have sold out of their townhomes but the new duplex models open new doors of opportunity for first-time homebuyers, and downsizers to move to this wonderful western community. “We just launched our duplexes in phase 6A,” says Power, “starting from around $324,900 to $334,900 including GST, we have double and single attached garages, and they range from 1,543 to 1,582 square-feet.” Excel Homes has two single-family show homes for buyers to visit, Edendale II and Radison, that are a spacious 1,918 square-feet and 2,046 square-feet in size. The Edendale is three-bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, starting from around $390,000 GST included. While the Radison floor plan includes four-bedrooms, perfect for a large family, there is also a tandem garage feature that allows for additional room for your recreational toys, this home starts from around $425,000 GST included. For more information visit www.excelhomes.ca/communities/cochrane/ heartland JAYMAN BUILT Rounding out the builder group very nicely is Jayman BUILT, a name synonymous with quality new home construction and lasting investment value. Jayman’s been building homes for a long time, generations, in fact, and they’ve been one of the region’s leading home builders for years. And, as excited as buyers are about some of the homes Jayman BUILT has to offer, the company is just as thrilled to be there. “Our buyers are very excited to have Jayman here in Heartland,” says Jayman BUILT area manager, Kym Daigle. “With two great new show homes on display the Dakota-24 and Nitro, this allows buyers to see the calibre of options we have available.”

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The Nitro show home is 1,938 square-feet, three-bed-rooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, plus a very large open great room offers a layout perfect for entertaining a large group, perhaps even your new found friends/neighbours. Starting from around $366,085 including lot and GST. The Dakota-24 is slightly larger at 2,034 square-feet, this show home also includes three-bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms. There is also the potential to have two optional decks in this home, making it perfect to have a deck off the kitchen and off the dinning room for buyers that love to lounge or even sunbathe this home is built with you in mind. At time of press Jayman BUILT had 18 lots left in phase four, ranging from 1,717 to a luxurious 2,405 square-feet and checking in at an incredibly affordable $353,253 to $412,731 including lot, home and GST. For more information visit www.jayman. com/cochrane/heartland n

FAST FACTS: COMMUNITY: Heartland, Cochrane DEVELOPER: Apex Developments BUILDERS: Excel Homes, Jayman BUILT, Birchwood Properties STYLE: Townhomes, laned homes, duplexes, front-drive single-family PRICE: Townhomes from the low $200,000s, single-family homes from the mid $300,000s DIRECTIONS: Exit off Trans Canada to Cochrane, left on 1A, first left. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.heartlandcochrane.com

Homes by Dream n show home profile

A MINIMALIST MASTERPIECE Less is definitely more in Homes by Dream’s National SAM-winning show home n WRITTEN BY

Pepper Rodriguez

The cool, modern Scandinavian influence is projected by 30i’s concretetile face, two-sided fireplace that stretches all the way up to the 15-foot ceiling. “This is one of the aspect of the 30i’s modern, sophisticated design that makes it so different from anything else you will see in the suburbs,” Tandara says.

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show home profile n Homes by Dream

INNOVATION IS ALWAYS the key at Homes by Dream. Aspiring to find new and better ways to improve the single-family home through imaginative floor plan designs and décor is how they approach each of their homes. So, critical recognition for that work when it comes is always welcome, but that is never solely their goal. Take for example Homes by Dream’s 30i show home in their captivating Arrival Collection in Evansridge. The 2,329-square-foot minimalist-inspired home recently won at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) 2017 National Awards for Housing Excellence for Detached Homes – Production (2,201 to 2,500 square-feet). Michael Tandara, Dream’s Director of Marketing, Land & Housing, remembers that winning the prestigious award was never their motivation when they were planning for 30i, nor the rest of the 19 homes in the Arrival Collection. “We looked at the Arrival Collection as a way of exercising our design muscle, of really providing something unique. The homes in the Collection RIGHT The music room just off the foyer is a distinct nod to the revival of the vinyl LP, which lends a groovy, inner-city vibe to the 30i. But this flex room is suitable for a host of other uses. “Couples, or young families can find a lot of use for this flex room,” Tandara adds.

OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM Linear, simplified and design-forward in style, the 30i’s exterior provides the framework for spacious open concept living infused with ample natural light. Flat roofs, and corner windows are some of its most distinctive features. Homes in the Arrival Collection are all fenced, landscaped and have decks.

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RIGHT Interior designer Amanda Hamilton says the 30i’s palette is graphic with white and black finishes and touches of cool gray and bleached white wood throughout. “The concept is based on the idea that objects and homes should be both purposeful and aesthetically pleasing while still being attainable,” she says. The Arrival Collection ranges from $684,900 to $819,000.

are high design through and through — striking architecture paired with sophisticated interior palettes,” Tandara says. “It is awesome that our efforts to create something special are being recognized, but coming up with a home design that’s tasteful, with subtle sophistication like 30i is a reward in itself,” he says. The Arrival Collection, in fact, has been so well received that only nine of the 19 available homes are left. “People have recognized the Arrival Collection for what it is — a planned architectural street that brings a distinct design character to the community. We believe we’ll be sold out by the end of the year, early next at the latest.”

RIGHT Engineered oak hardwood flooring adds to the simplicity, minimalism and functionality inherent in Scandinavian Design, Hamilton says. “The Minimalist homes have a clean, contemporary aesthetic.”

Homes in the Arrival Collection range from 2,000 to 2,800 square-feet and are designed in collaboration with well-regarded interior designer Amanda Hamilton. The Arrival Collection was always envisioned as the finishing touch for Evansridge, which is one of the newest established communities in northwest Calgary, and Homes by Dream’s Arrival Collection is one of the last opportunities to own a new home in this community. There are three Arrival showcase homes — including the 30i — which are open on weekends as open houses and by appointment only.

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show home profile n Homes by Dream

ABOVE The open riser staircase with glass panels adds to the open quality of the 30i. “It helps bring natural light to the entire interior of the home,” Tandara says. “It’s form and function in perfect harmony.”

RIGHT Floating vanity cabinets with quartz tops add luster to the master bathroom, and the soft-close drawers and cabinets are a nice touch. Each Arrival Collection home too is roughed-in and ready for a host of other needs like an alarm system, separate shut off valves on each water source and even a central vacuum.

fast facts COMMUNITY: EvansRidge BUILDER: Homes by Dream DEVELOPER: Dream Development STYLE: Arrival Collection of move-up and semi-estate homes SIZES: From 2,000 to 2,800 sq. ft. PRICES: From the high $600,000s to the $800,000s ADDRESS: 389 Evansborough Way N.W. DIRECTIONS: North on Symons Valley Rd. N.W., right on Symons Valley Pkwy. And follow the signs. HOURS: Weekends noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.homesbydream.ca

LEFT The corner wall window in the family room upstairs is a feature no one really expects from a single-family home in the suburbs. “You really only see this kinds of detail in the high-rise condos downtown, but not only does it bring a design punch to the interior, it also helps create the distinguishing curb appeal.” NL

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n designer

series

NATURAL INSTINCT Bringing natural elements into design is key to McKee’s winning ways n WRITTEN BY

Pepper Rodriguez

DESIGNING SHOW HOMES is no easy task. Finding just the right touch that will attract potential homebuyers as well as show off the home builder’s skill and expertise can be a very demanding task. But for Grace McKee, of renowned Airdrie home builder, McKee Homes, nothing can be more natural. Grace McKee is the Executive Vice President and chief designer of the family-run home builder that is celebrating its 30th year in business this year. Along with her sister, McKee Homes President Elaine McKeeDoel, they have carried on their father, Martin’s, vision in building top quality homes attuned to buyers’ wants and needs. Grace McKee has been the guiding design force for McKee Homes’ much-vaunted fashion-forward, function-minded, family-friendly show homes through much of that time. Although her education was in aeronautical engineering, the first time she designed a show home she knew that this was what she was meant to do with her life. Her fertile imagination, meticulous drive and detail-oriented nature make her a natural for the job. “I love designing homes, I treat every show home like I’m going to be the one living there.” This year those efforts were rewarded when McKee Homes won their first SAM Awards for their Carlingford R Tandem show home in the community of Bayside in the best new home $485,000 – $550,000 category. The Carlingford — named after one of the most scenic spots in Ireland where the McKees are from — has always been a best seller.

But her design treatment for this one in the community of Bayside is nothing short of inspired. “Each show home has a back story, who we think will appreciate this kind of home and how they will go about in living here. For Carlingford RT, we thought they would be a sophisticated family who like modern décor and an urban sensibility that you find in Calgary’s inner-city communities,” she says. Asked if there’s a common thread through their show homes, she doesn’t hesitate in replying that she always brings a natural element to all home designs. “In this version of the Carlingford, we brought in a stone accent that’s featured prominently in the living room and kitchen. In others, we’ll bring some wood or metal, something natural, that will ground the design, make it more connected to nature, which we think is one of the most important aspects in a home.” The Carlingford RT is at 1347 Bayside Drive, Airdrie.

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designer series n Modern sophistication is never far from the thought of Carlingford RT’s overall design, but visitors will also notice a lot of the small details that make each McKee show home look like people actually live there. The stone fireplace with a flat TV gives a warm, comfortable setting, but the modern mantelpiece and other built-in shelving speak of contemporary values. Paintings — lots of them — make the home come alive.

McKee Homes’ master craftsmanship is in full display in the Carlingford RT, just check out all the built-in shelving done in the home, particularly in the modern flex space that’s converted to a homework station for the kids.

The flex room with its open wall detail speaks to the imaginative taste of McKee Homes. “The design allows for a lot of light to come in the interior, and also allows for parents to keep an eye on kids. The wide and welcoming foyer with the floating bench is a sensible touch of functionality.

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There are plenty of modern touches through the home, not the least of which is the custom-made stainless steel hood fan by IJC Coppersmithing. “It works so well with the dark ash stain cabinetry from Kingswood Cabinets and lends an industrial feel to the proceedings but not overpoweringly so.”

The four-bedroom triple car garage (with tandem) Carlingford RT is at 2,555 square-feet and is perfect for a growing family wanting to set down roots in one of Airdrie’s most popular communities, Bayside. The show home itself backs onto the meandering water canals that wind through the community. “This home was designed with a young family in mind, who moves out to Airdrie to raise their family but still have the inner-city lifestyle. We wanted to give it a loft-like feel, like one you’d see in Chicago,” McKee says. The island option with the step-down seating ledge with quartz tops is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functionally designed. JULY 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

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designer series n The master bedroom is a luxurious retreat; making it even more special is the intricate tin panel feature wall and the sliding barn door to the ensuite. “The tin detail is just another way for us to bring in a natural element in the design, but it works really well and makes the show home even more memorable to visitors,” McKee says.

Contemporary window coverings make for a lot of the charm of the five-piece ensuite, tile floors and standalone soaker tub brings a sense of intimacy. A large walk-in closet completes the scene.

A common criticism of new homes is that kids rooms are sometimes treated as an afterthought. That’s the furthest thing you can say about McKee Homes, just check out the custom-made Millennium Falcon bed in the Star Wars room.

If you didn’t think The Carlingford RT was memorable enough with all its nuanced detail, the Star Wars bedroom will erase all doubt. “We like to come up with different designs for our kids’ rooms, there’s another one with a superhero theme,” McKee says. NL

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RAVENSWOOD

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Ravenswood n community profile

RISING

Ravenswood continues to grow by leaps and bounds, but its small town heart remains

n WRITTEN BY

Pepper Rodriguez

I T WA S A B R IG H T, sunny Saturday in June that Ravenswood launched its latest show home parade. The community event introduced four new front drive show homes from NuVista Homes, Broadview Homes, McKee Homes, and Pacesetter Homes. What didn’t need any introduction was Ravenswood’s small town charm. With the pealing laughter of children and their families enjoying the bouncy castles, food trucks and other entertainment brought to celebrate the launch, Ravenswood never looked so appealing. But even beyond the excitement of the event, this Qualico Communities development in southeast Airdrie is the picture of a tight-knit town with everything to offer the young, active family and then some. “We’re seeing a lot of young families take Ravenswood as their own,” says Qualico Marketing Manager Cheryl Heilman. “Buyers love Ravenswood for the familiarity of a small-town setting, a community with a blossoming calendar of events and the family friendly design. Its charming and stylish architecture and a layout allowing a walkable village lifestyle with inviting parks and quiet streets makes it even more attractive to consider Ravenswood.” Ravenswood offers its residents close proximity to Airdrie’s endless amenities and a short commute to the City of Calgary. Their location in Airdrie’s southeast works very well for commuters. “If you work in Calgary, we’re just off Highway 2 with less lights to negotiate,” she adds. “And the kinds of amenities that you readily have is off the charts,” Heilman says. A distinctive variety of dining, entertainment, attractions, cultural events, sporting events and shopping — including nearby CrossIron Mills — are easily accessible to Ravenswood residents. There’s a neighbourhood shopping centre with groceries, pubs and restaurants just outside Ravenswood’s gates. Forgetting milk is never a problem, says long-time Ravenswood resident, Adam. “We are walking distance from so many fantastic restaurants and shopping centres. We also have a large grocery store right nearby.”

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community profile n Ravenswood

fast facts Ravenswood’s many parks, green corridors and playgrounds also have been strategically placed throughout the community, creating an idyllic setting that invites residents to stroll, cycle or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Major open spaces and external pathways in southeast Airdrie are linked to the neighbourhood through a comprehensive pathway system. Schools — always an important aspect for family life — are located nearby as well. There is the French immersion K-12 school, École Francophone d’Airdrie, including an attached preschool (right off the new show home parade, in fact) and another K-8 public school within walking distance. Ravenswood offers larger lots than other communities, giving buyers the opportunity to own a larger house and/or yard. What’s more appealing is that Ravenswood offers just the kind of homes that families will love. There are townhomes, detached garage duplexes and laned single-family homes, as well as move-ups with double attached front garages. Owning a home here can start from the $250,000s. The new show home parade shows off a couple of new takes on best-selling models as well as brand new floor plans making their show home debut. These three- and four-bedroom, front attached garage homes from NuVista Homes, Broadview Homes, McKee Homes, and Pacesetter Homes start from 1,600 square-feet and from $442,000. The Cascade IV show home from Broadview Homes is 2,242 squarefeet of modern sophistication with an open-to-above great room that gives the home so much dramatic chracter. It starts at $537,000 including lot and GST. McKee Homes — fresh of its first SAM Awards win this year — brings their Castlerock Lifestyle II to Ravenswood. At 2,070 square-feet it has plenty of functionality to go with its open-concept style. It starts at $498,000 with lot and GST. NuVista Homes’ Kirkwood is one of its most popular models. It’s a four-bedroom beauty with a large central bonus room upstairs separating the kids’ rooms from the master bedroom. It starts at $537,000 including

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COMMUNITY: Ravenswood DEVELOPER: Qualico Developments AVAILABLE HOMES: Multi-family (Townhomes) from the $240,000s ZEN at Ravenswood by Avalon Master Builders, and Emerald New Homes Single-family: Single-family homes from Broadview Homes, McKee Homes, NuVista Homes and Pacesetter by Sterling Homes PRICES: Laned duplex homes from the $362,000s Move up from the $450,000s HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. DIRECTIONS: From Highway 2, exit east at Yankee Valley Blvd. and follow the signs. WEBSITE: www.qualicocommunities.com/ ravenswood

lot and GST. While Pacesetter by Sterling Homes has the Santiago 6, which at 2,363 square-feet is designed with the active family in mind with lots of storage space and practical style. It starts at $501,000. Ravenswood also offers laned duplex models from 1,200 square-feet starting at $362,000, and duplex without garage (1,200 square-feet and up) from $320,000. “Homes in Ravenswood offer amazing value with great access to the many amenities. Ravenswood is also a remarkably tranquil area with very little traffic in the community. Residents can come home and relax after a hectic day. The community has a variety of housing styles to meet the needs and budgets of many different buyers from first time to move-up,” Heilman says. NL

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style n

All decked out

Styling smaller outdoor spaces is easier than you thought David Crosson

or four months of the year (five, if I’m lucky) the balcony off my living room is the centre of my universe. It is a postage stamp compared to its predecessor — upon which I swear you could land aircraft — but what it lacks in square footage it more than makes up for in charm. Truth be told, I prefer the smaller version: it was less expensive to furnish and maintenance is a breeze (literally, I don’t have to sweep or vacuum, the YYC wind does it all). If you have a small balcony — or deck, patio, terrace, lanai, etc. — try to view it as a gift rather than a drawback. True, you won’t be able to entertain hordes of people on it but there’s a lot to be said for intimate conversations on sunny afternoons or inky, star-filled evenings. As I said, dressing up a compact space can be done quite economically … or

PHOTOS COURTESY PIER 1

West Elm’s All-Weather Wicker Colorblock Chair is a summertime stunner, featuring bold colour and pattern in all-weather faux wicker. Try a couple paired with a simple table for maximum aesthetic impact.

Pier 1’s Kimbell Woodgrain Melamine Dinnerware exquisitely captures the driftwood trend and offers a perfect neutral perch for colourful and appetizing summer fare.

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at least not be quite so painful if you decide to really splurge on the goods. With a small footprint it’s always best to treat it like you’re filling up a bucket: rocks first, then pebbles and finally sand. In this case the rocks are your furnishings such as seating and surfaces (tables mainly, but not always), the pebbles are medium-sized items like planters, floor coverings and lighting and the pebbles are small, personality-driven things like accessories and serveware. This helps set priorities and also ensures that you don’t run out of room by buying everything at once and out of sequence! PHOTO COURTESY WEST ELM

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Fortunately, there are many scaled-down options out there for “rocking” a small space, especially if you want to make a statement that will resonate for years to come. In this regard, Brooklyn-based (and Calgary-outposted) West Elm does a stellar job, providing durable, design-considered options at a great price. Their Soleil Metal Outdoor Bistro Dining Set, offered in white, orange and a fabulous fifties-looking turquoise, is a great workhorse collection rendered in tough powder-coated steel. Toss a few snazzy (and hardy) cushions on the chairs and you’ll be sitting pretty all summer long, whether you’re dining, drinking or “dishing”. If it’s major drama you seek, look no further than their All-Weather Wicker Colorblock series, which serves up bold style in an outside-friendly “plicker” material. I love how distinctive and confident the colours and patterns are and yet both are well suited to small spaces without appearing overly

PHOTO COURTESY WEST ELM

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Dressing up a compact space can be done quite economically … or at least not be quite so painful if you decide to really splurge on the goods.

West Elm, a great source for stylish pieces at excellent prices, brings dazzling to dining with their Soleil Metal Outdoor Bistro Set, offered in crisp white, cool turquoise and sunny orange, as depicted here.

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With its subtle knot detail, Pier 1’s Cobalt Rope Lumbar Pillow offers superb nautical flair at a great price—the perfect combination for elevated al fresco style on a downto-earth budget. Pier 1’s Ceramic Tile Tray and Azure Tile Melamine Dinnerware both capture hot Moroccan flair for even hotter summer days. They’re so chic that even a lowly barbecued hot dog would look like gourmet cuisine served atop either.

dominant. I can pretty much guarantee you won’t find anything as interesting anywhere (especially at the price point) so it makes both aesthetic and economic sense to snap a couple up. Once you have your main pieces in place it’s time to move on to supplementary items such as planters, rugs and lighting. Although I do love a classic ceramic drum stool used as a table, there is so much more than can be done. Maria Tomas offers a dual-purpose solution that serves as both a table and lighting in the form of Twist Productions’ “Blok”, made of easy-to-maintain white polyethylene and simple enough to serve a variety of décor styles. Even with an endless supply of your favourite libation perched atop the real fun lies inside, as it can be programmed to give off a rainbow of hues thanks to LEDs concealed within. If you already have a table in place, you can still bask in the glow of one of Twist’s other sculptural lighting products, such as their tree-inspired Mia Serata model, which really helps makes use of your vertical space. Once you’re done with your primary and secondary pieces, it’s time to deck out your deck with accessories — and this is really where you can let your personality shine through. Whether you opt for bold or neutral,

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

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Pier 1 covers the waterfront with their wide range of offerings, all at really attractive prices. Their Azure Tile Melamine Dinnerware is a great take on the Moroccan trend, as is their Ceramic Tile Tray, which will provide a vibrant base for everything from coffee to canapes. If you prefer your food to take a starring role, their Kimbell Woodgrain Melamine Dinnerware will really put your fare front and centre, popping off a background of on-trend taupes and greys. Switching gears to soft goods, Pier 1 does a great job with pillows, many of which strike a summery nautical note without bashing you over the head with anchors and lobsters. Better still, they are available in a range of colours so you’re sure to find a hue that’s right for you. Perhaps it’s the fleeting nature of Calgary summers that make them so appealing — there’s a sense of “get it while the going’s good” that emphasizes the preciousness of the season. Regardless of how you apply the rock/pebbles/ sand formula to your own situation, I hope have a wonderful summer. NL

PHOTOS COURTESY PIER 1

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a day in calgary stampede

It’s a cowboy thing Stampede 2017 promises to be something special Shelley Boettcher

S H A U N R O B I N S O N C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E , K Y L E C L A P H A M C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E

P H O T O C R E D I T: M I K E R I D E W O O D C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E , B I L L M A R S H C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E , C H R I S B O L A N C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E ,

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ou can’t call yourself a true Calgarian if you’ve never been to the Calgary Stampede, which takes place July 7 to 16 this year. The annual rodeo and party has been held every year since 1912, and every year, organizers manage to put a fresh spin on the festivities. “There is always something new; that’s for sure,” says Danielle Savoni, the Stampede’s public relations manager. But the new stuff doesn’t come at the expense of the old, she notes. You’ll still find the world-famous rodeo every afternoon, the chuckwagon races, Indian Village and plenty of cowboys and cowgirls, too. “The Calgary Stampede rodeo is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world,” Savoni says. “The competitors we invite are some of the best the sport has to offer.” Here’s a look at some highlights to check out during this year’s Calgary Stampede. For more details, including ticket prices, go to calgarystampede.com.

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a day in calgary stampede

NEW PARADE ROUTE

WHO WILL HEAD THE PARADE?

For the first time in almost 50 years, the Calgary Stampede parade route is shifting, to allow easier access to the park as the parade ends. It will follow the same 4.5 kilometre route as previous years, but will go the opposite direction: starting at 9th Avenue and First Street S.E., and moving toward Sixth Avenue and Third Street S.E. This year’s parade takes place Friday, July 7. The prelude starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the main parade at 8:55 a.m. The popular two-hour parade will feature about 170 entries. After the parade’s completion, there will be free admission to the Stampede grounds until 1:30 p.m.

As of press time, the Stampede parade marshal has not yet been named, but previous marshals have included astronaut Chris Hadfield, singer Bing Crosby, Olympic Speed Skating Gold Medalist Catriona Le May Doan, Prince Charles, Walt Disney and a slew of actors, including William Shatner, Sam Elliot, Christopher Reeve and Leslie Neilson.

THE GRANDSTAND SHOW Singing. Dancing. Acrobatics and, of course, the world-renowned chuckwagon races. This year, Canadian musical icon and Calgary legend Jann Arden will host this spectacular evening event, which takes place every night during the 10-day party. Born and raised in Calgary, Arden has had a string of internationally acclaimed albums and is known for such hits as Insensitive and Could I Be Your Girl.

CANADA 150 DAY On Tuesday, June 11, the Stampede team will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, with “lots of Canadian-inspired pop-up events,” says Savoni. It will replace the Stampede’s Western Heritage Day this year.

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a day in calgary stampede

S H A U N R O B I N S O N C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E , K Y L E C L A P H A M C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E

P H O T O C R E D I T: M I K E R I D E W O O D C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E , B I L L M A R S H C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E , C H R I S B O L A N C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E ,

WACKY FOOD

LIGHT IT UP This year, motocross legend Keith Sayers and his team of gold medal riders will perform extreme gravity-defying tricks during Light It Up at the Bell Adrenaline Ranch.

STAMPEDE CONCERTS Don’t miss the free (well, free with admission) concerts on the Coca-Cola Stage and Nashville North. “We have more than 60 artists across two stages over the 10 days,” says Savoni. “And this is the most music we’ve ever featured on the Coca-Cola Stage.” Here are just a few highlights from this year’s lineup on the Coca-Cola Stage: July 7: USS July 8: Theory of a Deadman July 9: Sabrina Carpenter July 10: Nelly Furtado July 12: The Strumbellas and the Elwins July 13: Alessia Cara July 14: Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals July 15: Whitehorse, The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer and The Sadies July 16: July Talk and Faith Healer

Just like every year at the Stampede, there are lots of unusual new dishes to test out. Some of this year’s standouts: The Cookie Dough-ne — Cookie dough in a waﬄe cone, topped with cotton candy and sprinkles. Rolled Ice Cream — Literally, rolled-up ice cream, served with toppings, including brownies, graham crackers and whipped cream. Unicorn White Hot Chocolate — White hot chocolate, loaded up with rainbow sour poppers, sprinkles, a rainbow candy ribbon and cotton candy. Deep Fried Jell-O — Dough filled with Jell-O, deep-fried and sprinkled with icing sugar. Clam Chowder Poutine — Chunky, creamy clam chowder atop cheese curds and fries, garnished with crisped crab meat. Rain Drop Cake — A mysterious jiggly cake that turns into water. Or does it? World’s Hottest Pizza — Loaded with Carolina reaper peppers, the planet’s hottest pepper, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Canadian Bacon Pickle Balls — Bacon wrapped around a hot dog and pickle, battered and deep-fried. Served on a stick. Cereal Monster Sandwiches — Cereal-marshmallow squares stuffed with ice cream. Maple Walnut Cotton Candy — The name says it all, made in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary. Pie Shakes — Pie or cake and milkshakes, all in one big cup. A Metre-Long Sausage — Just what it sounds like, topped with peppers, onions and special sauce. Share with friends, or try to eat it all yourself. Crispy Chicken Feet — Literally, deep-fried chicken feet. Yes, you read that correctly. “But, of course, we’ll have plenty of foods for those of us who aren’t so adventurous,” Savoni says. “There is something for everyone… and then some.” NL

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Step by step

rug and alcohol addiction is a serious issue that plagues many individuals and their families. Addiction knows no bounds, and addiction in youth, in particular, is a rising concern. These days it’s getting even deadlier. With all the new opioids available on the black market, including the deadly fentanyl epidemic, even with all the news coverage and information available, they still have that alluring affect that regrettably has taken far too many young lives. That’s what makes the work done at Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) so important. AARC provides a safe and understanding option for families that have a child battling addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol or both. Here, families will find the physical treatment and emotional support that they need to move past this very difficult chapter in their lives. “There is no other place like AARC,” says Jennifer Allen, an AARC graduate with a unique story of her own. “When you get to a place of desperation, I truly believe that AARC is the place that can help you.” Just 14-years-old when she began the program at AARC, Jennifer started using drugs when she was “around 12-yearsold”, and found that her high-risk behavior, including drug use, continued to escalate. Like so many under the influence of drugs, she says, “I thought I knew it all. Even after spending many months here, when I finished the program, I didn’t sober up right away,” she continues. Jennifer Allen “I lived on the streets, was in and out of jail,” she recalls, and

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as time went by her family began to move on without her. Fortunately, Jennifer still had the solid personal foundation that she learned at AARC, and she finally decided to get clean and sober. Thanks to some basic life skills, a strong sense of self-worth, and 12 key steps she had learned at AARC that she could lean on, she was able to get herself into a living skills program. She was 22 years old when she decided once and for all to turn her life around. “It was hard,” she admits. “I had to get through a lot of barriers, I went back to school after I got sober, I got into social work, started working in my field at the Calgary Drop-In Centre,” she says.

Jennifer with family

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Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre rebuilding lives one family at a time

Now, at 30 years of age, Jennifer is happily married with children of her own, living a life that is healthy both physically and mentally. Though too humble to say it, she is a prime example of the strength of the human spirit and the will to persevere, qualities needed to overcome addiction and, further, to actually succeed in life, whatever that definition of success may be. For Jennifer, she’s found it. “Life is calm and good,” she says. “I wanted to come back and work at AARC. My driving motivation for wanting to work at AARC was if I could prevent any of these kids from having to go through all these extra years of pain and destruction that I had to go through, then that was my main motivation. “For parents out there who have a child dealing with addiction, if you feel like things are getting out of control, there is still lots of hope. AARC saved me and they can help your family too.” AARC graduates and staff are a special group of people with first-hand experience that cannot be measured in years or on paper. All are trained professionals, and many were once clients, a key ingredient that sets AARC apart.

“For parents out there who have a child dealing with addiction, if you feel like things are getting out of control, there is still lots of hope. AARC saved me and they can help your family too.” “When families come to AARC, this is usually the last stop,” says Anna Scott, Event Co-ordinator at AARC. “We never turn a family away for financial reasons. Through our fundraising efforts, with our gala and golf tournament every year, we are able to subsidize fees for families to ensure that every family gets the help and treatment they need.” With it being their 25th anniversary celebration this year, “our gala was a huge success, we raised close to $1.1 million dollars” she says. “We had the opportunity to highlight our strong long-term supporters, and show our supporters how much their help is appreciated and how many families it has saved.” AARC does all of this with no government funding. That’s right, zero. The events they hold every year truly are the fuel that keeps this engine running as they strive to continue to help each family through their difficult times. The next fundraising event is the annual golf tournament, which is taking place on August 21 at the Silvertip Golf Resort in Canmore, where there will be a variety of fun events, and you’ll enjoy a fabulous day out on the course. For more information please check out www.aarc.ab.ca NL JULY 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

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calgary map

Northwest

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Northeast n calgary map

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calgary map

Southwest | Southeast | Calgary Area

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Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map

AIRDRIE

OKOTOKS

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advertisers index n Anthem United Belmont page 2 Apex Developments Heartland Cover, pages 12-14 DS Homes page 41

Mattamy Homes releases new lots

Harmony Park Boulder Creek page 3

THERE IS NEWFOUND optimism in Calgary’s business community these days, as a semiannual survey conducted by the Calgary Chamber and Calgary Economic Development revealed that 61 per cent of those asked say their company would perform “better” in the year ahead, while 13 per cent expect the future to be “a lot better.” The new home industry is taking notice. Mattamy Homes, in particular, has already taken steps inspired by this air of confidence and is releasing more than 100 new lots in their various communities in and around Calgary. “With the recent talk of market confidence in the news,” says Warren Saunders, Mattamy’s Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, “Mattamy Homes, over a three-week period, is releasing approximately 108 lots across our three communities.” The second week of June saw Mattamy Homes release 37 single-family move-up home lots

Homes by Dream Arrival Collection page 16 Jayman BUILT page 7 Mattamy Homes Back cover McKee Homes page 25 NuVista Homes page 4 Qualico Communities Redstone page 47 Qualico Communities Evanston page 29 Reliance Home Comfort page 15

Lyalta poised for growth

Rock the House Run page 34 Sketch NanoTechnologies page 34 Walton Cornerstone page 9

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in their Cityscape community in the northeast, followed by 36 Village townhomes (no condo fees) and 24 Manor Townhomes in The Gates at Hillcrest in Airdrie the following week. Finally, towards the last week of June, they will be releasing 21 new single-family lots in Southwinds, also in Airdrie. “On top of that,” Saunders adds, “our Carrington sales centre and show homes are under construction and taking shape in northwest Calgary.”

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This 700-lot gated community which enLYALTA IS POISED for a major growth velopes the 18-hole Lakes of Muirfield Golf spurt, as plans were announced for a new Course has already 119 occupied households, community in this hamlet just east of Calgary, and it’s future has never been brighter. “We and even as a permanent water treatment will have two new home builders in the solution is about to be put in place. community — Indus Homes and Gulf Homes The Homesteads, a new community that will — who will be joining Douglas Homes and bring in 3,000 new homes to Lyalta, has been Vanity Homes in the builder group,” says given approval by the Municipal Government Heather Dougall, a local realtor who has been Board. At a press conference on June 8, 2017, instrumental in the community’s growth. Bill Maher, who heads The Homestead de“All the homes in The Lakes of Muirfield velopment, says construction will be starting either back onto the golf course or green soon and sales are likely to begin by the fall. space. It is serene neighbourhood that’s It was also announced during the press also very warm and welcoming conference that an “immito newcomers,” she adds. nent” solution is underway to Lyalta is about 20 minutes east create a permanent wasteof the Calgary city limits and water solution for the area. about 35 minutes to the downtown Both come as welcome core, 10 minutes to neighbournews to the residents of ing town of Strathmore, and Lyalta, particularly those about 25 minutes to the Calgary in the golf community of International Airport. “It is very The Lakes of Muirfield, accessible but still far enough which lies adjacent to The from the hectic city life that it Homesteads and which has Bill Maher feels a world away,” Maher says. also seen steady growth.

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Bright future for Building Futures THE FUTURE NEVER looked brighter for Building Futures, as the immersive off-campus education program for Airdrie’s Grade 10 students opened their latest show home in Ravenswood in Airdrie. The full-year education program, a partnership between McKee Homes and the Rockyview School Division, had 32 pupils in this school year from all three of Airdrie’s high schools to help build a McKee Homes’ duplex in this southeast Airdrie community. “The students were involved in almost every aspect of the home building process, from cribbing, framing and this year they had a contest on designing the interiors of the two homes,” says Elaine Doel, President of McKee Homes. Now on their fourth year, Building Futures has grown to become one of the most popular educational programs in Student, Faith Graham (right), with Elaine Doel. Airdrie, so popular that Cochrane has now started their own program. “We started with just having students from George McDougall High School, now we take in students from all three of Airdrie’s high schools, and we get more than 100 students applying every year,” Doel says. Building Futures teaches students home building from the foundation up. Students are introduced to every angle of home construction, in a classroom they help to build themselves. All this, while getting their high school education right on site. “It’s a special program, and we’d like to thank our past and current partners and sponsors for their vision and support — and we’d like to congratulate and commend Building Futures students and their supportive parents for their initiative,” Doel says.

By Pepper Rodriguez

Harmony’s Broadview show homes turn to art galleries WHAT BETTER WAY to showcase fabulous works of art than in a show home, where buyers looking for a home can actually see the transformative value of paintings or sculptures and other art pieces in their living space. That was the idea behind Broadview Homes’ party that turned two of their three distinguished showhomes in the new community of Harmony into temporary art galleries. Broadview Homes hosted an exclusive Canadian celebration for 200 art lovers, friends, and industry partners called 13 Art Event on May 13th, 2017 that featured the art of celebrated Canadian artist Jason Gogo. Gogo, who has a loyal following of art enthusiasts and celebrities alike after decades of working in Calgary, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and beyond, produced a series of paintings, specifically for the spaces in Broadview’s show homes for a special, limited-time showing. As a personal friend of Gogo’s, Broadview Homes’ Vice President Peter-John Woolf felt it simply made sense to combine the artists’ talents with their unique homes — and to invite Calgarians to partake in the whole inspiring experience. “For years, we’ve been saying that we’ve got to do something really outstanding together. Broadview Homes has become a preferred builder, and a SAM builder of the year, largely through never creating the same home twice, we truly build our homes with each homebuyer in mind” said Woolf. “So of course, with the homes we’ve designed specifically for Harmony — itself an arts-based community — we saw an

opportunity to work with Jason and let his art take over our space for a while, so to speak. The chance to then welcome people into our homes for the ultimate art gallery experience was the cherry on top and very exciting to us.” New Home Living was invited to the “13” party which had guests gather at the Earls Tin Palace in Calgary’s Mission neighbourhood prior to be being whisked to Harmony, approximately 35 minutes away, where Broadview’s living rooms, dining rooms and outdoor patios alike were transformed into the ultimate venue for live entertainment by Grammy award-winning musician Oscar Lopez, and other special guests who performed throughout the night. Works by fellow artists Michelle Krueger and Milton Jon Milton (Gogo’s sister and father) were also available for viewing and purchase during the party exclusively. Broadview show homes in Harmony are located at 53, 57 and 61 Paintbrush Park.

Calgary housing starts remain on upward trend HOUSING STARTS IN the Calgary Metropolitan Area remained on an upward swing with a total of 957 starts in May 2017, compared to 648 in the same month last year. Year-to-date numbers show 4,135 units have begun construction this year, significantly higher than the 3,030 in the same period in 2016. The totals reflect 369 single-family home starts in May, plus 588 of semi-detached, row and apartment housing. This year is clearly outpacing May 2016 when only 243 single-family and 405 multi-family developments were started. NL

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By Marty Hope

OPTIMISM IN COCHRANE La Vita’s Fireside and The Willows communities primed for growth COCHRANE CONTINUES TO attract its fair share of new-home shoppers craving the small-town atmosphere. And a stone’s throw south of the downtown area of this historic western town with a population just shy of 26,000 a pair of sister communities — Fireside and The Willows — have been created by La Vita Land that have lured many a home shopper because of location, quality, amenities, and affordability. La Vita Land general manager Justin Mauro is cautiously optimistic that demand will strengthen this year as the impact of a two-year economic downturn eases. “Consumers are still wary and continue to shop for the best value they can find,” he says. “In the short term, we are expecting 2017 to be similar to last year. In the longer term, we’re confident the economic conditions in Calgary will strengthen over the next two to three years as the oil and gas industry retools its strategies to work with low commodity prices. “That, in turn, will serve as stimulus for those looking to purchase a new home, with more buyers looking to what Cochrane has to offer.” During this spring’s annual SAM Awards gala presented by the Calgary region’s housing and development industries, both communities were among the finalists for the Community of the Year Award for the Calgary region. The bigger, older sister is Fireside that presented its first show home parade in 2011 and still has another eight or nine

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years before reaching build-out, according to Mauro. By that time, there will be approximately 2,000 homes spread over about 300 acres of land. Housing styles include single-family detached, semi-detached, townhomes, and bungalow villas, with prices ranging from $350,000 for detached up to $450,000 for the villas. Later this year, Fireside will break ground on the first semi-estate phase that will offer larger homes, and lots backing onto green space. The Willows opened its first show home parade in 2013 and will have 450 lots on its 60 acres of former pastureland when it reaches its projected build-out in two years. Housing types are similar to those in Fireside, but without the villas. Prices range from the $350,000s for detached product to $380,000 for townhomes. In the meantime, The Willows will intro-

duce a new phase this summer that will be made up of mostly single-family homes with front-drive garages. So, what’s the appeal of these communities? “The small-town atmosphere and amenities Cochrane has are very appealing for families, particularly when you factor in the savings for a home in Cochrane versus Calgary,” says Mauro. And like siblings, each presents a different profile. According to Mauro, Fireside is the “best choice” for families because of the amenities that will be offered, such as a K-8 school scheduled to open this year, a pre-school ready for next year, and additional shops and services. “The Willows, on the other hand, is a boutique community having just 450 homes when completed. It is smaller, quieter, and cozier, but is still very close to all the amenities,” he adds. And the buyer profile is just a broad as the housing styles and prices in both Fireside and The Willows where there will be a mix of young families blended with empty-nesters making a lifestyle change. 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.