MARCH 2018
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 147 n MARCH 2018
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contents 14
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COVER FEATURE
Home evolution Courtyard homes personify Jayman BUILT’s innovative design approach FOCUS ON
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High-tech helpers
SHOW HOME PROFILES
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40
Home cleaning is less tedious with advances in vacuum technology
Pair of aces
STYLE
36 Tidy up
Spring brings house cleaning to the fore
Rohit Communities paired homes in Heartland are a winning hand
20 Lofty style
Excel Homes’ Huntley in Walden brings home design to a peak
FEATURE
40 Yard pride
Carson Arthur talks best outdoor renovation tips at Calgary Home + Garden Show
COMMUNITY PROFILES
26 Auspicious debut
Parks of Harvest Hills starts 2018 with a bang
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IN THE CITY
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A small town’s growth
Adopt, don’t shop!
How the Calgary Humane Society can help you get a furry friend
COLUMNS
49 50 54
Around Town Real Estate Insider Hope at Large ITEMS
6 53
Editor’s Message Advertiser Index
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New community of D’A rcy keeps true to Okotoks’ small town values
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editor’s message n
March madness
I don’t know about you, but spring cannot come earlier for me. Like many, I’ve had enough of the nasty, cold winter weather we’ve had this year. My shoulder’s letting me know about it, with the piles of snow I’ve had to shovel this year. But what gives me a glimmer of hope that winter’s end is near is the advent of the Calgary Home + Garden Show. The annual home expo is my signpost that spring is almost here, and maybe now I can unclench my fists from their death grip on the steering wheel driving down the ice rink that is Deerfoot Trail. Calgary Home + Garden Show is bringing in Carson Arthur (middle) with Source noted outdoor renovation expert Carson Arthur as Media Group’s Ian Serpanchy and New Home Living editor Pepper Rodriguez. one of its headliners this year. We got a chance to see Carson at a sneak peek of his presentation the show organizers put together and there were a lot of ideas to absorb. Readers can get a little of his imaginative approach to outdoor design in the feature we have inside. Better yet, check him out live at the show happening March 1 to 4 at the Stampede Grounds. We’ll be there as well. Speaking of imagination, our cover feature on Jayman BUILT’s Courtyard show homes in Cornerstone tells again of the renowned builder’s innovative approach to home design. The rear-attached garage homes with side courtyards have been a big hit in this northeast community and we see why. We also have Rohit Communities’ paired homes in Heartland in Cochrane that brings a new sense of luxury to the paired home market. Then we visit Excel Homes’ most popular model, Huntley, whose loft design is a huge reason for its appeal. We’re also excited about the new communities coming down the pipeline. There’s the Parks of Harvest Hills by Cedarglen that managed to have a breakout sales event even during a crazy snowstorm that closed Deerfoot Trail. We also get to see a bit of what’s planned for D’Arcy by Anthem United down in Okotoks and its design for growth while staying true to small town values. Spring is also about spring cleaning and our in-house fashionista and STYLE writer, Christina Loc, has some of the best advice for an uncluttered lifestyle. Mel Ladner dwells on the new fangled vacuums that can help us achieve this level of cleanliness in her Focus On photo feature. There is a lot more to look forward to in the year, lots of new show homes and new communities are in the pipeline, which you can learn more about on our website www. calgaryhomeliving.com. Join us for the ride, it’ll be fun.
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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
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 CONTRIBUTORS
Brandi Holmes, Marty Hope, Mel Ladner Christina Loc, Mario Toneguzzi ADVERTISING
advertising@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
©2018 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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Our bathroom issue OUR NEW WEBSITE
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focus on
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9 Home cleaning is less tedious with advances in vacuum technology
High-tech helpers n BY
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Mel Ladner
WE DON’T HAVE The Jetson’s Rosie the Robot yet. But it’s getting close. This year’s spring cleaning promises to use less elbow grease and more technology with bag-less to cordless to robotic vacuums for every possible purpose. Whether you have furry pets, tight spaces or a great room there is a device with the right amount of suction and that is available in a variety of price ranges, styles, brands and even colours! Start off your spring cleaning right with one of these cleaning devices that does most of the work. NL
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OUR NEW WEBSITE
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focus on
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[ 1 ] Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum in Yellow, $699.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond. [ 2 ] iRobot Roomba 652 Vacuuming Robot, $549.99 at Canadian Tire. [ 3 ] Black & Decker® 20V Max Lithium Pivot Hand Vacuum, $99.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond. [ 4 ] Dyson Cinetic DC77 Multi Floor Upright Vacuum, $699.99 at Canadian Tire. [ 5 ] Dirt Devil AccuCharge 15.6 Volt Stick Vac – Cordless, $98.96 at Home Depot.
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[ 6 ] Shark® Rotator® NV752 Powered Lift-Away® Vacuum, $359.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond. [ 7 ] RIGID 37.5L 6 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum, $148 at Home Depot. [ 8 ] Dirt Devil QuickFlip Pro Cordless Bagless Handheld Vacuum, $129.99 at Canadian Tire. [ 9 ] Libman Mop, $16.98 at Home Depot.
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
HOME EVOLUTION Courtyard homes personify Jayman BUILT’s innovative design approach
J
ayman BUILT has long prided themselves for their imaginative, innovative approach to home design, and their Courtyards line of homes in Cornerstone takes the evolution of the family home to its next level. These rear-attached double garage move-up homes with a side courtyard have been a big hit for the multi-awarded builder as it continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers, including young families, downsizers and multi-generational families. “People in general are curious about this new concept and are appreciating it, as well,” says area manager Nishi Saraswat. “They find it very practical and adaptable to their lifestyle.” She noted that for one thing, the side yards in rear-attached garage homes are more low maintenance. Also, Courtyard homes have much larger main floors and basements compared to front attached garage models, she says. “The front attached garage will use up square footage on both levels. Rear-attached homes also have more windows on the main floor giving the interior ample direct sunlight and presents a friendlier street frontage.” She cites that Jayman BUILT’s Courtyard homes are great for families with young children. “The yard is enclosed so it’s very safe to let small kids run around in. It’s also a great spot to entertain friends in or enjoy the morning sun with a cup of coffee.” She adds that the larger, more efficiently designed open-concept main floor and the roomier basement
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make the Courtyards quite attractive to bigger families. “The garages themselves are bigger at 20-by-24-feet, so owners get more room for a work station or to store bikes and other larger toys.” Jayman BUILT offers four Courtyard models, including the Carrara and Istoria
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
PHOTOS ON THESE PAGES ARE OF CARRARA
Courtyard homes have much larger main floors and basements compared to front attached garage models.
separate great rooms on the main floor, which is preferred by a few cultures.” Jayman BUILT is offering quick possession Courtyard homes in Cornerstone with options for three- or four-bedrooms with or without bonus room, Saraswat says. The starting price is $459,900. “All Courtyard homes are approximately under $500,000.” Courtyard homes are offered exclusively in Cornerstone, the popular northeast community by Walton Developments. There are five future school sites in the community, as well as a Major Activity Centre (MAC), which will offer plenty of shopping, commercial and employment opportunities, making it a true live-work-play community. “It’s the perfect family community,” Saraswat says. Quick possession Courtyard homes come with various standard features including granite/quartz in the kitchen, laminate flooring, nine-foot main floor ceiling, Samsung stainless steel appliances, and more.
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show homes. They have also added the new Rhys and Perth models. Saraswat is particularly excited about the Rhys. “The new Rhys model gives buyers an option of two master bedrooms, with one on the main floor, plus two kids rooms and a bonus room.” The Istoria and Carrara show homes, so far, have sold best. “Both are 2,138 square-feet with layouts equally popular among the clientele. The Carrara is popular for its open concept layout with a study table on the main floor. The Istoria is favoured for its flex room option and bigger pantry on the floor, it also provides an option of having two OUR NEW WEBSITE
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE | PHOTOS ON THESE PAGE ARE OF ISTORIA
FAST FACTS: BUILDER: Jayman BUILT COMMUNITY: Cornerstone STYLE: Courtyard homes with rear-attached double garage SIZE: Istoria and Carrara show homes are at 2,138 sq. ft. PRICE: Courtyard homes start from $459,900 ADDRESS: 7 & 11 Cornerstone Passage N.E. SHOW HOME HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.jayman.com
“Moreover, all of our homes include Triple Pane windows with low E glass and argon fill for superior efficiency and comfort. The tank less water heater and 96 per cent efficiency furnace will also contribute toward cost savings on your utility bill. Every home is also roughed in for future solar panels for easy installation.” Most importantly, Courtyard homes — like all Jayman BUILT homes — is built to the exacting standards of the renowned Calgary-based builder. Jayman BUILT recently launched ‘Our Signature is a Promise’ campaign that is built on the premise that a Jayman signature is the greatest symbol of its reputation — not only at a corporate level, but at a personal level for the family and employees of Jayman. The campaign is founded upon customer and employee stories that speak to the commitment Jayman brings to all facets of its business — from the hammer and nails to the moving van. “Since my father founded Jayman in 1980, we have been committed to building homes that deliver premier performance and the highest quality finishings,” says Jay Westman, chairman and CEO, Jayman BUILT. “From the beginning, our customers, employees and Albertans have been our
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primary focus; they have played a key role in shaping the Jayman legacy and it is this legacy that will ensure our success continues in the future,” Westman continues. “Our goal is to keep growing and expanding — not only in the number of home sales — but in the way we deliver innovative homes, features and lifestyle options to our customers, the way in which we engage our employees, and the way we continue to support the communities we operate in. We are looking forward to continuing our legacy and our promise for decades to come,” says Westman. n
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show home profile n ROHIT Communities
PAIR OF ACES
Rohit Communities paired homes in Heartland are a winning hand
n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
BUYING A HOUSE can be the biggest gamble of a lifetime, but Rohit Communities newly released paired homes in Cochrane are nothing if not a safe - and stylish - bet. Rohit Communities is one of the biggest homebuilders and developers in Alberta, and they have recently expanded to the Calgary area, including in Cochrane’s Heartland where they have introduced paired homes from the low $300,000s. “Heartland is our first development here in Cochrane, and we chose to launch in Heartland because of its vision for a modern country living lifestyle is one we share,” says Rohit’s Scott Garnett. “Living in Heartland brings together nature and the great outdoors, meshes it with amenity rich neighborhoods, and gives you unprecedented value that simply isn’t available in the City of Calgary,” Garnett says. “In fact, we are getting a lot of interests from residents of Cochrane who were looking elsewhere for their new home because they couldn’t find what they were looking for in town,” he adds. “There is about a $40,000 price difference compared to similar homes in north Calgary. Our paired homes have the exact level of style and affordability that buyers are looking for.” Their Denver and Hudson show homes opened in last fall and have caused a sensation in the community with their signature blend of functionality and flair.
RIGHT The 1,460-square-foot Denver show home is designed in Rohit’s Timeless Traditional style that that embraces elegance, with rich colour, texture and opulence, including the hand-sculpted, wire-brush oak flooring in the main floor.
PHOTOS ON THE SE PAGE S ARE OF THE DENVER SHOW HOME
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TOP FAR LEFT The three-bedroom two-and-a-half bath Denver fits the needs of a lot of buyers. The master bedroom has the space and standard features that first-time buyers and downsizers look for, including a spacious master ensuite and roomy walk-in closet. ABOVE The Timeless Traditional design of the Denver features a dark, rich finish with impressive raised panel wooden cabinet doors that combine with stainless steel appliances and oil rubbed bronze hardware for that stately look. The Denver starts at $315,990 plus GST.
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ABOVE The central kitchen and flex area in the 700-square-foot main floor of Denver are some of its most appealing features. “It’s the perfect home for first-time buyers and people looking to downsize, the functionality of the open-concept design is ideal for their needs.” RIGHT Marbled quartz countertops and premium oil rubbed bronze fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms give an added elegance to Rohit’s paired homes.
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show home profile n ROHIT Communities PHOTOS ON THE SE PAGE S ARE OF THE HUDSON SHOW HOME
fast facts BUILDER: Rohit Communities
BELOW Hudson’s Contemporary Classic design shines through with the oversized windows that Rohit homes are known for. “We provide a generous amount of windows in every home and they let a ton of natural light shine through the interiors. This is one of the biggest advantages of paired homes over townhomes,” Garnett says.
RIGHT Nine-foot ceilings and laminate floors add plenty of stylish swagger to Hudson’s main floor. Best of all Rohit’s paired homes are some of the most affordable starting at the low $300,000s mark. “Affordability never gets out of style,” Garnett says.
COMMUNITY: Heartland, Cochrane DEVELOPER: Apex Developments SIZE: Starting from 1,104 sq.ft. PRICE: Paired homes start from the low $300,000s ADDRESS: 101 Heartland Blvd., Ccohrane DIRECTIONS: West on Hwy 1A, and left on Heartland Blvd. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends noon to 5 p.m. (Closed Fridays) WEB: www.rohitcommunities.com
ABOVE The 1,672-square-foot Hudson is just as exemplary, and comes with two- or three-bedroom options. “Hudson’s open, spacious main floor with a large functional kitchen are its most popular features,” Garnett says. “Storage is an important part of family life and Hudson has this in spades.”
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RIGHT The Hudson’s attached ensuite has some upgraded features like the fully tiled shower stall, but other than those, it pretty much shows buyers everything they can get standard in one of the most important parts of the home. The Hudson starts at $331,990 plus GST.
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ROHIT Communities
n show
home profile
ABOVE Rohit Communities offers four models of paired homes in Heartland from 1,104 to 1,627 square-feet. Basement development and rear detached garages are offered options. “Our paired homes’ biggest advantage is that buyers get a lot of selection and have the luxury of a bigger yard compared to townhomes,” Garnett adds. NL
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LEFT The Huntley show home in Walden has a finished square-footage of 1,895 square-feet spread over its three levels, including the loft on top. It has three-and-a-half bathrooms and four bedrooms. Excel offers four other laned home models here, including two with loft designs.
ABOVE The stylish cool of Huntley’s kitchen is quite apparent, abetted by the window-over-the-sink design. Full height glass tile backsplash and quartz tops for the U-shaped counter adds a dash of glamour.
LEFT The nine-foot ceilings in the main floor and the fashionable laminate flooring bring a distinct design statement to the spacious, well-lit interiors. The central dining area is key to hosting large gettogethers. “Any one in the main floor can join in the conversation,” Safadi says.
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Excel Homes n show home profile
LOFTY STYLE
Excel Homes’ Huntley in Walden brings home design to a peak n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS looking at future growth, and downsizers not quite ready for the limited space of a townhome or condo, Excel Homes’ Huntley has provided the answer with a lofty idea. The Huntley has been one of Excel Homes’ most popular models since it was introduced, and it is easy to see why. The latest Huntley show home in the growing community of Walden in the southeast brings to light all the features that people have fallen in love with. The brilliant use of space in the open-concept main floor of the 1,895-squarefoot Huntley show home displays the easy comfort and practical functionality of the floor plan. The window looking out the kitchen to the backyard brings sunlit splendour to the interior of this laned home, and the seamless array of cabinetry matched by the sparkling white quartz countertops brings a sense of stylish calm. The third level loft is its most defining feature. “Everyone just seems to fall in love with the idea,” says area manager Tarek Safadi. “ It just provides that much more living space for what families need, and can be turned into a hobby room, a den or a full suite like what we have in the show home.” The Huntely’s best feature, however, remains its price. “The Huntley starts at $378,900, including GST, so it’s perfect for the needs of those looking for their first home or planning to downsize,” he adds. And if laned homes aren’t what you’re looking for, Excel Homes offers a full range of products in Walden from townhomes, duplexes, and double front attached garage move-up homes.
LEFT The fireplace with its designer stone facing in the great room is another popular feature. But the expansive windows in the main floor play a significant role in its overall appeal.
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show home profile n Excel Homes
ABOVE The 507-square-foot loft on the Huntley’s third level comes complete with a bedroom, a full bath and a bonus room. It will cost approximately another $30,000 for this option, but a majority of Huntley buyers with an eye on future growth and need for extra space have chosen to do just that. LEFT Granite countertops in the main bath and tile flooring add a feel of relaxed comfort and style. The full laundry room upstairs speaks to Excel’s ability to use all available space in the most judicious manner.
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Excel Homes
n show
home profile
fast facts BUILDER: Excel Homes COMMUNITY: Walden DEVELOPER: Genstar Developments SIZE: Huntley show home is 1,895 sq. ft. PRICE: Starting from $378,900 including GST ADDRESS: 11 Walgrove Terr. S.E. DIRECTIONS: South on Macleod Tr., left at 210 Ave. and follow the signs HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., Fridays, weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.excelhomes.ca
RIGHT The peaceful ambience of the master bedroom is captured in the Huntely show home that uses a king sized bed to illustrate its spaciousness. Living in Walden though may be its biggest draw. “Walden is such a great community, and is one of the newest established in the city with already existing amenities and more coming down the road,” Safadi says. NL
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community profile n Parks of Harvest Hills
AUSPICIOUS DEBUT E V E N ON T H E snowiest day of the year, people came out in droves to check out the newly unveiled community of The Parks of Harvest Hills. And not only were they checking it out, they were buying. The townhomes and condos that were initially released in this new community from the Cedarglen group of companies were snapped up almost immediately, with 50 sales on the first day. More than 200 people went to their VIP event on February 2 for early registrants, and despite the inclement weather the next day when the on-site presentation centre formally opened, the reception was still very well received. But was it a surprise? Not quite, according to Multi-Family area manager Danielle Halstead. “There is a lot of pent-up demand especially for this location. We’re the only new community in north Calgary located
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south of Stoney Trail, in an already established part of town.” Cedarglen’s group of companies, are the exclusive builders in this new 65-acre residential community in North Calgary by Country Hills Boulevard and just west of Deerfoot Trail. “The Parks of Harvest Hills is something we’re really excited about,” says Cedarglen Homes President Howard Tse. “It gives homebuyers an opportunity to get into a new home in an already well-established part of town.”
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Parks of Harvest Hills
n community
profile
Parks of Harvest Hills starts 2018 with a bang n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
Cedarglen Living — the multi-family arm of Cedarglen — has just released their apartment-style and row townhomes. Prices for apartment style townhomes start from the $190,000s, and row townhomes will be starting in the low $300,000s. While Cedarglen Homes will be offering move-up homes in The Parks of Harvest Hills. Pre-sales for move-up homes will be launching on February 28, 2018. The projected opening date for all three show homes is mid March 2018. Prices for move-up homes will be starting in the $590,000’s. Check their website (www.theparksofharvesthills.com) for the latest news. As mentioned, The Parks of Harvest Hills is in the heart of Calgary’s already-established northern area, adjacent to the communities of Harvest Hills, Coventry Hills, Panorama Hills among others. “You don’t have to wait for amenities to be built, they’re all already in place. Schools, shopping, groceries and entertainment are all within arm’s reach,” she adds. Not the least of which is The District commercial area, not five minutes from its entrance, which already has a great selection of restaurants. Parks of Harvest Hills is also very accessible to major employment hubs in the area — including the airport not 10 minutes away — and has several elementary and middle schools around the immediate vicinity. It has everything that any family could want. What’s even more remarkable is its emphasis on park living. A parks network
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that engages new and existing residents encompasses The Parks of Harvest Hills. With almost 33-acres of community parks and green spaces, 90 per cent of all single-family homes will have direct access to the parks network. These trails and pathways will connect the community to the commercial, educational, retail and recreational amenities nearby. “We took great lengths to consult with all the stakeholders, including the existing communities surrounding it, to come up with a vision that offers timeless living that everyone can be happy with,” Tse tells New Home Living. “We’ve been building in a lot of great communities all these years, and we feel we’ve watched the best and learned from that experience to understand what we need to do to create one,” Tse says.
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WITH ALMOST 33-ACRES OF COMMUNITY PARKS AND GREEN SPACES, 90 PER CENT OF ALL SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES WILL HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE PARKS NETWORK. M ARCH 2018 NE W HOME LIVING
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community profile n Parks of Harvest Hills
fast facts
COMMUNITY: The Parks of Harvest Hills DEVELOPER: Cedarglen BUILDERS: Cedarglen Homes for single-family homes (semi-detached, move-ups and semi-estate homes) Cedarglen Living for multi-family homes (apartment-style condos, and townhome) PRICES: Condos from $190,000s, townhomes from $300,000s, singlefamily homes from $590,000s DIRECTIONS: West on Country Hills Blvd., and left on Harvest Hills Gate N.E. WEBSITE: Visit www. theparksofharvesthills.com for updates
The Parks of Harvest Hills will commit more than 28 per cent of the 26-hectare (65-acre) community to accessible open space, along with the 1.4-hectare (3.5-acre) water feature. At build-out, the community will have a limited offering of about 200 single-family homes by Cedarglen Homes and about 500 multi-family units in two phases of development by Cedarglen Living. Semi-detached homes will be part of the community, as well. The Rise in the Parks of Harvest Hills will have both townhomes and four-storey apartments. There are five townhome models including single car garage, tandem garage, double garage and oversized double garage models. In the four-storey stacked apartment building, there will be 11 models, including of one-, two-, and three-bedroom models, which will appeal to customers in all stages of life. The site will be focused around a central plaza that will function as a communal area for the entire development. Cedarglen Homes is introducing some new single-family models in The Parks of Harvest Hills, including The Monarch, which will be exclusively offered here. At 2,607 squarefeet, The Monarch offers plenty of space for everyone. The main floor includes an open kitchen, nook and great room with large windows to let the natural light flood in. There
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is also a den/bedroom off the foyer to configure to your lifestyle. “We’ve seen demand for this kind of design increasing, especially for households with extended families living with them,” Tse says. The community’s streetscape will include contemporary interpretations on classic architectural styles, including Prairie, Farmhouse, and Craftsman designs. All single-family homes will feature James Hardie-cladding, a high-end exterior material well known for the sturdiness and style it provides to the home. The Parks of Harvest Hills isn’t the only news Cedarglen is excited about for 2018, as they have tons of other developments going on. They are scheduled to open new show homes in the new southwest community of Belmont in the spring, they are also excited about four new show homes in the just opened single-family phase in Seton in the southeast, and new ridge lots in Cranston’s Riverstone. NL
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D'A rcy n community profile
A small town’s growth New community of D’Arcy keeps true to Okotoks’ small town values n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
DR I V I NG DOW N H IG H WAY 2A into Okotoks, sometimes it can’t be helped but hear John Mellencamp’s “Small Town” play in your head. This idyllic town set in the windswept Foothills of southern Alberta perfectly captures what the song is about. But don’t be fooled by the quiet, unassuming demeanor of the town, as growth is happening — and rapidly. One indicator is the new community of D’Arcy, which opens this spring right on the northern doorstep of the town. With sprawling green spaces, plans for two new schools, a high street, community spaces and access to a neighbouring golf course, D’Arcy is a community designed for today’s family with a vision that honours the neighbourhoods’ past. “Okotoks is an incredibly special place,” says Steve LePan, development manager for Anthem United, the developers of D’Arcy. “It’s rich with history and has a strong community identity. In putting together the designs for D’Arcy we knew we wanted to create a neighbourhood centred around lifestyle; a place that would inspire connections and community.”
“OKOTOKS IS AN INCREDIBLY SPECIAL PLACE. IT’S RICH WITH HISTORY AND HAS A STRONG COMMUNITY IDENTITY.”
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community profile n D’A rcy
IN ADDITION TO THE PATHWAY SYSTEM, D’ARCY WILL BE PIONEERING OKOTOKS’ SAFE ROUTE NETWORK AS A CORE COMPONENT OF THE COMMUNITY. D’Arcy will sit on 280 acres of prime real estate connected by a network of pathways. Panoramic views of the Rockies are an everyday treat. And retaining the small town values of Okotoks remains integral in the plans for this new community being developed by Anthem United that begins sales early this spring. It is a master-planned community that has taken every detail into consideration, including the curve of the streets to reflect the view line to the mountains. The open space is designed to connect local residents and neighbouring communities. Land-use considers the diversity of homeowners by offering an abundance of choice. “D’Arcy is one of our most highly anticipated new communities, its location just can’t be beat. It’s a very popular and well known piece of property on the north end of Okotoks bordering the D’Arcy Ranch golf course to the west and Northridge drive to the east with some breath taking views of the Rocky Mountains.” The area of north Okotoks is rich in both environmental and historical significance to the town. It was the site of the town’s first school in 1890. It also holds claim to some of the region’s best views of the Rocky Mountains. “When thinking through what we wanted to create, it was important to us that we honour the existing landscape,” said LePan. Plans for D’Arcy include a robust COMMUNITY: D’ARCY park and pathway system that will conDEVELOPER: Anthem United nect the entire development. “We wanted BUILDERS (FIRST PHASE): to make it easy for residents to connect Laned Homes – Pacesetter by Sterling with the environment, with each other Homes, Trico Homes and also with the community at large.” Paired Homes – Morrison Homes In addition to the pathway system, PRICES: Starting from the $340,000s D’Arcy will be pioneering Okotoks’ Safe WEB: www.darcyokotoks.com Route network as a core component of the community. Safe Routes will be clearly identified and accessible pathways for kids to walk to and from school. “We anticipate a lot of interest from buyers who would otherwise be looking at some of south Calgary’s newer communities. Moving to Okotoks offers them the chance to be at the centre of a small, connected community, rather than the outskirts of big one,” he adds. D’Arcy is named after a long-time farming family from the town 20 minutes south of Calgary. It is bounded on the north by the town boundary, on the south by Sandstone Gate, on the east by Northridge Drive, and on the west by the D’Arcy Ranch golf course.
fast facts
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The golf course is separately owned and not part of the area development, but LePan says they worked with the town and the golf course to ensure there is an appropriate interface as well as access between the golf course and future development of the D’Arcy Lands. “We’re going to be showing product types for all budgets and lifestyles, everything from street towns, townhomes, semi-detached and other multi-family styles, to single-family homes with rear-detached and front attached garages, and move-up and estate homes” he adds. First up will be Morrison Homes’ paired
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homes from the $340,000s, and laned homes from Pacesetter by Sterling Homes and Trico Homes from the $370,000s. Show homes are all opening in May. Move up and Estate Style Home sales will follow in phase 2; however the show homes for these will be under construction later this year in phase one, LePan says. No-condo-fee street towns and villas will follow; there will also be high-end homes in D’Arcy’s estate area. Even in Okotoks’ continued growth it’s small town heart remains unchanged and D’Arcy will see to that. After all, John Mellencamp’s song is ultimately about contentment and setting down roots, and that is exactly what this new community is about. NL
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D’Arcy Ranch golf course
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Tidy up S
pring is in the air and as the sunshine beams through our winter-grimed windows, it is a reminder that now is a good time to tidy up, throw out the unneeded to make room for the new and welcome growth. Here are some suggestions to keep your home clean and organized, which in turn will help keep your thoughts clear, reduce stress and welcome positive energy. Begin with a list of projects to stay focused. Taking things incrementally will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. With list in hand, be sure to have a bucket of cleaning supplies. For a greener method of cleaning, make your own all-purpose cleaner with one cup of water and one cup of vinegar inside a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil like lemon, orange or lavender for a nice scent. Castile soap is another great product to have in your cleaning bucket, along with a few other items including microfiber clothes and paper towels.
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Spring brings house cleaning to the fore n WRITTEN BY
Christina Loc
It’s now time to tackle that list! I hope the first thing on your list is to conquer those behind the door spaces that may be jam packed with so many odds and ends that the thought of opening the door is scary. Pick areas in the home where you are accumulating or stashing things away like the freezer, pantry, linen closet, other closets, drawers and under-the-sink cabinets. Just because storage spaces may be enclosed, these spaces should still be just as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of your home. To help you get your storage spaces organized, start by taking everything out. Go through every item and decide whether to keep, recycle, donate or discard. Give the shelves a good wipe before placing the items you keep back in. Categorize by type, colour and/or
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size. Throw out expired items in your pantry, freezer and medicine cabinet. With smaller items or items that don’t sit so well, especially on typical builder’s grade wire shelving, invest in some storage containers. Purchasing containers should be done after you’ve categorized everything as this will determine what size and shape you will need. I love Mason glass jars as they come in a variety of sizes, are see through, inexpensive, can easily be found at Canadian Tire or Superstore, and free of the controversial health concerns associated with plastic. They are great for the pantry as they are airtight and you can transfer everything that came in shapeless plastic bags in to them. Use Mason jars in other areas of the home for storing cotton balls and swabs, arts and crafts supplies, or nails and screws. You will be amazed what kind of accessories are available for Mason jars. For a more polished look, glass canisters are a great option too. Baskets and storage bins are another must have. Use baskets in closets to store t-shirts, socks, undergarments, scarves and toys (for your kids’ rooms!). Store away winter clothes in storage bins. Categorize your clothes by type of garment, and then by colour to create a functional method of retrieving your items while making it pleasing to the eyes. Under the bathroom sink, use different baskets to organize bath and body products. If you’re tight for space and the linen closet can’t be just a linen closet, create a utility basket to store the nails and screws you’ve already put in to mason jars along with small tools, measuring tape, light bulbs and batteries. Make use of the floor space by incorporating bigger baskets to store heavier and bulkier items. Roll up face clothes and place them inside a basket. Set aside a basket for mismatched socks that stray on laundry day and then some how magically reappear! Another helpful tip to keeping your linen closet looking tidy is to store sheet sets inside its own pillow case. Fold the flat sheet, fitted sheet, and any extra pillow case, before storing it all inside the matching pillow case. This way, the whole set is always together. Place it directly on the shelf or file it away in to a basket with other sheet sets.
»
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JUST BECAUSE STORAGE SPACES MAY BE ENCLOSED, THESE SPACES SHOULD STILL BE JUST AS AESTHETICALLY PLEASING AS THE REST OF YOUR HOME.
There are so many styles of decorative baskets to choose from. Pick ones that compliment your style.
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P HO T O C OUR T E S Y D ON MOLY NE AU X
Having all cleaning supplies in one basket or caddy makes it easy to reach for anytime.
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P HOTO C OUR T E S Y BED B AT H & BE YOND
LEFT: Clear storage bins make it easy to quickly see what’s inside. They come in a variety of sizes and are easy to stack.
In the pantry, use baskets to store snacks and bulk foods. Keep all of your baking decorations together in a bin. Opaque bins are handy for a quick glance. Labels are also convenient. Whether you use a labeler machine or go to the dollar store for hand written tags, they both do a great job. Have fun with labels. Get creative with descriptions and find pretty ribbon to hang your tags that compliment your newly polished storage space. For items that expire, put a purchase date on the label. Once you have decluttered and organized your belongings, the scrubbing and dusting begins. Popular projects and items often overlooked include:
RIGHT: There are lots of accessories available for Mason jars. This spice lid and coffee spoon is by Jarware and can be purchased on Amazon.
. dusting light fixtures, the top of windows and fridge · sweeping under the fridge and stove · dusting your blinds · vacuuming your drapes and upholstery · cleaning your area rugs and windows With spring in the air, let your house smell fresh and odorless. Clean out the food trap in your dishwasher if it has one, and place one cup of vinegar on one of the racks and let it run for one cycle to remove accumulated odors. If you own a microwave, place one cup of vinegar inside and heat it up for approximately two minutes. Wipe down the condensation created inside for a good clean. Use vinegar and baking soda to deodorize and clean your drains. Pull out unwanted debris, like hair or stuck food. Pour down a kettle of hot water. Sprinkle a half cup of baking soda around and inside the drain. Slowly add half a cup of vinegar to the baking soda. Let sit for 5 – 10 minutes and then rinse with boiling water again. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the above cleaning tips to create a beautiful scent that uplifts your mood. It will feel utterly satisfying and cathartic once you check everything off your list. To maintain this feel throughout the year, create small and automatic habits that will save you time in the end. My mother always says, “Christina, if you just spend that extra 30 seconds hanging up your coat or putting your cereal bowl directly in to the dishwasher, things will not accumulate...” Why are mothers always right! Cleaning your space from top to bottom and decluttering will give you an extra spring in your step. Your mind and home deserves it. By getting organized this spring, next spring be a walk in the park, both literally and figuratively! NL
PHOTOS COURTESY JARWARE
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Yard pride
Carson Arthur talks best outdoor renovation tips at Calgary Home + Garden Show n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
A
fter a nasty winter of days-long, bone-chilling temperatures, no one can be blamed for longing to get going on their outdoor renovation projects come the spring. But before anyone gets carried away with ambitious re-dos planned for their backyards, give a listen to what renowned garden design expert Carson Arthur says first. Carson, one of HGTV Canada’s most recognizable names, is one of the headliners at this year’s Calgary Home + Garden Show happening March 1 – 4 at the BMO Centre & Corral, Stampede Park. An international landscape designer with a focus on environmentally friendly design, Carson will be discussing the pitfalls of renovating outdoor spaces in single-family homes. In an interview with New Home Living, Carson says one of the biggest mistakes he has seen is people installing permanent structures in their backyards that are meant solely for little kids, like swings and slides.
Carson Arthur
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n feature
“Over and over, I see backyards being designed to meet the needs of small children. Permanent structures that are the focal point in the middle of the yard limit the longevity of how that space will be used. There are great ways to create a space that works for small children, teenagers and even adults. Versatility is key!” Throughout his 15-year television career, Carson has focused on teaching homeowners how to raise the value of their homes through outdoor renovations. He is the North America outdoor design editor for Outdoor Lifestyle magazine; the outdoor expert for Terra Greenhouses; Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate; and the author of the sold out book Garden Designs for Outdoor Living with a new book scheduled to hit the shelves spring 2018. During his presentation at this years Calgary Home + Garden Show, Carson will share his wealth of experience in remedying disastrous renovations by DIY’ers and professionals. Another costly mistake he constantly sees are lavish, raised decks that don’t account for privacy. “I am constantly seeing homeowners invest in expensive, raised decks with all of the lavish luxuries like outdoor kitchens and posh furniture. While adding these second story decks isn’t the mistake, not accounting for adequate privacy from the neighbours limits how often people want to use them,” he says. “I ALWAYS insist that privacy in an urban backyard is a priority. Putting yourself on display on a second story deck is not how most of us want to use our outdoors.” He says the best advice he can give someone looking to make renovations in their backyard with an eye on the budget is to plan ahead. “Start with a real plan. Having a design that you can work towards as the budget becomes available is the best way to ensure a fully realized backyard oasis. I have to remove gardens all the time when homeowners put in plants and trees just because
“Putting yourself on display on a second story deck is not how most of us want to use our outdoors.” » OUR NEW WEBSITE
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2018 CALGARY HOME + GARDEN HEADLINERS Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault
Rosalyn Lazaruk
Tiffany Pratt
DO THE HOMEWORK to make your home work at the 37th annual Calgary Home + Garden Show, returning this spring, from March 1 – 4, 2018. From paint colour to furniture, landscaping to functionality, the popular home and garden show is the most trusted resource for every home improvement project, inside and out. Today, Marketplace Events is unveiling its all-star line-up of HGTV Canada celebrities set to hit the Main Stage. Celebrity presenters including Todd Talbot, host of HGTV Canada’s Love it or List it Vancouver, Tiffany Pratt and Carson Arthur from HGTV Canada’s Home to Win, and DIY and lifestyle expert Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, will join a lineup of local favourites to deliver insight to up your home and garden game. Joining the HGTV Canada stars on the Main Stage are local favourites including Edmonton interior designer Rosalyn Lazaruk of Wicket Blue Interiors, author Donna Balzer of The Three Year Gardener’s Gratitude Journal, and Calgary’s Cottage Gardener Janet Melrose, among others. With more than 650 exhibitors and an outstanding list of new features designed to whip any home and garden into shape, the Calgary Home + Garden Show is the perfect place to make it yours and take your home to the next level. The Calgary Home + Garden Show runs from Thursday, March 1 to Sunday, March 4 at the BMO Centre. Stay tuned for the final Main Stage schedule, including a bevy of talented local designers, slated for release in the coming weeks. NL
Todd Talbot
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it is spring instead of working towards a longterm plan. In some cases, thousands of dollars are lost,” he tells New Home Living. The biggest trend this year he says is vegetable gardens, especially among the Millennial set. “We are still seeing a heavy push towards vegetables and gardens that give back whether for pollinators, birds or even medicinally. Much of this has been brought on by the Millennials, who as first time homeowners, want to dig in and get their fingers dirty.” But for his upcoming presentation at the Home + Garden Show, Carson says homeowners in the audience can expect to hear more helpful tips in outdoor renovation. “Homeowners are investing in their houses through renovations inside and out. In both of my presentations, I am sharing the new numbers for the value of your renovations and showing the 10 biggest mistakes homeowners make in their outdoor spaces.” “Whether you have a yard or a balcony, we all want to make the most of our outdoor opportunities. I help all homeowners do just that. Why spend money that you won’t see a return on? Be smart with your renovation dollars…inside and out.” Carson will be at the Home + Garden Stage at the Calgary Home + Garden Show on Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 4 at 11 a.m. NL
For more information, or to buy tickets online and save $3 courtesy of RenovationFind.com, visit www.calgaryhgs.com Carson Arthur
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feature
Pet Adoption
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in the city
ADOPT,
don’t shop!
How the Calgary Humane Society can help you get a furry friend
Brandi Holmes Pepper Rodriguez
n WRITTEN BY PHOTOS BY
Y
ou looked long and hard for the perfect place to to the well being of all call home; the right location, community and animals, they will never layout were all factors in your decision-making. turn an animal away that needs their help. Is something still missing? Could it be a lovable, furry, four-legged friend perhaps? Not only dogs and cats Looking for a pet can take just as long as looking for a end up at the shelter, but a wide variety of new home. You need to first decide what kind of animal you want, how they fit into your lifestyle, your home and animals including rabyour family. You are getting a new family member; it bits and reptiles. New Home Living needs to absolutely be the right fit for everyone involved. had the privilege of And once you decide on which animal to get, you have visiting CHS at their to first visit Calgary Humane Society (CHS) to see if you Sage Pullen McIntosh, the Senior February is Manager of Communications and Responsible Pet can adopt one. 43,000 square foot faCommunity Relations Owners’ month. Last year, the non-profit organization housed 5,379 ancility, they have been in imals, with 2,109 being owner surrenders and the remaining strays since 2006. We were also lucky enough to February 20 is get a tour from Sage Pullen McIntosh, the Love Your Pet Day. and seized animals. As an open admission shelter, CHS is dedicated Senior Manager of Communications and Community Relations, who taught us a lot about pet adoption. “We try to learn the most about our animals and our adopters so we can make the best match possible,” Sage says in regards to who can adopt. “We work with everyone individually, even newbie’s, we really try to find that perfect match.” When trying to decide which animal is suitable for your condo, it is extremely important to talk to your condo board first;
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animal like a rabbit or a cat may be more suitable. But it all depends on the specific animal, every one is different.” When it comes to entertaining your pets when you aren’t home, Sage recommends “tons of toys and treat dispensers.” Work with your vet to determine any dietary needs or concerns. Also many dogs can benefit from crate training as a way to save some damage to your home and potentially your dog’s health. certain animals or breeds of animals may not be allowed. You should also be fully aware of what is acceptable pet behaviour in your building and if you have a dog, where the appropriate locations are to take him to “go”. “In smaller spaces, larger breed dogs are probably not recommended,” says Sage, “a lower maintenance
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“We try to learn the most about our animals and our adopters so we can make the best match possible.” “It is important to have both mental and physical stimulation for your animals especially in smaller spaces, so work with us and your veterinarian to determine the proper care for your new pet.” Transitioning an animal from one home to another or from the shelter into your home may also be difficult. Sage says, “cats and rabbits should be started off in one room, dogs should be cornered off as well, and slowly introduced into more of the home, full run of the house right away could be too over whelming.” Adding a new pet to your household is certainly exciting and it may be difficult to resist the cute animals at the pet store, but consider adoption as well. It gives a homeless animal another chance at a happy and loving home. CHS also offers behaviour classes and a helpline to ensure the best results in transitioning a pet. In addition, there is a fully stocked pet gear store on location where new owners can get all the supplies they need to care for their new family member. New Home Living’s tour concluded with Sage saying most importantly, “it is all about working with people and educating them on how to best care for their pets, we want the best results when adopting an animal, so we offer many services and classes to help make that happen.” For more information regarding Calgary Humane Society and all they have to offer, please visit their website at calgaryhumane. ca. NL OUR NEW WEBSITE
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around town n
By Pepper Rodriguez
Finalists for 2018 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence announced THE CANADIAN HOME Builders’ Association (CHBA) announces the finalists for the 2018 National Awards for Housing Excellence. Forty awards are up for grabs at the gala awards night celebrating the country’s best of the best in the homebuilding industry that will be held at the Association’s 75th National Conference on March 23rd in Victoria, British Columbia. Over 700 entries were sent to this year’s national awards program, and Calgary is well represented in the list of finalists with 53. Brookfield Residential has 10 and Homes by Avi
Brookfield Residential
comes in with eight finalist nods for homebuilding and marketing awards. Meanwhile, Kon-strux Developments and Ultimate Renovations are in for 10 and eight renovation and marketing awards, respectively. “These awards recognize the very best in Canadian new homes, home renovations, community development and marketing. Our finalists come from all across Canada and showcase the amazing housing diversity in our country,” said CHBA CEO Kevin Lee. The forty CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence will be presented at the Association’s 75th National Conference on March 23rd in Victoria, British Columbia. Categories include: • New Home Awards (15 in total) • Home Renovation Awards (11 in total) • Marketing Awards (10 in total)
Homes by Avi
• Community Development Awards (1 award) • Net Zero Home Award (1 award) Two major national awards, one for Marketing Excellence and one for Design Excellence, will also be presented to the home builder who has achieved the highest level of success in the marketing and new homes categories respectively. A complete listing by category of all the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence finalists can be found on the CHBA website: www.CHBA.ca.
2018 Foothills Hospital Home Lottery grand prize home opens CALBRIDGE HOMES NEVER fails to impress with their line of grand prize lottery homes for the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery (FHHL), but this year’s $2.4 million 5,600-square-foot edition may just be the best one yet. Located on the shores of Mahogany Lake, the four-bedroom, fourand-a-half bathroom mansion is filled with dramatic moments of form and function. Soaring ceilings with wall-to-wall windows captivate and
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bring a unique sense of elegant luxury. “This home was clearly meant to entertain,” says Eelco Kleinleugenmors, Design Manager at Calbridge Homes. And the dozens of VIP guests at the launch can attest to that. The fully-furnished grand prize home is located on 262 Marine Drive S.E., and Around Town recommends a visit to take in the glamour of the home and support the worthy cause. NL
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real estate insider n
By Mario Toneguzzi
CALMED WATERS Recovery in the cards for housing industry IT CERTAINLY WAS a difficult few years. With the oilpatch hit hard, thousands of well-paid Calgarians took it on the chin and found themselves joining the burgeoning unemployment ranks. What followed was two years of recession in 2015 and 2016. Of course, everyone knows if the oilpatch sneezes the rest of the economy catches a cold. And it certainly did. The real estate industry, and particularly the homebuilding industry, was not immune. But there was a ray of light in 2017 coming out of that dark period. While still fragile, the economy showed signs of rebounding and that was felt in new home construction. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., total housing starts for the Calgary census metropolitan area rose by an impressive 24.8 per cent year-over-year to 11,534 units in 2017. That surge was led by the single-detached market as new home construction spiked 26.8 per cent to 4,423 units while the multi-family market saw an increase of 23.5 per cent to 7,111 units. “The housing market in Calgary has been recovering from the economic slowdown.
…total housing starts for the Calgary census metropolitan area rose by an impressive 24.8 per cent year-over-year to 11,534 units in 2017. 50 | NE W HOME LIVING
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Consumer confidence and labour market conditions have improved while the population continued to increase. This has helped support demand for new housing,” says the CMHC.
NEW HOUSING CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENT As 2017 came to an end, the positive direction was shown in a number of other economic indicators. Looking to the future, homebuilders were in good spirits in November as spending on new housing construction in Alberta increased yearover-year for all components for the first time since April 2015, according to Statistics Canada. Spending of $728.3 million for the month, across the province, was up by a solid 16.9 per cent. “Alberta stood out with a $77.0 million increase in single-family house construction, accounting for nearly three-quarters (73.1 per cent) of the total increase in spending on new house construction in the province,” explained the federal agency.
The StatsCan data showed investment in single-family construction rose by 20.7 per cent to $448.2 million. Year-overyear increases were also experienced for semi-detached homes (14.4 per cent to $63.4 million), row (31.4 per cent to $71.2 million) and apartments (2.3 per cent to $145.4 million).
BUILDING PERMITS A clear barometer of future intentions and how the homebuilding industry is looking ahead can be found in the building permit data. Statistics Canada reported that the value of residential permits in the Calgary region rose from $91.6 million, representing 287 dwellings, in November 2016 to $295.4 million, representing 1,178 dwellings, in November 2017. Another impressive spike indicating that economic recovery is at hand. The single-family market saw a jump in dwellings from 170 to 367 with the value rising from $67.2 million to $136.4 million. The apartment sector spike was even
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While it could take several years for the economy to improve to pre-downturn levels, Alberta is poised to be one of the fastest growing economies in 2018. more impressive as it went from 57 dwellings to 596 while the value soared from $12.8 million to $120.2 million.
NEW HOUSING PRICE INDEX New home prices in the Calgary region in November saw an annual increase of 0.7 per cent. That was made up of 0.7 per cent for the house only component and 0.8 per cent for the land only component.
RESALE HOUSING MARKET “This year, we saw a rise in the number of consumers willing to purchase in the market with the expectation that the economy had already shifted. There were also many who waited to list their property until prices showed more stability,” said David Brown, president of the Calgary Real Estate Board, about the resale housing market. “Those who acted were typically driven by long-term plans that best suit their current lifestyle. We are ending the year with stronger sales in the last quarter, but supply levels are holding back price gains. The year played out as expected with a transition from price declines to general price stability in most sectors of the market.” Let’s take a look at some of the key numbers. First, total sales volume in Calgary of all MLS transactions reached $9.1 billion for 2017, representing a 7.09 per cent hike from the year before. Sales were up 6.1 per cent to 18,882 while new listings jumped by 5.77 per cent to 34,130. Prices were fairly stable no matter what OUR NEW WEBSITE
measure you looked at. The benchmark price — which represents typical properties sold in the market — dipped by 0.17 per cent to $437,808 but the median price was up 1.18 per cent to $430,000 and the average sale price rose by 0.93 per cent to $483,911. The months of supply, which indicates how long it would take to sell the market’s inventory at current demand levels, was 3.64, down by 2.76 per cent. The sales-to-new listings ratio fell by 0.17 per cent to 55.32 per cent and the sales-tolist price ratio of 97.38 per cent rose by 0.44 per cent. Days on the market to sell a property was down 4.35 per cent to 44. “Many of the economic indicators continue to post modest improvements, including improving sales. However, demand gains have not outpaced the additional supply coming into the housing market. This is creating some of the bumpiness in terms of price recovery,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, the real estate board’s chief economist.
RESALE HOUSE PRICES According to the Canadian Real Estate Association’s MLS Home Price Index, the benchmark price in the Calgary region in December of $427,400 was up 0.4 per cent year-over-year. Here’s something interesting to consider which clearly indicates how the economy impacts the overall housing market. The benchmark price is down 5.89 per cent from three years ago but it is 11.51 per cent higher than five years ago. Interesting fact to keep an eye out for when
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thinking about Calgary’s market. Also, the Teranet-National Bank House Price Index, which follows repeat home sales, said prices in Calgary were 0.53 per cent higher in December than the year before. However, they remained 2.79 per cent off their peak from October 2014. The index is estimated by tracking observed or registered home prices over time using data collected from public land registries. All dwellings that have been sold at least twice are considered in the calculation of the index.
HOME PRICE FORECAST FOR 2018 Royal LePage forecasts resale home prices in Calgary to increase 2.3 per cent in 2018, rising to an aggregate price of $494,109 as the region further emerges from recovery. The region’s housing market has been supported by stabilizing oil prices and improving employment rates. While it could take several years for the economy to improve to pre-downturn levels, Alberta is poised to be one of the fastest growing economies in 2018. In turn, this will likely further improve consumer confidence. While the energy sector will continue to be the most important factor influencing the housing market, the region has seen growth in non-energy sectors helping to mitigate risk through a more diversified economy, said the real estate firm. NL
Mario Toneguzzi Based in Calgary, Mario Toneguzzi has 37 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, city and breaking news, and business. For 12 years as a business writer, his main beats were commercial and residential real estate, retail, small business and general economic news. He nows works on his own as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Email mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com
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n advertisers index Alberta Health Services page 38
Cardel homes Shawnee Park, page 44
Homes by Avi page 34
Qualico Communities Crestmont, page 53
Anthem United Belmont, page 7
Baywest Homes page 3
Qualico Communities Evanston, page 48
Anthem United D'Arcy, page 30
Brookfield Residential Seton, page 25
Jayman BUILT Front cover, page 2, pages 10-12, page 13
Anthem United Nolan Hill, page 35
Cedarglen Homes The Park of Harvest Hills page 55
Apex Developments MountainView, page 24 Apex Developments Hillcrest, page 43 Bri-mor Developments The Rise, page 4
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Genstar Savanna, page 53 Qualico Communities + Bordeaux Developments Harmony, page 18
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La Vita Land Fireside of Cochrane page 19 Marketplace Events Calgary Home + Garden Show, page 29 Mattamy Homes back cover NuVista Homes Ravenswood, page 47
Qualico Communities Redstone, page 51 Shane Homes Midtown, page 39 Trico Homes page 46 WestCreek Developments Legacy, page 52
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hope at large n
By Marty Hope
YORKVILLE’S BEGINNINGS Mattamy’ newest community is its first in south Calgary AS PART OF the rapidly-changing residential face of the deep south/southwest area of Calgary, Mattamy Homes is well under way with the creation of its newest community. Yorkville will cover approximately 480 acres and will have an estimated 4,250 homes of various types and styles immediately south of Silverado and just east of Spruce Meadows. “It will be similar in scale to our communities of Carrington in the northwest and Cityscape in the northeast,” says Don Barrineau, president of Mattamy Homes’ Calgary division. Called Yorkville, the new community will pay homage to the affluent Toronto suburb that was home to some of Canada’s most decorated music and literary talents. “In that sense, we won’t be anything like Toronto’s Yorkville,” says Barrineau. “But we do liken this community to Toronto’s because of the level of walkability we will create with parks, paths, and other green spaces, and the blend of residential and retail elements it will have.” Among the amenities being offered by Mattamy are a regional community centre park that is larger in scale to Greenway Park in Mattamy’s Carrington development that is planned for the second phase of Yorkville. As Yorkville continues to grow, there will be strong ties with the Radio Creek environmental reserve to the west. Barrineau paints a picture of Yorkville as a master-planned community with strong architectural themes drawing on elements of early 20th century brownstone buildings with a vibrant mix of single-family homes,
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row townhomes, live/work buildings, and condominiums. “The live/work component will be adjacent to the regional park community centre park, and a neighbourhood commercial area to be constructed in the later phases Don Barrineau of the community,” says Barrineau. But there is an existing shopping centre in Silverado that has a grocery store, restaurants, a gym, and professional offices within walking distance of the first phase of Yorkville. As for who expects to be interested in buying a home in Yorkville, Barrineau sees a wide-ranging profile. “Because we will have several attached and detached models to offer, we anticipate interest running from first-time buyers through multiple move-up buyers in this integrated community. Everything from young couples starting out, families, and active adults,” he says. As for progress being made in the community, offsite infrastructure has been completed and onsite infrastructure should be wrapped by this fall. The City of Calgary is constructing 194th Avenue to connect with Macleod Trail while Mattamy is working on a portion of Sheriff King Street — both are tentatively booked to open this fall.
Show homes, though, will be open in late May or early June using the existing Highway 22X/Sheriff King Street access. “Style-wise we are targeting show homes in rich traditional Colonial and Georgian architecture using brick, hard siding, and large porches, along with Craftsman and Prairie exteriors. Pricing has been broadly defined, with townhomes likely ranging from the high $200,000s to low $300,000s. Single-family prices will run from the mid-$400,000s to the high $500,000s. “In keeping with our other communities in Calgary and Airdrie, Yorkville will be a significant, self-contained master-planned community. Through extensive consumer and market research, we have designed the community and housing typology to meet the dreams and needs of the consumer in south/southwest Calgary. It’s going to be an impressive community,” says Barrineau. NL
Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry.
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