Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1481503
It's hard to believe seven years have passed since RidgeWood West began to take shape in Charleswood. The first new development in the area in decades, it promised to be a model for what a naturally beautiful neighbourhood could be. Now entering its final phase of development, with fewer than 100 single-family lots still unspoken for, the community has come into its own, with a thoughtfully curated mix of housing options in a natural setting. Adjacent to the 6.5-kilometre Harte Trail and a short jaunt from the Assiniboine Forest, its constructed wetlands and native plants are an idyllic complement to the Prairie landscape. "It's become a great addition to Charleswood and has provided people with an opportunity to build new homes and stay in Charleswood," says Bryan Ward, vice-president of Qualico Communities. "I think it fits well with the community and is providing the variety of new homes that was envisioned from the beginning." If you had to choose one word to describe the housing options in RidgeWood West, chances are that word would be "diverse." Single-family homes range from cozy bungalows to family-size two- storey models and luxury walkouts. A pair of townhome condominium developments have been extremely popular in recent years, and there are more multi-family products to come in the final phase. "There's a great mix of housing types and prices," Ward says. "Like with a lot of our communities, we plan for that from the beginning so that we don't create communities that are exclusive for certain types of housing. We want to see more variety right from the start." Tara Reid, sales and development manager for Qualico Communities, says the last phase of development will include new single-family lots specially designed to accommodate a single-car garage. There's also a collection of cul-de-sac lots that back onto greenspace, as well as the community's first side-by-side options. The final phase will also include the last leg of a linear pathway system, which will let residents enjoy everything nature has to offer in RidgeWood West, from its southwest corner to the Harte Trail and beyond. In addition, Randall Homes is scheduled to begin work on a multi- family project in 2023, starting with 10 two-storey townhome units. Ranging from 1,350 to 1,536 square feet, each chic, modern unit will have its own detached garage. The second phase will consist of 12 side-by-side homes. Randall Homes vice-president Jason Jaquet says they are designed to fit in seamlessly with existing homes in the community while still offering home buyers a variety of unique designs to choose from. "We don't just mirror the one on the right with the one on the left. Just because you own a side-by-side, it doesn't mean you shouldn't have a distinct identity with your home," Jaquet says. If your dream is to build new in Charleswood, Qualico Communities' Bryan Ward acknowledges that time will soon be running out for home buyers who want to settle in RidgeWood West. "I think there will be a sense of urgency because the next phase or next opportunity for development in Charleswood could be quite a ways away," Ward says. "It could be the last chance to get into Charleswood for quite a few years." Visit our website at ridgewoodwest.com to learn more about the community, and to find out how you can purchase a lot from an approved builder. QUALICO COMMUNITIES — RIDGEWOOD WEST "IT COULD BE THE LAST CHANCE TO GET INTO CHARLESWOOD FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS." POH THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE A HOME IN CHARLESWOOD By Jim Timlick 146 Parade of Homes FALL 2022