Creating Edmonton’s new dream communities

Every dream home needs a dream community - a spot where residents can feel at home, and where they feel they can raise their family in comfort and safety.

So, what should buyers – especially those looking for their first home, or are new to the Edmonton area – look for in a community to plant their family’s roots in?

For the most part, the most successful communities combine accessibility, affordability, and amenities. Edmonton’s residential land developers are prioritizing having those lifestyle essentials in their communities, but what they really underscore is a sense of connectivity.

Finding the ideal community

“The ideal community for a buyer varies significantly due to a multitude of factors that need consideration,” says Trisha Poitras, Senior Marketing Coordinator at Rohit Communities.

“My suggestion is to start by compiling a list of your priorities and thoroughly researching your options. Prioritizing communities with established builders and reputable recognition can be crucial.”

Nick Young, Director, Land Development of Cantiro Communities, notes that a community should feel like home. “When you come home to your community, you should have a sense of place and fulfilment,” Young says.

Community essentials

A variety of factors goes into achieving the ideal community, Young says, from planning for home types and architectural guidelines to create a cohesive look and feel, to amenities for the family for year-round activities, spaces for gathering with friends and family, green space, active nodes, and accessibility.

But what makes one special? Having a developer with a sterling reputation is a good start.

“Our award-winning, thoughtfully designed, communities feature unique elements that bring value and cater to those that will be living there,” he says. The Hills at Charlesworth and ONE at Keswick are a few examples of their most successful developments, and their new communities of Alces and Riverstead at Keswick have the potential to exceed even those.

Poitras says Rohit’s string of wins at the local and national industry awards should also serve as a reliable measuring stick for homebuyers.

“For instance, Cambrian recently won the CHBA award for Best New Community 2024, demonstrating that it meets and perhaps exceeds the criteria most new residents seek in a new home. This accolade not only highlights Cambrian’s appeal but also underscores the importance of choosing a community that is acknowledged for its quality and desirability,” she tells Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide.

“At the heart of our philosophy is a drive to foster community spirit and pride among residents, ensuring that every Rohit Community not only meets but exceeds the expectations of those who choose to make it their home. Through innovation, careful planning, and a focus on efficient design, we strive to ensure that our communities reflect our high standards and commitment to sustainability, making them places where people genuinely love to live.”

Cambrian

Cambrian, which just launched last year, won at this year’s CHBA Edmonton Region for Best New Community – a big boost especially for those looking for a new home in Sherwood Park.

“This prestigious award highlights the growing excitement and momentum in our community, confirming our dedication to excellence and innovation,” Poitras says.

Cambrian prides itself as one of the best residential options in Sherwood Park, where homes offer an escape from the urban jungle into an idyllic, peaceful residential neighborhood that works with nature rather than against it.
It is a master-planned community with a variety of home styles to choose from, with future commercial sites, a school, multi-family apartments, parks and open spaces, and more. There are mixed-use trails that meander along the Oldman Creek Ravine and through the neighbourhood’s rolling landscape connecting the parks and other amenities.

“What truly sets Cambrian apart are its beautifully designed ravine lots and our distinguished group of award-winning builders,” she adds. Builders include ART Homes, Bedrock Homes, Gill Built Homes, Rohit Homes, San Rufo Homes, and Victory Homes.

“Our community is designed with immediate access to a host of amenities, from scenic trails to expansive parks, allowing residents to immerse themselves in Cambrian’s vibrant life from day one.” There will also be a specially designed cycling circuit in the community to encourage an even more activity-minded lifestyle.

Accessibility is a cornerstone of the Cambrian experience, she adds, with multiple entry points making it an ideal location for commuters. The convenience is set to further improve as future developments and amenities emerge nearby, ensuring Cambrian remains at the forefront of desirable living locations. Find out more at liveincambrian.com.

Alces

Cantiro has two new communities coming this year: Alces in Southeast Edmonton and Riverstead at Keswick in Southwest Edmonton.

“This spring, Cantiro Homes will be opening their brand-new Discovery Centres in both Alces and Riverstead at Keswick, Young says. “Homebuyers can meet with sales representatives in these state-of-the-art centres and arrange show home tours in the community. Homes are now pre-selling in both communities with quick possessions available.”

Latin for “moose”, Alces is inspired by nature and created for connection, Young says. “These amenities allow for gathering with loved ones as well as activities for all ages. Some of these include a gazebo, a playground, bike pump track, scenic walking paths and basketball courts.”

Buyers can find something within every budget here with homes that include townhomes, and rear lane, 3-storey, and front drive single family homes. Builders include Cantiro Homes and Carrington Communities which will feature Akash Homes, Bedrock Homes, and San Rufo Homes.

The community can be accessed via 34 Street just north of Ellerslie Road. It is located adjacent to our award-winning Cantiro community of The Hills at Charlesworth.

Go to LiveAlces.ca for more.

Riverstead at Keswick

Riverstead at Keswick features a very similar product line up, townhomes, and rear lane, 3-storey, and front drive single family homes. “As the community develops west towards the river valley, there will be a semi-estate area, with larger single-family lots available with fantastic views both backing the pond and ravine,” Young says.

Builders are Cantiro Homes, Bedrock Homes, Mac & Mitch Homes, with more to be announced soon.

Riverstead at Keswick has enviable proximity to mature natural areas and the river valley with picturesque walking and biking trails, and two brand-new K-9 schools. Robust commercial amenities are a short drive away at Keswick Square or Currents of Windermere. Find out more at RiversteadAtKeswick.ca.