SPEAKEASY DOES IT
THE CITY’S MOST EXCLUSIVE AND ELUSIVE LOUNGES
FOR THE LOVE OF FANCY HOW TO GO ALL-OUT AS A HOLIDAY HOST MOUNTAINS FOR ALL ACCESSIBLE EXPERIENCES IN THE ROCKIES AND BEYOND
CLASSACT
ARTIST-MUSICIAN CONTRA AND THE REST OF THE TOP 40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 2024
Perfectly designed for real life.
Alpine Park
Bayview
Clearwater Park
Fireside
Mahogany
Sage Hill Crest
The Alberta Medical Association recognizes and celebrates our 2024 award recipients!
These awards not only acknowledge individual excellence and leadership, but also inspire the broader medical community by showcasing the dedication and standards that drive the profession forward.
AMA MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE recognizes physicians who have made an outstanding personal contribution to the medical profession and the people of Alberta, and have contributed to the art and science of medicine while raising the standards of medical practice.
Dr. James Dickinson, Calgary
Dr. Janice Pasieka, Calgary
AMA LONG-SERVICE AWARD recognizes physicians with 10 years of AMA service who contribute their knowledge, skill and time to the advancement of the profession.
Dr. Brad Bahler, Sylvan Lake
Dr. Michelle Bailey, Calgary
Dr. John Bradley, Edmonton
Dr. James Brookes, Calgary
Dr. Wayne Chang, Calgary
Dr. Dawna Gilchrist, Edmonton
Dr. Steven Katz, Edmonton
Dr. Alika Lafontaine, Grande Prairie
Dr. Melanie Lewis, Edmonton
Dr. Kenneth Makus, Edmonton
Dr. Trina Rosaasen, Edmonton
Dr. Raphael Sharon, Edmonton
Dr. Patrick Spiers, Edmonton
Dr. Melanie Stapleton, Calgary
AMA MEMBER EMERITUS AWARD recognizes significant contributions to the goals and aims of the AMA, seniority, long-term membership and distinguished service (20 years) based on criteria determined by the Board of Directors.
Dr. Alison Clarke, Strathmore
Dr. Robin Cox, Calgary
Dr. Scott John Paterson, Edmonton
NEW MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT IN RURAL/REMOTE MEDICINE recognizes physicians who are dedicated to the unique specialization of rural/ remote medicine and have made outstanding personal contributions to their patients and the rural communities in which they live.
Dr. Karen Lundgard, Peace River
Dr. Kristy Penner, Coleman
AMA MEDAL OF HONOUR recognizes a non-physician who has raised the standards of health care in Alberta and made an outstanding personal contribution to the people of Alberta by contributing to the advancement of medical research, medical education, health care organization, health education and/or health promotion to the public.
Shane Sinclair, PhD, Calgary
OWEN ADAMS AWARD OF HONOUR is the highest CMA award available to a non-physician. This award recognizes many contributions to Canadian health care, medical research, education, value of patient/caregiver insight and service to the people of Canada in raising the standards and improving the health and wellness of Canadians.
Ms. Audrey McFarlane, Cold Lake
F.N.G. STARR AWARD is the highest CMA award available to one of its members and recognizes outstanding and inspiring lifetime achievement.
Dr. Anthony (Tony) Fields, Edmonton
AWARD FOR YOUNG LEADERS, EARLY CAREER recognizes CMA members who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, commitment and leadership in one of the following areas: political, clinical, educational or research and community service.
Dr. Caley Shukalek, Calgary
For more information on these awards and individuals visit www.albertadoctors.org or www.cma.ca.
The AMA and CMA awards are presented annually.
It Feels Good to Give: Celebrating 50 Years of Southcentre Mall
As the holiday season approaches, there’s something undeniably special about the spirit of giving. This year at Southcentre Mall, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating our 50th anniversary, and the feeling of giving back has been at the heart of our journey. From January to December, each event has focused on uplifting, inspiring, and supporting our local community— building memories that truly make “the everyday memorable.”
A Year of Celebration: Building Memories Together
Our 50th anniversary celebrations kicked off with a series of community-focused events, but none were quite as spectacular as our August 7th Birthday Bash. This month-long celebration was a true reflection of Southcentre’s role in Calgary’s heart. The highlight of the day was a massive 10-foot cake made entirely of baby products, symbolizing our longstanding commitment to helping local families.
A nostalgic drive-in movie under the stars and an unforgettable fireworks display “lit up the sky,” while a roller rink remained in place all month long, welcoming families to skate in support of raising $50,000 for the Calgary Food Bank. It was a vibrant and joyful reflection of 50 years of building community.
It feels good to give: Celebrating
50 Years of Southcentre Mall
But our celebrations didn’t stop there. Throughout the year, Southcentre Mall hosted a range of events that reflect our dedication to causes near and dear to our hearts. From our Pysanky for Peace event supporting the Ukrainian community, to CANstruction, where intricate structures were built from 40,000+ cans to raise awareness for the Calgary Food Bank, we’ve seamlessly woven the spirit of giving into every corner of the mall.
Each initiative, from honouring Indigenous contributions during Indigenous History Month, to commemorating National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, has served to connect our shoppers with their community in meaningful ways.
As we continued to look for ways to make an impact, our rooftop garden flourished with the addition of 50 new planters, providing fresh produce to families in need.
We celebrated the 50th anniversary of the GMC Stadium alongside our beloved Pink Pancake Stampede Breakfast, bringing a unique stampede experience. With partnerships that spanned everything from back-to-school mentorship campaigns to a showcase of local LGBTQ+ creators, we made sure to bring Calgary’s vibrant culture and community together at every turn.
Holidays at Southcentre: Giving Back, Creating Joy
As the holidays arrive, we’re once again turning our focus to giving back in ways that truly matter. This year’s holiday celebration promises to be our most inclusive and festive yet. At the center of it all is Santa’s Enchanted Forest, a whimsical holiday journey that invites families to experience the magic of the season. With tailored sessions for children with sensory sensitivities and mobility challenges, our Peace of Mind visits ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy the holiday magic.
And for those with furry friends, Paws for Claus returns to bring some extra joy. The holiday festivities continue with The Cookie Kitchen and Santa’s Reading Nook, offering fun activities for families, while the stunning holiday décor creates an immersive seasonal experience. Our Giving Machines will also return, allowing shoppers to donate to local charities and make a real difference in our community.
Looking Ahead: A Year-Long Celebration Culminates
As we reflect on the incredible year we’ve shared, the journey isn’t over yet. There’s still more to celebrate throughout the rest of the year, with exciting events in store.
As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of “making the everyday memorable.” Whether through community support, unique events, or simply providing a space where memories are made, Southcentre Mall is proud to have been a part of your lives for the past 50 years— and we look forward to many more.
Happy holidays, Calgary, and here’s to another 50 years of building memories together!
Some things are just better together. And all businesses are better with us.
Become a member of the Calgary Chamber and be part of Calgary’s most supportive community.
CONDOS
DON’T MEAN COMPROMISE
With Logel Homes, condos (and townhomes) don’t mean compromise. Thousands of standard and upgrade options allow you to make your home your own during your one-on-one appointment with our Interior Designers, a service included with every pre-construction purchase.
CDL Calgary (403) 255-1811
7265-11 Street SE
Calgary, AB T2H 2S1
Curated New Arrivals
CDL Invermere (250) 342-1592
4B 492 Arrow Road
Invermere, BC V0A 1K2
CONGRATS
Dallin Laycock , P.Geo.,
on receiving an
Avenue Top 40 Under 40 award!
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) regulates the practices of engineering and geoscience in our province—and has for more than a century. We safeguard the public interest of all Albertans while driving Alberta forward with courage and innovation.
DISCOVER SOMETHING New!
Aspen Landing Shopping Centre features top retailers and services in unique, locally-owned storefronts sprawled across a distinctive landscape in southwest Calgary. Whether you need a quick check-up, a mouth-watering lunch, or need to complete an extensive to-do list, you can get it all done at Aspen Landing! FREE INDOOR PARKING.
Aspen Woods Estates is a development community inspired by Calgary’s architectural heritage. The development features beautiful executive homes, breathtaking views, walking and biking paths, and west Calgary’s premier shopping destination Aspen Landing Shopping Centre.
Homes By Us
Crystal Creek Homes
Homes By Us
Crystal Creek Homes
Homes By Us
Give more hope.
More time is the most precious gift you can give to Albertans facing cancer. With your gift to the More Hope Movement, we can bring life-saving treatments to our province sooner, improve the quality of care and help our brightest minds advance cancer research right here in Alberta. All donations will be matched until December 31, 2024. albertacancer.ca
FORTY EXAMPLES OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE IN THE BLUE SKY CITY
CONNECT, LEARN AND GROW WITH ENTREPRENEURS’ ORGANIZATION
Join a global community of likeminded entrepreneurs and propel your business forward.
Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely and challenging experience. It’s not easy to find like-minded business owners to share relevant experiences and advice. In 2014, Shawn Freeman was a young entrepreneur looking to take his company to new heights. He knew he wanted to talk to other successful entrepreneurs. After searching for entrepreneur groups online, Freeman joined Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), and not long after, his then-company TWT Group Inc. (a Calgary-based IT service provider) took flight.
“I wanted to learn from other people that have been in the business longer, who have been there and done that, and learn from their mistakes instead of taking the hard way and figuring it out on my own,” says Freeman.
When Freeman, now president of the Calgary EO chapter, first joined EO, TWT Group had just hit the US$1 million annual revenue mark needed to join the group. In the six years that followed, he managed to nearly quadruple his annual revenue to almost US$4 million and grow his team from three to 23 employees before a bigger company acquired TWT Group in 2020.
“I don’t think that would have been possible if I hadn't taken the time to work on my business intentionally by doing things like joining EO,” he says.
Freeman has since taken the lessons he’s learned and applied them to Always Beyond, an IT service company he helped start in early 2024 — it has already reached $2 million in revenue.
WHAT IS ENTREPRENEURS’ ORGANIZATION?
EO spans the globe with opportunities to connect with, learn and grow from successful entrepreneurs in all sectors. Members of EO make up 18,800-plus ambitious entrepreneurs who benefit from shared experiences, collective wisdom, events, leadership training and more.
Since 1987, EO has grown into a global network with over 220 chapters across 86 countries, a testimony to the quantity and
quality of business growth through the EO community.
Members take part in local chapter events built around learning and engagement, with opportunities to connect with business leaders. EO also hosts global events for members to make worldwide connections and gain new perspectives.
Freeman credits a lot of his growth and learning experiences to the EO forum groups. Local chapters break into forum groups of about six to 10 peers on a monthly basis and have the opportunity to get to know each other, ask questions and bounce ideas off one another.
“This is where you really get to share all your good, bad and ugly with each other. You get to know these people quite well and build really close relationships with them,” he explains.
Business is often about learning to solve the next problem, and with a network of driven people in EO who have most likely encountered similar situations, you have a team in your corner to help you find solutions.
A TRUSTED PEER NETWORK
You become similar to the people you surround yourself with, says Freeman, and EO is made up of motivated, open-minded entrepreneurs determined to grow their businesses and succeed in new ways. Surrounding yourself with a trusted peer network allows you to also grow in many ways, and in turn, allows your business to grow, too.
Shawn Freeman
“I wanted to learn from other people that have been in the business longer, who have been there and done that, and learn from their mistakes instead of taking the hard way and figuring it out on my own.” —Shawn Freeman
EO is unique in that members must hit US$1 million of annual revenue before joining. This ensures a quality network of devoted entrepreneurs who have businesses of a certain scope and understand the problems and solutions that may come with companies of that size.
“I look back on my business, and a lot of my success is because of my network. Some of that is EO connections, and some of it is through EO connections to people that are not in EO,” says Freeman. “Your network is your net worth.”
KEEPING UP WITH GROWTH
An entrepreneur’s mindset doesn’t just stop when they’ve reached a specific goal. “EO is looking for people that want to grow and be better leaders, and I don't think that journey ever really ends,” says Freeman. “Everybody has a growth mindset in EO and that's kind of the magic. Everybody’s trying to be better.”
Growth starts at any level. EO offers its Grow Program for entrepreneurs making less than US$1 million annually. Participants will learn the basics of finance, marketing, sales strategy and leadership, and hopefully graduate to become EO members.
“If you're not sure how to grow your business to the next level, you probably need to work on yourself, and you need a peer group that you can go to and lean on when you need support,” says Freeman. This is what you’ll gain with EO.
EO is always looking for sponsors, and the Calgary chapter has an incredible range of successful entrepreneurs to support.
For more information or to become a member, visit
An EO Calgary Chapter’s forum group on retreat. (L to r: Chris Chivers, Billy Friley, Louis-Julien Roy, Jamie Palmer, Chris Jones, Arif Kanji, Shawn Freeman, Kathy Yuen)
NOV/DEC24
on the cover
Musician, artist, filmmaker and Avenue Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2024 member CONTRA, photographed at Eau Claire Tower in downtown Calgary by Jared Sych
26 Editor’s Note 154 You Are Here
FEATURES DEPARTMENTS
31 Detours
How Top 40 Class of 2019 alum
Heather Buchanan found her calling as a most unlikely astrologer; an overview of cool things to check out in Airdrie; a deconstruction of the delicious black garlic ramen from Nan’s Noodle House; a podcast that talks about ways that winter is wonderful; and fun things to do in November and December.
110 Dining
Fabulous lounges, semi-secret speakeasies and exclusive dining experiences for a VIP-worthy night.
132 Calgary Style
Centenarian Rochelle Evans gets her turn in the spotlight modelling an eclectic look for the ages.
134 Shop Talk
A chat with the current owner of Norseman Outdoor Specialist, a store that has been equipping the Calgary cross-country skiing community since the early ’70s.
136 Decor
A look at the sunken living room of the Maple Leaf House, a mid-century architectural gem in Brentwood.
38 The Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2024
The 26th annual list is officially here! Find out who is on it and read their inspiring profiles. Plus, our annual “By The Numbers” feature showing how the 2024 class stacks up in categories ranging from how many vacation days they take, to whether they prefer pie or cake, and more. by Tsering Asha, Carmen Cheng, Sarah Comber, Riley Fonger, Valerie Fortney, Christina Frangou, Kymberley Hill, Alyssa Hirose, Doug Horner, Nathan Iles, Déjà Leonard, Abby Parker, Olivia Piché, Michaela Ream, Colleen Seto and Krista Sylvester
94 For the Love of Fancy Parties
How to go all-out for your guests this holiday season and throw a truly spectacular soiree. by Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, Shelley Arnusch and Leah Van Loon
139 Winter in the Mountains for All
A guide to accessible adventuring, dining and accommodations in the regional Rockies and beyond. by Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, Riley Fonger, Alyssa Hirose, Stephanie Joe, Lisa Kadane, Ashley King, Karin Olafson and Olivia Piché
Seamless celebrations start here.
From galas to grads and more, gatherings of all sizes come to life at MRU.
Request a quote from MRU Event and Conference Centre. mru.ca/EventServices
SHELLEY ARNUSCH EDITOR IN CHIEF sarnusch@redpointmedia.ca
WHO ’ S NEXT
last year, Avenue’s Top 40 Under 40 project reached a major milestone — its 25th anniversary. In marriages and magazines, alike, this is deemed worthy of special recognition, so there was a lot of looking back, revisiting the road that had led us to that point, while celebrating the class of 2023.
Year 26 doesn’t have that same cultural cachet, but that’s not to say it’s not meaningful. It marks the start of a new era, a time to look forward, to envision what the next 25 years might hold, and, in the case of the Top 40 Under 40 project, who might be out there doing the kind of work and having the kinds of ideas that might land them on the list in the decades to come.
The class of 2024 kicks off this new era, and who better to have on our cover than CONTRA. A musician whose recording and performing work has reached audiences all over the globe, CONTRA works locally to promote and uplift racialized artists through her work with the Beltline Urban Murals Project and the FOREIGNERZ art and production house, which she co-founded; and is also Calgary Public Library's 2024 Filmmaker in Residence.
Hailing from an immigrant family, she considers herself representative of a new generation of newcomers who feel they have the freedom to be artists and create a community
of diverse voices in Calgary. “We see ourselves creating and shifting the culture for the future,” she told writer Nathan Iles.
CONTRA is one of several Top 40 Under 40 class members this year who work in the creative arts — in fact, this may be our most arts-forward list ever. She is one of three Top 40 listmakers whose body of work involves commissioning and creating murals — perhaps the most overt medium for showcasing our city’s cultural growth and burgeoning appreciation of the arts. It’s exciting to consider what the city might look like 25 years from now continuing along this path.
Of course, it’s not just artists that populate this year’s Top 40 list: as always, the class draws from a range of sectors, with a characteristically strong group of medical professionals and researchers, and representation from the energy sector, legal field, business community and others. The connecting thread is that all these individuals have a positive impact on their communities and move our city forward. Together, they represent a snapshot of what it is to be successful in Calgary at a young age. Many of the Top 40 Under 40s are nervous about defining or depicting “success,” so we don’t mind making that call for them. The story of Calgary over the next 25 years is still unwritten, but with these individuals helping to write it, we know it’s going to be an inspiring one.
PHOTO BY
avenue
RedPoint Media Group
1721 29 Ave. S.W., Suite 375
Calgary, Alberta T2T 6T7
(letter mail only)
Phone 403-240-9055
Toll Free 1-877-963-9333 x0
Fax 403-240-9059
info@redpointmedia.ca AvenueCalgary.com
Facebook Avenue Magazine — Calgary Instagram @AvenueMagazine
Subscriptions
(Prices do not include 5% GST)
3 issues: $18
1 year (6 issues): $30
2 years (12 issues): $50
3 years (18 issues): $65
1 year (USA): $40 US
To subscribe, visit AvenueCalgary.com/shop subscriptions@redpointmedia.ca
Advertising Inquiries
Phone 403-240-9055 x0
Toll Free 1-877-963-9333 x0 advertising@avenuecalgary.com AvenueCalgary.com
Published six times a year by RedPoint Media Group. Copyright (2024) by RedPoint Media Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.
Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40030911.
We acknowledge the traditional territories and the value of the traditional and current oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta
Editor in Chief Shelley Arnusch, sarnusch@redpointmedia.ca
Design Director Steve Collins, scollins@redpointmedia.ca
Digital Managing Editor Alana Willerton, awillerton@redpointmedia.ca
Senior Editor Tsering Asha Leba, tleba@redpointmedia.ca
Assistant Editors Chris Landry, Michaela Ream
Senior Contributing Editor Colleen Seto
Contributing Editors Meredith Bailey, Alyssa Hirose, Karin Olafson, Olivia Piché
Staff Photographer Jared Sych
Graphic Designer Sofía Velásquez
Contributors Carmen Cheng, Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, Sarah Comber, Riley Fonger, Valerie Fortney, Christina Frangou, Greg Fraser, Kymberley Hill,
Alyssa Hirose, Doug Horner, Nathan Iles, Stephanie Joe, Lisa Kadane, Ashley King, Vanja Kragulj, Tyler Lemermeyer, Déjà Leonard, Ryan Massel, Mateusz Napieralski, Abby Parker, Olivia Piché, Leah Van Loon, Jarett Sitter, Krista Sylvester
Contributing Fact-Checkers Sarah Comber, Riley Fonger, Samantha Gryba, Fabian Mayer
Proofreader Alex Frazer-Harrison
Land Acknowledgement Advisors Elder Edmee Comstock, Elder Reg Crowshoe, Elder Rose Crowshoe
Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich
Digital Producer Paula Martínez
Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur
Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt
Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten
Events and Community Coordinator Dare Maurik
Printing Transcontinental RBW
Distribution City Print Distribution Inc.; NextHome
REDPOINT MEDIA GROUP INC.
CEO, Co-owner Roger Jewett
President, Co-owner Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca
Director Strategy & Content Meredith Bailey, mbailey@redpointmedia.ca
Art Director, RPM Content Studio Veronica Cowan, vcowan@redpointmedia.ca
Administrative and HR Manager Tara Brand, tbrand@redpointmedia.ca
Accountant Jeanette Vanderveen, accounting@redpointmedia.ca
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta.
Avenue is a proud member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, Magazines Canada and the International Regional Magazine Association, and abides by the editorial standards of these organizations.
Avenue has partnered with TreeEra to plant 1,425 trees, replacing all the trees used to print the magazine this year.
The Avenue Editorial Advisory Council
Erin Best, Shalini Bhatty, Brian Boulanger, Melinda Channon, Amy Cooper, Michal Cote, Carolyn Cox, Tania Drews, Brian Duggan, Nicole Dyer, Will Freeman, Janice Froese, Andrew Gillson, Briggitte Gingras, Giono Studio Design, Kelsey Hahn, Lindsay Hill, Rameez Husseini, Anila U Lee Yuen, Jamie LeongHuxley, Jolene Livington, Jodie Masikewich, Kris Matthews, Tammy McCorkell, Heather Morris, Kaliopi Pitaoulis, Colleen Pount, Rithesh Ram, Paul Salvatore, Nolandeep Sangha, Ranny Shibley, D Smith, Cynthia Solano, Rachelle Starntes, Heather Stubbs, Gail Urquhart, Edie Vlooswyk, Wendy Winder, Kevin Wong
Members of Avenue’s A-List become a part of our team and have the opportunity to get a seat on Avenue’s Editorial Advisory Council and see their names here in the masthead of the magazine.
JOIN
THE A-LIST TODAY Gain access to unparalleled behind-the-scenes tours, intimate dinners, secret tastings and exclusive parties. A-List is more than a membership, it’s your passport to the extraordinary.
NEXT ISSUE
Calgary Then and NOw
We celebrate our 30th anniversary milestone as a publication with a look at how the city has changed since the ’90s.
The Club Life
Members-only clubs have been part of Calgary since it began. But how are they evolving to remain relevant?
Avenue WEddings
The results of our annual online ballot in which readers vote for their favourite wedding businesses. Plus, real wedding stories of Calgary couples.
by Dec 1 to get the Jan-Feb 2025 issue to your door. Three-issue subscription
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Ellen Parker founded PARKER PR in 2015 and has blazed a trail of public relations expertise ever since. With a client list spanning grass-roots movements to arts organizations, Alberta born brands like Trico Homes and Earls to global brands like Tiffany & Co., Alberta Ballet and TCN Worldwide, Parker’s namesake award-winning firm is known for providing innovative services built on expertise, authentic relationships and community engagement.
A recipient of Avenue’s Top 40 Under 40, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Mayor’s Excellence Award and one of this year’s Mount Royal University Alumni of the Year, Ellen along with her team of PR experts has made a mark on Calgary and beyond - elevating individuals, brands, communities and culture.
Visit parkerpr.ca to achieve your PR goals.
There are nearly 300,000 talented SAIT graduates making an impact in their communities locally, nationally and worldwide.
SAIT recognizes the achievements of all its alumni and congratulates two making Avenue Magazine’s 2024 Top 40 Under 40.
Josh Traptow Administrative Information Management ’11 Outstanding Young Alumni ’16
Sarah Rieger Journalism ’14
SAIT alumni enjoy access to perks, events and volunteer opportunities.
LEARN MORE AT SAIT.ca/Alumni
detours
[ THIS WAY AND THAT ]
THE ACCIDENTAL ASTROLOGER
HEATHER BUCHANAN’S DEBUT BOOK, BLAME THE STARS , IS AN ABSURDIST, COMEDIC TAKE ON THE WESTERN ZODIAC SYSTEM.
Capricorns are people born between Dec. 22 and Jan. 19, known for being ambitious, determined and realistic. They’re associated with the element of earth, depicted as a sea goat and ruled by the planet Saturn. Alternatively, according to artist-cum-astrologer Heather Buchanan, “Clopricrumbs” are associated with the element of “krypton,” have a “good and footy” kind of foot shape and, if they were a flower or plant, would be a “Venus flytrap that is contemplating veganism.”
Buchanan, a visual artist (and member of the Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2019), never could have predicted she’d become an internet astrologer. Until 2021, she didn’t even know how to spell “Taurus” — that’s actually what prompted her to poke fun at her own ignorance with a 12-piece, original art series on the zodiac signs. “The idea had been percolating in my mind to build on that and make fun of myself for being the last woman in the world who just didn’t know anything at all about astrology,” Buchanan says. But fate (or, as Buchanan would say, “the magic of algorithms”) intervened after she posted that series of quirky illustrations and playful advice on Instagram, and it quickly snowballed from silly side-project to its own account,
@horror.scoops. Buchanan began posting weekly satirical horoscopes with original art to the account, which now has 200,000 followers and counting.
“They were the most popular things I’d ever posted,” she says.
“People loved them.”
Eventually, the project evolved into a book, Blame the Stars,
released this past May. With the intention of staying as ignorant as possible of the mechanics of astrology (and achieving maximum creativity), Buchanan describes Stars as “a safe space for wild ideas.” The book is separated into two parts. Part 1 dives into signspecific insights on love, life and work and Part 2 is a 12-month guide for all the signs, complete with fictional holidays (like Dec. 11, “Make Soup for a Spider Day”) as well as outlandish journal prompts (“What maniacal holiday rom-com would you produce if you successfully staged a coup and took over Hallmark?”).
“On one hand, I want to know the theory,” Buchanan explains. “I’ll know a bit about Ptolemy and the history and the ancient Babylonians who developed this tradition of astrology, but I couldn’t tell you anything about an actual Libra, right?”
The artist, who’s still a skeptic at heart, thinks part of the reason astrology is so popular is that it can be a tool of self-discovery, as well as a way to connect with folks who are also interested in the universe, especially in turbulent times. Her particular brand of horoscopes might not be the zodiac we’re familiar with, but maybe it’s the kind we need: a lighthearted, tonguein-cheek version of introspection and guidance, humorous enough to be shared and discussed with friends. —Tsering Asha
WHAT TO DO ON A DAY TRIP TO
AIRDRIE
ENJOY
FRENCH PASTRIES, PLAY ARCADE GAMES AND RELAX AT A PARK IN THIS SMALL CITY
1 SMELL THE FLOURS at La Table Haute Pastry
This cozy, affordablly priced bakery specializes in both classic and contemporary French pastries, including croissants, danishes and baguettes. La Table Haute also has cakes and macarons, and everything pairs nicely with a hot hand-pulled espresso.
26 Market Blvd. S.E., 403-808-3126, latablepastry.com
2 FUEL UP THE WHOLE FAMILY at Abe’s Modern Diner
Abe’s Modern Diner describes itself as one of Airdrie’s “little gems,” and the menu walks the talk: pulled barbecue chicken sandwiches, truffle-mushroom burgers and pork belly poutines are on offer for lunch and dinner. Dietary restrictions got you down?
Abe’s is a nut-free kitchen, has vegan burgers and can make the majority of its menu items gluten-free.
101, 30 Market Blvd. S.E., 587-254-0539, abesfood.ca
NORTH OF CALGARY.
3 GET IN THE GAME at Apple Creek Arcade
Just outside Airdrie sits the Apple Creek Arcade, which features more than 60 new and vintage arcade games, including pinball, skeeball and air hockey. Newer installments include Minecraft Dungeons, Hot Wheels and Minions Soccer. For analog gamers, there’s a golf course — so you can also tag nine or 18 holes onto your visit.
11064 Township Rd. 275, 403-912-2191, applecreekarcade.ca
4 TAKE A WALK at Chinook Winds Regional Park
This 55-acre space has more than two kms of paved pathways, three individual park spaces, a skatepark, a spray and splash park, beach volleyball courts and baseball diamonds. In the winter, visitors can go tobogganing, cross-country skiing and ice-skate on the outdoor rink. It’s an excellent place to enjoy the outdoors, no matter the weather. 2853 Chinook Winds Dr. S.W., airdrie.ca
5 GET LIT at the Airdrie Festival of Lights
If you’re travelling through Airdrie in December, this light festival in Nose Creek Regional Park is a must-see. The festival is Western Canada’s largest free outdoor walk-through holiday light display, with 13 installations using more than 500,000 bulbs. Visitors can also take one of three miniature trains around the festival site. On your way out, stop by Santa’s Gift Shop to pick up some souvenirs (and tell him how good you’ve been all year). –Riley Fonger Nose Creek Regional Park, 403-912-9627, airdrielights.com
In 2020, Hearts Choices owner Tippawadi “Nan” Thammanatr opened Nan’s Noodle House, specializing in vegan dishes with pan-Asian flavours. Thammanatr passed away in 2022, but the new owners kept the name and plant-based philosophy to honour her legacy. Today, Nan’s Noodle House boasts two locations serving dishes like pho, laksa, pad Thai, pancit and a bursting-withflavour black garlic ramen. We caught up with sous chef and creative director Brandon Bauzon to learn how it’s made. –Chris Landry
THE BROTH
“We make our ramen broth in-house, in the same way you’d find in a traditional Japanese joint, with the kombu, the onions, the dried mushrooms and everything, except, obviously, it’s vegan, so there are no bones,” Bauzon says. “It’s similar to a tonkatsu — it’s a bit thicker because we do add quite a bit of [red and white] miso, as well.”
THE GARLIC
Traditionally, black garlic is slowly fermented, but “we do our black garlic a bit differently,” Bauzon shares. “We char it on the outside so it becomes black, but it still has that really nutty flavour on the inside. Our volume is so high that we just can’t keep up [with the slower style].” The ramen is topped with whole cloves, as well as garnished with an oil made from the same black garlic.
NAN’S NOODLE HOUSE’S BLACK GARLIC RAMEN
Is there an interesting, innovative or iconic Calgary dish or drink you think we should deconstruct?
Send us a DM on Instagram: @avenuemagazine
THE “PORK BELLY”
The protein on top is an imitation “pork belly” made from a secret mix of rice flour, tapioca flour, texturized vegetable protein and other ingredients, then layered and steamed to emulate the mixture of fat and meat you would find in a real braised pork belly. “When it’s finished, we cut it, fry it until golden brown and deglaze it with our asado sauce, which is a Filipino sauce that gives it a kind of porky flavour,” Bauzon says.
THE REST
“We get our noodles from Hung’s Noodles, which is a local producer — we really try to embrace supporting local businesses,” Bauzon says. The black garlic ramen is finished with mushrooms reserved from the stock-making process, bamboo shoots marinated in-house, sweet corn, bok choy and nori.
3103B Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-455-0590; and 12445 Lake Fraser Dr. S.E., 403-478-8853; nansnoodlehouse.com, @nansnoodlehouse
PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDRY
FOR THE LOVE OF WINTER
With winter on our doorstep and the mountains peaking over the horizon, everyone’s itching to get back on the slopes. To contain your excitement until the first blanket of snow falls, listen to For the Love of Winter, hosted by Kendra Scurfield, VP Marketing Brand & Communications for Banff Sunshine Village and an avid snowboarder. Launched in 2023, the podcast features prominent local personalities (think Stanley Cupwinning Flames alum Jim Peplinski, local jewellery designer Ellinor Stenroos and style-influencer Myles Sexton) and their passion for winter sports. The guests’ backgrounds are varied, allowing each episode to highlight something new that inspires them to leave the comforts of home, brave the cold and adventure outdoors. –Riley Fonger
Catch For the Love of Winter on Spotify and other platforms.
NOVEMBER
INDOORS
Innovation Week YYC
Get inspired and learn more about Calgary’s growing innovation scene during Innovation Week YYC. From Nov. 13 to 21, take in talks, pitch events, a Launch Party highlighting tech startups and more.
OUTDOORS
Practise your swing at LaunchPad Golf Golf season may technically be over, but you can still play in comfort at LaunchPad Golf’s two Calgary area locations. The climate-controlled outdoor suites let you practise your swing alfresco, even when the weather gets chilly.
PLAN AHEAD
High Performance Rodeo
Calgary’s art scene will be bursting with creativity when the 39th annual High Performance Rodeo returns from Jan. 13 to Feb. 2, 2025. The festival lineup is usually revealed in November, so pick up a pass and start planning out what shows you want to see.
NOW OR NEVER
Takao Tanabe: Printmaker
It’s your last chance to see Takao Tanabe: Printmaker, the featured exhibition at Glenbow at The Edison. On display until Nov. 24, this free exhibit dives into the Tanabe’s decades-long career and print work.
FREE
Calgary Justice Film Festival
This long-running film fest presents an exciting and thought-provoking slate of environmental and social justice film screenings from Nov. 21 to 23. Attendees can also check out the festival’s Peace Fair featuring non-profit organizations.
HOLIDAY FUN
Miracle on First Street YYC and Sippin’ Santa Pop-up Bars
Many Calgary restaurants get in the holiday spirit by transforming into festive pop-up bars. Sip drinks like a Snowball Old-Fashioned at Miracle on First Street YYC (Proof), Nov. 15 to Dec. 24; or try a Sugar Plum Mai Tai at the Sippin’ Santa bar (Ricardo’s Hideaway), Nov. 18 to Dec. 31.
DECEMBER
INDOORS
Indoor Park at Vivo for Healthier Generations Love going to the park, but don’t love the cold? The Vivo for Healthier Generations recreation facility offers a 19,500-square-foot indoor park with seating areas, green space and lots of natural light. Drop-in passes and memberships are available.
OUTDOORS
Go sliding at Servus Tube Park WinSport’s Servus Tube Park usually opens for the season in mid-December (weather permitting). Bring the whole family to slide down its eight tubing lanes in the crisp, winter air.
PLAN AHEAD
Dry January
Planning to participate in Dry January and give up drinking alcohol for a while? Head to Santé Dry Bottle Shop at Crossroads Market to stock up on a variety of creative and tasty nonalcoholic drinks and spirits before the new year starts, so on Jan. 1, you’ll be ready.
NOW OR NEVER
Calgary Hitmen’s Teddy Bear Toss
Bring a stuffed animal to the Calgary Hitmen’s 2024 Teddy Bear Toss game on Dec. 1. Attendees throw new stuffies on the ice after the team’s first goal, then the bears are collected and delivered to local organizations to give to children.
FREE
Play Crokicurl
If curling and the Crokinole board game had a baby, you’d get crokicurl. Weather permitting, you can try this fun outdoor sport for free at North Glenmore Park and Bowness Park, which offer curling stones to play with during crokicurl ice rink hours.
HOLIDAY FUN
Lions Festival of Lights
If you love festive light displays, don’t miss the chance to walk, cross-country ski or drive by the free Lions Festival of Lights, which returns to the Confederation Park golf course along 14th Street N.W. for a 38th year.
top40under40
class of 2024
Last year, we celebrated 25 years of Top 40 Under 40. Now, we kick off the next 25 years of celebrating the artists, builders, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, philanthropists and leaders who make Calgary a vibrant, thriving city. This year’s list features a fresh group of young Calgarians who excel in their fields, contribute to our community and inspire us all. Avenue magazine is very, very proud to present the Top 40 Under 40 class of 2024.
BY TSERING ASHA , CARMEN CHENG , SARAH COMBER , RILEY FONGER , VALERIE FORTNEY , CHRISTINA FRANGOU , KYMBERLEY HILL , ALYSSA HIROSE , DOUG HORNER , NATHAN ILES , DÉJÀ LEONARD , ABBY PARKER , OLIVIA PICHÉ , MICHAELA REAM COLLEEN SETO AND KRISTA SYLVESTER
PHOTOS BY JARED SYCH
PHOTOGRAPHED AT OXFORD PROPERTIES
400 THIRD , BOW VALLEY SQUARE , CENTENNIAL PLACE AND EAU CLAIRE TOWER
ELUVIER ACOSTA & JUAN CASTILLO
CEO (ACOSTA) AND VICE-PRESIDENT (CASTILLO), MAS STUDIOS
WHY THEY’RE TOP 40S
They are internationally known for their photo and video work and are growing Calgary’s creative sector with their welcoming and vibrant production studio.
ACOSTA Age 36
CASTILLO age 35
They say don’t go into business with a friend. But what about a virtual stranger?
Eluvier Acosta and Juan Castillo had only known each other three months when they founded Mas Studios in 2019. The pair met while working on set for a marketing campaign — Acosta taking photos, Castillo on video — and bonded over their Colombian roots and shared creative goals. Both yearned to start their own company; neither wanted to go totally solo.
“I was so scared of doing it by myself,” Acosta remembers. “So, when I met him, it was the perfect match.”
Embracing new creatives remains part of the ethos of Mas Studios. The 6,000-squarefoot production house and creative space (which doubled in size during the COVID-19 pandemic) hosts photographers, filmmakers, makeup artists, stylists and video editors of all kinds; more than 50 contractors in total. “We don’t only have a business that makes money from rentals — people come in and bring new techniques, new ideas, new equipment,” Castillo explains. “Everyone comes in here to share and grow together.”
The work of Mas Studios has been featured in international publications such as Vogue Italia, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, Marie Claire,
Schön Switzerland, Noir and L'OFFICIEL, and its long list of commercial clients includes Hillberg & Berk and Alberta Ballet. Acosta and Castillo have also worked with musicians Tegan and Sara, and rented their studio to giants like Zara and WestJet.
Championed by Mas Studios, several photographers have even gone on to launch businesses of their own. “Our contractors, artists and clients end up being our friends, too,” says Castillo. Adds Acosta: “This is an open and safe space for them to come and create and learn.” In this community, competition is a non-issue: “There’s enough work for everybody,” Castillo says. —Alyssa Hirose
ELUVIER ACOSTA (LEFT) AND JUAN CASTILLO.
PIERRE BILLON
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
When you ask Pierre Billon about his trailblazing work in the field of genomic science, you’ll hear the word “we” a lot. “Nothing would have been doable without my team,” says Billon, a native of Toulouse, France. “I’m like a captain, and they are the players on the field.”
What Billon and his fellow scientists have been able to accomplish in a few years — using genome editing technologies, which decode the human genome’s functions — is nothing short of groundbreaking. Two of his innovations, iSTOP and One-pot DTECT, have established pioneering diagnostic and treatment approaches: iSTOP has achieved remission in patients with previously incurable cancers, while One-pot DTECT has drastically cut diagnostic times from weeks to hours, at a fraction of previous costs. Billon and his colleagues are also playing a pivotal role in one of the country’s first clinical trials in genome editing for blood disorders, which puts Canada at the forefront of the genome editing revolution.
While Billon, who was raised by his single mom, is now pursuing his dream career, it wasn’t always his goal. “I wanted to be a soccer star,” he says. “Then, when I was 13, I injured my knee.” A high school biology teacher sparked an interest with a class on antibodies, which spurred Billon to study cellular and molecular biology.
Along with his pioneering research, Billon serves on advisory thesis committees and as a mentor to a diverse group of students and researchers. When he’s not busy also doing presentations and interviews to better educate the public about genome editing, the award-winning scientist can be spotted cycling the 250-km return trip from Calgary to Canmore. “I usually work weekends but I take a day off to ride,” he says, adding, with a laugh, “yes, some people call me intense.” —Valerie Fortney
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
His transformative contributions to the emerging field of genomics medicine are making international waves.
Age 29
MACKENZIE KAMÂMAK BROWN
ARTIST; OWNER AND OPERATOR, KAMÂMAK
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s helping bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through art, education and mentorship.
mackenzie Brown, or Kamâmak (her Cree name), acts as a bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures and experiences — that’s her superpower. As a Cree woman from Alberta’s Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, now living in Calgary, she is passionate about sharing her lived Indigenous experiences to create cultural connections.
“My knowledge as an Indigenous person and my ability to bridge these two worlds is something that’s special,” she says.
Brown is an artist, educator and tourism consultant who advocates for and celebrates Indigenous stories, voices and businesses. She served as the director of industry development at Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) from 2021 to 2024, growing the organization from 37 to 175 members. Under her leadership, ITA created allyship tool kits and cultural-awareness training that empowered tourism partners to embrace Indigenous cultures. The tool kits and training have since been adopted nationally, with more than 1,000 tourism professionals trained in Alberta, alone.
Brown’s consulting company, also named Kamâmak (“butterfly” in Cree), works with companies to elevate Indigenous voices through the lens of reconciliation and promote cultural awareness within the tourism industry. As a multifaceted artist, she specializes in public murals, drumming and storytelling, and has worked with organizations like the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, BUMP Festival and the Calgary Public Library. “When we’re able to invite underrepresented and equitydeserving communities into these places, they innately share their stories, and we learn from that,” Brown says.
To further share Indigenous knowledge, Brown hosts weekly Cree language classes in her home. Her recognitions include the Alberta Assembly of First Nations’ 2019 Indigenous Woman of the Year award, Top 30 under 30 from the Alberta Corporation for Global Cooperation in 2020, and a Cultural Leaders
Legacy Arts Award at the 2024 Celebration of the Arts hosted by Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
“My mission is to create connections through the arts and through storytelling,” Brown says. “I believe in utilizing relationships and foundations of care to create and spark change.” —Olivia Piché
IAN CANTELO
CO-OWNER AND FOUNDER, ATHLETIC EDGE; ASSISTANT COACH AND STRENGTH TRAINER, CTA WEST BASKETBALL; SAFETY ADVISOR, PROPAK
After his 12-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces, Ian Cantelo returned to Calgary in 2014 yearning for a sense of community. Coaching basketball at Western Canada High School was a good start, but he wanted to establish something of his own. So, he and former pro football player Lance Milton launched Athletic Edge, an athlete-development program. What began as just six participants training in a rental gym has grown into 400-plus athletes of varying ages and sports stepping up their game in Athletic Edge’s own facility every month.
The program takes athletes’ academic performance as seriously as their sporting goals, keeping tabs on participants’ grades to ensure they are set up for success when it comes to competing at a post-secondary level. “I love that I get to be a mentor in young athletes’ lives, and help to push them in the right direction,” Cantelo says.
Raised by a single mother in northeast Calgary, Cantelo understands that not everyone has access to the high-quality athletic training necessary to excel in their sport, and aims to make Athletic Edge’s programming as accessible as possible to those in need. Additionally, he works full-time as a safety advisor for Propak and coaches basketball at Canada Topflight Academy (CTA) West. Between CTA West and Athletic Edge, Cantelo has helped more than 125 athletes secure post-secondary scholarships.
In his time with the military and in sport, Cantelo has dedicated himself to serving others (in 2011, he was awarded the Sacrifice Medal for injuries sustained in combat while in Afghanistan). He has also been the honorary coin-tosser for Calgary’s high school City Championship football games for six consecutive years. “I just try to be an active member of my community and have a positive impact on as many people as I can,” Cantelo says. —Riley Fonger
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
A decorated veteran, he co-founded an athlete-development program to help young athletes earn post-secondary scholarships, while coaching and supporting amateur sport in Calgary.
MARISA CLARK
FASHION DESIGNER AND FOUNDER, FAUN STUDIO
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She fights fast fashion through mindfully made clothing and represents Calgary’s design scene on the global stage.
Prior to starting her own clothing company, Marisa Clark worked for NGOs, contacting businesses and encouraging them to adopt more ethical strategies, often with disappointing results. “I was inspired to create a business of my own that actually incorporated the practices I wanted to see,” she says.
That business is Faun Studio, which Clark founded in 2018. With her NGO background, she was well aware of how the fashion industry is bursting at its seams with unethical practices, and extreme waste, unsafe labour conditions and harmful micro-trends, but Clark has worked hard to run her company differently. She uses deadstock fabrics and sustainable textiles made from materials like cotton and hemp, works with certified ethical factories in Vietnam and Hong Kong, and hires local talent for photoshoots. “I wanted to do something that made changes along every level of the supply chain,” she says.
Beyond her mindful manufacturing and marketing, Clark partners with Patti Falconer modelling agency annually to raise money for the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, donates spare inventory to Making Changes and volunteers as a personal stylist for My Best Friend’s Closet.
Of course, in fashion, looks matter, too. Clark’s products (think citrus-printed linen shirts, floral-splashed polos and blue shell checkered pants) challenge minimalist design, but lean into minimal consumerism. Faun Studio’s bold prints and cheeky colour blocking have earned praise from Vanity Fair, Forbes and Vogue Korea and Mexico, and taken on the runways at Paris, Milan and New York Fashion Weeks. There’s no gatekeeping here, either — Clark’s ultimate goal is to educate other small brands and share all she’s learned. “I want to create an international network of ethical producers and help other aspiring designers do something similar,” she says. —Alyssa Hirose
CONTRA
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER, FOREIGNERZ; CREATIVE DIRECTOR, BUMP FESTIVAL; MUSICIAN
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She is a creative tour de force, putting Calgary on the map in visual art and music.
Obsessively partaking in Calgary’s arts scene since childhood has led CONTRA to a resounding conclusion: this city needs diverse voices now, more than ever.
“We see ourselves creating and shifting the culture for the future,” she says.
Born in Tamil Nadu in India, CONTRA (Priya Ramesh) has lived in Calgary since she was seven. Her experience of sneaking into Sled Island Festival shows came fullcircle in 2018 when she, alongside sister Eboshi/Bee Ramesh, debuted as Cartel Madras, an experimental hip-hop project informed by their many identities, including being South Indian and queer.
This led to a record deal with American music label Sub Pop, three EPs with more than 7 million streams, and more than 110 shows worldwide — including one in India last year alongside global hip-hop superstar, M.I.A.
Music is just one of CONTRA’s artistic pursuits. In 2020, she co-founded the art and production house FOREIGNERZ, which has helped create 30-plus productions, such as Dispatches from the Calgary Underground (2021), that feature BIPOC and marginalized artists at the forefront.
Since 2021, she has also worked with BUMP (Beltline Urban Murals Project) to bring Calgary to life through more than 300 public art installations and a multi-day festival full of accessible visual art, music, block parties and rooftop parties. Her programming work with BUMP includes
diverse artists from around the world and right down the block, growing Calgary’s reputation worldwide while fostering a locally empowered arts community. Additionally, this past summer, she was named Calgary Public Library’s 2024 Filmmaker in Residence. CONTRA’s polymath artistic output isn’t
just creating a vibrant Calgary; it’s forging a future for artists of all backgrounds to thrive.
“The demographic leading the [arts] charge has never been seen here before,” she says. “It’s important for us to find ways to create more spaces for those voices to shine through.” —Nathan Iles
MARY JANSEN DUNBAR
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGIST AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s helping to change the understanding of brain injuries in children and infants, including babies still in utero.
aquestion from a patient’s grandmother changed the trajectory of Mary Jansen Dunbar’s career. The woman asked if her granddaughter, who was in utero and had a brain injury, could still have a good life.
Dunbar, a pediatric neurologist, didn’t know what to say. The answer depends on a person’s concept of a good life, and there are many gaps in knowledge about brain injuries in children.
So Dunbar embarked on a mission to help give evidence-based information to families about perinatal strokes or other forms of brain injury in children and infants, including those still in utero.
“When I talk to families, they want answers grounded in science and compassion, not judgment and ableism,” she says.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dunbar finished her second master’s degree at the University of Calgary in clinical epidemiology, focusing on perinatal stroke (her first was in neuroscience). She did it while working from home with a toddler and an infant who was born in the first wave of COVID-19. Dunbar’s husband, also a physician, was working in the ICU.
Today, Dunbar divides her time between seeing patients and running a research lab dedicated to perinatal brain injury research. She established an Alberta-wide fetal neurology clinical research program and invented a simple device that makes collecting fluids from spinal taps easier, greatly increasing diagnosis success rates. After patenting her product, she made it available free of charge.
Dunbar has developed first-of-their-kind tools to help predict the risk of cerebral palsy and strokes in babies, and her work has shown that some brain injuries in newborns, previously believed to be caused by delivery, actually happen before birth. She also discovered that male babies are twice as likely
to have symptoms of stroke recognized early compared to females — Dunbar and her team are trying to figure out why. “Our work can contribute to the worldwide advancement of care for fetal brain disorders,” she says. “That’s something I’m really excited about over the next five years.” —Christina Frangou
MARCIE HAWRANIK
FOUNDER AND CEO, CANADIAN EQUALITY CONSULTING AND EQUALITY 360
Marcie Hawranik began volunteering as a young child when her parents started Manitoba’s first rural food bank. “I was always raised to serve the community, and to also constantly strive to be an ally for other communities that I’m not a part of,” Hawranik says.
Her roots in community-building have led to a career devoted to supporting others. Hawranik is the CEO and founder of two companies: diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) firm Canadian Equality Consulting and DEI microlearning company Equality 360. In both, Hawranik improves equality at workplaces by helping businesses drive impactful DEI initiatives, as well as educating employees about DEI topics through courses and access to other expert-curated content. “It’s an incredible privilege to be invited into workplaces by people that are struggling or frustrated with the culture that they operate in,” Hawranik says.
Canadian Equality Consulting has been growing rapidly over the past five years and currently has a team of 12 full-time employees and a network of approximately 20 contractors. It has helped change the culture at more than 500 organizations, and impacted more than 8,000 individuals through its work to advance equity. The company gives back, too, donating more than $25,000 in 2023, alone, to grassroots movements and non-profits that do equity-centered work.
Equality 360 is run by Hawranik and one part-time contractor. With revenue of more than $100,000 in its first year, it was recently accepted into the Alberta Accelerator by 500 program, an initiative to strengthen the tech sector in the province by providing tools and mentorship for startups to scale.
Hawranik says one of her keys to success is to find people who share your goal or mission, then mobilize together. “It’s a collective achievement — how both companies have really flourished,” she says, “and I think that’s due in large part to working with such incredible people.” —Déjà Leonard
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She has accelerated diversity, equity and inclusion across the country and funded numerous grassroots movements via her social enterprises.
Age 39
MICHELLE HOOGVELD
ARTIST
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She is a prolific artist whose work is getting international recognition.
with more than 125 murals in her portfolio, Michelle Hoogveld is one of Calgary’s most visible artists. She has created more than 60 in Calgary, alone, including The Corridor of Connection, a 950-foot mural along the 4th Street S.E. underpass connecting East Village and Stampede Park. Completed in 2018, Corridor was Hoogveld’s first major mural in her home city, a commission she got just one month after she quit her teaching job to pursue art full-time.
Hoogveld is also making her mark outside of Calgary in a big way. In 2021, she painted the 16,750 square-foot Dazzle My Heart mural on the Le Germain Hotel in Montreal — the largest mural done by a female artist in Canada — while suspended 170 feet above the ground on a swing stage.
“For me to have gotten to where I am, I hope it can be an inspiration to anyone who wants to do something bigger than they’ve ever dreamed,” she says.
Hoogveld also did a 13,500-square-foot mural in Hoboken, N.J.; was commissioned to paint her signature heart motif across the surface of a private basketball court in Beverly Hills; and her fine-art piece, Resonance, is featured in Straat, the world’s largest street art museum in Amsterdam.
Hoogveld also uses her art to give back locally, volunteering her time to teach art workshops to children and youth at community centres. In 2016, in tribute to her late mother, who lost her battle with cancer, Hoogveld collaborated with her sisters to interview 56 families and create custom paintings inspired by their cancer journeys. The works were then auctioned off at the Skies of Hope Gala fundraising event, raising more than $200,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
“To give back to your community creates a connection beyond the art,” Hoogveld says. —Riley Fonger
KELLE HURD
PHYSICIAN AND CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Every Indigenous person in Canada should have access to excellent, culturally safe health care. It’s highlighted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and internal medicine physician Kelle Hurd is intent on making it a reality. “When I went into medicine, I knew I wanted to take the gift I’ve been given and share that with my community,” Hurd says. She is inspired by her maternal grandmother, who was Indigenous of Luiseño heritage and worked as high school guidance counsellor on the north side of San Diego Country, the traditional and presentday territories of the Luiseño people. “I carry her memory and purpose in every role that I have as a physician,” Hurd says.
A member of the Métis Nation of Alberta on her paternal side, in 2023, Hurd became vice-chair for Indigenous health in the department of medicine at the University of Calgary — it’s estimated she is one of fewer than 10 self-identified Indigenous doctors working in the department. She trains and mentors fellows, residents and medical students to deliver quality care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Hurd has also developed novel medical education curricula for future internal medicine physicians.
She runs an internal medicine practice and, as a busy clinician, cares for patients at Foothills Medical Centre, the Elbow River Healing Lodge (an urban Indigenous health clinic) and the Stoney Health Centre in Morley, which serves people from the Stoney Nakoda Nations. Hurd works to reduce health-care inequities by respecting Indigenous knowledge, science and healing practices, including in the areas of pregnancy and women’s health. With specialized training in obstetric medicine, she helps provide care in a shared medical practice that looks after approximately 800 high-risk pregnant patients a year.
“I am very honoured that I get to work with such resilient and amazing patients that teach me so much,” she says. —Christina Frangou
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She creates safe spaces in medicine for Indigenous patients to access culturally safe care.
JENNIFER JACKSON
NURSE-SCIENTIST AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, FACULTY OF NURSING, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s a health-care advocate who uses research and collaboration to increase public safety and help vulnerable people get access to support.
In 2020, Jennifer Jackson, armed with a PhD in nursing research, came on board at University of Calgary as an assistant professor. She immediately took on a significant challenge: addressing the way the city deals with the 80,000 needles from drug use discarded locally each year. At the time, public needle bins were emptied by the fire department’s hazmat unit, an expensive process that didn’t address the needs of the vulnerable communities of people who use drugs.
Jackson has chronic fatigue and pain as a result of a condition that she was diagnosed with in her early 20s. This invisible disability inspires her to work towards creating more inclusive communities: “I know what it’s like to be excluded,” she says.
To address the needle debris, Jackson brought together several organizations, including the Calgary Fire Department, Safeworks Connect and The City of Calgary, and, together, the team pivoted to having Alpha House Society (a local aid agency) take over emptying the needle bins. This move reduced costs, allowed firefighters to focus on other priorities and increased the presence of outreach workers (Alpha House provides food, support and resources to people experiencing drug addiction and homelessness) to support the communities.
“My work has put the right workers in the right place, and saved Calgarian taxpayers’ money,” Jackson says.
In her first four years of being a professor, Jackson has published 50 peer-reviewed publications in academic journals, including a high-profile cost analysis of a supervised consumption site. She also studied health-care workers affected by the overdose crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
She is proud to be a self-described “radical pragmatist” who speaks publicly on healthcare issues. “My work demonstrates that nurses are experts,” she says, “and that nurses, women and disabled people are serious contributors to public discourse.”
Christina Frangou
TRACY JOHNSON
CEO, CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION Age 34
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She became CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation while still in her 20s and now works to support the Library with funding for enhanced programming and services.
Between 2013 and 2019, Tracy Johnson worked her way up from the Calgary Public Library Foundation’s most junior position — campaign assistant — to CEO, a role she took on at the age of 29. As a young, female CEO, she has often been underestimated, but that just fuels her desire to prove those who doubt her wrong. “I’ve learned to lean into it a bit; I’ve sort of made it a game for myself,” she says.
The Foundation’s mission, Johnson says, is “to connect and inspire donors to support Calgary Public Library’s innovative and enhanced programs and services beyond [its] core funding.” Over the past decade, as Johnson advanced her career, donorship grew from 900 to more than 27,000 donors, raising more than $80 million.
Under her leadership, in 2023, the Foundation relaunched the Lit Gala, which has raised more than $600,000 for children’s library programming. That same year, Johnson oversaw the expansion of LibraryStore.ca — a fundraising e-commerce site — to an in-person, volunteerrun café at the Central Library that has since raised more than $23,000.
Funding from the Foundation supports Calgary Public Library as it seeks to expand and enhance its resources to meet the ever-changing needs of its 750,000-plus members. Johnson is particularly proud of the fully donor-funded Engine 23: A Ladder Up on Literacy initiative, which brought a decommissioned fire truck into the Fish Creek Library, where it serves as an interactive early learning centre for children.
Johnson believes she and her team are helping set the standard for what public libraries can achieve. Her leadership advice is fitting for someone at the helm of an organization based in a belief in what libraries offer their communities. “People are going to judge a book by its cover, but you have the potential to change minds,” she says. —Krista Sylvester
NKETTI JOHNSTON-TAYLOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CALGARY REGION IMMIGRANT EMPLOYMENT COUNCIL
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She leads the team that has garnered millions in funding to support international workers as they integrate into Calgary’s labour market.
nketti Johnston-Taylor is a child of immigrants and immigrated into Canada herself, so she knows the obstacles newcomers face; especially when it comes to finding a welcoming community and securing work.
“I know what not belonging feels like. I know the challenges that my parents experienced as professionals,” she says. So, she has put her personal experiences and passion for people to good work. In the two years that she has been executive director at Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC), she and her team have scored the organization $6.9 million in funding. The funds support newcoming professionals (think nurses, accountants, engineers and lawyers) in search of employment.
The resources that CRIEC offers include pre-arrival services, job-readiness training, employer engagement, mentorship and work placements that attract and retain workers. The funding has also allowed the team at CRIEC to grow, from nine individuals to 24 staff and eight consultants. “Empowering immigrants in the way we do contributes to the social, cultural and economic fabric of our community, ensuring that everyone really has the opportunity to succeed and thrive — and it gives more people access to the Canadian dream,” she says.
Johnston-Taylor, who has a multidisciplinary PhD in economics, politics and community, also has a background in
academia (she has shared her knowledge with more than 1,000 students at post-secondary institutions in Calgary and the U.K.). Her teaching focuses on providing students with the real-life skills they need to thrive in the working world.
She also volunteers for the Calgary Food Bank, and is co-chair of the Alberta Black Advisory Council, which advises the provincial government on ways to address anti-Black racism and systemic barriers facing Black Albertans. —Déjà Leonard
EVA KIEFER
CO-FOUNDER AND CFO, AKIRA IMPACT
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She has recharged the Calgary energy sector through her innovative approach to strategic finance, and by advocating for sustainability, equity and education.
According to Eva Kiefer, the values of work ethic, innovation and courage were instilled in her early on during her upbringing in impoverished, post-communist Bulgaria. Her move to Alberta fostered her appreciation for entrepreneurship and transformative finance, and inspired her to dedicate her career to advancing innovation in Calgary’s energy sector. “My passion for sustainability stems from a deep sense of responsibility towards creating a more equitable and habitable planet for current and future generations,” Kiefer says.
Her impact on Calgary’s energy sector (and her astute business acumen) is evident in her ability to rapidly scale businesses through strategic finance. Along with securing capital for multiple private companies in her role as the CFO of Grafton Asset Management Inc., Kiefer was part of Pipestone Energy’s founding team in 2015. Under her stewardship, Pipestone Energy grew from four to more than 100 employees, and was valued at $650 million when she left in 2019.
That same year, Kiefer co-founded Akira Impact with her business partner Geeta Sankappanavar. Akira is an energy transition investment firm that focuses on three primary initiatives: supporting Green Impact Partners (the company developing the largest carbon-negative energy plant in North America), founding the equipment financing and manufacturing firm Northbase Finance, and funding innovative projects in Calgary’s energy transition sector, including energy
storage solutions that strengthen Alberta’s electricity grid.
Kiefer works to break down barriers for women in the industry via mentorship and through her role on the board of directors for The Prosperity Project. She also serves on the University of Calgary’s Board of Governors. “Education is how you get out of poverty,” she says. Kiefer adds that educating an individual has an amplifying effect on communities; her revolutionary effect on the energy sector is proof. —Sarah Comber
ANDREW KIM
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, WOW HOLDINGS LTD.
Alawyer, business strategist and father of three, Andrew Kim channelled his entrepreneurial spirit into building a Korean fried-chicken restaurant that has since grown into a collection of brands spotlighting Korean culture.
In 2013, Kim, along with his business partner, opened the first location of WOW Chicken in Kensington, aiming for an authentic experience, reminiscent of what you’d find in Seoul. “I wanted to create something that not only would appeal and serve the needs of those longing for their Korean roots, but also provide a new experience to Western customers,” Kim says.
Three years later, they launched WOW Bakery. Opening a bakery-café was Kim’s childhood dream, stemming from his and his mother’s shared love of desserts. Kim felt the city was missing a premium Koreanstyle bakery and wanted to bring Korean baked goods with French and Japanese influences to Calgarians. He built WOW Bakery from scratch, from scouting spaces to sourcing just the right butter and flour.
In 2017, Kim went to Shanghai to develop his business acumen. He completed an MBA and worked in Asia as a lawyer and later, with a travel technology platform, significantly growing its global reach and operations. He returned to Calgary earlier this year and is now applying his international experience to grow his WOW group of companies. In addition to the chicken and bakery shops in the franchise model, the company has expanded with WOW Stores and WOW Katsu (Japanese fried cutlets). “It’s a small startup with big dreams,” Kim says. “In order for us to be successful, we had to become a brand-builder.”
WOW brands now occupy a large bakery production facility and 15 retail storefronts in Calgary, Ponoka, Red Deer, Cochrane, Beiseker, Rocky View County and soon Lethbridge and Airdrie, with plans for expansion beyond Alberta. —Carmen Cheng
WHY HE’S A TOP 40 He is a driven entrepreneur who creates authentic Korean dining and retail experiences through his WOW brands.
Age 29
MICHAEL KRYSHTALSKYJ
SENIOR RESIDENT, OPHTHALMOLOGY, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY; CO-FOUNDER, EYES ON UKRAINE
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He started a charity to help war-torn Ukraine, providing more than $1.5 million in surgical equipment and helping hundreds of patients with eye injuries.
When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Michael Kryshtalskyj, then a junior resident at the University of Calgary, watched the news in shock from his Calgary condo. The young doctor was training in ophthalmology and the treatment of eye diseases, and, while he’d never been to the country, as a person of Ukrainian descent, he wanted to help.
Kryshtalskyj spent the next 48 hours reaching out to ophthalmology experts, including the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). On Feb. 26, 2022, he founded Eyes on Ukraine, a charity adopted by COS that has since delivered more than $1.5 million in surgical equipment to help Ukrainians with eye injuries — and gained international attention as a model for global health innovation.
“Balancing Eyes on Ukraine with residency has been tremendous work, but it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” says Kryshtalskyj, who was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal by the Government of Alberta for his charity work.
Eyes on Ukraine has helped rebuild surgical trauma centres destroyed by the war and is helping to establish the country’s first public eye bank for patients who need complex eye repair. Kryshtalskyj is also developing 3Dprinted alternatives to expensive instruments to help low-resourced patients. (An exophthalmometer, for example, used to measure eye protrusion, typically costs around $2,000 — with 3D printing, the price drops to $35.)
As the war continues, the charity is prioritizing educating Ukrainian surgeons in the treatment of complex eye trauma. Next year, the organization will bring two surgeons to UCalgary for a humanitarian fellowship in advanced reconstructive techniques. Those surgeons will then be able to train colleagues
back in Ukraine — a sharing of knowledge that hits close to home for Kryshtalskyj, now in his fifth year of residency. “This experience has impressed on me the power we can have, at any stage in our lives, to make meaningful differences on a broad scale,” he says.
Christina Frangou
DALLIN LAYCOCK
SENIOR GEOLOGIST, CONOCOPHILLIPS; CO-FOUNDER, GEOLOGY IN MOTION
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
His scientific knowledge and volunteer work has made significant environmental strides and gotten the attention of NASA.
NASA doesn’t care about most people’s hobbies, but most people aren’t Dallin Laycock.
As a senior geologist working in the energy industry, Laycock has published 12 papers and secured three patents on technologies designed to reduce the greenhouse gas impact of hydraulic fracturing, but it’s his passion project that earned the attention of the U.S. space agency.
In 2021, Laycock co-founded Geology in Motion, an organization that supports geoscience education and pro-bono environmental research. ”We were really just seeking to have fun with science and find ways to illustrate geologic concepts,” Laycock says, “but the impact from it was tremendous.”
Geology in Motion is now doing research in Europe on the geological impacts of the Second World War and has conducted research from Cape Canaveral in Florida to Puerto Rico, studying eroded coastlines where turtles nest. “In the process, we discovered a way to leverage storm activity to accelerate the restoration of the turtles’ habitats, potentially turning an existential threat into an asset,” Laycock says.
Educational videos from the Puerto Rico research, as well as other Geology in Motion projects, were featured at NASA’s booth at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and have been accessed more than one million times around the world, everywhere from
kindergarten classrooms to university lectures and beyond.
One of Laycock’s proudest achievements to date is working with NASA to collect scientific data from the Artemis I rocket launch in 2022. “Being involved in any capacity with a project of that magnitude is memorable,” he says.
He has managed to do all of this — plus volunteer with his church and various local non-profits — without sacrificing his home life. “Even though I’m a busy person, it’s important to me to make time for my kids and family,” Laycock says. “No amount of success can compensate for failure at home.” —Krista Sylvester
QUAN LY
FOUNDER AND CEO, MCRALLY; CFO, GLOBAL PHILANTHROPIC CANADA
He’s
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
As a first-generation immigrant, Quan Ly experienced many struggles growing up, but credits being forced to overcome those challenges for his successes. “My family and I were always trying to stay afloat, so it was growing up through adversity and having that persistence, hard work, dedication,” Ly says.
A chartered professional accountant, Ly started his career at Deloitte in 2007, but he knew he was destined to be an entrepreneur. “It was instilled in me that, if you want control over your destiny and if you want true freedom in life, carve your own path,” he says. In 2015, he left Deloitte and started his own firm, McRally, and has since grown it to a team of 11. The boutique cloudaccounting and consulting firm provides financial leadership and tailored solutions to more than 60 local businesses. Ly’s entrepreneurial spirit also led to him becoming a co-owner of Evil Corporation Brewing, a small-batch craft brewery that is known for its unique flavours and innovative bar-free taproom setup.
His philanthropic endeavours are similarly well-rounded. In 2023, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer at Global Philanthropic Canada, an organization that advises non-profits on executing large-scale fundraising and strategic initiatives.
Ly also volunteers locally, currently serving a third term as treasurer on the board of the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers. Additionally, he’s a mentor in the Rotary Club’s Carl Smith Stay-in-School Program, where he was once an award recipient. Through McRally, Ly is a sponsor and supporter of Ace High, a Stampede fundraiser that has raised just over $147,000 for Trellis Society over the past three years (Ly’s individual donation is approximately 10 per cent of that amount). “I have a true desire to help people, connect with people, and just do better for the world,” he says.
Krista Sylvester
ALLISON LYNCH
ACTOR, COMPOSER, SINGER, MUSICIAN
Born into a family of musicians, it’s no surprise Allison Lynch created a career for herself in the performing arts. As an actor, composer, singer and musician, Lynch has become part of the beating heart of Calgary’s theatre scene. Her contributions as the composer, sound designer, musical director and actor-fiddler in Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol — a show she’s been a part of for 14 years — are a testimony to her multifaceted talents.
As an actor and a singer, Lynch has performed on almost every major Calgary stage, from the Jack Singer to the Max Bell. She has sound-designed and composed live scores for Vertigo Theatre and Alberta Theatre Projects, and done sound design for One Yellow Rabbit and others.
While some may equate a successful career in the arts with a willingness to relocate, Lynch proves it’s possible to thrive in Calgary. She’s a recipient of multiple awards, including four Betty Mitchell Awards in acting, and one in composing and sound design.
Despite being highly awarded for her work, finding a seat at the table in the male-dominated field of theatre and sound design hasn’t always been easy. But Lynch’s belief in herself and the encouragement from her mentors have helped her persevere. As a member of Theatre Calgary’s TC Mentors program, she guides young artists with that same encouragement and belief.
Lynch is also committed to inclusivity through art and helps provide audio descriptions and auditory programs for blind audience members for theatre productions across the city through the Good Host Program run by Inside Out Theatre (a deaf, disability and mad theatre company).
“I hope these efforts we're making to be inclusive will allow us to expand our mission of storytelling and connecting out further within our city, the country and the world,” she says. —Olivia Piché
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40 She’s an award-winning artist who is committed to championing inclusive theatre and creating a vibrant, world-class performing arts scene in Calgary.
NADIA MAAROUF
CLINICAL SCIENTIST; ANALOG ASTRONAUT
Growing up in rural Morocco, Nadia Maarouf’s father would tell her that she could do anything with the right education. “I was lucky to be born to a very rare feminist father who provided me with the freedom to pursue my education and follow my dreams,” she says.
After high school, Maarouf moved to England to study biomedicine as an undergrad, and then to Scotland for a master’s in clinical pharmacology. In 2010, her father had a heart attack and died two years later. Her taekwondo mentor, who she’d studied with since childhood, and who was like a second father to her, also passed away of heart disease months before her father. Following their deaths, Maarouf decided to focus on cardiovascular diseases. Her work as a doctoral student at the University of Calgary helped develop a vaccine for atherosclerosis, a condition that results when arteries become clogged with plaque.
In 2020, her research caught the attention of astronaut Robert Thirsk, who helped connect her with the Canadian Space Agency. Space travel affects the bodies of astronauts, rapidly aging the heart, and scientists believe that solving the cardiac issues associated with space travel is a step towards preventing and curing heart disease on earth. “Space research has access to the best technologies. We can use that to find solutions to one of the world's leading causes of death,” she says.
Maarouf became an analog astronaut — a scientist who does testing on earth in locations similar to space environments. She has been on missions in Hawaii and Utah, monitoring and reporting on astronauts’ health and studying technology that may be used for future space missions (and in remote communities where residents lack access to health care).
Maarouf is also a mountaineer, ice diver and caver, and a member of the Rotary Club of Calgary. “I hope that my example will inspire more parents to give their daughters and sons opportunities for equal access to education,” she says. Christina Frangou
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s a scientist working to prevent and cure heart disease for people everywhere, even in space.
JOSEPH M acDONALD
PHYSICIAN AND OWNER, PRIME HAIR CLINIC
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He helms an internationally renowned clinical and surgical practice for hair-loss treatment and advocates to raise industry standards.
After completing his residency from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine in 2017, Joseph MacDonald was on track for a career as a family doctor. But a chance encounter with pioneering hair transplantation specialist John Gillespie inspired him to change course. “I had never even heard of a hair transplant at the time — they don’t teach this at med school,” MacDonald says. “I was so intrigued with the work, to the point that I was showing up at the clinic, day after day. Dr. Gillespie taught me everything he knew.”
Eighteen months later, MacDonald took ownership of the former Gillespie Clinic, changing the name to Prime Hair Clinic and continuing the work Gillespie had been doing since 1975. The medical and surgical clinic caters to patients suffering from hair loss due to genetic causes, hormonal imbalances, injury or stress. Since 2018, MacDonald has doubled the number of hair transplants and tripled the number of hair-loss consultations at the clinic. Earlier this year, he began construction on a new hair transplant training centre, with a larger clinic space being constructed to answer increasing demand.
MacDonald is a clinical lecturer at his alma mater and a member of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, a certification body that supports the training and industry regulation of practising physicians.
He’s also part of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, which organizes conferences around the globe where leading clinics share knowledge and best practices.
“As one of only a handful of qualified hair surgeons in Canada, I feel it’s my duty to advocate for good, honest, professional stan-
dards in what is still a relatively new medical niche,” MacDonald says. “Sadly, the industry does have a dark side, with botched surgeries and snake-oil treatments. So, if part of my professional contribution is championing for integrity within the industry, I’ll be satisfied with that.” —Kymberley Hill
MEG MARTIN
SENIOR DIRECTOR, STUDENT WELLNESS AND ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40 She develops critical programs and services to educate people about sexual and gender-based violence and how to prevent it.
In 2023, registered psychologist Meg Martin was hired by the University of Calgary as the manager for its Sexual and Gender-based Violence Prevention and Support Office. Serving UCalgary’s 60,000 students, faculty and staff, the office raises awareness about sexual and genderbased violence (SGBV), supports those who have experienced it, and provides coaching on bystander intervention, consent disclosures and policy regulations.
In just one year, Martin, who has since moved into a temporary role as the university’s senior director of Student Wellness and Accessibility Services, not only created the office from the ground up, but expanded it well beyond its original scope, doubling its staff to four full-time employees (plus two student mentors) and instituting a restorative, community-based approach to educational programming that is designed to be accessible and non-intimidating.
Through this office, Martin debuted the informational “What You Didn’t Know Wednesdays” webinar series and piloted the first feminist self-defence program in the country. “When we focus education on the things we can get punished for, we really miss the point,” she says.
Aside from her work at the university, Martin has led several projects over the past decade that have raised Calgary’s profile in the underreported area of SGBV. In the
summer of 2022, she secured funding from Hockey Canada to create and instruct mandatory training as a response to its recent sexual assault scandal. Before that, she helped launch Alberta’s One Line, a toll-free talk service for anyone impacted by sexual violence, and has raised more
than $1 million for various crisis response and educational programs in the province through grant proposals.
“People are really resilient,” Martin says. “They have incredible abilities to connect with their community, to make meaning of their own experiences.” —Abby Parker
AMY MATYCHUK
LAWYER AND FOUNDER, PRISON & POLICE LAW
When lawyer Amy Matychuk opened Prison & Police Law, a practice offering legal services to anyone mistreated by the justice system, word spread quickly. In fact, some clients-to-be found Matychuk’s phone number written on the walls of their prison cells. “All you really need is to tell inmates that someone is out there who wants to help them, because they’re desperate,” Matychuk says.
Her work includes writing letters of advice, helping with parole and human rights complaints, assisting with police misconduct matters, and more. Since 2021, more than 400 Canadians have benefited from Matychuk’s unique expertise. Many of her clients belong to marginalized groups, as people mistreated by the police or prison system often are. Several are trans women who are being denied their right to be incarcerated in a women’s institution.
Matychuk is working to bring one such case to trial, with the end goal of forcing changes to federal policy so that other trans inmates don’t have to endure the same injustice. Another of her 100-or-so open files involves a woman who reported domestic violence to the police, only to have the investigating officer send her texts trying to solicit sex.
In addition to serving her clients, Matychuk educates the public through her writing on Law360.ca and ABlawg.ca. She sits on the executive boards of the Canadian Prison Law Association, the Alberta Prison Justice Society and the Alberta Police Misconduct Database Association.
The type of law she practises isn’t glamorous, but it’s making a difference that matters more to this young lawyer. “The idea of going to work every day and doing work that didn’t have some kind of bigger, symbolic significance, that just felt like a way that I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life,” Matychuk says. —Doug Horner
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40 She founded a law firm that holds the police and prison system accountable and protects the rights of marginalized Calgarians.
Age 33
LUCAS Mc CARTHY
CEO, SHOWPASS
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
His tech company has become one of the largest independent ticketing providers, serving more than 1,500 event organizers and selling 20 million tickets internationally each year.
Lucas McCarthy isn’t just a tech entrepreneur. He’s also a master at cultivating community. That’s what he does through Showpass, the ticketing and events platform he founded in 2014. Showpass isn’t just where you purchase tickets for big concerts, festivals or global sporting events, but for everything local, too: community curling, dance recitals, swimming pools, even timed entry to berry-picking fields and corn mazes. The platform’s bread and butter is helping clients with all kinds of complex event organization and helping people find things to do in their city, by marketing events based on their preferences and interests.
Since 2014, McCarthy has grown his tech-company-that-could from three employees to 110. Showpass grew four-anda-half times between 2020 to 2022. That’s no small feat in the best of times, but, in a pandemic, when you’re in the business of helping people gather, it’s monumental. Showpass helped popularize concepts such as outdoor hotel concerts that met public health requirements. “We would put a concert on [a hotel] deck and you could hang out on your [balcony] and watch the concert safely,” says McCarthy. “And we financed some of these. We did a lot to engage in everything that we could to make an industry that was dead, alive, because we needed it just as much as anyone else.”
Showpass has expanded throughout Canada, the U.S., U.K. and Australia and is on track to have $1 billion in managed annual sales next year. McCarthy’s achievements have been recognized in Deloitte’s 2023 Technology Fast 500 rankings, but his proudest accomplishment is that no layoffs occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. “If you asked some of our investors at the advent of COVID what they were anticipating with this company, it was ‘good luck.’” Looks like McCarthy didn’t need it.
Tsering Asha
JANA McDONALD
FOUNDER AND CEO, GUARDYAN CONSERVATION CORP.
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s changing how emissions reduction happens and what it looks like to be a leader in the energy industry.
As a young, female, 2SLGBTQIA+ leader working in the maledominated energy sector, Jana McDonald is used to confronting challenges. “The more intimidation I experience, the more certainty I have that my company is a force to be reckoned with,” she says.
McDonald is the CEO and founder of Guardyan Conservation Corp., a fullspectrum emissions-reduction project developer. Guardyan works with businesses to identify and develop untapped revenue streams through reducing emissions. Early in her career, McDonald recognized that, for heavy emitters to make meaningful changes, there needed to be significant associated revenue — money talks, after all, and going green requires, well, some “green.” McDonald and her team of environmental strategists help companies reduce their emissions, get third-party verification of the reductions — resulting in carbon credits — and ultimately monetize those credits.
One carbon credit equates to one tonne of CO2 reduced from the atmosphere. Voluntary carbon credits, where companies do more than just offset their required carbon tax requirements, range dramatically in price, but typically sell for between $5 and $20. Through Guardyan’s Greenhouse Gas Avoidance Methodology, one Alberta-based heavy oil producer earned 271 million voluntary carbon credits in 2023, which could potentially be the largest emission-reduction project to ever hit the global market.
As a member of the organization Young Women in Energy, McDonald mentors up-
“I WOULD DIE BEFORE I WOULD FAIL. I HAVE THIS UNRELENTING OPTIMISM.”
and-coming female engineers and was honoured this year with a Young Women in Energy Award, recognizing women in Alberta’s energy sector in the areas of leadership, innovation and performance. She is also a co-founder of the WhyNot International Aid Foundation, a non-profit that, since 2022, has delivered more
than $2.5 million in donations to recipients that include the Blood Tribe in Southern Alberta and refugees from Ukraine and Syria.
Despite these achievements, don’t expect to find McDonald resting on her laurels. “I’m nowhere near done what I came into this industry to do,” she says. —Krista Sylvester
Age 39
ROBERT MILLER
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY; CARDIOLOGIST, ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
In medical school, Robert Miller became captivated by the mechanics of cardiology. But he also had a personal stake. “My family was impacted by heart disease, and I wanted to make sure other people weren’t impacted in the same way,” he says.
Today, as a cardiologist, Miller splits his time between treating patients with heart disease, conducting research and advocating for funding. He also runs the Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT programs at Foothills Medical Centre and South Health Campus, where he has doubled the volume of CT scans, providing greater patient access.
As an award-winning expert in advanced cardiac imaging, Miller has an impressive publication record of 170-plus peer-reviewed manuscripts. His research lab focuses on clinical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve diagnosis and risk assessment through non-invasive imaging, for which he was recently awarded a half-million-dollar Alberta Innovates grant.
A clinical challenge Miller is solving is deciding whether to send patients for a cardiac CT scan versus an angiogram. CT scans are less invasive with less radiation, meaning lower risk and cost, while angiograms are the gold standard for patients with multiple heart blockages. But, because it’s difficult to tell if someone has many blockages, it’s not obvious which test to apply.
So, Miller’s lab is developing two AI models using patients’ medical histories to help predict if they have significant coronary disease — critical work that positions Calgary as an AI leader in Canada’s nuclear cardiology space. With such information, doctors can make more informed testing decisions more efficiently. “Right now, it depends on the physician’s feel and gut instinct, which is imperfect, compared to if you’re able to consider all of the potentially relevant patient factors,” Miller says. “The goal of our lab is to find these clinical situations where we need decision support, and use AI to provide that support for improved patient care.” —Colleen Seto
WHY HE’S A TOP 40 He uses AI to improve cardiac patient care through more accurate and efficient diagnosis and risk assessment.
JAMIE PARKER & MIKE WENZLAWE
PRESIDENT (PARKER), VICE-PRESIDENT (WENZLAWE) AND CO-FOUNDERS, CANADIAN HERITAGE ROASTING COMPANY
WHY THEY’RE TOP 40S
They created a local coffee roasting business that has gone national, while remaining dedicated to conservation initiatives.
It’s tough to overstate the impact that working as wildland firefighters had on Jamie Parker and Mike Wenzlawe. Parker was on the rappel team for four years and helped rescue people stranded in High River during the flood of 2013. Wenzlawe grew up playing water polo, including several years on the national team, but his season on the fireline in 2015 was the biggest physical challenge of his life.
The job instilled in the pair a sense of perseverance and a reverence for nature, two defining elements of their Canadian Heritage Roasting Company (CHRC) brand.
“It was one of the first times where I truly
understood the power that I had within myself to execute on things, be confident and to take those risks and leaps and trust the unknown,” Parker says.
The friends first “locked eyes,” as they describe it, in 2011 at an orientation for leaders of Mount Royal University clubs — they reasoned they could host events and fundraise more effectively as a team.
The duo harnessed that same chemistry in the fall of 2015 to start a coffee roasting business. They pooled their $10,000 in savings from wildland firefighting and moved into Wenzlawe’s mom’s house in Cougar Ridge, roasting beans in the garage. The first
few years were tough: to keep afloat, Parker drove a school bus and Wenzlawe worked as a server and fitness instructor.
Today, CHRC employs a dozen people, the brand’s coffee beans are available in 1,200 grocery stores across Canada, and their bricks-and-mortar café is celebrating five years in business. The friends donate to a variety of conservation efforts, and CHRC funds the planting of one tree for every bag of coffee sold (that’s 129,000 trees and counting).
“If there’s one thing that people need to know about CHRC — and us — is that we’re just getting started,” Wenzlawe says.
Doug Horner
JAMIE PARKER (LEFT) AND MIKE WENZLAWE.
NABEEL PEERMOHAMED
PARTNER, BROWNLEE LLP
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
One of the youngest equity partners at Brownlee LLP, he is dedicated to mentoring up-and-coming lawyers and to community service.
During his fifth birthday party, Nabeel Peermohamed’s parents asked him on video what he wanted to be when he grew up. He said “a lawyer.” Three decades later, he has not only made good on that statement, but is one of the youngest equity partners at Brownlee LLP, a Western Canadian firm founded in the 1930s.
Peermohamed is an insurance defence litigator, representing insurance companies and the entities they insure. Over the past decade, he has successfully defended lawsuits that have shaped the courts’ interpretations to dismiss cases under the Occupiers’ Liability Act and the Municipal Government Act, thus protecting commercial and municipal entities from liability.
Peermohamed was on the inaugural Canadian Bar Association National Board of Directors from 2017 to 2019. At Brownlee, he fosters a culture of mentorship as chair of the Student Committee for the Calgary office. He also spearheaded Brownlee’s volunteer work with the Calgary chapter of the Civil Claims Duty Council, collectively providing approximately 100 hours of free legal advice per year to self-represented litigants since 2015. “Pro bono work provides a good balance for any lawyer. It helps refresh your memory about why you entered the profession, and re-establishes parts of the oath that you take as a lawyer to do good,” he says.
His drive stems from a need to honour the sacrifices his family made moving from India to East Africa and then to Canada. At seven, he began volunteering with the Ismaili Volunteer Corps; during law school, he volunteered as a Saturday School teacher; then was principal at one of the Saturday Schools from 2019 to 2022. “I’m always striving to be better,” he says. “I’m building on what I have done so far; continuing to grow, being a stronger mentor and leader, continuing to serve my clients, and staying focused on family values.” —Sarah Comber
CHRIS POWELL & TRAVIS POWELL
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (CHRIS) AND PRESIDENT (TRAVIS), KLS EARTHWORKS & ENVIRONMENTAL AND CALGARY AGGREGATE RECYCLING
Age 39 TRAVIS age 35
WHY THEY’RE TOP 40S
The brothers are leaders in eco-friendly construction practices and prioritize a diverse workforce and collaboration with Indigenous partners.
Growing up on an acreage near Grande Prairie, Chris and Travis Powell spent their childhood in the great outdoors. “We got off the school bus and didn’t come back inside until dark,” says Travis. When they got a little older, the brothers swept floors and did other chores for the oilfield business run by their dad and uncles, and absorbed how their elders did business.
“We have always understood that in order to have success, you have to get at it, even when the going gets tough,” says Chris. “It’s ingrained in who we are.”
Today, the brothers run KLS Earthworks & Environmental, providing earth-moving
services that include excavating, grading, site preparation, remediation and underground utilities. They also run the complementary company, Calgary Aggregate Recycling (CAR), which recycles waste and repurposes it into materials that can be used for road construction and landscaping. In just over a decade, the Powells have distinguished themselves for incorporating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of their businesses, as they strive to reduce the carbon and environmental footprint of construction. CAR’s contaminated soil-reuse facility, which takes materials such as contaminated soil, concrete, asphalt and rubble and transforms them into highquality recycled aggregates and construction
products, is the first of its kind in Canada and has received international acclaim.
Along with promoting diversity within their workforce — over half their leadership team is female — the brothers, who are Métis, foster collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities. They worked closely with the Stoney Nakoda Nations to address damage after the 2013 flood, and are members of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Businesses.
When they aren’t busy pioneering their industry, the brothers are immersing their children in the activities they enjoyed as kids. “It’s not the free-range parenting we had,” says Travis with a laugh, “but we still have a lot of fun.” —Valerie Fortney
CHRIS
TRAVIS POWELL (LEFT) AND CHRIS POWELL.
ALEX PUTICI
MEMBER AND FOUNDER, WORK NICER COWORKING
Alex Putici has devoted his career to making work more efficient, comfortable and cost-effective for others. Work Nicer, the co-working space he founded in 2015, has a tagline of: “No one succeeds alone.”
It’s more than a philosophy; it’s the very foundation that has redefined the co-working landscape since the company’s launch. With a people-first approach that encourages collaboration and community, the business has grown from 10 members to more than 1,300 people. Work Nicer’s five locations offer 24-7 access for members, diverse spaces for all kinds of work (co-working tables, private areas, communal kitchens), and free office assets like printing and coffee. Now the largest co-working community in Alberta, Work Nicer has major companies such as Telus and Shopify contributing to its nearly $4 million in annual revenue, and locations span 90,000 square feet of real estate in Calgary and Edmonton.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Work Nicer donated more than $500,000 in memberships to entrepreneurs who couldn’t afford the fees, so they could continue to grow their companies. Putici’s dedication to community extends past the workplace; in 2014, he cofounded 100 Men Who Give a Damn, a grassroots organization that has channelled nearly $400,000 into local charities, including the Rainbow Society of Alberta and Cornerstone Youth Centre. “We’re doing more than just fundraising; we’re shaping a culture of engaged and informed philanthropy,” he says.
Putici joined the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Committee in 2016 (and continued to serve until 2020, when the committee was sunset); has been on the Chuckwagon Committee since 2023; and he recently joined the board of directors for Trellis Society.
As someone who says he was once “wildly unemployable,” Putici is now wildly successful — earning a spot in 2023 on The Peak’s Emerging Leaders list, which recognizes young individuals shaping Canada's economy, culture and society. —Krista Sylvester
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He built the largest co-working community in Alberta and co-founded the philanthropic organization 100 Men Who Give a Damn.
ROMAN RABINOVICH
CLASSICAL MUSICIAN AND CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CHAMBERFEST WEST
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He’s an internationally acclaimed concert pianist who strives to make classical music accessible to all.
Raised by piano-teacher parents with an extensive record collection, Roman Rabinovich grew up immersed in the world of music, and embraced it wholeheartedly. His family immigrated from Uzbekistan to Israel in 1994, and he made his Israel Philharmonic debut as a pianist at age 10. Rabinovitch went on to earn a master’s in music from Julliard, has performed and created with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Prague Symphony, and performed with our own Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra; he also won the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in 2008. His creative talents go beyond music: his visual art has been showcased in Jerusalem, Philadelphia and New York City.
After years of splitting time between Alberta and New York, Rabinovich put down roots in Calgary in 2020 (his wife is Calgary Phil’s concertmaster, Diana Cohen) — just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic to silence performance venues. But the couple simply turned their Crescent Heights lawn into a stage, with Rabinovich performing Bach’s “Goldberg Variations” for an audience of more than 150 Calgarians. The outdoor concerts continued weekly for eight months. “It was a way to share music at the most vital points,” Rabinovich remembers.
Those shows would become the basis of
a festival, ChamberFest West, which kicked off with a “Big Bang” theme in 2022 and has since become a summer staple for music aficionados. Each year, 25 musicians from around the world perform chamber music at various venues in Calgary. The festival starts with a free outdoor community concert that anyone can
enjoy and offers significant discounts to mainstage concerts for those in need.
Demystifying classical music and making it accessible is at the heart of the ChamberFest West. “Classical music is not just for the elites,” says Rabinovich. “It’s a basic necessity of our souls.” —Nathan Iles
JASON RIBEIRO
VICE-CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT, CALGARY SURGE PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL CLUB
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He established Calgary’s professional basketball team to create an inclusive community for youth.
In August 2022, while scrolling through Twitter (now X), Jason Ribeiro noticed that the Guelph Nighthawks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) were relocating to Calgary, but still looking for an owner. Ribeiro saw that as the perfect opportunity “to build on the broader need in the community for youth on the edges.”
He approached Usman Tahir Jutt (Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2019) to join him in the venture, and they bought and rebranded the team as the Calgary Surge, with the goal of creating more than just sporting entertainment.
“My goal is creating communities for kids to experience together,” says Ribeiro, who found it difficult finding his place while growing up just outside of Toronto. “I’ve been that kid in the room feeling alone,” he says.
To help kids feel included, Ribeiro introduced Surge ASSIST with Kids Up Front Calgary, which has helped more than 3,500 underprivileged youth attend games for free. Through Surge ASSIST, Ribeiro and Surge employees, along with donors, have contributed more than $300,000 to charitable causes.
And the city has wholeheartedly embraced the team: on May 21, 2024, the Surge broke the CEBL league attendance record with 12,327 spectators at the Scotiabank Saddledome. In just two years, the Surge has grown from two employees to 20 full-time and 20 part-time, plus 121 independent contractors.
Ribeiro, who has four degrees and a teaching background, became devoted to youth and sports while working with children with special needs at McMaster University. He continues his community work as a board director for the Alberta Motor Association, vice-chair for Sport Calgary and a grants
committee member with EducationMatters. But Ribeiro believes the Calgary Surge is where he can nurture his belief in belonging to its full potential. “I’m so proud of the amazing team that’s been able to make that happen,” he says. “We’ve just scratched the surface.” —Riley Fonger
Congratulations to St. Mary’s University alumna Allison Lynch on being chosen for Avenue’s Top 40 Under 40.
SARAH RIEGER
NEWS WRITER AND PODCAST HOST, WEALTHSIMPLE MEDIA
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40 She is an award-winning journalist who aims to make financial literacy accessible to all.
When Sarah Rieger talks money, people listen. Each week, Canadians turn to her reporting on finance and business in WealthSimple Media’s TLDR newsletter (internet slang for “too long, didn’t read”). Rieger, TLDR’s sole staff news writer, helped launch the fintech company’s editorially independent publication just over two years ago. The audience has since grown from 7,000 to 1.8 million weekly readers.
“I do financial journalism because it’s so important to educate people,” she says. “I didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so I want to provide the accessible information I wish I had.”
Prior to TLDR, Rieger established herself as an award-winning editor and reporter for The Huffington Post and a reporter for CBC, covering everything from unfair working conditions at slaughterhouses to secret power plants set up to mine cryptocurrency. She continues to do freelance investigative reporting and contributed research to the true crime documentary series, Sasha Reid and the Midnight Order, set for fall release on Hulu (U.S.) and Disney+ (Canada).
Underlining everything Rieger does is a passion for human rights and social justice. Six years ago, she donated a kidney through the Living Donor Services – Southern Alberta Transplant Program. She also volunteers with Calgary Outlink: Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, which supports the 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied communities. “It was not awesome growing up in Calgary as a queer kid,” she says. “I had things thrown at me walking hand-in-hand with a girlfriend.”
She sees her role at WealthSimple Media as part of that social-justice pursuit, hearing regularly from readers saying they’ve been able to accumulate more savings, thanks to her articles. “Money isn’t everything,” says Rieger. “I want to understand it so I don’t have to think about it.” —Valerie Fortney
This
Fashion
Wellness
Take a look at our great selection of salons and beauty, makeup, skincare, and wellness stores.
Find chic blouses, stylish jeans, elegant jewelry, comfy shoes, and adorable baby outfits for the whole family! Our expert boutique owners are here to help you find the perfect wardrobe additions.
Alberta Academy of Periodontics
Home Decor
Looking to refresh your home From stylish decor and premium bedding to top-notch cookware, we have everything you need to create your dream space!
Explore our bakery, natural food store, market, restaurants, and drink vendors, offering an array of options to elevate your holiday culinary experience.
Discover our range of professional services, including health and education services, and more.
ANDREW SEDOR
MOBILITY INITIATIVES LEAD, CITY OF CALGARY
As a third-generation Calgarian who is passionate about urban planning, Andrew Sedor is dedicated to making Calgary a more vibrant city. As the City of Calgary’s Mobility Initiatives Lead, Sedor recognized early on the potential of e-bikes and e-scooters as a way for Calgarians to get around. Sedor ran the City’s pilot program, which ultimately led to Neuron and Bird being named the local providers. As part of its proposal for selection, Bird Canada relocated its Canadian headquarters to Calgary, creating approximately 50 jobs. Calgary has since become one of the top cities globally for e-scooter ridership, with 1.4 million riders annually.
Sedor’s impact extends beyond mobility; he has also helped create vibrant communities by overseeing programs that facilitate sidewalk and street-side patios for hospitality businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sedor led the charge in securing patios for approximately 200 restaurants and upgrading them from pylon-enclosed sections to platforms surrounded by protective barriers. He took things a step further by organizing a collaboration with BUMP (Beltline Urban Murals Project) to have local artists paint the barriers. “When you care about a city, seeing people enjoying it is so important,” he says.
Sedor also established Living Labs at the City in 2017, a program that provides City infrastructure to individuals or businesses that want to test and try new ideas and products in a real-world setting.
And, he is influencing the next generation of urban planners as an industry advisor for the University of Calgary’s Civil Engineering Capstone program, and by teaching the Urban Studies 451 course for the past six years. “It has been really cool teaching all these undergrads,” Sedor says. “It gives me hope for the future, because they’re all super-keen and wanting to make an impact.” —Riley Fonger
Aldila
Armadio by Delia
Baby & Me
Beauty Edit
Blooms & Butterflies
Blue Moon
Bolder Menswear
Broken Plate
Caesar’s
California Tan
Checkmate Shoes
Chianti Cafe
Cobs Bread
Code Ninja Crave
Creative Interiors
cur ous
Denim & Smith
Barbershops
Deville Coffee Elements
Essence Wellness Clinic
Evolved Fitness Studios
Fashion Addition 14+
Ginger Beef Express
Home Treasures & More
Kate King Jewellery
Knickers ‘N Lace
North Sea Fish Market
Pet Planet
Purr Tea
Scholars
Skoah Facial Shop
Springbank
Cheese Co.
Stone House Decor
Studio Blue
Sushi G Inza
Swimco
The Down Shop
Two Giraffes
Value Buds
Van Bella Nails and Spa
VVS Jewellers
Willow Park Cigars
PAUL SHUMLICH
FOUNDER AND CEO, DEEPWATER FARMS
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He established the first indoor vertical farm in Western Canada and now supplies local restaurants and grocery stores with fresh baby greens.
An entrepreneurial mindset is deeply rooted in Paul Shumlich: he started a lawn-cutting business as a kid, then founded window-washing company UniClean to help pay for university. In 2015, Shumlich began experimenting with aquaponic systems (growing plants using nutrient-rich aquaculture water), then dove from there into vertical farming.
“To me, it wasn’t just about starting a business to make money,” Shumlich recalls. “It was, moreso, about starting a business that can have a beneficial impact.”
Rather than entering the already-saturated greenhouse market, he aimed to use indoor vertical farming to supply fresh baby greens to local restaurants and wholesale food chains. Shumlich formed aquaponics clubs at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, and used school greenhouses to prototype his vertical farming system. Capital-wise, money saved from UniClean and funding from pitch competitions wasn’t quite enough, so he lived out of a garage for 10 months, showering at a YMCA. “I think that’s what I needed to prove to myself, and also the people around me, that I was serious about it,” he says.
That sacrifice paid off in 2017, when he secured funding from angel investors and launched Western Canada’s first commercial
indoor vertical farm, Deepwater Farms. Today, the farm ships out 1,500 pounds of baby greens (think kale, swiss chard and arugula) weekly to more than 75 grocery stores and 50 restaurants, typically delivered 48 hours or less after harvest. His team has grown to double digits, and he often hires students
from the company’s semester-long Horticulture Technician program. “We see ourselves as training the next generation of agricultural leaders in Western Canada,” Shumlich says. “We are able to educate people and show young minds what can be done if you have a vision and go after it.” —Riley Fonger
APOORV SINHA
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, CARBON UPCYCLING TECHNOLOGIES
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
His leading, innovative carbon capture and utilization technology converts CO2 emissions into valuable products.
Almost every human activity has a carbon impact, according to Apoorv Sinha, co-founder and CEO of Carbon Upcycling Technologies. These CO2 emissions add to the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, which contributes significantly to global warming. Sinha, an engineer and self-described “perseverant and curious entrepreneur,” was inspired to find a solution to climate change when, in 2013, he entered the Alberta government’s Grand Challenge: Innovative Carbon Uses, a competition to reduce industrial carbon emissions. Sinha was named a first-round winner and awarded $500,000 in seed grants.
Riding that momentum, he founded Carbon Upcycling Technologies in September 2014. The company converts CO2 emissions into carbon-to-value products, namely cement replacements — these materials can capture and lock away CO2 into buildings and sidewalks for hundreds of years, effectively removing those emissions from the atmosphere.
Sinha’s carbon capture and utilization technology has grown from a reactor the size of a cookie jar with two kilograms of capacity to a planned 30,000-tonnes-a-year unit in 2025. The company now has four offices (in Canada, U.S., U.K. and Germany), and is recognized as a top Global Cleantech 100 and a leading Canadian carbon-management solution on the Government of Canada’s Carbon Management Strategy. “We’ve been lucky to win awards, but seeing that people on the ground are changing
their behaviours based on our technology — that gives me a lot of gratification that we’re actually driving the change that we want to see,” Sinha says.
In 2022, the company raised US$6.5 million from investors, and, in 2023, a whopping US$26 million through Series A funding,
which included investments from three of the world’s largest cement companies.
“We’re on a mission to be the most impactful carbon tech company, and we’ve laid the foundation to be able to do that,” Sinha says. “But there’s a lot more left to do to realize the impact we can drive.” —Tsering Asha
ANNA SKRZYPEK
FOUNDER, LOLA LASH BAR
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She has created a growing beauty empire while celebrating all-gender confidence and giving to women-centred charities.
alittle over a decade ago, if you’d have told Anna Skrzypek she’d be at the head of an eyelash salon chain with five Calgary locations, plus an expansion into Kelowna; 70,000 clients; and a signature product line, she’d have laughed in disbelief. “Entrepreneurship was not something I ever thought about, honestly,” Skrzypek says. “But, I started on a path and the business has been my passion ever since.”
Though she had a background in corporate finance, the “accidental entrepreneur” credits lived experience for helping her launch her first Lola Lash Bar at the age of 26. Skrzypek developed an interest in esthetics while working at a salon during her high school years that continued through university, and she recalls the first time she saw the beauty enhancement that would so dramatically switch the course of her career — the eyelash extension. “I saw a major gap in the Calgary market and just went for it,” she says.
From the logo to the menu design and salon experience, Skrzypek’s mark is on all aspects of the business — including her belief in women supporting women. “As a women-owned business with 35 employees and counting, it’s important we use our growth for good, and female empowerment is something the team and I get fully behind,” she says.
In 2021, Skrzypek launched The Lola Care Box, a curated package of essential personalcare items for women in need. Hundreds have since been gifted to organizations such as the Women’s Centre of Calgary, Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter and Mamas for Mamas. While advocating for women, Skrzpek is
also breaking through gender bias in the world of beauty. “Inclusivity is at the heart of Lola Lash Bar,” she says. “We’re a beauty salon that warmly welcomes all genders to come into an inviting space, take some ‘me-time’ and leave feeling confident and ready to take on the day.” —Kymberley Hill
Age 32
LILI YAS TAYEFI
INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTIST AND FOUNDER, LYT STUDIO
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s
an innovative designer and multimedia artist who advocates for community involvement and promotes accessible arts education.
multidisciplinary artist Lili Yas Tayefi finds inspiration in blending the old with the new to convey deeper truths. Her sculpture, Elemental Alchemy, currently exhibited at Calgary skyscraper Fifth Avenue Place, combines upcycled paper clay with 3D printing to reflect the “rebirth of life cycles.”
“Working with clay has taught me that I can spend a month building a sculpture, and it might not make it through the kiln,” she says.
Tayefi is the sole proprietor of LYT Studio, which uses robotics to create custom ceramics. Originally from Tehran, she received a BFA from the University of Calgary and holds a master’s in advanced architecture from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Barcelona. In 2021, she co-ordinated the team behind Spain’s first 3D-printed building.
This forward-thinking approach permeates her education and her community work. Tayefi co-founded A Little Happiness Foundation, a non-profit that provides support to Sikligar families in India, while, locally, she facilitates accessible clay sculpting and 3D printing workshops at a slidingscale rate. Tayefi is also an instructor at the Alberta University of the Arts and at the University of Calgary’s architecture school, where she teaches the next generation of artists to question the societal systems they belong to and explore the intersection of art and technology.
Whether through outreach, teaching or public sculptures like Elemental Alchemy, Tayefi’s “feel first” outlook aims to democratize our relationship with tradition and technology to foster creativity in everyone, regardless of background. “I get to bring people back to daydreaming, childlike innocence, and that inspiration to play and just create,” says Tayefi. “Anywhere in the world, human beings need some kind of outlet.” —Nathan Iles
Celebrating a legacy of transformative education
so that our graduates can
hit the ground working.
10 years of impact with over 10,000 graduates at the Chiu School of Business
“Bow Valley College will give you absolutely everything you need to succeed.”
Damilola Agbaje, Human Resources Certificate
Chiu School of Business
Age 35
JOSH TRAPTOW
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HERITAGE CALGARY
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He preserves the stories of Calgary’s past while advocating for social causes in the present.
As a third-generation Calgarian, Josh Traptow is invested in unearthing and protecting the city’s past. “I grew up listening to the stories of my grandfathers, who grew up in the Depression era, and the boom-and-bust that Calgary saw post-World War II,” he says.
Traptow started his career in the halls of power, when he was hired at 21 as a special assistant to then-Alberta Premier Alison Redford. He moved on to working with the Minister of Agriculture and then for an inner-city councillor in Calgary. His deep appreciation for history and field-tested knowledge of how to make a difference made him the ideal person to take the helm of Heritage Calgary back in 2015.
Heritage Calgary runs as a charitable civic partner of the City of Calgary. As CEO, Traptow stands up for the oftenoverlooked structures of the city’s built history. Heritage Calgary maintains a public online database of more than 900 heritage resources and sites, advocating for the value of historic buildings when new developments are proposed.
Outside of his work with Heritage Calgary, Traptow volunteers for a range of civic organizations, including the Calgary Stampede, Heritage Park, and the History and Heroes Alberta Foundation. He is most proud of his work with the Women in Need Society (WINS), where he is board chair — the charity runs seven thrift stores and diverted more than 6.3 million pounds of used goods from Calgary landfills in 2023 alone. Traptow also enjoys attending the graduation ceremonies for a WINS skills-training program called Retail Ready, which helps women, many who are newcomers to Calgary, find their footing in the job market as cashiers.
Traptow’s appreciation of the past inspires his sense of civic duty in the present. “Community is at the heart of everything I do,” he says. —Doug Horner
TIM WARD
MANAGER, HOUSING SOLUTIONS, CITY OF CALGARY
Tim Ward has had two major experiences of loss in his life — his father leaving when he was a teenager and an incurable lung cancer diagnosis. When his father left, Ward’s family rallied together, which instilled in him the value of supporting one another in times of need.
“No one is immune from a moment where their life can be completely upended,” he says. “But [experiencing loss] sold me on a journey of public service and the difference you can make.”
As the City of Calgary’s Manager of Housing Solutions, Ward saw how housing, or the lack thereof, affects people daily. One in five households cannot afford their current residence, according to the City’s Housing Needs Assessment. Ward helped develop and implement Home is Here, the City’s affordable-housing strategy. The strategy includes 98 actions designed to ensure every Calgarian has an affordable place to call home. He additionally negotiated funding from the Government of Alberta, earning $34 million for The City, which also received $228 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund — the second highest amount in the country, second only to Toronto.
In April of this year, Ward was diagnosed with Stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer, an incurable cancer, caused by mutations in the ALK gene, that has no known cause. Though it was devastating, Ward took the diagnosis as another chance to help others also battling cancer and facing loss. Even now, while living with cancer, he is working to organize fundraisers with Lung Cancer Canada and ALK Positive, an organization led by patients diagnosed with ALK-positive lung cancer and their caregivers. He hopes to raise awareness of the importance of cancer research, therapy and clinical trials.
“I’m really grateful and humbled for all I’ve done and been able to do,” he says.
Michaela Ream
WHY HE’S A TOP 40 He helped ensure Calgarians can access affordable housing and now raises awareness for lung cancer.
Judges
SHELLEY ARNUSCH
is Avenue’s Editor in Chief. She has two decades of experience working in magazines and 14 years of experience working on Top 40 Under 40 projects. Prior to Avenue, she held editorial roles at the Calgary Herald’s Swerve magazine and at Pique Newsmagazine in Whistler, B.C. She has won numerous awards from the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association and the International Regional Media Association for her work as an editor, and a National Magazine Award for her writing.
SANDRA AIGBINODE LANGE
(Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2021) is Senior Legal Counsel with AltaLink (a Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company). Her practice focuses on dispute resolution, litigation, and regulatory law. She is a board member with the Young Canadian Arbitration Practitioners, vice-chair of the City of Calgary’s Peace Officer Oversight Committee, past chair of the Canadian Bar Association Inns of Court Committee, and a volunteer lecturer with the Trial Advocacy course at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law.
(Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2022) is a General Partner at Builders, a Silicon Valley venture capital fund. He co-founded GNS3 Technologies and has led investments at Cenovus Energy’s venture fund, with prior roles at CIBC and Enbridge. He serves as Chair of the $1B+ University of Calgary Endowment Fund, Chair of the $100M Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, and is on the board of Emissions Reduction Alberta.
KATHE LEMON
is the president and co-owner of RedPoint Media Group, Calgary’s largest independent, locally owned media company. RedPoint is the publisher of Avenue and The Scene, and through RPM Content Studio creates award-winning custom publications, including Leap for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Create Calgary for Calgary Arts Development and others. Prior to her current role, Lemon was editor of Avenue for 15 years and was named Alberta Editor of the Year in 2011.
THE TOP 40 UNDER 40 PROJECT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE JUDGES WHO VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME AND PROVIDED THEIR INSIGHT AND EXPERTISE TO HELP DETERMINE THIS YEAR’S CLASS. OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO THEM!
(Top 40 Under 40 Class 2018) is an award-winning theatre artist and community-builder and a passionate advocate for mental health, poverty reduction and civil kindness. He is the artistic and executive director of Inside Out Theatre, spearheads non-fiction storytelling projects under the banner of Field Work, and hosts the popular pop-up talk show Human Interest with Col Cseke
DR. AMY METCALFE
(Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2018) is a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medicine, and Community Health Sciences at UCalgary; and the Maternal and Child Health Program Director with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Her work has been supported by more than $30 million in funds from organizations that include the Canadian Institute of Health Research, the New Frontiers in Health Research, Calgary Health Foundation and Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
(Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2021) is Chief Scientific Officer at the Calgary-based international health data company Lumiio Inc., and executive director of the Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry, a national research program led out of the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute. She is a passionate supporter of the increased use of data for rational, evidence-based decision-making for access to treatments and care.
RANNY SHIBLEY
(Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2012) is the founder and CEO of Bloom Benefits Group, which offers group benefits, life insurance and group retirement across Canada and all 50 States. Born and raised in Calgary, Shibley attended the University of Calgary, earning a bachelor’s degree in geomatics engineering. He worked in the energy industry for 15 years, then transitioned to the venture capital world for seven years, finally ending up in insurance when he founded Bloom in 2022.
MARK BLACKWELL
COL CSEKE
VICTORIA HODGKINSONBRECHENMACHER
Paola
Rajni Perera & Marigold Santos. Efflorescence/
Wake (detail), 2023.
The Class of 2024 Would Like to Thank...
Eluvier Acosta Mom and dad for teaching me to love unconditionally. Pierre Billon My mentors, colleagues and family for their support and guidance throughout my scientific journey. Mackenzie Kamâmak Brown My family, friends, all my relations — my plant relatives, animal relatives, those who fly, walk and have walked before me; I would like to thank the land and I would like to thank my ancestors. Ian Cantelo The brothers from Athletic Edge, CTA WEST and the greater Calgary athletics community; Lance, Adam and Lee, and Cooch; the Army for taking a boy with a chip on his shoulder and turning him into a man, a leader and someone with purpose; to Mom, Emry and Poppy (thank you for the opportunity to be your dado) and Alana. Juan Castillo Eluvier for his trust and collaboration in bringing this beautiful monster to life; my incredible wife, Diana — the true mastermind behind all our operations (without her, we might still be working from Eluvier's living room); my son; and my parents for their unwavering support, even from afar. Marisa Clark My late mom and brother who inspire me to find joy in every situation and make the most of my time on earth; my dad and boyfriend for supporting me through everything.
CONTRA Jae, Eman, Ryan, my sister, Bee, and my mother, Geetha. Mary Jansen Dunbar My parents, Don Dunbar and Judy Jansen, and brother Max Dunbar; my husband Braedon McDonald and my children Frances and George McDonald; my family in-law, Eric McDonald, Debbi McDonald, Cameron McDonald and Meghan Engel; my mentors and colleagues in Calgary, especially Dr. Adam Kirton, Dr. Michael Hill, Dr. Aleksandra Mineyko, and Dr. Patrick Whelan; the UBC pediatric neurology residency program; my nominators and champions Dr. Fiona Clement, Dr. Kirsten Fiest, Tanna Giroux, Dr. Antonia Stang; and all the patients and families for entrusting me with their care and their stories. Marcie Hawranik My partner, Craig Loewen; my two kiddos Bennett and Hudson; my parents for instilling in me the values and importance of community service; and the best mentors ever, Shaheel Houda and Tash Jefferies, for their honest advice and supportive guidance. Michelle Hoogveld My beautiful family, Mom, Dad, Norma, my incredible sisters Stephanie, Heather and Natalie, Ryan, Kyle, and my nieces and nephews; my dear friends, Jenna Archer, Tayah Almond, Ola Volo, Patrice Lacroix, Hanna
Barczyk, Nathan Percy and Mark Groves; and all the amazing clients, fans and collectors who have celebrated my artwork. Kelle Hurd My husband Jessie for his unwavering support; my two boys, Ari and Zander, who are the lights of my life; my parents, who supported every wild dream I chose to pursue; my extended family and friends who believed in me from day one; and a heavenly thank you to my grandmother for being my daily inspiration in the work that I do. Jennifer Jackson My family, friends and colleagues at the Faculty of Nursing and UCalgary; Carla, Twyla and everyone at Wishes. Keep going! Tracy Johnson My parents, who followed their passions in life, making it easy for me to do the same; my friends and family who listen to, encourage and challenge me; and my team, both past and present — thank you for dreaming alongside me. Nketti Johnston-Taylor My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; my husband, Zim, and my children; my mother and sister who have always supported me and been my rock; my guardian angel (my father); my sisters Aloira and Sophronia; my colleagues and Board members at CRIEC; colleagues at Children First Canada, St. Mary’s University, University of Calgary and Mason Vanguard Consulting; and my mentors, Dan and Marlene Doherty, Dr. Chika Onwuekwe, Gael Macleod and my coach, Randy Poon. Eva Kiefer My business partner, Geeta Sankappanavar; my husband and son; my supportive parents, and many colleagues. Andrew Kim My loving family members for always standing by me, no matter the circumstances, and for being pillars of strength in my life. Michael Kryshtalskyj My parents, Bo and Nina Kryshtalskyj; my mentor, Dr. Karim Punja; my friends Kian Madjedi and Rukhsaar Daya; and the passionate surgeons of the COS Foundation-Eyes on Ukraine team. Dallin Laycock My wife, Laura, my parents, Brent and Kathy, and my children, Cooper, Wyatt and Bennett. Quan Ly Mom and Dad; Jenny and Lawrence; Yvonne and Nick; Sandy and MaryBeth; Shawn Freeman and Murlyne Fong; the entire McRally team (Leslie, Yumiko, Carissa, Sandra, Tsagi, Julia, Adrienne, Nourel); the Evil Corp Brewing team (Dan, Mel, Jackson, Leone, Jade); Guy Mallabone and the Global Philanthropic Canada management team; Andrew Long and The CSIF board members. Allison Lynch Frank and Gabriele Lynch; Shane, April, Harold, Arthur and James Lynch; Marilyn Potts, Grant Reddick, David
Rhymer, Stafford Arima, Heather Pattengale, Meagan McFarland, Julie Orton, Haysam Kadri, Vanessa Porteous and Joe Perry. Nadia Maarouf My partner/best friend Graham Stevens; my mother Zahra and late father Benaissa and my five brothers; Dr. Robert Thirsk for sparking my interest in Space Medicine; Dr. Alain Tremblay and Dr. Todd Anderson for their mentorship; and my mountaineering/diving partners: Glen Kwan, Steve Boisvert, Sabrina Figliomeni and Bernice Santos. Joseph MacDonald My best friend and mother of my four children, my wife Amy; my family; my mentor, John Gillespie; my amazing coworkers; and I’d like to thank a loving father in heaven and recognize that all good things come from him. Meg Martin My partner in life and all things, Mike; my community of supportive family and friends; Paula Russel and Jen Quin. Amy Matychuk My husband Peter, my staunchest ally and fiercest cheerleader (he’s going to be an amazing dad). Lucas McCarthy The team, the family and the friends that support them, so that they can support us. Jana McDonald My Everest team, Josh Fitch, Andie Daggett, Jamie Fisher, Fay and Felipe Gonzalez, Joanne Piche, Randal, Dan and Jay McDonald; my incubators, Mark Czechowsky, Taylor Bianchini and Shane Smith; and my Guardyans, without you, this would all still be just a dream. Robert Miller My family for all their support. Jamie Parker My late grandfather Bud Rowswell for instilling “dedication” into my core values from a young age; my wife, Dr. Joline Bohne, my greatest supporter, mentor, and inspiration; Tyler Rygus, Jennifer Carlson, Melissa Gunning, Jim and Marg Yaremko, and my family; my friends, Michael Phelan, Kyle Mayr, and Mark Muller; past and present staff (Ali Sullivan-Lapp, you have been the best thing since sliced bread); and my business partner, Mike Wenzlawe, for taking the leap with me, and standing by steadfast. Nabeel Peermohamed Sheerin Hai for nominating me; my parents for all the support; and my brother for providing me with the healthy competition to succeed. Chris Powell My wife, Shelby, and our kids; Mom, Dad, my brother Travis, Arielle, Cori, Maria, Meghan, Travis Carmicheal and the entire KLS - CAR team. Travis Powell My wife, Nachelle for the support and for taking good care of our family; my parents for teaching us how to work and for being instrumental for our success in business; and our
teams at work: our business would not be possible without your commitment, willingness to learn, and help-first attitude. Alex Putici The community around me: my team, friends, family and everyone who champions the power of collaboration; their support has shaped my journey. Roman Rabinovich My wife, Diana Cohen. Jason Ribeiro The broad shoulders I stand on in the community, the passionate team I serve with at the Surge, and the beautiful wife and children I get to come home to, ti amo Natalie, Matteo and Lorenzo. Sarah Rieger My partner and our two rude cats; my sister; my friends, family and colleagues (especially my editors for making me sound smart); and everyone who has generously shared their time and knowledge with me. Andrew Sedor My parents for being role models and teaching me how to teach; my wife Angela for supporting me, sharing a passion, and being a sounding board for my ideas; and Mac Logan for being my mentor, supporter and friend. Paul Shumlich My parents and family; and my friends, advisors, mentors and business partners: your unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in my journey. Apoorv Sinha My team at Carbon Upcycling for believing in our vision and working every day to move us closer towards becoming the most impactful carbontech company of this decade. Anna Skrzypek Dad, Mom, Mike and Agatha for always being there through thick and thin; Dean for his unconditional support; Kristen Anderson for her loyalty and belief in me and the brand; and all our team members who are the backbone of our business. Lili Yas Tayefi My family, for always acting as one unit. Josh Traptow My parents, Paul and Shawna; my brothers, Jarrett and Joel; all of my friends and the folks who have taken me under their wing. Tim Ward My amazing wife, Miranda; her family, the Szepvolgyis; my family back in England; all of my incredible colleagues; and particularly Jyoti Gondek, Elsbeth Mehrer, Jeff Chase, Jaydan Tait, Katie Black, the housing and planning teams at the City of Calgary, Jen Thompson and so many more. Michael Wenzlawe My beautiful and supportive wife, Georgia; my friends and family (especially my mom, Pamela, Dad, Alfons, and sister, Danielle); my business partners Jamie and Ali; our five-star staff; and all of our amazing customers.
BY ELIZABETH CHORNEY-BOOTH
FA N C Y PA R T I E S FOR THE LOVE OF
Whether you are one for traditional home-entertaining or have a more modern hosting style, celebrate the spirit of giving this season by going all-out for your guests.
There are two types of people that emerge during the holidays: the guests and the hosts. Guests, an essential part of the equation, are happy to show up to eat, drink and be merry, but it’s the hosts who are the superstars of the season. Hosts not only open their homes to friends, family and casual acquaintances, they are the ones that make the sparkle and magic happen.
Executing an extravagant holiday party is not for the faint of heart — the expense, time spent planning, attention to detail, and energy spent smiling and swanning around can drive you to the brink of madness. But it’s a sweet sort of
madness. If you approach extreme entertaining like a creative project, rather than a chore, the process itself can be just as satisfying as the accolades you’ll undoubtedly receive (and there’s no shame in reaching for those accolades — renown within your social circle is part of the payoff). As Martha Stewart, undoubtedly the patron saint of home hospitality, wrote in her 1982 handbook, Entertaining: “To entertain at home is both a relief and a rediscovery — of rooms and settings, of your favourite things, and particularly of your own tastes and ideas.”
Treating guests to the finest is undoubtedly an act of generosity, but it can also be a vehicle for personal expression. Breaking fancy — or intentionally taking your shindig from mere
“party” to “event of the season” — looks different for everyone. Going old-school with the finest wines, ostentatious gourmet food, classic table settings and formal dress codes brings an air of gravitas to a soiree. Conversely, a new-school approach would involve that same level of detail, though with trendier food and beverages, relaxed socialization, and a lessstructured flow.
Whether you’re aiming for a multi-course dinner or cocktails and canapés, traditional customs, or conspicuous consumption, going all-out is a radical act of hospitality. Take this as your permission to let that flag fly and live out your most-grandiose Champagne wishes and caviar dreams this holiday season.
HAUTE CUISINE
SERVE A RESTAURANT-
Hiring a private chef to create a bespoke menu brings a sense of exclusivity and quality into a home-based dinner party. Darnell Japp, the talent behind Chef’d Catering & Chef Services, is the former executive chef at both Avec Bistro and Rouge Restaurant. For a more traditional multi-course holiday menu, Japp leans towards tried-and-true luxury ingredients like quail, pheasant and chateaubriand. His modern menu would more closely mirror the type of highly creative dishes usually seen in top-tier restaurants, with Asianinspired flavours, seared wagyu and pickled vegetables.
Caviar, crème fraîche, blini, chives
Duck and chestnut terrine, morels, Cumberland sauce
Pike quenelle, lobster sauce, dill
Grilled quail, frisée, lardon, roasted squash, Sherry vinaigrette
Whether you’re planning cocktails and hors d’oeuvres or a proper sit-down dinner, food is a crucial element of a stand-out party. Cooking the food yourself is certainly an option for keen home chefs, but hosts who would rather outsource should consider going with a full-service caterer to set up a raw bar or prime rib stations. For a seated meal, consider hiring a private chef who can finely tailor a menu to match your overall vision.
Pheasant Ballontine, brioche and foie gras stuffing, sauce chasseur, fondant potato, root-vegetable gratin
Chateaubriand, aligot potato, Bordelaise sauce
Peach Melba, raspberry sauce, vanilla ice cream
Christmas pudding, brandy-toffee sauce
Seared ahi tuna, ponzu, chili, toasted sesame, tobiko, tapioca crisp
Smoked veal tartare, black-garlic aioli, pickled chanterelle, crostini
Side-stripe shrimp ceviche, citrus and rhubarb, puffed quinoa, lemon verbena oil
Salmon mi-cuit, pickled shallot, buttermilk, tarragon oil, squid-ink tuile
Dry-aged duck, caramelized cabbage, honeycrisp apple and brown-butter gastrique
Seared A5 wagyu, porcini espuma, truffle agria potato croquette
Yuzu entremet, haskap berry crémeux, white-chocolate mousse, passionfruit glaze
Dark-chocolate soufflé, white tea crème anglaise, elderflower, strawberry powder
No single food screams “luxury” like caviar. The jewel-like sturgeon roe is prized for its rich, salty flavour and relative scarcity, although most is farmed these days rather than wildcaught. While you can offer guests a “bump” spooned directly onto and slurped from their closed fists, a selfrespecting party host should offer proper caviar service. Old-schoolers may opt for Russian-style service with chilled caviar spooned onto blinis (via a mother-of-pearl spoon to avoid metal affecting the taste of the roe) with a dollop of crème fraiche. Modern party planners can sub out the blinis with potato chips (go for a bougie brand), devilled eggs or hollowed-out roasted baby potatoes. Caviar for DIY service can be purchased at gourmetminded spots like Say Cheese Fromagerie in Crossroads Market, or specialty seafood shops. For a fuller experience, locally based Purley Caviar (purleycaviarclub. com) imports real-deal Siberian caviar and Beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea. Purley’s caviar boxes include two types of caviar, blinis and potato pancakes, condiments and Champagne, all delivered directly within Calgary. Catering options are also available for larger groups.
OLD-SCHOOL FANCY
Croquembouche from Yann Haute Patisserie
There is no dessert more majestic than the croquembouche, a towering cone-shaped pile of cream-filled choux puffs glued together with caramel. Yann’s comes in three sizes, including a dizzying 100-puff version that wouldn’t look out of place on a spread at Versailles.
DELUXE DESSERTS
Ollia’s towers combine a classic French cookie — the enduringly popular macaron — with a perfectly modern and clean-looking presentation. The macarons pack a flavourful punch and the four-, six- or 10-tier towers can be co-ordinated to match your decor. 810C 16 Ave. S.W., 403-457-9775, byollia.com CAVIAR, ANYONE?
DESSERT IS THE LAST THING A GUEST WILL EAT BEFORE LEAVING A PARTY, SO YOU NEED TO ENSURE YOUR SWEETS DON’T MISS THE MARK IF YOU WANT TO END ON A HIGH NOTE. THESE LOCAL DESSERT PROVIDERS WILL CAP THINGS OFF WITH SUGARY EXTRAVAGANCE.
NEW-SCHOOL FANCY
Cakes from Sweet Relief
Sweet Relief’s Deidre Lotecki is a serious pastry chef with a keen sense of fun, as exhibited by her cakes, which look chic, but are often filled with whimsical flavours (think: Nanaimo bar cake and Dunkaroo cheesecake). Lotecki specializes in sleek designs with minimalist lines and customizable flourishes.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Macaron towers from Ollia Macarons and Tea
329 23 Ave. S.W., 403-244-8091, yannboutique.com
120 13 Ave. S.W, 403-402-9448, sweetreliefpastries.com
CHANNEL YOUR INNER SOMMELIER
As it’s typically seen as the most serious and complex of all the alcoholic drinks, choosing the right wine for a party can be intimidating, even for hosts with good knowledge and a well-stocked cellar. Brit Hart is an independent wine consultant who offers personal sommelier services through the Harling Food Co., which she runs with her husband, chef Jamie Harling. Hart will come into hosts’ homes to help plan a wine list for an event, either through “shopping” the client’s cellar or buying wine through a store. She also has some tips for hosts who want to take on the wine themselves.
Hart suggests making a trip to one of Calgary’s reputable independent wine shops — The Wine Shop (formerly J. Webb), Kensington Wine Market, Metrovino and Vine Arts are all good places to start — to source selections with approachable, but interesting characteristics. Wine boutique staff can likely also share a few anecdotes about the winery, which can elevate the wine’s status, even if it’s not a particularly expensive bottle. “Having a bit of a story to tell or share about the wine is always going to impress your guests,” Hart says.
Story aside, Hart says some grape varietals are better suited to a well-appointed party. For an old-school traditional-style cocktail party with a large guest list, choose lighter Old World reds that don’t necessarily have to be enjoyed with food, such as a French pinot noir. As for whites, since varietals like chardonnay and riesling can be divisive and pinot grigio is a tad too ubiquitous, look for a Côtes du Rhône blanc or a viognier. Bubbles are always appropriate: go with a vintage Champagne if it’s in the budget. For a smaller sit-down dinner party, pull out the big guns and offer premium Italian bottles of barolo or brunello, provided they pair well with the food selections.
ELEVATED LIBATIONS
A FANCY PARTY ISN’T AN EXCUSE TO GET TIPSY — YOU’RE NOT THROWING A KEGGER, AFTER ALL — BUT WINE, COCKTAILS, DIGESTIFS AND ELEGANT ZERO-PROOF OPTIONS ARE BOTH SOCIAL LUBRICANT AND, WHEN YOU PULL THE GOOD STUFF OUT OF THE CELLAR OR LIQUOR CABINET, A SPECIAL GIFT TO YOUR GUESTS, SHOWING THEM THEY’RE WORTH IT.
PHOTO BY STEVE COLLINS
If your hosting style skews more modern, seek out natural wines, particularly higherend Canadian varieties from the Okanagan or Ontario’s Prince Edward County, or funky biodynamic bottles from Eastern Europe, which will impress any wine nerds in the house. Hart also recommends stocking up on lower-alcohol piquettes (a fizzy drink made by fermenting the byproducts of wine-making, including skins and stems), as well as non-alcoholic wines, particularly those from Nova Scotia winery Benjamin Bridge, which also makes a line of fantastic alcoholic sparklings.
PARTY SPIRITS
While wine is easy to pour for a crowd, a legendary party host should also have some other premium tipples on hand. When it comes to cocktails, the classics will not lead you astray: drinks like negronis, manhattans and gimlets all have just three ingredients and can be made in large batches, then portioned out, shaken with ice and garnished on demand. For an elegant way to signal the end of a party, there’s nothing like breaking out a digestif. High-end XO Cognacs give a whiff of “high roller” extravagance, or you can go equally old-school (and less pricey) with a good amaro, Armagnac or French orange curaçao.
To make things more modern, go for a slight variation on a traditional cocktail by turning a basic negroni into a Negroni Sbagliato with a splash of prosecco in place of the gin, swapping out the vermouth with amaro in your manhattan to make a black manhattan, or adding a touch of yuzu to your gimlets. In the digestif department, while it’s not exactly new, Fernet-Branca is currently having a moment, and can be enjoyed over ice, or in a simple cocktail such as a Hanky Panky (essentially a negroni with a splash of Fernet in place of the Campari).
DRESS UP YOUR DRINKS
Part of the ritual of drinking is elegant, premium barware — plastic Solo cups aren’t going to cut it for a luxe holiday event. Locally owned barware company Fifth & Vermouth specializes in sleek cocktail shakers, delicate coupes, Nick and Nora glasses, and other glassware and decanters, as well as specialty bitters and bar syrups. The company sells its merchandise online through bartools.ca and at local stores, including Vine Arts, Lukes Drug Mart, Willow Park Wines & Spirits, and a few other retailers.
If you don’t like what you see there, Cocktail Emporium is a Toronto-based company that supplies a number of local bars with its distinctive glasses and barware. And don’t forget the ice! Local business Frozen Memories sells craft ice in elegant shapes and can even etch initials or a logo into your cubes.
FFAKE FANCY HOW TO
ancy is easy when money is no object, but what does a host with Champagne tastes do when they’re on a cheap beer budget? While no amount of chutzpah is going to make a bottle of fine French wine or a tin of Beluga caviar magically appear, a little blue-sky thinking and elbow grease can turn a shoestring event into a delightfully refined gathering.
Start by setting the scene: this is where bringing out your inherited bone china, old candelabras, and linen napkins and tablecloths really makes a difference. Many of us have some good stuff collecting dust in a closet.
There are some other clever tricks to employ — give your neighbour’s teen a few bucks to play valet driver, buy some sparkly accoutrements at the dollar store, create a playlist of classical holiday music — but, ultimately, fancy is a state of mind. Put on your best face, don’t apologize for your budgetary shortcomings and your guests will feel like they’re being treated to a night at the Ritz. EASY IDEAS FOR MAKING YOUR BUDGET PARTY SEEM LIKE A HAUTE AFFAIR.
If not, while ultra-stylish mid-century dishes are fairly picked over at thrift stores these days, there is a surprising amount of older formal tableware and crystal glassware on offer at various estate sales and second-hand stores, with the supply from downsizers and inheritances outweighing modern demand. Keep the food looking fancy by splurging on nice cheeses and fancy crackers or by making one amazing show-stopping dish — guests won’t even notice your Costco-sourced side dishes if there’s a beef Wellington or roast goose on the table. Putting grocery-store frozen hors d’oeuvres on a pretty platter or pouring your cheap-and-cheerful wine into a bougie
decanter makes everything taste twice as expensive. Wine can also be stretched when it’s transformed into punch — a $15 bottle (or two) of prosecco can serve a crowd when it’s mixed with soda water and a few cans of frozen lemonade in a vintage punch bowl.
Refresh with the Northerly™ Collection
Fusing classic details with modern lines, the ortherly bathroom collection delivers breathtaking, postmodern style that is right at home in virtually any décor. Discover WaterSense® certified faucets that offer laminar flow aeration for a clear, low-splash, more hygienic stream.
HOW TO SET THE SCENE
A MIX OF OLD AND NEW ELEMENTS ON THE TABLE CREATES FEELINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY.
As co-owner and general manager of DaDe Art & Design Lab, Greg Fraser composed tablescapes for a series of monthly supper clubs he and his partner, home designer Darcy Lundgren, hosted in their former loft. Intended as a way to build community — the guest lists were composed of individuals who did not know each other prior — the supper clubs were also an opportunity for Fraser to showcase his home-entertaining chops. “It’s the experience of it; I love to plan and set the table and do the flowers and co-ordinate the whole thing,” he says. For this seasonal table, Fraser mixed vintage and contemporary items to create a sense of warmth and conviviality. “A dinner party table shouldn’t be so precious that your guests are scared of it,” he says. “If you have a beautiful flower arrangement and candles on the table, it doesn’t mean it has to be uptight.” —Shelley Arnusch
PHOTOS BY JARED SYCH
THE TARTAN
The traditional tartan tablecloth was the starting point for Fraser’s overall design. “A big part of my family is Scottish, but my own family tartan I don’t really like, so this one is not my family tartan,” he says.
THE HEIRLOOMS
The silver tea set, candleholders and cutlery are items Fraser and Lundgren inherited from Lundgren’s late mother, and were deliberately left unpolished.
“I actually really enjoy the look of tarnished silver,” Fraser says.
THE DISHES
The dinner plates are from the 1948 line (a reference to the temperature at which gold melts) by designer Jonathan Adler, pulled from the DaDe inventory and placed atop mismatched vintage cut-glass charger plates.
THE GLASSWARE
Fraser and Lundgren started buying stemware en masse from second-hand sellers for the DaDe launch party in 2007. The mismatched glasses add “charm and warmth,” Fraser says.
THE BOTANICALS
For his floral centrepieces, Fraser starts with whatever is fresh at his flower wholesaler. Here, he combined helleborus, cedar, eucalyptus, kangaroo paws (dyed red) and placed some magnolia blooms for dramatic effect.
THE LITTLE GUY
The reclining man on the edge of the side table off to the right is from DaDe’s inventory of quirky objets d’art “They’re these little people who are just these charming, whimsical sculptures,” Fraser says.
W H AT TO W E A R
[
R E L A X E D M OD E R N ]
INSPO FOR HER Pleated racer-neck maxi dress by COS; mint-green faux fur jacket by Dries Van Noten; turtleneck pullover by Wolford; calfskin and golden metal cuff, and black sandal in suede goatskin by Hermès INSPO FOR THEM Citronelle wool and cashmere sweater by Marni; camel pleated sweatpants by Dries Van Noten; 1926 watch by Tudor; beige sneaker in suede goatskin by Hermès
BY LEAH VAN LOON
SHOW YOUR HOST SOME APPRECIATION BY SHOWING UP IN STYLE: DRESS FOR THE VINTAGE COCKTAIL PARTY OF YOUR DREAMS OR CHOOSE A LOOK OF QUIET LUXURY WITH EASY LAYERS AND TEXTURED SEPARATES.
MAL ]
INSPO FOR HER Red poppy-print dress by Oscar de la Renta; silver quilted slingback flats, three-layer pearl choker, sheer gloves, and black chain CC logo dangly earrings, all by Chanel INSPO FOR HIM Silk, wool and cashmere suit by Brunello Cucinelli; white slim-cut shirt by Eton; black loafers in glazed calfskin and black tie in embroidered wool, both by Hermès
DO ES PARTY ETIQUETTE STILL MATTER ?
Does it really matter which fork you use with your fish course versus your salad course in 2024? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean proper etiquette doesn’t have a place at contemporary parties. Arminé Tatosian, the etiquette expert known as Ms. Modern Manners, says that, while attending a fancy party shouldn’t feel like walking into a time warp of formality, rules of decorum exist to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
“Etiquette can elevate any gathering, transforming it from a mere meal into a memorable event,” Tatosian says. “It encourages mindful interactions, where everyone is considerate of others’ feelings and needs. This level of consideration can lead to deeper connections and a more enjoyable time for all.”
If you look at etiquette protocol as a social contract to make everyone feel more comfortable, the “rules” suddenly don’t feel so stuffy. Tatosian says party etiquette is a two-way street. Hosts should set expectations with timely and detailed invitations (that include dress codes) and a clean home, making sure to greet guests warmly and introduce them to each other upon arrival. Guests should RSVP promptly, bring an appropriate host gift, be mindful of house rules pertaining to the wearing of shoes, and moderate their food and alcohol consumption. Both parties should express gratitude, with guests sending a thank you note — text or email will suffice, but a written note is better.
Tatosian says many rules, such as genderspecific etiquette and addressing others with an honorific, are indeed outdated. But modern times call for modern etiquette: 21st-century hosting means asking guests about their dietary restrictions in advance, labelling foods that may contain allergens, observing privacy requests around social media posting, keeping phones in one’s pocket during dinner and using inclusive language.
“Basic manners are still important,” Tatosian says. “But they are more flexible in modern settings.”
by more than 150 talented Alberta artists, or shop https://shop.leightoncentre.org! leightoncentre.org/event/festivefoothills-art-sale-2024/
JANN ARDEN CHRISTMAS TOUR
CARRIAGE HOUSE HOTEL
Give the gift of a relaxing staycation. Yearround, outdoor heated pool; Seasonal guest room packages; Gift certificates available. 9030 Macleod Trial S | Calgary, AB T2H 0M4 | Carriagehouse.net
LINA’S MARKET
A memorable bottle of Olive Oil: the go-to holiday gift to make an impression. 403.523.7713 linasmarket.com
OLLIA MACARONS & TEA
Offers classic French, modern made macarons, gluten-free treats, curated teas, baking classes, bakeware, and Canadian-sourced goods, in-store and online! | 810C 16 Ave SW | 403-457-9775 www.byollia.com | @byollia
ONE YELLOW RABBIT PRESENTS
SAVANNA THAI MASSAGE THERAPY
Celebrate the holiday season with the Jann Arden Christmas Tour live on December 19th and 20th at the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons. artscommons.ca/jann SUNSHINE VILLAGE SKI RESORT & SUNSHINE MOUNTAIN LODGE
BRIDGELAND DISTILLERY
Give the gift of premium Brandy and Whisky!Limited-edition holiday, two or thee bottles packs. Available at the Distillery & select Christmas markets bridgeland-distillery.square.site/
THE 39TH ANNUAL HIGH PERFORMANCE
RODEO - Bold, cutting-edge and full of heart! Share meaningful connections and give the gift of experience and local theatre. January 14February 2, 2025 oyr.org
Experience authentic Thai massage at Savanna Thai Massage Calgary, TripAdvisor award-winning for three successive years, dedicated to providing clients with ultimate relaxation. 5850 (#6210) 88 Ave NE | Ph: (587) 888-6466 www.savannathaimassage.ca
Give the gift of Canada’s Best Snow this holiday season and treat the skier or snowboarder on your list to a Sunshine Super Card. 403-705-4000 Skibanff.com/card
FINDINGFABULOUS
For over a decade now, I have made it my business to explore Calgary, sussing out exclusive and elusive places to eat, drink (and party!) and sharing my findings through my social platforms @immrfabulous. Now, I’m here to spill the tea on some of these spaces — in a story that doesn’t disappear in 24 hours — so we can all enjoy the city together, VIP style!
THE FAB LIFE: WRITER RYAN MASSEL (CENTRE) AND FRIENDS AT NOVA LOUNGE INSIDE NATIONAL ON 10TH.
BY RYAN MASSEL
Nova lounge Model Citizen
Last year, Concorde Entertainment Group did an extensive (and expensive) renovation to National on 10th, adding a handful of new interior spaces that were designed to impress. Located next to the weekend dance floor area, the new Nova Lounge is a vibey space laid out with mid-century modern soft seating (it feels very Vegasnightclub).
The lounge comes with a private server and has curtained glass walls that can be opened if you want to be part of the action or closed to keep things more exclusive. Nova Lounge also has potential to be an unconventional space for a meeting, as it is equipped with three sleek TV screens that could be used for showcasing presentations.
Outside of the Nova Lounge, National on 10th has an expansive rooftop patio, a below-ground 10-pin bowling alley, two private karaoke rooms that can accommodate between 10 to 15 guests and the upper-level Bourbon Room (its claim to fame is being named one of the “Top International Bourbon Bars” by The Bourbon Review back in 2015), where the low-lit, moody lighting makes it a great location with make-out potential.
How to get access For information or bookings for the Nova Lounge or other spaces at National on 10th, email info10th@ntnl.ca.
Where it’s at 341 10 Ave. S.W.
Ever noticed the unassuming wooden door with a chalkboard finish beside Model Milk restaurant on 17th Avenue S.W.? This is Model Citizen, a privatebookings-only venue space under the umbrella of Concorde Entertainment Group that plays host to two of Calgary’s most unique pop-ups: Rough Draft and Model Citizen Kane.
Rough Draft has an ethos of “never a set format, always changing,” inviting notable local and cross-Canada chefs to test new dishes and experiment with different formats of service. Model Citizen Kane, on the other hand, takes the idea of “dinner-and-a-movie” to a new level. The monthly events, built around a film screening, are hosted by hospitality pros from the Concorde family and feature curiously named snacks and confections, and creative libations that are often named after characters from the movie.
How to get access To snag tickets to the limited-seating events, follow the @modelmilk account on Instagram and hope you’re one of the first to see the announcements every four to six weeks, or subscribe to the newsletter through modelmilk.ca/model-citizen. Model Citizen is also available for private bookings. Contact events@modelmilk.ca. Where it’s at 300 17 Ave. S.W.
THE WRITER ON THE NELSON FOODIE 50 ROUTE TOWARD CASTLEGAR.
Butcherina
Get ready to fangirl or boy out over local celeb chefs Connie DeSousa and John Jackson at Butcherina. The name is a portmanteau that references both chefs being professional butchers, and DeSousa being also a formally trained ballerina.
The duo’s new VIP dining concept is discreetly hidden in the back of their new CHARCUT restaurant location in University District’s Alt Hotel. Butcherina is an interactive experience: You’ll begin your evening in the private kitchen, snacking and socializing with the chefs, moving from there to a 14-person table before a glass wall. Then, the show begins. Watch as proteins dance through the air from cooler-
to-kitchen on a hook-and-rail system to be butchered and prepared with culinary flair and served at the multi-course dinner.
For each of these high-energy kitchen parties, DeSousa and Jackson donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to their CHAR Hospitality Fund, which addresses equity in the hospitality industry by creating opportunities for people in poverty to enter the culinary world and ensuring accessible healthy food for children in underserved communities.
How to get access Reach out by email to info@charcut.com. Where it’s at 4150 University Ave. N.W.
D INE YOUR WAY IN
These exclusive speakeasies are on the menu if you’re all-in for dinner.
AFTER EIGHT
At EIGHT restaurant, guests explore the Canadian culinary identity through a multi-course (as many as 18!) dining experience curated by internationally renowned chef Darren MacLean and his team. You’ll need luck on your side to eat at EIGHT — with just eight seats per dinner service, securing a booking is more like getting tickets to a hot concert than making a restaurant reservation.
Now, the adventure includes a new experience: accessed through a hidden door, after EIGHT is an exclusive “parlour” for EIGHT patrons to enjoy
before and after the main event. Pre-dinner guests are treated to amuses while they enjoy a welcome cocktail, glass of Champagne or whisky selection, while post-dinner guests can relax at their leisure while enjoying a nightcap and petit fours. With just eight seats, it’s a premium cocktail bar experience befitting our city’s most exclusive restaurant.
How to get access New menu concepts and bookings are released seasonally on eightcdn.ca (join the mailing list if you’d like notifications when they come available). While fall 2024 and holiday-season seatings are full, bookings for January, February and March 2025 will be released Nov. 15 at noon. Where it’s at 631 Confluence Way S.E.
STARS OF THE SHOW: CHEFS CONNIE DESOUSA AND JOHN JACKSON SETTING THE STAGE AT BUTCHERINA. AFTER
HEAVILY REDACTED
Another exclusive hangout can be found underneath FinePrint restaurant on Stephen Avenue. Heavily Redacted (HR) is FinePrint’s invitation-only speakeasy-style space. Like FinePrint, the name references the building’s historic roots as the original offices of the Calgary Herald (however, in this case, it’s a cheeky reference to the process of excluding incriminating information).
If you’re a regular at FinePrint, there’s a good chance you’ve been down there by now — the house will often extend HR invitations to dining clientele. HR is also a private-event venue, and has hosted birthday parties, retirement gatherings, engagement parties and even a film-release party.
The intimate and moody space and the nophotography-permitted policy means those with public personas (patrons have included pro athletes and celebrities from film and TV, top comics, musicians and billionaires) can kick back and feel at ease.
How to get access Apply for an invitation via a secure online portal accessed from the FinePrint site (fineprintyyc.com) by typing in the right interactive keys on a virtual typewriter. Those selected are notified through text or email and sent an invitation for a time slot. From there, the next step is getting invited back and eventually added to the HR VIP list. Where it’s at 113 8 Ave. S.W. (basement).
–Shelley Arnusch
Getting invited to Ranahans during Stampede can have you feeling like you’ve just won the Blue Ribbon. Opened in 2001 and accessed by private elevator, Ranahans is a premium dining club that operates over the 10 days of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. (In cowboy-speak, ranahans are “top hands.”) Patrons get a fine-dining experience followed by access to an exclusive outdoor seating deck with in-seat beverage service to watch the Stampede Rodeo or Rangeland Derby. Those who purchase five or more tickets to Ranahans receive a Member Club card, which offers privileges such as complimentary Stampede Park admission for up to five guests and lounge access at any time. Ranahans has welcomed a long list of notable guests over the years — and you probably haven’t heard much about them as one of the tenets of Ranahans is that the guestlist is treated with the utmost discretion. If you’re truly a high roller, you can book a private dining room, the Wine Room, or the Al Fresco Balcony for more than eight guests. Ranahans also includes a “Cowboy Concierge” service and event-planning support. If you get the invitation, make sure you're properly dressed — attire guidelines are available if you’re wondering what that entails.
How to get access For info on 2025 Ranahans ticket sales, connect with Cheryl Harris at charris@calgarystampede.com or Jill Reeves at jreeves@calgarystampede.com.
the Prairie Emporium
The coming together of Jenn Kwan from motorcycle customization shop Ill-Fated Kustoms and Dan Clapson, noted food writer and co-author of the Prairie cookbook, resulted in a bit of venue alchemy known as The Prairie Emporium. Clapson presents a recurring music series at the Emporium called the Blue Jay Sessions, bringing together seasoned and up-and-coming artists to perform in a singer/songwriter’s circle where they play hits, workshop new music and share stories from their lives. His work with the Blue Jay Sessions led to Clapson being named Talent Buyer of the Year at the 11th annual Country Music Alberta Awards in 2022 and Industry Person of the Year at the 2024 YYC Music Awards.
Other unique Emporium events include Prasátko (“piggy” in Czech), a dinner series centred around the flavours and dining traditions of Czech food, and Clapson’s Sashay, Fillet! events, which are some of the most iconic drag bunches this city has ever seen. This past Stampede, Prairie Emporium also hosted Dolly Fest, a showcase of musical acts covering and paying homage to Dolly Parton.
Those with their own wild ideas can rent out The Prairie Emporium — the vintage decor and original art provides a unique, shabby-chic setting. The space comes complete with bar staff and has space for 50 to 75 comfortably.
How to get access For details on upcoming events and booking info, visit theprairieemporium.com. Where it’s at 334 53 Ave. S.E., Bay 300.
DAN CLAPSON, STAGE LEFT OF PERFORMER KAIYA GAMBLE, AT THE PRAIRIE EMPORIUM LAST SUMMER. BELOW: MUSICIAN CHASE MORGAN, WHO WAS ALSO ON THE BILL.
S PEAKEASY DOES IT
For those looking for more than a place to just grab a drink, Calgary has a number of semi-secret speakeasies and tucked-away lounges that give you that VIP feeling just by walking in the door. Here are some to check out.
SHELTER COCKTAIL BAR
If HBO’s hit show The Last of Us were to be reimagined into an upscale bar, it might look something like Shelter. Velvet seating and marble tables are juxtaposed with graffiti-style artwork, a jaw-dropping ceiling installation made from 5,000 lightbulbs (some dead, some lit), and apocalyptic decor fixtures made from gas masks and sandbags. Open 5 p.m. to late, Tuesday to Saturday; 7 p.m. to late on Sundays. Where it’s at 1210 1 St. S.W., shelteryyc.com, @shelter.yyc
STANDING ROOM ONLY
This chic and modern lounge at Fortuna’s Row is a high-ceilinged space with plush furniture, Latin American-inspired fixtures and soft lighting — the kind of space that invites conversations with new acquaintances. Open Fridays and Saturdays after 5 p.m. Where it’s at 412 Riverfront Ave. S.E., fortunasrow.com, @fortunas.row
FLEETWOOD LOUNGE
Named after the iconic 1933 Caddy on display in the lobby area, the interior of this lounge at the base of The Oliver tower on 10th Avenue S.W. is appropriately classic. With an abundance of soft seating, vintage-modern decor and art deco chandeliers, you’ll wonder if you’ve been teleported to a VIP table inside one of the classic NYC skyscrapers (that goes double if you book the room for a private dining experience). Open late afternoons, seven days a week. Where it’s at 524 10 Ave. S.W., fleetwoodlounge.com, @fleetwoodlounge
PRICKETT RICHARD
Located in the underbelly of Comery Block on 17th Avenue S.W., Prickett Richard’s low ceilings, wooden support beams, brick archways and dim lighting epitomizes “secret underground bar.” Open evenings, six days a week. Where it’s at 1B, 638 17 Ave. S.W., prickettrichard.com, @prickettrichardyyc
UNTITLED CHAMPAGNE LOUNGE
Once awarded spot No. 50 on the list of Canada’s 100 Best bars (2020 edition), Untitled is still going strong, offering an expansive selection of Champagnes and sparkling wines to fit any budget and recurring listening parties and DJ sets. Open Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to late. Where it’s at 620 8 Ave. S.W., untitledyyc.com, @untitledyyc
Yo a tSol tio
GIVING BACK
So much of what Calgary is built upon is giving. Whether it’s time, money or expertise through partnerships, non-profits, businesses or individuals, philanthropic efforts collectively help advance important missions, build strong communities and create legacies of giving.
Read about how some local organizations and businesses give back — and not just at the holidays — while encouraging others to do the same. No matter how or how much you give, that generosity of spirit contributes to a supportive city that’s continually trying to lift up those who make it home.
(From top to bottom) Maxwell Sabau and poet Wakefield Brewster; Grade 6 program participants; Harvey the Hound visits Camp Riveredge; Kira Syro; Naqeeyah Karachiwala and YMCA Calgary president and CEO, Shannon Doram.
IGNITING THE POTENTIAL IN YOUTH
Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership alumni share their experiences of newfound confidence, courage and independence.
Trying something new can feel daunting and may mean stepping outside your comfort zone. However, the experience, growth and confidence that comes from doing so make it worthwhile. The chance to try new things and take healthy risks in a safe place is exactly what the Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership program provides.
Since 2013, the Calgary Flames Foundation has partnered with YMCA Calgary and annually committed $250,000 to support the ongoing Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA program. The program has provided over 37,000 youth a place to play, develop healthy habits and practice independence through activities, sports and engagement opportunities.
“Through this program, I was given the opportunity to improve my leadership skills, and I was empowered by amazing mentors,” says Maxwell Sabau, a 2024 program alumnus. “Today, I’m a program ambassador, and I get to share my experience and encourage other kids to be adventurous and push themselves out of their comfort zone.”
LOADS OF BENEFITS
The membership provides grade six students in Calgary with full access to all six YMCA Calgary locations, and discounts on programs and day camps. This allows students to explore what the YMCA offers, and take part in sports activities, special events, fun tournaments and leadership opportunities. Youth can challenge themselves throughout the year, make lasting friendships and try new experiences. Most importantly, it’s a time
to grow and develop life-long skills.
“Being pushed outside of your comfort zone is the most tried-and-true way to discover your strengths, hidden interests and waiting opportunities,” says Naqeeyah Karachiwala, a 2022 program alumna. “By doing this, you will naturally lean towards new challenges, and confidence will strongly root itself inside your mentality. [The Grade 6 program] is the time to truly shine and be yourself.”
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
Even after the membership ends, the experiences and learned skills continue to lead to new opportunities.
After graduating from the Grade 6 membership, Karachiwala and fellow alumna Kira Syro joined a leadership program offered through the YMCA. The program lets alumni plan and host events for new grade sixers to engage in hands-on volunteer opportunities, including sorting donations at the Calgary Food Bank, as well as learn skills in public speaking, event planning and what it means to be a leader.
“There have been many positive changes in my life that were influenced by my experiences in the [Grade 6] program, but I believe the biggest change is my confidence in myself,” affirms Syro. “I believe I can achieve my goals in everything I do. The leadership program at the YMCA [taught me] invaluable skills.”
The 13-month membership is open to all grade six students in Calgary. Head to any YMCA with a school ID or grade five report card to sign up for a transformative year.
Learn more at ymcacalgary.org/grade6.
A Year Of Growth Awaits
Free YMCA Membership for Grade 6 Students
We're committed to helping youth thrive. Thanks to the generous support of the Calgary Flames Foundation, every Grade 6 student in Calgary can enjoy a free YMCA Calgary membership and active programming throughout their entire Grade 6 year. Explore more and enrol today for the 2024-25 school year!
GIVING BACK TO COMMUNITY THROUGH A TRUSTED FOUNDATION
Calgary Foundation helps people direct their giving based on what the community needs.
Since 1955, organizations, businesses and individuals have been giving back to the community through the Calgary Foundation.
Cheryl James, a retired lawyer who worked in the estate-planning sector, is one of those people. In 1994, she joined the Foundation as a volunteer on the Community Grants committee. Shortly after, she was invited to join the board and remained a member until 2006.
“What intrigued me was they don't focus on one area of philanthropy. They grant across the community,” says James. “It gave me a tremendous window into what was happening in the charitable sector in Calgary.”
Having served as a board member and volunteer for over a decade, James fully understands and believes in the Foundation’s granting process. That's why, when she was still working, she advised clients about Calgary Foundation as an option for philanthropic giving, as it ultimately helps to generate a greater community impact.
“They're a solid organization that’s very trustworthy and has tremendous knowledge to offer on what the need is in the community, in any sector,” she says.
FLEXIBLE WAYS TO GIVE
When she left the board, James set up a Field of Interest Fund through Calgary Foundation’s Community Fund. A Field of Interest Fund entrusts the Foundation to disburse the funds to a general area of interest, like children, youth and family, which is what James chose.
“I have such confidence in the granting process that I trust who they’ve selected, and that's why I did it,” she says.
Calgary Foundation works with many local organizations and civic partners to identify community priorities, and with its expert knowledge of the charitable sector and Calgary’s evolving needs and wants, it grants funds accordingly. The result is a powerful system of generosity and support that resonates throughout the city.
For those who want their dollars to go to specific charitable organizations, they can opt for a Donor Advised Fund, which allows them to make granting decisions. There are also several other donor options to accommodate all kinds of giving, regardless of how much money you have or how you wish to distribute it.
“Serving all areas of need, Calgary Foundation supports the interests of donors,” says James. “It's not for a particular class; it can carry out a legacy and philanthropic contributions for anyone. It doesn't have to be huge. It can be built up over time.”
A TRUSTED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE FOUNDATION
For nearly 70 years, the Foundation has garnered a reputation of trust and care, built upon a diverse team of volunteers and staff who are experts in the community and know where the needs for charitable contributions are.
“There's so much contribution by the community, whether it's on the investment advisory side or granting side, that makes it a very safe place to place your philanthropic dollars,” James says. “When you look at the board and the composition of the volunteer committees, there’s such strong community support on a volunteer basis to share that expertise.”
James continues to encourage friends to consider Calgary Foundation as an option for their gift planning journeys. Soon, she’ll be back volunteering for the Foundation because she’s missed seeing “people do incredible things to build our community.”
To learn more about how you can support the community through Calgary Foundation, visit calgaryfoundation.org
Cheryl James
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF IMPACTFUL THEATRE
Alberta Theatre Projects’ Golden Hearts campaign invests in the future of the arts in Calgary with the support of local businesses.
Through 50 seasons, Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP) has brought communities together to celebrate the best local and global talent in theatre. As ATP looks ahead to the next half-century, it is launching a two-year, $2.5 million campaign to continue its mission of enriching the lives of theatre enthusiasts and supporting the next generation of theatre artists.
The Golden Hearts Campaign is a chance to invest in ATP and become a champion for the future of arts in Calgary. Three Golden Hearts businesses share their reasons for championing the vital role of arts and creativity in the city.
GOLDEN HEARTS CHAMPION: STRATEGIC GROUP
Since its founding in 2001, Strategic Group has maintained an unwavering dedication to actively giving back to the community through local and charitable organizations. Strategic Group supports the arts by creating spaces that bring people together through an artistic lens.
“ATP represents what’s best about the arts — innovation, collaboration and community impact,” says Riaz Mamdani, CEO and founder of Strategic Group. “By supporting the arts, we’re not only contributing to the cultural fabric of Calgary, but also helping to build a more compassionate and thoughtful society.”
GOLDEN HEARTS CHAMPION: LIONS GATE CONSTRUCTION
When it comes to supporting the next generation of artists and the arts, it was an easy “yes” for Armin Karame. He’s the owner and general manager of Lions Gate Construction and a successful actor with roles in Heartland and Debris. With his values in supporting the community and the arts, becoming a Golden Hearts champion was a natural next step.
“The arts, theatre and ATP are part of our city’s history. By supporting the arts and being involved, we send the message that it’s an important component of Calgary, not just to those living here, but to everyone around the world,” affirms Karame.
GOLDEN HEARTS CHAMPION: STORMONT CAPITAL
Backed by over 25 years of financial advisory and investment experience, Stuart Parnell, CFA and managing director of Stormont Capital, understands the importance and value of investing in local businesses and the artistic organizations that fuel Calgary’s spirit.
“A vibrant arts community contributes to the quality of life in any city, and Calgary is no exception,” says Parnell.
“ATP represents one of the cornerstones of the Calgary arts community [and] the Golden Hearts campaign is a celebration of 50 years of excellence.
Calgary’s business community has a long history of supporting the broader arts community, and we are proud to be part of that heritage.”
ANOTHER 50 YEARS OF THEATRICAL EXCELLENCE
ATP’s upcoming milestone 50th anniversary — the 2024-25 season and Golden Hearts campaign — is the perfect opportunity to support ATP and its artistic future. Subscribe for the whole season or buy tickets to attend captivating theatre shows with lineups showcasing the best of local and international talents, kicking off with The Seafarer, starring Canadian superstar Paul Gross. Join ATP’s community of like-minded theatre lovers and supporters, and become a Golden Hearts champion to ensure the next 50 years at ATP continue to be vibrant and rich. Learn more at albertatheatreprojects.com/donate.
BY JEFF YEE
A PHILANTHROPIC APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE
55 years in, EFW Radiology continues to support patients and healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools, education and lasting community impact.
EFW Radiology began modestly in 1969 as the Foothills Association of Radiologists and soon after opened its first community clinic. Since then, EFW Radiology has grown to 13 locations in Calgary and one in Airdrie, offering over 15 comprehensive interventional diagnostic and imaging services, and performing more than 600,000 consultations and studies annually.
With a proud history of unwavering, exceptional patient care, EFW has always remembered its local roots and community, and continues to give back.
“As part of a caring profession, we’ve always had it in our mission to give back to the community,”affirms Dr. David Lautner, managing partner at EFW Radiology.
LOCALIZING COMMUNITY IMPACT
For 55 years, philanthropic giving has been a core pillar for EFW. Each year, EFW partners with several local organizations to provide meaningful support. Since the ride began, EFW has supported the Tour Alberta for Cancer with team fundraising and medical sponsorship. Partnerships with student athletics such as University of Calgary Dinos, Mount Royal University Cougars and SAIT Trojans have been an important part of EFW’s giving philosophy, alongside other
athletic organizations such as the Canadian Sport Institute, which helps provide more support towards breakthroughs in sports science.
EFW helps run programs for community counselling, youth engagement and financial wellness — creating a safe community space for those in need. Whether volunteering time to run fundraising events, offering high-quality imaging services or sponsoring new initiatives, EFW’s contributions to community are felt throughout the city.
In September 2023, EFW launched its Community Impact Fund, which provides resources for its employees to champion grassroots causes within their neighbourhoods. Since its inception, the fund has helped build the new Dalhousie School playground, support the Jasper wildfire relief efforts, and provided local, not-for-profit staff and volunteers with essential supplies.
ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE AND RAISING AWARENESS
Experts in subspecialties such as MRI, spine and pain management, liver imaging and pediatric ultrasound make up the team behind EFW Radiology. While their expertise ensures exceptional patient care, EFW also believes in
sharing that knowledge. Promoting awareness of health issues, new diagnostics and treatment options further removes barriers to accessing care and understanding the available support.
One such initiative is EFW’s breast cancer screening awareness campaign, which provides education and resources to ensure the public and community healthcare providers understand when and how to get screened for breast cancer, including pathways for women aged 45 and over to self-refer. EFW also supports the next generation of healthcare providers by offering complimentary continuing education sessions for healthcare professionals and partnering with Mount Royal University, SAIT and the University of Calgary to support the training of medical students.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and to partner with so many dedicated individuals and organizations. Together, we are creating a ripple effect of compassion and positive change,” says Jackie Simonelli, CEO at EFW Radiology.
To learn more, visit EFW.ca
Our Community Partners:
WHERE PEOPLE AND IDEAS COME TOGETHER
The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre continues to help build a stronger Calgary with 50 years of meaningful impact.
In the 1960s, there were dreams and discussions of creating a connected convention centre in Calgary. Today, the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) has exceeded those initial hopes and has become a gathering place where communities have important conversations, generate ideas and indulge in cultural entertainment. With a 50-year reputation of hosting influential moments and experiences, the CTCC has been a venue for impactful change in Calgary and beyond.
MILESTONE MOMENTS
In 1974, the CTCC became Canada’s first purpose-built convention centre with an attached hotel and museum, and it didn’t take long before the calibre of its impact made headlines. Five years after it opened its doors, the CTCC hosted Canada’s most successful charitable dinner at the time. The “Million Dollar Dinner” had a ticket price of $1,000, in support of Calgary Foundation. The event raised over $2 million for Calgary Foundation — an impressive equivalent to over $8 million dollars in today’s values. The CTCC hit the ground running, and its momentum has not slowed.
The CTCC has welcomed various influential figures, from the Dalai Lama, the Clintons and George W. Bush to David Suzuki, King Charles and Arnold Schwarzenegger, to name a few. Big names and globally recognized events aside, the CTCC also plays host to more than 175,000 everyday people with bold visions and world-changing ideas annually to collaborate and bring innovative and impactful ideas to life.
Perhaps one of the greatest examples of people coming together at the CTCC was during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, the CTCC served as a homeless shelter for 300 people, and in 2021, it was Alberta’s largest COVID-19 vaccination site, with over 400,000 immunizations taking place there.
“At the CTCC, we are a place of possibilities where a single conversation can ignite ideas that ripple out across our community, creating an impactful effect,” says president and CEO Kurby Court. “When we collaborate with our city, civic and community partners, as well as local businesses, we are supporting the connections that enhance the quality of life and have a lasting reach on Calgary’s diverse and vibrant communities.”
A CONNECTOR FOR ALL
Centrally located, the CTCC is steps away from internationally recognized hotels, top-rated restaurants and a variety of shopping options. The convention centre serves as a gateway to the best of the city.
“With our location in the heart of downtown Calgary, we are a place to connect, innovate and inspire. For over 50 years, we have been a gathering place for Calgarians and guests from around the world to create meaningful connections, and as a community leader, our impact reaches well beyond our walls when we collaborate and connect with diverse perspectives and people from around the world,” says Court.
In 2023, the CTCC successfully hosted 226 events, resulting in $110.2 million in economic impact. Beyond dollars, the CTCC is also a centre of opportunity, where even small connections can spark world-changing ideas and where people can get connected and enriched so they can return to their own communities equipped to do better.
ENRICHING COMMUNITIES WITH OPEN HEARTS
Trico Homes strengthens a southwest community with a symbol of unity created by Jane Seymour.
In the southwest community of Kingsland Junction stands an eye-catching sculpture by renowned actress and artist Jane Seymour. Open Heart, a heart-shaped bronze sculpture finished in striking burgundy lacquer, was unveiled this past June. The heart is open on one end, designed to remind us that love and an open heart can carry us through difficult times.
Trico Homes commissioned the sculpture as part of its ongoing commitment to foster empathy, compassion and well-being through its communities. Located next to Trico LivingWell, a senior retirement community, Open Heart is more than a piece of artwork; it’s a message to say we all have the capacity to open our hearts and minds, and connect with friends, family and fellow community members.
Seymour emphasizes the tactile qualities the piece offers. “What's lovely about a sculpture is when you go and visit, you touch it, sit on it, lean against it, and you're there with your grandchildren. It's a message that’s easily passed on,” says Seymour. “It's a generational experience.”
With this sculpture, Trico reaffirms its commitment to not just building homes, but creating communities and spaces that foster kindness and connection. Kingsland Junction and Open Heart embody that inclusiveness, inviting all to engage and contribute to the vibrancy of the Kingsland community.
“Trico is not just doing a service for its residents, but to the community and actually the world at large,” says Seymour. “When people see something like this in a public place, they'll go, ‘What’s that?’ and it sparks a meaningful conversation.”
To learn more about Trico’s commitment to community, visit tricocommunities.com.
Helping Communities
‘B’ Their Best
As Western Canada’s only Certified B Corp homebuilder, Trico is proud to belong to a community of leading global corporations dedicated to balancing purpose and profit and using business as a force for good. At Trico, decisions are assessed according to their impact on our workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
Trico Homes is proud to be one of these special corporate citizens working to redefine success in business while giving back to the community.
Our commitment to our community is what makes us
HOPE IS IN YOUR HANDS TO CREATE A BETTER CALGARY
“The face of poverty in Calgary is changing. It’s no longer an issue confined to certain neighbourhoods or demographics. Today, it can be a neighbour, a co-worker or a family down the street struggling to put food on the table,” says Karen Young, president and CEO, United Way of Calgary and Area.
Right now, one in four Calgarians is not able to meet their basic needs like food, rent or utilities. This impacts more than our wallets: it affects our mental health, relationships and ability to participate in the community. These challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable. But united, we can create short- and long-term solutions to improve lives across our city.
Hope is in your hands is about the power we have — as individuals and as a collective — to address the complex issues
facing our city. When you extend a helping hand, you are driving change.
Anyone can make a difference. By making a gift of any amount to United Way’s Community Impact Fund, you create a ripple of change that touches lives across our community. Last year, United Way of Calgary and Area helped more than 223,000 people across our city and surrounding area. We partnered with 134 agencies and harnessed the inspirational power of more than 15,000 volunteers to drive change and spread hope throughout the communities where we live, work and play.
Hope is in your hands this giving season to make a real impact in our community. United, we can build a future where every Calgarian has the opportunity to succeed. The journey begins with you, and it starts today.
Join the movement. Give today: hope.uwca.ca
Karen Young, president and CEO, United Way of Calgary and Area
PHOTO BY DEVIN FEATHERSTONE; STYLING BY EMILIE GAGNON; HAIR AND MAKEUP
BY BRYAN FRANCISCO
BY SARAH COMBER
HOW TO OWN YOUR AGE
STYLISH CENTENARIAN ROCHELLE EVANS CHOOSES TO BE TRUE TO HERSELF.
If you ask 101-year-old Rochelle Evans how she describes her style, the answer is very simple: “I have no style. I’m just me.”
Indeed, Evans’ petite, spry frame and cheeky sense of humour radiate the kind of self-assurance that comes with living authentically throughout the decades. You’ll find Evans out walking every day — she enjoys getting outdoors as much as she can (“I love to garden,” she says) — and spending time with her granddaughter, Madeline Leew, whom she has lived with for nearly seven years.
Leew’s husband, who works with photographer Devin Featherstone, was the mutual connection that landed Evans this modelling gig.
Featherstone conceptualized the fun, fashion-forward photo shoot with a senior model. He then brought in stylist Emilie Gagnon (clothing and accessories are stylist’s own) and hair and makeup artist Bryan Francisco. “We had prosecco and listened to Elvis Presley and let Rochelle dance and tell us jokes,” Featherstone says. “[It] was one of the more memorable shoots I have been part of.”
Indeed, the joie de vivre Featherstone captured can be attributed to the model’s mindset: “Be yourself at all times,” Evans says, “whether it’s in fashion or not.”
norseman outdoor specialist
gearing up with owner anthony mauriks
Norseman Outdoor Specialist has been around since 1971. Two couples from Norway opened the shop to equip the local cross-countryskiing community at a time when it was difficult to find gear.
Norseman has since broadened its focus to include hiking, backcountry camping, mountaineering and climbing gear. While three of the original owners have since passed away, the fourth, Erik Eikum, still has a major hand in the operation and works in the repair shop, while current owner and manager Anthony Mauriks handles the business side of things.
We caught up with Mauriks to learn more about what keeps this ski-gear store running smoothly.
QWhat do you love about working at Norseman?
I came over from Melbourne, Australia, where I ran a store similar to [Norseman], so it was a natural progression. We’ve been able to make [Norseman] a little more technical, a little more specialized and a little more helpful. In everything we do, we try to educate. We want you to walk out knowing how to take care of your cross-country skis, what they do well and what they don’t. We want you to have enough knowledge to make it work, have fun and be safe.”
QWhat are some nerdier details about Nordic skiing that the average person might not think about?
“There’s no one-size-fits-all gear, so the first question always has to be, ‘What are you doing with it?’ If you’re doing benign stuff, you can get away with simple gear. If you’re doing something more challenging, you need gear that meets those qualifications. We help people put together that puzzle, and that’s what makes it fun.”
QWhat is it about Calgary that makes it such a special place for outdoor recreation?
“We live in one of the most amazing parts of the world, right? You wander out there, close your eyes and spin in a circle, and everything is like a postcard. Taking advantage of that seems like a no-brainer to me. It’s easy and accessible, and while there’s still some really difficult terrain out there, you always get a really good payout, so to speak.”
ANTHONY MAURIKS, CURRENT OWNER OF NORSEMAN OUTDOOR SPECIALIST, LEFT, WITH ORIGINAL CO-FOUNDER, ERIK EIKUM.
QDo you have any advice to offer someone who is going out cross-country skiing for the first time?
“It’s a very technical sport, so it isn’t the easiest to make it up as you go along. The best thing to do is to have somebody point out how you should move. Then you can kind of expand on that. It’s definitely worth doing a lesson first.”
4643 37 St. S.W., 403-249-5451, norsemanoutdoorspecialist.com
Favourite Spaces
Nya Irwin spent 14 long months eyeing a unique mid-century modern real estate listing in the northwest community of Brentwood. Eventually, she and her husband, Chris Irwin, booked a viewing — “just to get it out of my system,” Nya insists. But the moment they entered the home, with its 18-foot ceilings in the living room area, stunning A-frame design and daring red fireplace, it was as good as sold. “I had this stupid smile on my face. I looked over at Chris and he was like, ‘Oh no,’” she remembers, with a laugh.
The couple loved the 1966 home so much, in fact, that they didn’t want to change much of it. “We’re just editing this house; we’re not renovating it,” Nya decided, along with the team at Mera Studio Architects. Tara Marshall and Meghan Bannon, the studio’s co-founders, had already peeked at online images of the house during its year-plus stint on the market.
“There was so much original design that we felt had to be maintained — it was too beautiful and unique to let go of,” says Marshall.
Of course, some transformation was necessary: the kitchen was gutted and restructured for modern living and the entry to the kitchen and dining area opened up; a second bathroom was added; and the primary bedroom was expanded. But the room the homeowners initially fell for — the living room, with a sunken fireside lounge and that show-stopping fireplace — had only a few mindful modifications. The Mera team put in a warm, oatmealcoloured carpet with a texture that nods to ’70s patterns and covered the floor with terracotta tiles that embrace the home’s existing natural materials (there’s cedar, teak, rosewood and walnut throughout the house). “People are often tricked into not 100-per cent knowing what is original and what is new,” says Marshall.
The room’s original purpose was preserved, too — it’s a gathering place, exactly as it was for the previous owners, who built it themselves more than a half century ago. “It was a project of love, and you can just feel it,” Nya says. “It was a place for family, and that was exactly our intent: to make it a place for our family to enjoy for the next 50 years.”
FOLLOW YOUR
HEARTH
A unique mid-century architectural gem gets a design “edit” to preserve its warmth and charm.
BY ALYSSA HIROSE
THE FIREPLACE
The bold red of the fireplace is no doubt a focal point of the space, but there’s more subtle beauty behind the scenes. “One of the elements we really loved about the fireplace was the tiny little tiles behind it,” says architect Tara Marshall.
THE ARTWORK
The abstract-ish art next to the fireplace is another original element. Homeowner Nya Irwin explains it’s a Spanish dancer and accompanying band, done by the previous owner’s mother’s friend. “It’s pushing 100 years old,” Irwin says.
THE VINYL
The original owners chose the vinyl-tufted wall for its resilience, but no material is invincible: when Irwin and her family moved in, the wallcovering had a small tear. The unconventional material called for an unconventional pro — a boat upholsterer, who “very methodically” stitched it up.
THE SEATING
The family uses the newly carpeted “conversation pit” seating practically as much as the sofa. It’s the perfect cozy spot to curl up with a book (or miniature wiener dogs Frankie and Rizzo).
PHOTOS BY COLIN WAY
WINTER IN THE FOR ALL MOUNTAINS
BY
BY ELIZABETH CHORNEY-BOOTH , RILEY FONGER , ALYSSA HIROSE , STEPHANIE JOE
, LISA KADANE , ASHLEY KING , KARIN OLAFSON AND OLIVIA PICHÉ
et’s be real: winter mountain sports don’t always feel like something just anyone can try. There are reasons these sports — particularly downhill skiing and snowboarding — tend to be considered exclusive. Gear is expensive. Lift tickets, lessons and gas to get to the hill add up quickly. Ski-apparel brands are typically designed for able-bodied athletes. If you didn’t grow up with ski lessons, or if a circumstance has altered the body you’re in, maybe the experience of
whipping downhill on a glorious, bluebird day feels out of your reach. But that just isn’t the case anymore: adaptive programming has made winter mountain sports more accessible to individuals with physical and cognitive challenges, ski hills offer discounts and promos to lower the barrier to entry and there are options when it comes to renting gear or finding it second-hand. Because the mountains aren’t just for a certain few. The mountains are for us all.
PHOTO
HOW ADAPTIVE DOWNHILL SKIING
“ SAVED ” ERIN BROWN
ican’t say I’ve had a lifelong love of skiing. I wasn’t a kid who grew up with it ; I lived three blocks from Canada Olympic Park (now WinSport) for more than a decade, but never learned — I was always too scared. But, in September 2021, my husband, Tyler, my now-eight-year-old son, Edison, and I made the move from Calgary to Canmore. Part of embracing the active Canmore lifestyle involved learning to ski. I overcame my fears and even completed my first-ever black-diamond run at the end of 2022.
In June 2023, when I was 39 years old, my life took an unexpected turn. Edison and I were biking on Policeman’s Creek Trail, a popular path in the Canmore area. I fell and my bike hit my right knee, causing a seemingly innocuous bruise. But the next day,
a Sunday, I was really sick. I was feverish, vomiting and tired. There was a red line on my right leg. On Monday, I went to the emergency room at Canmore General Hospital and was diagnosed with cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection. I don’t remember a lot from that point. Tyler tells me I was in a lot of pain. He knew something was really wrong — he called paramedics, who took me to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. The cellulitis had progressed to necrotizing fasciitis — also known as flesh-eating disease — and my right leg was septic. Just three days after my fall, my entire right leg and half of my right glute was amputated.
I was in a coma for 10 days after the amputation, and came home to Canmore in
July. I’m an active person who danced and did yoga before this, so, very quickly, I got tired of sitting. In October of that year, I began to get fitted for prosthetics, but it was going so poorly; it’s hard to find a good fit because of the location of my emergency amputation. I needed some form of activity and normalcy in my life That’s when I reached out to Rocky Mountain Adaptive.
I’d seen RMA coaches and athletes at Mt. Norquay [ski resort] before. I emailed
“I joke that I’m a better skier on one leg Than I ever was on two.”
them to inquire about how to join one of their adaptive programs when the ski season kicked off in November. First, I had to do U CAN Try It intro sessions. This gave them an idea of my disability, my skiing level and what kind of coach I should be paired with. Through RMA, the world of tri-skiing opened up to me. I ski with my left leg using one ski and two outriggers. I was paired with Irene Hutcheon, who is the perfect coach for me. She knows when to push me and gives me confidence. My program with Irene was 10 weeks at Sunshine Village, every Friday for two hours. I loved being outside, being active, feeling normal — Fridays became the best day of my week. I started the program tri-skiing on the bunny hill, but quickly moved to green routes. With Irene’s guidance, I’ve even skied a black-
diamond run! I joke that I’m a better skier on one leg than I ever was on two.
I honestly believe that RMA saved my life. After my amputation, I didn’t know who I was anymore. I didn’t know if I would have any abilities or if I could even be a mom anymore. I didn’t know if I’d survive this. But, once I contacted RMA, I had some semblance of normalcy to hang onto. I had to push on for my son, for my family.
Jamie and Ian, the RMA founders, made me feel so special. They are pushing me to try more. Irene gives me goals to work towards. And, if it wasn’t for skiing, I wouldn’t be as strong; skiing is helping with my physio and my rehab. I laugh at the thought of being scared to try skiing when I was younger. Not a lot can scare me now. —As told to Karin Olafson
KNOW THE SIGNS OF NECROTIZING FASCIITIS
Necrotizing fasciitis is considered rare by the Alberta government, but, even so, it’s important to know the signs so you can advocate for yourself and seek care quickly. –K.O.
EARLY SIGNS
• Aches
• Fever and chills
• Severe pain at the injury site
LATER SIGNS
• Red or discoloured skin
• Swelling of the affected area
• Necrosis (decaying tissue)
CHATTING WITH P ARALYMPIC SKIER
OATWAY
Calgarian Kurt Oatway has reached what many would consider the apex of competitive para-alpine skiing — he won a gold medal for Canada at the 2018 Winter Paralympics.
A skier since childhood, Oatway, now 40, had an accident in 2007 that left him with a spinal cord injury. In 2010, watching the Vancouver Winter Paralympics inspired him to return to the ski hill and try sit skiing. He didn’t set out with competition in mind, but, by 2011, he was racing at the Canada Winter Games.
Para-skiing has grown in popularity since Oatway’s first Paralympics in 2014, as more people learn about the thrills, intensity and badassery of adaptive snowsports. “We not only have people who are in wheelchairs or missing a limb competing, but also legally blind people who ski faster than some people drive,” says Oatway. His advice for beginners is not to focus too much on what others are doing.
“Everyone’s disability is different, so what works for one person may not work for others,” Oatway says. “So, keep trying different ways until you get it.” –Alyssa
Hirose
HOWADAPTIVE LESSONS
TOOK THE SLIPPERY OUT OF THE SLOPES FOR MY SON
Equipped with short skis, his poleless hands flapping at every turn, my teenage son looks like the tallest beginner skier ever. But a closer look reveals his ability to carve parallel turns without poles down an intermediate run.
Bennett, 17, has autism, which impacts his motor-planning skills and reaction time, and can heighten his anxiety about steep slopes and downhill speed. Longer skis whose tips could cross, and poles to hold and plant, would just complicate what’s already a challenging sport because of the co-ordination, balance and focus required to get down a run without crashing.
That he skis at all is thanks to years of adaptive ski lessons.
In kindergarten, it became clear Bennett didn’t have the attention or dexterity for the regular group ski lessons that his older sister participated in. Bennett needed direct support — an instructor who could fasten his helmet
and help him click into skis and who possessed the patience to keep him on task.
Our determination to ski as a family led us to Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) Calgary, a volunteer-based charity that provides kids and adults with disabilities the opportunity to learn alpine snowsports. One evening a week that winter, we drove to Canada Olympic Park (COP) where six-year-old Bennett hit the bunny hill with a volunteer instructor and her assistant. They had been trained in techniques to support neurodiverse students and, through encouragement and loads of repetition, they taught him how to ride the magic carpet, snowplow and stop. He was on his way.
From there, we graduated to the mountains and enrolled him in lessons with Fernie Adaptive Snowsports. Over a few seasons, a team of two instructors got him riding the poma lift and linking turns down the bunny hill independently. On forays higher up the mountain, they allayed Bennett’s apprehension of longer, steeper runs by holding either end of a long
pole and letting him grasp the middle and ski between them. Though progress sometimes felt like two turns forward, one fall back, there was no denying his gradual improvement.
In the decade since learning that wobbly beginner wedge at COP, Bennett has skied all over the Rockies and into B.C., from gentle tree trails at Norquay to wide intermediate runs at SilverStar in the Okanagan Valley. To boost his progress, we sign him up for an adaptive lesson every year. He hasn’t become a powderseeking daredevil like some teenage boys, but that was never the goal. We sometimes think he loves the gondola rides, lunchtime fries and après-ski hot tub soaks more than the actual schussing, and that’s okay. The fact that we can ski a few leisurely runs together as a family means the world. —Lisa Kadane
Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Calgary relies on volunteers and is always looking for instructors, aides and other helpers (on-hill or indoor). To get involved, visit cadscalgary.ca/volunteer
THE WRITER ’ S SON WITH AN ADAPTIVE SKI INSTRUCTOR AT BIG WHITE SKI RESORT NEAR KELOWNA, B.C.
HOWMATTHEW CORKUM TOOK UP SKIING IN HIS 30S
Ihave spastic cerebral palsy, which impacts my gait, dexterity and balance. I grew up helping out on our family farm in Nova Scotia, and, as an adult living in Calgary, I’ve stayed active by cycling in the summer and fat-biking in the winter — regular movement helps my muscles and joints stay loose and pain-free, and feeling good fuels my active lifestyle.
Because of my balance, I never considered downhill skiing until I heard about Rocky Mountain Adaptive [RMA], an organization that runs programs for people with disabilities so they can participate in outdoor sports. A lot of my friends ski and they encouraged me to try it, so I signed up for an RMA ski camp at Sunshine Village in March 2021, at age 37.
My first lesson was both terrifying and thrilling. Even getting onto the magic carpet [a ski lift that services the beginner slope] was scary! To begin, the instructors had to figure out what kind of adaptive equipment would work best
“Skiing on the same mountain as my friends made me feel included. I was hooked!”
for me, and we settled on outriggers — poles with little skis on the end of them for extra balance, so it’s like I have four skis instead of just two. Because my right foot pronates inward, which makes rightward turns more difficult, they taught me how to do small, tight turns to control my speed.
Once I started linking a few turns on the bunny hill, it was exhilarating. Skiing on the same mountain as my friends made me feel included. I was hooked! I began hitting the gym to strengthen my right leg to improve my rightward turns. My trainer there also taught me how to get up after a fall by laying on my stomach and using unloaded barbells to push myself up. Now I ski independently, get off the lift without assistance, and use my outriggers to right myself when I fall.
After four seasons, skiing has become a big part of my life. I love the accepting ski com-
munity and the friends I’ve made through the sport. I’m now comfortable on all beginner and most intermediate runs, and I ski regularly at Lake Louise and Fernie. I’ve also skied at Whistler and in Zermatt, Switzerland.
This journey from never-ever to passionate skier led me to become an RMA director in 2022, so I can make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to learn to ski if they’re so inclined.
What most people don’t realize is that making skiing and other activities accessible not only improves the physical health of people with disabilities, it also builds their mental health and confidence, and that spills over into all facets of their life. Since learning how to ski, my confidence has increased significantly — I am better at my job, and I’m a better friend, advocate and community member. Skiing means everything to me. As told to Lisa Kadane
WHAT IS SIT SKIING?
Sit skiing is a way for people with lower-body disabilities to carve up a mountain. The skier is strapped into a moulded seat suspended above the ground by a shockabsorbing metal frame. A monoski (single wide ski) is attached to the bottom of the frame. Then, using their body weight and handheld devices known as outriggers — similar to ski poles but with a ski blade on the bottom — the athlete can steer and control their speed. –Riley Fonger
ACCESSIBLE MOUNTAIN DINING
Alberta’s Rocky Mountain communities are brimming with great restaurants. But, with multi-level heritage buildings, boisterous touristfilled spaces and an emphasis on Alberta beef, not all mountain restaurants are prime for
SPOTS WITH G REAT WHEELCHAIR A CCESS
These three restaurants take extra care to ensure those using mobility aids can easily get around.
FARM & FIRE
Located in the Elk + Avenue Hotel, Farm & Fire guests can be dropped off at the stair-free path at the hotel’s front door where there is unobstructed access to the ground-floor restaurant. The spacious dining room allows for tables to be moved around as needed, and washrooms are off the lobby on the same floor.
333 Banff Ave., Banff, 403-760-3298, banffjaspercollection.com/dining/ farm-fire, @farmandfirebanff
E VIL DAVE’S GRILL
This casual restaurant has something on the menu for everyone — plus significant accommodations for diners who use wheelchairs. There’s plenty of room between tables for wheelchair users to move throughout the res-
guests with physical disabilities, neurodiversity considerations or dietary restrictions. The following locales pay special attention to their design, atmosphere and menus to ensure anyone can find a great place to eat out while visiting the mountains. –Elizabeth Chorney-Booth
taurant, and a designated accessible parking stall adjacent to an entrance ramp for quick access into the space.
86 Connaught Dr , Jasper, 780-852-3323, evildavesgrill.com, @evildavesgrill
H ELLO SUNSHINE
Hello Sunshine is a convenient, single-level restaurant for diners with physical disabilities to access. Its location on quieter-than-Banff-Avenue Wolf Street means it’s easy to pull over, unload a wheelchair and assist someone with mobility challenges into the restaurant. Once inside, guests of all ability levels can move around the cavernous room to check out the whimsical Japanese creations coming out of the open kitchen, or to get to the private karaoke rooms and barrier-free washrooms.
208 Wolf St , Banff, 403-985-7225, hellosunshinebanff.com, @hellosunshinebanff
S ERENE CHOICES FOR N EURODIVERSE DINERS
Modern restaurants can be loud, busy and uncomfortably overwhelming for diners with sensory sensitivities. These businesses specialize in providing a more laidback, lower-key environment.
S IGNATURE CABINS AT FAIRMONT J ASPER PARK LODGE
The private standalone “luxury signature” cabins at Jasper Park Lodge give small parties the opportunity to enjoy high-end food far away from the bustle of the main lodge. In-cabin dining experiences include curated DIY or chefprepared barbecue kits, breakfasts or canapé platters, with plenty of options available to suit dietary preferences.
1 Old Lodge Rd., Jasper, fairmont.com/jasper, @fairmontjp
G RAPES WINE CELLAR
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is a formidable and often very busy venue, but this almost-secret hideaway within
FARM & FIRE
HELLO SUNSHINE
BLUEBIRD WOOD-FIRED STEAKHOUSE
the castle brings the sensory level down with its low-lighting and tucked-away feel. A simple tapas- and charcuteriecentric menu allows for customization for guests with differing needs. The wine list is lengthy, and staff can help pinpoint the perfect pairing.
405 Spray Ave., Banff, 403-762-2211, fairmont.com/banff-springs, @fairmontbanff
B LUEBIRD WOOD-FIRED STEAKHOUSE
Bluebird may be one of the most buzzed-about restaurants in Banff, but it’s also one of the coziest, with a number of dark and quiet nooks in which to enjoy a meal. Located on the relatively quiet Lynx Street, Bluebird is close to the action, but not right in the middle of it. For a quieter evening, sit in the dimly lit, wood-panelled lounge and sink into a prime rib dinner finished with a slice of key lime pie.
214 Lynx St , Banff, 403-985-9163, bluebirdbanff.com, @bluebirdbanff
DESTINATIONS C ATERING TO D IETARY RESTRICTIONS
It’s no fun to look at a menu and realize that most of the food is offlimits. These restaurants do their best to make sure everyone at the table is able to dig in.
J UNIPER BISTRO
This comfy hotel restaurant on the outskirts of Banff boldly bills itself as offering “plant-rich flavours.” This does not make the Juniper strictly vegan or vegetarian, but the kitchen is vegan-conscious and there is plenty on the menu for all diners. Glutenfree options are also available, along with thoughtful non-alcoholic drinks.
1 Juniper Way, Banff, 403-762-2281, thejuniper.com, @juniperbanff
PARK DISTILLERY
A distillery tasting room might not seem like a logical place to get an alcohol-free drink, but Park excels
in the realm of zero-proof beverages, with ample choice of spirit-free cocktails and non-alcoholic beers (gluten-free beer is also available). Inclusionary policies also extend to the food, with items clearly marked as vegetarian or gluten-friendly.
219 Banff Ave , Banff, 403-762-5114, parkdistillery.com, @parkdistillery
S AUVAGE
Tasting menu-only restaurants often operate on a “no-substitutions” basis, but Sauvage strives to offer a taste of the bounty of the mountains through two menus: the carnivore friendly “The Hunter” and the all-vegan “The Gatherer.” Diners can also opt for pairings of premium juices or a zeroproof cocktail.
633 10 St , Canmore, 403-609-0583, sauvagerestaurant.ca, @sauvagecanmore
GRAPES WINE CELLAR
JUNIPER BISTRO
PARK DISTILLERY
ACCESSIBLE MOUNTAIN ACCOMMODATIONS
Atruly accessible hotel goes beyond basic compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. When it comes to accessibility, it’s not just about elevators or ramps. Highly accessible hotels hold standards by incorporating a range
of features and practices that ensure comfort, safety and ease of use for all guests. This might include roll-in showers, hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and communication devices for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. These five hotels in the mountains offer ADA-approved rooms, or go above and beyond that to provide guests with an accessible experience. –Ashley King
B UFFALO MOUNTAIN LODGE
A handful of the suites at this resort up on Tunnel Mountain, a few minutes’ drive from the heart of Banff, are ADA-approved rooms, featuring widened doorways, ramped entryways, accessible bathrooms and lowered countertops. For a cozy winter stay, these suites also have wood-burning stone fireplaces, stocked daily with complimentary firewood, and kitchenettes featuring a microwave, two countertop hot-plate burners and a mini fridge. 700 Tunnel Mountain Rd., Banff, 403-410-7417, crmr.com/resorts/buffalo-mountain
T HE RIMROCK RESORT HOTEL
The Rimrock offers seven wheelchair-accessible rooms, as well as an accessible entrance, lobby and dining options. Patrons can expect wide doorways, transition ramps, accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers, and grab bars. The hotel’s accessibility extends beyond features for those with physical disabilities, with hard-of-hearing alarm setups, valet service, service animal-friendly rooms and assistive listening devices for meetings.
300 Mountain Ave , Banff, 403-762-3356, rimrockresort.com
T HE JOSIE HOTEL
Located at the base of Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, B.C., The Josie, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection portfolio of unique boutique properties, offers three spacious ADA rooms with full wheelchair accessibility. Features include lowered door peepholes, thermostats, closet rods and towel bars, as well as accessible sinks and commodes, grab bars, and roll-in showers with hand-held sprayers and benches. 4306 Red Mountain Rd , Rossland, B.C., 250-362-5155, thejosie.com
BUFFALO MOUNTAIN LODGE
THE JOSIE HOTEL
R ED FOX LODGE
This luxury wilderness accommodation in Golden, B.C., was created using universal design principles and is accessible for guests who have limited mobility or use a wheelchair. Perfect for a group of four, the lodge is a single-level building with no stairs or steps, and includes a wheelchair-accessible primary bedroom and primary bathroom.
891 Crandall Rd , Golden, B.C., 250-344-8973, mount7lodges.com/red-fox-lodge
W ILLIAM WATSON LODGE
This lodge in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park (Kananaskis Country) offers year-round, barrierfree stays and seasonal camping for persons with disabilities, seniors and their families. The property has 22 accessible cabins, 11 accessible RV campsites, accessible picnic sites and more than 20 kilometres of accessible trails, encouraging inclusive recreational opportunities in nature.
1 Watson Dr , Kananaskis, 403-591-7227, williamwatsonlodgesociety.com
3 QUESTIONS FOR A BLIND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIER mountains
Every year since 1978, accessible Nordic-ski gathering Ski for Light Canada has welcomed visually impaired skiers and sighted guides to the mountains. To learn more, we spoke with Peter Quaiattini, a passionate cross-country skier who is blind and depends on the assistance of sighted guides to navigate the trails, and who has attended Ski For Light for 25 years.
W HAT IS SKI FOR LIGHT?
PQ Ski for Light is an annual week-long event held in Western Canada, offering blind and visually impaired adults the opportunity to participate in cross-country skiing with sighted guides. It promotes inclusivity and community-building, with skiers and guides forming strong bonds. The week concludes with just-for-fun races of varying lengths, followed by an awards ceremony.
H OW ARE GUIDES AND ATHLETES PAIRED ?
PQ Guides are paired with athletes based on mutual ability and connection, each partnership being vital for the skiers’ security and enjoyment, with some partnerships lasting for years.
H OW DO GUIDES ENSURE SAFETY?
PQ Guides begin with a basic equipment introduction on flat, straight trails. As the visually impaired skiers ski within tracks groomed into the snow, guides ensure their safety by following behind, ahead or beside the skier, providing verbal cues about the upcoming environment. –A.K.
The 2025 Ski for Light Canada event runs Feb. 2 to 8 at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. skiforlight.ca
RED FOX LODGE
mountains
Gliding down a mountain is exhilarating. It’s why so many of us love to hit the slopes. But, it also costs a pretty penny. A single-day lift pass can run upwards of $100 — and let’s not forget the price of equipment and the cost of the gas to get you there. Luckily, there are ways to make getting out to the mountains more affordable. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, here are some ways you can save a buck and beat those financial barriers.
“The lift tickets are too expensive.”
If you already know you love to ski, buy a season’s pass or purchase a specialty card — you’re sure to get the best bang for your buck the more you buy. Here are some of the cards available for the 2024/2025 ski season:
• Sunshine Super Card: Get your first, fourth and seventh ski days free with additional discounted days.
• Lake Louise Plus+ Card: Get your first, fourth and seventh ski days free and discounts on the rest.
• The RCR Rockies Card: Get your first, fourth and seventh ski days free and discounts on the rest at the four RCR Western resorts (Nakiska, Kicking Horse, Fernie and Kimberley).
• Big Drop Card (Norquay): Save 50 per cent off full-day lift tickets.
• Castle Mountain Wonders of Winter (WOW) Card: Save 50 per cent off full-day lift tickets.
• Marmot Escape Card: Save 50 per cent off full-day lift tickets.
• Panorama SnowCard: Discounted rates for those looking to ski three or five days in the season.
• Fairmont Hot Springs Resort H20 Card: Choose from three or seven days of skiing at a discounted rate. (Plus, you get same-day access to the hot springs!)
• Revelstoke Vertical Card: Ski or ride from $74 a day.
SPENDING EARLY = SAVING BIG
Plan ahead if you’re going to the hill and pre-purchase your lift ticket. Most ski resorts offer better rates when you buy online a few days in advance.
SHREDDING THE COSTS
How to hit the slopes this winter — without breaking the bank.
“I haven’t skied before. It’s a lot to spend when I’m not sure I’ll like it.” Skiing can be beginner-friendly and easier on the wallet. Here are some of the costeffective deals that include your equipment rentals, lift ticket and a lesson. Visit the resorts’ websites for the most up-todate information on pricing.
• Never Ever Days is a Canadian Ski Council program offered at various resorts that lets you try skiing or snowboarding for $25
• Lake Louise Snow School ski and snowboard lessons
• Adult Discovery Program at Panorama.
• RCR TELUS Learn to Ski programs
• Beginner Package at Castle Mountain.
• First Time Package at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
• Discover Packages at Marmot Basin
“I don’t want to spend a bunch of money on new gear.”
Buying second-hand is a great way to cut down on the cost of gear. Here are a couple places to shop for pre-owned equipment.
• Play It Again Sports 270 Stewart Green S.W. and #560, 303 Shawville Blvd S.E.
• 2nd Chance Sports 2010 Edmonton Tr. N.E.
“I don’t have a vehicle to get to the ski hill. (See also: I do have a car, but I’m nervous about driving on snowy mountain roads.)”
Shuttles: Services like Airport Shuttle Express (airportshuttleexpress.com) and Ski-Lifts (ski-lifts.com) offer shuttles from YYC to several mountain destinations such as Banff, Canmore, Fernie, Golden and others. Or, check your chosen resort’s website to see if it runs shuttles (example: Panorama Mountain Resort’s airport-toresort shuttle is $175).
Bus: Make your way to the Rockies on a good old-fashioned bus. It’s as easy as a quick search on Busbud to find the best bus for your journey, and it can cost as little as $16 to get from Calgary to Banff Once you’re there, many resorts have shuttles to the ski hills, like the free shuttle from the town of Banff to Sunshine Village, or the $5 shuttle from Golden to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. —Olivia Piché
Your Phil. Your Music.
BREAKING DOWN CULTURAL BARRIERS
Spirit North strengthens relationships, increases diversity in outdoor sports and encourages Indigenous youth to become leaders in their communities.
Canmore-based charity Spirit North was founded by crosscountry ski racer and Olympian Beckie Scott in 2017 with the intention of uplifting Indigenous children and youth through sports and play. It has since grown from being an Alberta-only organization to offering programming all across the country; 284 schools and communities participated in 2023.
While a large part of Spirit North’s initiative is to increase participation in outdoor sports by removing barriers for Indigenous youth, it also co-creates its programming alongside community members for a personal and lasting approach to outdoor recreation.
“Our programming opens up opportunities to learn new sports,” says Jennifer MacPherson, Spirit North’s regional
North will then facilitate a co-creation session. “The programs look different depending on the province, community location, and which leaders are in those areas,” MacPherson says. “We have a conversation and see what we can offer based on location and community access.”
Spirit North’s programs range from winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to summer sports such as canoeing, biking and games that incorporate Indigenous languages. The organization has also incorporated a youth leadership program as part of the sports learning. “We’re in the community long-term with a focus on building capacity,” MacPherson says. “We hire community members to lead programs and keep running those programs. When the youth see leaders in their community, it gives them the opportunity to reconnect with themselves and the land.”
“when the youth see leaders in their community, it gives them the opportunity to reconnect with themselves and the land.”
J ennifer MacPherson Regional Director of Western Canada, Spirit North
director of Western Canada and a member of the Métis Nation living in the Battle River Territory. “Access to outdoor sports is expensive and can be challenging if you don’t come from a background that has a lot of money. Spirit North offers no-cost sports and land-based programs for Indigenous youth.”
In her role, MacPherson does outreach and builds connections with Indigenous community leaders, such as local educators, Elders and advisors to develop sports-based and outdoor programming based on community needs and requests. To apply for programming, interested parties can submit a request online and Spirit
As well as teaching youth the basics of different sports and providing them outdoor opportunities, another significant focus of Spirit North is to incorporate cultural aspects, such as including Elders and Knowledge Keepers in the programming. Some program leaders will often speak to the youth in their Indigenous language and help them learn.
Stewardship of the land is also important. “We’re not breaking down trees or throwing garbage around,” says MacPherson. “We’re being mindful of the space we’re in and picking up trash. We’re taking care of the land that gives us so much.”
Stephanie Joe
4 ORGANIZATIONS INCREASING DIVERSITY IN THE OUTDOORS
SOUL OF MIISTAKI was founded by Cassie Ayoungman, Niitsitapi from Siksika Nation, to promote diverse representation in outdoor sports on Treaty 7 territory. soulofmiistaki.com
#NEWSKIAB is an initiative that introduces new Albertans to winter sports. The organization works with multilingual instructors and offers downhill-ski and snowboard lessons. snowseekers.ca
MULTICULTURAL TRAIL NETWORK
is a non-profit that offers outdoor programming to racialized youth. MTN aims to dismantle barriers to access and empower youth to experience nature. mtnetwork.ca
COLOUR THE TRAILS is a Black woman-owned company founded by Judith Kasiama in 2017. It focuses on creating opportunities for BIPOC and 2SLGBTQAI+ peoples to access outdoor activities and create diversity in sports. –S.J. colourthetrails.com
TRATTORIA
Don’t forget to celebrate the at one of our 5
Italian chefs using Italian ingre ients
As the ol ve tree has deep roots, our rec pes are rooted n the cul nary tra t ons passed down through generat ons. We bel eve n the power of s mple, heartwarm ng food to br ng people together, creat ng a cozy corner where f ends and fam ly can gather.
Book a table an learn more about Lina’s Trattoria here
you are here
17th Ave at 7th Street S.W.
Tomkins Park
The land for this park was donated in 1915 by Henry and Elinor Tomkins, on the condition it be used as a resting space. The 17th Ave Business Improvement Area hosts events here year-round.
During the winter months, Calgarians can walk along decorated pathways and cozy up under the gazebo. The park will also feature a new illuminated art installation starting in December.
Ollia Macarons & Tea
Traditional patissiers used to hold their macaron recipes close to the chest, only sharing with the next chef in line. Ollia Macarons & Tea operates with a different philosophy, offering classes in the art of macaron-making. You can make your mark with customizable colours, embellishments and fillings. (Or simply take home a box of theirs.)
On Air Audio Studios
This sound studio just north of Tomkins Park has been operating since 1992 and is home to the city’s largest collection of vintage microphones, compressors and pre-amps. Its roster of 20-plus voice actors can help add a professional touch to any project, from audio tours and presentations to phone greetings and on-hold messages for businesses.
Mona Lisa Artists’ Materials
Run by four generations of the Beeger family, Mona Lisa Artists’ Materials has a range of creative tools for artistic expression and holiday crafting. Whether you’re a painter extraordinaire, an inspired beginner or a Bob Ross impersonator, you can lean on the knowledgeable staff to point you in the right direction.
Sloth Records
Ascend the poster-plastered staircase to this music mecca full of new releases and special editions, along with discount bins to melt your frugal heart. The name serves as a reminder to take your time. The store can also provide you with audio equipment such as turntables and mixers, replacement needles and cleaning supplies.
–Abby Parker
From private dinners with top chefs to secret theatre tours, an A-List membership grants you behind-the-scenes access to Calgary’s
With limited memberships available, you’re not part of the crowd–you’re one of the select few experiencing the very best of Calgary.
THE POINTE estates
