Shipping containers gaining popularity as construction option

Once perceived as a childhood plaything, building blocks have gone big time.

Modular homes built out of shipping containers have blossomed into full-fledged housing options, with several Western Canadian-based companies making inroads into local markets and beyond.

"There's definitely a lot of interest in it now. I think people are starting to look at alternate techniques," said Charles Lemieux, co-founder of Alberta-based Blocks Modular Corp., which markets containers for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.

"I think the legwork is actually starting to do something. The city is understanding that we can meet architectural guidelines. It's just getting a product that is competitive – not cheap like what you see on TV where they cut a whole [in the container] and call it a home."

Speaking as part of Calgary Economic Development's (CED) 2016 Economic Outlook, Bank of Canada governor Stephen S. Poloz laid out his forecast for Canada's economy in the upcoming year.
With more than 1,500 on hand for the presentation, Poloz touched on some of the factors that have seen Canada's economy get off to a less-than-stellar start this year.
CREB®Now takes a look at some of the key points from CED's outlook.

GDP
Having seen two consecutive quarters of GDP decline, Canada's economy currently fits the definition of being in a recession. Looking forward, TD forecasts call for an annual growth rate of
1.2 per cent in 2015, followed by two per cent gains in 2016 and 2017.

Employment
Speaking on downsizings in Calgary's energy sector, CED president and chief executive Mary Moran said more layoffs should be expected, calling it the most challenging time for the city since the mid-1980s. ATB economist Todd Hirsch has predicted unemployment rate in the province could reach 7.5 per cent, which would be the highest rate seen since 2009.

Buying decisions encouraged by favourable conditions

Timing, they say, is everything.

Just ask Patrick Yeung and Jenny Hoa, who are selling their individual condos and moving into a newly constructed home in the northwest community of Symons Gate later this year.

"It was a coincidence – perfect timing," said Yeung of buyer-friendly market conditions currently in Calgary's residential resale housing market.

"We'd already decided we wanted to get a home together, but the timing just fell together."

Although Yeung and Hoa work across the city from the deep-northwest community (he near Marlborough Mall, she near Chinook Centre), both of their condos are in the Panorama-Kincora area, and both wanted to stay in the region to be close to friends and family.

Now in its fourth year, Doors Open YYC now bigger than ever

Awarded to notable residents, a key to the city used to be the symbol of a welcoming metropolis. As it turns out, things haven't changed that much.

Literally a way to throw open its doors to residents both notable and ordinary, the Doors Open YYC event Sept. 26 – 27 is part of an international event that provides people free access to buildings to create enthusiasm for heritage and contemporary architecture.

"Really, the whole point is to allow people access to buildings they wouldn't normally get to see," said organizing committee member Alyssa Berry.

Largest urban pathway network in North America to be completed in 2017

Parks Foundation Calgary kicked off the final phase of its 138-kilometre Rotary/Mattamy Greenway in the northeast community of Cityscape Wednesday to fan fare from local residents, dignitaries and supporters.

"It's a gigantic deal. It will change the face of this city forever," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi, a vocal supporter of the project since taking office.

Added Parks Foundation Calgary CEO Myrna Dube: "Often it's said the Calgary has a can-do attitude. It'd like to take that a step further and say it's 'will-do.'"

Cardel Lifestyles is enjoying a busy start to 2015. The multi-family builder has shovels in the ground at its new condo development in Auburn Bay, and recently opened new show suites in Sage Hill.

CREB®Now recently sat down with Brad Logel, sales and marketing manager for Cardel Lifestyles, to discuss everything from what's new with the company to how downsizers are shaping its business. Here's what he had to say:

CREB®Now:?What's new with Cardel Lifestyles?

Logel: We recently had the grand opening of five new condo show suites in northwest Calgary at Sage Place. We have started construction on our first condo building at Auburn Walk in southeast Calgary. We are about to release our townhomes at Cranston Ridge and our second building at Auburn Walk. Our company recently won the Homeowner Mark of Excellence for Alberta. This is awarded to the builder with the highest overall customer experience rating. This rating is based on customer surveys over a 13-month period. We also won the New Homebuyer's Choice Award earlier this year. Both of the awards are based on surveys done by Customer Insight and done for all Alberta New Home Warranty Builders and their new homeowners.

Asphalt plant part of Doors Open YYC initiative

Imagine getting a chance to meet the chefs behind our roads – the cooks who concoct the cement that lie beneath our feet?

It's part of a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity for Calgarians, who will get a chance to visit the City of Calgary's asphalt plant as part of the fourth annual Doors Open YYC event later this month.

Located just off 25th Avenue S.E., the plant is one of 42 sites participating in the citywide initiative, scheduled for Sept 26 to 27.

"We felt that it was extremely important for Calgarians to showcase how the City of Calgary operates, how professional and qualified our staff are, how we spend taxpayer dollars and to show Calgarians and visitors how the City is conscientious of the environment while delivering service," said Slawa Gruszczynska, cultural diversity co-ordinator in charge of co-ordinating all of the City of Calgary sites for Doors Open YYC.

'If you build it, they will come'

Despite ongoing softness in the Calgary regional real estate market that has moderated activity in upscale communities such as Springbank and Bearspaw, industry experts believe the value proposition of upscale rural living remains unaffected.

"We have not seen construction stop," said Ian Macdonald, director of sales and marketing at Watermark at Bearspaw, a luxury estate community that recently won a Sales and Marketing (SAM) Award for Community of the Year, Calgary Region from the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) Calgary Region.

"I call it the Field of Dreams approach — if you build it, they will come."

32nd annual Home + Design Show returns Sept 17 – 20

From blah bathrooms to cluttered kitchens, homeowners are often encouraged to channel their inner designer.

The trouble is knowing where to start.

"There are a lot of shortcuts to make it easier," said Parker Barrow's Janette Ewen who, with co-owner Jef Hancock, will be among dozens of designer gurus on hand at the BMO Centre Sept. 17-20 for the 32nd annual Home + Design Show.

CREB®Now will be presenting Ewen and Hancock when they take the Trail Appliances Main Stage Sept. 18 at 4 p.m., Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m. and Sept. 20 at noon.

SAIT Polytechnic Art Smith Aero Centre joins Doors Open YYC lineup

At SAIT Polytechnic, there's a classroom that measures 21,000 square feet.

The technical institute's Art Smith Aero Centre is actually a hangar at the Calgary International Airport. Big enough for a Boeing 737, the space is used to teach three full-time programs in SAIT's School of Transportation: aircraft maintenance engineers technology, aircraft structures technician and avionics technology.

On Sept. 26, the centre will be open to public as part of the fourth annual Door Open YYC event.