The community of Kinniburgh in southeast Chestermere has quickly become coveted by Calgarians yearning for a more pastoral, connected way of life – one that revolves around the beauty of nature and lakeside living. The community itself is relatively new, with plan approvals not yet 15 years old, but the land has a rich and varied history.

Traditionally the domain of the single-family home, Calgary's outlying bedroom communities are stepping up their game with a wave of new multi-family offerings.

Lake living in Chestermere has the Totlands feeling great about relocating

When it came to finding their forever home, sussing out a community that offered a shorter commute to work was top of mind for Jared and Vera Totland.

The young couple, who are both 30, had been living in Calgary's deep south for a few years.

"Driving downtown to work was getting to be an hour each way," recalled Jared, a chartered accountant. But it wasn't just the work commute that was becoming a headache. everything felt like a long drive away, said Jared.