Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

Edmonton 2019

THE BUILDER & DEVELOPER ANNUAL

Discover Edmonton’s builders, developers & new communities one story at a time

CooL, calm & connected living A northeast community with established amenities and a quick connection to everything you need.

Homes from the $360s in northeast Edmonton. Rear laned and front attached garage homes from five of Edmonton’s finest builders. Visit our showhomes today!

McCONACHIE.CA

Where you’ll find all the ingredients for a new home of your own.

Henley Heights at Secord is a fresh new community in Edmonton’s popular west end. Combining the perfect mix of great value, accessibility and amenities. With a school in your community and neighbors that flourish into friends, you’ll find all the ingredients for a new home of your own.

REAR-LANED AND FRONT GARAGE HOMES, STARTING FROM THE $340s HENLEYHEIGHTS.CA

Your nexthome is waiting.

Find the perfect new home or condo in the neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle.

table of contents

28 SELF- CARE GUIDE

06 Editor’s Note 16 Around the Town Discover downtown Edmonton in a day

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pg

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4 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

28 35

Around the Town There’s so much to do in the city with family and friends

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CREA National home sales ease

Keehn on Money Should you invest in real estate?

BY KELLEY KEEHN

Design File Five simple ways to update your kitchen for 2019

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Design File

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What’s Online

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Life Style

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Q&A

Century 21 Survey Alberta home prices remain soft

Wealth Transfer Baby Boomers financing their children’s homes

BY MICHELLE HOPKINS

Glam up your small bathroom with the right vanity

Real Estate news from across the country

Pamper yourself with these calming, de-stressing ideas

ith Carmen Wyton, W CEO, Building Industry and Land Development Alberta Association

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Jacky Hill Jacky.Hill@nexthome.ca EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Susan Legge Susan.Legge@nexthome.ca EDITOR

Marlene Eisner ART DIRECTOR

Tammy Leung CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sara Duck Amanda Pereira MEDIA CONSULTANTS

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Nancy Chemait Nancy.Chemait@nexthome.ca DISTRIBUTION

DistributionTeam@nexthome.ca SALES & MARKETING CO-ORDINATORS

Gary Chilvers Sarah Khan ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES

AccountingTeam@nexthome.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Miguel Cea Sandra Hanak-Vujnovic Mike Terentiev AD PRODUCTION

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Qualico Communities

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White Eagle Homes

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Pompei Homes

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Coventry Homes

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B eaverbrook Group of Companies

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Novesta Construction

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Creekwood/Creekwood

Collections

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Impact Homes

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Interiors by Design

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nexthome.ca  5

editor’s letter MARLENE EISNER EDITOR NextHome EMAIL: marlene.eisner@nexthome.ca | TWITTER: @MarleneEisner

Edmonton LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD It’s no secret that times have been tough for the housing industry in Alberta, and Edmonton is no exception. The slow gas and oil industry of the last couple of years has resulted in a sluggish economy, with many consumers holding off buying a new home.

Nonetheless, Canadians still dream of becoming homeowners. Many are becoming creative to help make it happen. In a story by writer Michelle Hopkins (page 40), Baby Boomers want their children to own a home and are sharing their wealth to help make that dream come true.

And in our discussion with Carmen Wyton (page 48), CEO of BILD Alberta, the voice that represents 1,800 industry

+ get social 6 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

members, behind-the-scenes efforts mean the future is looking brighter.

In the past year, BILD has shared its concerns with Municipal Affairs, Service Alberta and the Ministry of Labour, and is working hard to reset its relationship with government.

But the strongest voice is yours, the voter. In this election year, think about what is important to you. When candidates come knocking on your door, ask them how they will make housing affordable. What are their priorities, and how does it line up with yours? How will they work with the housing industry to ensure its success, and success for anyone who wishes to own a new home.

Interact with us on social media: nexthome

For more than 65 years, Qualico has been developing communities with pride. We understand that a solid foundation is always the key to greatness, which is why we put strong vision, planning, and ample resources behind every project. We know we’re creating more than neighborhoods. We’re developing a place where you’ll make memories. So we go beyond the status quo.

As the largest developer in the region, we build communities using skilled expertise in technology, design, and service. By offering diverse new home styles and access to amenities such as soothing creeks, naturalized ponds and safe playgrounds, there’s truly a community for everyone from the trusted name of Qualico Communities.

We create a place for life. We create what we believe in.

We create exceptional communities for you to call home.

Visit QUALICOCOMMUNITIESEDMONTON.COM to learn more.

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CRIMSON IN CREEKWOOD CHAPPELLE

THE UPLANDS AT RIVERVIEW

• Located in Southwest Edmonton, nestled in natural Heritage Valley, North of 41 Avenue.

• Peaceful community with serene landscapes, endless recreation opportunities, and shopping and entertainment minutes away.

• Townhomes, Duplex, and Single Family Homes.

• Located in West Edmonton, “upland” from the North Saskatchewan River.

• New K-9 school, Donald R. Getty.

• Pond, creek, and ravine backing lots; the opportunity for walkouts.

CRIMSONINCREEKWOOD.COM

• Connective trail system.

• Executive, Single Family Homes, Streetscape Single Family Homes, Streetscape Townhomes, and Townhomes.

LAUREL CROSSING

LIVEINTHEUPLANDS.COM

• Located in Southeast Edmonton.

• Parks, beautifully landscaped ponds, green spaces and trails.

• Townhomes, Duplex, and Single Family Homes.

• Homes offered by eight out standing builders.

• New K-9 school, Svend Hansen.

LAUREL-CROSSING.COM

CY BECKER • Located in Northeast Edmonton.

• Fully integrated walking paths, parks, ponds, and green spaces.

• All Seasons Park: Outdoor leisure rink, tobogganing, spray park, and more.

• Close to Clareview LRT and easy access to major road ways and shopping centres.

• Townhomes, Duplex, and Single Family Homes.

CYBECKER.COM

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LANGDALE IN WINDERMERE • Located in Windermere, Southwest Edmonton.

NEWCASTLE • Located in North Edmonton.

• Close to a variety of restaurants, shopping, movies, and more.

• Community pond, playground, luscious green spaces, and landscaped walking trails.

• Executive Homes with spacious floorplans and high-end finishings.

• An abundance of conveniences just steps away.

• Unique Streetscape Homes with beautiful front porches and unparalleled curb appeal.

• Duplex and Single Family Homes.

• Affordable Townhomes.

• Now selling the final phases!

NEWCASTLE-EDMONTON.COM

• New K-6 school in the community, Constable Daniel Woodall.

LANGDALE-WINDERMERE.COM Fantastic communities in thriving cities and towns packed with charm, green spaces, convenient commutes and peaceful lifestyles. The following communities are also within commuting distance of Edmonton: Town of Beaumont: Ruisseau Town of Devon: South Ravines City of Fort Saskatchewan: Forest Ridge and Sienna City of Leduc: Meadowview Sherwood Park: SummerWood City of Spruce Grove: Springate Town of Stony Plain: Westerra, Silverstone and South Creek 9

White Eagle Homes

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Customize The Home Of Your Dreams

OR OVER 20 YEARS, White Eagle Homes has been building exclusive custom homes in Edmonton and area. Family ran and operated, their team prides themselves on creating unique and high quality custom homes that set them apart from other typical homebuilders in the market. With their detailoriented approach to homebuilding, White Eagle has become renowned for their standout style that showcases contemporary European flair. Whether you’re dreaming of a distinctive duplex home, a spacious two-story for your growing family, or a sprawling bungalow, White Eagle Homes has the expert team ready to make your perfect new home a reality.

Providing outstanding customer service is one of the key factors to White Eagle’s 20+ years of success. Customers are treated like family, and each new home project is given a special level of attention and detail by the White Eagle team. It is the company’s unrivaled approach to customer care and top-quality

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building style that has led to White Eagle’s countless referrals and repeat business from happy clients. Proudly offering one of the best multi-level warranties in the industry, White Eagle Homes is fully invested in customer satisfaction long after a client has moved into their stunning new home.

White Eagle Homes offers clients a personalized and customized home-building experience from start to finish.

Customers have the opportunity to work directly with the White Eagle team through the design and planning process, as well as during the construction phase. There are thousands of options and upgrades available when building with White Eagle – an amazing opportunity that provides homebuyers with the chance to create a dream home that caters to their unique lifestyle needs and personal taste.

It’s evident that no details overlooked within a White Eagle home. Their craftsmanship is unmatched, and the use of high-

end materials throughout each home is what leads to a home product that is both luxurious and timeless. Offering innovative designs that reflect the everchanging lifestyles of today’s families, White Eagle Homes works closely with clients to ensure their home not only meets, but also surpasses their expectations.

Since 2005 White Eagle Homes have been nominated for numerous local, provincial and national industry awards, including the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton Awards of Excellence in Housing – and, have won or been named a finalist every year since then. One of their most celebrated achievements was winning the soughtafter Ralph Scurfield, CHBA - Alberta Builder of the Year Award in both 2011 and 2012. White Eagle Homes has also recently won various single-family home awards at local and provincial levels, and the CHBA - Alberta Small Volume Builder of the Year Award in 2013 & 2015.

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Currently, homebuyers can find White Eagle Homes building their beautifully designed homes in the following communities: Allard Estates, Allard in Heritage Valley, Allin Ridge Estates, The Village at Schonsee, Tuscany Hills, and Westpointe of Windermere.

However, White Eagle is also able to build anywhere within Edmonton and the surrounding areas, which allows customers to choose the ideal location to build their new dream home.

Explore White Eagle Homes’ stunning showhomes at The Village in Schonsee located at 17116-75 Street, and in Westpointe of Windermere at 5112 Woolsey Link. For more information or to learn more about White Eagle Homes visit their website at whiteeaglehomes.ca or contact their team at 780.456.5393.

For showhome information or to learn more about White Eagle Homes visit their website at whiteeaglehomes.ca

Visit one of the following showhomes to see the White Eagle quality firsthand.

SOUTHWEST EDMONTON: Westpointe of Windermere 5112 Woolsey Link NORTH EDMONTON: The Village at Schonsee 17116 75 Street

780-456-5393 Cell 780-497-8998 www.whiteeaglehomes.ca

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POMPEI HOMES

FAMILY BUILDERS FOR EDMONTON’S DIVERSE FAMILIES

“We want our homes to be the best they can be... and build what our customers dream.” ong before Sergio Pompei founded Pompei Homes, he already had a strong appreciation for and skills in woodworking. He had learned the fine art of furniture making in his native Italy, and after immigrating to Canada in the early 1960s, he gained experience in all areas of home building.

Armed with his knowledge and experience, he built a home for his family in 1967. A few years later, he built another home to accommodate his growing family. A friend was so impressed that he asked Sergio to build a home for him. Word soon got out, and Sergio ended the year with seven more homes under his belt.

In 1972, Pompei Homes officially opened for business, and today, the second generation of Pompeis is involved in running the family-owned and operated firm. They passionately and proudly carry on the tradition of building quality custom homes in the Edmonton area.

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All in the family. Clockwise from bottom: Sergio Pompei, daughter Anna, & sons Tino & Dario.

While styles and building techniques have changed over the years, one thing hasn’t: Pompei Homes holds true to its core values of honesty, integrity and pride.

“They describe our ethics and morals,” says Dario Pompei, Sergio’s son and general manager of Pompei Homes. “Honesty and integrity are really important because customers need to trust their builder to work as a team. It makes the whole experience much better for everyone.”

And work as team they do. The family is a team of experts - Dario as manager – and they’re all highly dedicated to the values and work ethics established by their father.

Together they work with the client to build a custom dream home.

Whether it’s a large luxury home or a small mid-range home, a twostorey or a bungalow, traditional style or contemporary, Pompei builds to the vision and needs of their customer.

3D computer aided visualization allows clients to envision their home

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annually - allows Pompei to focus on the customer and quickly and

One way of making sure the client’s home is exactly what they want is by using state-of-the-art 3D computer-aided visualization technology. Clients are able to design and see their homes unfold in front of their eyes. With full colour renderings, the clients can visualize the layout and see the home from multiple angles, just like they would if the house existed in more than a drawing.

to be detailed.

“It’s a great tool because our clients can visualize their dream

Edmonton area including Strathcona County, Sturgeon County, Parkland County, and Fort Saskatchewan.

“We build where our clients want to go and where it’s available to us, whether an acreage or city lot,” explains Dario.

Right now Pompei’s show home is located in Tuscany Hills (north of 195 Avenue on 127 Street). Please visit the website for updates on showhome hours and location.

The future for Pompei Homes is to continue doing what they have always done. “We will continue to maintain high quality standards, quality workmanship, and taking pride in our work and being personally involved at all stages,” says Dario. “Whether big or small, we want our homes to be the best they can be.”

explains Dario. “It also allows us to see any potential mistakes and rectify them. There are no surprises for the customer.”

Keeping up with technology isn’t limited to the design stage.

Pompei also keeps up with the latest green technology in home and add value to the home and the client can choose to incorporate them into the home.

VISIT OUR SHOW HOME IN TUSCANY HILLS

Monday - Thursday 3-8pm Weekends & Most Holidays Noon-5pm FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.pompeihomes.com 780.457.4800 15

AROUND TOWN

Discover downtown Edmonton in one day What’s the best way to spend a day in downtown Edmonton?

Visit the breathtaking river valley, take a walking tour of historic sites and public art displays, shop at trendy boutiques and dine at award-winning restaurants.

by JANA LEE MORNING

GET UNIQUE SOUVENIRS AT 124 STREET LOCAL BOUTIQUES

BREAKFAST AT A CUTE CAFÉ Start your morning with breakfast at Café Linnea. Its rotating menu reflects what’s in season and they pride themselves on serving high-quality, locally sourced food.

Note: They are a no-tipping establishment, as they base their pricing on offering locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality.

After lunch, shop at local boutiques for unique gifts.

Whether you’re looking for beautifully modern clothing and accessories, vintage threads or new-age-inspired gifts, this area’s got it all. We recommend visiting Floc Boutique, Lux Beauty Boutique, Shades of Grey, Ascendant Books, Red Ribbon Gifts and Vespucci Consignment.

EVENING EDMONTON’S BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA

AFTERNOON

Downtown Edmonton has many great restaurants.

Stay on 124 Street and check out fine dining at Solstice Seasonal Cuisine. Or head back toward the downtown core and stop at Tzin for upscale tapas paired with excellent wines, The Common for a contemporary gastrolounge experience, The Marc for fine French cuisine or Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse for a rodizio (all-you-caneat) style meal.

LUNCH IN ONE OF EDMONTON’S FASTEST GROWING AREAS

POST DINNER STROLL AND DRINKS ON 4TH STREET PROMENADE

Now that you’ve digested your breakfast during a walking tour of downtown, head over to Edmonton’s trendy 124 Street area and into the Duchess Bake Shop to lunch on sandwiches, soups and quiche. But let’s be real – the main reason you visit this patisserie is for its award-winning baked goods. Wash down your croissant or macaron with a delicious espresso.

For post-dinner activities, consider the 4th Street Promenade at the 104 Street area. Whether you’re itching to move or ready to sit down for a drink, establishments like Mercer Tavern and Kelly’s Pub can serve your after-dinner needs.

16 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

From YP.ca. For more tips and city guides, visit yp.ca/tips

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM

TAKE IN OLD AND NEW SIGHTS WITH A WALK Post-brekkie, take a walking tour of downtown Edmonton. Start at the Alberta Legislature for a guided tour of the Legislative Assembly, followed by a stroll down Jasper Avenue. If you’re feeling motivated, head toward the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park next to the Shaw Conference Centre for a picturesque view of Edmonton’s river valley. Stop at the Chinese Garden Gazebo for a picture and a well-deserved rest.

Coventry Homes

Customized homes with flexible designs COVENTRY HOMES leads the home building industry with their unique approach to flexible designs, and exemplary commitment to offering clients superior quality and outstanding service. Since 1976, this award-winning builder has been producing exceptional single and multifamily homes that continuously deliver innovative designs and unique features. The result is a product that’s unlike others in the new home market, and an experience that homebuyer’s rate among the best in the industry.

Coventry has gone the extra mile to ensure they offer flexibility to their customers by presenting homebuyers the ability to customize any of their floor plans. There are two different specifications available to choose from - the Pinnacle, their standard model, and the more price-savvy Prestige. Once a customer chooses the floor plan that is their best fit, they have the opportunity to work with one of Coventry’s expert in-house design consultants, Choices by Design, to decide on their home’s colour palette, flooring style and finishings.

Known for their coveted Lifestyle Packages, Coventry Homes has expertly designed fantastic upgrades that offer a personalized addition to the home building process – without the hassle! Homebuyers are able to customize their home to suit their individual needs, by choosing from a variety packages, like The Executive Chef, which features a huge 36" gas stove and a Kitchenaid® stainless steel French door fridge; The Pampered One®, an indulgent home spa package that features a steam shower, rain shower head, soaker tub and electric in-floor heating; and The Fitness Fanatic™, which provides the perfect space for homeowners to get in shape!

One of the key qualities that sets Coventry Homes apart from other homebuilders in the industry is the top-quality finishings package that are standard in their homes. Homebuyers will find granite, hardwood, and tile within Coventry Homes – features that are essential to the Coventry Homes brand. Coventry’s Marketing Manager, Tara Van Horn, explains; “We believe that it’s important 17

to showcase our most popular options up front to our clients so that they aren’t faced with unexpected hidden costs later in their home buying journey. Our team prides themselves on the fact that our customers don’t have to spend extra money on upgrades to have a great home – we have already created a stunning base product for them!”

Homebuyers will find an excellent assortment of home styles to choose from with Coventry Homes, including bungalows, two-storeys, duplexes, townhomes and streetscape homes. Currently, Coventry is building new homes in 16 of the Edmonton area’s most coveted communities.

Prospective buyers can explore Coventry Homes within the communities of Aurora, Cy Becker, Crystallina Nera, Laurel Crossing, Maple Crest, Newcastle, The Uplands at Riverview, The Village at Griesbach, Aspen Trails in Sherwood Park, Lake Westerra in Stony Plain, Riverside in St. Albert, and their newest additions - Ardorssan Heights near Sherwood Park, Copperhaven in Spurce Grove, West Secord in Edmonton, and Woodbend in Leduc! And coming in 2019 is the new southwest community of Keswick Landing.

New Coventry showhomes were unveiled in 2018, each offering brilliant designs and Lifestyle Package options. Their newest showhomes opened in some of our regions most 18

exciting new communities last fall! Copperhaven in Spruce Grove launched three stunning showhomes – two duplex homes and a single famiy home. And, the community of Woodbend in Leduc opened the gorgeous Nysa showhome.

Expect to see multiple new showhomes opening throughout several communities in the coming year!

As the Preferred Builder of the Edmonton Oilers, Coventry Homes is proud to align with one of the largest and most recognized franchises in the Edmonton marketplace. Working with the Edmonton Oilers has given Coventry Homes the exclusive opportunity to offer a popular Oilers Fan Cave Lifestyle Package. Another fantastic Oilers collaboration is Coventry’s Game Night event that marks the official launch of their newest Oilers Fan Cave, showcasing navy shiplap, warm wood accents and lots of family space. Mark your calendars for January 22nd – the 2019 Oilers Game Night event is a not-to-be missed evening filled with fun and plenty of prizes.

Giving back to organizations within the Edmonton area is important to the entire team at Coventry Homes.

Over the past decade, the Coventry team has devoted fundraising efforts towards the Edmonton Humane Society by hosting their annual Coventry Homes Paws and Claws Gala and other EHS initiatives. Coventry is

able to raise funds that help care for neglected, abused and homeless animals through these events, and this year Coventry celebrated their 10th annual Gala on March 10, 2018, where they surpassed the incredible mark of over $1,000,000 raised!

Looking back on the past achievements of Coventry Homes shines a light on this homebuilder’s exciting future.

Coventry Homes is proud to be celebrating their success in Edmonton, including awards like Top Home Builder in Edmonton at the Top Choice Awards for 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018, Best Website at the 2018 CHBA Awards of Excellence, and a Home Owner Mark of Excellence Finalist for 2017 & 2018.

Coventry Homes’ CEO, Henri Rodier, founded the company based on values that are still true to his team today. Rodier’s vision is focused on “building confidence and creating peace of mind” for their customers.

Coventry’s commitment to customer service ensures all clients receive a first-rate experience and are interacting with a team that is genuine, ethical, and devoted to delivering a product that enriches their lives.

To lean more about Coventry Homes, or for a list of showhomes, visit coventry-homes.com or call 780-453-5100.

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AROUND THE TOWN

There’s lots to do in Edmonton Tired of social media and Netflix binging?

The following are just a few ideas to get you, your friends and family members together for some fun – and educational – activities.

THE ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA

1. PLAY BOARD GAMES The last few years have seen a great number of board game cafes pop up in the city. Spots such as Table Top Cafe, Hexagon Board Game Cafe and The Gamers’ Lodge are making it easier for you to gather with a group of friends and play through some exciting rounds of board games. For a small fee, you’ll have access to a massive collection of games — enough to play to your heart’s content while enjoying hot drinks and food. These game cafes, a new phenomenon in Western Canada, provide a unique experience, a mustvisit for any Edmontonian looking to make the most of their time.

2. VISIT THE ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA A long-standing favourite: Besides offering jawdropping exhibits and shows featuring major international artists and local stars alike, the Art Gallery of Alberta offers a myriad of activity within its walls.

The late-night Refinery and Vibe art parties are great for older crowds looking for a cool night out. The AGA doubles as a community hub, too, offering art classes aimed at both adults and kids looking to express their creativity and burgeoning talents.

3. GO FOR COFFEE You might have heard the city is host to a growing coffee culture. Local cafes such as Transcend, Iconoclast Coffee Roasters, BRU Coffee + Beer House, and Credo 20 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

provide comforting environments and also put their own individual spin on crafting a great cup of java, whether it’s Transcend’s insistence on using in-house roasted beans or BRU’s state-of-the-art machinery. Make an excuse to visit a cafe you haven’t yet seen with friends and family!

4. GEEK OUT AT THE TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE Like the AGA, the Telus World of Science has a constant presence you may have started to take for granted.

Boasting a massive IMAX theatre that now projects in 4K and has ever-changing programming and thoughtprovoking exhibits and events, the Telus World of Science will most certainly rekindle the inner kid in you again and again.

5. BREAK OUT AND ESCAPE Another phenomenon staking its claim in Edmonton and sure to make its presence known during the winter are escape rooms. Scattered across the city, rooms like Breakout and Logiclock are perfect group outings thanks to their brevity and endless challenges. Teams will have to solve puzzles and outlast their competitors; to do so, you may have to defuse a bomb, head to space, solve mysterious cases or prevent a major global outbreak in only 45 minutes.

Edmonton offers a stunning array of things to see and do. There’s no reason to stay at home feeling bored. Get out, experience your city, and have fun while you’re at it.

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM

by JIBRIL YASSIN

Creating spaces for you to call home.

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1

2

A TRADITION OF INNOVATION The Beaverbrook Group of Companies is comprised of Beaverbrook Communities, Dolce Vita Homes, InHouse and Beaverbrook Commercial. We work collaboratively to create homes, communities and

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developments that enhance quality of life through an uncompromising commitment to quality, design excellence and customer satisfaction.

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Urban design with a distinctive personality The Hills at Charlesworth is an awardwinning community where we worked closely with the City of Edmonton to combine a range of energy efficiency homes along with several interesting amenities. The central Sustainability Plaza (6) features a large park space with a solar-powered lights and playground, a community garden with rainwater irrigation and a four-season trail that transforms into a skating track in winter.

Nestled in historic, prestigious Glenora, West Block’s (2) Urban Square integrates upscale dining, boutiques and services as well as an office space with contemporary industrial design - all conveniently located near downtown and connected to the new LRT expansion (4). West Block luxury condos offer another take on urban lifestyle overlooking the River Valley. Residents have exclusive access to The Club including an indoor and outdoor bar/lounge, game areas, fitness studio and gated outdoor dog run and wash station.

provides customers with additional peace of mind with the Holmes Approved Homes Program (1) and is recognized as Edmonton’s largest Energy Star® builder. This integrates higher standards when it comes to building practices with cutting-edge techniques and products to build homes that go above and beyond expectations.

Working with cities to build communities Beaverbrook worked with Fortis Alberta and the City of Spruce Grove to incorporate wind turbines into the Greenbury community entry feature to harvest clean wind energy and feed the grid.

The company went on to partner with the Parkland School Division, City of Spruce Grove, Province of Alberta and YMCA of Northern Alberta to open the Beaverbrook Wellness Centre to

provide families with licensed and accredited child care and support services within walking distance of their homes and adjacent to the new K–9 Prescott Learning Centre.

Award winning customer experiences From thoughtful design, best-in-class construction (7) to award-winning customer service team, Dolce Vita Homes has been consistently recognized as an industry leader in customer experiences by CustomerInsight, Professional Home Builders Institute and JD Power.

To see our full range of communities, projects and show homes visit www.beaverbrook.ca and subscribe for our latest news and updates to be the first to know what’s coming next.

Going above expectations through design & craftsmanship Our planning, design and drafting teams are continually refining floorplans and our selections of interior finishes to reflect the latest trends and create spaces that fit today’s lifestyle needs.

Our modern MODA Townhomes (5) allow buyers to mix and match layouts and pick from designer packages to suit your lifestyle and personality.

Because the things you don’t see in a home can be more important than the things you do, Dolce Vita Homes

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TRENDING

Alberta home prices remain soft

A nationwide study conducted recently by CENTURY 21 Canada revealed that although the province’s real estate prices have softened over the year, historically, home prices during the last 20 years have increased significantly in Edmonton and Calgary.

“Clearly, the softness of the Alberta market is due to a slower oil and gas industry,” says Brian Rushton, executive vice-president of CENTURY 21 Canada.

“While Edmonton and Calgary house prices aren’t as high as those in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, they are about the same or even higher than prices in those cities’ suburbs and have risen considerably in the last 20 years, even with the softness seen over the last 12 months. Relative to other major markets, both Calgary and Edmonton remain a bargain. It will be interesting to see what the next few years hold.”

Condo prices in Edmonton dropped the most to $231 per sq. ft., more than 11 per cent below last year.

Detached homes remained flat, with less than a one per cent drop.

24 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

Prices fell by widely varying amounts across Calgary neighbourhoods. A detached house in Southwest Calgary, which had the highest prices in that city, dropped to $355 from $398 per sq. ft. Prices in Lethbridge actually rose nearly four per cent, while prices in Red Deer and St. Albert declined slightly.

However, looking back historically, prices have risen considerably across all communities in the last 20 years – almost quadrupling in Edmonton and doubling in Calgary.

CENTURY 21 Canada’s annual survey of data on the price per sq. ft. (PPSF) of properties gathers and compares sales data from its franchises across Canada from Jan. 1 to June 30 of each year. By looking at the price per sq. ft. at the same time each year, the firm is able to get a good idea of how prices have changed over time for similar properties. This year’s survey looks back 20 years in some markets to 1998 prices, as well as comparing 2017 prices with this year’s results.

NOVESTA:

DELIVERING CLIENT-FOCUSED SUCCESS IN COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

B

ehind any successful organization is an outstanding team, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Novesta. Lead by two industry experts, Novesta brings client-focused commercial and residential development, construction management, and design-build services to the Edmonton and Alberta market. The team at Novesta offers over sixty years of combined experience in development and construction industries – an exceptional foundation of business and development know-how that sets their team apart from others in the industry.

The base of their success comes from the unique skillset of the Novesta

team. Danny Pereira and Mark Martel established their partnership over five years ago when they realized that their combined expertise gave them a unique advantage in the real estate and development industry.

By joining forces and merging their specializations, they were able to substantially grow Novesta within a short period of time.

Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Danny brings a wealth of knowledge from his past roles in project management, as well as estimating and safety management for some of North America’s largest general contractors in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors.

Danny’s strong leadership skills drive his entrepreneurial spirit, and

FROM COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL

25

it’s what lead him to establish two successful companies early in his career - Jord Development Group and PnP Coatings. Danny has also invested in local struggling businesses that are now viable and help support the communities they are in. Mark possesses an excellent understanding of the process of real estate development, site operations, daycare centers, office build-outs, and medical clinics. His love of networking and establishing relationships with investors is the backbone of the company, and he credits the root of Novesta’s success to the individuals they have had the opportunity to work with.

Recognizing the need to add a construction expert to their team, Danny and Mark asked Peter Giannis to join Novesta. As a construction building envelope specialist, Peter brings an abundance of knowledge to the company and allows Novesta to offer a fully rounded project development experience to their customers. Together, Danny, Mark and Peter ensure clients receive superior quality and value, no matter the complexity or scope of the project.

Current and past projects for Novesta include commercial and residential land development, commercial construction, multi-family and single-family home building, restaurant projects, daycares and interior tenant improvements of all 26

sizes. Their hands-on approach to each project, combined with their ability to understand and exceed building requirements is what defines their industry success.

The priority of every Novesta project is meeting the needs of their clients. Danny and Mark are personally invested in the success of each project, and will constantly monitor a site’s progress to ensure their high quality standards are met throughout every

phase. Propelled by past industry experience, the Novesta team has built a network of reliable and exceptionally talented individuals that can effectively execute the vision of their clients. By partnering with qualified architects, engineers, interior designers and experienced trades people, Novesta is confident that clients will be proud to showcase completed projects to family, friends, and their community.

With many successful projects in

A LEGACY OF QUALITY, TRUST AND INTEGRITY

their portfolio, Novesta is focused on continuing to grow their company and help more individuals achieve their development dreams. Noting the increasing demand for infill homes within Edmonton, the Novesta team has continued to invest in developing modern architecturally designed homes, in some of the city’s most coveted neighbourhoods. Their current projects feature eye-catching homes in the desirable communities of Glenora, Ritchie, Grovenor and Strathearn. They are also currently working on scheduling additional infill home projects, and have multiple commercial projects for the coming year.

At Novesta, their vision isn’t only to enrich the community with aesthetically appealing developments, they are also committed in investing in the health of the city it serves.

Corporate philanthropy has been at the cornerstone of its mission since its inception. Over the years, the company has supported the local arts scene, Kidney Foundation of Canada, Sorrentino’s Compassion House and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

Most recently Novesta donated money for a mural by internationally renowned Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel. The six-storey mural in Old Strathcona is part of a city-wide public art initiative in support of the community.

Novesta’s developments continually raises the bar. The boutique company is truly an all-inclusive service provider - one dedicated to seeing each project through to construction completion and beyond. They are excited and looking forward to investing in additional developments within the Edmonton area.

Danny S. Pereira & Mark M. Martel

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NOVESTA VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT NOVESTA.CA, OR CALL 780.244.1144 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 27

TRENDING

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) last month released its home activity report for the period between September and October, 2018, with some good news for homebuyers in some regions.

The report showed national home sales fell 1.6 per cent and actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity was down by 3.7 per cent from the same time last year. The number of newly listed homes eased 1.1 per cent during this two-month period. As well, the MLS home price index (HPI) was up 2.3 per cent year-over-year, while the national average sales price slipped by 1.5 per cent in the same period.

While home sale activity is still stronger than in the first half of 2018, it remains below monthly levels recorded from early 2014 through 2017.

Across the Prairies, benchmark home prices remained below year-ago levels in Calgary at -2.6 per cent, Edmonton, -2.4 per cent, Regina, -3.6 per cent and Saskatoon at -0.9 per cent.

“This year’s new mortgage stress-test has lowered how much mortgage homebuyers can qualify for across Canada, but its effect on sales has varied somewhat depending on location, housing type and price range,” says CREA president, Barb Sukkau.

“National sales activity lost momentum in October,” says Gregory Klump, CREA’s chief economist. “In part, this reflects waning activity in some urban centres in Ontario’s 28 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

Greater Golden Horseshoe area and the absence of an offsetting rise in sales in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. ... By contrast, the balance between sales and listings for housing markets in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland indicates a weak pricing environment for homeowners who are looking to sell.”

Sales were down year-over-year in slightly more than half of all local markets in October, but lower sales in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley more than offset the rise in sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Montreal by a wide margin.

Trends continue to vary widely among the 17 housing markets tracked by the MLS HPI. In British Columbia, home price gains have been diminishing on a year-over-year basis, with Greater Vancouver at +1 per cent; Fraser Valley, +6.8 per cent; Victoria, +8.5 per cent; and elsewhere on Vancouver Island, +11.8 per cent.

The actual (not seasonally adjusted) national average price for homes sold in October 2018 was just under $496,800, down 1.5 per cent year-over-year.

However, the national average price is heavily skewed by sales in Greater Vancouver and the GTA, two of Canada’s most active and expensive markets.

Excluding these two markets from calculations cuts almost $114,000 from the national average price, trimming it to just under $383,000.

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM

Canadian home sales activity eases in October

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personalized experience from start to finish. Unlike others in the industry, this homebuilder does not place strict controls on their home designs, and the result is award-winning. Impact Homes is a CHBA Edmonton Region Awards of Excellence winner, and was even a finalist at the 2018 Homeowner’s Mark of Excellence Award. As a proud member of the Coventry Homes Group, this customer-focused homebuilder presents over 60 years of combined home building experience within their team, ensuring that every Impact Home owner is given outstanding service throughout their home buying and building journey.

Impact Homes is excited to join the flourishing new community of West Secord! This new community showcases wide open spaces, inviting parks, and charming pathways. You’ll also find a scenic protected wetland within the community, plus an array of fantastic amenities nearby! Impact Homes welcomes you to visit their two stunning side-by-side showhomes in West Secord - The Roma and The Trireme. Both gorgeous homes present new home plans for the builder, and have been thoughtfully designed and styled to showcase the breadth of the homebuilder’s impressive abilities.

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KEEHN ON MONEY

Should you invest in real estate?

by KELLEY KEEHN If you’ve already started investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs or more, you may be like many Canadians wondering if adding real estate might be right for you (outside of your principal residence).

Many investors love the tangibility of holding an asset as opposed to the more nebulous stock or bond market.

You can see it, hold it, control it. But it does require a much larger investment than other options and doesn’t allow as much diversification, considering how much the average home costs in this country.

Investing in real estate outside your primary residence can be one way to grow your assets for retirement. You can deduct the interest on borrowed funds and have a renter paying your mortgage.

Maili Wong, a certified financial planner, first vicepresident and portfolio manager with CIBC Wood Gundy says, “The cash flow you receive from renting out the residential or commercial property could potentially supplement your retirement income. But it’s very important to consider the pros and the cons in order to determine if real estate investing is right for you.”

Wong cites the example of a novice real estate investor getting excited about an opportunity to buy a condo, with the hopes of renting it out to earn extra cash-flow from the rental income. But after deducting the mortgage payments, the strata/condo fees, the property taxes and the incidental maintenance costs of fixing toilets or broken appliances, she warns, “They could potentially be losing money every month.”

Tahani Aburaneh, a real estate investor, bestselling author and founder of F.I.R.E Females in Real Estate, is on a mission for more women to invest in real estate.

She believes, “Women investors generate better return because they mostly use the buy and hold strategy” and she thinks this asset class is a great addition to consider in your portfolio — not that it’s a replacement to others, as the reality of using leveraged funds is not for the low-risk investor to be sure. Aburaneh’s biggest warning? Be careful of anyone asking for your money as part of a joint venture.

“Don’t give your money too quickly until you learn more about what you’re investing in from a third party who has no gain in giving you information and advice.”

For that third party, seek the counsel of a Chartered Professional Accountant, lawyer specializing in real estate or a Certified Financial Planner (find one at: FindYourPlanner.ca).

Kelley Keehn is a financial literacy advocate who has been on a mission to “make Canadians feel good about money.” She is the author of eight published books and is also a speaker, media personality and consumer advocate for the Financial Planning Standards Council. You can learn more about Kelley at kelleykeehn.com nexthome.ca 35

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It’s hard to exactly pinpoint what I start with when I design a $2.4 million dream home, but I can say with assurance that it always has a personality, mood and vibe of how I want the house to feel after all is said and done. Whether or not the homeowner is involved in the selections or not, my designs always have an inspiration point. For this home, it was the foyer light fixture, which had all three metals I wanted to showcase in chrome, gold and matte black.

From selecting countertops, paint, wallpaper and light fixtures down to the last details of furnishing, artwork and area rugs—the end result is always the most gratifying.

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TRENDING

Pass the

BUCK

Baby Boomers sharing assets to finance their children’s homes Baby Boomers, arguably the wealthiest generation in decades, are aging and passing down some of their assets to their grown children in record numbers.

Financial advisors like Don Campbell, a senior analyst with Real Estate Investment Network (REIN), calls this significant passing of assets between Baby Boomers and Millennials, “wealth transfer.”

The reasons for this growing phenomenon are many. In addition to the country’s high real estate prices in major key cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto, wealth transfer can be attributed to the federal and provincial governments’ stricter lending rules and interest rate hikes.

“The new mortgage stress testing introduced in January squeezed the budgets of first-time buyers, paving the way for even more Baby Boomers having to assist their children to get into the housing market,” notes Campbell.

According to Statistics Canada, there are 9.6 million Baby Boomers (or 30 per cent of the population), born between 1946 and 1965, many of whom are anxious to see their cash-strapped Millennials break into the housing market.

That wealth transfer, says Campbell “is changing the dynamic of the Canadian real estate market.”

One notable difference is the rise in multi-generational housing, bringing generations together under the same roof. Over the last few years, architects and developers have responded to this ongoing shift by creating flexible units and newer solutions, such as laneway homes.

40 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

“This trend is normal for many immigrant families but is now catching on with Baby Boomers in larger centres,” explains Campbell.

“We are seeing a rise in Baby Boomers building spectacular suites in their homes and giving up the main home to their children or constructing laneway housing on their property for them or their adult children.”

It’s no wonder. The 2016 Statistics Canada Census highlights the fact that the number of young adults living in their parents’ home continues to rise. Today’s young adults are also more likely to be at home for an extended stay compared with previous generations, according to the report.

“In 1981, seven per cent of children between the ages of 25 to 29, and 32 per cent of 20 to 24 were still living at home. Today, those numbers have risen to 27 and 58 per cent respectively,” notes Campbell, adding this growth can also be blamed on the lack of affordable rental builds.

In addition, the 2016 Census added a new age category; 11 per cent of young adults between the ages of 30 to 39 are living at home.

“Baby Boomers are giving their children their inheritances early as a way to gift or loan their children the money in order to motivate them to get out of the family home,” adds Campbell.

“This transfer of wealth is opening doors to homes and borrowing options otherwise unavailable to many Millennials.”

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM

by MICHELLE HOPKINS

‘‘ We are seeing a rise in Baby Boomers building spectacular suites in their homes and giving up the main home to their children or constructing laneway housing on their property for them or their adult children —Don Campbell, senior analyst with Real Estate Investment Network

Another smart wealth transfer strategy is to purchase real estate for your university-bound children.

“When kids head off to university, parents should consider buying properties in university towns,” says Campbell. “These should be large enough so that their kids can have roommates to help defray the costs.”

Then, when they finish their university degrees, parents can take the equity out of the property and pay off their children’s post-secondary expenses.

However, Campbell cautions parents to think about their retirement plans before gifting their children money from the equity in their homes.

“The current remortgaging rules and higher interest rates are devaluing homes and affecting Boomers’ ability to help their children,” Campbell adds. “The federal and provincial governments’ attempt to push down home values is putting the middle class behind the financial eight-ball.” nexthome.ca 41

INSPIRATION |

design file

KITCHEN

2019

inspiration

42  Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

Christopher DeBoer of Sybrandt Creative teamed up with Aya Kitchens to design this eclectic and modern kitchen which is chock full of design inspiration for the New Year. Here are his five tips to keep in mind when planning your new cooking space.

1 2 3 4

Add character to your space by choosing details that fit your needs and personality. A really good way to bring in some interest is through hardware and backsplash tile.

It’s all about choosing items that will look good in 10 or 15 years, rather than what is trendy. I think returning to the classics is the trend for 2019.

Accessories and art are an easy way to bring a pop of colour to your space, especially adding plants in cute pots to help warm up the room.

An easy and affordable update that anyone can do regardless if they are planning a kitchen reno or not is to change the hardware.

PHOTO BY: NELSON COSTA, AYA KITCHENS

5

Instead of an all-white kitchen, use a mix of materials and colours to add complexity and warmth to your space. It makes the kitchen feel more dynamic and inviting.

nexthome.ca  43

INSPIRATION

VANITY

Find the perfect vanity for your tiny bathroom

by SARA BEDERMAN

A small bathroom doesn’t have to fall short on style or storage.

The right vanity can go a long way to meeting both demands.

Here are three considerations when shopping for that perfect vanity that satisfies those big ‘small-space’ cravings.

1. SIZE MATTERS It’s not the size of the bathroom that counts, it’s how you use it, right? Consider the vanity’s height and depth in relation to the room, and how you use the space. Particularly in compact bathrooms, you’ll want to pay close attention to factors such as door swing, location of the toilet and tub, and the general flow of traffic. Along with vanity dimensions come some other technical considerations. Where is the plumbing located? Do you require a single or double sink? How will the faucet be mounted? It’s always best to consult with a professional contractor who can advise you on what’s possible in your space, the scope of work and timeline for completion, and the cost.

2. OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND The type of bathroom you have will dictate which storage system will best meet your needs. A powder room has minimal storage requirements, while an ensuite or a busy family bathroom calls for greater storage, organization and efficiency. For small bathrooms that see a lot of action, consider installing a vanity cabinet which is perfect for tucking away towels, toilet paper, tissue boxes, and perhaps a drawer (or an under-counter caddy) for each family member to store personal items.

3. STYLES FOR MILES Some see a small bathroom as a design challenge. I view it as the perfect opportunity to make a statement. Since the space is limited, the few fixtures you have (including the vanity) need to be high-impact. Select a vanity style that stands out to you, either for its materials, shape, style, or another unique detail that sets it apart.

Victoria + Albert’s Metallo washstand; metal legs with right-angle “tee joints” inspired by retro bathroom plumbing. vandabaths.com

Sara Bederman Principal Designer for Sara Bederman Design. For over a decade this Toronto bespoke design firm has become known for creating stylish, thoughtfully curated and livable interiors. The firm provides residential design services for projects of all sizes. Sara Bederman Design works throughout Toronto, GTA. and beyond. sarabederman.com 44 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

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Trending now The latest real estate news from across Canada

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life style

INSPIRATION |

2 1

Self-care

the

guide

Need to unwind? These stressreducing products will help keep you calm and relaxed, so pamper yourself. You’re worth it.

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46 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

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Get involved with Sage!

Sage is a non-profit seniors’ serving organization, offering a wide range of programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors in Greater Edmonton. Get involved with Sage! Take advantage of the many resources, programs and services. Explore a variety of volunteer opportunities. Consider supporting at-risk seniors by making a charitable donation. Sage has been serving seniors in your community for over 40 years.

Visit www.MySage.ca or call 780-423-5510!

&

THE LAST WORD

Q A with

Carmen Wyton CEO, BILD – Alberta

IT’S BEEN A YEAR SINCE CARMEN WYTON TOOK THE REINS AS CEO OF BILD – ALBERTA. NEXTHOME GETS HER TAKE ON HOW THE YEAR WAS, THE CHALLENGES AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS, AND HER WISH LIST FOR 2019.

by MARLENE EISNER

48

NextHome: Two years have gone by since the amalgamation strategy between the Canadian Home Builder’s Association – Alberta and the Urban Development Institute Alberta. During this first year of your tenure as CEO, how have the two groups solidified to better represent the building community?

CARMEN WYTON: Very well. Our results speak for themselves. People have come to realize that we are better as one group, advocating for our industry as a whole. Together,

we are 1,800 members, a single, powerful and passionate voice for the land development, residential construction and professional renovation industry.

What are some of the challenges BILD Alberta faced this year?

CW: We look at every challenge as an opportunity, and there is a lot of benefits to starting from scratch. We had a lot of foundational items to finish up, including the final stages of amalgamation, establishing

industry governance councils and of course, launching our new BILD brand. We also worked with the 10 constituent associations to ensure the amalgamation, rebranding and new membership structures were adopted. With our united voice, we continue to advocate for affordability, accountability and transparency with regards to the Municipal Government Act, city charters and building codes.

We worked with Municipal Affairs and Service Alberta to address implementation challenges of builder licensing – ensuring our members

nexthome.ca 49

were not impacted by the deadline.

BILD Alberta is advocating for building ‘complete communities’ and providing affordable options, graduated housing and aging in place. We initiated discussions with seniors and housing, community and social services and Service Alberta to ensure members are recognized as qualified, reputable contractors for home modifications for seniors and people with disabilities. We worked with Municipal Affairs to announce the PACE program and encouraged consumer and industry involvement. We are continuing the conversation to ensure that program design will consider residential programs effectively and that BILD members will be recognized as a credible supplier for this governmentsponsored program. BILD Alberta is advocating for policy development, including BILD Alberta’s constructed stormwater wetland assessment tool, as a means to build betterconstructed wetlands while modifying the compensation framework for existing wetlands.

We worked with the Ministry of Labour to promote Bill 30 and hosted a province-wide industry education and awareness panel event including key department staff and leaders. We are now getting ready to work with the ministry and members for the implementation of the joint Worksite Health and Safety Committees.

Service Alberta has proposed that BILD Alberta is included as an official partner for disaster response. This partnership is being examined as a continuation of creating a preferred 50 Edmonton Builder & Developer Annual 2019

supplier list that would ensure Albertans would have access to qualified, reputable suppliers when demands are more difficult, and suppliers come from all over.

Speaking of challenges, the CMHC’s recent housing market outlook reported new housing starts were down in 2017 and 2018, but are expected to make modest gains in 2020 as inventory levels decline. How is the industry perceiving the situation?

CW: We are facing a crisis. Alberta has a record high level of homes on the market. Unfortunately, there are a number of factors working against the industry in our province.

During the economic slowdown, many of our members kept building to keep people employed and to prepare Alberta for growth when the economy bounces back. The economy has not rebounded the way we hoped, which now means layoffs.

The situation gets worse when you add the newly implemented stress test for mortgages. This test was made to cool the market in Vancouver and Toronto, but it has put a chill on the country and frozen out a lot of would-be buyers from getting the home they want in the community they chose.

NH: Let’s talk about successes. What inroads and accomplishments have happened in the last 12 months?

CW: We reset our relationship with the government. This renewed and

collaborative association meant we could challenge existing legislation and influence emerging regulations that impact land development, housing and renovations. We have a significantly enhanced relationship with Municipal Affairs and are at the table for important policy discussions through the Residential Protection Program advisory council.

We are working on a partnership with the Alberta Building Officials Association for code interpretation.

We are working with Advanced Education on a workforce strategy.

We have initiated a partnership with Service Alberta that will offer significant benefits to members working in the renovations sector.

Looking forward, what is your wish list for 2019?

CW: It’s an election year, and BILD Alberta is going to be front-andcentre to ensure all candidates, and whoever forms the next government, understands that affordability and choice matter. It’s my wish that all of our 1,800 members, their families and their employees prepare for when candidates come to their door asking for a vote. I want them to ask how these candidates will make housing affordable, to ask how these parties will work with our industry to ensure success and I want them to get a clear idea of how each candidate and each party’s priorities line up with our priorities. After that, it’s my wish to work closely with the next government to ensure BILD Alberta continues to have a seat at the table.

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