Located two hours outside of Calgary, a growing
lakeshore community is putting the “family” back in family cottage living — in more ways than one.
Meridian Beach is the brainchild of Calgary couple Norval and Nora Horner, whose cottage-ing roots on Gull
Lake, just west of Lacombe in the central Alberta parkland, go back half a century. “The cottage experience
has been central to our family life and memories,” says Norval, president of Inshore Development Ltd. “We
wanted to recreate classic cottage country at its best.”
An emphasis on the picturesque is coupled with sandy beach, wildlife reserves and habitat protection, while
parks and hiking paths all contribute to the balance between comfort and adventure that is unique to
waterside living. In a nod to the modern world, the lots are fully serviced with gas, power, telephone, water
and sewer.
The Canal
and Beach
Gull Lake has been a popular
recreational lake for more than 100 years. With a water surface of more than 80 square kilometres, the lake
boasts excellent swimming, boating, fishing and water sports, while snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skating and
cross-country skiing are popular in the winter. Due to restrictive zoning, the lake has less than 20% of its
shoreline developed. “What I love about going up there is instantly the quietness and the darkness,” says
Nora, Inshore’s vice president of marketing.
A kilometre-long canal, crossed by two dramatic bridges, brings the waterfront to cottages while also
providing ideal conditions for docks and sheltered mooring. Part of this body of water is a permanent
wildlife reserve and is an excellent habitat for fish and wildlife. On the lake itself, a robust sandy beach
extends into a protected swimming area complete with a classic swim raft. However, the great majority of the
lakeshore is a natural environment with further wildlife viewing areas planned.
Architectural Intent for
Picturesque Effect
The Horners’ vision for Meridian Beach
is that all buildings should add to the picturesque nature of the development. Consequently, there are
careful architectural guidelines. “The intent is that structures should have a ‘classic cottage country’
look,” says Norval. Preferred styles are “Arts and Crafts,” Edwardian, Craftsman and “California Bungalow”.
Vinyl siding and artificial stone on the exterior are not allowed, but timber frame is encouraged, as are log
buildings.
Inshore has pre-built a number of classic community facilities including two outdoor timber frame pavilions,
a tennis court, several park areas and a versatile modern playground. “When the canal was dug a large amount
of sandstone was excavated and used both in the public facilities as well as offered to lot owners for all
kinds of interesting landscaping,” says Norval. The most dramatic public building is the community hall —
built in the form of a classic railway station with a formidable timber frame interior.
Current
status
The development is being done in
stages as lots are sold. At present well over 100 lots have been sold and more than 40 cottages are either
finished or underway (the building commitment is four years).
As long they comply with the architectural guidelines, purchasers are free to arrange building themselves.
“[We] have been surprised by the grandeur and character of the cottages being constructed,” Norval says.
“Buyers are both those with grandchildren as well as very young families who want the cottage experience for
their children.” One can also live in the community year round, and a number do already, he adds.
Whether as a summer escape or a full-time haven — the Horners see Meridian Beach as a place where families
can make memories to treasure for a lifetime. “Our kids grew up at the other end of the lake every summer
with their cousins in the cottage,” says Nora. “There would sometimes be 20 people in the same cottage — 12
young children, all playing games, no TV, no computers. Those are the best memories my kids have of growing
up.” •
The price range is from $120,000 to $235,000 for the fully serviced lots. Further info can be obtained
direct from Nora Horner at 403-988-6906 or the Horners’ cottage number at 403-786-9901. To view more photos
check out inshored.ca.
Photo courtesy of Inshore Development
Ltd.
