Lots to explore in Northwest Edmonton

from Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide – April 30, 2021

The enduring versatility of the duplex

by PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

From dynamic urban redevelopment to the preservation of its unique connection to nature, the story of northwest Edmonton continues to be writ. But it is a story that many homebuyers have found compelling and have made this sought-after sector their home.

Edmonton’s northwest is roughly bordered by 118 Avenue to the south, 97th Street NW to the east, 184 Street NW to the west and Anthony Henday to the north, to the border with St. Albert.

This sector has – along with the rest of Edmonton –enjoyed healthy growth over the last few years, with new community developments that homebuyers have quickly fallen in love with.

The Village at Griesbach (www. villageatgriesbach.com) is proving to be as vibrant as it is historic as the award-wining redevelopment of this former military base by the Canada Lands Co. (CLC) has turned it into a popular modern, amenityrich residential community.

CLC says they are focused on making Village at Griesbach an innovative and progressive urban village built with community in mind. It is designed to give residents easy access to daily conveniences and amenities within the community. Creating a balance within the urban village is the kilometres of interconnected walkable treelined trails, winding through the numerous parks and lakes.

Homes by Avi says it is excited to be bringing a new show home with separate garage suite to the Village at Griesbach this summer.

“We will have new front garage and rear detached garage homes here, and we couldn’t be happier to be in this well-designed, awardwinning community. There are opportunities to build secondary suites, including basement and nanny suites over garages” says Homes by Avi Sales Manager, Micah Dueck.

There are also several new communities surrounding Big Lake on the western borders of the northwest. These naturecentric communities offer tons of recreational opportunities, as Big Lake is a relatively little-known jewel of the capital region.

Big Lake is about eight kilometres in length and three kilometres at its widest point, it adds. “At the delta, one of only three birdsfoot deltas to be found in Alberta, the lake narrows to 100 metres. The lake is shallow, with depths varying between 0.3 to 4.1 metres.” Find out more about this natural bounty at www.bless.ab.ca.

Big Lake is part of Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park,and takes up some 59 percent of the park’s total area. It is also home to over 200 different bird species, including the beloved Kinglet songbird that is native to Alberta.

Residents in these new communities surrounding Big Lake are promised an adventure-filled life as they can kayak on the lake, fish along the shore and up the river, or hop on the Red Willow Trail System for an invigorating hike or bike ride.

Those looking to live this lifestyle can choose from several Big Lake communities including Kinglet at Big Lake (www.kingletbiglake.ca) , Hawks Ridge at Big Lake (www. haksridge.ca) and Trumpeter at Big Lake (www.trumpeterbiglake.ca) all developed by Anthem United. Rohit Land Development also has Starling at Big Lake (www.starlingatbiglake. com) in the area.

Nature isn’t all one can find in the northwest, as there are varied and eclectic selection of retail, restaurants and entertainment throughout. An exciting melting pot mix of restaurants in the area serve everything from Vietnamese, to Middle Eastern and even some New Orleans flavour.

This includes what may be the best Creole and Cajun cuisine in Edmonton (maybe in all Alberta!) – Louisiana Purchase. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried their Steamboat Jambalaya and their crisp glazed Dem Bones. You can’t go wrong either with their Creole Mussels for an appetizer, and a Southern Chocolate Pecan Pie to top it all off. Go to www. louisianpurchase.ca for more. They are doing brisk curbside business as COVID-19 restrictions for dinein continue.

PhoEver brings traditional and fusion Vietnamese cuisine to the Griesbach food scene, wrapped up in a casual-upscale, yet comfortable venue! They make their food fresh for everyone and includes many vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Their extensive selection of frozen soup broths means you can take home their delicious meals for future consumption. www.phoever.ca for more, including on-line orders.

Pita Bake on 15180 127 St NW serves traditional Flatbreads (pitas) baked in their massive 6,300-pound stone bake oven. The taste of stone-baked is unrivaled. To add a twist to traditional toppings on Flatbread Pitas, PitaBake has taken flavours from around the world and baked them on their Flatbread Pitas. Check out www.pitabake.com for more.

Shopping is a cinch as well, with various options of malls around, including Newcastle Shopping Centre and Skyview Centre, that have the necessary shops and services that makes living in the northwest such a breeze, including groceries, medical and dental clinics, and a variety of mom and pop stores to add flavour.