For residents of Calgary's lake communities, having such a special amenity available during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a blessing. Now, those communities are looking ahead to, hopefully, even better times this summer as the province reopens and restrictions are lifted.

With demand for mental health supports skyrocketing in Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch of the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery couldn't come at a better time. Proceeds from this year's lottery will go towards enhancing urgent and critical mental health services in the province.

Carrie and Kevin Wilde moved to Calgary's southeast lake community of Mahogany six years ago with their four children – Tasia, Camebridge, Nicholas and Peirson – and the family pooch, Charlotte. The community's architecture, lake, wetlands and extensive pathway system that connects it all attracted the family. But now that they are settled in (the kids have grown up in the area and now range in age from 15 to 21), Carrie Wilde says Mahogany is about more than the amenities.

Even though it is chock-full of cutting-edge design and brimming with bells and whistles, that's not what's drawing buyers towards Westman Village, a new neighbourhood within the award-winning community of Mahogany. Instead, it's the lifestyle, including convenience, walkability, access to Calgary's largest man-made lake, and loads of downtown-style amenities.

"What really sets the development apart are the amenities and the self-contained structure of Westman Village," said Jay Westman, chairman and CEO of Jayman Built, the developer and builder behind the project. "The only thing that we don't have is a gas station."

It's widely known that lakes in and around Calgary provide both recreational opportunities and some highly desirable residential and vacation real estate.

However, here are five things you might not know about Calgary-and-area lakes:

Get outside but practise physical distancing. Interact with nature but don't travel.

As Calgarians get used to the rules for weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, the city's lake communities are making sure residents can safely enjoy their abundance of unique water amenities.

For many Calgarians, the idea of living beside a lake is extremely appealing. Thankfully, Calgary is home to several lake communities, and each has its own unique character and mix of amenities.

For those thinking about buying their own lakefront oasis, here's a look at each of Calgary's established lake communities to help you find the one that's right for you:

The writing is on the wall, as Jayman Built nears completion of its third and final building in the boutique-style collection of condos known as Calligraphy.

The collection is located on the waterside at Mahogany Lake in the upscale, resort-style community of Westman Village.

Calgary communities that provide convenient access to desirable amenities and major roadways are leading the way in growth.