A community developer transforms a piece of land into a well-designed, cohesive community where people will live, connect, and create lasting memories. Long before home construction begins, the developer is envisioning all the elements of the community, including roadways, utilities, landscaping, and shared spaces. Here, we’ll provide some behind-the-scenes details about the community developer’s role.
TAKING THE LEAD
Community developers guide a land development project from concept to completion by planning, coordinating, and overseeing each stage of the process.
To propose a new community, the community developer creates a conceptual Community Plan showing road networks, residential and commercial land uses, school sites, parks, and other amenities. The Community Plan also incorporates a viable utility network, including water mains, storm and sanitary sewers, electrical, natural gas, and telecommunications. This early design stage involves close collaboration with engineers, surveyors, and municipal planners. The conceptual plans for a community are often informed by an already existing Area Structure Plan. The completed Community Plan is then presented to City Council for pending approval.
Did you know? Many of the elements that are carefully planned and installed by the Community Developer — for example, water mains, sewers, electrical, natural gas, and telecommunications — will be completely invisible to the homeowner.
PREPARING THE LAND
At Qualico Communities Edmonton, we aim to build communities in locations that support long-term growth for the Edmonton region and its residents. Once the land is acquired, it typically takes four or more years to have a Community Plan approved and to begin initial construction. This is due to the many technical requirements that must be met prior to construction, including:
- Reports and studies. A comprehensive series of tests and studies are performed on the area to assess elements such as transportation impact, historical considerations, noise, geotechnical and biophysical factors, and the ecological impact on wildlife and plants.
- Engineering. Community developers hire engineers to diligently design every detail of the urban environment, and ultimately the municipality approves their design. Examples of engineering design tasks include the slope of roads, the placement of streetlights, the location of sewage drains, and the presence of storm ponds.
- Construction. Once the municipality approves the engineering design, community developers hire contractors to create the underlying infrastructure in accordance with the approved design.
Did you know? It’s a common misconception that the City finances the construction of roads and other physical elements that form the foundation of a community. In fact, it’s usually the community developer that coordinates and pays for essential components such as roads, sidewalks, sewers, parks, and streetlights. The developer then maintains all facets of a community’s infrastructure for a minimum of two years. Once a community passes a municipal inspection, its maintenance becomes the City’s responsibility. Residents also make a positive contribution to their community’s overall appearance by mowing their boulevard, shovelling snow, and keeping their property well-maintained.
CREATING BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS
Communities are thoughtfully planned with people in mind. Another important role of the community developer is to create outdoor spaces and amenities that bring people together, such as parks, playgrounds, ponds, pathways, trees, and other landscaping. Many elements of community planning are guided and shaped by the municipality and the Area Structure Plan. A community may also benefit from its proximity to existing or planned City infrastructure, such as public transportation, schools, and recreation facilities.
Similar to the installation of less-visible elements such as natural gas and electrical lines, the beautification of the community happens at the discretion and expense of the community developer. At Qualico Communities, we go above and beyond to enhance our communities with family-friendly playgrounds and other attractive amenities such as multi-use trails, ponds, picnic sites, splash pads, and sports fields. Our goal is to provide unique, welcoming spaces for families to enjoy year-round.
Did you know? Some of the features of our Qualico Communities playgrounds in Edmonton and the surrounding area are the first of their kind in our region, such as the high-tech Yalp Memo playground in Marquis.
COLLABORATING WITH HOME BUILDERS
Once a community developer has been granted approval from the municipality to move forward, they work with engineers and contractors to create lots. The lots are defined, divided into phases, and sold to Home Builders. After purchasing the lots from the community developer, Home Builders can begin selling to prospective home buyers. As such, Home Builders are the clients of the community developer, and home buyers are the clients of the Home Builders.
To construct the new homes in our growing communities, Qualico Communities Edmonton works closely with trusted Home Builders. As you purchase your new home, the Home Builder will guide you through the purchase and customization process.
While the Home Builder is responsible for constructing your brand-new home, our job as the community developer is to design the community’s physical infrastructure and enhance its overall setting through natural elements and outdoor amenities. We start the process from the ground up, and our mission is to create an outstanding community for you and your family. The Home Builders are an important partner in that mission.
Did you know? Qualico Communities creates a consistent look and feel throughout the community through its Architectural Guidelines. This usually includes four to six distinctive architectural styles with specific exterior materials.
PROVIDING SUPPORT
Throughout the development process, the community developer will communicate updates, build amenities, and initiate new phases of development. At Qualico Communities Edmonton, our website, digital newsletters and social media accounts promote our communities and provide the latest information to prospective buyers.
As a community developer, we can also help respond to residents’ questions or concerns. While a community’s phases are still in development, we can assist with topics such as zoning, future development areas, landscaping parameters, and community maintenance. As a general rule, if you have a question about your home or property, please contact the Home Builder. If you have a query about the community in general, contact the community developer.
Did you know? In addition to individual websites for each of our communities, Communities Edmonton has an Instagram account and a Facebook page.
As you can see, there is a significant amount of care and consideration that goes into creating a community. We do this to ensure we’re providing a safe and attractive setting for your dream home, with nearby amenities that will enhance your daily life. Thoughtful planning today helps create communities that are vibrant and sustainable for years to come.
For more information about Qualico Communities in Edmonton and the surrounding area, please visit our website.