VOLUME 15 ISSUE 168 n DECEMBER 2019
contents 8
16
6
8
COVER FEATURE
Pioneering style Brookfield Residential introduces new home models in Livingston
FOCUS ON
6
Kiddy Christmas
26 Yule love it!
SHOW HOME PROFILES
Help Santa along with these Christmas gift ideas for the kids
12 Find your niche
NuVista Homes’ elegant paired models in Sirocco at Pine Creek impress
16 Serenity in the city
Cardel Homes’ Miro 2 brings posh and poise in Shawnee Park
COMMUNITY PROFILE
STYLE
Keep the style and spirit of the season with these Christmas tree alternatives
COLUMNS
29 Around Town 31 Hope at Large
ITEM
4
Editor’s Message
20 Ranchers’ Rise shines
The nature-centric community of Ranchers’ Rise takes flight
LIFESTYLE
24 High hopes in High River
Young family finds the joys in small town living
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 6109 — 6th Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
26 DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 3
editor’s message n
Season’s tidings to all!
First of all, Happy Holidays to you and yours! Looks like we’re about to put the wrap on 2019, and maybe we didn’t get everything we wanted out of this year (federal elections, Flames early exit from last season’s playoffs, pipelines, etc…) and you don’t need a genius to tell you that challenges will continue in Calgary for the next year. There’s always the positive side of things though. For one thing, the city remains on the Top 10 list of most livable cities in the world (No. 5 in 2019, slipping a point from last year but still the highest ranking city in North America in the list). It feels good to be at the top, doesn’t it? There’s also the projected lowering of interest rates in 2020, as the national housing market continues to rally in the first half of the year, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says home sales will gain momentum through 2021. Its recent report also says home prices will rebound from 2019 levels and that home starts may not gain strength but they will at least stabilize. Our cover feature for this issue is a reflection of this positivity. Brookfield Residential is enjoying continued growth in its pioneering community of Livingston in the north. Brookfield is embarking on the second stage of the community’s development, as the land developer’s home-building arm introduces more home products that widens Livingston’s appeal. They added new two-storey and duplex models with new show homes opening soon. We also visit the community of Rancher’s Rise in Okotoks and delve into the history of this airport community and what it offers to those searching for the solace and serenity of small town living. We’re never shy about promoting new show homes, too, and if you follow us on Instagram and Facebook, you’ll notice our #showhomestaurdays is one of the most notable around. In our show home features in this issue, we have NuVista Homes’ excellent paired homes in the new community of Sirocco at Pine Creek that has people talking about the luxury and ease these homes provide in spades. Then we have Cardel Homes’ Miro 2 semi-estate family home in the knockout community of Shawnee Park in the southwest that tells everyone that a magazine-feature worthy lifestyle is quite attainable. Especially since the show home itself is on the market for a great deal. It is the Christmas issue, so we have our in-house STYLE guru, Christina Loc, looking at options on decorating your home for the Holidays if you don’t have space for a full-size Christmas tree. She has some brilliant ideas of what you can use as a practical substitute and still convey the meaning of the season. Meanwhile, our Focus On photo feature gives you ideas on what to kids may be getting from Old Saint Nick’s bag this Christmas — best of all, they are all from local Calgary stores. “Buy local” is a sentiment that resounds — wouldn’t you rather your money go to supporting the community? So, so long 2019, here’s to a better 2020. See you all next year.
PUBLISHER
Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITOR
Pepper Rodriguez pepper@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR
Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Marty Hope, Portia Yip PHOTOGRAPHY
Alicia Mary
ADVERTISING
Richard MacQuarrie richard.macquarrie@sourcemediagroup.ca
Norma Robertson norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group
ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
©2019 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
4 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
focus on
n
Kiddy Christmas Help Santa along with these Christmas gift ideas for the kids
1
n BY
Portia Yip
IT’S THAT TIME of year again where the holiday season is upon us. Whether or not you’ve already fallen for the Christmas spirit or festive cheer, there’s much to love and plan for during this magical time of year. Still haven’t settled on your gift buying list? No need to fret as these local stores are stocked with the best activities, toys, and adorable gifts for kids of all ages. NL
2
3
4 5 6 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
n focus
12
6
on
11
10
9
8
7 [ 1 ] Hape Street Surfer Kick Scooter, $98.99 at Castle Toys. [ 2 ] Playmobil Family Fun: Aquarium, $84.99 at Castle Toys. [ 3 ] Schleich Horse Stall, $39.99 at The Discovery Hut. [ 4 ] Madd Mattr Quantum Pack Modelling Dough, $19.99 at The Discovery Hut. [ 5 ] Litehawk Lil’ Tom Remote Control Buggy, $49.99 at The Discovery Hut. [ 6 ] Grimm’s Element Rainbow, $28 - 48 at Purr Petite. [ 7 ] Candylab Woodie and Camper Wood Cars, $42 - 52 at Purr Petite. [ 8 ] Maileg Mum & Dad in Cigar Box, $82 at Purr Petite. [ 9 ] Melissa & Doug Multi-Level Wood Dollhouse, $199.99 at Castle Toys. [ 10 ] Hape Shake & Match Shape Sorter, $29.99 at The Discovery Hut. [ 11 ] Moulin Roty Voyage D’Olga Fox Pull-along, $48 at Purr Petite. [ 12 ] Hoberman Switch Pitch Ball, $11.99 at Castle Toys. CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 7
| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
PIONEERING STYLE Brookfield Residential introduces new home models in Livingston
T
he young community of Livingston was where the New North was born, and this pioneering community is again bringing a fresh wave of new home designs that portray the vision for this connected, vibrant and diverse neighbourhood. Brookfield Residential, the land developer and whose home-building arm also offers townhomes, laned homes and duplexes in Livingston, is getting ready to unveil four new show homes in January 2020. Located in the booming area on the northern edge of Calgary, Livingston has grown tremendously since its launch in 2017. “We have developed 13 phases of the community or over 240 acres of the total 1,200 acres,” says Brendan McCashin, Sr. Development Manager at Brookfield Residential. “There are about 750 homes occupied here now, and approximately 2,000 residents call Livingston home now.” Livingston was envisioned as Brookfield Residential’s next generation of communities built with extensive input from Calgar-
8 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
ians. From concept and design, there are mindful touches that create greater connections among residents, whether it’s the streetscape, home entrance design, green spaces or gathering places like the resident association. It is the face of the New North in Calgary. The four new Brookfield Residential show homes uphold the vision for Livingston with their innovative familyoriented designs with impactful style at affordable prices. “We have four new show homes in Livingston, including two brand new models,” says marketing manager, Justin Castelino. First is the Carlisle 2, a singlefamily laned home at 1,820 square-feet from the $400,000s and our new single family home The Oak, at 1,614 squarefeet. Then there are the duplex homes from the high $300,000s: the 1,729-squarefoot Irvine, one of the new models; the Linden at 1,374 square-feet. These add to Brookfield Residential’s extensive line-up of home styles available in Livingston, which includes the Grandin bungalow released earlier this year and CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
the Octave townhomes. “We have added new two-storey and duplex models to widen the range of sizes and layouts we are offering. All in all, we’ve made some great strides is expanding our offering and ensuring we are meeting the needs of our broadening customer base,” Castelino says. Designed in Brookfield Residential’s inimitable style, the new show homes are every bit as compelling, displaying the sophisticated touch of their own show home coordinator, Chloe Leung. She says that for the Carlisle 2, she was inspired by her trip to South Africa and brought in different wood tones added to the different layers of textures. “I was going for a natural and warm feeling for this home. I wanted to pull in the dark wood cabinet tones along with the green island but adding slight hints of olive tones throughout the home.” Irvine is a very black and white Scandinavian style home. “The contrast of black and white really makes the home pop. I wanted to make sure pops of patCALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
tern appear in art and toss cushions. I also wanted to give this home a bit of an Asian-inspired vibe by incorporating cane style furniture into the mix.” She says the Linden has a more feminine side. “I wanted to play with the baby blue tile I had chosen for the kitchen backsplash by bringing hints of feminine blues throughout the home. This will be a softer pallet where layers of white and gold are played against each other. I wanted to throw an edge to the home by adding very art deco style art with vintage French twist.” For one of the new models, the Oak, Leung says she wanted it to feel like a Chicago bachelor pad. “This home is very masculine compared to the other houses. I played with a darker pallet and
»
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 9
| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
FAST FACTS:
Livingston’s Homeowners Association Centre
more rough textures.” It has hints of brick, concrete, vintage whiskey bottles and neon lights. “I threw in a cognac colour into the mix to add a bit of softness to the mix. I just wanted to play with mixes of harder textures to create that Loft style effect.” Castelino says the new Irvine and Oak models impress in other ways too. “The Irvine features a raised loft at the rear of the home, which provides a bit of privacy while still being connected to the rest of the home. The Oak is one of the largest duplex homes we’ve designed, offering a surprising amount of square footage at an attractive price,” he says. “Both those homes are available with basement suites, which can be a great source of rental income; this has been a great option for a number of our customers who are looking to supplement their mortgage.” This comes in handy as Livingston is zoned for secondary suites. Castelino says adding the basement or carriage suite may add a little more cost up front, but their potential as extra living space for a family’s growing need or as a source for rental income Livingston’s Homeowners cannot be overstated. Association Centre Regardless of which Brookfield Residential home you choose in Livingston, Castelino says buyers get an industry leading two-year customer care program designed to give customers peace of mind long after they take possession. “Additionally, our homes come equipped with smart home features and can be personalized with a wide selection of interior selections choices. We also have homes available in a number of different phases in Livingston, on both the east and west side of Centre Street; including walkout lots.” The community of Livingston itself continues to live up to its promise. Construction of the new 35,000-square-foot Homeowners Association (HOA) began in the spring, and is scheduled to open in Fall 2020. “The HOA will truly be the hub of Livingston,” McCashin says. “This lifestyle centre will be built to inspire togetherness and provide a sense of belonging to its residents.” New infrastructure to improve accessibility is also in progress along Centre Street NE. “The Centre Street experience is being explored in its early stages. Eventually, it will be home to the future green line LRT as
10 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
COMMUNITY: Livingston DEVELOPER: Brookfield Residential BUILDERS: Avi Urban — apartmentstyle condos Homes by Avi — Street Towns Brookfield Residential — townhomes, duplexes and laned homes Morrison Homes — laned homes and front drive garage homes, estate homes Jayman BUILT and Cedarglen Homes — front drive garage homes Daytona Homes – townhomes, laned homes Excel Homes – front drive garage homes PRICES: Ranging from upper $100,000s for condos to low $500,000s for move-up homes, but majority will be below the $450,000 range DIRECTIONS: North on Stoney Tr., take exit at Centre St. N.W. and follow the signs. HOURS: Mon. – Thurs. 2 – 8 p.m., Sat., Sun. & Holidays 12 – 5p.m. WEBSITE: experiencelivingston.com
well as vehicles, bicycle, and pedestrian routes.” He adds that the construction that’s occurring now is for the widening of 144th Avenue, the Centre Street bridge deck and construction of 1st Street N.E. from Stoney Trail up to 144th Avenue. “The vision for togetherness in Livingston has taken off with a fully functioning HOA Board of Directors as well as an engaged group of neighbours that are starting their Community Association. Events and programs within the community have been incredibly successful,” McCashin says. n CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 11
show home profile
n
NuVista Homes
FIND YOUR NICHE
NuVista Homes’ elegant paired models in Sirocco at Pine Creek impress WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
NUVISTA HOMES HAS always taken pride in its custommade home pedigree, tweaking their floor plans to make each home as unique as the people who will live in them. That expertise comes through again in their new paired home show homes in the young, upscale community of Sirocco at Pine Creek in the south. Both present a distinctive take on singlefamily homes with a shared wall, emphasizing spaciousness and a stylish swagger that pairs well with the exclusive and fashionable flair of the community. “We’re not the least expensive home out there, but our paired homes are meant for a discerning market that likes their space while still enjoying the benefits of a scaled down home,” says area manager, Paul Koski. “We have a very specific niche market and it is NuVista’s custom home expertise that can really target their wants and needs.” NuVista offers both two-storey and bungalow style paired homes in Sirocco at Pine Creek, on rear lane access lots. “These
12 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
are not what people would normally think of when they hear duplex, these are luxury paired homes that are just as big and as functional as a detached single-family home.” With paired homes starting from $389,000, Koski says buyers still get the benefit of NuVista’s upgraded standard features. “We give better value with higher standards included in the base price.” The Pearson show home is at 1,762 square-feet with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths with an open concept main floor that invites entertaining. The Emery is the biggest model at 1,957 squarefeet and is as luxurious as one might expect in an as exclusive a community as Sirocco at Pine Creek.
TOP LEFT Spacious, stylish living comes standard in NuVista Homes’ Emery paired home model. The nine-foot ceilings, oversized, Low-E, triple-paned, Argon-filled windows and hardwood floor through the main floor are just a few examples of the top-notch standard features buyers get in each home. The Emery starts at $489,900.
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
NuVista Homes n show home profile BELOW The striking profile of NuVista Homes’ paired show homes fits perfectly with the classy character of Sirocco at Pine Creek. “It’s an up-and-coming community that caters to a more upscale taste. It’s a golf community that sits just outside the prestigious Sirocco golf course,” Koski says.
TOP MIDDLE The quartz countertops used in the Emery’s kitchen brings luxurious glamour to the home, as do the extended cabinetry with crown mouldings reaching the ceiling. “There is enormous functionality in the Emery’s kitchen,” Koski says. “And for all its beauty, we spent only about $2,000 in upgrades for this kitchen.”
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
ABOVE The Emery’s five-piece master ensuite is a fine example of just how NuVista is able to bring all the defining features of a detached single-family home in its paired homes. “People tend to think they are getting less in a duplex, but that’s not necessarily so with us.”
»
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 13
show home profile n NuVista Homes
TOP THREE These three images show the immense versatility of the Emery. The first shows the mudroom with convenient lockers with benches. The next two are of the fully developed basement. “Right now, we have a limited time opportunity for free basement development or 20-by-20-foot detached garage free with the purchase of a home,” Koski says.
RIGHT The glorious living room of the Pearson epitomizes the stylishness of the home. The standard nine-foot ceilings with tall windows looking out at Sirocco’s well-manicured streets are a favourite feature. Rear decks are also part of the standard package.
LEFT The hardwood flooring of the Pearson provides the stylish backbone for the glamorous main floor. The L-shaped kitchen with spacious island counter is especially suited for the needs of buyers that love to entertain. The Pearson starts at $469,900.
14 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
NuVista Homes
n show
home profile
fast facts BUILDER: NuVista Homes COMMUNITY: Sirocco at Pine Creek ABOVE The charming Pearson features gorgeous stone kitchen countertops and shows off the wall array option for appliances. “Having a window right by the kitchen sink adds to the charm of the home,” he adds.
MODEL: Luxury paired homes SIZE: From 1,235 sq. ft. to just under 2,000 sq. ft. PRICE: From $389,000 ADDRESS: 116 and 120 Creekside Dr. S.W. DIRECTIONS: From Macleod Trail, exit west on 194 Ave., left on Sherriff King St. and follow signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.nuvistahomes.com
LEFT The Pearson’s five-piece ensuite provides a relaxing escape for the owners and includes a corner soaker tub and a fully tiled glass encased shower. The spacious walk-in closet and upper floor laundry add to its convenience. NL
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 15
show home profile
n
Cardel Homes
SERENITY IN THE CITY Cardel Homes’ Miro 2 brings posh and poise in Shawnee Park WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez IT DIDN’T TAKE long for Shawnee Park to deliver on its promise as one of Calgary’s most enviable communities, as this nature-blessed, thoroughly accessible and award-winning neighbourhood continues to grow. Now, there’s even more reason to enjoy Shawnee Park, as Cardel Homes brings to market a couple of their quick possession show homes that represent the kind of relaxed, sophisticated lifestyle that this southwest community has in abundance. The southwest community of Shawnee Park is being developed by Cardel Homes themselves, and they and are also the exclusive single-family home builder here. They have succeeded in creating
16 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
a truly memorable community in what is the last piece of developable residential land at the edge of Fish Creek Park, one of Canada’s largest urban nature reserves. Their efforts culminated in Shawnee Park winning Community of the Year at the 2018 BILD Awards. Cardel Homes offer well over 20 home models ranging from semi-estate frontdrive two-storey homes, bungalows, and even rear attached garage models. All
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
Cardel Homes n show home profile
embody the family-friendly, recreation-oriented, naturecentric values that Cardel envisions for Shawnee Park. The Miro 2 show home, now on sale for $769,900 (a more than $60,000 in savings), epitomizes the ideals of the family home in Shawnee Park, and it is available for quick possession.
TOP LEFT The Miro 2 show home features extensively landscaped backyard. The home includes an irrigation system, a fully covered cedar deck and rear fencing, exposed aggregate walkways and driveway.
TOP RIGHT The beguiling effect of the Miro 2’s nine-foot ceilings with oversized windows is in full display in the grand living room. This gorgeous, 2,152-square-foot two-storey model combines traditional elements with contemporary design to create an elegant modern farmhouse look.
LEFT The superbly laid out kitchen is an ode to functionality and style. This dream kitchen features a centre island with Ice Snow quartz countertops and full height Eggshell Huntwood maple cabinetry. “There’s a lot of room to move in, it’s a great place to host a party and to prepare for one,” says Cardel sales manager, Jon Mortier.
OPPOSITE PAGE The fullyloaded Miro 2 show home is an exemplary family home with a timeless open-concept design. Standout features such as builtin shelving, white oak hardwood floors, a coffered ceiling detail and a grand marble-tiled fireplace, make this home nothing short of sensational.
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
»
| 17
show home profile n Cardel Homes RIGHT Storage is something young families can never get enough of, and Miro 2 comes through with this spectacular walk-through pantry. With tons of built-in shelving, the pantry leads straight to the mudroom and access to the double-front attached garage making putting away groceries that much easier.
fast facts COMMUNITY: Shawnee Park BUILDER: Cardel Homes STYLE: Two-storey and bungalow move-up homes SIZE: From 2,109 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts from $690,000s including house, lot and GST, and basement development for a limited time ADDRESS: 330 Shawnee Boulevard S.W. DIRECTIONS: Take Macleod Tr. south and exit on James Mckevitt Rd. S.W. Take the next right after Shawnee Gate and follow the signs HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 – 8 p.m., Saturday noon – 5 p.m., closed Friday and Sunday WEBSITE: www.shawneepark.ca
18 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
Cardel Homes
n show
home profile
LEFT With three bedrooms and an upstairs laundry, the Miro 2’s second floor still has more than enough room for a spacious bonus room. “This is such a terrific deal for such a beautifully designed, spacious home for the whole family,” Mortier says. “Buyers also get the benefit of having the whole of Fish Creek Park as their backyard, and the accessibility of having the Shawnessy LRT Station and Macleod Trail close by.” NL LEFT The master bedroom is the sanctuary everyone needs at the end of the day. Grand and roomy, it has enough space to fit a king-sized bed and more, and its walk-in closet with built-in shelving is just as grand.
RIGHT The five-piece master ensuite is just as lavish, and the show home quality shines through with its chrome fixtures, 10-millimetre glass shower stall, and elegant tile floor. “But buyers who want something new and different can also check out the Essentials Series that Cardel is releasing in the next phase that start from under $600,000,” Mortier adds.
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 19
RANCHERS’ RISE SHINES The nature-centric community of Ranchers’ Rise takes flight n WRITTEN BY
20 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
Pepper Rodriguez
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
Ranchers’ Rise n community profile
THE APPEAL OF Ranchers’ Rise has always been that it is a community where residents can enjoy seeing flights of geese and flights of airplanes. It’s a community surrounded by nature that also has the unique feature of sitting close to Okotoks’ private airport. The scenic serenity and significance as one of the few airport communities in southern Alberta has led to Ranchers’ Rise rapid ascent as one of Okotoks’ most popular neighbourhoods to live in. It is now over 70 per cent sold with only two phases remaining. Despite its popularity, Ranchers’ Rise remains a boutique community on the path less travelled, located on the east side of the Okotoks’ Air Ranch Airport. “Our community was built with premium
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
semi-estate and move-up homes in mind. Mature trees, and wetlands surround this community, and it is located just outside of the Okotoks town centre,” says Ryan Hall, vice-president for marketing and communications at Bordeaux Developments, the developers of the community. “It’s a unique location that has a wonderfully open feel, big sky mountain vistas, and really offers a less hectic, more secluded feel,” he says. “Families that have moved here from some other Okotoks communities
»
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 21
community profile n Rancher’s Rise
fast facts COMMUNITY: Ranchers’ Rise in Okotoks Air Ranch DEVELOPER: Bordeaux Developments HOMES: Move-up and semi-estate homes BUILDERS: Broadview Homes, Douglas Homes, Sterling Homes PRICE: From the mid $500,000s ADDRESS: 57 Ranchers Crescent, Okotoks
were searching for a more peaceful location to raise their family. Traffic and density congestion paired with heavy retail traffic has really affected some parts of the town- and this being located in the northeast section of Okotoks is a bit off the beaten path.” Ranchers’ Rise at Okotoks Air Ranch consists of 240 acres purchased in 1998 from landowner Orville Rowland, an avid pilot whose vision for the land included a wildlife refuge and a private airport community. Rowland built his own home and private airstrip in the area in 1978, and the Okotoks Air Ranch grew out of it in 1999. Much has changed since with the growth of the residential community besides it. This includes significant upgrades to the airport to maintain aviation safety in 2016. Today, the airport is a central feature to Ranchers’ Rise at Okotoks Air Ranch and enjoyed by its residents. Rowland also had a love for nature, and his vision for a community
DIRECTIONS: East on Milligan Drive and follow the signs HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.okotoksranchersrise.com
22 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
Rancher's Rise n community profile
surrounded by wetlands, with paved pathways winding through, came through in Ranchers’ Rise. Today, Ranchers’ Rise has two separate playgrounds, pathways connecting the community and surrounding the water feature, plus the added bonus of Beatrice Wyndham Park, a local natures reserve and bird sanctuary. Ranchers’ is perfectly situated, connected to all of Okotoks’ amenities through Milligan drive and 48 Street but far enough away to enjoy the quiet of small town life. Plus the commute to Calgary and surrounding communities is a breeze with easy access to the Highway. It’s only 25 minutes to downtown Calgary and 10 minutes to the South Calgary Health Campus. Ranchers’ currently has three builders in the community: Broadview Homes and Sterling Homes are in Phase 10, 11 and 12, and then the addition of Douglas Homes this
summer to phase 10 and 11. There are two show homes from Broadview Homes and Sterling Homes that give visitors an idea of the kind of lifestyle available here. Offered are move-up homes from the $500,000s in Phase 12, while semi-estate homes in Phases 10 and 11 start in the mid $600,000s. Prices include home, lot and GST. “The majority of the homes are two storey but our award winning builders do have bungalows available for interested buyers,” Hall says. Buyers are typically young families who are drawn to the community for its parks, pathways and upscale feel brought about though Bordeaux’s higher end architectural controls. “The curb appeal of the homes and the landscaping in the community add a level of sophistication that makes the community feel more established than most new areas,” Hall says.
Ranchers’ Rise has two separate playgrounds, pathways connecting the community and surrounding the water feature, plus the added bonus of Beatrice Wyndham Park, a local natures reserve and bird sanctuary. Ranchers’ Rise has turned into a dream family community that now has two completed soccer fields and ball diamond available for public use (bookings are through the Town of Okotoks), and a brand new Ecole Beausoleil French school that opened January 2019. Children attending public school will go to the newly opened Meadow Ridge K-9 and Foothills Composite for high school. “With easy access to 48 Street, it is an easy commute to all the shopping and needs in Okotoks, plus fast access to highway 2 for a quick jaunt into Calgary,” he adds. Ranchers’ Rise is a world of its own that is still accessible in every way — be it through the ease of its location, or in the value of its homes. NL CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 23
lifstyle n
High hopes in High River
Young family finds the joys in small town living n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
n PHOTOS BY
Alicia Mary
Arlie and Lena.
24 | NE W HOME LIVING
LIKE ANY YOUNG family, the Chipmans were looking for the best place to raise their children and grow as a family. They felt their starter home in Calgary no longer suited their needs but could not afford a move-up home in the city. They found what they were looking for in High River. Mark, Lindsay and their two daughters, Arlie (3) and Lena (13 months), moved to this small riverside town around 37 kilometres south of the City of Calgary last year. They can’t be happier with their new life here. “Our home in Riverbend was getting too small for us,” Lindsay says. “We felt we needed a bigger house as our family grew.” “The problem was we couldn’t find anything that would fit our budget in Calgary,” Mark adds. They decided to go look at options in High River where Mark has family and had spent some time growing up, and it was like a revelation. “Life here is so much better than we could have imagined,” Lindsay says. “There’s lots of room for the girls to play around in, Mark gets his own workspace in the garage, and I really love the big kitchen.” “The town itself is a great location for us,” Mark says. “There are plenty of schools to choose from, all the amenities are there, and it’s a fun little town.” It does seem that there is a youthful energy in the air strolling down High River’s picturesque downtown. High River’s downtown has been completely revitalized, according to the town’s website, and there are several mixed-use developments featuring second and third-story apartments that are great choices for professionals looking to live in the downtown.
DECEMBER 2019
The beautiful George Lane Memorial Park and Happy Trails pathways border much of downtown High River, and many of its amenities are just short walk or bike ride away. There’s a lively buzz in the commercial centre thriving from the increasing number of new inhabitants in town like the Chipmans. The latest census points to an undeniable growth. Since 2016 High River’s population has risen by three per cent from 13,584 to 14,052 this year. Of that total number, a quarter are children or young adults, 41 per cent is aged 21 to 60, and 31 per cent are seniors. The Chipmans are squarely within this demographic, and they are loving life here. They were able to buy a 2,400-sqaure-foot, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home with a sizeable front attached garage as well as a rear detached garage on a quiet cul de sac in Emerson Lake Estates community on the east side of High River. The price point of $355,000 was what had finally convinced them that this would be the perfect home. “That’s a fraction it would have cost for a similar house in Calgary,” Lindsay says. “We immediately felt the small town friendliness, as our neighbours were very welcoming and even offered to help us out with work that needed to be done around the house,” Mark says. High River fits their outgoing lifestyle too. Mark loves fishing and hunting that is in abundance around High River, and Lindsay loves horse riding. The stable where she keeps her horse and the girls’ ponies in is just nearby. CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
“Our home is just a short walk to Emerson Lake where we like to go for short strolls,” Lindsay says. “The commute was my biggest concern,” says Mark, who still works at an insurance firm in downtown Calgary. “But, in the year we’ve been here, that hasn’t been the case. It just takes me 40 minutes to get to my office on 17th Avenue S.W., and when the Ring Road is finally finished, I can probably cut that travel time to 25 minutes.” He says the winter driving conditions on Highway 2 were much better than he thought it would be. “The highway is always clear in the winter, it just gets messier when you get to the Deerfoot.” The Chipmans also feel confident that the devastation wrought by the 2013 flooding will not happen again. Their community didn’t experience any overland flooding then, Mark says, and he is confident that the proper measures have been taken to make sure that High River won’t be in that position again. According to the town’s website (www. highriver.ca), High River is now one of the most well protected towns in Canada from flooding, with over $200 million invested in flood mitigation and protection for the community. This includes, the construction of permanent and interim dikes throughout town; returning two neighbourhoods to an undeveloped state to allow more room for the Highwood River to flow; and installation of backup emergency notification systems. It says the permanent dikes have been built to protect against the river flows experienced during the 2013 flood, plus an additional vertical metre of protection. The Town of High River is a dynamic and growing community in the Alberta foothills, 37 kilometres south of the City of Calgary, and 65 kilometres from the downtown core. High River’s central location within the Foothills, proximity to Highway 2, the City of Calgary, and the YYC Airport positions it as a regional hub able to support the needs of the Town and surrounding communities. High River is a regional service centre with a diversified economy driven by several CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
strong sectors, including agriculture; technology; health and wellness; lifestyle services; construction; automotive; creative arts; film and television production; and industry leaders. Highriver.ca says the town has seen over 285,000 squarefeet of new development since 2015. High River was ranked as fifth in Canadian Business Magazine’s (2016) list of Canada’s best places for business based on operational costs, market growth, and a business-friendly local government. It offers residents an exceptional quality of life and the opportunity to live in a picturesque, peaceful rural setting while still being close to the amenities of a larger urban centre like Calgary. “We love it here,” Lindsay says. “We’ll be here for the foreseeable future.” NL
The Chipmans family, from left, Mark, Lindsay, Arlie and Lena.
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 25
style n
Yule love it!
Keep the style and spirit of the season with these Christmas tree alternatives n WRITTEN BY
Christina Loc
L
ooking to enhance, freshen or liven up your Christmas décor this holiday season? While the beautifully decorated evergreen Christmas tree will always be symbolic of Christmas, perhaps your space is a bit snug or you would like to extend your holiday decorating in to other areas of the home and want to try new things. Putting your creative juices in to decking the halls with boughs of holly can be a lot of fun and quite rewarding, especially when the end result leaves many admiring and enjoying your work. Curating a festive look doesn’t have to be complicated, nor does it have to break the bank. Consider a few of these options in place of the traditional Christmas tree or use them to further enhance your décor with these simple ideas: DESIGN A WALL TREE. Whether you are tight for space or have walls that need holiday dressing, there are many materials you can create your wall tree with. Materials include washi tape, garland, tinsel, felt, yarn, paper, fresh boughs and wood (such as birch poles or reclaimed wood). The key to a successful wall tree is to mimic the triangular shape of a Christmas tree. This can be achieved by running washi tape or garland just on the outside perimeter to create a silhouette. Trim a full piece of felt in to the shape of a tree. Tinsel or yarn can be ran up and down or zigzagged across. Cut different colours of paper in to unique shapes and lay them together in a pattern that represents a tree. Fresh boughs and wood can be laid horizontally with shorter pieces at the top gradually getting longer towards the bottom. Once you have formed the tree, use string lights, ornaments and other decorative items to enhance the wall tree. Don’t forget to place a star or some sort of tree topper to make it really pop. And, thank goodness for removable 3M wall tape!
Make it an evening with family and friends for a DIY night. This tree started out as a tomato cage and then mesh and ribbon was added to it.
26 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
n style A
B
C
MINI TREES ARE ADORABLE. Fresh or faux, mini trees look impressive on counters, mantles and tables. Fresh lemon-lime cypress trees not only look unique with their bright chartreuse colour but also emit a nice citrus scent. Other cute mini trees include cedar, pine, rosemary or boxwood. Keep them bare or string them with lights. Dazzle with ornaments. The choice is yours. Purchase or DIY other decorative trees. Instead of fresh or faux trees, there are many other decorative trees in retail shops made from metal, glass, ceramic and natural materials like birch and pine cones. Get inspired and make your own tree using a tomato cage or cone-shaped foam to glue or weave unique materials to it. Things like tulle, ribbon, burlap, fabric, ornaments, pom-poms and candy are all great options. USE FRESH BOUGHS AROUND THE HOUSE. This is one of my favourite ways to get the house looking festive. Fresh boughs smell great and are the perfect way to unify holiday décor throughout the home. How do I achieve this? I start with a few larger fresh bough arrangements that I will place on the island, dining table and coffee
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
table. Smaller arrangements will be set on bathroom counters, night stands, side tables and shelves. Ornaments are optional. Some years, my bough arrangements are very natural looking with just boughs themselves in a pot or vase. Other years, I will spray glitter and dress them up with ornaments and then closer to Christmas Day, I have the option of adding fresh flowers to them. The beauty of these arrangements is they can last for months. If you decide to dress them for the holidays, you could easily pull out the décor and keep the boughs for another few weeks. Just remember to change out the water every few days and then replacing it with fresh water. With a few sprigs left over, I add a sprig here and there to clear hurricane vessels and candle holders, incorporate them in to table top displays, hang them from light fixtures, the stairway and use them as dressing on presents. The only thing to keep in mind is if the boughs are sitting in water, it can last up to months. However, when adding a sprig here and there without water, it is best to wait until closer to Christmas so the boughs will look fresh on Christmas Day. Add holiday decor to existing plants around the house. With plants being ever so popular, a great way to work your houseplants in to your holiday décor is to add fresh boughs, pine cones, holiday picks, ribbon and ornaments to them. I like to place these items grouped together on top of the soil peaking out of the pot for impact. Wrapping ribbon around the pot can also make it look festive.
»
A ] Turn an area of your home in to a festive space by incorporating a few holiday ideas like washi tape on the wall, trees made of ornaments with other holiday décor. B ] Add sprigs to vases through out the home to carry that festive feeling all around. C ] There are many alternative trees available on the market that are different from the traditional cedar or pine tree.
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 27
style n
Start the holiday a couple of weeks early with arrangements around the house filled with Christmas greens and ornaments. Closer to Christmas Day, add fresh flowers if desired.
HANG ORNAMENTS FROM A TWIG. For a minimalist yet an attention grabber look, incorporate twigs in to your decor. They can be small enough to set on a table or taller to sit on the floor. Keep them natural or spray paint them a flat, metallic or glittery colour. Dress them up, dress them down. Hang them from the ceiling, lay them across a flat surface or stand them up inside a pot or vase. They look great any way you situate them. ORNAMENTS HAVE MULTIPLE USES. Place fresh boughs at the base of a bowl or cloche and pile on the ornaments. Ornaments do not have to only hang from a tree. Get creative with the placement of ornaments by hanging them on chandeliers, door knobs and wreaths. Glue them together in the shape of a tree or topiary. I love tablescapes! Now that you have everything you need to decorate Christmas, why not put a grouping together to make it just that much more impactful! A tablescape is the placement of objects grouped together in a thought-out and artful way to create a meaningful display. It’s like a landscape for your table. You can create them on any surface including tables, buffet, mantles or shelves.
For example, curate a sweet treats buffet bar. With all the holiday baking, candies and chocolate, surely there will be a treat to satisfy any sweet tooth. Use cake stands and cookie jars. Incorporate all the décor mentioned above along with candles and other favourite holiday trinkets to create a delicious and delightful dessert tablescape. Christmas is a magical time. Regardless the size of your home or whether you have room for a full-sized tree, there are so many other ways to still make it look festive. Make this year the year you outdo and impress yourself as well as your guests. NL
Incorporate your plants in to your holiday décor by adding sprigs of green, ornaments and other festive accessories.
The Whoville tree has been a whimsical way to add that bit of Christmas greens and fresh scent it brings to the home.
28 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
around town n
By Pepper Rodriguez
Once Upon A Christmas returns to Heritage Park
Trico Homes selects new President TRICO HOMES ANNOUNCES the selection of Michael Brown as the new president of the renowned award-winning homebuilder. Brown takes over the helm from the retiring Tom Chisolm, Trico Homes CEO and Founder Wayne Chiu says in a statement. “As many of you already know, Trico Homes will be saying goodbye to its President Tom Chisholm at the end of this year. Tom will be retiring and moving back the US to be closer to his family. I would like to thank Tom for his contributions and recognize the accomplishments he’s made during his time as President of Trico Homes,” Chiu says. “I am also very pleased to announce that Michael Brown will be joining our team as President for Trico Homes in January 2020,” he adds. Brown has served as the CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Michael Brown Corporation (CMLC) for the last eight years, and had been instrumental in the successful development of East Village and setting the stage for the broader River’s District Plan. “I’m really looking forward to being part of the Trico Homes team. Eleanor and Wayne have created something very special beyond homebuilding. Trico is a community builder that creates life changing moments for Calgarians and I can’t wait to contribute and share my experiences with this highly engaged group of people.” Brown says.
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC of Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park Historical Village. This holiday event runs Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 23 to December 22. This time-honoured tradition is the perfect way to get into the true spirit of the holidays! From professional Santa photos to unique gift items, family holiday meals and quality time together, Once Upon a Christmas provides the best of the holidays all in one location! New this year; stop by Gasoline Alley Museum for a 1950’s Storybook Christmas and enjoy classic stories, crafts and visits with some of your favourite holiday characters from the 1950s and ‘60s. Warm up with a sweet treat at the new Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar, discover how Christmas was celebrated at the Sandstone House, open for the holidays for the first time and don’t miss the brand new holiday musical, The Secret of Santa’s Workshop, running three times daily. For more information, visit www.heritagepark.ca/ plan-your-visit/event-calendar/once-upon-a-christmas
Stampede Dream Home winner THE TEAR DOWN, move, and re-build of the Dream Home in the S.E. community of Walden is complete and Homes by Avi just handed over the keys to the 2019 winner, Hayley Sandberg. The winning ticket ended up in the hands of 21-year-old Hayley, as her birthday present from her Dad. Neither Hayley, nor her dad and mom, had seen the home at the Stampede grounds this year, which is unusual
Hayley Sandberg with mom and dad.
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
Homes by Avi Group of Companies CEO Charon Ungar (left) with the winner.
because Mona, Hayley’s mom, says she has viewed the home every year since Hayley was little. Despite not stepping foot into the home, they could not contain their excitement when they finally took possession. This year’s Modern Farmhouse elevation, two-storey, 2,455-square-foot house home features the latest building. It features a main floor master with two additional upstairs bedrooms, a large family room and full bar. Hayley also gets to keep all the furniture and an additional $100,000 cash. This is the 24th time that Homes by Avi has handed over the keys of a uniquely designed and constructed house in support of the Rotary Club of Calgary South. NL
DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 29
DOES YOUR ONLINE MARKETING MEASURE UP? Do you know how well your website is really working for you? Source Digital will provide you with a FREE website evaluation. All you have to do is ask. We test for: SEO, spelling, speed, accessibility, social media, mobile friendly and much, much more!
Call us today at 403-532-3101 and request your FREE website report today.
sourcedigital.ca 30 | NE W HOME LIVING
DECEMBER 2019
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
hope at large n
By Marty Hope
HARMONY’S AFFORDABILITY Harmony’s new Poplar series brings affordability to Springbank lake community IT TOOK FOUR years from its launch, but Harmony has finally got around to showing off homes with more affordable price tags. Did the co-developers of this amenity-rich, active community — Qualico Communities and Bordeaux Developments — get their signals crossed? Not really, it was always part of the master plan for this Springbank-located lifestyle community. It just kind of went against the norm. For the most part, many communities in and around Calgary launch with more affordable price points and what’s considered ‘starter’ product and move upward from there. With the recent introduction of the Poplar Collection of homes being built by Baywest Homes, Broadview Homes, and Sterling Homes Group, Harmony — home to the Mickelson National Golf Club, and a 40-acre lake — has opened up a whole new housing segment. “Our intent was to establish the high-quality value statement from day one, with the Tamarack Collection which is our front-drive triple-garage estate homes, and our Aspen Collection of rear-drive, laned carriage homes,” says Birol Fisekci, president and CEO of Bordeaux. As part of that development strategy, the community was kicked off with three luxury housing options, but had to work its way through what Fisekci called “sluggish” economic conditions to be able to get to where they are now in terms of the creation of the community. With the addition of the recently-introCALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
duced Poplar brand there is now a mix of front-attached garage and rear-laned homes measuring from 2,300 to 2,800 square-feet on 38-foot to 40-foot lots with pricing starting in the high-$500,000 range. In comparison, the Tamarack and Aspen homes run from $700,000 to $1.5 million. “It’s always exciting when we can launch a new parade of homes and what’s even more exciting is when we can expand our customer base to people who want to make Harmony their home and have this budget to purchase their dream lifestyle in Springbank,” says Cheryl Heilman, director of marketing for Qualico. Harmony is also showing off a line of premium row townhomes priced under $500,000, according to Ryan Hall, vice-president of marketing and communications for Bordeaux. “Many people have expressed a desire to live in Harmony but couldn’t manage the entry price for our first offerings, but we told them to be patient because more options were on their way,” says Hall. “We hope having the Poplar collection and the
townhomes will address this need and allow more families to enter the community and enjoy the amenities and lake lifestyle that Harmony has become.” Harmony’s families appreciate living within an active, amenity-rich lifestyle community, less than an hour from the mountains. Harmony’s jewel is the 40-acre recreational lake (which will expand by another 100 acres in the future) complemented by to Mickelson 18-holer. Harmony offers a newly-enhanced resident beach area, an incoming adventure park and much more as part of the master vision for the community. At full buildout, Harmony will be home to more than 10,000 people. 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. DECEMBER 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
| 31