Edmonton’s lively West-side story

Any conversation about West Edmonton has to start with West Edmonton Mall. After all, it put the whole city on the map when it came out in 1981 and held the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest mall in North America until 2004. But this mainly residential district has more going for it than just that.

First time visitors to Edmonton make it a point to swing by the WEM (as the West Edmonton Mall is lovingly referred to by locals). In fact, more than 30.8 million visitors a year come by to check out the more than 800 stores and services including nine world-class attractions, two hotels and over 100 dining venues. “At 5.3 million square-feet, the Mall is the size of a small city and is accredited as a zoo,” the WEM website says.

The same as a major city attracts thriving, satellite towns around it, the areas surrounding WEM has seen the growth of several now-mature communities like Thorncliff, Elmwood and Aldergrove. And still more new communities like Secord by Hopewell Residential, and Woodhaven Edgemont by Rohit Land have become popular new destinations for new homebuyers looking to set down roots that benefit from the amenity-rich location.

Things to see and do

Many would be surprised that despite the busy mall at its heart, West Edmonton can be as tranquil and idyllic as any other Central Alberta small town. Part of the North Saskatchewan River runs by it, there is rolling terrain that adds to the beauty of its numerous parks like Summerlea Park and Belmead Park. The mall isn’t West Edmonton’s sole point of interest either, as the Edmonton Valley Zoo and the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park are within its vicinity too. Other attractions include the World Waterpark and Galaxyland amusement park which are found within WEM.

With the tremendous amount of tourist traffic West Edmonton enjoys, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that it is also home to a varied range of international cuisine. All-time favourites like Cactus Club, The Keg Steakhouse, and Olive Garden are present here, trendy surf and turf diner L2 Grill, Filipino fried chicken joint Jollibee, and Japanese Village are just some of the enticing eateries found concentrated around the mall. There’s even more for more adventurous taste buds in the vicinity like Homefire Grill for traditional Canadian favourites, Kathmandu Rasoi for East Indian-Nepalese & Hakka Cuisine, and the fashionable Cake & Dessert Café offers Korean Tea and Bingsu shaved ice treats besides espressos and lattes.

Woodhaven Edgemont

Woodhaven Edgemont is developed by Rohit Land Development (the developer arm of Rohit Group of Companies) and it is West Edmonton’s newest ravine community. It is surrounded on three sides by ravines and multi-use trails along Wedgewood Creek. Enveloped by natural splendour, Woodhaven Edgemont is true to its name–a special place for families to plant roots in.
But it isn’t just families that Woodhaven attracts. Downsizers are enticed by the stylish bungalows offered here, while single professionals are attracted to the double front-attached duplex homes. And it has been busy.
“We are opening up two new phases in Woodhaven this year, as demand has been so strong,” says Kelsey Siemens, Rohit Land marketing coordinator. “Many of the new opportunities will have ravine-backing lots which we are sure will be very popular.”
Despite the growth, the natural beauty of the land is largely undisturbed. “We took care to leave as small an environmental footprint as we can, while still enhancing what was already there naturally by adding little touches that add to the enjoyment of the community,” she adds.

Front-drive homes, rear laned homes, and double-front-garage duplexes are available. Despite its secluded nature, Woodhaven Edgemont still answers the needs of the modern, active lifestyle.

“You can walk to all these amenities, and more are coming in the near future,” Siemens says. “Woodhaven Edgemont is a complete lifestyle package.” Go to woodhavenedgemont.com for more.

Secord

Hopewell Residential initiated the construction of Secord in 2006 at the southeast corner of the neighbourhood near the Secord Pond (wetland). The westernmost area and the 98/98A Avenue area (east of 220 Street) are still under construction as of April 2019, according to the Secord Community League. Hopewell Residential is the developer and exclusive homebuilder here and they offer front-drive garage homes, duplexes and townhomes here.

Hopewell Residential recently opened two new showhomes in the community, including the exciting new model – the Luna. Showcasing 2,062 sq. ft. of smart design, this stylish home features a double front-attached garage, three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a highly coveted optional legal basement suite – complete with full kitchen, bath, fourth bedroom, and secondary side entrance. The floorplan also offers additional options, like a handy spice kitchen, main floor master and more. The Astrid showhome presents 1,718 sq. ft. beautifully designed space. Also featuring a double front-attached garage, this model showcases three bedrooms, a large upper entertainment room and an indoor-to-outdoor wall of windows along the rear of the home that allows for plenty of sunlight to fill the space. “Both homes were thoughtfully designed with different types of families in mind,” said Nicole McLaws, Hopewell Residential’s Senior Manager of Marketing & Design. “ Go to hopewellresidential.com for more.