Business in Calgary - February 2023

ASK SAM

FIRST QUARTER REAL ESTATE MARKET PREDICTIONS FROM SAM COREA

QQ:What are your real estate expectations for the first few months of 2023?

A SLOW START TO 2023

Normally, the year starts off with many new listings hitting the market, but this year I predict we are in for a different scenario. Sellers are hearing about an impending recession and this has caused them to pause. Therefore, I am anticipating fewer listings coming to market in the first quarter of 2023 compared to past years.

HIGHER INTEREST RATES

There is no doubt that the rise in interest rates has already made an impact with buyers. This has slowed real estate activity to the East and West in Vancouver and Toronto. But it also means that qualifying for a mortgage is tougher and some buyers can’t afford what they could in the past. It is more important than ever to get a mortgage pre-approval before beginning your home search.

THE LUXURY SEGMENT

The rise in interest rates will affect the luxury real estate market as well. I expect less activity in houses priced over $2,000,000 in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 2022 and 2021. Also, I have noticed that luxury buyers are currently more inclined to purchase properties that are move-in ready than homes that require renovations in this segment. This is helpful information to consider when pricing and preparing to sell your luxury home.

INVENTORY INCREASE IN Q2

The big story for 2022 was the lack of properties available for purchase which caused “seller’s market” conditions. I anticipate these conditions to continue into March. Once sellers become comfortable with the interest rates and market conditions in the late spring and early summer, inventory will increase. Therefore, my recommendation is for sellers to get their homes on the market as soon as possible to take advantage of these low inventory levels while they last. In the late spring and early summer, the market will become more balanced, driving pricing back downwards.

DID YOU MISS THE MARKET?

Not at all! The fact of the matter is that life events cause home owners to buy and sell their property, not inventory levels or interest rates. Changes in marriage, family members, careers, and life goals are the main driving factors, and these things ebb and flow no matter what is happening in the real estate market. The trick is to have an expert on your side to help you buy and sell to your best advantage.

THE MARKET IS CHANGING. DON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY.

CALL TODAY TO FORMULATE A PLAN THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

SPRINGBANK | $4,000,000

Fantastic opportunity to buy two adjacent Springbank parcels of land totalling 38 acres. Located at the intersection of Lower Springbank Road and Horizon View Road and bordered to the North by Escarpment Drive, these spectacular properties offer rolling hills and stunning mountain views. The north parcel consists of 22 +/- acres zoned R-1 (2 acre minimum) and R-2 (4 acre minimum). Currently, both parcels are being utilized for agricultural purposes. This beautiful piece of paradise is in a prime location, surrounded on three sides by paved roads with scenic countryside views and offers privacy, and proximity to Stoney Trail. This is a great opportunity to buy both parcels together making it the ideal picturesque spot for future development.

DOUGLASDALE | $1,295,000

#501

A sophisticated penthouse overlooking the scenic banks of the Bow. This spacious, luxurious unit contains details you would expect to find in an estate home. A double sided French chateau inspired fireplace separates the generous living room from the dining area. There is plenty of space to host elegant dinner parties or special occasions. The open concept kitchen allows conversation to flow while you prep meals. Highlights include custom cabinetry with carved corbels, Wolf and Subzero appliances, and high end finishes. The grand primary bedroom has access out to one of the two outdoor living areas both with river views, a luxe 5-piece ensuite, and a large closet any fashionista would envy. Guests will appreciate the tucked away 2nd bedroom and bathroom. A laundry room, additional storage unit and 2 titled parking stalls are included. The concrete construction dampens noise between floors making it extra quiet. Communal gardens, access to the river paths and uncompromising quality make this the lap of luxury!

Set on a quiet, tree-lined street and a short walk to parks and schools. The kitchen is placed in the center of the main floor with handsome wood cabinets, stainless appliances including a 6-burner gas range, a central island with a secondary dishwasher and granite counters. The casual dining nook contains additional cabinets and a counter ideal for setting up a self-serve bar when entertaining friends. A fireplace flanked by book cases and a large south facing window are highlights of the living room. The formal dining room could be utilized as a sitting room or work space. The primary bedroom has an arched window perfectly framing the trees outside, a vaulted ceiling and a sitting area. A serene ensuite features a soaker tub, double vanities, a large steam shower with a rain shower head. Two additional bedrooms both with vaulted ceilings, a 4-piece bathroom and laundry room complete the 2nd floor. Downstairs is a recreation room with a fireplace, a bar, a 4th bathroom, and a 4th bedroom. The sunny south facing yard has a patio, mature trees and a walkway to the double detached garage. This is a lovely home with a well thought out layout in an ideal location!

201 QUARRY WAY SE

ALTADORE | $899,000

48TH AVENUE SW

By Shane Wenzel

By David Parker

Top Luxury Properties of 2022!

GET MONEY T O HI RE A S TU D ENT

CAREERS connects e m ployers with m ot ivated high scho ol s tudents who are in t erested in lea r ning more abou t skilled trades, informati o n and communi ca ti ons technolog y, healthcare, a griculture or fo restry.

fu n d i n g available

F o r a limited time, CAREERS will p rovide a financial incentive of u p to $ 7 , 5 0 0 for qualified employers to help co ve r the cost of pro viding a student internshi p. To le arn more visit careersnextgen.ca /employers

PUBLISHERS

Pat Ottmann & Tim Ottmann

EDITOR

Melanie Darbyshire melanie@businessincalgary.com

COPY EDITOR

Nikki Mullett

ART DIRECTOR

Jessi Evetts jessi@businessincalgary.com

ADMINISTRATION/ACCOUNTING info@businessincalgary.com

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

Shane Wenzel

David Parker

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

Melanie Darbyshire Rennay Craats

Jamie Zachary

John Hardy

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cover photo courtesy of Riverwood Photography

ADVERTISING SALES

Evelyn Dehner 587-774-7615 evelyn@businessincalgary.com

DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING

Brittany Fouquette 587-774-7624 brittany@businessincalgary.com

Courtney Lovgren 587-774-7613 courtney@businessincalgary.com

Melissa Mitchell 587-774-7601 melissa@businessincalgary.com

EDITORIAL, ADVERTISING & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 1025, 101 6th Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2P 3P4 Tel: 403.264.3270 | Fax: 403.264.3276 Email: info@businessincalgary.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Online at www.businessincalgary.com

Annual rates: $31.50 CDN | $45 USA

$85 International | Single Copy $3.50

Business in Calgary is delivered to over 33,500 business people every month including all registered business owners in Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Airdrie, Okotoks, Cochrane and the Calgary Chamber members.

The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and all representations of warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in all or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Canadian publications mail sales product agreement No. 41126516.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept. 1025 101 6th Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2P 3P4 info@businessincalgary.com

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of 2022

BY SHANE WENZEL

While I planned to talk about ‘The Good & The Bad of 2022’, there truly is an “Ugly’ component that can’t be overlooked because of its influence on the outcome.

2022 has been a challenging year, full of complexities, surprises and most concerning times. As the days wound down to December 31, it seemed the tone might have just carried forward into 2023 if things were not talked about. For me personally, it truly does feel like we have lived through one of the most difficult times in our country. I will let others give their opinions on the lack of meaningful Christmas messages from Canada’s leaders as we rang in 2023.

The most successful TV series continues to be Sheridan’s Yellowstone that features old-fashioned freedom, independence and all ‘good things’ of years past. While the main characters emulate a family hoping to leave ‘good things’ behind for younger generations, the idea of a future world is full of concerns as they battle governments ever trying to disrupt that world which led me to the idea for this article. But let’s start with some of the ‘Good in 2022’.

The Good: Alberta can easily claim they had the best economy in Canada. Let’s be honest – regardless of the ‘denier claims’, that was due to our oil and gas industry which is needlessly and consistently under attack.

Alberta experienced the largest growth in population in any year possibly compared to our last boom. Although yearly numbers were not available, the third quarter alone saw almost 20,000 newcomers to Calgary. While high-tech, warehousing and logistic industries also increased in that time, it was still our key industry that brought many of

those services to Alberta. Our reasonable housing costs and welcoming lifestyle influenced people to arrive from all parts of Canada. Some were inspired by remote working options and truckers who can live anywhere chose Alberta as their home for a variety of reasons. Yearly numbers for the province will be revealing.

The Bad: A lot of local capital left Alberta with no plans to return due to consistent concern over never-ending federal government policies, regulations and interference, radical environmentalist threats and influence on our fossil fuel industry, attacks on farming and our food industries, along with forestry. The implementation of even higher carbon taxes and unabated spending has led to growing and unaffordable inflation. Banks and businesses signing on to ESG policies will only add to inflation and unaffordable living.

The Ugly: I can’t avoid mentioning the attacks on our freedom by the implementation of the Emergency Act, the freezing of personal bank accounts, all of which led to a loss of worldwide reputation and a halt of meaningful foreign investment and local dollars leaving Canada. The constant threat of censorship by elected officials, and a sense of threat of new power grabs through mid-term elections as disruptors leaves us with a loss of confidence in our country as a place for our families and newcomers to thrive.

But to end on a somewhat positive note, now that we have established where the threats lie, it is up to us to step up and turns things around in 2023.

Shane Wenzel is president of the Shane Homes Group of Companies. Follow him @shanewenzel on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.His column is written for the Alberta Enterprise Group, @AEG on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Webber Academy is a coeducational, nondenominational, university-preparatory school in southwest Calgary for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Mattea Roach is a writer and podcaster based in Toronto. She is best known for her appearance on the game show ! where she won 23 games and became the most successful Canadian contestant in the history of the program. Mattea currently hosts The Backbench, a panel show on the Canadaland podcast network focusing on Canadian politics.

Mattea attended Webber Academy as an elementary student and was very involved in spelling bees and other extracurricular activities. She represented Webber Academy at the CanWest Spelling Bee and was one of the youngest students in Calgary to earn a top 10 result.

Her family later moved to Halifax where she graduated from Sacred Heart School, and went on to graduate from the University of Toronto.

On Tuesday, April 11, Mattea Roach will return to her elementary school, Webber Academy, as a keynote presenter with the ATB Speaker Series.

CALGARY’S CONSTRUCTION MOMENTUM

BY JOHN HARDY

There is good construction momentum in Calgary, despite supply chain glitches, labour issues and various other speedbumps.

By the end of last year, several large construction projects were completed. The highest profile major project was construction completion of the $1.4-billion, 186,000 square metre Calgary Cancer Centre, the largest hospital of its kind in Canada and the second-largest in North America. The dazzling glass and steel structure, on the northeast corner of the Foothills Medical Centre, has now been handed over to Alberta Health Services, to equip it with the rooms, the beds, the offices, the state-of-the-art equipment and the staff to operate it.

The massive BMO Centre construction is on track for completion next year.

It may be subtle but in Calgary, as in most major Canadian municipalities, the city is actually commercial construction’s biggest customer, with infrastructure projects and

expenditures like LRT lines and terminals, interchanges, new roads, road widenings and repairs, overpasses, pedestrian bridges and others.

By the end of last year, the City completed various infrastructure construction, such as the Stoney Trail North interchanges at Shaganappi Trail and Harvest Hills Blvd., Banff Trail-area improvements, the McKnight Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation, operational safety improvements such as the Bow Trail U-Turn and ramp improvements at 16 Avenue NW, and others.

Because infrastructure construction also includes extensive, last year the city did road paving in 122 locations, totaling 274 lane kilometres. And Calgary’s construction momentum continues with much in-progress work in 2023. The final leg of the five-decades-in-the-making Calgary ring road project has already had some key completions, although the full opening of the west ring road – extending from Old Banff Coach Road to Highway 8, completing the 101-kilometre free-flow highway encircling the city – will not happen until fall 2024.

BEST Maintenance Services

We Maintain and Enhance Your Business

BEST’s Maintenance Services have the people and skills to repair and replace those nagging issues around your building or office that you don’t have time to address. We provide the following services:

Drywall Repair

General Carpentry

Electrical Repair

Get a Quote Today!

Painting

Flooring Repair

Plumbing/Bathroom

Special Projects

About BEST: We have been Canada’s leading janitorial and maintenance services provider, specializing in high-traffic commercial properties since 1956. We cultivate a positive work culture based on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We have been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for eight consecutive years.

Construction sector experts are enthusiastic about the post-pandemic rebound and momentum, and also caution that moving forward, Canada’s, and particularly Calgary’s, construction is dealing with some significant challenges. Primarily, but not exclusively, the lingering consequences of supply chain issues and tight labour supply. “One of the most significant impacts of the pandemic on the construction industry was the impact on the pool of available workers,” says Bill Ferreira, executive director of BuildForce Canada, the respected national organization committed to the development of a highly skilled construction workforce.

“While the construction sector was less impacted by government efforts to contain COVID-19, many in the sector were temporarily forced out of the labour force by government pandemic containment measures. As construction demands increased throughout 2022, the labour force struggled to keep pace with the employment surge, which contributed to the new record low levels of unemployment experienced this past summer. Job vacancies reached all-time highs in the spring/summer, and in September, Alberta’s construction industry had nearly 9,900 vacant positions.”

Ferreira points out that the most significant speedbump for the construction sector across Canada is grappling with an aging labour force. He notes that, for Canada as a whole, 20 per cent of the population are currently between the ages of 50 to 64, a significant portion of the population that will be exiting the labour force in the next 10 to 15 years. “Even for Alberta, which enjoys a younger population than the rest of Canada, it is already faced with 18 per cent of the population in that 50-to-64-year age group,” he says.

The tight construction and trade labour market impacts the vital construction domino effect of higher costs. According to Bill Black, president of the Calgary Construction Association (CCA), “It translates into increases in the price of labour, as Calgary companies compete for available employees. While labour availability is one factor, inflation, the spiking cost of construction projects, is bring driven by ongoing supply chain issues, which have pushed costs 15 to 30 per cent higher, depending on the project. Supply chain issues also continue to stretch project timelines and delivery due to standard products such as heating, ventilation and

FERREIRA POINTS OUT THAT THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SPEEDBUMP FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ACROSS CANADA IS GRAPPLING WITH AN AGING LABOUR FORCE.

air conditioning equipment, taking as long as a year to arrive on a job site. While the problem has existed for years, it was exacerbated during the pandemic.”

Black agrees that the combo of available labour and supply chain issues hover over Calgary’s construction sector. “Labour is a major constraint across all industries and construction is definitely feeling it. Canada’s immigration needs to be streamlined, because the current points system does not match our actual needs, and processing times are unacceptable. Supply chain is by no means back to normal (and never will be) but at least it is becoming more predictable.”

There is cautious construction positivity from Mark Garner, executive director of the Calgary Downtown Association. “The downtown commercial core is the heart of our city, and construction and development projects in the downtown core are key drivers in the revitalization of downtown. Continued investment in downtown revitalization is critical to the health of our city, but there must be a balance

ABOVE: BILL FERREIRA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BUILDFORCE CANADA.

THE CCA’S BILL BLACK IS FOREVER BLUNT BUT CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT CALGARY CONSTRUCTION IN 2023 AND BEYOND. HE’S REVVED THAT CALGARY IS BUSY ACROSS ALL CONSTRUCTION SECTORS, INCLUDING BUILDING SCHOOLS, ROAD WORK, HOME STARTS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL, INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS.

between commercial and residential development, various infrastructure investments and thoughtfulness around the best mix of retail services and amenities to ensure we are a building thriving, vibrant downtown community.”

pathway through Eau Claire. And other exciting projects in the Calgary construction pipeline, like The Glenbow Museum, Arts Commons, commercial to residential conversions like Palliser One, and the future of Stephen Avenue.”

targets have been increased. This will continue to drive demand for multi-family home construction as newcomers tend to become renters before purchasing a home. Rising interest rates are anticipated to cool construction for single-detached homes, but due to the age structure of Alberta’s population and their strong preference for these types of homes, downturns in Alberta are expected to be slightly less pronounced than in other provinces.

“Commercial building investment is projected to continue rising this year, related to anticipated rising population growth which will increase the demand for shopping malls, stores and tourism-related buildings.”

The CCA’s Bill Black is forever blunt but cautiously optimistic about Calgary construction in 2023 and beyond. He’s revved that Calgary is busy across all construction sectors, including building schools, road work, home starts and other commercial, infrastructure and industrial projects.

Black also points out that the actual numbers do not include all the other professional service businesses that play a role in construction, such as accounting, legal and human resource firms. “There’s no doubt about it. It is an encouraging reminder that construction is a vital sector of our Calgary community, both in terms of the physical assets that we build, as well as the number of Calgarians that are directly involved. And it is good to see stats and trends showing growth, especially after such a long period of downturn and kind of flatlined low levels.”

“There is a good chance that we will see this brisk level of activity continue, and hopefully it is stable growth. With a provincial election coming, it places a question mark over mid-year and post-election activity.

“We will need to see what that landscape looks like,” he says. “But all things considered, Calgary’s population growth projections are healthy. About 50,000 people per year. It will be a major driver in our future as residential and commercial construction will all be impacted, not only in terms of construction volumes but also attracting talent.”

Managing business waste just got easier

The City and Green Calgary have launched Know Before You Throw, a free web-based waste search tool for businesses and property managers.

What is it?

The Know Before You Throw tool identifies how to properly dispose of business specific or specialty waste items and provides information on haulers, depots, single pick up or regular collection of items.

With one click at greencalgary.org/knowbefore-you-throw, you can type in your waste material and find a disposal service that is right for you. In partnership with

greencalgary.org/know-before-you-throw

ABOVE: MARK GARNER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CALGARY DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION.

TSUUT’INA NATION’S TAZA DEVELOPMENT

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE

The official opening of the Tsuut’ina Trail section of the Calgary ring road in October 2020 was a significant milestone for many reasons.

Conceptualized for decades, the road was agreed to in principle 16 years earlier in 2004 between Premier Ralph Klein and Chief Sanford Big Plume. An official Ring Road agreement would not be signed for another 11 years, between Premier Allison Redford and Chief Roy Whitney, in 2013. Seven years later, it officially opened.

Not only did Tsuut’ina Trail provide a key portion of Calgary’s ring road, granting citizens fast and convenient access within and around their city, it also provided a bridge – both literally and figuratively – between the Tsuut’ina Nation, upon whose land the Trail is laid, and its neighbours in the city adjacent.

This new connection is, for the Nation, the opportunity to continue developing its lands in ways that provide significant benefits for its members and the city of Calgary.

“As our population grows, we need to be able to find sustainable ways of budgeting,” says Chief Whitney, serving

LEFT: CHIEF ROY WHITNEY PHOTO SOURCE: RIVERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

his fourth term as Chief. “We are looking at how we can develop opportunities that will have longer-term financial benefits, that allow the Nation to be sustainable and provide for itself in the future.”

The Tsuut’ina Nation’s self-determination is recognized by Treaty No. 7, entered into by Chief Bullhead (Chiila) and the British Imperial Crown of Great Britain and Ireland, in 1877.

The Taza Development, comprised of three distinct villages situated along Tsuut’ina Trail, is one such opportunity. Spanning 1,200 acres in all, it is one of the largest First Nation development projects in North America.

“We’ve had the concept of developing so that outside vendors could come into our community and provide services and jobs for many years,” Chief Whitney explains. “It goes back to the Buffalo Run Golf course, then Tsuut’ina Trail, back in the 1980s and 1990s. It truly came to fruition in 2014.”

That was when the Nation partnered with developer Canderel, after its RFP received over 40 applications, to plan, finance and develop Taza. “We’re working well together,” he says.

CHIEF ROY WHITNEY ON THE LARGEST FIRST NATION DEVELOPMENT IN CANADA

Importantly, during the Tsuut’ina Trail negotiations with the province, the Nation made sure to guarantee the appropriate overpasses and access required for the Taza development.

Master-planned to embrace Tsuut’ina culture and reflect forward-thinking solutions, Taza (a noun of Dené origin, language of the Tsuut’ina, meaning: something wondrous is coming) is made up of three distinct villages: Taza Park, Taza Crossing and Taza Exchange. Real estate opportunities at the villages include retail, office, rental residential, restaurant and hospitality establishments, entertainment venues, outdoor spaces and centres for innovation and wellness.

Taza Park is the northern-most village, bordering Glenmore Trail and Tsuut’ina Trail. “It’s 530 acres and will be developed as mixed use, retail, office, residential, along with recreation and entertainment,” says Chief Whitney. “We’re working to see if we can complement the [Grey Eagle] Casino, hotel and conference centre with a greater entertainment focus there.”

Phase I of the development is called Eagle Landing, located next to the casino which attracts 1.3 million visitors on average per year. Approximately 6,500 units of residential space and 98,900 square feet of commercial space will be developed. “Our hotel and convention centre have been very successful,” Chief Whitney notes of a major attractant for future tenants. “We had 99 to 100 per cent occupancy throughout last summer.” The Convention Centre, which comprises 85,000 square feet, sells over 70,000 tickets for 200+ events each year.

Taza Park will also be home to Metro Ford and Big Four Motors (at the intersection of Glenmore and Tsuut’ina Trails). “And we have other interested parties looking at opportunities there, for example car service businesses and other dealerships,” he continues. “We hope to begin the groundwork and bring in the services to be able to start developing in there this year.”

ABOVE: THE MASSIVE WAREHOUSE ON TSUUT’INA NATION MADE HEADLINES AS THE FIRST COSTCO TO BE BUILT ON A RECOGNIZED FIRST NATION RESERVE IN NORTH AMERICA.

PHOTO SOURCE: SONYA ROGERS

South of Taza Park, on the east side of Tsuut’ina Trail and off of 90th avenue southwest, is Taza Crossing. “It’s 360 acres, focused on health, wellness and innovation,” Chief Whitney explains. “We’ve been in discussions with the province about providing health and wellness services there. Innovation is how we approach this.”

Taza Exchange is the furthest south of the three villages, and it is the first to open. At 390 acres, it is a regional retail, office and tourism destination. The Shops at Buffalo Run (TSBR), Taza Exchange’s retail district, will include approximately 257,000 square feet of development adjacent to the new Costco, which opened in 2020 as Taza’s first anchor tenant. The massive warehouse on Tsuut’ina Nation made headlines as the first Costco to be built on a recognized First Nation reserve in North America.

Other Taza Exchange tenants have begun to open one the last few months. “We’re at 80 per cent capacity in TSBR right now,” Chief Whitney says. “Tim Hortons opened in December, and the Bank of Montreal will open at the end of March. We’re really excited to have the Bank in there, it will be nice for the Nation.” A total of 60 tenants will be on the site.

“We’re also looking at opportunities for a tourism hotel, possibly with a waterslide,” he continues. “We’ll just keep going as we come along. And we’re looking at a new office structure, for the needs of the overall nation. We’re also looking at

LEFT: CHIEF WHITNEY AND OTHERS AT THE GROUND BREAKING FOR TAZA DEVELOPMENT. .

PHOTO SOURCE: SONYA ROGERS

DEVELOPMENT ALSO PROVIDES SKILLS, TRAINING AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATION MEMBERS AND CALGARIANS. FOR EXAMPLE, PRIOR TO OPENING, COSTCO PROVIDED TRAINING PACKAGES WHERE MEMBERS COULD GAIN SOME EXPERIENCE IN RETAIL AND CUSTOMER SERVICE, ONTHE-GROUND TRAINING.

on-reserve residential leasing opportunities for other Treaty Nation members who are working in the City of Calgary.”

Taza Exchange is situated next to the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex, opened in 2018 and owned by the Tsuut’ina Nation. The $55.6 million complex is equipped with energyefficient ice plant, a 2,000-seat hockey arena and state-ofthe-art gym. Calgary minor hockey, ringette and other clubs frequent the facility.

“We’ve had a number of national teams come and train there too,” says Chief Whitney. “We’ve had the Flames, the Hitmen and the Wranglers. We’re in discussions with the Hitmen about potentially using our facility on a more full-time basis. They’ve been really good to work with.”

Cultural influences have been an important aspect to the Taza Development. This includes artwork on the overpasses and bridges along Tsuut’ina Trail. “These art works symbolize the Beaver, which is who we are. We’re Beaver people, from the Beaver Clan,” Chief Whitney notes. “We’ve also integrated our language into the naming of certain areas within the development as we move forward. The elders are utilizing their experience with language to assist us in that.”

Environmental sustainability is also important, including the integration of solar and other renewable technologies on site.

“We originally estimated 25 years for completion,” Chief Whitney says, “then COVID hit, and people learned to shop differently. But now it’s coming back, so we are still looking at another 25 years for completion. We want to take the time to do it right. It’s the largest development on a First Nation in Canada, and many other First Nations are watching us. They come to visit and learn, and we always tell them: location, location, location, is the key.”

He notes the casino does very well for the Nation and provides much needed dollars for education (the Nation has three schools: an elementary, a junior high and Manyhorses Highschool, which opened in September 2020). “But we could be doing better. We’ve provided over a half billion dollars to the province through our casino.”

Development also provides skills, training and job opportunities for Nation members and Calgarians. For example, prior to opening, Costco provided training packages where Members could gain some experience in retail and customer service, on-the-ground training. “We work with a number of companies to provide initial training for our people to get involved with the retail opportunity, the hotel or casino, whatever it may be.” The casino currently employs 500 people from the city as well.

At 2,400 members today, most of whom live on-reserve, the Tsuut’ina Nation has grown considerably since Chief Whitney’s first term as Chief between 1984 and 1986. “When I joined the council in 1976, there were 500 people living here on the reserve,” he recalls. “We’ve grown fast and will continue to grow fast. So we try to be forward looking and thinking.”

Chief Whitney, who has four daughters, five granddaughters, one great-grandson and one more on the way, has spent most of his adult life as Chief of the Tsuut’ina Nation. When he wasn’t in the role, he spent time as a cattle rancher, bus driver, meat cutter at Canada Safeway, and as a milkman for Palm Dairy. He has also worked in the city of Calgary.

“I came back in 2019,” he says. “The skillset required is to listen carefully to your inner gut – to your heart – and then try to put that in perspective within your intelligence, within your mind. The elders used to tell me, ‘If it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t right’. So I took that advice and that’s how we’ve been working.”

A first-of-its-kind development that promises huge benefits to the Tsuut’ina Nation and its neighbours in Calgary, as well as a model of development for other First Nations, Taza Development is noteworthy for many reasons. The possibilities for its future are indeed limitless.

MAKING THE

Transition

EXPERTS OFFER TIPS ON WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING FOR SENIOR LIVING

BY JAMIE ZACHARY

Brandie Young is used to facing tough questions. As a lifestyle leasing consultant at Trico LivingWell, she is the first point of contact for Calgarians considering moving into the senior living community that opened this past August at Kingsland Junction at Macleod Trail and Heritage Drive S.W.

So what’s the “tough” question she gets the most?

“Older adults want to know about choice. Many are coming from their family homes, so there’s a bit of apprehension there,” says Young.

“We start by acknowledging that this is not about giving up choice. Rather, it’s about having access to resources that fit with their very personalized health and lifestyle needs.”

For example, she notes Trico LivingWell caters to providing as many choices as possible, whether that be independent in-suite cooking and laundry or assisted living services such as dining and housekeeping.

Choice is also reflected through a suite of social programming options, as many older adults want to remain active, says Young. To that end, Trico LivingWell features a variety of “life enrichment” programming and activities that include fitness classes, an art studio, woodworking shop and scheduled outings.

Trico LivingWell is also the first senior living community in Canada to pursue a WELL v2 Certification. Governed by the International WELL Building Institute, the certification centres around advancing human health through design interventions and operational protocols and policies, as well as fostering a culture of health and wellbeing.

Carrie Erickson, manager of leasing and community engagement at Origin Active Lifestyle Communities, acknowledges there’s a common misconception that by moving into a senior living community, you’re giving up your independence – thus the questions about choices.

“It really isn’t the reality. The supports are there so that older adults can remain as independent as possible,” she says.

At Origin Active Lifestyle Communities, the demand for choice is similarly being manifested within its independent and assisted living communities such as Swan Evergreen Village and Whitehorn Village in the city’s southwest and northeast, respectively, as well as Spring Creek in Canmore.

More recently, it’s also being realized beyond the bricks and mortar of its communities via a relatively new home-based wellness initiative.

Dubbed Origin at Home, the initiative launched just prior to the pandemic as a way for older adults to better embrace

the aspects of aging while remaining independent in their homes. It differs than traditional home care by focusing on services such as fitness and nutrition – or even something as simple as staff participating in games and conversation.

“Our customer base is shifting, and how people want to age is shifting,” says Erickson. “For example, loneliness and isolation are real issues that older adults are facing. So Origin at Home is focused on supporting their overall wellbeing by providing services that allow them to age well in their homes.”

The Origin initiative coincides with an independent 2021 survey that revealed Canadians are facing an “aging-in-place gap.” The survey, commissioned by March of Dimes Canada in collaboration with Caregiver Omnimedia, found that more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of Canadians want to age in their current homes. However, just 26 per cent predict they’ll be able to do so.

In situations where the family home is no longer an option, Young encourages older adults and their families to ask senior living providers about their different aging-in-place options.

“It should be a top consideration when they are planning for the future. While they might be able to live independently now, what does the next 10 to 15 years look like?” asks Young, noting that Trico LivingWell independent and assisted living services are augmented by dementia care and 24-hour nursing resources.

In fact, Silvera for Seniors chief external relations office Kyle Fawcett says many of its newer communities around Calgary are built around this model of aging in place. He points to Silvera’s Westview campus in Glamorgan, which offers both independent and supported living options between its two adjacent buildings.

Enjoy a rich and full life with the comfort and security of a true aging-in-place experience, from private independent and assisted living to private long term care.

“It gave me great comfort that our decision to move my mother into assisted living at Cambridge Manor was the best choice for her well-being and our peace of mind.”

“From both a mental and physical wellness perspective, that transition is going to be much more seamless for the resident,” says Fawcett.

Similarly, Fawcett says older adults should also be asking questions about different affordability options.

“In today’s world, with inflation making it difficult for many to keep up with the cost of living, it’s important to have a spectrum of affordability for those who are in the most need and those who have moderate incomes,” he says,

“We want to make sure people are appropriately housed from an affordability perspective.”

Silvera currently supports more than 1,700 residents living in 28 of its communities with a variety of rent models that includes well-priced, below-market and rent-geared-toincome models – the latter of which is based on 30 per cent of residents’ annual gross income.

Location matters, too. Having options to stay within a familiar neighbourhood can help ease that transition out of the family home, says Fawcett.

“That connection to community is so important,” he says. “It could be that there’s a location in Calgary that makes sense for them because they’ve lived there in the past, or family is nearby.

“We want people to be comfortable with their decisions. So we try to make sure our communities are geographically dispersed in the city largely for that reason.”

In addition to operating in all four quadrants of the city, Silvera is in the process of breaking ground on a new community in Livingstone, which is located within Calgary’s north central corridor north of Stoney Trail.

Other questions to ask when considering a senior living community might run the gamut from food to air quality, says Young.

“Everything from the quality of it to where it comes from and how it’s prepared,” she says of the questions she often receives about the menu at Trico LivingWell. “And air quality. Prior to the pandemic, no one asked me about air quality systems. Since then, it certainly has become top of mind.”

Fawcett adds many of these questions can be answered by simply touring different communities.

“One of things we’re looking to do in 2023 is offering more of an experience to older adults looking to move out of their family homes into a more supportive living environment,” he says. “Perhaps they’re not sure what that looks like. We want to give them a better taste of what that looks like, and to show them the many different life, learning and leisure options they can access on a daily basis.

Looking ahead, local providers anticipate supply will struggle to keep up with demand from what’s being dubbed the “grey tsunami” – particularly around funded supportive living.

Erickson says that after seeing demand dip during the pandemic, the market has shifted the other way over the past 12 months. Three-quarters of Origin’s communities were already full at the end of 2022.

Trico LivingWell, meanwhile, is currently leasing with limited inventory. However, Young anticipates the community will be operating on a full waitlist by the end of 2023.

Fawcett notes the supply at Silvera’s 28 communities continues to fluctuate monthly, with availability subject to multiple factors such as levels of affordability, required services and geographic restrictions.

“What I can say is, particularly over the last half of 2022, we are seeing an increase in the number of people connecting with us looking for affordable housing that’s suitable to their needs,” he says. “And as baby boomers start to require additional supports, we anticipate that demand continuing to increase.”

ABOVE: INDEPENDENT LIVING SUITE AT TRICO LIVINGWELL.

HOME CARE

FOCUS ON CARING

Focus on Caring specializes in Senior Home Care services for the Calgary elderly, enabling them to continue living in the comfort of their own home. 2467 23rd Street NW • 403-264-3839 www.focusoncaring.com

ATRIA RETIREMENT, ARBOUR LAKE

Atria Retirement Canada is committed serving seniors and their families, including those with disabilities, by striving to provide our services in a manner that is accessible to everyone.

900 Arbour Lake Rd NW • (587) 316-7637

www.atriaretirement.ca

Amenities: Activity room, billiards lounge, chapel, computer room, fitness and exercise equipment and more.

BOW VIEW MANOR

Bow View Manor is a long-term care facility dedicated to helping seniors live a fulfilling life. We provide a personalized care plan that, when combined with our comprehensive array of services, provides residents and families the kind of lifestyle they deserve.

4628 Montgomery Blvd NW • (403) 288-4446

www.bowviewmanor.ca

Amenities: Outdoor space, entertainment, socialization and celebrations.

BOW-CREST LONG TERM CARE

At Bow-Crest Long Term Care Home in Calgary, Alberta, we work around the clock to ensure our residents are happy and comfortable.

5927 Bowness Rd NW • (403) 288-2373

www.reveraliving.com

Amenities: Lounge, beautiful garden sitting area, house keeping and laundry services.

CAMBRIDGE MANOR

Opening fall 2020

253 Smith St NW • (403) 536-8675

www.cambridgemanor.ca

CATHEDRAL MANOR ESTATES

Calgary Heritage Housing is focused on the seniors self-contained, independent living demographic. We aim to Enhancing our tenants’quality of life, preserve their independence, reducing unnecessary movement, building strong communities and advocating on our tenants’behalf.

11 Varsity Estates View NW • (403) 286-7402

www.calgaryheritagehousing.ca

Amenities: Large social room, open courtyard, garden area, exercise class, library and more.

CHARTWELL COLONEL BELCHER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Chartwell Colonel Belcher Retirement Residence, where residents and staff alike are always there to warmly welcome guests. You’ll find a strong sense of friendship and community are woven through the fabric of daily life at our dynamic residence.

1945 Veteran’s Way NW • (587)-287-3937

www.chartwell.com

Amenities: Elevator, housekeeping, laundry, mail and newspaper delivery.

COVENANT CAREHOLY CROSS MANOR

Holy Cross Manor meets the various and changing needs of residents and is located in the northwest community of Evanston, Calgary. The community features a home-like design and ensures a safe environment while promoting independence.

70 EvansPark Manor NW • (587) 230-7070

www.covenantcare.ca

Amenities: Courtyards, garden areas, large dining rooms, multi-purpose space and more.

EVANSTON GRAND VILLAGE

Evanston Grand Village is ideal for seniors who want an independent and active lifestyle without the worries of maintaining a home or depending on family for help.

40 Evanston Way NW • (403) 274-6416

www.evanstongrand.ca

Amenities: Library, computer lab, on-site beauty salon/ barbershop, A relaxing and comfortable spa room and more.

EVANSTON SUMMIT

Evanston Summit is a faith-based community, focused on creating an environment aligned with your values and your budget. We understand the importance of belonging, which is why we are dedicated to offering a safe and active community that nurtures relationships, active lifestyles and personal well-being.

150 EvansPark Manor NW • (587) 538-7511

www.evanstonsummit.ca

Amenities: On-site hair salon/barber shop, exercise room, recreational social programs and more.

EXTENDICARE HILLCREST

We create an atmosphere of community and family. Our caring and professional staff wants everyone to feel genuinely at home and in a place where they enjoy living.

1512 8 Ave NW • (403) 289-0236

www.extendicarehillcrest.com

Amenities: Spiritual services, denturist, beautician, foot care, tuck shop and more.

REVERA SCENIC ACRES RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Revera Scenic Acres offers a wide range of services for those looking for a comfortable, safe and welcoming retirement residence. Enjoy the on-site salon, library and so much more. Plus, new amenities coming soon!

150 Scotia Landing NW • (403) 208-0338

www.reveraliving.com

Amenities: Recreation programs, salon & barber, shop, fitness centre, Fireside lounge and more.

REVERA THE EDGEMONT RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

This senior living residence offers the freedom of independent living with added care and security for those who need assistance.

80 Edenwold Dr NW • (403) 241-8990

www.reveraliving.com

Amenities: Recreation programs, library, theatre, Fireside lounge and more.

ROCKY RIDGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Signature Retirement Living is committed to protecting the health and safety of our residents and employees in our Retirement Communities, Retirement Residences, Seniors Apartments, and Support Office.

10715 Rocky Ridge Blvd NW • (403) 930-4848

www.rockyridgeretirement.com

Amenities: Courtyards, lounge, card games, billiards, shuffleboard, salon and more.

SAGE HILL RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Sage Hill Retirement Residence, is a luxurious, exclusive retirement community that has been designed with your highest expectations in mind and will continue our long-standing tradition of excellence in retirement living.

6 Sage Hill Gardens NW • (403)455-2273

www.allseniorscare.com

Amenities: Pet friendly, indoor pool, live entertainment, crafts and more.

ST. MARGUERITE MANOR

St. Marguerite Manor meets the various and changing needs of 102 residents.The center features a home-like design and ensures a safe environment while promoting independence.

110 EvansPark Manor NW • (587) 955-9788

www.covenantcare.ca

Amenities: Court yards, garden areas, hair salon, large dining, spa rooms and more.

THE LODGE AT VALLEY RIDGE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

The Lodge at Valley Ridge is a place where you can continue to be you and continue to grow as an individual by being socially connected, and challenged in mind, body, and spirit.

11479 Valley Ridge Dr NW • (403) 286-4414

www.verveseniorliving.com

Amenities: Pet Friendly, library, deck for bird watching, pub, billiards room and more.

THE MANOR VILLAGE AT HUNTINGTON HILLS

Moving to a senior living community before you need assisted living, enhanced, or memory care has many advantages. This is especially true if you’re an active senior looking to continuously better yourself in mind and body.

6700 Hunterview Dr NW • (403) 275-5667

www.themanorvillage.com

Amenities: Pet friendly, exercise classes, socialization, beauty salon, games room and more.

THE MANOR VILLAGE AT ROCKY RIDGE

Moving to a senior living community before you need assisted living, enhanced, or memory care has many advantages. This is especially true if you’re an active senior looking to continuously better yourself in mind and body.

450 Rocky Vista Gardens NW • (403) 239-6400 www.themanorvillage.com

Amenities: Pet friendly, exercise classes, socialization, beauty salon, games room and more.

THE MANOR VILLAGE AT VARSITY

Moving to a senior living community before you need assisted living, enhanced, or memory care has many advantages. This is especially true if you’re an active senior looking to continuously better yourself in mind and body.

40 Varsity Estates Cir NW • (587) 393-9999

www.themanorvillage.com

Amenities: Pet friendly, exercise classes, socialization, beauty salon, games room and more.

NORTHEAST

AGECARE SKYPOINTE

AgeCare has been dedicated to creating vibrant communities that celebrate and support aging with dignity, independence and community interaction. We offer our residents a safe and secure home-like atmosphere where they and their families can be assured peace of mind.

179 Skyview Cir NE • (587) 619-1900

www.agecare.ca

Amenities: Housecleaning, 24-hour on-site care staff, laundry and linen services and daily activities for the mind, body and soul.

BETHANY HARVEST HILLS

Special homelike buildings with residential style living areas in the community of Harvest Hills, specialized for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

19 Harvest Gold Manor NE • (403) 226-8200

www.bethanyseniors.com

Amenities: Wandering gardens, common/private dining room with kitchen, sun room, wheelchair access secure areas for residents with dementia.

CAREWEST - GEORGE BOYACK

Carewest George Boyack opened its doors to the Calgary community in 1969 and has since grown to offer programs and services for 221 long-term care residents.

1203 Centre Ave NE • (403) 267-2750

www.carewest.ca

Amenities: Cafeteria, gift shop, hair salon, outdoor gardens and chapel.

CHARTWELL HARBOURS RETIRMENT RESIDENCE

At Chartwell Harbours, we offer a lifestyle that strikes a balance between serenity and activity, and provides you with the independence, choice and freedom to spend your time exactly how you want to.

20 Country Village Cove NE • (587) 287-3941

www.chartwell.com

Amenities: Barber-hairdresser, communal laundry, housekeeping, mail delivery, scooter parking and shuttle service.

GENERATIONS, MULTI GENERATIONAL HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CENTRE

Our Generations campus includes supportive living and long-term care for 120 seniors, an early childhood development center and facilities for non-resident seniors to participate in day programs.

120 Skyview Ranch Dr • (403) 730-6440

www. generationscalgary.com

Amenities: Exercise space, arts and crafts, movie theatre, table tennis, bingo and so much more.

GILCHRIST MANOR COMMUNITY

Silvera for Seniors is proud to offer several Independent Living with Basic Supports locations throughout Calgary. Our seniors communities are in all four quadrants of the city. 3003 56 St NE • (403) 276-5541 www.silvera.ca

INTERCARE BRENTWOOD CARE CENTRE

Intercare is the provider of quality continuing care focused on serving people. We are committed to growth in response to the changing needs of those we serve in our Communities of Care. 2727 16 Ave NW • (403) 289-2576

www.intercarealberta.com

MONTEREY SENIORS VILLAGE

Monterey Seniors Village provides Supportive Living options for seniors. Conveniently located in Northeast Calgary, Monterey Seniors Village provides a cozy and relaxed atmosphere for residents, while offering all of the amenities to truly make individuals feel at home.

4288 Catalina Blvd NE • (403) 207-2929

www.retirementconcepts.com

Amenities: Activities and crafts room, aquacise, bingobrain fitness program, Bridge, Card Games and so much more.

ROSE MANOR

Rose Manor offers 30 one-bedroom units including one barrier free unit. Rents are based on the income criteria set by the Alberta Government. 120 18 Ave NE • (403) 277-0958

www.bethanyseniors.com

Amenities: Shopping nearby, surface Parking, one bedroom suites, rent geared to income and wheelchair access.

THE PRINCE OF PEACE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

The “person centered”, private care services offered for memory care and assisted living is what makes Prince of Peace Retirement Residence a choice Senior Living lifestyle for residents and their families.

285030 Luther Rose Blvd NE • (403) 285-5080

www.verveseniorliving.com

Amenities: Tuck shop, hair salon, woodworking shop, chapel zumba class and more.

WHITEHORN VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

No matter your level of care, we encourage our community members to do what they love. There is always something exciting and fun going on at Whitehorn Village.

5200 44 Ave NE • (403) 271-2277

www.originway.ca

Amenities: Craft kitchen, fitness, games room, cuisine, bistro and library.

AGECARE WALDEN HEIGHTS

AgeCare has been dedicated to creating vibrant communities that celebrate and support aging with dignity, independence and community interaction. We offer our residents a safe and secure home-like atmosphere where they and their families can be assured peace of mind.

250 Walden Dr SE • (403) 873-4700

www.agecare.ca

Amenities: Housecleaning, laundry services, daily activities for the mind, body and soul.

AUBURN HEIGHTS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Our person-centered philosophy creates unique and individualized care plans, ensuring that each resident receives the care and attention needed to promote a sense of warmth and independence. With our unique focus and dedicated “Quality of Life Program”, Auburn Heights will meet all of your expectations.

21 Auburn Bay St SE • (403) 234-9695

www.allseniorscare.com

Amenities: Pet friendly, Large Indoor pool, aquasize class and so much more.

BETHANY RIVERVIEW

Bethany Riverview is a purpose-built care centre designed for people with complex dementia. The care centre is located on a 12acre campus of care for seniors called Riverview Village in southeast Calgary. The campus is also home to about 400 seniors living in three affordable independent living rental apartments. #200, 2915 26 Ave SE • (587) 392-3999

www.bethanyseniors.com

Amenities: Rotary atrium, wandering gardens and outdoor courtyards, spa and more.

MCKENZIE TOWNE LONG TERM CARE

McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre is located in Calgary, Alberta. Our personalized care approach puts your needs first to help you feel right at home. Our experienced staff enhance your physical wellbeing with a personalized care approach and our engaging recreation programs foster a community environment.

80 Promenade Way SE • (403) 508-9808

www. reveraliving.com

Amenities: Living room and library, fitness room/theatre, multi -purpose craft room, grand piano and more.

REVERA MCKENZIE TOWNE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

McKenzie Towne retirement community is tucked into a mature residential neighbourhood offering a full range of retirement living options. Whether you want to lead an active, independent life, or need a little assistance, the friendly community at our retirement home will support you every step of the way.

20 Promenade Park SE • (403) 257-9331

www. reveraliving.com

Amenities: Living room and library, fitness room/theatre, multi -purpose craft room, grand piano and more.

UNITED ACTIVE LIVING

AGECARE SETON

AgeCare has been dedicated to creating vibrant communities that celebrate and support aging with dignity, independence and community interaction. We offer our residents a safe and secure home-like atmosphere where they and their families can be assured peace of mind.

4963 Front St SE • (587) 349-8444

www.agecare.ca

Amenities: Housecleaning, laundry services, daily activities for the mind, body and soul.

The two buildings at Fish Creek are masterfully designed as an integrative community to promote independence and well-being. Our United Cares program and team of professionals provide holistic, personalized care designed so you can continue your independent lifestyle.

51 Providence Boulevard SE • (403) 873-3953

www.unitedactiveliving.com

Amenities: Hair and beauty salon, foot care, massage therapy, physiotherapy and so much more.

THE JOURNEY CLUB

Freedom, security and peace of mind. Our number one priority is to help you live the highest quality of life in retirement. That means you don’t have to worry as your needs change with age, with our Age in Place program, we’re with you every step of the way.

176 Mahogany Centre SE • (403) 313-5382

www.westmanvillage.com

Amenities: Dry cleaning, pet care, special events, tuck shop and more.

CLIFTON MANOR

Clifton Manor, formerly known as the Forest Grove Care Centre, is located in SE Calgary and is home to up to 250 senior and aging adult residents. Acquired by The Foundation in 2010, in recent years Clifton Manor has undergone significant quality improvements and upgrades to site infrastructure in support of enhanced resident care and safety.

4726 8th Ave SE • (403) 272-9831

www.thebsf.ca

Amenities: Activity room, billiards lounge, chapel, computer room, fitness and exercise equipment and more.

SOUTHWEST

AGECARE GLENMORE

AgeCare has been dedicated to creating vibrant communities that celebrate and support aging with dignity, independence and community interaction. We offer our residents a safe and secure home-like atmosphere where they and their families can be assured peace of mind.

1729 90 Ave SW • (403) 253-8806

www.agecare.ca

Amenities: Housecleaning, laundry services, daily activities for the mind, body and soul.

AMICA ASPEN WOODS

Amica Aspen Woods has a dedicated team ready to support every resident’s unique needs. Amica offers peace of mind: you’re always free to decide how to spend your day, yet you’ll have assistance and support when you need it.

10 Aspenshire Dr SW • (403) 240-4404

www.amica.ca

Amenities: Exercise classes, knitting club, hair salon, brain fitness and more.

AMICA BRITANNIA

Amica Britannia is a boutique residence for seniors in Calgary. Steps from scenic parks, walking paths and exclusive shops at Britannia Plaza, here you really are close to everything. Amica Britannia offers personalized support for seniors who need assistance with daily living activities or dementia care.

750 49 Ave SW • (403) 476-8992

www.amica.ca

Amenities: Exercise classes, knitting club, hair salon, brain fitness and more.

CEDARS VILLA EXTENDICARE

Cedars Villa Extendicare, has an atmosphere of community and family. Our core values courtesy, attitude, responsibility and excellence shape how we care. Providing each resident with quality care, our professional staff makes everyone to feel at home and in a place where they enjoy living.

3330 8 Ave SW • (403) 249-8915

www.extendicarecedarsvilla.com

Amenities: Scenic environment, pet therapy, music and memory, Intergenerational Program, art classes and so much more.

CHARTWELL EAU CLAIR RESIDENCE

Chartwell Eau Claire, offers independent supportive living, enhanced assisted living and memory care. Recently we underwent some beautiful renovations that further added to our comfortable, family home feel, and we still retain the hustle and bustle of an engaging community that our residents so enjoy.

301 7th St SW • (587) 287-3943

www. chartwell.com

Amenities: Barber-hairdresser, communal laundry, pet friendly, secured unit, security system, towel service.

MILLRISE SENIORS VILLAGE

Millrise Place, a Campus of Care with three levels near Fish Creek Provincial Park in Southwest Calgary. Independent living, assisted living and residential care. Millrise has the home-like atmosphere you are looking for with newly renovated common areas. You will want to call Millrise your home.

14911 5 St SW • (403) 410-9155

www.retirementconcepts.com

Amenities: Gardens, courtyards, hair salon, laundry service, occupational therapy, pets welcome and more.

PROMINENCE WAY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

To establish Signature Retirement Living as Canada’s leading purveyor of retirement lifestyles where our residents receive unmatched choice and an enviable level of service in a positive, vibrant and caring environment.

905 Prominence Way SW • (403) 727-9400

www.prominencewayretirement.com

Amenities: Heated salt water pool, movie theatre/chapel, fitness centre, yoga, and so much more.

REVERA CHATEAU RENOIR RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Luxury retirement living at its finest, the Revera Chateau Renoir in Calgary has everything you could imagine. This five-star retirement home features luxury accommodations and services including pool, hot tub and elegant suites.

9229 16 St SW • (403) 255-2105

www.reveraliving.com

Amenities: Pool table and shuffleboard, card room, library, theatre, fitness room, pool and hot tub.

THE MANOR VILLAGESTAYWELL

The Manor Village Life Centers is an organization of skilled people who serve the mature resident by providing opportunities to live with meaning and purpose. We care about our residents and their family members. In many cases, our staff-associates feel like part of a resident’s extended family.

174 Ypres Green SW • (403) 242-4688

www.themanorvillage.com

Amenities: Pet friendly, exercise classes, socialization, beauty salon, games room and more.

THE MANOR VILLAGE AT FISH CREEK PARK

The Manor Village Life Centers is an organization of skilled people who serve the mature resident by providing opportunities to live with meaning and purpose. We care about our residents and their family members. In many cases, our staff-associates feel like part of a resident’s extended family.

22 Shawnee Hill SW • (587) 392-2400

www.themanorvillage.com

Amenities: Pet friendly, exercise classes, socialization, beauty salon, games room and more.

THE MANOR VILLAGE AT GARRISON WOODS

The Manor Village Life Centers is an organization of skilled people who serve the mature resident by providing opportunities to live with meaning and purpose. We care about our residents and their family members. In many cases, our staff-associates feel like part of a resident’s extended family.

2400 Sorrel Mews SW • (403) 240-3636

www.themanorvillage.com

Amenities: Pet friendly, exercise classes, socialization, beauty salon, games room and more.

THE MANOR VILLAGE AT SIGNATURE PARK

The Manor Village Life Centers is an organization of skilled people who serve the mature resident by providing opportunities to live with meaning and purpose. We care about our residents and their family members. In many cases, our staff-associates feel like part of a resident’s extended family.

1858 Sirocco Dr SW • (403) 249-7113

www.themanorvillage.com

Amenities: Pet friendly, exercise classes, socialization, beauty salon, games room and more.

TRICO LIVINGWELL

Trico LivingWell offers a variety of flexible options, services and suites that allow you to choose how you want to age in place. With Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Active Body Active Mind Dementia Care, we have everything you need to Love Your Days.

7670 4A St SW •  (403) 281-2802

www.tricolivingwell.com

Amenities: Fitness & Wellness Centre, Art & Pottery Studio, Theatre, Rooftop Garden, Private Guest Suites

TRINITY LODGE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

At Trinity Lodge Retirement Residence, be prepared to enjoy a quality of life you’ve never dreamed of with service staff on hand, elegant surroundings, including beautifully landscaped gardens and serene fountain areas.

1111 Glenmore Trail SW •  (403) 253-7576

www.verveseniorliving.com

Amenities: Inviting lounges, wellness centre, 24-hour bistro, cozy library, computer access and more.

UNITED ACTIVE LIVING

Living at Garrison Green, you have the choice of beautifully designed suites with floor plans of all shapes and sizes to support your lifestyle. Our buildings are designed to focus on independence and lifelong learning, encouraging good nutrition, physical activity and building strong social connections.

3028 Don Ethell Blvd SW •  (403) 629-0261

www.unitedactiveliving.com

Amenities: Bistro lounge, library with computer, fitness and activities room (includes spa with therapeutic tub) and more.

WENTWORTH MANOR

Wentworth Manor is a long-term care facility dedicated to helping seniors live a fulfilling life. We provide a personalized care plan that, when combined with our comprehensive array of services, provides residents and families the kind of lifestyle they deserve.

5717 14 Ave SW •  (403) 242-5005

www.wentworthmanor.ca

THE EDWARD

At The Edward, you’ll savour an expertly curated collection of amenities and services customized to your preferences with the help of our dedicated team, including our Concierge, Wellness Navigator, Program Curator and Executive Chef.

#375 1721 29 Ave SW • (403)265-3023

www.edwardliving.com

Amenities: Fitness programs, social gatherings art or enrichment programs and more.

LIFE AFTER MBA

IT’S BUSINESS, BUT PERSONAL

BY JOHN HARDY

Of course, it’s business. And professional. But it’s also personal! There’s no doubt about it. Despite the ongoing impact of emerging technologies, redefined workplace dynamics and other transformational shifts in business, an MBA is – professionally and personally – a valuable contemporary credential.

Stats and tracking show that, whether in technology, finance, management, marketing, manufacturing or any business sector in between, an MBA degree opens opportunities for greater responsibility, career advancement and increased financial reward. They are often credited as a catalyst for seeking and getting a promotion.

It is also a proven boost for earning potential. A recent business study showed that the average MBA graduate’s pay was some 50 per cent higher than pre-MBA. The study also showed that five years after earning an MBA, the average pay increased by 80 per cent.

A key value-add of an MBA is significantly boosting professional skills, improving the theoretical and practical knowledge of how businesses operate. Not only the intricate details and specifics but having what bizspeak calls “hard skills” – like strategic planning, risk management, decision making and constructing a P&L model – and “soft skills” –such as communication, teamwork and leadership.

A familiar business cliché emphasizes the crucial importance of an MBA as a potent example of walking the talk. Whether it’s a catalyst getting a promotion, climbing a corporate ladder or the gutsy move of launching a start-up, the hard and soft skills taught in an MBA are often the difference between professional success and failure.

The personal dimensions of getting an MBA are sometimes intangibles but extremely important and relevant. In addition to the sometimes exaggerated or accurate requirements of personal time and money, MBA programs are woven with the vital thread of verbal and written communication skills. Comprehension and communication are vital MBA components. They are critical personal skills, essential in business for leadership and successfully conveying concepts to different people at different levels of an organization.

For Calgary’s Alisa Porter and Tair Ibatullin, recently earning an MBA was a professional and personal matter.

Alisa Porter, BA, eMBA (Executive MBA) is founder and CEO of the Calgary-based My Move Canada Inc., relocation specialists with a solid business success story about City to City Moving Made Simple. Born in Calgary and graduated from the University of Calgary, Porter is married with two children, and spends much of her family time in Fernie. She admits to being hooked on reading and often has three or four books on the go at the same time.

Tair Ibatullin, PhD, MBA is technology lead with Suncor Energy, responsible for leading technology development projects in Suncor’s strategic in-situ technology portfolio. Ibatullin has lived in Calgary for 13 years since immigrating from Norway. He is married with three school-aged children and enjoys an active family life skiing, biking, hiking, camping and exploring Canada and the U.S.

What triggered your decision to get an MBA?

Porter: Almost five years ago, after 14 years working in the client relations side with a relocation management company, I was three weeks away from my boss retiring. I was set to take over her position when the company was being purchased by our competitor. I made the decision to stay, although uncertain where it would leave me in the long run. So I decided to enroll in the Executive MBA program at the U of C to get more business acumen in case I decided to make a career change.

Ibatullin: Before applying for an MBA program, I spent 11 years in different engineering roles within the energy industry in Europe and Canada. I enjoyed solving technical

ABOVE: TAIR IBATULLIN, PHD, MBA, IS TECHNOLOGY LEAD WITH SUNCOR ENERGY.

“I HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES WHO COMPLETED THEIR MBA BEFORE ME, SO I KNEW THIS JOURNEY WOULD REQUIRE A LOT OF COMMITMENT AND SACRIFICE,” SAYS IBATULLIN.

problems, but I have always been interested in the bigger picture and business dimensions of projects. Pursuing an MBA had been on my mind for quite a while.

Was the time/work required to complete the MBA a factor, and did you have to juggle your work and life balance?

Porter: I knew going in that it would be a challenge. The way the eMBA program is laid out worked for me as classes were every other weekend, all day Friday and Saturday, so I could maintain my other obligations like work and family life.

There was juggling required since I was working full time, had two small kids at home, my husband runs his own company, and there were still household things needing to get done on top of my studies.

Ibatullin: I have several friends and colleagues who completed their MBA before me, so I knew this journey would require a lot of commitment and sacrifice. As John F. Kennedy said in his famous speech, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” For anyone pursuing an MBA while balancing full-time job and family commitments, it is comparable to a moon landing mission in life.

I had to put on hold some activities I used to enjoy in my free time, as well as reducing time with family and friends. Most weekends and

holidays were the days to catch up on the assigned readings and assignments during the semester.

What were your key business expectations and some challenges about getting an MBA?

Porter: I really just wanted to understand all the different departments and how everything fits together in business. I love business for the sake of business and am really industry agnostic. I just love looking at processes and making things better and learning new things. I love going to school, and if I had unlimited funds I would go back in a heartbeat.

Although the days were long, the conversations and topics we discussed were rich. The people I met in my cohort have become friends and have helped me with growing my business.

Ibatullin: My key expectations were to build a foundation in core business disciplines, to enrich my experience through exposure to other industries and not-for-profit organizations, and to expand my professional network. The Haskayne MBA program was an excellent fit. It provided a good balance between the mandatory core business curriculum and a variety of elective courses and specializations.

The first MBA semester was undoubtedly an adjustment, requiring new routines and modification of my schedule. Also, learning how to be more efficient with my time.

Which specific MBA program content and new skills are particularly valuable?

Porter: I ended up taking a specialization in finance because it was the area I knew the least about. I figured, at the end of the day, all business ends with money. So I thought finance was important to understand.

I have been using the skills I learned in the eMBA program to help me with all aspects of building the business from accounting to marketing to pulling together a strategy for going forward. I don’t think I would have had the courage to do it had it not been for the program.

Ibatullin: Most of the MBA courses are linked to each other in one way or another. Developing a solid grounding in finance, accounting, marketing and HR disciplines was valuable to successfully navigating the program and preparing for real-life business situations. Throughout the program, I developed a passion for strategy, decision modeling, technology and innovation management and used this knowledge and skills in my daily work.

The most valuable takeaway of the MBA program is not a particular piece of course information but rather the skill to frame and develop a solution to any business problem, even if one has no expertise in a specific field.

“I HAVE BEEN USING THE SKILLS I LEARNED IN THE EMBA PROGRAM TO HELP ME WITH ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING THE BUSINESS FROM ACCOUNTING TO MARKETING TO PULLING TOGETHER A STRATEGY FOR GOING FORWARD,” SAYS PORTER.

ABOVE: ALISA PORTER, BA, EMBA (EXECUTIVE MBA). IS FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE CALGARY-BASED MY MOVE CANADA INC.

IN CONVERSATION WITH A CEO

Frank Lonardelli Talks Business, Villains and The Path Ahead

by Rennay Craats

Sitting down with successful CEOs to talk business is always illuminating as they offer a peek behind the curtain at what makes their companies tick. But Frank Lonardelli isn’t your average CEO and what’s behind his curtain reveals equal parts brilliant business acumen and philosophical reflection.

He speaks eloquently about business and the economy as I’d expect, but pivots adroitly to topics of politics, leadership, the challenges of the recession and what might be waiting on the other side of it. He quips if I wanted to speak with some “really successful CEOs, he’s got some contacts.”

Frank’s Arlington Street Investments is a high-profile real estate company responsible for developing some of the most prolific urban assets in Calgary and Kelowna. The latest is the audacious program he calls the Arlington Street 17th Avenue Urban Master Plan.

“I didn’t think about buying a building and converting it. I thought about changing an entire corridor,” he says. “We chose the highest profile street with the highest pedestrian walk-through traffic that would come with the most eyeballs. That’s exciting because it’s the most difficult; I’d say it’s a noteworthy endeavor.”

Photo by EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

He walks me through the process of buying 40 buildings off market, navigating the rezoning process and now being months away from building projects number three and four: The Enzo on the Buon Giorno restaurant site and the Fishman development on the site of Fishman’s Personal Care Cleaners. The latter, Frank says, is the most important mixed-use development site in the city as the urban marketplace in Calgary, from a live-work-play perspective, is lagging far behind centres like Vancouver and Toronto. The 220 units with unobstructed views of the

mountains to the west and the city skyline to the north on top of 12,000 square feet of retail are desperately needed in this upwardly mobile city and will help bring Calgary towards other metropolitan centres.

But that philosopher’s perspective makes him cognizant of the history of an area like 17th Avenue and he is sure to honour the past as he moves into the future. After all, as cities grow and change, they are tasked with balancing what once served the community with the real-time needs of today’s users. It’s not easy, and the Plan comes with a healthy dose of both reward and risk.

“This is as urban as you can get, super urban in fact. Going after the new apartment market as a private company requires a lot of capital and by its very nature is the most difficult asset class in the most difficult location to execute on,” he says.

It’s the difficult things that are the most exciting, and the entrepreneur revels in the challenge of accommodating existing infrastructure while also accounting for the foot traffic of approximately 60,000 people per week through this corridor.

Photo by EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

“Most developers don’t dare build on these sites, they build in the suburbs where no one can see you and you’re afforded lots of room to maneuver and make mistakes. They are far more intelligent than I am,” he jokes.

Something that is revealed from sneaking a look behind the curtain is that while the CEO and his team take what they do very seriously, they try not to take themselves too seriously. That sense of humour was critical as he steered his company through one of the worst cycles in the Calgary real estate marketplace followed by a global pandemic that all but shut the world down.

His response was to just keep moving forward and growing. Fear has a way of paralyzing people and thwarting progress, and Frank knew these times required him to be bold and brave as he set out to convince everyone to see the potential he saw. It was challenging, he says, especially in this recent downcycle that rendered Calgary a veritable no-fly zone for investment.

“We are a fast-food culture where you go in front of a speaker and tell someone what you want to eat and then in three minutes, if you don’t get your food, you’re ticked off. Real estate doesn’t work that way. Real estate takes time, energy and lots of agility,” he says.

The additional challenge is what he refers to as the institutionalization of real estate over the past few decades: the concentration of capital with a small group of people. It’s easy to raise $10 million but there’s only a handful of entities with the capacity to raise $150 million in Canada.

That group answers to review committees and deals in three-month increments; it’s impossible to build a meaningful portfolio that way. Frank is looking at years not months and the viewpoint of quick returns is tough to counter. The downturn was a temporary circumstance in Calgary not a permanent reality and Frank spent time and energy convincing people that this circumstance would pass and usher in a new, better cycle.

“I’m an extremely impatient guy so I was certainly not happy, but you have to be able to hold and play your cards. Holding on is way more difficult over the long term than running fast over short periods of time,” he says.

And that’s where we find ourselves now – finally getting to run in a city where people want to live, work and play again. There are some rough waters ahead thanks to interest rates, supply chain issues and war, but that doesn’t mean people can’t succeed.

“The people who will be successful in the next three to five years are going to be pragmatic, extremely agile, positively disposed and they are going to work harder than they’ve ever worked before to get the same returns they got 10 years ago,” he says.

Frank is no stranger to hard work and inspires his team with his authentic approach to business. But who inspires him in these crazy times? Frank says by being open he can learn something from almost anyone, from hotel clerks to highly accomplished CEOs.

“The biggest challenge to a CEO is the expectation that we have all the answers. People talk about mentoring and coaching like it’s some magic trick. It’s not. Find accomplished people, ask a lot of questions, actively listen and then, trust me, if you have humility, you will see and hear your blind spots, because we all have them,” he says.

Self-awareness is a trait not all CEOs have, but Frank is one who knows his strengths and unabashedly admits his shortcomings. As a resultsdriven business development CEO, he knows how to grow the business, acquire assets and secure capital. Then the right people are put in positions to handle other elements of a holistic approach to make the business run effectively within the same critical lens that got them to that point. It’s not easy and it requires daily check-ins.

Continually producing positive results requires the team to let go of the past and focus on the future. That is difficult for many people to do. Frank invokes the three archetypes in society: the villain, the victim and the hero. Heroes, which he says are hard to come by these days, have high expectations and a greater calling. They speak of solutions-based accountable approaches, while victims dwell on past failures and why those events keep them from succeeding against the villains who wronged them and keep them down.

Frank admits that he can’t abide by the victim mentality and those with this disposition do poorly in his company. He established The Arlington Street Foundation Scholarship to offer a hand up to youth in Winnipeg, and more than half of the kids in the program are ex-child soldiers from Africa.

“Talk to other people and you’ll find your problems aren’t so bad,” he says. “You have to be empathetic, but most put too much energy and drama into their perceived circumstance. In the greater context, we have very little to complain about.”

Frank has faced the challenges he’s encountered over the past years head on and has managed to grow Arlington Street significantly while many others in business were frozen in place. But what comes next? Amid talk of polarized politics, winning and losing in business, heroes and history, Frank Lonardelli didn’t say for sure where his next act will take him, but he did suggest “it’s much more significant than building building’s” let’s hope when he does determine where he is going he invites us to peek behind the curtain to get a better look.

CANYON RIGGING

CAUTIOUSLY MOVING FORWARD AT 100 MILES AN HOUR

BY RENNAY CRAATS WITH PHOTOS BY RIVERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Canyon Rigging is the last of a dying breed; a company that was built from the ground up on the strength of a handshake and the bond of their word. CEO Gregg Hampton concedes that this oldschool cowboy mentality isn’t something found in most C-suites in town, but it has worked well for him for the past 47 years.

“I’ve told these guys that if I see you sending email, I’ll break your fingers. Go look at the whites of their eyes. Shake their hand and tell them ‘thank you for feeding my family’. It’s a big deal,” says Gregg Hampton, CEO of Canyon Rigging.

After all, Hampton and his wife, Debbie, appreciated every early customer that helped them get the company off the ground 25 years ago, and they appreciate every customer that continues to support the growing business. Canyon Rigging started in a shed on the Hampton’s acreage and the duo sacrificed to make their dream grow.

“We could hardly afford to feed our kids. Those days are not like today. But without those days we wouldn’t have these days,” he says.

These days, Canyon Rigging enjoys a stellar reputation for quality and service in the industry which has attracted notable companies in the construction, agriculture and energy sectors as clients. The company outgrew the acreage and moved to an impressive 20,000-square-foot facility in southeast Calgary and grew to 52 hardworking employees who meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Those demands have opened the door to expansion geographically, with Canyon Rigging establishing a

branch in Grande Prairie in 2021 and a new location in the works in Vancouver, as well as in product scope.

Hampton and son-in-law Dan Harris have introduced a new service company called RIG-IT Restraints that operates under the Canyon Rigging umbrella. It provides

supplier in North America and continues to develop a global presence.

“There were already flow line restraint products on the market, but we had the skillset, mindset and know-how to make improvements, and we’re getting loyal clients

safety, so the team tests every new product for strength and recertifies used products to ensure they still meet working-load standards. Not only does this speak to the quality of Canyon’s products and the team’s commitment to safety, but the in-house pull testers also offer affirmation that the product will perform as promised.

“We like to invite people in and show them how good the product is. Why do we push that product? Because I have seen that it’s better. I’ve watched it be stronger. We’re talking about 100 tons of material that you’re lifting into the air above people. It’s important to have something that can verify what we say,” says Nick Keddie, vice president of Canyon Rigging.

To further the safety discussions in the industry, the management team is involved with industry associations and government committees geared at advancing safety in the business while helping shape the industry of tomorrow.

Canyon Rigging is a major player in tomorrow’s industry as it produces high-quality Canadian-made rigging products, supports those products with unparalleled service and builds relationships to ensure clients never want to do business with anyone else. As an agile business that operates at 100 miles an hour, the team can switch directions quickly in order to sidestep hazards or capitalize on opportunities.

CONGRATULATIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS

Canyon Rigging on your 25th Anniversary!

Whether clients are looking for basic tire chains, custom anchoring slings or anything in between, Canyon Rigging has quick-turnaround tailored solutions that keep clients’ projects running smoothly. The fact that their trademark orange products are produced in Canada by Canadians is a source of pride for everyone at Canyon Rigging and it reflects the core values on which the company was built.

For all your rigging and hauling needs please call us at 403-369-2868

“Before it was trendy to bring your outsourcing back from China, Gregg was already investing in people here in Canada and building up an industry that other people weren’t investing in,” says Keddie. “We keep it local. It’s our family values.”

There aren’t many Canadian companies that have industrial sewing machines in their shops, and Canyon has several employees trained on these powerful machines in order to keep custom products flowing out the door. And the staff is a collaborative group that looks out for each other and helps out wherever needed. Canyon Rigging is a true family business, and each of the long-time employees are a valued part of the extended Hamptons family.

“I just can’t say enough about our staff, as without them

we have no company, plain and simple. We say at Canyon that our staff bleeds orange, and that pretty much speaks for itself,” says Debbie Hampton. Gregg Hampton agrees, adding, “We’re all pretty good people as individuals, fair and honest, but together, you’re going to have to get the hell out of the way because there is nothing this bunch can’t do.”

The founders are proud of the team they’ve assembled and think of the management team as their own sons. Gregg Hampton has mentored Keddie, Harris and general

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

Foothills County and Calgary area 403-938-7930

www.tandtdisposals.ca

Congratulations Canyon Rigging on 25 Years!

manager Dave Edels for years and is confident that there couldn’t be better guys to take the company into the future. While he has no plans to retire any time soon, he knows the legacy he and Debbie built is in safe hands. It’s an honour the next generation doesn’t take lightly.

“The DNA of Canyon, the fundamentals of the company, is the same but we’ve been very successful in moving it more into the 21st century,” says Harris.

And the 21st century Canyon Rigging is applying the lessons learned in the shed 25 years ago to position the company for continued growth in Canada and beyond.

H I SSE L L

200, 2500 – 107 Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2Z 3R7 Main: 1.403.236.2200

whissell.ca

PHONE: 587-471-6984 | FAX: 587-471-7988

CALGARY: 4318-110 Ave South East, Calgary, Alberta T2C 0J6

GRANDE PRAIRIE: 14411 95 St, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7V7

HOURS OF OPERATION: 7:30 AM-5:00 PM | Mon-Fri

WWW.CANYONRIGGING.COM

CALGARY’S PREMIER BUSINESS CLUB TURNS 75

BY RENNAY CRAATS WITH PHOTOS BY ZEV VITALY ABOSH

The Calgary Petroleum Club has created a sense of belonging and community since it was founded in 1948. Members of this business club were gifted three homes on 5th Avenue to be razed so that a building of its own could be built in 1958. The vision was to become the premier club for Calgary’s business community. That building still stands at 319 5th Avenue SW, albeit recently renovated to better meet the direction of this prestigious club.

“The intention was to be a hosting venue to connect members,” says Toni-Marie Ion-Brown, general manager of Calgary Petroleum Club (CPC). “Hopefully this building will be the little three-storey anomaly in a vibrant downtown full of towers; a small, beautiful, warm place for our members for generations to come.”

While membership was historically comprised of energy executives, the Club has evolved and changed alongside the business landscape in the city. Today’s membership is representative of the business community it serves, with CPC welcoming professionals from energy to services to technology and all businesses in between. It also attracts young professionals, both as members and board members. These businesspeople, aged 35 and under, enjoy lower dues and appealing programming such as leaders and mentors luncheons, which allows seasoned professionals to impart their experience to members who are early in their careers.

Toni-Marie Ion-Brown (GM) and Ryan Ackers (Governor).

FORWARD-THINKING CONSTRUCTION.

When your project requires support from a variety of industry experts, turn to Strike.

All of our divisions integrate seamlessly on projects to provide a solution with tighter turn-around times, fewer points of contact to manage and a harmonized approach to your budget.

MAJOR

maintenance experience in upstream, midstream, and downstream, they are also an experienced energy transition contractor!

In addition to Strike’s extensive construction

“The Leaders and Mentors luncheons are, for my age demographic, quite valuable,” says Raman Sawhney, Calgary Petroleum Club Young Professional Board Member. “The fact that everyone is in this one space – you might not have opportunities to meet these individuals in other capacities.”

Members are generous with their time and eager to connect with members from different sectors, experience levels and varied backgrounds to create a richer experience for all. As a place for businesspeople to network, this leads to amazing and unique opportunities that in some cases are created unintentionally over cocktails and conversation.

“The Club becomes an incubator of collisions, and the ideas and businesses that result from the mash-up of the membership have the CPC to thank,” says Carey Arnett, president of the Board.

The CPC is a valuable place to network and extend members’ business reach in town, across the province, country and the world through its reciprocal club network. The CPC offers a private downtown venue where members can host business meetings, corporate events or social functions with 11 spaces that members can choose from depending on their needs. Whether it’s an AGM for 300 people or an intimate meeting for two, these spaces all offer rich, comfortable décor, cutting-edge technology to support the A/V needs of today’s business meetings and access to world-class food and beverage options.

Congratulations On your 75th anniversary

As a place where the legacy of Alberta’s oil and gas industry was built through network building, handshake deals and hearty meals, we here at Stream-Flo owe a lot of our 60 years of success to relationships formed at the Calgary Petroleum Club. Relationships that were forged between our founder, Duncan McNeill, and those he counted himself privileged to know — including his great friend Bill Mooney Sr., the “Oilpatch Ambassador”. Forever holding a special place in his heart, and by extension ours, your elegant downtown business club in the heart of Canada’s energy capital is the prime setting for celebrations, confidential meetings, and family gatherings — where business enterprises are built, and where visiting dignitaries from abroad are treated to the best our city has to offer — in food, beverage, and service. Your walls provided the backdrop for many of Duncan’s most pivotal moments as he built our company to where it now stands today. In his memory, and on behalf of everyone who followed his vision and leadership to greater prosperity, thank you.

Congratulations on 75 years.

“The Club occupies a position that isn’t your typical inner city business club. It transcends formal business with fun and educational programming of the kind you would find in a suburbia sports club,” says Arnett.

After all, the CPC has evolved into far more than a business venue. It has become a place for social gatherings and celebrations, where business contacts become friends and families join together for a wide variety of activities. From Children’s Christmas and Easter parties and cooking classes, to wine nights featuring the spectacular

founder. “Our VIP program quickly grew to 70 members, and we branded whiskey glasses and merchandise, procured private casks worldwide, and embarked on whiskey tours. Now we have gained attention in Calgary, across Canada and Scotland. This would not have been possible without the support of the CPC.”

Members enjoy unique programming at the Club and are always ready to support more serious endeavours. The Club tackles the issue of mental health with a variety of seminars and helps with community initiatives including toy, coat and food drives. The Club is also rallying around Ukrainian refugees, not only employing them at the Club but

ADVERTISING MADE EASY

also tapping the members in an attempt to connect these newcomers with potential employers from their fields of work in Ukraine.

To keep pace with the changes in business and the social evolution of the Club, the members are committed to keeping the space current and relevant. A restoration after a fire in 2005 converted the old billiards room into a stunning wine cellar dining room and that set the direction for the Club moving forward. A comprehensive $7-million renovation in 2017 completed the master plan that went far beyond cosmetic changes.

“The change had to be more than just the change of the façade. It’s a cultural change, so that brought heavier focus on programming and a desire to become a club for the future,” says Ion-Brown.

That meant looking at what tomorrow’s business people would need and implementing it today. It also meant redefining the concept of work to match today’s businesspeople as CPC has adapted to the city’s ever-evolving business environment. As more people are participating in hybrid workplaces, the Club has cultivated a comfortable, convenient ‘WeWork’ style setting where members can set up remotely to work while enjoying the connection to others that’s absent from their work-from-home days. The new second-floor Brew 319 coffee bar by day – prosecco bar by night – is a great place to be productive, with ample power for devices and space to spread out while grabbing a coffee or tea from the barista.

Your

Club members and the public have the opportunity to listen to industry leaders in a variety of backgrounds with the recently launched CPC Back to Business podcast, available every Monday at 7:00 a.m. The membership of the club provides a plethora of interesting guests, making each episode fresh and appealing.

What is even more appealing is the food, and CPC members make it a point to eat at the club given the incredible quality and creativity that comes out of Chef Joanna Astudillo’s kitchen. Whether members are popping in for the lunch buffet, grabbing a takeout meal or enjoying a sumptuous dinner, the food is second to none.

The CPC has truly become a home away from home for its around 3,000 members and they feel a deep sense of ownership over the Club. They are proud of what the CPC is and what it has accomplished within its walls over 75 years. The club is an important part of their work and family lives, in addition to an important nexus of thought leadership, where ideas that impact Calgary, Alberta and Canada are discussed by business leaders, politicians and others.

“It’s a multi-generational club and we want them to celebrate its 100th year, its 125th, its 150th,” say IonBrown. With its 75-year foundation built on an incredible culture and engaging programming, Calgary Petroleum Club will have much to celebrate.

partners for a brilliant future.

Bold, strategic legal solutions anchored in experience.

Parker’s Pen

BY DAVID PARKER

The weather, politicians and shopping continue to hog the news.

The weather we have no control over, and it’s beginning to seem that Ottawa doesn’t listen to us, nevermind those childish, angry clowns running the Excited States of America.

But believe it or not, things were much worse during the time the CPR was being built.

Over the Christmas season I enjoyed reading Lords of the Line, a book I’ve had for several years but felt I never had the time to wade into its 457 pages of Canadian history.

What a treat, and what an easy read in reporting on the lying, corruption, bribery, scheming and deceit between politicians and very strong, successful businessmen that seemed quite necessary in creating Canada’s greatest institution. Well-illustrated, the photos of the Lords of the Line showed them always dressed to the nines, looking like they just stepped out of the Supreme Men’s Wear of the day. With one exception – George Ham, the PR man responsible for attracting tourists and immigrants to use the railway to head west. It was said, “The pockets of his waistcoat are always bagged under the pressure of cigars, and trousers are mostly of regulation length, but he once complained of a pair being a little tight under the arms.”

The Christmas season always produces a lot of creative ideas, especially in greetings and gift giving.

Best I saw this past December was a gift package in a plain brown bag from Trigger Advertising. On it was printed a request to, “Refill this paper bag with non-perishable food items and drop it off at your nearest food bank.”

Notice I used the term Christmas season – and always will. Language guidance gets dafter.

The University of Bristol – that’s right, a university where debating was always encouraged – sent a directive to staff to call Christmas the ‘winter closure period’, so as not to upset those students who are not Christian.

I am.

But have never been bothered by Muslim friends who want to observe Ramadan; I’ve enjoyed participating in happy Diwali celebrations, Chinese New Year galas, and feel good about wishing my Jewish friends a happy Rosh Hashanah holiday. And they all respect my Christian faith.

I watched a local TV news item in which cyclists were being interviewed about bike lanes. One young lady wished for more concrete dividers to separate her from vehicular traffic.

I’m all for safety, but please consider those with mobility issues who on some streets have to climb out of the passenger seat into a traffic lane – picture 12th Avenue or 3rd Avenue – and then climb over a pile of concrete to get to the sidewalk.

Try it.

Final Words

Spending some time recently in a hospital bed, I wondered if I would become an invalid or just invalid.