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Aside from construction delays, economic uncertainty has also made things difficult for Alberta condo developers in recent years. However, positive market indicators and an uptick in oil prices have fuelled optimism for 2017 and beyond.

“I think everybody has taken it on the chin in Alberta. The good news is that we’re still standing, the Boston Pizza on the corner is still standing, and the sun is coming out right now. The worst times are behind us, and I think everyone can feel good about the future,” said Lamb. “Alberta’s real estate market — after being in the dumps for the last two years — is bouncing back. We’re seeing days on market shrinking by 20 per cent, while sales are up 20 per cent per month. Prices have stayed relatively level, but I expect that prices will start to rise in the next six months.”

Jasper House is Lamb’s first foray into the Edmonton market after completing luxury condo projects in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. He envisions Jasper House anchoring the downtown Warehouse District, and he’s committed to long-term development in the City of Champions.

“We don’t build something and establish a presence in the city just to pack up and leave. We’re committed to Edmonton, and this building (Jasper House) is going to be a game-changer,” said Lamb. “Edmonton is a city that’s going to take 20 years to be what it wants to be, but things like the arena and the surrounding district have been huge. We want to make sure the condos towers, office buildings, and overall architecture of the city reflect its ambition and where it’s headed in the future. And we’re trying to be a part of that.”