Thrive, Summer 2013 by Edge Publishing Inc.

THRIVE

SUMMER 2013

SUN RIVERS RESORT COMMUNITY

INSIDERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

ART of LIFE

the

To understand Sun Rivers is to see it - not simply as a housing community, restaurant or a golf course...

affordable

FAMILY GOLF Spending quality time together on the links is fun and healthy!

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embrace your

CRAVINGS at hoodoos Hoodoos aims to please with live cooking stations, new menu, a unique wine list and more!

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f e e t | h a n d s | fac e | h a i r | e v e ry b o dy

Visiting

isn’t just a memorable experience. It’s an addictive lifestyle.

radiant | inspired | addictive

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contents summer 2013 29 08 active living 08 Family golf

neighbourhoods 24 Tuscan townhomes

partnerships 12 Working together 13 Legend of the land fine cuisine 14 A complete sensory experience

building community 18 Planning a

neighbourhood 21 How does our garden grow 23 Communities in Bloom champions

14 forward thinking 29 Eco-Innovation 32 Selling a lifestyle in every issue 07 From the desk of 26 My Sun Rivers

4â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Thrive Summer 2013

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thrive SUN RIVERS RESORT COMMUNITY

Summer 2013 • Issue 7

sunrivers.com • mysunrivers.com Sun Rivers Golf Resort Community 1000 Clubhouse Drive Kamloops, B.C. V2H 1T9 Telephone: 1.877.828.9989 Sun Rivers Realty: 250.377.7722 Pro Shop: 250.571.7888 Hoodoos: 250.828.9404 Fax: 250.374.0374 information@sunrivers.com

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Darren Bezanson | Executive Chef Hoodoos at Sun Rivers Photography | Brynn Gise, Tyler Meade, Eric Ferguson Thrive is published for Sun Rivers by

Edge Publishing Inc. #1 - 219 Victoria Street, Kamloops, B.C. V2H 1T9 250-374-3246 www.echonewspapers.ca Wenda Noonan | Publisher echo1@shawcable.com Rebecca Stewart | Editor Erin Johnson, Jody Tippett | Production Cristina Ostapovitch | Advertising Consultant Carrie Harman | Administration

1200 Battle Street, KamloopS | t. 250-372-3424 | tF. 1-800-882-1202 www.fireplacecentre.com

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fromthedeskof

The Joyful Pursuit Welcome to our seventh edition of Thrive magazine – a glimpse into life in Sun Rivers, one of BC’s finest resort communities. The fundamental goal of developing the Sun Rivers community is to provide a playground of joyful pursuits for those wishing to embrace resort style living.

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

Joyful pursuits hold different meanings for different people. The array of options at Sun Rivers ranges from an activity as tranquil as appreciating the wildlife and panoramas at Sun Rivers to something more active like the upcoming Sun Rivers ‘Fun Run’. Community activities designed for residents at Sun Rivers include information nights, a Community Fair for children of all ages from babies to grandparents, community dinner nights, community gardening, the Neighbourhood Challenge where neighbourhoods square off in an unserious totally fun golf tournament, Food bank drive and Christmas hamper assembly to support those in need in greater Kamloops, Earth day celebration, Margaritaville golf and dinner experience, walking clubs, book clubs, and the Communities in Bloom program celebrating people, plants and pride. Joy is the emotion evoked by well-being, delight, good fortune or success. We invite you to join us at Sun Rivers and feel the joy of family, the joy of friendship, the joy of pleasant surroundings and the joy of meaningful activities. Leslie Brochu, Vice - President, Marketing & Public Relations

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ActiveLiving

Family Golf

Maximum Fun. Minimum Cost. by Jody Tippett

When you’re out with the whole family, costs can quickly multiply. Golf programs at Sun Rivers are designed to accommodate families and make it easy for kids to learn and enjoy the game along with their parents. Some of the programs offered are free, but those with a cost are designed with affordability in mind. In keeping with the values of community, Sun Rivers is encouraging families to give a new meaning to ‘family night’ by using golf as a means to enjoy quality time together. Golf is a perfect celebration, with all the ingredients that families love: food, refreshments, fun and fresh air. Every Friday to Sunday, May through August, the 5:30pm to 6:30pm tee times are designated for Family Golf Nights. Green fees include rental clubs, balls, tees and special scorecards for junior players. Ages five to 11 play for free, ages 12 through 18 play for $10 and adult family members play for $15, and an extra $10 for a power cart. 8 Thrive Summer 2013

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left Airlie Henson watches intensely as her ball makes the way towards the green. right CPGA Assistant Golf Professional Cody Jackson giving some tips to a junior.

With inspiring vistas and local flora and fauna, Sun Rivers Golf Course is an ideal setting for families to spend time together. Everyone will enjoy recreational time spent outdoors, walking through beautiful rolling fairways, sharing special conversation and simply spending time with each other. Before the main event, everyone can sit down together for a special family dinner served at Hoodoos Restaurant from 4:30pm to 5:30pm on Family Golf Nights. For a very reasonable $19.99, four can dine on pasta, Caesar salad and fountain drinks, making it easy for busy families to power up before a round on the course. Parents recognize that playing golf can be a terrific vehicle for spending quality time together, to enhance relationships and learn life skills. Ian Henson is a resident of Canyon Ridge at Sun Rivers and typically plays golf once a week. His wife Lisa, son Noah and daughter Airlie also play the game. With a family of four he knows all too well how difficult and costly it can be to find activities to enjoy together. “Golf is typically quite expensive,” Ian admits. “Families playing at Sun Rivers get a two- to three-hour interactive experience for a price so fantastic everyone can play for less than the price of attending a movie.” Ian also points out the values learning the game encourages, saying, “In golf you need to be accountable for your actions, and follow etiquette. The game teaches good life lessons.” The Family Night evening slot is generally

a quieter time of day to play and the skill level is similar for the majority of the groups on the course, ensuring no one feels pressured or rushed. Sun Rivers has also made an effort to set the course up in a family-friendly way with shorter holes through modified tee boxes and a kid-friendly scorecard. But Family Night is only one of the many ways you can get your household out on the links.

kids programs Youth of all ages who want to test the golf waters and see if the game is a good fit for them might find the Tim Horton’s Free Golf Days held in late spring to be their perfect opportunity. For two hours, Sun Rivers turns the 18th fairway into an experiential learning area with stations to stretch, drive, chip and putt. These days expose local youth to the golf experience even if their parents don’t play. This activity typically sees over 100 children come through who have never swung a club before. The Timbits Love the Game program, in partnership with Tim Horton’s, is an introductory/novice program for kids, ages five to eight years. Over a two-week period, every child will receive four one-hour practices with a Sun Rivers’ CPGA golf professional, plus two game days accompanied by staff and using the award-winning birdie ball. The $99 inclusive sessions are rounded out with a Timbit snack, a drink and prizes for every little one who participates. For the next generation of golfers to take

“Families playing at Sun Rivers get a two- to threehour interactive experience for a price so fantastic everyone can play for less than the price of attending a movie.”

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ActiveLiving

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above Noah Henson packs up his clubs to participate in the Free Timbits Golf Day.

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Sun Rivers offers a four-day Junior Camp for youth ages nine to fourteen. At an affordable $149, these youth players will learn the fundamentals of the game, including course rules, etiquette and sportsmanship. The camps include CPGA Golf instruction, a daily snack, a workbook, a Sun Rivers hat and the promise of fun.

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Time is precious in today’s lifestyle and moms and dads with busy schedules can also learn to love golf by working with a schedule that fits their lifestyle. Sun Rivers has put together a $99 program that offers golf fundamentals to adults in a relaxed format. Three one-hour swing clinics, one hourlong short game clinic, a 30-minute putting clinic and two nine-hole green fee passes are included in the program fee. Special rates for green fees and membership, along with discounts on pro shop merchandise and dining at Hoodoos, sweeten the deal.

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family membership Those that can’t get enough golf can join as a family. Sun Rivers is offering family memberships for $549 with unlimited junior golf for one anytime Monday to Thursday and after 1:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. There are six adult 18-hole green-fee passes included with a family membership to provide more opportunities to golf together. These are just some of the ways that Sun Rivers is growing the game of golf by making it easy for the entire family to come to the course and enjoy a fun, healthy activity without breaking the bank. Recreation is an important part of a well-rounded lifestyle, and what better way to spend quality time together than on a beautiful golf course experiencing a game that will last a lifetime. Golf is meant to be enjoyed, so above all, don’t forget to have fun - give it a try and you’ll quickly realize what a special and memorable family experience it can be. Sun Rivers makes it easy and affordable, but with the added benefit of exercise and camaraderie for the whole family, time spent on the golf course is priceless. n

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partnerships

Working together

Sun Rivers & Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc: A winning team What makes Sun Rivers special is the land on which it sits, the people who came together to forge it and the immense vision from which it arose. The Sun Rivers Resort Community didn’t just happen, it is the culmination of planning, partnership and a lot of hard work. Before the first shovel of dirt was turned there was six years of planning, meetings, agreements and millions of dollars spent. It all started nearly two decades ago. The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) have al-

ways had a mind for business. They were successful landlords, business owners and entrepreneurs. They had constructed the Mount Paul Industrial Park, the first industrial park on First Nations land in Canada, and were an inspiration to many bands across the country. The land that Sun Rivers now occupies lay empty, yet it was five minutes from everywhere in the city, open and pristine with views worth millions of dollars. Developers had their eye on this land; some came knocking, but all were turned away. It wasn’t until the TteS saw the unique vision of the Sun Rivers group that they considered development of the ridges high above the rivers. In 1995 they made an important economic development decision and voted by a majority of 74% to sell this leasehold interest, allowing a portion of its reserve land to be reverted back to the federal government to be designated for long term prepaid leasing. What has come out of it is the Sun Rivers of today, one of Canada’s most innovative and desirable golf resort communities. “Our business is leasing land,” explains Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Shane Gottfriedson. “We have proven with our Industrial Park and now with Sun Rivers that we are people who you can depend on and enter into a stable and predictable arrangement with.” Working with an untouched, pristine area has allowed the Sun Rivers planners and pioneers to forge ahead with a vision that is unheard of in other municipalities. They have been able to plan each facet of their neighbourhoods and work with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to deliver quality infrastructure, services and local government. The delivery is so seamless, that aside from the name, you have no idea you have essentially left the City of Kamloops and entered the Sun Rivers Resort Community.

“If you are a good place to be, people will find a reason to be there.” “If you are a good place to be, people will find a reason to be there,” finished Chief Shane Gottfriedson. “We are in the business of doing business and we do it very well. You will see more business and development in the area in the coming years.” The mutual admiration for each other and each party’s commitment to growth, community and business has made their relationship rock hard. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc provides Sun Rivers with a stable and committed local government as well as a master development and servicing agreement which includes infrastructure, environment, bylaw development and enforcement, garbage services, 911, fire, sewer and water. The Sun Rivers development has provided economic benefits to the band including the original capital payment for the land, property taxes and additional job opportunities for members of the band. Together they are an unstoppable team, one that will remain together for a long, long time! n

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Legend

Local artist Maureen Hove painted Mt. Peter and Mt. Paul in watercolours. More of her work can be seen at Tree Line Gallery at Sun Peaks, and Artists Studio and Gallery at the Sahali Mall in Kamloops.

of the land

Mount Peter & Mount Paul by Tanya Orozco

Source: Kamloops Museum and Archives

un Rivers is located below the glorious landscape of Mount Peter and Paul. These two peaks that grace our fair city have their own history, stories and confusion surrounding their names. Mount Paul does not appear in any traditionally kept records until 1859. It first appeared in an exploration paper conducted by Lieutenant Richard Mayne of the Royal Navy’s HMS Plumper which ended up being the basis of a book titled Four Years in British Columbia. The story goes that the Lieutenant and Kamloops’ Hudson Bay Company fort officer Donald McLean crossed the North Thompson River to visit Jean Baptiste Lolo, who was nicknamed ‘St. Paul’ because of his conversion to Christianity. After the visit with St. Paul, they took a horseback ride up the neighbouring mountain to survey the lands. In his paper, he reports that he christened the taller peak Mount St. Paul in honour of Jean Baptiste Lolo. They referred to the peak beside it as Roches des Femmes, or Rock of Women, as they had observed a number of women gathering berries and moss. Many years later the peak had simply become known as Paul’s Peak. That’s when geological surveyor George Mercer Dawson came

into the picture, making a detailed map of the Kamloops area. Dawson was very interested in original native names of places and discovered the legend behind Paul’s Peak. According to Native legend, the mountain being called Paul’s Peak was what was left of a man named Tkkullikalst who was turned to stone by the supernatural being Kwilielt. The smaller hill in front of the main summit was a woman. This hill was named Skukaam, or The Breasts, because of the two prominences on the side. In the years to follow, confusion surrounded the naming of the peaks. Mt. St. Paul had been reportedly known as Mt. Mayne in one account and Paul’s Peak in others, with Mt. Peter was being called Rackalt, though there is yet no source explaining the name. Fast forward to 1925, when it all seemed to work itself out as C.H. Taggert, a Dominion Land Surveyor who had resided in Kamloops for several years, proposed that the name of the higher peak be Peter after a friend of St. Paul, and that the lower hill be named Paul. Those names have stuck and today Mounts Peter and Paul sit stately above Sun Rivers community and the rest of the Kamloops landscape as high and mighty as ever. n

According to Native legend, the mountain being called Paul’s Peak was what was left of a man named Tkkullikalst who was turned to stone by the supernatural being Kwilielt.

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finecuisine

a complete

Sensory Experience Hoodoos’ new Chef brings an inspired enthusiasm to the dining room by Cristina Ostapovitch

It happens in an instant. Your mouth starts to water and your primal instincts take over. Your mind starts to determine what cravings need to be fulfilled. It’s the moment when hunger strikes and you make the decision to dine out. The choice of where to dine is never taken lightly amongst foodies and food lovers of Kamloops. Whether it is for a special occasion or just a treat, if you are going to eat, eat well. Hoodoos at Sun Rivers has a new Chef, menu and wine list that promise to make your decision an easy one. From its local fare to its many gluten-free options, Hoodoos is a premier dining destination. Chef Darren Bezanson is the driving force behind Hoodoos’ culinary overhaul. Homegrown in BC, Chef Darren was classically trained at Camosun College in Victoria, BC. With an impressive resume including the Ramada Hotels, Oak Bay Marine Group, Aramark and the Rise Golf Course, Chef Darren has had great opportunity to work under very talented and inspiring chefs over the years. When asked what his culinary style is, he says his passion is “working with local growers, twisting the classical to meet modern times, fresh ingredients, seafood, and Italian. I love to be in the kitchen hands-on, creating and experiencing new and exciting culinary items.” A new experience is exactly what Hoodoos has achieved. The biggest game changer is the introduction of the unique chef special program where menu items are cooked live in the

room or personally delivered by a chef. Now, on any given weekend you can enjoy Prime Rib Fridays, Seafood Saturdays and Local Fare Sundays, all with the feel of your own personal chef. Each week the menu changes and allows for Chef Darren to use the freshest ingredients and play with what is in season locally. Every Thursday the new menu for the weekend will be posted on the Hoodoos Facebook page so you can know ahead of time exactly what you will experience. “No other restaurant in Kamloops is doing this,” says Rob Larocque, General Manger of the Sun Rivers Clubhouse. “This is but one of the inspiring changes the restaurant had made.” The menu itself almost entirely brand new, reflecting the restaurant’s standard practice of using fresh ingredients and shopping as local as possible. They have developed outstanding relationships with local farmers including Thistle Farm and Riverfresh Wild BC Salmon and work closely with Fisherman’s Market. With support by the local Fisherman’s Market, fresh seafood is brought to Hoodoos each week for the Seafood Saturday chef station. Whatever has been caught that week is shipped to Hoodoos, quite literally off-the-boat, and determines the menu for Seafood Saturdays, as well as parts of the monthly feature sheets. This feature sheet is where the kitchen really gets to play and be creative. It allows diners to try something new, exciting and very fresh. The Hoodoos team has also built great partnerships with local farmers who are

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from the Chef’s kitchen

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» Friendly Coffee and the Viverau Water System are

Choose Hoodoos for your

next banquet or meeting Hoodoos at Sun Rivers offers catering packages to serve the needs of groups from 10 to 200 people. They serve meal options from breakfast to dinner, and can meet a variety of needs, from simple soup and sandwiches to specially tailored group-specific menus. Just like the menu offered in the restaurant a majority of the items are created gluten free responding to wellness trends and the needs of guests. The catering menu is never written in stone and is flexible and open to suggestions, ensuring guests have the best possible experience while at Hoodoos. The staff is accustomed to working with guests who have individual dietary needs or intolerances, and looks forward to creating mouth-watering menus no matter what restrictions might need to be overcome. Call 250-828-9404 for more information about catering packages and help with your meeting or event planning all year round.

all movements that Hoodoos is committed to. Designed by the Vancouver Aquarium, Ocean Wise ensures that all the seafood caught measures up to sustainable and ethical fishing practices. The coffee from Frog Friendly is an organic ecologically sound coffee company in BC sourcing beans from Oaxaca, Mexico. This company can boast being one step beyond the organic and fair trade distinctions: profits from each bean harvested go directly back into social programs and villages that need it most. Finally, there is the Viverau water system, which allows for sparkling or fresh water on demand with no waste or bottles to recycle. “It’s just a part of our goal to make the entire dining experience an amazing one,” says Rob, enthusiastically. “Growing and staying current is key to a restaurant’s success. There will still be the Hoodoos favourites that are always in demand but now there is just so much more.” This is very apparent in the new gluten-free menu. The Hoodoos mantra ‘Our Kitchen is Your Kitchen’ rings most true here. “We aren’t just sensitive to the needs of allergies and food sensitivities, we embrace it!” says Rob. The entire after-five menu is gluten free. There are also numerous choices on the menu that can easily be made gluten free upon request. This is just another small change that has a big impact on consumers. One of the best parts is it doesn’t matter if you are well versed in the culinary world or simply like to eat out. The Hoodoos experience aims to please. So what could be more pleasing? A nice vintage wine to accompany your meal. The new wine list is nothing short of spectacular. Completely unique and 100% West Coast, the selection will please any pallet. The way the menu is broken down is where the stand-out caliber is born: now you can choose what flavour and feel you are in the mood for. Categories like “Juicy and Tropical” and “Bold and Elegant” are some examples of the choices you will see. So often we remember a flavour or feeling from a wine but not a name or vineyard. Now you can simply look at what you crave and order it. This of course includes the new signature wines of Hoodoos, the 2008 Reserve Merlot and Reserve Pinot Gris. Hailing from the Hillside Estate Winery out of Naramata, these wines were well sought after and Hoodoos is very excited to be the one offering these special vintages. What is the Hoodoos experience? It is what ever you desire. It is what ever you crave. From the moment you sit and embrace the spectacular views to your graceful exit, feeling more than satisfied, your dining experience is complete. Our Kitchen is Your Kitchen at Hoodoos. Once you see for yourself, you will certainly agree. n sunrivers.com 17

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buildingcommunity

planning a Neighbourhood Vision, commitment and flexibility deliver an award-winning community by rebecca stewart

above Overhead view of Sun Rivers Resort Community showcasing the west side of the development and golf holes one through nine.

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Taking a piece of undeveloped land and turning it into a thriving suburb is no small accomplishment, but nearly 15 years after it was little more than an idea, the Sun Rivers Resort Community has exploded into a small village, with 14 different neighbourhoods; a golf course, driving range, restaurant and pro-shop; two community centres; a network of trails; and an impending Village Centre ready to sprout shopping opportunities and other community services. The components of a well-planned neighbourhood begin with a clear vision, and according to Rick Siemens, CEO of Sun Rivers Resort Community, the original concept that was conceived of in the early days of the Sun Rivers development has proven to be a strong guide as the community evolves. “Building a new community from the ground up is a huge undertaking. We began with a master plan and have been following it ever since, with minor variations following market trends,” says Rick of the idea that has included a golf course as its centerpiece since the beginning. The master plan, at its most basic level, began with understanding the terrain and topography, the long-term utility and network needs, and how to incorporate the infrastructure while minimizing drastic changes to the landscape. Once they took the site, the first consideration was amenities required for a golf course resort community. An inventory of land was considered and development of basic services like electricity and water followed. “It’s amazing how much time, money and work goes into the stuff that ends up underground where no one sees it,” marvels Rick, who is in charge of the development side of the planning. “We begin by working with engineers to lay out our road networks and utilities, always with long-term planning in mind.” In order to keep the growth cohesive, Rick and the development team work closely with the marketing department to realize their vision.

“It’s amazing how much time, money and work goes into the stuff that ends up underground where no one sees it.”

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“We work in tandem,” says Rick of the relationship. “What’s built upon the infrastructure we lay is based on their research. We have 14 neighbourhoods within Sun Rivers, and each has been developed based on the land, with big consideration given to views, and what the research says about current market needs and trends.” Over the years, this research has produced estate neighbourhoods like the Tuscan-inspired Visáo or the English Country-inspired adult community of Ironwood; contemporary, low-maintenance choices like The Pointe and the 9th Green; and family-friendly neighbourhoods like Canyon Ridge or the new Belmonté townhomes. Based on the style they decide to go for, landscape schemes and guidelines are developed. Each neighbourhood is very distinct, with its own architectural theme and landscape design, resulting in a wide range of styles and tastes as you wind through the community and something for every type of buyer. Staying aligned with the master plan while having enough flexibility to respond to market trends has been the key to the resort community’s success. A look at the original vision reflects several development pods as they were determined back when the plan was laid out. The goal has always

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» been to plan for different densities in different

neighbourhoods, ensuring something for every kind of resident, from retirees to families to young couples and singles, making it inclusive to the point that it reflects a healthy sample of the region’s residents at large. The growth has been big and fast, and attention to detail and an eye to the future have been imperative to its success. These days the community’s newest developments are moving increasingly toward highdensity housing, adding to the diverse community by offering housing choices for multiple age groups and income demographics. Taking a drive through the resort on any given day will reveal a constant buzz of development that is steadily filling in the remaining gaps of the master plan. A lot of different trades people come together to deliver the wide range of components that is Sun Rivers, and unlike the usual bidding process in construction, the same companies have moved from one project to another as they build, landscape and maintain the resort’s budding neighbourhoods. Some are tried, trusted and true contractors while many were created in-house as the need arose. “Back when we first began selling lots the market was very depressed,” says Leslie Brochu, Vice-president, Marketing and Public Relations. “So we thought to ourselves, ‘Well, let’s build some houses’ and proceeded to create Sun Rivers Construction. Then we realized we would need to landscape these properties for sale, so we created a landscaping company, and so on.” A real benefit of this level of control is that the same crews are working together year after year from one neighbourhood to the next and have found a rhythm that results in an efficient building process and a consistent product. They are familiar with the community, the concept and the quality expectations and have an evident sense of pride in what they build. Now fifteen years in, the available land is dwindling and the resort community is near completion; soon focus will shift from development to community building, with things like the formation of community groups, the growth of retail goods and services, and a growing list of community events for residents. “The roads are being laid into the last of the land inventory now. Many of the commercial opportunities in the new Village Centre are spoken for and soon shops will sprout up and be open for business. In eight to ten years the community will be complete,” says Brynn Gise, Sun Rivers Marketing Coordinator. The development and marketing teams will have done there work and be moving on then, but they will leave a legacy of what successfully planning and building a dream community looks like to show for it. n

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buildingcommunity

how does our

garden grow The Sun Rivers landscaping crews create outdoor spaces to thrive in by rebecca stewart

below 9th Green neighbourhood common area meticulously maintained by the Sun Rivers landscaping team.

A community that feels good looks good. It hums with life and variety and colour and care. It gives the sense that it is loved and invites people to share in it. The significance of landscaping in the personality of a community cannot be overestimated. Trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers breathe vitality into their surroundings and create balance amidst man-made structures, but the benefits of good landscape design go beyond aesthetics. When done well it can reduce stress and bring healing and peace; transform pollutants and improve air quality; define boundaries and distinguish spaces; and create a unique and special sense of place. Sun Rivers Resort Community has been committed to building a unique and special sense of place since its birth nearly 15 years ago, and a quick tour reveals landscape design has been one of the leading focuses in their pursuit of a thriving community. Built around a golf course, green spaces and attractive common areas are an integral part of the larger community development, acknowledging the importance of curb appeal when it comes to pleasure principles and property values. Upon entering the resort the eye is drawn from one thoughtful flora feature to the next, but the most visible role landscaping plays is in distinguishing one neighbourhood within the community from another. Each of the 14 neighbourhoods in Sun Rivers has its own architectural style and the landscaping in each is just as unique. In Rosewood it is a Southwest theme with a real desert feel; The Point is contemporary and follows a modern square design. Irongate has evergreens, while the 9th Green neighbourhood has flowering crab apples. “It all begins with choosing the right plants for the right space,” says Shirley Collett, Assistant Landscaping Superintendent Sun Rivers Resort Community. “When we design our gardens and choose plants we consider

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buildingcommunity the architectural theme of the neighbourhood, but most of all the plants themselves, exposure to sunlight, soil conditions, fertilizer and water requirements are important to keep the plants healthy and happy. We have a big job and try to keep it relatively simple with the least impact on the environment.” Environmental concerns drive the landscaping decision for the Sun Rivers crew. Alongside aesthetics, maintenance needs determine plant choices: little-to-no-fuss species requiring little pruning or deadheading, are disease and insect resistant and have low consistent watering requirement are the first choice every time. Integrated pest management methods are implemented when insect problems arise and water use is keenly monitored for the least amount of waste possible. “Our irrigation systems use a drip method wherever possible, so there is minimal water waste in this community,” says Rick Siemens, CEO Sun Rivers Resort Community. “And each resident is required to have rain sensors, helping to avoid watering unless it’s needed. We also use two water systems within the community: one for domestic and one for irrigation, both of which come from the Tk’emlups Indian Band’s state of the art water treatment facility. We are supplied with treated water for domestic purposes and untreated water for all of our landscape watering needs. This avoids wasting energy to treat water that won’t be consumed, and is better for the plants, which thrive in rain water and don’t respond well to chlorinated water.” But the need for watering at all is increasingly being eliminated as new developments sprout up, explains Shirley. “Our newest neighbourhoods are being designed with xeriscaping - the use of rock and other elements that require minimal watering. Again, each neighbourhood is distinguished with a unique style, using different rocks and designs. In Golf Ridge you’ll find Arizona Shale, Stoneridge has Blue Granite and in the 9th Green white River Rock is used. Large boulders and fractured rock are recycled from the areas natural formations and reused throughout Sun Rivers. Though it’s all very planned, there is a lot of variety.” Add to all of these measures five common spaces connected by a series of trails that are cared for by the community association, and Sun Rivers can boast an approach to landscaping that has helped the resort earn several ‘Five Bloom’ distinctions with Communities in Bloom, a national non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement with focus on enhancing green spaces in communities. For many homeowners, their gardens and other outdoor spaces are places of beauty and peace, and a source of joy and pride. They are extensions of the home, enjoyed year-round for gathering socially, private relaxation or to experience nature and connect them to their neighbours. At Sun Rivers, residents invest in and become part of a community that takes pride in itself, and intends to only get better as it matures. n

Communities in Bloom Champions

un Rivers is competing in Communities in Bloom (CIB) again and if history is any indicator, they will nail it. Sun Rivers is the epitome of a community in bloom. The colourful flowers, blossoming buds, green grass and beautiful landscaping definitely contributes to their success, but it is not the only reason that the resort community continually comes out on top. This will be their fifth year competing. They competed provincially for the first three years, bringing home five blooms, and this will be their second year competing nationally. Last year they competed in the under-1200 population category and once again secured a five-bloom rating, which is difficult since they are not your average municipality. “We don’t fit the model of a typical city,” explains Karri Loadman, CIB co-chair and Sun Rivers Community Administrator. “But what we do, we do exceptionally well.” Communities in Bloom judges eight different components of a community; tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, floral displays, turf & groundcover and community involvement. Sun Rivers excels in each of these areas which is evident by the level of enthusiasm, a strong commitment by all residents to have the highest standards of landscape maintenance and outstanding community involvement, pride and engagement in all of the many community events, education sessions and cultural activities. These programs include various photo and participation contests, the Get Potted initiative (a friendly gardening competition), a community garden, and much more. “The involvement in the program is about more than winning,” finishes Loadman. “It is about building community, developing pride and forging partnerships.” n

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sectionheading neighbourhoods

Tuscan Townhomes Belmonté offers stylish maintenance-free living for every type of buyer by rebecca stewart

he latest neighbourhood concept to emerge from the Sun Rivers Resort Community design team is yet another example of the developer’s commitment to changing market trends and the diverse needs of homebuyers. Incorporating character, function and lifestyle, Belmonté features attached homes with private courtyards and garden spaces appealing to active adults seeking to streamline household chores and create more time for work and play. “It’s no longer just retirees who are looking for stylish, maintenance-free homes. People of all ages are looking for fresh design with attractive landscaping, without having to invest all of their time in caring for their property,” says Leslie Brochu, Vice President of Sun Rivers Resort Community. “Twelve years ago this option was only targeted to empty-nesters. Increasingly young people want it, too. They care about quality of life and want time to play.” Modeled after the overwhelming success of Sun Rivers’ Visáo neighbourhood, the new Belmonté townhome development continues with the Tuscan architectural themes that have been such a recent hit. “Our research led us to believe that the Tuscan influence was a good fit for the market in our region, so we introduced Visáo, a large estate lot neighbourhood. It was overwhelmingly successful, so we are translating the themes into another, higher-density development that will meet the affordability needs of another demographic,” shares Leslie.

A Tuscan home is warm and inviting and is inspired by the textures and colours of nature. The rustic color palette leans heavily on earthy, unpretentious hues evocative of a Tuscan hillside. Wrought-iron accessories reinforce the rustic theme. Windows and doorways are arched and special attention is given to the transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. This new development follows these popular design elements, but also considers affordability and maintenance services. “There has to be joy and time for adventure. We’ve designed a beautiful neighbourhood that has built in services for buyers. It’s what we’re all about,” boasts Leslie. Ease of ownership is an obvious tenet of this resort community, and it begins at the point of purchase. While there are always move-in-ready options, buying before completion has huge advantages. “Once a home is built, you can change anything, but it’s expensive. Getting in early has lots of benefits,” says Leslie. “Fundamental to our strategy is giving people the option to customize. We take a few units to completion to be used as show models or for buyers who want design-ready homes, but otherwise they are only built to the rough drywall stage, allowing the flexibility to come in and specify everything from flooring, cabinetry and colour palettes to lighting and fixtures. At this stage we have the ability to accommodate changes in plumbing, electrical and even framing if desired, and still

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left Courtyard of one of the Belmonte Garden Show Homes. Featuring an end unit of Building Plan H.

be move-in ready within 10 weeks of the final decisions.” To help with making those decisions, a new home purchase at Belmonté includes a consultation with Lenna Sawyer of Lenna’s Creative Interiors. As the Resort’s only designer, Lenna has been contracted to Sun Rivers Construction Ltd. to create exceptional living spaces for residents. She has an intimate knowledge of the design concepts being exercised in each neighbourhood in the resort community, and of the latest trends that have driven the design decisions, consequently bringing huge value to the client. “I’m here to determine the client’s lifestyle needs, the feel and look they want,” says Lenna. “Most people don’t know what they want. I work with them to create their dreams and help pull it all together so that the size, space and feel has the flow and function that they are looking for. I’m very familiar with the community, and with the most current products on the market and how they fit the space and lifestyle that is Sun Rivers.” The result is a quality, contemporary, high

fashion home that brings pride of ownership and huge benefits to resale. “A well-designed space enhances the market value of a property immensely. If the bones of a house flow – the floors, walls, fixtures – and are pulled together well, the design can be quite timeless,” explains Lenna, whose services are included at every step in the journey to completion. A two-hour face-to-face consultation with the client is followed up with a working relationship with all of the trades on behalf of the homebuyer, making the process as streamlined and stressfree as possible for everyone involved. “It’s a process,” she adds. “And we’ve got it down to a very smooth one.” The 89 units, being built in six phases, are offered in several floor plans ranging from roughly 1800 to 2200 square feet. They each have two bedrooms plus a den and two to three bathrooms. The attention to detail in the design layout is impressive, and is particularly illuminated by a unique two-car garage feature. “We didn’t want to dominate the streetscape of the building or use up a big footprint in the house with garage space, so we took a big risk and did something quite different: split garages. Because the properties are built on a slope, one garage is on the lower level and is accessed from the front of the building; the second garage is on

the second level and is at the back of the building. We like to call one the grocery garage, because it is on the same level as the kitchen, and the other the utility garage, because it is out of the way from greater living space,” explains Leslie. “We achieved big spaces to store vehicles and ‘stuff’ without compromising the design of the home.” The units also have quaint balconies and their own small courtyard for outdoor living, but no sprawling lawns or gardens requiring regular care. The primary landscape design uses edible landscape to appeal to Canada’s #1 activity, gardening, keeping maintenance and watering needs low, and flows well with the overall design concept and the local climate. There is a neighbourhood garden for those who consider gardening one of the joyful pursuits they want to free time up for, but if mountain biking, hiking or golf is your leisure time of choice, living at Belmonté offers a lifestyle that leaves plenty of time for it. The Belmonté townhomes are currently in their first stage of development and are already selling. The average price of $400,000 includes GST and all appliances. To learn more about whether the Belmonté lifestyle is just what you’ve been looking for, or to arrange a viewing of one of the finished and fully furnished show homes, call Sun Rivers Realty at 250-377-7722 or visit sunrivers.com/ realestate/townhomes/belmonte. n

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mysunrivers

Harry Davis

❝

Moving to Sun Rivers was a lifestyle choice my wife and I made over thirteen years ago and we couldn’t be happier that the community has evolved just as we had envisioned then – beautiful neighbourhoods, friendly residents, ongoing community events and golf at our doorstep – a great place to live!

❝

Volunteer

Current Neighbourhood: Golf Ridge Lived Here Since: February 2000 Service to the Community: First president of a Sun Rivers neighbourhood Served on the Sagewood Board from December 2003 - November 2010 Community Fair volunteer Food Bank Drive volunteer Sponsor & Founder of the annual McSagewood Golf Tournament

Hall of Fame

community of sun rivers owners association recognizes its volunteers sponsored by corix utilities

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It’s the most enduring place in the Kamloops area. Peace and tranquility, wonderful wildlife encounters, such as Big Horn Sheep, who visit my garden whenever they choose, chukars, (the cheeky birds with wonderful characters) ermine, marmot, fox and coyote. Yes, I have seen them all, even a cougar! I have been besotted with my home and life in Sun Rivers since September 2005 when I moved in.

❝

Current Neighbourhood: Rosewood Lived Here Since: May 2005 Service to the Community: Community Fair volunteer Communities in Bloom volunteer TteS Hamper Builder volunteer Advocate of Sun Rivers events, usually the first to register!

❝

My wife, Pat and I moved to Kamloops from Vancouver in 2004. We explored every area in Kamloops, and nothing compared to what Sun Rivers had to offer. At that time there were less than 100 hundred homes. Sun Rivers has grown 10 times in 9 years and it keeps getting bigger and better. You can’t help by getting involved with the community affairs. This is the best community to live in within Kamloops.

❝

John Chaplin

Current Neighbourhood: Mariposa Lived Here Since: May 2004 Service to the Community: Served on the Mariposa Board from December 2005 - November 2010 Dedicated efforts to the Corix/Sun Rivers rate setting process Traffic Calming Committee volunteer Community Fair volunteer Additional H.O.G. volunteer

Maureen Low

❝

I love living in Sun Rivers because it has the atmosphere of a resort community. Where else can you live where you get the most sun of any community in Canada and get to share your space with chukars, sheep and great neighbors (the human variety). Plus, the scenery is beautiful and the amenities - like the golf course and Hoodoos restaurant- are impressive, to say the least! I love being part of such a proud community.

❝

Viki Bentley

Current Neighbourhood: Trillium Lived Here Since: November 2006 Service to the Community: Served on the Trillium Board from November 2007 - November 2012 Co-Chair Communities in Bloom Advocate of Sun Rivers events

Sun Rivers thanks you! sunrivers.com 27

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forwardthinking

Eco-Innovation

Harnessing the earth’s ability to store energy saves energy, emissions and money by Tanya Orozco Trendsetting wasn’t in the forefront of the decision-making process when Sun Rivers decided to go strictly geothermal, but by embracing sustainability and proving that an entire community could be successfully heated and cooled with absolutely no emissions, setting trends was a natural by-product, one that the entire world will benefit from. That decision has always been and always will be about the good of the community. Sun Rivers planners and pioneers have always wanted Sun Rivers to be in a class of its own; architecturally,

environmentally, culturally and historically. Wanting to differentiate themselves through green initiatives and proper planning of their neighbourhoods has been in the master plan since the beginning, and harnessing the power of the earth falls right in line with these goals. “Sun Rivers is the first true geoexchange community,” explains Construction Superintendent at Sun Rivers Resort Community, Rob Hall. “Geothermal, or geoexchange, is an extremely efficient and environmentally friendly technology but does not get utilized as much as it should because of

the upfront capital cost. The geoexchange ground loops are installed and paid for by Corix MultiUtility Services. Homeowners then pay a monthly fee to Corix for their heat just like they would to any other utility company.” Geoexchange is actually a very simple concept. By circulating fluid in what is called a ‘loop field’ drilled or dug into the ground, you essentially exchange temperature. In the winter, the fluid absorbs heat from the earth and delivers it to a geoexchange unit which compresses it into a high heat and delivers it to your home.

“Sun Rivers is the first true geoexchange community”

right Geothermal energy is energy made by heat inside the Earth’s crust. It’s clean and sustainable. This geothermal energy comes from radioactive decay of minerals, and from solar energy taken in at the surface. Resources of geothermal energy range from the shallow ground to hot water and hot rock found a few miles beneath the Earth’s surface, and down even deeper to the extremely high temperatures of molten rock called magma.

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In the summer, it does the opposite, taking heat from your home and delivering it into the ground, bringing back a cooler temperature. Luckily, it is very easy to do this at Sun Rivers as the underground temperature sits at a constant 13 degrees year round, making it an ideal location, extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. Just how environmentally friendly is a geoexchange system? Individual British Columbians are directly responsible for about 30 per cent of provincial green house gas emissions, amounting to about 5 tonnes per person per year (livesmartbc.ca). Of that, 25 per cent comes directly from space heating/cooling and water heating. That would equate to each person living at Sun Rivers is eliminating 1.25 tonnes of green house gas emissions from our environment. That is a lot of environmental savings! Other than the obvious environmental reasons there are many other benefits for choosing geoexchange technology. The entire system from ground loop to delivery unit is efficient, safe, clean and reliable. It delivers heat, cold

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forwardthinking

Utility Infrastructure

Solutions

above Horizontal geoexchange loops are installed at the Village Centre where residential buildings now reside.

air and hot water 300% more efficiently than traditional means. There is no flame, no flue, no odors, and no danger of fire or combustion within the unit. They typically emit less dust which results in better indoor air quality, leaving asthma and allergy sufferers breathing cleaner and clearer. The units themselves have superefficient compressors and soft-start, variablespeed fans which make them so quiet that like electric cars and bikes, people find themselves double-checking to make sure it is actually on. Another benefit which most people can relate to is an even distribution of air, hot air in particular. Gone are the winter days of cranky heat, over-heating some rooms while leaving others cold. No more blocking off ducts to allow heat to distribute evenly. Geoexchange systems provide precise distribution of warmer air, eliminating uneven temperatures. Last but not least, it is compact and efficient; you get heating, central air conditioning and hot water all from the same unit. It is more attractive than those ugly central air conditioning units you see outside everyone’s house as they are a completely selfcontained unit and situated indoors. Whichever way you look at it, you are winning when you are harnessing the power of the earth through geoexchange technology. Sun Rivers has been on the leading edge of geothermal exchange technology and continues to be so. Their utility provider, Corix, strives for excellence and is continually improving efficiency through gains in technology and reducing installation costs. This dedication benefits all Sun Rivers residents as it reduces overall costs, therefore reducing delivery charges. By working together, Sun Rivers and Corix have built a top-notch, cost-effective utility system that Sun Rivers and its residents can feel good about when they go to bed at night. n

Water, Wastewater and GeoExchange CORIX Utilities is proud to provide the community of Sun Rivers with sustainable solutions for their water, wastewater and energy utilities.

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forwardthinking

Selling a

lifestyle bob gieselman Managing Broker

Lisa Russell Sales Associate & Assistant Broker

Kris Dennis Sales Manager

When Kris Dennis saw the posting for the management position with the Sun Rivers Realty team, he knew it was his dream job. “It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you pick up and go for it,” says Kris. “I wanted to come to Sun Rivers for so many reasons. Lifestyle, an exciting new community with so many facets – adult, family, estate, maintenance-free - and I like the challenge of managing and growing a busy real estate team.” And a busy team they are. The real estate office is but one piece of the much bigger team that is Sun Rivers. “A lot of people pull this community together and keep it humming. The landscapers need to know what we’re doing, we need to know what they’re doing, what’s happening in food and beverage, and so on. We’re all responsible for selling real estate at Sun Rivers. It’s a lot of fun. This is a really great team to work with and for.” It’s this approach that sets Sun Rivers Realty apart from other agencies selling homes in the golf resort community. Backed by the marketing team that has been behind the research and development of the community

Caren Punton Sales Associate

Shelley Kotowick Sales Associate

since day one is the most obvious advantage. Years of promoting the Sun Rivers has built data bases of prospective buyers, access to high quality professional photography and images, powerful social media marketing with exponential reach, and a sphere of influence that reaches across a variety of business mixers, resident socials and community events. The marketing department is a full time team dedicated to promoting Sun Rivers to the local area and beyond, through targeted mail, radio, newspaper and TV campaigns, as well as through hosting community and public events. But the advantages don’t stop there. Their onsite location, open seven days a week, means that there is always someone available for spontaneous walk-ins. Their intimate knowledge of the community and all of its amenities simply cannot be compared to other agents who also sell outside of the community. Kris is excited to work at Sun Rivers. “Our agents really are the best at what they do,” he says with more than a bit of pride. “They are invested in this community and are selling more than homes, they’re selling a lifestyle.” n

The knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated sales team and property specialists at Sun Rivers are prepared to help you with your Kamloops real estate needs. Whether you’re purchasing a new home, selling or searching for an investment property, the team is ready to assist in determining your needs and finding the ideal property.

The Sun Rivers Realty Team alongside show home hostesses and the in-house marketing team.

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when a

Garden grows Centre wild

s soon as you drive into the beautiful three acres of the Lyons Landscaping grounds, you know you are somewhere unique. The colours and sounds of nature are all around you. From its beautiful water features to the abundance and variety of plants, everything you could possibly ever need for your landscape surrounds your senses. Since Lyons has opened its doors in 1995, they have had one mission: To provide the customer with a quality project at an affordable cost, without compromising service. Lyons Landscaping has become a full service landscaping company that does so much more than landscapes. The garden centre is filled with only the highest quality of products to make the outside as beautiful as the inside. They have everything from ground covers to arbours, from living

If you can dream it, Lyons has the materials to make your dream a reality. walls to rock walls. If you can dream it, Lyons has the materials to make your dream a reality. The friendly, approachable and very knowledgable staff are ready to show their passion to help achieve your vision. Certified landscapers and horticulturalists with an impeccable reputation is the Lyons standard. Whether you need to spruce up your deck or require a full landscape of your yard, the Lyons staff will walk

you through the process until you are sipping a beverage, feet up, taking in the beauty of your space. Lyons can also help you take care of your landscaping including lawn care, pruning, seasonal clean up and snow removal. Lyons Landscaping truly is the one stop shop for everything landscaping. Colin Lyons, proprietor and operator of Lyons Landscaping invites you to come and see the passion they have for landscaping first hand. “Let us help you turn your backyard into a paradise.” n

This Sun Rivers project was awarded one of the five Keystone awards won by Lyons Landscaping. They have also won a Gold Georgie and a BCLNA Landscape Award of Excellence, beating out 27 landscapers in British Columbia. Voted best Kamloops landscaper five years in a row by Readers’ Choice.

250-374-6942 • 1271 F Salish Road (Just off the Halston Connector) www.lyonslandscaping.com sunrivers.com 31

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forwardthinking

Design Matters Drawing connections to the environment by Rebecca Stewart

rends in building and design can be one of the most fascinating areas to watch shift and evolve. They have a big impact on the spaces we inhabit, both functionally and fashionably, and reflect how we spend our time and what we care about most. Following trends today reveals that people are stripping things down to the essentials, inhabiting spaces that create flow without distractions, and a desire for connection: with each other and with nature and the environment. Allan Askew, the designer at Upcountry, an integrated design and construction firm out of Kamloops and Vancouver, has recently completed a home in the Visáo neighbourhood at Sun Rivers that exemplifies these principles. There is a real trend toward modern design right now,” says Allan. “In the 90s everyone had a real yearning for traditional design, front porches, craftsmen styles. Now we want clean lines and quiet architecture, no design or construction collisions.” This sense of flow is at the centre of nearly every decision that went into the design of his Visáo property. Whether it’s from indoors to outdoors, from room to room or

from cabinetry to walls, uninterrupted transitions determine the design elements. This means a lot of seamless features, like the use of frameless glass in place of railings, understated cabinetry with no hardware, a devotion to natural light and a very quiet palette – all white in the case of this home. We want to set the stage for the accessory pieces to pop – art, furniture, this is where the homeowner’s personality can come in – but the bones of the home are clean and simple.” These trends are showing up in the latest custom cabinetry being created at Top 40 Woodworks, as well. “A top trend in kitchen cabinetry is definitely every shade of white, accented with Espresso wood finishes or blacks and grays. The white kitchen remains a classic look that continues to be in high demand often with trend accents such as an island or feature cabinet being finished in a contrasting color or finish, giving it a strong modern feel,” says Kelly Glanzer, manager at Top 40. Allan chose to incorporate a striking black fireplace feature across one of the expansive white walls in his current project to achieve

dramatic contrast, but he insists these touches must not interfere with the seamless transitions required to create flow. One of the most important transitions for him is from home to environment. “The high ceilings, enhanced by additional windows reaching the height of the room, take the view up beyond the landscape and bring the sky into the living room, with all of its natural light and colours and patterns, allowing for a stronger connection with the surrounding environment.” For example, the flooring was chosen to pick up colour from the environmental palette and is a wide plank with an expressed grain and a matte finish “so that when you walk on it in bare feet, it resembles the feeling of walking on bare earth,” shares Allan. Top 40’s Kelly agrees: “Modern design is a culmination of textures and color coming together tastefully to personify spaces. The combination of contemporary color meeting natural texture has never been so daring as it is today.” This connection to the environment is most apparent in the attention given to outdoor living spaces. Larger areas are being

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Trending Now Of course, there are different trends for every style of home. For the latest trends in design, colour, furnishings, cabinetry and more check out the variety of Sun Rivers show homes open weekends from 1 to 5 pm. You’ll find ideas from other local key suppliers such as Excel Industries, Bridgeport Flooring, Portfolio Interiors, BA Robinson and more! Sam Moore

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bones of the construction this means built-in amenities for outdoor kitchens and gathering places. “Our rooftop deck is fitted for a gas barbecue, heater and fire bowl, plumbed for watering and wired for sound,” states Allan, recognizing that wherever the space is, people want to use it to be together. The kitchen, whether it’s indoors or out, has always been the centre of the home and is now more than ever. “Designing the kitchen space will always be about functionality and esthetics however, today’s modern family demands that the kitchen be a space that is great for family and friends of all shapes and sizes. No longer is the kitchen limited to cooking. It’s a gathering place for homework, wine & cheese, craft corner and of course great food,” shares

“We’re trying to blur the connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.” Kelly, who oversees kitchen design every day at Top 40 and says clients are looking for maximum storage and multi tasking areas. Customized features like pot holders, magic corners, pullouts, spice storage units, soft closing drawers and doors and storage features within cabinetry all make a kitchen a pleasure to use. “When designing a kitchen, it’s important to know your client and how to make this space work best for them. It’s one thing to make it beautiful, but everything must be functional.” All of these touches lean toward the basic idea of ease and flow that emphasize the need to create spaces where there are no perceived barriers and that encourage easy connection. Home owners want “usable space that is subtle and clutter-free. A ‘come in’ as opposed to ‘stay out’ design. The ultimate goal with modern design is to connect the spaces to the people. n

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