BY KATHY MCCORMICK, CALGARY HERALD APRIL 21, 2011

Everyone loves water, so living in a community that has its own private lake as a focal point is a bonus.

But for one particular community, it’s not just the lake — it’s everything else that has put it in the spotlight.

Brookfield Residential Properties (formerly Carma Developers) won two developer awards for its Auburn Bay community in southeast Calgary.

The honour was announced at the recent Calgary region SAM (Sales and Marketing) gala.

Auburn Bay was awarded the Community of the Year, while its estate phase won Show Home Parade of the Year.

The development has resonated with buyers, says Trevor Huber, senior development manager for Brookfield Residential Properties.

“The thing I hear the most from residents is that they like the feel,” he says.

“I think we have done a good job of our cottage country theme. It’s like a year-round vacation spot — getting away from the city — and it’s been consistent throughout the community.”

All market segments are included in Auburn Bay, from townhouses in the mid-$200,000s to duplexes in the upper $200,000s, as well as starter homes in the low $300,000s, move-up homes from the low $400,000s and estate homes from the low $600,000s.

The estate home parade features Morrison Homes and Albi Homes.

“There have been approximately 2,300 lots sold in Auburn Bay since its launch in 2005,” says Jessie Seymour, marketing manager, Calgary land for Brookfield Residential Properties. “It offers new home opportunities to suit any buyer’s needs.

“Currently there are four segment opportunities — townhomes, laned Homes, move-up or front-attached-garage homes, and estate homes. There are currently 22 active show homes in Auburn Bay.”

Runners up for community of the year were (in order): New Brighton and Cranston (both Brookfield Residential Properties) and Copperfield, Hopewell Residential Communities’ development.

All are in southeast Calgary.

Runners up (in order) for best show home parade were Auburn Bay’s move-up parade, as well as New Brighton and Cranston’s starter parade.

Again, all are Brookfield Residential Properties’ neighbourhoods in southeast Calgary.