Red Deer

Red Deer

The home sales for Red Deer increased 22 percent from April 2013 to April 2014, reaching the third highest marker in any month in history.  There were 569 units sold according to the report from the Central Alberta REALTORS® Association. As well, the dollar value for all home sales of the same time period rose thirty percent from the previous year “to the highest level of any month on record.”

With commercial and residential opportunities growing, and dollar values up on home sales throughout Alberta, Red Deer and the surrounding communities are benefitting tremendously by numbering amongst some of the fastest growing communities in Canada.

Blackfalds

These communities include Blackfalds, whose population numbered 7,275 according to the 2013 municipal census – with the majority of the population between 21 and 45 years of age. Described as a community built on family values, Blackfalds sees expansion created through focus and vibrant energy. The central location and easy access to two major highways provides Blackfalds with good routes for transportation to support commercial business and investments. Recreational facilities include a Multiplex – including an ice rink; ball diamonds, skate board park, spray park, trails, soccer fields and community center: attractions to keep both residents and visitors happy and entertained.

Penhold

Incorporated as a Village in 1904, Penhold has grown to enjoy the status as a town with population growth increasing in the 1970s. Located south of Red Deer at the junction of two major highways, Penhold was originally a designated stop for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Penhold has a number of attractions including a museum, recreation centre and outdoor ice rink.

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake is situated west of Red Deer on the southeast edge of the freshwater Sylvan Lake, and along the Highway 11. The locale is a tourist destination for golfing, go-carting, sandy beaches, volleyball, swimming, paddleboats, sea-doos, water-skiing and the Waterslide Park. Campgrounds are popular in the summer and ice fishing and cross-country skiing are winter activities.  Festivals and different events are hosted in Sylvan Lake such as Jazz at the Lake – a four-day music experience, and thrill sports come under the umbrella of the Shake the Lake events.

Lacombe

To the north of Red Deer and south of Edmonton, the city of Lacombe is located in the fertile valleys between central Alberta’s rolling parkland, prairies to the east and the Rocky Mountain foothills to the west.  The 2011 Census numbers 11,707 Lacombe residents who enjoy and support the local agricultural economy, which is also supplemented by the oil and gas industry. The intriguing history of Lacombe dates back to 1880 when the first land surveys took place, and an interesting relationship with the Cree and Blackfoot First Nations. The downtown of Lacombe’s Main Street is lined with Edwardian buildings, and still boasts the oldest operating blacksmith shop – now the Lacombe Blacksmith Shop Museum, the Flatiron Museum, and Michener House Museum and Archives. Lacombe has been used as a location for a number of films based upon towns in the early 1900s.

Red Deer and the nearest neighbouring communities are collectively enjoying the diversity of all the communities combined and they continue to add much vibrancy, energy and a united sense of purpose, prosperity and the gains – fulfillment.