Archive for Community
New Communities Provide Options for Edmonton Seniors
It’s always exciting to see more housing choices enter the marketplace. Christenson Developments has created condo style apartments where seniors have excellent options for of assistance and independence. Laundry and housekeeping services are offered in Devonshire Mews, and there is a dining room to give residents the option of dining out without starting the car! Fitness centres, theatre rooms, carpentry and wine-making facilities encourage people to try something new and also build a sense of community.
For those who need a bit more in the way of assisted living, there is Devonshire Manor. Greg Christenson, owner of Christenson Developments, calls it “nursing home lite”. Another similar facility, Citadel Village, will soon open in St Albert.
Christenson is so confident about this alternative to traditional seniors’ residences and nursing homes, that they have set up three guest suites. Potential residents can sign up for a “sleep over” in these furnished units to try out the lifestyle. Whether renting or purchased as a life-lease, one of the best features of these homes is that couples can stay together. You can see for yourself at 1718 Rabbit Hill Road on Saturday and Sunday between 1-5 pm.
And for anyone wondering if the sale of their current home would provide the necessary funding for any of these units , call on Schmidt Realty Group for a complimentary evaluation. Having recently helped my own folks make the big move from house to condo, I know there are lots of variables involved. Making the right choice takes research, time and family support and your friends at SCHMIDT are here to help!
Contributed by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group Inc.
Condo Life Thriving in Downtown Edmonton
It’s been said that Edmonton is small enough that you have to be nice to everybody! I personally think we have the best of both worlds – a city small enough that we run into people we know regularly, and a city large enough to boast a world-class concert hall and a reputation as a well-respected center for medical research. As we grow in numbers, some of our new “imports” are flocking to the downtown core to enjoy the urban lifestyle. We have had clients from cities such as Montreal and Toronto happily surprised to find funky lofts in restored warehouses as well as brand new high-rise residences with gorgeous river views! And local Edmontonians seeking a “greener” lifestyle find that downtown living suits them very well as they can easily walk to work or hop on public transit! Either way, downtown condo living is increasingly popular. Prices vary as much as styles of home, with everything from affordable bachelor units to luxury penthouses. We currently have a gorgeous modern unit offered for sale right in the heart of downtown, and there is a wide variety of other properties to choose from.
Another recent development which illustratrates this trend is the announcement of a downtown Edmonton community league! With approximately 200 members, this group is committed to creating a sense of community among downtown residents.
Developers expect this lifestyle trend to continue. While some construction has been placed on hold, the long-term outlook for both construction and sales of new units remains bright!
Contributed by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group Inc
Province of Alberta Best Place to Ride Out the Recession!
There is so much information coming at all of us these days about the economy. It’s hard to get our heads around billions of dollars in bailouts and interest rates so low that the cost of borrowing is almost zero! And then there are the unemployment figures; the National rate is now 7.7%, while Edmonton levels are at 4.4%. At the end of the day we are each trying to figure out what it means to us personally… how is the new economy going to affect my family? my plans? my prospects for the future? There is no easy answer, but there is also no better place to ride it out than Alberta.
Personally I am extremely grateful to be living and doing business here, and specifically to be in Edmonton. It’s a city of art, sports and festivals and Larry and I love it all. We’ve seen the Alberta economy go through some significant booms as well as some busts, including the sudden downturn in real estate in 1993. That was my first year in the industry and I am convinced that starting out in that challenging market helped create the successful business I am grateful for today. As the saying goes “A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.”
Now more than ever it’s important to remind ourselves how fortunate we are to live in this vibrant city and in this incredibly strong province. Michael Percy, Dean of Business at the University of Alberta, recently said this about the Alberta economy: “…the best place in North America to weather an economic storm… At the end of the day, so many fundamentals are positive in the case of Alberta, the best strategy is to treat this as short-term…There’s no better jurisdiction to be located in than Alberta… “ Thank you for that, Dr. Percy! I couldn’t agree more!
Contributed by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group Inc
It’s a small (green) world after all…
Metropolitan Edmonton may now be over one million people, but it is still in many wonderful ways a big small town! Six degrees of separation is often more like one and a half degrees at SCHMIDT and today brought another example of how we are all connected.
Larry Schmidt does a daily media review searching local and national news websites for articles that relate to real estate. Today he came across this article about a “net zero energy” home under construction in Edmonton. Utilizing solar awnings this home collects energy during the day and allows the owners to be extremely self-sufficient in heating their home. It turns out I know the owners, Conrad and Rechel, and the house is built on a lot I helped them purchase a few years ago. I immediately contacted Conrad to congratulate him and proceeded to invite myself and another team member, Chris Miller, to have a tour one day as I know that Chris is extremely interested in energy efficient construction. Conrad, being the gracious fellow he is, assured me we would be welcome anytime and then mentioned that Chris’s wife, Andrea Jones, is involved in an open house at the property this weekend. Andrea is the owner of Raising Spaces - a web based company that sources out ”green” building products. Andrea has contributed to our blog in the past and yes, she is indeed married to one of our team members.
Yes, it is a small world after all. And since it really is quite small, all the more important we take care of it . Congratulations Conrad and Rechel on the contribution you are making to take care of our beautiful and not-so-big world after all…
Learn more about the construction of this unique home and get details on the open house at 9805-84th Avenue being held this Saturday March 14th.
Contributed by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group Inc.
PS CBC News picked up the story – read it here!
Belgravia Affected by Road Closures
Starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, the city is closing the westbound lanes of Fox Drive from Belgravia Road to Whitemud Drive to all traffic but transit buses as it starts the latest phase of its project to widen and rehabilitate the Quesnell Bridge and the Whitemud. Later next week, it will close the east side of the bridge and squeeze all traffic onto the west side… Source: CBC.ca Feb 27 2009
Message boards will update drivers and the city has recommended alternate routes to get us all where we need to go. Visit the City of Edmonton’s website to learn about detour routes and shuttle services for cyclists and pedestrians.
Contributed by Schmidt Realty Group Broker Owner, Kathy Schmidt
Is this type of post helpful to you? Let us know what YOU want to see on our site by visiting the FORUM.
Edmonton Goes Online with Trip Planner for Public Transit
Using public transit in Edmonton just got a little easier. If you’re like me, your Blackberry is already one of your best friends. Well that handy device is now more helpful than ever! Thanks to an investment of staff time by the City of Edmonton, you can now plan your public transit route before you leave home, or use your PDA while on the run. Just log on and enter the address or even a business name and start planning an environmentally friendly trip to your destination!
Contributed by Schmidt Realty Group Broker Owner, Kathy Schmidt
City of Edmonton Allows More Secondary Suites
We are frequently asked what is permitted in terms of suites in Edmonton. While many suites in the city are not “city approved”, some have existed for years, especially near the university, community colleges and NAIT. Thanks to a new initiative from the City of Edmonton, property owners can apply for funds to upgrade illegal suites to meet current building and fire code. Homeowners wishing to add a suite to an existing home or to create a suite in a home under construction can also apply for funding. The Secondary Suites Grant Program is intended to improve the availability of affordable housing in Edmonton. The result will be a significant increase in the number of homes where secondary suites, including garage suites, would be allowed. Details are available in a helpful brochure put out by the city. For more information on secondary suites in Edmonton, visit the city’s website on secondary suites.
Contributed by Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group, Kathy Schmidt
Shopping locally is good for the Edmonton economy!
Shopping local works! It’s the centerpiece of Chamber of Commerce campaigns aimed at fighting the recession, and a mantra that has been evoked by main street movers and shakers for decades. Economic studies by universities, think tanks and government agencies show that spending locally keeps cash in communities, creates jobs, produces local taxes, saves consumers time, money and gas and builds prosperity. Those same studies speak to the significant “multiplier effect” of a dollar spent locally and how it’s “re-invested” in the community over several business transactions. Supporting local small business saves time, money and gas, boost the local economy, helps your neighbours and builds a stronger economy! These days we’re all thinking carefully about how we spend our money. Why not spend yours toward building a stronger sustainable economy? Success builds success, and prosperous local businesses attract new investment and spur community prosperity. Contributed by Schmidt Realty Group client, Chris Martyniuk
Next time you’re thirsty or hungry, stop by Chris’s restaurant – Hulbert’s in Belgravia. You just might hear some great local musical talent as well!
The Community of Parkallen raises the bar for eco-mobility!
Local Motion is a month long Community Demonstration Project which will set an example for cities around the world!
(Edmonton.ca Public Information Officer, Office of Environment & Energy, January 30 2009)
Over the course of the next few months, the City’s Office of Environment & Energy, Community Services, Transit and Transportation departments will work with the Parkallen community to transform it into a neighbourhood where a variety of elements of eco-mobility are brought together. This exciting initiative will put Edmonton on the world map once again!
Contributed by Schmidt Realty Group Broker Owner, Kathy Schmidt
The City of Edmonton Recognized for Environmental Sustainability
We live in a fantastic city! In addition to being known for our beautiful river valley and lively festivals, Edmonton is now recognized as a city that is working hard to reduce its environmental footprint. The City of Edmonton reported Janary 29 2009 that Edmonton is the number one sustainable large city in Canada!
“The City of Edmonton is proud of its environmental record, and pleased with this acknowledgement of our efforts. This is a significant accomplishment, of which all Edmontonians ca be proud,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “Edmontonians are some of the most environmentally-conscious people in the world and the City continues to gain national and international recognition for our leading environmental practices.”(Edmonton.ca, Nikki Booth, Public Information Officer, Office of Environment & Energy January 2009)
