The southwest community of Evergreen is snuggled against the southern edge of one of Calgary's most beautiful and accessible natural areas – Fish Creek Park. But perhaps its greatest claim to fame is an unexpected one.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, a wave of new golf course development swept across Canada, with many of these courses serving as centrepieces for residential communities. Since then, that growth has slowed as golf's popularity has waned. Some of those courses are now closing, opening prime real estate that, in many cases, is being redeveloped into new subdivisions.

The result has been a boon for builders and homebuyers, as land becomes available for new residential development within desirable, well-established communities. However, it has also created resentment among long-time residents of these neighbourhoods, who originally purchased their homes with the golf course as a major selling point.

Redevelopment projects lead to new communities in established areas

Most people think of new communities as being on the outskirts of the city, often in areas where amenities like shopping and schools are still lacking.

But there are a growing number of new communities springing up in well-established areas of Calgary, as redevelopment occurs on lands once used for non-residential purposes.

Sumeet and Shweta Singla were drawn to Shawnee Park by promise of a new community within an established area of the city

Sumeet and Shweta Singla lived in the southwest community of Evergreen for over 14 years. They loved the location, the schools and their friends in the neighbourhood, but the couple and their 14-year-old daughter were ready for a bigger home.

Development at former Shawnee Slopes golf course continues with new multi-family offerings

Finally.

"After looking at it on paper for the past two or three years, it's nice to see this day come," said Patrick Briscoe, director of development project management for Toronto-based Graywood Developments, which will be launching sales for the new Fish Creek Exchange on June 17.

Fish Creek Exchange is the 23-acre, multi-family portion of the trendy Shawnee Park community in southwest Calgary that has sprung up on the site of the former Shawnee Slopes golf course.

Full steam ahead for new communities in Calgary

Calgary's residential development sector continues to move dirt, lay down infrastructure and create lots as it responds to current consumer interest and prepares for the inevitable economic turnaround.

Within the city limits are several active new-home communities that continue toward buildout or are adding phases.

"Despite Alberta's current economic challenges, there is still a demand for the homes we build in Calgary and Edmonton," said Jason Palacsko, vice-president of Calgary communities for Brookfield Residential. "We are confident in Calgary's future and are moving forward with major projects."