'If you build it, they will come'

Despite ongoing softness in the Calgary regional real estate market that has moderated activity in upscale communities such as Springbank and Bearspaw, industry experts believe the value proposition of upscale rural living remains unaffected.

"We have not seen construction stop," said Ian Macdonald, director of sales and marketing at Watermark at Bearspaw, a luxury estate community that recently won a Sales and Marketing (SAM) Award for Community of the Year, Calgary Region from the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) Calgary Region.

"I call it the Field of Dreams approach — if you build it, they will come."

Americans and Albertans alike looking to the mountains for recreation homes

The old truism of "location, location, location" applies as equally to recreation property as it does to a good piece of primary real estate. And it may become even more important in a tight economy.

Alberta's recreational property market — much of it located in the mountain areas and lakes within an hour and a half of Calgary — continues, at least for now, to be fairly strong.

With the decreasing Canadian dollar, American buyers coming from a healthier economy are once again looking at Alberta property while local buyers may be seeking cottage life closer to home.

New museum provides perspective of just how far growing town has come

Gordon Davies's roots run deep in Cochrane.

His family moved to the area in the early part of the 20th century, while Davies himself is president of the Cochrane Historical & Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS).

The society, in fact, is behind the new Cochrane Historical Museum, which opened May 31 and was nearly two decades in the making, according to Davies.

"Unlike many towns, Cochrane has never had a museum dedicated to its local history," he said, noting CHAPS has been planning the museum since the society's inception in 1999.

Airdrie continues to step out from the shadow of its neighbours

Airdrie has come a long way from its roots along the tracks of the Calgary Edmonton Railway.

Located almost literally in the shadow of Calgary, Airdrie's rise from sleepy railway stop to full-fledged city is reflected in the number of people who choose to call the community home.

Rising from just over 12,000 residents in 1991 to 58,690 in the recently released 2015 census, Airdrie is now Alberta's seventh largest city, ranking ahead of such centres as Leduc and Grande Prairie.

Airdrie's population grew by 3,799 or 10.4 new residents per day, versus 5,331 total or 15 new residents per day last year – a growth rate of 6.92 per cent growth rate, compared to 10.76 per cent last year.

How making some adjustments to your yard can spur home sales

They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to buying a new home, curb appeal is often everything.

Dandelion décor and weathered wood decks won't work in your favour to draw buyers to your property, said Donna Balzer the gardener, speaker and TV personality behind www.gardenguru.net. Balzer cited a seller in Scarboro who contacted her after potential buyer's commented on his home's outdoor esthetics.

Green spaces in Calgary a hop, skip and a jump from all residential communities

With an average of 2,396 hours of sun each year, Calgary holds the title of Canada's sunniest city. Not surprisingly, residents, in turn, tend to take full advantage, especially when it comes to the city's parks and greenspaces.

Calgary boasts almost 8,000 hectares of parkland – as well as Fish Creek Provincial Park and nearby Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Connecting the city and its greenspaces are nearly 800 kilometres of pathways.

Beltline community home to relaxed atmosphere, pedestrian and cyclist accessibility

P.J Lavergne has called the Beltline home for the last 10 years.

"It's so close to everything," he said. "I don't drive, so it makes life easy. I'm, at most, a 10-minute walk from anything I could ever need."

Lavergne, who heads local rock 'n roll band Napalmpom, added the area's relaxed atmosphere comes through in the attitude of its residents.

Calgary's inner city has everything at arm's reach

Having recently returned to Calgary after living in London, England, Jon Dola has just commenced his search for a new home.

And despite having been back in the city for less than a month, he's already made up his mind as to where his new home will be located.

"I'm looking in Kensington, Sunnyside and Bridgeland," said Dola, who lived in Calgary for nearly eight years prior to setting off to Jolly Old England.

Hot tubs, fire pits, outdoor kitchens oh my!

With leaves and lawns already turning green thanks to a wealth of warm winter weather, many Calgarians may also be doing likewise as they turn to see their neighbour's backyards.

With Calgarians' well-known love for all things patio, emerging envious of thy neighbour's yard is a sin likely shared by many in the city. As many homeowners up their backyard ante, CREB®Now offers up some suggestions on how bring a little more luxury to your lawn.

Calgary distinctive in offering both metropolitan and acreage luxury

Calgary's housing market has evolved to include a luxury segment offering buyers just about anything their hearts desire, suggested a local industry expert.

"We have those individuals who want to experience the city life, so that's the downtown metropolitan living," said Mary-Ann Mears, managing broker with Sotheby's International Realty Canada.