New amenities spur growth in Northwest Calgary

The pealing laughter of children resounds in the new indoor park in the busy Vivo recreation centre in the northwest, and nothing mirrors the explosive growth of this sector more than the expansion of this beloved facility.

The northwest has undergone a rapid transformation from a bucolic suburban area to a lively, lifestyle-oriented place of belonging – a community that embodies Calgary’s own population boom.

The new Calgary Farmers Market, the dizzying array of commercial centres along the Shaganappi Trail and Sarcee Trail corridors, and the newly-expanded Vivo for Healthier Generations rec centre are but a few of the exciting new amenities that paint a picture of dynamic, modern living available in the northwest.

The new residential opportunities that are becoming more readily available complete the picture, as communities like Livingston, Carrington, Carrington South, Glacier Ridge, and Ambleton make way for even newer developments like Upper Greenwich, Ambleridge, Lewiston, Keystone Creek, and more.

Rapid transformation

The northwest is undergoing a rapid transformation, the sector which had once lived in the shadow of southwest Calgary as the most sought-after residential neighbourhood is now gaining prestige of its own. Where growth used to be focused along the Country Hills Boulevard NW, there are more new communities now sprouting around the northern sections of Stoney Trail and in other now-highly urbanized areas to the west.

Established communities like Panorama Hills, Livingston, Carrington, Carrington South and Evanston are clustered around Stony Trail and the accessibility the ring road offers. While University District, Greenwich, and Trinity Hills have become hotspots of cosmopolitan living. Rockland Park and Crestmont are at the very western edge of the city and offer stunning nature backdrops. Arbour Lake West is growing around an already established lake community.
It’s this diverse offering of homeowning opportunities and lifestyle that has fuelled the growth of the Northwest and it’s not about to stop.

Last September, the City of Calgary officially opened a 1.2 km extension of 144th Avenue which now connects 144th Avenue from 24 Street N.W. (Panorama Road), past Symons Valley Road to Sage Hill Drive N.W. This connection will make a big difference for those moving into communities like Ambleton, Evanston, and future Ambleridge, as it offers improvements to the transportation network, another entry point into the communities, and faster access to the shopping centres of Creekside and Beacon Hill.

Recreational haven

Calgary’s northwest has become one of the most desired residential areas in the city, and the diverse range of amenities – from shopping, dining, recreational opportunities and more – attract new homebuyers.

Nose Hill Park is at the very heart of the sector, it is surrounded by 12 residential communities and offers a ton of four-season recreational fun. The sprawling, 11 square-kilometre park is popular for hikers, joggers, and dog-walkers.
The 50,000-square-foot Calgary Farmers Market’s second location opened last year and sits just across from the Greenwich community. It has injected new vitality in the area, and the ongoing commercial developments along Trinity Hills just across from it promise to make this part of the city a mecca for retail therapy for a long time to come. A new Costco is coming up just a little bit to the west of the Calgary border near the Springbank community of Harmony.

The $60 million expansion of the Vivo for Healthier Generations recreation centre in Panorama Hills has brought so much joy to residents in the area, as it adds 71,500 sq. ft. of indoor space – including a 19,500 sq. ft. indoor park – and a further 15,000 sq. ft. outdoor area to better serve the growing population of the northwest.

Vivo says in its expansion report that the community it serves grew from 79,000 to 150,000 from 2004 to 2019. It expects to serve over 200,000 over the next 10 years.

There are so many great shops and restaurants in the sector. Close to the new community of Ambleton, there is already a No Frills, COBS Bread, and Love at First Scoop & Coffee, which can all be found just across 14th Street NW. Creekside Shopping Centre (less than 10 minutes away) also has The Bro’Kin Yolk, a fantastic spot for family brunch on a weekend morning, and Blowers & Grafton, which serves authentic Halifax street food.

New growth

Qualico Communities is just as invested in the northwest’s growth. Its popular community, Evanston,was a main driver for residential growth in the sector and its follow-up, Ambleton, is well on its way to replicate Evanston’s success.

“Ambleton has been incredibly well received since the early stages of development,” says Monica Bilyk, Marketing Manager at Qualico Communities. “In fact, it’s been so well received that the community has sold ahead of schedule, which is why we’re excited to keep momentum going with the adjoining community of Ambleridge.”

Both Ambleton and Ambleridge are located next to each other in the booming corner of the northwest and offer quick access to major routes like 144th Avenue and Stoney Trail and have important amenities nearby.

One of the biggest amenities in Ambleton is the pond, which has retained a more naturalized look. The area is meant to create neighbourhood gathering spaces and a way to bring the community together. There is also a future School planned for the community that will be an amazing addition to the area once it is built.

“Ambleton is a diverse community that has welcomed Canadians and new Canadians alike,” Bilyk says. “The community offers affordable laned and front garage homes, many of which include legal basement suites, providing buyers the opportunity for potential rental income or extra space for extended family. Ambleton is a fantastic community for families, as it’s filled with local and regional pathway networks, beautiful green spaces, and multiple playgrounds.”

There is a wide variety of housing options in Ambleton as well. Jayman BUILT and Broadview Homes are offering Laned models, while Shane Homes, Sterling Homes, and Trico Homes are selling Front Garage homes.

Bilyk says Ambleton – young as it is - already has an incredible sense of community spirit, and homeowners take great pride in keeping their community safe and clean. “They’re a close-knit group who stay in touch with one another and keep each other informed. In the Spring, they banded together and organized their very own community clean-up with the help of the Owners Association.”

To learn more about the community, visit liveinambleton.com.

Ambleridge will be just as impactful in its approach to modern living. It’s designed with beautiful settings, stunning ridge views, and special touches that will make the community unique. You’ll be able to visit the glacial erratic located in the north end of the community or stroll the western boundary that skirt West Nose Creek Valley. Safe off-street pathways, pedestrian-friendly areas, and a scenic storm pond will also make exploring the community easy. These features and Qualico Communities’ diverse housing options will make Ambleridge the perfect place for families to grow and thrive.

Visit liveinambleridge.ca to learn more and to register for updates.