Parade of Homes

>> Charleswood remains one of Winnipeg's most treasured neighbourhoods. With its small-town vibe, well-established services and country inspired charm, it's no wonder that people who grew up here are choosing to come back to the first new development the area has seen for decades — RidgeWood West. That's exactly the case for one of the community's first residents, Steve Strum. Strum grew up in Charleswood and always knew he'd eventually come back, so he and his partner literally jumped at the opportunity to build a brand new home in RidgeWood West. "I knew how fast it would sell out here and knowing we could own a lot that backed onto the walking trails made it easy to buy into this community," says Strum. RidgeWood West promises to be a community that appeals to nature lovers. Qual- ico Communities' dedication to integrating nature and active living has resulted in carefully planned trails and wetlands that wind throughout the new neighbour- hood, link up with other established green space and trails, and provide direct access to the Harte Trail. As Charleswood is known for being a neighbourhood that is rich in mature trees and plants, RidgeWood West has been designed to fit right in. Eric Vogan of Qual- ico Communities says the new development was the result of a thoroughly and carefully planned process. "We worked closely with the community for over two and a half years in the plan- ning stages and we can assure the residents of Charleswood that we'll continue to both preserve the natural habitat and create a peaceful setting within this new development," says Vogan. Manitoba has a wide range of native species of plants, grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees, many of which have been in- corporated into the new area to become an extension of the natural prairie landscape. RidgeWood West will also be home to two naturalized wetlands as a more sustainable approach to incorporating storm-water retention ponds. Qualico Communities has continued its proven partnership with native Plant Solutions to provide these innovative plant- ing solutions in RidgeWood West. "With their involvement, we are creating a natural wetland en- vironment that is appealing to diverse species of birds because it provides them with a habitat and shelter, rather than creat- ing a breeding ground for mosquitoes," says Vogan. "not only will the wetlands beautify the community with texture and colour that changes each season, they will help to keep water- ways clean, are resistant to soil erosion and are less attractive to Canada Geese." According to Vogan, Qualico Communities has great confi- dence in what can be achieved in RidgeWood West, and these first permeable walking trails, naturalized wetlands and direct access to the Harte Trail are just the beginning. As an important stretch of the Trans Canada Trail, the Harte Trail is a 6.5-kilometre path that runs through a narrow strip of wilderness on the bed of an old railway in the heart of Charles- wood. It's a much loved year-round trail because it's an ideal spot to go for a run, walk, bike ride, cross-country ski or explore with family. "Quick access to the Harte Trail was a huge selling point for us," says Strum, who is very active. "I bike to work every day and be- ing right beside the trail, it's the perfect place to start my day." For the first residents that have moved into Phase I of Ridge- Wood West, they're already enjoying their new lifestyle. "It's been great so far. We waited a long time to be able to build a brand new home in Charleswood, and our neighbours agree," says Strum. "It feels really good to call this place home again." A Community to CAll Home, AgAin By Kik Innovation for Qualico Communities Parade of Homes FALL 2016 145

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