Chestermere's growth reflects growing interest in satellite communities, say officials

The first permanent homes in Chestermere were built he same year the first Star Wars film came out: 1977

Seven movies later, the city's population is approaching 19,500 – with proposed development expected to double that number in the years to come.

"Fantastic cities attract fantastic people," said Mayor Patricia Matthews. "We have this huge body of water that's a great attractor for a lot of people. You get that feel of being out in the country – that retreat moment when you come home."

West Downtown redevelopment pushes forward, aims to get out of West Village's shadow

While debate continues on West Village and its controversial CalgaryNEXT sports facility proposal, just next door the Downtown West neighbourhood is continuing its path toward future redevelopment.

After public input into community needs — through online surveys, an open house and ballot boxes and displays in 10 neighbourhood buildings — conducted at the end of 2015, a new draft area redevelopment plan (ARP) is now going through technical and other internal review processes, said City of Calgary planner Julie McGuire, who is managing the Downtown West project.

The document will outline a proposed vision for the area, including refined rules for development types and incentives such as allowing developers increased density if they provide arts spaces, use green building features, fund improved streetscapes and parks, or contribute to an affordable housing fund.

Beltline assisted-living building first for campaign

Calgarians at risk of homeless will soon have added housing options, with the news that Stepping Stone Manor, a 30-unit assisted-living apartment building in Calgary's Beltine, is near completion.

Representing the first new construction project to be completed through the RESOLVE campaign, the building has funded by donors, provincial grants and built by Cedarglen Living Inc.

CMHC paints sobering picture of in-need housing

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) recently released a report on "core housing need" in Canada that paints a sobering picture for those in need in this country.

CREB®Now takes a closer look at the report, which focuses on households that spend in excess of 50 per cent of their income on shelter.

5.3%
From 2006-11, the incidence of Canadian households in severe housing need increased, reaching 5.3 per cent, or 655,380 households – consistent with 2001 levels. Shelter costs for all Canadian households during this period increased more rapidly than household income before tax, which could partially explain the increase in the number and percentage of households in severe housing need during this period, said CMHC.

95 companies announced as 2015 SAM Awards finalists

Nearly 100 companies and professionals in the Calgary and area's residential construction industry were recognized Thursday as the newly amalgamated CHBA – UDI Calgary Region Association announced finalists for the 2015 Sales and Marketing (SAM) Awards.

The 29th annual awards, which celebrates and acknowledges innovation and excellence in the industry, will hand out 60 piece of hardware, including the top Grand SAMs – three builder categories (Builder of the Year, Builder of Merit for a small-volume builder and Multi-Family Builder of the Year).

Local researchers applaud study that links urban design to obesity rates

Are you overweight and out of shape? It could be because of where you live.

Local researchers are pointing to a new international study that has found a connection between obesity and urban geography – in particular as it relates to living in high-rise apartments.

"The literature out there is pretty clear — there's a strong relationship between the walkability of your environment and your health," said Calgary architect John Brown, a professor in the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary.

Airdrie looks to improve acceptance of secondary suites with bylaw review

Calgary is not the only Alberta city tackling the controversial issue of secondary suites.

Airdrie is putting its current land-use bylaw under the microscope, meaning residents in that city could soon see changes to the way the suites are regulated.

Suites are currently allowed in just three neighbourhoods: Bayview, The Canals and Silver Creek. Under the proposed bylaws, the City would allow at least one secondary housing option (a basement suite, a garden suite separate lot unit, or a garage suite) in most residential districts, with the development authority having final say on appropriate usage of a secondary suite.

Homeowners don't have to sacrifice with new townhome development in southeast Calgary

The elusive trifecta of location, luxury and livability has long eluded downsizers in Calgary – until now.

Brookfield Residential has developed the Holy Grail of compact living with Mosaic Riverstone in Cranston's Riverstone, a 64-unit stacked luxury townhome development in southeast Calgary with two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging in size from 1,400 to 1,600 square feet and priced from the mid-$400,000s.

"Cranston's Riverstone is an absolutely amazing and beautiful community," said Kelly Halliday, Brookfield Residential's business development manager for Calgary Homes.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, say housing experts

The term "luxury" defies a single definition – especially when it comes to housing in Calgary, say experts.

"Luxury is specific to each individual, driven by their particular needs," said Kevin Mullen, president of the Empire Group of Companies, which has constructed dwellings in most of Calgary's upscale communities.

"If someone values the weekend lifestyle, then you might live in Springbank. If being proximate to the Glencoe Club is important, then you might choose Elbow Park. Those lifestyle decisions reflect into defining a luxury community."

Analysts say indicators point to prolonged downturn

The health of Calgary's residential housing market is only as good as the foundation it's built upon, say analysts, who reference several key indicators that point to a prolonged downturn in the city.

Richard Cho, principal market analysis in Calgary for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC), noted everything from employment levels to household income and migration to spending levels signal to tough times ahead for the local housing market.