The 2024 Parade of Homes in Medicine Hat is now on after an opening reception Wednesday afternoon.--News Photo
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The homebuilding industry in Medicine Hat kicked off its autumn showcase of new offerings Wednesday hoping for a thaw this winter and movement in the residential construction sector.
Five homes from local builders make up the annual Parade of Homes lineup in four locations in Medicine Hat and Desert Blume, for public viewings until Oct. 12.
That includes custom designs meant to entice potential homebuyers at a lower price range than in years past, but still impress, said builders who took part in the opening reception.
“It’s no secret that (construction) costs are up, and that makes a difference,” said Gerhardt Brost, whose company Brost Developments hosted two dozen officials for the ceremonial two-by-four cutting in the community of Coulee Ridge.
“But people are willing to invest and that makes it interesting to provide a beautiful home. It’s the best investment a person can make and with a custom build, you get what you want.”
Mayor Linnsie Clark remarked on the stall in residential construction in recent years.
“You hear it everywhere in the news that everywhere across the country housing and affordability are major issues,” she told the crowd of industry officials. “Your efforts to continue building projects in challenging conditions are truly appreciated.”
Local real estate board officials have pointed to a lack of homes on the market, with few new builds coming on, as a main driver of home prices.
Figures from city planners show the new home construction sector has generally kept pace in 2024 with last year, but 2023 saw only about half the number of new homes built compared to two years earlier.
To the end of August, 17 new detached home permits had been issued in Medicine Hat, valued at a total of $6.4 million.
That’s more than 15 permits at the end of August 2023, but worth only slightly more.
Steve Heid, of Lacey Homes, said the new-home sector has been slower, but with a recent spike in inquiries from potential clients.
His firm has entered “a bungalow with a few special treats” for the public to view.
“Over the last few years we’ve been concentrating on doing projects that are a bit more cost specific,” said Heid. “But there are some amazing submissions from all the builders here.”
BILD Medicine Hat, formerly the Canadian Homebuilders Association, has staged the event for the last 16 years.
Board chair Garry Ruff told the audience the association has grown by six members this year, bringing the total to 50 contractors, sub-trade and service providers.
Parade of Homes locations are:
– 47 Coulee Ridge Dr., Brost Developments;
– 52 Dunes Way in Desert Blume, Wilde Homes;
– 3617 10th Ave. SW (Coulee Ridge), The Avenue by Coulee Ridge;
– 124 Hamptons Cres., Lacey Homes,
– 102, 29 Somerset Rd., Newrock Developments.
Viewings are available to the public starting today until Oct. 12, from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
