WINDWALK - FIRST MIKE HOLMES COMMUNITY GRANTED APPROVALS

TORONTO, Aug. 19 /CNW/ - Wind Walk—the first Holmes Community—has been granted the second and third reading of the ASP (Area Structure Plan) application by the MD of Foothills. Pending demonstration of sufficient surface water to supply Phases 2 and 3 of the development the community development will proceed.

"This is the cumulation of more than two years of work in partnership with the MD. We've addressed issues related to water and existing services. We are excited to have the support of the MD as we continue to seek regional solutions," says Seth Atkins, Director, Holmes Homes. "The mandate for Holmes Communities is to integrate responses to regional challenges and leave behind a model for sustainable growth."

"This is another step in the process, and I know that very soon we'll have shovels in the ground," says Mike Holmes. "The MD Foothills made the right decision and they should be congratulated for their vision. They asked us to demonstrate we have enough water to allow for the development and we gave them the assurances they need. They've shown their support for this world-class sustainable development, and we commend them for stepping up. There are still hurdles to cross, but we're going to make this community, and we're going to Make it Right."

Wind Walk incorporates an integrated water management strategy that includes water conservation and an onsite wastewater treatment facility. Stormwater runoff will be channeled to retention ponds and used to irrigate public parks and recreational spaces and to recharge the aquifer.

Wind Walk is a mixed-use planned community, including plans for 457 single and multiple family homes, as well as green commercial and retail development, recreational facilities and a school. A compact, walkable community, featuring high-performance green homes designed to reduce consumption and the impact on the environment--it is the first development of its kind in Canada.

The Holmes Group and its development partner Alberta Foothills Properties Limited brings in international partners including Cisco, Enmax and GE to implement a world class development that strives to be one of the first energy export residential communities through the integration of Smart Grid and solar and wind technologies.

For progress updates and more information about the community, please visit www.windwalk.ca, where the new ASP (Area Structure Plan) has been posted.  Sales information for Wind Walk will be available through the website soon.

For further information:

Liza Drozdov, Director of Communications, The Holmes Group at: [email protected]