Aug 22, 2021 | 9:00 AM
RD NEWS NOW
By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)
Construction of a new residential development near Sylvan Lake is in full swing.
Belterra Land Company recently began work on The Slopes of Sylvan Lake, which is situated on the lake’s northeast side between the summer villages of Birchcliff and Jarvis Bay.
Six homes are currently beginning or under construction, with two executive villas and an additional four architectural styles approved for spring 2022. Upon completion, The Slopes will have 49 lots of .15 acres, .35 acres and .75 acres. North-end lots will have unobstructed views of Sylvan Lake.
Developers believe this project will breath new life into the area.
It will be the first under the 2010 Sylvan Lake Area Structure Plan to align with local government vision for an active and vibrant lakeshore community.
“We never anticipated 2021, being the year. After everything our province has been through since 2015, and then COVID and our phone starts ringing off the hook. We’re in shock, but at the same time, so happy to see the Slopes’ vision finally come to life,” says Chris Artibello, company president.
“Timing is everything. Now people are wanting not only more space to be outside, but also to connect their families to the natural environment in a very real way. Working from home with the subtle sounds of the lake in the background feels like the future for many of us.”
The Slopes has allotted 25 acres (50 per cent of the development) to be left natural and undisturbed. This way, residents can enjoy meaningful amenities and regional trail network connections, they say. It will also have a year-round recreation area, including multi-purpose sport court with visitor parking, washrooms, picnic tables, BBQs and playground.
‘Conservation by design’ is a key element of the developer’s thinking, with an eye toward maximizing preservation of natural areas and existing stands of deciduous and coniferous trees.
Ponoka native Jeremy Woodfin, is president of Sova Ventures and owner of Birchstone Homes, both of which — along with SAKA Builder + Craftsman — are development partners.
“We visited The Slopes and fell in love with the development. So much so, that I decided it was a good time to come home,” he says. “We are proud of what has happened in such a short period of time and we will be happy to welcome six families like my own to the development.”
The Slopes features a communal piped water system with a state-of-the-art water treatment facility. Each lot in the development will be free of septic fields as it’s serviced by the Sylvan Lake Regional Wastewater Line.
It also incorporates a pressurized water and on-site storage system with fire protection.
The developer is celebrating the start of construction with a ‘Summer Shindig at The Slopes‘ for the public to attend.
The event runs from 12-5 on Aug. 28, and will include tours, live music (including Jamie Woodfin, Dylan Gillet and Steve Arsenault), entertainment and giveaways.
More information is at theslopessylvanlake.com.