Calgary’s Premier Landscape Construction and Property Maintenance Business
Inspiration
Catalogue
Your Space, Your Style. ASSINIBOINE.COM
CONTACT TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!
403.301.3300 service@assiniboine.com www.Assiniboine.com
Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes is Calgary’s premier landscape construction company for both commercial and residential clients. We believe that the space you have should
reflect the style of how you live and operate. We strive to design and build landscapes that reflect the way you think life should be lived. COMMITMENT Assiniboine is built on a commitment to excellence and we take pride in every single project we complete. The results of our work are high quality construction and 100% customer satisfaction.
SERVICE S COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL
Landscape Construction – Design, stone patios, pathways, retaining walls, steps, fences, decks. Property Maintenance – Spring clean ups, lawn care, bed maintenance, hedge / tree care. Christmas Lights – Installation, take down, maintenance, sales, rentals, 60 ft boom truck. Snow Removal – Hand shovel, power brushing, plow truck, ski steer, salting and sanding.
NA MESAKE Our namesake peak is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Nicknamed the Matterhorn of the Rockies, the 11,871 ft. Mount Assiniboine is easily identifiable from the top of most mountains within a hundred kilometers of it. The peak was first climbed in 1901. We take inspiration from the beauty of this area.
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Why Assiniboine? Calgary’s Premier Landscape Construction and Property Maintenance Business
CONSTRUCTION FOCUS
ON BUD GET
ON SCHEDULE
Assiniboine was founded on high-quality, residential, landscape construction and that remains our primary focus today. Dealing with homeowners is our specialty! We serve 1000’s of satisfied clients every year.
Assiniboine is able to create on-budget designs and construction, no matter the budget. Our focus is to create value for every dollar invested. We have transparent pricing, so clients can customize without facing any budget surprises.
Assiniboine only schedules one crew leader per job at a time. We start the job when scheduled and the crew is on the project everyday until the job is complete. Our customers love this!
BE ST PEOPLE
BE ST SERVICE
CLIENT SATISFACTION
Without a doubt, Assiniboine has the best team in the industry! From the office staff, to the estimators, to the committed project managers and all the talented and hardworking labourers, we are all dedicated to upholding our mission.
Assiniboine’s full-time, year-round office staff are masters at scheduling and the crews are masters at building. Assiniboine is fully staffed year-round to attend to all and any questions or planning needs our clients may have to complete their dream project.
Assiniboine works with its clients to make sure they receive the landscape they imagine at the price they expect. Our goal is making homeowners happy! Please find many glowing reviews on Google, Facebook, Homestars, Houzz and the BBB.
OUR MISSION It is our mission to provide the best quality workmanship, service and product available, at the best price, to our valued customers.
OUR GUAR ANTEE Assiniboine has a full 2 year guarantee on all landscape construction projects and stand 100% behind all of their work! If a homeowner has any concerns about the construction of their project, Assiniboine’s team will immediately schedule a return to make any necessary repairs. Assiniboine is licensed, insured, WCB compliant, and has an Alberta Bonded prepaid contractors license to ensure your peace of mind. We are an A+ standing member of the Calgary BBB.
VIP AWARD WINNER Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Contents Landscape Construction 8 Landscape Construction 10 Home 12 Design and Build 20 Firepit Favourite 24 Working for You 26 Interview: Project Manager 30 Style, Form & Function 32 5 Design Considerations 34 Materials & Products 40 Entertainment Central 44 Patios, Pathways & Driveways 50 Forever Home 52 Clean Slate 54 Fireside 56 Retaining Walls 64 Elevated Elegance 66 Steps 74 Maximized Fill 78 Boarders & Decorative Walls 82 Making it Count 84 Backyard Renewal 86 Decks, Skirtings & Railings 96 Elevated Oasis 98 Pergolas, Lattice & Arbours 108 Urban Sanctuary 112 Cedar Seclusion 114 Fences & Gates 120 Plants & Vegetation 124 Interesting Ideas
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Property Maintenance 128 140 144 146
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Christmas Lights Lawncare Snowremoval Estate & Condo Maintenance
Your Space, Your Style FUNCTIONALITY, DURABILITY AND CHARM ARE WHAT MATTER MOST IN A LANDSCAPE. At Assiniboine, our landscape experts will work with you from conception to completion to create the yard that fits your vision and budget. We encourage you to imagine what your dreams are for your yard and to base your decisions around them. We ensure that you get the most value for your hard-earned money and our goal is that you end up with the yard you’ve always wanted; a yard that reflects your space and your style.
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Landscape Construction
Design & Build PATIOS, PATHWAYS, DRIVEWAYS, RETAINING WALLS, STEPS, BOARDERS, DECKS, RAILINGS, PERGOLAS, LATTICE, ARBOURS, FRENCES, GATES.
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Rundle stcked boulder retaining wall with exposed aggregate steps and pathway. Black mulch beds. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes Your Space, Your Style
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HOME DESIGN AND BUILD In the fall of 2015 Jan & Todd’s new Bearspaw home was nearing completion and it was time to think about having the landscaping done. They had used Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes to do their annual Christmas lights for a few years with great success, so they decided to give them a call. Jan and Todd met with an Assinibione associated landscape designer to work out a landscape plan. There were some elevation issues, as the home sat higher than the driveway, which had to be considered. It was decided that a tiered natural stone retaining wall and aggregate stone walkways would be built. “Assiniboine did a wonderful job with getting the proper rock that matches our house. It just looks like everything belongs,” said Jan. Assiniboine met with the general contractor as well as the sprinkler installers to make sure that the whole project went smoothly. “Assiniboine kept us in the know on all of the costs and updated us on a regular basis as to where we were with the price changes associated with our choosing different materials and such throughout the whole process,” said Jan. “The landscaping brings a sense of being finished to the home. It’s nice coming home to an entrance that looks so grand. The compliments from friends are great as well. “ “Once the sod was laid in the backyard, it felt like it was so much bigger. It is a great space to toss a football around or just enjoy the lush greenery.” Jan and Todd have plans of having Assiniboine back this summer to complete the next phase in their landscaping design plans. When asked about the crew of workers Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes sent to their home to complete the work Jan said, “they were prompt and on time. The crew was friendly and an absolute joy to have around. They were clean and courteous and weren’t shy to ask questions if they needed input from me. Assiniboine helped us to create a very relaxed space that has a very rustic modern look.”
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Your Space, Your Style.
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Design & Build
Forest Retreat
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For the last several years we have been working with this wonderful family to help them make the most of their little acreage in the forest, west of Calgary city limits. We planned with them to build a great area for kids to play and the adults to party! First we started by removing the old, overgrown and unusable landscape to make way the new one. From the large paving stone patio with an ironstone retaining wall, a beautiful, feature of stone slab steps leads to both a composite ‘city’ deck and a Kayu batu ‘forest’ deck, which is cantilevered into the river valley for that ‘camping’ feel. The beauty of this project shines in usable space and minimized mosquito annoyance. Over time, we were able to achieve all the client’s goals.
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Design & Build
Forest Retreat
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Forest Retreat
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Design & Build For those with larger projects or unsure of what they want, we encourage you to work with an Assiniboine Landscapes designer to get the best service and product available. Our designers can meet with you, measure your space and are able to create CAD drawings to help you understand how things will look when the job is finished. Visualization: Having a written plan & 3D renderings can help people visualize their project and get a feeling with how things will work out. Understanding Your Options: Looking through all the different product and design options can be overwhelming. A designer can help simplify the process and ensure that all choices are coordinated to create the best possible finished product. Be Unique: Utilizing the brilliant brains of our designers allows you to create something that is truly unique and special to your yard. Working on a Budget: Our designers can work within your budget to create the most value for your hard earned dollar. Our designers are experienced in all varieties of local hardscape and planting options that thrive in Calgary’s environment! Costs can range depending on job and it is best to ask your Assiniboine estimator about the solution that works for you.
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Design & Build
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Design & Build
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Design & Build
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Your Space, Your Style.
Fire Pit Favourite AN ADDITION TO THE PROJECT BECOMES THE MOST LOVED FEATURE
W
hen the Rush family decided it was time to redo their back yard they called a few different companies for an estimate. A couple of the quotes came back as ‘crazy’ and so they decided to keep searching. The couple had seen the Assiniboine trucks working in their neighborhood and then looked up Assiniboine on the Internet. They were already Christmas light customers so there was a familiarity with the company but they knew the landscaping was going to be a much larger project. Several years after the original build of their home, the deck was rotting and the yard wasn’t efficiently using the space they had. On top of that, the slope of the back yard would cause water to pool against the house and they knew this could potentially lead to a problem if it wasn’t taken care of. The couple knew there was a better solution to their space but needed the Assiniboine team to align their budget and their vision. ‘We worked well with the estimator, right from the start,’ explains Shannon as she relaxes in her blue chair by her fire place on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the fall. The family has decided to have a fire and play some games together on the lawn before Chris, her husband and their son go to the Stampeders game. ‘Once we decided Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
to start, Assiniboine guided us through the permits we needed, which was really helpful.’ While the family votes the fireplace as their favourite feature of the project Shannon agrees but also speaks up in defense of the new deck. ‘I wasn’t on board originally to get a full new deck. I said we should just fix what we have but when we ended up seeing the final product, it was pretty amazing how much more room we had and how much more we use it. Now we entertain way more than we used to. In fact, I often have a ladies lunch on the deck if it’s sunny. It’s so great.’ After talking with their project manager Dave, and looking through the Assinboine magazine for ideas, the couple decided to request some quotes for some additional features. The idea to add a fire pit on a stone patio beside the stairs that were getting installed was an Assiniboine suggestion. The fireplace wasn’t on the original scope of work but once the idea took hold the couple found an option that they liked. The fire pit has ended up being the centerpiece of the whole backyard.
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Visit Assiniboine.com to see a video feature of this project.
Stacked Rundle firepit, Retaining Wall / Seat with custom cut rundle capstone and rundle flagstone patio. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Your Space, Your Style.
Fire Pit Favourite and the favorite part of the whole landscape.
‘Every time we had an idea, Dave was able to quote us right away so we could make our decision. He was pretty flexible in terms of keeping things in line with what we were willing to spend and there was always options. We spent a few Saturday’s at Burnco so we could pick out the materials that worked for us.’
‘We kept adding on as we went. The fire pit was an add-on that has made us use the backyard a lot more. It seems to be the favorite. The kids are always excited when we have a fire.’ The re-grade of the land is perhaps the least noticeable part of the design but it has enabled there to be more space to work with. Assiniboine found a way to make rainfall drain away from the house and also provided sod for the soil.
Would the couple recommend Assiniboine to others? ‘We recommended Assiniboine to quite a few of our neighbors who have come over to see our yard. Dave was a really good communicator. Every time I had a question he answered me right away.’
‘We moved the trampoline to that back corner and it’s allowed us to have much more space,’ said Shannon. ‘I’ve lost count of how many games of bocce ball and croquet we’ve had this summer.’ Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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“ The firepit was an add-on that has made us use the backyard a lot more.
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Working for You
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Before Assiniboine breaks ground your project manager will meet with you to go over your plans, your product choices and any last minute changes you might like to make.
START DATES & PRICING Upon agreeing to the project scope you will be given a start date and a final price estimate. You will know the final price of the project before any work is started or money has changed hands. If revisions do occur in the project, estimate sheets are updated as needed, which keeps you fully aware of costs throughout the project. It is our expectation that you will not receive any price surprises upon completion of our work.
Pouring exposed aggregate steps.
ONE PROJECT - ONE CREW Assiniboine always works on a one crew per one project basis. This means that your yard is the only work priority of the crew that is designated to it. You can get to know your crew and take comfort in the fact that they’re staying at your job until it’s done. This assures the work is completed on a tight time line. Nobody who books with Assiniboine is left with a big mess and wondering when their contractor will return to finish the job.
Framing a pergola and deck.
TIDY WORK SITE S Our project managers make every effort to keep your yard organized and clean throughout the building process. We go out of our way to respect the fact that our construction site is your home.
SATISFACTION Assiniboine will do what it takes to ensure 100% customer satisfaction. Booking a job with us gives you peace of mind that the project will be completed on time and on budget.
Installing drainage on stacked ironstone retaining wall.
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Q&A
Project Manager Interview
You probably have some questions when thinking about your project. Here are a few common questions Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes get asked, answered by one of our project managers. What are the 5 most important tasks that need to be accomplished on the initial site walk through? 1. Go over the estimate, review the scope of the project (which is all the line items), and where they are going to be installed. 2. Re-measure all components of the project to ensure both parties are on the same page as far as sizes go and proper numbers can be confirmed. This helps prevent any unwanted ‘surprises’ throughout the construction process. 3. Go over all final product decisions - confirm styles, patterns and colours. 4. Go over the places (driveways/streets/alleys etc.) where product can be delivered, access points to the yard, where to park and ensure that neighbors have been notified of the construction. 5. Receive a deposit cheque so all product can be ordered and construction can commence according to plan.
What are the best ways for a client to prepare for your construction team? 1. Get all your ideas and plans confirmed before construction is scheduled to start. 2. Lay out a hose or spray paint the yard to get comfortable with the scale of the project. 3. View all different products (if possible) to confirm you like the colours and styles. 4. Notify your neighbors of the construction and that it will be messy for a bit. 5. Plan to ‘be around’ the city during the construction process so that you can do daily site visits. 6. Have your plant favorites ready, we can provide advice but want to make sure you get what you want. 7. Make plans for Rover (your dog) because it will be muddy and the fences/gates will be open.
Pisa II and capstone steps under construction.
The best projects are usually a result of what? The best projects are usually the result of strong communication between the homeowner and the project manager. Both need to ‘work together’ to bring the best out of the lot and create the ideal landscape. Assiniboine’s project managers are the best in the business and listening to their opinions and advice will help ensure that you get an “Assiniboine Quality” yard. With proper design, quality product and superb workmanship you are sure to get the yard of your dreams. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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What should a client expect on the final walk through? The final walk through is a chance for the client and project manager to go over the entire project and address any last minute details that need to be fixed up. Once you’ve gone over all the details together, the client will make the final payment and begin to enjoy their beautiful new landscape!
How does a warranty call work? If there is ever an issue that comes up with your new landscape, although it rarely happens, we are prepared to solve it! Simply go online and fill out a warranty request outlining the problem and submit a photo of the area in concern. Once Assiniboine receives your request we will be in immediate contact and schedule you in for the necessary fix up.
Organized job site.
Exposed Aggregate Patio - constructed for the City of Calgary as per their design specs. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Landscape Construction
Amico stone driveway and retaining wall
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Designing a plan for your yard should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. With a little bit of planning, research and decision making, you can create the space that most suits your tastes and lifestyle. IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED: Imagine what you want and write it down. How will you use your yard for parties, gardening, kids playing, privacy, sun, shade, fires and access? Making a list helps frame what’s important. Walk around your neighborhood and take photos of yards you like. Check the Internet for new ideas. Assiniboine.com has examples of our work. Also check out expocrete.com, burnco.com, bluegrassnursery.com and stone-concept.ca for material ideas. Layout garden hoses or spray paint your yard to get a feel for sizing. Visit a local landscape center to see products up close and to get a feel for colours and textures so you know all the possibilities. Book your project with Assiniboine, sit back and get ready to enjoy your yard!
Second story composite deck with obscured glass, with a Barkman Genova patio and pisa and capstone retaining wall.
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Style, Form & Function BLENDING THE NEEDS OF A FAMILY WITH A MODERN LOOK When thinking of making improvements to their Southwest Calgary yard, Leanne and Sean knew that they wanted to blend style, form and function. In May of 2015 Chris, a project manager with Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes, met them at their home to go over their ideas about how to best create an inviting and relaxing space that would provide for their family’s needs. Leanne and Sean already had worked with a landscape designer of their own and Assiniboine Lights and Landscaping was more than happy to incorporate many of the design aspects into the project. With years of experience, Chris was able to make a few recommendations to the existing design such as allowing for a larger pergola than initially planned for. “We were so happy with his expertise in suggesting the changes as we would have been unhappy with the smaller original design which was difficult to envision Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
from the plans,” said Leanne. “He even walked me around the neighbourhood to help me get a visual as to some of the features we were planning to build.” After the consultation and quote, Assiniboine Lights and Landscaping began construction of a multi-level pergola built on a paving stone walkway including a pathway leading to the front yard. “We monitored the budget with Chris throughout and he was really good to say, you can go with this product or we can choose this and let us know of the costs associated with each.” With their backyard facing a public pathway, there have been plenty of positive comments over the fence from passersby on the beautiful pergola and overall aesthetic. In the end, Leanne and Sean were very pleased with the final results and how the design allowed for the entire family to use and enjoy the yard to it’s fullest potential.
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Your Space, Your Style. Tiered decorative cedar pergola. Charcoal Rocky Mountain pavers. Composite deck landing and stairs. Cedar mulch and Rundle beds.
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Things to Consider When 5 Designing Your Landscape 1.Style You will need to consider the house exterior, surrounding landscapes and your personal preferences to determine the style of your landscape. It is important to understand the maintenance requirements and location restrictions to ensure your desired landscape style is feasible. For example, a cottage garden may have the summer color you desire and suit your home but you will need to commit to the maintenance that would be involved.
2.Function How do you want to use your outdoor space? Will you be gardening, relaxing, dining, entertaining or playing with the kids? These are just some of the possible functions you may want to consider. A good designer will spend time with you discussing how you will enjoy your outdoor space and help you to prioritize what should be included.
3.Location Once you have determined the various functions, you need to incorporate these into the landscape plan in the most suitable locations. For example, you will need to consider light exposure when placing garden beds and privacy when situating a hot tub patio. Proximity to the exterior door closest to the kitchen is important when deciding the location of your outdoor dining area. If the desired shade or privacy does not exist, you will want to ensure the location chosen can accommodate a structure and vegetation to transform the space.
4.Transition When the locations of the key areas of the design are decided you need to create the various zones considering shape and size. It is important that the transition between the zones is seamless and flows. The obvious way to transition between spaces within the design is with pathways, well placed beds and lawn areas. You can also create a visual link between zones by repeating the key plants and materials throughout.
5.Ambiance After you build the patio for your outdoor room you can add ambiance, which draws you into the space and encourages you to use the area as it was intended. Ambiance can be added by introducing elements that appeal to the senses such as a heat source, lighting or a water feature. Outdoor structures including pergolas, privacy screens and raised beds can be placed to define an outdoor room which adds intimacy to the space. As a finishing touch you can introduce outdoor dĂŠcor elements such as furniture and planters into the space which add both function and color to create a warm and inviting ambiance. -Words by Kathrine Kinch
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Materials
&Products
Charcoal cobble paving stone pathway and mow brick border with 10 mm rundle gravel and 10 mm washed gravel ground cover.
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Product choices can make or break the aesthetics and value of a landscape. Choose both quality and functional products in a ‘popular’ colour to increase your satisfaction. Assiniboine will help you make the right choices for your property and lend our years of expertise to help make your yard a sanctuary.
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Pisa II and Revers-a-cap tiered retaining wall.
PRODUCT CHOICE S Cover hard to maintain areas with a decorative touch that suits your style. Assiniboine offers a large variety of products you can choose to fill your spaces with. Each product has a different texture, colour and objective. Some materials have a high value for decorative effect and some are low maintenance and functional.
ZERO MAINTENANCE AREAS Assiniboine uses the industrial weed fabric from Burnco, which is the ultimate in weed restriction for worry free areas, yet it still allows water through so you can have plants growing as well. Fill your spaces with whatever stones or gravels suit your preference. Will you or your dog be walking on the stones? Perhaps pick something round. Want to have less traffic in a spot? Perhaps pick a sharper stone.
GARDENS If a garden and planting are high on your priority list then you probably want to go with a mulch. Mulch is much better at water retention and will also compost over time creating nutrients for your plants. Mulch should be topped up every 3-5 years.
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Materials
&Products
Fresh sod, charcoal pisa II retaining wall steps and capstones.
PRODUCT CHOICE CONSIDER ATIONS
• A washed gravel is both economical and attractive for low maintenance beds.
• A Holland / Double Holland brick combo is a clean and tight brick combo.
• A mow brick edge provides a durable functional edging between grass and bed areas.
• Flagstone prices can vary substantially, it’s always a good idea to mark down your favorites.
• Complicated brick designs are usually a little more
expensive as there is more cutting and wastage involved than in simpler patterns.
• Curved walls and caps are usually a little more expensive
Rustic cobble pathway with charcoal boarder.
per sq. ft. as there is a lot of cutting and fitting involved, which results in wastage.
• Composite decking, although more expensive than wood, is a clean maintenance free way to build a raised deck.
• On sloped yards, sometimes tiered decks can be used instead of retaining walls as an option to save money.
Armour stone retaining wall.
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Ground
Cover
LARGE WOOD BARK
SMALL WOOD BARK
FOOTHILLS PREMIUM MULCH
CEDAR MULCH
MONTANE MULCH
BEST VALUE
Mulch
Mulch
Mulch
Mulch
Mulch
BLACK MULCH
CALICO LAVA ROCK
40MM BURGUNDY LAVA
GOLDEN LAVA ROCK
40MM BLACK OBSIDIAN
10MM TANNED
10MM LIMESTONE
10MM RED SHALE
10MM RUNDLE
20MM BLUE PEARL
20MM CRYSTAL WHITE
20 MM LIME STONE
Mulch 7MM WASHED ROUND
10MM WASHED PEA GRAVEL 14MM WASHED ROUND
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Names of product may vary depending on suppliers
Stone Options 20MM MONTANA RAINBOW
20MM SALT & PEPPER
20MM TANNED
28MM WASHED ROCK BEST VALUE
28MM WASHED ROUND
40MM LIMESTONE
40MM MONTANA RAINBOW
40MM PINK GRANITE
40MM PURPLE SPARKLE
40MM RUNDLE
40MM TANNED
40MM WASHED ROCK
LARGE BURNCO BLACK
MEDIUM BURNCO BLACK
LARGE ROCKY RUSTIC
MEDIUM WASHED RUSTIC
SMALL ROCKY RUSTIC
4-8” MONTANA RAINBOW
4-8” RIVER ROCK
6-14” RIVER ROCK
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Your Space, Your Style.
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ENTERTAINMENT C E N T R A L
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haron and Steve have large extended families that they like to entertain. When the groups get together for a good time they require a big space to host them all. Entertaining family was the big driver when Sharon Steve approached the landscaping of their back yard. The idea was to create a space that a lot of people could feel comfortable in by building a variety of different settings like a bar, a large cooking area, and a grand fire place area to gather in. The first step in the landscape process was to meet with an Assiniboine landscape designer. Kathy met with Sharon and Steve at their house and discussed the objectives they wanted to achieve. Soon plans were being created for their space. The property backs on to Fish Creek Park and has amazing views of the mountains. A big hearth fire place was planned that would mix the experience of a having a fire in the wonderful, natural green space of Fish Creek Park within the confines of their back yard. A large cooking area, with a BBQ, bar seats and a large L-shaped counter space was next on the list. A large timberframe roof would provide shelter for this area and also add a standout accent for the whole space. Other features planned included a rounded bar stand, a water fountain, a pergola on along a walk way, several pathways and steps leading to and from a large stone patio.
‘We just felt that it was a very personable job and that the people really cared about the job they were doing for us. Thanks Assiniboine!’
Once the design was signed off on, Assiniboine’s project manager Kris met with Sharon and Steve and the hard work of construction commenced. It was a large two-month job. ‘The team was fabulous, every step of the way,’ explains Sharron as she sips a white wine with Steve. The two are enjoying a fire and watching the sun go down on a pleasant evening in the late summer in their new space. ‘Anytime there was a little thing that I wasn’t sure about, Kris would meet me in the morning and we would walk it through. Fantastic. The workers were polite and the workspace was clean.’ ‘There were no real issues,’ Steve adds in. ‘They were very quick, and fair I would say. This is exactly the venue that we need. Very nice guys.’
ENTERTAINMENT C E N T R A L
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Visit Assiniboine.com to see a video feature of this project.
“The team was fabulous every step of the way”
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Patios,Pathways & Driveways
Rocky Mountain pattern pavers in Rustic
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Assiniboine provides the best products and installation in the industry. Our patios are clean, classy, functional, timeless, and aesthetic. You’ll love the longevity of an Assiniboine patio because we use the proper construction techniques for the foundation. Like any great structure, if it’s built on a solid base it is going to pass the test of time. You can also see the mark of a “quality” Assiniboine patio in the finishing touches. The right cuts, the right border and the right design choices all contribute to a world-class finished product.
Rustic cobble circle pattern driveway.
Charcoal Holland / Double Holland Paving Stone driveway. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Rustic cobble paver ‘ying yang’ with circle pattern incorporated.
Patios,Pathways & Driveways
Rustic Cobble Pavers Whether you need a pathway and steps to your front door or around the side of your house, or you want to create the ultimate patio for your outdoor gatherings, Assiniboine is the right choice to get it done. We create beautiful extensions of your house that your guests, neighbors, and family will love.
Why Choose Stone? CHAR ACTER Paving Stone patios are first class features that can be personalized to suit your desire.
DUR ABILITY Unlike stamped concrete, paving stone won’t crack, fade, or get wear patterns.
EASILY REPAIRED Assiniboine patios rarely sink. However, in the unlikely event one does, it only takes a matter of hours to redo and make it look as good as new.
PRICE Cheaper than stamped concrete and comparable to regular poured concrete.
M AINTENANCE Sealed with polymer sand, our patios have low water permeability and are resistant to weeds and ants.
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Rustic cobble pavers with raised roman stackstone tree well.
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Roman Euro paving stone driveway.
Rustic Roman Euro patio.
Raised rustic roman pisa retaining wall with charcoal roman revers a cap capstones, and roman euro patio.
Desert buff Roman Euro pavers .
Proma 60mm paving stone with solino and capstone step.
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Patios,Pathways & Driveways
Villagio, Blu 60 & flagstone blended stone patio, double sided stone, mini creta seating wall and a Valencia firepit.
Rocky Mountain patter pavers, with cornerstone retaining wall and Belgard Fireplace
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Charcoal Rocky Mountain paving stone blend.
Rinox Aspen in Ash Charcoal Patio with Midnight Black border and Rio 90 and Capstone sitting wall .
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Forever Home A Sense of Permanence Brings Fulfillment
It was time to re-do the deck and the current version was full of rotting wood that no paint job was going to fix. It became clear wood wasn’t the answer moving forward because it doesn’t last like stone does. The idea was to do it once and do it right; to put the finishing touches on our forever home.
The culminating features of the whole build are the large stone steps that allow one hundred and eighty degrees worth of access to the lower stone patio. These heavy steps give a strong sense of permanence to this landscape build. The steps are oversized for easy walking and solidly exquisite.
“It was a very organic evolution to get to what ended up getting built,” said owner Paula. “Assiniboine was great in helping us understand our wants and needs.”
The middle terrace is filled with large flat paver stones in a half kidney shape, that acknowledges the property lines with a sophisticated grace. This patio hosts a large BBQ for cooking and also has a dinning table and resort lounge chairs. The aesthetic feels relaxed and well appointed with out giving a cluttered feel. A wood, lattice fence adds a touch of distinction to accentuate the entrance from the front to back yards. Once you’ve walked past that gate, there’s no mistaking you’re in a backyard oasis.
The end product is a glorious, triple tiered terrace, with multiple angles that serve many purposes. Straight out of the house, you walk out of the kitchen or dinning room on to the elevated patio. Guests can flow seamlessly from the outdoors to the indoors and enjoy meals and drinks according to the weather. A permanent gas fire place is the highlight of the upper patio where kids and adults a like can find peace under it’s warm haze as day fades into night.
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The final retaining wall allows for another five set of stairs which lead to the lowest level of the space. Here, there are gardens hosting spices and flowers, as well as supple grass.
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Assiniboine was great in helping us understand our wants and needs.
visit Assiniboine.com to see a video feature of this project.
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Charcoal roman euro patio with rundle flagstone pathways and black mulch beds.
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Clean Slate Your Space, Your Style.
CREATING A PIECE OF LIVEABLE ART
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ome people see the empty plot of land on which they built their new house as a chore, a final task in the completion of creating their new home. But some people see that pile of dirt as a blank canvas, a clean slate on which they can express their sense of style and create a space that they can truly call their own. Really, the unfinished yard is like a blank sheet of paper awaiting the creative touch of the human hand and mind. Leigh Douglas had a vision for her new home in Mackenzie Town’s Elgin. And with the help of Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes, she turned that vision into one of the nicest yards we’ve ever taken part in creating. “It was such a good idea,” says Kris Cormier, the Project Manager who worked with Leigh to execute her plan. “We built it up the way she wanted it and I think it looks awesome.” Leigh also credits an associated Assiniboine landscape designer in the creative process. “Kathrine was invaluable…She listened to everything on my wishlist and then came up with the overall design.” It’s the details that make this project so visually appealing. Notice how the path to the garage follows the curve of the Roman Paving Stone patio. And look how seamlessly the Rundle Flagstone path blends into the design. This isn’t just landscaping. It’s art. “I loved Katherine’s idea for the pathway that meanders through the yard and around the patio,” says Douglas. “And Kris’s knowledge and experience were very helpful,” she adds. “Because of his recommendations, I am confident that my patios, walkways and paths will stand the test of time.” Leigh’s responsible for the beautiful gardens that you see in the pictures, noting that she added a truckload of compost and black mulch to create flower beds for her plants. “The patios and walkways naturally divide the yard into separate areas for various themed perennial beds,” she adds. As with any landscaping project, it’s essential to factor in the local weather and natural environment. The yard faces south, so it gets plenty of sun through the day. There is a nice shady spot in front of the garage though, which is where Leigh included a small patch of grass for her dog Rio (The Rio Retreat). And she also included a smaller, second patio that has beautiful views of the environmental reserve and natural pond beyond her yard. “The small patio at the edge of the yard is perfect for reading and admiring the view,” says Leigh. It’s so apparent in talking with Leigh that she’s proud of her yard. And when you look at the pictures of what it looked like before she started breaking ground, you really appreciate her vision. “This is definitely one of the cooler projects I’ve been a part of,” adds Cormier.
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Fireside THIS RUSTIC FIREPIT BRINGS THE GREAT OUTDOORS TO YOUR OWN BACKYARD
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n outdoor space becomes so much more usable when there’s a focal point, a place where family, friends and neighbours can gather together, sit outside and socialize. For Calvin Chew and his family, the Rundle stone fire pit has become the perfect addition to their home. Calvin came across a picture of a stacked Rundle stone fireplace and saw the potential for his own yard, which was already a lush expanse of healthy grass. The yard actually has a significant slope to it. But the Assiniboine crew was able to work with the natural terrain and integrate the fire pit into the landscape.“It took a whole lot of work to get it level,” says Calvin. “They did it all by hand.
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The yard was already landscaped, so they couldn’t get any machines to work in there.” Kris Cormier, the Project Manager, is proud of the way everything turned out. “It’s simple, ordered and tied together,” he says. “So it’s super solid.” Calvin wanted something different for his backyard, something that would stand out. “We didn’t want something where the bricks all looked the same. We wanted that natural rock look.” The Rundle stones are perfect for that. And now Calvin and his family have a beautiful outdoor extension of their home, a place where they can sit and exchange stories over the comfort of a roaring fire.
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Your Space, Your Style.
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It’s simple, ordered and tied together.
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Retaining Walls Stacked armour stone retaining wall. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Retaining walls and steps add character to a landscape and value to your property. Walls and steps can be built out of a variety of products and in a variety of ways.
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Retaining Walls
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Retaining Walls
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Retaining Walls
Roman stackstone decorative walls with roman pisa and roman revers a cap capstone, cobble mowbrick border, and roman cobble paving stone patio.
Assiniboine takes into consideration many factors when it comes to building a retaining wall including height, retaining function, needed structural integrity, the space available, and the character of the property. Transform a difficult to mow hill into a terraced, functional, safe and productive showpiece. Terracing also increases water retention which allows vegetation to absorb more and grow healthier, while preventing soil erosion.
Stacked Armour stone retaining wall.
Rustic roman pisa retaining wall with charcoal capstones.
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Allen block retaining wall with fresh sod and black mulch beds.
Quarry stone wall with roman capstone.
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Exposed aggregate driveway and Allen block retaining wall.
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Retaining Walls
Black onyx retaining wall with shale gray piedemonte coping and techno bloc blu 60 paving stone patio.
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Charcoal Roman Euro patio with pressure treated retaining wall and privacy lattice/arbor.
Stacked ironstone retaining wall and fireplace with flagstone patio.
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Rundle boulder garden wall.
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Your Space, Your Style.
Elevated Elegance A DEAD GRASSY HILL BECOMES A PLATFORM FOR CONNECTION The front yard of Ian and Angel’s house was typically an unused hill of dead grass that wouldn’t grow because it recieves very little sunlight. The lawn was an unsightly mess that could be viewed from any one of the many windows on their house’s main feature, a large, circular tower section enclosing the living and piano rooms. It was a constant thorn in the side of an otherwise fantastic property in western Calgary. Because the house is built on a hill, there wasn’t much space outside to sit down with guests and have a visit. But that all changed when the family chose to engage Assiniboine to transform their front space. Starting with a landscape designer recommended by Assiniboine, the couple explained that they wanted a place to drink a coffee on a weekend morning or entertain guests in the evening. They also wanted the space to be maintenance free. “It’s a cup of coffee kind of place,” explains Ian as we sit down and do just that on a brisk fall morning. Even though it is cool this morning, the portable propane fire place keeps us warm. “
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“I like to come out here and put the fire on and read a book,” says Angel. “This is our little oasis in the front yard. We figured if we created a tiered system we could get the space we wanted.” “We sat down with the landscape designer and passed a few ideas back and forth,” Ian describes. “We like that the shape of the landscaped terrace mimics the shape of the house.” And how was it working with Assiniboine? “It was amazing,” says Angel. “They were very pleasant to work with. They always came by and made sure we were aware of the next phases that were about to happen.” “Yes it was really good,” adds Ian. Would you recommend Assiniboine? “Absolutely,” Angel says without hesitation. “It was really well done.”
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Visit Assiniboine.com to see a video feature of this project.
Stacked Rundle firepit, Retaining Wall / Seat with custom cut rundle capstone and rundle flagstone patio. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Steps
Exposed aggregate steps with Allen block retaining wall.
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Charcoal pisa ii with revers a cap steps and instep led lighting.
Steps draw the eye and inevitably become the centerpiece of any landscape. Assiniboine can build steps in a variety of styles and products to suit any budget. Whether you choose to use timber, stone, or cement, steps provide both beauty and function. Sometimes the combination of multiple products can bring an entire landscape together, (walls and patios) and they create a focal point with synergy.
4�x 6� pressure treated steps and tiered retaining wall with rustic cobble pavers.
Pisa II & revers a cap with cobble pavers. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Steps
Pisa II and Capstone steps in charcoal
CONSTRUCTION CONSIDER ATIONS
• Steps average between 6” - 8” rise, which should be kept as consistent as possible.
• All Assiniboine retaining walls include proper drainage (weeping tile, washed rock wrapped in fabric).
• A retaining wall can be constructed up to 1 meter high without a city permit.
• A fire pit must be built over 2 meters from combustible materials or property line.
• Ask about drainage or underground weeping tile so you don’t get ice over your steps or path in the winter.
Rustic pisa & capstone stairs.
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Stackable ironstone stone slab steps and stackable retaining walls, with charcoal holland pavers and washed gravel low maintenance beds.
Rundlestone slab steps.
Rundle stone slab steps with exposed aggregate pathway.. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Steps
Ironstone slab steps and retaining wall.
Desert buff Roman Pisa retaining wall & steps with charcoal revers a cap coping.
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FEATURED Build
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“First impressions are everything.”
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Maximized Fill : Owner Q&A Q: Was there landscaping here before you decided to hire Assiniboine? A: So we moved in two years ago, and the yard was landscaped more for an inner-city couple and we have two young kids, and we wanted to get a dog, so we really wanted to make the space functional for a young family. We hired a designer and they came in and looked at it and gave us some suggestions for both the front and back yard and then put us in touch with Assiniboine. What we’ve done allows us to take advantage of the inner city house and yard and at the same time make it functional and enjoyable for the kids and grown ups. We’ve got a nice deck we can host friends at and we’ve got somewhere the kids can throw a ball around or climb on the climbing wall. When we look at the front yard, what we really like about it is that we’ve really made it more usable. We get the morning sun out there, we can have a coffee and watch the kids play. In the afternoon, in back yard, we’ve got a great deck and we can have some drinks. We’ve got usable space for 12 hours of a nice summer day.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the landscape? A: I think the answer is different depending who you ask in our family. If you ask my children, they love the ladder that goes up to the climbing wall in the back of the garage, which makes good use of that space. My wife really enjoys having coffee on the weekends on the front deck. For me, my two favorite parts are the walkway they built for us in to the side door; there wasn’t really much there. I think it looks spectacular, and the great part about that was that they re-used a lot of the stone that was here already. And then obviously the deck, we love hanging out here, having a BBQ and having friends over. Q: Would you recommend working with Assiniboine? A: Yeah, we’d recommend Assiniboine. They were pretty responsive. They delivered on everything we had designed for us by the designer. And then they also thought about, ‘OK we’ve got these ideas from the designers and how do we use that and make it more functional. They were creative and responsive and that’s what we liked about them.
Another example of precision construction on a pressure treated deck. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Your Space, Your Style.
Visit Assiniboine.com to see a video feature of this project.
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Maximized Fill
Visit Assiniboine.com to see a video feature of this project.
“Assiniboine were creative and responsive and that’s what we liked about them. ”
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Borders & Decorative Walls
Mow Brick border around mulch bed
Decorative borders around beds and low maintenance areas are an easy way to create an aesthetic barrier between products that aren’t meant to mix (gravel/mulch and grass). There are a variety of ways to do this and they all have their pros and cons. Mow Brick Pros – Very durable, easy to maintain, can easily mow over it (hence the name) thus trimming not required, looks great pulling all elements of brick together (colours/textures), thicker border preventing mulch/gravel from getting whippered onto grass. Cons – can be a pricey line item if a lot of length is required.
Wood Border Pros – Fairly cheap and wide long enough to provide a good barrier, durable. Cons – Only available in straight lines and sharp angles, wood can be chipped or ruined by maintenance activities.
Plastic Edging Pros - Marginally cheaper, clean lines, fairly durable plastic, barrier between bed / grass. Cons – Only marginally cheaper than mow brick, plastic can kink and lines can become distorted by mower, mower can shred if ground heaves, have to trim grass anyway while mowing.
Stackstone Pros – Raised beautiful walls creating a real feature in the yard, can be combined with mow brick to provide a super low maintenance finished product, create height and depth for the yard, a real defining feature of the yard, can be used in situations up to 2’ in height, able to create a small tiering effect. Cons – more expensive than mow brick when height isn’t required, a decorative wall, not a weight bearing retaining wall, shouldn’t be used to construct steps.
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Mow brick backed up by 3”-5” Rundle boarder with exposed aggregate pathway.
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Charcoal Stackstone and Rustic Holland Paver
Mow Brick border around black mulch bed
Rustic roman stackstone curved decorative wall.
Ironstone 3” – 5” raised border.
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Borders & Decorative Walls
Mowbrick boarder w
Charcoal cobble mow brick boarder with 20mm Rundle bed.
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Charcoal cobble mow brick with 20 mm Rundle beds and 10mm Rundle pathway.
with cedar bark mulch.
Decorative stacked rundle retaining wall.
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Making it Count PASSION RUNS DEEP “I’ve been here almost 20 years and my wife and I have grown accustomed to Calgary and its temperature fluctuations,” says Michael Magnien, Assiniboine client and homeowner in Douglasdale Estates. “The yard itself is kind of tilted towards the north-east, but where we have the patio, it gets sunshine until late afternoon. And we’ve got it situated so that the benches that we put out on the perimeter are the last place that the sun sits on.” This is such a great project. Here at Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes, we love seeing our clients’ passions come through in their yards. “One of the things that we really enjoy about the yard now is that we’ve always gravitated towards living close to park lands for outdoor activities,” says Michael. “That’s why we’re down by Fish Creek Park and our yard echoes that…I always like to be surrounded by trees and greenery.” Of course the landscape wasn’t always so perfect. Assiniboine worked with the Magniens to fulfill their vision and make it what it is today. “The space wasn’t very usable before,” says Michael. “We have three kids and the people who we bought the house from were through all that, so they’d converted the yard into an herb garden. They had a pond and all sorts of shrubbery. It had gone feral…you couldn’t use the yard.” The transformation is amazing. What was once a mess of dying plants, dirt and concrete from the previous deck is now the tidy, sun-catching expression of style that you see in the photos. “We’re really pleased. We had a basic idea of what we were after but we were able to take some of [Assinibone’s] suggestions and make it all work together,” says Magnien. “And when it came to matching the angles on the patio and the stairs with the angles of the kitchen nook that comes off the house, that was really cool.” All subtleties aside, the landscape is really about capitalizing on favourable weather conditions. “When the nice weather comes you want to be outside as much as you can to take it in while you have the opportunity,” says Magnien. “ And the way we have the patio right now we can BBQ year-round. It’s great.”
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Your Space, Your Style.
The transformation is amazing.
Backyard Renewal LANDSCAPING PROVIDES A NEW LEASE ON LIFE FOR EXISTING YARD Peter and Penny Cornforth had lived in their Northwest Calgary home for over 20 years before deciding to create a space in their backyard that allowed them to maximize their time spent at home in the summer.
Construction on the project began ahead of schedule so Assiniboine was on track to have everything ready to spend those beautiful Calgary summer evenings on the new deck and stone patio.
Peter had a pretty good idea for a few years of what he wanted the end result of his yard to be. He just needed the assistance of a great landscaping company to help him realize his vision.
“We never really used the backyard very much but now that we have this big usable space people have been coming over more often. I have had so many things in my backyard — my book club; friends are stopping by as well as barbecuing more. Having friends over for a drink in the evening around the fire pit is great as well. The new yard has been great for our lifestyle, as we have been doing much more socializing.”
After searching online and finding many landscaping companies, which didn’t do any work in the Northwest, Penny came across Assinniboine.com. Seeing the many quality projects on display, she soon booked a consultation and had Assiniboine provide a quote on the project. Peter and Penny decided to go with a two-tiered cedar deck with black aluminum rails and custom stairs as well as a stone patio with integrated planters. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
When asked if she would recommend Assiniboine, Penny said “Anybody that asks if we would recommend Assiniboine Lights and Landscaping we just say, Come to our house, take a look and decide if you like the work, Which everybody does”.
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“The new yard has been great for our lifestyle, as we have been doing much more socializing�
Your Space, Your Style.
Cedar deck, stairs and skirting with aluminum spindle railings, pisa and capstone retaining wall and Rocky Mountain paving stones.
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Decks, Skirting & Railings Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Types of Decks COMPOSITE
PRESSURE TREATED
Pressure treated deck with custom benches, storage area and steps.
CEDAR
Tiered cedar deck with custom slate inlay border. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Types of Decks VINYL
BATU
DECK SKIRTING
Cedar slat skirting & access hatch.
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Your Space, Your Style
Decks are a beautiful extension of the house and they add living space in the summer. Assiniboine builds several kinds of decks and we approach each one with the idea that this is where you spend quality time barbecuing, entertaining and relaxing. DECK CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS • Decks can be constructed up to 2’ above ground without a permit. • If a permit is required, Assiniboine can help with the process. Ask your estimator for more information. • Deck railings must be 42” high to meet building codes. • Deck Skirting is an excellent way to ‘finish’ a deck off. • Ideally decks and fences should be constructed using the same materials. • Deck construction always starts with a pressure treated wood frame. • Decks should always be constructed on cement pilings with no wood under the soil. • Instead of skirting, weed fabric and gravel can be used under decks to create a ‘clean’ finish.
Cedar deck with custom cedar planters
Composite deck with 58” obscured privacy glass along side and glass and aluminum rail
Composite deck with cedar and aluminum railings and decorative cedar pergola.
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Your Space, Your Style
Decks, Skirting & Railings
Quarrystone paving stone patio, with composite deck, aluminum and obscured glass railings
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Your Space, Your Style
Decks
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Your Space, Your Style
Decks
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Your Space, Your Style
Decks, Skirting & Railings
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Your Space, Your Style
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Elevated OASIS Elegant and Hassle Free
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he view from the deck was one thing that particularly
sealed the deal for Dale and Doreen when they bought their new home on Calgary’s west side. At that time, sixteen years ago, the subdivision was brand new and there was a sea of wooden roofs that their deck towered over. The real selling point was the majestic Rocky Mountains which could be seen in the distance. These days, as the trees in the neighborhood have grown, this empty nest couple has an elevated perch among a canopy of leaves, but still the mountain view remains. It’s a place where the couple often shares a morning coffee and where they maintain a host of blooming plants in the summer. “The project was completed on time and on budget.” Originally a completely wood structure, after sixteen years in the house, the deck was falling apart. The wooden spindles were becoming shaky and grandchildren needed to be warned about slivers. They prolonged the life of the deck as long as they could by painting it on a yearly basis but finally the decision was made to get something new. “We were very pleased with the work Assiniboine did for us,” mentions Doreen as she sips her coffee on a warm summer morning. “We use the deck almost everyday in the summertime. We witness amazing sunsets from our perch and we love it.” “We wanted a hassle free, low maintenance solution for our new deck,” Dale ads in. “We choose composite flooring because we liked the idea that it will never rot, not bleach from the sun and that we’ll never have to paint it. We also went Timber tech composite decking with regal aluminum and glass railings. with aluminum railings to avoid future slivers and we put in patio glass to increase the view.” For this couple, a few moments on the patio can make all the difference in the day.
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Your Space, Your Style.
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Pergolas, Lattice & Arbors Pergolas, Arbors, and Privacy lattices can be built in any style and for any function that you desire. You can copy a design you saw down the street, or in a magazine, or you can dream your own up. Let us know what you’re interested in and we can make sure it’s built to last and to impress.
Stained cedar pergola with decorative beams.
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Decorative Cedar privacy screen
Composite deck with cedar pergola and railings with black aluminum spindles.
Pressure Treated deck and privacy lattice with cobble stone patio.
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Pergolas, Lattice & Arbors
Painted pergola with 58” Glass and aluminum railings, and vinyl decking
PERGOLA S Pergolas are the ideal way to create an outdoor room, providing a feeling of shelter from the elements, and a bit of shade to boot! They can be constructed in a variety of styles using various different products to create a focal point in a yard. They also provide an ideal location for guiding your vines or hanging potted plants.
PRIVACY L ATTICE Due to the typically elevated nature of a deck, Assiniboine can build a variety of privacy lattices to break the line of sight between you and your neighbors and minimize the “fishbowl” effect.
ARBOR S Add some style and structure to your path, gate or garden with a decorative arbor. They can provide height, privacy and even strength to a gate or just add a little pizazz for those lucky enough to walk through it. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Cedar pergola over vinyl deck finished with cedar tongue and groove skirting. Your Space, Your Style
Decorative cedar privacy lattice fence
Pressure treated privacy lattice.
Decorative cedar privacy lattice/arbor.
Pressure treated tiered deck and pergola. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Decorative cedar pergola with Barkman dimensional tiles.
Cedar pergola with barkman dimensional paving stone patio.
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Your Space, Your Style
Pergolas, Lattice & Arbors
Stained cedar pergola with charcoal cobble pavers.
Custom cedar pergola with river rock base and fireplace and roman euro charcoal paving stone.
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Pergolas, Lattice & Arbors
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FEATURED Build
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Your Space, Your Style.
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URBAN
Sanctuary
Clean lines and modern style create the perfect urban contemporary getaway
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Your Space, Your Style
Your Space, Your Style.
Landscape designed by: Katherine Kinch Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Black onyx retaining wall with shale grey piedemonte coping and techno bloc blu 60 paving stone patio.
URBAN
Sanctuary
Clean Lines and Modern Style Picture this: six to seven years after your backyard project is initiated, the Columnar Aspens that you planted are thirty feet tall and the Blue Oak grasses have matured into a healthy row of well-nourished foliage. Between the Aspens and your Redwood Privacy Lattice, the backyard is yours and nobody else’s. This is your space, and it’s the ultimate reflection of your style. There’s no better place to kick up your feet and soak in the serenity of your own private kingdom. When the sun sets over the western horizon and the air takes on that classic Albertan chill, you turn on your hard-wired gas fireplace and flick the switches on the two torches that sit on either side of your garden. Your backyard is the perfect place to gather with the people you care about. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
This is how you pictured it when you started dreaming up the idea: people sitting on the retaining wall (that’s why you put the extra caps on) and the glass beads of your fireplace casting a comforting hue into the fading night. The fireplace is in the perfect spot, heating your space and making it that much more enjoyable. Why watch TV when you can sit outside and feel like you’re miles away from anywhere else? “This is my favourite job that I’ve ever worked on,” says Kris Cormier, the Project Manager that worked with the homeowner to create this incredible, zero-maintenance backyard. “I love the details, like how the pattern of the paving stones doesn’t really repeat itself,” adds Cormier. “You could just tell the space was going to be perfect for them.”
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Cedar Seclusion CREATIVE SOLUTIONS USING FENCING
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he hot tub in the Peters’ household is the perfect accompaniment to an expansive deck that opens up from sliding French doors to wonderful southwest facing light. The only trouble, is that the tub location is quite close to their property line and there is more than one, 3 story house that can over look it. The answer? Privacy lattice, installed by the Assiniboine team to block the lines of sight to the tub. ‘I had a neighbor whose fence I really liked,’ explains Dianna as she shows us proudly around her backyard. ‘I finally went and asked them who they had put the fence in for them and it turned out to be Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes. We called them up and they responded immediately. They came out and gave us an estimate and the quote was quite competitive.’ The privacy lattice was just part of the job in the Peters’ yard. One of the unique features is the large hammock that hangs, invitingly, just off the deck by the hot tub. In order for it to work, Assiniboine installed a large single timber, buried with a deep foundation and re-enforced with concrete so the hammock could support a grown man. ‘The hammock is my husband’s favourite spot in our yard. We needed a post that could support the weight of one or two people and this does the job perfectly,’ says Dianna as she taps the large post of wood. The last big piece of the backyard was a fence along the street and a barrier and gate to separate the front and back yards. The fence line followed the slope of the backyard and features a cascading ridge line that is eloquent and crisp. The horizontal wood pieces of the fence add a subtle flair, compared to the vertical wood in most of the neighbors yards and it matches the privacy lattice on the deck and hot tub areas perfectly. ‘We’ve had a lot of compliments on the way everything matches. Assiniboine gave us the suggestions of using horizontal, cedar wood and we absolutely love it. We’re also very pleased with the workmanship on the gate.’ Was Dianna happy with the work that Assiniboine did for her? ‘Happy would be an understatement,’ she says emphatically with a smile. ‘I would say I was thrilled with the work. Not only were they on time and showed up regularly. When they were finished for the day, they cleaned up their work site and put everything away. Then the next morning they would come back and do it all again. I would recommend them highly. I’d give them five out of five if I had to. Easily!’
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“Happy would be an understatement, I would say I was thrilled with the work.”
Visit Assiniboine.com to see a video feature of this project.
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Fences & Gates
Cedar horizontal slat decorative fence Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Double wide cedar gate.
Fences can add privacy and act as a barrier for your property. They can be the finishing touch on a great landscape design. Assiniboine offers many different selections when it comes to building your perfect fence.
Pressure treated fortress style fence with decorative iron gate. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Fences & Gates
Decorative Cedar Fence with horizontal slats.
FENCE CONSTRUCTION
• All fence posts are sunk 30” into the ground. • 2 bags of cement are used on every post. • Gate posts are sunk 36” and 3 bags of cement are used. • Gates larger than 42” wide can cause posts to twist due to the load factor of a large heavy gate.
• Usually fence costs will be split among the neighbors who share it.
• A real property report is the ideal way to find the property line. • Fences are usually constructed on the property line. • Standard Fence Height is 6’. DECK/FENCE REMOVAL SERVICE Sometimes the first step in a new deck or fence job is the removal of the older product. Assiniboine is happy to deconstruct your old deck or fence and take the materials to the dump. This service is provided as an additional line item in the budget provided. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Cedar fortress style fence.
Your Space, Your Style
Cedar fence with decorative lattice top built on combination of rustic pisa and capstone and 6” * 6” pressure treated retaining walls
Cedar fence with decorative lattice top.
Pressure treated fence with 6’ aluminum spindle decorative fence. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
Cedar deck and skirting with privacy lattice.
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Fences & Gates
Cedar lattice fence with beautiful fresh sod.
Fences
&Gates
Modern Cedar Fence with horizontal slats.
Pressure Pressure treated treated fence fence replacement replacement forfor townhomes townhomes.
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Decorative cedar lattice fence.
Pressure treated retaining wall topped with cedar fence.
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Plants & Vegetation
Once the hardscape has been constructed, the next thing to do is ‘furnish’ it. Plants bring color and life to a yard and if done properly can add tremendous value. Let Assiniboine work with you to provide advice and suggestions on how to make your dreams come to fruition.
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Raised allen block retaining wall around decorative bed.
Perennial bed with mow brick border, decorative sandstone, dry river bed and montane mulch ground cover. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Gardens
All garden bases start with a deep layer of premium ‘garden mix’ (peat, loam and sand) to create ideal growing conditions. THE SHRUB GARDEN This is the lowest maintenance of all 3 garden types… It consists almost exclusively of shrubs and trees that are low – no maintenance, this type of garden is definitely covered in mulch or sometimes weed fabric and gravel. The shrubs in this type of garden can still provide a wide variety of color and usually doesn’t need any watering, and very little pruning.
THE PERENNIAL GARDEN This type of garden is for the mildly engaged homeowner who wants vibrant color and life, but doesn’t have a lot of time to maintain it.
THE ANNUAL GARDEN This garden provides the most color of all garden types and is where the homeowner gets to plant new flowers every spring… No mulch is used in this type of garden as new flowers are planted and removed on a seasonal basis. The size of this type of garden should be kept manageable because the same soil that grows the best flowers is also great for weeds.
WHAT TO PL ANT? Assiniboine has amazing project managers and landscape designers to help you create the ideal garden for your property! Trust our people to find the best solutions for you! You choose the plants you want and we will put them in the soil.
MAINTENANCE Weeds taking over your flower beds? Let us help. We provide everything from one time overhauls to ongoing maintenance.
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Interesting IDEAS
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Interesting IDEAS
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Christmas Lights
Multicolour c6 LED lights on house and tree with some icy white LED C6 on the other tree
Christmas
Lights
White traditional Christmas lights on roofline.
Assiniboine lights and Landscapes is the premier Christmas Light Installation business in Western Canada. We specialize in large trees, steep roofs and bringing attention to your home or business during the holiday season. Blue LED tree wrap and large spruce tree with mini trad’s in hedge.
OUR PRO CESS To get started or learn more about how Assiniboine operates, simply follow these easy steps. Having your Christmas lights set up has never been this easy!!! 1. Pick up the phone and give us a call. You will be greeted by one of our friendly office staff who are ready to answer any and all questions you may have. 2. Book an appointment, you do NOT have to be home, (our crews only work outside). 3. Tell Assiniboine what type of lights you have or want (Assiniboine will rent, sell or set up your lights) and where you want them installed. 4. Leave out instructions with your lights on your front porch for us to install. Assiniboine will test all your lights to make sure they are in perfect working order and replace any bulbs or strands that aren’t working with stock they have available on site.
Icy white LED icicle lights.
5. Enjoy your Christmas Lights!
Assiniboine’s installations are the best in the business. All extension cords will be tucked away out of sight and timers set so that you have a hassle and worry free light experience. Warm white LED C9 lights. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Timeless Tradition LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
C
hristmas lights in Calgary is a tradition that the entire city joins in on, making evenings a joy as the festive season rolls around. For anyone that has installed their own lights before, you will know that it is easier said than done. Borrowing your neighbors ladder and braving cold, icy driveways and roofs only to have a sagging, half finished job is not what you had in mind when you started. That’s where Assiniboine comes in. Every year, I look forward to catching up with regular clients who realize it is simpler and safer to call in the professionals. For those that might be considering adding to the charm of your street or enticing some more business by having lights installed, here are a few trends and things to consider before calling the office to speak with one of the our staff about installing your lights. THE FIRST RULE OF LIGHTS is that more is usually better and when you turn on the switch for the first time you will agree. Clients often look to me to design a Christmas lights layout for their house. Having installed lights on thousands of houses our Assiniboine team knows what will look best and give you the best bang for your buck. The common trend is to hang lights on your house where they will be seen so most people opt for the front of the house facing the street, or along the corner if it is a corner lot. Trees are a real conversation piece so if you have a nice spruce tree in your front yard or outside the living room window in the back yard it is sure to impress. And don’t fret, we have yet to find a tree too big to hang Christmas lights in. LED LIGHTS are by far the most efficient and every year more and more clients that don’t already have LED lights are switching over. LED lights don’t burn out mid way through the season, are more energy efficient and less fragile than the old fashioned glass bulbs. THE FINAL CONSIDERATION IS COLOR. In my experience the popular colors are the traditional Christmas multi colors and the classic look of white lights that is timeless. That isn’t to say that any vision you might have personally for your Christmas light display this coming season will look out of place, so don’t hesitate to describe exactly what you would like before heading back inside for a warm cup of coffee while we get to work. As an avid skier and climber, your second story peak in frigid winter temperatures is merely training for the coming winter playing in the mountains. -Anthony Bonello (Crew leader and seven-year light installation vet.)
Multi color LED C6 lights on a spruce tree. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Customized Permanent
• • • • • • • • • •
True warm white LED Cloud-Enabled App Controlled Bumper to bumper warranty Dimable lights Architectural lighting Mesmerizing animations Set Multiple Timers Individual waterproof connections Customizable colors
Year- Round Lighting, Any reason, Any season!
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Year-Round Lights
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Christmas
Lights
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Icy white C6 LED’s in some small trees.
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Christmas
Lights
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Property Maintenance
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Residential & Commercial YARD CARE, SNOW REMOVAL, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
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Lawncare Ben blowing off grass clippings to ensure a spotless yard
Relax. Let Assiniboine take care of your lawn maintenance throughout the year. Spring clean-ups are the first step to a healthy lawn throughout the summer and fall. Here’s what’s involved: APRIL 1 – MAY 31
MAY 15 – OCTOBER 15
LEAF CLEAN UP
LAWN MAINTENANCE
Clean up and remove all the debris that the fall and winter left in your yard.
POWER R AKE OR DETHATCH
Removes old thatch, debris and moss while stimulating new growth resulting in a thicker lawn.
AER ATE
Increase nutrient & water absorption, and helps oxygenate the soil.
MOW AND TRIM
Cleans up the appearance of the grass and kick starts growth.
FERTILIZE
Provides your lawn with the proper nutrients it needs to be thick and green all summer.
DEBRIS REMOVAL
Is provided on a weekly or biweekly basis, (bi-weekly starting July 15). Our crews will cut and trim your lawn and blow clean all hard surfaces.
VACATION CUTS
Let us know when you want us to be there and your property will be well maintained while you’re enjoying your trip!
HED GE AND TREE PRUNING
Let us know if you need a hand to keep your yard manicured and we’re happy to help out.
BED MAINTENANCE
Weeds taking over your flower beds? Let us help. We provide everything from one time overhauls to ongoing maintenance.
FERTILIZE
Fertilizer should be applied 3- 4 times a summer for your lawn’s optimal health.
We haul everything away so you don’t have to worry about it!
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Lawncare Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Snow Removal Assiniboine uses boss plows, the best on the market
Assiniboine provides residential, acreage and commercial snow removal in Calgary and the surrounding area. Our equipment varies from shovels, scrapers and snow blowers, to skid steers, plow trucks, sanders and dump trucks. Serving homes, acreages, commercial and industrial properties. No matter the size, Assiniboine is equipped to do the job. Assiniboine also offers different contract options ranging from removals on a per time basis to unlimited snow removals throughout the season.
HAND SHOVELING
The tried and true staple of snow removal are crews who are there when you need them.
POWER BRUSHING
Allows us to clean the walkway much more thoroughly than just the shovel, important for high traffic areas.
PLOW TRUCK
Perfect for acreages, access roads and parking lots, our trucks use BOSS plows, the best in the business!
SKID STEER
Ideal for industrial / commercial locations where space is a factor and we need to pile snow high for lack of space or for high volume contracts.
SALTING & SANDING
For those days when no matter how you clean it, the ice is still there. We make your surfaces safe to walk and drive on. Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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Let us clear your sidewalks for you
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Estate, Condo & Commercial
Maintenance
If you are looking for a year-round, worry free property maintenance solution, then look no further. Rather than just piecing together your maintenance needs, we can provide an ‘all inclusive’ package to keep your yard looking perfect no matter the season.
CONDO BOARDS / PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Assiniboine has a team of highly trained and dedicated individuals who are focused on providing year round outdoor maintenance. For one consistent monthly fee we can make sure everything from your spring clean, weekly maintenance, fertilizing, leaf clean, snow removal to sanding and gravel is maintained. As a client, you will get ONE dedicated property maintenance expert who will be wholly responsible for all your needs and requests. You will have a direct cell number for your crew leader, year round full time office support and a dedicated estimator who can provide numbers to any of your ideas or needs. We are experienced in dealing with all types of tenants and special requests, give us a call for more details.
ESTATE MAINTENANCE For those homeowners who are looking for a worry free maintenance solution this may be the answer for you. You let us know what you are looking for – weekly lawn and bed maintenance, hedge pruning, fertilizing, snow / ice management. You name it we can do it, and we can bundle it all into 1 easy and consistent monthly payment which makes budgeting easy.
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Assiniboine would like to thank Dave Duncan at Soul Exposure photography, everyone at Summit Communications, all our amazing clients, and all our world class people for facilitating & building all the beautiful landscapes you’ve seen in these pages. MAGAZINE PRODUCTION, LAYOUT AND DESIGN BY SUMMIT COMMUNICATIONS 250.344.5578 | INFO@SUMMITCOMMUNICATIONS.CA Assiniboine Lights & Landscapes
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DECKS WALKWAYS STAIRS FIRE PLACES RETAINING WALLS GRADING SOD VEGETATION FENCES PERGOLAS LAWNCARE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Your Space, Your Style.
Landscaping done right - the first time. 403.301.3300 (Calgary) | www.Assiniboine.com CONTACT TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!
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