The rolling, windswept foothills of Calgary’s north are a powerful sight that brings nostalgic memories of its pioneer past, but the booming growth this sector has enjoyed over the past few years shows us the promise of the future. The opening of the first showhomes in the new community of Ambleton is keeping this promise alive.

The just-opened northwest neighbourhood of Ambleton is the perfect example of this sector’s rapid growth, as the young community displays much of the vibrancy and connection to nature that the northwest has become famous for.

Ambleton is being developed by Qualico Communities Calgary and can be seen as the sequel to its all-but-built-out, and exceedingly popular community of Evanston just across the road.

With laned homes and front-drive garage showhomes now open in the first phase and duplex homes and multi-family developments coming up soon, Ambleton has the similar diverse range in home options that has made Evanston so successful.

“What’s really great about this new community is its proximity to already established communities,” says Nina Wulder, Communications & Marketing Coordinator at Qualico Communities. “Shops, services, parks, pathways and bus route are all within five minutes of the community.”

Lying along Calgary’s northwestern edge, just off the 14 St. NW access to Stoney Trail, Ambleton is made up of 160 acres that will have just over 1,200 homes in eight phases. It will feature enhanced natural settings and views of the surrounding landscape with play areas and gathering places for its residents to enjoy.

The convenience of living here is made even more captivating by the huge number of already-established amenities nearby. The twin commercial centres of the Evanston Towne Centre and Evanston Plaza are at the very doorstep of the community, CrossIron Mills is a straight shot down Stoney Trail and Highway 2, and there is no shortage of public and separate schools in the vicinity. It’s also close to numerous employment hubs, not the least of which is the Calgary International Airport that’s just 15 minutes away.

Ambleton has gathered several of Calgary’s most prominent builders, and their expertise can already be seen in the newly opened showhomes.

In Phase 1 there are laned homes by Broadview Homes and Jayman BUILT starting in the mid $400’s and Front-Drive Garage Homes from Shane Homes, Sterling Homes and Trico Homes starting in the high $500’s. Condos, townhomes and duplexes are scheduled to be introduced in Phase 2.

Qualico Communities had launched an online promotion on Facebook in June to safely drum up interest in Ambleton and the new showhomes, and Wulder says it has been very warmly received while still keeping the well-being of staff and buyers in mind.

“We strongly recommend visitors make an appointment to view the showhomes with the builders. This way visitors can have a more in-depth conversation with the builder sales teams without any interruptions. Also, safety remains a priority and builders want to showcase their homes in the safest way possible.”

Wulder notes that pre-sale numbers have been great, and the momentum is continuing now that the showhomes are open. “The Facebook promotion is an opportunity for us to showcase the new showhomes in the community virtually in lieu of an in-person event. We also partnered with Shaw for an exclusive offer to buyers, and prizes for those who engage in the posts. There has been more engagement and interest in these events thanks to these added perks!”

What has been getting a lot of interest is the pond lots on Phase 1 that were the first to sell out.

“These lots will back onto the stormwater pond which will be the hub of the community. Laned homes have also been incredibly popular as well due to their affordability for first time homebuyers,” Wulder tells Calgary New Home + Condo Guide.

“Most buyers are coming from NW and NE Calgary and have been taking advantage of getting those established amenities nearby. We have a number of buyers coming from the Qualico communities of Evanston and Redstone, which speaks to the value and quality of our previous communities too,” she adds.

The storm pond is expected to become a focal point in the community for residents. “It will have pathways and sitting areas and provide a natural space where neighbours can gather,” Wulder says. “There will be one high school site and over seven kilometres of pathways winding through the community once it is completed.”

Ambleton is the latest development from Qualico Communities Calgary, adding to the nearly 40 previously established and current Qualico communities in the Calgary Region. “We take pride in developing communities where residents and neighbours can make memories that last a lifetime. At Qualico Communities we create what we believe in: Communities where people can live, thrive, and grow,” Wulder says.

Ambleton continues this dedication. “Calgary’s north is growing at an incredible pace, and it really has a lot to offer, but even if Evanston is almost finished, Qualico Communities’ Ambleton just next door is already up and running and very much continues our vision for growth and community in the area,” she adds.