The fun, active lifestyle of Fort Saskatchewan

If you can imagine growing up in a riverside town, with all the endless recreational activities it offers, then you have a good idea what life in Fort Saskatchewan is like.

Founded on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River from where this growing city derives its name, The Fort – as it is lovingly called today – is home to more than 28,000 people. It is a vibrant economic and cultural hub located in Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4, just 15 minutes northeast of Edmonton.

Like many of the communities ringing Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan is attracting many new homebuyers because of the relative affordability of homes here. Its small-town nature, and growing list of big city amenities are also a big part of why many are choosing to call this growing city home.

According to provincial statistics, Fort Saskatchewan had a population of 28,045 in 2022, the 17th highest in the province. It adds that the population of Fort Saskatchewan increased 1.43 percent year-over-year and increased 8.39 percent in the last five years.

A big part of that growth can be seen in the dynamic community of SouthPointe by MLC Group. Located on the southeast part of the city, SouthPointe has been in development for the past 20 years and continues to grow with two brand new phases released this year.

SouthPointe, in fact, offers some of the most diverse new home opportunities in the city including townhomes, and front and rear drive single family homes. The current builders are Pacesetter Homes, Coventry Homes, Akash Homes, Amrik, Impact Homes, and Sehra Homes.

MLC Group says it is quite proud of the builder group they have assembled in Southpointe, as they offer a diverse range of homes to fit any lifestyle. New are rear drive homes from Akash, Impact and Pacesetter. Affordability is key as well, as new homes from Akash start at the $370,000s. SouthPointe also offers new build and quick possession homes that fit the buyers’ timelines.

MLC Group marketing coordinator, Madeline Belter, says there is so much going into the established lifestyle in SouthPointe. “There is a brand-new K-9 (SouthPointe school) walking distance to the community, two playgrounds, and many walking trails that are connected to a pond. There is a large retail development just across the street. The community is great for families of all ages,” she tells Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide.

SouthPointe has available lots backing onto greenspace, and almost all are within a short walking distance to the school and parks and playgrounds. It is a very walkable and convenient lifestyle. Find out more about Southpointe at south-pointe.ca.
Akash Homes sales manager, Jacq Lakusta, says they’re excited to be offering two of their most popular rear laned homes in SouthPointe: The Drake and Douglas models. “They range in the 1,760- to 1,780-square-feet and have the upgraded standard features that Akash is known for,” she says.

The competitive pricing Akash offers is very attractive, but Lakusta mentions that affordability doesn’t mean less value. “Buyers still get laminate floors and quartz countertops, everything that the modern homebuyer wants, but at a lower price,” she says.
“The Drake is really popular for its versatility, with a dining room set apart from the rest of the main floor for the privacy that has become a more popular choice among our buyers. It also has a bonus room on the upper floor to go with the three bedrooms. It’s a great floorplan and perfect for the ‘you, me, plus we’ buyer.” Go to Akashhomes.com for more details.

But why will people want to live in Fort Saskatchewan itself? Well, for one thing, there is no shortage of amenities, including boutique shops, delicious diners and various points of interests that make it a great place to live.

Despite the growth, there is a quaint, relaxed lifestyle that can be found here, but there is also an electric liveliness that residents also get to enjoy. The historic Shell Theatre in the downtown provides the setting for exciting live performances, the thriving Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market in the summer months attracts visitors from far and wide, and the Fort Heritage Precinct celebrates the pioneer city’s distinct culture and history.

The city has long been famous for the sheep and goats it uses as an environmentally friendly alternative to weed control. They’ll cover up to 96 hectares and will treat effected areas up to three times over the summer and fall.

One of the best advantages of living in Fort Saskatchewan is the recreational opportunities available. These include 400 hectares of parks and open spaces, 50 km of trails, indoor and outdoor ice rinks, golf courses, and a lush, uncrowded river valley. Plus, Edmonton and Sherwood Park are just a 30-minute drive away.

It is indeed a four-season outdoor fun city and in the deepest of winter offers some of the most active lifestyle opportunities around. “There are tons of recreational opportunities around, and you are surrounded by amenities,” Akash Homes’ Lakusta says. “But if you do need to get anywhere else, the Anthony Henday is nearby providing easy accessibility.”

Fort Saskatchewan has approximately 14 kilometres of cross-country ski trails groomed and track-set along the River Valley. It is operated by the non-profit Fort Saskatchewan Nordic Ski Club and includes classic tracks and skating lanes, groomed and track-set on City property by club volunteers using club equipment.

In the warmer months, those who call The Fort home go exploring the North Saskatchewan River Valley that runs through the west side of town. The river valley is a major source of pride in the community, and 2017 survey of more than 2,300 residents reveals that the river valley trails ranked second as what part of Fort Saskatchewan respondents were most proud of. A close-knit, friendly community was first!

The river valley’s extensive trail system spans 19 kilometres and includes hard trails perfect for cycling, walking, jogging, or cross-country skiing.

The Fort does offer a lifestyle worth exploring, go to fortsask.ca to find out more.