At Home_October2010

1

OCTOBER 2010

{

T H E U LT I M A T E G U I D E T O D O M E S T I C B L I S S O N T H E N O R T H S H O R E

}

seat HAVE A

FINDING THE PERFECT SEATING FOR YOUR HOME

RECLAIM YOUR HOME

Tips and trends to help you cosy your nest for fall.

AGE IN PLACE

Growing older doesn’t have to mean leaving home.

FREEZE OUT BEDBUGS

A new treatment promises to give the pests a cold shoulder.

A-22 AT HOME A22 - North Shore News - Sunday, October 24, 2010 A D V E R T I S E M E N T

RENOVATE-Y3PACE

“With rich History and a fashion forward approach we have focused on style and simplicity,” says Mary, “with bold geometric shapes, clean crisp lines, natural and organic appeal, easier designs and many Over the last two decades accessories that meet the needs of we have been committed north Shore home owners.”

“

10248412 2x3 P

to providing our customers with the best overall solutions to their kitchen and bathroom problems.

Having achieved success in North America, Bathrooms Plus has also branched out to Europe.

Cabinets* Valid until Nov 15, 2010

SHOWER KITS

*See store for details

30%

OFF*

VISIT OUR 3000 SQ FT SHOWROOM

Bathrooms

PLUS Where PLUS equals service since 1992

828 Harbourside Drive, North Van, South of the N.S. Auto Mall

604.983.8766

Renew your view

with affordable custom window coverings from Budget Blinds

Check out our great selection of styles: Shutters • Draperies Wood Blinds • Cellular Shades Roller Shades • Roman Shades Woven Wood Motorization & more! Gold Award Winner sumers’ Cho on Award ic

us

2009

i n e Fo r l l e n c ss Exce

sumers’ Cho on Award ic

us

2008

e

If you need solutions for upgrading your kitchen and bathroom, Bathrooms Plus is your go-to North Shore resource.

on

e

“In Europe, we use many transitional aesthetic ensembles, achieved by blending subtle design elements found also in North America- simple striking combinations of curves and design lines that add refinement and distinctive impact to both kitchen and bathroom.”

“Over the last two decades we have been committed to providing our customers with the best overall solutions to their kitchen and bathroom problems. I have been asked if people could do just one thing this year in their kitchen or bathroom to add value to their homes, what would it be?

Without any hesitation I would say the whole thing.”

%

B

Working in both Europe and North America gives Bathrooms Plus a unique perspective on the latest in interior looks and design innovations.

”

SAVE up to 30

B

“We decided to expand our creativity into the European market,” says Mary, “and since 2004, when our daughter Christina joined the family business after finishing her certification, we have been spending many months each year in Europe building luxury villas with executive elegance.”

Their product selection, knowledge and expertise, combined with their understanding of European and North American aesthetics are just some of the reasons Bathrooms Plus has earned the respect and business of people from across the Lower Mainland.

19th Anniversary Sale

e

“We at Bathrooms Plus believe in wellness in the European sense, which means having a healthy balance of the mind, the body and the spirit resulting in an overall feeling of well being. With our in-depth plumbing knowledge, we also offer the latest flush-mounted showerheads with air induction systems- as well as chromatherapy and body jets with thermostatic control valves widely used in Europethat deliver water at the desired temperature to awaken your senses and turn your bathroom into a haven of well being.”

i n e Fo r l l e n c ss Exce

e

Mary Vasilopoulos explains some of the reasons for their success.

It works both ways.

C

In the almost two decades since they opened for business in 1992, North Vancouver’s Bathrooms Plus has become a valued supply and design resource for home owners, contractors, home improvement specialists and everyone looking to get the most out of their kitchens and bathrooms.

KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN CENTRE

C

BATHROOMS PLUS CELEBRATES 19 YEARS OF STYLE AND SAVINGS

Budget Blinds of North & West Vancouver

604-929-2546

FREE In-Home Consultation www.budgetblinds.com

Providing Quality Lawn & Garden Cleanups on the North Shore for over 10 years!

Services: • Fall Garden Clean up Specialists • Landscape Lighting • Lawn Installs and Repairs • Lawn Drainage & Regrading • Landscaping & Paving Stones • Lawn and Garden Maintenance • De-Icing and Snow Clearing facebook.com/ greatcanadianlandscaping

CHRISTINA AND MARY VASILOPOULOS

604.924.LAWN (5296)

www.greatcanadianlawns.com

Canadian Doormaster Electric Ltd • Garage Door Warehouse Showroom

Award Winning Renovations

• Remote Control Sales

Design Build Live

• DIY Parts & Accessories Pick Up

Rendering to Reality

59 Bewicke Ave., North Vancouver BC

604.987.5152

www.canadiandoormaster.com

Please note access is off Fell and Harbourside Drive due to construction

2010 WINNER

Renovator thethe Year Renovatorofof Year Large Volume Large Volume

ccirenos.com ccirenos.com

(604) 980 8384 604.980.8384 North Vancouver North Vancouver

The Northshore’s ONLY

Window & Door Specialists. It’s all we do!

604.839.0636 northshorewindows.com

3 Sunday, October 24, 2010 - North Shore News - A23

Reclaim YOUR HOME Your kids are out the door to school, but your home is in shambles from a summer of Popsicle drips and muddy footprints.

Now is a good time to tidy up and get organized before the snow flies. Here are some tips from Sure Fit Slipcovers and Home Solutions (surefit.com).

■ REVAMP YOUR FURNITURE: Buying a new couch is not a cost-effective solution.

Instead, consider a bright or patterned slipcover for an instant update.

■ CLEAN YOUR CARPETS: After a summer of spills, fall is a good time to call in the pros to shampoo your carpets.

■ DESIGNATE YOUR SPACE: Kick the toys out of the living room and into the playroom.

■ ADD SOMETHING NEW: No, not to your wardrobe ... to your furniture. A throw blanket or pillows in fall colours will help you greet the new season in style.

TRY THESE HANDY INDOOR PROJECTS: Autumn often inspires the handy among us to get busy with small reno tasks. Most projects are easier to tackle with the right tools, of course, and the folks at Dremel

1

2

CREATE A FESTIVE DECORATION:

Avoid annual holiday decoration costs by making your own personalized door hanging out of wood. Use the Dremel Trio to cut, sand and rout a design, such as a holiday greeting or winter snowman. Then, use the cordless Dremel Multi-Max for quick and easy surface sanding.

(dremel.com) have come up with several ideas that use the Dremel Trio and cordless Dremel Multi-Max tools.

MAKE A WINE RACK:

These make great gifts, especially when they’re handmade. Find a wine rack pattern you like at dremel.com.

3

REPLACE WINDOW GLAZING:

This is a simple way to reduce drafts. Use the cordless Dremel MultiMax oscillating tool to remove the old glazing.

BY LISA KADANE POSTMEDIA NEWS - CALGARY HERALD

“Fast, Friendly, and Reliable Service” ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

- walk-in closets - pantries - garages - entertainment centers - book cases - mirror doors

Call Today for a Free Consultation

604.723.0464 www.capilanoclosets.com

Visit our showroom at 161 Pemberton Ave. N. Van

Don’t wait for Spring, build your deck now!

N Vinyl N Cedar N TREX Pro Platinum

Suite 217 949 West 3rd Street, North Vancouver

604.924.3746 www.dreamdecks.ca

4 A24 - North Shore News - Sunday, October 24, 2010

5 Steps To Style! photo courtesy of HGTV

HGTV star designer Genevieve Gorder’s top decor advice.

Ban the beige! That’s the message from designer Genevieve Gorder for do-it-yourself home decorators this fall. The star of HGTV’s popular Dear Genevieve makeover show (and the new Battle on the Block), Gorder has been transforming the homes of desperate design-deprived viewers for four seasons.

In her 19-year career, (her fans also take the plunge into turning their homes remember her previous stint on TV’s from blah beige boxes into stylish havens.

Trading Spaces before she “Everyone seems to live in beige and joined HGTV) she has cream,” Gorder says. “They think worked her “before” that it’s safe and that their homes and “after” magic “Everyone seems will have more resale value. on everything from to live in beige and But it’s one of the biggest the kitchen floor mistakes you can make. cream,” Gorder to the bathroom Paint is one of the least sink. She’s turned says. “They think expensive ways to transform a dingy laundry a house, and it’s very that it’s safe and into an elegant easy to change if you that their homes foyer and created don’t like it.” a happening family will have more room out of a dark Indeed, this year, grey is resale value.” basement. And she Gorder’s new go-to neutral. “It’s has lots of advice for a great alternative to everyone’s homeowners who want to beige,” she says.

But how does the Dear Genevieve host suggest one go from boring beige to gorgeous grey?

nothing but sabotaging themselves.”

“Don’t over-think the design process,” Gorder says, adding fear is one of the biggest obstacles most homeowners face when it comes to starting design projects in their homes.

She admits the process should be much more personal. “75 to 80 per cent of decorating is emotional,” she says.

“But it’s not rocket science. It’s the one environment in our lives that we can control. Hey, you can always return that sofa if you don’t like it!”

“They think that if they don’t have a room that looks like it came from Page 16 of a Pottery Barn catalogue, it won’t look right, so they get scared and end up doing

Above: HGTV’s Genevieve Gorder makes over a room on her series, “Dear Genevieve”.

Cellular Shades Pleated Shades 2” Wood Blinds ON SALE

NOW!

Build locally Build anywhere Design, Build, Deliver, Setup

Monday-Friday 10 to 5

BRAND NAMES YOU CAN TRUST

1367 Crown St. North Vancouver Visit our showroom today.

www.ajia.ca • 604-990 -1133

n dia na duct a C ro P

A SHADE BETTER Est. 1984 604.984.4101 #110-949 W. 3rd St., North Van. (behind Capilano Mall)

info@ashadebetter.ca • ashadebetter.ca

• • • • • •

Blinds Drapery Automation Repairs Parts Cleaning

5 Sunday, October 24, 2010 - North Shore News - A25

Here are her top five tips to get you started on those projects around the house: Ask questions Before you open that first can of grey paint, stop, look and listen to your room, says the designer. “Ask yourself a series of questions,” she says: “How do I want to feel in this room? How do I want to move through this room?

Where is the light coming from? What are the problems with this room?”

“Look for architectural salvage pieces to incorporate into your designs with newer furniture for a very eclectic interior.”

On a recent Dear Genevieve episode, Gorder “repurposed” an antique dresser for use as a bathroom sink.

“Accessories are very inexpensive and can give you instant impact with just a change of a wonderful piece of sculpture on a table or a $10 bouquet of fresh flowers in your kitchen or a few new throw pillows for your sofa.

Accessories are like last-minute additions of jewelry to your outfit.”

Keep evolving your style

Perhaps her most important home improvement tip of all?

“Concentrate on making your home a beautiful place,” she says. “After all, it’s a refuge.”

“There are lots of things you can do to update your rooms,” Gorder says.

Postmedia News - Calgary Herald

Then, she says, it’s time to get creative. “All it takes is a little time and more effort,” she says. “But you have to look past the home improvement stores and give your home your own personal touch. It needs to make you feel good and reflect the things you care about.”

By Sharon Mosley

windsor plywood’s BEST BUYS

Use the resources at your fingertips “There are no excuses anymore with the availability of the Internet,” Gorder says. “There are so many people doing so many different things now. You can find amazing furniture and accessories.”

Laminate flooring from Windsor fulfill the highest demands in terms of design, surface performance and durability and are simple to install for the average do-it-yourselfer. This narrow strip flooring is slim and elegant at just 116 mm wide, with a single plank design which achieves an authentic impression of real wood. AC3 rating prefect for residential use, certified E1.

Keep it personal “Create what I call ‘pauses,’“ she says. “Put together vignettes of personal items that make you stop and pause to look at them, whether it’s a group of family photos on your front entry table or a piece of art under a glass cloche in a bookshelf. Tell a story about yourself.”

Primed Shaker Doors

11200 16900

1’6” - 3’0” x 6’8”

Prehung

ea.

A Woody Good Product!

ea.

From as low as...

The core board is made up of 90% recycled wood fibres.

4995 sq. ft.

Mix old and new “It’s great to mix vintage and modern pieces,” says Gorder, whose kitchen in her 1850 Manhattan Italianate brownstone features a 1903 “science lab” cabinet and limestone countertops salvaged from an old school building.

12mm TechniClic Narrow Strip

Laminate Flooring

Made from 90% recycled wood fibers

• 12mm (1/2”) • 4 1/2” wide • High density fibreboard core • V-grooved on all four sides • Textured wood grain finish • 25 yr mfr warranty

199 sq. ft.

Interior Panel Doors Prehung These moulded panel doors are durable and resist 4 9/16 Jamb warping, shrinking and cracking. 2’0” - 2’8” x 6’8” • 6 panel • 4 panel w/ arch • 2 panel • 2 panel w/ arch 2’0” - 2’8” x 6’8”

8995 ea.

Exterior White Lami 2’0”, 2’4” or 2’8” x 6’8”

495 155

Kahrs Engineered

Wood Flooring Prefinished float-in installation specially designed to be installed easily over most existing floors in just hours.

While quantities last. 8 colours to choose from.

19999 ea.

49

99

100 sq. ft.

d

d

L oc

ne e r aT

e

&

op

604.985.1341

Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30pm Saturday 8:30-5pm • Sunday Closed

499

95 ea.

50% oFF Century Cabinet

Hardware (in stock only)

Shop Grade Plywood

www.windsorsplywood.com

The experts You need to know!

3/4” Oak

3/4” Maple

3995 4995 6295 3/4” P.G. Birch

/sht

photo courtesy of HGTV

NEW!

2 panel style

CLEARANCE

309 Kennard Ave., North Vancouver Y LL o w

ea.

Prehung 4 9/16 Jamb

prices may vary after november 7, 2010

a

• Solid wood • #525 Whistler Lite • 1 3/4” thick • 6’8” wide • 36” widths • Door only

sq. ft.

Laminate Floor Underlayment • Certified 92% recycled content • Qualifies for LEED credits: MR 4.1 & 4.2 • Smooths out subfloor imperfections • Pre-attached vapour barrier • Helps prevent water damage • Insulates cold floors • No detecable formaldehyde emmisions

99

Hemlock Doors

/sht

/sht

6 A26 - North Shore News - Sunday, October 24, 2010

Have a seat!

Whether you want to update your living space or start from scratch, make sure to have fun but don’t forget about function.

When you’re looking to outfit a living or family room, it’s important to ask yourself a couple of questions: How is the room going to be used and how many people do you want to be able to accommodate.

“A lot of it is determined by function,” says Lower Mainland interior designer Sarah Gallop.

People with kids and pets will want to choose furniture for its durability; those with a larger family or who entertain frequently “Adding a few will want to ensure there’s plenty of seating. smaller unique “Think about you live and how you’re going to use it,” Gallop says.

elements to your living room can help change things up without breaking the bank.”

There are a number of options out there that can pull double duty for those looking to maximize seating options. Benches or ottomans can serve as a table or a place to sit when entertaining a crowd.

COVER PHOTO: INCANTO WHITE LEATHER SECTIONAL, AVAILABLE AT GINGER JAR FURNITURE IN NORTH VANCOUVER RIGHT PHOTO: COURTESY SARAH GALLOP DESIGN INC.

Enjoy Extra savings during our

Clearance Sale now at Colony Now at Colony - in addition to everyday warehouse prices, choose from a surprising assortment of major appliance and bedding items now clearance priced for added savings.

Some conditions apply so ask us for details.

Hurry...

Some items below cost!

ColoNy–A fAmily busiNess bAsed oN seRViCe & VAlue

www.colonywarehouse.com

CHURCHILL ROOSEVELT

COLONY

MACKAY HAMILTON

on-Thurs: 9am-5:30pm M Friday: 9am-9pm • Saturday: 9am-5:30pm Sunday: noon-4pm

CAPILANO VW

LLOYD

Warehouse

Major Appliance & Mattress

MARINE DRIVE

PEMBERTON

Colony

1075 Roosevelt Crescent, North Vancouver 604-985-8738 (2 blocks behind Indigo Books - south of Marine Drive)

CAPILANO MALL

7 Sunday, October 24, 2010 - North Shore News - A27

Both Gallop and redesigner Eleanor Hunter recommend starting with the largest piece of furniture when looking to change things up. In most cases that’s going to be the couch, which is also usually the most expensive piece of furniture in the room.

Both advocate playing it a bit safer when it comes to the fabric and colour of the couch. Sticking with a neutral tone in a more durable fabric will give the piece a longer lifespan.

She does, however, warn people to stay away from putting a couch in front of a window as it tends to block natural light and is not the most aesthetically pleasing view from outside.

“Have fun with it ... don’t stay in a rut.

Just try moving a couple things and that usually creates a domino effect.”

“You want it to be longlasting,” Gallop says. “That makes more sense with the bigger piece.”

It also makes the most sense to start with the couch when deciding the layout of furniture in the room.

Hunter, who is also a home stager, recommends finding, or creating, a focal point in the room. That could be an architectural point, such as a fireplace or a window with a fabulous view, or one that you can create and move, such as a TV or a piece of art.

The couch, she says, should be placed facing the focal point. From there, the other pieces - a loveseat, chairs or other seating elements - should be placed along diagonal lines throughout the room.

For those on a tight budget, you don’t have to shy away from change. Sometimes even just moving the furniture around can make a big difference.

Adding new accent pieces, such as chairs, throws or cushions, to an existing couch can also make a big difference in a room.

Gallop recommends considering reupholstering an existing couch or chair if it has “good bones.”

A new slipcover or fabric and stuffing can give an aging yet good quality piece a new lease on life.

Whatever you choose, in the end it comes down comfort.

“If things are comfortable and inviting, people are going to use it,” Gallop says.

BY JESSICA KERR

Some see windows and doors as a functional necessity.

We see them as home décor.

Improve the appearance and value of your home with Milgard’s new Tuscany™ Series replacement windows. Tuscany™ windows give you the latest technology and features, including the new SmartTouch™ lock and beautiful architectural details.

“You want a zig-zag effect through your room,” Hunter says.

Milgard windows and patio doors come with an impressive full lifetime Warranty that includes labour which makes an investment in Milgard windows look even better.

“Have fun with it ... don’t stay in a rut.

Just try moving a couple things and that usually creates a domino effect.”

the Milgard fall SavingS event O N E S T O P PA T I O S H O P S I N C E 1 9 8 6

Quality Brand Names at Competitive Prices

JACUZZI & SUNDANCE ON SALE NOW! CHOICE OF ONE FREE OPTION with the purchase of any hot tub

For a limited time, save up to $1500 with the Milgard Energy Rebate. Now, you can take care of all your window needs at one time with durable and energy efficient Milgard Tuscany Series vinyl windows and doors.

$25 back

when you purchase between 5-10 windows or doors.

$30 back

when you purchase between 11-30 windows or doors.

$35 back

when you purchase between 31-43 windows or doors.

SaVe 1500

$ up to on tuscany windows

The Milgard Fall Savings Event ends October 30th so act now. Get details in-store.

Synthetic Wood Steps (LIST $399) - OR

Coverlifter “Covermate 1” (LIST $399) - OR AWARD WINNING DESIGNS

Ozone System (LIST $399)

You’ll love our worry-free vinyl patio doors.

They won’t warp, crack or peel. Nor do they absorb moisture. That means you can depend on them to slide open easily in any weather.

What’s more, they are energy efficient, so they help keep your home comfortable as well. All are available in custom sizes and covered by our Full Lifetime Warranty.

Yes, we do window and door installations, too!.

Call today for a free, no pressure, in-home estimate.

HOT TUBS, PATIO FURNITURE, BBQS, PATIO HEATERS, FIREPITS

104 Philip Avenue, North Vancouver • Tel: 604.985.0057 Serving the North Shore Since 1986 www.crystalview.ca Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 | Saturday 9:30-4:30

1335 Draycott, North Vancouver 604.986.5281 • www.irlybuildingcentres.com Serving the north Shore for 30 YearS

8 A28 - North Shore News - Sunday, October 24, 2010

Stay right where you are Peter Simpson had never thought too much about where the plugs in his house were located until he had a hernia operation.

“Just a simple thing like bending over to plug in my battery charger in my cell phone, I had to take my time doing it,” said Simpson. “If that power receptacle had only been about six inches or so higher, it wouldn’t have been nearly as challenging.”

For Simpson, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, it was a perfect example of why his organization is pushing to educate homebuilders on how to build houses where seniors can age in place.

For Simpson the problem was temporary, but for many others, the location of electrical outlets can mean the difference between independence and relying on others.

photo Mike Wakefield

certified aging in place specialist John Friswell looks over plans for a major renovation which will include improvements to make the house more usable for seniors.

“The only reason they’re at the height they are today is it’s the height of a hammer. It was easy for them just to get their hammer there and draw a line,” said Simpson.

“Old habits die hard, I guess.”

Seniors’ accessibility is also a concern being raised more and more by customers, said John Friswell, owner of the North Vancouver-based CCI Renovations.

municipalities to investigate the idea of laneway homes in back yards, so seniors could live with family while maintaining their independence.

“A lot of (homeowners) have had homes for “I think more municipalities should jump on a long time and they’re now looking board with that, but of course we’ve at their house and saying ‘Wow, got some resistance to that,” I’ve got a two-storey house said Simpson. “I know my that’s 5,000 square feet, parents, if I could have had The location of how am I going to stay a coach house in my back electrical outlets here?’” yard where my parents can mean the could live, they might have Friswell took a four-day considered living there, difference between Certified Aging in Place but they sure as heck Specialist (CAPS) course independence and weren’t going to give up provided by the home their house for a nursing relying on others. builders’ association a home.” few years ago so he could advise clients, and said he Michael Geller, who is the incorporates many of the ideas into principal developer on a project every house he renovates. in West Vancouver that involves laneway houses – what he also calls “granny flats” That includes making sure wood backing is – said they also allow for much smaller installed behind shower walls so grab-bars homes that are just one-storey, and thus can be screwed in later, as well as lowering have no stairs. the height of light switches. He also can install contrasting materials so visually “To my mind the ideal solution is usually a impaired have an easier time navigating or single level unit, which can be at grade with wider doors and larger bathrooms for easier a private outdoor space, which is separate wheelchair access, among other changes. from the main space of the principal dwelling,” said Geller, who is also president He also said they try to install houses with of a company that builds laneway homes deep closets directly above one another and has advocated for them since 1974. in case homeowners decide to install a residential elevator when they’re unable to Still, he said they’re often too expensive for use the stairs. many seniors, which is a major stumbling block for some.

Simpson said some seniors are also finding they want to live closer to family,

By Tessa Holloway which has prompted several North Shore

CONSIGNMENT CANADA Western Canada’s Largest Consignment store

Moving? Downsizing? Estates?

Happiness is...

New countertops in Stone Find out about the advantages of stone.

Call us…

604.980.1110

Now open for shopping 4 days a week!

Wednesday – Friday 10-6 & Saturday 10-5 Office & Showroom 1450 Charlotte Road North Vancouver Phone: 604-985-0213

www.nsstoneworks.com

Appraisals, pick-ups & deliveries by appointment Mondays – Tuesdays 10-5 Shop online www.consignmentcanada.com 171 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver For your no-obligation appraisal of furniture, antiques, china, rugs, artwork, collectibles, crystal and silver please call us at 604-980-1110 or email us at info@consignmentcanada.com

Franchise opportunities currently available throughout bc

9 Sunday, October 24, 2010 - North Shore News - A29

fabuless fall sale

GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBOURS DIY, if you dare!

Time to repair or replace your side of the fence? Follow this advice from the experts at Windsor Plywood, and you’ll be “staking your territory” on the way to a beautiful completed project.

Before you start your wood fencing project, here are a few tips to help you save time and cost overruns: ■ The hardest part of fence building is digging the holes; after that, the structure takes shape quickly.

Besides a rented posthole digger, you’ll need only a circular saw and basic carpentry tools.

■ Designs vary widely, but just about all fences consist of the same basic elements: A series of posts sunk into the ground connected by top and bottom rails. Before proceeding, check community building and zoning codes. Many specify maximum fence height, distances you can build from property lines and the street, and even the materials you can and can’t use. (Take extra care with

pressure-treated lumber. If you are using wood that has been treated with wood preservatives, proper fasteners and hardware must be used.)

■ Call before you dig. It’s important to know what lies underground before digging or using boring equipment. Contact BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886. Once you’ve chosen a design and established a location, stake out and measure the site.

■ Plot your post spacing for the most efficient use of lumber. Sixor seven-foot spans usually work well; never set privacy-fence posts more than eight feet apart.

If you are building your fence on a slope, plan to step the fence down the hill, setting each section lower than the one preceding it. Only if the slope is slight, and the fence design won’t suffer, should you follow the contour.

20

%

OFF

Go to www.windsorplywood.com for a downloadable “Fence Planner.”

All custom fabric orders

EXCLUSIVE TO THE NORTH SHORE LEATHER PROMOTION The store that friends tell friends about

Celebrating 12 years on the North Shore

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 1405 Pemberton Avenue • NORTH VANCOUVER • 604.988.8271 LANGLEY • COQUITLAM • NANAIMO • VICTORIA

“Manufacturer Direct”

FALL FLOORING EVENT

...buy wholesale and save MONEY! NE

W

Conservatories

MOHAWK LAMINATE

Expires

MacGowan Avenue CORK • HARDWOOD • VINYL • LAMINATE •1585 CARPET • TILE • BLINDS North Vancouver (right behind Pier 1)

“Floors for Home and Office”

0.

11/15/201

604-990-8222 www.FloorWorksInteriors.com

1585 MacGowan Avenue, North Vancouver (right behind Pier 1) 604-990-8222 floorworksinteriors.com

Acrylite FF Patio Covers

Sunrooms

Retreats

604.SUN.ROOM www.SunroomRetreats.com

Call your North Shore agent at: 778.279.3344

Showroom 107 - 20530 Langley Bypass (Behind Kal Tire) Mon to Fri 10 to 4

MEMBER

102610

10.

5/20 Expires 11/1

MOHAWK SMARTSTRAND® CARPET

10 A30 - North Shore News - Sunday, October 24, 2010

Freezing out bed bugs

Chilly technology allows for a pesticide-free alternative when ridding homes of pests They feed almost exclusively at night, make their best effort to hide during the day and prey on people when they’re least suspecting it.

Their primary food source?

Human blood.

Taking all that into account, it’s fair to say bed bugs share a lot in common with your everyday vampire, but one Lower Mainland company is at the forefront of new technology to eradicate the household pests.

Brett Johnston demonstrates a bed-bug eradication technique that’s new to Canada: Cryonite. It freezes the bugs without the use of pesticides.

Photo Kevin Hill

Canadian Pest Control Ltd. is set to roll out a natural combatant in the war on bed bugs, called Cryonite.

the process can be completed quickly without masks, respirators or the use of any pesticides. In fact, those having their properties treated with Cryonite can remain in their homes while the process takes place.

“Cryonite is a freezing process. It turns CO2 in a gas canister, the same as you have in the back of a restaurant to turn pop into “The great thing about fizzy pop, into super cold Cryonite is that it’s “The great thing snow, which is blown immediate. With about Cryonite is that out under pressure,” the vast majority of it’s immediate. With said Brett Johnston, pesticides, it takes general manager of several minutes, if the vast majority of Canadian Pest Control. not hours,” Johnston pesticides, it takes “The super cold said. “The real kicker particles of snow hit with Cryonite is that it several minutes, the bug, shock the bug, kills eggs. Pesticides if not hours,” and they cannot adapt don’t kill eggs; eggs are to the massive drop in quite well protected from temperature — and they their environment, but the die from shock.” super cooling is something that penetrates the egg and kills the egg.”

Though used in Europe and the U.S. for decades, Cryonite Bed bugs have enjoyed a worldwide was only recently given the resurgence since the late 1990s and regulatory green light by early 2000s and a number of theories the federal government. exist as to why that’s happened. In the Johnston’s company Metro Vancouver context, Johnston said will be the first in Metro the bug’s proliferation is likely due to the Vancouver to roll out the new multitude of cultures that use Vancouver technology, and he expects as their starting point before scattering to be offering it to customers across the region and province. this month.

Given that bed bugs are human parasites, Other methods used to kill bed they have conditioned themselves to bugs have traditionally involved adapt to any situation. pesticides, heat treatments,

By John Kurucz steamers and vacuums. Cryonite, however, is more efficient and

How to banish bed bugs In the world of bed bugs, cleanliness is next to godliness.

Reducing clutter and keeping your home clean are two of the best ways to keep bed bugs out of your life.

“Bed bugs love clutter; clutter really is the key.

It doesn’t matter if you’re super loaded and have got a house in West Vancouver or if you’re down and out and you’ve got a unit in a private hostel in the Downtown Eastside — if your unit is full of clutter, the bed bugs have tons of places to hide,” said Brett Johnston, general manager of Canadian Pest Control.

Awareness is also paramount. Check underneath mattresses, bed boards and box springs for dried blood spots or dark, pepperlike materials, which are often the bed bug’s entrails.

“You need to be aware that bed bugs are an issue. Bed bugs can be an issue when someone comes to stay with you. People don’t just bring them home themselves; someone can bring them home for you,” he said, adding that those living in apartments and townhomes are more susceptible to infestations.

Johnston also suggests that your bed and bed sheets not touch the floor. He added that encasements can be purchased for both mattresses and box springs — the two most preferred homes for bed bugs — that prevent the insects from getting into those spots.

If you’ve already noticed the bugs in your bed or in your clothes, running them through the dryer should kill them off.

PONDS, PAVERS, PATIOS & MORE The North Shore’s largest landscape supply store NATURAL FACING STONE

CHATEAU STONE

ALLAN BLOCK RETAINING WALLS

• Fieldstone Reg. $9.95

SALE $595sq/ft.

ABBOTSFORD

CONCRETE PRODUCTS

Ponds • Pavers • Retaining Walls • Patio Slabs • Fountains •Natural Rock • Garden Statuary • Planters & More!

1371 McKeen Ave, North Vancouver (at the foot of Pemberton Avenue)

604.984.3008

Mon to Fri 7:30am-4:00pm • Sat 8:30am-4:30pm Closed Sun & Holidays

Creative

Bricks ’n’ Blocks