New Home & Condo Living February 2014

F e b r 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

News7 Flylikeaneagle Edmonton home builder soars onto national stage

Focus oN 8 Wakeup Alarm clocks help jump start your day

News 10 Growthspurt Experts predict good things for 2014

coNdo ProFile12 AlluringAmbleside Buyers have their ‘Ion’ Jayman’s southerly apartment condominiums

commuNity ProFiles 14 Magnetandsteel Village at Griesbach attracts

homebuyers with unique community experience

F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4 n v o l u m e 6 i s s u e 4 7

CONtENts

16 Keepingitsimple VITA at Crystallina Nera lets home buyers get back to modern basics

desigN & dÉcor 19 Springfever Now’s the time to start planning your home projects

acoa owNers’ corNer 25 Yourcondo,

yourinvestment

Feature30 Talesfromthe

condozone Jumping for joy

items 6 Editor’sMessage21 AroundTown26 Maps27 AdIndex

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

It’s only late January as I write this, but already things are starting to shape up nicely for the housing industry in 2014. All you’ve got to do is drive around town, especially some of the city’s new communities, if you can brave the snow-covered side streets, to see evidence of this. There are new homes and condos going up all over the place.

But have you ever stopped to think about why the housing market, both new and resale, is so robust? We have, because that’s what we do. This month, we share some of that inside information with you, the consumer and potential home buyer, in hopes of giving you a bit of background to help you understand why things are the way they are and where we’re headed.

With that in mind, we attended the annual Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton Region’s (CHBA – ER) annual economic forecast dinner meeting on January 16th to see what some of the experts — including Paul Ferley, Assistant Chief Economist with the Royal Bank of Canada; John Rose, Chief Economist for The City of Edmonton; and, of course, our own Richard Goatcher, Economic Analyst at CHBA – Alberta — had to say.

And they had a lot to say, most of it good, about what the near future holds for both our fair city in general as well as the housing industry specifically. You can check out the facts for yourself in the article on page 10.

In other industry news, nominees for the national Sales And Marketing (SAM) Awards have been announced by the parent Canadian Home Builders’ Association, and there’s a local builder on the finalist list. Find out who on page 7.

Walton Developments is active in the city, and in our magazine, in a big way again in 2014, with several new communities currently underway in various stages of development. We begin our New Year’s coverage with a focus on the community of VITA at Crystallina Nera, as we work our way through their different projects. Expect us to cover everything they’re doing by the end of the year.

Still with new communities, we re-visit the Village at Griesbach, by Canada Lands Company, before taking time to trek out to Ambleside for a look-see at Jayman Modus’ new Ion condominiums.

Speaking of time, if the winter blues have got hold of you and you’re finding it just a little bit harder to drag yourself out of bed with every cold, dark morning, maybe it’s time for a new alarm clock? We’ve got some ring-a-ding dandys on page 8.

We’ve also got more helpful advice from the Alberta Condo Owners Association, a look at some of the new trends in interior design with Rosalyn Lazaruk and, last but certainly not least, my own Condo Tales column on the wacky and wonderful world of condominium.

So throw another log on the fire, grab a cup of your favourite beverage, sit back and enjoy the magazine.

Canadian Home Builders’ Association

P u b l i s H e r

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P r o d u c t i o N a d m i N i s t r a t o r

Colleen Leier [email protected]

e d i t o r i a l

stephanie Dubois, Aaliya Essa, Rosalyn Lazaruk, Pamela Roth,

shelley Williamson, Bernice M. Winter

d i r e c t o r o F s a l e s

Norma Robertson [email protected]

a d v e r t i s i N g s a l e s

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@EdmHomeandCondo EdmontonHomeandCondoLiving


white eagle Homes – blue diamond

Fly like an eagleEdmonton home builder soars onto national stage

NEWs

Finalists for the 2013 National SAM Awards, the highest honour a Canadian home builder can achieve, have been announced and, not surprisingly, the list is dominated by Ontario builders.

One Edmonton builder stands alone to represent our fair city among this exclusive, best-of-the-best club — White Eagle Homes. Always a big winner at home at the Canadian Home Builders Association – Edmonton Region’s annual awards, it’s quite another thing altogether to be recognized on the ‘big stage’.

And a big stage it is, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) is the voice of the residential construc-tion industry in Canada, representing more than 8,000 member firms across the country. Their membership includes new home builders, renovators, developers, trade contractors, building material manufacturers and suppliers, lenders and other professionals in the housing sector.

White Eagle Homes is a finalist in the category of single

detached homes over 2,200 square-feet for their Blue Diamond model in the Uplands at Mactaggart.

The CHBA National SAM Awards will be handed out at the Association’s 71st National Conference being held in April 2014 in Whistler, British Columbia.

A complete listing by category of all the CHBANational SAM Award finalists can be found atchba.ca/about/news-pubs.aspx?id=92. n

8 • N E W H O M E & C O N D O L I V I N G F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4

Wake upAlarm clocks help jump start your day

By Aaliya Essa

FOCUs ON

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WHAT DiD pEOplE do before alarm clocks? Roosters must have played a major role back then, but not anymore. Nowadays, the basic tool to help us rise in the morning is so much more than just that. Alarm clocks come in many new features, attachments, colours, shapes, and styles. The varieties are endless for matching with the décor of your home and, of course, your preference. it’s just a matter of choosing the one that suits you. n

1] Oregon Scientific Radio Controlled Projection alarm clock with temperature display, $79.99 at The Home Depot.

2] iHome Bluetooth clock radio, $69.99 at Future Shop.

3] iCraig dual alarm clock radio, $58.83 at Walmart. iPhone not included.

4] Angry Birds twin bell alarm clock, $17.96 at Walmart.

5] Sony iPod clock radio, $89.97 at Future Shop. iPhone not included.

6] aRoc REV Turbo Alarm Clock, $25.99 at Future Shop.

7] Sangean AM/FM Atomic clock radio, $64.98 at Future Shop.

8] Twin bell alarm clock, $32.95 at Pier1 imports.

9] Spiderman bank alarm clock, $19.96 at Walmart.

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FOCUs ON

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

NEWs

T he sun has been shining on Edmonton’s housing market for the past year and the future continues to look bright for 2014.

That’s the message coming from speakers at the January Economics Forum Dinner Meeting at the Radisson Edmonton South on Gateway Boulevard January 16.

Hosted by the Canadian Home Builders Association – Edmonton Region, the dinner attracted approximately 200 guests who came out to start the year with the most up-to-date insights on one of Alberta’s largest industries. It’s a reflection on what has happened in 2013 and a look at what’s expected to come on a local, provincial and national scale.

The Edmonton Region new home building and renovation industry does more than just build homes, it also has a huge economic impact, creating more than 45,000 jobs and $7.9 billion of investment value.

Richard Goatcher, economic analyst with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta, says 2013 was the best year they’ve had since the recession.

“In particular, the multi-family people — they’ve had an exceptional year. Probably the second best on record, which I think probably raises a few questions in terms of what we’re going to see this year,” says Goatcher, one of the night’s three speakers.

John Rose, chief economist for the City of Edmonton, and keynote speaker Paul Ferley, assistant chief economist with the Royal Bank of Canada, shared their insights as well.

According to Goatcher, single-family starts last year were about average, with just under 6,000 in the region. This leads him to believe there is opportunity for growth in this sector in the year ahead.

In the multi-family market, however, he said the number of starts

Growth spurtExperts predict good things for 2014By Pamela Roth

were exceptionally high with approximately 8,700 units, many of which are still under construction. As a result, builders are going to have to keep their pencils sharp in such a competitive market.

“I think it’s fair to say that we won’t see that volume this year,” says Goatcher, adding there’s going to be a number of new towers in the downtown core.

Across the region, there are about 10,000 multi-family units under construction. Total housing starts for 2013 were well over 14,000 — which Goatcher says hasn’t happened since 2007.

This year, Goatcher expects moderately rising prices similar to last year along with a similar level of sales. There will also be a good supply of homes out there, particularly on the condo market. The wild card will be interest rates.

“2013 is a pretty good year and I think that overall the environment is still going to be very good,” he says. “But multi-family definitely has to cool off a bit. It can’t keep going because the market will just get flooded and then they’ll have trouble selling them.”

A strong uptake in employment and income in 2013 has left Edmonton poised for continued growth in 2014. One of the key factors that continues to drive its economy is being a hub or support for the activities in the energy sector going on in northern Alberta, particularly the oil sands. Investment in the oil sands remains robust, which trickles into the economy.

This, says Rose, has left consumers in a position

“2013 is a pretty good year and I think that overall the environment is still going to be very good... but multi-family definitely has to cool off a bit.”

richard goatcher


impact on Canada, and Alberta wouldn’t be immune. There’s growing optimism the U.S. economy will likely strengthen this

year, but he says there’s still risks out there that could also have it derail. “At the moment, the signals seem positive and that lies behind

our view we’ll see a strength in the U.S. economy and will provide support for the Alberta and Edmonton economy,” says Ferley, adding financial markets globally seem to be improving.

“But recently we see more positives than negative developments on those fronts so that’s encouraging.”

Nationally, Ferley expects a pause in housing activity, with sales flattening out and starts trending lower. However, Alberta is expected to lead the country in growth and in the absence of imbalances in the provincial housing market, he believes the province will see a less pronounced moderation in activity through the forecast.

So what does this mean for consumers?

“It’s a fairly stable housing market. It should be one where consumers make the decision to purchase when their household finances allow it,” says Ferley, adding interest rates are rising, but not dramatically and should hold steady for most of 2014.

“There shouldn’t be any need for the pressure to make some hasty decision in terms of a fairly major purchase.” n

NEWs

where they have the means to throw around some cash to invest in things like new homes or vehicles.

Continued growth well above the national average is forecast for Edmonton this year. Rose expects the Canadian economy will likely come in somewhere around a half to as high as a two per cent growth, while the Edmonton region will be closer to three-and-a-half to four per cent.

Despite this growth, Rose says consumers will continue to see solid strength in the housing market and affordable homes, unlike the skyrocketing prices in Toronto and Vancouver.

But as more people move to the region, vacancy rates have taken a nose dive to just above one per cent. Rose believes a tight rental market and rising rent will only encourage more people to purchase a home.

“Don’t get too distracted about what’s going on elsewhere in the Canadian housing market. Edmonton, and Alberta in general, are exceptionally different than what you might see in other parts of Canada, so people need to bare that in mind,” says Rose, adding inflation should be up around two to two-and-a-half per cent.

“It will be a change of pace where prices were flat essentially for 2013. It will be a little more challenging for consumers in the year to come.”

On a broader scale, Ferley has been keeping an eye on what’s going on globally, particularly when it comes to the economy in the United States. If the U.S. were to fall back into a recession, Ferley says it would have an

Despite this growth, Rose says consumers will continue to see solid strength in the housing market and affordable homes...

“It’s a fairly stable housing market.”

John rose

Paul Ferley

The Swami knows...Every year the CHBA’s Economic Committee members do their best to come up with an economic forecast for the coming year. In what has become known as the Grand Swami contest, the individual members also try to predict housing numbers for the coming year. This year, Bryce Milliken of Ogilvie LLP took first place honours in the single-family category, missing the actual 2013 total of 5,970 starts by just 80 homes. In multi-family, Ron Copithorne of Brookfield Residential had the closest guess, but was still a full 619 off the actual number of 8,719 starts.


Alluring AmblesideBuyers have their ‘Ion’ Jayman’s southerly apartment condominiums By Shelley Williamson

W ith a name like “Ion,” it’s no wonder Jayman Modus’ apartment-style condominium complex in Ambleside is attracting a lot of positive attention. So much, in fact, that time is running out for would-be

residents to stake claim to their investment.“The Ion in Ambleside is the only project of its kind being offered

in the southwest,” says Autumn Brown, area manager for the Ion at Ambleside. “And it’s the last chance for homebuyers to experience the Ion, as buying opportunities are coming to a close.” Now selling in the third of three buildings, the four-storey urban structure boasts more than its share of curb appeal. Eight floor plans remain to choose from, ranging from 610 to 965 square-feet, to offer future residents plenty of space to stretch out in.

Located in the community of Ambleside, the location holds its own draw for residents. “Ambleside its own inner city,” notes Brown. “Everything is at your doorstep from nearby amenities including golf, retail development at the Currents of Windermere and even a VIP Cineplex within walking distance of the Ion.”

Meanwhile, the three-building complex itself offers creature

comforts that make it almost unnecessary to leave the comfort of home at all. Ion’s in-house amenities include a four-storey glass atrium and meeting area; state-of-the-art fitness centre; an entertainment room complete with a 10-foot TV screen, bar area and modular seating (in Building 2); a guest suite complete with living area, bedroom and kitchen; and an outdoor barbeque gazebo with two gas cooktops, for all residents to use at their leisure.

“It’s more than a condominium building, it’s a lifestyle, a playground of vibrant living,” says Brown. “For the Ion we bring creativity and foresight with our five-star amenity features that no one else is offering. As one of customers had said at a summer BBQ we hosted, ‘The Ion in Ambleside has a great vibe about it.’ ”

Three show suites — the 610-square-foot Cosmo, 869-square-foot Midori and the 965-square-foot Chatelier — are available for prospective buyers to

CONDO PROFILE


F e b r 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 3

Fast FactsBuilder: Jayman ModusProject: The Ion at AmblesideStyle: Apartment-style condominiums; one- and two-bedroom suitesSize: 626 – 965 square-feetPrice: Starting at $194,304 for one-bedroom

suites and $258,100 for two-bedroom suites (including GST)

Address: 2584 Anderson Way SW, AmblesideHours: Monday through Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., weekends from noon to 5 p.m.Web: www.ioncondos.com

tour — and are open Monday through Thursday from two to eight p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday, noon to five p.m. But since all are ready for a quick possession, every available one- and two-bedroom suite is show-ready, adds Brown.

Buyers get the whole package when purchasing a Jayman home, including a free moving van to use on the big day and financing through Jayman Financial, to help keep the process as simple as possible. “The time to buy has never been better, with financing available from as low as 2.5 per cent through Jayman Financial,” says Brown. “By using Jayman Financial you can take advantage of the latest mortgage information and strategies, the 2.5 per cent interest rate could come and go, so there is some urgency to take advantage of it now.”

One factor attracting buyers, Brown says, is the fact that suites are at the move-in stage, so there’s no waiting for construction to complete a year or two down the road.

While you might think the stylish suites — which come complete with shag carpeting and engineered wood floors, nine-foot ceilings, designer lighting packages and all appliances (including stackable laundry and stainless steel kitchen appliances) — are priced out of reach, they’re anything but. Suites start at $194,304 including GST and heated underground or surface parking.

Also among finishing perks are contemporary blinds, glassed-in balconies, “smart” network wiring and built-in “tech centres,” plus four colour palettes to choose from in select suites. For that, and many more reasons, “The Ion has become a very popular choice among young professionals and ‘right-sizers’ in southwest Edmonton,” says Brown. n

CONDO PROFILE

F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4 NEW HOME & CONDO L I V ING • 1 3

First-time homebuyers, young professionals and seniors can all find quality housing to meet their needs in the Village at Griesbach.

located less than 15 minutes to downtown Edmonton, developer Canada lands Company wanted to offer a range of housing that provides homeowners the chance to live in a unique community.

“it has a different feel from the standard suburbia,” says Marvin Neumann, Director of Real Estate with Canada lands Company.

Unlike many other developments, Village at Griesbach features a “One and Done” pricing model which allows homeowners to purchase a home which already has landscaping, rear deck (if applicable), fencing and spacious double garages.

Situated on 620 acres, many of the homes feature distinctive turn-of-the-century architecture such as Victorian, prairie and Tudor styles, which are nicely framed by 50-year old trees and other landscaping features.

The development is built on what used to be a military base from the 1950s until the 1990s.

Military themes are reflected in the Village at Griesbach community through its sustainability and legacy themes. Street names with military significance, aviation and nautical themes found in the community’s parks and the styles of the homes are just some

MAGnet And steelVillage at Griesbach attracts homebuyers with unique community experience

of the examples in which the Village at Griesbach differs from other developments.

Currently in phase 15 and 16 of construction, the community has about 150 units constructed each year. There will be 4,500 housing units when the development is completed, which will accommodate about 13,000 people overall, according to Canada lands Company officials.

Everything from executive condos, two-bedroom townhomes, small starter homes to detached homes that range in size from 1,400 square-feet to 4,000-square-foot estate homes.

“We’ve got the whole range,” says Neumann.Affordable housing and senior housing is also

available in this northern Edmonton area. Refurbished homes are also available.

Housing in the development starts in the low $300,000s for townhomes and can go up to over $1 million for some of the estate housing along the community’s lakes.

The variety of housing offered at the Village at Griesbach also speaks to the diverse population currently living in the community.

Everything from executive condos, two-bedroom townhomes, small starter homes to detached homes that range in size from 1,400 square-feet to 4,000 square-feet estate homes.

COMMUNIty PROFILE


MAGnet And steelVillage at Griesbach attracts homebuyers with unique community experience

“We don’t ever intend to have a gated community. The amenities and the neighbourhood are supposed to be for everybody and that’s our philosophy on how to build community,” states Neumann.

Homeowners who want to explore Mother Nature in their own community can do so in the 112 acres of park space in the neighbourhood. Central park, a 26-acre park, will be one of those areas as it is still being developed. Developers say the park will have one of the largest community gardens in the city once completed and provides a great view of the downtown skyline.

Another natural feature of the neighbourhood is the two of the four lakes already completed, with the third lake currently being constructed. All of the lakes are connected through a multiway trail system.

One of the bodies of water, Bedford Basin, has a navy theme and was named after the famous Halifax body of water, which concealed convoys of the Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy from the Germans in the First and Second World War.

The new K-9 Major General Griesbach School — to who the development is named after — is just one of the other amenities of the area, a highlight for young families looking to move into the neighbourhood.

Numerous bus routes are already offered in the community, and the neighbourhood site will be located near two future light Rail

Train (lRT) stops on the west end of the site.The development at Village at Griesbach is about five

to ten years from completion, according to Neumann. After all, a community isn’t built in a day. n

By Stephanie Dubois

Fast FactsArea: Village at GriesbachDeveloper: Canada Lands CompanyBuilders: Executive Homes: Coventry Homes,

Crystal Creek Homes, Dream Homes by Krisner, Homes by Avi

Family Homes: Coventry Homes, Crystal Creek Homes, Dream Homes by Krisner, Homes by Avi, Impact Homes, Pacesetter Homes

Duplexes and Townhomes: Abbey Lane Homes, Crystal Creek Homes, Pacesetter Homes

Apartment Condos: Christenson Developments

Price range: Low $300,000s to $1 million plusWeb: www.villageatgriesbach.com

COMMUNIty PROFILE


KeepinG it siMple

If the life you want to live includes modern architecture in an up-and-coming community, look no further than VITA at Crystallina Nera by Walton.

Located conveniently in the northeast part of Edmonton, at 82 Street and 180 Avenue and just north of 167 Avenue, buyers are already seeing the

value in the master-planned community, says Jill Curtis, marketing co-ordinator for Walton Development and Management LP. “VITA, offers homeowners an opportunity to ‘live simply.’ It’s well situated for that.”

VITA is Walton’s latest master-planned residential neighbourhood, which will ultimately be home to 450 single-family homes and a pair of multi-family developments. But don’t expect its homes by Morrison Homes, Homexx and Sabal Homes to be cookie cutter, or even similar to other Walton communities, says Curtis.

“Something we are excited about with VITA is it is Walton’s first community to offer a modern architectural style influenced by urban architectural design,” Curtis explains. “We’re seeing some really interesting exterior elevations with clean lines, large windows, interesting roof shapes and use of different materials on the exterior. The modern architecture is being well received with buyers so far.”

VITA at Crystallina Nera lets home buyers get back to modern basics By Shelley Williamson

A show home parade has already opened up in the 84.4-acre community, open daily except Friday since last November, showcasing the best of what the community’s trio of single-family builders can do in charming modern, prairie, and craftsman styles.

Front-drive style homes by Homexx (opening February 25) will offer 26- to 30-foot building pockets, while rear-drive styles from the builder as well as Sabal Homes and Morrison Homes will be crafted on 20- to 24-foot widths. The former will start in the 1,600-square-foot range and only get larger, while the latter, which allow buyers to put off building that rear-detached garage until ready, will span 1,100 square-feet and above.

“It offers a mixture of prairie and craftsman styles and we’re seeing builders blend the styles. It speaks to more of an urban buyer who is ready for a detached home and wants to move into a community with a unique streetscape,” says Curtis.

The community is designed to reflect the Lake District of Northern England, complete with gently rolling ground, bodies of water and vibrant hues of flowers in sweeping plant beds. Connectivity of the natural areas

COMMUNIty PROFILE

“It’s for the young couple looking for a yard who still want the cool lines of a modern home or a prairie home.”


KeepinG it siMple

Fast FactsCommunity: VITA at Crystallina NeraDeveloper: Walton Development and

Management LPBuilders: Homexx, Sabal Homes and

Morrison HomesPrices: Single-family front-attached garage

homes starting at $370,000; single-family homes with rear-detached garage options from the low $300,000s

Address: 82 Street and 180 Avenue, just off 167 Street

Hours: Show homes are open Monday to Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., weekends from noon to 5 p.m.

Web: www.liveatvita.ca

throughout all parts of VITA at Crystallina Nera is a key principle of development for the community. When complete, part of the VITA’s community’s space will include more than 15 acres of open space and storm ponds.

“We like to think of it as affordable luxury,” says Curtis, noting that starting prices for single-family homes with front-attached garages is in the $370,000s including lot and GST. “It’s well connected to neighbouring ponds and parks and paths and it’s part of the lake district in the northeast.” Buyers are drawn to the fact that homes — which are priced from the low-$300,000s for rear-detached garage models — are not priced out of reach even for the first-time investor, says Curtis. “We’re seeing a lot of young couples, young families buying their first home, looking for something just a little bit different in the market at an affordable price point,” she says. “It’s for the young couple looking for a yard who still want the cool lines of a modern home or a prairie home.”

An amenities list is chock full of creature comforts from recreational centres, to schools, shopping and eateries. “People like the fact that it’s already close to established neighbourhoods. You don’t feel like you’re getting out of town to get to your new home. It is part of town,” says Curtis.

And access to careers, transit, leisure pursuits and errands is never far away from VITA front doors.

“It’s really close to the Anthony Henday and all the existing amenities in northeast Edmonton, including great restaurants and pubs, shopping and park-and-rides,” says Curtis. n

COMMUNIty PROFILE



There is something about February that gets me thinking about a Spring re-décor! With the holidays well behind us, and a new season just

around the corner, a new home décor project is just what I need! It is the perfect time to plan and execute a re-vamp of your space. With that being said, I think we should all make some resolutions to ensure that the spaces we create are ours and ours alone!

wHo are you tryiNg to imPress? All too often, people decorate their spaces with other people in mind, trying to impress the neighbours and get a ‘WOW’ when people come through the door. Compliments are wonderful, but isn’t how you feel in your space most important? Your home should reflect you and your style. After all, you don’t want the neighbours moving in do you?

love it or leave it!Trends, love them or leave them. Don’t ever feel pressured to include a trend that you just can’t get on board with. Personally, I am having a hard time getting on board with the colour of the year, Radiant Orchid. It is a rich, beautiful colour that I can see sneaking its way into my summer wardrobe, but I am not sure I am ready to apply it to my walls or upholstery this spring. I am leaving that décor trend behind!

time aNd PlaceWhere are you at in life… Roommates? Toddlers? Retired? Different phases of our lives affect what we need from our homes. It affects the paint we choose,

By Rosalyn Lazaruk

the upholstery on our furniture, the placement of cherished pieces. Decorate and live in your space with what works best for you in the time you are in, don’t make yourself miserable! Times will change and so will your décor. There will come a time for delicate fabrics and ceramic dishes!

it doesN’t HaPPeN overNigHtThere is always one or two elements in a space that take time to find... especially if you are on a budget. Don’t expect to go out shopping for one day and find all the pieces to re-vamp your space. The hunt for that perfect piece of art, lamp or area rug is the most rewarding. Once you find the piece for the price you want to pay, it makes the space, and looking at it will always bring joy! Be patient with the process!

good to kNow! Over the last few years ‘we’ as designers have talked a lot about breaking the rules. Design is now about being eclectic and showing your style, throwing away the structure that we were so strict on years before. While I still believe in this and if you have an eye for it, design away. For others, easier said than done! There are many design ‘rules’ out there that are great guidelines to get your project going and to give you confidence to do it on your own. You don’t necessarily need to follow them as gospel, but they are great to know to guide you in the right direction. n

DEsIGN & DÉCOR

Now’s the time to start planning your home projects

spring fever

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.


By Jim Zang

AROUND TOWN

CANADA MORTGAGE AND Housing Corporation (CMHC) released the 2013 Canadian Housing Observer, its detailed annual review on the state of housing in Canada, in late December.

The 2013 Observer highlights some important housing statistics, including:

According to the recently released 2011 National House-hold Survey, 19 per cent of condominium owners in Canada were under the age of 35 and 29 per cent were seniors 65 or older. Women made up 65 per cent of condominium own-er-occupants who lived alone including 76 per cent of those aged 55 and older.

Households in Canada continue to get smaller, shrinking from an average of 3.5 persons in 1971 to 2.5 in 2011. People living alone accounted for 28 per cent of households in 2011, more than double that of 1971.

Household formation is the principal driver of the demand for new housing construction. By 2036, between 3.6 million and 7 million new households are projected in Canada.

The Observer provides analysis of housing finance, housing markets, demographic and socio-economic influences on housing demand, recent trends in housing affordability and core housing need, and sustainable housing and communities — industrialized housing.

The online publication and data are available atwww.cmhc.ca/observer.

State of the nationSTARS Lottery Home

THE LATEST STARS Lottery Home opened its doors to the public in mid-January and is receiving rave reviews, including here. The Madison, an exquisite 2,798-square-foot two-storey masterpiece by Concept Homes, is located at 12831 – 202 Street, in the new community of Trumpeter by Big Lake. Featuring three large bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, double attached garage and a myriad of upgrades — including granite counter-tops and built-in appliances — this luxury estate home is valued at $964,000. Show home hours are Monday to Thursday from 3 – 8 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m.

Tickets can also be purchased online at starslotteryalberta.ca, or via phone at 1-800-880-0992. Final date to purchase tickets is March 26, with the draw to be held April 17.

»

Alberta advantageBASED ON THE statistics reported in urban areas (centres 10,000+) to the end of November, CHBA – Alberta expects 2013 total housing starts across the province to approach 35,000 units, for an increase of around five per cent from 2012 levels and representing the best year for builders since 2007.

So, what can be expected in 2014? Statistics Canada reported in December that Alberta’s population growth for the year ending Septem-ber 30th was the strongest in Canada due to record-level net migration. Meanwhile, CMHC’s fall 2013 Alberta rental market survey released in December showed that vacancies in the available rental pool were heading downward

the madison – artist’s rendering

Coming up rosesJOHN ROSE, CHIEF econo-mist for the City of Edmonton, expects strong employment and income growth to contin-ue into 2014, putting some up-ward pressure on shelter costs. “Edmonton is really very well positioned going into 2014 to outperform the Canadian economy definitely, and most other jurisdictions in North America,” Rose says.

and this shortage is pushing rents to new highs in many cities. This will prompt more renters to think about homeownership in the coming months. As well, many existing home markets in Alberta are reporting lower standing inven-tories at year-end along with steadily rising prices. This all presents a positive outlook for the residential construction industry in 2014. As a result, CMHC is predicting starts will edge higher in 2014.

In the weeks ahead, CHBA – Alberta will again be polling members on their expectations for new housing activity province-wide in the year ahead, with results to be posted on their website and distributed to Locals.


AROUND tOWN

HOUSING STARTS IN the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 13,022 units in December compared to 13,757 in November, accord-ing to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the month-ly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR)1 of total housing starts.

“The trend in total housing starts declined in December as both single-de-tached and multi-family housing starts trended lower. Despite the decline in the trend, actual housing starts were up

Housing starts

SABAL HOMES UNVEILED its newest uncommonly stylish show homes in the north Edmonton community of VITA at Crystallina Nera on January 11. “We’re thrilled to open the Insight and Xeno laned homes, which have historically been our two most popular homes in Edmonton. We’re excited to show visitors our uncommonly stylish design, uncommonly thought-ful floor plans and uncommonly attainable prices,” says Nicole McLaws, Sabal Homes Marketing Manager.

The Xeno show home showcases great use of space at 1,280 square-feet, while the Insight boasts 1,667 square-feet of living space that includes a front flex room on the main floor.

AS OF JANUARY 1, 2014, Brookfield Homes and Brookfield Residential have been unified under one brand name, Brookfield Residential.

Having been in business in Alberta for more than 55 years, Brookfield doesn’t take the success they’ve had for granted.

“We know our successes have been a product of the culture we foster in our company,” says Sharon Lee, Brookfield’s manager of corporate communications for Alberta, “and our unwavering commit-ment to design the best places for people to call home.”

Brookfield Residential consider them-selves more than just a home builder or a land developer, she says. “We are a com-munity builder. By combining all of our experiences together — locally and across North America, from building homes to designing communities to creating mixed use and commercial developments — we will continue a tradition of excellence that we began more than five decades ago. You can expect us to be more innovative, to be a better resource, and to continue to be the leader in the industry.”

Sabal does it in style

Building the brand

A full line-up of nine home models, including the Xeno and Insight, are available to build in VITA with a full range of floor plans to choose from. Prices start in the $300,000s.

“Another fantastic feature is that all Sabal homeowners get the chance to design their home with the help of a professional de-signer at our brand new designSense Studio,” McLaws adds. “At Sabal, we know we’re offering truly inspired homes that are sure to suit the lifestyles of any Edmonton homebuyer.” Sabal Homes’ new show homes in VITA at Crystallina Nera open January 11, from 12 – 5 p.m. Regular show home hours will be Monday through Thursday from 2 – 8 p.m., weekends and holidays 12 – 5 p.m.

year-over-year due to higher multi-family housing starts,” said Christina Butchart, CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for Ed-monton.

CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. In some situations, ana-lyzing only SAAR data can be misleading in some markets, as they are largely driven by the multiples segment of the markets which can be quite variable from one

month to the next. The standalone

monthly SAAR was 15,804 units in De-cember, compared to 13,018 in Novem-ber. The increase was led by a gain in multi-family construction, end-ing a strong year for housing starts in that sector. n

sabal Homes – Xeno sabal Homes – insight

Preliminary Housing Starts DataDecember 2013

Edmonton CMA November 2013 December 2013trend 13,757 13,022sAAR 13,018 15,804Actual December 2012 December 2013December – single-detached 412 389December – Multiples 377 838December – total 789 1,227January to December – single-detached 5,658 5,970January to December – Multiples 7,179 8,719January to December – total 12,837 14,689

source: CMHC


your condo, your investment

Bylaws are technically a contract between the owners and the Condominium Corporation. This means the owners agree to live by the bylaws and the board agrees to operate in accordance with them. This technicality is what gives the Board the power and responsibility to enforce bylaws.

When bylaws do not serve the majority of the owners, or they are simply outdated and no longer current with the legislation and current case law, it is imperative that the bylaws are updated. To do this the owners are required to vote.

In Alberta, it has been my experience that this is one of the most difficult things to achieve, yet there are many costly consequences that impact the property value when a condominium does not have appropriate bylaws.

As an owner, get involved when you receive a notice regarding the change of amendment of bylaws.

aNNual budget/coNdo FeesThis is the hot topic for all condo owners. Fear of the dreaded monthly condo fee!

A condominium fee is, in reality, each owner’s “contribution toward maintaining their investment”. Every condominium owner has a share in the respon-sibility for maintaining the common property. The common property is comprised of all areas that are not contained within the boundary of the individual units. This varies from one condominium type to the other. However, typically this includes the yards, landscaping, building exteriors, mechanical, interior lobbies, elevators, corridors, parking garages, exterior parking lots, and more. Add to this that the board also needs to manage and maintain insurance, financial matters, and provide the services owners expect such as snow removal and janitorial services. The quality

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 care of the management of the property has a large impact on property value and impacts the use and enjoyment of each owner.

When the focus of the board and the owners is to keep expenses low, the result often is deferred maintenance, deferred reserve fund saving and ultimately a need for a cash injection.

The solution is to budget appropriately for the current needs and for future capital needs. Do not support budgeting that is so limiting that there is no ability for the board to keep the property maintained. I am not suggesting over saving either. Follow the advice of qualified professionals and have a plan that is practical. Fees (contributions) should increase yearly as inflation does. Holding back and letting a shortage accumulate does not provide confidence to lenders, insurance providers or buyers who are reviewing the condominium documents.

In short, to protect your investment you need to:• Read the Duties of the Owner and the Use &

Occupancy restriction sections of your bylaws and govern yourself by these bylaws.

• Attend the AGM, elect a board you have confi-dence in and vote for bylaws changes.

• Read the newsletters and communications sent by the board.

• Ask questions, expect reasonable responses and remember that board members are fellow owners doing their best on behalf of all owners, as volunteers.

• Get involved by serving on the board. You will then have confidence in the corporation you have your money invested in. n

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

secoNd 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

Brookifield Residential FC The Bellevue www.livebrookfield.com

Carlisle Group Page 24 Walker Lake Gate / Elements II www.walkerlakegate.ca www.elementscondos.ca

Hunter Douglas Page 18 www.hunterdouglas.ca

Marketplace Events Page 31 Edmonton Home + Garden Show www.edmontonhomeshow.com

Sabal Page 3 www.sabalhomes.com

Tamani Communities Page 20 Southfork Leduc www.southforkleduc.com

Urban Development Institute Page 4 www.udiedmonton.com

Walton Development Page 32 McConachie www.mcconachie.ca

Walton Development Page 23 VITA www.liveatvita.com

Walton Development Page 2 Woodhaven Edgemont www.woodhavenedgemont.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


tAles FroM the Condo ZoneJumping for joy

FEAtURE

By Jim Zang | Illustration by Lama Azhari

It seems three parachutists in Edmonton decided jumping off an incomplete 36-storey condomini-um tower was a pretty good idea. The story in the Edmonton Journal went like this:

On Sunday evening around 9:15 p.m., police first started getting reports about three men who allegedly entered the locked construction site at the 36-storey Pearl Tower project at 12080 Jasper Avenue, then parachuted from the top floor. A witness said it took less than 15 seconds for them to float down, and hit the middle of the street on the Victoria promenade. They then sped away in a waiting, black vehicle. No one has been identified or charged.

This isn’t the first time base jumpers have targeted downtown Edmonton.

In July 2011, three never-identified jumpers parachut-ed down — in broad daylight, according to media re-ports from the time — from the downtown Epcor build-ing which was also under construction. But in January 2007, a 29-year-old man waited until three a.m. to base jump from a communications tower in Bonnie Doon. He was spotted — and later charged with trespassing and stunting, and fined $287 and $402 for the charges — by police officers who happened to be driving around the traffic circle near 90th Avenue and 83rd Street.

So what is it that drives people from Edmonton to jump out of buildings with silk sheets attached to their backs? I mean, the Oilers aren’t THAT bad. Whatever the case, if you see increased security around any new high-rise condo constructions, you’ll know why. And if you don’t see any security, look up, way up. n


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New Home & Condo Living February 2014

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