Calgarians playing a role in driving home sales outside of the city

Founded largely by intrepid pioneers who ventured west on the then fledgling Canadian Pacific Railway, Calgary is now seeing another western excursion.

With home sales in the city facing downward pressure as a result of a weakening labour market, markets west of the city – small and large – are seeing increased activity, thanks in part to Calgarians continued urge to drive westward.

From as near as the Rocky Mountains to as far as the West Coast, Calgarians are being pointed to as contributing factors in real estate markets outside of the city.

As the developer behind Canmore's Spring Creek, a $38-million "active lifestyle community" for seniors, frank Kernick has seen the impact of Calgary buyers outside of the city.

"From the demand point of view, the last three months in Canmore have probably been the strongest January, February and March I've seen in 10 years," said Kernick.

Americans and Albertans alike looking to the mountains for recreation homes

The old truism of "location, location, location" applies as equally to recreation property as it does to a good piece of primary real estate. And it may become even more important in a tight economy.

Alberta's recreational property market — much of it located in the mountain areas and lakes within an hour and a half of Calgary — continues, at least for now, to be fairly strong.

With the decreasing Canadian dollar, American buyers coming from a healthier economy are once again looking at Alberta property while local buyers may be seeking cottage life closer to home.

Calgary's surrounding towns offer plenty for the two-wheeled crowd

Calgary's current push to increase the cycling opportunities has sparked a two-wheeled revolution that's caught fire beyond just the city limits.

Offering a bucket list of amenities, Calgary's satellite communities have used their considerable geographic areas to their advantage, creating cycling networks that have drawn international events such as the Tour of Alberta and Banff Gran Fondo to its borders.
Here's an overview of just some of the opportunities in the region.

Cougar Creek will see more than $25 million in improvements

Transformed from a picturesque mountain town, into a disaster zone, then a construction site, the town of Canmore is nearly back to its old self.

As a result of last year's floods, 130,000 square metres of creek bed and riverbank were destroyed – along with several homes – as water swept rocks, trees and other debris downstream. When the waters finally subsided, damages were estimated at $50 million.

A look back at Calgary's June floods and forward into the future

June 20 started out like any other day in Calgary. With showers in the forecast, parents saw their children off to school with umbrellas in hand and rain boots on their feet, then began their own daily commute along Calgary's soon-to be rain-soaked streets.

Little did they know that by the end of weekend, much of their city would be left underwater during what's since been dubbed the "100-Year Flood."

An Outdoor Adventurer's Dream

West of Calgary on the Trans Canada Highway is an outdoor treasure trove of majestic mountains, scenic hiking trails and a modern, yet rustic, style of living.