RE/MAX Real Estate Blog

While past articles have highlighted the charm of Edmonton’s more historic communities, a new focus is turned towards the city’s newer or ongoing development projects. As Edmonton continues to expand ever outward, what do new residential communities have to offer in terms of housing, infrastructures, community facilities, and commercial amenities?

Windermere is one of Edmonton’s newer neighborhoods, which has begun to establish community roots. It is part of the larger area also known as Windermere, which also consists of the neighborhoods Ambleside, Glenridding Heights, Glenridding Ravine, and Keswick.Windermere is located in the city’s southwest, east of the river valley and south of Anthony Henday Drive.

Windermere Boundaries

The significance of the name Windermere, borrowed from a neighborhood in Cumbria, England, is in its root words ‘winder’ and ‘mere’ which mean ‘take one’s breath away’ and ‘’boundary’ or ‘landmark’ respectively, referring to it’s scenic proximity to the river valley which the area overlooks.

Though the community is new, the land has subsisted almost exclusively as an agricultural area historically. Approximately 80 dwellings in total existed when the land was formerly part of Strathcona County before its re-appropriation to the city of Edmonton in 1982. However it wasn’t until 2006 that city council created firm plans for residential development. The late 2000’s saw exponential growth of the area that continues into present day. By 2012 results from the municipal census concluded the neighborhood consisted of 1498 dwellings. 2009 showed a population of approximately 322, while 2012 showed a 563% increase to 2136 residents.

Ongoing Developments of the Area. Image Credit: City of Edmonton

According the development plans from the city of Edmonton’s neighbourhood profile:

“The plan for the Windermere neighborhood includes a range of housing types, densities and designs. Once complete, the neighborhood will include a mixed-use commercial center designed as a neighbourhood focal point, and a series of parks, pathways and institutional facilities which will be integrated with the residential development.”

Currents of Windermere is the most notable area of commerce in terms of area amenities. The open air shopping district boasts the city’s only VIP cinema, Cabelas outdoor and sporting goods store, 12 restaurants and coffee shops, as well as staple franchises like Wal Mart, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, and London Drugs. The district is also home to dental, optometric, and medical clinics to better serve the community.

Click here to view homes available in Windermere or any Edmonton area of your choosing.

For the few romantics left out there (they seem to be a dying breed), we’ve compiled our favourite DIY projects to create this Valentine’s day. They are simple and inexpensive, two words you don’t often hear associated with the oft dreaded V-Day. Click on photos and titles to follow the links for super simple instructions!

1. For the Love of Wine

Crafty yet classy, this wine heart adds a romantic touch to a centrepiece (and is a great excuse to polish off a bottle or two!)

2. Paper Roses

These delicate blossoms can be made in any colour of tissue paper, depending on your decorating theme.

3. Marquee

Don’t be fooled, you don’t need to be particularly handy to pull this one off, it’s actually incredibly straightforward and can say any message you like.

4. iPods of Love

Though the instructions indicate that these adorable candy wrappings are for kids, I can think of more than a few adults who would love to get their hands on one of these custom candy iPods.

5. Printable Paper

This is crafty AND economical, saving you unnecessary expenses on gift wrap that you can simply print at home. It can be left black and white for a classic look, or coloured in if you’re feeling artsy.

6. Tea for Two

Who knew tea bags were SO easy to create? These lovingly handcrafted hearts would make anyone feel special and can be customized with favourite tea flavours.

7. Scrabble Frame 

Why put that old board game to good use and tell someone how you feel? This is such a thoughtful gift yet comes together SO quickly.