Parade of Homes

Manitobans love the aquatic lifestyle. Whether it's a dip in the backyard pool, a weekend at the lake or boating on a river, we can't seem to get enough time on the water. A recent study by University of New Brunswick researcher Dan Crouse confirms our love affair with waterways and suggests that folks who live near a river or lake may enjoy a greater quantity, as well as quality, of life. The results of the study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, indicates Canadians who live within 250 metres of water enjoy benefits such as reduced stress and improved cardiovascular health, as well as greater "life satisfaction." That comes as no surprise to Trevor Markevich, owner of Mannington Custom Homes. His company has built several custom riverfront homes in and around Winnipeg and Markevich has seen first-hand the transformative effect they can have on the lives of the people who own them. "What better place could you live than on the river? Your backyard is the next best thing to being out on the lake," Markevich says. "It's spectacular." Nothing compares to natural landscapes and the wildlife habitats that come with the territory, he adds. "For people that haven't lived on the river and haven't experienced river life first-hand, they don't realize the diamond in the rough that we have in this city with two rivers going through it. Alberta doesn't have anything like it at this price. In B.C., if you try to build a home on the river you'll pay 10 times the price for a property if you can even get one." Manitobans have a rare opportunity to experience river life in a rural setting just minutes from Winnipeg. Taylor Farm, a Qualico community in the RM of Headingley, is currently selling serviced lots in its first two phases of development. The first phase is comprised of 94 lots, including a limited number of riverfront lots on Curry Drive, along the banks of the Assiniboine River. Markevich, whose company will begin construction on a riverfront home this year, says Taylor Farm's country feel is a major part of its appeal, along with the fact that it's located less than 10 minutes away from all of the conveniences of the city. Plans for future phases include a host of naturalized amenities such as wetlands, a winding trail system and access to a mature basswood forest. Taylor Farm's expansive lots — including some as wide as 100 feet — give buyers more land at a lower price than is possible in the city. The extra space also gives builders more leeway to design one-of-a-kind homes that express the homeowners' personal style. "Mannington Homes works very hard to build one-off, character homes that enhance the community," Markevich says. "When you're building homes in a place like Taylor Farm, that's what people want. They want their home to stand out — not necessarily be bigger and better than their neighbour's, but just stand out so that when you drive down the street every home has its own curb appeal and its own great look." To date, construction has begun on 34 homes in Taylor Farm. Qualico Communities' sales and development manager, Tara Reid says that number will grow to 585 single-family homes by the time development is complete. Markevich expects the riverfront lots to be snapped up quickly. "It's getting really tough to find river properties," he says. "Especially large enough ones where people want to put a nice home and where they're getting good value." TAYLOR FARM Brings new RIVER LOT opportunities QUALICO COMMUNITIES — TAYLOR FARM "What better place could you live than on the river? Your backyard is the next best thing to being out on the lake. It's spectacular." Q 128 Parade of Homes Spring 2020

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