Westmount developer Prominence Development has tied the community together with an extensive park and pathway system that goes above and beyond the Town of Okotoks  requirements for open spaces. About twenty-five acres of planned parkland, green space and trails wind through the development, connecting neighbour to neighbour and the entire community to the town. Not only does the community trail system meander through Westmount’s parks and around a picturesque pond, it also ties into Okotoks’ extensive pathway system. Based on a sustainable concept, the town has built a pathway system that gives its residents access to the serene river valley, but also to its two main shopping districts.

“It is very friendly for anyone who wants to take a walk with their family, a bike, or roller blade and not deal with traffic,” explained Prominence Devlopment project manager Michael Jantzen.

And although amenities are as close as five minutes away, Westmount will have its own commercial development, bringing the convenience of doctors, dentists, a bank and other retail stores even closer to home.
Providing close-to-home recreation was also a priority in the development of Westmount, Jantzen continues.

Each phase of the five-phase development has its own unique park that caters to a different need in the community.

“Each park will be designed to have a different purpose,” Jantzen explains. “And many of the lots you can choose from either back or side onto the parks and open space. A play area for kids is being constructed and more parks are on the way.

On Tucker Hill, the site of a large multi-family development a meeting space will be opening next summer. A gazebo, barbecues and park space will provide an outdoor getaway for residents to get to know each other. Those looking to connect to the outdoors can stroll around the community, which will be outfitted with park benches where walkers and joggers alike can take a break and enjoy the surrounding farmland.

Besides the parks and pathways, families will have the chance to send their children to a local school. A parcel of land has been set aside for a public elementary to junior high school, a school that is the top priority for the local school division.

As one of the final phases open up, making way for 163 new single-family homes, Prominence Devlopment has enlisted four homebuilders to bring quality homes to the community.

Many of the builders are lauding Prominence for its innovative architectural controls. They say the homes will keep the neighbourhood looking great with lots of stone or brick on the front of the homes and an emphasis on the entryway.

Westview Builders, Jager Homes, Sterling Homes and Reid Built Homes all have dual show homes in the communities’ newest show home parade.

Streetside Developments is also continuing to work through its phases in a three-acre multi family site, where tri-plexes and duplex-style bungalows are already more than half occupied.

What you see is what you get at Westview Builders’ two Westmount show homes. From the hardwood entryway, which extends into the kitchen, nook and hallway, to the extra thick casings and baseboards as well as a power humidifier the bells and whistles in both the Dalhousie and the Princeton II come standard to every homebuyer.

Lyle Jessett, Westview’s area manager for Okotoks said it is easier to tell potential buyers what is an extra in their luxurious show homes than what is an upgrade.

“Almost all the features of the show home are standard,” Jessett says.

That includes plush carpeting, a stone-finished fireplace and his and hers sinks in the master bathroom. And with 16 models to choose from homeowners have a large selection of floor plans to suit their lifestyle.
Westview Builder’s models range from 2,000 square feet to 2,500 square feet and range in price from $390,000 to $580,000.

Right next door to Westview is Jager Homes dual show homes, where a new model the Cayenne, has been added to the line up for buyers looking for an open contemporary home on a modest budget where the 1,790 square feet easily feels bigger, giving you an extra perceived value of more space for the money. The Cayenne features an open airy floor plan with a foyer that stretches to the ceiling of the second floor and natural light that floods the entire house.

Right beside the Cayenne is the Colorado, a 2,309 square-foot floor plan which has the “wow” factor and boasts vaulted bonus room, glass block ensuite shower wall, tiled shower with two shower heads and a bench, glass block insert on both sides of the stove along with a sunken mud room and bonus room. This home is a hidden jewel that is sure to please.

This is the surface stuff that you can see but we also include high efficiency furnaces two if over 2,200 square feet and a high efficiency 50-gallon hot water tank, Delta-MS foundation wrap for a dry basement, big baseboards, decora switches and even granite as a standard.   

Reed also adds being a member of the Alberta New Home Warranty; deposit protection program helps put your mind at ease while building your dream home.

Lot selection includes some full and partial walk-outs current West views and some wider lots to accommodate you dream garage needs with a $1,000 lot hold and a ten per cent to completion deposit.

Sterling Homes has also recently opened its show homes in the Westmount parade and Okotoks area manager Neil Donnelly says buyers can be assured of a quality product from Sterling, who have been building homes for 54 years, and stand firmly behind their record.

“We have seen all kinds of market conditions and survived,” Donnelly says. In today’s market, he says, Sterling has continued to work hard with its many trade partners to create quality homes in a realistic period of time. Sterling buyers may also find it easier to enter into the housing market, with their ten per cent down policy.

“Once you write your purchase agreement your prices are locked in,” Donnelly explained. “And we don’t require any more money until you move in.”

As a founding member of the New Home Warranty Program, Sterling also offers lots of protection for their client’s investment.

Buyers can also have a firsthand look at what they are purchasing because, of the 22 models offered in Westmount, 15 of those models are existing show homes that can be viewed in Calgary or other nearby communities.

Reid Built Homes is also putting the finishing touches on their side-by-side show homes, which opened in December, bringing the number of builders to five on the show home parade.

Those looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle also have somewhere to turn in Westmount. Tucker Hill, a villa style development built by Streetside Development Corporation, has a number of attached bungalows on the market and is featuring two of their popular models, the Carrerra and Verrano right at the entrance to Tucker Hill.

“The units are an excellent alternative to single family homes for most demographics,” explains Kendra Milne, marketing coordinator for Streetside Development Corporation.

“They are for those people who are looking for single floor living,” Milne adds. “That could be younger families looking for less expensive options or there are lots of couples looking for a low maintenance lifestyle because they are busy professionals. They are also perfect for empty nesters.”

Streetside has made it easy for potential buyers to see how their floor plans can be adapted to a variety of lifestyles. One home features a layout perfect for baby boomers looking to downsize, while the other show home is suited to young couples and families.  NL