Short answer: Savanna is a newer Genstar neighbourhood inside the Saddle Ridge community in NE Calgary, east of Métis Trail and south of Airport Trail. It offers newer townhomes, paired homes, laned and front-garage homes, a central park called Savanna Common, the Savanna Bazaar shopping centre, and quick access to the airport, Stoney Trail and the Saddletowne CTrain station.
By Taran Bains, REALTOR® with Real Broker · Updated October 27, 2026
When people tell me they want “something newer in Saddle Ridge,” I usually start by showing them Savanna. On paper it is part of Saddle Ridge, but it was planned and built much later than the older streets around Saddletowne Circle, so the homes, streets and parks feel different. If you want the bigger picture of the whole area first, read my Saddle Ridge guide. This page is all about Savanna itself.
Why people move to Savanna
Newer homes in an established area. Genstar bought the land in 2012 and grand-opened the community around its central park in 2016. At that time the Calgary Herald reported a 129-hectare site east of Métis Trail, planned for about 7,300 residents. So you get newer construction, but with the schools, CTrain and shopping of Saddle Ridge already built around you.
Shopping you can walk to. Savanna Bazaar, built by Royop Development, is a 92,000-square-foot open-air retail centre designed like a traditional Asian and Middle Eastern bazaar. CBC reported that it is anchored by Asian Food Centre, with restaurants, medical offices and a pharmacy. For many of my clients, being able to walk to groceries and a clinic is a big deal.
Parks and pathways. Savanna Common is the central park, with a playground, a pergola, benches and open lawn. Genstar describes a pathway system that links homes to parks, playgrounds and natural areas, and the Genesis Centre (YMCA and library) is a short drive away.
Getting around. The City finished its Airport Trail project in October 2022, extending Airport Trail east through Métis Trail to 60 Street NE and adding interchanges at 19 Street and Barlow Trail NE. Combined with Stoney Trail and Métis Trail, that makes the airport, Deerfoot Trail and the industrial areas very reachable. The Saddletowne CTrain station, the end of the Northeast line, gives you a direct ride downtown.
Schools in Savanna
Because Savanna is part of Saddle Ridge, families look first at the schools in the wider Saddle Ridge community:
- Public (Calgary Board of Education): Hugh A. Bennett School (Kindergarten to Grade 4, opened in December 2016), Peter Lougheed School (Grades 5–9) and Nelson Mandela High School on Saddletowne Circle.
- Catholic (Calgary Catholic School District): Light of Christ School (Kindergarten to Grade 9). Use the CCSD school finder for the designated Catholic high school.
Northeast schools are busy and designations can differ from street to street, so always confirm the designated school for a specific address with the school board before you buy.
What kinds of homes can you buy?
Genstar planned Savanna with a real mix: townhouses, paired (semi-detached) homes, laned homes and front-garage detached homes. Builders listed on Genstar’s Savanna page include Cardel Homes, Excel Homes, Prominent Homes, Akash Homes and Homes by Avi, and you will also find resale homes from earlier phases. Larger detached plans are popular with multigenerational families, while townhomes and paired homes give first-time buyers a way into a newer neighbourhood.
Buying brand new? You may qualify for the federal first-time home buyers’ GST rebate, which can take up to $50,000 off the tax on a new home.
Tips before you buy in Savanna
- Read the architectural guidelines and restrictive covenants. Genstar’s rules (fencing, for example) vary by phase. Know them before you plan a fence, deck or garage change.
- Check the basement suite. If a home has a suite, confirm it is legal and on the City’s suite registry before you count on rental income.
- Laned or front garage? Laned homes usually cost less but have rear garages and smaller yards. Walk both styles before you decide.
- Drive the route at rush hour. Test your commute to work and to the CTrain on a weekday morning.
Thinking about Savanna? Let’s talk.
I help buyers and sellers across NE, SE, NW and SW Calgary, Chestermere, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks and nearby communities, in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. Savanna has new builds and resale homes side by side, and I can compare them for you, including quick possessions. Also looking a little further north? See my Cityscape guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Savanna part of Saddle Ridge?
Yes. Savanna is a newer Genstar neighbourhood inside the Saddle Ridge community in NE Calgary, east of Métis Trail and south of Airport Trail.
What is Savanna Bazaar?
A 92,000-square-foot open-air shopping centre in Savanna, built by Royop Development and anchored by Asian Food Centre, with restaurants, medical offices and a pharmacy.
Is there a CTrain near Savanna?
Yes. Saddletowne station, the end of the Northeast CTrain line, is in Saddle Ridge and gives a direct ride downtown.
Who builds new homes in Savanna?
Builders listed by Genstar include Cardel Homes, Excel Homes, Prominent Homes, Akash Homes and Homes by Avi. Ask Taran for current show homes and quick possessions.
Can I get help buying in Savanna in Punjabi?
Yes. Call or text Taran Bains, REALTOR® (Real Broker), at 587-839-8030. He works in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.
Taran Bains, REALTOR® | Real Broker. Information is believed accurate as of October 2026 but should be independently verified.