As we head into this year's flood season, the City of Calgary continues to work on mitigation measures and says Calgary is better prepared to respond to flooding than ever before, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Cochranites can now publicly show their support for each other, as well as local businesses and services, through a new poster campaign from the Town of Cochrane.

After the first full month with social distancing measures in place, the housing market is adjusting to the effects of COVID-19.

After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they planned to call Canada home, Okotoks town council passed a resolution inviting the royal couple to settle in their town.

Since then, however, a viral pandemic and a change of heart on the part of the couple – they are reportedly quarantining in California and have shifted their sights to finding a new home in Malibu – seem to have scuttled the possibility of the royals settling in the Great White North any time soon.

Yet, with all the attractive properties in the Calgary area, the possibilities for Harry and Meghan would have been endless.

Does the relaxing tranquility of acreage living have to mean losing the energy and convenience of city life? Not at Aventerra Estates, Rocky View County's newest acreage-living community.

All the approvals are in place and all systems are go for the new southeast community of Belvedere, which will deliver more than 1,500 homes in the coming years.

Moez Moledina, general manager for Belvedere developer Tristar Communities, said the intention is to start stripping and grading the site by the middle of April or as soon as the weather allows.

This month saw a double-digit gain in sales, but last February was one of the slowest levels of activity since the late '90s.

With the extra day this February, monthly sales totaled 1,197 units.  A combination of these two factors resulted in a 23 per cent improvement over last year, but sales remain well below longer-term trends and consistent with the lower levels reported over the past five years.

The new southwest community of Hudson in Creekstone makes the most of its spectacular setting – perched on a ridge overlooking the Pine Creek coulee with the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Dennis Inglis, development manager with Highfield Land Management, says the community's location alongside a protected reserve means its scenic surroundings are here to stay, unlike some new communities where development eventually encroaches on natural lands.

Ten minutes south of Calgary in the town of Okotoks, homebuyers and builders continue to buck the regional trend of declining housing starts.

In fact, the growing town of just over 29,000 people (based on the 2018 civic census) saw an increase in housing starts in 2019 that is expected to continue into 2020, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Some would say the town of Cochrane offers the best of everything. Nestled into the foothills, this picturesque community of just under 30,000 people offers untouched nature, beautiful mountain views and small-town appeal, in addition to a full suite of amenities.

The town's friendly vibe is attracting young families and downsizers alike, and many new communities are stepping up to meet the demand with a variety of innovative home designs.