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Proposed community concerns those already living in neighbourhood

Some DeWinton-area residents aren’t pleased about a proposed 1,076 home development near the small hamlet.

Some DeWinton-area residents aren’t pleased about a proposed 1,076 home development near the small hamlet.

The Meadows of DeWinton, a proposed 300-acre development at Highway 2 and 2A, will have about 300 starter homes, 300 move-up homes and 300 villas, as well as seniors’ living facilities.

Will Kitchen, area resident and realtor, said the plan is flawed.

“It’s the real estate value that’s the biggest concern in the community they’re putting in,” said Kitchen. “I don’t like the fact they’re coming in and throwing a whole new demographic to an estate community that all of us as residents, and my clients, have built over the years into the community that it is.”

He said introducing higher-density starter homes in the $300,000 range could have an adverse affect on the value of multi-million dollar homes in nearby developments.

He’s also concerned about how the concept will work in a rural setting in the MD. He said he’s skeptical about the seniors’ complexes being in the middle of the MD rather than closer to amenities like pharmacies and hospitals.

“I’ve got multiple clients right now in their sixties and the first thing they ask is how close is the urgent care and the Shopper’s Drug Mart and things like that,” said Kitchen. “There will be nothing of that.”

While he said he’s aware the MD is planning more develop in the area, Kitchen said the proposed area structure plan isn’t a good fit.

Kitchen said he intends to gather names on a petition ahead of the June 14 public hearing to argue against the Meadows of DeWinton.

“There will be resistance, there is no doubt there will be resistance,” said Kitchen. “Just nobody is willing to speak up at these open houses because they’re talking to a developer and they’re not going to change their plan.”

Bryan Fenske, one of two partners leading the Meadows of DeWinton project, said that’s not true at all. After the first open house, they heard concerns from residents about the proximity of the neighbourhood to established estate homes and as a result they cut back 117 acres from the north end of the initial plans, he said.

“We told them we’ve cut back the subdivision to give them a buffer, respecting their complaint and wishes,” said Fenske.

He said the Meadows of DeWinton will make the surrounding area more attractive for potential buyers because it will bring amenities like a school, play fields and convenience services.

“If kids can walk across a field and go to school, I think that adds value,” said Fenske.

He said there are other benefits of having more dense development in the growth corridor. The Meadows of DeWinton will place three to five homes per acre rather than estate acreages with one house per three to five acres, which preserves more of the natural land, he said.

Fifty per cent of the proposed development area will remain natural with planted native grasses, he said.

More importantly, he said it’s important for people to note the homes will not all be in the starter range. While the intent is to have a large offering of affordable homes for young families, he said DeWinton Meadows will include a range of options from $300,000 to multi-million estates on the ridge overlooking the coulee.

“Our price range is really all over the map,” said Fenske.

The part that excites him most is being able to offer retirement villa-style homes and seniors facilities for those who want to stay in the MD as they age, he said. The assisted-living facilities will allow seniors the freedom to remain in the city and any concerns about the location of the development in proximity to larger centres are unfounded, he said.

“The hospital, well, it’s 10 minutes away,” said Fenske. “Not very many people in Calgary or Okotoks could get in a car and rush their loved one to a hospital in 10 minutes.”

In addition to an on-site pharmacy and shuttle service at the assisted-living facility, he said the location is well-suited for seniors.

“Our community will be a jewel of an ‘age-in-place’ community that many local residents are more than excited about and looking forward to,” said Fenske.

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