Living Space - Spring 2015 by Postmedia Saskatchewan

SPACES

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T HE O FFICIAL M AGAZINE OF THE S AS K AT O O n & R E GI O N HO ME B UI L DE R S ‘ A S S O C I AT I O N

SPRING 2015

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HomeStyles welcomes

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A Message from SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

By Karen Kobussen Director of Member Relations Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association P: (306) 955-5188 E: info@saskatoonhomebuilders.com

When I was growing up, my Dad, who was a draftsman, had a drafting table set up in our living room. Fond are the memories of my sister and I sitting on the living room floor playing Clue© or Monopoly© while my Dad drafted house plans night after night right beside us. He had designed the house we lived in back then − a totally modern, uniquely styled home where every square inch was functional living space. It wasn’t until I was in my teens that I realized how different our house was from my friends’ homes. Back then, formal living rooms were common and formal dining rooms even more so. The only apparent purpose of these rooms was to be cleaned often but never, ever used. One was never allowed to actually step foot in these rooms (especially children!). They were, to me, akin to museum-esque shrines, typically adorned with three-inch shag carpet (usually cream or white), with vinyl “wrapping” over upholstered furniture. End tables, china cabinets and curios were over-run with hundreds of knick-knacks, photos and crocheted doilies. Come to think of it, I was never really sure what was in there because we were only allowed to gaze upon the room from afar. As kids, we never actually knew what the consequences would be if we dared to enter these mausoleums as the not-so-thinly veiled threat of certain punishment was omnipresent. They would always know if we did, however, evidenced by kid footprints on a carpet that only ever had vacuum cleaner tracks on it. Don’t get me wrong – these rooms were beautiful to look at, filled with personal mementos and precious collectibles that were very special to their owners. But, they were never used,

never ‘lived’ in. I couldn’t understand how anyone could do without the space of nearly half of their house. Fast forward to today and we see home designs and floor plans that are all about functionality and use of space. Traditional living rooms and formal dining rooms have merged with kitchens and family rooms to create great rooms and open spaces that are welcome and inviting. Colour palettes are chosen to create subtle distinction between rooms, but at the same time, flow harmoniously throughout to tie them together. Cabinetry, countertops and appliances are on display and are selected with as much consideration these days as one would give when selecting furniture. Flooring, lighting and even kitchen taps, hinges and door hardware are the modern equivalent of yesterday’s knick-knacks. They are meant to be seen and used regularly, and thus are crafted for both style and function. These accoutrements are the showcase pieces of today’s homes. This is what LIVING SPACES magazine is all about – helping to make our homes livable and our space functional by bringing ideas, product information and expert advice to our readers from the professional members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. If you are thinking about building a new home, renovating the one you’re in or looking for design ideas to create your ‘living space’, plan to attend the HomeStyles Home Show, March 19 – 22 at Prairieland Park. Home builders, designers and renovators will be on hand to help you create your perfect living space. As Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home”, and I couldn’t agree with her more. LS

L I VI NG

SPACES

TH E OFFICIAL M AGA Z INE OF T H E SAS KATOOn & REGION HOME BUILDERS ’ ASSOCIATION

contents

F E AT U R E S 13

AT HOME New baby, new lifestyle, new home!

20 HOMESTYLES welcomes HGTV’s Damon Bennett & Kate Campbell 25 All decked out! 30 PARK IT HERE! Green space integral to Saskatoon’s newest neighbourhoods 44 HOME, SAFE HOME

46 LIGHTING THE WAY Lighting trends for 2015 64 Apprenticeship opens doors to rewarding careers

SPRING 2015 EDITOR Jeannie Armstrong ART DIRECTION James Grummett

68 44 62 D E PA R T M E N T S

DESIGN & R E N O VAT I O N 34 FITTING IN How to plan a successful infill build 38

What inspires you?

42 ONE-STOP-SHOPPING Homes by Dream Sales Centre & Décor Studio 53

Statement wall speaks volumes

Bespoke beauty

Farmhouse style

F OO D & E N T E R TA I N I N G

68 IN THE KITCHEN Chef Christopher Hill

ASK AN EXPERT Fresco Interiors Design Group

NEW MEMBER PROFILE Frontier Plumbing & Heating Supply

48 COMMUNITY Dalmeny a family oasis on the prairies 50 CAREER FRONT Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association Career Development Fund 52

ASK AN EXPERT Maison Fine Homes

54 ASK AN EXPERT Sheila Ashdown Century 21 Fusion 58

TRAILBLAZERS Keystone Developments

60 AFFORDABLE HOUSING SHIP leads new affordable housing initiatives

PHOTOGRAPHY Jeff Lyons Elaine Mark CONTRIBUTIN G WRITERS Jeannie Armstrong Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Hilary Klassen Tom Eremondi Jesse Green Ashleigh Mattern Paul Sinkewicz PROJECT COORDINATIO N Karen Kobussen Doreen Greenwood PUBLISHER The StarPhoenix

FR ONT C OVER

Willowgrove Park, photo courtesy of City of Saskatoon

Living Spaces is published by The StarPhoenix on behalf of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association To reserve your advertising space in the upcoming edition of Living Spaces, contact (306) 657-6369 or email: dgreenwood@thestarphoenix.com 9

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome Jeannie Armstrong Ed i t o r

E: jarmstrong@thestarphoenix.com

Nesting season isn’t just for the birds! The arrival of spring triggers the nesting instinct in all of us! This edition of LIVING SPACES Magazine is sure to inspire, whether you’re building a brand new home – or ‘refeathering’ your existing abode. Often, changing life circumstances influence our decision to build or renovate. For Kim and Conrad Ehr, the arrival of their baby son, Hunter, led to the design and construction of a new home in Stonebridge. In our continuing “At Home” series, we take our readers on a tour of their family-friendly residence. Can’t decide where to build your nest? In this edition of LIVING SPACES, you’ll learn more about the ‘green’ design strategies influencing new subdivisions, as well as the popularity of infill projects in the city’s ma-

ture neighbourhoods. Spring is also the season to refresh your home with the latest decorating trends. LIVING SPACES turns the spotlight on the latest lighting trends, statement walls and ways to bring ‘farmhouse chic’ into your home. Discover more great ideas for your home at HomeStyles 2015, March 19 to 22, at Prairieland Park. Presented by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, HomeStyles is Saskatchewan’s premier building, renovating and decorating show, offering over 240 informative exhibits and displays. HomeStyles is pleased to welcome two great HGTV stars to this year’s show: Damon Bennett and Kate Campbell. This edition of LIVING SPACES offers fascinating interviews with both stars about their latest projects. Enjoy!

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AT HOME

Proud new parents, Kim and Conrad Ehr, enjoy a family moment with their seven month-old son, Hunter.

New baby, new lifestyle, new home! by Jeannie Armstrong Photos by Elaine Mark, D & M Im a g e s

There are very few life events that have greater impact than the arrival of your first baby! When Conrad and Kim Ehr began planning their family, they knew it was time to build a home that would better reflect their needs and those of their baby son, Hunter, now seven months old. Conrad Ehr is a long-time member of the management team at Ehrenburg Homes and joined his father Joe Ehr as an owner in 2014. Known as the “Castle Company,” Ehrenburg builds between 70 to 80 homes a year in the Saskatoon region. This includes a mixture of townhomes, model homes and custom homes. No matter the style or the type, Ehrenburg has a hired team of professionals and a quality team of subtrades to deliver a remarkable new home. It’s no wonder that Conrad and Kim felt confident in the company’s ability to design and build a family-sized home that met all of their expectations. The first decision the Ehrs had to make was one of the easiest: where to build. Staying in their existing neighbourhood of Stone-

bridge was a priority. “We didn’t even look at any other areas,” says Kim. “We’ve lived in Stonebridge since 2008 and really like the neighbourhood. It’s so family-oriented, with lots of parks and walking trails,” says Conrad. The couple has enjoyed watching the neighbourhood develop and mature over the past six years. “It’s nice to see how much the trees have grown since we first moved here,” says Conrad. “Stonebridge also has so many amenities now – great shopping, restaurants and services.” They also like the sense of community that has evolved in Stonebridge. “We have lots of family and friends who now live in the area. Our neighbours are really great. And there are lots of young families here,” says Conrad. With a large pie-shaped lot selected, it was time to design the Ehrs’ new familystyle home. The couple referenced Ehrenburg Homes’ extensive portfolio of floor C o n t in u ed o n p ag e 16

at home c o n t in u ed f r o m p ag e 14 plans and then worked with their design team to customize their design. “We wanted our home to be practical and functional, but also have some nice amenities throughout,” says Conrad. The Ehrs decided on a ‘modern traditional’ style, which offered a pleasing mix of traditional and contemporary design elements. “We also carefully considered the site orientation and how the house would be situated on the lot. We wanted to make sure there were lots of windows, to bring in as much natural light as possible,” says Kim. “The main floor of the home was designed for entertaining, with a spacious, open floor plan,” adds Kim. Guests are welcomed into the home’s spacious foyer, which leads to the large living room. Although a defined space, the sight lines from the living room extend into the kitchen/dining area, preventing the room from feeling closed off. The focal point of the living room is a natural gas fireplace, trimmed in Hackett cut stone in ‘black oak.’ Handsomely crafted built-in cabinets flank the fireplace, an ideal hiding spot for the TV’s digital box and other electronic components. At the heart of the home is the super-sized kitchen and dining area. “When we get together with family, we’re usually in the kitchen. We find the large island and the additional serving counter and coffee bar, complete with its own small fridge, very convenient,” says Kim. The huge kitchen is fashionably dressed from floor-to-ceiling in alabaster-toned Shaker-style cabinets from Superior Cabinets’ Fusion line. Preferring a sleek, uncluttered look, the Ehrs asked the kitchen designers to ramp up the storage potential, including oodles of pots and pan drawers, a built-in wine rack and a hideaway cabinet for the microwave oven. Additional storage is available in the walk-through mudroom, next to the kitchen. The pass-through access is convenient when bringing in groceries from the garage. The Ehrs had their finish carpenter construct built-in bench seating in the mudroom; the cushioned seat lifts up to reveal even more storage space. On the opposite side of the island is an informal dining area. A dropped ceiling over the dining room table defines the space without interrupting the traffic flow and sight lines between the living room and the kitchen. The addition of an adjoining 258 square-foot sunroom also enhances the room’s open feel. “The glass doors open the full width of the room. 16

When we’re entertaining we can open up the space from the kitchen/dining area right into the sunroom,” says Conrad. “We really like being out on our deck during the summer, so we decided to add the sunroom as a way of extending the season. It’s got baseboard electric heat which allows us to use it almost year-round.” While the home’s main floor is ideal for entertaining, the second storey has been designed as a personal retreat for the young family. “One of the top things on our wish list was having an upstairs bonus room, next to the bedrooms. It’s a nice place to relax and hang out as a family,” says Conrad. The couple describes the bonus room located at the top of the stairs as “a cozy area” where they can relax on their comfy sectional, watching TV or listening to music. “Hunter’s toys are up here and we don’t have to worry about tidying up constantly,” says Conrad. “We chose not to close off the bonus room with doors because we wanted to emphasize that nice, open feel,” he adds. An upstairs laundry room was also a priority, says Kim. “Having the laundry room upstairs, close to the bedrooms, was important. It’s so nice to have the built-in cabinets and countertops for folding clothes.” “Now that Hunter’s around, it seems like we’re always doing laundry,” laughs Conrad. Three bedrooms are located upstairs, including a large master with a spa-inspired ensuite. “We really spent a lot of time designing the custom shower. It’s all digital, on a prompt system, so you can pre-program the time, temperature and sprays each person prefers for their shower. There are eight different showerheads, a dropped tile ceiling, enclosed with an estate series glass wall and door,” says Conrad. Turning up the luxury in the ensuite is a deep tub with air jets. “The back of the tub is heated,” says Kim, who appreciated that added degree of comfort during the final stage of her pregnancy. The furniture-style maple and quartz vanity is a source of pride for Conrad and Kim. “We worked with Superior Cabinets on the custom design. We really wanted to have a centre tower storage unit instead of a conventional medicine cabinet. We also wanted to have the lights recessed into the dropped bulkheads,” says Kim. “We were going for the spa effect – which we definitely achieved and get to enjoy every day!’” The walk-in closet in the master suite was also customized to the Ehrs’ specifications, in discussion with Ehrenburg’s finish carpenter. “The next 17

thing I knew, we had a big shoe rack in the closet, with a dozen shelves all at a 30-degree angle,” laughs Conrad. While Kim got her ‘shoe closet,’ Conrad can lay claim to the three-car tandem garage. An overhead door at the back of the garage provides access to a concrete pad in the back yard. “We can pull the vehicles or our boat through and have additional parking on that pad. And when Hunter gets older, we can put a basketball net there,” says Conrad. Thoughtful design and quality construction has ensured this exquisite home will accommodate the Ehr family for many years to come. It’s an expectation that all clients of Ehrenburg Homes can rely on, evidenced by the numerous awards the company has received over the past three decades, including last year’s Bridges Award for Builder of the Year, presented by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. “Every new home that we (Ehrenburg) builds, we build as if it’s our own. We put the same level of quality and attention to detail into every single home we build – that is what makes us the Castle Company. We are very honoured to have the privilege to have worked with so many great clients over the past 32 years. We’re always honoured to be able to deliver the home that they want and deserve,” says Conrad. LS 18

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2015

H G T V sta r Damon B ennett r e t u rns t o HomeStyles by Jennifer J a c o b y- Sm i t h

HomeStyles welcomes HGTV’s Damon Bennett & Kate Campbell 20

It’s been over a year since HGTV star Damon Bennett left the crew at Mike Holmes’ Holmes on Homes. You might think life has slowed down for the 42-year-old renovation star, but he reports his schedule is as full as ever. Currently, Bennett serves as the construction manager for Ontario Villa Construction. The company is working on about $3 million worth of renovation work in Toronto. Bennett also owns his own construction company – Bennett Construction – which takes on smaller jobs. In addition he puts in a lot of time with animal welfare charities and continues to speak to audiences across the country about an issue that is close to his heart – getting Canada’s military veterans into the construction industry. Growing up in a small town in Ontario near Ottawa, Bennett says he saw war veterans all the time. “When I was younger all the veterans I knew were older men and older women. Back then the wars were so long ago,” explains Bennett. “As I got older, Canada has been to war and now I’ve had friends who are war veterans… and what they have to deal with in terms of post-traumatic stress disorder when they come back is really close to my heart.” The first military vets Bennett hired were for Holmes’ crew on their HGTV show and he immediately noticed a transformation. “They came right out of their shells because all of a sudden they were back in that group dynamic − almost like when they were overseas, because that’s what they miss. They don’t miss the fighting. They miss the camaraderie with everyone,” he notes. It’s a win for the construction trades as well. Bennett explains, that in his experience, veterans tend to be highly motivated, highly skilled and highly trainable. The construction

industry faces numerous challenges over the next 10 years with 40 to 50 per cent of their workforce set to retire. Finding motivated, skilled workers is key to keeping the industry growing and affordable. As well as helping veterans enter the construction industry, Bennett also speaks to youth and women about the rewards of working in the trades. “You get a lot of respect. You’re paid well. You have a great career because you’re making money and you’re doing something you love,” Bennett says. And being a broad-shouldered, six-footsomething male isn’t a pre-requisite anymore. “It’s not like when I was a kid, we’d be lifting all the heavy materials around with our bodies. Now there’s machinery,” he says. “Women can actually dominate this industry.” Speaking at home shows and conferences across Canada is one of Bennett’s favourite things. He likes to use his platform to educate homeowners on hiring a contractor and especially how to avoid unscrupulous contractors. “It’s a huge problem across Canada, but we especially hear about it here in Toronto – people starting up a contracting business for a year or two and getting the money and then closing their company and ripping off a lot of people,” he explains.

Opening up your home to an unknown contractor can be a scary proposition for many homeowners. Bennett understands the trepidation. This is why, at events like HomeStyles in Saskatoon, he always strives to get audience members involved. “There’s no resource where people can ask contractors the tough questions. I let the crowd lead to what they want to talk about and it’s usually how to avoid disasters. So that’s what we talk about – the pitfalls of hiring a contractor and what to expect during a renovation,” Bennett says. He also credits renovation TV shows like Holmes on Homes with raising public awareness of the process when hiring a contractor and what to expect when doing a renovation. After all, when it comes to taking care of your house, there’s a significant investment involved – financial and emotional. “Everyone is going to own a home at some point in their lives, or at least live in one, and I think everyone should know what to look for in terms of renovating their homes,” says Bennett. “It’s your biggest investment and you really should be putting time and energy into it.” Damon Bennett will be appearing on the HomeStyles Speakers’ Stage on March 20 and 21. For complete details, visit www.homestylesonline.com. LS

Damon Bennett brings his usual charm and humour to HomeStyles this year. He’ll cover topics such as getting military veterans into the construction industry and what to expect when renovating. Photo courtesy Damon Bennett

HomeStyles welcomes HGTV’s K ate Ca m pbell by Hilary Klassen

Kate Campbell breaks the stereotypes about women in construction. She runs her own construction company, presents talks to women and girls about working in the trades, and has appeared in shows like “Decked Out” and “Disaster Decks” on HGTV. Photo courtesy of Tracy Nolan

HGTV’s Kate Campbell has starred as a crew member on various Mike Holmes’ brand television productions, as well as Decked Out, Disaster Decks and Deck Wars where she builds some of the country’s most interesting decks. Originally from Georgetown, Ontario, Campbell has been in the television and renovation industry for over seven years. When Living Spaces talked to Campbell she was busy filming two shows: Disaster Decks which was just putting a wrap on their winter season, and Custom Built, a new interior show which is taking the idea of Decked Out (“crazy cool designs and having fun while building”) and bringing it inside.

In January, Campbell was excited to film a pilot for her own show. Campbell’s path into the construction industry was a little unusual. “I was an extremely academic student and university seemed to be the path that I was supposed to follow,” she says. But something about the university track didn’t feel right - going just because it seemed inevitable. “I decided not to go and I travelled instead! It was a long and winding road that led me to the trades but I finally decided to take a “Women in Skilled Trades” (WIST) course out of Burlington, Ontario. Within the first week or so C o n t in u ed o n p ag e 24

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CAMPBELL

c ontinued from page 21

I knew that I wanted to develop a career in the trades.” After the three month WIST course, Campbell had to find a 400-hour work placement. She thought, why not work for arguably the best known contractor in Canada. “I applied to “Holmes on Homes” to get my placement hours. They brought me on after one interview and hired me half way through my hours!” she says. Being in the trades has allowed Campbell a lot of freedom. When she’s not building decks or other projects for television, she’s busy running her own construction company and flipping houses. “It has given me the ability and independence to do my own thing and be my own person.” She says she loves many things about being in construction − working with her hands, creating something tangible, being able to work outside, ongoing learning opportunities, and being able to say “I built that” or “I had a hand in building that.” But it wasn’t always easy establishing

herself as a tradesperson. “Unfortunately women only represent approximately four per cent of the skilled trades work force and that usually means that you will be one of the only women on site.” While Campbell has mainly found acceptance, she says there are still some lingering biases. “I’ve been told that I was “taking a man’s job” and that I “belong in the kitchen,” or asked if I actually knew how to use a power tool. These are rare examples of a bias that still exists somewhat. I’ve been extremely lucky to be surrounded by men that support me and will not put up with any kind of bias towards me.” Campbell senses that many people would love to have a female contractor in their home and that many trades people would love to hire women. She has become an advocate for women to work in the trades as a profession. “I love giving talks to middle school and high school (even college) students, talking about the benefits of a career in the trades.” Campbell has spoken at seminars geared towards encouraging girls to enter into non-

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traditional career choices. “It’s so fulfilling to talk to some of these girls afterwards and hear that they’ve had their eyes opened to something they’d never considered before. I wish I could have had someone come to talk to me about the trades. I’ve also had conversations with many middle aged women who have said to me that they would have loved to have been in the trades if they had known it was an option. I LOVE being able to talk to girls and women about the trades and encouraging them to follow their passion no matter what it is.” Kate Campbell will take the stage at the 2015 HomeStyles Show March 21 and 22. She will talk about how she got into the trades and her career in construction. She says the story has a couple of pretty big bumps in the road (hint, hint, severely broken legs). “I can’t wait to come out there!” says Campbell. “I look forward to seeing everyone at the HomeStyles show!” For more information visit homestylesonline.com. LS

ALL DECKED OUT! B y H ILARY K LASSEN P h o t o s COURTESY OF K ATE CA M P B ELL

If you watch HGTV, you’ve probably seen Kate Campbell all decked out in her hard hat and carpenter’s tool belt. It’s the attire of choice for this construction maven who has ramped up the gender balance as a crew member on shows like Decked Out, Disaster Decks, and Deck Wars, and some Mike Holmes series as well. Campbell has worked on some of the most amazing decks in Canada. To help the rest of us get “decked out,” she draws on considerable experience gained over more than seven years in the renovation and television industries, to track the latest trends in deck design and outdoor living. “One of the biggest trends in deck design is ‘low maintenance.’ Your backyard is supposed to be your sanctuary, a place right outside your backdoor that you can go to relax and decompress,” says Campbell. A big factor for most people who are investing big dol-

lars into that backyard escape is they won’t have to maintain it year after year. “One of the biggest low maintenance investments for decking is composite. You can power wash it clean, you don’t have to paint or stain it, it doesn’t fade, rot or crack.” An attractive feature of this product is it gets installed with hidden fasteners so there’s no ugly nail or screw heads showing on the top of your deck boards. Itis also an environmentally friendly option – it’s made of recycled materials, from reclaimed wood and sawdust to plastic packaging. Campbell says other low maintenance materials include PVC pergolas and cladding for posts and low maintenance railing systems. “Lots of people are even going for a “no grass” backyard in which they fill oncegrassed spaces with river rock or pavers.” Outdoor living spaces have evolved considerably to incorporate a variety of needs in 25

fresh ways. “The big, old, square deck is no more!” says Campbell, adding that Decked Out has shown people they can think outside the box in terms of deck design. The old, exclusively utilitarian approach has given way to aesthetic considerations that still offer functional and practical results. “You can incorporate curves and different shapes into your design. You can create different areas − barbecue zone, dining area, fire pit zone, sitting area − by either creating a level change or changing your decking pattern,” says Campbell. As Canadians we are well acquainted with long and sometimes extreme winters, so we like to push back the cold as long as possible to extend our outdoor living season. This means incorporating fire features and heating sources into the deck in creative ways to fend off the encroaching chill as nights get shorter. Lighting is a big factor for night time. “There are so many products available with so many ways to light up a deck, from spot lighting to riser lights, and lighting incorporated into your overhead structures. And

when in doubt, always include some kind of overhead structure,” says Campbell. Of all the decks she’s worked on, Campbell says there’s one that really stands out in her mind that exemplifies an unbelievable transformation. It was a townhouse in Toronto. The deck was over-top a parking garage with neighbours on both sides, minimal space and no privacy. “With the use of wellplaced privacy screens, a pergola with curtains, built-in benches, faux stone columns and stainless steel, we created a backyard transformation that would blow your mind!” The homeowners ended up with a deck that had an exclusive night club kind of feel and privacy galore. “I think it’s my favourite deck because usually you would look at such a small space and think ‘you can’t do anything with it, it’s too small.’ But with some creativity and design, anything is possible, and that deck proved it!” she says. Campbell will be speaking at HomeStyles on March 21 and 22. For more information visit homestylesonline.com. For additional inspiration on deck design and outdoor living spaces visit hgtv.ca/deckedout. LS

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Inspiring Design

Colour is so influential in our lives; it can soothe, excite, inspire or stagnate. The colours we surround ourselves with can influence our moods and affect our perceptions. If a home is “balanced” the colour will flow like a gentle stream from room to room − highlighting, shimmering and creating shadows of interest. If a home is “unbalanced,” the colour placement can make us feel uncomfortable and disconnected. Colour schemes which create a sense of continuity and harmony flow seamlessly, connecting one room to the next. THREE SECRETS TO COLOUR FLOW An Analogous Colour scheme will include any three colours which are side-by-side on a 12-part colour wheel, such as olive-green, green, and olive gray green. Allow these colours to flow from room to room, selecting the lightest to dominate. Consider a main colour such as Benjamin Moore Nantucket Gray (HC-111). Paint the front entry and master bedroom in a soothing, mid-toned Tate Olive (HC112), and accent doors and office walls in deep shades of Gloucester Sage (HC-100). Then select a textured large-scale wallpaper in undertones of Sussex Green (HC-109) and Gloucester Sage (HC-100) to highlight the great room wall. Hang a pewterframed sculptural mirror over a burnt espresso console to anchor the space. Complementary Colours are any two colours which are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. This season’s biggest colour trend features burnished metals in golds and coppers, complemented by a deep wild berry plum. Start with a neutral main tone such as Revere Pewter (HC—172). Accent living room/dining room walls in Autumn Purple (2073-20), with soft off-white leather seating. Infuse the rich tones of burnished copper and gold with accent toss cushions in Desert Camel (2162-20) and soft seating in velvet Dark Basalt (2072-10). This colour palette will evoke a rich luxurious feel. Layering Colour is the secret to creating an interesting space, whether you are planning a new room or an entirely new home. Lay out samples of flooring, upholstery fabrics, drapery, and wallpaper to create a blending of tones. View the samples in your own home, to see how the light and surrounding colour play off the new selections. We develop furniture floor plans by bringing upholstery fabrics, drapery and wallpapers to our clients’ home to view how each colour flows into the next based on the natural light in their home. The most interesting spaces intertwine light and dark shades, each hue flowing together beautifully.

Inspire Limitless Design

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Have You

? g n i l e e F g n i v o L Lost That

True -or- False 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

True or False: The last family gathering you hosted involved 12 lawn chairs, a blanket and several buckets of chicken at the Forestry Farm, because your kitchen and dining area is too small.

True or False: The morning rush for the EDWKURRP PHDQV \RXÂˇUH VHWWLQJ \RXU alarm three hours ahead of the rest of the family, to avoid showering in cold water. True or False: The lighting is so dim in your EDWKURRP \RXÂˇYH JRQH WR ZRUN ZLWK D different shade of eyeshadow on each eye. True or False: ,WÂˇV EHHQ PRQWKV VLQFH \RXÂˇYH YHQWXUHG LQWR WKH EDVHPHQW EHFDXVH LWÂˇV so cold and uninviting. Talk about wasted space! True or False: The walls inside your house DUH WKH RULJLQDO ÂśEXLOGHU EHLJH Âˇ ,WÂˇV D classic, right?

True or False: You continue to live in hope that shag carpeting is coming back into style.

Remember that giddy feeling of excitement you had the day you moved into your house? You thought your love would last forever â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but as the years have passed, that sense of enchantment has faded. Your home no longer IXOO\ VDWLVĂ&#x20AC;HV \RXU IDPLO\ÂˇV QHHGV DQG HYHU\RQHÂˇV IHHOLQJ D little cramped for style. Is it time to move on? You can bring back that loving feeling you once had for your home, with help from Centennial 360! From kitchen and bathroom makeovers to basement developments, Centennial 360 makes it easy to get started on those KRPH LPSURYHPHQW SURMHFWV \RXÂˇYH EHHQ SXWWLQJ RII DOO this time. %HVW RI DOO DW &HQWHQQLDO \RX GRQÂˇW KDYH WR JR DW LW DORQH &HQWHQQLDO ÂˇV SURIHVVLRQDO WHDP RI GHVLJQ consultants and renovation experts will ensure that the KRPH LPSURYHPHQWV \RXÂˇYH EHHQ GUHDPLQJ RI FRPH true â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on budget, on time, and with incredible style! $ YLVLW WR &HQWHQQLDO ZLOO RSHQ \RXU H\HV WR \RXU KRPHÂˇV true potential. The elegant presentation centre is sure to inspire, with samples of the latest paint colours, countertop PDWHULDOV EDFNVSODVK DQG Ă RRULQJ FKRLFHV 7KH square foot retail showroom features an endless selection RI IDVKLRQDEOH Ă&#x20AC;[WXUHV IDXFHWV FDELQHWV DQG DFFHVVRULHV from leading manufacturers across North America and Europe. With the design concept approved and materials VHOHFWHG &HQWHQQLDO ÂˇV WHDP RI H[SHULHQFHG journeyperson plumbers, carpenters, and electricians get to work. A two-year warranty on home renovations ensures your satisfaction. Fall in love with your home, all over again, with a renovation rescue from Centennial 360â&#x20AC;Ś bringing comfort and joy to Saskatoon homeowners for 48 years!

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True or False: Our home is in need of major UHQRYDWLRQV EXW ZH GRQÂˇW NQRZ ZKHUH WR start or what to do.

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PARK IT HERE! Green space integral to Saskatoon’s newest neighbourhoods

by Tom Eremondi P H OTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF SAS K ATOON

Kids happily gliding down a toboggan hill. A couple walks their dog. A runner checks speeds down a path. Two sports teams take to the field while fans cheer them on. Regardless of the season or the location, it’s obvious that Saskatoon’s green and open spaces are wanted and well used. That’s not an accident. Rather, it’s due to a mix of legislation, public policy and practice, says Lynne Lacroix, Director of Community Development for the City of Saskatoon. “Both the Community Development Division and the Recreation and Sports Division are involved in the early stages of neighbourhood planning,” Lacroix says. “That’s because there is both legislation and policy that dictates how much green space is set aside on all new developments.” The province’s Planning and Development Act requires that new developments reserve 10 per cent of total developed acres to be dedicated as municipal reserves – land for parks and recreation purposes. Lacroix says the City adds to this with its own policy called Park Development Guidelines. It defines types of parks that are part of the municipal reserve mix. “For example, there is what we call neighbourhood parks – spaces all located within the boundaries of a neighbourhood.

This is usually the core neighbourhood park that you often find connected to elementary schools.” Linear parks are another type – long narrow strips of green space connecting segments of a neighbourhood such as a walkway or pathway that Lacroix says “makes the community more walkable. It allows residents to get to various points in the neighbourhood without having to go on the street or sidewalks.” Pocket parks are smaller, usually lotsized green spaces that may have benches or a swing set. The village park is usually the central park in a community and designed to be a gathering point. Beyond this is what the City classifies as district and multi-district parks. “These are the larger size parks that would predominantly have sports fields or might serve as a larger gathering space. The multi-district parks serve a number of neighbourhoods. This would be like the SaskTel Sports Centre, Lakewood or Shaw Civic Centres. People tend to drive to them in order to use them.” The City’s policy directs what percentage of municipal reserves will be used for each park classification, Lacroix explains. District or multi-district parks, because of their various compartmental uses, comprise the most space. Neighbourhood parks are allotted the

second highest percentage of space. District parks include aspects such as competitive level sports fields, tennis courts, cricket pitches and even off-leash dog parks. Neighbourhood parks will see features like spray parks and paddling pools, toboggan hills and outdoor rinks, sports fields for younger children, play structures and could include community gardens. “In all of our parks, we’re trying to provide as many amenities as we can,” Lacroix says, “but to also just have some open green space for pick-up play, flying kites or anything.” Pocket and linear parks are planned so residents have easy access, she notes. “The goal is to ensure that no one is more than 400 metres from a green space.” She adds that, while the City plans the location of green space, many specifics are left to the residents themselves through a consultation process with community associations and others. This isn’t the end of what land is reserved and essentially becomes more usable space, she says. “The City also has a Wetlands Policy, which dictates how and where what land gets left as natural wetlands, or what is constructed as natural wetlands, or what gets left as naturalized parks. This is part of being environmentally conscious but we’ve

also been a bit innovative with that.” This initiative has seen storm water ponds become mini-lakes in neighbourhoods with great features such as trails, benches, interpretive plaques, birdwatching nodes and other observation spots. While the size and nature of green space is standard in new developments, it varies from community to community. The City will also add variety to a new development by testing or introducing other innovations. One such example can be found in Aspen Ridge, Lacroix reports. “The traditional method is to put homes around and backing onto a park so that, in the spring, snow and water run-off tends to make parks very wet spaces. In Aspen Ridge, homes are being built facing the park. Water runs away from the park, which essentially becomes an extended front lawn. This affords much more access to green space while serving to create a community connection.” Aspen Ridge is also home to the city’s first green bridge and is located next to a naturally preserved swale. The new Brighton community will have an amphitheatre built around the storm pond. As the saying goes, the possibilities are endless but Lacroix notes the results are the same – citizens en masse enjoying their green spaces. LS

NEW MEMBER PROFILE

I N T R O D UC I N G

FRONTIER PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLY B Y P AUL SIN K E W IC Z P H OTOS B Y J EFF LYONS

Builders and designers have an ally in Frontier Plumbing & Heating Supply. The firm is providing support with its recently completed new showroom, designed to enhance the service they provide to their clients. Frontier Plumbing & Heating Supply arrived in Saskatoon in 2008, and two years later moved from its Faithful Avenue location to a new building at 910 66th Street East. “We’re pretty unique in marketplace,” says Russ Blanco, Regional Manager. “We are one of the few independents left in Canada. We have branches in Alberta and Saskatch32

ewan; we have 14 staff here at our Saskatoon location.” Frontier primarily serves general contractors, plumbers, homebuilding companies and interior designers. “We do most of our business with local builders and actually built our showroom to give support back to the building community. We want to be a contributing part of the business community. And that’s why we recently joined the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association.” Frontier has a complete inventory of brand name plumbing products and acces-

sories and is a specialty supplier of radiant in-floor heating systems. Offering the knowhow of its highly experienced staff, the firm has been involved in projects of all sizes, from private homes to high-rise office towers. Frontier began designing its new showroom a few years ago, but when Blanco hired Showroom Manager Mila Vanovic, the concept really took off, he says. “Most of the design came through our own eyes and our sense of what our clients needed. We have working fixtures in the showroom, including kitchen taps and showers and a working tub. It’s somewhat unique to the marketplace and we’ve had a lot of compliments from home builders and their customers, as well as our suppliers. It’s one of the nicest showrooms in the city.” For example, Blanco says consumers really like to see how a showerhead actually works, including its spray pattern. They also need to get their hands on the high-tech features available, such as electronic touch control panels. “We have some unique fixtures on display for those people who are looking for a more premium, higher end shower. Touch and feel

is so important when you are making major decisions,” says Blanco. Clients are responding to the way the showroom is laid out and the cross-section of products that on offer, which he attributes to his showroom manager. “Mila is very passionate about what she does and is really a driving force behind the actual products we have in there and how they’re displayed,” says Blanco. Vanovic says she manages the showroom from the client’s perspective. “The showroom was created in a functional way that simplifies the whole process for our customers.” She says another major factor in the buying process is seeing all the choices available. That’s why Frontier has all the different finishes and colours on display − faucets, taps, sinks and other fixtures. “There are a lot of different ideas out there, and I think the Saskatoon community is tired of having limited choices,” says Vanovic. “We had that in mind, adding this space with hopes that our showroom will give them ideas about how to create something new – something unique to their space.” Since the showroom opened in 2014,

Vanovic has enjoyed seeing the look of discovery on her clients’ faces as they explore the many displays and are inspired to improve their homes in new ways. “Sometimes people don’t consider the vast amount of options available to them. We had that in mind when we were working with the vendors to choose the product lines and their finishes on display,” says Vanovic. Frontier’s philosophy is to give the client something more, she says. To that end, she is always on the lookout for fresh designs and expanded choice. “There are always new ideas coming. There are changes in styles and technology so we are always refreshing our lines,” she says. “Working together with our customers, we are always open to new products and new ideas. “We have consciously made our showroom comfortable and easy to use for designers, builders and their customers, so they can show off our products and get into their creative flow. And when they need help we are there to assist.” To learn more about Frontier Plumbing & Heating Supply, visit www.frontiersupply. ca. LS

Know BeforeYou Dig.com or call 1-866-828-4888 Give us two full working days’ notice and we’ll mark underground lines for FREE.

FITTING IN How to plan a successful infill build

b y A s h l e i g h M at t e r n P H OTOS COURTESY OF H AVEN B UIL D ERS

The custom-built infill house is, for some, today’s dream home, says Nathan Stobbe, CEO and President of Haven Builders. “It’s about convenience,” he says. “In the ‘80s and ‘90s, many people chose to live in the suburbs because you could get a new house, but Saskatoon is continuing to grow and commutes are getting longer.” Remaining in or moving back to a core neighbourhood is now a dream that can be satisfied with an infill build. “A lot of people are looking at what type of neighbourhood they want to live in,” says Sheri Deobald, Haven Builders’ Sales and Marketing Manager. “Is it close to their workplaces? Is it close to downtown? The riverbank? Is it within walking distance to schools?” Sometimes the draw is purely sentimental. On a recent infill project, Haven designed the build around a tree with particular personal value: The homeowners had gotten married under that tree. “That’s one of the reasons why people pick developed neighbourhoods, because they have sentimental attachment to them,” says Deobald. Infill properties are nearly always custom built due to restrictions from City of Saskatoon bylaws, b y J e guidelines n n i f e randJ a c o bresulting y- Sm i t h in unique builds that aim to match the homeowner’s dreams. “The challenges start with design,” says Stobbe. “Your designer has to know the requirements for that area, and has to know how to design either around them or through them or with them, so that you actually can still deliver the house your client is dreaming about. Sometimes that takes a lot of creativity.” Standards have changed over time. Your new build might have the proper clearances,

but your neighbour’s house might have been built a foot from the property line. Thankfully, Haven does all of the research regarding permits and bylaws and guidelines. “Sometimes it can get really complicated,” says Stobbe. For a recent project, he visited City Hall six or seven times trying to straighten out details. Another challenge with infill projects is being respectful to neighbours. Haven tries to minimize the interruptions to the neighbourhood as much as possible by keeping Golden Harvest : Dulux the workspace clean and keeping neighbours informed about the process. “We always go through the neighbourhood to see what’s around them, and obviously, work with them to try and fit their dream in a form that fits into that neighbourhood as well,” says Stobbe. “Because you don’t want a house that sticks out like a sore thumb, you want to have a house that looks great, looks unique, and fits into the neighbourhood.” That doesn’t necessarily mean that you must build a house in a strictly traditional style if you’re building next to a wartime home. With the right attention to detail, a modern house can look natural in an older neighbourhood. “Saskatoon isn’t your traditional sleeping town like it used to be,” says Deobald. “It’s coming alive, and what we’re seeing is, in the

core neighbourhoods, that’s where people are really open to several different styles.” In fact, neighbours tend to welcome infill builds with excitement. A new build can bring up the property value of the entire block. By nature, building any new home is complicated, and an infill house has another layer of challenges. At Haven, they try to eliminate stress for their clients through careful planning. Haven Builders designs its custom houses in a 3D form, so clients can take a virtual tour of the home before it’s ever built. This way, changes can be made before any work is done, saving time and money. They also have an online project management system which allows clients to log in and see all the details about the build in one place, including progress and a running budget. “It’s a really emotional time for clients,” says Deobald. “What we try to do for clients is to create a positive experience, so that even before the home is done, they loved the process of going through it, and they feel really positive and really good about the journey they’ve gone through. So once they get in their home, they love it equally as much, and there will be no regrets, and they’ll love the adventure of building their infill home.” For more information, visit www.havenbuilders.ca. LS

WINNERS Best Production Home Up to 1300 Square Feet

Best Mixed-Use Multi-Family Unit

Customer Choice

SASKATCHEWAN

NEW HOME WARRANTY

Small Volume Builder

Medium Volume Builder

Best Production Home Over 1300 Square Feet

Best Townhouse Project Up to 50 Units Large Volume Builder

Best Production Home with Secondary Suite

Best Townhouse Project Over 50 Units

Best Custom Home Under 1500 Square Feet

Renovation of the Year - Kitchen

Multi-Family Builder

Customer Choice Small Volume Builder

Best Custom Home 1500-2200 Square Feet

Renovation of the Year - Any Room

Medium Volume Builder

Large Volume Builder BY NORTH RIDGE DEVELOPMENTS

developments inc.

Best Custom Home Over 2200 Square Feet

Renovation of the Year - Whole House

Best Apartment-Style Project

Best Landscape Project

Multi-Family Builder

Members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Buildersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association strive for excellence in customer service, quality, workmanship, and innovation. These businesses and individuals were recognized for their excellence in 2014.

Sales Achievement Awards

Best Print Ad

Bonnie Crozon, Ehrenburg Homes Joanne Cross, Ehrenburg Homes Jody Cross, Ehrenburg Homes James Dyck, Ehrenburg Homes Gerry Bezaire, Ehrenburg Homes Stan Kinal, Homes by Dream John Hanson, Homes by Dream Michael Loewen, Homes by Dream Don Robertson, Homes by Dream Jamie Tate, Homes by Dream Bill Yano, Homes by Dream David Leatherdale, North Ridge Development Corporation Trisha Landon, North Ridge Development Corporation Terri Leatherdale, North Ridge Development Corporation Daryl Renneberg, North Ridge Development Corporation Kelly Pidwerbeski, North Ridge Development Corporation Steve Little, North Ridge Development Corporation Cindy Cherneski, North Ridge Development Corporation Sarah Gerow, Montana Homes Joanne Stanton-Hassler, Boychuk Construction Corporation Robert Hassler, Boychuk Construction Corporation

Best Brochure Best Online Presence Best Campaign Best Decor Best Design Innovation of theYear Environmental Leadership Salesperson of the Year Customer Service

Sarah Gerow

Silver Award - Sales Achievement Jamie Tate, Homes by Dream

Laura McNern

Gold Award - Sales Achievement

Community Service

Jamie Tate, Homes by Dream Joanne Stanton-Hassler, Boychuk Construction Corporation

Professional Service

Lifetime Award - Sales Achievement Maple Leaf Award Bridges Builder Award

Scott Hodson Alex Miller

Bonnie Crozon, Ehrenburg Homes Gerry Bezaire, Ehrenburg Homes Daryl Renneberg, North Ridge Development Corporation

Renovator of the Year Home Builder of the Year

Safety Certification 37

Inspires Baydo Developments’ latest multi-family project in Willowgrove – Gateway Plaza – incorporates some unique features, such as private balconies and retail stores on the first floor.

WHAT

b y J e n n i f e r J a c o b y- Sm i t h ph o t o s B Y J EFF LYONS

Living Spaces talks to three local builders in each issue about what inspires them when designing a new showhome. This issue we spoke with three builders about what’s involved in designing a new multifamily development. Condos need to bring together many of the same elements of design and function as singlefamily dwellings, usually in a more compact space.

YOU?

B AY D O D EVELO P M ENTS Skyler Jones, Concept and Design Manager at Baydo Developments, says Baydo’s design team has very diverse tastes when it comes to designing homes. The three-person team uses those divergent styles to fine tune design plans for new builds, bouncing ideas off each other as they go. “We make sure that every home Baydo creates is one we would be proud to live in,” Jones notes. Finding inspiration for any build can come from several places. Staying up to date on the trends in the housing industry is also a priority. The team scours the internet, checks out TV shows and takes the time to view other building projects whenever they travel across Canada or elsewhere. They like to incorporate unique features in each project to make it memorable for homeowners. Designing a multi-family project can present some challenges – especially related

to available space, but that doesn’t mean the design has to be ho-hum or drab. “Although multi-family lots have certain design constraints, we try to allow for flexibility in our designs. We aim to make sure that our units work well individually, but make the whole building fit together. Multifamily design pushes to maximize usable space, so we try to minimize wasted space, while allowing for homeowners to have their own private area,” explains Jones. After a project is built, time is also devoted to evaluation and revision of what works and what doesn’t. “We are always looking for feedback on our designs,” explains Jones. “We are constantly looking at our own work and attempt to better ourselves on every project. Even if a design is used from one project to the next, we evaluate and modify it to make sure the needs of the current market are met.”

Using polished elements such as granite, stainless steel appliances and nine-foot ceilings, the Hawthorne on Vetlkamp Crescent showcases some inspired elements any homeowner will love.

NORT H RI D GE D EVELO P M ENTS At North Ridge Developments, Shannon Morton, Manager of Sales and Marketing, says inspiration for her team often comes from the community where the project is located. “We are planning new town home community projects in both Evergreen and Montgomery. Both projects are being planned to fit into the existing communities, and also to tie into future planned developments,” explains Morton. The Montgomery project, for instance, is being designed to fit in with the beautiful wartime homes for which the area is historically known. Morton adds, “Consultation with long-time residents of Montgomery has helped to determine that bungalow townhomes would a desirable addition to the community as many people wish to downsize their lot size and their home while still remaining in the community.” Those consultations with the Montgomery community are part of the process in developing other designs using focus groups and

customer feedback. “Each design is tailored to the site, the potential customers and the community in which it exists. New trends and designs are incorporated into each project. Even on a single site with multiple buildings, we continually improve our designs when we start a new building on the site,” Morton says. Another source for inspiration comes from North Ridge employees. The diverse group bring valuable experience, skills and ideas to every project. The decorators, designers and other craftspeople spend a lot of time seeking new ideas from industry trends and other jurisdictions. There is also a library of information to access with local, national and international design magazines. Some ideas from faraway can be adapted to fit projects in Saskatoon. “Inspiration is everywhere and we try to stay open to new ideas from people from anywhere. We have to be flexible and we like to incorporate affordability with new designs,” says Morton. 39

Montana’s latest condo project, The Lodges, combines rustic charm with modern urban living, creating something memorable for the homeowner.

M ONTANA H O M ES Staying up to date on the trends is vital for Montana Homes. Sales Manager Kal Hourd reports the design team frequently attends trade shows to keep tabs on the latest and greatest in the local market and beyond. The team also consults with clients, not to mention other local builders, about what works for them. Professional interior designers also have input. In addition, Montana is part of Qualico – a large home builder and developer across Western Canada. Often design elements can be sparked from another Qualico branch and adapted to suit the Saskatoon market. When it comes to larger projects, such as the company’s Lodges in Evergreen, finding a way to give each unit a unique look is paramount. 40

“It can be difficult at times when developing a multi-family project, but we were able to combat that institutionally drawn look by incorporating different building types within the block, such as a six-plex, five-plex, and four-plex,” explains Hourd. The Lodges incorporates chalet-inspired exteriors to offer an attractive blend of rustic charm and urban living. Three different floor plans focus on making the space functional and beautiful, while also making maximum use of available space. Each project has to take into account what customers are looking for when buying into the project. This helps keeps the design balanced with function and addresses simple concerns, such as storage or cupboard space, as well as larger issues such as privacy.

Locally Owned & Custom Designed with you in mind.

Majestic Cabinets proudly seen in the Hospital Home Lottery Show Home

S a s ka t c h e wa n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s dis t r ib u t o r o f M U RPHY WA LL B EDS 5 1 1 - 4 5 t h S t re e t E . S a s ka t o o n

306- 934- 0660

www. ma je s t ic c a b in e t s . c a

ONE STOP SHOPPING

B y H ILARY K LASSEN

An exciting and innovative new way to buy a home is now available in Saskatoon. Homes by Dream has built a state-of-theart “one-stop-shop” Sales Centre and Décor Studio for new home purchasing. Located in South Kensington, the centre is the first of its kind in Saskatoon, allowing buyers to make every decision about their new home under one roof. Formerly known as Homes by Dundee, the company was rebranded last year to become Homes by Dream, with a mission to build better communities. While Dundee focused on single-family homes, Dream is diversifying. “To serve communities better, we want to provide them with a selection of condos, townhomes, single family homes and retail,” says Alan Aron, Vice-President of Multi-Residential Development for western Canada. The Dream Sales Centre will offer a gracious customer experience. From the moment you walk in the door, your host will make this lifetime decision fun, relaxing and unpressured. A tour will familiarize you with Homes by Dream and acquaint you with the process. A range of floor plans are available so buyers looking for a condominium, townhome, or a single family home can begin to visualize the space that suits them best. The range of plans and types of dwellings make buying options more plentiful and attractive to more 42

people, from singles and couples to growing families and retirees. A beautiful model kitchen brings a key component of any home to life. Three standard décor options are offered which are nice high end packages, according to Aron. If customers want to switch or upgrade, the sales centre accommodates that. All the samples - tile, quartz, granite, laminate, hardwood, and more – are on site. “You come in here, spend a few hours, and you can purchase a home. You don’t have to drive around the city to select any of your upgrades, it’s all done right here,” says Aron. Dream has teamed up with local vendors to provide all the product. The new concept will change how people purchase a home in Saskatoon. “Our new sales centre and décor studio comes with new efficiencies. You can go the old way, or you can go the new innovative modern way,” says Aron. For new home buyers, many of whom are already pulled in many directions, the new streamlined process will be good news. The Dream Sales Centre will also facilitate retail development in the area. Aron says they already have people making requests, and are in talks with a restaurant, bank and grocery store. A Stonebridge 90-unit condo complex by Dream will be sold from this centre. “Typically we can sell any of our projects from here,” says Aron.

Set in the heart of Dream Developments’ new project in South Kensington, the city’s first stand-alone sales centre acknowledges the pace of growth in the province. “We have 10,000 people moving into our communities every year,” says Aron. As Saskatoon’s newest master-planned family community, South Kensington is designed to connect seamlessly and conveniently to nearby amenities. The structure itself was designed with the environment in mind and is reusable and ‘green.’ It’s a modular ‘take-apart’ building that could be relocated to new developments in the future.” When you leave the Dream Sales Centre with your complete new home package, Homes by Dream won’t leave you standing out in the cold. “We’ll follow up through the whole construction process. We pride ourselves on customer service, quality and warranty,” says Aron. The well-known truism, “Home is where your heart is,” appears on a wall in the centre. “We want to build better communities to serve people, give them a better place to live,” says Aron, a place where their heart finds a home. The Dream Sales Centre at 250 South Kensington Boulevard is open Monday to Thursday from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon till 5:00 p.m., and closed Friday. Visit dream.ca/homes or call Alan Aron at (306) 477-6623 with inquiries. LS

HOME, SAFE HOME b y A s h l e i g h M at t e r n

When building a new home, you want to find a builder who you know will deliver a great product, on time and on cost. After all, a house is the single largest personal investment you’ll likely make in your life. Home buyers often look into a builder’s track record, reputation, and professional memberships, but one area that sometimes gets overlooked is safety. Does selecting a builder with good safety management practices bring additional value to your purchase as a consumer? Homeowners dread the phone call from their builder saying that their possession date has been delayed. Even worse is to move into a home and find problems because the builder’s “best person” was injured and was not available to finish the job to the standard you agreed to. When craftspeople are injured on the job, it can impact the costs and time lines, and therefore the quality of your finished home. A home builder with proper safety certification is better able to ensure projects are finished on time and within budget because they have a reduced risk for delays and unforeseen costs associated with injuries. One certification homeowners should be asking about is the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association’s Certificate of Recognition (COR) National Standard. 44

“Being COR certified means they are meeting and exceeding legislated safety standards,” said Collin Pullar, President of the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA). For a company to become COR certified, employees must take courses that provide training in both safety leadership and occupational health and safety standards. As part of the certification, the company must also develop a safety management system. After six months of documentation on the job, an external audit is conducted to ensure the company has implemented a proper system that meets national standards. A safety management system is a methodical way of managing and preventing issues from happening. “It’s creating a set of methods within your business of how you’re going to assess, prepare for, and have plans to address any sort of risk to your company,” said Pullar. “That could be a financial risk, it could be a human risk, a risk to materials.” Pullar’s background is in the business world, so what initially grabbed his interest about safety was using it to manage and reduce risk from a business perspective. “I want my people to go home safe, of course, but on a day-to-day management level, trying to have a predictable result and

having a project done by a certain day and time, seemed to me like a good business principle – like having an accountant or auditor or controller in my business to make sure I’m not losing everything I’m trying to gain,” said Pullar. “As a business person, I could see the value of it.” Putting a high value on safety helps companies pay close attention to the details, allowing them to deliver a smoother experience and make even make fewer mistakes. “A builder recently shared with us that

they have noticed a marked difference in the work completed by their sub-contractors with certified safety management systems and strong safety cultures,” said Pullar. “Quality actually went up while error rates and deficiencies dropped.” Having COR certification doesn’t necessarily mean nothing will go wrong. Any construction or renovation project will have surprises, and sometimes accidents happen, but a COR-certified company will have an action plan ready to go when it’s needed most. A culture is what people accept as their

norm; it’s about what people do on a daily basis, no matter what you tell them to do. Creating a culture of safety makes being safe second nature. Home buyers can encourage that culture simply by asking a few simple questions: Is the company COR certified? What do they do in terms of safety management? What do they wear for protective equipment? “It’s amazing what a hard hat and glasses and proper boots can do,” said Pullar. To learn more about courses offered by the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association, visit www.scsaonline.ca. LS

See safety in action at HomeStyles! Conducted like on-the-spot science experiments, the safety demonstrations that the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) will be showcasing at the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association’s HomeStyles Show have become incredibly popular with crowds. Running March 19 to 22, 2015 in Hall A at Saskatoon Prairieland Park, these are demos worth seeing. Fall Protection: Watch as the SCSA drops the equivalent of an average human body from their Fall Protection Demonstrator to illustrate the importance of being properly tied off with the correct gear when working at heights. “It actually shows the forces on the body when the body is dropped,” said SCSA President Collin Pullar. “It’s quite dramatic.” Eye Protection: To demonstrate the importance of CSA standard protective eyewear, an air nail gun is fired into a clear box at a styrofoam head wearing a variety of glasses. The nails easily smash through most eyewear, except proper certified safety glasses. “It brings the message home really quickly when you see a nail fly through a set of glasses,” said Pullar. Head Protection: This demonstration shows the importance of proper head gear on the worksite. From the top of a ladder, safety advisors drop a variety of tools onto a styrofoam head to demonstrate how much damage even a small item can cause when dropped from a height and no hard hat is being worn. LS

LIGHTING THE WAY by Jesse Green P h o t o s COURTESY OF H IN K LEY LIG H TING

The rise of sculptural lighting brings an exciting new element to home design: light as art. “I think consumers are looking for more of a gallery effect in their home. They want lighting that is akin to art or sculpture, and something that has a very big visual impact,” says Megan Rollinson of Hinkley Lighting’s product development team. Hinkley Lighting is a major lighting distributor in North America, supplying local suppliers such as Richardson Lighting. The company also has showrooms across the United States and Canada. In a move away from the utilitarian, lighting designers are taking an artistic approach, creating dazzling fixtures that are like jewellery for your home. Expect the unexpected in lighting trends for 2015. For example, chandeliers are no longer confined to the great room or dining room. They are migrating into non-traditional parts of the home like the bath and bedroom. “We’ve actually seen chandeliers in barns!” says Rollinson. The potential lies with the homeowner and their willingness to let go of the conventional. Basically, the rule book has been thrown out the window. The time for taking risks and including lighting-as-art offers endless potential for decorating. Brass is making a comeback in lighting finish. We are not talking the yellowy, brassy brass of old, but an interesting finish that offers depth and texture. Overall, mixed metal finishes like copper with bronzes, chrome with polished nickels are big. Watch for Hinkley’s upcoming Marcado fixture as part of the Frederick Ramond line. The Marcado uses coloured crystals suspended from braceletlike chain, all within a rectangular frame. “With a lot of the lighting you’ll see geometrics and circular forms layered. It’s sort of

a story within a story,” said Rollinson. These are certainly not fixtures that will be glanced at and dismissed, but art that invites a closer look. Homes designed with vaulted ceilings and grand entryways lend themselves to these cage pieces and fixtures in very striking sizes. Crystal is making a comeback, but in big chunky pieces and other unusual ways. Contemporary lighting design often returns to using traditional materials in non-traditional ways. Richardson Lighting in Saskatoon carries the Hinkley line, along with one of the city’s most diverse lighting selections. Craig Roberts says often people come looking for the vintage look of mid-century modern and even earlier. “There is definitely an organic feel,” Roberts says. Richardson Lighting has been family owned since 1967, and has locations in Saskatoon and Regina. “You can bring in a drawing on a napkin and we’ll light up your whole home from that,” Roberts said. Richardson Lighting is online at www.richardsonlighting.com, and you can find Hinkley Lighting at www.hinkleylighting.com. LS

NOW TRENDING: Fabulous LEDS For the first time in hundreds of years, visitors to the Sistene Chapel in Rome can view the masterpieces in daylight conditions, no matter the hour. Ultra violet rays were slowly fading the colours of the legendary Renaissance art. Now, thousands of LED lights are concealed along the edges of a ledge which runs around the chapel. They were designed to emit a solar spectrum that mimics natural light and are giving new life to the fresco treasures.

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Sensory perception Over in Spain, the award-winning BruumRuum! installation reacts to the intensity of voices and ambient sounds of the city around it. Sensors are responsive to noise intensity, and the LED installation changes shape and colour according to the loudest noise of pedestrians and vehicles, as well as the softest sounds. This permanent installation is in Barcelona’s Plaça de les Glories. A judge at the International International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) awards called the project, “A great example of social light and sound interaction.” A room redesign in a NICU unit in Japan was awarded for its responsive lighting solution in a critical care environment. The low-illumination design mimics an intrauterine environment for premature infants while the soft lighting also eases anxiety for visiting families. Colour of the Year: Marsala Pantone’s 2015 Colour of the Year is a brick-like hue called marsala. Though it’s not necessarily advisable to run out and repaint the entire house, accents in marsala go nicely with copper, gold, brass or even an oil-rubbed bronze. Silver and brushed nickel, on the other hand, may not be best choices to accompany the earthy tone. LS

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COMMUNITY

Dalmeny a family oasis on the prairies by Paul Sinkewicz Town of Dalmeny ph o t o c o u r t e s y o f C r y s ta l B e n o i t Pa u l

Matt Bradley has his commute all timed out. It’s 22 minutes from the foot of the Broadway Bridge, where he works as an announcer at a classic hits radio station, to his driveway in Dalmeny. That means he transitions from the ‘rattle and hum’ of downtown Saskatoon to the ‘peaceful easy feeling’ of his adopted hometown in less time than it takes to listen to Bohemian Rhapsody, Stairway to Heaven and Hey Jude. At 11 years, Bradley is Dalmeny’s most senior town councillor, and extolling its virtues come easy for him. “It is such a short trip into the city I haven’t felt any disconnect from being able to get the services that I’d want,” he says. “And that great small town feel has stayed, even with the recent expansion that we’ve enjoyed.” Dalmeny is indeed growing. North Ridge Development Corporation has been expanding with additional phases of development in the town for several years, and is currently adding to its east side. “There is a lot there,” says Darryl Altman, Manager of Land Development for North Ridge. “Families are really gravitating to it because it’s a nice peaceful community.” “The area where our new homes are going up is just a short walk to the elementary school. In fact, the Wall Street homes are just one lane away from the school property.” The developments are also close to the arena and curling rink, as well as a new spray park and playground. The blend of amenities in the town are attracting new residents, but Altman points out there are also many local people who grew up there, or who have retired from farming in the area and really enjoy the town. “It’s an attractive little development out there,” says Altman. “We are offering a quality built home, which is a hallmark of a North Ridge Development Corporation build, in a nice little oasis.” North Ridge has a pleasing range of housing to offer. “We’ve got a traditional sized development with 50-foot lots, and we have the area adjacent to the elementary school with a smaller lot, but we’re still able to build some attractive houses and the price point makes it a good starter for families.” The older development has been growing for several years, expanding through phases as it sells out. It has the more traditional sized lots and backs a pond. He notes the recent upgrade to the Dalmeny access road from Highway 16 has made a huge difference to residents. And the road connecting the town to Highway 12 is also

slated for improvement. “Those highway improvements are critical for a bedroom community with a lot of commuters,” says Altman. “It’s a chance to plan your day on the way into work, and a nice, peaceful drive home afterward.” Altman says North Ridge currently has concept plans in place for future phases, and will be in Dalmeny for many more years, helping to grow the town and giving families a cozy community in which to raise their kids. The future growth and prosperity of Dalmeny is not only recognized by North Ridge; Ehrenburg Homes and River Ridge Homes have committed and partnered in a joint venture with North Ridge for the area east of the elementary school. This further shows the confidence in Dalmeny moving forward by other committed, quality builders. Bradley says it’s the spirit of the community that really hits home with new residents. “They really do grab onto Dalmeny as their home town and commit to it. It’s a different kind of feeling, and one that I couldn’t imagine having until I lived here,” he said. The new play park is a case in point. Redeveloping the green space north of the elementary school started out with a citizen group getting it started a few years ago. It was formerly a lot of empty green space with a few old play structures and is now in the process of being transformed. “This has all been done thanks to fundraising by a great group of volunteers who saw a need for a larger and improved park. It was the same sort of thing when our arena opened 11 years ago. That was all done without a cent of government money coming in. It was all local fundraising. It’s the kind of spirit that goes along with living in Dalmeny.” The community has a population of about 1,800 people. Bradley sees a possibility it could hit 2,500 in the next 10 years, but promises town council is working to make sure the infrastructure will be in place for that. The town boasts businesses that include a restaurant, financial institution, drug store and it is in negotiations to bring in a gas station and other retail outlets. But despite the growth, Bradley is confident that Dalmeny will remain a quiet oasis for families. “Other places have expanded at great rates, and to me, have lost that small town feel. I’ve heard that from people I know have moved to other bedroom communities around Saskatoon. Dalmeny, I believe, will retain that small town atmosphere for many years to come. “I absolutely love it. I can’t see myself living anywhere else.” LS

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CAREER FRONT

Building for the future Sa sk a t oon & Region Hom e Bui l de r s ’ A sso c i a t i o n Ca re e r Deve l o p m e n t F und by Jeannie Armstrong P H OTOS COURTESY OF SAS K P OLYTEC H NIC

Over the next 20 years, the city of Saskatoon’s population is projected to climb to 387,742*, based on an annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent. City planners have estimated that three new neighbourhoods, each accommodating 10,000 people, will need to be developed over the next five years to accommodate that anticipated increase in population. When forecasting Saskatoon’s growth over the next 20 years, the City’s planning department reports that a total of 15 new neighbourhoods will be needed, comprised of 60,000 housing units. In order for our city’s residential construction industry to meet this demand for housing over the next two decades, and beyond, maintaining a skilled labour force is crucial. With this objective in mind, the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association has partnered with the Saskatoon Community Foundation and Saskatchewan Polytechnic to create an endowment fund that will assist students to receive technical training in designated skilled trades. The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association is committed to supporting careers and education in the residential construction industry, says Director of Member Relations Karen Kobussen. “We want to help ensure our labour force remains strong going into the future. What better way to do that than to pro-

mote the opportunities associated with careers in the residential construction industry?” Kobussen says that the Career Development Fund was initially established with significant contributions from two long-time members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association: North Ridge Development Corporation and All Weather Windows. The contributions, plus additional funds raised through various projects and events, have been invested by the Saskatoon Community Foundation in order to establish the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association Career Development Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Bursary Fund – or Career Development Fund, for short. “In our inaugural year, we are fortunate to be able to present bursaries to eight deserving students,” says Kobussen. Each received $500 bursaries. Kristy Rempel, Donor Services Manager at the Saskatoon Community Foundation, says that by establishing an endowment fund, the Home Builders’ Association has ensured the bursary awards will be paid in perpetuity. “The beauty of an endowment fund is that it is forever. The donations that come in are invested, very literally forever. The investment money that is generated off that capital is then C o n t in u ed o n p ag e 66

The Difference is Clear We sell and install windows, doors and hardware for both new construction and renovation projects. In-home quotes and consultations available. Experienced, knowledgeable staff always on site. Visit us at our bigger and better and still growing location at 2835A Cleveland Ave (North of Boston Pizza on 51st Street).

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Q A

ASK AN EXPERT

Andrew & JILAIRE Wagner Maison Fine Homes 118 SINCLAIR CRESCENT (306) 242-3653

Email: build@maisonfinehomes.ca www.maisonfinehomes.ca

Q: We are in the process of finalizing our finishing selections for our new home and are really stretched with our budget. What items should we go ahead with now and what can be easily replaced down the road as a small renovation? A: A renovation, no matter how minor, will still be an inconvenience down the road, so it’s best to base your selections around what can be changed with little impact to other materials in the home. The first rule of thumb is that it’s always easier to add than to take away. Deferring closet organizers, build-ins and decorative finishing elements like panel moulding is a great cost saving strategy. The only trick here is to know what you are planning to add when you are doing the rough-in electrical, so that electrical outlets can still be planned accordingly. Painting accent walls or adding wallpaper are also easy touches to add in the future. The second rule is that it’s always easier to substitute one material for a similar material than change the type of material all together. Two things that fall into this category are light fixtures and carpet. These are both relatively easy to replace with one to two days labour. Installing tile where you used to have carpet causes a lot more disruption as it has cascading impact − you will need to install subfloor, the baseboards will no longer be at the right height, and you will need to repaint. Another option many people consider is getting laminate counters and then upgrading to granite or quartz down the road. While this is definitely possible, it does involve replacing at least part of your tile backsplash, replacing the kitchen sink with an undermount style and re-installing the faucets. We’d recommend doing up a budget of the potential renovation cost and see how that compares to the upgrade cost in the first place to confirm if it really saves money.

Statement wall speaks

b y A s h l e i g h M at t e r n P H OTOS B Y J EFF LYONS

volumes “ Yo u want people t o remember y our house… t o t alk about it t o o t h er people.” Marlene Petrow, Boychuk Homes

A statement wall is a great way to give energy and life to any room in need of a lift. Featuring oversized quotes, striking wallpaper, or eye-popping textures, a great statement wall will often become a work of art in itself. Marlene Petrow, a long-time decorator for Boychuk Homes, uses statement walls to adjust the perception of a room. In the show home at Boychuk’s luxury Rosewood Estates project, for example, her goal was to draw attention away from the staircase leading to the basement. The bright red wall lined with geometric artwork draws the eye up and away from the staircase, and gives the open-concept main floor a focal point. “A statement wall can complement the house or it can be completely different from the house, but it’s something that you need to make the house or the room memorable,” says Petrow. Petrow used a statement wall to draw attention away from something – the staircase – but it can also be used to draw attention to unique features of a home. A cleverly placed statement wall can even help sell a home, drawing buyers’ attention to the best parts of a house, or away from the less desirable parts. “You want people to remember your house,” she says. “You want them to talk about it to other people.” Context is everything. Every house is different, every room is different, and what works in one space might not work in another. A statement wall is meant to be a conversation piece, to stand out, to draw the eye. When choosing the right place, think of yourself as a magician – the masters of misdirection. Where do you want your guests’ gaze to land? Petrow suggests featuring things you love: if the wall is meant to stand out, it should

evoke positive feelings. A collage of photographs, a special collection of plates or paintings – anything that makes you feel that deep sense of satisfaction and happiness will work beautifully. “It makes that room your room,” she says. If you’re hesitant to try something drastic, a bright coat of paint is one way to create a feature wall that can be easily changed if you don’t like the result. Whatever route you take, keep in mind that dark colours will make a room appear smaller. If you’d like to create a statement wall in a small space, Petrow suggests keeping it simple. “Don’t do the whole wall,” she says. “Just do a stripe or two stripes, or do something that creates interest, but doesn’t shrink the room.” Her advice also applies to featuring fullwall photographs or any other type of oversized art; you want to enhance the room, not overwhelm it. “A statement wall shouldn’t be screaming at you,” says Petrow. Any statement wall needs to be guided by the owners’ tastes. When Petrow creates feature walls in show homes, she imagines the type of people she thinks would be interested in such a place, and designs the wall with those people in mind. And always, she uses her creativity. “Your imagination can just go wild in your home.” LS

Rosewood Estates’ show home is open for viewing Monday through Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The attractive gated community of single and attached bungalow-style townhomes developed by Boychuk Homes is Saskatoon’s first-ever ENERGY STAR®-certified townhome development. 53

Q A

ASK AN EXPERT SHEILA ASHDOWN CENTURY 21 FUSION (306) 281-3410

Email: bsashdown@sasktel.net www.sheilaashdown.ca

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Q: When is the best time to sell a home in Saskatoon? A: As a real estate professional with years of experience, I have found that it is good to sell a home when inventories are low and buyer interest is high. This is seen throughout the year, but is more typical of the late winter and early spring. Q: How do we sell our home quickly? A: Choosing an experienced and competent real estate agent to represent you is the first step. Be sure that the agent is well suited to your personality and situation. Have the agent share with you the recent area sales and active listings in order to compile and create a market analysis of your home. Then choose a listing price that is competitive and slightly under market value. This will generate good activity early in the listing process, and may even result in multiple offers. Q: Why should I use a real estate agent rather than trying to purchase or sell a home on my own? A: Real estate is an investment and for some people the largest they will ever make. An experienced and supportive agent will help the client make clear informed choices when buying and selling. A good agent will act as a liaison in the buying and selling transactions, to help minimize their client’s stress. A good agent will use their experience and knowledge to attain the best prices possible in either your purchase or sale. Q: As a first time home buyer, what are my first steps in buying a home? A: Choose an agent with experience and knowledge in your marketplace. Be sure you are comfortable with their honesty and openness in sharing information with you. You should feel confident that your real estate agent is representing your best interests in the transaction. Next, ask your agent to refer you to an experienced Accredited Mortgage Professional who is committed to helping you find a mortgage that will suit your lifestyle and personal financial goals. There are many options for your mortgage financing. I like to recommend mortgage brokers who put the client first.

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Beauty

BESPOKE

Every detail including the front door of the Bells’ home speaks to their love of wood. The self-professed “wood-geeks” found stunning ways to showcase their love of wood.

by Jennifer J a c o b y- Sm i t h P H OTOS COURTESY OF

ROGER B ELL , EVER M ORE H O M ES

bespoke: (adjective) made to fit a particular person; custom-made. (Merriam Webster dictionary)

For the basement, Roger and Tamara selected a solid walnut base and granite top for the bar, creating a stunning focal point for entertaining or hanging out with their two kids.

Custom-made is the new ideal for those craving one-of-a-kind style for their homes. With bespoke houses the latest trend, Roger and Tamara Bell of Evermore Homes, have some advice for home buyers who want unique style. Finding a style that speaks to you takes some research and careful planning. Pictures from the internet or home magazines can help communicate what’s important to you and the kinds of design elements you like. After meeting with the client, Roger and Tamara sit down with their draftsperson at the beginning of a project to go through each detail of a build and make sure it matches with the needs and desires of their customer. At this stage it is essential for the client to have a good idea of what they want. Regardless of who the buyer chooses to build their dream home, Tamara says it’s absolutely vi-

tal to communicate regularly. “We encourage questions,” she says. “Once something is already in place, it’s harder to change. It can be done, of course, but then there’s the time and money, (and) all of a sudden everyone gets frustrated.” Communicating all of your concerns and questions to the builder can make the difference between getting what you want and having a frustrating experience. Before customizing your entire build, there are a few cautions to be mindful of. As with everything, sometimes even the best laid plans hit an unforeseeable snag. “These homes aren’t built on an assembly line, so there’s going to be challenges. It doesn’t matter how much planning you do, there will always be things that come out of left field. Usually, it’s just a bump on the road, and you deal with it and move on,” says Roger. Time can be another issue, so patience is key. “Sometimes those personal touches take

a little longer to get done right. In order to make the experience more enjoyable, spend the time upfront thinking about what you want and allow yourself and the builder the time to get it right for you,” says Roger. He also cautions, customization requires a little bit of bravery. Personalizing it may make your home less appealing to the average buyer – especially if the customization is truly unusual. However, re-saleability should not dictate how you choose to create your living space. It makes for a bland home and it’s usually impossible to predict what will be trendy down the road. While Roger and Tamara admit some of the elements in their own home may not appeal to everyone, the two self-professed “wood-geeks” love the large amount of wood trim in their home. The solid maple architraves over the large windows are precisely what they wanted. Their home has become a labour of love for the couple. “It reflects our personality. There’s nothing neutral or boring about our house,” says Roger. But what works for one person might

not appeal to another. Ultimately finding a style that makes you smile is what creating bespoke beauty is all about. “What I find is that where things go wrong for customers is when they get hung up on the minute details. It takes all of the joy out of the project for them,” explains Roger. By the end of a project when it’s time to make hundreds of important, but pesky, decisions such as switch plates, light fixtures, and cabinet handles, most clients can get easily overwhelmed. After all, they still have their regular life stresses and jobs to deal with. Building a house shouldn’t feel like a full-time job when you’ve hired someone else to do it. “Building a new home should be a rewarding experience, so we go to great pains to insulate our customers from the little stresses along the way,” explains Roger. “At the end of the day we really want our customers to experience the fun part of building a new home.” For more details, visit www.evermorehomes.ca. LS

The Bells chose each piece of wood for the grain pattern to make every architrave a truly unique feature. This particular piece is called “flame maple” – a rare and very distinctive pattern of wood grain.

TRAILBLAZERS

Daren Wahler (left) and Ed Herbert (right) attribute Keystone Developments’ 20-year success to steadfast customer service. Photo: Jeff Lyons

The more things change:

Keystone Developments celebrates 20 years b y A s h l e i g h M at t e r n

P H OTOS B Y J EFF LYONS

Ed Herbert and Daren Wahler formed Keystone Developments in 1995. The home building industry was slow, the economy in Saskatoon was depressed, but they loved their work. This year, Keystone celebrates its 20th anniversary, giving them reason to pause and consider all that’s changed over the two decades they’ve been in business. Homeowners now have more choice of products than ever before. The energy efficiency of homes has increased dramatically. Both land and construction costs have escalated in cost. Competition has grown as 58

the number of builders in the city has risen. Home building trends have come and gone. “The trends that have stuck are the more practical ones,” says Herbert. “We’ve been very selective and researched the trends, and we’ve been fortunate that our choices have been excellent. The things we didn’t adopt essentially disappeared, and some of the things we have adopted became mainstream practices.” Right now, Saskatoon is seeing a boom in multi-family developments. This trend has been on Herbert’s radar for years, and in 2015, Keystone’s first townhouse project has

been introduced to the local market. Evergreen Pointe has 16 units, each 1,236 square feet, with three bathrooms, three bedrooms, and a double garage. The project is one of the smallest multi-family developments in the Evergreen neighbourhood, and therefore one of the least expensive. “The reason we got into [multi-family developments] was that we felt the prices of houses was getting so high that we wouldn’t be able to sell to our market,” says Wahler. When Keystone bought their first 50foot-wide parcel of land in 1995, it cost $28,000. Today, that same size lot would cost $160,000. “What’s driven house prices is land costs,” says Herbert. “It’s become more difficult to build that entry-level house for someone, so we thought townhouses would be a good way to do that.” While there are some differences in the logistics and planning of a townhouse, the physical building of the project is the same as any other home. “We’re maintaining the quality that we bring from the single family houses; we’re tak-

ing that into the townhomes,” says Herbert. Of course, some things stay the same. Keystone has been working with many of the same tradespeople since they first started their business, and there are certain things about home building that will never change, says Herbert. “The guys still work in the cold and go ‘bang! bang!’ on the nail gun.” Another thing that hasn’t changed is Keystone’s membership in the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association and the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan (NHWP). They’ve been a member of both since 1995, and have received the NHWP Diamond Service Award every year since 1997, which means they’ve never received a single complaint. As long-time members in the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association and Certified Professional Home Builders, they know there are excellent reasons to support the Association, including education, support, and lobbying. “They create a united front – when we go towards the City or the provincial government or even on the federal level – to help

the home builders with rules, regulations and education,” says Herbert. “And there’s definitely a different quality of builder that is a member of the Association as opposed to someone who is not.” “The whole idea is to bring your building standards up, and make it better for the buyer,” says Wahler. Making the experience better for the buyer is something Herbert and Wahler have taken to heart. They only build a certain number of houses a year so they’re available to their clients, ensuring the home buyers are well taken care of. If you call Keystone, you’ll be talking to Wahler or Herbert. Wahler built your home, and he’ll be the one to service it later should any issues arise. This dedication to keeping the business focused on the clients has helped garner them a good reputation in Saskatoon. “Our reputation sells our homes for us,” says Herbert. “It’s not uncommon for us to be building a second or even a third house for people.” To learn more, visit www.keystonedevelopments.com. LS

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING

SHIP leads new affordable housing initiatives by Jesse Green P H OTO B Y J EFF LYONS

Saskatoon’s thriving economy, housing boom and condo conversion craze have taken their toll on affordable housing in our city. Enter the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and its unflagging efforts towards restoring a healthy housing market in the city.

“We had close to 18,000 rentals in the early 2000s, but after the massive condo conversion we lost nearly 6,000 units to the market. It dropped so dramatically and then our economy took off,” said SHIP’s Executive Director Shaun Dyck. At the same time, the selling price of single family homes in the city doubled or tripled. While challenging, the affordable housing situation in Saskatoon is not all doom and gloom. Rental and entry-level housing options are on the increase, and SHIP is making a difference on homelessness. SHIP’s mandate is to build capacity and to provide assistance to organizations involved in affordable housing initiatives, until they can operate independently. SHIP helps with grants, funding, business plans, zoning and market research around demand in different neighbourhoods in Saskatoon. The organization is a hub for provincial, federal and civic funding, as well as a contact point for social and affordable housing groups in the city. They manage $1 million in federal funding each year. Innovative Residential is a company that has “graduated,” having once accessed SHIP’s services. Today they create affordable housing in Saskatoon. In addition to constructing rental units and homes for sale near the $200,000 price point, Innovative Residential also offers consumers down payment assistance. In SHIP’s brag book is the Stewart Property Holdings’ conversion at 525 20th Street West in Riversdale. Gone are the days of the ‘Notorious 525’ and the frequent police and emergency services calls that plagued the shared-bathroom accommodations. Today the building has been revitalized and houses retail space on the ground floor with 12 units on the upper two floors. The one- and two-bedroom affordable rental suites have individual bathrooms and kitchens. Allotting space for both commercial and residential uses allows for affordable housing, while the rent supports the business. Saskatoon has introduced this approach - a symbiotic relationship that gives diverse housing and commercial endeavours both a leg up - in many newer neighbourhoods where communities are centred around a village square. “People talk about a balanced market as having enough buyers and sellers. In my estimation, a balanced market is really about having a sufficient supply of housing for the people in your city,” said Dyck. A true balanced market would include rentals, options for entry-level housing and homes for people

with moderate and higher incomes. Of the many groups helped by SHIP, lowincome seniors have been of particular concern. Many of the new life-lease condominium units are priced beyond the means of the province’s aging rural population. Many seniors need care in an urban setting, but haven’t enough home equity to move to Saskatoon. “They’re either stuck, or they’re living a life of poverty,” said Dyck. Supported living is often double what a senior on a fixed income can afford. The guideline for affordable housing is 30 per cent of income, so for these seniors − and people earning minimum wage − rent should be around $400 or $500 a month. In addition to seniors, SHIP’s mandate includes solutions for new immigrants, students, refugees and homeless people. The solution for homelessness is closely linked with mental health, and the Saskatoon Housing Coalition is addressing this need. In conjunction with the provincial government, SHIP funded this project which includes 19 new suites for people with mental health issues, along with their already-established group home and support services. Meanwhile, The Lighthouse’s stabilization and detox shelter is providing a safe place for people who have been using drugs and alcohol, and gives a safe option other than a jail cell. Community Outreach programs complement the housing. “It’s not just a shelter. It’s not just sending them on their way with ‘See you tomorrow,’ it’s, ‘How can we help you today?’” Dyck said. In addition to emergency shelter, The Lighthouse Supported Living provides affordable housing and supported living. News of Vancouver’s first social housing project made from shipping containers may bode well for Saskatoon. Many of these containers are on a one-way system from Asia to North America; it is cheaper to build new containers than return empties. The result is a glut of empty metal containers, many of which are left to rust, and an innovative solution for affordable housing. Dyck sees this trend hitting Saskatoon, and says SHIP has been looking at zoning and discussing possibilities with some local companies who deal with the containers. “As a low-cost solution for affordable housing, it has extreme potential,” he said. With the proper paint protection and insulation these metal structures boast a great lifespan. Watch for a number of great projects coming from SHIP. Each will bring Saskatoon a step closer to that balanced market and a healthier community. SHIP is online at www. shipweb.ca. LS

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P H OTOS B Y J EFF LYONS

Farmhouse style is a chance to bring a warmth and flair to the contemporary home. This updated farmhouse chic embraces the clean lines and sophistication expected in today’s finest styles, but with an earthy and welcoming touch. The Pinnacles is local builder North Prairie Development’s newest low-density condominium project in Stonebridge, and consists of 32 bungalow walkout and urban townhome units overlooking a lake and park. North Prairie enlisted the expertise of Metric Design Centre to create their two show homes located at 542 Pringle Crescent. “We wanted people to walk through the door and feel at home. The true farmhouse is a niche market, but we took some of those unique features and blended them with classic elements for this project,” said Tara Holcomb. Holcomb was the lead designer on this project and is part of the Metric Design Centre team. The kitchen is the first thing you see on entering the home where farmhouse meets mod. The cabinetry is the eternally popular Shaker style, with simple and clean lines making a versatile addition to any décor. A

The Metric Design Centre team brought ‘farmhouse chic’ to the bungalow show home at The Pinnacles, North Prairie Development’s new low-density condominium project in Stonebridge. granite countertop was chosen to add a bit of polish and set off the natural feel of the textured wood flooring. Working on a show home offers the challenge of creating a space that is appealing to anyone who walks through the door. It must offer functionality, yet have eye-catching features that will pique the viewers’ interest. So, how does one nail the farmhouse chic look? Natural elements are key. Say no to manmade and go for actual wood with grains showing rather than laminate or a many-lacquered glossed look. Backsplashes in natural stone or a glazed ceramic also achieve those ties to the earth. Cabinetry pulls and hardware create a huge impact on a room and are not to be underestimated. In the Pinnacles project, the hardware is a black matte. Other popular choices for the farmhouse look are bronze and copper hardware, either in its natural finish or when it develops an aged patina. Wooden beams don’t have to be structural, and are a great way to draw the eye upwards and add some interest and organic material to the room. A taller, nine-foot ceiling lends

itself to all manner of design flair. Dramatic light fixtures, larger windows and the addition of a rolling barn door are all better with a tall ceiling. Design freedom and an overall airy and brighter feel can definitely outweigh the extra expense of an elevated ceiling. The butcher block is a classic, used for centuries throughout the world as a heavy-duty cutting area. Granite and stone countertops remain mainstay in home design, while the butcher block is chosen for its warmth. As with all natural materials, no two are alike. The Shaker cabinet originated from an American colonial era religious movement in the 1770s. The Shakers, as they were commonly known, lived by the guiding principles of honesty, utility and simplicity. Renowned for its minimalist design and staunch quality, the Shaker cabinet remains a timeless classic. Trademarks of Shaker cabinetry are flat paneled doors with rail frames, sturdy construction of solid wood and utilitarian design. There are only so many old barns, but a quick Google search for ‘reclaimed wood’ or ‘barn wood’ brings up many options of 80- or 90-year-old wood for sale. The price tag is often hefty, and this may be one of those cases

where you need to know a guy who knows a guy. As with any design element, there are modern alternatives to the authentic. Handscraped, wire-brushed and other textured woods are readily available. Those small touches like a leather-upholstered chair accented with metal studs, great vintage finds or some cast iron hardware add that eclectic mix and some interest to the room. Blending the earthy, natural elements with the classic polish of contemporary design can result in a stunning home. For your next update, welcome some nature, heritage and warmth into your home. And not to worry there is not a single ruffled curtain or kitschy rooster in sight. Two different show suites are now available for viewing at The Pinnacles: the walkout bungalow (#115) and the three-storey townhome unit (#550), at 542 Pringle Crescent. Show home hours are 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Friday viewings are available by appointment. For further details, visit www.pinnaclesliving. com. LS 63

Apprenticeship opens doors to rewarding careers B Y J ULIE W OL D U S a s k a t c h e w a n App r e n t i c e s h i p & T r a d e C e r t i f i c at i o n C o mm i s s i o n

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Skilled trades provide many career opportunities. Most importantly is the opportunity to come to work each day, looking forward to creating, building and accomplishing the goals of the job. From the analytical mind with superior math skills to the creative brain with new ideas, one of the 49 designated trades and 20 subtrades in Saskatchewan can provide the perfect match to someone’s best qualities. How do you get your start in the skilled trades? Through apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is a system of training in which you “earn as you QUICK FACTS learn.” This type of learnAs of June 30, 2014: ing has been around forever – the best way to learn is by • 10,352 apprentices were regdoing. The majority of trainistered in Saskatchewan ing time is spent learning on • 2,813 employers in Saskatchthe job from a skilled jourewan trained apprentices neyperson and about 15% of • 4,036 youth were registered the year is spent in technical in 287 high schools across training. the province Today there are many opportunities for women to • 1,851 journeyperson certifiwork in the skilled trades. cates had been issued in the In 2013-14, there were 432 previous year women registered as apprentices in predominately male trades. There is much room to grow this number, as the skilled trades provide women with respect, opportunity, and good pay. Apprentices begin to earn a wage from their first day of work. They also have job satisfaction, through careers that build, maintain, and serve so many areas of our lives. Skilled tradespeople are in demand, and with looming retirements, that demand is only going to increase. For young people, the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) program is an optimal way to experience the skilled trades in high school. It comes with many benefits, including the opportunity to win one of over 100 - $1,000 scholarships. Students can ask for more information at their high schools. Employers also see many returns from hiring and registering apprentices, including a $1.47 return for every $1 invested (according to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum). There is a significant increase in productivity generated by those trained through apprenticeship, in addition to retention factors and the creation of a sustainable workforce cycle. Many former Canadian military personnel hold valuable experience in the skilled trades. There is a national agreement to allow these personnel to establish civilian credentials. In Saskatchewan, former Canadian military personnel deemed to have “full time” in one of 11 trades may apply to challenge the Interprovincial Journeyperson exam. The application process is simple. For more information, please see the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship website: www.saskapprenticeship. ca

STEPS OF APPRENTICESHIP The employer and apprentice sign a contract of apprenticeship and register it with Saskatchewan Apprenticeship. The apprentice works and learns on the job. The apprentice submits hours of work (trade time) to Sask Apprenticeship. When the apprentice is notified, he or she attends technical training for the required number of weeks each year. After the apprentice passes technical training and completes the apprenticeship program, he or she writes the journeyperson exam.

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CAREER co n tin ued from page 50 granted back, in the form of student bursaries.” The Career Development Fund recently received another big boost thanks to the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity scholarship program, established by the provincial government in September, 2011. Funding from that scholarship program is now being used by Saskatchewan Polytechnic to match the bursary dollars generated by the Home Builders’ Association’s endowment fund. “This will enable twice as many students to receive this much needed assistance,” says Pam Mclellan, Director, Donor and Alumni Relations, with Saskatchewan Polytechnic. To apply for a bursary from the Home Builders’ Career Development Fund, a student must be enrolled full-time in one of three designated trades programs at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. “The bursary program will provide financial assistance to students entering the Applied Certificate program in Carpentry; Applied Certificate Program in Electrical; and the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Certificate Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon Campus. The bursaries are based on a

www.visionlandscape.ca 306.373.6716 66

student’s financial need and will assist in re- get the money into the hands of the people ducing their costs of tuition, books and equip- who need it,” says Rempel. Through the establishment of the Career ment,” says McLellan. Preference is given to students who reside Development Fund, the Saskatoon & Region in the greater Saskatoon region, including the Home Builders’ Association is creating a legcities of Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville and acy. “It’s definitely an investment in Saskasurrounding villages and rural municipalities. toon’s future. We hope the fund will continue Kobussen explains, “We wanted to keep to grow so we can support even more students the eligibility for the Career Development entering the trades,” says Kobussen. “One hundred years from now when SasFund as open and diverse as possible. Youth, women and First Nations are definitely target katoon is a very different city doing things in groups that we want to encourage to seek ca- very different ways, the Home Builders’ Assoreer opportunities in the trades. In addition, ciation’s goals will continue to be carried out we also want to encourage mature students through the Career Development Fund,” says and lifelong learners who are interested in Rempel. Students interested in learning more about changing careers to consider entering the the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Asskilled trades.” Saskatchewan Polytechnic conveys infor- sociation Career Development Saskatchewan mation about the endowment fund to its stu- Innovation and Opportunity Bursary are indent body, collects the students’ applications, vited to contact Tawnia Stephanson, Major reviews those applications and works with the Gifts Officer, Donor and Alumni Relations Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Associa- at Saskatchewan Polytechnic by calling (306) tion to select the b bursary y B recipients. l a i r B r a i t e n691-8226 b a c hor emailing: P H OTOS tawnia.stephanson@saskB Y J EFF LYONS “It’s an ideal partnership because Saskatch- polytech.ca. LS ewan Polytechnic is so close to and in touch * Source: City of Saskatoon & Saskatoon Census Metrowith all of the students. They can readily pro- politan Area Population Projection 2012-2032; City of Sasvide the information to eligible students and katoon

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Chef Christopher Hill BY HILARY KLASSEN P h o t o s b y J e f f Ly o n s

As fate would have it, Chef Christopher Hill was destined to return to his home province to win a gold medal − plate that is. Winning the Saskatoon Gold Medal Plates competition last November qualified him to compete in another big contest − the Canadian Culinary Championships in Kelowna in February. Refining his skills over a developing career has enabled Hill to compete at these levels. His Saskatchewan roots taught him the value of hard work and an appreciation of where food comes from. “This foundation

of a strong work ethic and a love for fresh, farm-to-table cuisine has formed the backbone of my career,” says Hill. His first job in a professional kitchen was washing dishes, but it wasn’t long before he developed a passion for the restaurant business and a love of great food. Hill completed his studies in the culinary arts at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and has been growing his expertise in various settings ever since. As a sous chef of a private dining club in Ontario, he was C o n t in u ed o n p ag e 70

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KITCHEN co n t inued from page 68 able to develop “hand-crafted” menus using locally sourced ingredients. Hill was then hired as Executive Chef of Elk Ridge Resort and tasked with opening the hotel and developing a brand new team. Most recently, Hill worked in the Canadian Rockies as a restaurant chef at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise where he ran three restaurants including the four diamond fine dining room. Last year he exchanged one castle for another when he came on as executive chef at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon. Hill is thrilled to be leading the culinary team at the “Castle on the River” as the “Bess” is known. “It was an honour to return home to Saskatchewan and take the position at the Bessborough,” says Hill. “It is an iconic landmark in the city. It is such a beautiful historic building and has tremendous potential when it comes to food and beverage, with opportunities to host some very unique and exciting events, both in the hotel and in the gardens,” he says. Chef Hill cooked up some ‘spectastic’ dishes for Living Spaces. In the mega-kitchen at the Bess, jumbo scallops began to sizzle in the pan for an Asian inspired dish. Once the scallops were seared, Hill arranged them on an edamame purée base, along with lobster mushrooms, sea beans (or sea asparagus), and a gomashio of sesame seeds and nori, all ground up with salt. To finish the dish, he added yuzu citrus fruit made up into a pudding, daikon radish sprouts for garnish, and a fantastic emulsified carrot ginger foam. To invoke spring, Hill created a chilled pea soup which involves transforming Three Farmers Camelina Oil into dust. By slowly adding maltodextrin, the dust begins to look like feta cheese. “On your palette it will resemble a nice fatty texture,” says Hill. Butter-poached lobster tails served as a garnish for the soup. Also gathered on one side of the bowl was swiss chard stem pickled that morning, the carrot ginger mix made into a gel, cubed gold beets and radish sprouts. For restaurant guests, the pea puree broth is poured into the bowl table-side. These dishes achieve a satisfying colour palette, something Hill consistently aims for. “It’s really important to have that contrast with food especially with the plating. Something I think about in all the menus we write is the colour contrast on every dish,” he says. Sour cherries from his father’s farm formed part of the jus that completed the pan-roasted pork tenderloin. With a swirl butternut squash purée as a base, the dish was served with stewed green lentils done with double-smoked bacon, mirepoix and plenty of herbs and aromatics. Swiss chard lightly braised with white wine, shallots and garlic accompanied the dish, garnished with dried cherry tomatoes and kale. The greens are from Ecobain Gardens. The pork was precooked sous-vide style and needs only to be seared off for about 8 to 10 minutes for restaurant diners. Crème brulée in a mason jar wraps up Hill’s menu for Living Spaces. The classic dessert was cooked in the emergent circulator, a method Hill says prevents overcooking. Boughs from the Bess gardens form a festive backdrop for this item. Grab a jar, brulée it up, and it’s ready to serve! Hill is excited about the developing food scene in Saskatoon. He says starting out with the team at the Bess has been fantastic. “Walk in with a great team and it makes your life easier. We will be launching a new menu with my signature on it when we return from the Canadian Culinary Championships in Kelowna at the end of February.” LS

Seared Jumbo Scallops Edamame Purée 454 gr package frozen edamame beans 1 lemon, juiced 100 ml water 30 ml olive oil Kosher Salt and Pepper Blanch the soy beans in boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Drain, then pinch the beans out of their pods and put them in a food processor. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and water. Purée to break up the soy beans. Pour in the canola oil and puree until smooth. Refrigerate.

Yuzu Pudding 150 ml yuzu juice 150 ml orange juice 300 ml water 300 gr sugar 9 gr agar agar Bring water and sugar to a boil to dissolve agar. Allow to set until cold. Process agar gel in blender with citrus juice until creamy, strain, reserve at room temperature.

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Pan-roasted Pork Tenderloin with Stewed Green Lentils and Butternut Squash Purée 1 pork tenderloin 25g fresh thyme, chopped fine 50g fresh garlic, minced 300g thick-sliced bacon, cut into 1-cm cubes 100g onion, diced 100g celery, diced 100g carrot, diced 500g green lentils 2L chicken stock 400g butternut squash, seeded, peeled and cut in large cubes 500 g butter Salt and pepper To prepare: Stewed Lentils − Heat a medium saucepan on medium high heat, add bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes to render off some of the fat. Drain off the fat. Add 200g butter, onions, celery, carrots and garlic and cooked until vegetables are soft. Add lentils, half the thyme, chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer and cover. Stir often. Lentils are done when they are soft but not falling apart. Drain off any remaining liquid, season with salt and pepper to taste. Butternut Squash Puree − Steam or boil squash until soft and almost falling apart. Melt remaining butter in microwave. Puree squash and butter in blender or use a hand blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Pork Tenderloin − Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Clean off any silver skin or ask your butcher to do this. Season pork tenderloin heavily with salt, pepper and thyme, heat a heavy bottom frying pan on high heat, sear pork on all sides until golden brown. Place in oven for 8 to 10 minutes, remove and let rest covered with tin foil for 4 to 5 minutes.

Chilled Green Pea Soup with Butter Poached lobster 1 large shallot, minced 1 1/2 pounds unsalted butter 2 cups vegetable broth 1 pound of frozen petite peas 1/4 cup heavy cream Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 cup plain yogurt 1/2 Tbsp. ground turmeric 2 lobster tails, shells off 1 large gold beet, steamed and peeled

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tbsp. butter on medium heat. Add shallots and cook until softened, but not browned; a couple minutes. Add the broth to the shallots, increase the heat and bring to a boil. Add the frozen peas and salt and pepper to taste. Return to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the peas are just tender, 3-5 minutes. PurĂŠe the soup in a blender until completely smooth. Blend in the cream. Taste and correct seasoning. Chill. In a medium saucepan, gently heat remaining butter on medium heat until it comes to a simmer, poach lobster tails in butter for 4-6 minutes. Remove from butter and chill. Combine yogurt and turmeric and mix well, season with salt. Cut gold beets into a medium dice. Pour chilled soup into a bowl and garnish with yogurt, gold beets, and poached lobster and enjoy!

Balsam Fir Crème Brulée Jars (Sous Vide)

Sour Cherry Jus 2 L beef stock 2 L chicken stock 500ml Zinfandel red wine 200 gr Saskatchewan sour cherries 50gr fresh thyme 100gr shallots 50ml olive oil Salt and pepper Using a heavy bottom pot, sauté sliced shallots in olive oil until lightly golden in color. Deglaze the pot with red wine and reduce by half. Add beef and chicken stock and again reduce the liquid by half. Strain off shallots and discard. Add cherries and fresh thyme and simmer for 15 minutes. Adjust consistency with a cornstarch slurry if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. To plate − With a spoon, spread a spoonful of butternut squash purée across the plate. In a small line, pile your lentils across the purée on an angle. Slice pork tenderloin in 1/2 inch slices, lay three slices over top your lentils. Serve and enjoy!

90g granulated sugar, plus more for brulée 1 tsp salt 600g 35% cream 160g egg yolk (6-7 large egg yolks) 1 tsp balsam fir syrup Place cream and balsam fir syrup in small medium saucepan and gently bring to boil on medium heat. In a medium bowl, combine egg yolk, sugar, salt and whisk until smooth. While whisking the egg mixture slowly, add small ladles of the hot cream to the eggs to temper the mixture. Once all the cream is mixed, set mixture aside for 20 minutes to allow the air bubble to dissipate. Pour mixture slowly into 250ml wide mouth Mason Jars; place sealing top on jar and press lightly in the middle of the lid, screw ring on jar until you feel some resistance. Once you feel resistance on ring give it a slight turn in the opposite direction to make a “fingertip-tight” seal just as you would if you were doing any regular canning. Using a water bath with an immersion circulator set it to 80 °C. If you do not have an immersion circulator you can use a large stockpot filled with water and a candy thermometer to monitor the heat of the water to stay at 80 °C. Place a small cooling rack at the bottom of the pot to make sure the jars do not touch the bottom of the pot. Place jars in the water bath and cook for 1 hour. Remove jars from water bath and place in an ice bath, let rest for 30 minutes. Remove lid and dust top of the custard with sugar and with a pastry torch melt sugar until golden brown. Enjoy!

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