Silverado is a southwest community whose genesis and inspiration was driven by natural beauty. It borders the world-class equestrian centre of Spruce Meadows, along with wide-open farmers' fields peppered with grazing horses and their manes blowing in the Chinook winds.

One of the fastest growing communities in the city, Evanston was designed with lifestyle in mind. Located on the city's northern edge and bounded by two major arteries – Shaganappi Trail and Stoney Trail – the community features easy access to the downtown core and the mountains.

"Evanston's vision was wide-open spaces and a place for families to grow and flourish. It was achieved by creating parks, soccer fields, green spaces and amenities right in the community," said Laura Field, marketing co-ordinator for Qualico Communities, the developer behind Evanston.

Shovels broke ground in Evanston in 2007, but the community has quickly become one of the fastest growing and most desirable places to live in Calgary's northwest quadrant.

Cochrane's largest infrastructure project to date, the much-anticipated Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge, recently had its grand opening, which was marked by a low-key, physically distanced celebration and plenty of fireworks.

This spring promises to bring changes to both Calgary's natural and built landscapes, as two new developments from Qualico Communities sprout up in some of the most desirable areas of the city.

Together Ambleton in the northwest and Alpine Park (temporary name) in the southwest will see 6,500 to 7,200 new residents and are at various stages of planning and construction approvals, says Clark Piechotta, Qualico's associate director of development.

Some would say the town of Cochrane offers the best of everything. Nestled into the foothills, this picturesque community of just under 30,000 people offers untouched nature, beautiful mountain views and small-town appeal, in addition to a full suite of amenities.

The town's friendly vibe is attracting young families and downsizers alike, and many new communities are stepping up to meet the demand with a variety of innovative home designs.

Alan Tennant - CREB® CEO

There is nothing to indicate a major shift in the current
trajectory. I see cautious optimism among the development sector – they are not overbuilding in any sector – and that is a healthy sign. It comes down to consumer confidence. We have two elections behind us, which could have been destabilizing but weren't.

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.

Alan Tennant - CREB® CEO

The reality of our current market is it's the new normal and there is no reason to sit and wait for it to change. It is not a terrible market, it does have its good aspects.