A Calgary developer has set his sights on creating an all-season recreational development just west of Sundre.
The 350- to 450-lot RV and cottage development is proposed for a 120-acre site that includes a lake and scenic creek.
Aspen Springs Four Seasons RV Resort would be a gated community catering to those looking to take advantage of the province’s recreational property boom.
The project has been proposed by Calgary’s Aspen Springs Capital Inc., a company specializing in land syndication and development. The company plans to manage the project from start to finish. Complete build-out is expected to take three to five years and when completed could represent up to $80 million worth of investment.
Bill Sander, president and co-founder of Aspen Springs Capital, said the development will be aimed at retired people who are looking for a getaway.
Statistics Canada has estimated 373,000 Albertans will hit retirement age in the next decade.
“A third of the population across Canada is going to be retiring in the next 10 years. So where do they go? Most people can’t afford to travel south or (buy) properties in the south.”
The company has already pitched the project at 13 shows last year and interest levels were encouraging, he said.
“We’re trying to make fully serviced lots, fully four-season, and just make them affordable so people can afford recreational or live out there year-round.”
The project would be built in phases. “Some of them will be RVs and the other (phases) will be park models and cottages.”
Prices will range from $49,900 up to $109,000 for lots fronting a 42-acre manmade lake that will be dug out and filled by natural springs. Quarter share lots are also available starting at around $19,000.
Bearberry Creek runs through the property, which allows about 55 per cent of lots to be close to water.
Sander said Sundre offers a good location because it has a hospital and other services and Olds offers a retail centre.
“So you get the country living with all the amenities.”
Land prices are also more palatable than around Calgary. “That’s how we’re able to keep costs down.”
The Mountain View County site is located within an area zoned for recreation. An area structure plan is in the works and approvals must be lined up with the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans and Alberta Environment.
It is expected that final approvals will be in place by fall next year. “If we get approval for the area structure plan we’ll start building the lake next year.”
The first residents could be moving in the following year.
Sander has built a number of condominium projects in Calgary and the company is now pursuing bare land condominium opportunities.
He is also working on a pair of recreational resorts in Mexico’s Baja area. Lots are almost ready for sale at a 205-lot project in Puerto Penasco. A 474-lot project is also proposed for Bay of Conception.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com