Edmonton and Calgary 2023

EDMONTON & CALGARY WINTER 2023
Publisher: Ed Ammar
High-Quality & Energy Efficient | Free Quotes & Finance Options! More Details on Pages 24-25
HOMEADVICE
1

2 HOMEADVICE

The
Fireplace
Guy
@REALHOMEADVICE
When requiring services, whether it be realtors, builders,
contractors or more, we ask that you remember the businesses
featured in this publication are the best in the industry.
All rights reserved by Home Advice.
Reproduction or transmission of all or any part of this publication
by any means is strictly forbidden without the prior
written consent of Real Home Advice. Although great detail
and attention is taken to avoid any ad copy or editorial errors,
any errors or omissions on the part of the publisher are
limited and dealt with solely by printing a letter of retraction
and / or correction in the following editions.
OUR SERVICES:
Gas Fireplaces
Wood Fireplaces
Fireplace Mantels
Fireplace Surroundings
Wood Stoves
Competitive prices
780.974.7689
Edmonton, AB
DESIGNED AND PUBLISHED BY RHAMEDIA
CONTACT:
Phone: 1-780-406-6441
Email: adcopy@realhomeadvice.ca
Read Online:
HOMEADVICE
3

4 HOMEADVICE

REAL ESTATE AGENT
Year-End Check-In - Thoughts On The
Market
As 2022 starts to draw to a close(already!), I thought it might be valuable for some of you if I shared my thoughts about where the Edmonton
market is sitting now and where it’s going.
While it finally feels that we’re leaving the pandemic behind, there sure have been some bumps along the way! These last few years have been
some of the strangest in my career, and that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. As of November, the market is in a very interesting
phase. Even with inflation seeming stubborn and interest rates ticking higher, we will have demand in our local market. Some forecasters, including
BMO(Bank of Montreal), are predicting that the market is still undervalued by 5% or more, and that prices may actually rise in the near future
even as overheated markets like Toronto or Vancouver continue to correct. You may see a big “thaw” in our local market come late winter/early
spring!
Reading something like the above, it’s only human nature to start thinking about timing the market. My advice- just don’t! If you have your
ducks in a row and you feel it’s time to buy or sell your home, I always recommend that you do it. Waiting on the sidelines may or may not get you
a better price in the end.
In the long run, however, I haven’t met anyone who can predict the future. I don’t think that even the Bank of Canada could have predicted that
in less than a year we would jump from historically low interest rates up to a normal level- with more hikes potentially on the way. When you are
ready, it’s good to focus your energy and do everything possible to be successful. A lot of this comes down to working with a great Realtor.
It’s easy to identify a great agent. First and foremost, look for someone that is going to be out for your interests 110% and with whom you have
good rapport. You should feel that your Realtor listens and understands what you’re looking to do. A great Realtor will point you in the right
direction- even if you don’t initially see it.
If you’re interested in meeting with great Realtors; I’d love to put my experience to work for you.
HOMEADVICE
5

CLICK TO SAVE:
Home Influencers Share
Design Tips for 2023
As the adage goes, home is
where the heart is, but thanks
to thoughtful staging, curated
accents and careful colour
selection, a growing number
of home interior influencers
have amassed millions of
hearts—not to mention likes,
shares and saves—from
audiences across social
media seeking some style
inspiration.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest have brought the latest
design trends to the masses by allowing interior stylists and designers to
connect one-on-one with homeowners and renters looking to transform
their spaces. And while most people know that Instagram does not
always equal reality, both the 2023 Calgary Renovation Show, running
January 13-15 and the Edmonton Renovation Show, running January
27-29, are gathering some of Alberta’s most-followed influencers, DIY
experts and designers to bring their unique style and viral tips from the
screen to real life as part of the Reel Rooms show feature.
To help get you inspired, we’ve asked two Reel Rooms influencers to
share some of their favourite trends and timeless design tips to create
the home of your dreams.
Bringing the Living Room to Life
Relaxing, inviting and contemplative describes the living space created
by Calgary-based interior designer Brittany McNab (@fifteentwelvehome).
McNab, whose style trends toward a breathy mix of light neutrals,
textures and natural materials, showcases a living room design perfectly
referential to her commitment to sustainability. “Sustainable design
heavily influenced my decisions in this space. I wanted a living room that
felt tranquil, calm, personal and timeless,” says McNab.
To create her design, McNab first focused on the bones of the room.
“This living room style is quite transitional, so I recommend classic
elements like white walls and wainscotting.” To add more texture
and interest, McNab suggests introducing architectural elements like
arches and millwork to bring the feeling of timeless craftsmanship to
any home, no matter the age.
Once you have your primary elements in place, layering in furniture
and decor will help pull the design together. McNab recommends
choosing a cohesive colour palette that reflects your style. “Aim for
things that make your heart happy. Make an inspiration board of
everything you love and get to work hunting things down.”
A mix of natural textures like wool, jute and linen reflects the focus on
sustainable and timeless design, while carefully chosen objects give
the room its unique sensibility. “I prefer a pared-back, but eclectic look
with my shelf and coffee table styling, and I change it as often as I feel
like to keep things fresh and fun.”
While it can be tempting to gravitate to brand-new pieces to help
your home feel current, McNab suggests playing around with found
items and vintage pieces to create a unique space while saving a few
dollars. “I absolutely love second-hand finds,” says McNab. “I will often
thrift things like frames, books and vases, shop Etsy for interesting
artwork and collect little decor objects at places like Goodwill and
Homesense. Don’t be afraid to visit thrift shops and remember that
things like frames and vases can always be painted.”
The Bedroom Oasis
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the bedroom might very well
be the soul. One of the Reel Rooms features this year is a relaxing
primary bedroom designed by Ghalia Eltassi (@urban.homeology), a
DIY and style influencer based in Edmonton. “My goal was to create
a cozy and relaxing retreat where anyone can feel comfortable and
relaxed after a busy day,” says Eltassi.
Her transitional design, which balances modern and traditional
elements focuses on clean lines and gentle curves to create a
space that feels entirely at home in 2023 and at the same time,
undeniably timeless. “In this space, I focused on classic pieces like
the platform bed and nightstands to give the space a modern feel.
The curved decor, including an arched mirror and light fixtures, brings
a contemporary look to the whole space, while the neutral palette of
cream, ivory and taupe brings it all together.
To recreate this look, Eltassi encourages her audience to look for ways
to elevate traditional items with modern accents and updates to create
a space that looks curated and original. “Change your bedding, paint
your walls a fresh colour or add some new knobs to your dresser to
get a new look without having to buy all new items.” If you are even
more ambitious, the DIY enthusiast suggests getting creative with your
larger pieces. “If you don’t like the look of your furniture, give it a fresh
coat of paint or sand it down and stain it to tie in with your new style.”
What You’ll See in 2023
While both our designers gravitate to timeless and sustainable design
practices, they are no strangers to embracing change and playing
with current trends. “For 2023, my top trend is warm browns,” says
McNab. “The light beige, tan and camel shades we were seeing a lot
of have slowly morphed into moodier shades of brown/black, mocha,
and chocolate. You can use these in wood elements like flooring and
cabinets or introduce them through accessories like throw pillows,
vases and rugs.”
As for Eltassi, she is looking forward to seeing more colour and drama
this year. “Rich, saturated hues will be gaining popularity in 2023.
Deep reds, greens and darker shades of brown will be taking the
spotlight this year.”
To see these spaces IRL, don’t miss the 2023 Calgary Renovation
Show at the BMO Centre, January 13-15 or the Edmonton Renovation
Show at the Edmonton Expo Centre January 27-29.
Visit www.calgaryrenovationshow.com or
www.edmontonrenovationshow.com for more information and to
get your tickets.

Jan 27 - 29
Edmonton
Expo Centre
Your Project. Our Experts.
Bring your ideas to life with trusted experts at the Edmonton Renovation Show, January
27 th - 29 th at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Discover the latest home renovation trends and
get practical advice from hundreds of experts. From kitchens and baths to flooring and
more, find great deals, new ideas and inspiration for all your home projects.
Sponsors:
.com
EDMONTONRENOVATIONSHOW.COM
Produced by
2-FOR-1
*On Regular Adult Admission Only
BUY TICKETS ONLINE
Promo Code: REALHOME
Courtesy of:
HOMEADVICE
7

8 HOMEADVICE

Need more Home Advice? Check us out online!
www.realhomeadvice.ca
HOMEADVICE
9

10 HOMEADVICE

12 HOMEADVICE

What to Do When Payments Stop: 5 Urgent Steps
Collecting debt has always been one of the most uncomfortable and delicate tasks in business.
In a time of crisis, it becomes infinitely more challenging.
Previously reliable customers no longer pay on time—if at all. Even the best ones have stopped taking your calls and their voicemail is
uncharacteristically full.
When they DO answer, it isn’t good. Apologies, but they can’t pay for an indeterminate period because of COVID-19.
It’s not just you. Virtually all business models, both B2B and consumer-facing, healthcare providers and landlords, are in a similarly precarious
situation.
The customer in many cases has an impeccable history, making this an entirely new kind of problem. Good business is hard-won, cost of
sales is premium and customer relationships are precious. Most importantly, your brand reputation is priceless.
But here you are. Even the best customers are holding out, and you have growing obligations of your own.
It’s painful and a source of tremendous stress.
Here’s the kicker: the worst is yet to come.
The forced shutdown has only just begun to take its toll on businesses
and consumers. Many are sitting on a shrinking cash stockpile,
waiting for a turnaround that isn’t coming soon enough. If they owe
you money, they are spending it on other things—until it the last of it
runs out.
And despite the rosy flourishes being painted by some politicians, the
crisis is worsening. The subsidies, stimulus packages and deferrals
must soon end. Buying habits and patterns have been massively
disrupted, in a lot of cases permanently.
If your business is already struggling to collect money owed to it,
it doesn’t take a master economist to envision what’s in store. And
the real economists concur it will be very bad, for longer than many
businesses can withstand.
So What to do?
There are 5 important steps every business owner needs to take in
order to minimize risk and be as proactive as possible.
1. Assess the current situation. Take a look at your accounts receivable
and flag everything past due. Contact all account-holders and
make them aware that for your business’ continuity you must be firm
about due dates. They should respect this need and do the same. Alert
past-due accounts that collection action is imminent—give a specific
date.
2. Take immediate action. Send all non-responsive accounts and
any that are more than 60 days past due to MetCredit (as we remind
our clients, 60 is the new 90 in the critical post-COVID-19 era). Our
professional debt collection agents will treat your customers with
respect, and establish a high payment priority for future dealings.
3. Fortify business processes. The way people paid you in the past
is probably not reliable enough for the new normal. Risk reduction
should be top priority: sales are a dangerous liability when you can’t
collect. Insist on full payment or substantial deposits—and make your
credit application mandatory whenever you grant credit (which is
anytime you are not paid in full upfront.) Be sure buyers understand
when payment is due and acknowledge their commitment to you.
4. Make it easy to pay—safely. We recommend Interac eTransfer or
debit payments because funds are immediate, fees are low and there
is little risk of chargebacks. If you offer financing for larger amounts,
partner with a leasing or finance company that is equipped to manage
the risks.
5. Embrace the new normal. If you have been patiently waiting for old
buying habits to resume, don’t! Some business models, such as airline
travel, retail sales and buffet restaurants will surely never be the same.
Instead of praying for the good old ways to come back, find ways to
help customers with their new needs. And while you do it, protect
your own business’ future.
This is a hard reset, not a speed bump. It is an opportunity to become better,
more efficient, and eventually more profitable than ever.
Many, many businesses are going to fail. The ones that survive to rebuild the
new economy will be the ones whose leaders are smart, bold, innovative and
proactive.
I hope the latter group includes yours. Get energized, call upon your most
inventive self, and take action!
Need more help? Reach out to me or one of my helpful debt collection experts.
Be safe and healthy—and the same goes for your business!
Brian Summerfelt
President and CEO of MetCredit, Canada’s top-performing
consumer and commercial collection agency
metcredit.com
1-888-797-7727
Left out in the cold?
We’ll collect those
receivables.
Since 1973 MetCredit has been Canada’s go-to source for collecting
business debt. For businesses of all sizes Canada-wide, we
turn accounts receivable into accounts received—fast.
MetCredit. We get it.
HOMEADVICE
13

Shop. Donate. Volunteer.
Get ready for huge scores at ReStore! Find
great value on quality new and gently-used
building materials, furniture, appliances, tools,
and unique items to meet your renovation
needs. All proceeds help families access
affordable homeownership.
Open to the public!
20% OFF your next purchase!
Coupon has no cash value. Valid only at Habitat Edmonton ReStores: 8210 Yellowhead Trail NW, 16811 106 Ave NW,
4004 99 St NW, 7 Streambank Ave (Sherwood Park), and 10431a 96 Ave (Grande Prairie). Cannot be combined with
other offers. One time use only. Coupon must be surrendered to cashier at time of purchase. Does not apply to items
previously purchased at ReStore. Expires Dec 31, 2023. Code RHA20.
14 HOMEADVICE

The treasures you’ll find
HFH.org
HOMEADVICE
15

16 HOMEADVICE
Come visit us at our brand new showroom
at 2828 Ellwood Drive SW,
Edmonton, Alberta

Stop by our showroom and Clearance Center located at
2828 Ellwood Drive SW, Edmonton, Alberta
780.457.DOOR (3667)
Support of Mustard Seed, Hope Mission,
Moms Canada, Little Warriors,
Edmonton Minor Soccer Association
and other local charities.
HOMEADVICE
17

SCAN ME
HOMEADVICE
19

20 HOMEADVICE
Proud Supporters of The Home
Advice Magazine

NOW BOOKING For Our Spring
2023 Edition!
@prairie_cedar_creations
@prairie_cedar_creations
HOMEADVICE
21

22 HOMEADVICE

Why Should We Care About Radon Gas?
For many, concerns about radon seem to have come out of the
woodwork. What exactly is radon gas and why is it so dangerous?
While naturally occurring and ubiquitous, radon concentration is a
significant health hazard as the second leading cause of lung cancer -
and its entirely preventable.
Radon comes from the breakdown of the naturally occurring element
radium in our soil. Most of us think of radium as an element relegated
to science fiction, we don’t imagine it could affect our day to day lives
- and yet it can. Trace amounts of radium are found in the soil aggregate
beneath our homes. As radioactive radium decays into radon gas
it emits alpha particle radiation which is highly dangerous in elevated
concentrations to human health. To complicate matters even further,
radon gas is undetectable to the naked eye. It is invisible, odorless,
and tasteless. The only way to determine your radon exposure levels
is to test for it.
Current Health Canada guidance recommends mitigation action
be considered for homes determined as on average over 200 Bq/m3
within two years, within one year for homes determined as on average
above 600 Bq/m3. The National Building Code has also been updated
in consideration of radon reduction methods. A radon rough-in
pipe, aggregate requirements and vapour barrier specifications are
now required for new construction to facilitate a completed activated
radon mitigation system, should one be required.
Hiring a professional is not required to obtain a proper radon measurement
as a correctly placed radon test requires a long timeframe
to ensure accuracy. It is vital to test over an extended period of time
as radon fluctuates naturally, day-to-day, seasonally, and in response
to changing weather conditions. Average exposure is key as radon is
a long-term health hazard. Most often, radon is highest in the winter
months and as such Health Canada advises testing over the winter
heating season. It is best to test over a range of weather conditions to
obtain an accurate long-term average, either by a C-NRPP approved
alpha track test device or with a reputable digital radon monitor.
If your radon levels are elevated, don’t panic. All homes can be effectively
mitigated by radon reduction techniques. A properly installed
professional radon mitigation system is customized to the unique
needs of the residence. Considerations for challenging building
characteristics such as grade beams, in-floor heating, ICF foundations,
sub-slab ductwork, large footprints, finished basements, crawl
spaces, extensive renovations and multiple concrete slab pours are
included, and all are suitable candidates for an energy efficient, effective
and quiet mitigation system. Our experienced C-NRPP certified
radon mitigation professionals are happy to offer our expert advice at
any time to assist you in your radon inquiries.
RadonCare proudly serves Central and Southern Alberta providing
residential and commercial radon testing and mitigation solutions.
RadonCare is a proud research partner with Evict Radon, a member of
C-NRPP and the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists,
the Alberta Construction Safety Association and COR safety
certified. We are actively involved in many community initiatives with
members on the C-NRPP Policy Advisory Board and on the CARST
Board of Directors. Past clients have included school boards and
divisions, care facilities, private management companies and government.
Radon is our passion, and we take great pride in reducing
radon exposure to our clients and providing informed advice.
1-844-RADONCA (772-6622)
info@radoncare.ca
HOMEADVICE
23

24 HOMEADVICE

4 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE
BUYING A NEW FRONT DOOR
The front door is arguably one of the most important entry points of
your home. A well thought out and designed front entry way can set
a welcoming tone for your home. The right door will balance out the
exterior aesthetic, boost curb appeal, and protect your home.
Not all front doors are made equal, which is why it is important for
you to consider these 4 things before you make your final decision.
STYLE
Your front door reflects your architectural preference and personal
style. You do not want to flippantly choose a front door for your home.
The wrong door could throw off aesthetic balance. Not only will your
home look better and more cohesive with the right front door, but it
will also improve its resale value. A new door is a relatively inexpensive
improvement that promises a strong return on investment.
MATERIALS
There are a variety of materials that doors can be constructed from.
Each type of door has its own benefits and drawbacks. When choosing
a front door for your home, you need to consider how the specific
characteristics of each material may influence their performance.
FIBERGLASS
Fibreglass doors are a great option if you are looking for energy
efficiency, low maintenance, and customizability. They come in a
wide array of colors, styles, and textures, so it is easy to blend into the
overall aesthetic of your home. The insulation they offer can also help
offset energy costs, which makes them more affordable in the long
run, despite the initial purchase price. The fiberglass doors offered
by Window Mart, for example, feature a polyurethane core free from
chlorofluorocarbons, delivering superior energy efficiency compared
to wood doors (up to 6 times more insulating, in fact). Fiberglass
doors are also exceptionally durable and are designed to resist corrosion
and deterioration.
WOOD
True wood adds a certain level of rustic beauty that is not achievable
with other materials. Wood doors can be stained or painted to achieve
the look you want, yet each one remains completely unique. Other
ways to customize wood doors include decorative glass inserts, stylish
hardware options or added embellishments. The downside to wood
doors is that they require continual maintenance to prevent warping,
swelling, or rotting. It is also often recommended that a storm door be
installed to protect the wood from the elements, which can take away
from the classic style you are looking for in a wood front door. Wood
doors are elegant, but high-maintenance.
improves their energy efficiency performance. Window Mart, for
example, carries several steel door products with a high-density polyurethane
foam filling that increases insulation and reduces thermal
transfer.
BUDGET
How much money are you comfortable spending? This is probably
one of the most important questions you need to ask before beginning
any home improvement project, and replacing your front door
is no exception. The initial investment versus long-term benefits,
such as reduced energy costs. High-quality materials, also require less
maintenance, which also results in long-term savings. Should also be
conscientious of hidden costs, such as extra finishing. Wood doors,
for example, may require additional painting or staining that is not included
in the purchase price. Choosing a reputable window and door
company will ensure that your new front door is installed properly
and save you from potentially costly mistakes.
SECURITY
When it comes to choosing a front door for your home the possible
security features are an invaluable consideration. Most of the doors
on the market are similar in terms of the strength of their basic construction.
If you are going to make any customizations, such as adding
glass inserts or side panels, you may want to consider options that
offer additional safety. Glazed glass, for example, is harder to break
into. You may also want to consider your desired level of privacy. Textured
or frosted glass makes it so passersby cannot see directly into
your home, but still allows for natural light to enter. Front Doors are
incredibly important assets of the safety and security of your home,
and in turn, your family.
CONCLUSION
Choosing a new front door for your home is an incredibly important
task. If you take all the things listed into consideration you are sure to
find a front door with the perfect balance of function and beauty.
Window Mart provides high-quality front door options and installation
services for homeowners in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
Contact our friendly staff today to get your complimentary estimate
for your home’s front door replacement.
STEEL
Steel doors are as stunning as they are durable. They provide a superior
level of security while still offering color and texture customizability
(though not quite as much as with fiberglass). Steel does have the
potential to rust over time, so it is important to choose a high-quality
option with protective coating like what is offered at Window Mart.
Some steels doors are also offered with an insulated core which
improves their energy efficiency performance. Window Mart, for
HOMEADVICE
25

Troubleshooting Why Your Snow
Blower's Auger Won't Turn
There’s nothing more frustrating as a snow blower owner than when
you venture out into the cold to clear your property after a winter
storm and your machine doesn’t work. Not only are you stuck with a
whole lot of snow to clear and nothing to clear it with, but now you’ve
got to figure out what’s wrong with your once-trusty snow blower.
If the problem is that your snow blower’s auger is no longer turning,
there are a few potential causes and we’re here to help you troubleshoot
the issue. Thankfully, a few of the causes can be fixed if you have
the proper replacement parts on hand. Check out this list of snow
blower replacement parts so you know which ones you should keep in
your garage or shed, just in case.
Here are six parts that may be the cause of your snow blower’s auger
trouble:
Belts
The snow blower’s auger is driven by a belt that is engaged by the auger
control lever on the machine’s handles. If the auger belt becomes worn
down or breaks, the auger will fail to turn when the control lever is
engaged, and the defective belt or belts will need to be replaced[1] .
Shear Pins
causing further damage to the machine if a chunk of ice or a rock
becomes lodged in the auger housing.
Found along the main auger shaft, shear pins attach the augers to the
shaft and when the shear pins break the affected augers will no longer
turn. If you find that one of your snow blower’s shear pins is the cause
of your auger issues, you’ll have to install a new pin or pins[2] to get
the auger working again.
Auger Assembly
If you’ve checked the shear pins on your snow blower and they appear
to be intact, then inspect the auger blades and auger assembly.
Your snow blower’s auger blades can become damaged or bent and
may need to be replaced. On certain snow blower models, auger blades
are separate from the assembly and can be changed out individually
when necessary. However, some auger blades are attached to the
assembly, meaning if a blade is damaged then the entire assembly may
have to be replaced.
You might also need to replace the entire auger assembly[3] if it has
become worn out, so check the whole of the assembly for wear and
tear.
Snow blower shear pins are made to break (or shear) in half to avoid
26 HOMEADVICE

Gearbox
Your snow blower’s gearbox is in the auger housing in the middle of the
machine’s two auger blades and uses gears to power the auger shaft. If
the snow blower’s drive shaft has power and the shear pins aren’t broken,
then the gears may be causing the issue and should be inspected.
Other key indications of a problem with the gearbox are the sound of
grinding coming from the auger housing or the feeling of the augers
jumping while operating the snow blower.
Bearings
Your snow blower’s bearings help the auger shaft spin properly and
smoothly within the auger housing. If the bearings become loose,
worn down or seized, the auger may not rotate correctly, and you’ll
need to have new bearings installed where necessary.
Auger Cable
The auger drive cable engages the auger when the control lever is used.
If the auger cable stretches or breaks, then the augers won’t turn.
In some cases, your snow blower’s auger cable can be tightened if it’s
just been stretched so it’s worth giving that a try. However, if the cable
is broken then a new one is needed for the snow blower to work again.
Learn more at
realhomeadvice.ca
HOMEADVICE
27

28 HOMEADVICE
Proud Supporters of The Home
Advice Magazine

NOW BOOKING For Our Spring
2023 Edition!
HOMEADVICE
29

THE CITY OF CALGARY
This summer visit Tourism Calgary https://www.visitcalgary.com/ for
more information regarding the numerous events ranging from art
shows, concerts, sports events and other organized activities posted
for the summer months of July and August into September.
30 HOMEADVICE

Calgary’s history goes back to 1787 with the first recorded European
to the area, cartographer David Thompson. Eighty-six years later
the first settler came to the Calgary area, and with that, the late 19th
century grew replete with much history in this region.
The Canadian Pacific Railway arrived in 1883, and the incorporation
and inauguration of Calgary and its first mayor took place in 1884. It
was not until 1902 that oil was first discovered in Alberta, and in 1947
when large oil reserves were found in the province, making Calgary
the centre of the oil boom. Growth has taken place exponentially
since then.
The centre of the city is situated in the south of Alberta and is the
largest city in Alberta. East of the Yoho National Park, Banff National
Part, the Elbow-Sheep Wildland and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
in Alberta, Calgary lies in an area of foothills and prairie, and sits east
of the Canadian Rockies. Highway one connects the city to Banff and
Highway 2 heads north to Innisfail and towards Red Deer.
A greatly diverse city, Calgary can count over 200 well-planned, safe
and unique “communities” or neighbourhoods in the region. With
Calgary divided into four quadrants – Northwest, Northeast, Southwest
and Southeast Calgary, the Bow River on the north borders the
downtown commercial core; the Elbow River forms the boundary to
the east.
The downtown area is home to the Government, entertainment
districts and retail core along with other neighborhoods – such as the
Downtown West End, East Village and Commercial Core. Other neighborhoods
include Chinatown, Eau Claire and the Beltline – separated
with mostly residential and mixed-use neighborhoods.
The population of the City of Calgary according to its 2019 municipal
census is 1,285,711, a change of 1.4% from its 2018 municipal census
population of 1,267,344. There are a total of 469,874 households and
328, 583 families. The biggest demographic in age group is the 25 to
29 year olds and 30 to 34 year olds. The 35 – 39 year olds along with 40
– 44 year old age group form a large part of the demographics.
The 2019 age distribution estimates the greatest increase in the demographics
will come through the 35 to 44 years olds. Young families
are gravitating towards Calgary’s way of life, and populations in other
towns in the region such as Canmore, Okotoks and Strathmore have
contributed towards the fast growing pace of these communities.
Calgary’s economy includes energy, financial services, film and
television, transportation and logistics, technology, manufacturing,
aerospace, health and wellness, and retail and tourism sectors. The
region is a major transportation hub for Southern Alberta, Saskatchewan,
BC and parts of northern USA. Statistics Canada defines the
Calgary CMA as including nine municipalities: Calgary and Airdrie,
Rocky View County, Chestermere, Cochrane, Crossfield and Irricana,
the village of Beiseker, and First Nations Reserve – Tsuu T’ina Nation.
According to the Calgary Real Estate Board – CREB®
2020 opens with a slight gain in sales Housing market conditions continue
to follow similar trends to last year, with gains in sales.
At the same time, there have been further reductions in new listings,
inventory and more declines in prices.
January sales activity was 863 units, nearly eight per cent higher than
last year’s levels. While sales remained well below January activity
recorded before 2014, they remain consistent with activity recorded
over the past five years.
“A persistent slowdown in the energy sector has resulted in a reset in
many aspects of our economy. This includes the housing market,”
said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.
“We continue to see the slow adjustment to more balanced conditions,
but it will take time before that starts to translate into price
stability.”
Citywide unadjusted benchmark prices were $417,100 in January.
This is slightly lower than the previous month and nearly one per cent
lower than last year’s levels.
Benchmark prices eased, but there were some modest improvements
in both the average and median prices. This is likely a reflection of
some changes in the distribution of sales.
HOMEADVICE
31