Those of you who are thinking of diversifying your real estate portfolio, or who travel to western Canada often on business and need a pied-à-terre, may want to look to Calgary, where an urban metamorphosis is going on. The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) has a remarkable redevelopment underway on the 49-acre property between historic Fort Calgary and the downtown core. Part of the Rivers District Revitalization Plan, this community is situated at the confluence of the scenic Elbow and Bow Rivers. The design for the area will transform it into a vibrant, mixed-use, creative neighbourhood with outstanding recreational, dining and residential opportunities. The East Village is changing the way people look at Calgary by providing a beautiful and convenient link for urban explorers.

Baker Real Estate now has the exclusive Toronto listing for FIRST by Fram Building Group and Slokker Group. This will be the first residential condominium constructed in Calgary’s new urban village. Livability is the key driving factor in the redevelopment, and FIRST certainly offers that – for incredible prices. Suites start from the mid-$200,000s, or approximately $500 per square foot. You can find that kind of pricing in the GTA, but not in downtown Toronto. At FIRST condominium, your suite will be just a stroll to Calgary’s urban centre and the scenic natural areas along the rivers.

Part of CMLC’s rejuvenation includes a new bridge being built to St. Patrick’s Island, which along with St. George’s Island are a stone’s throw from East Village. St. Patrick’s Island features a picturesque park that is also being improved to serve all residents of Calgary. Suite owners at FIRST will be able to walk out of the condominium and access RiverWalk, which meanders four km along the south side of the Bow River, and eventually along the west bank of the Elbow River to Lindsay Park. RiverWalk will be an important part of everyday life, offering benches, picnic areas, outlooks, a wide public plaza, terraced steps to the riverbanks, designated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, native plantings and more.

That covers “live” and “play” – and many FIRST residents will be able to add “work” to their lifestyle benefits. The nearby Bow Building, Canada’s tallest office tower outside Toronto, is nearly complete, and companies are moving into the lower floors. Those who work at the headquarters of EnCana Corporation and Cenovus Energy can commute on foot or by bicycle. And for those whose jobs take them farther from home, Calgary is home to C Transit, a light rail that runs right through the heart of East Village. Entertainment-lovers and sports fans will appreciate living close to Scotiabank Saddledome, as well as the new National Music Centre, which is slated for completion in 2014.

The excitement in Calgary is phenomenal as the entire east section of the city becomes invigorated. Now is the perfect time to be among the first to explore FIRST and all that the East Village has to offer. To find out more, visit www.baker-re.com.