Price: $650,000
Property Tax: $2,065.14
Address: 248 Mabbot Rd, Rosedale, Drumheller, AB
Details: Acreage


RA Hamilton & Associates Inc endeavoured to convert the old Rosedale Golf Course into an ecological community of small homes but failed due to political concerns that were amongst the various problems that eventually caused the board on the Town Counsel to largely be replaced.

While Bob and Norah are preparing to retire in the next couple of years, they are excited to look for an experienced Developer that might consider the Ecological Community that so many have requested they continue to pursue. The property is ideal for any residential development, but smaller homes are trending with both Seniors and the Millennium.

At the time, Bob and Norah Hamilton had big dreams of creating the ideal neighbourhood where they would like to retire. One where both families and seniors intermix in a recreational cottage resort setting. A community where children, adults and seniors alike are active, interconnected, creative and involved. A place with breath-taking views of the surrounding valley, gardens, streams, walking paths, a large outdoor kitchen/BBQ area, stocked fishing ponds, perhaps a chicken coop, beehives, a chip and putt green, pickle ball courts and a variety of eco-friendly activities that a person could partake of or ignore.  

RA Hamilton & Associates Inc. expected to create a jewel in the heart of Rosedale by grooming the grounds and enhancing the forested area. They were also going to beautify the privacy barrier that exists between the acreages on the north side of the property, planting additional trees, and gardens throughout, fencing, trees and low-speed traffic roads around the exterior of the development would further soundproof and provide privacy for the community and the surrounding properties.

Five of the 10.3 acres were to be developed with 57 small sustainable, maintenance-free cottage dwellings. Several of the lots would be a 360-degree view of the Badlands. Each is to be located on individually owned Fee Simple lots, whereas the other five acres located in the meadow below would remain recreational and be owned and operated by the Sagebrush Home Owners Association. This would have operated as a bare land condominium strata.

Alternatively, the Town of Drumheller has a flood mitigation plan that would see this area of Rosedale out of the flood zone by 2025, where the full 10.3 acres could be developed into more traditional housing. The utilities for the development are already on the property with additional sewer and water and fire suppression utilities to two other points of the property. There is emergency egress and the ability to have two separate entrances to the neighbourhood.

In any scenario, Rosedale would enjoy an additional tax base large enough to allow the Town of Drumheller to upgrade Mabbot Rd, and put in sidewalks down to the river. Thus providing a safer means for children and adults to traverse the Suspension Bridge that could potentially be restored.
Rosedale also enjoys the close proximity of the Regional Hospital Centre for the area, excellent schools, some post-secondary education, access to the Badlands Community Centre, a local Boutique Fitness Centre, numerous box and smaller retail outlets, tourist attractions and employment opportunities. The Resort could also offer housekeeping and home-away services for Snow Birds and vacationers. Meanwhile, the hope is to engender a quaint village vibe for anyone looking for some small-town charm while getting out of the big city and its congestion.

With increasing interest rates, land and construction costs, owning a new home continues to climb out of reach for many. Consequently, there is a growing number of people moving to a small, efficient home concept. Whether they are young couples buying their first home, seniors downsizing to have more equity to play with in their advancing years or Snow Birds who want to lower their investment in a house they only live in 6 months of the year, small and tiny homes are becoming popular. Particularly true for those who choose to live more consciously by having a small footprint concerning both carbon and consumption. Many harken back to a simpler lifestyle even as they embrace new smart technologies to aid in these endeavours. Baby Boomers, Snow Birds, Gen X and Millennials are all interested in small, efficient homes in a welcoming community that offers numerous amenities in addition to country living.

Research shows that people who are more active, mobile and connected with other people not only stay healthier; they are more productive members of society in general. Sagebrush intended to offer a neighbourhood that encourages an active, greener, collaborative community lifestyle.
RA’s designs did not include basements, nor long-term construction periods as homes would have been either "Ready to Move" or package construction to avoid the noise and dust of a traditional housing development where there is no extensive excavating.

Currently, the property is set up as a Disc Golf Course available for the public to enjoy as long as they sign into the site and waive liability.