Central Alberta Homes & Lifestyle - Fall 2018

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FALL 2018 | ISSUE 25

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BILD – CENTRAL ALBERTA represents professionals in the housing industry. BILD – Central Alberta has been in existence for over 60 years and is a network of professionals that manages industry issues to provide value to our members. #200, 6700-76 Street Red Deer, Alberta T4P 4G6 Tel: 403.346.5321 Toll-free: 1.888.346.5329 Fax: 403.342.1301 Toll-free: 1.877.342.1301 E-mail: eo@chbacentralalberta.ca www.bildca.ca Denie Olmstead | Chief Executive Officer eo@chbacentralalberta.ca

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Joan Butler | Administration & Event Co-ordinator admin@chbacentralalberta.ca Sharon Stange | Event and Trade Show Manager info@chbacentralalberta.ca

PUBLISHED BY Source Media Group Corp. 6109 – 6th Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 1L9 Tel: 403.532.3101, Fax: 403.532.3109 Toll free: 1.888.932.3101 Email: info@sourcemediagroup.ca Advertising Inquires: advertising @sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | Jim Zang ART DIRECTOR | Jean Faye Rodriguez

Lifestyles 5

Events

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People

CONTRIBUTORS | Leslie Greentree, Jock Mackenzie, Mario Tonneguzzi, BJ Tumanut PHOTOGRAPHY | Jock Mackenzie DIRECTOR OF SALES | Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca © 2018 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group Corp. reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Central Alberta Homes & Lifestyles is published quarterly and is distributed to every member of the BILD – Central Alberta, as well as on free stands throughout the region.

Grey sheep of the family. Lynne Mulder a well-deserving Woman of Excellence winner

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10 Entertainment

Sing your heart out. Local amateur singing groups looking for hidden talent

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11 Culture

Dinner table diplomat. Cider makes a nice compromise between beer or wine

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Chloe Purcell, Vivian Zhang PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR | Colleen Leier

Give your home some TLC. Home Renovation and Design Show runs October 19-21

15 Industry news

Working for you. BILD-CA 2018/19 Board of Directors

Homes 4

Industry news

Dude, where’s my building code? How cannabis legislation may impact home buyers

Market Overview

The human factor. People the ultimate driving force behind housing market

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market overview

The human factor People the ultimate driving force behind housing market BY J I M Z A N G

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ometimes, when we look at housing statistics, we forget to look at the most important part of the equation — the human factor. Because, after all, it’s people — actual human beings — who buy houses and drive the market. So, this month, rather than just look at the new home start numbers on their own, I thought it might be a good idea to look at them in comparison with population growth statistics. In other words, if people coming to Central Alberta are, in fact, driving the housing market, then new home starts should roughly reflect population growth. Or at least half the population growth, allowing for sales of preowned homes also. For example, from 2016 to 2017, the latest Census data available, the City of Red Deer grew by approximately 1,036 people (see Chart A). According to Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation (CMHC) records, a total of 375 homes of all dwelling types were started in 2016. Doing some quick math, that works out to 2.75 people per home — which seems like a very realistic number. Allowing for re-sale homes, it’s more than enough inventory. It’s also worth noting that population actually dropped from 2015 to 2016 as the economy dipped and the oil and gas sector felt the fallout (thank you, NDP government, for that). What will the next Census numbers show? Is housing still keeping pace with population trends? Only time will tell. Chart A 2015

2016

2017

2018

98,585 100,807

2014

99,382

100,418*

?

*Federal Census released Feb. 2017

Housing starts by dwelling type RED DEER COUNT Y

RED DEER July 2018 July 2017 YTD 2018 YTD 2017 Single-family 7 14 64 115 Semi-detached 0 0 6 12 Row 0 0 8 12 Apartment 0 0 13 0 Total 7 14 91 139

Sources: Canada Mor tgage and Housing Corporation

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Q2 2018 Q2 2017 YTD 2018 YTD 2017 Single-family 10 14 13 21 Semi-detached 0 0 0 0 Row 0 0 0 0 Apartment 0 0 0 0 Total 10 14 13 21

OLDS

SYLVAN LAKE Q2 2018 Q2 2017 YTD 2018 YTD 2017 Single-family 12 14 21 25 Semi-detached 4 6 4 12 Row 6 8 13 12 Apartment 2 0 2 0 Total 24 28 40 49

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Q2 2018 Q2 2017 YTD 2018 YTD 2017 Single-family 30 24 43 32 Semi-detached 8 0 10 0 Row 8 0 16 0 Apartment 0 0 0 0 Total 46 24 69 328

LACOMBE COUNT Y

LACOMBE Q2 2018 Q2 2017 YTD 2018 YTD 2017 Single-family 8 10 20 18 Semi-detached 0 4 0 6 Row 0 0 3 20 Apartment 0 0 0 0 Total 8 14 23 44

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Chart B

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Q2 2018 Q2 2017 YTD 2018 YTD 2017 Single-family 5 6 8 9 Semi-detached 4 0 4 2 Row 0 0 0 0 Apartment 0 0 0 0 Total 9 6 12 11


events

Give your home some TLC Home Renovation and Design Show runs October 19-21 BY J O CK M ACK ENZI E

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ore than 80 local businesses are ready and waiting to help you make home improvements at the Red Deer Renovation and Design Show. Spread over 37,000 square-feet of indoor exhibit space at Westerner Park, with something for everyone, it’s undoubtedly the best bang for your buck in town this fall. Regular admission is just $5, while students and seniors are $4, and kids are free. Get your tickets online and save an additional dollar on the entry fee. Of course the best deal of all is the free expert advice. BILD-Central Alberta has again joined forces with the Designers’ Alliance-Central Alberta to offer a variety of sessions on different aspects of home design. The theme for the main stage speakers will be “First, the Design.” “Hiring a designer might seem like an un-needed expense,” says Ellen Walker, founder and president of the Alliance, “but it can save a lot of money down the road. Avoiding mistakes, hiring experienced trades and overseeing your project are critical aspects of a build or renovation.” In fact, there’s even an Ask The Expert booth where, twice on the Friday afternoon, and three times on each Saturday and Sunday, an expert will be at the booth to answer any questions you have. Exhibitors are also excited at the prospect of meeting consumers one on one to provide personalized service. “If you’re thinking of renovating your home in the near future, the Red Deer Home Renovation and Design Show is an excellent place to start,” says Andrew Wiebe, President, Red Deer Carpet One. “We have been participating in the show since its inaugural year and I’m always impressed by the number and quality of the exhibitors and the way that the show has grown over the last four years.” For attendees, the advantages are

obvious. For example, Janet McKinley always wants to know what the latest trends and innovations are. “Where else am I going to find out what’s new and be able to talk to someone?” Says Don Shackpott, “I just like to look.” Meanwhile, Mary Hogaboam never misses the Spring Home Show or the Fall Reno and Design Show — even though she has no current interest in building. “I love everything but the construction stuff. I visit, I wander, I dream. The kids love coming and there’s always great snacks.” From outside to in, from bottom to top, the Renovation and Design Show is guaranteed to please. Would landscaping add to your enjoyment? Is an upgrade in roofing, siding or eavestroughing on your list? How about a hot tub? Maybe your water system needs modernizing? Is your flooring dated or worn? Have you seen the latest in shelving and closet organization? What about your sound system? Tired of the same old light fixtures? If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, then the Home Renovation and Design Show is definitely for you. Be sure to mark October 19-21 on your calendar and drop down to the Westerner Park either Friday from noon until 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. For further details visit the website at www.reddeerhomerenoshow.ca

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industry news

Dude, where’s my building code? How cannabis legislation may impact home buyers BY M A R I O TO N N EG UZ ZI

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Darrel Paul, Qualistat Bulding Performance Consultants.

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ith the advent of cannabis legislation in October, all eyes have been focused on the retail sector and the impact a new landscape will have on communities. But little discussion has been taking place about how homes will be affected by the new laws. The federal Cannabis Act creates a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada. As of October 17, adults who are 18 years of age or older are able legally to: • possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent in non-dried form in public; • share up to 30 grams of legal cannabis with other adults; • buy dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil from a provincially-licensed retailer; • grow, from licensed seed or seedlings, up to four cannabis plants per residence for personal use; and • make cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as organic solvents are not used to create concentrated products. The growing of plants in homes will present some interesting questions in the future about the impact on heating, lighting, ventilation but more prominently mould. “The biggest thing we would run into is dealing with excessive humidities because of putting something in there that you’re growing and you’re going to need a lot of humidity and heat to grow it,” said Darrell Paul, managing director of Qualistat Building Performance Consultants in Olds. “That would probably be the biggest issue that we would see as being a challenge. “That’s typically what will happen nowadays. Nowadays someone will decide ‘hey I’m going to grow something’ in the basement and they will poly everything off and they’ll put some dirt in there and grow it and then because there’s not enough ventilation able to get rid of all that excess humidity it ends up rotting the whole building.” Qualistat is a building envelope consultant specializing in energy code compliance and EnerGuide compliance

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and it also works in envelope design and diagnostics. It focuses on single and multifamily buildings. Although based in Olds, the company’s reach is from Edmonton to Calgary. “The building code details exactly what your design criteria is. So for instance if you’re building residential construction, it’s designed to be built for a maximum of 35 per cent relative humidity at a comfortable temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. That’s the guideline,” said Paul. “So if you’re building and then deciding to grow things that’s not enough humidity and that’s where the problem comes in. The building is going to perform really well if your occupant is using it for its intended purpose but as soon as you move outside the intended purpose you have to completely change your construction. It’s not that you can’t build to grow things inside. It’s just that’s


industry news

not what the code is intended for. So when they issue a building permit and say ‘ya go ahead and build’ they’re not anticipating you putting in conditions that are higher than 35 per cent relative humidity.” A bigger issue Paul said is down the road. People who are looking to buy existing homes may not fully comprehend the possible hidden defects in there as a result of what people might have been doing in the home. “It’s going to be more challenging for people who are buying and selling properties. Sometimes those things don’t show up right away. The higher humidity may affect how that building’s going to perform in the future,” said Paul. Derek Fredeen, a site supervisor of TrueLine Homes in Red Deer and president of BILD-Central Alberta, said cannabis won’t have an impact on the industry on the way it currently builds homes as far as building and safety codes are concerned. But potential issues down the road could be related to things such as electric

consumption, water consumption, mould, fire hazards, odours and venting. “As far as residential building, then I would say legally it will not affect us,” said Fredeen. “The source of primary venting we already have established in our houses through primary fans, through HRV (heat recovery ventilation) systems, through bath fans. Things like that. It’s not going to change anything as far as homebuilding in my opinion.” Darin Sceviour, inspections and licensing supervisor for the City of Red Deer, said there have not been any changes to building and safety codes in light of the cannabis legislation coming into effect in October. “There are concerns for multi-family — so apartment buildings — where there is potential for cross-contamination. Like if you’re sitting outside on your deck and smoking . . . For apartment buildings, all the air is separated already so it’s no different from banning someone from smoking in their house. It’s difficult to do that in a private dwelling,” said Sceviour. “But there is concerns for duplexes where you have shared deck or shared wall on the exterior.”

Derek Fredeen, president of BILDCentral Alberta.

Reefer madness

Condominiums scramble to amend bylaws BY J I M Z A N G

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ederal, provincial and municipal governments aren’t the only folks scrambling to get their policies in order, however, as many condominium boards are also taking action in anticipation of recreational marijuana legalization October 17. For some condo boards and management companies, it’s meant a bit of a knee-jerk reaction as they’ve either banned smoking (or vaping) cannabis from the common property completely or set aside a small outdoor area. What this means is that even medical marijuana consumers would have to stand outside to ‘take their medicine’. Meanwhile, other condos have taken a more common sense (yes, it does still exist on rare occasions) approach, posting memos reminding people about the hazards of disposing of smoking materials improperly as well as respecting other owners’ or tennants’ right to enjoy their property. If it bothers anyone you’re officially asked not to do it, with potential fines if you continue. One bylaw reads: “An Owner or Occupant SHALL NOT 61. (ii): …allow any odour to emanate or escape from his Bare Land Unit or Redividion Unit, or conduct himself in any manner which, in the opinion of the Board, constitutes a nuisance or unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of a Unit, the Managed Property by any other Owners or Occupant.” If you’re a marijuana or cigarette smoker, or if the smell from your neighbour’s smoking is bothering you, make sure to check your condominium corporation’s bylaws to see where you stand.

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people

Grey sheep of the family Lynne Mulder a well-deserving Woman of Excellence winner BY L ES L I E G R EEN T R EEE

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ynne Mulder walked into the June 6, 2018 Women of Excellence Awards — Red Deer and District Community Foundation’s annual fundraiser celebrating the achievements of women in a range of categories –— delighted to be nominated in the community building category. She had no idea she’d been lied to. When her name was called, it was, in fact, for the most prestigious award of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award. As the 71-yearold former Red Deer College vice-president, former cityof Red Deer councillor and long-time volunteer walked to the stage, her shock was evident. Her first words were indistinguishable beneath the thunderous applause. Was there anyone in the room who hadn’t been touched in some way by her work, her volunteerism and her time on city council? Her approachable demeanour and her big, warm laugh? It’s doubtful. Lynne was born on a grain farm in Eston, Saskatchewan to parents Peter and Laura. She was the lone girl, surrounded by three brothers. Her most vivid childhood memories are of running free outside — playing ball, rafting on the pond, riding in the back of a truck. “We were small time farmers,” she says. “We weren’t rich in cash but we were rich in relationships.” She laughingly describes herself as the dark grey sheep of her family. She got good marks in school but rebelled in various ways: briefly taking up smoking; a love of pranks. “They were innocent pranks,” she says, “But it was about not wanting to do things the same as everyone else.” The Bible school in her town once told her they would never accept her, she laughs. “I said don’t worry, I’m not applying.” Lynne and her brothers put themselves through university; Lynne saved for university by babysitting, doing housekeeping and ironing. All three brothers became medical doctors, while Lynne — in true grey sheep status — chose a different path. She moved to Saskatoon to A study nursing, then nursed in Saskatoon

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and Montreal. She returned to Saskatoon to get her Baccalaureate in Nursing and began teaching in Toronto. “I didn’t want medicine,” she says. “I didn’t want to cut out parts or prescribe pills. I wanted to focus on helping people build their capacity to help themselves and deal with the illness they had.” Lynne loved organizing patients to support each other through self-help groups. She grew fascinated with the educational process itself, which led her to earn a Masters in Education at University of Toronto. Lynne continued to thrive on challenges; she redeveloped the nursing program at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra School of Nursing, and taught at universities and colleges in Alberta and Ontario. She moved into administration: Dean of Nursing at Sheridan College, Dean of Health Sciences at George Brown College, and then a new challenge — Dean of Science and Technology and Creative Work. “I thought to myself, this will show if I’m real or not — if I can transfer my skills,” she says. “It was a great opportunity.” In 1996, Lynne felt the need to be closer to her aging mother; as she looked westward, the perfect position appeared — Academic Vice-President at Red Deer College (RDC). She loved it immediately. Six months in, the RDC president grew ill and the board asked Lynne to step in. Lynne stayed on as president for two years before returning to her preferred role as Academic VP. Her mother died in 2003, predeceased by Lynne’s father in 1989, and Lynne retired from RDC in 2005. People immediately began urging her to run for city council. “I’d never thought of it,” she says, “But people were telling me


people

“It’s meaningful to those you write it for,” she says. “And for me, it helps to process things.”

that my budget experience and people skills would be ideal on council.” It was an exciting new direction. In her 13 years on city council, Lynne views the signing of a protocol for how council would better work with the aboriginal community as one of her biggest achievements. And being made a Kokum — a “grandmother” within the aboriginal community, an honorary designation of trust — was the greatest honour of her life. She believes one of her best contributions to Council was her willingness to speak out. “If I believe strongly in something, I will take a stand,” she says. “I accept conflict as a challenge, in service of improvement, honesty and being real. And I’m good at saying, ‘I made a mistake.’” Lynne is well-known for her passionate support of animal causes. As chair of the SPCA for 10 years, she co-chaired the campaign that raised $3.4 million for their new building. Retiring from RDC opened up new space for her love of animals to flourish. “I didn’t have time to care for a dog when I worked at the college, and I always said when I retired I’d get one,” she says. She had her beloved golden retriever Maggie for 12 years, and her adopted chocolate lab, Dali, for ten. Both died more than a year ago. Lynne held memorial services at Three Mile Bend, where she’d walked them daily. She was joined by fellow dog owners; Lynne recited poems she’d written, and attendees told stories about Maggie and Dali and threw balls in the water in their memory. Lynne has always written poetry for special events, including anniversaries, birthdays and the death of loved ones. But she says she only writes for herself and as gifts for loved ones. “It’s meaningful to those you write it for,” she says. “And for me, it helps to process things.” Lynne now has two young golden retrievers who she also takes to Three Mile Bend. Considering Lynne’s SPCA history, it’s no surprise to learn that she also has seven cats — all rescues. “The cats all get along,

but the pups do give them a hard time,” she laughs. Long known as the “queen of volunteering,” Lynne sits on six boards including the Canadian Mental Health Association board, a United Way committee and an Urban Aboriginal Voices committee; she’s chair of Vantage Community Services board, vice-chair at Volunteer Central, and was recently asked to let her name stand for the Red Deer Native Friendship Centre board as one of two non-aboriginal representatives. She also volunteers at Red Deer Hospice — hands-on work washing dishes, visiting residents, answering phones. After so much board work, she wanted to return to the immediate satisfaction of supporting people through end-of-life situations. “But they couldn’t let me sit there,” she laughs. “I’m now on the fundraising committee, as well.” Lynne’s ideal night out is dinner with friends. She enjoys live theatre, and Bull Skit, a local improv troupe. And she loves online puzzles, Words With Friends and Scrabble. She has about 60 games on the go at any given time with friends across the country. Lynne admits that not being re-elected to city council in 2016 was a blow, especially because it followed closely on the heels of an even worse blow, the death of one of her brothers. “It was a difficult time,” she says, “But I got through it, and I’ve adjusted to not being on council anymore. I’m pursuing all these other directions. I have a lot of energy, and I want to use it.” She’s deeply honoured by the Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. “It’s acknowledging that I did make a difference,” she says. “I value people, I value animals, I respect differences in people. And I get just as much pleasure out of seeing other people get recognized.”

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B A: Lynne at Women of Excellence Awards. B: Lynne with Kaya — 14 months . C: Lynne with brother Bob and sister-in-law Diane. D: When Kaya was a pup, Lynne’s dentist office wanted to meet her.

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entertainment

Sing your heart out Local amateur singing groups looking for hidden talent BY J O CK M ACK ENZI E

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o you like to sing? It doesn’t matter if you’re a child, a teen or an adult, Red Deer has something for you. At least 10 different options await. In some instances, an audition is necessary. In others, all that’s needed is desire. Choirs Red Deer is not one choir but a group to “celebrate diversity in music as well as in each other as we learn and grow musically in a positive and loving environment,” says Artistic Director Lisa Ward. “We celebrate our performances, where we get to share our passion for music with the community that we have grown in. It’s all for the love of music.” They have three audition groups: Arioso for children in grades 6 – 9, ihana is for singers ages 15 – 24, and Soliloquy is for singers ages 20+. The non-audition choirs are Brioso (grades 3 – 5), Coro Vita (18+), Staccato (all ages). Not enough choices? For gals, there’s Hearts of Harmony, a group who sing four-part harmony, barbershop-style a cappela and who are members of Sweet Adelines International. Over thirty ladies from all over Central Alberta meet every Monday evening at the Church of Christ in Davenport. The Wild Rose Harmonizers are a male a cappela chorus who share the same practice space as Hearts of Harmony but meet on Tuesday evenings. This chorus has appeared at The Market in their green shirts, on the Ross Street patio in their boater hats, at Christmas concerts in the white dinner jackets, and numerous other sites around Central Alberta. They have fun!

Soliloquy

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Arioso The Red Deer Chamber Singers are yet another option. This mixed chorus has delighted audiences in and around Red Deer for more than 40 years. According to their Facebook page, their musical selections have spanned the centuries; including ancient music of Western Europe (around 500 AD), Renaissance Madrigals, classical, sacred, secular and folk music, compositions by modern composers — and even show tunes. The Red Deer Chamber Singers now put on two formal concerts a year: our Renaissance Feast in early winter and our Spring Concert.” Finally, there’s The Tony Connelly Singers. Their mission is to sing for seniors, in care homes or residences. They practice every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. the Downtown House and then ‘sing out’ usually Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday afternoons — anywhere from four to six sing-outs a month. Why join? “For friendship, fun, and the opportunity to improve one’s vocal skills,” says Sandy McGregor of Hearts of Harmony. “It’s a commitment, but for those who are willing the mutual benefits are tremendous. Every practice is an opportunity to learn more about music and vocal skills.” Who knows, joining up might just be the first verse in your own personal musical journey.


culture

Dinner table diplomat Cider makes a nice compromise between beer or wine BY B J T U M A N U T

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o other holiday is steeped with as much culinary contention as Thanksgiving. In one corner sits the turkey lovers; in the other the ham lovers. The whipped potato people position themselves down the table from the lumpy potato people. The apple pie and pumpkin pie enthusiasts disassociate at the dessert table. What Thanksgiving needs is

a peacemaker; a tasty treaty to bring everyone together. This is a job for cider. Thanks to cider, we can say goodbye to the polarizing days of beer versus wine. Made from fermented apple juice in a similar fashion to white wine, cider drinks crisp and refreshing like beer. A delicious compromise to please both beer and wine enthusiasts. Conflict averted.

Sea Cider ‘Bramble Bubbly’, $20 If there is room for dessert, let Sea Cider ‘Bramble Bubbly’ be the accompaniment. Sea Cider is a farm-based ciderhouse on Vancouver Island where they cultivate 50 varieties of organic heritage cider apples. Their Bramble Bubbly cider is blended with ripe, sun-soaked blackberries making it a beautiful compliment to a sweet treat or as dessert itself.

Left Field Cider ‘Little Dry Cider’, $10.79 In the interest of peace, this Thanksgiving welcome your guests with a glass of sparkling cider instead of sparkling wine. Left Field Cider Co., located in the heart of the BC Interior, is known for their handcrafted, easy-drinking, English-style cider. Their ‘Little Dry’ is a slightly effervescent blend of English and French cider apple varieties blended with local eating apples. The result is fresh, crisp, and highly quaffable.

Lonetree ‘Authentic Dry Apple Cider’, $16 / 6pack For the main event, LoneTree has a variety of ciders to choose from. LoneTree is a Vancouver-based cidery using fruit from “old growth orchards” in Kelowna and other orchards throughout the BC Interior. Their ‘Dry Cider’ is an excellent choice to balance and cleanse the palate while enjoying rich dishes such as turkey and gravy, or try their cranberry cider which beautifully accentuates the savouriness of the dishes.

BJ Tumanut is a Wines and Spirits Education Trust Level Three and Canadian Wine Scholar graduates. She is part of the management team at JoieFarm Winery in Naramata Bench, owns Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut Red Deer, and teaches wine and chocolate classes. F A L L 2 018

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| A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E |

ABBEY PLATINUM MASTER BUILT Award-winning builder excited about new offerings for families

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ed Deer will soon have a new family oriented neighbourhood. “Evergreen” is located north of the new St. Joseph High School, on the east side of 30th Avenue before the turn off to Riverbend Golf and Recreation Area. There are two significant offerings in Evergreen that set it apart from other newer Red Deer neighborhoods: lots that are very well priced, and a significant upgrade to landscape features. Abbey Platinum Master Built is one of the builders selling lots in the community, and the company is excited about what Evergreen has to offer families. “This new approach to development will allow people to get into the market in a very desirable community,” says

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Mindy Smythe, Sales Manager of Abbey Platinum. Affordable lots are possible due to a shift in lot size. Traditional lot sizes in Red Deer have been about 40 feet wide by 120 feet long. Lot sizes in Evergreen will be wider, at an average of 50 feet. They are also shorter, at an average of 90 feet. This means lower lot prices. It also means more two storey homes, and a different look to front facades. “The theme of the community is ‘Naturally Exquisite’”, says Smythe. “We will be reflecting that in our home designs which will see less vinyl siding and more natural elements like wood and rock.” Also, according to Smythe, with the shift in lot size Evergreen will

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Art Anastasi and Terry Loewen

accommodate garages that are flush with the front of the house, instead of the traditional design where a garage extends forward beyond the home. Another change will be in the landscaping of the community. Smythe says Evergreen has more to offer.


| A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E |

“Together, our clients will receive even higher quality, service and value.” Instead of having the City maintain the parks and pathways, the community will take on that responsibility through an association that every home owner will belong to. A fee of about $100 per year depending on the home, will provide resources necessary to do a high level of maintenance. For instance, home owners will experience a bridge and waterfall around a natural water feature, streams, community gateway lighting, entrance plaza lighting and a green area between sidewalks and the road. The City will still provide services such as garbage, water, sewer, and snow removal. Abbey Platinum working together to expand customer experience The drive behind what new families will experience in Evergreen, or anything else Abbey Platinum builds, centers in its two owners: Art Anastasi, the founder of Abbey Master Builder, and Terry Loewen, the founder of Platinum Homes & Developments. Abbey and Platinum merged in May 2017 because of what it could offer clients. “Art and Terry had been friends for a long time,” says Smythe, “and they recognized by coming together they could increase value to their customers.”

“I think we complement each other well,” says Loewen. “We provide clients with a much broader experience because we both have our areas of expertise.” Prior to the merge Abbey Master Builder, which began in 1981, was known for constructing quality single- family, multi-family and estate homes. Platinum, which began in 2008, was known for custom home and estate home construction, as well as renovations and commercial work including tenant improvements and construction. “The merge rounded out what we are able to offer,” says Smythe. The company’s offerings now include single and multi-family homes, apartments, duplexes, estate homes, and home renovations, commercial tenant improvements, and commercial and residential insurance claims / renovations. The typical company volume is 100 to 150 homes a year, and about a dozen commercial projects in Central Alberta annually. Both owners have long and respected histories in Red Deer. Art Anastasi built his first three homes almost 40 years ago, at the same time as building his family a home on a

farm. Since then he has overseen the construction of hundreds of homes in Central Alberta, and built an award winning business that has received multiple awards including many Canadian Home Builders’ Association Awards (CHBA) including three Best New Home awards in 2017. Terry Loewen had been working in the industry for 20+ years when his company merged with Anastasi’s. The first home he built under the Plantinum name was in Vanier Woods. Before merging, Plantinum had received many awards including the Builder of the Year Award in 2017 (for small volume) most recently. Also of note, Loewen was named Citizen of the Year for Red Deer in 2018. A combined list of Abbey and Platinum awards include 34 CHBA awards for “Excellence in Housing” between 2009 and 2017, and five CHBA “Builder of the Year” awards during the same period. Having been together for more than a year the owners are optimistic about the future. “We are well equipped to meet the demands of the market,” says Anastasi. “Together, our clients will receive even higher quality, service and value.”  n

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| A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E |

Blackfalds Fall Fling MarketSquare visits Central Alberta September 29

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he Blackfalds Fall Fling market takes place on September 29th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Blackfalds Abbey Centre. This is the first year for the event says MarketSquare’s Megan Wozniak. In addition to organizing events for local artisans and small business owners to gain more exposure in their region, MarketSquare also partners with charities at many events to raise awareness and help out their own communities. The Fall Fling has partnered with Ronald MacDonald House in Central Alberta and will have a Kids’ Corner to benefit the charity. “Market goers can expect to see

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lots of shopping opportunities from local vendors,” says Wozniak. “This one-day event will be multi-fold, from artisan shopping, prizes & giveaways and the kids corner to benefit Ronald MacDonald House — we are expecting it to be a success.” Originally based out of Okotoks, MarketSquare has been dubbed ‘the best artisan market in the foothills’, so it’s only natural the events are starting to expand. “We had lots of customers reach out to see if we were expanding our operations,” explains Wozniak. “Blackfalds fit perfectly into our idea of not being too close to a city, but close enough that a lot of people would know about it.”

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MarketSquare’s passion is all about local, handmade and unique small businesses and they want to be able to showcase all the best that this wonderful region has to offer. Make sure to stop by the Blackfalds Fall Fling on September 29th at the Abbey Centre.   n


industry news

Working for you BILD-CA 2018/19 Board of Directors

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he Building Industry and Land Development Association‚ Central Alberta (BILD-CA) elected a new board of directors at the Annual General Meeting on June 6, 2018. Provincial recognition BILD-CA was honoured with the Constituent Association Leadership Award at the annual BILD Alberta Conference in Jasper this September. Denie Olmstead, chief executive officer of BILD-CA proudly accepted the award.

Front row, from left: Lisa Buckingham, Trail Appliances, Courtenay Whitehouse, Beacon Homes; Denie Olmstead (BILD-CA CEO); Derek Fredeen (President), True-Line Homes; Mike Ronnie, Sorento Custom Homes; Dorinda Gallant (Past President), Abbey Platinum Master Built; Jillian Little, CIBC; and Jessica Thebeau, Falcon Homes.

Back row, from left: Kevin Wilkie, Laebon Homes; Andrew Wiebe (1st Vice President), Red Deer Carpet One; Tyler Hansen (2nd Vice President), Melcor Developments; Brandon Bouchard (Nomination Committee Chair), Paul Davis Systems; Leigh Stuart, (Treasurer) Red Deer Overdoor; and Landon Resta, MNP LLP.

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