Parade of Homes

Nature lovers set down roots in TAYLOR FARM You know how they say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago? Well, Qualico embraced that Chinese proverb by a multiple of five with its Taylor Farm community. Located in Headingley just west of Winnipeg and along the north side of the Assiniboine River, this unique neighbourhood features a 100-year- old basswood forest that not only provides canopy cover for residents but also attracts cavity-nesting animals such as woodpeckers and saw-whet owls. Basswood trees, which are far more common in Ontario, typically grow along riverbanks but many in Manitoba have been cut down over the years as cities and farming communities have expanded. "To have a basswood forest is rare. It's vulnerable. There's no legislation to protect it," said Bryana Nicolas, a conservation program specialist at Native Plant Solutions, a branch of Ducks Unlimited. "I don't know of any other development in the city that has a basswood forest. King's Park near the University of Manitoba has some of the trees and there are isolated trees that have been planted around the city but in terms of a forest, it doesn't really exist in Winnipeg." Compounding matters is the fact that basswoods can be quite difficult to grow because their seeds have very thick coats and take a long time to break down. It doesn't help that they're also tasty treats for a number of animal and bird species. "Basswood trees don't have a lot of survivorship. Even in nurseries, it's very low," Nicolas said. "The strategic plan for Taylor Farm is to provide larger lots than what's available in established neighbourhoods, such as River Heights or Fort Garry, while also providing a close connection to nature," said Bryan Ward, general manager of Qualico Communities. Lots range from 70 feet wide to 100 feet wide. "We want to provide people with a different choice. It can appeal to families, retired folks and people who are looking for a slightly different lifestyle than some of the urban neighbourhoods," he said. And while the connection to nature is a key selling point, it's not as if Taylor Farm residents are cut off from the rest of the world. There are some small shops in Headingley and major retailers are just a 10-minute drive away along Portage Avenue. Many of the landscape features in Taylor Farm have been designed with John Taylor in mind. A community leader in the late 1800s and early 1900s, he once owned the entire section of land along the Assiniboine River. He was also a provincial cabinet minister, a school teacher, a merchant and a farmer. Taylor Farm's show homes welcomed their first visitors in 2016, and since then a growing number of families have chosen to set down roots there. As Taylor Farm grows, the preserved basswood trees will continue to be a vital part of the community, with natural trails leading to the forest for all residents to enjoy. QUALICO COMMUNITIES — TAYLOR FARM ' ' 146 Parade of Homes fall 2019

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