Mayor Ted Clugston cuts the ceremonial two-by-four at the opening of the 2021 Parade of Homes on Wednesday afternoon on Coulee Ridge Drive in Medicine Hat while Canadian Homebuilders Association spokesman Garry Ruff (left) and president Joel Bosch hold it steady.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Seven local homebuilders’ wares are now on display in the 2021 Parade of Homes in Medicine Hat, which according to organizers is not only one more than last year, but a world of difference from 12 months ago.
“There’s always a lot of change over the years,” said Canadian Homebuilders Association spokesman Garry Ruff and event organizing chair. “And the builders who have stepped up really have to be congratulated.”
The annual showcase event opened Wednesday and will run through Oct. 3.
It is a chance for construction companies and suppliers to show off designs and completed product, but that’s come with some challenges with price surges and labour shortages in the last two years.
However, recent figures from the city’s planning office show as many new home projects (37) were issued permits through this past July than in all of 2020. That’s also almost double the 20 permits let in all of 2019.
Mayor Ted Clugston says the sector is strong and builders are reacting well in uncertain times.
“Building each house is a mini economic driver,” he said.
Three homes in this year’s parade are located in the new Coulee Ridge community, two in the Hamptons or Vista area of south Medicine Hat, one each in Southlands and Dunmore.
Seven different builders each entered one home, up from six last year when the event was centred at Coulee Ridge, which hadn’t yet seen a foundation laid.
Coulee Ridge Developments principal Rich Frontain told the News the first phase is 50 per cent sold.
“If you think about it, one year ago, we had a field and a big tent, where we had a virtual reality tour on the parade of homes,” said Frontain.
“Just take a look at what’s here now. It’s remarkable.”
What’s visible at the site north of S. Boundary road, near the Desert Blume turnoff, are about half a dozen homes ready for occupation, others with nearly completed exteriors and the same number under construction. The intention is to pour eight more basements this fall.
CHBA president Joel Bosch says the sector appears to have stabilized from relative flux during the pandemic, and he hopes that carries over to the fall and winter.
He also said the public can expect to see creativity and modern homebuilding on display in this year’s parade.
“All of them are pretty cool, very customized homes with some different styles and unique looks,” he said. “I have a feeling people aren’t going to be seeing too much of the same thing.”
The event has set viewing hours of 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday’s and Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The homes (with builders in parenthesis) are located at:
– 302 Yuma Court, Dunmore (Jasper Homes);
– 677 Vista Drive, (Timbercreek Homes);
– 21 Hamptons Gate (Remcon Builders);
– 43 Coulee Ridge Drive (Belcore Homes);
– 27 Coulee Ridge Drive (Brost Developments);
– 24 Coulee Ridge Drive (Lacey Homes);
– 103-401 Southlands Blvd. (New Rock Developments).
