6 minute read
Leduc: At the centre of progress and prosperity
Fred Johns Park
Leduc:
At the centre of progress And prosperity
by PePPer rodriguez
The promise of finding a better life in the small-town environs of Leduc has always been a big part of the appeal of Edmonton’s sister city to the south, even as its rapid pace of growth has given rise to even more new opportunities for homebuyers to find the life they want here.
Leduc Mayor Bob Young has seen this growth first-hand, living here since his family moved to Leduc in 1962. “It was very different then, but even back then Leduc already held the appeal as a place where families can find a fulfilling life,” he tells Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide. “It’s a community you want to stay in from cradle to grave, and we’re on the path for further growth.”
Today, Young says they are the third fastest growing city in Canada and the fastest in Alberta. The 2021 Leduc Annual Monitoring Report says the City grew 13.7 percent since the last census in 2016 to 34,094 residents. “Additionally, there are now 13,507 total private dwellings with an average household size of 2.5 persons,” it continues.
“There are many reasons we grow every year,” Young says. “With a bustling arts and culture scene, ample natural spaces, and community groups run by dedicated volunteers, Leduc is as friendly as it is active,” he says.
Mainstreet Leduc
on The growTh paTh
The city is steadily growing and remains at the heart of the province’s economic engine, with the thriving Nisku and Telford industrial parks as key parts to this drive. But for residents, Leduc represents the opportunity of living a life of peace and prosperity.
Located about 33 km south from Edmonton, Leduc has become a top choice for homebuyers looking for affordability and a safe, secure community where they can plant the roots of family. But it has more to offer than just that.
“Leduc truly has a small town feel with the big city amenities. Parks, walking trails, water features and anything outdoor related is very important in Leduc,” says Cam Hart, Vice President of Tamani Communities, which is developing Leduc’s fastest growing community, Southfork.
“There are a variety of retail, wellness and recreation options close to the city center, Leduc offers all the amenities you need,” he adds.
Family FirsT
Mayor Young, who is serving his second term as mayor and has been in the city council since 2004, says the City is doing its best to keep Leduc a family-centric place to live.
“We have 80 kilometres of trails and pathways, 60 parks, 40 playgrounds, and the Leduc Recreation Centre (LRC) is 309,000 square feet of premium multi-use recreation facilities for people of all ages,” he says.
Young adds that Leduc has become a hub for sports tourism as it hosts over 150 events each year before COVID. “This brings a lot of people to the community, and they get to find out for themselves what it’s like here,” he says, adding that he expects many of these events to come back with the easing of health restrictions.
A focus on sports and recreational activities helps promote a friendly, family-oriented lifestyle. But having the second largest business development area in North America ensures that Leduc remains to be a place where achieving the live-workplay balance is more than readily achievable. “Some 60 percent of our population is employed locally,” Young points out.
aFFordabiliTy key
All types of homes can be found in Leduc’s new residential communities, including townhomes, duplexes, laned homes, front-drive homes, and even estate homes. And the city’s growth continues to be fuelled by the relatively inexpensive housing prices compared to those in Edmonton.
Housing is generally $20,000 to $50,000 cheaper than comparable homes in south Edmonton. Small town living never looked so grand!
But in Leduc, the top community for growth remains to be Southfork by Tamani Communities.
souThFork
“Southfork has become one of the most sought-after communities in the Leduc and surrounding areas. With a brand-new skating rink, an abundance of green space, parks, pathways, landscaped water features and convenient access to downtown Leduc and Edmonton, Southfork is the location of choice for new residents,” says Hart
William F Lede Park Southfork
“The community also boasts a variety of homestyle suitable for all stages of life. We have options for young families, right up to downsizers with a robust bungalow offering.”
Located 10 minutes south of Edmonton, Southfork is right in the sweet spot between the modern and natural worlds, right at the border of urban and suburban living. And everyone is falling in love with it.
Offering a wide range of homeowning options from Jayman BUILT and Homes by Avi has helped this young community in south Leduc win hearts and minds of homebuyers. Available are laned homes, frontattached garage homes and estate homes. Jayman also began pre-sales for a new phase of Street Towns, within the community, with no condo fees! Possessions begin this Fall.
Estate opportunities in the Edgewater Estates in Southfork are also very popular. This part of the community features a separate entry, private gazebo and park. “This prestigious community with landscaped pathways and tree lined boulevards will make you want to call it home. With larger homesites, triple car garage options and eyecatching exterior architecture has caught the attention of a lot of buyers” Hart adds.
Southfork is approximately 60 per cent completed with 1,200 to 1,400 homes built and close to 3,500 residents already calling it home.
Enjoy LEduc
Mayor Young says the entertainment and foodie scene in Leduc is growing as fast as the city. Family activities in the U-pick farms in Leduc County is quite popular, as is strolling around the various farmers markets to see all the local produce and vendors. “The local restaurants are awesome with a variety of different cuisines.”
Rural Routes Brewing company is leads Leduc’s emerging trend in micro-breweries, the Prestigo Bakery and Bistro has an astonishing array of pastries, and the Sushi Factory is a go-to for a night on the town.
For a relaxing day outdoors, Young also recommends walking the trails along Telford Lake. “Many Leduc locals love the 8.2 km Telford Lake Trail loop, its perfect for a family walk any time of the year.”
The 309,000-square-foot Leduc Recreation Centre is a popular amenity for the active set, where young and old can burn off some energy at the three NHL-sized ice rinks, aquatic centre or field house.
The city’s rich history and culture are also enshrined, notably at the Leduc Heritage Grain Elevator Museum, one of the last wood crib elevators built and remaining in Alberta. There is also the 450-seat Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts, the premier performing arts facility in the Leduc Region hosting everything from local community groups to international artists.
EdgeWater Estates
Go to Leduc.ca to find out more about the town, and visit jayman.com or southforkleduc.com for more on the new home opportunities they offer.
Telford Lake Stone Barn Garden