Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1481503
Go out for a stroll in Oak Bluff West and you'll be in good company. Residents like to take full advantage of the connective limestone pathways that wind through the community, along with local playgrounds and green spaces. Outdoor amenities have been major draws since the first phase of construction began in 2011. One exciting new addition that is sure to be a hit is a new splash pad being installed just north of Oak Bluff School. It will have splashing buckets, a water cannon and a ring wash, which is similar to a carwash. Respondents identified a splash pad as a priority in a survey conducted by the RM of Macdonald, and there are plenty of families looking forward to enjoying the new facility. "There are now well over 300 occupied homes in Oak Bluff West, which translates into a real sense of community," says Tara Reid, sales and development manager for Qualico Communities. "You can definitely see it when you visit the area. There are families and friends using the trails, kids riding their bikes and neighbours chatting on driveways. It's very welcoming." Just minutes from the city, Oak Bluff West will soon welcome more families. Phase 5 of development is underway and, for the first time, it will provide lots that are less than 70 feet wide. Reid says they will appeal to homeowners who don't need quite as much outdoor space, but who still want the same visually appealing architectural features. In addition to 40-plus new single- family lots, Phase 5 of Oak Bluff West will include a 10-unit, bungalow-style condominium complex. It's being designed by Randall Homes, which designed two other successful condo projects in the neighbourhood. While the new complex will share some interior elements with its predecessors, Randall Homes vice-president Jason Jaquet says its exterior will have a completely different look. "Whenever we do condo projects for Qualico, we're always excited," he says. "We push the envelope and they push back so that we come up with a great common ground for the exterior of the homes we're building in their communities. It's been a great working relationship." Phase 5 will also feature the first new wetland developed in Oak Bluff West since 2013. It will offer seating areas, shrubs, trees and a pathway that will connect to the existing trail network. "I think one of the most important things in new communities is providing people a connected network to get out and walk," says Mike Armstrong, operations manager for Qualico Communities. "Not only does (this phase) offer lots that back onto this wetland that are very popular and attractive, but it also extends the walkability and connectivity of this neighbourhood, which is really cool." Armstrong says Qualico began creating wetlands in its communities about 20 years ago, before many municipalities began mandating them. While they enhance the natural appeal of a neighbourhood, wetlands are more than just a pretty place. They provide a welcoming habitat for many species of birds, fish and other animals, and they contribute to the health of the environment, with native grasses to filter runoff water, reducing the amount of harmful nutrients in the watershed. With so much to offer, it's not surprising so many families are relocating to Oak Bluff West. For more information about the community, our builders and lots visit oakbluffwest.ca QUALICO COMMUNITIES — OAK BLUFF WEST "THERE ARE NOW WELL OVER 300 OCCUPIED HOMES IN OAK BLUFF WEST, WHICH TRANSLATES INTO A REAL SENSE OF COMMUNITY." POH WETLANDS, WALKING TRAILS AND WILDLIFE ON THE CITY'S DOORSTEP By Jim Timlick 16 Parade of Homes FALL 2022