Winner: Varsity
Average Home Price: $542,874
Built in the 1960s and early 1970s, Varsity runs along the northern side of the Bow River, with the University of Calgary campus on its southern border. As was the style of the era, many homes in Varsity are roomy bungalow dwellings, a housing model well-suited for those who use mobility aids. The proximity of the university also makes Varsity attractive for those seeking a community with accessibility in mind. As a public institution, the university is required to provide accessible amenities, which means that neighbouring residents who use those amenities can also benefit from the mobility modifications and universal design elements.
Unique Feature: Vecova, a facility located on Varsity’s southeastern tip, offers health, wellness and fitness programming and services for all ages and abilities, including adapted recreation for children and youth, and aquatics programming in its fully accessible and warm (34.5˚C) saltwater pool.
What the judges said: “The main intersections have automated signalized pedestrian crossings and touchless push-button crosswalks.” -Michelle Salt
Runners-Up
Somerset, Brentwood