A multi-award-winning community development, the Village at Griesbach in Edmonton is proof that when heritage, beauty and sustainability are brought together, award-winning design is the result.
The Village at Griesbach’s development began in 2003 when Canada Lands purchased the 620-acre site (the former Canadian Forces Base Edmonton) from the Department of National Defence. The community’s master plan uses a new urbanism approach, a design philosophy that promotes socially integrated, connected and engaged community planning for the benefit of residents. The Village at Griesbach is one of the first master-planned communities in Edmonton to showcase this philosophy. Principles of the design approach include increased walkability, green streets and transportation, higher density and mixed-use development.
It’s hard to miss the integration of these principles into the Village at Griesbach’s design. The vibrant and bustling community includes walking trails and paths, tree-lined streets, four lakes, a central park and a two-acre community garden (developed in cooperation with the City of Edmonton). Almost 25 per cent of the site has been dedicated to the preservation or creation of parks, lakes and green spaces, representing the highest allocation in Edmonton.
The houses at Village at Griesbach are equally unique. Many of the homes leverage character designs and include rear-attached garages and carriage suites. The community has been zoned to allow for homes of different housing types to be built side-by-side, something largely unseen in traditional residential developments.
Though the redevelopment has completely transformed the former military base, Canada Lands is committed to ensuring its legacy lives on. Over the years, the company has developed a series of public spaces, monuments, displays and parks in recognition of Canada’s military heritage and those who have served the country. Perhaps most notable is the community name itself – “Griesbach” refers to Major General William Antrobus Griesbach, a decorated First and Second World War veteran.
The Village at Griesbach’s design and consistent incorporation of sustainability and heritage have earned the community widespread recognition and acclaim, both from its peers and homeowners. A section of the community received LEED* Gold certification for neighbourhood development – the first project in Edmonton to receive this prestigious international designation.
In addition to its LEED-ND designation, the Village at Griesbach remains the only Edmonton neighbourhood to receive four Awards of Excellence from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (Alberta) for “Best Development” in just six years. Additionally, the community is a seven-time winner of CHBA’s “Best Community” award.
When complete, the community will include almost 5,000 houses, 38 acres of commercial and mixed-use land and 112 acres dedicated to open spaces, parks and schools.
To learn more about the Village at Griesbach, please click here.
