Elkana Estates (Upper and Lower)

In 1970, The Elkana Ranches Ltd. received approval from the Municipal District of Rocky View to proceed with the Lower Elkana subdivision, followed by the 1981 approval of Phase II development for Upper Elkana.
As the roads, water pipes and other essential infrastructure began appearing in the area, the early community leaders took an active part in the subdivision development. Their involvement ensured that large parcels of land would be set aside as designated Environmental and Municipal Reserves, creating public walkways along the Elbow River and the Bragg Creek, and walkways and hiking trails throughout Upper Elkana, extending to the peak of Two Pine.
In 1972, the subdivision moved away from a two-well system by negotiating a senior water diversion license that permitted it to draw water directly from the Elbow River – with sufficient allocation to look after the needs of ninety properties in Lower and Upper Elkana.
With government regulations becoming more stringent in recent years, the Alberta Health Services deemed the Elkana Water Cooperative Ltd. treatment plant “not sufficient to render the water safe for human consumption”, issuing a boil water advisory. In response, the members of the local cooperative voted to participate with the County of Rocky View to process their water, completion date scheduled for July 1, 2012. At this time, negotiations are still underway.
While Upper and Lower Elkana technically comprise one subdivision, each boasts its unique, distinguishing characteristics. Although the current zoning regulations do not allow for further subdivision development, the county does encourage the infill of available real estate within the existing subdivision boundaries.
Lower Elkana, the elder sister and Phase I of the Elkana Ranches Ltd. subdivision project, grew up along the Elbow River and the Bragg Creek. With no restrictive covenants associated with the Lower Elkana development, this part of the subdivision provides easy access to natural amenities, including the Elbow River, the Bragg Creek, the Provincial Park across the river, and fully-developed nature trails.
Unlike many residential communities in Canada with privately-owned riverfronts, the Lower Elkana riverfront is designated as Municipal Reserve land, making a walk from your property along the Bragg Creek a beautiful, tranquil experience.
With most Lower Elkana homes located on half-acre lots, having the Municipal Reserve land in your backyard makes your property seem much bigger – perfect for residents who don’t want the upkeep required for the considerably larger lots located in Upper Elkana. The close proximity of the area’s homes also nurtures strong social interaction among the neighbours, who generously extend favours back and forth.
Upper Elkana, the younger phase II of the Elkana Ranches Ltd. subdivision project, grew into primarily oversized acreage lots, with restrictive covenants guiding further development.
Having its water needs supplied by a water cooperative it has shared with Lower Elkana since 1982, Upper Elkana enjoys the proximity of a denser natural forest, rugged hiking trails and breathtaking mountain views, complemented by the many amenities of nearby Bragg Creek, including upscale shopping, gourmet restaurants, business and financial services, sporting events, diverse social gatherings, live music and theatre performances.
Elkana Estates offers a beautiful, convenient and rewarding place to live and raise a family.