While the popularity of communities such as Bridgwater Lakes and South Pointe is unquestioned, there's another community that's booming, too.
That community is none other than Waterford Green. While it tends to fly under the radar due to its northeast location, it certainly hasn't been ignored by consumers, said Lombard North Group's Dave Palubeski.
"To say the least, the reception of the community has been nothing short of phenomenal," he said. "The first phase of the community (219 single family home lots, 106 townhomes, nine acres of apartment-style homes) is substantially sold out, with only a few lots left. We anticipated that this would be a six to 10-year project, but the strong demand has prompted us to move our timetable up considerably."
That means starting Phase 2 well ahead of schedule.
"Building permits will be ready for June or July. It will add another 120 lots, lots that will hold another 70 single-family homes plus more townhouses," he said. "And we're already starting plans for Phase 3. Construction for the third phase should commence in 2016."
Waterford Green's popularity can be attributed to several factors, said Palubeski.
"First of all, the community is located near one of the largest employment areas in the city's northeast sector, in particular Inkster Industrial Park and CentrePort. It's going to become even more accessible in the near future, as Inkster Boulevard and Dr. Jose Rizal Way (Keewatin Street) will be twinned to create a four-lane divided highway. It's a great location that's going to get even better with time."
He said the second factor is the community's intuitive design, which deliberately directs people to use their feet for transport, rather than motor vehicles.
"The idea behind Waterford Green's design was to create a community where people used cars as minimally as possible," he said, adding the community will ultimately feature 19 acres of trails and parks centred around a naturalized, two-lake retention system. "Residents have already noticed they can walk to the Wellness Centre (at Seven Oaks Hospital). In time, there will be an integrated trail system that will allow people to walk to amenities in and around the development."
In short, Waterford Green is going to be an exceptionally user-friendly community. An open-space system, which will be created in the near future, along the lakes will provide a high level of connectivity, while the open-space system will be dotted by fields (ideal for soccer) and areas to sit and relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
"Eventually, there will be a causeway built across the lake that will connect the community with a future commercial centre, and, hopefully, a future school. Winnipeg School Division One has expressed interest in building on a site in Phase 3, so we're hoping that will come to fruition," Palubeski said. "And we're hoping to create a people-first shopping experience with the commercial centre."
Last but certainly not least, Waterford Green is a community that puts families first not only in terms of its design, but also in the variety of housing options it offers.
"Simply put, Waterford Green was designed for families with its range of housing options and price points. There's something for everyone -- single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and apartments," he said. "Not only that, but you can choose from front drive lots or back lane lots, which have proven popular due to their affordability."
Palubeski added there's one final ingredient that's made for a community that appeals to a wide range of home owners.
"I think we've listened to what people wanted and have tried our best to respond with a community that meets their needs in that it's walkable, beautiful, has lots of usable space, and will eventually have a number of attractive destinations within it," he said. "It's been all about designing a community that works, and I think we're well on our way to achieving that goal."
lewys@mts.net
