With in-house amenities allowing residents to trade in shovels and lawncare for billiards and wood crafts, the 40-plus condominium complex offers the perks of a resort property without ever having to leave the comforts of home.

“We call it a playground for the 40-plus crowd, which I think is pretty true,” says Marg Carmichael, sales associate for the Sierras of Evergreen, now selling its final phase in the 198-suite project.

Crafted for those who prefer to leave maintaining home and property to someone else, the Sierras seem to appeal most to retirees and those soon to wrap up careers, some of whom are leaving single-family digs behind in the process for proximity to family.

“I've found in this area a lot of people are buying because their kids live close to here,” says Carmichael, citing a wealth of new communities geared at first-time and move-up buyers surround-ing the area.

Others are drawn to the Medican name (derived from its home base of Medicine Hat, paired with Canada), which has become known for quality in past projects in Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge,
 and two more soon to hit in the Okanagan region of B.C. and Sylvan Lake respectively. “Medican’s been in business for 30 years,”says Carmichael.

While some might be scaling down living space with a Sierras purchase, that doesn't mean entertaining will become a thing of the past. Eight guest suites available to residents are poised to house overnight company elim-inate the need for hotel reservations or extra bedrooms in suites, while soirees big or small are easily hosted without a hitch in a massive multi-purpose room with a full kitchen attached. “They had a New Year's party here and Medican held a Christmas banquet for 200 - it's huge,” says Carmichael.

Fitness enthusiasts and those who prefer to take a leisurely dip alike will enjoy a salt-water indoor pool and hot-tub, as well as an exercise room at their disposal. A games area features billiards tables, darts and spots to play cards by the fire, while silver-screen entertainment is at residents' fingertips in a small-scale movie theatre, complete with individual seats and a wide screen.

Individual pursuits are also close at hand, whether it's reading in one of the complex's lounges, the library, or trying hands at woodworking projects in the hobby shop. Meanwhile, vehicles are kept safe, warm and buffed thanks to an underground, heated garage which boasts a car wash bar for resident use.

And if the in-house activities are not tempt-ing enough, a shopping Utopia at Shawnessy and quick access to Fish Creek Park, the C-Train, movie theatres and eateries galore often seals the deal for would-be buyers at the Sierras of Evergreen.

Remaining suites borrow their identities from trees and branch out in living space from the 770-square-foot one-bedroom Spruce to a sprawling 1,069-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bath Maple. Larger units spanning upwards of 1,500 square feet were quick-sellers in the now two-thirds sold Sierras of Evergreen.

Standard fare includes a choice of oak, maple or white cabinetry with three profile options, knockdown ceilings, kitchen and laundry appliances, rounded corners, fireplaces and air conditioning, and heated underground parking with every suite.

A one-bedroom-and-den show suite is open for viewing Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m., while three more model units are slated to give would-be buyers a feel for layout and finishing in March.

While the community exudes the air of a resort in appointments and amenities, prices leave buyers not only with enough time, but also resources left over to truly enjoy their retirement, with units ranging from the $150,000s to the $250,000s, including GST.

Possessions of the final phase in the four-storey Sierras of Evergreen are slated for summer.  CL

For more information about living in this 40-plus condominium community, visit www. sierras.ca or call 873-1833, or visit the sales centre at 15 Everstone Dr. S.W.