Parade of Homes

SAGE CREEK Unique to Winnipeg's Residential Landscape Sage Creek is a vibrant new commu- nity that in just a few short years, has come of age. Today, new visitors and residents alike find that it has grown into a truly complete community that is entirely unique to Winnipeg's resi- dential landscape. When Jessica Willis relocated to Sage Creek with her husband and two chil- dren this past winter, they chose the area because they were searching for a different kind of community where they could reinvent their life, and where their kids could thrive. It was when she experienced Sage Creek that she began to get a sense of how living in a complete community could impact her whole family. "I have friends that make fun of me and are shocked that I hardly ever leave, because it's all here," says Willis. "The Village Centre means I don't have to go out of Sage Creek because we really have access to everything." With a wide selection of retailers and services, including a market style Sobeys, Shoppers Drug Mart, Tim Hortons, a Manitoba Liquor Mart and the recent addition of McDon- ald's, Sage Creek's Village Centre supplies virtually every necessity, all within easy range of home. There's an insurance broker, veterinary clinic, dentist, and a pet store. Hiro Sushi and the Rockwood Urban Grill are onsite, providing delicious and con- venient local dining options. Other specialty tenants like Orangetheory Fitness, Marquis Dance Academy and Freshii support those who want to live healthier. "Pretty much anything that one would need is right at your fingertips at our Village Centre, and this is just the start of it. I can't imagine how amazing it's going to be," says Willis. Although the Village Centre is a great foundation for the community, Willis believes there are other attrac- tions that make Sage Creek the kind of complete community that resi- dents will benefit from immediately after moving in. There are nine kilo- metres of well-used limestone trails that wander through prairie grasses, native plants and alongside maturing wetlands. There's an outdoor basket- ball court, plus a brand-new school and day care that opens this fall in time for the start of the school year. "You can look at the maps and see what the plans are for more amenities nearby, but I also think it's the people that live here," says Willis. "I didn't initially realize how involved the Sage Creek Residents' Association was in driving events and creating different environments for people to be in, to thrive in and to enjoy." As the community grows, residents continue to have a voice in how Sage Creek takes shape. Tara Reid of Qualico Communities says they've played a large and proactive role in shaping what exists today. "It's not just Qualico Communities that's creating the community feel- ing here. It's really the residents and volunteers working collaboratively, which is a fantastic thing to see," says Reid. Since Sage Creek was conceived, Reid has seen the home-buying process evolve. She says today people are designing the kind of life they want to live, and this has become just as important as the kind of home they choose to build. "We have people who want to back onto the wetlands instead of buying a cottage, or be near a trail to be more active, or feel se- cluded on a quiet winding street, or be in a spot that's really close to services and stores and a lot of amenities," says Reid. "So, we've made sure that it's all here!" No matter where or what new resi- dents choose to build in Sage Creek, it's abundantly clear they know they're creating something special. "I think all the residents have the same intention that we just want to grow the community and create a fun, safe place for everyone to enjoy, all ages. It doesn't really matter what your family makeup consists of. I think it's a really neat thing," says Willis. QUALICO — SAGE CREEK ' ' 144 Parade of Homes FALL 2017

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