Montrose in High River is a 213-acre development by Dundee Developments, a 30-year veteran in creating communities. “Montrose is a new neighbourhood on the south side of town which will be developed in a number of phases,” says Pat Lothrop, controller and marketing co-ordinator of Dundee. Even this early, Montrose is creating waves of anticipation and excitement among High River residents.

The first phase in the Montrose community will see three multi-family sites and 158 single-family lots split between a high-end street called Montrose Terrace, and another called Montgomery Close. Montrose Terrace will be made up of 50-foot-wide estate lots, among them walkouts, on which Greenboro and Lifestyle Homes are the builders of choice. Lot and home values along Montrose Terrace are expected to start in the $500,000s. “It’s an awesome value for high architecturally-controlled homes that back into the 16-acre pond, a linear park and mountain views,” says Lothrop.

No less beautiful will be the homes on Montgomery Close, starting in the $400,000s, offered by five fine builders. These builders include Homes by Bellia, Cornerstone, Crossley Custom Homes, Landmark Homes and Westview Builders. Some of these lots also back into green spaces and the pond. On lots from 36 feet to 48 feet wide, these builders also offer incredible value!

One central feature in Montrose sure to please is the 16-acre pond that wanders throughout the community. “The pond will have pathways along that will lead to the parks, school site and playgrounds, and then it will join into the Happy Trails System,” says Lothrop, referring to the path that connects many of High River’s park areas.

High River’s coming of age resonates with all that the town has to offer. “It’s a thriving town, it’s got everything you need in a friendly, safe environment,” says Lothrop, citing small-town elements that are making city folks rethink their lifestyle. “They like the friendliness of the people; where you actually get to know your grocer, there are no traffic jams or grocery line-ups, the kids can bike to their schools.”

High River’s appeal cuts across the board, from young families with children to seniors who are moving into town from their acreages and farms or their expensive city homes. “There is a thriving senior community in High River and they participate in a lot of social activities,” says Lothrop.

A town’s vibrancy is also measured by the amenities that can attract new residents. High River is home to a multitude of associa­tions and clubs and has a thriving arts and culture group. “They still have the western traditions like rodeos and 4H Clubs. And yet they also have the drama clubs, brownies, scouts, as well as hockey and lacrosse,” says Lothrop. Just across 12th Avenue from Montrose is the Snodgrass Recreational Complex which houses hockey, skating and curling rinks, a leisure pool and a wellness centre. There is a high school right next to Montrose, while other schools are within close proximity, so parents need not worry that kids will have a long commute.

Dundee Development has put into place archi­tec­tural controls that ensure the ongoing value of the neigbour­hood. The two show home parades are opening this month and will showcase the talents of the strong group of builders. “At build-out we anticipate about 1,200 new homes in Montrose, of which 850 will be single-family homes and the rest will be condominiums,” says Lothrop. “Mont­rose is substantially increasing the size of High River”.

The good news about High River just keeps mounting. “The High River Hospital is known for its very short or no waiting list. I’ve heard people say they come here from Calgary to have babies or even for emergencies,” says Lothrop.

The Montrose show home parades—consisting of nine homes—will open February 23. You can call the information centre at (403) 652-9984.  NL