Canmore's Spring Creek uses geothermal to lessen its environmental footprint

As the Alberta government doubles down on solar power alternatives through policy and rebates, some wonder if geothermal will also receive the same kind of attention.

Frank Kernick, developer of Canmore's multi-million-dollar Spring Creek hopes the provincial government will help offset geothermal installation costs through a rebate program, similar to the Residential and Commercial Solar Program.

How to buy a vacation home without getting burned

While sunburn can ruin a holiday, getting burned on a vacation home purchase can sting for much longer. Fortunately, doing your homework will help you find your place in the sun without feeling the heat.

"The market has seen price drops lately, so a lot of people are finding vacation properties at $300,000 or below," said Bill MacDougall, a real estate professional with Optimum Realty Group in Calgary.

New developments on Calgary's western edge hope to raise the bar for active, outdoor living

Two major developments in Calgary's northwest will soon solidify the area's reputation as the gateway to Rocky Mountain recreation and winter adventure.

While the nearby Trans-Canada Highway will guide future residents towards mountain playgrounds in Canmore and Banff, the communities of Rowan Park and Medicine Hill will offer their own built-in recreational amenities.

Ian MacGregor's Rock House at Carraig Ridge melds mountain views with modern, sustainable design

Ian MacGregor has always loved the mountains. So when the oil and gas executive decided to develop close to 700 acres of his personal land halfway between Cochrane and Canmore, he utilized his entrepreneurial expertise to parlay that love into an innovative plan – one that would protect the environment and offer a leading-edge, sustainable model of estate-style rural living.

Long-time Canmore resident's mountain-lifestyle love affair continues with new Spring Creek condo

Jeff Taylor is a vibrant outdoor enthusiast who loves to ski, hike, bike and race cars. He's lived in Canmore for close to 20 years and can't say enough about the mountain lifestyle.

When he began his home finding mission, he knew that he would confine his search to the Bow Valley. He was looking to purchase a one-bedroom plus den condominium with a great view, one that was big enough to store all of his sporting toys and within walking distance of the quaint stores, pubs and restaurants on Canmore's lively main street. He found exactly what he was looking for at Creekstone Mountain Lodge in the master-planned community of Spring Creek.

Canmore's Spring Creek aims to give seniors care options in a resort-like setting

Having to leave your home and the community you love, when it comes time to downsize or when you need extra care, is one of the worst things about aging.

While even the most grandiose new communities try to tick all the boxes that allow aging in place – like live/work units, mixed-use services, and a range of options from affordable to luxury single family and mutli-family homes – not all can claim to package those choices in a walkable, resort setting.

However, a 70-acre development in the mountain village of Canmore, is checking off every one of those uses in what is a "legacy" project for developer Frank Kernick.

Three companies to submit RFPs for Moustache Lands

The "moustache" that lies at the entrance to Canmore from Calgary will soon boast a residential development designed to alleviate the mountain resort town's lack of affordable, available housing.

The four-acre (1.6 hectare) site — known as the Moustache Lands because the property is composed of loops created by the interchanges off the TransCanada Highway — is owned by the municipality, which has now shortlisted three potential developers to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP).

Homebuilders, developers cite international interest in region

Over the past four months, one-third of the 11 sales at the luxury Creekstone condo project in Canmore's Spring Creek development have been to foreign buyers.

And while there have been no purchasers from China — yet — developer Frank Kernick said it is "just a matter of time" before they come.

Out-of-town property market continues to evolve

Canada's recreational property market continues to transform itself, most recently the beneficiary of record-low interest rates, a new wave of retiring baby boomers and a favourable exchange rate, according to a recent survey.

The 2016 RE/MAX Recreational Property Report, which surveyed RE/MAX agents and brokers, noted the low Canadian dollar is having a positive effect on the country's recreational property markets. Canadians, mainly boomers, who bought properties in the U.S. when U.S. real estate prices were comparably low are selling them at a profit and investing in Canadian recreational markets, it said.

The RE/MAX survey signaled out Canmore and Sylvan Lake as two of Canada's top recreational property destinations. It noted retirees seeking an active lifestyle continue to be an important driver of demand in Canmore, where the median price (May 2015 to April 2016) was $533,090.

First traditional hotel in town in 20 years 

The Town of Canmore has approved plans for a 124-room hotel and conference centre at Spring Creek.

Following a year of record-breaking tourism, the Malcolm Hotel will help address accommodation for the increasing number of visitors to the town.

Located in the heart of Canmore, it will be the first traditional hotel built in the town in 20 years.