When it came online almost 17 years ago, the southeast community of Cranston, with its characteristic windmill at its entrance, was at the forefront of new and exciting urban planning – design that pushed forward a new way of thinking about community, where access to nature and connecting people was top-of-mind.

"Cranston is a great example of thinking differently about community. It creates plenty of opportunities for residents of all generations to meet up, get outside, have fun, and engage in community events," said Jessie Seymour, senior manager of strategic marketing at Brookfield Residential, the developer behind the community.

As the late-summer sun lingers long into the evening, the sound of children's laughter rings out and residents of Canyon Meadows ride their bikes through the tree-lined neighbourhood. It's a picturesque scene – one that attracted Susan Ortt and her husband Glen to the neighbourhood 25 years ago.

Several historic residences from Calgary's formative years are still standing today, thanks to restoration efforts, and tenants who are committed to preserving these pieces of the city's heritage.

Over the past two decades, Calgary's southeast quadrant has experienced exponential growth, and that expansion continues with a handful of new communities that are now coming online.