home security
thinking small
partnering up
Making your house a tougher target
Container gardening lets homeowners grow their own way, even without a garden
Western Provinces team up to boost trade
at home A8
garden A12
Essington
Together, your dreams realized
(403) 239-8250
in the province b20
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FREE apr 29 to may 5 2011 issue 01-15 www.creb.com
More secondary suites
on the way
Decision paves way for renters in new communities cody stuart managing editor
A
lthough falling short of Mayor Naheed Nenshi’s request for citywide acceptance, City Hall has given the green light for secondary suites in all new neighbourhoods. The decision, which follows an extensive debate on the issue, means that those zones that currently do not allow the suites won’t change, while buyers in new communities can move in knowing secondary suites will be allowed in their neighbourhood. Oddly enough, the man to spearhead the move was also one of the strongest critics of Mayor Nenshi’s proposed blanket acceptance of the suites, which resulted in some serious debate at City Hall. “The reason I did this is that to me this is a property rights issue,” said Demong, who challenged that changing the rules in existing neighbourhoods would be unfair to those homeowners who had purchased under the assumption the zoning wouldn’t change. “Let’s let people know ahead of time what they’re getting themselves into. Let’s not try and retrofit or change the rules and take the rug out from under their feet by saying we’re going to change things.” Cited by many as a way of creating affordable rental units and making homes more attainable for buyers, some critics of the suites still claim that having them in a neighbourhood can decrease property values and increase traffic and parking concerns. One group that sits firmly in the latter category are Calgary students, as secondary suites have long provided an important affordable housing option for those pursuing a higher education, a fact that isn’t lost on Demong.
secondary suites A3 After a lengthy debate at City Hall, council has voted to allow secondary suites in all new neighbourhoods in Calgary.
SINGLE FAMILY
4369 MAR09 4130 APR09 3861 MAY09 3395 JUN09 3314 JUL09 3296 AUG09 3148 SEP09 3003 OCT09 2658 NOV09 DEC09 2054 2513 JAN10 3106 FEB10 4014 MAR10 4986 APR10 5649 MAY10 5991 JUN10 5525 JUL10 5046 AUG10 4880 SEP10 4528 OCT10 3869 NOV10 2712 DEC10 3073 JAN11 3504 FEB11 4024 MAR11
MLS® MONTH END INVENTORY* MAR ‘09 – MAR ‘11
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
POPULAR McKENZIE LAKE
$559,900
3200+ sq. ft. of living space. Oak hdwd, custom granite & tile, two storey vault, central staircase, designer paints & fixtures. Beautiful kitchen with centre island, granite, step-in pantry, oak cabinets, breakfast bar & nook with bay window for informal dining; garden door to spacious, private deck. Family rm, highlighted by the wood burning fireplace. Two spacious bdrms up + large master with walk-in & 5 pc ensuite. Fully dev lower level with rec rm (wet bar), games area, full bath, guest bdrm, hobby/craft rm, storage & utility - great for teenagers or extended family. Overlooking the school yard, park & mtn views, just steps to schools, McKenzie Lake, pathways to Fish Creek & the Bow River. MLS®C3468749
For more details call the “Home Hunters”
Grant
&
Steve Hunter 403-278-9208
SUTTON GROUP CANWEST VISTA • WWW . THEHOMEHUNTERS . COM
west lrt activity ramps up CREB® Staff
contents news briefs
A3
pop the question
A8
Dave Hooge
mortgage rates
W
ith spring finally looking like it’s here to stay, construction of City’s new $1 billion west LRT line is set to take off in the coming months, and with it comes the possibility of even more headaches for Calgarians. Adding to the already substantial amount of work taking place on sections along Bow Trail and 17 Avenue S.W., a video posted on the City’s website suggests that things are going to get worse for local residents before they get better.
construction A3
A10
business directory A10 A12
municipal Suburban levies to double?
commercial
a13
Retail sales rebound
map
B1
open houses
B19
Immaculate Condo in Crescent Heights Here is your chance to own an immaculate, affordable condo in the heart of desirable Crescent Heights! Just a short walk from downtown, this concrete condo is ideal for a professional wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. Recently remodeled, this unit features a well designed kitchen with breakfast bar including maple cabinetry and black appliances that look and feel brand new. Cherry-colored laminate flooring is well maintained and easy to clean. The south-facing balcony bathes the unit in sunlight all year round, and insuite laundry makes trips to the laundromat a thing of the past. Includes one assigned parking stall with plug. Call today to book your viewing! MLS®C3462141 202 340 4 Avenue NE $184,900
www.sanostante.com
re al estate ( centr al )
403.289.3435