Nestled on the eastern edge of Okotoks, the community of Drake Landing stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when innovation meets technology and sustainable master planning.

"The vision for Drake Landing has always been to provide a safe and sustainable community for people to raise a family in a scenic, small-town setting," said Steven LePan, director of sales and marketing for Anthem United, the developer behind the community.

On the northern edge of Okotoks, beside the pristine D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club, a new community is taking shape. D'Arcy, a master-planned community from Anthem United, will bring together people, popular amenities and natural beauty at the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains.

Sitting just south of Silverado between 194th Avenue and 210th Avenue S.W., the new Calgary community of Belmont is touted as a quiet refuge on the edge of the city and a place for new beginnings.

"It's a bright, modern community with a broad appeal for those looking for affordable quality in south Calgary," said Steve LePan, development manager with Anthem United. "As the first new community in the area, it's focused on affordable quality for first-time buyers or those new to Canada."

Ten minutes south of Calgary in the town of Okotoks, homebuyers and builders continue to buck the regional trend of declining housing starts.

In fact, the growing town of just over 29,000 people (based on the 2018 civic census) saw an increase in housing starts in 2019 that is expected to continue into 2020, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

In 2019, Calgary experienced a purpose-built-rental "boom" and 2020 is expected to be even hotter.

According to market research firm Urban Analytics, there are approximately 65 new purpose-built rental projects (totalling 19,225 apartment units) currently proceeding through the planning and construction processes.

Large swaths of land in Calgary are being transforming into amenity-rich communities full of unique housing, opportunities to experience nature and easy access to established amenities. Here's a handful of new-community projects currently
underway in southwest Calgary.

It's not uncommon for those who make the move from the "big city" to the idyllic shores of Lake Chestermere to never look back.

Take, for example, Colleen and Mathew Jones.

Known for its forward-thinking environmental initiatives and long-term sustainability plans, Okotoks is once again showcasing some outside-the-box thinking.

Developers are teeing up a new community on Calgary's southwestern edge designed to appeal to both golfers and non-players alike.

Tucked away in the Rocky Mountain foothills, Sirocco at Pine Creek is a master-planned community with a prime location, a variety of front-drive and paired homes, and a picturesque golf course that shares its name.

Belmont
Developer: Anthem United

Just south of the ring road and moments from the rolling foothills, Belmont is situated in a newer area, but has ample amenities nearby. Granary Road, Spruce Meadows and the shopping options in Shawnessy are all well within reach, and Belmont's location near the outskirts of the city makes for easy mountain getaways.