Two Edmonton area communities starting with the letter A have received top honors at the BILD Edmonton Metro Awards of Excellence in Housing. Alces, located in the city's southeast, was named Best New Community, while Ardrossan, near Sherwood Park, took the title of Best Community.
Alces: A Fast-Growing Neighborhood
Alces, pronounced Al-sis, broke ground in 2023 and is experiencing rapid development with four to five housing stages added annually. Michael Schroder, development manager for Cantiro, noted that the neighborhood is on pace to be completed in about half the time of the adjacent Hills at Charlesworth, which took 12 years. Alces features diverse housing styles including Contemporary, Modern Prairie, Nordic, and West Coast exteriors, with options ranging from single-family homes to townhomes.
Amenities and Community Design
Schroder emphasized that Alces stands out for its amenities and gathering spaces, such as a park with a playground, pump track, basketball court, and pathways designed for everyday connection. The neighborhood currently has about 650 lots with housing built or under construction, with an additional 280 lots planned and 200 more to be serviced this year.
Ardrossan: Country Urban Living
Ardrossan, east of Sherwood Park, offers a country take on urban living and continues to expand with new stages. The community's design focuses on blending rural charm with modern conveniences, providing ample green space and room for growth.
Recognition and Impact
Both communities were selected from a competitive field, including Quarry Landing, Starling South, and Weston at Edgemont. The awards are expected to boost interest and development in these areas, as noted by Schroder, who believes the recognition will help Edmontonians realize the value of these neighborhoods.
Builders in Alces include Akash Homes, Art Homes, Bedrock Homes, and several others, offering a wide range of housing options. The Hills at Charlesworth, also developed by Cantiro, won Best Community in 2023, highlighting the company's consistent success in creating award-winning communities.
