Parade of Homes

>> It's hard to believe now, but home buyers weren't lining up to get into Bridgwater Forest the instant it debuted in 2007. Seven years ago, its stringent architectural guidelines and green, pedes- trian-friendly concept seemed to mystify prospective buyers and home builders alike. It was an ambitious project designed to create a unique community, the antithesis to neighbourhoods where a plethora of pro- truding garages dominated streetscapes. But the initial lukewarm reception was just the calm before the storm. To- day the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater — Bridgwater Forest and Bridg- water Lakes, with Bridgwater Trails soon to come — are the city's hottest communities. And consumer demand shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. "We're absolutely thrilled that it continues to be the fastest-growing residential development in Winnipeg," says Manitoba Housing director of land development Dwayne Rewniak. "We've been the fastest-growing community in the city for five straight years. That's something we're very proud of." The blistering construction pace — which saw 336 single-family home permits taken out in 2013 — is expected to continue in 2014. "As of June, 160 permits had been taken out by builders, and that's halfway through our build- ing year," Rewniak says. "That pace works out to over 300-plus homes, a number we're very likely to hit for a fourth straight year." Bridgwater Forest is about 90% complete. Re- wniak says all 1,104 lots are serviced, and it's expected to be fully occupied by 2016. Mean- while, 850 of 1,190 fully developed lots in Bridg- water Lakes have been sold, and 400 are now occupied by homes. "Those numbers are pretty amazing. When you conceive a project, you hope for a great re- sponse, but the response to Bridgwater Forest and Lakes has truly exceeded our expectations." Huntington Homes president Rob Swan says the progress has been nothing short of phe- nomenal. "The initial understanding was that it was going to take a duration of 20 years to build out," Swan says. "But clearly, with how popular the com- munity is, and how fast the homes are going up, it's going to be built out well before then." Swan says one key to its success is the attention to detail that's been paid to creating the com- munity. "First of all, it's an incredibly awesome con- cept with a wide variety of homes spread out through a community layout that's not only beautiful, but very user-friendly and well-co- ordinated throughout," he says. "Second, the stringent architectural guidelines ensure that all the homes are not only finished to an ex- tremely high level, but are different. Third is the variety of lots available. People can pick the one that fits them best, whether it's a back lane lot, walkout lot or visitable lot." The architectural guidelines ensure there's not a cookie-cutter look, and Arlt Homes vice- president Jason Arlt says the wide selection of designs and lots appeals to a broad spectrum of home buyers. "We've been the fastest- growing community in the city for five straight years. That's something we're very proud of " Photos By trevor hagan 54 appleford gate – hilton homes 54 appleford gate – hilton homes Parade of Homes Fall 2014 105 Cont'd on page 106

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