Lots and Homes

How many homes will there be?
Phase IA, which is currently being developed, will have 40 single family lots. Future phases will be developed in response to demand. When all phases are completed, there will be a total of I86 lots: 112 along the channel, 39 lake-facing lots adjacent to the conservation area, and 35 conventional lots.

When can I purchase a lot?
For information about purchasing at Windmill Harbour, please register with us.

When will home construction begin?
The condo subdivision plan was registered 11 Mar 09. All services are installed. House construction can start immediately.

What is the ownership structure for homes and lots?
The property will be developed as a bareland condominium, which means lot (unit) owners will have title to their lot and be responsible for maintenance of the lot and house. The roads, utilities and recreation facilities will be common property, and they will be collectively owned and maintained by the condo corporation (and therefore by all condo owners).

Will there be monthly condominium fees?
Yes, although the actual fees will not be determined until the major construction costs are finalized. Fees will be determined by an independent consultant, as required by the Condominium Act, and they will likely be lower than conventional condo fees because Windmill Harbour owners will maintain their own houses and yards

Will the homes have rural or urban services?
All lots will be fully serviced to urban standards and suitable for year-round living. Services will include quality drinking water – which will be purified and distributed to every lot – from on-site wells. There will also be underground sewer and storm sewer systems, natural gas, power, phones, and high-speed internet.

How will sewage be handled?
All of the development’s waste water will be removed via an approved underground system, and then sent to a municipal sewer system or a specially constructed treatment plant.

Will there be a choice of home builders?
Yes – discussions are currently under way with several home builders. Buyers will be able to choose from pre-approved builders and an array of floor plans.

Are there size restrictions or architectural controls on the homes?
Yes. Both the County zoning bylaw and the development’s architectural guidelines will be used to ensure consistent quality and integrity throughout the development. The minimum size of home allowed is 111 sq m (1,195 sq ft)

What will be the square footage of homes, on average?
The average is expected to be from 1,500 to 1,800 sq ft. The lots are sized to accommodate mid-range homes that are large enough for year-round residences but also appropriate for recreational use.

When will show homes be available for viewing?
Show home construction will likely begin in the summer/fall of 2009.

Can I use my own builder, or construct my own home?
There is a provision for lot owners to build their own home or use their own builder, providing architectural guidelines are met and dwellings are erected within a set time period. Full details will be outlined in the architectural guidelines included in the Disclosure Package.

Where can homeowners store boats, snowmobiles or other property?
These items can be stored privately by individual homeowners. There is also a privately owned secure storage near the development.

Water channel and Lac Ste Anne

What’s unique about the development’s channel concept?
The development is unique in that none of the homes will be constructed along the lakeshore. Instead, all homes will be constructed inland and residents can access the lake via the water channels that run through the development.

Why did the developers opt for a channel design rather than conventional lake-front footage?
Conventional developments allow only a few homeowners, typically 10 – 20% of lot owners, to enjoy direct access to the lake, and lot prices are often out of the reach of most potential buyers. Windmill Harbour’s channel concept gives 80% of lot owners direct access to the lake via the water channel.

How do homeowners access the lake from their property?
To access the lake, homeowners along the channel can build a pier on the channel behind their lots, and then navigate along the channel out to Lac Ste. Anne. Residents can also access the lake from the on-site marina.

Where does the channel water come from?
The channel is filled with water from the lake. The channel water will be aerated to maintain oxygen levels and reduce algae.

Will filling of the channel cause water levels in the lake to drop?
No. The lake is 21 square miles, and the volume of water needed to fill the channel is so minimal. There will be no measurable impact on lake levels.

Recreation and amenities

What amenities will there be on site?
Construction of amenities is expected to begin in 2010 and 2011. These will include a club house, marina, swimming pool, splash park, walking trails and paved courtyard areas.

Can non-residents use Windmill Harbour’s amenities?
On-site amenities, such as the marina and club house, are for use by residents and their guests only. The entire property will be fenced and gated for security.

Are there commercial services nearby?
Yes – the development is just 3 km west of Alberta Beach, where residents can access a full range of commercial services including grocery and liquor stores, restaurants and cafes, gas stations, public library, golf course, and dozens of other establishments.

Environmental integrity

What is the developer doing to preserve the environment?
The entire shoreline along the development has been designated as a conservation area, complete with an environmental management plan to protect waterfowl nesting areas. The developer has erected a temporary sound berm to shield waterfowl while construction activity is under way. Once construction is completed, the nesting area will be fenced off to prevent residents and animals from disturbing the area.

How will channel construction affect the lake?
For nearly seven years, the developer has been working with regulatory officials to obtain all necessary approvals and permits to ensure the lake is protected. Officials from Lac Ste. Anne County, Alberta Environment, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Environment Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have all been involved in the approval process.

Will homes be environmentally friendly?
Yes. Builders will be encouraged to use construction methods that comply with the Build Green® certification program.