Record $14M Asking Price in Bearspaw

A new listing in Bearspaw is on the market for a whopping $14M, the highest asking price ever on the Calgary MLS. Built by McKinley Masters Custom Homes, this 10,000 square foot mansion is not only setting a mark from a pricing perspective, but also highlighting Bearspaw as an ultra desirable exclusive community just minutes west of Calgary. With a large number of luxury acreage estates, Bearspaw is certainly a special community with tremendous appeal for high income earning Calgarians who want a little piece of paradise just minutes from the bustle of city life.
Calgary Herald Article: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Record+home+with+waterfall/2307204/story.html

October 2009 Calgary Real Estate Board Stats are out!

...And the news is good! The average price of a single family home in the city for October 2009 was $462,465 , up 1% from last month when the average was $459,085. Compared to the same time last year in October 2008, we are up 3% when the average was $449,100.

Inventory is down with just 3,003 listings of single family homes. Last year at this time there were 5,522 comparable properties available for sale.

Given the rising sales and decreasing supply it's evident that the real estate market in Calgary is on the rebound. Public perception is slow to change however, with many still believing we are in a slump from the hot market of 2006/2007 which is in fact not the case at all. If we compare last month to October 2007, we have in fact had an increase in the average sales price by 2%.

For a complete statistics package from the Calgary Real Estate Board for October 2009, please visit their website: http://www.creb.com/public/seller-resources/housing-statistics.php
OR stop by the Willow Creek Sales Centre where we would be happy to provide you with a hard copy.

Final Bearspaw Development Strategy Draft Meeting

When: October 26, 2009 (5:00PM - 8:00PM)
Where: The Cochrane Ranche House (101 Ranche House Road)
Why: To Review the Draft Bearspaw Community Development Strategy!

The planning process began in October of 2008 and has been focused on engaging the Bearspaw Community in a discussion about Bearspaw as it is and how it might be in the future. Preliminary concepts were presented at the end of February of 2009. Refined concepts were presented in June and survey responses provided great feedback. We are now at the point where a Draft Bearspaw Community Development Strategy is ready for public review. The purpose of this Open House is to provide area stakeholders with information regarding the Draft Bearspaw Community Development Strategy prior to the Public Hearing.

More information on the Rocky View County Website: http://www.rockyview.ca/View.aspx?GUID=ca6bee1f-cfa6-4c24-afb6-85ec56085350

Snowy Peaks

Winter has arrived early this year, and although it's cold, the mountains sure look great! If you are looking for a fantastic view lot, only minutes from Calgary, Willow Creek is the place to build!

Great Mountain Views

Taken this month (pre-snow) from lot #5!

Updated Website

Willow Creek's website has just received a fresh look and updated content. Now prospective home buyers can find lot pricing, lot dimensions & specifications and a full set of architectural controls. Check it out! http://www.willowcreekbearspaw.com

A Gaggle of Geese!

Willow Creek's newest residents enjoying the centre pond last week!

Astoria Show Home well underway

The Astoria crew is making great progress on their show home, called "The Heritage". The house is on the right hand side of the main entrance on Willow Creek lot #17 and is expected to be complete in early 2010.
For information on pricing, please contact Astoria (403) 252-6674 or (403) 932-7840.

Happy Birthday to Doug Pratt of Prattco Excavating!

Happy Birthday Doug from your staff and the whole gang at Willow Creek!

http://www.prattcoexcavating.com/

New Aerial Photos Show Willow Creek's Progress

Bearspaw Farmers Market - A Great Escape

Wondering what to do with a lazy Sunday morning? The Bearspaw Farmer's Market has a wonderful collection of local vendors and is a great way to support your community. Held every Sunday, with the last day being October 4th, the Farmers Market has almost one hundred stalls, each offering unique, high quality products.

The market is organized and run by the Bearspaw Lions Club. They work hard all year to make the market a success and also provide a Pancake Breakfast before the market begins each Sunday so make sure to get there early!

Hours: 10 AM - 2 PM every Sunday until October 4, 2009

Parking: Grass field at the West end of Nagway Road

No pets allowed.

Mega Mall Open just 20 Minutes from Willow Creek

Cross Iron Mills, the first new mall to open in Alberta in over 20 years is finally open for business in Balzac. Located just 20 minutes from Willow Creek at Bearspaw, the mall will serve residents as an ultimate shopping destination. Major brands and boutique include: Pro Hockey Life, Gap Generation (a first anywhere in the world), Tommy Bahama, French Connection, Lacoste and many more amazing stores.

For more information on Cross Iron Mills, visit their website: http://www.crossironmills.com/

Rocky View County Approves Accessory Dwelling Units

Despite some opposition from municipality residents, Rocky View Council unanimously approved a bylaw on July 23, 2009 that will allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) in the County's agricultural and country residential areas. These additional housing units will provide a range of housing options without changing the character of the area. Residents will have several building options including secondary suites (within an existing home), secondary suites over garages, or garden suites (completely detached from existing structures).

The M.D. defines an ADU as " a subordinate living unit that has separate kitchen, sleeping, and bathroom facilities, and is either attached, detached, or created within the primary residential unit on a single parcel of land. Through encouraging the development of neighbourhood compatible housing, these units also promote the efficient use of existing and future infrastructure and support infill development and sustainable land-use patterns". Source: Rocky View County Website, August 6, 2009. http://www.rockyview.ca/View.aspx?GUID=0d191fb7-885d-4bbe-b76f-658b6e6994f3

Willow Creek at Bearspaw's architectural controls allow for accessory buildings under these parameters: The same design theme and materials must be used on any accessory building. Siting of any additional buildings must be in the building footprint area. No shed, greenhouse, garage or other pre-fabricated building packages will be allowed.

When built to quality standards, accessory buildings can make lovely nanny suites, guest homes, offices and studios which enhance the character of an area and increase property values.

Photo credit: McKinley Masters Custom Homes

Astoria Show Home Breaks Ground

Astoria Custom Homes officially broke ground on their Willow Creek show home last Wednesday, July 29th. Encore Communities, Astoria, Prattco and the staff at Willow Creek celebrated the event with an early morning party to kick off construction. Click here or more information on "The Heritage". This beautiful home will be located at #107 Willow Creek Summit.

Road Paving Complete at Willow Creek

Encore Communities is happy to announce that road paving is now complete at Willow Creek. All the lots are accessible to the public and we encourage you to visit the site. Willow Creek is the first master planned community in Bearspaw since Church Ranches and we are proud of how well the community is taking shape. Willow Creek at Bearspaw offers many choice building sites, with most lots adjacent to open space (71%). Every lot has a mountain view and backs onto either green space, a water feature or an amenity. In some cases, our lots have all of these rare features. Come out and see for yourself!

Waterscapes - an integral element at Willow Creek

The water has started flowing at Willow Creek, as Rocky View County is now pumping water from the Bearspaw Hills into the top northeast pond on site. This community will have many beautiful water features for you to enjoy. They are both visually appealing and create ambiance as the water babbles down the creekbeds, gently roling over rocks and winding between home sites. Watch the video and listen ...these could be the soothing sounds in your own backyard!

Road Construction Progress

Metro paving arrived on site at Willow Creek today and most of the roads and cul-de-sacs now have fresh tar. The crew will be laying-down asphalt this afternoon and over the next few days, the roads will not be accessible. The public will still be able to access the Sales & Administration offices via the temporary road (first right turn off Woodland Road).

Construction and the pouring of concrete for the entry divider has also begun at the main road entrance off Woodland Road. (see photo on the right)

The M.D of Rocky View is now "Rocky View County"

As part of a rebranding initative underway by the municipality, Rocky View received formal approval on July 16, 2009 from the Minister of Municipal Affairs to change its name from "Municipal District" to "County". County is a more widely recognized term and Rocky View's administration is hopeful that the name change will be an economic advantage.
“The name change provides significant advantages from both an economic development and corporate rebranding point of view,” explained Reeve Habberfield. “Not only will it help make Rocky View a recognizable household name, but it will raise the municipality’s corporate image and profile and establish it as a good location for real estate development, industry attraction, and major investment. These benefits are a step toward realizing one of Council’s priorities to diversify the tax base.”
For more information regarding the rebranding initiative, residents may contact Jenn Birchall, Communications Manager, at 403-230-1401.
For a link to the complete press release, visit http://www.rockyview.ca/View.aspx?GUID=5585d666-9721-4f44-8767-1b2e339c639c

Crowfoot LRT Station is Now Open

Willow Creek is just 8 kms West of the newly opened Crowfoot C-Train station. This extension of Calgary's light rail transit system will help to serve the growing NW communities, including the future residents of our subdivision. More information can be found on the City of Calgary website. http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_766_231_0_43/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Transportation/Construction+and+Detours/Infrastructure+Projects/LRT/Northwest+LRT+Extensions/Northwest+LRT+Extension+to+Crowfoot+Station.htm

Astoria Homes June Promotion $30,000 landscaping FREE

The first 2 customers who select a lot at Willow Creek and commit to building with Astoria Custom Homes in the month of June will receive $30,000 in FREE landscaping! This exclusive promotion is being offered by Astoria. Details on their website at http://www.astoriahomes.ca/Willow_Creek .

This is a great offer...awesome lot selection, "pre-paving lot pricing" and $30K in landscaping! Don't delay!

Calgary Housing Market is Showing Year Over Year Gains

Statistics released for the month of May by the Calgary Real Estate Board indicate that the number of sales of both single family homes and condos are both up from a year ago. The increase in the volume of sales, along with a decrease in inventory (May '09 month end of 3861 vs. May '08 of 7099) are both positive indicators that the market is heading back in a positive direction.

Country residential sales have remained virtually unchanged from the same time last year:
Month End Inventory (May 2009) 976 vs. (May 2008) 954
New Listings Added (May 2009) 268 vs. (May 2008) 275
Sales (May 2009) 71 vs. (May 2008) 69

Rural land sales also remained consistent, showing only a 0.55% increase in inventory and 1.96% higher average sales price compared to May of 2008.

To see the full stats package for the month of May click here
http://www.creb.com/public/documents/statistics/2009/package/res-stats-2009-may.pdf

Update on Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park - Not Open to the Public

Please be advised that the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is closed to all unauthorized access.
Extensive planning and research is underway to protect the unique environmental features and rare species as well as to ensure adequate public safety at the proposed site. It is not open to the public at this time. The Park is regularly patrolled, as are the surrounding lands and CPR right of way. Please do not trespass.

Should you wish to get involved as a Volunteer, contact Pamela Workman with the Harvie Conservancy Foundation (403) 265-5488.

Today at Willow Creek

Work is moving right along this week as we get closer to paving and early landscaping. If you haven't been on site recently (or ever!) now is the time to come out a get a look pre-construction. Astoria Homes has staked out their show home so there is only a short time remaining before the look of the site changes forever!

New Report Ranks Calgary #1 for Overall Economic Prosperity

A recent report released by Calgary Economic Development, in association with the Conference Board of Canada, entitled "Calgary: A Global Scorecard on Prosperity" ranks our city as number one for overall economic strength compared to 22 other major cities around the world.

The report credits our proximity to highly valuable natural resources, low unemployment rate, high percentage of disposable income, relative affordability of housing and average annual population growth, among numerous other indicators as reasons why Calgary has earned this title.

The partners and investors of Willow Creek couldn't agree more. We believe that Calgary is a great place to work and live and will remain an active and vibrant community, both socially and economically for many generations to come.

To read the full report, click the following link: http://www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com/files/CED%20reports/CBOCreport_May2009.pdf

Vote for Rising Bearspaw Basketball Star to Win Canada's Best High School Post Player

At only 17, Bearspaw resident Dallin Bachynski is one of Canada's most talented rising basketball stars. Coming in at an impressive 6'11" and weighing 225lbs, Bachynski has garnered attention North America-wide and has signed on to play at an NCAA Division 1 school in the United States next year.

Currently a player for the Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs, Bachynski has an overall 92-7 high school record. He is a great kid with a bright future and as the son of one of Willow Creek's partners we wish him the very best as he moves forward with his dream of playing in the NBA.

Help Dallin as he heats up the court and vote for him to win Canada's Best High School Post Player. Visit http://www.phase1basketball.com/ and click the "Polls" link on the top of the page.

Dallin is the only player from Western Canada nominated for this award.

South Pond Work Shaping Up!

Our South Ponds are coming along nicely. We are trying to keep the water levels down while work is underway but once complete and filled, the ponds will be an impressive feature of Willow Creek.

There are 7 lots still available backing onto the ponds. All are suitable for South walkout basements and have great views & topography. Just ask Astoria Homes...they could see the potential more than a year ago and secured lots 31 and 32. We can't wait to see the gorgeous homes they will build on these magnificent home sites!

...the geese love the ponds too!

Entrance Feature Progression

Willow Creek's entrance feature is one step closer to completion. We now have the metal letters mounted on the wood structure with recessed lighting below. This piece will attach to a large stone selected at a quarry in B.C. by local artist Kevin Elliot of Set In Stone and will be placed at the main entrance on Woodland Road later this summer. If you would like to come by and have a look at the progress to date the feature is in front of the sales office. You just might get a friendly welcome from our office dog Jax too!

Rendering of the proposed finished product

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park moving ahead as planned

According to an article in the Cochrane Eagle April 22, 2009 the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is going forward despite rumours that its opening had been delayed.
Tim Harvie, who's family sold the land to the province says that the opening is still a few years away, with highway access, parking and placement of the footpaths all proving to be challenges for the project.
Although Bearspaw residents will have to stand-by for a definitive date for its opening and additional information, the park will protect the ecosystem along the Bow River and serve as a major hub for recreation and conservationism...in our opinion it will be well worth the wait!

To read the full article by Sarah Junkin, click the following link: http://www.cochraneeagle.com/index.php?content=news&action=fullnews&id=5896

Willow Creek Builders Shine at SAM Awards

Willow Creek would like to congratulate our builder's group on their successes at the Canadian Homebuilder's Association- Calgary Region annual SAM Awards held April 18, 2009.

McKinley Masters won the Builder of Merit award for the 7th time in the last 8 years! They also took home awards in the following categories:

• Winner Best New Home $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 (Davies Residence)
• Winner Best New Home $2,000,000 and over (Markham Residence)
• Winner Best Renovator's Choice Renovation (Legends of the Fall, Bearspaw)
• Finalist Best New Home $1,000,000 - $1,499,999

Astoria Homes took home honours in the following categories:

• Winner Best Home Renovation (without Addition) (Hall Residence)
• Finalist Best New Home $750,000-$999,999 (Beveridge/Magnuson Residence)
• Finalist Best Home Renovation (with Addition) (Froese Residence & Kane Residence)

Laratta achieved success in the following categories:

• Finalist Best New Home $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 (Casa Bella)
• Finalist Best New Home $2,000,000 and over (Legg Residence)

For a complete list of the 2008 winners, please visit the SAM Awards Website: http://www.samawards.com/forms/2008/08_SAM_WinnersPressRelease.pdf.

Last of the 2 Acre Developments in Bearspaw?

It's possible.... With the departure from the current Area Structure Plan in Bearspaw and a shift to area-specific, design based planning at the M.D. of Rocky View along with the province's new Land Use Framework, the lots of Willow Creek at Bearspaw may very well be the last in a subdivision of all 2 acre parcels.

Alberta's Minister of Sustainable Resources Development, Ted Morton has said it himself that "the era of the acreage is ending". In the future Morton says that the government will encourage municipalities to develop in clusters and corridors, as opposed to traditional rural subdivisions with larger lots.

What does this mean for Bearspaw and its residents? The answer at this point is still unclear with no final documents yet released from "Imagine Bearspaw" and the resulting Community Development Strategy, Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan and Site Development Framework. What we do know however is the landscape of this area is changing. There is only a limited amount of land to be developed in Bearspaw, and with the City creeping closer, securing a large parcel of land now may be an opportunity not available in the future.

Stone Address Markers

Each home at Willow Creek will have a stone address marker at the driveway entrance. The stones have been hand selected by local artist, Kevin Elliot and engraved and painted with each address name and number.

The markers will be a beautiful and lasting addition to each lot at Willow Creek. To view a sample please visit our sales office.

For more information about Kevin Elliot and his work visit http://www.set-in-stone.ca/.

Free Passes for Aggie Days

We have free passes for Aggie Days this weekend at Stampede Park. (April 4-5, 2009).
Pick them up at our on-site Sales Office while supplies last!
For more information about Aggie Days, please visit www.calgarystampede.com/aggiedays

"Rocky View's population to triple in the next 60 years, plans forecast"

A Rocky View Weekly article from Marh 3, 2009 highlights points from the Calgary Regional Partnership plan. To read the full article by Enrique Massot, click here: http://rockyviewweekly.awna.com/mar0309/story4.html. More information on the Calgary Regional Partnership please visit www.calgaryregion.ca.

Astoria Showhome Coming Soon!

Astoria Custom Homes is proud to announce that Willow Creek will be the location of another Showhome model, "The Heritage". For more information, please visit the Willow Creek sales office or Astoria Homes online at www.astoriahomes.ca.

Pond Work at Willow Creek Bearspaw

Willow Creek features close to 30 acres of ponds, trails and open spaces.

Over the past several weeks Prattco Excavating Ltd. has been working closely with our engineers, environmental planners and Ducks Unlimited on the extensive pond systems. Work is expected to be completed on the ponds in April, 2009 (weather permitting).

Many lots backing onto the ponds also have mountain views (many with South backyards well-suited for walkout basements). This is extremely rare in the Calgary area and given our close proximity to the city, these lots are truly incomparable.

Birding enthusiasts will be happy to know that a bluebird has already been spotted this spring. Encore Prime will be doing extensive landscaping using native grasses and other wetland vegetation to enhance the natural landscape and attract wildlife and waterfowl.

Water Lines

Water lines have now been installed on the Willow Creek at Bearspaw site. Each lot has its own hookup to the Bearspaw Water Co-op which is included in the purchase price.
For more information on the Bearspaw Water Co-op, rates and contact information please visit their website at http://www.rvwater.ca/frames/member.htm. They can also be reached by telephone at (403) 239-6242.

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park adds value and legacy to Bearspaw area

Willow Creek at Bearspaw is located a stone's throw away from the future site of Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. The 3246 acre site will preserve the ecologically sensitive ranch land once owned by the Harvie family and will provide much needed walking and biking trails between Calgary and Cochrane.

Future Willow Creek at Bearspaw residents will be able to enjoy nature at their doorstep and have peace of mind, knowing that these neighbouring lands will be protected and preserved for generations to come. For more information on the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, please visit Alberta Tourism, Parks & Recreation's Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/glenbow/

Our exceptional builders group.

Here at Willow Creek, we have chosen the best builders group!...or at least we think so.

Astoria Custom Homes, McKinley Masters Custom Homes and Laratta Homes all have tremendous experience in building luxury properties in a country setting. Show home construction will commence in Spring 2009 and we can't wait to see what kind of innovative designs and top-end finishings they have chosen.

For more information on our builders group, please call our Sales Office at 403.374

2580. Photo credit: Laratta Homes. http://www.larattahomes.com/

Come and See Us!

Willow Creek has a great converted farm house for a sales office.

The site was once home to the local school house and still has a "stable" which was used for the teacher and students to park their horses while at school. The stable has since been used as a garage and will remain on site until the lot on which it sits is purchased.

In more recent times, the Willow Creek site was a dairy farm and upon acquiring the property the barns were still in tact. Before demolition, the Bearspaw Historical Society came to survey the barns and took a number of farm-related items for preservation.

Come and see us in the "middle" farm house. We are open Monday- Thursday 11am-5pm and Saturday & Sunday noon-5 pm. Stop by for a coffee, just to chat, or for a site tour of this amazing property!

Welcome!

Incomparable Location...Incomparable Bearspaw.

Willow Creek is a quick escape from Calgary: barely across the city limits with easy access to the mountains, the airport, and downtown. It is first community of its kind in Bearspaw, artfully designed to take advantage of the natural land and water features. Willow Creek channels water into a natural wetscape: a series of ponds joined by a running creek that winds through the community. Alongside the water, the wetland flora, and the natural grasses, generous common space will provide areas for families to congregate and a place for children and grandchildren to play. In all, 30 acres of green space, trails, parks and water features will grace Willow Creek at Bearspaw.

The masterful arrangement of the 52 lots allows each homeowner the opportunity to take advantage of the mountain views, natural amenities and common areas. Moreover, the intelligent planning and execution of the creek, ponds and surrounding greenspace will create a wildlife corridor to attract deer and wetland animals, including water fowl.

Only outstanding builders including Astoria Custom Homes, McKinley Masters and Laratta Homes have been approved to build in this exclusive community. Their reputation for design quality, along with Willow Creek's exacting architectural controls will ensure that your neighbours' homes are as beautifully suited to the landscape as your own.

Visit us often to keep up to date on our construction progress!