Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine June 2016 issue by Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

June 2016 edition

Check in: Revelstoke Cycling Association trails work Nels Knickers: new sculpture on Mt. Revelstoke Revelstoke SUP guide Garnish jewellers celebrate milestone McCarty House makeover: iconic heritage home reincarnated 2016 Summer Festival Guide Faces of the Revelstoke Farm & Craft Market

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CONTENTS June 2016 Edition

4 Contributors 5 News | Protesters oppose Macpherson logging 6 News Briefs 8 Entertainment | Vintage car show to shine 9 Feature | Nelson Knickers 10 Revelstoke Mountaineer Events Calendar 12 Feature | Revelstoke Cycling Association check in

Ollie Jones dropping in Cover Photo by Agathe Bernard The Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a free monthly magazine featuring the best of Revelstoke outdoor life, food, style, visitor experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, home style, and healthy living. Each month we distribute free copies to over 100 public venues across Revelstoke, including accommodations, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres, bars, and everywhere people meet. We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke. Creative Director: Aaron Orlando Staff writer: Emily Kemp Designer: Rachel Petrie For all advertising and editorial inquiries, call Aaron Orlando at 250-814-8710 or email info@revelstokemountaineer.com For more information, including details on advertising rates, please call, or visit our parallel online publication at www.revelstokemountaineer.com and click on the advertising tab. Mailing Address: PO BOX 112, 606 Railway Avenue, Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0

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CONTRIBUTORS Agathe Bernard grew up in the mountains north of Quebec City and in Switzerland, seeking adventure often and always with a camera in hand. Agathe’s photography spans everything from alpine backcountry vistas to underwater shots in local lakes. “My purpose is to share my experience and knowledge as an earth scientist in an effort to promote sustainability in our daily lives and also to empower people to live the life they have always dreamed of.” Rachel Petrie is a local Graphic Designer. After finishing school in Toronto, Ontario Rachel moved to Revelstoke to experience living in the mountains. Besides working full time as a Graphic Designer in town Rachel is an avid snowboarder, dirt biker and overall an outdoor enthusiast.

Katie Marti is a rambling storyteller, campfire musician and swear word aficionado. She writes fiction and non-fiction and always does the Saturday morning crossword puzzle in pen. She lives in Revelstoke with a variety of friends and family, some of whom are dogs.

Sarah Mickel is a Revelstoke photographer who specializes in portrait, fashion and commercial photography. She has lived in Revelstoke for 12 years with her husband and two children. Find her work in our style session shoot at the Main Street Cafe and at sarahmickelphotography.com

Broadcast junkie by trade, yoga teacher at heart, Jessica Campbell is quite the paradox. While the storyteller from Ontario says she loves to talk, her favourite topic of discussion, ironically, is on silence. Nicknamed “Yessica,” this bubbly spirit started traveling the world at 16 to recently settle down in Revelstoke because it’s where she says she can find the most “stillness” by being active in the mountains.

Emily Kemp is a Revelstoke-based journalist and writer. Originally from Queensland, Australia, Emily moved to Revelstoke to take in the experience of our vibrant mountain community. You’ll find her snowboarding in the winter and tackling multi-day hikes in the summer.

Aaron Orlando is the creative director of the Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine, and its sister online publication revelstokemountaineer.com. Aaron is a journalist who’s worked professionally in Revelstoke for the past eight years. Contact him by email at info@revelstokemountaineer.com.

NEWS

Residents oppose Macpherson logging By Emily Kemp The forestry industry has a proud history in B.C. and it is the economic driver of many communities, including Revelstoke. But plans to log on Crown land locally has raised the ire of some local recreation users. Most recently in Revelstoke, a plan to log part of Mount Macpherson later this summer has propelled some residents to rise against it. Their group, Save Macpherson, believes that the economic benefit from tourism the area brings in, from mountain biking area and Nordic skiing, outweighs the short-term benefits of logging there. They launched a protest at the Mount Macpherson trail system on May 21, where about 150 came to speak out against the logging plans. “We think the community believes that there is more money in the forest standing, and keeping it the way it is, than in a short-term plan which is the harvest of 15 hectares,” Save Macpherson’s Jordie McTavish said. Currently the plan is for B.C. Timber Sales (BCTS), an arm of the provincial government, to log 14.5 hectares on Mount Macpherson. The logging is anticipated to happen in late August or early September this year and will take about a month. The area is outside of Revelstoke city limits and is on Crown land. The harvesting will impact the trails of Ridge Walk and TNT, although they will be amongst a buffer zone (trees left standing on either side). While this sounds like a good idea, Save Macpherson believes buffer zones are weak and may end up having to be cut later due to wind blowdown. Part of Mad Man’s Leap will be surrounded by clear-cut forest. The logging plans have been scaled back from a previous plan floated in early 2015 following significant opposition to logging plans in the recreation area. Opinions are mixed amongst bikers, Nordic skiers and others who recreate on the trails. Some say they don’t mind co-existing with logging and note the trail system does benefit in some ways, such as some funding, or even improved viewpoints. Others, as evidenced by the recent protest, think the trail system is best left alone and worry it will turn away visitors who come to ski and bike the system. Tourism Revelstoke carried out a small-scale study in two weekends in August 2015 to determine the economic benefit of the area. Based on the numbers from their sample group, they concluded

tourists to Mount Macpherson, in the summer, inject about $215,000 into the local economy. The controversy is a conundrum for the Liberal government, who traditionally draw support from both the forest industry and the tourism industry. The government’s scaled-back plans seem to be an attempt to appease tourism operators while not backing down from their logging plans. However, the way the decision-making process works under current legislation has made few happy. In the past, forestry planning allowed for far more public input on specific plans. But changes to legislation brought in over the past decade have altered the process. Now, ‘stakeholders’ provide input and forestry staff draw up the final cutting plans. Despite several public meetings and input sessions in 2015 about the logging plans for Macpherson, few are satisfied with the results. The Save Macpherson group wants logging there to be suspended and is asking for more public input. “What we’re trying to do is trying to open up the communication lines to have a more inclusive decision making process,” McTavish said. The Revelstoke Cycling Association has been working with BCTS since plans were raised last year. President Keith McNab said they have always known that the area is designated as joint use by the province and that logging would occur. “That designation has allowed us build a large trail network in the area,” McNab said. McNab said they’ve discussed with BCTS how to minimize damage and build new connector trails. But avid mountain biker and local Barbara McGregor said logging on Macpherson will change the experience. “I think it really erodes the trails,” she said. “I don’t want to bike in the clear cut. I like how pristine the way they are, untouched.” “The Quarry trail (on Mount Begbie) isn’t the way it used to be, it’s eroded a lot. You’re riding in the stark sun.” This situation echoes that of Begbie Bench in 2013. Despite similar community resistance and criticism of public consultations in 2012, it went ahead in the winter of 2013.

NEWS BRIEFS

Get the latest stories here, as reported on the revelstokemountaineer.com — your daily source of news and information. The future of Revelstoke CPR workers hangs in question The future for some Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) workers in Revelstoke may be different if the company’s plans to remove a Revelstoke crew changeover for its coal route goes ahead. This plan was first made public last month when CPR contacted the workers union Teamsters Canada Railway Conference (TCRC) to begin a process for a change to working conditions. It includes requiring employees to work a shift of up to 12 hours. The railway company want to make the coal train route from Kamloops to Golden non-stop, reducing the time and costs associated with stopping in Revelstoke. The impact of this is not yet known. CPR indicated no jobs would be lost with this change but hasn’t gone into details about relocations. The change is anticipated to go ahead June 20, if the union doesn’t fight it.

Popular Revelstoke brewery expansion moves forward As Revelstoke’s Mt. Begbie Brewing Co. celebrates 20 years, it prepares to meet increased beer demands with a move to its new premises this summer, if construction goes to plan. The popular beer maker has constructed a new facility at 2155 Oak Drive, below the Hillcrest Hotel in Johnson Heights. Owners Tracey and Bart Larson had hoped to open before winter 2015/16, but construction was delayed.

Revelstoke prepares for electric car industry The age of automation is upon us and as the emerging industry of electric and automatic cars gains traction, is Revelstoke ready? Currently the likes of Tesla, Nissan and BMW lead this industry and for car owners looking for somewhere to juice up in Revelstoke, we have six electric stations answering that demand.

Winter in Revelstoke is the microbrewery’s busy season as it works to meet the demands of our growing skiing, heli-ski and restaurant operations.

Five of those are at the Revelstoke Best Western Plus which general manager Brady Beruschi said operate free of charge and anyone is welcome to use them.

“Winter in Revelstoke is crazy,” brewery director of sales and marketing Darryn Shewchuk said. “We can’t keep up with production demands right now. The new facility will be double the size and we’ll be able to produce enough beer to properly supply the B.C. market.”

“[We wanted] to be the leader in the industry and the community,” he said.

Their new home is further away from the current downtown location but will allow for expanded production of up to 15,000 hectolitres a year. It will also give a better visitor experience for flight tasting options. The craft beer industry is booming in B.C. and Shewchuk said in the last two years, businesses in the province have grown from about 40 to 120. “It certainly hasn’t slowed sales down, we’re not competing,” he said. “People are moving away from commercially produced beer and are getting into the artisan beer. It tastes better and is better for you.” Revelstoke has embraced craft beer with open arms, recently with the opening of the Craft Bierhaus, and most Revelstoke restaurants have Begbie’s product on tap. “People appreciate the quality and recognize it,” Shewchuk said. “If the beer wasn’t good there wouldn’t be so much support.”

The business installed their first machine in 2011. It takes about four hours to fully charge a car and to begin with, saw infrequent use. But as the trend towards electric has continued, demand has grown. In 2015 the business, in partnership with Tesla, installed four machines exclusive to the manufacturer. These take about 45 minutes to charge and during the busy summer, they’re in frequent use. “If people are travelling east from Revelstoke, they hit our charge station,” Beruschi said. “They want to hit Rogers Pass with a full charge, for obvious reasons.” One other charging station in Revelstoke, installed by BC Hydro, sits out the front of the Visitor Information Centre, but a few technical problems has caused low usage.

NEWS BRIEFS Revelstoke city council struggles with tax-free vacation rentals

After backlash over the black market of vacation rentals in Revelstoke, the city is grappling with how to regulate this growing industry. Vacation rentals, such as those you find on the website Airbnb, are often situated in residential neighbourhoods, thus providing a unique alternative to hotels, but potentially an ongoing nightmare for the neighbours. With an estimated 200 vacation rentals currently operating in Revelstoke, what has been a way for local homeowners to gain some extra income has impacted negatively on hotel vacancy rates. Since unregulated rentals don’t pay commercial taxes, they can also offer more competitive rates. City staff are currently compiling a report on the impact of vacation rentals in the community. The city encourages these operations to apply to rezone their property. The cost to become legal is a $1,800 application fee (with no guarantees your application will be successful), and there is no avenue yet to collect tax. Revelstoke Vacation Rentals (RVR) is trying to level the playing field and says it will voluntarily implement GST, PST and a two per cent hotel tax on their managed properties from winter 2016/17. Revelstoke Powder Rentals is expected to adopt this as well. If it goes ahead, dependent on the future regulation of the industry, it will result in a 15 per cent increase in costs to guests. “The takeaway message is that we are looking forward to leading the vacation rental industry toward a more sustainable taxation strategy for vacation homes,” RVR co-owner Eve Northmore said. “For this movement to be successful, bylaw enforcement is a critical component. “Without universal enforcement it is unnecessary for our clients to charge the extra taxes to their guests and license their homes.”

Funds reach halfway for new Kovach Park skatepark project With nearly $490,000 in committed funds and expectations for in-kind donations including labour, materials and lodging, the Columbia Valley Skateboard Association is hoping construction will begin on their dream skatepark project in the spring of 2017. Without the in-kind donations, the total funds needed for the project runs to $1.05 million, but with the renowned Revelstoke community spirit at work, organizers are confident they will reach their goal. “We’re feeling great about it,” CVSA president Karl Jost said “Everything is falling in together and is getting lined up. “We’re doing a really big push on fundraising to get a couple of grants. We’re hoping to get as much in-kind donations as possible.” The organization had hoped to be in building mode by now but was delayed after their hopes for a large federal grant last year was rejected. In recent months, the organization has received positive news in the form of $180,000 from two Columbia Basin Trust grants and $10,000 from the Revelstoke Credit Union.

Developer and ski resort battle over future accommodation A conflict has entered the public sphere between a hotel developer and Revelstoke Mountain Resort. David Evans, the developer behind the Mackenzie Village housing development on Nichol Road, last year had his 18-acre property on Camozzi Road approved for annexation into city limits to access water and sewage services. Now he’s applying to rezone this land to allow for an alternative hotel development of about 100 rooms. These will include tree house pods and hotel-style rooms, and potentially other hotels on the site in the future. The problem is, his property sits adjacent to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, whose organization vehemently opposes this development and the impact it will have on their hotel and village operations. “We perceive and visualize the irreparable harm such development would inflict on the future growth of the Revelstoke historic downtown and the future growth at the Resort,” corporate counsel for Revelstoke Mountain Resort Rob Toor wrote in a April 27 letter. RMR believes Evans will further increase his property size, and with commercial rezoning, RMR believes there is a threat that he will create a new commercial hub there. Evans, in a response to the letter, rejected this future view and described RMR’s concerns as fear mongering. “Northlands Properties and RMR has had eight years to meaningfully invest in the resort,” he wrote. “My proposal, as already stated, will offer alternative accommodation options that will further enhance Revelstoke and as such bring more visitors to our town to ski, bike, hike or simply vacation.” The Revelstoke Accommodation Association has also come out in opposition to the development. Evans’ application for rezoning is expected to go to city council this month.

ENTERTAINMENT

Vintage cars ooze style and glamour in Revelstoke’s downtown Bright colours, sleek interiors and stylish designs, residents will appreciate the grandeur of cars’ past at the Revelstoke Vintage Car Club’s Mountain Paradise Show and Shine show on Saturday, June 4. There’s something romantic, forever elegant about vintage cars. They have style and class that’s a world away from modern vehicles, albeit less comfort, safety and gas economy. Club president Dennis Berarducci said the love affair with older vehicles is because they’re unique. “You can tell a [period] Ford from a Chevy from a Pontiac — they’re all different makes, styles and looks,” he said. Expect to see over 100 different vehicles at the show from vintage cars, hot rods and custom cars to trucks, pick ups and motorcycles. Mountain Paradise Show and Show, Saturday June 4. 9 a.m - 4 p.m, free. After party at Traverse Nightclub, tickets $25.

Summer beats in Grizzly Plaza for two-month music festival Revelstoke’s free Summer Street Festival, where a variety of music can be heard any given night of the week, is back this month. Starting at the end of June, this festival attracts a number of local and travelling musicians organized for each night of the event, which runs for two months. It’s grown a reputation as a special community event where tourists and residents gather to relax and enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by summertime flowers and good vibes. The line-up for this month includes folk musicians Denis Severino, Lowell Friesen and Stacie Byrne. The Summer Street festival begins Saturday June 25 and runs every night at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. until the end of August.

FEATURE

Nels Nelsen Ski Jump soars again with Nels’ Knickers makeover

Revelstoke’s famous historical ski jump is getting a major makeover for Canada’s 150th In February, the Nels Nelsen Ski Jump in Mount Revelstoke National Park was declared a “nationally significant” site by Catherine McKenna, the federal minister responsible for Parks Canada. In anticipation of Canada’s 150th in 2017, a major overhaul of the site is underway. In May, we toured the site with Parks Canada artist Rob Buchanan to check out the new Nels’ Knickers sculpture he made, and viewing area still under construction. The sculpture is similar to the Breeches of Miss Conduct display at Rogers Pass, allowing you to step inside the pants and grab a souvenir photo. This time, the Nels’ Knickers sculpture of a ski jumper’s pants hangs off a cantilevered viewing platform at the very top of the jump site, allowing you to stand in the ski boots where those before had charged down the historic ski jump. The jump, as most know, was once a venue for international competition. The site above the judges’ tower was cleared of brush last year, allowing for a proper view from the top. Leaning into the sculpture makes you realize just how gnarly the old jump is; you charge through a narrow rock gulley, over the jump and soar onto a landing you can’t see from the top. There are several visual displays in the form of old newspapers explaining the jump’s history. Other plaques encourage you to share the dedicated hashtag — “ #NelsKnickers” — on social media. At the Nels Nelsen parking lot, work continues on a new kids bike park with nature-themed features. “Creature features” include a grizzly den, hanging bats, a scat avoidance trail, and bridges with animal carvings. A spiral hill feature allows for two-way traffic up and down. The design and artistic work was done with mountain bikers Lorraine Blancher, Mel Bernier and Parks employee Zuzanna Driediger. Unfortunately, the Nels’ Knickers site isn’t scheduled to open until 2017. Parks Canada is finishing a trail to the top, and a new parking lot on Meadows to the Sky Parkway. The risk of rocks rolling down the hill during construction means the whole site needs to be closed. The bike park is also scheduled to open in 2017, although Parks will have some events to allow kids to ride the completed areas sooner.

June 2016 Events Calendar Wednesday June 1 Bike to Work Week @ Grizzly Plaza and Queen Victoria Hospital 6:45 a.m. – 9 a.m. Ongoing Check in to the two celebration stations with free snacks, drinks and tune-ups till June 3. Flowt Ladies’ Ride @ Flowt Bikes and Skis - 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Boost your energy with this ladies’ cross-country group ride — held rain or shine. Bring a bike, a helmet and a good attitude. Open Mic Night @ The Last Drop Pub From 10 p.m. All jammers and singers welcome.

Thursday June 2 Pedal & Pint @ Revelstoke Community Centre 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Meet fellow mountain bikers for a social ride and a few pints at the River City Pub. Bluegrass Night @ The Taco Club 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Live music from Bruce Thomas of Lo-Fi Uppercut. Alee @ The Last Drop - From 10 p.m. Edmonton’s country music darling Alee has the versatility of a veteran performer and can take her peppy sound from full band to simple acoustic.

VINTAGE CAR SHOW

Friday June 3 Sculpture unveiling @ Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre garden 6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. John McKinnon’s new sculpture entitled Blowin’ in the Wind will be unveiled at a ceremony. Michael Coughlin @ The Last Drop From 10 p.m. Michael Coughlan is a songwriter and actor. His influences include Neil Young, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Friday June 10 Summer Fashion Show @ Style Trend Clothiers - From 7 p.m. $20 Back again after the huge success of the inaugural fashion show last year. See the latest in summer fashion for Revelstoke with favourite men’s and women’s brands, accompanied with the freshest hair and beauty styles. There will be time for mingling with live music, snacks, coveted door prizes and discounted late night shopping. Tickets are available at Style Trend Clothiers. Bob Shields Trio: Revelstoke Jazz Club @ Regent Inn, Selkirk Room 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Donation Bob Shields, one of Canada’s most respected guitarists plays alongside Clark Johnston on bass and Adam Fielding on drums. SUMMER FASHION SHOW

ALEE

Saturday June 4 Summer Farmer’s Market @ Grizzly Plaza - 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Find fresh local produce, crafts and arts in this popular and vibrant outdoor market. Mountain Paradise Show & Shine @ Downtown Revelstoke 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. See over 100 period vehicles as the Revelstoke Vintage Car Club puts on their annual car show. Brown Paper Bag @ Traverse Nightclub From 9 p.m. $25 The after party for the Revelstoke Vintage Car Club’s annual show. Dance to the sounds of the 50s and 60s with covers of Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Albert King, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles. Tickets available at Credit Union, Revelstoke Review, Conversations and Pharmasave.

Sunday June 5 RCA downhill race #1 Chainless TNT @ Mount Macpherson From 11 a.m. Test your skills, nerve and time on Revelstoke’s varied terrain. The races will get progressively harder throughout the season. Wednesday June 8 Brown Bag History Talk @ Revelstoke Museum & Archives 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 pm. $5 Museum curator Cathy English presents on Revelstoke parks and recreation. Coffee, tea and cookies provided. Flowt Ladies’ Ride @ Flowt Bikes and Skis - 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Boost your energy with this ladies’ cross-country group ride. Bring a bike, a helmet and a good attitude. Open Mic Night @ The Last Drop Pub - From 10 p.m. All jammers and singers welcome.

Saturday June 11 Summer Farmer’s Market @ Grizzly Plaza - 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Find local fresh produce, crafts and arts in this popular and vibrant outdoor market. Theatre Writing Workshop @ Performing Arts Centre - 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Are you a playwright at heart? Have you wondered what goes into writing a stage play and script, and how it all comes together to make a theatre performance? Join in on this free workshop with professional writers and facilitators. Sentimental Gentleman @ The Last Drop - From 10 p.m. This group met throughout a number of open mic nights in Canada’s oil patch of Fort McMurray, Alberta in early 2013. Playing music was an outlet to get away from the busy lifestyle of a thriving boomtown. Powerful raspy vocals with multiple harmonies, big guitar solos and heavy drums are the tools they use to find their sound. Bands like the Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, Big Wreck, but also Stevie Ray Vaughn, ZZ Top, and the Eagles can be heard as influences. Sunday June 12 RCA downhill race #2 Loggin’ Leftovers @ Boulder Mountain From 11 a.m. Test your skills, nerve and time on Revelstoke’s varied terrain. The races will get progressively harder throughout the season.

Thursday June 9 Pedal & Pint @ Revelstoke Community Centre - 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Meet fellow mountain bikers for a social ride and a few pints at the River City Pub. Bluegrass Night @ The Taco Club 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Live music from Bruce Thomas of Lo-Fi Uppercut. Neil E. Dee’s Danger Thrill Show @ The River City Pub - From 9 p.m. For over a decade Neil E. Dee has astounded audiences with his unusual and bizarre live acts. See him put his life on the line with real thrills and real danger in this modern sideshow extravaganza. Acts include lying on two swords, hammering a spike into his head and crushing his face into broken glass.

Wednesday June 15 Brown Bag History Talk @ Revelstoke Museum & Archives - 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 pm. $5 Museum curator Cathy English presents on the Revelstoke Golf Club. Coffee, tea and cookies provided. Flowt Ladies’ Ride @ Flowt Bikes and Skis 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Boost your energy with this ladies’ cross-country group ride — held rain or shine. Bring a bike, a helmet and a good attitude. Revelstoke Cycling Association XC race @ Mount Macpherson From 7 p.m. $2 member/$10 non-member Start and finish at the Griffith Creek FSR trail map kiosk. See how many laps as you can complete in under 80 minutes. Traverses sections of Richard Liquer, TN, Toad School and Tantrum trails. Open Mic Night @ The Last Drop Pub From 10 p.m. All jammers and singers welcome.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Thursday June 16 Pedal & Pint @ Revelstoke Community Centre - 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Meet fellow mountain bikers for a social ride and a few pints at the River City Pub. Bluegrass Night @ The Taco Club 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Live music from Bruce Thomas of Lo-Fi Uppercut.

Saturday June 18 Summer Farmer’s Market @ Grizzly Plaza 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Find local fresh produce, crafts and arts in this popular and vibrant outdoor market. The Frolics @ The Last Drop From 10 p.m. Formed on a sultry southern night in East Nashville in 2007, The Frolics blend elements of surf (Dick Dale), punk (The Dead Kennedys) and camp (The Cramps). This shaken, not stirred, cocktail yields a potent mix of what they like to call “B-Movie Bombshell Surf”… with a twang! After settling in Edmonton, Alberta, many trips back to Nashville and five albums, this band has the musical chomps to serve their beachy buffet of dance, sizzle, and grit! THE FROLICS

Wednesday June 22 Brown Bag History Talk @ Revelstoke Museum & Archives 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 pm. $5 Wrap-up picnic in the heritage garden for this season’s popular history talks. Flowt Ladies’ Ride @ Flowt Bikes and Skis - 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Boost your energy with this ladies’ cross-country group ride — held rain or shine. Bring a bike, a helmet and a good attitude. Open Mic Night @ The Last Drop Pub - From 10 p.m. All jammers and singers welcome.

Thursday June 23 Pedal & Pint @ Revelstoke Community Centre - 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Meet fellow mountain bikers for a social ride and a few pints at the River City Pub. Bluegrass Night @ The Taco Club 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Live music from Bruce Thomas of Lo-Fi Uppercut. John Jenkins @ The Last Drop Pub From 10 p.m. Rooted in the heart of small town life in Golden B.C., John Jenkins’ Smalltown Revival is a two-man trio playing roots, rock, blues, funk and folk.

Tuesday June 28 Street Festival: Maritime Kitchen Party @ Grizzly Plaza 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Revelstoke band Maritime Kitchen Party brings foot-stomping music heavily influenced with Canadiana such as Great Big Sea, Stompin’ Tom, Neil Young and more. Throw in some MKP originals, rock and country and it’s a rarin’ party.

Wednesday June 29 Street Festival: Stacie Byrne @ Grizzly Plaza - 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Stacie Byrne is a Revelstoke musician who counts Joni Mitchell, Sarah Harmer and Feist as influences to her unique sound. Flowt Ladies’ Ride @ Flowt Bikes and Skis - 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Boost your energy with this ladies’ cross-country group ride — held rain or shine. Bring a bike, a helmet and a good attitude. Open Mic Night @ The Last Drop Pub From 10 p.m. All jammers and singers welcome.

COMMUNITY BAND

Saturday June 25 Summer Farmer’s Market @ Grizzly Plaza 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Find local fresh produce, crafts and arts in this popular and vibrant outdoor market. Revelstoke Community Band: Street Festival @ Grizzly Plaza - 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Revelstoke’s favourite historical band will open for the 2016 Revelstoke Street Festival. This small group of dedicated musicians has entertained Revelstoke since 1895. Expect music from the big screen, Broadway musicals, traditional and contemporary marches, big band swing and more. Stuck on Planet Earth @ The Last Drop From 10 p.m. This three-piece alternative rock band hails from Vaughan, Ontario. Their music revolves around seedy back-stories about heat and lust, love and loss wrapped up in a gritty, bare bones, from-the-gut sound.

Sunday June 26 Street Festival: Lowell Friesen @ Grizzly Plaza - 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Feel good music delivered with a big grin, Vernon-based folk musician Friesen will get your feet tapping and your heart singing to his cheerful tunes. Monday June 27 Street Festival: Denis Severino @ Grizzly Plaza - 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Folk and bluegrass artist Denis Severino is a cornerstone of the Revelstoke music scene, best known for organizing the Revelstoke Coffee House. Denis plays a variety of stringed instruments and will be joined by his partner Myra Morrison.

DYLAN STONE BAND

Thursday June 30 Pedal & Pint @ Revelstoke Community Centre - 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Meet fellow mountain bikers for a social ride and a few pints at the River City Pub. Street Festival: Andrew and Zachari Smith @ Grizzly Plaza - 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. An accomplished father and son indie folk duo from Kelowna. Their live sound is big for a duo, created by a surprising blend of mandolin, dobro, banjo, suitcase drum kit, guitars and vocal harmonies. Bluegrass Night @ The Taco Club - 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Live music from Bruce Thomas of Lo-Fi Uppercut. Dylan Stone Band @ The Last Drop - From 10 p.m. The Dylan Stone Band is a group of talented and experienced long-term friends who have each achieved individual successes throughout their musical careers. Their energetic sound is steeped in the traditions of folk, rock and country and together they have opened for the likes of Chad Brownlee and Keith Urban. 11

FEATURE CYCLING

Gearing up with the Revelstoke Cycling Association

Photo: Jara Sijka

Photo: Agathe Bernard

The RCA has gained tremendous forward momentum over the past five years, including completing lots of new trail works. We checked in with club president Keith McNab to find out what’s happening with the very active club. By Katie Marti Do you own a bike? Can you ride a bike? Have you ever seen a bike or said the word out loud? Great! This story is for you. We have a remarkable variety of terrain when it comes to scooting around on two wheels, so whether you are as rad as can be with your carbon fiber everything or found your retro-hip townie/milk crate combo in the

woodshed behind the last house you lived in, I’m willing to wager you’re no stranger to the benefits of biking in one form or another. At the very least, it’s a straight-up fact that, as a resort municipality, we are becoming as well known for our downhill and cross-country trails in summer as we are in winter, so even if you don’t enjoy biking yourself, you’ve got to admit it’s good for us as a community. But don’t take it from me; I can barely drag my bike from one end of Tantrum to the other without losing a pint of blood and inventing a handful of new swear words. Keith McNab, on the other hand, is President of the Revelstoke Cycling Association (RCA), and he sat down with me at the Modern Bakeshop & Cafe recently to chat about the obvious over coffee and lemon bread. Keith has been involved with the RCA since its inception in 1994, so when I asked why he liked biking I expected an impassioned answer to roll off the tip of his tongue. Instead, he furrowed his brow and said, “That’s a good question.” Then he chuckled and looked into his coffee cup for inspiration. “It’s fun,” he eventually decided with a grin. “It’s great exercise and a good physical challenge, no matter where or how often you ride.” Truth. Thanks in large part to the RCA, as well as a host of community volunteers and supporting organizations, we’ve got hundreds of kilometres of single-track mountain bike trails and a growing list of cycling events that contribute to Revelstoke’s status as a destination for riders of all shapes and sizes. Macpherson, Boulder and Frisby Ridge are the obvious hot spots, but there are sneaky little routes all over town. Hit up any of the group rides around town and you’ll discover a network of friends and trails you never even knew existed. For example, have you ever ducked into the trails that crisscross between Airport Way and the ski hill? You can start from town, cruise along the Greenbelt, skirt the stables, hop up into Arrow Heights, stop for a dunk in Williamson’s Lake, keep on trucking all the way up the trail that runs beside the gondola at RMR past mid-mountain lodge to what’s essentially the top of Sunshine, then dip into the trees for a fast and flowy ride back down to the Rockford for wings and beer. It’s this sort of diverse biking experience that Keith believes makes Revelstoke unique. “Lots of urban areas may have great bike lanes and road cycling options, but they lack immediate access to trails. Here, you can go for tough rides up Boulder or Macpherson as easily as pedal to the

FEATURE

bar, home, work, wherever. Biking translates into daily living.” He’s right, of course. Just look at any of the dozens of parking spots set up around town and you will see everything from tricked out road bikes with all the bells and whistles to beat up old cruisers towing strollers and Rubbermaid bins. But regardless of how accessible and user-friendly our trail system might be, there’s an undeniable element of extremism that underscores many a tale of adventure on two wheels in this neck of the woods. This is Revelstoke, after all. For those with a need for competitive speed, the RCA hosts a whole range of races all season long. Toonie Races are a common theme, running every other week and spanning the spectrum from road races to cross-country and even downhill. There are also special events, including a new and improved Steamer race up the Meadows In The Sky Parkway, a stop on the Osprey BC Enduro Series race circuit and the return of the Mount Mac Challenge, replacing the popular Stoked To Get Spanked event with a tougher, longer course that will encompass just about all of the single track up at Macpherson. Yay, right?! Keith is quick to add at this point that absolutely none of this would be possible without some serious help from a long list of friends and partners. Volunteer work parties gather to repair bridges and build new connectors between existing trails. Private contractors such as Emcon Services help to create parking lots and widen access routes, like the new pullout at the base of Mount Cartier. In terms of funding, the RCA receives money annually as part of the provincial government’s Resort Municipality Initiative to support tourism infrastructure and trail maintenance. This year, they’ve also received two notable grants that will go a long way in expanding and improving the trail on Frisby Ridge. Columbia Basin Trust has offered $123,000 and Recreation Sites and Trails BC is throwing another $50,000 into the pot over the next two years. Keith says this money will be used to rehabilitate the existing trail in an effort to protect against erosion in the case of rain events and to extend the trail further along the ridge, possibly connecting with the Ultimate Frisby trailhead or allowing for a longer loop to more distant peaks and lookouts. We won’t see any new growth this summer, as there is lots of planning and discussion still to come, but riders can expect to reap the rewards soon enough. Another high five for the Revelstoke bike scene came from Mountain Equipment Co-Op and voters across the Internet this past winter as we won the nationwide MEC Dirt Search contest, resulting in an additional $10,000 in funding for trail maintenance and development. While free money is always good and never bad, Keith insists that this particular win is about more than just a few extra dollars for Revelstoke and the RCA. “It’s an endorsement,” he says. “For a town our size to generate enough online votes to win this thing, people from all over must have vouched for us and for our trails. This is a nod to the spectacular scenery we have to offer, and the quality and diversity of riding you can find here in Revelstoke.”

Photo: Agathe Bernard

To get involved and make this your scene, visit the RCA website (www.bikerevelstoke.org) or find them on Facebook.

FOOD

Craft Bierhaus taps Revelstoke into the craft beer revolution In the six months since it opened, Trevor Roberts’ new Craft Bierhaus has established itself as a locals’ favourite, both for its deep, rotating selection of craft beers and strong offerings from chef Sean Whalen. By Aaron Orlando Although there is no shortage of places to find beer on tap in Revelstoke, the new Craft Bierhaus marked the official arrival of the craft brewing revolution here. The First Street East establishment opened in late December of 2015 and has been going steady ever since. Owner Trevor Roberts has completely renovated the kitchen and installed an impressive beer cellar full of dozens of kegs imported from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Some of the breweries are familiar, others are new to Revelstoke taps — Driftwood, Townsite, Category 12, Persephone, Parallel 49, Crannog, Breakside, pFriem, Ninkasi, Mount Begbie Brewing Co., and Steel & Oak to name a few. The selection is always changing and you can check out the latest offerings on a monitor above the bar. They also serve regional kombucha and chilled coffees, in addition to wines and cocktails. Roberts says the idea is to turn people on to new flavours. “What I am trying to do is personalize the beer experience,” he explained “I am trying to introduce people to what is great and can be great. “I tried to really grab some of the best small breweries in the Lower Mainland. Just feature stuff that I thought was unique, and wasn’t available here. What I am finding is people are quietly impressed.” For those that have a hard time choosing from the mass selection available, you can try a few tasters. “I just know what I like to drink, and I just try to represent each of the progressive beer categories, or beer types,” Roberts said. “I want to be able to have a similar type of flavour profile on each tap so the beer is approachable for someone who wants a brown ale, [for example.]” So far, the Bierhaus has been a hit; it was full many evenings during the ski season and drew in more diners during the shoulder season. Many of them 14

were drawn to the other main attraction: the kitchen.

FOOD

The menu under chef Sean Whalen seeks to provide fine dining at casual prices. It’s definitely a departure from the pub food common across town. First off, the menu is seasonal, and the offerings fluctuate based on ingredients. Two of the standards are the filo-wrapped chicken on a mushroom risotto and short ribs in a craft beer sauce. In recent weeks they’ve featured dishes including wild boar chili, and braised New Zealand lamb shank. The kitchen is also known for their homemade gourmet macaroni and cheese, with seven varieties available when I visited in May. Try the McTwist, with locally sourced chicken, mushrooms, topped with pesto and french fried onions. Or you can create your own mac and cheese dish by choosing from two dozen ingredients. Their salad selection also steps it up; honey-fried goat cheese and arugula salad topped with mango ranch dressing was another standout. Roberts had little actual restaurant experience. From Alberta, he previously worked in the energy sector as a trader in Austin and Houston. There the craft beer revolution took hold years before it did in B.C. When oil prices dropped, Roberts found himself without a job and he spent a winter season in the Revelstoke powder in 2014/15. He fell in love with the town. He saw an opportunity in the craft beer scene and decided to import concepts from southern cuisine he experienced in the U.S., and of course the great beer. His friends told him he was crazy — but Roberts decided to go for it and sunk a lot of money into a total upgrade of the kitchen, the keg cooler and the interior of the former wine bar. The dining room features large custom tables; the centrepiece is the bar, made of live-edge Engelmann spruce, which was sourced and milled locally. The Craft Bierhaus is still evolving. It is now open for lunch, and brunch on Sundays. They’re expanding their cocktail offerings. Their back laneway patio is a hidden gem and is due for an upgrade very soon. The glass tables will be replaced with large cedar slabs in the coming weeks. Craft Bierhaus 107 Second Street East Revelstoke, B.C. 250-805-1457

Trevor Roberts

BASS COAST PHOTO: VASHO PHOTOGRAPHY

Summer Festival Guide Music is the soundtrack to our lives, a celebration of friendship and experiences. Festivals have evolved over time from one-day dedications to massive blowouts that you book and plan for like a vacation. In B.C., music festivals come and go, so we’ve compiled a list of regional 2016 summer festivals to keep you up to date. There are a variety of nearby music festivals to embrace this summer and to take in B.C.’s spectacular scenery. They range from your family friendly and chill folk festivals to visual galas with cutting edge lighting and sound systems. Bass Coast Music Festival July 8–11 in Merritt, B.C. An intimate celebration of music and art, Bass Coast’s capacity is usually capped at 3,000, so it’s like partying with all your best friends. In its eighth year, this festival is one of North America’s best for electronic music. It’s nestled in the picturesque Nicola Valley (three hours southwest of Revelstoke) and will have three immersive audiovisual environments, multiple workshops and over 50 art installations. 2016’s lineup includes Todd Edwards, &ME, Ivy Lab and Machinedrum. Tickets: Sold out. Motion Notion July 21–25 in Golden, B.C. Dance, bond and embrace new ideas at this electronic music festival on the edge of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Where spirituality and music converge in exaltation of the mountain life, Motion Notion is about having a good time and expanding your horizons. Located at the pristine Beaverfoot Lodge festival grounds, spend your days with friends, new and old, camping by the riverside, trying out workshops on aerial hoops or experience sensory deprivation tanks. This boutique festival, in its 17th year, attracts a number of renowned artists including Krafty Kuts, Far Too Loud, Danny Byrd and Sander Kleinenberg. Tickets: Cash on the gate — full event $380. Decreases daily to $80 on Sunday

Summer Stomp & Burnout July 14–17 in Sicamous, B.C. Get out your bandannas and leather jackets in this dedication to motorbikes, babes and good times. In its 27th year, this event is all about fun and motorbike stunts. Enjoy the rock ‘n’ roll, the wet T-shirt competition, rip a burnout and get a tattoo to remember your weekend. Tickets: Saturday $34, weekend pass (inc camping) $54. Armstrong MetalFest July 15–16 in Armstrong, B.C Armstrong Metal Fest is a heavy metal celebration that encourages metal heads to mosh and camp with the backdrop of the Okanagan Valley. It started as a backyard party in 2009 with eleven local bands, and is now on track to rival the Armstrong Demolition Derby’s reputation for partying loud and proud. Catering to about 1,000 fans, this headbanger features more than 30 local and international musicians. 2016 is expected to be their biggest year yet and the lineup includes Beyond Creation, Dayglo Abortions, Unleash The Archers and Archspire. Tickets: Weekend pass $120, includes camping, or $160 at the gate. Day tickets $90 and camping $20. Merritt Rockin’ River Fest July 28–31 in Merritt, B.C. With the likes of Sam Hunt, Randy Houser and Dean Brody, this country-lovin’ shindig is gearing up to the biggest party of the summer for those that like to kick back in the Coldwater River and throw back a few. Just like the country songs there will be trucks, bikinis and cowboys and this grandstand event draws over 20,000 people to the country music capital of Canada. Tickets: At the gate 4-day $260 (camping separate), 1-day $135.

SUMMER FESTIVAL GUIDE SHAMBHALA

Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival August 19–21 in Salmon Arm, B.C. Lovers of music ranging from blues to bluegrass, Celtic to Cuban and Americana to Afro-beat faithfully return to this family-friendly festival. A good vibe festival spread over three days, this celebration of music gives emerging artists a platform as well as presenting some musical greats. Four stages through the day and two at night will feature a variety of musicians including Colvin & Earle, Whitehorse, Matt Andersen and Great Lake Swimmers. Tickets - gate: Weekend Adults $189, Youth $110, Senior $139. Single Day and evening tickets available. Under 12 is free

Kaslo Jazz Festival July 29–31 in Kaslo, B.C. Relaxed and cheerful, this community celebration of jazz began 23 years ago and has put the rural community of Kaslo (three hours south-east of Revelstoke) on the map as an artistic and cultural destination. This feel-good music event is for all ages and attracts about 5,000 people to its floating stage set up on Kootenay Lake’s beach. Dynamic and talented musicians from all over the world perform jazz, blues, funk, rock, folk and world music to for three days. The line-up for 2016 includes Shred Kelly, Michael Franti & Spearhead and Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra.

Invermere MusicFest August 19–21 in Invermere, B.C. Set on the Lake Windermere bank at the Kinsmen Beach Greenspace, the Invermere MusicFest is an entertaining community-loved musical experience. Friday night kicks off the event with high-energy bands and dancing before a full day on Saturday. Line up includes Royal Canoe, Bend Sinister, HighKicks and De Bruces a Mi. Sunday will be a variety of musical workshops. Tickets: Under 12 Free. Friday night $25, Saturday full day- $50 night -$35

Tickets: Day gate adult $78.40, Youth $39.20, Under 12 free.

Shambhala Music Festival August 5–8 at the Salmo River Ranch, B.C. The juggernaut of B.C.’s music festival season is back for its 19th year. Known as Canada’s premier electronic music festival, Shambhala is a tent city dedicated to music and art, with wonderous themed camps housing its 10,000 guests. Anything goes here and the otherworldly characters you will meet will stick in your memories. Relax your inhibitions and go along for the ride as you discover new realms.

Ponderosa Arts & Music Festival August 19–21 in Rock Creek, B.C. Laidback and positive, the Ponderosa Arts & Music Festival is like going to party not knowing anyone but leaving with your heart full with new friends and great memories. This year’s festival will be extra special after a disappointing cancellation last year due to a forest fire. For all ages, this boutique festival is independent and is a fresh perspective on the festival genre.

Taking place on a 500-acre working farm outside of Nelson, this festival has six unique stages and will have performances from Felix da Housecat, Cut Chemist, Boys Noize and Hermitude.

Spend your time floating on the Kettle River, playing volleyball and hanging out around the barbecue. This year’s musical lineup includes Timber Timbre, Black Mountain, Stickybuds and Harpoonist & The Axe Murder.

Tickets: Sold out. Sunday Day pass $160 (inc tax).

Tickets: 3-day $144.50. Limited tickets available at the gate.

ARMSTRONG METALFEST PHOTO: SARA POWER

SHAMBHALA PHOTO: CHARLOTTE DOBRE

Photo: Agathe Bernard

Paddleboard and harness the flowing energy of water SUP instructor Carmen Legate chats about her love of this water sport By Emily Kemp The paddle creases the still surface of Lake Revelstoke and water gently laps against the board as it cruises forward. It’s early evening and the mountain surroundings are silhouetted as the sun journeys towards the horizon. Paddleboarding is a sport but it’s also a chance to unwind and reenergize the soul in the spectacular healing powers of nature. Carmen Legate is part of Stoke Paddleboard Adventures. Legate is a PaddleCanada certified SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) instructor and lifeguard and she’s a water baby at heart. When Legate discovered paddleboarding on a trip to Cuba, she fell in love with it. “I found it very relieving on the soul,” Legate says. “It didn’t matter what mood I was in. If I were angry or upset, I’d paddle hard and be more aggressive. If I was relaxed and happy I could just chill. You can do anything you want. I think that’s why I just love it.” Paddleboarding, the process of standing and paddling on an inflatable or fibreglass board, is more than just riding the surface of water. It can be a full body workout, toning the core, the legs and the shoulders. Speed racing and wave riding helps with this and anytime you get tired, you can lie down and take in the motion of the water. While there isn’t a wave park yet in Revelstoke, there’s an abundance of areas that people can get out and explore in. Legate has found most of the local sites and now pushing her limits with ventures into the

alpine to the lakes there, with an inflatable paddleboard on her back. “There’s something being on the water and feeling that flowing, moving, energy beneath you,” Legate says. “It amazed me when I first moved here, there’s so much water everywhere and nobody is on it.” Legate is also preparing for a multi-day tour this summer, paddling from Mica Dam to Revelstoke Dam (130 km by road), and camping along the way. “I average about seven kilometres an hour, if I’m really kinda givin’ her,” Legate says. Paddleboarding’s multi-uses have also gained the interest of yogis. It’s generally easy not to fall into the water on the board, but trying yoga will put your practice to the test. Legate says although you might have your poses down pat on solid ground, balance on the water challenges the muscle memory. “As soon as I started to do them on the board I realized ‘oh I actually put a lot of weight on this toe or this part of the heel’, and you can’t do that on a paddleboard. It will throw your balance off,” Legate says. “I found it was a great way to reconnect, to find your balance.” Legate loves the flexibility of the sport, what you can do on it and where you can go and hopes more people get into it. “I feel like it’s for everybody,” she says. “ I’ve been taking my son out there with me, since he was six-years-old, and many people take their dogs.”

Photo: Natalie Harris

FEATURE

Photo: Agathe Bernard

Revelstoke paddleboard spots • Williamson’s Lake — this lake, found off Airport Way, is a popular tourist hangout. Since the water is warmer and calmer than Lake Revelstoke, it is a safe place to begin or to test out some tricks such as a pivot turn. • Revelstoke flats — more advanced paddleboarders will enjoy venturing across the Columbia River over to Begbie Falls. Legate recommends being aware of what B.C. Hydro is doing with the dam as a release may change conditions and increase debris. • Lake Revelstoke — the first boat launch above the dam is great if you have about two hours to spend. Legate recommends checking out the waterfalls along the way and, if you have the energy, head further along to watch the rock climbers at Waterworld. Also any spot along way on Highway 23N, such as Carnes Creek, are beautiful places to launch. Legate recommends watching the conditions on Lake Revelstoke as although the lake can be glass calm, the wind can change and suddenly there will be small waves to navigate. Lake Revelstoke has a lot of arms along the sides to find safety, and exploration, if need be. • Wap Lake — A peaceful lake outside of Revelstoke. After the 3 Valley Gap Ghost Town, take the Wap Lake Forest Service Road (fine for 2WDs in summer) for about 20 minutes up to the lake. • Echo Lake — Another warm water lake that is calm and great for beginners. Travel down Airport Way towards the end. Take the last left turn up a forestry road (fine for 2WDs in summer) and after about 10-minutes, a sign on the left will indicate the Echo Lake turnoff. Paddleboard tours and rentals • Glacier House Resort — 1870 Glacier Lane, 250-837-9594 • Free Spirit Sports — 203 First Street West, 250-837-9453. • Stoke Paddleboard Adventures — Carmen – 250-814-7807

Photo: Natalie Harris

Photo: Aaron Orlando

Faces of the

FARM & CRAFT MARKET By Jessica Campbell

Jumping Creek Kaitlan Murphy

Chic Sharp

Little did she know at the time, jumping into a kayak at 16-years-old to paddle the upper Kootenay River was what was going to literally and figuratively set Kaitlan Murphy on her path…

He’s a man of many stories.

And all she had to do was stop. It was alongside the river, exploring a sandy beach, Kaitlan Murphy says she discovered the beauty of stones: “I decided I wanted to become a stone mason in that moment.” Now, 19 years later, as she stands behind a display of her handcrafted pottery at Revelstoke’s Farmers Market in May, Murphy explains how the rest of her journey has simply… Streamlined. “I started making tiles and tiles turned to this,” she says, pointing to everything from the mugs, to the bowls and plates on the table. “It’s such an addicting passion.” Yet, it is not her only one. While Murphy enrolled in a three-year technical program for pottery at the Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson from 22–25, she also started studying carpentry by the age of 27. She is now one year away from her official “ticket,” making her a fourth year woodworking apprentice. Today, she melds her two hobbies by selling her pottery out of the tiny home she built with the help of her friend, Andrea. Murphy says it took working 12-hour days for three months straight to get the job done. “It’s selling an experience as opposed to a product,” she says, explaining the benefits of using her tiny home as an office. While Murphy hopes to establish her tiny-home-pottery-business in Revelstoke, she says city bylaws, at this point in time, have her roadblocked. “It ultimately comes down to a parking issue,” she explains, adding how she has already scoped her ideal location to “set up shop” in the city. In the meantime, as Murphy tries to figure out a local solution, she says she’s going to continue selling her art across the province, and into Alberta. She is also stretching her products as much as her physical reach. She started making urns this past winter, she says. “It’s something you have to constantly expand and improve your skill set.” Describing herself as a “workaholic,” perhaps this creative soul will be able to mold herself a solution – keeping her Revelstoke bound – sooner than she thinks! For more information about Kaitlan Murphy’s pottery, email: info@jumpingcreekpottery.com

My Twelve Brothers and Me And not only because he writes them. As he sits behind a booth at Revelstoke’s Farmers Market selling the three children’s books he has authored in an illustration partnership with his daughter, Cara, Chic Sharp simultaneously shares the many tales of his life. Born in Bellingham, Washington, the 65-year-old says it was his family’s hunting trips to British Columbia inspiring his move to Canada in 1974. After completing a science degree in psychology at the University of Washington, the adventure-seeker journeyed north to settle down in a remote location 40-kilometres outside of Chetwynd, BC. He was in his early 20’s. “It’s one thing to grab your chainsaw and jump in the pick-up,” he says, explaining how he was living completely off the land, in a log cabin he constructed. “But it’s another thing all together to put your harness on your horse with a crosscut saw.” “It’s a lot of work, but it’s more fulfilling.” Eight years later, once he had his fill, Chic was encouraged by a friend to apply to an outdoor experience program in Revelstoke. He spent seven years with that organization to later find himself playing roles like counselor and probation officer in the city. All along the way, for 30 years in fact, Chic taught karate. The 4th degree black belt coach is still teaching today. He has even brought students from Revelstoke to world championship competitions in both Poland and Mexico. “A lot people walking by as adults I have had as students,” says Chic, sitting behind his children’s books, waving to the other faces of the Farmers Market. Chic published the first of the three books in the My Twelve Brothers and Me series in 2009. The inspiration sparked when his daughter, studying to be a teacher, was asked by her instructors to draw pictures for a children’s book. Reaching back in time, the two decided to jointly create their own series out of the very fictional stories Chic used to tell Clara as a child. They have a fourth book they’re releasing in the fall of 2016. “It features Ned the Noodle!” exclaims Chic. In addition, Chic says he started writing a novel two and a half years ago. Similar to his own life quest, he says the book is “A whole bunch of things combined!” The novel is 400-pages and ready for publishing. He is currently in search of a publisher. For more information about Chic’s children’s books visit: mytwelvebrothersandme.com For information about his karate classes, email: chicsharp@gmail.com

FEATURE

Lucid Annamole

Anne-Marie Tanguay & Jessie Edwards It has been said that purple is the colour for “selfless love.”

involve macramé.

Well, according to Anne-Marie Tanguay, this was the colour of her partner’s arms as he trekked an 80-pound backpack across Asia: “It was kind of funny.”

“It’s actually a lost art,” says Anne-Marie, explaining how macramé is a knotting chord technique she was taught by a Japanese friend while the two lived in India after Thailand in 2014. She says watching Jessie take on his silversmith project, and his education in welding, is what inspired her to develop her own artistic skillset: “I needed something to do!” While Anne-Marie, 22, is from Saint-Georges, Quebec, and Jessie, 26, is from Spruce Grove, Alberta, the two met in Tofino, BC in 2011.

En route to India, Jessie Edwards insisted he bring the silversmith machine he purchased in Thailand while learning the craft from an older local man, who didn’t speak a word of English, says Anne-Marie. “He went everyday for a month,” she explains, adding how the man was originally closed to the idea of being a teacher, until Jessie persisted, going so far as to even buy his own machine. That was back in 2013, when the artistic duo – known as Lucid Annamole – were first discovering themselves creatively. In fact, it was at a full moon party in Thailand where they were given their nicknames. “Jessie is Lucid while I am Annamole,” says Anne-Marie, “You know, like Anne-a-mole.” “Lucid is freedom, to be there in the moment,” she adds, “While I’m like a little mole, always finding stuff.” Now, operating under one name – and tent – the two quite literally bring different things to the table. Sitting behind their booth where they jointly sell jewelry at the weekend farmers markets in Revelstoke, B.C., Anne-Marie explains how Jessie makes all the metal pieces on display, while her creations

“Then we just started randomly hitching together,” says Anne-Marie, explaining how that eventually led to their travels abroad. Returning to Canada, the two say they were called to check out Revelstoke because of the mountain’s top-notch snow conditions. They’ve been living in a motor home with their two dogs for the last ten months. “Anything you want to learn here, you can learn,” says Jessie, adding how all of the metal, crystals and stones they use in their jewelry are from their travels overseas. “We love what we’re doing,” says Anne-Marie… Which is perhaps why it all seems to transcend borders. For more information on Lucid Annamole’s work, email: anne_chico@hotmail.com.

New Construction Lending Purchase Plus Improvement Mortgages RCU will take care of the financial plan, so you can focus on the master plan.

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McCarty House opens as bed and breakfast

This downtown heritage home has been reinvented many times since it was built in 1900 for Frank McCarty, the first Mayor of Revelstoke. One of the most prominent heritage homes in Revelstoke is once again open to the public.

up in Revelstoke, moved back for semi-retirement and to be closer to friends and family here.

The McCarty House — now the McCarty House Inn — is located at 400 Mackenzie Avenue, kitty corner to the Main Street Cafe.

The McCarty House is named after Revelstoke’s first mayor, Frank McCarty. The Wisconsin-born businessman arrived during CP Rail construction and went on to operate many businesses in Revelstoke. He ran a boarding house, a butcher shop, a cold storage business, and had interests in mining companies and a steamboat company that

Bob and Terry Deyl recently purchased the home and have converted the residence into the McCarty House Bed & Breakfast. Terry, who grew

Stay in one of Revelstoke’s most prominent Heritage homes! McCarty House Inn B&B HOME OF THE FIRST MAYOR OF REVELSTOKE!

McCarty House Inn B &B 1-844-837-2558

Phone 1-844-837-2558 or visit our website for more information and reservations: www.mccartyhouseinn.com

www.mccartyhouseinn.com

400 Mackenzie Avenue, Revelstoke. V0E 2S0. 250-837-2558

HOME STYLE

operated the S.S. Revelstoke paddlewheeler. McCarty was elected Mayor of Revelstoke in 1899 and he hired builder John Kernaghan to build his house in 1900. The home is built in the Western Canadian Queen Anne style, popular during the prosperous period in B.C., when architects from England, eastern Canada and the U.S. were called on to design homes for the new resource barons. The building’s characteristic elements include asymmetrical design, a steeply-pitched hip roof, thick local stone foundations and decorative shingle work on the gables. The Deyls say this connection to history was really important to their vision of a B&B. “We want to bring back the heritage and history,” said Terry. In addition to upgrades, including new bathrooms, they’ve brought in lots of antique furniture to augment the house’s historic vibe. They worked with Revelstoke Museum & Archives curator Cathy English, who shared information on the home’s history and helped them create artwork through the house that reflected its story. They have images of the mayor, pictures of his businesses, and works of art from local artists. The Deyls have learned of the home’s many incarnations since McCarty first inhabited it. It has served as a private residence, a boarding home, staff accommodation, and was recently the gift store Heather Hut Boutique. The McCarty House is an impressive building with plenty more potential for future development. The unfinished basement has 10-foot ceilings held up by amazing Douglas fir beams, and the massive attic is unfinished. Find the McCarty House Inn online at mccartyhouseinn.com.

New wave of heritage renovations in downtown Revelstoke The McCarty House renovation is part of a trend in Revelstoke. The global economic crisis that started in 2008 put a damper on the real estate market, which had taken off in the years before, starting when Revelstoke Mountain Resort became official. Home prices in the U.S. dropped in many markets, making a condo next to a golf course in the Southwest U.S. a far more attractive investment. However, in the past two years, the real estate market has heated up in Revelstoke. Sales volumes are up markedly year on year, and a new wave of renovations are underway. Recent renovations in the downtown core include an interior overhaul at the Main Street Cafe, the new Taco Club, the Craft Bierhaus, Conversations Coffee House, and the major renovation to convert the historic McKinnon building on First Street West into a boutique hotel and restaurant.

STYLE

Canadian handmade jewellery shop Garnish marks four years in Grizzly Plaza Revelstoke favourite for B.C.-made artisan jewellery Revelstoke’s handmade jewellery boutique Garnish is celebrating four successful years of service this month. Garnish is known for its selection of creations by local and regional jewellery artists, and its expanding line of gifts including kids wares, candles, hats, and leather goods. Owner Arleigh Garratt is a trained jewellery artist and makes her ADK Jewellery Design line in the back of the store. She says the shop’s unique offerings have a common theme: “I stock Garnish with things that I want.” Garratt curates works through personal contacts with designers, but also spends a lot of time on Instagram searching out new talent. “I like someone who has a very strong sense of their brand and who they are,” Garratt said. “I like to carry pieces that last.” Garnish’s lines are diverse. The prices range from something a youngster could afford for a Mother’s Day gift, up to special high-end pieces popular with visiting heli-skiers. They carry custom shrink plastic jewels, pieces made from recycled skateboard decks, and many more traditional works in silver. In her studio, Garratt explains some of the tools she uses to create her ADK Jewellery Design line. She shops garage sales looking for vintage hammers with unique wear patterns, used to beat the metals with unique textures. Other hammers are cut with special patterns to achieve the same effect. The studio also hosts visiting artists who do residencies and training with Garratt. The shop is known for its artistic presentations of their products.

Unique, custom arrangements use firewood, moss, wood shards and river rock collections to showcase the collections in unique ways. “The shop is never really the same season to season,” Garratt said. They are always revising their selections, and experimenting with new artists. Check out b.b. gun leather, made by Vancouver artists Dustin Bentall and Spencer Baker. Their handmade leather wallets, belts, purses and small luggage is made by hand without machines. They’re designed to last a lifetime, countering our throwaway culture. Tense watches are made from recycled or reclaimed woods and designed by Vancouver-based artist Ken Lau, who has been producing them since 1971. They are manufactured by hand. Nooks Design creates footwear for babies and children. Kelowna artist Ruthy Penner has been creating the wool and leather slippers for just a few years, and the business has exploded. She’s set for an appearance on CBC’s the Dragon’s Den soon, hoping to get even bigger. Vancouver’s Flight Path Designs creates super cute leather Mason jar sleeves adorned with miniature paintings. New artists for the spring of 2016 include hand-drawn plastics artist Anne Tranholm, wildcrafted body care products maker Northlore and Calgary jewellery designer Ashleigh Amber Moore. Garnish stocks several Revelstoke artists. Check out the unique, contemporary works by Cat Cadegan Jewellery, and local artist Jess Leahey. Garnish is located at 118 Mackenzie Avenue in Grizzly Plaza. Find them online at garnishhandmade.ca.

STYLE

Mountaineer

e l y t S

Images: Sarah Mickel Photography Hair: Britt Cochrane â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1st Impressions Hair Salon Make-up: Sarah Celenia Artistry Shealyn: Toad & Co cropped pullover ($100) Wearabouts, Dex shorts ($59) Style Trend Clothiers, NTM Jewellery necklace ($78) Garnish. Savvy: The North Face shirt ($40) Free Spirit Sports, Alternate Apparel hoodie ($76), Mavi shorts ($128) Style Trend Clothiers, Tense watch ($357) Garnish.

Nicole: ADK Jewellery Design earrings ($130), necklace ($126) Garnish, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill dress ($70), Olukai sandals ($155), Aunts & Uncles shoulder bag ($280) Wearabouts. Shealyn: Volcom starfish tank ($42) Free Spirit Sports, Dex fringe cardi ($79) Style Trend Clothiers, Nav shorts ($110) Wearabouts, Sandal`s Universal Footwear, bag and NTM Jewellery necklace ($78) Garnish.

FASHION

Top Right and Bottom: Nicole: Dress Wearabouts, ADK Jewellery Design earrings ($130), necklace ($126) Garnish, Urban Element sunglasses ($34.99) Revy Outdoors Top Left: Savvy: Canvas shirt ($20) Integrated Apparel, Mavi jeans ($78) Style Trend Clothiers, NEFF toque ($29) Society Snow & Skate, Tense watch ($357) Garnish, Olukai shoes ($150) Wearabouts. Shaelyn: Volcom starfish tank ($42) Free Spirit Sports, Dex fringe cardi ($79) Style Trend Clothiers, Nav shorts ($110) Wearabouts, Sandals Universal Footwear, bag and NTM Jewellery necklace ($78), Nicole Bigg Designs earrings ($65) Garnish.

g n i k i H

Savvy: Minus 33 top ($85), Berg check shirt ($99.95), Berg check shorts ($99), Atmosphere sunglasses ($29.99) Revy Outdoors, Salomon Ultra GTX shoes ($85), Camelpak ($140) Wearabouts. Shealyn: Kari Traa tank ($49.95), Kari Traa capri tights ($49.95), Urban Element sunglasses ($29.99) Revy Outdoors, Deuter backpack ($130) Wearabouts, Topo W-MT2 trail runners ($149.95) Universal Footwear. Nicole: Kari Traa shorts ($57.95), Kari Traa tank ($75), Urban Element sunglasses ($34.99), Bandana Revy Outdoors, Columbia Conspiracy III Outdry shoes ($129.95) Universal Footwear, Salomon backpack ($80) Wearabouts.

FEATURE

Graphic designer blends tech with art

Revelstoke designer Kaz Cooper creates graphics for the adventure industry and recently returned from Whistler’s Ski and Snowboard Festival where she showcased her work. By Emily Kemp No longer a ski bum scraping by, graphic designer based in Revelstoke Kaz Cooper has found a way to bridge the gap between creating and making a living. Fusing her drawings with the digital world, Cooper creates graphics for the outdoor industry that have her own unique stamp. Her work has found its way onto snowboards, surfboards and billboards. Last month she was featured for a second time in the prestigious State of the Art (SOTA) exhibition at Whistler’s Ski and Snowboard Festival. SOTA showcases a refined selection of about 50 artists and approximately 1,000 pieces of art, which explores the intimate sub-culture of lifestyle action sports. Back in 2008, Cooper only dreamt of being featured. “I thought it was the coolest art exhibition I had ever been to in my entire life,” Cooper says. “I still remember going. I was like, ‘One day, I want to be in this exhibition.’” Cooper is softly spoken but reverberates a positive energy that is reflected in her art. It’s fantastical and somewhat pretty. Cooper creates it with watercolour

pencils and biro, blended over with a paintbrush. A figure with anime characteristics often appears, possibly influenced from Cooper’s time in Japan. “Living in Japan was incredible,” Cooper says. “I was completely amazed by the Japanese culture. The kindness of the Japanese, the beauty of the mountain and historic temples and their style of anime art which is still my favourite genre of art today.” Working on a piece can take Cooper up to 40 hours to finish, and once she starts, she’s determined to see it through. Although her art has become a reflection of her journey in life, Cooper says she’s never tried to find any deeper meaning. “I draw because it makes me content,” she says. “It’s almost like I am in my own little bubble and the influences of my surroundings, or the people that I share my life with, at that particular time seem to find a way to end up on my page. “Love however has always been an underlying core in my art. I have had my heart broken, been in love and fallen out of love a few times, and when I look back upon a particular series of my art it is apparent

FEATURE

that it reflects what’s within my heart.” Immersed in the adventure and outdoor industry, Cooper has been travelling for a long time. She hails originally from the beach town of Narooma in New South Wales, Australia. She’s been in Revelstoke for over two years and currently works for Glacier House Resort and Great Canadian Tours in their marketing department. She first started travelling with a ski season in Australia and she says being surrounded by like-minded people kept bringing her back. “I fell in love with snowboarding, the thrill of progression with my own riding, the vibe and the people I have met along the way,” Cooper said. “Before I knew it, six seasons had passed by in Australia, two in Japan, and now number five in Canada.” Wherever she is in the world, Cooper always is drawing and designing. Since spending time on Hamilton Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef last year, her work took a decidedly island twist. “My biggest influences at the time have definitely come from the environment that I am immersed in whether it be the ocean or the mountains,” Cooper says. Her drawings from this time were used in her submission for SOTA and they have found their new home in the Taco Club. Cooper’s passion for the outdoor lifestyle and growing up in a beach town has helped her make the right contacts — a huge advantage for her career. “I’ve just been so fortunate to be in the industry and meet the right people,” Cooper says. She has designed for Endeavour’s Airhole, the facemask brand, and in 2012, she won the Dragon Goggle and Transfer Snowboard Magazine design competition for South East Asia. She also designs for Australian snowboard brand Catalyst and is a contributing artist for Inlayz —a print, board company. Cooper also does the design work for Australia’s Rhythm Snow Sports (the largest ski and snowboard retail store in the country). Being in Revelstoke, Cooper has found the community spirit has helped to nurture her artistic inspirations. “Everyone here is out on bikes riding and everyone helps each other,” Cooper says. “It’s sort of like the town wants to grow as one. When I first started out, I struggled to come to terms with using a computer to be creative. It took me many years to be confident in my abilities to use design programs and to work efficiently. I was ever so grateful I had my illustration skills to fall back on.” Cooper is past the learning phase and is revelling in some successes, but the future gleams bright and unknown. Already she has plans to get into clothing designing. “The most valuable thing I have learnt in my career is to dream big,” Cooper says. “Always have a goal or a dream and enjoy the challenges it may throw at you along the way. It is never going to be an easy road, but hard work, commitment, growth, passion and the support of those around you will get you a long way.”

“I have had my heart broken, been in love and fallen out of love a few times, and when I look back upon a particular series of my art it is apparent that it reflects what’s within my heart.”

leading edge technical clothing for women Revy Outdoors . 201 Mackenzie Ave., Revelstoke . 250.814.2575 . open 7 days a week