Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to make the move to somewhere new? Adventure awaits at D’ARCY, one of Okotoks’ newest communities. You’ll find some helpful information about the community below, but if you have any additional questions, send us an email at calgary@anthemproperties.com and we’ll be happy to help.

How big will the community of D’ARCY be?

At 280 acres, D’ARCY will encompass just over 2,000 homes, with around 6,500 people (and plenty of pets) calling it home.

What makes D’ARCY a good place to live?

D’ARCY is located at the northwest edge of Okotoks, with easy access to both the charming Town centre and South Calgary, which is only 15 minutes away. D’ARCY’s location makes it easy to get where you need to go, but with its unparalleled views of the Rockies, it’s also a place where you’ll want to sit and appreciate exactly where you are.

What’s the most interesting part of the community?

On its western edge, D’ARCY is bordered by the renowned D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club, where amateurs and pros alike can brag about the time they eagled a par-5. Residents will have excellent access to the public golf club, which features dedicated paths right to the entrance.

That sounds great. When will the west golf course lots be available?

Lots bordering the golf course are estimated to begin development in 2022 as part of our future phases, so you’ve still got some time to practice your swing.

What kind of stores/facilities/fun activities are nearby?

At D’ARCY, we’ve pre-emptively planned for the inevitable “I’m bored!” complaints from your kids. Playgrounds and parks will be spread throughout the community, encouraging little ones to climb and play all over our stuff instead of yours. The two schools planned for D’ARCY are within walking distance, and everything will be linked by a SafeRoute network of paths and crosswalks, so you can have a few extra minutes of coffee time in the morning while they get themselves to school.

For older kids, we have a skating rink and a fitness park planned, giving them a safe and nearby place to hang out with their friends. And don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you. In the northeast corner of the community we’re developing Gateway Village, a mixed-use area filled with everything you need, including a brand-new grocery store targeted to open in 2021.

Will there be a Homeowners’ Association?

There is no Homeowners’ Association in D’ARCY, which also means there are no HOA fees.

Who maintains the park spaces?

As the developer, Anthem is initially responsible for building and maintaining all park spaces, but the Town of Okotoks will take this on once we turn the community over to them.

What about the roads?

Anthem is responsible for regular snow removal and street sweeping of the roads in active phases for approximately two years. After that, please refer to the Town’s bylaws.

Can we skate or swim in the storm pond nearby?

No, you can’t – but why would you want to when there are such good Town facilities nearby? At the rec centre just down Milligan Drive, there’s an excellent pool complex and two skating rinks.

For more information on the Okotoks storm water system and storm ponds visit their website.

D’ARCY also has a completed skating rink open in the winter months.

Do I get a fence included with my home?

Chain link fencing is provided for lots that share a property line with a municipal reserve or municipal school reserve. Some lots that share a property line with multi-family parcels will have developer installed wood screen fencing.

For more information talk to one of our sales teams, as they can walk you through the details lot by lot.

Does Anthem plant trees on my property?

Anthem, the developer, does not plant trees on private property. However, D’ARCY is part of the Town’s Complete Streets initiative, where trees are planted in the road right of way along each street.

The road right of way (or boulevard) adjacent to your property is land that is actually owned by the Town, and maintained by you. The Town uses this land for snow stock piling, road maintenance or other items as required.

See the next question for more details.

What is the Complete Streets Tree Planting Program?

Complete Streets is one of the many reasons why Okotoks is the perfect place to call home. It’s an initiative designed to enhance residential streets with added colour, shade and natural protection by planting and caring for trees along public roads. D’ARCY is proud to be one of the first neighbourhoods in town to implement the program and we’re determined to do it well, so the program continues in Okotoks well into the future.

Anthem, and then afterward the Town of Okotoks, will maintain these trees but the grass below them is up to you, so plan for some extra passes with the mower every now and then.

I take my lawn seriously. Can I landscape into the road right away?

We’ll defer to the town bylaws on this one. Okotoks traffic bylaws say that any planting or infrastructure (like irrigation or landscaping) cannot be installed in the area between your property line and the sidewalk unless you have prior approval from the Town. So, your dream of having award-winning bushes can still go forward – but make sure you check with the municipal office first. The trees planted along the public roads will be taken care of by us for approximately two growing seasons, and then the Town of Okotoks will take over and keep them in tip-top shape. The grass below those trees is under the residents’ care, so plan for some extra passes with the mower every now and then.

What options are there for schools in the area?

Long gone are the days when local children had to walk five miles, uphill both ways, just to get their education. There are several brand-new schools currently planned or in progress in Okotoks, including a 17-acre joint site for two schools within D’ARCY. Until they are completed, your kids have some great education options:

  • In the Catholic system, there are:
    • St. Francis of Assisi (K-9)
    • Holy Trinity Academy (10-12)
  • Public Okotoks schools include:
    • Meadow Ridge School (K-9)
    • Foothills Composite High School (10-12)
What grocery stores are close by?

You won’t have to go far to shop at the grocery store of your choice. A No Frills grocery store lies at the southern boundary of D’ARCY, and Okotoks also offers a Safeway, Sobey’s, Costco Wholesale, Save-on-Foods and a Walmart Supercentre just a few minutes away by car. Plus, a new grocery store is planned to open in 2021 in D’ARCY’s Gateway Village, at the northeast corner of the community.

Does Okotoks have an off-leash dog park?

Yes, it does. On the east side of Okotoks, at 132 Drake Landing Ridge, just a few minutes drive from D’ARCY, where your canine companion can enjoy 17 acres of wide open space to play. It’s open as long as the sun is out, so remember to bring some water along in the hotter months.

I’m a business owner. How can I open up shop in the future Gateway Village?

Looking for a place to open that bakery, bookshop or sporting goods store you’ve been dreaming of? We would love to discuss how we can work together. Simply fill out the form on our Contact Us page and someone from the Anthem team will follow up with you when space is available.

I have another question that wasn’t answered here. What should I do?

You can contact us at calgary@anthemproperties.com for any additional questions or concerns you may have. Thanks for considering D’ARCY for your new home!