new home & condo living january 2014

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4 N E W H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G • 5

COVEr FEaTurE

8 Boomtown Spruce Grove has much to boast about

COndO PrOFilE

10 Livingthe HighStreetlife Lofty hopes attainable at Regency Developments’ latest downtown address

ShOw hOmE PrOFilE

13 Thegamut withGannet Custom show home, the Windermere, takes advantage of its lake view

COmmuniTy PrOFilE

16 Aroyalinvestment Cancom Developments creates a community for all

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4 n V O l u m E 6 i S S u E 4 6

CONtENts

dESign & dÉCOr

19 Theforgottenspace Getting your laundry room ship shape

FEaTurE

20 Move-inready The housing market benefits of a provincial population boom

aCOa OwnErS’ COrnEr

25 Yourcondo, yourinvestment

FEaTurE

30 Talesfromthe condozone The elevator

iTEmS

6 Editor’sMessage23 AroundTown26 Maps27 AdIndex

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13

16Cover photo: Skating in Central Park

6 • N E W H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4

A DVD of The Sound of Music made its way to the top of the pile when my family was on the hunt to watch something together. Only I was interested in actually watching it, so once again Julie Andrews and her songs about Doe a Deer made their way back down to the bottom of the movie pile.

But the song about scales and starting at the beginning brought a conversation back to mind that I had with a local developer, Cancom Developments (featured on page 16), in our Community Profile for Royal Oaks. As we gathered the pertinent information about the southeast community in Leduc County, my contact at Cancom reassured me that the article deadline really was more like a beginning for many reasons: this would be a fresh story about a community Cancom is proud of while Edmonton-and-area residents will learn about the big picture of Royal Oaks and what the future can hold for them in this master-planned development.

Taking things back downtown, High Street District Properties new condominium development is featured on page 10. These apartment-style condos really take advantage of their location ( just off of 124 Street) with some street-accessible units and heated underground parking.

A show home with all the bells and whistles in St. Albert displays Gannet Homes’ custom style and attention to detail. See page 13 for pictures and details of the Windermere show home. This builder’s referral numbers make it clear that customer service is as important to the employees as the innovative custom designs are.

Our cover takes you to another satellite area of Edmonton — Spruce Grove. The city is growing by leaps and bounds as its mayor beams with pride. Builders are doing their best to stay on top of the demand many young people are placing on them to build a dream home to raise their young families in. See page 8 for more about this city that is breaking records with its development.

Three regular columns round out this edition, including Rosalyn Lazaruk’s look at laundry rooms and Jim Zang’s humourous take on another small space — the elevator. Finally, we welcome a new column from the Alberta Condo Owners Association. If you’ve got a question for them, send it to [email protected].

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Michelle [email protected]

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E d i T O r i a l

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EDItOR’s MEssAGE

Let’sstartfromtheverybeginning…

@EdmHomeandCondo EdmontonHomeandCondoLiving

If you want to live in a place where the mayor helps make it prosper, Spruce Grove, roughly 11 kilometres west of Edmonton, is the place for you. Spruce Grove’s mayor, Stuart Houston, elected in

2007, shares his enthusiasm about every project his city has to offer.

“We just recently had the grand opening of the 66-acre Jubilee Park, similar to Edmonton’s Hawrelak

Park, with picnic shelters, toboggan trails and storm ponds,” Mayor Houston says. “People love it.” It is a forest surrounded by residences and the model of urban development.

With a population over 26,000 people, Spruce Grove is home to many young families. They have everything they need with excellent schools, first-class recreational facilities and more than 30 kilometres of biking/

walking trails meandering through pristine forest and developed park areas.

The significant growth rate of young families also boosted registration numbers for the city’s nine schools. Spruce Grove’s public schools had 266 new registrations last year, where Parkland County

registrations (from West Edmonton to Entwistle)

Boom townSpruce Grove has much to boast about

Mayor Stuart Houston

By Rusti Lehay

COVER FEAtURE

remained static. The Parkland School Division awarded Spruce Grove a new $20-million kindergarten to Grade 9 school on the city’s east side that is set to open in 2016.

Brad Medernach, a controller for Alquinn Homes, has also noticed the spike in young people making the decision to raise their families in Spruce Grove. Speaking as a builder in six of Spruce Grove’s 12 show home communities, Medernach says, “Spruce Grove has that small-town feel yet has all the ameni-ties of Edmonton without the traffic, hustle and bustle.”

The city is still the type of place where everyone knows everyone, but that may be hard to maintain as the population continues to soar; there was a 20 per cent total population increase over the past four years. This phenomenal growth makes home purchases an investment. “For people who buy now, in any town experiencing this type of growth, property values will grow like a rising tide lifting all the boats,” Medernach says.

Integrating housing with nature, like in Jubilee Park, shows the environmental protective foresight of the city’s planners. It also proves that cities can think and plan green while creating economic success. “We are currently riding the strongest wave of economic development in the history of our city — 2013 will be a record year,” Houston says. “Our building permits to the city average $545,000 daily.”

The excitement continues with the upcoming development of the Tri Leisure Village; the $50-million development next to the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre, includes a Holiday Inn


“Spruce Grove has that small-town feel yet has all the amenities of Edmonton without the traffic, hustle and bustle.”

In 2014, the city will extend Grove Drive east to Pioneer Road, bringing sanitary and sewer to Highway 16A, making way for a new Qualico development. Qualico’s future urban village will integrate residential, commercial and public amenities on Spruce Grove’s eastern edge.

Six years ago, says Houston, Spruce Grove had 1,300 businesses and now there are more than 1,700. There are 11 grocery and convenience stores in addition to five major grocery chains. The amazing Tri Leisure Centre will soon be part of that larger

integrated sports village. The city’s numerous soccer fields, baseball diamonds, free tennis

courts, picnic spaces and playgrounds offer enough outside activity opportu-

nities for any sports inclination.Mayor Houston has reason to

show enthusiasm — his city is successfully growing by leaps and bounds. n

COVER FEAtURE

Express, retail, restaurants, a state-of-the-art medical centre, as well as a $10.4-million recreation facility right next to the Bruce and Jeannette Fuhr Fields — a multimillion-dollar twin arti-ficial turf football field. “All of this will be connected making it one of the largest integrated urban sports villages in the Capital Region,” Houston says.

Anticipating necessary infrastructure upgrades to meet all the growth and development needs, a multimillion-dollar roadway system was recently completed to aid access to the Westwind Centre — a new destination retail centre at the corner of Highway 16 and Century Drive. Even more ameni-ties, such as Peavey Mart, Michaels and Shoppers Drug Mart will be found in the $75-million Century Crossing develop-ment that is just wrapping up.

Also in full construction, says Houston, “We have a new $18.6-million public works facility that will take us 25 years into the future to match the current and projected growth.”

There are three major multi-family developments currently being built, including a 102-unit high-density development on Jennifer Heil Way and one near Century Crossing with just over 104 units.

From estate homes to duplexes, condos and high-density multi-family dwellings, competitive home prices attract future residents. “People can find homes $30,000 less than other places and still experience a high quality of living,” Houston says.

condo profile

1 0 • N E W H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4

Living the High Street lifeBuying a new home doesn’t have to be out of reach

financially or off of the beaten path geographically. Enter High Street District Properties (HSDP), Regency Developments’ newest condo development near the

coveted communities of Oliver and Glenora and a stone’s throw from your various downtown careers and the vibrant lifestyle along 124 Street.

“Regency’s desire is for High Street District Properties and our 36-storey Pearl Tower to serve an important role in shifting the dynamics of west downtown by promoting an entire High Street District,” says Raj Dhunna, chief operating officer of Regency Developments. “The great success at HSDP in such a short period of time speaks volumes about the even brighter future for this area.”

Those not sold solely on the location — at convenient 10523 123 Street — are sure to appreciate the value in

condo profile


By Shelley WilliamsonLiving the High Street life Lofty hopes attainable at Regency Developments’ latest downtown address

»

price. The luxurious suites start from $214,000 plus GST for one-bedroom units and the beautiful two-bedroom suites start from $261,900 plus GST. High Street’s appeal is evident in the fact that this 88-suite project is more than 65 per cent sold after just six months.

“The demographics are new homebuyers and those looking to downsize in an eclectic neighbourhood. Many of our clients work and want to live close to downtown. We are located on the outskirts of the core, so it’s an affordable price range,” Dhunna explains. “Regency also has a focus on promoting social interaction and

close-knit ties among neighbours at its projects and in that spirit such features at HSDP include a roof-top patio, which our clients value.”

Possessions early in the new year can be accommodated in the four-storey upscale condominium, including a heated underground parking stall. Other features are displayed in the project’s three show suites, which after a visit, many are surprised to learn there are no hidden fees or upgrades to pay for.

“We have really modern finishing here — custom cabinets and backsplashes. Our clients are excited about their purchases,” Dhunna says, adding that four premium Samsung appliances, granite or arborite counters, hardwood and tile flooring, three interior colour selections and in-suite laundry are standard fare.

Other details sure to keep satisfaction high and living costs low are free Internet and cable for the first year and individual heat pump/cooling systems that allow residents to pay only for the energy they use, not their neighbours’.

Those worried condo fees will break the budget can rest easy, as the monthly dues that go to common heat, water,

“Regency’s desire is ... to serve an important role in shifting the dynamics of west downtown by promoting an entire High street District.”

condo profile


Fast FactsBuilder/Developer: Regency DevelopmentsProject: High Street District PropertiesStyle: Apartment-style condominiumsSize: One-bedrooms range from 661 to 852 square-

feet; one-bedroom-and-den plans from 747 to 960 square-feet; two-bedrooms span 901 to 978-square-feet; and the one remaining two-bedroom-and-den is 1,182 square-feet.

Price: Prices range (pre-GST) from $214,000 to $227,900; one-bedroom-and-den suites are $229,900 to $285,900; two-bedrooms are $261,900 to $302,900; and the two-bedroom-and-den suite is $357,900.

Address: 107, 10523 123 StreetHours: Monday to Thursday from 12 to 6 p.m., weekends and holidays from 12 to 5 p.m.Web: www.hsdproperties.ca

reserve funds, maintenance, snow removal, landscaping and the like, are very reasonable starting under $200 and up to $360 for the building’s largest suites.

Despite the level of sales already on the books for HSDP, remaining suites offer a lot of variety for buyers: more than two dozen different suite plans in the building, including some on the main floor that offer the best value. All floor plans can be viewed online (www.hsdproperties.ca).

“There are 26 floor plans, and some of our main-floor units are even walk-ups,” Dhunna says. “People really like having access from the street.” The lifestyle amenities outside the front doors are as attractive to buyers as the elegant features within their new homes. The 124 Street Grand Market, specialty shops, yoga studios, galleries, boutique clothing stores and eateries along 124 Street sweeten the deal for most buyers.

“It’s about promoting a walkable city and enhancing street life, which the 124 Street area has done an incredible job of building and the inspiration for HSDP drew from the unique places to shop, work, eat and connect along 124th,” Dhunna says. n

the lifestyle amenities outside the front doors are as attractive to buyers as the elegant features within their new homes.

Custom homes designed to meet the discerning homebuyer’s every want and need are Gannet Homes’ forte.

The Windermere show home in Erin Ridge North — The Elements, one of St. Albert’s most northern neighbourhoods,

showcases the superior quality that Gannet Homes builds.Located on a premium estate lot backing on to the lake and highlighting

a number of available upgrades and special features, the 2,704-square-foot, two-storey home with double attached garage is valued at $929,900. The base price for the model is $399,900 plus lot and GST.

“The show home was custom designed for this lot to take advantage of the lake views,” says Brad Zacharuk, Gannet Homes’ general manager.

By Kate Hamilton

The gamut with GannetCustom show home, the Windermere, takes advantage of its lake view

sHOW HOME PROFILE

»


Upstairs there are three bedrooms, with the master featuring a plush ensuite and oversized walk-in closet. The bonus room celebrates the view at the rear of the house with large windows that overlook the lake.

On the main level, a two-sided gas fireplace divides the otherwise open-floor plan. To one side, the great room’s coffered ceiling and huge windows capitalize on the rear view outside and on the other side is a space next to the foyer, set up with an intimate and cozy, informal sitting area.

The open flow continues into the kitchen has stainless steel appliances and hoodfan, full-height tile backsplash and a huge pantry. The dining nook leads onto a large patio — perfect for when the warmer temperatures sneak back into our lives.

In need of a private office? Just close the door of the den, and there you go.The completed walkout basement adds an additional 960 square-feet of

space. The wet bar and sitting area (with electric fireplace) leave plenty of room for a pool table, while the fourth bedroom and a full bathroom are perfect for guests.

“This home has all the bells and whistles,” Zacharuk says, citing in-floor heating, high-efficiency appliances, upgraded mechanical system and ample natural light as some examples. “The show home has upgrades but we incorporated a lot of standard finishes, as well as a few different ideas.”

Granite countertops, hardwood and ceramic tile floors and high-quality cabinetry are some of the standard features.

While models such as the Windermere can provide a base to work from, customers have the ultimate say about the end result when they build with Gannet Homes.

“We make suggestions based on our experience but we’re very flexible. Even during construction, we can make changes,” Zacharuk says.

“Our focus is on mid- to higher-end homes,” he continues. “We have built for first-home buyers but a lot of our construction is for clients on their second or third home.”

From designing the plans to after-sales service, Gannet Homes prides itself on quality. “We’re told we have a very good quality product; people comment when they come through the show home,” Zacharuk says.

As a specialist in custom projects, Gannet Homes builds in new subdivisions as well as acreages and city infill lots.

“We build on land we locate for clients but a lot of times clients come to us with their own land,” Zacharuk says.

The Windermere show home is located in the newest phase of the established Erin

sHOW HOME PROFILE

While models such as the Windermere can provide a base to work from, customers have the ultimate say about the end result when they build with Gannet Homes.

show home profile

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4 N E W H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G • 1 5

Fast FactsBuilder/Developer: Gannet HomesModel: The WindermereArea: Erin Ridge North — The ElementsStyle: Two-storey with front-attached garageSize: 2,704 square-feetPrice: Show home valued at $929,900; model

base price is $399,900 plus lot and GST.Show Home Address: 3 East View Street North, St AlbertHours: By appointment. Call 780-718-1338 or

780-484-8754Web: www.gannethomes.com

Ridge neighbourhood, just off St. Albert Trail set nearby shopping, schools and restaurants.

It is a master-planned community with many green spaces and walking trails used by residents year-round. Zacharuk says the community, so far, has appealed primarily to those already living and working in St. Albert.

Buying a new home can be a stressful process and the small team at Gannet Homes does everything in its power to make the experience as smooth as possible to take pressure off clients. “We don’t have unhappy clients,” Zacharuk says, adding that Gannet Homes gets a lot of repeat and referral business.

Gannet Homes is a certified master home builder with training in energy efficient building practices, so homebuyers can be assured that when they purchase a Gannet product it will have the latest advances in construction.

Since its beginnings in 1984, Gannet Homes has built an average of six to 10 homes per year, ensuring every project is personalized and unique. n

COMMUNITY PROFILE


By Michelle Lindstrom

A royAL inveSTmenTCancom Developments creates a community for all

C ancom Development is a development company dedicated to providing great opportunities for families and individuals. One of its current master-

planned communities, Royal Oaks, is a perfect example of endless possibilities for any homeowner. Located in the heart of unprecedented investment, growth and opportunity for the Edmonton region, Royal Oaks is situated just east of Nisku at Edmonton’s south and Beaumont’s west border.

The community’s location is ideal for many as it is just 10 minutes away from the Edmonton International Airport, so you can build frequent flyer miles without having to rack up car mileage. Just minutes away from Nisku, and the hamlet’s industrial area, those who work within that thriving development can now live and play nearby, too.

The Anthony Henday and the QEII are easily accessed from Royal Oaks as well, making the trips as close as Edmonton or as far as Fort McMurray stress-free.

“It’s what was required in the region.” ... A well-

planned community with linkages to future and

existing development ...

“It’s what was required in the region,” says a Cancom representative, speaking of the “executive lifestyle”. The southeast community offers something others in the area don’t: a well-planned community with linkages to future and existing development. Affordable lots starting at $229,000 can accommodate large two-stories, bungalows and even three-car-garage home

designs.Cancom also offers future

Royal Oaks’ residents the opportunity to bring in their own home builder and custom blueprints — a rare find in the south. If the hunt for a builder is not something you look forward to, Infiniti Homes, Konark Homes, Goldridge

Homes and Cancom Homes are already set to build in the community. Konark Homes’ two-storey custom show home opened in late July 2013 displaying all the options a residence in Royal Oaks can take advantage of.

Cancom owns over 80 acres of land in the East Vistas plan that Royal Oaks sits in. More than

COMMUNITY PROFILE


half of that 80 acres is planned for custom, single-family dwellings broken down into three different stages over the next year or two. After that, Cancom will develop multi-family sites to accommodate duplexes, townhomes and condominiums.

Cancom stresses that the stages will be seamless due to the company’s thoughtful pre-planning. “There’s no distinction with good,” Cancom’s representative says. “Each of the stages will have connections to a lake, path system, park space, gathering spaces, play areas and more. Each stage complements what would be the perfect location.”

Royal Oaks can also boast that its appeal triggers something in everyone — the traveller, weekend warrior, retiree or family — because of its proximity to the airport for getaways, range roads for biking, pathways for walking and lakes and parks for playing.

“We saw the need, we saw the gap. There is a definite demand and desire to own these type of lots,” Cancom says. “It’s a community for all generations. It’s a community that creates possibilities.”

In and around Royal Oaks, the area is booming with development and excitement for business »

“Each of the stages will have direct connections to the lake path system, park space, gathering spaces, play areas and more.”

Konark’s show home in Royal Oaks.

COMMUNITY PROFILE


Fast FactsArea: Royal Oaks (in Leduc County)Developer: Cancom DevelopmentsBuilders & Prices: Lots start at $29,000 (not including GST).

Current builders include Infiniti Homes, Konark Homes, Goldridge Homes and Cancom Homes but any builder is welcome. Due to the variety of custom options, house prices can be determined by contacting your chosen builder directly.

Konark Show Home Hours: Thursday and Friday, 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Web: www.royal-oaks.ca

“We’re creating something that we’re proud of, not just for our generation, but ... something that is for your sons and daughters ...”

and homeowners. And with such development comes better infrastructure. Many road improvements have already been completed, while further road and interchange projects are scheduled to begin next year. The community can be found just off of Township Road 510 between 50th Street and 101st Street (some of the roads that will see improvements).

“The connections are great right now and will only get better,” Cancom says.

With a community full of different builders and custom designs, some architectural controls are required to enhance the beauty and integrity of the area. Some of those requirements in the current Stage One include a minimum size of 1,600 square-feet for a bungalow and 2,400 square-feet for a two-storey. The style of home is left to you and your builder to dream up something fabulous. Cancom’s architectural control team then reviews the plans and elevations simply to ensure designs maintain or boost everyone’s community investments. “We’re building a community and we’re building it together,” Cancom says.

It’s obvious the developer is proud of what it has started in Royal Oaks and why shouldn’t it be? The accessibility to existing and future schools, retail, industry, hospitals, highways, wet lands, recreational facilities and more, makes the community a much sought-after place to build your dream home.

“We’re creating something that we’re proud of, not just for our generation, but it’s creating something that is for your sons and daughters, mother and father,” Cancom says. “It’s planting seeds. The community is about people.” n


January brings White Sales! White Sales used to be all about bedding, but for the last several years retailers have expanded from just linens to

all sorts of home-related goods for your bed, bath and laundry. The idea is to start fresh and get organized. There is no better room in the house for “fresh” and “organization” to touch than the laundry room … an often forgotten space.

Sometimes, I am guilty of an unorganized, cluttered laundry room. Seeing as it is a space that we are never going to get away from — we have to spend time in there — why don’t we pay more attention to it? We need to start thinking about home décor beyond the spaces our friends and family see, but also for those other rooms that we simply can’t avoid. Well, we might as well make it as enjoyable as possible, right?

There are so many different types of laundry areas. Some are housed in a cabinet in the kitchen; some are as large as my kitchen; and others area tucked in the corner of a basement storage room. No matter its size or where it is in your home, there are a few essentials to make the laundry room more functional and organized.

ClEan and CarE The key to a functional laundry room is having everything necessary for cleaning and caring for your clothing in one space. I read a great idea of creating small kits in clear containers that are, of course, labelled. Think: sewing kit, stain removal, specialty soaps and even shoe car.

By Rosalyn Lazaruk

ViSiBiliTy Decanting detergents into glass containers allows you to see when you are running low and it is much cleaner looking than big plastic or cardboard containers. Open shelving for your essential kits, detergents, linens, etc. will allow you to easily see where things are and what needs replenishing.

hang iT Think beyond just conventional drying racks. The floor stand racks can take up a lot of floor space and be quite awkward. Think about hanging a towel bar underneath a floating shelf to hang cotton shirts fresh from the dryer to get a few wrinkles out and make ironing easier. A closet or doorway tension rod works great to hang longer pants and dresses keeping them up off the floor.

STaTiOnS If you have the room, adding a floating island to your laundry area is a great use of space. Something with a few drawers, open shelving for baskets and laundry extras and, a smooth, work surface for folding and sorting. This will also give you a place to tuck away a small trash can for lint and all those wrappers found in your kids’ pockets. Also, be sure to have a dish on top to collect treasures you come across

while doing laundry.

wrinklE FrEE Having a dedicated area for ironing can make this daunting task a little easier to manage. Having a small shelf for just your iron and spray bottle with a proper

hook underneath for your ironing board keeps it all in one place. And, treat yourself to a new board cover — they come in so many fun patterns and designer colours now, it will help to make ironing a little more enjoyable. n

DEsIGN & DÉCOR

Getting your laundry room ship shape

The forgotten space

Designer Rosalyn Lazaruk has been working in design and décor for seven years, and established her own business, Wicket Blue Interiors, in 2004. She has a broad repertoire in designing personal spaces within the home, as well as in implementing intriguing space and design concepts within the commercial setting. Rosalyn is devoted to developing and implementing unique design ideas that reflect the vision and individuality of her clients. To see more of Rosalyn’s design ideas visit www.wicketblue.com.

right now with immigration numbers is the interprovin-cial stats,” Gupta says. “Those people are coming from Toron-to, Vancouver and Montreal, where they are landing first, staying there for a year, and then migrating to Alberta.” Where immigrants come from most recently, and where they feel most connected to, affects what they want in a home.

“For builders, developers and even brokers that have not gone overseas in the last decade or so — Sydney, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Dubai or Mumbai — these cities are very modern now, or they are modernizing very quickly. In certain situations, they are more modern than North American cities when it comes to fashion and tech-


The housing market benefits of a provincial population boommove-in ready

A lberta’s booming economy is holding out a welcome sign for all to see. Increased job

creation, relatively low taxes, and an evolving metropolitan lifestyle can all be found here and residents from other provinces, and even other countries, are taking notice.

Mark Parsons, Deputy Chief Economist at Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, says, “This year, population growth in Alberta hit 3.5 per cent. That’s the largest in-crease in population since the early 1980s.” The same is expected for the Edmonton region at around a three per cent increase.

Mark Parsons

FEAtURE

“We built a lot of homes in the last boom, so we created some inventory,” Parsons says, “and that is now being absorbed. But as more and more properties get absorbed, it creates this demand for new hous-ing. That’s when you start to see some pressure on prices.” So far, he notes, the price increase in Alberta has been very modest compared to what happened in the span between 2004 and 2008. As more people move to the province, (statistics show Edmonton and Calgary gain roughly 80 per cent of Alberta’s total immigrants, international or interprovincial), more houses are re-quired. The natural cycle of supply and demand comes into play.

And the cycle is spinning. Im-migration numbers are on the rise in the province, and this directly affects the housing market. Immi-grants to Canada commonly step into the renter’s market first, before considering home ownership and setting up a mortgage. “Everyone has their own idea of how long it takes migrants to find their way into the housing market, but a lot of industry analysts would say about two years on average,” Parsons says.

Where these immigrants come from and what they are looking for in a home is of particular interest to Rohit Gupta, president of Rohit Communities — a home builder in Edmonton, Fort Mc-Murray and British Columbia.

“What everybody is missing

nology trends,” Gupta says. “Some of the feedback we’ve gotten is that we’re actually a generation behind with our trends, compared to what’s happening in other parts of the world. We don’t need to be fearful of being more modern or more leading edge because some of the other markets are already there.”

Many immigrants entering Alberta’s home-buying market have actually been exposed to more trends than we realize and price is not the only thing they look for when shopping for a home. “Design does matter. Trends do matter. They want to be modern and chic,” Gupta says.

Rohit’s current designs are based on what customers are asking for as well as anecdotal research gathered by interviewing customers and staff of various ethnic backgrounds. The home builder’s marketing, design, and land positions have shifted to accom-modate the new immigrant population. One related change is Rohit’s land development website, which offers information in 25 different languages.

Rohit is just one example of a local

company that listens closely to what its clients ask for and is conscious of which community it is building in. Gupta notes that in Edmonton, it’s common to find South Asian and East Asian families in the southeast and Middle Eastern and African families in the northeast, for example. This matters because some cultures value large entrances, while others might look for multi-generational room op-tions, and so on.

Regarding financing and mortgag-es, Canadian banks are constantly adjusting programs to help anyone who is looking to buy a home. “There are definitely some programs de-signed for new immigrants coming

over who want to buy a new home right away,” says Sheri Mitchell, an RBC mobile mortgage specialist. The bank reviews three things for all applicants: a person’s income, credit, and down payment. “So when a person comes from another country, they don’t have any credit history here yet,” she says. “We’re working on ways to get that credit history for them.”

Mitchell advises immigrants to meet with a bank as soon as they arrive in Canada to discuss their home buying options because many factors play into a mortgage or loan application. Have they found employment? How much money did they bring with them to Canada? Is their bank willing to provide a letter of reference? The list goes on.

Alberta — and Edmonton specifi-cally — is faring well. Economic ex-perts project a bright future ahead. “Because we’ve had a strong influx of migrants, particularly from other provinces, it’s allowed the market to perform really well and continue to add to economic growth in the province,” Parsons says. “Across Canada, there is concern about higher interest rates, mortgage rates tightening, and stricter mortgage rules. There are a lot of other factors working against housing in other provinc-es, but here, because of the people moving this way and the job creation, there is the support that other provinces don’t necessarily have.” n

The housing market benefits of a provincial population boommove-in ready “We don’t need to be fearful of

being more modern or more leading edge because some of the other markets are already there.”

(statistics above were gathered from documents provided by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, statistics Canada, the Government of Alberta and Alberta’s treasury Board and Finance)

• By 2031, roughly 1 in 3 Canadian workers could be foreign born.

• More than 60 per cent of Alberta’s immigrants are skilled workers.

• Prior to 1991, Asians accounted for 31 per cent of Alberta’s new immigrants. That number jumped to 59 per cent from 2001 to 2006. European immigrant totals decreased from 49 per cent to 15 per cent over the same time periods.

• Two thirds of Canada’s total population increase between 2006 and 2010 was due to immigration.

Immigration in numbers

FEAtURE



AROUND TOWN

IN RECENT MONTHS, multi-family housing starts have trended lower after reaching elevated levels in the middle of 2013, explains Christina Butchart, Edmonton’s CMHC senior mar-ket analyst. “The trend in total housing starts continued to move lower in November as a slight in-crease in single-detached construction was offset by a decline in multi-family housing starts,” she says.

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpora-tion (CMHC), November’s housing starts in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) was trending at 13,790 units compared to October’s 15,291.

Starting numbers

Northern living

CARRINGTON COMMuNITIES’ ELEMENTS at Hermitage — a three-building, four-storey condominium development — began selling units to the public in April 2012.

Falisha Khan, a sales associate for the last phase in this northeast Edmonton complex, says the first two buildings were a little different with their floor plans, finishings and construction.

“Some fun features of this project is that half the building faces the river/park and most of the remaining units come with underground heated parking,” Khan says. “We also offer 30 to 45 days possession.”

She estimates that only about 30 units are left in the building including just one, one-bedroom on the main floor for $138,900 (not including GST). The rest of the available units are two-bedroom floor

plans ranging from 755 square-feet for $171,900 to 900 square-feet for $218,900.

To purchase a home with a river view, visit the Elements at Hermitage show

suite at 1180 Hyndman Road in Phase 3, Building A, Monday to Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. or weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.

»

Carrington Communities’ Elements at Hermitage.

IT’S LIKELy NOT a shock to hear that we have an aging workforce. By 2030, most Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1965) will have left the workforce for retirement. That’s only 16 years away! This is significant considering that in 2011, close to a quarter of Alberta’s total population was comprised of this generation. Many builders in the province are taking notice and catering to a new group of homebuyers.

According to Stats Canada, Alberta’s population is ex-pected to continue its growth and by 2041, the province’s total population is projected to reach almost six million people (two million in growth). yet, the annual popula-tion growth over the next three decades is expected to be lower (1.5 per cent) than the average rate of 1.9 per cent experienced over the past 20 years.

Baby boom


AROUND tOWN

Impressive model

IT’S JuST AS exciting for a builder as it is for a homebuyer to have a new floor plan and home design to review. It’s even more exciting when that design comes to life as a show home, much like Pacesetter Homes’ model in Summerwood (Sherwood Park) called the Georgia.

This two-storey home with a double front-attached garage boasts more than 2,800 square-feet of well-detailed, and well-used space. For the future homeowner, the home’s impressive wood

THE CANADIAN HOME Builders’ Association – Edmonton Region (CHBA – ER) is hosting its annual Economic Forum on January 16, 2014. The evening is considered to be the most informative economic event for the new home building and renovation industry.

At the Radisson Edmonton South, there will be a dinner at 6 p.m. and then a pre-sentation from guest speakers and a Royal Bank of Canada keynote speaker begin-ning at 7:15 p.m.

The plan is to explore the most up-to-date housing data and insights on Alber-ta’s housing industry.

Non-members are welcome and all at-tendees need to RSVP by January 10, 2014.

If you’re more of a morning person,

New Year events

the CHBA – ER has a must-attend breakfast event titled “The Oppor-tunities & Risks of Change” set for January 29, 2014 at the Edmonton

Petroleum Club.The content will most appeal to new home

builders, renovators, architects, designers, trades and building suppliers (CHBA mem-bers and non-members are welcome).

Breakfast is at 7:30 a.m., followed by a one-hour presentation/workshop by the CHBA – ER on changes in construction practices and technologies that offer new cost-effec-tive opportunities.

An RSVP to this event must be sent by January 24, 2014.

See www.chbaedmonton.ca for more information.

Pacesetter Homes’ Georgia show home in Summerwood. Photos courtesy Pacesetter Homes.

THE CITy OF Edmonton is launch-ing their Evolving Infill Project.

This project is intended to move residential infill forward. The outcome will be an Action Plan that will serve as a road map to support more new housing in older communi-ties.

The next Infill Talks Forum will be held on January 9, 2014, 6:30 – 9 p.m. at Woodvale Community League (Mill Woods Golf Course, 4540 50 Street).

In addition, and prior to the forums, there are opportunities to participate in online conversations and related events.

More can be found atwww.edmonton.ca/evolvinginfill.

Evolving infill project

panel details and open floor plan are impressive, but it’s worth noting that there is a bonus to the bonus room. There are actually two of these rooms on the second floor and, neither replaces a bedroom. There are still two bedrooms and a master upstairs.

To experience an in-person look of this new model, go to 4027 Summerland Drive, Sherwood Park. Summerwood isn’t the only community this floor plan can be built in if Sherwood Park isn’t the area for you. n


Your condo, your investment

When you purchase a condominium you are buying more than a home. you are also buying a share in a corporation. The small ones cans be worth over a million dollars and the larger can be multimillion-dol-lar corporations. The important question is: how can you enjoy living in your condominium home, while protecting your investment?

Let’s start with the basics: A condominium is created by registration of a condominium plan at the land titles office. The condominium plan contains detail such as the unit Factor, the legal size of the home (unit), the location of the boundary of the unit and it identifies the components that are common property.

The unit Factor determines the “undivided interest share” each owner has in the common property. Common property is owned in common by all unit owners in proportion to their unit Factor.

Every owner is impacted personally and financially by the style of management, the financial strength and the overall viability of the corporation. When it is time to sell the unit the salesperson, the prospective buyers, lenders, and mortgage insurance companies evaluate the viability of the corporation. There are condominiums in Alberta that are not able to get risk insurance, that mortgage insurance companies will not insure and that lenders will not finance. This means that owners in these properties are not able to sell for fair value until the causes of these problems are corrected.

The great news is that protecting your condo investment is not rocket science. you do not need a degree in corporate management or financial manage-ment. All you need is an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the elected board of directors

ACOA OWNERS’ CORNERALBERTA CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCIATION (ACOA)

the Alberta Condominium Owners Association (ACOA) is a non-profit association intended to represent ALL Alberta condominium owners and give them a concerted voice in issues that affect living in a multi-family environment. Co-Founders are Bernice M. Winter and Dr. June A. Donaldson, Calgary based business women who have diverse and extensive condo, business, entrepreneurial and academic experience to bring to this most necessary initiative. Visit www.Albertacoa.com for more information and how to become a member.

and the owners. The areas that will assist you in protecting your condo investment that I am high-lighting in this article are based on my 38 years of condo experience. As each condominium project is unique to itself governed by its own management style, condo plan and customized bylaws, the following comments are of a generic nature as a guide for living in a condominium and protecting their investment.

ElECTiOn OF ThE BOard OF dirECTOrSEvery condominium is required to have a board of directors. This board is comprised of owners elected by owners at the annual general meeting (AGM). In Alberta the condominium legislation and bylaws give the board the power and the responsibility to make many decisions without the vote of the owners. These responsibilities include budgeting, spending, borrowing money, hiring contractors and proving information to owners (shareholders). The board does require the vote of the owners to change the use of common property, to borrow money in excess of the limits in the bylaws, to select the annual auditor, to spend reserve funds on capital improvements and to amend or change the bylaws.

As the board of directors hold a lot of power and responsibility. It is important that the owners attend the annual meeting and elect the owners they believe will have the best success in running the business of the corporation. Too often, owners are elected to the board only because no other owner is interested or willing to step up. n

This month’s article by Bernice M. Winter, ACOA co-founder. Part two next month.

FirS T OF T wO Pa rT S


CITY OF EDMONTON MAP

INNER CITY

LEGEND

shopping Centre

Point of Interest

HospitalCondo Project

New Home Project

College/Universitie

1. Aurora2. serenity3. Axio Parkland4. Mosaic Meadows Parkland5. Windermere Village6. Macewan Gardens7. sandstone at Walkers Lake station8. Aspen Meadows9. Meridian Plaza10. the Corners11. Griesbach Wood II12. Griesbach Wood III13. Carlton Villas on the Lake14. trails of Millcreek15. the University Brownstones16. Century Park17. Hollick Kenyon Pointe18. Evergreen Community19. Maple/Oak Ridge Community20. the Esates of Upper Windermere21. the Ion22. Grand scala23. Heritage Landing24. 12th street station25. Mosaic town square26. Mosaic summerside27. Axio in Parkland28. stone Pointe29. Aspen Meadows30. Walker Lake Landing31. Rutherford Landing 32. Fox One33. Fuzion

NEW HOME PROJECTSCONDO PROJECTS1. Walker Lake Estates2. Lewis Estates3. secord4. Parkland5 the Hamptons6 Copperwood7 south Hamptons8. the Properties of Donsdale9. Cameron Heights10. terwillegar towne11. south terwillegar12. Palisades13. Upper Windermere14. Windermere Ridge15. Ambleside in Windermere16 Rutherford17. Callaghan18. Walker Lakes station19. Lake summerside20. Ellerslie Heights21. tamarack22. Griesbach23. Fields of summerside24. Allard in Heritage Valley25. tuscany Hills26. McConachie Landing27. McConachie28. Laurel29. Ravines of Richford30. trumpeter at Big Lake31. Axio summerside32. touchmark33. Hawks Ridge at Big Lake34. Woodhaven – Edgemont


ADVERTISERS INDEX

ATCO Gas Page 7

www.atcogas.com

Carlisle Group Page 3

Walker Lake Gate / Elements II www.walkerlakegate.ca www.elementscondos.ca

CHBA – Edmonton Region Page 22 www.chbaedmonton.ca/ consumer-resources

Sabal Page 4

www.sabalhomes.com

Tamani Communities Page 32

Southfork Leduc www.southforkleduc.com

Walton Development Page 31

McConachie www.mcconachie.ca

Walton Development Page 2

VITA www.liveatvita.com


EDMONTON AND AREA MAP

CONDOS1. Lakeview Estates2. sierras of Inglewood3. Grande- Mission Hill4. tenor5. sage Gardens

NEW HOMES1. the Banks of sturgeon Valley2. Erin Ridge3. North Ridge4. tuscany Hills5. the Crossing at River’s Edge6. the Manors of Oakmont7. Regency Heights Estates8. Kingswood9. Greystone Manor10. Pinnacle Ridge Estates11. Riverstone Pointe

CONDOS1. Laredo On the Park2. station 333. stony Village4. Graywood terrace5. Cedar Brae6. Urbia Place

NEW HOMES1. stony Village2. Brookview3. Graybriar4. the Fairways5. Willow Park6. Lake Westerra7. stellar Homes

CONDOS1. Parkland Village2. Fairway Eight3. Harvest Ridge4. Nova Ridge Villas5. spruce Ridge Manor6. the Pointe7. Kingstreet on Park

NEW HOMES1. Jesperdale2. stoneshire3. Harvest Ridge4. Deer Park Estates5. Hilldowns6. spruce Village7. spruce Ridge8. Hawthorne at Heatherglen9. springate at spruce Ridge10. Legacy Park11. Lakewood


EDMONTON AND AREA MAP

NEW HOMES1. Deer Valley2. West Haven3. Bridgeport4. Aspen Creek5. suntree6. Windrose7. southfork8. tribute9. Meadowiew Park

CONDOS1. Brooklands at Bridgeport2. Ravine Villas3. Urbia Manor4. Urbia Green5. the springs at Bridgeport

CONDOS

1. Village Champlain2. Maple Brooks Villas3. La Rose

NEW HOMES1. Village Champlain2. La Rose3. Grandin Park Close4. Notre Dame Estates5. the Lakes

CONDOS1. Riverview Estates2. Fort Gardens3. Walnut Grove

NEW HOMES1. Valley Pointe Estates2. Forest Ridge in West Park3. Westwood trails4. West Woodlands5. southfort6. southpointe7. sienna

CONDOS1. Pallisades on the Ravine2. strathcona Village3. Crystal Estates4. Axxess5. summerwood Greens6. Maple Ridge & Oak Ridge

NEW HOMES1. strathcona Village2. Aspen trail3. summerwood4. Lakeland Ridge5. Clarkdale Park6. Foxboro7. Willow Ridge/the Ridge8. sherwood Hill Estates9. Balmoral Heights10. Fountain Creek Estates11. sherwood Golf & Country

Club Estates

CONDOS1. Coventry Homes2. the Village at Beaumont3. Beausjour4. Montrose View5. Giselle Valley Manor

NEW HOMES1. Coloniale Estates2. Montalet3. Citadel Ridge4. Eaglemont Heights5. Montrose Estates6. Westbrook7. Four seasons Estates8. Goudreau terrace9. triomphe Estates10. Beaumont Lakes11. Place Chaleureuse12. Beau Val13. Royal Oaks

A s a sociology major in university — I have a bachelor’s degree — I’ve always been fasci-nated by human behaviour. Especially the quirkier aspects.

For someone like myself, a condominium is a social/psychological study waiting to happen.

One particular facet of people’s behaviour that can be fun to watch is how they act on elevators. The more floors to travel, the better.

For example, there’s a kind of elevator etiquette to be observed. Whoever pushed the button, and therefore arrived first, is usually allowed to remain in front of the door and enter the elevator first. Of course these same unwritten rules require people boarding the elevator to let people off the elevator first. Failure to abide by these social norms can result in knowing glances shared among the other passengers at your expense, as well as the odd dirty look in your direction.

Once on the elevator, most people immediately pull a 180-degree turn to stand facing the doors. Again, it’s social convention that the first folks in push their floor number and move to the back, allow-ing room for more to enter.

Sometimes, in large crowds, it’s acceptable to move straight to the back and simply ask someone who ends up near the door to push your number for you. They, in turn, should abide by the unwritten code and push it for you.

It would also be nice if, when someone from the back has to exit, people made room for them to do so. Perhaps if those people riding the elevator to the highest level moved directly to the back of the elevator? No, too much to ask probably, without an actual elevator attendant on the job. (Which, by the way, some places still have.)

I’m one of those people who likes my personal space; I know I’m not alone. Places like public transit and elevators are not my favou-rites. Submarines and caves are big no go zones for me. In an ele-vator, though, we crowd in as many as possible, literally touching people we’ve never met. Breathing in the air they’ve just breathed out. But not talking. No, definitely not talking. All conversations stop upon entering the elevator. Except the 20-something-year-old and his friend in the corner, talking loudly, determined to impress both his friend and everyone else with how absolutely loaded they were last night, man. And, from the smell of him, I believe it.

Which brings us to another topic: the stinky elevator. When we were younger, my friends and I used to think it was hilarious to, umm, release a little personal air pressure just prior to exiting an el-evator, leaving a fragrant welcome for the next rider to enjoy for the duration of their trip. Of course you never want to actually “release the pressure” while others are on the elevator, just in case any auditory evidence leads them in your direction.

Of course we’ve all heard stories of people doing other things in elevators, but that’s an article for a different magazine. n

TALeS From THe Condo Zonethe elevator

FEAtURE

By Jim Zang | Illustration by Lama Azhari


new home & condo living january 2014

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