HOMES & LIFESTYLES
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 10
contents
FA L L 2015
20
8 24
FEATURES
6 | New home market check-up Cochrane passes with flying colours
24 | In through the outhouse The Wacky Races have nothing on Cochrane’s outlandish Outhouse Races
26
18 | Jayman town
8 | Cochrane treasure
JaymanBUILT’s growth in Cochrane is not just business — it’s personal
Find the home you’re looking for at ReidBuilt in Fireside
20 | Lucky number 14
DEVELOPER FEATURES
Homes by Avi gives buyers ample selection in Sunset Ridge
COVER FEATURE
10 | Rolling on the river Tamani’s Riversong as good as it gets in Cochrane
CULTURE & HISTORY
14 | Home sweet Heartland
The Western heritage town holds on to past as it builds towards its future
Heartland makes coming home the best part of your day
22 | The past is always present in Cochrane
YOU SAID IT
30 | Who was your favourite teacher? ITEMS
04 | Note from the Editor 05 | Mayor’s message 16 | Events 29 | Town of Cochrane map
PEOPLE BUILDER FEATURES
26 | Cochrane blues
Jayman MasterBUILT designs homes to fit Cochrane’s surroundings
This Western Heritage town isn’t exactly blues kind of town, but Smoking Aces aim to change that
12 | Inspired architecture
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note from the editor P U B L I S HE R
Game of Thrones – Cochrane style
Source Media Group
“When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die,” is how a character in the popular swords-and-dragons TV show describes it. But in Cochrane’s Outhouse Races — which is a different kind of “game of thrones” when you think about it — you’ll more likely die laughing. This annual event that — you guessed it — races outhouses, is one of the most colourful and eclectic ways this western heritage town shows its considerable, fun community spirit. Cochrane isn’t only about the ice cream, you know. And Darlene Casten’s feature on the Outhouse Races this issue tells how much this community event helps the community in other ways too. This issue, we also talk to Cochrane’s own Smoking Aces band, which is bringing its own brand of blues to the town’s music scene. We also explore a bit of Cochrane’s history in a piece written by Elizabeth Booth, who grew up in nearby Bearspaw, and still has family in town. Cochrane has been know for its priceless views of the Rockies that has made it popular among homebuyers, and its growing population has attracted a wide range of home builders and developers, and now an amazing range of homes of all build styles are available to fit a variety of lifestyle needs. It seems that all the home builders and developers we talked to in this fall issue of Cochrane Living all point to this particular shared trait as among the most important aspects as to why people are buying homes here. From the APEX’s Heartland on the to town’s western side, to Tamani Communities’ Riviera in Riversong’s idyllic riverside location by the banks of the Bow — everyone seems to take pride in the postcard-perfect views of Cochrane. JaymanBUILT has in fact taken such an interest in Cochrane that all of its divisions are represented in town and they continue to back Cochrane’s continued development with projects like the new Spray Lake Mills Centre, which will now be called the Jayman Aquatic Centre. ReidBuilt Homes excellent offerings in the new community of Fireside are a prime example of how builders are now bringing a variety of home styles in Cochrane that are sure to attract a crowd. Their new semidetached homes are just the tip of what they offer here. But our main focus remains to be getting the word out on the various new homes So, if you’re new in town or are looking into moving here, pick up this quarterly publication to find out what’s going on in town. Let us be your source for getting the most of living in Cochrane.
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A SS O CI AT E P U B L I S HE R |
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca E DI TO R |
Pepper Rodriguez
pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca A R T DI R E CTO R |
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca G R A P HI C DE S I G NE R S
Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca CO NT R I B U TO R S
Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, Darlene Casten, Aaliya Essa, David Shepherd, Jim Zang P HOTO G R A P HY
Sydney Fream, Don Molyneaux P R O DU CT I O N CO - O R DI NATO R |
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca A DV E R T I S I NG S A L E S
Andrea Glowatsky andrea.glowatsky@sourcemediagroup.ca
Cindy Marks cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCO U NT I NG |
Norma Robertson
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca VOLUME 5 ISSUE 10
Cochrane Living® is published quarterly and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and Cochrane. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Copyright 2015 Source Media Group Corp. All rights reserved. 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 reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Contact: Source Media Group, 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9 E-mail info@sourcemediagroup.ca Tel 403.532.3101; Fax 403.532.3109 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; Printed in Canada. Distributed by Cochrane Eagle, Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Source Media Group, 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
message from the mayor
Fall
is a time of new starts and new routines. For those who may have just joined our
community — welcome! To those settling back in after summer holidays —welcome back! Great fall events are part of Cochrane’s routine. Watch for news about golf tournaments, the Humane Society book sale and art shows. Cochrane FCSS and many of their partners organize the community wellness fair on October 24 — it’s a great event to find programs and resources to connect to your family’s health and wellness. You’ll have a chance to shop at many local Christmas markets later in the year and join the community on Main Street for Cochrane Light Up. But before the Christmas season arrives, the weather’s still good and many of us are still getting out to enjoy our pathways and parks. Our newest park — Riverfront Park, located just off Griffin Road — officially opened on August 29. It features a natural playground, arboretum, new pathways and a wetland walk. It’s connected to the Town’s pathway system and is an easy walk from many neighbourhoods. There’s also parking off Griffin Road just east of Highway 22. Please remember that Cochrane’s time of day watering restrictions are in effect year round. As you think about putting your garden to bed for the season, why not incorporate more native and drought-resistant plants for next year? Let’s work together for the future of water in our community. This is also the time of year when your Town Council and staff are hard at work on the 2016 Town budget. The draft budget, as well as a report on progress of capital projects is on the Town website. Work is moving along on Cochrane’s new aquatic and curling/multi-sport centre at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. Check the progress of this $45-million facility or contribute to the building campaign at RocktheWaves.ca. Council members are always available to hear your thoughts or answer questions; our contact information is on the Town website: cochrane.ca/Council. And everyone is welcome to come to Council meetings and watch how issues are discussed and how decisions are made: we meet twice each month, except December when we only meet once. Wishing you a wonderful fall.
Mayor Ivan Brooker On behalf of Town Council and staff
www.cochrane.ca
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@TownofCochrane
feature
New home market check-up Cochrane passes with flying colours n By Jim Zang
W
hen it comes to the new home market in Cochrane, the numbers really do tell the story. And that story is that, like the town itself, which has grown in population by 86 per cent in the past 11 years, the new home market is growing right along with it, with community developers and home builders trying their darndest to keep pace with demand. From just 2014 to 2015, 2,376 more people came to Cochrane (see Chart 1). That’s 6.5 people per day, so probably two households. At current rates of growth, the population will increase to close to 25,000 in 2016.
In order to keep pace, the new home market would have to be producing two homes per day or 730 per year. In actual fact, They’re doing a pretty good job, with end of the year estimates still on track to equal or surpass 2014’s 880 total new home starts. In fact, starts in 2015 are currently well ahead (29 per cent) of last year’s pace at the end of the second quarter (see Chart 2). However, looking closely at the numbers, one can see that a lot of the growth in 2015 can really be attributed to the multi-family segment, which accounted
CHART 1
Source: www.cochrane.ca
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feature
for 431 (69 per cent) of this year’s starts to date. Looking even more closely, you can see that not much really happened in the way of apartment condos, nothing in July and just over 100 units for the year, which is likely due to one or two new apartment style buildings being started earlier this year. Just going by the numbers, it seems Cochrane people prefer the townhouse and semi-detached units pretty much on par with the single-family. Not surprisingly, there are no high rises in Cochrane (and let’s hope there never are). Starts don’t tell the whole story about the housing market though, as it’s one thing to start a home and another thing altogether to sell it. So it’s also important to look at things like new home completions and absorptions when gauging the health of any market. Completions is just that, finished homes, while absorptions can most easily be thought of as sold and occupied new homes. In a healthy market, these numbers are close together, with most homes that are being finished being, in fact, purchased (see Chart 3). One side effect of an expanding market that is not always so pleasant is increasing prices, and Cochrane is no exception to the rule, although, to be fair, there’s lots of variety in affordability of local housing and it’s certainly still much less expensive (not to mention cosier) than buying in Calgary. According to information from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the average absorbed price in July 2015 was $682,621 compared to $482,051 only a year ago. At those average home prices, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see multi-family alternatives become even more popular. Construction statistics, as well, tell an interesting tale and, again, a good one. Single-family homes under construction drop steadily month by month as homes are finished, which is pretty much as it should be. Meanwhile, multi-family under construction numbers remain pretty steady month to month as projects remain in progress until all the units are complete.
CHART 2
New Home Starts by Dwelling Type
JULY 2015 JULY 2014 YTD 2015
YTD 2014
Single-family 23 25 187 268 Semi-detached 20 18 110 84 Row
13 12 224 102
Apartment
0 0 107 32
ALL
56 65 628 486 Source: www.cmhc.ca
CHART 3
New Home Starts, Completions & Absorptions
JULY 2015 JULY 2014 YTD 2015
Starts
YTD 2014
56 65 628 486
Completions 75 93 537 430 Absorptions
77 96 537 429 Source: www.cmhc.ca
CHART 4
Homes Under Construction by Dwelling Type
APRIL MAY JUNE JULY
Single-family 209 200 192 174 Semi-detached 112 110 Row Apartment ALL
96
96
272 305 301 300 84 84 84 84 677 699 673 65 Source: www.cmhc.ca
For example, 84 units of apartment style homes could very well all be in one project that will be under construction for months until first possessions (see Chart 4). Looking at the numbers can help you get a feel for what Cochrane might look like in the very near future. For example, fully two-thirds of new homes built will be multi-family. And, given current absorption numbers, that seems to be what home buyers want. There’s lots of starts, lots of completions, and lots of home sales, with a wide variety in types of housing for homebuyers to choose from. What it all boils down to is that — for now at least — Cochrane’s new home market is, to put it in local terminology, “healthy as a horse.” n COCHRANE LIVING
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cover feature
REIDBUILT HOMES
Cochrane treasure Find the home you’re looking for at ReidBuilt in Fireside n By
Pepper Rodriguez
Photos on this page are of the Juniper show home
T
he treasure you will find in Cochrane’s Fireside is the peace of mind of living in a safe, secure, well-designed modern community set in the rolling foothills of this western heritage town just outside Calgary. But the real beauty of living here is having the tremendous options in finding the home of your dreams by one of Calgary’s most singular builders: ReidBuilt Homes. ReidBuilt Homes has crafted a name for itself as one of the most creative home builders in town and they display their wide range of home styles in this fast-growing community in southern Cochrane. “We have home styles that cater to every need,” says ReidBuilt area manager, Brydon Foote. “We get them all, singles, young couples thinking of raising their own family, or families with grown-up children, even downsizers looking to simplify life. We have a range of homes with designs that can suit their budget and lifestyle needs.” Selling well is their line of Uniti semi-detached homes. Available in four amazing floor plans that take to heart Fireside’s family-friendly character, their Sage, Juniper, Aspen and Caraway duplex models range in size from 1,360 to 1,660 square-feet. Starting at just $322,431.42 these homes consist of some of our most popular single-family models, Foote says. “Uniti is a collection of semi-detached homes designed for real life.” The Aspen is a 1,547-square-foot former show home of very well designed comfort to call your own. The main floor has a half bath and a wide open living room for the entire family. The chef in you just begs to come out as you entertain your friends gathered about the large central island. Tucked in behind the staircase and just off the full mudroom you COCHRANE LIVING
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will find an open “pocket office” with a large counter and bank of drawers for filing. “This is a great place for the kids to study, the chef to keep the recipes, and the bills to be...growled at,” Foote notes. Upstairs you will find a large master bedroom complete with three-piece ensuite including a wonderful five-foot long shower and walk-in closet big enough for your growing wardrobe. A three-piece main bath and, of course, a full walk-in laundry room, complete the top floor of this wonderful home. The Caraway is a brand new design that boasts 1,660 square-feet of space a family can grow in. The main floor has a spacious great room at the front of the home where you can sit down and relax letting the day’s stresses melt away. Further into the home, past the dining area, you walk into the marvelous kitchen. It has loads of counter and cupboard space including a walk-in pantry. But the focal point of the area of course is the big central island. This island has the sink and a flush eating bar where your guests will congregate while your latest culinary masterpiece is created before their eyes! Heading upstairs you will find another large Master Bedroom complete with threepiece ensuite, and a walk-in closet. Down the hallway you pass two comfortable bedrooms for kids and/or guests, another full three-piece bath and a coveted upstairs
Fireside is perfect
for all residents
no matter what stage of life they’re in.
For more information, visit www.rbhcalgary.com
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cover feature
Photos on this page are of the Sage show home
laundry. At the back of the home you can hide away in your wonderful retreat. Our other two models are based upon our current single family show homes, the very popular Juniper and Sage, which visitors can still see today. “There are eight spec homes for quick possession available, and 26 more Uniti models in both the current phase and upcoming new phase of Fireside,” Foote adds. Fireside is perfect for all residents no matter what stage of life they’re in. There are plenty of tot lots, sport fields, and our new public K-8 school opening September 2017. A Tim Hortons and Shell Gas Station are already open now with more conveniences still to come. “And for the empty nester crowd looking for that, ‘Here today, gone to Maui’ lifestyle, they will be located just a quick drive along Stoney Trail to the airport, and no lights between you and the short jump to the mountains for that quick weekend getaway — five minutes south to the Trans Canada, and Hot Springs here we come,” Foote says. As an added bonus on the purchase of a new Uniti semi-detached home, buyers will receive 5,000 AIR MILES rewards. “And if you act quickly, and build one of our beautiful detached homes, you can enjoy our limited time promotion which offers between $5,000 to $20,000 in discounts.” Come in today and see why you’ll want to call Uniti in Fireside of Cochrane home. For more information visit ReidBuilt Homes in Fireside at 263 Fireside Blvd. or call Brydon Foote at 403-981-6646. n
developer feature
TAMANI COMMUNITIES
Rolling on the river Tamani’s Riversong as good as it gets in Cochrane n By
Aaliya Essa
R
iversong is the only community in Cochrane that has homes backing right onto the river. Even in beautiful Cochrane, it’s a feature that really sets this new development by Tamani Communities apart. With a total of 1,500 homes, Riversong offers residents the opportunity to live in their forever home in their forever community, making it that much better of an investment value for buyers. “Residents love to escape from the busy city to this quaint community nestled in trees along the river,” says Nicole Westman, marketing manager for Tamani Communities. “Residents love the close proximity to the mountains and to Calgary. The best part is you can live next to the river for as low as $513,000.” “We have a high school in the community,” she adds, “two playgrounds, and more playgrounds to come, four kilometres of walking paths, and a bridge connecting you to the Town of Cochrane and Spray Lakes Recreation Centre right across the river from Riversong.” Builders here include a select few — Trico Homes, Jayman MasterBUILT, Innovations by Jayman, and Jayman Modus — giving buyers the selection of a variety of homes to fit their lifestyle and families’ needs. “There are semi-estate front attached garage homes, semi–attached homes, single and double front attached garage homes, as well as townhomes and villa and manors,” says Westman. “The price point varies between the product markets, so Riversong really provides a home style and price for every buyer,” she adds.
Homes here start from around $330,000. Residents here will definitely appreciate the small town living experience in Riversong, with everything you need all located within the town. Meanwhile, the drive into downtown Calgary is only 20 minutes, making it easy to commute to work if that’s part of your plan. Coming home everyday to Riversong , with its stunning views of either the mountains or river, certainly gives the community a unique appeal. “The community is not directly in the town, it overlooks it,” she says. Of course Tamani Communities is known for developing vibrant, well-planned communities, providing the greatest value and lifestyle to their residents. Riversong in a classic example of how they select desirable locations, that offer a wide variety of residential options — both in terms of home styles and price points — to potential homebuyers. “We care about the community,” says Westman, “and are always looking for ways to improve it, such as enhancing the streets with hanging flowers and filling all the parks with many trees and shrubs. We are in contact with the residents and always letting them know what is coming up within the community. Each year we also put on a residents’ Family Day event which includes food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, giveaways a more.” For Tamani, it’s all part of building the community. n
For more information visit www.riversongcochrane.com
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builder feature
JAYMAN MASTERBUILT
Inspired architecture Jayman MasterBUILT designs homes to fit Cochrane’s surroundings n By
Aaliya Essa
L
iving so close to the Rocky Mountains, where the views are prominent, and your surroundings are so serene, it only seems natural to live in homes that are inspired by nature. Such is the case with Jayman MasterBUILT’s homes in the Cochrane community of Riversong. “Jayman MasterBUILT has two stunning show homes on display, Inverness and Windermere,” says Katherine Bennett, Area Sales Manager in Riviera. “Our show homes give buyers a first hand opportunity to see for themselves what it’s like to live amongst the tranquil setting of the mountains, all the while enjoying the many comforts designed into each of our homes.” The Inverness is a very spacious 2,504 square-feet, with three-bedrooms, and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The layout of this home is perfect for a growing family; where there is ample room to spend time together, this home is designed for the entire family to enjoy together. Buyers will also appreciate the large master suite, which occupies almost a third of the upper floor, with a unique vanity layout that makes it perfect to organize things any way you wish. This show home starts from around $574,000. The Windermere is a little larger, at 2,788 square-feet, with three bedrooms, and two-and-a-half bathrooms. This home, too, caters to a growing family, where there is an abundance of space for your family and friends to enjoy together. Eating space is plentiful, as the home includes a nook area just off the kitchen, plus an elegant dining hall hidden behind a pair of fancy French doors. This show home starts at around $606,700.
They’re attractive, they’re functional, they’re affordable and, best of all, they’re in a great location. Riviera is a community within Riversong, offering buyers a variety of amenities; from pathways, to parks, to the ponds and pedestrian bridge that connects Riversong to the rest of Cochrane. “Our two-storey homes here in Riviera start from around $520,000, the bungalow layouts start from around 1,472 squarefeet, while our two-storey homes range up to 2,800 square-feet,” says Karla Takasaki, marketing coordinator for Jayman MasterBUILT. “We currently have two homes in construction, we have a selection of immediate possession two-storey homes, and bungalows available in RiverReach.” Jayman MasterBUILT, a division of Jayman BUILT group of companies, offers their buyers both the outstanding quality and selection one would expect from such an industry leading builder and, as homes in communities like Riversong proves, they are continually growing in all aspects of home building to satisfy buyer wants and needs. “It is important to us that people are well-informed and understand the intricacies of what we do,” says Takasaki. “That’s why we continually strive to improve our processes, systems and services with the latest in technological advances and training,” she says, “not to mention and ethical and green building practices.” Bennett invites people to come see for themselves. “Come,” she says, “discover how Jayman has changed the face of home building and why creativity really does begin here.” n
For more information visit www.jayman.com
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developer feature
APEX LAND
Home sweet Heartland Heartland makes coming home the best part of your day n By
Aaliya Essa
H
eartland community by Apex Developments has created an inviting setting for its residents that is as welcoming as it is convenient and oh-so family-friendly. Here, you have an abundance of choice in homes, surrounded by large green spaces, and the proximity to the indoor/outdoor lifestyle that so many people come to Cochrane for, is now right at your doorstep. “Heartland is a 250-acre community,” says Susan Henderson, Senior Development Manager for Apex. “When it is complete it will have approximately 1,500 homes that are a mix of single-family, duplex and freehold townhomes. There are also six multi-family sites, a local commercial site, lots of parks and a great pathway system to get around the community safely. Heartland offers such a wide selection of product that it’s able to welcome first time buyers, empty nesters, and move-ups,” she adds. Currently building in Phase 1, Excel Homes offers a selection of both single-family and multi-family options, which is perfect for buyers from a variety of demographics. “Innovations by Jayman will be joining Excel Homes in marketing Phase 2 of the community, and they will be opening a new single-family show home parade early fall 2015,” says Henderson. “With four new show homes, buyers have the opportunity to see for themselves the different designs available, from a range in sizes, to a range in price, there are options for every buyer, all offering exceptional value,” says Cathey Tracey, senior sales manager for Excel Homes.
The Aiden is the largest of the show homes, with four bedrooms, two-and-ahalf bathrooms, plus an upgrade option of a third full bathroom – perfect for a large family. This home is a spacious 2,534 square-feet and starts at a very reasonable $470,000 before upgrades. All pricing includes home, lot, and GST. The Livingston is 2,242 square-feet and starts from around $429,000. This home is very open, with an office off the kitchen, and a bonus room located at the rear of the home. There is an optional open-riser staircase when you enter the home, adds Tracey. The Radison is 2,046 square-feet, starts from around $421,000, and includes threebedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. There is a tandem car garage option, which could be substituted for a main floor den, making it possible to have options that cater to your lifestyle. This show home has ninefoot ceilings, with a vaulted ceiling in the bonus room, which really opens things up. “Excel also just opened three new townhome show homes, which showcase the Brooklyn, 1,536 square-feet.; Ashford, 1,472 square-feet; and Madison 1,267 square-feet,” says Henderson. All models are two-storey with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and rear concrete parking pads with the option to build a garage,” she adds. “Prices start at a modest $310,000, including townhouse, lot & GST — plus, these townhomes are freehold, which means there are no condo fees. It’s a great bonus for buyers,” says Henderson. n
For more information visit www.heartlandcochrane.com
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events SEPTEMBER
26
Cochrane Outhouse Races. The course is located on the two blocks on main street, in front of the Heavenly Outhouse. Each team must make a donation to enter, which then supports the Cochrane Activettes. For info contact 403-932-9288.
OCTOBER 3 TO NOVEMBER 3 The Annual Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation Monumental Tournament of Aces at The Links of GlenEagles. This year the tournament supports the Warm Water Therapy Pool Initiative. For info visit lindsaykimmett. net/2014-monumental-tournament-of-aces
OCTOBER
3
Extreme Cowboy Event, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds (northwest corner of Hwys 1A and 22). 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Spectators Welcome. www.cochraneagsociety.com Taste of Cochrane, throughout Cochrane, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., the essential mix of Cochrane’s finest food and beverages. For info visit www.tasteofcochrane.ca Mom to Mom Sale by Cochrane Lioness Club at the Alliance Church. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 403-851-9129 for more info.
16, 17, 18
Cochrane Humane Society Fall Book Sale. Noon - 5 p.m. A wide selection of new releases, true crime, romance, children’s books, cook books, biographies, books about pets, travel books, DVDs, VHS, and CDs. Sponsored by Big Hill Veterinary Services, all proceeds benefit the shelter. Accepting Book Sale donations at the beginning of October. 62 Griffin Industrial Point. www.cochranehumane.ca
7
17
Foothills Art Club Annual Fall Show and Sale, Cochrane Alliance Church, 902 Glenbow Drive, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admission, free draw for an original painting, refreshments. Come and buy some truly outstanding artwork! For information call 403-932-7361 or visit www.foothillsartclub.com
Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation Annual Dinner & Auction. Cochrane RancheHouse. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets $75 per person. All funds support the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation Bert Sheppard Library & Archives. Tickets at the Bert Sheppard Library or call 403-932-3782.
24
Community Wellness Fair, Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre, 800 Griffin Road. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free admission but donations to the Activettes Food Bank are gratefully accepted. Over 60 exhibitors surrounding the upstairs walking track, demos, taste tests and interactive activities throughout. Great way to learn more about Cochrane. (Call FCSS at 403851-2250 for information.) Barn Dance at the Cochrane Ag Society. Annual fund raising event to support the ongoing programs run by the Boys & Girls Club of Cochrane & Area. www.bgccochrane.ca
NOVEMBER
7&8
Annual Springbank Arts and Crafts Sale, Springbank Community High School Gymnasium, next to the Red Dutton Arena, 32226 Springbank Road. Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Free admission, great door prizes. For info visit www.facebook.com/ springbankchristmasmarket
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Cochrane Lioness Club Christmas Craft Market, Alliance Church, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For info and table rentals call 403-932-2097.
14
Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce Christmas party at 6 p.m. at the Cochrane Legion. Call or email the Chamber for details. Beaupre Community Christmas Craft Sale, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Beaupre Community Hall, 15 minutes west of Cochrane. FREE admission. Food concession. Vendors tables still available for $15. For more information call 403-932-5497.
21
Cochrane Humane Society Fall Peticure. Get your pet’s feet ready for winter — get your pet a pet-i-cure! 1- 4 p.m. For a minimum of $5 donation per pet, you can get your pet feeling and looking great! All proceeds will benefit the animals. Thank you to the animal health technicians and professional groomers who are donating their time and expertise for this event. 62 Griffin Industrial Point. www.cochranehumane.ca Cochrane Light Up. First Street. 4:307:30 p.m. We will welcome Christmas to Cochrane by lighting up a 30ft Christmas tree. Fireworks by GlobalFest, Mrs.Claus Shopping Area For Kids, Ice Carvings and Hayrides. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate around the fire pots. Children’s crafts and Christmas carols. Santa courtesy of Activettes’ Share your Christmas. Food Bank donations accepted. For info email:cochranelightup@gmail.com or visit www.cochranelightup.com
events n To list your event email your information
to jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca For more listings and information check www.cochrane-tourism.ca
22
Christmas Market, Cochrane RancheHouse, 101 RancheHouse Road, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. There will be a great diversity of fine crafts, jewelery, home furnishings, decorations, clothing, photography, art, and much more. More than 70 vendors. $1 admission fee. Food bank donations are welcome. Contact Roz by emailing cochranechristmasmarket@gmail.com
DECEMBER 12 TO JANUARY 12 Cochrane Humane Society Christmas Party Open House. Take a stroll through the shelter and visit our residents, purchase a gift for the animals at Norm’s Nook and place it under the Shelter Wish Tree for the homeless pets in our care. Make sure to pick up some delicious Christmas baking at the Bake Sale, and get your pet’s portrait with Santa! There are also raffles, refreshments and prizes! 62 Griffin Industrial Point. www.cochranehumane.ca
DECEMBER 2015 Cochrane Vision Theatre panto. It’s a show comprising slapstick humour, songs and dance. Lots of audience participation. The kids love the shows as well as the adults. At the Cochrane RanchHouse, 101 RancheHouse Road. Tickets available at the door (if it is not sold-out), and online at http://cochranevision-theatre.myshopify. com/ Adults: $15, Children (16 and under): $10. Santa visits Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, 800 Griffin Road. For details call 403.932.1635 or visit www.slssportscentre.com
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DECEMBER
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Dragon Flight Archery presents an Indoor 3D Chocolate Shoot (2 Rounds of 20 Targets). Pre Registrations only at dragonflight@nucleus.com or (403-637-0266). Adult $25, Youth 16 and under $15, Under 10s $10. Shoot starts at 10 a.m., registration at 9 a.m.). Lunch concession available. From Hwy #22 turn west on Burnt Timber Road for 13.2 km then south at RR 5.5 for 1.8 km. Turn left at the Dragon Flight sign. www.dragonflightarchery.com
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Cochrane Farmers’ Market Last Minute Christmas Market, Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre, 800 Griffin Road. Opens at 9 a.m. For info visit www.cochrane-environment.org Kids Christmas Shopping Event, 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Cochrane Home Treasures, #10 118 1st Avenue West. Volunteers will help children select a Christmas gift for a $5 donation per child. All donations will support Home Treasures Christmas Wish Program. For info call or visit www.cochranehometreasures.ca | 403-851-9974 The 2nd Annual Cochrane Santa Claus Parade, starting at 5 p.m. on 1st Street (Main Street) from 5th Avenue heading east to conclude at Frank Wills Hall. The parade will contain festive floats, live entertainment and lots of holiday cheer to kick off the holiday season! Email info@cochranesantaclaus.ca www.cochranesantaclaus.ca | 403-612-9700
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2nd Annual Cochrane Santa Claus Community Visits, Starting at 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Santa will visit many of Cochrane’s popular communities spreading holiday cheer to local families and children. For information regarding route and times visit www.cochranesantaclaus.ca
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The Cochrane Young Singers Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., location TBA. Please bring a food bank donation. For more information call 403-890-1700 or visit www.cochraneyoungsingers.com Cochrane Music Society presents Music of Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Cochrane Alliance Church, 902 Glenbow Drive. Admission is free. A donation to the food bank is welcome. The music varies from classical to contemporary, from sacred to folk, from gospel to jazz, and is, of course, highlighted with Christmas tunes let the Music of Christmas lift your spirit! www.cochranemusic.ca
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Santa’s Visit to Cochrane’s communities. Christmas Eve starting at Fireside at approximately 3 p.m. Santa will arrive with a personal driver on a Fire Truck joined by a Fire pick up truck & The Fun Van.
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New Year’s Eve Fun. For a festive meal, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from. Reservations are recommended.There are also parties with live music to ring in the New Year at a variety of locations including: Texas Gate Bar & Grill (www.texasgate.com) and BullHorn Saloon (www.bulllhornsaloon.ca).
builder feature
INNOVATIONS BY JAYMAN
Jayman town JaymanBUILT’s growth in Cochrane is not just business – it’s personal n By
Pepper Rodriguez
T
he multi-awarded home builder, JaymanBUILT, has made a name for itself for its brand of innovative, family-friendly and stylish homes in the Calgary area. But in Cochrane — where their brand is becoming the new home standard — it’s more than just business as usual; it’s personal. All of Jayman BUILT’s companies are represented in this thriving western heritage town between Calgary and the Rockies. Innovations by Jayman’s double front drive and semi-detached spec homes are found in Sunset Ridge and Riversong; Jayman Modus’ multi-family products are available at The Rise in Sunset Ridge; and Jayman MasterBUILT’s luxury villas and estate homes on lots backing onto the Bow River are offered in Riviera of Riversong. Tamani Communities is JaymanBUILT’s land development arm, which developed the whole community of Riversong itself. With over $70 million in homes and land business done every year in Cochrane, Jayman is indeed one of the biggest believers in this vibrant small town just west of Calgary, and has played a key role in its phenomenal growth. This comes as no surprise though, as JaymanBUILT CEO and Chairman, Jay Westman, has a strong emotional bond to the town. His dad, Al Westman, was building in Cochrane in the ‘70s, and at the time, a young Jay Westman was a superintendent building in the first new subdivision of Glenbow here. “Later, when Jayman was incorporated, we jumped at the opportunity to build in the subdivision of Riverview (United Management was the developer) where we had golf course lots and river backing lots and
that was in the early ‘90s,” Jay Westman tells Cochrane Living. Their next opportunity back in Cochrane was in Sunset Ridge in 2004/2005, and since then they have built apartment condo buildings, duplexes, rear laned homes and estate homes and street townhomes, basically every built form, in town. “In 2008, we started the community of Riversong and have developed laned rear garage homes, duplex, townhomes, double and single-car garage zero lot line and estate homes and have since then developed Riviera along the banks of the Bow River with manor type homes of bungalows and two-storey and estate home that are backing onto the river and backing onto trees and park land. We also have a new multi family townhouse site started,” he recounts. “In the future, we are looking for what is called Stage 3 with Precedence being the name of the phase. It will feature very innovative designs and architecture in all built forms with some of the most stunning views available in Calgary and surrounding area.” Westman remains a firm believer in Cochrane and it’s growth potential. “It’s an extremely desirable area, especially with the lifestyle and it’s ideally suited for all ages.” JaymanBUILT remains committed to the town’s success. “We have invested in the future as we have made a major investment into the community with the contribution to the expansion of the Spray Lakes Centre which will be called the Jayman Aquatic Centre,” Westman says. “Clearly, we are committed to Cochrane and will continue to be invested in Cochrane for many years to come,” he adds. n
For more information visit www.jayman.com
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builder feature
HOMES BY AVI
Lucky number 14 Homes by Avi gives buyers ample selection in Sunset Ridge n By
Aaliya Essa
I
f it’s a variety of selection you are looking for, then Homes by Avi in Sunset Ridge is the builder for you! “There are 14 different floor plans to meet the needs of all our customers,” says Laurel Lapointe, Calgary marketing manager for Homes by Avi, “and each floor plan has several options that allow for personalization.” The more popular features, she says, are vaulted ceilings, raised breakfast eating bar with nook extension, solar/skylights, and the upstairs laundry. “Additionally, we have well-thought-out basement development plans to add a little extra living space.” With two show homes on display in Sunset Ridge, buyers have the opportunity to see for themselves the calibre of homes that Homes by Avi has built their reputation on. Homes here range from 1,727 square-feet to just over 2,400 squarefeet, making it possible for buyers looking for the size and style that fits their lifestyle best, and homes range from $450,000 to the $550,000s that helps to fit into each buyers budget. “Our two show homes in Sunset Ridge are the Kelsey and the Murphy,” says Lapointe, “both feature three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and plenty of space for the growing family. The Kelsey is 2,148 square-feet and starts from around $475,000. The Murphy is 1,747 square-feet and starts from around $435,000. Both homes include home, lot, and GST,” she says.
Having so many designs to choose from is a major bonus for buyers, as you certainly are not limited to just a few styles. “Our customers are excited at the variety of floor plans we have to offer and the options they can choose between to personalize the home to their needs,” says Lapointe. “In Sunset Ridge we currently have 16 lots available for pre-sale and four spec homes that will be ready for possession this fall. We are just about to release new lots in Phase 20,” she says. Sunset Ridge is a master-planned community in Cochrane where residents will appreciate the abundant green space, pathways, and playgrounds. “There is also a brand new school being built out by Street Towns and projected to open in September 2016,” says Lapointe. Many of the buyers here are young families, she says, looking to increase the size of their home to accommodate their growing families, all the while living in a community that gives them the opportunity to enjoy the best of both the indoor and outdoor lifestyle. “Homes by Avi has been building homes for more than 35 years,” says Lapointe. “Our approach to building a home puts the customer at the centre of everything. We believe that only one home matters, and that is the home that we are building for you.” n
For more information visit www.homesbyavi.com
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culture & history
The past is always present in Cochrane The Western heritage town holds on to past as it builds towards its future n By Elizabeth Chorney-Booth
A
Photo courtesy Town of Cochrane
Hon. Matthew Henry Cochrane.
nyone who has spent even a limited amount of time in Cochrane knows how much the town has grown and changed over even the last few decades or so. New communities are popping up continuously, expanding the size of the town and attracting new and bigger businesses. With reasonable real estate prices and a quick commute to the city, some homebuyers are starting to see Cochrane as an extended suburb of Calgary, rather than the community steeped in Western Heritage that it’s been known as for most of the last century. That small town flavour and rich history is something that dedicated Cochrane-ites are hoping that they’ll be able to preserve with the town’s continuing influx of newcomers. Like any community in Southern Alberta, Cochrane’s past is filled with tales of the ranching families who settled in the area generations ago as well as the influence of the railway, which still runs through town. The community is named after Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane who, in 1881, founded Cochrane Ranche, Alberta’s first large-scale ranch, which is still a centerpiece of the town. The town got its legs in the late 1890s when the more bustling community of nearby Mitford was abandoned by its founders, who returned to their original home in England. Mitford residents (and a few of its buildings including the Masonic Hall, which is still in Cochrane) relocated in Cochrane. As a Canadian Pacific Railway town site, the population swelled to the 400 person mark by the beginning of the first World War. COCHRANE LIVING
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In those early days, Cochrane thrived both as a hub to service the ranching community and as an industrial town (the town boasted several brick yards and supplied some of the materials to build the Chateau Lake Louise). The years during and in between the World Wars were not kind to the town and the population actually declined during that period, though things started to pick after the second World War when Shell Canada discovered natural gas in nearby Jumping Pound and built a facility there. Eventually, as Calgary began to boom, people started clueing into the easy commute to the city and the growth and development that we know today was beginning. By the early ‘70s the town grew to a population of 800, steadily moving towards today’s population of about 20,000, changing the look, feel, and cultural make-up of the town. “I remember the water running down ditches on Williams street, which is right in downtown Cochrane. And then I remember the streets actually being paved,” says Rhona MacKay, whose family has been running Cochrane’s famed MacKay’s Ice Cream Shop since 1948. “I remember cardboard sliding down the hill right on the 1A highway. In the winter we would toboggan. And the trick was to slide into the ditch and not across the road because there just might be a car driving by at some point. Now it’s three lanes of busy traffic — kids could never do that!”
culture & history
The Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society
Despite all of those changes and the big modern homes that surround the heart of the historic downtown, Cochrane is managing to hold on to some of its historic character. The Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS) is made up of a dedicated group of long-time residents who work to preserve and celebrate what’s left of Cochrane’s historic buildings. One of the group’s key projects has been to put up plaques around town (including some at buildings older than the town itself) so visitors and new residents can get a feel for the town’s history. “There’s one at the United Church and one in front of the Masonic Hall and the rest of them are on Main Street,” says Gordon Davies, a CHAPS member who has spent his entire life in Cochrane, including his career as a teacher in the local schools. “They’re on the other side of the street from the buildings so you can read the plaques and look across the street at the buildings. Fortunately the town has done a job of preserving the
United Church
historic downtown business core, it’s some of the houses, particularly in the east end that have disappeared. And once they’re gone there’s not much you can do to bring them back.” CHAPS does have some other projects on the go as well, including work on a museum that will be housed in what used to be Cochrane’s first hospital (which has been moved onto Cochrane Ranche Provincial Park). The group is also responsible for the 2009 book More Big Hill Country, which compiles stories from many of the families who help build Cochrane. Obviously, communities evolve and both Davies and MacKay are fascinated by the way that Cochrane has grown and are pleased that many new residents, especially those with children in the school system, are becoming increasingly involved with the local community. They both hope that that community involvement extends to supporting local businesses that are located in Cochrane’s historical buildings and getting to know members of the families who helped build the community and who originally owned the land on which many of the new developments sit today. “The ranchers and the farmer families are starting to dwindle a bit. They’re evolving where their kids aren’t taking over the ranching. But there are a few key families like the Copithornes and the Harvies, and they’re still a mainstay in this community and are still on the outskirts of Cochrane maintaining that Western heritage,” MacKay says. “But change is good. I love Cochrane. Even with all the people, you still have a sense of community here.” n
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feature
The Wacky Races have nothing on Cochrane’s outlandish Outhouse Races
In through the outhouse n By Darlene Casten
T
here’s a race to be the king or queen of the throne in Cochrane every year on the last Saturday in September. The annual Cochrane Outhouse Races pit latrine against latrine in what is more of a fun event rather than a competition. The Outhouse Races draw hundreds to the town’s downtown to see what hijinks the racers would get into each year. Event organizer Karrie Peace owns Heavenly Outhouse and said the races were a big part of why she bought the business in 2008. “Pulling the community together is really important to me — it’s one of the most important things I do,” Peace says. A lot of people roll in to Cochrane to push an outhouse or to watch the outhouses get pushed. “A lot of people want to get involved,” Peace says. “Its fun and silly.” This September 26 the crowds again gathered to see who will be crowned king of the latrine. More heats have been added to accommodate the growing number of racers.
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“Last year we had the most we’ve ever had at 23,” she says and the same number signed up this year. They make it fun for everyone, she adds, and as a result the popularity keeps on growing. “Gunfighters come out and ‘rob’ the crowd and all of that money also goes to the charity,” she says. The competitiveness of the race is often flushed in favour of fun. Participants often put on a show, Peace says. And some of the runners are just plain inspirational. “Last year Bethany (Care Society) had an 80-year-old man pushing an outhouse,” says Peace.
Some of the biggest draws are the trickedout outhouses. “People build crazy outhouses,” she says, adding one of her favourites is the Rockyview Hotel outhouse, which includes the historic buildings wraparound second-story deck. Robert Kalinovich builds many of the outhouses for the races. Peace approached him because she found many people wanted to be in the race, but finding a racing outhouse is standing in their way. Kalinovich has experience in carpentry and agreed to try his hand at building an outhouse. Since then he’s perfected the basic structure and says now its quick and easy to build the frame, however, many of outhouses are a creative endeavor. Many teams aren’t looking to win, they are looking to entertain, he explains. “Some are definitely racers and some are for looks,” he says. For those who feel the need for speed, Kalinovich says he makes two models, but feels in the end it comes down to the muscle manning the outhouse. There are two ways to make an outhouse mobile, he explains, either with wheels on
castors or with bicycle wheels and two long wooden pull arms, rickshaw style. He says there are advantages and disadvantages to both styles because castors can corner, but the big wheels on the rickshaw are quick on the straightaways. This year Kalinovich built Global Pet Foods a fire hydrant-shaped outhouse. It made its debut at the 2015 races and the staff and owners said they got into the spirit by dressing up as cats and dogs. “I know it’s a great event to participate in,” says Fiona Sharman, owner of Global Pet Foods. This year just over 20 local businesses and groups participated in the outhouse races. Two participants are walking away with $500 cash prizes for the fastest time and most fun. In the past winners have donated the winnings back. This year’s windfall will be donated to Home Treasures, a not-for-profit group that helps locals who need a hand up. Peace says she chose Home Treasures to be this year’s charity because she is so impressed by their work. “They do absolutely amazing and essential work,” Peace says. Last year the Cochrane Outhouse Races raised $13,000 and Peace hopes to hand over the same amount this year to Home Treasures. “We are thrilled, elated,” said Carol Caouette, Home Treasures store manager. “The cause is a wonderful cause. We are glad to pour it back into the community.” Home Treasures takes donations at their downtown store and resell it to raise funds that they pass on to people in need. They also provide furniture and household goods for people in crisis. Much of the money goes to people who are not on social assistance, but need a hand up. “I don’t think people realize how many families they hold together,” Peace says. It has been inspiring to see the generosity of her community, she says. Since the event was changed from an entry fee to a fundraising format, the donations have skyrocketed. “Now it’s donate what you can and people are so generous,” she says. “There are people who are not even running and are sending us a cheque.” n COCHRANE LIVING
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people
Cochrane
BLUES This Western Heritage town isn’t exactly blues kind of town, but Smoking Aces aim to change that
W
hen asked how much of his band’s music is based on personal experience, John White grins. “If I said I drew on personal experience, my wife would probably divorce me.” He sits in a leather chair in his basement. The surrounding walls are covered with blues memorabilia — bass guitars, photos, and autographed set lists. “I do dedicate one song to her at each show. It’s called ‘If This is Love I’d Rather Have the Blues.’ So she gets a bit upset,” he jokes. White’s the charismatic frontman and bass player for Smoking Aces, a Cochrane-based blues band that brings a “unique blend of ‘50s and ‘60s blues classics and original material” to the stage. The band features Dave Macrae on guitar and harmonica, Barry Valgardson on the keyboard, and Brian Burrows on drums. White’s the only remaining original member, and he remembers how Smoking Aces got their start: one bold lie. White came to Cochrane from England in 2010. Upon arriving, he attended a workshop as part of Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest. Turns out, it was a competition — which he ended up winning. The prize? A chance for his band to open the last day of the Calgary Blues Festival. The problem? He didn’t have a band. “I’d only been here two months, so I’m lying through my back teeth. I said of course I got a band.” White advertised COCHRANE LIVING
n By David Shepherd
Photos by Don Molyneaux
on Kijiji and found the original members. Smoking Aces played only one show, at Cochrane’s Cumbrian Arms, before appearing on the same bill as John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. “For a golden oldie like me, to see a 40-foot screen with me up there, was just phenomenal.” Just as Smoking Aces started to catch fire, tragedy struck: original guitarist Brian Guest passed away in a motorcycle accident. “We went through a really difficult period where we wondered: do we carry on? His family was very supportive and said Brian would want you guys to keep going. So if you do it, do it for him.” Always working on music, Guest had recorded a few riffs and a handful of words for a song on his cell phone. The band fleshed out and recorded the song, called My Brother’s Keeper, and put it on the first album as a tribute. Other members left the band, new members joined, and White took everything in stride. Throughout his 67 years of life, he’s learned that you can’t predict the turns you’ll take — he made his first appearance on stage at five years old when his mom took him to a park in London. “They had a talent competition going on. My mom said I’m gonna go buy you an ice cream, don’t move. When she came back I was on stage singing How Much is That Doggy in the Window.” Falling in line with legions of teenage boys looking to be the next Beatles or Rolling Stones, White got his hands on a semi-acoustic Rossetti guitar. “When I was 15 or 16, everyone was in a band. I wasn’t desperately good, but then neither were most of the others. Most of us just played around and then marriage comes along and kids come along and music disappears.”
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Smoking Aces band
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people
John White
Dave Macrae
For White, marriage came along in the form of childhood friend Angie Molloy. “It’ll be 46 years together in July. We knew each other through school vaguely, but we weren’t quite school sweethearts.” White built a career in the medical industry and the pair had two children. His daughter ended up drawing him to Cochrane when she moved to town just over ten years ago. “We started coming over to visit,” White says. “And we liked it so much that we decided we’d like to live here too. When people ask what we like about Cochrane, I usually say that in London you can’t go to the supermarket and see a cowboy come in with his Stetson and spurs. There’s just a Barry Valgardson charm about the town, and the arts and culture scene here is fantastic.” Of course, most musicians in southern Alberta are more familiar with the twang of country than they are with the blues, a fact Smoking Aces poke fun of with their song ‘Cowtown Blues.’ “It’s a country music town. Having said that, we’ve made a little bit of a mark.” Perhaps more of a mark than White would admit – the band plays over 50 gigs a year, including a handful of festivals. White also organizes the Mountain Shadow Music Festival in Cochrane, but he’s giving it a miss this year. “We were looking to get bigger
“For a golden oldie like me, to see a
40-foot screen with me up there, was just phenomenal.”
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Brian Burrows
and make it free. We just couldn’t guarantee the sponsorship we needed to do it properly. It’s a bit of a shame because it would’ve been a highlight. Hopefully it’ll be back next year if the economy improves.” Meanwhile, the band is keeping busy. They’re producing a new album, tentatively titled Between the Tracks. The album will feature all original material. The blues came into White’s life at an early age, and brought him back into the music industry 15 years ago. But just what is it about this music, about this genre, that gets him on stage? “I think people enjoy what Smoking Aces do because they know we enjoy it.” White leans back in his leather chair, his gaze wandering over the blues legends that adorn his basement walls. “I play the blues, because I feel the blues.” n
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you said it
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Who was your favourite teacher? n By Sydney Fream
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My favourite teacher was Mrs. Calles because she inspired me to go into my program of sustainable tourism.
My favourite teacher was my grade 8 science teacher, his name is escaping me it was so long ago but I still remember the field trips he took us on. We got to dig up worms and learn handson about eco systems. Did you know if you squeeze a raw egg between your fingers the long way with only two fingers you can’t crack it? I learned that in grade 8. Kenny Dahl Area Manager
Sarah Nowlan Sustainable Tourism
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My second grade teacher was my very favourite, because she was compassionate, she invested her time inside and outside of the classroom to her kids and was always soft spoken. Samantha Retired
Oh heavens that was a long time ago, I would say my 12th grade teacher Mrs. Rene. I believe she was english and social, but she really had a way of making reading an enjoyable thing, and it has had a lasting impact. Areta Plume
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Retired
This is my favourite teacher right here! She has been in my life for 17 years, she has always cared about her students, and was always there for us long after we passed all of her classes.
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My favourite teacher was Mr. Bender because he made stuff blow up. Jared Plante Marketing
Amanda (right) Teacher
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My favourite teacher was Mrs. Gerard. She taught science in elementary school for most of my elementary years. I did my undergrad in Bio Medicine so I guess she left a good impression.
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My favourite teacher is Agata Kelly, despite the fact that she never taught me. She did however, play a very influential role in my high school career and in shaping who I am today. She coached me in basketball where she challenged me to push beyond my limits. Monique Morin Resident
Matt Stosky Resident
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My favourite teacher’s name was Trevor. He was my favourite teacher because he was able to be versatile and bring subjects together like math, science, and computers. Sasha Lo IT