Summer 2016
charm, modern
Farmhouse
convenience
floor?
How smart is your
the officiaL magazine of the
www.reginahomebuilders.com
BETTER
OUT
LOUVERED ROOF
Imagine a durable, versatile and attractive patio cover. One that delivers shade on hot days, protects your family from harmful UV rays and keeps your deck and outdoor furniture dry during a rainstorm. We custom build your LOUVERED ROOF as an addition to your home/business or as its own free-standing patio cover. Our built-in guttering system effectively channels away rain runoff to prevent flooding and structural damage. The louvers are operated by a hand-held remote which is charged by an efficient solar panel. Open the louvers slightly to increase ventilation, or a full 180 degrees allowing maximum sunlight into your home.
DOOR
LIVING
TRANSFORM YOUR PATIO SUNCOAST ENCLOSURES offers a screened-in, outdoor area, that allows you to enjoy your deck, pool, spa or patio without the sense of being enclosed in an indoor space. These esthetically pleasing and durable sunrooms protect you from the wind, hot sun, rain and the nuisance of annoying and dangerous insects. Each of our SCREEN ENCLOSURES is custom built on-site and offer year round use even in the winter to keep your deck area free of snow for the enjoyment of your spa and barbeque all year long. In addition, there are several features that we can add, such as: custom colours, 3 season windows, a powered louvered roof and of course a doggy door. One of the greatest things about a deck enclosure is the ability to leave doors and windows wide open into the enclosed area (you can even permanently remove the screens from the windows). This truly adds an outdoor room to your existing home and creates an outdoor feel in any adjacent room to the enclosure. Every THREE SEASON SUNROOM is custom designed and built to fit and match the architecture of each unique home. We can frame around changes in roof heights, bay windows, fireplaces - everything about our building process is custom to meet the specific needs of our customers and their homes or businesses.
REDUCE WIND, HEAT AND BUGS! For more information or to book a free quote:
1.877.449.5106 don@suncoastenclosures.com www.suncoastenclosures.com
COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 3401A PASQUA ST.
Kevin Beattie, Dave Biskupek, Joe Hadesbeck, Tim Parsons, Chris Kish, Kent Magnuson, Brad Benson, Tanya Magnuson, Rene Fahlman, George Fraser
ON AV continues to grow......
In 4 short years ON AV has become one of Saskatchewan’s premiere custom Audio/Video and Home Automation dealers. They have done this by combining the industry’s strongest names with staff that are passionate and committed to the industry. Recently On AV joined forces with the Radio Centre, a 67 year old electronics retail store specializing in customer service. The addition of Tim, Rene and Joe strengthens the ON AV commitment to providing quality products and a level of “before and after” the sale service! In an industry dominated by youth and inexperience, On Av continues to grow with the addition of qualified personnel that have made the electronics industry their passion.
ON AV - A company built on providing exceptional service and great products. We do things only one way. The ON AV way.
Dealer 2015
ON AV is proud to now be Regina's new exclusive Paradigm speaker Dealer
C-2301 - 7th Avenue | 306.522.6628 | info@onav.ca | www.onav.ca
$2,500 Down Payment... Discover these colourful condominiums located in the mature neighbourhood of Glencairn. Two parking stalls, semi-private, landscaped yards, and a park that is steps away, these homes have enough room to make entertaining a pleasure.
IN THE PARK
Call us or stop by today to learn how you could be calling this home for just $2,500 down.
(306) 565-1323 www.northridgeregina.com
Prices starting at $289, 900 138-1920 7th Avenue East
EXPERIENCE THE “AUDIO WAREHOUSE DIFFERENCE” For over 50 years, Audio Warehouse has been dedicated to one thing, 100% customer satisfaction. Our highly trained and professional staff have a 'customer first' attitude, combined with many years of experience and knowledge that has made us a leader in the industry. By offering premium audio, video and home automation gear, we can accommodate all connoisseurs who demand nothing but the best. Jim - JC Cabinets I have been a customer of Audio Warehouse for 30 years. They are always willing to help out with any new technology and the newest equipment on the market. Their customer service is fantastic and that’s what keeps me coming back. Thanks Audio Warehouse.
AUDIO WAREHOUSE-YOUR AUDIO/VIDEO SPECIALISTS. Designing Your Smart Home Dreams. Regina 1329 Lorne St. 306-525-8128
audiowarehouse.ca
Saskatoon 1601 Quebec Ave. 306-664-8885
LETTER from the EDITOR
W
elcome to You’re Home! Summer time, and the living is easy! That’s particularly true if you’re living in a newly constructed home. Today’s new homes are constructed from advanced materials, many of which require little or no maintenance. Siding materials such as stucco, vinyl or cement board have eliminated the need to paint the exterior of your home every few years. Composite decking materials mean that as soon as the sun shines, you can get out and enjoy your backyard deck and not worry about spending a precious weekend off scraping and re-staining blistered and worn deck boards. For the interiors of new homes, suppliers are introducing advanced materials and finishes that provide superior performance and long-lasting beauty. This edition of You’re Home looks at new flooring products that offer outstanding style while standing up to damp conditions. We also check out the latest fixtures for the bath, which combine vintage farmhouse style with modern convenience. A brand new home is also more energy efficient, meaning lower heating and cooling costs. We’ve researched the newest advances in air conditioning systems, which are designed to do all of the thinking and scheduling for you. If the idea of moving to a brand new home appeals, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this edition of You’re Home, from selecting a neighbourhood, to designing the features of your dream home, to helpful tips for landscaping your yard. It’s all waiting for you, inside You’re Home!
Email: jarmstrong@postmedia.com
You’re Home summer 2016 | 7
contents
13
19
48
34
features 13
HOME BUILDER OF THE YEAR: Stellar year for Harmony Builders
58
WELCOMING CGW Contracting looks to expand operations
19
MY SPACE It’s all in the details
60
The new neutral: Black stainless
66 Volunteers are at the heart of Habitat for Humanity Regina
29 Building green a passion for Sthamann Homes 32 Watch what you want, when and how you want 37 GROWING REGINA The Towns provides a healthy living environment 40 RECONNECTING Stantec Consulting growing communities in Saskatchewan 45 KEEP YOUR COOL Plenty of options when choosing an air conditioner 52 ALL IN THE FAMILY Birchwood Builders defined by longevity as a home builder
8 | You’re Home summer 2016
building & design 23 SHOW HOME SPOTLIGHT Glenrose Master Builder’s Crystal show home sparkles 34
Farmhouse charm, modern convenience
48
How smart is your floor?
62
Consider shelving early in the design phase
50 66
Summer 2016 Contributors EDITOR JEANNIE ARMSTRONG
ART DIRECTOR CHRISTINE PEARCE
29
PHOTOGRAPHY SHAWN FULTON
www.shawnfultonphotography.com
ADJILE SHERRY MCCORMICK VIENNA DI RUSCIO
renovation & landscaping 38
Irrigation a better way to water
50
Look to the garage to expand your living space
55
Enhance your home with the natural beauty of stone
64
Improve your view
ask an expert 16 ASK AN EXPERT… About Third Party New Home Warranty 26 ASK AN EXPERT… About Custom Organization 44 ASK AN EXPERT… About Home Design
70
RRHBA MEMBER directory
72
CLOSING REMARKS
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JEANNIE ARMSTRONG TOM EREMONDI TOBIE HAINSTOCK JONATHAN HAMELIN JENNIFER JACOBY-SMITH RON JANSON ANDREW LIVINGSTONE WENDY LIVINGSTONE ASHLEIGH MATTERN SHERRY MCCORMICK STU NIEBERGALL PAT REDIGER MIKE SHIPLACK CAROL TODD MICHELE TYNDALL
PUBLISHER LEADER-POST You’re Home summer 2016 | 9
WHITE CITY/EMERALD PARK
A home becomes a castle with
Emerald Park Homes
F
By Mike Shiplack For L-P Specialty Products
or some, wraparound patios, a three-car garage and vaulted ceilings sitting on a four-acre plot of land seems like a dream, but for others it’s a dream come true. Then reality sets in. The mortgage is approved, the designer drafts-up a beautiful home and the contractors sign-off on the massive project. It is at this point where the dream becomes a lot of work.
Or, it can be lots of fun — if Emerald Park Homes is your homebuilder. Take this clever walkout design, just outside Emerald Park, for example. It offers more than 5,000 square feet of living space on three levels, and the homeowners could not be happier. “You can tell [Emerald Park Homes] has done this many times before,” says Cory, who with his wife, Jen, moved into their new home in November 2015. “They assigned us a designer to help us design the right home for us. And right up front, [Emerald Park Homes’] approach to building a house was to ensure quality. They were not willing to let us cut any corners, while at the same time they made the entire home building process easy.”
“The way they built our walkout patio was innovative, because it will protect our home against ground heaving and cracking. And the stairs to the main level deck to the walk-out patio were done slightly different to accommodate for the shifting and heaving [of the clay soil].” Customer service is also something that Cory and Jen agree sets Emerald Park Homes apart. They would often call the builder on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with a last minute change, and either Garry or Lorena would text them back immediately. “When we built a home before, we found the process stressful. Building with Emerald Park Homes was a much more fun experience. Garry and Lorena were incredibly approachable, and I liked the fact that they assigned a designer to help with often overwhelming choices,” explains Jen.
After having built a custom home in Saskatoon, they knew exactly what they wanted. For example, their old kitchen nook was a wonderful place for family gatherings, and now their new nook seats 10. Also, the custom-built cabinetry drawers swirl around the curved eating nook offering a panoramic view of the backyard — all four acres of it. “I was very happy with how our home worked out, and the stress level was surprisingly minimal,” says Jen. “We have four kids and all of them play hockey so it was important that we had stairs that lead from the garage directly to the utility room in the basement. And I was able to help design our two-storey fireplace, complete with a custom bookshelf with floating shelves. Everything turned out beautifully.” Both Cory and Jen were often surprised by how much of a stickler Garry and Lorena were about quality, to ensure that the building would stand up to southern Saskatchewan’s extreme temperatures and clay soil. According to Cory, when they asked for something that wasn’t good quality, Garry would always convince them otherwise by taking the time to explain the benefits of upgrading, or by making it work within the budget.
If you are thinking of building, think, Emerald Park Homes Call us today at
306-781-3383 Custom Builder, Our Quality Shows
Given the Thumbs up by
7 6 G R E AT P L A I N S R O A D , E M E R A L D PA R K , S K
( a c ro s s f ro m t h e r i n k )
Photos by Keith Hershmiller
W W W. E M E R A L D PA R K H O M E S . C A
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
They loved their retro look! But do you? Why settle for someone elses version of a dream home.
freshstartbuildnew.com
Stellar year for Harmony Builders:
2015 Home Builder of the Year By Jeannie Armstrong
HOME PHOTOS BY ADJILE
STAFF PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON
The team at Harmony Builders is dedicated to building clients the homes of their dreams.
To say the past year has been stellar for Harmony Builders Ltd. would be a bit of an understatement.
In July of 2015, Harmony Builders was invited by HGTV renovation authority Mike Holmes to become a HOLMES Approved Homes Partner Builder. In January, Harmony Builders received the Best of Houzz Award for Customer Service. The year culminated with another exciting achievement. Harmony Builders was named 2015 Home Builder of the Year at the Master Awards, presented on January 30 by the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA).
It’s a prestigious honour for Matt Rogina and Katrina Stettner, the husband-and-wife team who established Harmony Builders just seven years ago. “We started our own company because we wanted to have complete control over the quality of our homes and offer exceptional service to our clients,” said Stettner. Their goal in year one was to build 12 houses. “In our first month of business, we sold seven homes ‒ without even a show home for people to see.” You’re Home summer 2016 | 13
I believe it’s an indication that we’re doing things right, not only in the way we build, but in the way we treat people who build with us.” katrina stettner, co-owner, harmony builders ltd.
Over the past seven years, Harmony Builders has steadily expanded operations and now builds 30 to 40 homes annually. “We manage growth carefully. Matt and I are very involved with each build. We don’t want to lose that close connection with our customers,” she explained. The majority of the company’s builds are custom homes. “We can build to any budget, from $350,000 to $3 million. All of our homes are designed to be ‘lifetime’ houses. Our clients tell us that their Harmony-built homes are going to be their ‘forever’ homes. That’s true, no matter what price point we build at.”
14 | You’re Home summer 2016
Home Builder of the Year is an award the couple has aspired to since starting their own business. “It’s something that we hoped to win every year, and this is the year. It means that all of our hard work has been recognized,” said Stettner. “I believe it’s an indication that we’re doing things right, not only in the way we build, but in the way we treat people who build with us. We go above and beyond to ensure quality products are used in our homes. We’re always learning about new products or services we can add in order to be able to give our clients the best home as well as the best building experience possible. “I think winning this award shows people
that we are truly dedicated to building them the home of their dreams while having fun doing it.” To be considered as a finalist for Home Builder of the Year, members of the RRHBA must have submitted applications in a minimum of three different award categories, as well as three of the Industry Awards (Safety, Environmental Leadership and Community Service). Harmony Builders took top honours in multiple categories at the 2015 Master Awards: Best Custom Home (under 1,599 sq. ft.); Best Custom Home (over 2,500 sq. ft.); Best Home Kitchen; Best Production Home (1,800 – 2,099 sq. ft.); and the Community Service Award. Which of these awards holds the most meaning for the couple? “As much as I love seeing our homes win awards, the Commu-
Harmony Buiders will build to any budget, from $350,000 to $3 million.
nity Service Award probably means the most. We are a small, family-owned company that is stimulating the economy by providing opportunities for people to work and live here. We love this business and we love the people who support us. That’s why we feel it’s so important to give back. It’s really nice to be recognized for that,” said Stettner. Harmony Builders gives back to the community in so many ways, supporting a diverse range of worthy organizations, including the 200K Women Build by Habitat for Humanity Regina, the Kiss the Canvas fundraiser on behalf of Regina Palliative Care Inc.; and the CIBC Run for the Cure – just to name a few. Being named a HOLMES Approved Homes Partner Builder also sets Harmony Builders apart in the marketplace. “What people don’t realize is that this is recognition you can’t buy. It’s not an endorsement that you can pay
Last year, Harmony Builders was named as a HOLMES Approved Homes Partner Builder.
for. They came to us. I actually thought it was a joke at first when his office called us, and I hung up,” said Stettner. “When I realized they were for real, we took the necessary steps to become involved. We are very honoured to have been chosen as it means we are recognized for the aboveindustry standards we’ve set.” Harmony Builder’s foundations are designed with piles under the footing. Foundation walls are protected by a waterproofing membrane. Each home is protected by a superior building envelope utilizing DuPont’s Tyvek two-part Homewrap system. “We also include lifetime fibreglass shingles, triple pane low E Argon gas windows, R24 insulation, and an ENERGY STAR® heating and cooling system. We build to, test and certify that all of our homes meet ENERGY STAR requirements,” said Stettner. All of Harmony’s new homes receive three different inspections during the course of the build by a Holmes-appointed inspection team. The inspection package includes a durability inspection, energy efficiency inspection including a thermography scan and blower door test, and a final whole-house inspection. The passion the couple shares for home design and construction is very apparent. “We put our heart and soul into every home we build,” said Stettner. “I sell the houses and Matt builds them. Communicating with clients and making them feel comfortable and happy is what I love doing. From start to finish, I’m there the whole way, helping them make decisions on
flooring, cabinetry, paint colours – even décor. “Matt is very hands-on, visiting the sites every day to make sure things are going smoothly. He meets clients on site to help with design choices. He has incredible ideas when it comes to new ways of building things. Matt is the reason I never have to say ‘no’ to our clients when they ask for a custom shelf, art niche or hanging entertainment centre. “Most importantly, we can talk about anything and bounce ideas off each other any time of the day or night, because we’re a team and we’re in this together.” What’s ahead for the Home Builder of the Year? “We actually have a lot of exciting things happening right now,” said Stettner. Harmony Builders recently completed the design and construction of the $1.5 million Hospitals of Regina Foundation Lottery Home. “It looks absolutely amazing and we are so privileged to be a part of something like that,” said Stettner. The builder has also started on a one-ofa-kind custom infill home in the Lakeview neighbourhood. The build is being captured on timelapse video, for viewing on Harmony Builders’ website and YouTube. Harmony Builders is also excited to be building for the first time in The Creeks. Stettner adds, “We also opened a new show home in Fairways West in May. It’s a brand new plan that we’ve never built before, with some very cool features.” Learn more about the 2015 Home Builder of the Year, by visiting www.harmonybuilders.ca. You’re Home summer 2016 | 15
about
ask an expert
Denise Mildner, CEO New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan Inc. 306.546.5220 reginarep@nhwp.org www.nhwp.org
Third Party New Home Warranty
Q: Extreme weather seems to be more common these days. In the event of rain, how can I ensure that water doesn’t come into my new home? A: Water penetration is a common issue and often can be avoided. Here are four steps you can take to avoid water woes. 1. SLOPE – New homes will have ground settlement around the perimeter of the house where backfill settles and sometimes the soil can slope towards the foundation and allow water to drain towards your home. Homeowners can minimize the amount of water trapped near the foundation by filling settlement areas with a clay type material, impervious to water (not topsoil that allows water to drain right through it) with a positive slope away from the foundation. (10 per cent is recommended) 2. GUTTERS / DOWNSPOUTS – Eavestroughs and downspouts channel water off the roof and away from the foundation into designed drainage swales or towards the street or back lane. They should be extended a minimum of four feet away and should not be directed towards a neighbours’ home. Be sure to clean them regularly so they do not become clogged with debris and cause water to overflow and become trapped next to your foundation. Window wells must also be kept free of leaves and other debris to ensure that water can flow through the drain tile to the weeping tile system.
and drains water to a sump or storm sewer. Sump systems (sump pump and pit in the basement area) remove water that accumulates under the basement slab. It is important to note that if the sump pump runs continuously, it’s possible the water being pumped out is seeping back down against the foundation wall and is simply being recirculated. To avoid this, ensure that there is proper slope to direct water away from the house. 4. LANDSCAPING – In the process of final landscaping, do not alter the rough grade of the property. Maintaining the function of the swale is a necessity. Swales are shallow depressions in the rough grade designed to direct surface water runoff away from the home. Ensure all landscaping, especially flowerbeds next to the home, also are positively sloped away from your home. You can maintain surface drainage patterns annually by filling depressions and settlement as they occur.
SASKATCHEWAN
NEW HOME WARRANTY
3. WEEPING TILE/SUMP SYSTEM – Weeping tile installed at the footing is designed to manage subsurface ground water, however it is not a primary defense to control surface water. Weeping tile reduces the pressure exerted by water standing against the foundation walls ANNI
V E R S A RY
1976 - 2016
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16 |  You’re Home  summer 2016
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Connect Indulge Retreat
Visit our Show Homes Hom mes on Sage Drive www.thecreeks.ca
My space
it’s all in the
details by Wendy Livingstone
PHOTOS BY VIENNA DI RUSCIO
When Samuel and Brittanie Park designed their new home
The Park family – including parents Samuel and Brittanie, and their children Charlie and Alice – love their new home in White City, constructed by Alair Homes. Every room throughout the house features personalized details that make the family feel truly at home.
in White City, they made sure to include the little finishing touches, like crystal knobs on the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, architraves above all the windows, and crown moulding throughout the home. But the detail that Samuel takes the greatest pride in is one that might not even catch the eye of visitors. “I’m pretty proud of the front handrails because I had to custom build them myself,” says Samuel, who is a partner in and the project manager of Alair Homes. “It took about 60 hours’ worth of work to build about eight feet of rail. It’s cast iron railing ‒ about 300 pieces. I had to build my own tools, and weld and grind and paint. It sounds a lot fancier than it looks; most people would probably not even notice it.” u You’re Home summer 2016 | 19
Visitors could be forgiven for overlooking Samuel’s labour of love ‒ there are other beautiful features of the exterior of this White City home that might be distracting them. The view from the front sidewalk presents a broad front stairway leading to a grand archway above a built-out entryway. Inside this alcove, details like an antique mailbox and black coach light fixtures flank the front door and its sidelight. The shape of the archway is repeated over the doors of the double garage, which is set back so that it is even with the front façade. A steeply pitched roof gives the home a classic look. All of these features contribute to the home’s striking curb appeal. Inside, the couple has paid equal attention to detail ‒ from the kitchen, with its white, shaker-design cabinets, granite countertops and glass backsplash, to the master ensuite with its large soaker tub and custom shower jets, and even to the bedrooms of their four-year-old son, Charlie, and six-year-old daughter, Alice. Alice’s bedroom is illuminated by an antique chandelier, which belonged to Samuel’s grandmother, after whom she is named. Complementing the chandelier is a lamp with dangling crystals and crystal knobs on the dresser. “[Alice’s] sense of style is pretty
The shape of the archway is repeated over the doors of the double garage, which is set back so that it is even with the front façade.
The amalgamation of everything in this home is just my experience in the industry. I’ve discovered what I’ve liked and what I haven’t liked as I have built homes for other people.” samuel park
20 | You’re Home summer 2016
princess-like, but not like the little kid princess,” said Samuel. He said the youngster shares her parents’ taste for “fancy, kind of old-looking things.” For Samuel, the new home is the realization of a 10-year-plus dream. He began building homes about 16 years ago, and a few years later, began to see himself and Brittanie in a new home. “I probably started wishing I could build my own about 12 years ago,” he said. “It was probably about five years ago when we started really looking at ‘how can we make it happen?’” The home’s features are the consolidation of what Samuel has learned and seen through his career as a home builder. “The amalgamation of everything in this home is just my experience in the industry. I’ve discovered what I’ve liked and what I haven’t liked as I have built homes for other people,” he said. “I get to experience them as I’m putting them in other people’s homes, so I get to understand the pros and cons of everything.” The home’s layout, in particular, reflects the sense for efficient design that the builder has developed. Said Samuel: “Everything kind of has its place in our home. Everything is very sensible and pretty straightforward, and the layout is just good use of space.” He is pleased with “the simplicity of the layout, and the functionality of it – how it just really does make sense.” But, even after 16 years’ experience in the home building industry, Samuel was able to learn from his recent experience as a home buyer. “It’s very easy to build a home for somebody else,” he said. “It really is.
But, when you are put in the position to actually make the decisions for yourself, you second guess everything.” He has watched as clients select their paint colours from a small swatch and then have doubts about finishing the whole house in that tone. He tries to reassure them that they should go with their first instinct and they will be happy with the result. But he found it was not that simple when it came to making his own selections. “And then, when you are put in that position, you’re thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, what’s it going to look like when it’s all green or all blue or…?’” There was one decision, however, that the Parks didn’t question. They are very satisfied with their home’s location in White City. “You’ve got some breathing room out here,” said Samuel. “It’s more of a slower pace ‒ a little bit of a small town kind of feel. It’s kind of a cottage lifestyle, but with being close enough to the city that you have all the amenities 10 minutes away.” And the large back yard allowed the installation of an in-ground trampoline, designed to allow easy entry and exit for the children. The trampoline is the first step in Samuel and Brittanie’s next big design project: landscaping the 60- by 180-foot lot. To learn more about Alair Homes’ custom homes and renovation services, visit www.alairhomes.ca.
Alice’s bedroom is illuminated by an antique chandelier, which belonged to Samuel’s grandmother.
You’re Home summer 2016 | 21
Parade www.greensongardiner.com
OF HOMES
N E P O NOW
New!
Y R A T N E M E EL OOLPEN HO SC DULED TO SCHE
17! SEPTEMBER 20
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR SHOWHOME LOCATIONS
Show home spotlight
Glenrose Master Builder’s
Crystal show homE
sparkles in The Greens
by Sherry McCormick
on Gardiner
Driving through The Greens on Gar-
diner, on my way to Glenrose Master Builder’s show home at 4730 Green Apple Drive, I couldn’t help but notice the walking paths and pristine parks that have already been developed in this area. This impressive new southeast Regina neighbourhood is barely six years old. Arriving at the show home, the first thing that catches my eye is the beautiful exterior stonework and hardboard siding. The home is done in shades of brown and green earth tones. The large front attached garage is drywalled and insulated. It easily allows for two parked cars, along with ample room for storage. The front yard is fully landscaped with trees and shrubs. In the back yard, there is a lazy river rock perimeter with shrubs and sod, as well as a deck. Underground sprinklers are installed. “We exceed expectations in quality and that is reflective in this home,” said Don Janzen, General Manger of Glenrose Master Builder. u You’re Home summer 2016 | 23
Our show home features examples of the best amenities we have to offer. Location is also very important and we are just steps away from the new school that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2017.” don janzen, general manager, glenrose master builder
“We can provide that touch to create a home that is personally yours,” explained Janzen. “Our show home features examples of the best amenities we have to offer. Location is also very important and we are just steps away from the new school that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2017. There are also plans for the development of another park this summer.” The Green Apple Drive show home is Glenrose’s ‘Crystal’ model. “It features 1,935 square feet on two storeys, with an additional 690 square feet of fully developed basement. The basement has a solid foundation, constructed with concrete piles,” said Janzen. The front main entrance is spacious. There is tile flooring here as well as in the main floor bathroom. The rest of the main floor has been done in hand-scraped black walnut hardwood. “The kitchen features custom cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas range and corner pantry,” said Janzen. It provides a practical and enjoyable space to prepare meals. “A custom-built gas fireplace complements the great room on the main floor. It’s framed in beautiful black walnut hardwood that continues throughout the great room, kitchen and dining room,” said Janzen. 24 | You’re Home summer 2016
Some notables on the upper floor include a large bonus room complete with a dry bar. This versatile room is great for family leisure activities. The laundry room is also situated on the second level. Collecting and putting away laundry will be easier with three of the four bedrooms in the home being on the same level. “One of the biggest features of this home is the ensuite, just off the master bedroom,” said Janzen. “It has a free-standing bathtub with a custom tiled shower and separate his-and-her vanities. There are two closets, a private make-up area and an enclosed toilet room. We also have built-in shelving units in the master suite.” Upgraded carpeting turns up the comfort level in the basement and stairway leading downstairs. The open space in the basement could be used as an office or rec room. A second dry bar is on the left and the fourth bedroom of the home is on the right. Stop by and view this magnificent Glenrose Master Builder show home at 4730 Green Apple Drive. Viewing hours are Monday to Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.glenrosehomes.ca. You’re Home summer 2016 | 25
about
ask an expert
Custom Organization
Q: When building a new home, what things should I take into consideration when thinking about closet space? A: Really think about what items you need to store, how they can be organized and where you want them to go in your new home or garage. A custom storage company, like Tailored Living featuring Premier Garage Regina, will make this so much easier for you. It’s key to maximize every inch of space in your home, while creating function and beauty. We will come in and ask questions many clients have never even considered. Will your children’s closets grow with them? Triple or double hanging rods are great but what happens when your kids are teenagers and their shorter items are now longer. Do you fold or hang jeans/pants, t-shirts and so on? Will you need more adjustable shelving or a combination of doubleand long-hanging rods? It’s important to consider where you are going to put the stuff you currently can’t live without (like all those shoes!) Q: How can I make sure I’m getting what I need in a home renovation? A: Step one, always hire a professional contractor. Try to make it as clear as possible what you are looking for. If you are unsure, then be really
Tailored Living Featuring Premier Garage serving Southern Sask. Boyd & Sharlene Kane 306.761.1522 bkane@tailoredliving.com www.tailoredliving.com/SouthernSask
open to suggestions. It’s our job to make sure you get exactly what works for you and your space...and what ultimately works for your budget. This may mean that there are some things you have to live without, but there’s always a compromise to be met. We work with people all the time who say, “I never realized there was the opportunity to do a custom closet or a garage floor coating. I didn’t know I could afford it.” We offer free in-home consultations and our 3-D software shows you exactly what you’ll be getting in your space. We design and install closets, pantries, mudrooms and garages every day. Take the opportunity when you are renovating or building to customize your storage spaces so they work for you and you don’t have to work around them. Items like fixed shelving are not the best option for organizing a space and nothing is more frustrating than not being able to get organized.
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26 | You’re Home summer 2016
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green
Building
a passion for
Sthamann Homes By Ron Janson PHOTOS courtesy of STHAMANN HOMES
Sthamann Homes Inc. won the 2015 Master Award for Green Build of the Year, presented by the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association. The home, located at 4362 Sage Drive, is the epitome of style and energy efficiency.
Purchasing an energy efficient home is more accessible than ever before u
You’re Home summer 2016 | 29
Interest in “green” houses is definitely going mainstream, says Samuel Sthamann, owner of Sthamann Homes Inc., an awardwinning Regina-based builder. Moreover, with payback periods shorter than ever, no longer must consumers pay a sizeable premium to purchase an energy-efficient home. “The interest in building green isn’t limited to one particular buyer or demographic,” said Sthamann, whose company custom builds about 15 residences every year. “They are people who’ve done the research as far as construction methods are concerned and their main priority is a well-built home.” The evolution in technology has been the biggest advancement since Sthamann Homes started building in 1979. They began focusing on energy-efficient homes in the mid-1990s. Then, high-efficiency furnaces were in their infancy, whereas today’s high-efficiency heaters operate at more than 95 per cent efficiency. The old-fashioned tank water heater which continuously kept water hot, wasting energy, has been replaced by a tankless water heater, which produces hot water on demand. Dual pane windows with lower quality coatings have evolved to triple pane windows filled with argon gas with low e-coatings. A big change that his company has helped push is the “next generation of residential wall insulation systems” known as “EIFS” or Exterior Insulation Finishing System, said Sthamann. EIFS has proven to be a big complement to the upgraded R-24 wall insulation 30 | You’re Home summer 2016
already found standard in many energy-efficient homes. “Essentially, EIFS is a two-inch insulation board that is applied to the exterior of the house, wrapping around the entire perimeter wall to provide a higher and more continuous insulating value,” he said, explaining that traditional insulation allows cold to penetrate where the studs are located, known as thermal bridging.
Building with EIFS, which previously was primarily found in commercial construction, allows Sthamann Homes to proudly remain ahead of the curve as a certified ENERGY STAR® builder, which requires homes be built 20 per cent more efficient than the existing building code. With good planning, Sthamann’s customized homes can be built in an eight to 12-month time period. The small wait can be
The contemporary-styled home demonstrates that one can have an energy-efficient house and still have all the unique features you’d expect in a new fully finished custom home. There are no compromises.” samuel sthamann, Owner, Sthamann Homes Inc.
worth it in terms of the long-lasting quality and energy efficiency that result. That commitment isn’t going unnoticed. Sthamann Homes was recently awarded the 2015 Green Build of the Year Master Award by the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association. “Our show home at 4362 Sage Drive in The Creeks is a beautiful 2,524 square foot twostorey custom built home that showcases our very best in both design and energy-efficient building methods. The contemporary-styled home demonstrates that one can have an energy-efficient house and still have all the unique features you’d expect in a new fully finished custom home. There are no compromises,” he said. In addition to being outfitted with highefficient mechanical systems, energy efficient windows, lighting, recycled building materials and ENERGY STAR appliances, the real key to the award was the house’s superlative performance on the measure of air changes per hour, says Sthamann. A typical new home will experience between 2.5 to five or more total air changes per hour – figures that are lower are superior because that means there is less heat loss and air leakage in the house. “The house achieved .49 air changes per hour, which really was record-setting for us, and among the top results in Saskatchewan. It’s one of the leaders in ENERGY STAR homes.” Moving forward, Sthamann is looking at integrating remote home automation tools into future homes. A special project that he’s
devoting his passion to is the “ecoSeries” ‒ affordable starter homes constructed with the same commitment toward energy efficiency as the company’s other builds. “We take all the things that come with our custom built house, but scale down the footprint and design to keep the home not just eco-friendly, but budget-friendly as well,” he said. “It’s something unique to the market, and no other home builder is doing that kind of project.” The lots are located in the Hawkstone subdivision of North Regina. To date, nine of the 34 properties have been built. The homes are a combination of 1,100 square foot bungalows
and two-storey buildings ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 square feet. “We took a lot of time when designing these plans to look at all different sorts of efficiencies, incorporating all the ENERGY STAR features you would normally see with our larger custom builds,” said Sthamann. As he continues in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, who started the company, there’s no doubt Sthamann and his team will break new barriers with the innovative, green and energy-efficient designs that have been the hallmark of excellence in home building in Regina. For more details, visit www.sthamannhomes.com.
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Watch what you want, When it comes to new homes, buyers can choose options such as pre-built or custombuilt houses. They also have a range of prices from the basic starter home to the full scale, all-inclusive executive home. You can have the same flexibility with your TV viewing packages when you purchase through Access Communications Co-operative. And it all starts with the AccessMicro package, says Tracey Mucha, the company’s Marketing Coordinator and Communications Officer. “It’s a smaller, simplified package that offers our customers the ability to select the type of programming that suits their needs.” She says Access began offering the new package on March 1. “Access Communications wanted to do something different than just offering those basic services as mandated by the CRTC and different than at the high end of the set price. We saw it as an opportunity to give customers both value and choice.” The AccessMicro package is a 26-channel package that contains the core channels as required by the CRTC. Access enhanced this, Mucha says, by adding 10 high definition (HD) channels and the 4 + 1 Super Channels. The company also gives customers the Go Apps plus the rental of the first digital set-top box free. “All of this comes at a starting price of just $9.95 if you subscribe to Access Internet or $19.95 as a stand-alone, which we feel are both very competitive prices.” The response has been favourable since introducing the skinny package in early March, she notes. “We support consumer choice. Our 32 | You’re Home summer 2016
By Tom Eremondi
customers deserve more flexibility at a reasonable cost, so it was an easy decision on our end to offer the best possible skinny basic package. Our launch was a huge success.” While the CRTC’s Let’s Talk proceedings also directed that distributors offer a la carte or single pick and pay channels by December 1 of this year, Mucha says Access again decided to be proactive. “We won’t hold off until December to launch additional standalone channels to the 50-plus standalone individual channels we offer. The goal is to make the new ones available to customers as the new distributor contracts get finalized.” Mucha says it’s all part of the reality facing communications companies today. “We understand that Over The Top (OTT) and preferred content is where the trends are going. Consumers aren’t watching less content; they’re just watching and getting it in different ways. We’re trying to keep pace and meet the needs of our customers by offering more choice and value.” She notes one way Access is doing this is with its Go Apps offerings. Since early 2015, AccessTV customers have been able to enjoy their services in more places and on more screens than ever before by using Wi-Fi to
when and how you want
watch their favourite TV shows and movies on computers, smartphones and tablets. These include CraveTV, CTV Go, and TSN Go to name a few. Access realizes that “customers are busy and they’re looking for more flexibility. They want to be able to watch TV everywhere.” Access Communications is a 100 per cent Saskatchewan-owned, non-profit co-operative that is committed to providing exceptional communications and entertainment services to over 75,000 customers. Mucha says one of its trademarks of business is being dedicated to the communities it lives in by reinvesting 100 per cent of its earnings into the 230 communities it serves. For more information on programming and prices, visit myaccess.ca.
lot to love
There’s a in Fairways
Offering some of the most spectacular park-backing lots in Regina, Fairways West is the ideal place to call home. Enjoy quick and easy access to all city amenities while surrounded by the beauty of nature. With the Joanne Goulet Golf Course and picturesque Wascana Creek just steps from your door, it’s easy to see why there’s a lot to love in Fairways West.
C O N T A C T Y O U R B U I L D E R T O D AY !
West
NEW SHOW HOME NOW OPEN 7802 Sagebrush Crescent Mon – Thurs: 7 pm – 9 pm Sat – Sun & Holidays: 1 pm – 5 pm
LOCATED IN NORTHWEST REGINA
Farmhouse charm, modern convenience by Ashleigh Mattern PHOTOS COURTESY OF DXV BY AMERICAN STANDARD
34 | You’re Home summer 2016
Distressed wood, wicker baskets, vintage knick-knacks: The farmhouse style draws from a familiar past while giving the old a new twist.
The look that started in the kitchen has spread to all corners of the house, including bathroom design. The clawfoot you might have found in a farmhouse is re-imagined as a modern freestanding tub, moving from a 500-pound cast iron unit to an acrylic highgloss with a minimalist aesthetic. Nothing has to match. The tone is casual. It feels lived in. “Because it can be a mixed and matched style, it’s easy for people to create,” said Shelley Colleaux, show room manager with Kitchen and Bath Classics. “There are no rules about what is proper.” Sinks are fitted into vanities from dressers or classic console tables, and while pieces like these could be antique, they don’t have to be.
American Standard’s DXV division has both console sinks and vanities with sinks as part of their Oak Hill collection – as well as freestanding tubs, vintage-inspired faucets and elongated toilets. All of the pieces in the collection were specifically designed for capturing the farmhouse style without sacrificing new-bought quality. “They’ve put all those components together for you ‒ the toilet matches the sink matches the faucets ‒ and they’ve taken the guesswork out,” Colleaux said. “It’s definitely an older look, but it’s newly done and functional to our era with that really vintage design.” The farmhouse style is in the traditional vein, but it’s not fancy, not Victorian. It’s craftsman, folksy, shabby chic. While the look inspires a unique creativity, you do need to follow a few minor guidelines to capture its spirit. The finishes you choose are perhaps most important: Copper, brushed and oil-rubbed bronzes, and rustic and naturallooking metals all create that farmhouse feel. “People are going to more unique finishes,” Colleaux said. “Polished nickel gives a richer look; it’s shiny like chrome but has a richer dimension. Some people are even choosing living finishes that change over time; where you touch and use the faucet or door handles, it ages and changes in patina. It adds to the character.” Honeycomb tile is back in more colours and patterns than before, and it’s finding its way off the floor and onto the walls. “Did my grandparents have a tile like that? It’s familiar but you’ve chosen modern colours and modern textures. It’s nostalgic. It takes
people back to their grandparents’ place. A lot of us didn’t grow up on a farm, but our parents or grandparents did, and you went there as a kid. So it gives a good feeling. It feels like home.” A related trend is the industrial style, which draws from the same work-a-day principles, but from factories instead of farms. In both cases, the choices are ultimately utilitarian, especially in lighting; you might see a lone light bulb hanging from its cord, for example. While in the farmhouse style, you’ll see exposed woods, in the industrial style you’ll see exposed brick and concrete. Both trends bring in metals. Where farmhouse leans toward the classic movement, industrial leans toward modern, and they meet in the middle at a transitional style where you can meld elements of both. Colleaux says she’s enjoying this shift to the classic: “We’ve been quite a modern market here, so it is kind of exciting to see people going for this traditional side of things. It’s not for everybody, and in the city, certainly a lot of people are sticking more with the transitional or contemporary style, but with a lot of the newer houses we’re doing out in rural areas, this is huge.” People who have a penchant for antiques and collectibles will especially enjoy decorating in this style since vintage household ornaments play a big role. From old licence plates, medicine bottles, and jars, to watering cans, weathered shutters, and re-purposed pallets, this is your chance to hunt for that perfect piece. To learn more, visit www.kitchenandbathclassics.com.
All of the pieces in American Standard’s Oak Hill collection were specifically designed for capturing the farmhouse style without sacrificing newbought quality. You’re Home summer 2016 | 35
S E R I E S
w w w. r u b i n e t . c o m THE CANADIAN FAUCET COMPANY
1176 Hamilton Street Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00pm to 3:00pm
Growing regina
the towns provides a
healthy living environment By jonathan hamelin
A new Regina community will be putting Saskatchewan’s ghost towns back on the map. The Towns, developed by Terra Developments Inc., is an extension of The Greens on Gardiner in southeast Regina. Pending City approval, construction will begin on the development this spring. Once completed, people driving through the development will notice the cleverly selected street names that represent Saskatchewan’s ghost towns. The province is home to dozens of communities that no longer exist or former villages/towns that have become unincorporated hamlets. “The Towns is meant to pay tribute to towns that are no longer. Saskatchewan has an enormous amount of ‘old towns’ that are now abandoned. Naming streets after these towns is a small way to pay homage to towns that were once communities to some of our ancestors,” said Cathy Lawrence of Terra Developments. “In the first stage of our development, we have Daphne Way, which was a town just north of Watson, and Copeland Road, which was a town between Dafoe and Raymore. “ While it may borrow some ghost-town names, Lawrence explains that The Towns
boasts a live atmosphere for all its residents. The spacious 55-hectare development consists of residential developments with lots of green space for active play. “Along with the proximity to amenities in the southeast end of Regina and the new joint-use school in The Greens, the biggest benefit to living in The Towns is definitely being part of a community that provides a healthy living environment,” said Lawrence. “There are lots of sidewalks, open greenspace, parks and play structures that will be safe, and hopefully encourage active physical living.” Lawrence said that The Towns will be somewhat of a traditional neighbourhood, as it incorporates classic details of well-
connected streets and blocks, housing choices and has schools, churches and parks all within walking distance. However, she noted that Terra Developments offers a twist to these traditional elements by making them all relatable to today’s market choice and style. “The vision behind The Towns was to complement the already existing The Greens on Gardiner development, fulfill the City of Regina’s Official Community Plan requirements and most importantly be a complete neighbourhood,” explained Lawrence. The Towns provides a good balance of single family and multi-family units with diversity of housing choices and styles. The first phase of development will include approximately 89 residential lots and one condo parcel. The development’s first batch of lots will be mostly 32 to 40 feet in width. Lawrence noted that The Towns will be open to all builders and it will be required that all builders will follow the architectural guidelines to ensure all homes complement their surrounding neighbours. Terra Developments has posted more information about The Towns on its website: www.terrainc.ca. You’re Home summer 2016 | 37
Irrigation a better way to by Carol Todd
Water, water, but not just everywhere…
It was probably right after humans discovered agriculture that they started hauling their ancient versions of pails to provide water for their new crops. The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines irrigation as an “artificial application of water.” With such a broad definition, irrigation can easily include everything from the household watering can to huge irrigation canals. While Regina and area homeowners don’t need canals, many are opting for irrigation systems that take some of the hard work out of keeping yards watered and healthy. Like the definition of irrigation itself, there are numerous systems designed for homeowners: everything from fully automated systems both above and underground, to drip-line systems that deposit drops of water onto individual plants. To avoid getting tangled in the various options and to ensure the best system for their needs is installed properly, Brent Waliduda, owner of Paramount Plantscapes Ltd., advises planning in advance of any installation. “I think a lot of people do fail installing their systems themselves because they didn’t have a plan in place. As a result, they don’t have proper coverage, so they have spots on their grass that die out,” he says. Arranging all those lines and sprinklers can be daunting. Waliduda says the initial expense of having a professional do the work is worth it in the long term. “We’ve seen where homeowners tried to do it as economically as possible. But they haven’t put in enough sprinklers or they haven’t checked the sprinklers to the amount of flow they have, so their sprinklers aren’t shooting out enough or there are too many sprinklers on one line,” he says. As a result, lawns and flower beds get too much, or not enough, water, which can lead to increased costs to re-seed or replace those areas. u
38 | You’re Home summer 2016
water
In addition to having a plan, and trusting a professional to help, Waliduda says it’s important to install irrigation systems, especially underground systems, before carrying out major landscaping. It’s especially important to have irrigation installed before putting in hardscaping, such as sidewalks, fences and raised beds. “You should probably put in irrigation at one of the initial phases of installing landscaping. It should certainly be done before hardscaping, because you want to put the lines in under the hardscape or alongside your grass and plant beds. And, generally, you want a different zone for your grass and plant beds because they require different amounts of watering,” he says. And, of course, anytime there’s excavating, it’s important to contact SaskEnergy first. With two days’ notice, SaskEnergy will come out to mark underground gas lines so any digging can be done safely. Details are online at saskenergy.com/residential/callbeforeyoudig. asp. One of the advantages to an irrigation system, in addition of course, to not having to walk around with a hose, is that a properly
installed system can help save on water bills while conserving water and benefitting the environment. Waliduda points to California which has a lot of desert — and a lot of people — as an example. “Most of the big irrigation system companies are located in California, so they are very, very conscious of water conservation. They actually give you reductions on your water bill or pay for part of your irrigation systems if you are installing something that will conserve water,” he says. Waliduda says that there are systems that are specifically geared to reducing water use. “There are a lot of different systems now. You can install systems that are pro-water conservation, like the MP Rotator, instead of popup sprinklers. These are sprinkler nozzles that have a much lower flow rate,” he says. For example, normal sprinklers can spray out as much as 1.86 gallons of water per minute, while the MP Rotator nozzles may have as little as .37 gallons per minute. Waliduda, who’s a horticulturalist as well as a landscaper, points out that watering with that low rate is also better for the lawns and plants. “You can
adjust the watering time to ensure there is enough water. A longer time helps ensure the water soaks in instead of running off,” he says. There are even systems that will adjust the water flow depending on the weather. Everyone knows how maddening it can be to see water jetting from irrigation systems while it’s raining. Waliduda again points to California, where mini-weather stations attached to the irrigation system adjust watering times and flows based on weather data. “These weather stations connect to your controller and measure temperature and humidity. It stops watering systems when it’s raining and when the temperature drops below three degrees Celsius. It’s a great thing and used a lot in California. We have installed quite a few of these systems recently in the Regina area,” he says. With Saskatchewan weather being as unpredictable as it is, a properly installed irrigation system can ensure homeowners have a well-watered yard, while helping to conserve this valuable resource at the same time. For more information on irrigation and landscaping, visit www.paramountplantscapes.com.
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BOOK YOUR
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paramount.plantscapes@sasktel.net www.paramountplantscapes.com You’re Home summer 2016 | 39
Reconnecting
Stantec Consulting
growing communities in Saskatchewan by Michele Tyndall PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON
Stantec Consulting Ltd. designs with communities in mind. Pictured (L-R): Rory Picklyck, Bryce Hunter, George Tsougrianis.
40 | You’re Home summer 2016
Stantec Consulting Ltd. has been growing communities throughout Canada and around the world since the firm’s establishment in 1954. Stantec has a particularly long history in Saskatchewan, dating back to the 1960s, where they have been integral in bringing building, energy and resource, environmental and infrastructure projects to life. In the last ten years, there has been significant growth in Regina and Saskatoon, where Stantec has brought together the creativity of 300 employees to collaborate with clients in sectors including power, mining, transportation, water, community development, legal survey and geomatics, environmental services, building engineering and architecture. Stantec Consulting provides services to a wide variety of sectors, including developers, who in turn, with builders and homeowners, create new neighbourhoods and communities. Builders and homeowners also benefit from Stantec’s vast experience and knowledge base when there are questions regarding engineering or architectural related matters. u
Saskatchewan is an exciting place for creative people who are committed to their communities, which makes it an ideal place for Stantec to grow.” bryce hunter, regional leader, stantec consulting ltd.
You’re Home summer 2016 | 41
The Stantec team of engineers, scientists, technologists and architects are helping to shape communities across the province.
“Saskatchewan is an exciting place for creative people who are committed to their communities, which makes it an ideal place for Stantec to grow. We’re a knowledge-based company, which means we are able to add significant value to the growth of our province through our people’s diverse experience and the technology they use. With a highly diversified province blessed with natural resources, along with forward thinking and emerging technologies, there is endless opportunity for our engineers, scientists, technologists and architects to support the growth, development and ongoing operations throughout Saskatchewan,” said Bryce Hunter, Stantec’s Regional Leader in Saskatchewan. Stantec Consulting has been a member of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) since 1985 and that relationship has been a significant factor in the success of the company in the province. “Our active involvement in the RRHBA for the last 30 years means we’ve worked with builders, homeowners, developers and muni-cipalities. We make sure that the infrastructure supporting new and existing communi-ties is in place and is safe, reliable and efficient. Building relationships with the RRHBA community and its members has helped us gain insight into the challenges that the organization faces. We are able to offer 42 | You’re Home summer 2016
technical support and guidance on architecture, landscape architecture and engineering related issues as they emerge. By understanding these challenges and offering solutions, we feel strongly that our involvement helps shape better communities in our city and that we better understand our client’s needs,” said George Tsougrianis, Managing Lead for Community Development in Regina. In 2009, Stantec won the Premier’s Design Award for Excellence in Architecture, and in 2010, they won a Municipal Heritage Award for Sensitive Addition, both for work on The Lantern in Regina. “The Lantern is a great example of how being connected to the community, makes us better as designers. The Regina Early Learning Centre’s director looked to a friend—one of our since-retired architects Bob Ellard—to provide design concepts for an expansion of the centre. This turned into an incredibly gratifying project where our architects engaged the very children who would be learning in the centre, to really discover what type of environment would give them the best experience. Basing the design on children’s imaginations, we developed a large multipurpose space, designed with large playful coloured windows. This unique space allows the children to explore their artistic imagination and facilitates interactive
learning. The windows on three sides connect children to the outdoors, while coloured glass creates playful projections on the floor that change throughout the day and with the seasons. An in-floor heating system allows them to comfortably explore their imagination through music, stories, and learning materials such as sand, water, paint, and clay which promote scientific awareness and a respect for nature,” said Hunter. Stantec prides itself on projects like The Lantern, where community effort brings together designers, construction contractors and suppliers to provide new opportunities to all communities to grow and truly realize their potential. “We have a strong track record of creating vibrant communities in Saskatchewan. We have detailed local knowledge of the challenges that our clients have with respect to building locally. We’re passionate about helping builders shape our communities, whether they are constructing buildings, parks, roads, or bridges. We have a strong commitment to making sure we do things right for our clients and the public,” said Hunter. For more information on Stantec Consulting, visit their website at www.stantec. com.
There’s a lot of luxury in Greenside Terrace
If you’re looking for all the perks of boutique estate living, look no further than Greenside Terrace. Located within the community of Fairways West, Greenside Terrace offers buyers all the same benefits of owning a home with none of the associated hassles. Let someone else take care of the yardwork, while you take in the gorgeous natural views.
CONTACT YOUR BUILDER TODAY!
SHOW HOME NOW OPEN LOCATED IN FAIRWAYS WEST, NORTHWEST REGINA
494 Greenside Terrace Wed & Thurs: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Sat & Sun: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
about
ask an expert
Home Design
Robinson Residential Design Inc. 2232 – 2nd Avenue 306.352.6617 john@robinsonplans.com www.robinsonplans.com
by Robinson residential design inc.
Q: I’ve heard a lot in the news about “tiny” houses and enjoyed checking out Robinson Design’s Dragonfly house at the Regina Spring Home Show. What important things should a person know?
7. Build with qualified builders. Qualified tradespeople offer certification and warranties. There are many things you can do on your tiny house build, but only do them if you are comfortable doing them, and can do it safely.
A: Here are 10 lessons we’ve learned about designing and building a tiny house:
8. Consider a kit house. Kits should include a detailed instruction manual indicating fasteners, nailing patterns, flashing details and millwork drawings. The Dragonfly manual has 12 illustrated chapters for the structure and exterior finish package, and six more for the interior finish.
1. Size matters. For portable tiny houses, regulations for height and width are stipulated by the Department of Transport. Watch house weight for limits on axle weight. 2. Plan your space to make it feel big. Think about vertical views and skylights. The Dragonfly has two patio doors, two skylights and six windows to achieve the desired sense of openness. Lighter colour tones on the interior will make the space feel larger. 3. It does not have to be plain just because it is small. Make your house a reflection of your style. On the inside, allow space for open storage and artwork that expresses your taste. We added stained glass windows to our Dragonfly model.
9. Build with a budget. Set your budget before you start, so you know what you can expect to spend. Add a 5 to 10 per cent contingency to cover unexpected costs. 10. Get to know tiny houses before you buy. Tour tiny houses, follow blogs online, and read anything you can about the latest designs, space saving built-in options, finishes and appliances.
4. Seek out storage spaces. Storage can be found in unlikely spaces. Open shelving works fine for some kitchen storage and is visually less obtrusive than cabinets. Maximize cabinet drawer depth for more storage. 5. Build your home quickly but well. We chose structural insulated panels (SIPS) which are pre-engineered panels of rigid insulation with OSB sheeting pressed to each side. A SIPS home also offers superior structural rigidity and is resistant to wracking and flexing. 6. Say yes to the glue. When your house is hurtling down the highway in a storm, it will get lots of stresses that a stationary house doesn’t. In the Dragonfly, the SIPS floor, wall and roof panels were glued together. The interior finish, exterior cedar siding, cedar decking and interior trims were glued and nailed or screwed.
Phone: (306) 352-6617 | Toll Free: 1-877-352-6617
www.robinsonplans.com
44 | You’re Home summer 2016
cool
Keep your
Plenty of options when choosing an air conditioner Forget Netflix and clean clothes: homeowners in Canada would rather go without television or a washing machine than turn off their air conditioner in the heat of the summer, according to Lennox Canada’s most recent Home Energy Report survey. Luckily, significant advances to air conditioning systems have made them more energy efficient and ensured that homeowners don’t have to sacrifice entertainment, or their own personal hygiene, to beat the heat. “The technological advances in the industry have redefined the comfort market and what precision home comfort really is,” said Nathan Behne, Lennox Residential Product Specialist – Cooling. One of the significant advances include smart thermostats, such as Lennox’s iComfort S30, which do all of the thinking and scheduling for you. With a smart thermostat, you only need to program the thermostat once. Whenever there’s a change in your routine, the thermostat adapts heating and cooling to match. “Our iComfort, for example has a feature that creates the temperature you want to feel, not just the temperature you set – much like the “feels like” temperature in a weather report. So when you set it to 22 degrees Celcius, it feels like 22 degrees,” said Behne. u
by Pat Rediger
The technological advances in the industry have redefined the comfort market and what precision home comfort really is.” nathan behne, lennox residential product specialist - cooling
You’re Home summer 2016 | 45
And of course, in this day and age, the thermostat can be controlled through your smartphone. “There are systems that use the GPS in your smartphone to detect when you’re leaving and automatically increase system efficiency,” added Behne. “Your regular programming is overridden to turn down heating or cooling to save energy. If you or a family member returns home, your system is returned to a normal schedule and a comfortable temperature.” If you’re worried about how noisy an air conditioner can be, don’t be. There are many models on the marketplace with an integrated fan and motor top design that, as Behne says, “keep your unit so quiet that it won’t interrupt even the quietest conversations.” Whole home air purification systems, such as Lennox’s PureAir have undergone a significant transformation as well, allowing customers to choose a system that provides high quality indoor air. “There are systems that can remove and destroy around 50 per cent of household odours and chemical vapours in a 24-hour period. Homeowners can not only clean and disinfect the air in their dwelling, but they can also make it smell better too – with their air conditioning system,” explained Behne. “The ability to clean and disinfect is very important with these products. At Lennox, for example, we engineered a product that removes 99.9 per cent of all particles like dust, pollen and pet dander.” When selecting a home air purification system, Behne cautioned that it’s important to seek out one that does not address only a single space or create ozone, which is a known lung irritant. When you’re using your air conditioner, it’s almost a guarantee that the sun will be shining as the hot rays engulf your house. With a solarpowered air conditioner, you can use the sun to your advantage. The solar-powered units utilize thermal energy to provide cost-effective clean green thermal solar air conditioning comfort in the summer. “It’s a great method for reducing or completely eliminating the cost of heating and cooling a home,” said Behne. He added that one of the newest innovations on the market can be found in Lennox’s quantum coil technology, a proprietary aluminum alloy condenser coil placed inside Lennox’s single stage air conditioner and heat pump.
46 | You’re Home summer 2016
“Tested for over a decade in salt-laden environments like Corpus Christi, this coil has proven its ability to provide lasting performance even in harsh environments that are especially treacherous for HVAC equipment,” said Behne. The average price of smart thermostats is around $200 to $400. Air conditioning units range from $3,000 to $7,000. Before making a purchase, Behne said it’s important to shop around for a product suitable for your living spaces, with the features that are tailored to your needs. For more information, visit www.lennox.com.
Welcome to Westerra, a complete community featuring a wide variety of single family and multifamily homes to fit any budget or lifestyle. Westerra offers plenty of neighbourhood parks and pathways, a retail shopping district, boutique shops on West Market Street, and a business park with convenient access to employment opportunities.
WesterraRegina.ca
smart how
By Michele Tyndall
photos courtesy of torlys
is your
floor?
48 | You’re Home summer 2016
Installing flooring in a brand new home is usually a straightforward process. But when it comes to installing new flooring in an existing home, the history of the property can play a significant factor in the choices made, depending on the shape of the current floor. In Regina, Parkland Carpet One offers flooring for both new and existing homes as well as window coverings. They source products from around the globe such as ceramic tile, hardwood, laminate, leather, cork, carpet and area rugs and provide them to Regina customers from their large, locally owned and operated showroom. “This global/local combination pairs the best of all parts of the business so we can provide personal service and caring with the strength of extra warranty protection that Carpet One has become famous for. Parkland Carpet One provides installation services for all the products offered to our customers who want the professional look of a job well done,” said Robert Grain, President of Parkland Carpet One. Among the products Parkland Carpet One features are Torlys “Smart Floors.” This
flooring line combines the latest technological advances with designer flair resulting in beautiful floors that stand up to busy households and challenging environments. They are eco-friendly, come in an inspiring range of colours and styles and are priced to fit any budget. These durable and attractive floors were a clear choice for Parkland Carpet One to offer their customers in Regina. “Torlys products are based on the best core construction to minimize expansion and contraction so the floor will not over-react to the natural swings of humidity and temperature that we experience in Saskatchewan,” said Grain. Torlys EverWood Premiere Hardwood and Tile Collections are uniquely designed for style and durability. They can be installed even in areas where moisture and dampness might once have been a problem. They are 100 per cent waterproof top and bottom, so clean-up is easy, and the floor is well protected whether you have a spill in the kitchen or moisture in the basement. Other benefits of these new floors include the CorkPlus™ Underlay, which keeps your feet warm even when the temperature drops, and reduces noise levels both in the room and below it. The EverWood and EverTile floors are treated against mold and mildew, and are hypoallergenic. Thicker than the industry standard and protected with scratch-resistant coating, these floors really are ‘smart’. And installation is easy and gap-free, thanks to Torlys’ exclusive Uniclic® Joint.
The wide selection of beautiful wood and tile textures and colours are fade- and stainresistant, making them perfect for any type of home. “Torlys materials are of the highest quality inputs to ensure that what starts looking beautiful stays looking beautiful for years to come. The things that customers don’t see make the difference. It is companies like Torlys that Parkland Carpet One is attracted to and counts on to provide products that resist the wear and tear of a family home,” said Grain. For any project calling for a combination of high fashion and durability, Torlys Smart Floors are the smart choice. And any customer looking for outstanding and innovative flooring products matched with the exceptional customer service will find just what they need at Parkland Carpet One.
Torlys products are based on the best core construction to minimize expansion and contraction so the floor will not overreact to the natural swings of humidity and temperature that we experience in Saskatchewan.” robert grain, president, parkland carpet one
In business for 34 years, Parkland Carpet One understands the unique needs of Regina and area customers. They are involved in various organizations throughout the city such as the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA), the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce and many different local charities and sports teams. For more information on Torly’s Smart Floors as well as all flooring and window options, visit the Parkland Carpet One showroom or visit www.parklandcarpetone.com.
You’re Home summer 2016 | 49
The humble garage. While originally intended as a place to protect one’s automobile from the ravages of the weather, it often tends to become a repository for garden implements, out-of-season sports equipment and other unused items. Recently, though, homeowners have seen the potential of this area to serve as an expansion of their living spaces, and are converting garages to serve a variety of purposes.
by Sherry McCormick
“Today, many people are choosing to use their garage as an extension of the home. Some are being used as exercise rooms; others call it a man cave. Many homeowners today use their garage as a front entrance. We’ve also seen garages set up and used as a golf dome. Others park cars in them,” says Cal Barth, Branch Manager of Regina’s Creative Door Services Ltd. When the area is going to be used for living space, special consideration must be given to temperature control. The R-value — the thermal resistance of the door that determines how easily heat and cold pass through the door — is an important factor. The higher the R-value, the more effective the door will be at regulating the garage’s temperature. The quality of the seal between the sections of the door is also important, especially when the garage is being heated. Lana Winterfield, Creative Door’s Manager of Marketing and Communications, said there have been many advances in insulation used in garage doors. “Previously, polystyrene, which is a type of Styrofoam™, was the choice insulation. Now polyurethane, which is spray foam, has become the common choice, as it’s a better option for the homeowner. When polyurethane is sprayed into the garage door panels, it expands to fill the entire space, preventing air from passing through, so it seals much better than polystyrene.”
photos supplied
Look to the
garage to expand your living space 50 | You’re Home summer 2016
There is a garage door for every style of home, says Cal Barth of Regina’s Creative Door Services.
Barth added that, “Another thing about polyurethane insulation is it actually adds a lot of strength to the garage door itself. The insulation bonds the front and back sections, resulting in one continuous structural unit. Polystyrene, on the other hand, provides no bonding, resulting in no structural support from the insulation. If you go with polyurethane, it will be a higher quality door than the polystyrene.” For most homeowners, the esthetic value of a garage door may be as important as its utility. Today, there are many customizable options that combine style and function, whether you are building a new garage or replacing a door on an existing garage. Garage door exteriors are primarily steel, which provides a low maintenance finish. Some are wood that is overlaid onto steel frames, affording an attractive look with the thermal efficiency and durability of steel. Some doors are constructed from aluminum, which is very similar to steel, but is slightly lighter in weight. “There is really a garage door available for every style of home,” said Barth. “This includes different glass and where you place your glass in the door. Traditionally, glass would have been on the top. You’re seeing a lot more vertical placement now. Some people are even choosing diagonals.” Winfield said that changes are also being seen in the operation of garage doors, as high-tech innovations are now being utilized to control and monitor them. “We’ve seen a lot of technological advances in garage door materials and digital interfaces to smartphone devices in recent years. Today, homeowners have the ability to monitor their garage door opening and closing through a smart phone, using the LiftMaster MyQ system.” To get the most from your investment in a new garage door, Barth said professional installa-
tion is key. “On average, a garage door will last 25 years,” he said. “Chances are much greater that a quality door will function for a very long time with a professional installation. You get a solid return on your investment with a proper installation.” Creative Door’s Regina showroom at 2128 Emmet Hall Road displays many options in stock designs and customization for garage doors. Visit the company’s website at www.creativedoor.com.
For most homeowners, the esthetic value of a garage door may be as important as its utility. Today, there are many customizable options that combine style and function.
Open the door to creativity and fall in love with your home all over again with a new garage door.
CreativeDoor.com You’re Home summer 2016 | 51
all in the
family
Birchwood Builders defined by longevity as a home builder By Pat Rediger PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON
52 | You’re Home summer 2016
Birch trees are prized for their out-
standing bark characteristics and ability to survive and thrive for 40 to 50 years. It’s quite fitting that Birchwood Builders shares a name with this mighty tree. A member of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association, the company has been building homes in the Regina marketplace for over four decades. “In the construction industry, success can largely be defined by one’s longevity. Birchwood’s longevity is a direct reflection of our commitment to excellent customer service, quality workmanship and unmatched value,” said Wade Weber, owner of Birchwood Builders. “We have built our business around these key principles and firmly believe that they have been the reason for our long lasting success.”
The company was started by Wade’s father, Art, in 1971. In the mid ‘80s, Wade began working on site during the summer months learning different skills. Today, Wade Weber runs the company alongside his wife. Having built many new homes in Regina, the key to Birchwood’s success has been a commitment to customer service passed down from father to son. “We’ve been around for this long and we’re going to be around for a lot longer, so when customers are choosing a home builder they know they’re building with a stable business,” Weber said. “We don’t take off more than we can chew. We know what we do well and we’re focused on continuing to do it.” A key to Birchwood’s success over the years has been its ability to bridge the gap between cost and personalization. Weber explained that the company offers a product that is outstanding in overall build quality finish and serviceability, yet is still competitive on price. “We’re one of the best values in the market,” Weber said. “We have pricing that’s competitive with the production builders, but we still have the finish and personalization options of a custom builder.” These options include a variety of models to suit different lifestyles and requirements, as Birchwood’s design team can accommodate everything from growing families to “empty nesters” and those inbetween. As for the neighbourhoods, Birchwood can build in many developments throughout Regina such as Harbour Landing, The Creeks and The Greens on Gardiner. When it comes to the construction of a home, Weber said it’s a process that is “tightly managed from start to finish. This encourages
a clean, organized, well managed work site which repeatedly results in a high quality new home. We are consistently present and actively engaged onsite to ensure that both customer and builder expectations are met. It sets us apart in the industry as we control the quality and results day to day. Given this commitment, we have established long-standing relationships with our various suppliers, many of which span more than 25 years. These relationships have been a key element in defining the homes wade weber, owner, birchwood builders we build for our customers.” And Weber is quick to point out that the advantage of building with Birchwood doesn’t end once the house is complete. The company has a membership in the Progressive New Home Warranty Program that underpins each new home it builds. “Progressive offers one of the most complete end-to-end warranties in the business and we at Birchwood Builders believe that their philosophy and approach align with our core business principles and expectations,” Weber said. Part of Birchwood’s rich history includes a long-time involvement with the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association. “We’re proud to have been a long-standing member of the building community and Association in Regina,” Weber said. “We’ve seen the peaks and valleys of many different decades and will endeavour to see many more.” For more information, visit www.birchwoodbuilders.ca.
We know what we do well and we’re focused on continuing to do it.”
You’re Home summer 2016 | 53
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Enhance your home Regina and area homeowners looking for
an alternative to concrete or wood underfoot on their steps and patios can now enjoy the feeling of pebbled beach beneath their feet. GlacierStone Natural Stone Flooring is a unique flooring application made from small, smooth, tumbled natural stones — think of the little pebbles that wash up smooth and shiny on the edge of a sandy beach. It is comfortable to walk on and extremely durable, as well as being stain- and slip-resistant and available in a selection of designer colours. Jamie Halbgewachs, President of Glacier Glass Services Ltd., says the product is a natural extension to the company’s PVC window, door and fencing lines. “They complement each other,” he said. “When we go to a home and find that their steps are in poor condition or maybe just stained, we can cover the cement with this new product and put a new railing on it and it just looks fabulous.” Established in 1979 by Halbgewachs’ parents, the company has grown from exclusively offering glass to providing a comprehensive range of products and services, including railings and PVC windows and doors and even maintenance-free fencing. Now with the flooring product, Glacier Glass can help homeowners have an all-round, easy-care, warm and modern look. Glacier Glass began offering GlacierStone last year after noticing a need for the product, Halbgewachs says. “Within our vinyl fence and decking business, we do a lot of railings. What we found oftentimes is, we’re putting in these beautiful new railings on steps in homes and the steps were in such awful condition. So even though there are brand new railings on it, it still looked kind of crappy because of the steps,” he said. The stone flooring is made up of small pebbles that are mixed with a two-part epoxy and applied to existing flooring. While it works best on concrete and wood, it can also be put onto any surface where it will adhere properly. u
by Carol Todd
stone
with the natural beauty of
AFTER Glacier Glass Services is helping homeowners to transform their steps, driveways and walkways with a new flooring application that offers the beauty of stone. GlacierStone Natural Stone Flooring is available in a selection of designer colours. Extremely durable, it is also stain- and slip-resistant. photos: Glacier Glass Services
before You’re Home summer 2016 | 55
Black Diamond
Black Pearl
Mocha
GlacierStone can be used on driveways and walkways, and even indoors, where Halbgewachs says it would work best in laundry and utility rooms. It also has commercial applications. For now, though, Glacier Glass is focusing on residential outdoor use for decks, patios, gazebos and steps. The majority of its use in the first year has been for front steps, Halbgewachs said, adding that the flooring, combined with new railings, can really enhance a property’s curb appeal. “It adds street appeal for sure. When people first see it, especially on a front entrance, it looks really impressive,” he said. The pebbles come in two sizes: 5/16 and 3/16 inches. “So you can choose either the smaller or larger stones depending on the look you want, as well as the feel you’re looking for. Sometimes the larger stones may be more jagged and don’t feel as good on the feet. The smaller radius stones have a different look and may be a little better feeling on
Multi-colour Flint
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the feet,” Halbgewachs said. Glacier Glass offers the flooring in eight stock colours, everything from mini-pearl to black diamond, and can special order custom colours on demand. The flooring requires little maintenance, but does need a yearly application of sealant to maintain its durability. The year following the installation is included in the initial price, Halbgewachs said. After that, it’s an easy process. “It just rolls on. It’s a simple operation. We can do it, or the homeowner can buy the product and do it themselves,” he said. Homeowners wanting to see, and feel, the pleasure of walking on warm, wonderful pebbly beaches in the middle of the prairie can test walk a section of GlacierStone in front of Glacier Glass’s fencing store at 418 Quebec Street. For more information, visit www.glacierglass.com.
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Contracting looks to expand operations
BY Jennifer Jacoby-Smith
Corey Wood of CGW Contracting Ltd. got his start framing houses. His company is now expanding operations, including the addition of window and door installation services. photos: CGW Contracting
58 | You’re Home summer 2016
Corey Wood has big plans for his company – CGW Contracting Ltd. Wood was born in Regina, but grew up in Calgary. His brothers, one by one, moved back to the Queen City, and not quite three years ago, Wood decided to join them. He brought with him his contracting business – CGW Contracting Ltd. – which he’s operated for almost 15 years. Initially, his business mainly focussed on floor installation, garage and basement developments, frost walls and other small projects, but once in Regina he started framing houses for home builders such as Daytona Homes Regina Ltd. Now he says he’s done a bit of everything from the foundation up, including windows and door installation. When he realized it was time to take his business to the next level, Wood says he joined the Regina &
His desire is to learn from the best how to be successful and how to do it right. And there’s no better place to surround himself with successful builders than by joining the RRHBA. “My plan is to go from framing houses which, with my company, I’ve done for over a decade and I’ve gotten good at it – to possibly becoming a builder myself. And what better way to do it than to surround yourself with people who do that,” said Wood. As a member of the RRHBA, Wood plans to be fully involved in all activities offered by the Association – from monthly meetings to special events. Wood also plans to take advantage of the training offered by the RRHBA through their Certified Professional Home Builder Program. The certification builds skills in a variety of professional areas including marketing, customer service, legal issues, human resources, building codes, safe work practices, and costing and estimating. The goal is to give the construction industry ongoing training to improve the quality of the product. It also helps to give credibility to the builder or contractor and inspire consumer confidence. And that’s key for Wood, who aspires to do what he loves and do it well. To learn more, email Wood at cgwcontractingltd@ gmail.com.
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Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA). He was surprised to discover he was one of the only house framers with membership in the RRHBA. “I think it brings the opportunity to meet other people – other builders, developers and other trades. It may open doors for other opportunities,” explained Wood. Being part of the RRHBA also keeps Wood up to date on the latest products and trends in the industry. After being in the industry for well over a decade, Wood says he’s worked with some fantastic builders who do quality work and treat their customers right. But during his years as a contractor he’s also seen his share of unscrupulous builders who are only in it to make quick money, doing shoddy work that leaves their clients with repair bills. “They put in new cabinets and they look nice at first, so they know they’re going to get top dollar, but the cabinets don’t hold up,” he explained. “They’re not going to last 30 years or even 10 years. And the customer is left to carry these costs (of replace or repair).” In addition to the costs the client is left to deal with, there is also a toll on the industry as a whole. Wood wants to avoid such negativity by learning from the best. He says his desire is to learn from the best how to be successful and how to do it right. And there’s no better place to surround himself with successful builders than by joining the RRHBA.
306-781-6097 306 www.kleankingvac.com www
YOUR FURNACE AND DUCT CLEANING SPECIALISTS
You’re Home summer 2016 | 59
The new neutral:
Black stainless
by Ashleigh Mattern PHOTO COURTESY OF KITCHENAID
Stainless steel appliances are like a chameleon
in the kitchen: The finish looks good with light, dark and neutral colours alike. But it’s been so popular for so long that people are starting to get tired of it, and many people dislike how easily it shows smudges from fingerprints. Enter black stainless steel. Actually more of a handsome dark grey than “black,” the finish repels fingerprints and it is just as much of a chameleon as the old stainless. “Black stainless gives people another option,” said Len Willer, Manager of Regina’s Continental Furniture and Appliances. “It’s a rich-looking colour. There are so many colours over the years that didn’t catch on, like bronze or harvest gold, but this is a lot classier.” KitchenAid was the first manufacturer to release the look. Their appliances have an eggshell finish – a soft, brushed metal finish that is not quite matte and not quite shiny – as well as chrome details and textured cross-hatch
60 | You’re Home summer 2016
handles. But the most exciting aspect of their black stainless appliances is the patented ‘PrintShield’ finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. Essentially, these are conventionally finished stainless steel panels that have been painted. Continental Appliance sales manager Neil Will said this approach is quite the achievement of innovation and technology. “Usually, stainless is impossible to paint – paint does not stick to the surface – but KitchenAid invented paint that would stick, and is fingerprint-, heat-, cold-, and scratchresistant,” Will said. “They went through a lot of effort.” And, of course, not only do you get the edgy new finish, you also get the brand new, top-of-the-line appliance with all the bells and whistles it affords. The look is catching on, and other manufacturers are beginning to release their own version of black stainless.
The colour is softer and warmer than traditional stainless steel, and because it is still a sleek stainless appliance, it will blend with other stainless and black appliances in your kitchen. Will cautions that not all companies will create the finish the same way KitchenAid does. He encourages you to research before you buy, because the effect, look, or longevity may differ between brands. Black stainless does fill a space in the market that people have been looking for. In recent years, Len Willer says homeowners have been opting for “black ice” finishes, which feature the compromise of a fingerprint resistant surface and stainless steel handles. Black stainless does away with the compromise completely. Willer says if he were bringing black stainless appliances into his own kitchen, he would opt for light cabinetry because he likes the contrast, but he says, “It’s a personal choice.” Continental Furniture’s new display area shows black stainless appliances with dark maple cupboards and a black wall, prov-
ing that the new finish also works in a dark setting. “It still looks beautiful in a dark kitchen,” Will says. “Black stainless really matches anything. It never looks out of place.” The colour is softer and warmer than traditional stainless steel, and because it is still a sleek stainless appliance, it will blend well with other stainless and black appliances in your kitchen. Black stainless has already caught on in other markets, so it’s only a matter of time before we see it trending in Saskatchewan, too, says Will. “Black stainless is really surging in popularity right now. It’s taking off like a shot.” KitchenAid will be releasing a full line of black stainless appliances this summer. The new finish isn’t the only area where
1155 Halifax St. (5th Ave. & Halifax St.)
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appliance manufacturers are innovating. Another kitchen trend Will is excited about are more induction appliances, including front control free-standing ranges that slide in, which will be great for renovations. Outside of the kitchen, Will is excited to see more ventless dryers – where there is no exterior vent for the dryer. Instead, a heat pump recirculates the warm air, and the water drains out of the dryer in a similar fashion to a washing machine. Dryers like this are 80 per cent more energy efficient, and you don’t have to put a hole in your house for the vent, further supporting the energy efficiency. With all of the neat innovations on the market, now is an exciting time to be shopping for new large appliances. For further information, visit Continental Furniture and Appliances’ show room at 1155 Halifax Street in Regina.
| www.continentalfurniture.ca You’re Home summer 2016 | 61
Consider
shelving early in the design phase of your new home By Andrew Livingstone photos courtesy of simply stowed custom closets
62 | You’re Home summer 2016
To ensure your new home is both affordable and livable, it’s important to pay early attention to the necessity for efficient and effective storage. That’s the advise offered to future homeowners by Maria Nagel, co-owner of Simply Stowed Custom Closets in Regina. Nagel emphasizes the importance of approaching home design in as great a detail as possible in order to create a space that works in reality as well as on a blueprint. In planning their kitchens, for example, future homeowners, “are more obsessed about the colours and the counter, but what’s going inside? Do you have dishes, do you have pots – where are all of these things going?” she said. “I get bathrooms – it’s a hygiene issue, and it’s very important – but nobody thinks about where their towels are going, or their linens, their blankets and their comforters.” Rather than adhering to a standard layout, this often requires that a designer create solutions tailored to the individual, and homebuyers need to anticipate their idiosyncratic needs. “When you’ve lived in a home and you know how you live, you like your toaster on the counter, you like your Keurig put away, or, after breakfast is done, you want everything put away,” said Nagel. “You don’t want to see anything on the counters anymore.” When those realities are addressed during the design phase, the result is a house that can very quickly become a comfortable home. “I’m pretty sure that, for the first week, nobody’s using their kitchen,” Nagel said. “When they move in, I’m assuming the first thing they really want to do is set up their
When practical storage solutions are not considered in a home’s build, subsequent modifications can result in a settling-in period that is strained and prolonged.
Custom-designed shelving solutions will make your new home more livable. Designing your storage spaces during the initial planning phase of your home is also an affordable option.
bedroom so they have a place to sleep, and they need to get those clothes out of the boxes so that they have something to wear, because you can order in for a week if you’re unpacking boxes, but, as you’re unpacking boxes, you better have somewhere to put those things, or else they’re staying in those boxes.” Conversely, when practical storage solutions are not considered in a home’s build, subsequent modifications can result in a settling-in period that is strained and prolonged. “We do usually have to mud and repaint,” said Nagel. “How sad is it to have to renovate three to six months later, whether it’s a small space or a large space, after you’ve already moved into a brand new home? Do you really need that headache again of ripping out a rod and shelf because that’s all they threw in?” Making such modifications to the design before construction can increase the price of the build, which may intimidate home buyers, but the alternative creates a hidden cost. “Sometimes, they’re scared to make changes because everything’s an upgrade, so they just leave it as is,” Nagel said. However, it is better to be aware of the true price of the project from the beginning – and find savings elsewhere if possible – than to add more expenses after the project was supposed to be complete. Moreover, if storage solutions are not included in the initial expense of the home, then they cannot be considered when the project’s financing is calculated. “They can’t put it on their mortgage now,” said Nagel. “It wasn’t a package deal for them, and they don’t have that thousand or two thousand dollars to do something.” Improperly stored possessions are often lost too, because using cardboard boxes as “portable
shelving” makes it easy to bury or misplace belongings and offers little protection for valuables. “I walk into many homes where the basement is the catchall,” Nagel said. “In a lot of older homes, you need to be very careful of not just leaving cardboard boxes on the floor.” Nagel says that the onus is on the future homeowner to ensure that their
practical needs are being addressed from the start. “I just think that customers need to start taking more of the reins and asking questions,” she said. “This is big-time money, and you should feel like you put it to really good use and got value for your dollar.” For more information, visit www.simplystowed. com.
Sometimes the best place for mortgage advice is in your own living room. Get personalized advice from a CIBC Mobile Mortgage Advisor at a time and place that’s most convenient for you.
To arrange a meeting that works for you, contact: Laura Wittig 306-531-3346 1-866-293-3616 laura.wittig@cibc.com Language(s) spoken: English cibc.com/mortgages
FOR WHAT MATTERS. “CIBC For what matters.” is a TM of CIBC.
You’re Home summer 2016 | 63
Improve your
View
by Tobie Hainstock
PHOTOS COURTESY of BUDGET BLINDS
When it comes to window treatments, blinds
are always a very popular choice. Because they come in so many types and styles, they offer versatility as well as privacy and protection from the warm sun. However, when it comes to cleaning and maintaining blinds, it is something many of us would rather not want to be bothered with. Whether you are in the hub of spring cleaning or simply wish to do a bit of freshening, cleaning blinds is always a dreaded task. They can be difficult to dismantle and can get tangled up or even break while we are simply trying to clean them. Many of us do the cleaning ourselves when we need to. We remove them from their mounts, wipe them down and then proceed to soak them in the bathtub for the day. After their soak in the tub, it’s time to drain them and dry them to the best of your ability which usually results in a lot of water dripping everywhere. The entire process can be a cumbersome task indeed. For homeowners looking to restore the original beauty of their window treatments, good news awaits. A new cleaning process is available that is quick and effortless!
The Ultrasonic cleaning process offered at Budget Blinds will restore your window treatments to their original beauty.
64 | You’re Home summer 2016
Ultrasonic cleaning is ideal for smokers and people with allergies or pets. It is a quick process that can take as little as three to five minutes from pre-checking the blind to hanging it for drying.” mckenzie herold, budget blinds
ULTRASONIC BLIND CLEANING
The Ultrasonic cleaning machine offered at Budget Blinds in Regina is a remarkable way to keep your blinds looking fresh and clean. “The ultrasonic cleaning process is very simple,” said McKenzie Herold of Budget Blinds. “The process generates thousands of microscopic cleaning bubbles which lift dirt, grime and dust away from the surface.” The process will even eliminate nicotine from cigarette smoke, bacteria and other elements from the blind and its components. The ultrasonic cleaning process is great for all types of window treatments: Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, cellular blinds, pleated shades or silhouettes. “We can even clean motorized blinds, we just don’t put the heads in the water.” Wooden blinds are the only ones that Herold does not put through the ultra sonic process as she notes that soaking the wood could cause warping to occur. HOW IT WORKS
The entire cleaning process doesn’t take long at all and Herold is pleased to walk through the steps. The machine itself consists of two long chambers. One chamber contains water and a biodegradable cleaning substance that is highly effective while completely safe for the environment and does not harm the skin in any way. The second chamber is a rinsing tub and contains only water. Each tub is filled with water at a temperature between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the cleaning agent is added to one of the chambers. Once the machine is turned on, it takes about 10 minutes for the water and cleaner to process. Prior to immersing the blind into the cleaning chamber, it is carefully inspected for damage or stains. Stains are noted by size and type. Anything that is found is brought to the attention of the customer so that they can authorize repairs if required or desired. The blind is opened and the cords are dipped in first. Then the blind is placed into the cleaning chamber in a u-shape and rotated in the solution. As the blind is being cleaned, the water will turn colour slightly depending on how dirty it is. “The active bubbles inside the chamber clean the blind thoroughly,” said Herold. After cleaning for a few minutes, the blind is then rinsed in the second chamber. Once it has been well rinsed, it is power vacuumed to get all of the excess water out. No drying agent is necessary, Herold simply towel dries at this point
and then hangs until completely dry. The blind is later stored in plastic for as long as needed. This is ideal for those who are storing them for future use. A CONVENIENT INVESTMENT
“Ultrasonic cleaning is ideal for smokers and people with allergies or pets. It is a quick process that can take as little as three to five minutes from pre-checking the blind to hanging it for drying,” comments Herold. If taking down and reinstalling your blinds is not something you care to do; no problem! Many blind cleaning companies such as Budget Blinds will come to your home, take your blinds to be cleaned and put them back for you when they are dry and ready to use again. It’s so easy as well as cost efficient. Custom blinds are an investment that you’ve made in your home that could easily run to hundreds of dollars. By calling professionals like Budget Blinds, you could save your investment for a fraction of the cost of buying new. It may also increase the longevity of your blinds. Enjoy your beautiful blinds for years to come with a little TLC and some ultrasonic cleaning! For further details, visit www. budgetblinds.com.
One Home at aTime.
441QuebecSt.•www.pbcustomcabinetsregina.ca•306-543-6112 You’re Home summer 2016 | 65
Volunteers are at the
heart
By Mike Shiplack
of Habitat for Humanity Regina
Habitat for Humanity Regina depends on local communities to help build a home for hardworking Regina families. Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity not only break a sweat but also develop new skills. As an added reward, they end a satisfying workday with that warm and fuzzy feeling of making a real, tangible difference. u
A sod-turning ceremony in June 2015 kicked off the Habitat for Humanity build at Haultain Crossing. The project will see 64 townhouses constructed in a five-year period, making the development the largest Habitat for Humanity build in Saskatchewan.
66 | You’re Home summer 2016
photo: Don Healy / Regina LeaderPost
NEW SHOW HOMES NOW OPEN!
E
xplore Kensington Kensington Greens, Greens,aacommunity communityofofhomes homeswith with classicarchitectural architectural charm enduring craftsmanship. classic charm andand enduring craftsmanship. Choose from a selection spacious Choose from a selection of of af affordable affordable andand spacious floorfloor plans expertly designed Regina’s most established home plans expertly designed by by Regina’s most established home builders. Many homes feature front street verandahs, attached builders. Many homes feature front street verandahs, attached garages, larger garages, largerback backyards, yards,rear rearlane laneaccess accessand andwide widelots, lots, making for an inviting streetscape and friendlier neighbourhood. making for an in inviting viting streetscape and friendlier neighbourhood.
Located in north Regina, Kensington Greens is an architecturally Located in north Regina, Kensington Greens is an architecturally styled development including park spaces, play areas for children styled development including park spaces, play areas for and lit pedestrian walkways. Choice park facing sites are available children and lit pedestrian walkways. Choice park facing sites for executive styled homes. are available for executive styled homes.
Participating Builders:
Never felt comfortable swinging a hammer? Do it 300 times and you’ll feel like a pro at the end of the day. Or maybe you’d prefer to help someone renovate their home? That’s great too, because Regina’s ReStore accepts both donations and volunteer positions. Volunteers can be a journeyman carpenter, a certified accountant, a restaurant worker or a student looking to break into the trades. Habitat for Humanity Regina always needs volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds. “Without volunteers we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. Volunteers are the very heart of Habitat for Humanity. And that’s why everyone is welcome to lend a hand,” explained Tracey Mazur, Director of Development, Marketing and Communications for Habitat for Humanity Regina. Currently, all the home building efforts in Regina are focused on Haultain Crossing – the second largest Habitat build in Canada. With only 14 out of 62 units completed there is still lots of work to be done. The project will be completed by 2018. And Habitat for Humanity is not just about building homes. Restaurants and families can donate meals for work crews; volunteers can stock shelves at the ReStore; and local companies can Adopt-A Day as a teambuilding exercise right at Haultain Crossing. According to Mazur, the Adopt-A-Day program can handle up to 10 to 15 volunteers at a time. “As a corporate group, you’re working right alongside many of the family members you’re building the home for. It’s a very meaningful experience that creates a sense of accomplishment. Often many of our Adopt-A-Day volunteers return to continue helping out on-site or at the ReStore,” said Mazur. A typical volunteer construction shift is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and lunch is provided. The day starts with safety orientation and hands-on training from industry professionals. Volunteers are provided with hardhats, footwear and eye protection. Other than that, every day is something different. It might be siding, framing, shingling, drywalling – it really depends on the stage of the build process. “Volunteering with Habitat For Humanity is a resume builder for sure, especially when it comes to the trades,” said Mazur, who works with Prairie Valley School, Regina Trades and Skills, and the Trades and Skills Construction Apprentice Program. “It’s a great experience for high school 68 | You’re Home summer 2016
Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is a resume builder for sure, especially when it comes to the trades. It’s a great experience for high school students because they can get basic training in a trade to see if they like it.” tracey mazur, habitat for humanity regina
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Over 200 women joined forces at the end of April for Habitat for Humanity Regina’s 200K Women Build. Each of the 200 women donated $1,000 towards the project, for a total of $200,000. The women also assisted in the actual construction of the townhouses on Edgar Street. photo: Bryan Schlosser / Regina LeaderPost
Fourteen families will move into their new Habitat homes this summer. photo: Troy Fleece / Regina LeaderPost
students because they can get basic training in a trade to see if they like it.” It doesn’t take long for a volunteer to see the impact of their generosity on one hardworking Regina family. Whether it’s a staff team building exercise, a family outing, a school project or just an individual wanting to make a difference, Habitat for Humanity is happy to take any help they can get. “The impact for the families is quite tangible. Many of our families are paying more than 70 per cent of the annual income on rent or a mortgage. That’s when you have
to make tough decisions. Home ownership is a chance to build equity and with Habitat for Humanity mortgage payments are set at 25 per cent of a family’s gross income. That is what makes it a real life-changing situation,” explained Mazur. To sponsor a Habitat Home, sign-up for an Adopt-A-Day, learn a new skill, help out at the ReStore or make lunch for some hard-working volunteers visit www.habitatregina.ca. For more details, call Heather Clair, volunteer coordinator, directly at (306) 522-9733.
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For information contact Merna Evans at 306-584-5378 You’re Home summer 2016 | 69 www.evansdevelopmentgroup.com | Email: evansdev@accesscomm.ca
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affinity credit union
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alair homes
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All Weather Windows
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Emerald Park Homes Ltd.
Best Price Railing Ltd. Better Business Bureau of Sask. Inc.
enercon products – A beacon roofing supply company
Biofoam Spray Foam Insulation & Coatings
Evans Development Group Inc.
birchwood builders
everflow eaves & exteriors inc.
Brandt Tractor Ltd.
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Budget Blinds
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Builders’ Plumbing and Heating
Fanny’s Furniture & Kitchens
Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation
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Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Fix Building Products
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Capital Ford Lincoln - commercial & fleet
forster projects
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CertaPro Painters
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cgw contracting ltd.
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galon insurance brokers
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geiger homes & developments ltd.
gypsum drywall interiors saskatchewan ltd. Habitat for Humanity Regina Harmony Builders Ltd. Harris Rebar Harvard communities harvard western insurance henderson insurance inc. holliberries interiors inc. Home Solutions homes & land regina and southern saskatchewan Homes by Dream homes by jms hth custom homes ltd. hub international insurance brokers HYBRID renovation & restorations Hydeman Property Management Ltd. Information Services Corporation Inland Concrete Div of Lehigh Hanson Innovation Renovation & Roofing Inc. I-XL Masonry Supplies Ltd. J & C Custom Cabinets Ltd. james hardie building products janson homes & realty JELD-WEN Windows and Doors JIC Windows & Doors jlb electric ltd. K.M. Burgess Agencies Ltd. Kanuka Thuringer LLP Karina Developments Ltd. Kaycan Ltd. Kelturn Drywall Ltd. Kim Shaheen Financial Inc. Kitchen & Bath Classics Kitchen Craft Cabinetry Klean King Vac Ltd. KMP Law Kratz Homes Ltd. kraus canada inc. krn residential design ltd. l & m plumbing and heating Lafarge North America Larry’s Sheet Metal
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clark's custom creations
GES Global Experience Specialists
clear view windows and doors
Gilroy Homes Inc.
clutter x organizing systems
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CNG Stone Products Ltd.
glenrose master builder
Coast Wholesale Appliances inc.
Golden West Radio (800 CHAB / COUNTRY 100/mix 103)
Lowe’s Canada
grasshopper construction
MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP
Cold Busters Insulation Services colliers custom carpentry ltd.
70 | You’re Home summer 2016
layne arthur architecture ltd. Leader Post - Div of Postmedia Network INC. Lennox Ind. (Canada) Ltd. Loraas Disposal Services Ltd. luxury granite, quartz & marble
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man cave coatings
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McKercher LLP merit contractors association michael lasko photography microage regina Midwest Surveys Inc. Mikron Homes & Construction Ltd. mirolin industries corporation Munro Homes Ltd. mwc chartered professional accountants ltd. N.I.S. Contractors Ltd. National Home Warranty Group Inc.
Regina Construction Association
Reimer Custom Homes & commercial Inc.
Terra Developments Inc.
Renewed Kitchens
that guy contracting
Richardson Lighting
the bevelled edge countertops
Rick’s Custom Cabinets & Renovations Ltd.
the ensuite – a division of emco corporation
Ripplinger Homes Robinson Residential Design Inc. rohit communities Rona Home & Garden roof-cat roofing roofmart prairies ltd. RSE (Regina Soffit & Eaves) Ltd.
New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan
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nexus construction ltd.
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tailored living featuring premieR garage – southern sask.
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
the floor show (regina) ltd. the shake shop cedar warehouse Thomas Sand & Gravel Timberstone Distribution Regina tnc electric Town & Country Plumbing & Heating (2004) Trademark Homes Inc. Travelodge Hotel & Conference Centre Trithart Homes ltd. Truss T. Mfg. Ltd.
saskatchewan ready mixed concrete Association
tth law firm
saskatchewan science centre
urban oasis
SaskEnergy
utopia designs
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Varsity Homes Ltd.
SaskTel
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Operation Dirt (2006) Inc.
Scotia McLeod – Prairieview Wealth Management
optimum roofing inc.
Security Building Supplies
Wheatland Fireplace
Overhead Door Co. of regina (1973) ltd.
Shatkowski Homes
P.B. Custom Cabinets Renovations & Millworks
Wheatland Roofing Inc.
Shaver’s Sash & Door Ltd.
Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc.
Sherwood Co-op Home Centre
windfield construction ltd.
Sierra Construction Ltd.
Wood Country
simply stowed custom closets
wsp canada inc.
North Ridge Development Corporation Northern Fireplace Ltd. Northern Tar & contracting ltd. Nu-Fab Building Products Olive Waller Zinkhan & Waller LLP on av inc.
Pacesetter New Homes Ltd. Palandri Cabinets Paramount Plantscapes Ltd. Parkland Carpet One pekarbilt construction Phantom Screens phillips blinds & shades Ply Gem Canada Inc. porchlight posh patio deck covers inc. primary engineering and construction Prime Fasteners Professional Plumbing & Heating Inc. Progressive Home Warranty Solutions Inc. PV waste solutions quantum construction inc. queen city custom construction inc. Queen City Glass (1961) Ltd. queen city overhead door inc. rainsoft (regina) ltd. RBC Royal Bank
urban fringe developments ltd.
WestSource
SlabMaster Ltd.
Yagar Developments Inc.
South Country Equipment Ltd.
young’s insulation services inc.
southland roofing inc.
zarkor construction ltd.
Spray Guard Air Tight Solutions Inc. Spraywest Inc. spring green homes ltd. Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Bold listings indicate members advertising in this issue
Steel Craft Door Sales & Services Ltd. Sterling Plg, Htg & A/C Ltd. Sthamann Homes Inc. Sun Life Financial sun west construction ltd. suncoast enclosures sundog developments ltd. Sunset Bay Leisure superblinds & draperies of regina Superior Cabinets superior garage
You’re Home summer 2016 | 71
CLOSING REMARKS
By Stu Niebergall, President & CEO Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association
Economic growth is vital to city’s health
Pericles, the first Mayor of Athens said, “All things good of this earth flow to the city.” With the high level of urbanization in the world that has occurred in the past 200 years, some may argue this point with Pericles today. The first modern city to reach one million people was London, England, in 1810, and then New York City in 1875. Today there are over 300 cities worldwide with populations of greater than one million people. In a Regina context, we have calculated that if our city continues to grow at its current accelerated rate, we will reach one million people in approximately 100 years. Regina’s humble beginnings started in the same way as most world cities. First it was a settlement surrounded by simple farming. Over time, people began to take on more specialized occupations, more trade occurred, more food was stored, and power began to be centralized. In time, that centralization led to Regina becoming the capital city of our great province. Today, some would suggest that the growth of our city is unsustainable. Wrong, 72 | You’re Home summer 2016
it is sustainable when a city is true-to-cause in understanding what its purpose is. The purpose of a city is simple, to facilitate affluence for its citizens and alleviate poverty. Housing affordability is a crucial component in that cause. Economic growth plays an imperative role in the health of a city. We have heard the criticism that with the increase of affluence in a city, wealth does not distribute to citizens completely equitably. Make no mistake, economic growth is the only way that affluence can increase for all citizens regardless of their starting point. Nor can we take economic growth for granted. Look at the city of Detroit, for example, which grew to a population of 1.5 million by 1970, but today is now under 700,000 people. Citizens are not better off today in Detroit than they were in 1970. Economic growth matters. The residential construction industry is doing its part to respond to an ever-changing housing market in Regina. As a result, in 2015, our industry created over a $1/2 billion in investment in Regina that gener-
In 2015, our industry created over $1/2 billion in investment in Regina that generated over 3,000 jobs for Regina citizens. ated over 3,000 jobs for Regina citizens. Those jobs provided over $200 million in wages that showed up in purchases right across the whole economy. In addition, the purchase of new homes contributed millions of dollars to all three levels of governments through different forms of taxation. As much as the residential housing industry adds significantly to Regina’s economy, our city’s growth is the result of several sectors’ economic activity in Regina and surrounding area. While our city and province have benefited from significant economic growth over the last decade, the past year has certainly created some head winds. What is now necessary is for our municipal and provincial governments to attract investment and job growth. To be successful to that aim, we need to be more than competitive with other jurisdictions. We need to leverage our strengths and offer exceptional value for business investment to create the economic growth, jobs and increasing prosperity that we desire. The provincial and municipal governments cannot do this alone. Economic growth also requires the citizens of Regina and the province to desire growth as well. We must give our political leaders permission to take some risks. As a tax payer, I do not want to see any of my tax dollars wasted and I want maximum value for what I pay in taxes. At the same time, if we don’t allow our political leaders to take any risk to pursue economic growth for our community, we must recognize there is a cost to that as well. A few years ago the question was how we best manage growth, in part because growth came fairly easy. Today we need to roll up our sleeves and think more innovatively on how we create value to attract investment. We all have a stake and a dividend in some form when our community attracts more business, more jobs and more people. My hope for citizens, policy makers and political leaders is that we add new vigour to the idea of keeping Regina growing.
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