Why Edmonton Blatchford invests in sustainability and the future

We asked Josh about what sustainable living in Blatchford means to him.

Q: Why did you and your family buy in Blatchford?

Josh: We have always lived in and around Edmonton’s downtown core and wanted to continue to do so. Blatchford provides the proximity we wanted to the downtown and an efficient development pattern. As a family, we do not see the need to have a detached home, and we value the benefits of attached housing. For example: efficient land use, energy efficiency, potential for more people in one area… that all equals business attraction. Blatchford checked a lot of boxes for us.

Q: Earth Day’s 2022 theme is, “Invest in Our Planet.” What is the importance of investing in sustainable living?

Josh: I think that we are still in the “early adopter stage” for so many initiatives that may contribute toward a healthier planet, be they electric cars, solar panels, high efficiency housing, etc. This stage is somewhat of a “proof of concept,” both to other people who will make decisions to or to not embrace these initiatives, and also to those who provide the particular goods. For example, car manufacturers and land developers.

It was important to us to use our financial means to support these initiatives rather than choosing other alternatives. It is our hope that as “early adopters” to some of these initiatives, we are proving out the concepts, leading to higher volume of options — like electric car models and housing types — and opening up opportunities to wider groups of people.

Q: What do you think Blatchford means for Edmonton’s future?

Josh: Blatchford is a proof of concept for a sustainable neighbourhood. I believe it will be a success and through this success this project will inform housing preference and land development opportunities.

My hope is that in time, as Blatchford builds out, more and more people experience it as a place that they would like to live and that ultimately this would encourage land developers to explore more sustainable opportunities.

Q: How does it feel to be a part of the beginning of one of the world’s largest sustainable communities? To be one of its first residents?

Josh: Proud? Excited? Curious? — all of the above and under the category “good.” We are participating in a bit of an experiment. I am optimistic of the outcome and believe in the underlying values. We are pleased to be here in this neighbourhood and look forward to participating in its ongoing development.