What’s happening in the market today?

Rosenthal is West-end living with real everyday perks: lit trails, landscaped ponds, a destination spray park, and a floral playground—all within a newer, master-planned community that keeps day-to-day driving simple. If you want calm streets plus weekend-ready green space on your doorstep, Rosenthal deserves a walk-through. (Live in Rosenthal)

Where It Is (and why that helps)

Rosenthal sits in Lewis Farms on Edmonton’s far west side. Its borders are 231 Street (west), the future extension of Webber Greens Drive/87 Avenue (north), Winterburn Road/215 Street (east), and Whitemud Drive (south). That southern edge gives you a direct east–west corridor, while the clear boundary roads make local navigation straightforward. Established as a neighbourhood in 2009. (Wikipedia)

Parks, Play, and Open Space (you’ll actually use these)

This community was designed to get people outside, together:

• ~5 km of lit multi-use trails linking homes, parks, and ponds

• Water features throughout: waterfalls, fountains, a lit bridge, and benches along “babbling brooks”

• A destination spray park and floral-themed playground with two age-appropriate zones

• Mini-BMX track for younger riders

• Four-season spaces: a toboggan hill and open grassy fields

• A growing community garden for neighbourly connections
  These aren’t token pocket parks—you can spend a full morning here without leaving the neighbourhood. (Live in Rosenthal)

Trails: Rosenthal’s everyday differentiator

The lit path network is built for real life: evening stroller loops, quick dog walks, and kid-friendly bike rides that connect directly to parks and water features—without crossing major roads. It’s scenic and practical. (Live in Rosenthal)

Water, Landscaping, and Streetscapes

Curated landscaping—ponds with fountains, a lit bridge, seating nooks—turns short walks into destinations. Architectural controls guide siding colours, stone accents, and landscaping standards, keeping a cohesive, tidy look as the neighbourhood matures. (Live in Rosenthal)

Community Spirit: League, HOA, and how things run

Rosenthal’s Community League organizes local programs and events (think family activities, seasonal gatherings, and neighbourhood initiatives). Separately, the Homeowners Association (HOA) maintains enhanced features like community entries, boulevards, and other assets not covered by the City; membership is tied to property ownership. (The League and HOA are distinct organizations.) (rosenthalcommunityleague.ca, rosenthalhoa.com, Live in Rosenthal)

A Two-Hour “Sample Saturday” (try this loop)

1. Trail lap around the ponds on the lit multi-use paths.

2. Play stop at the floral playground; little riders can pop over to the mini-BMX.

3. Cool-down at the spray park; grab a bench by the water to watch the fountains.

4. Second loop at an easier pace—same paths feel brand-new with a different rhythm. (Live in Rosenthal)

Buyer’s Mini-Checklist for Rosenthal

• Walk it at dusk: check lighting and sightlines on the trail network. (Live in Rosenthal)

• Parks test: visit the playground and spray park with kids to gauge fit. (Live in Rosenthal)

• Streetscape check: look for consistency in exterior materials and landscaping (architectural controls). (Live in Rosenthal)

• Drive the edges: do a quick run to/from Whitemud Drive from the streets you’d use most. (Wikipedia)

FAQ

Where exactly is Rosenthal?
West Edmonton (Lewis Farms): 231 St (W), future Webber Greens Dr/87 Ave (N), Winterburn Rd/215 St (E), Whitemud Dr (S). (Wikipedia)

When did development start?
Rosenthal was established in 2009 through the Rosenthal Neighbourhood Structure Plan. (Wikipedia)

What outdoor amenities stand out?
About 5 km of lit trails; ponds/fountains with a lit bridge; a destination spray park; dual-zone floral playground; mini-BMX; a toboggan hill and open fields; and a community garden. (Live in Rosenthal)

Are the trails practical for daily use?
Yes—lighting and direct links to parks/water features make evening walks and kid-friendly rides easy without crossing major roads. (Live in Rosenthal)

Is there a cohesive look to the streets?
Yes—architectural controls guide exterior materials and landscaping standards across the community. (Live in Rosenthal)

Who runs community programming and who maintains shared features?
The Rosenthal Community League leads programming and events; the HOA maintains enhanced common features not handled by the City. They’re separate organizations. (rosenthalcommunityleague.ca, rosenthalhoa.com)

Ready to See If Rosenthal Fits?

I specialize in helping buyers find homes they love—without the guesswork. If Rosenthal is on your shortlist, let’s book a 30-minute neighbourhood tour tailored to what matters to you (routes, parks, day-to-day driving). Call or text Mike Pabian at 780-232-2064 and I’ll map the tour and next steps.

If you’ve been thinking about buying a condo in Alberta—whether it’s your first home, an investment property, or a way to downsize—you’re not alone. Condos are popular across the province, and Edmonton has a wide range of options, from sleek downtown high-rises to low-rise buildings in family-friendly neighbourhoods. But buying a condo is not quite the same as buying a detached house, and there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take to protect yourself.

This guide walks you through the Alberta condo buying process from start to finish, with a special focus on Edmonton-specific considerations like bylaw restrictions and electric vehicle (EV) challenges. You’ll learn what condo documents are (and why you need a professional to review them), how to spot red flags like special assessments, and what unique local rules could impact your lifestyle.

Understanding the Condo Buying Process in Alberta

The basic flow of buying a condo in Alberta is similar to purchasing any property—you get pre-approved for a mortgage, work with your Realtor® to find the right place, write an offer, and close the deal. But there are a few additional steps that are unique to condos.

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll typically have a condition for reviewing condo documents. These documents include the bylaws, financial statements, meeting minutes, reserve fund study, and insurance certificates. They’re meant to give you a full picture of how the condo corporation is managed, its financial health, and any upcoming issues that could affect your unit or your wallet (Condo Law for Albertans).

Here’s the critical part: a real estate agent is not qualified to review condo documents. In fact, any Realtor® who offers to do this for you is not upholding their fiduciary duty. Reviewing these documents is a specialized legal and financial task, and you should hire a qualified condo document review company or lawyer who focuses on this work. They know what to look for—things like underfunded reserve funds, pending lawsuits, or problematic bylaws—that could be easily missed by someone without that expertise (Alberta Real Estate Association).

The Condo Document Review Process

A proper condo document review will cover:

• Financial health of the corporation: Is the reserve fund adequate? Are operating budgets realistic? Is the condo corporation spending responsibly?

• Bylaw and rule compliance: Are there restrictions on pets, rentals, smoking, cannabis, or renovations that might affect you?

• Meeting minutes: Are there recurring complaints or unresolved maintenance issues?

• Reserve fund study: How soon will the roof, elevators, or other big-ticket items need replacing—and is there enough money set aside to cover them?

A professional review company will prepare a written report summarizing the key findings so you can make an informed decision. This service usually costs a few hundred dollars, but it can save you thousands—and spare you from years of headaches.

Special Assessments: The Surprise Bill No One Wants

Even a well-run condo corporation can hit unexpected expenses, like major building repairs after a storm or emergency mechanical failures. When there’s not enough in the reserve fund to cover these costs, the condo board may issue a special assessment—a one-time fee charged to each unit owner. Depending on the size of the expense, your share could be anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars (CMHC).

A good document review will give you clues about whether a special assessment is likely. Look for aging infrastructure, ongoing maintenance disputes, or a reserve fund balance that seems too low for a building of its size.

Edmonton-Specific Lifestyle and Bylaw Considerations

Buying a condo in Edmonton also means thinking about local lifestyle rules that might not come up in other markets.

Smoking and cannabis – In Edmonton, smoking cannabis or tobacco is legal in your own home, but condo boards can make their own rules that are more restrictive. Some prohibit smoking anywhere on the property, including inside units or on balconies, to avoid odour complaints and potential fire risks (City of Edmonton, Smoke-Free Housing Alberta). Even though federal law allows you to grow up to four cannabis plants at home, many condo corporations ban it entirely due to odour, mould, and insurance concerns (Dunn & Associates).

Electric vehicle (EV) ownership – If you drive an EV, condo life can get tricky. Most Edmonton condos, especially older ones, don’t have dedicated EV charging stalls. Installing chargers can require major electrical upgrades and board approval, plus figuring out how to bill residents fairly for electricity use (Metro EV, Hypercharge). The good news is that Alberta’s EV Charging Program offers rebates of up to 46% for condo corporations that install chargers. Still, if EV access is important to you, ask about it before you write your offer.

The Role of Unit Factors

When you buy a condo in Alberta, you’ll also see something on your paperwork called unit factors. These numbers represent your ownership share in the condo corporation. They’re used to calculate your share of condo fees and your voting power in owner decisions. Understanding unit factors is important because they directly affect what you’ll pay each month and how much influence you’ll have in condo matters (Condo Law for Albertans).

FAQ: Common Questions From First-Time Edmonton Condo Buyers

1. Can my Realtor® review my condo documents for me?
No. Realtors® are not trained or insured to review legal and financial documents of this nature. Hire a professional condo document review company or lawyer.

2. What is a special assessment?
It’s an extra one-time fee charged to condo owners when the corporation doesn’t have enough in its reserve fund to cover a big expense.

3. Are smoking and cannabis use allowed in Edmonton condos?
It depends on the building. While it’s legal in private residences, condo boards can set stricter rules that may ban it entirely.

4. Can I grow cannabis plants in my Edmonton condo?
Many condo bylaws prohibit growing cannabis—even though federal law allows it—due to safety and insurance concerns.

5. Are Edmonton condos EV-friendly?
Most aren’t. Ask about EV charging availability before buying, and be aware that adding infrastructure can be complex and costly.

6. What are unit factors?
They represent your ownership share in the condo corporation and are used to calculate condo fees and voting rights.

7. What taxes apply when buying a condo in Alberta?
There’s no provincial land transfer tax, but you will pay legal fees, registration costs, and possibly GST on new construction.

8. How much are condo fees in Edmonton?
Fees vary based on building age, amenities, and size, but average between $0.40 and $0.80 per square foot per month.

Final Thoughts

Buying a condo in Alberta can be a smart move—offering convenience, amenities, and a sense of community—but it requires careful due diligence. Understanding your building’s bylaws, finances, and potential challenges (like EV charging or smoking restrictions) will help you make a confident decision. And remember: your REALTOR® should guide you through the process, connect you with trusted experts, and negotiate on your behalf—but the legal and financial review of your condo documents belongs in the hands of a qualified professional.

Call Mike Pabian today at (780) 232-2064. Let’s get a move on.

William Hawrelak Park is one of Edmonton's most iconic and beloved green spaces. Located in the heart of the city’s North Saskatchewan River Valley, this 68-hectare urban park has long been a recreational haven and cultural hub for residents and visitors alike.

In this update, you’ll learn about the park’s history, features, events, and its ongoing multi-year rehabilitation project set to conclude in winter 2025/26. Whether you’re a long-time Edmontonian or planning your first visit, this article covers everything you need to know.

A Rich History Rooted in Community Vision

Originally named Mayfair Park, this expansive site was reclaimed by the City of Edmonton in 1922 after the private developer forfeited the land due to tax defaults. In 1954, then-mayor William Hawrelak proposed a visionary plan to transform the site into a premier public park.

Construction began in 1959, and the park officially opened on July 1, 1967, as part of Canada's centennial celebrations. In 1982, the park was renamed in honour of Hawrelak, Edmonton’s longest-serving mayor, who passed away in office in 1975.

Source: Wikipedia – William Hawrelak Park

Features That Make the Park a Year-Round Destination

Artificial Lake

• In summer: paddle boating, picnics, and lakefront relaxation.

• In winter: ice skating and snowy strolls.

Trails

• A network of paved and natural trails connect with the broader River Valley trail system, ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, and skiing.

Facilities and Amenities

• Picnic sites with fire pits

• Modern playgrounds

• Volleyball courts

• Five architecturally significant mid-century modernist pavilions

• The Heritage Amphitheatre (seating for over 3,000)

Events and Festivals

William Hawrelak Park hosts some of Edmonton’s most cherished cultural and seasonal events, including:

• Heritage Festival

• Silver Skate Festival

• Freewill Shakespeare Festival

• Symphony Under the Sky

Source: City of Edmonton – Hawrelak Park

The $100M Rehabilitation Project (2023–2026)

In March 2023, the City of Edmonton closed the park for a comprehensive three-year rehabilitation aimed at modernizing its infrastructure, enhancing ecological sustainability, and preserving its heritage features.

Key Project Upgrades:

• Replacement of deep utilities: storm, sanitary, electrical, irrigation

• Revitalization of all five pavilions

• Modernization of the Heritage Amphitheatre

• New paved trails, Groat Road stairs, and upgraded roadways

• Enhanced lake circulation and dredging

• New dock, bike racks, benches, washrooms, and lighting

• Tree preservation and new plantings

Source: City of Edmonton – Rehabilitation Project

Construction & Reopening Update (August 2025)

As of August 2025, the Hawrelak Park Rehabilitation remains on time and on budget.

Recent Progress:

• Structural work is complete on pavilions and amphitheatre

• Interior features including drywall, washrooms, and mechanical upgrades are underway

• Landscaping, lake refilling, and final paving are in progress

• Picnic shelters and operations yard nearly complete

The City of Edmonton confirms that Hawrelak Park will reopen in Winter 2025/26, in time for the Silver Skate Festival.

Sources:

• CBC News

• Global News

• CityNews Edmonton

• Edmonton Journal

FAQ: William Hawrelak Park

When will the park reopen?
The park is set to reopen in Winter 2025/26, following a full infrastructure and landscaping upgrade.

Can I access trails right now?
The perimeter trails remain open, but internal trails, roads, and amenities are closed during construction.

Are the major festivals returning?
Yes. The Silver Skate Festival is expected to be the first major event hosted after reopening. Other festivals will return as the park becomes fully operational.

What’s new after the rehabilitation?
Upgraded pavilions, improved accessibility, lakefront enhancements, sustainable landscaping, better lighting, and more efficient utility systems.

Is the park more eco-friendly now?
Yes. The project includes tree protection, replanting, vegetative buffers, and improved drainage systems.

Why Hawrelak Park is Worth the Wait

• It combines heritage charm with modern amenities

• Offers four-season recreation and culture

• Reopening brings a refreshed venue for major Edmonton festivals

• New features enhance accessibility, sustainability, and safety

Plan Your Visit

To stay up to date with reopening announcements, event schedules, and park features, visit the official City of Edmonton page.

For more insider guides to Edmonton’s parks, trails, and neighbourhoods, check out PabianRealty.ca and subscribe for local insights and updates!

Purchasing a new-construction home is exciting—you’re selecting finishes, customizing floor plans, and watching your dream home come to life. However, it’s a complex process filled with potential pitfalls, complex legal documents, shifting timelines, and a dynamic and evolving list of things to keep track of. Many buyers mistakenly assume they don’t need professional representation when working directly with builders, but this can be a costly oversight.

Here’s why hiring a Realtor for your new-construction home purchase is essential to getting the right home at the best price, with minimal stress.

1. Representation That Protects Your Interests

The builder’s representative at the model home is friendly and helpful, but remember—they represent the builder’s interests, not yours. Their primary goal is to maximize the builder’s profit. A Realtor, on the other hand, works exclusively for you, ensuring your interests are prioritized in every decision, negotiation, and contract detail.

A licensed REALTOR® in Alberta is governed by the Alberta Real Estate Act and is accountable to the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA), Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and, if operating in Edmonton, the Realtor’s Association of Edmonton (RAE). There are many layers of accountability, professional standards, and ongoing training that ensure you get competent, timely, and prudent service at every stage of the real estate process.

2. Expertise in Contract Review

New-construction contracts are often lengthy and complex, filled with builder-specific terms that favor the builder. Without professional assistance, you could miss critical points or inadvertently agree to unfavorable conditions. Your Realtor will meticulously review the contract, explain each clause in plain language, and negotiate adjustments as necessary, ensuring your rights and financial interests are protected.

3. Skilled Negotiation for Upgrades and Incentives

Builders might not negotiate on base prices, especially in competitive markets, but Realtors excel at negotiating other valuable incentives—free or discounted upgrades, landscaping, appliance packages, and closing cost contributions. A skilled Realtor knows exactly what and how to negotiate, securing substantial value beyond the listed price.

4. Guidance on Choosing the Right Upgrades

Model homes showcase countless upgrades designed to impress buyers, but not all upgrades deliver equal value. Realtors offer crucial insights into what upgrades genuinely enhance your home’s resale value and what might be purely aesthetic, overpriced, or unnecessary. They help you prioritize your investment, so you spend wisely without sacrificing your dream design.

5. Assistance with Selecting the Best Builder

Experienced Realtors have extensive knowledge of local builders’ reputations, including their quality of workmanship, reliability in meeting timelines, and responsiveness to warranty issues. Leveraging their professional network, Realtors steer you toward reputable builders and help avoid those with questionable practices, ensuring your investment is safe.

6. Insight into Financing Options

Builders often incentivize buyers to use their preferred lenders. While these incentives can be attractive, they aren’t always the best deal available. Realtors connect you with trusted mortgage professionals who provide competitive comparisons, ensuring you’re getting the best financing package tailored specifically to your financial situation.

7. Effective Communication and Project Management

The construction of your home involves numerous contractors, inspections, timelines, and potential delays. A Realtor acts as your advocate and liaison, regularly communicating with the builder to monitor progress, handle unexpected issues, and keep the project moving forward smoothly. This reduces stress and ensures deadlines and expectations are clearly managed.

8. Professional Inspection Oversight

Even new homes can have significant issues, including structural flaws, unfinished details, or improperly installed systems. Realtors recommend reputable inspectors who perform detailed evaluations at crucial construction stages, ensuring problems are identified and addressed before you take ownership. They then negotiate repairs or compensation on your behalf, safeguarding your investment.

9. No Additional Cost to You

One of the biggest misconceptions is that hiring a Realtor for new construction costs buyers extra money. In reality, the builder typically covers the buyer’s agent commission from their marketing budget. Without your own representation, you’re paying the same price but without the critical advocacy, negotiation, and protection a Realtor provides.

10. Strategic Advice for Future Resale

Whether this is your forever home or a stepping-stone property, future resale potential is a key consideration. Realtors understand market trends and buyer preferences, guiding your choices on layouts, finishes, and community selection to maximize long-term value and marketability. This strategic foresight ensures your new-construction home remains a solid investment well into the future.

FAQ

Q: Do I really need a Realtor when the builder provides a sales agent?
A: It’s not mandatory, and I’m not impartial, but in most cases the builder’s agent represents the builder’s interests. A Realtor represents you exclusively and will advocate for you throughout the process.

Q: Does hiring a Realtor cost extra when buying new construction?
A: Typically, the builder pays your Realtor’s commission, meaning there’s no extra cost for you.

Q: Can a Realtor help negotiate upgrades or incentives?
A: Absolutely. Realtors excel at negotiating valuable upgrades, incentives, and closing cost contributions. This can often lead to significant savings.

Q: What if I already started working directly with the builder?
A: It’s never too late. You can often bring a Realtor into the process to help navigate the remaining steps. This is specific to the stage of the sales process that you are at, and may be builder-dependent. When in doubt, call or text (780) 232-2064 to chat about your options.

Q: How do I know if the builder is reputable?
A: Realtors have extensive knowledge of local builders and can guide you toward those with solid reputations. You are also encouraged to read online reviews and conduct research prior to engaging anyone, myself included. If speaking with a builder or a member of their team, I like to start by asking, “What makes you different than your competitors?”

Final Thoughts

Hiring a Realtor when buying a new-construction home isn’t just smart—it’s essential. From protecting your interests and negotiating powerful incentives to expertly guiding you through complex contracts and inspections, Realtors provide invaluable expertise and peace of mind. Remember, builder representatives are motivated to protect the builder’s interests; make sure you have someone exclusively safeguarding yours.

Ready to find your perfect new-construction home with expert guidance? I have forged relationships with several Edmonton home builders and have access to unlisted properties you won’t find online or anywhere else, including those not yet under construction. Reach out today, and let’s get started!

Mike Pabian, REALTOR® with REMAX Excellence, has spent his life living, working, and playing in Edmonton. Questions or comments about this post? Contact him today at (780) 232-2064 or mike@pabianrealty.ca.