Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/161409
A Complete Community Scale Up or Down in River Park South By Lynne Mustard for Qualico Communities "River Park South has everything a family will ever need," declares Eric Vogan of Qualico Communities. "There are eight schools, recreation, entertainment, shopping and a library; there are even competing lawn bowling leagues. The hitch is that this complete community is almost completed." Qualico Communities is now developing the last of the land that sits south of Aldgate Road, between St. Mary's and St. Anne's roads; there are fewer than 400 home sites left for sale. "At this point, there are still opportunities for lot and home packages across the price spectrum, from the mid-$300,000s to $750,000 and beyond," states Vogan, who notes that by this time next year, lot selection will be far more limited. Lot sizes range from just under 40 feet, and will have back-lane garages to just under 60 feet, which allow room for a triple garage. "The opportunity to build a single-family home here has never been broader. We have six builders with show homes but we also have arrangements with other builders should home buyers decide they want something a little different," Vogan states. Show homes by A&S Homes, Ventura, Broadview, Sterling, Randall and Kensington are located on Wainwright Drive. Vogan says that buyers include those who want to move up to a new home, growing families who need more space and empty-nesters who are downsizing. Some are new to River Park South while others have lived in the community for years and want to stay. It's also an opportunity to custom build as several of Winnipeg's top custom-home builders are involved: Arlt, Hearth, Foxridge, Hilton, Maric, KDR, Artista and Gino's. The average home size this year in River Park South is about 2,000 square feet but dream homes can come in any size, from 1,400-square-foot bungalows to 2,500-square- foot two-storeys. "This last phase of new homes also offers easy access to the trails, lakes and park network that has been long established in River Park South," Vogan adds. "You can cycle and walk all over the neighbourhood. There are over 150 acres of parkland and a chain of lakes just north of the last phase that spans almost two kilometres between St. Anne's and St. Mary's." The Seine River trail network is adjacent to the area and shopping is handy; River Park Village is located in the community. It includes a Sobeys and Bank of Nova Scotia as well as medical, dental and legal services. An inviting bungalow by A&SHomes 138 Parade of Homes Fall 2013 St. Vital Centre, with its movie theatres and over 160 stores, lies just north of River Park South. It's also known for its famous community centre, as Chicago Blackhawks' captain Jonathan Toews grew up in River Park South and has returned with the Stanley Cup in 2010 and 2013. "The Jonathan Toews Community Centre on Dakota Street is one of the busiest and most productive community centres in the city," Vogan states. "It's a fully equipped, truly modern facility with twin arenas." Qualico Communities and the participating builders have been long-time supporters of the community centre; together they have contributed over $250,000 on behalf of River Park South homeowners. Vogan observes that River Park South, when completed, will boast close to 8,500 homes. He points out that new-home buyers in River Park South can reap the benefits of work done on the parks and social infrastructure by previous generations of residents who worked with Qualico to create the community that exists today. "This is really a rare opportunity to scale up or down in a complete community," he says. "It's a great place. We're very pleased with River Park South and how it's grown." • A stylish two-storey by Sterling Homes