Modern Luxuria Vol 39 AUGUST 2023

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD.

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Elsa Amorim

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Twyla Campbell

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Brandy Belitsky

COPY EDITOR

Lucie Oosterveld

Brandy Belitsky

Mona Rose Butler

Twyla Campbell

Jessica Fleming

Marcia J. Hamm

Steven Hope

Phebe Melan

Francesca Roznicki

Modern Luxuria is a digital magazine and is published monthly.

For subscription inquiries email: hello@modernluxuria.com

No part of this magazine, including text, photographs, illustrations, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Modern Luxuria Magazine is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to drawings, photographs, or transparencies) or any unsolicited material. By accepting and publishing advertisements, Modern Luxuria Magazine is in no way endorsing or guaranteeing the quality of service or product with those advertisements.

Thank you

ELEVATED SUSTAINABLE INTERIORS

Contributors

Jessica Fleming (she/her) is an Edmonton-based freelance writer and singer/songwriter with an endless passion for the arts. Active in various music and art scenes throughout the years, she is a lifelong performer and artist. Jessica is devoted to finding the magic within daily life, community and connection, and expressing it through writing.

Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and busy mom of two boys. Always passionate about interior design, she has worked exclusively within the interior design and home building industry in Edmonton. When she isn't busy shuffling kids to sports practice and writing for her clients, she's scouring the local real estate listings and diving into decor magazines with a piping hot Americano.

Phebe Melan, Originally from Malaysia, Phebe Melan moved to the UK when she was 19 and to Alberta in 2013. She is a wildly creative photographer who uses her skill to uniquely capture images and make people look and feel great. Photography has allowed Phebe to expand her outlook on life. Her mission is to make every moment count, and she does so by capturing many of them frame by frame in the process.

Marcia J. Hamm is a lover of all things wine, but is especially passionate about Italy's native grape varieties. She is a WSET diploma holder, an Italian Wine Scholar and one of only 15 Italian Wine Experts In the world through the Vinitaly international Academy (VIA). Marcia also loves to sing, ride her bicycle, have dinner parties and relax on the patio.

Steven Hope Is an award winning creative, working in commercials and film around the world. He often uses minimalism in his work, allowing the concept to stand alone.

Brandy Belitsky is a mom, wife, graphic designer, photographer, writer, and singer. Her passion for art and design has kept her busy in both the working world and in play. If she's not working, she's probably spending time with her family, creating something, singing, or cooking something up in the kitchen.

Publisher's Note

years, she has passionately led the institution towards a future rooted in inclusion and social change.

In the auto section, we explore the world of luxury vehicle storage at The Vaults, a company that elevates lifestyle storage to new heights. With its custom-built facilities and round-the-clock access, car enthusiasts can indulge in the ultimate luxury of stylishly and securely preserving their prized possessions.

Our Cuisine feature takes us to the Royal Glenora Club, where exquisite dining experiences meet community connections. With its recent redevelopment, the club exudes modern elegance while preserving its longstanding traditions. The fusion of delectable culinary delights and the warmth of shared moments create a luxury that transcends the ordinary.

As we revel in the warmth of August and the vibrant festivities that colour our streets, summer in Edmonton is in full swing. This month, we celebrate Edmonton's rich cultural tapestry with a focus on the diverse array of festivals that unite our community. Whether it's relishing the rhythms of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, savouring global cuisines at Heritage Fest, or immersing yourself in the theatrical magic of the Fringe, let this month be a celebration of life's finer moments.

For August’s Profile feature, we had the privilege of sitting down with Carolyn Campbell, the visionary president of NorQuest College. Over the past three

On the home front, our decor article shines a spotlight on Circa Living, a local boutique that brings a curated selection of unique pieces to enrich your living spaces. Discover the art of interior design and transform your home into a haven of comfort and style.

As always, we are honoured to be your guide to the luxurious side of Edmonton. From the captivating festivals that fill our summer days to the inspiring individuals and businesses that shape our city.

Wishing you a delightful August filled with joy!

PHOTO BY TATYANA SEMENOVA

As pandemic-related restrictions ease and people get more comfortable with venturing further afield, the team at Modern Luxuria is knee-deep in mapping out travel articles for the upcoming months. After lots of discussions, hours spent trend-watching, and doing extensive research on luxury travel, what we know is this: people's needs, wants, expectations, and methods of exploring are as vast and varied as the world itself.

Some people take the gung-ho bucket list approach, spending a couple of days here and there, crossing off destinations on an itinerary as they go. Others set out to sit back and sink into a state of bliss surrounded by sun and sand in a service-focused environment.

According to Oxford Languages, luxury is defined as, "the state of great comfort and extravagant living." What that means to one person, though, may differ from what it means to another.

To some, luxury travel could be a helicopter winery tour, a week basking in the Maldives, or a few days holed up on an amenity-rich ranch in Montana. Others might view luxury as time spent in a state of Zen while sound bathing, or prioritizing wellness at a sleep retreat where massages and meditation are daily rituals.

Luxury travel can be as simple or as outrageously curated as you want it to be.

Regardless of how one goes about the quest, all seasoned travellers have certain things they cannot leave home without—a specific piece of luggage, silk pyjamas, a journal, or skin serums, creams and spritzes to help combat the effects of long-haul flights. Some might say the most important thing to bring is curiosity because without that, jetting off to parts unknown would hardly be worth the effort.

Stay tuned as we set out to bring this beautiful world and all its treasures to you. Luxury travel, however defined, is only a click away.

Norquest College's president is a champion for arts, inclusivity, and Edmonton's future

Carolyn Campbell

WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHEBE MELAN

Carolyn Campbell took over the president’s role at NorQuest College three years ago. Since that time, she has worked hard to create an institution with inclusion and social change at the core of its values. We sat down with Carolyn to learn more about her vision for the future of NorQuest, her passion for the arts and education, and how time is her favourite luxury of all.

Tell us a bit about your background and how your career led you to your current role as president of NorQuest College.

I was at MacEwan for five years—back when it was Grant MacEwan Community College—and then I was at the University of Alberta for 15 years, where I was the associate dean of business school for 10 of those years. From there, I became a deputy minister and then a deputy city manager, which was so exciting. In both roles, I learned a great deal, and actually, both roles were so helpful to my current role.

But once you get a taste of the life of students and how inspiring it is to be around [that environment], it is very hard to not want to continue your career in post-secondary. When the opportunity for a role as president of NorQuest came up three years ago, I was so thrilled because it was, honestly, my dream job.

One of the things that is so exciting about NorQuest is that we really feel that we make a huge difference in students' lives—it is transformational what happens for our students.

We believe we make a really big economic difference, a big social difference, and we think we're making a pretty big difference in Edmonton’s downtown, too. On all those fronts, you really see how people in this city, and our region, are finding their way in Alberta and making positive change.

When you think about the future—students and being on a path of learning— you just know how much change is going to be ahead; your world is opened up to new people and ideas and thinking and technology. So, NorQuest is just a very exciting place to be.

Sounds like a very fulfilling role for you, but I know there is life outside of work! Tell us about your family and what you do in your free time.

My husband and I have been married for 31 years and we have identical twin boys who are all grown up now! We do find ourselves spending lots of time with my extended family in Edmonton.

I am excited to spend the summer in Edmonton; it's such a great city with great friends and great patios. I really love Bodega. Both locations have fantastic patios. Of course, the Hotel Macdonald has a great patio—there are so many! I love walking in the River Valley, but also walking in neighbourhoods. It’s so much fun to grab a coffee and explore a new neighbourhood—it's hardly hiking, but it’s really fun to walk and talk with a coffee.

I also spend a lot of time with family and friends, we go back and forth to Jasper, and then I also spend lots of time on work, school work (I’m currently doing a PhD), or in my art studio.

You are a busy woman. What kind of art do you create and what can you tell us about your PhD program?

I am a painter and I have an exhibition coming up this fall that I am busy preparing for. I do giant abstract colourful paintings that are a mash-up with highly detailed figurative drawings.

I am also doing a PhD in Board Governance and I am looking at the repatriation of cultural property. When Indigenous objects are being shown, kept, or collected in museums, and communities are asking for them back, I want to examine how the boards of these institutions are handling this change.

Inclusion and social change seem to be something that you are passionate about in your role as president of NorQuest, as well as your focus on your PhD. Can you speak a little more about what that means to you and how you incorporate it into your life?

I’m so glad you picked up on that because inclusion is a very big part of who I am and what NorQuest College is all about. About a year ago, our team created a new strategic plan, which was a massive team effort, where we did a ton of engagement on it. We weighed in with industry, government, partners, stakeholders, and students, and we created NorQuest 2030: We Are Who We Include—and it’s all about inclusion.

I also believe a big part of social change is in volunteering and participating on boards. If you want to volunteer in this city, meet people and get involved, and you know how you want to give back and can express that, it won’t take you very long to meet someone who can introduce you to someone else who can get you on an interesting board. I love volunteering—mostly in the arts, and I am on a few boards too.

Finally, what are your top three non-negotiable luxuries that make your life richer?

Honestly, they all centre around time: time with family being number one— being at home, making dinner, playing board games, hanging with my family. Next, time at my art studio is a luxury for me but it's a necessity, too— art stores could be a big luxury, too!

And finally, a luxury of my life is art museums around the world. It is a great joy for me to go and learn so much from museums, and I recognize that I am really lucky to be able to indulge in that luxury, but I absolutely love it.

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A safe and secure place for everything you cherish Comfort Amidst Your Collection

WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Anyone needing to overwinter a boat indoors in a climate-controlled environment or securely house a collection of exotic cars can look to The Vaults for the solution. This Calgary-based company offers custom-built lifestyle storage facilities inside a building secured behind a concrete wall. And, unlike standard storage facilities which require people to lease their units and work around the building’s opening hours, each unit in The Vaults is purchased—like a house or a condo—and is accessible to the owner by key fob, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A collection should be enjoyed as a part of daily life or displayed for special events but this is often difficult to do when housed off-property in various garages and storage units.

“[The Vaults] are the other piece of the equation that allows you to enjoy what you store. It allows you to have an alternate inspirational space for recreation, for working from home or office that is a little different,” explains James Murray, one of the company’s principals.

Murray and his partners launched the flagship location in Calgary before expanding to three locations in the Okanagan Valley. Next up is a south Edmonton location that will feature 21 units ranging from 1,600 square feet to over 3,600 square feet in size. This location, with units now in pre-sale, is in the Discovery Business Park, 10 minutes north of the Edmonton International Airport.

Each private space within The Vaults offers more than a place to house a collection of vehicles; a unit can also serve as a place of relaxation or an extension of space for events and activities.

“We’ve had [customers install] golf simulators and racing simulators. A couple of units have mini basketball courts, and others want to have it as a separate office space,” said Murray.

The unit starts as a blank slate and is finished by The Vaults' team of designers and contractors. Every suite comes with a 3-piece bathroom and a mezzanine, but paint colour, lighting fixtures, finishings, and other accessories are decided by the owner. Building and personalizing a vault is akin to working with a custom home builder.

Adding a car lift on the main floor increases vehicle capacity, and cupboards and cabinets provide extra storage. A wet bar and wine fridge are must-haves for those who enjoy having a drink while sitting in the hot tub—that’s right, even hot tubs are an option. Build a library on the mezzanine, or set up the big screen TV and surround sound for playoff games. Dream it and there is a good chance that the team at The Vaults can make it happen.

When it’s time to sit back and admire the pretty, shiny things you’ve collected, you deserve to do it in style. WWW.THEVAULTS.CA

Royal Glenora Club

Redeveloped, redefined, and ready for generations to come

WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY STEVEN HOPE

After providing services to members for nearly six decades, the Royal Glenora Club underwent a major redevelopment that took three years and 42 million dollars to complete. The result is a sleek and modernized architectural stunner that offers views of the city skyline and the River Valley, at almost every turn.

The eye-catching spiral staircase at the member’s entrance is even more impressive after its revitalization. The steps, which previously led to the ballrooms, now lead to the dining area which is comprised of three sections—the main room, the lounge, and an extensive outdoor patio.

The main dining room, 61, takes its name from 1961, the year the club opened. A massive fireplace which previously served as a focal point remains in place but now acts as a divider between the main eating area and the Lounge at 61. The lounge is a cozy yet elegant space, with a long bar, large screen TVs, and comfy, curved booths that are perfect for settling in to watch a playoff game over shareable plates, cocktails, and craft brews.

During warm weather, the expansive patio gives off tropical vacation vibes. Sipping on sangria and enjoying a globally inspired noodle bowl or salad helps to further the fantasy.

Food in each area is executed under the guidance of Steve Buzak who celebrates 10 years as Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage. Buzak makes a concerted effort to keep the menu fresh and appealing, while keeping members’ needs front of mind.

“Some people might dine-in three or four times a week,” he says. “So we need to keep things interesting but approachable.”

One thing that hasn’t changed at the club is how chef Buzak ties the community together through the ingredients he uses in the kitchen, not just on the dining room and lounge menus, but for graband-go items, and banquet offerings, too.

“We started building these relationships years ago,” he says of working with local suppliers and growers.

From beets to beef, and even the honey produced by bees on his uncle’s farm, Buzak remains steadfast in his approach to source ingredients grown close to home, when and wherever possible.

The butternut squash bisque, for example, includes cream and tangy fromage blanc from Lakeside Farmstead, a dairy with a cheesemaking facility, north of St. Albert. The final touch, a spoonful of crispy, crumbled Irvings Farm Fresh bacon provides a hit of saltiness to offset the sweetness of the squash.

Bright pink pickled onions—part of Buzak’s house-made condiment inventory—top roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in honey balsamic dressing; coconut prawns rest in a creamy sauce next to basmati rice and crispy green apple slaw. As always, Chef Buzak’s food tastes as good as it looks.

Even the charcuterie plate receives special attention, artfully arranged with much of the cured meats sourced from Meuwly’s, an artisan food store on 124 Street, and house-made chutneys that complement a range of cheese including Lakeside Farmstead’s one-of-a-kind chaga cheddar.

The wine list is thoughtful as well, with an intriguing selection curated by sommelier, Scott Hippe, who is also the club’s CEO. If members choose to imbibe in special wines or spirits from their home collection, they can store them on-site in lockable compartments

outside The Vault, a private dining room within 61 that can accommodate 18 people.

The spectacular live-edge table in the vault and select others in the room including the long bar in the lounge, was crafted by a Royal Glenora Club member from trees removed from the property during the redevelopment. The dinnerware is unique, too. Save for a few platters, meals are served on ceramic plates and bowls sourced from Spirit Wares out of Calgary.

Attention to culinary details such as these are a part of what makes the Club a special place to convene; a place for people to connect, share food, and make new memories. A place where tradition meets the future and where bonds will be formed for another six decades, and more.

WWW.ROYALGLENORA.COM

Got Beer?

Understanding popular styles and flavours

WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Thanks to a worldwide brewing boom, beer choices are no longer restricted to those offered by big companies like Budweiser and Molson. With many stores carrying over 850 labels of craft brew, you might feel overwhelmed with options. If so, you are not alone.

All beer fits into two categories: lagers, which are fermented using bottomfermenting yeast at cool temperatures over a relatively long period of time, and ales. Ales are fermented with top-fermenting yeast at much warmer temperatures making them ready to drink in as little as three weeks. While that is the simple explanation, beer has become much more complex and ageable — even collectible over the years.

Lagers

Beers that fall into this category are typically lighter in colour with a higher level of carbonation and an ABV (alcohol by volume) between 4 and 6 per cent. Notes of saltine crackers, grass, and floral notes are common. Two specific types of lagers are Pilsner and Vienna.

Vienna

A less common type of lager and a challenge to produce, a true Vienna lager is clear with a copper, reddish-brown colour. This type of lager is characterized by its malty aroma, slight sweetness, with next to no hop bitterness. You won’t often see these in tap rooms, but if you want to try a Vienna lager, check out Hub & Spoke from Inner City Brewing (Calgary).

Pilsner

Created in the mid-1800s in the town of Pilsen, in what is now Czechia, the additional grains (besides barley) create a light colour, add crispness, and produce tasting notes of biscuit, cracker, and bread. Pilsner is one of the most popular types of lager produced. Great Alberta examples are Pils from Fahr (Turner Valley) and Kinabik from Snake Lake (Sylvan Lake).

Ales

Ales range in colour from straw yellow to brownish-black. They have medium to high carbonation, and an ABV anywhere between 4 and 7 per cent. The presence of hops, from which bitterness results, will be detected in various sub-styles. Common flavours include grapefruit, stone fruit, and pine in lighter colour ales, and caramel and chocolate in darker ales. The type of hops used will dictate further diverse flavour profiles. IPAs, stouts and porters are three examples of ales.

East Coast / West Coast

Although these two fall under the India pale ale (IPA) umbrella, there are slight differences to note. East Coast pale ale—also known as New England pale ale (NEIPA)—has a sweetness up front that gives way to a bitterness after swallowing. In contrast, the West Coast pale ale is dry and has aggressive bitterness with citrus and pine notes all the way through. Those who love pronounced hoppiness in their beer will love these styles. Dankaroo from SYC Brewing is a good example of an intense West Coast ale, while any of the Colourburst line from Ale Architect (Edmonton) are fine examples of East Coast ale.

Stout / Porter

Made with grain that is kiln-fired to a darker level, the colour of stouts and porters range from amber-brown to black. The carbonation levels are lower and ABV can be as high as 9 per cent. These styles of beer offer flavours of malted grain, roasted coffee beans, mocha and smoke, and are best served at slightly warmer temperatures. Hops can be added to create further complexity but are not used for the identifying flavour in these styles. Try the Four Thirty PM Stout from Bent Stick (Edmonton) or the Coal Rush porter from Valley Brewing (Drumheller).

Sours

The fruited sour is a popular style of beer that can be made in the manner of both lagers and ales. From beets to apricots, pumpkins to raspberries, no fruit or vegetable is exempt from being used as an ingredient. Fruity, zesty, and of course sour, this is a polarizing style that people either love or hate. Regardless, the sour is here to stay.

A good place to taste a variety of beer styles in Edmonton is Happy Beer Street; an area that spans several blocks east and west of 99th Street, south of Whyte Avenue to 60th Avenue. The Street is home to eight craft breweries, each with a tap room and seating (indoors or out). Some breweries have limited food offerings; all have knowledgeable staff ready to help you find a beer to suit your palate.

Elemental energy is brought to life in raku clay sculptures Movement Set in Stone

WORDS BY JESSICA FLEMING PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

At its simplest, energy is the invisible force that connects us all; the curious nature of what it means to be human, flowing in and out of moments and feelings. In art, this energy is often a source of inspiration, and for some artists, energy is the art itself.

This is the case for Sharon Moore-Foster, a sculptor, visual artist, and educator who connects with the vibrations of life around her to sculpt pieces that are impeccably lifelike. Currently featured at Edmonton's Bugera Matheson Gallery, Sharon Moore-Foster's breathtaking raku clay sculptures provide a wealth of visual and visceral stimulation. The movement of each piece tells a unique story and captivates the viewer.

“When I see something, I can see the life in it,” she says. “And it is that which I like to try and bring forth; the pulse of existence.”

Drawn to one art form or another her entire life, Moore-Foster was a natural from the beginning, drawing and painting as a child with her sister. She

discovered, early on, the possibility of conveying feelings through art and expression.

"In Grade 7 in Detroit, Michigan, I already knew that I could draw, and I received recognition for my skill. When our art class visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and I saw Willem de Kooning’s huge, expressive, insanely energetic painting of a woman, I thought, 'Wow, you can paint how you feel?' I wanted to join in that art conversation."

Viewing life as a continual opportunity to grow and become fully oneself, Moore-Foster has learned to lean into the flow of her creativity.

“Eventually enough things happen that you start to trust the process,” she says. “Looking for the answer just takes you on a different path. The answer is there.”

From the mightiest mountain to the smallest seed, Moore-Foster believes there is inspiration to be found in every form—energy waiting to be brought to life; stories hoping to be told.

“I started to look at the mountains not as figures so much, but gradually as the beginnings of things; how they got started. I became acutely aware of the tension that seemed to form them—the furious push out of the earth’s energetic core, squeezed, shaped along the way….”

Viewing the works of Sharon Moore-Foster is an inspiring experience, as she leaves a unique imprint on everything she creates. With the legacy of something bigger than herself in mind, Moore-Foster connects with art as part of a grander picture; a larger, universal conversation.

“I'm not so worried about fame, because I know that in many years to come—centuries, if the earth is still taking care of herself—these rocks will be found. Somewhere along the line, somebody will hold them, and that energy will still be transmitted.”

WWW.BUGERAMATHESONGALLERY.COM/ARTIST/SHARONMOORE-FOSTER

The Best of Every Decade

Edmonton’s newest home boutique sets the mood for a luxurious treasure hunt

WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY PHEBE MELAN

Rich fabrics, gorgeous furniture, and accent pieces from decades past fill every inch of space in Circa Living, a home décor shop in Manchester Square. One step inside and every sense is activated. It's obvious that the owner, Trevor Compton, and his business partner, Ali Flanagan, have been intentional with all aspects of the store they opened in mid-June.

“We really want to reward every sense when you walk in because the music is fun, it smells great with fresh flowers and scents, and it's beautifully lit with these massive windows front and back— it’s just a wonderful space,” Compton says.

The inspiration for the concept of the store came to Compton in a dream. Upon waking, he knew that opening a retail spot where he could mix his love of vintage furniture with modern and more contemporary items was the next step in his business journey.

“There’s been good design in every decade,” he says, explaining that in the store, the mission is to combine modern pieces with old. “That’s how people want to live these days…they have their favourite chair from their nan with their new sofa, but it’s all mixed. It creates personality and sets you apart from your friends and neighbours.”

Vintage pieces are spread throughout the store, and because Compton and Flanagan only select items that are in impeccable shape, it can be hard to tell what is old and what is new. A display featuring two pieces of furniture, both built in the 1880s, is a good example: the settee, which hails from Winnipeg, is cloaked in royal blue velvet and has elaborately carved, dark wood details. The chair, a local find, was recovered in a blue and silver floral fabric to match a pillow on the settee.

In contrast to the 1880s set, a modern dining table adorned with minimalist-style branches and oversized candles and vases stands next to a mock fireplace accessorised with flickering candles. A few feet away sits a boxy, jet-black leather chair adorned with a 70s-style leather fringe that daintily sways as the chair moves.

Smaller items like candles, room diffusers, cocktail glasses, and vintage frames are tucked away throughout the store. The rare 1920s opal glass pendants that hang above the cash desk were originally slated for Compton’s kitchen, but he felt they were too beautiful to keep to himself. He wanted them to be seen and appreciated by others, so he moved them to the store.

Staff at Circa Living are trained and accredited in Interior Design and ready to assist with full-service decorating projects, but Compton and Flanagan invite all designers to bring their clients to the store.

“We’ve taken over the space next door so we will be double the size in about four months,” Compton says, adding that a dedicated design centre with fabrics, carpets, and wallpapers will be located on the upper floor. The space will also be equipped with a work table where designers can sit with their clients and discuss project details.

Circa Living is located in Manchester Square at 10706 120 St NW.

Sophistication and Privacy Awaits New Owners

A Glenora beauty offers space and comfort

WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

This elegant, open-concept home takes up residence on a spacious lot in Old Glenora with MacKinnon Ravine Park across the street and the Clifton/MacDonald Memorial Park directly behind. In the front yard, a forest of deciduous and evergreen trees surrounds bubbling water fountains giving the property a private retreat feel, despite being moments away from restaurants, shops and professional services.

Few locations in Edmonton are as spectacular as this.

Glass, marble, and shades of cream keep the foyer bright while muted earth tones warm the living room finished in rich wood and granite. With over 5,640 square feet of finished living space, this 2-storey home has plenty of room for large gatherings and get-togethers. The well-equipped kitchen has granite-topped counters, built-in ovens, and a flush-mount fridge finished to match the surrounding cabinetry. This dreamy space is fit to prepare every imaginable meal—from grab-and-go breakfasts to multi-course dinner parties.

The 432-square-foot great room fills with light that streams through floor-to-ceiling windows. The area is made cozy by a fireplace anchored into a 2-storey feature wall and a sunken conversation pit that begs for social gatherings. A spiral staircase at the far end leads to a bonus room and study area on the mezzanine where large windows help to keep the space well-lit and airy. A door provides access to a private balcony with views of the backyard.

Three of the four bedrooms are located on the upper level, including the master suite which lives up to the expectations one might have of a home such as this. An expanse of windows allows for ample daylight and the clear-panelled balcony is the perfect place to take in the sun and views of MacKinnon Ravine Park. While each bathroom is luxurious, the master ensuite exudes a spa-like feeling with a spacious, glass-walled shower and an elevated tub to help soak away the stress of daily living.

Enjoy barbecues, parties, and long evenings around the fire pit in the large backyard. Extra lawn furniture and equipment can be easily stored in the 4-car attached garage, accessible from the alley.

It’s rare to find both a home and a neighbourhood that checks every box; even more so when it’s in such a desirable area. This Glenora beauty certainly makes the grade.

Festival Fun

Your guide to the hottest local summer events in August

WORDS BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Heritage Festival

August 5 – 7 - Edmonton Exhibition Grounds

Rated “Edmonton’s Best Summer Festival”, Heritage Festival is the world’s largest celebration of multiculturalism. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the event, typically held at Hawrelak Park, has been temporarily relocated to the Edmonton Exhibition Grounds. Attendees will be immersed in a captivating showcase of global cuisine, enchanting entertainment, interpretive materials, and exquisite crafts from diverse cultures around the globe. Best of all, entry is free!

Edmonton Folk Music Festival

August 10 – 13 - Gallagher Park

The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is an annual four-day event that celebrates the rich diversity of folk music from around the world. Located at Gallagher Park, the festival attracts music lovers of all ages to immerse themselves in a captivating fusion of traditional and contemporary folk music. With a lineup of world-class musicians and emerging artists, attendees will be treated to exceptional performances from artists such as Ben Harper, Feist, Fleet Foxes, The Teskey Brothers, and more.

Fringe Theatre Festival

August 17 – 27 - Old Strathcona & Whyte Avenue

The 42nd annual Fringe Festival is Edmonton’s best celebration of theatre and street performers. The Fringe celebrates the arts in all its forms, showcasing a diverse range of performances from local, national, and international artists. Boasting over 1,600 performances spanning various acts such as theatre, dance, comedy, and more, you will be treated to a delightful array of creative expressions that push boundaries and ignite imaginations. In addition to the thrilling performances, festival-goers can enjoy a lively outdoor atmosphere with artisan vendors, food trucks, and a welcoming community spirit.

WWW.HERITAGEFEST.CA

WWW.EDMONTONFOLKFEST.ORG

WWW.FRINGETHEATRE.CA

Edmonton Pride Festival

August 24 – 26 - Churchill Square

Edmonton Pride Festival is an annual celebration that honours and uplifts the local LGBTQ2S+ community. This vibrant and inclusive event features a diverse range of activities and performances that embrace the spirit of love, acceptance, and unity. From colourful parades that flood the streets with pride to engaging workshops, concerts, and art exhibits, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Edmonton Blues Festival

August 25 – 27 - RE/MAX Field

Celebrating the soulful genre of blues music, the Edmonton Blues Festival brings together renowned blues musicians from around the globe to create an unforgettable music experience. With a rich history and a passion for preserving and promoting blues music, the festival offers a diverse lineup of performances that will captivate audiences with soul-stirring melodies. From classic blues legends to emerging talents, the Edmonton Blues Festival showcases electric performances of a timeless genre.

Opera Al Fresco

Aug 18 - University Of Alberta Botanic Garden

Opera El Fresco brings the magic of opera to the great outdoors. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Botanic Garden, this year’s most elegant outdoor party showcases hors d’oeuvres, wine, and captivating opera performances across multiple stages. Year after year, this cherished summer tradition sells out, so be sure to get your tickets in advance!

WWW.EDMONTONOPERA.COM/OPERA-AL-FRESCO

WWW.EDMONTONPRIDEFEST.COM

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