Harmony Developments Inc. staff is hoping to make its mark on the Springbank landscape as soon as frost is out of the ground.
Birol Fisekci, president and CEO of Bordeaux Developments – the developers for the project, presented an update of the development to members of the Rocky View County (RVC) Policy and Priorities Committee (PPC) March 4.
“RVC has shown true leadership and trust in our process throughout the entire genesis and evolution of Harmony, from the planning stages through the undeniable support we have received for our approvals to date. It was our pleasure to speak with the PPC so that we could update both new and returning councillors on the progress Harmony has made to date,” said Fisekci.
Harmony Developments Inc. will be located northwest of the Springbank Airport.
It received RVC conceptual scheme approval in 2007, and the necessary county approvals for stage one of the development in 2012.
Fisekci said stripping and grading of stage one of the site is expected to begin this spring with showhome sites ready by the end of this year.
The first phase will include 224 homes, said Fisekci, adding they are expected to begin appearing on the market in late 2015.
He said the developers also plan to submit an application to the county for stage two of the development this year, which would require conceptual scheme, redesignation and subdivision approvals from RVC council.
At full build-out, the 1,700-acre development would include 3,500 residential units to accommodate about 10,000 people, a multi-purpose lake amenity, parks and open spaces, community services, a community village centre, two 18-hole golf courses and a business employment area.
“It will be a true age-in-place community that will focus on seniors care, and creating diverse tax base through Harmony’s business campus. It’s about providing a rich tapestry of recreational and cultural amenities for both the residents of Harmony and visitors to Harmony,” said Fisekci.
Based on studies conducted by consulting firms, Fisekci said the developers expected the project to be economic contributor to the county and to the province at full build-out.
“It’s going to create $6 billion in economic activity; 25,640 jobs during the duration of construction; 7,640 permanent jobs through the business campus and automotive operations in Harmony; $8.3 million in property taxes annually; $8 million in school taxes annually; and $46.8 million in one-time fees such a building permit and application fees and land development fees to RVC,” explained Fisekci, adding the development will also generate $5.6 million in annual cash flow to the county.
Fisekci also announced Qualico Communities would be joining the project as an equal-venture partnership.
Karen Finley, vice president of community development for Southern Alberta, said the company was “pleased” to be a new partner.
