Condo Living - October 2014 by Source Media Group

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COntents October 2014 | VOLUME 10 ISSUE 178

12 Focus On 12 | Cookie cuties Cookie jars add a touch of nostalgia, fun Condo Profiles 20 | That community feeling Inglewood’s zest for life is the exciting backdrop for SoBow 26 | Cottage serenity Cardel Lifestyles’ Auburn Walk brings cottage chic to lake living 32 | Future town Avira showcases new tech to enhance buyer experience 39 | Timeless design Willow at Sherwood puts inspired modern twist to Old World community 45 | Heart of Glas Avalon Master Builder enters inner-city market 50 | Live the life you want Calbridge Homes’ new Vantage townhomes in Fireside offer a balanced lifestyle Community profiles 55 | Dawn of a new age A new East Village is rising in downtown Calgary

Cover Feature 14 | Love times three Copperfield Park III launch brings excitement back to southeast community CO N D O L I V I N G oc t o b e r 2 0 1 4

COntents

LIFESTYLE 60 | It’s elementary, my dear Grade school teacher stamps her personal touch in Arrive townhome SHOPPING 64 | Historic vibe Fascinatingly trendy, Kensington is not just a great place to live, but to shop STYLE 70 | Kitchen confidential The right ingredients are essential in cooking up the kitchen’s design Features 76 | Inner beauty City, comunity work to beautify Beltline’s inner-city public parks 83 | Cool city The hottest places in Calgary to sip, eat, and be merry

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

PUBLISHER |

Cool-gary

A cousin of mine teased me on Facebook, asking if I enjoyed living in “Cold-gary”. I gave him a lol and an emoji chuckle — that was the first time I heard our fair city termed that way. Our weather may not be always agreeable, but our economy certainly is. The 38,000 new Calgarians that the last census revealed certainly agree. It is in the spirit of helping out those new to the city that we’ve been coming out in recent months of inner-city-centric special features. We continue this in the issue you’re holding with Richard White’s feature on new inner-city parks, and Shelley Boetcher’s rundown on entertainment hotspots downtown. Many of the parks and hotspots mentioned here were revelations to me, too (and I’ve lived here for 14 years). So Cold-gary? You mean, Cool-gary, cousin! The condo market certainly hasn’t cooled down, either. Just ask Brad Remington Homes, the subject of our cover feature, as they launch their third Copperfield Park development. Their “love it, life it, afford it” mantra certainly seems to resonate with buyers. We take a look at a couple of inner-city condos in Avalon Master Builders’ Glas townhomes in Marda Loop and M2i’s SoBow in Inglewood. Both exude a hip, trendy urban vibe. We also have Avi Urban’s Willow at Sherwood, Cardel Lifestyle’s Auburn Walk, and Jayman Modus’ Avira in EvansRidge to illustrate the charms of suburban living. Calbridge Homes’ Vantage takes us further afield to the rapidly growing town of Cochrane. By the way, watch out for our Loving Cochrane Living special, also out this month with our New Home Living sister magazine. Rounding out this massive issue (our fifth hundredNext month: page-plus book this year) are the kitchen design feature Kathy McCormick from our indomitable STYLE writer, David Crosson, and takes Shopping to the Kathy McCormick’s investigation of the shopping appeal of Kensington. Aaliya Essa had some fun collecting all those Design District. cartoon-themed cookie jars in her Focus On photo feature. We’re having tons of fun going around town and checking out the new condos — be they funky downtown high-rises or sweet suburban suites. I just marvel at what’s new out there, thanks for sharing the journey with us.

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER |

Editor | Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART director | Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designers

Rylyn Kvarnberg rylyn.kvarnberg@sourcemediagroup.ca Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca Colleen Leier colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR |

EDITORIAL

Maria Bartolotti, Elizabeth Booth, Darlene Casten, David Crosson, Karen Durrie, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Lorraine Williamson, Richard White, Portia Yip, Jim Zang Photography

Don Molyneaux, Pepper Rodriguez ADVERTISING SALES | Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca accounting | Norma Robertson accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY

Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group Issue 178 • ISSN 1918-4409 © 2014 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group 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. Condo Living® is published 12 times per annum with copies available for distribution at more than 1,500 locations every month. Condo Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to: cleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. Condo Living® is a registered Trademark the property of Source Media Group Corp. Reg. USPTO 3,584,683 & 3,584,583. Contact: Source Media Group Corp., 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9; Tel 403.532.3101 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; www.sourcemediagroup.ca

@CondoLivingYYC

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CondoLivingCalgary

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Cookie cuties Cookie jars add a touch of nostalgia, fun By Aaliya Essa

Many of us still remember the old Sesame Street ditty “C is for Cookie (That’s Good Enough for Me)” and that is what the makers of cookie jars are banking on with a line that serves up nostalgia and not just treats. There are still some cookie jars that are designed for their true purpose, but licensed cartoon character models prevail. CL

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â&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;FOCUS ON

1 Miss Piggy and Kermit $99 at Artesano Galleria. 2 Cake Boss Groovy Girl Cookie Jar, $49.99 at Canadian Tire.

3 Owl Cookie Jar, $52.95 at Pier1 Imports. 4 Sunflower Cookie Jar, $30 at Pier1 Imports. 5 Cake Boss White & Blue Ribbon Cookie Jar, $49.99 at Canadian Tire. 6 Fred and Pebbles, $99 at Artesano Galleria. 7 Taz Cookie Devil, $99 at Artesano Galleria 8 Heritage Hill 96 oz. Glass Jar with Lid, $12.95 at Crate and Barrel. 9 Betty Boop Handbag, $99 at Artesano Galleria. 10 Copper Canister, $74.14 at Williams-Sonoma. 11 Cake Boss Cupcake Cookie Jar, $49.99 at Canadian Tire. 12 Oscar the Grouch, $125 at Artesano Galleria. 13 Rooster Cookie Jar, $39.95 at Pier1 Imports.

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Love times three

Copperfield Park III launch brings excitement back to southeast community

aying something is “back by popular demand” may be a cliché, but in Copperfield Park’s case it’s nonetheless true. Brad Remington Homes is launching the third complex of their hit condo series due to its overwhelming popularity. Three years after launching the first phase of Copperfield Park, interest in these unique condominiums isn’t slowing down at all. Copperfield Park III is launching on September 13, and if the past success is any indication, this will be another sure-fire hit. “The response to Copperfield Park has been nothing short of incredible,” says Brad Remington Homes’ vice-president of sales and marketing, Bryan Logel. The first Copperfield Park launched in 2011 and sold out in less than two years, their follow up Copperfield Park II had been even more successful, hitting the 98 per cent sold mark just two months after they opened six new show suites in May this year (it is sold out now). And Copperfield Park III seems destined for a similar achievement.

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Logel believes that it is their steadfast commitment to their ‘Love it, Live it, Afford it,’ mission statement that is the driving force behind the accomplishment. “We know it’s important to have an emotional connection to your home — you need to love it. It also needs to be equally functional — to live it; and underlying that, you need to be able to afford it,” Logel says, and buyers have responded positively. It all starts with their location. Deep in the heart of Hopewell Residential’s popular Copperfield community in the southeast, all three of the Copperfield Park developments have benefitted from the multi-award winning community’s family-friendly character and well-established amenities. Copperfield offers tons of recreation, with tennis courts, outdoors skating rinks, toboggan hills, base-

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ball and sports fields or nearby schools all of which are interconnected by community walking paths. Shopping, restaurants, pubs and other stores and services are a quick drive away in nearby McKenzie Towne or 130th Avenue, which is slated for extension to the new ring road. Also, just minutes away, are the brand new South Calgary Health Campus, and the massive Seton commercial complex. Copperfield has access to major connectors like 52nd Street and Deerfoot Trail, making travelling anywhere in the city easily accessible and transportation in the area is constantly growing with the population. But the stylish interpretation of modern condo living is what Copperfield Park has become famous for. The distinctive façade of the first two developments — easily seen from Stoney Trail — grabs attention with its classic architecture accented by colourful European influenced exteriors accented with sections of brick. Copperfield Park allows buyers to live in a world of comfort and functionality, as can be seen in the six show homes in Copperfield Park II that deftly illustrates the lifestyle readily available in each model. Additionally, Copperfield Park III will have amazing views on all sides of the adjacent neighbourhood park and wetland, as each suite has its own 71- or 72-square-foot deck that can easily accommodate a barbecue and a private outdoor living space. Next on the list is the appealing price point. Starting in the $140,000s for a one-bedroom condo, the low $200,000s for a two-bedroom and the mid-$200,000s for a three-bedroom model, Logel says they are making sure Calgarians can

All three of the Copperfield Park developments have benefitted from the multi-award winning community’s family-friendly character and well established amenities.

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Practical options include workstations that can accomodate a laptop and other electronics, additional cabinets, or a pantry and more closet space. get out of the rental market and into their own brand new home. “I believe we have the highest quality condominiums at the best price in the Calgary area,” Logel says. The innovative design of the six models fit any lifestyle. Logel says they have been stunned by the wide demographic of people who are excited to call Copperfield Park home. Besides the young professionals, and couples, they “are seeing empty nesters who want to downsize, or simplify, which is a word we are hearing a lot,” Logel says. “People who want to be able to lock and leave everything behind and travel or who have a second home, like a recreation property.” Working with suites that range in size from 565 square-feet up to 973 square-feet, the condominiums in Copperfield Park are expertly planned. Designers use elements like islands to create spacious eat-in kitchens, stacking laundry machines save space and walk through closets to the ensuite allow for all the little luxuries. Logel points out they have models with kitchens that rival those in starter homes and have even more counter space. Practical options include workstations that can accommodate a laptop and other electronics, additional kitchen cabinets, or a pantry and more closet space. Logel said they have taken the feedback from their clients and incorporated them into new plans, creating larger bedrooms in some models. “We have heard from our customers that size is important,” he says. “People want to grow into their homes.”

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Sales for Copperfield Park III start on September 13th and Logel says they anticipate brisk sales. Construction of the first building in Copperfield Park III will begin in October and occupancy is slated for late summer or early fall next year. n

Fa s t Fa c t s Community: Copperfield Project:

Copperfield Park III

Developer: Brad Remington Homes Style:

Apartment condos

Size:

From 565 sq. ft. one-bedroom, to 973 sq. ft. two-bedrooms

Price:

From the $140,000s plus GST

Address:

755 Copperpond Blvd. S.E.

Phone: 403-723-0094 Directions: South on 52 St. S.E. and east on 130 Ave. S.E. Website:

www.copperfieldpark.com

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CONDO PROFILE |

That community feeling

Inglewood’s zest for life is the exciting backdrop for SoBow by Elizabeth Chorney-Booth

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lmost anyone familiar with Calgary’s inner-city neighbourhoods will tell you that right now, Inglewood is hot. The lively community situated just east of downtown has blossomed in recent years — as recent developments along vibrant 9th Avenue add new restaurants and stores that further secure Inglewood’s position as a place where young professionals, active seniors, and inner-city families flock to work, live, and play. While Inglewood is overflowing with dining establishments, cool boutiques, and other creative businesses, one thing that’s not in abundance is high-density condo developments. As a well-established community filled with heritage buildings, there isn’t a lot of real estate for condo developers to build on, which makes the SoBow development on the east end of the neighbourhood such a gem. “Inglewood is one of Calgary’s first communities,” says SoBow’s Sales Manager, David Frid. “We’ve had over 100 years to build that community feeling and now have cool live music venues and a thriving cultural artistic scene. In my mind, it takes 100 years to build a community, (it’s) not something that just pops up overnight.” SoBow (South of the Bow) has a multi-building master plan and is currently selling into its second phase, the 1912 Cross, which is set to offer residents possession this fall. This friendly, modern six-story condo building is much-coveted for it’s location, not only because it’s right in Inglewood, but it also boasts immediate access to the Bow River, Calgary’s pathway system, and a 50-acre “backyard” in the form of Pearce Estate Park, which is home to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and the Bow Habitat Visitor Centre. Residents with a taste for nature have the park at their disposal, with the opportunity

“We’re a little more industrial — we wanted to keep some of those 9th Avenue features, so we’ve got the brick, we’ve got the steel. The top two floors have really cool two storey townhouse suites with huge floor-to-ceiling windows with big balconies and unbelievable views…” to walk or cycle in the woods or go kayaking, rafting, or fly fishing right outside their door. Of course, the other big selling point of the location is the short commute to downtown and easy access to major routes to other parts of the city, all at a price point that is significantly lower than you’d find with a downtown condo (SoBow’s suites are priced at an average of $425 per square foot, as opposed to the $550 per square or more that is typical of a downtown condo). With the pathway running along the Bow, residents can get downtown by bike in a matter of minutes, but there are plenty of other options to get to the core from the SoBow as well. But it’s not all about the location — SoBow also offers beautiful and spacious units in a variety of sizes and floor plans. Each suite is built with sustainability in mind and designed with a loft aesthetic with nine-foot ceilings, chef-style kitchens, and high quality finishes like white oak engineered hardwood flooring. The building itself is designed to evoke a modern industrial feel, while still fitting into the Inglewood landscape. “We’ve gone with a loft feel to keep the character of Inglewood,” Frid says. “We’re a little more industrial — we wanted to keep

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F A S T F A CT S Community: Inglewood Project: SoBow 1912 Cross Developer: M2i Development Corporation Style: Loft, apartment-style and townhouse condominiums Size: 694 sq. ft. to 1,930 sq. ft. Price: Starting at $306,000 Presentation centre: 1640 17A Street S.E. Website: www.sobowcondos.com

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some of those 9th Avenue features, so we’ve got the brick, we’ve got the steel. The top two floors have really cool two storey townhouse suites with huge floor-to-ceiling windows with big balconies and unbelievable views of the mountains, of downtown, of the river, and of the Inglewood Golf Course. We’ve really tried to take advantage of all those views.” Falling in with Inglewood’s eclectic vibe, SoBow offers a wide variety of floor plans, ranging from 694-square-foot studios to 1,632-square-foot three-bedrooms and 1,930-square-foot garden townhomes, as well as spacious one bedroom and two bedroom units. There’s a lot to choose from, which means that the development is attracting everyone from first-time homebuyers to empty-nesters looking to downsize, and families searching for a fuss-free inner-city home. The development also features a stateof-the-art gym managed by CityFit that rivals any commercial gym in the city. Boasting an ideal park-side location with some of the best restaurants in town (including Rouge, Sugo, and Chef Michael Nobel’s brand new spot The Nash) just a walk away, SoBow promises just about everything a downtown condo could offer, as well as a lower “outside of downtown” price point and a comfortable neighbourhood feel. This is indeed a rare opportunity — not just to take advantage of a fabulous riverside location, but also to truly become part of a community, not only in the condo complex itself, but in the neighbourhood that lies beyond. CL

This is indeed a rare opportunity — not just to take advantage of a fabulous riverside location, but also to truly become part of a community, not only in the condo complex itself, but in the neighbourhood that lies beyond…

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Cottage sere A

s Calgarians start cozying up for autumn, Cardel Lifestyles is gearing up to launch Auburn Walk in the popular community of Auburn Bay in the southeast, a development sure to evoke nostalgic memories of cottage vacations by the lakeside. With a design that tips its hat to Muskoka-style cottages, Auburn Walk follows Cardel Lifestyles’ string of successful multi-family developments across Calgary. All of them have in common: a location in a prime community, offer affordable plans, low-maintenance living and stylish designs. Brad Logel, Sales and Marketing Manager for Cardel Lifestyles, says it’s all about living conveniently. But Auburn Walk promises to bring a little more to the equation. “Auburn Walk checks off everything on our list for what we look for,” he says. “As far as we know, it’s in the best location we’ve ever had. This one is a 10 out of 10, maybe even 11 out of 10.” Auburn Walk is a four-storey low-rise that will have a total of 176 apartment-style condos. Inspired by the Muskoka lodges in Ontario,

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Auburn Walk offers tranquil, cottage living in an urban landscape. With Hardie board siding, the development consists of two buildings with 88 units each. The first building offers 11 brand new and perfected plans, with one- or two-bedroom options ranging from 544 to 1,018 squarefeet — not including the generous patio deck where there’s the potential for city or mountain views. “The majority of our condos have extended patio decks,” says Logel, adding that one condo has a patio of approximately 240 square-feet. “The patio really gives people the ability to spend more time outside because as Calgarians, we really try and soak up as much of the nice weather as we can.”

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nity

Cardel Lifestyles’ Auburn Walk brings cottage chic to lake living By Portia Yip

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On the inside, Logel says people are going to be blown away by all the unique features. Many plans come with a spacious walk-in closet in the master bedroom along with an ensuite bathroom that includes two sinks and a linen closet. Two of the plans also have a walk-in pantry in the kitchen. “Our condos are more like a starter home,” says Logel. “They’re definitely not your typical condo.” The attraction of the development extends to its amazing location, where a connecting walkway allows residents to easily frequent Auburn Station, a future commercial and shopping area. A short walk away are major transit connections, a future LRT, and access to major roadways — Seton Boulevard, 52 Street, Stoney Trail and Deerfoot Trail — are also close by. But at the heart of Auburn Bay, the stunning community lake offers year-round fun for everyone young, old or in between. The jewel of the community is its 43-acre lake – a fabulous amenity in landlocked Calgary — but it also boasts of a 13-acre park, and Auburn House — a 16,000-square-foot contemporary lodge featuring a full-size gymnasium, banquet space, tennis courts and community events. Auburn Bay is also adjacent to the new south health hospital, the Seton Urban District, and will have future schools within the vicinity to add even more family appeal to the area. For residents of Auburn Walk, convenience truly is just around the corner. Logel adds that Seton is a suburban commercial district that could become the next modern day Marda Loop, Kensington or Mission. “Cranston is also very close, just south of Seton, and from there people can go to Fish Creek Park or take advantage of all that Cranston has to offer like the market and school.” Auburn Walk’s presentation centre and show suite will be open to the public in on October 18th with prices for the units starting just from the $190,000s. For Cardel Lifestyles, two more great developments have been added to its name and Logel highlights how each project adds a little more to the company’s long-lasting legacy. “We’re very proud of what we build,” says Logel. “We’ve been doing this for over 41 years and we’ve always been about creating strong and lasting relationships in Calgary’s best communities.” CL

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F as t F a c t s Commmunity: Auburn Bay Project: Auburn Walk buildER: Cardel Lifestyles STYLE: Apartment-style condominiums size: 544 to 1,018 sq. ft. PRICE: Starting from the $190,000s address: 105 Auburn Meadows Drive S.E. hours: Opens October 18th at 12 noon Website: www.cardelcondos.com

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condo ProFile |

future tOwN J

ayman Modus is indeed one of the leaders in Calgary’s booming condo industry with four developments currently under construction and three more coming up. The multi-family arm of the Jayman Group of Companies is also leading the field in technological innovations that give their clients a better understanding of the home they’re buying. At their new Avira townhomes in EvansRidge, Jayman Modus introduces two new digital technologies that will change the way homes are purchased. The Modus Matrix Augmented Reality and next Generation Touchscreen will give clients a deeper understanding and perspective of not just the features of each home but of the whole development, as well. “Our new townhome project, Avira in EvansRidge, will be the first to feature this technology that allows interested parties instant mobile access to all informa-

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tion about the development in 3D space,” Jayman Modus’ Project Marketing Specialist, Sandi Serr, tells Condo Living. The Modus Matrix (www.modusmatrix.com) is an app users can download to their smartphone, which offers the unique ability to visually explore interior and exterior architectural details, as well as community features like walkways and landscaping from a 3D augmented realty perspective. While the next Gen Touchscreen’s featured in the Modus sales centres include comprehensive live to the second product, home availability, company, and social media information with an unparalleled ease of use. “Buyers can go to our sales centre, learn everything there is to learn about a particular home through these interactive touchscreens and have all these info sent to their mobile devices with its unique ‘send-it-to-me’ ability,” she says. “You can leave the sales centre with all the information already stored in your smart phone.” Launching these new technologies in Avira gives Jayman Modus

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avira showcases new tech to enhance buyer experience by PePPer rODrIgUez

an added edge in the very competitive northwest marketplace. Serr says the new tech will help clients to picture the entire development — up to the point where their unit will be — in what is currently a bare patch of land. But like in every other Jayman Modus development, the quality and value of the home behind the tech is what ultimately appeals to customers. Avira’s modern look, spacious floor plans, and stylish finish — not to mention their attractive price point — are what buyers are looking for. Avira is composed of 100 two- and three-bedroom

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“It’s the best of prairie life overlooking a beautiful valley, yet only minutes from all the conveniences of the city…” three-level townhomes with single, tandem or double heated garage. There are five floor plans available ranging from 1,229 to 1,726 square-feet and start from $335,000 (plus GST). That means a combined annual income of $69,306 is more than enough to own a home here. “That’s just a monthly payment of $1,595,” says Avira area manager Heidi Johnson. The three-bedroom isn’t that much more expensive at a starting price of $372,900 (plus GST). It only requires a total annual income of $78,095 for a monthly payment of $1,806.77. Buyers get more excited when they see what’s included in a standard package in Avira, Johnson says. Each unit has nine-foot ceilings along the main floor, ceramic tile and engineered laminate flooring and granite countertops — in short, everything homebuyers are looking for that are usually upgrades in other developments. The style and the affordability make it the right choice for first-time homebuyers, whether they are singles, couples or young families. They’re location is another definite plus. “Evansridge is an established community,” Johnson says. “It’s the best of prairie life overlooking a beautiful valley, yet only minutes from all the conveniences of the city, such as restaurants, shopping malls, child care centres or hospitals and easy access to major roadways and downtown.” First possessions are in Spring 2015. CL

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F A S T F A CT S Community: EvansRidge Project: Avira Developer: Jayman Modus Style: Three-level townhomes Size: 1,299 to 1,726 sq. ft. Price: Starts from $335,000 (plus GST) Address: A sales centre is on Evanspark Blvd. N.W. Directions: North on Symons Valley Rd. N.W., right on Symons Valley Pkwy and left on Evanspark Blvd. Hours: Monday to Thursday: 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.jayman.com/avira

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Timeless design M Willow at Sherwood puts inspired modern twist to Old World community by Pepper Rodriguez

atching modern styles with conventional designs is a rare feat few can pull with aplomb. Avi Urban, the multi-family division of Homes by Avi, is one of a very select few, as the award-winning builder proves again with their Willow at Sherwood townhomes. Willow at Sherwood is Avi Urban’s latest development that shows once again their deft touch in combining modern styles with timeless designs. “Our goal in creating Willow was to exceed the expectations potential homebuyers in the Calgary market have about townhome product,” says Avi Urban President Charron Ungar. “I want people to feel that Willow is a place they can be proud to call home. A development that looks beautiful, is designed for the way they want to live and that will prove its value over time,” he says. This particular style has certainly found favour among young families and single professionals especially in the northwest who have flocked to Willow at Sherwood Willow at Sherwood is a dynamic enclave of 83 three-storey townhomes

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with two-car attached tandem garages and many have full driveways that will accommodate parking for a third car. There are six floor plans with two- and three-bedroom options ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 square-feet. Homes in Willow at Sherwood present inviting open concept main floors and stylish yet functional designs that make maximum use of space. “The inspiration for Willow comes from a combination of the previous success of our recently completed Victoria Cross townhomes located in Calgary’s inner-city combined with design ideas I have picked up during my travels,” Ungar says. “I appreciate the materials and proportions used in the Brownstones prevalent in the northeastern U.S., and I have seen great contemporary interpretations of the Colonial style in other markets as well. ” “Buyers love that they can personalize their home with customizable options such as built-in cabinetry and choosing the colour of their front door.” “Our plans are constantly evolving. The feedback we receive from our homeowners, our trades and our staff helps in making the improvements we put in place from development to development. It could be a little thing like which way a door swings, or the placement of a light switch, but

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it still matters quite a bit. We believe that when you live in a home it’s important that it feels and functions as best as it possibly can. That philosophy defined our approach to the homes we are offering in Willow.” Willow at Sherwood presents gorgeous colonial architecture with brick, sturdy James Hardie siding, oversized windows and varied elevations for movement in façade and interesting exteriors. Residents will also appreciate that outdoor living is in abundance with three gathering areas, and the townhomes will be built around a lushly landscaped central park (an Avi Urban signature) which features picnic benches, walkways and seating. Willow will also have a centralized pathway system that is lit with low bollard lights and goes from the homes to the amenity space, flowing from the edges of the development into the courtyard. “I have always had an appreciation for the way established communities feel, particularly that feeling you get walking down a street where the trees form a canopy from one side of the road to another. I want to ensure that Avi Urban does its part to push that process

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F A S T F A CT S Community: Sherwood Project: Willow at Sherwood Developer: Avi Urban Style: Townhomes Size: Starts from 1,100 sq. ft. Price: Starting from the $300,000s sales centre: 64 Nolan Hill Gate N.W. Hours: Monday to Thursday: 2 to 8 p.m.; Fridays by appointment only; weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.aviurban.com

…townhomes will be built around a lushly landscaped central park which features picnic benches, walkways and seating. forward a little in our new developments by using larger calliper trees and more of them. Just because it’s outside doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve the same attention as the homes themselves.” Strategically located in the popular community of Sherwood, Willow sits just steps away from incredible local amenities, including the new Symons Valley Farmers Market. Sherwood, developed by Melcor Developments, is easily accessed from Shaganappi Trail just north of Stoney Trail N.W. so getting around town is never a problem. “Sherwood is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Calgary’s northwest,” says Ungar, “and bringing Willow here means plenty more homeowners will have the opportunity to experience the benefits of calling this part of our city home.” CL CO N D O L I V I N G oc t o b e r 2 0 1 4

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Heart I of glas Avalon Master Builder enters innercity market by Karen Durrie

nner-city townhomes have risen to hot-commodity status in the Calgary market, with a number of products cropping up in both newer developments and established areas close to the downtown core. It’s about to become hotter, as Avalon Master Builder launches its first Calgary inner-city development, GLAS. The builder — famous for its ZEN townhomes franchise — is entering the inner-city market with an artfully distinctive townhome that captures the contemporary vibe and charm of urban living. Located just off trendy Marda Loop on the corner of 27th Avenue and 17th Street S.W., GLAS will have an immediate visual impact with its bright tangerine frames contrasted with white circle-cut screens that lend privacy and texture to the building. The lifestyle afforded by living the GLAS life will appeal to those who appreciate sleek minimalist lines and sophisticated finishes, and who like to balance Zen-like quiet time with the opportunity to wade out into a vibrant community whose well-established identity is a close-knit enclave for culture and connection. “It’s a great area for someone who works downtown. They have all they need close by, and then still have a nice, quiet location in the community to come home and unwind,” says Dean Clark, sales and marketing coordinator for Avalon.

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Each townhome includes an outdoor living area — private street-level patios, decks or stunning rooftop patios. GLAS will have 21 townhouses in two buildings above an underground parkade. The unique townhomes include one-, two- and three-bedroom models, ranging from 672 square-feet on two levels, to 1,741 squarefeet on three levels. Each townhome includes an outdoor living area — private street-level patios, decks or stunning rooftop patios — where owners can dine, read, entertain and more. Top-tier GLAS interiors include standard features such as quartz countertops, floor-toceiling windows, seven Whirlpool appliances, nine-foot ceilings, spa-style bathrooms, and modern touches in ambient and task lighting. Another attractive feature of the project is its keen attention to environmentally responsible building. Green features at GLAS will include dual-flush toilets, energy-efficient in-

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floor heating, Energy Star appliances, and durable construction materials, along with programmable thermostats on each floor of each individual townhouse. One-bedroom townhomes feature a spacious bedroom, master bath and laundry on the lower level. Stairs to the second floor lead up to an open-concept space with a chef’s kitchen sporting contemporary flat-front cabinetry and an island that divides the kitchen from the living room. Sliding glass doors lead to a private, ground-floor patio. Two-bedroom floor plans have open-concept main-floor living spaces with dining, kitchen and living rooms, plus half-bath. A main floor deck offers an outdoor entertainment spot off the living room. The second floor includes two bedrooms, each with its own attached bathroom and walk-in closet, plus a laundry. The top level is the piece de resistance — a rooftop windowed den perfect to use as an office or library, which leads out to the amazingly spacious, (8-feet-by-26-feet) private rooftop patio with optional wood plank floors. Three-bedroom homes have second levels that include two bedrooms, laundry room and washroom, and a third level master bedroom with huge walk-in closet, a spa ensuite “wet” room that includes a stunning circular bathtub, shower, dual vanity, and private deck. Renowned, award-winning Calgary firm Sturgess Architecture has lent its

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F A S T F A CT S Community: South Calgary Project: GLAS Developer: Avalon Master Builder Style: Two- and three-level townhomes size: 672 to 1,741 sq. ft. price: Starts from the $350,000s address: 27th Ave. and 17th St. S.W. Hours: Viewings by appointment only Website: livingglas.com

talents and reputation for creating naturally flowing, streamlined urban spaces to the design. Avalon expects GLAS to appeal to buyers across the spectrum — from single, young urban professionals to empty nesters who enjoy the inner-city lifestyle along with a turnkey lifestyle. Price points start in the $350,000 range for one bedroom, $680,000 range for two-bedroom, and the $820,000s for three-bedroom spaces. Throughout fall, Avalon is offering an incredible promotional incentive for oneand-two bedroom buyers in a $10,000 Air Canada gift card or $30,000 in free upgrades. Prospective buyers can visit Avalon’s southeast studio location to experience a mock-up GLAS kitchen that features all the same finishes and design elements that will make up the real deal. Design packages showcasing neutral colour pallettes, and standard and optional material choices are featured in the studio as well. CL

Marda Loop features many great amenities, including a few yoga studios.

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Live the life you Calbridge Homes’ new Vantage townhomes in Fireside offer a balanced lifestyle

by Aaliya Essa

hoosing a new home is based on many factors: location, primarily; budget, secondly; and, last but not least, lifestyle. Here in Fireside, a community in the south of Cochrane, Calbridge Homes has achieved the trifecta. Vantage townhomes are located in one of the town’s most picturesque and vibrant communities, are priced affordably, and allow residents the flexibility to make living life actively a priority. “Our buyers want to live here for the value, lifestyle, and location,” says David Mackenzie, Vice President and General Manager of Calbridge Homes. “Whether you’re a first time homeowner or rightsizing your choice of home to fit a new lifestyle, Vantage Fireside is a great place to live.”

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Fireside is a community with many amenities within close proximity. “Everything is minutes away,” he says, “especially the Tim Hortons, that will be right across the street from Vantage.” Indeed, with local shopping and services only minutes away, residents here will not have to stray very far for anything. Kids will love playing at Flagstone Park, an area that includes swings, slides, and a jungle gym. This park is just near the traffic circle at the entrance of Fireside, with benches for parents to mingle with their neighbours.

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want It’s designed to be a place where residents of all ages will be able to get out and really enjoy their surroundings. There are also two wetlands — one right alongside of Vantage — that are the perfect places to simply take a moment for yourself, do a little communing with nature, and feel the tranquility that is in rare abundance here in Fireside. With a pathway system that connects the entire community, you’re sure to find many places where you will be able to connect with nature, and just escape for a while.

Of course, living at Vantage is a bit of an escape unto itself. When complete, the ‘community within a community’ will include 147 townhomes with three models to choose from in either a two-bedroom or a three-bedroom layout, and ranging in size from 1,119 square-feet to 1,486 square-feet. Each home comes with a standard private front patio and a rear covered deck. “We have also added space for an additional flex room that could be used as a den, gym, yoga room, or whatever is part of your lifestyle. It is a room you can personalize,” says Mackenzie. Design of the townhomes is as practical as it is pleasing to the eyes, with a double attached garage, upper floor laundry — a great bonus on its own — and stainless steel appliances. There are also wide plank hardwood floors and a washer and dryer, to complete the finishing package.

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“At Calbridge Homes, we are dedicated to building extraordinary homes that fundamentally enhance the way people live. We don’t want to change your life to fit your home; we build homes to fit your lifestyle.” What’s most amazing about Vantage, though is the price. Vantage townhomes start from around $279,000, including GST. “Especially with the added offer of only $1,000 down to purchase your townhome during our pre construction phase,” adds Mackenzie, “makes it an easy decision for buyers.” Living at Vantage gives buyers an opportunity to have a lifestyle that includes going to the mountains on a regular basis, as they’re literally minutes away. Going to Calgary is the same distance in the other direction, making your commute to work or visiting friends a breeze. Living in the middle definitely has its advantages. “At Calbridge Homes, we are dedicated to building extraordinary homes that fundamentally enhance the way people live. We don’t want you to change your life to fit your home; we build homes to fit your lifestyle,” says Mackenzie. Finding a balance for your life, which includes a location you desire, a price that won’t break the bank, and a lifestyle that makes coming home the best part of your day, is the true Vantage of living here. “We are a very passionate team, we love what we do, and that’s making a difference in people’s lives,” says Mackenzie. CL

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F A S T F A CT S Community: Fireside Project: Vantage Developer: La Vita Land Style: Two- and three-bedroom townhomes Size: 1,119 to 1,486 sq. ft. Price: From $279,000 including GST Address: 3 Fireside Gate Directions: Take HWY 22 and turn left onto Fireside Gate Hours: Monday – Thursday 2-8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon-5 p.m. Website: www.vantagefireside.com

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Dawn of a new age A new East Village is rising in downtown Calgary By Elizabeth Chorney-Booth

t’s not very often that an urban neighbourhood situated right in the heart of a city’s inner core can be designed basically from scratch. But that’s exactly what’s happening in Calgary’s East Village. Once a virtual no-man’s land where few locals would want to venture after dark, the 49-acre parcel of land that sits south of the Bow River between Fort Calgary and Downtown has been given a step-by-step master plan that is transforming it into what will very likely be one of Calgary’s most interesting urban neighbourhoods, integrating modern developments with refurbished heritage buildings. The East Village master plan, unveiled in 2009, is a careful block-by-block blueprint that includes plans for four different “character areas” (Gateway, The Crossing, River’s Edge and Parkside), complete with residential projects, green space, infrastructure, cultural and recreational amenities, and retail space. Since the bulk of the area is still under construction, condo buyers have to use a certain amount of imagination to get an idea of what their eventual neighbourhood will look like, but because of the meticulous planning, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (which was created by the Calgary City Council to oversee the Rivers District Community Revitalization Plan) has been able to show potential residents exactly what the East Village will look like one, five, and 10 years down the road.

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The Elbow River Traverse bridge connects cyclists and pedestrians to the East Village from Inglewood and Ramsay.

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“It’s not a stretch to see the vision and it’s not that far away when you consider all that’s being delivered in the next couple of years,” says Susan Veres, the CMLC’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Because we understand what will happen by block, we can show a perspective buyer where the retail is going in, where the hotels are, and where the library will be. When they put that all together it gives them confidence.” The first thing that has come together to turn the East Village into a real community are the infrastructure elements that Veres calls the “connectivity.” Eliminating the previous feeling of isolation that plagued the neighbourhood are projects like the 4th Street underpass; the Elbow River Traverse (now open), which connects cyclists and pedestrians to the East Village from Inglewood and Ramsay; and the St. Patrick’s bridge to the north side of the Bow, which is scheduled to open this year. But there will be plenty to see and do right in the East Village as well. The area will play home to two new major and much-anticipated facilities: the relocated National Music Centre and the New Central Library. Both buildings will be iconic pieces of architecture for the city and will draw in visitors to the East Village from other parts of Calgary and beyond. The National Music Centre is scheduled for completion in 2016

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and will incorporate the historic King Edward Hotel into its otherwise modern architecture and will feature five floors of exhibits showcasing over 2,000 artifacts and a performance space for musicians of all genres. The New Central Library isn’t scheduled to open until 2018 and has further to go construction-wise, but will serve as a impressive public space for residents of the East Village and the rest of the city. Culturally speaking, the East Village has already shown itself to be a hub for the arts, having hosted this year’s Canada Day concert on the RiverWalk, as well as the Opera in the Village festival this past summer. One part of the East Village that Calgarians can already enjoy are the recreational amenities, including the RiverWalk — and while additional phases of that project are still ongoing, the East Village portion is already open for cyclists and pedestrians. St. Patrick’s

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“There’s an energy now for the east side of Calgary. You can see an enormous metamorphosis happening in Inglewood, Ramsay, Victoria Park and the East Village.”

Island is set to open in the fall of 2015 and it will open up plenty of green space as well as a children’s play area, picnic facilities, fishing areas, pathways, public washrooms, and a skating area in the winter months. Of course, East Villagers also have an existing green space with Fort Calgary, which borders the east side of the neighbourhood. Naturally, shopping, restaurants, and other retail amenities also play into the CMLC’s master plan. There will be businesses situated throughout the East Village, with anticipation already building for the refurbished Simmons building, due to open in 2015 as the home to new locations for local favourites Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and Phil & Sebastian Coffee, as well as the nationally renowned Charcut’s sister restaurant Charbar. There is also hotel space planned for the area, with a new Hilton slotted into development plans.

But ultimately, the East Village will also be a residential neighbourhood, where Calgarians will live in approximately 4,000 condo units spread amongst several developments. The first building, Embassy BOSA’s Evolution, is set to open to residents in June of 2015, coinciding with the launch of many of the aforementioned amenities. FRAM Slokker is also doing incredibly well with their First and Verge condo developments. The former is almost completely sold out, and the Toronto-based developer recently announced that they were adding a further 100 units to Verge to cope with rising demand. Local developer, Knightsbridge, is also joining the fray with a completely different concept on multi-family living in the downtown with the aptly named N3 to reflect the project vision — “New Attitude, New Living, New Vision” — the Knightsbridge development will only have parking for bikes and ‘micro cars’. “We knew that we wanted to stay in the urban environment and I really felt that in the East Village there was so much potential and to get into a development early in the game would be beneficial to us,” says Genevieve Goldberg, who bought a condo in the Evolution with her husband. “Every community has to start somewhere and we felt like this was going to be the next great area in Calgary.” Susan Veres agrees. Being able to design the East Village from the ground up means that it can act as a puzzle piece to bring together an already dynamic east side of the core that is coming to represent Calgary’s ever-growing vibrancy “There’s an energy now for the east side of Calgary,” Veres says. “You can see an enormous metamorphosis happening in Inglewood, Ramsay, Victoria Park, and the East Village. The east side of Calgary is coming into its own.” CL CO N D O L I V I N G oc t o b e r 2 0 1 4

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It’s elementary, my dear Grade school teacher stamps her personal touch in Arrive townhome

Story by Karen Durrie Photos by Don Molyneaux

n her brand new Redstone-area condo in the central northeast, teacher Tiffany Dahl demonstrates a lesson in definitive style. Tiffany, who moved into the Arrive at Redstone townhomes by Partners Developer Group at the end of July, put her own particular twist on her new space by deviating from prescribed colour palettes and adding eclectic little touches throughout that make the space a custom-design darling. Tiffany, who teaches grades three and four in the community of Mayland Heights, is also a seasoned traveler. Her home décor — from furnishings to art to collected memorabilia — all reflect her passions, special memories and an acquired affection for Asian-inspired design elements. They also showcase one mean do-it-yourself gene, from a custom-created resin-coated kitchen table, whose clear coat covers a collage of maps, plane and train tickets, foreign coins

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and meaningful metal mantras, to a carved wooden elephant table whose surface she has faux finished to look like real marble. Dahl has rented for a number of years; lastly a place in the northeast community of Mountview, choosing a lower-priced basement suite to maximize her savings toward a down payment on her first home purchase. She had her checklist of wants, which included a garage, no elevators or hallways (“I was kind of done with those,” she says), and an easy commute to work. “The inner-city was out of my price range. But I got a feel for this neighbourhood because I have a friend in the area, and I heard good things from her,” Tiffany says. After viewing a number of new developments in Redstone, she went with the Arrive and its Windstone end-unit model, because it had everything she wanted, and it is Built Green® certified, using sustainable methods and materials. The 1,350-square-foot, three-storey, two-bedroom townhome is a crisp haven painted in a pale wash of blue-green-gray (depending on the light), accented by white baseboards, window casings, shelving, doors and cabinetry. Tiffany has swapped in bright art glass knobs on a number of closet doors in the space, and brought in splashes of colour through items such as a collection of unusual world globes, boxes and baubles brought back from Korea — where she lived for a year — Peru and Thailand. Her experiences in Thailand gave rise to her collection of elephant-related items. Tiffany indicates photographs on the wall of her time volunteering to walk, feed and

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She brought in splashes of colour through items such as a collection of unusual world globes, boxes and baubles brought back from Korea, Peru and Thailand.

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“Partners has been amazing. They allowed all the changes and let me order and cancel and be picky.” bathe elephants with an organization that promotes eco-tourism and educates the animals’ owners on appropriate and humane treatment. She forwent any travel experiences this summer so that she could take time to make her new townhouse a home. And she had a definite vision for what that entailed. “I was a difficult customer,” she laughs. “I went my own way.” “All their design boards were neutral. I wanted what I wanted. So I chose different floors, different tile, different grout.” She picked reclaimed hand-scraped chestnut laminate flooring, which provides a warm grounding for the cooler blues and whites. “Partners has been amazing. They allowed all the changes and let me order and cancel and be picky.” The townhouse layout includes a garage accessed from the lower floor, with a half bath, and a foyer that opens to a roomy den. Dahl created a desk from a door salvaged from the Ikea “As Is” scratch-and-dent area and turned it into a desktop over several rolling carts with drawers. A large bookcase and extra seating round out the room. “I’ll be using this room for crafting and marking schoolwork,” she says. Upstairs, the open-concept second floor has a west-facing living room with a beautiful mountain view, a large kitchen with a long, narrow island topped in white granite, and a spacious dining area that looks out onto the deck. The third floor has a spacious master bedroom with wall featuring two long closets, and an upscale ensuite. Another full bath is found off the hallway, which also has a roomy laundry closet, and a good-sized second bedroom. Redstone is close to CrossIron Mills and quick travel to Airdrie, and handy to almost anywhere else via Metis and Stoney Trails, and the Deerfoot.

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“It’s actually really good access to Banff, too. Just hop on Stoney and go west,” Tiffany says. She purchased the townhouse last December for $284,900 and is really pleased with her new home. “Moving in with equity is a good feeling, and it will be exciting to see the community grow and mature.” Arrive at Redstone is still under construction, with the first building now occupied by 10 residents, and others nearing completion. When fully built by next year, it will total 164 units. Exteriors showcase refined rooflines, large windows, glass-paneled decks, and extensive landscaping incorporating trees, shrubs and flowers around the development. Redstone, a Qualico Communities neighbourhood, has been designed for active living, with numerous pathways and green spaces wending through the neighbourhood. The unique Participark on Redstone Plaza features outdoor fitness equipment where area residents can work out al fresco. The community includes a future LRT site, two school sites, and plans for commercial development. CL

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Historic vibe By kathy mccormick

s Calgary grows our ideal lifestyle choice becomes more focused on having a place to live where we can work, play and stay in one place. Our new developments in the suburbs do this by creating not only housing, but green spaces, amenities, shops, and offices all in one place. It’s a sensible way to plan — and new homebuyers have embraced it. Calgary has one of the earliest examples of live, work, play communities ever built right in the heart of the city, and new homebuyers are cominag in droves. Kensington is just north of the downtown core and all it offers, but it is its own unique blend of shops, services, restaurants, pubs, and more always bustling with activity and right in the middle of the desirable communities of Hillhurst and Sunnyside. The area was originally owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and the land that is now one of Calgary’s most popular amenities — Riley Park — was once a horse pasture. Kensington has one of the city’s oldest theatres as well. The historic Plaza Theater, built in the 1920s, still functions, showing alternative films and offering unique events. Centred around 10 Street North West and Kensington Road and Kensington Boulevard, the vibrant area has more than 250 shops. It’s no wonder people gravitate to the area. Several condo developers are building in the area now and

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Fascinatingly trendy, Kensington is not just a great place to live, but to shop some have sales centres right in the heart of the shops. Infill housing has become a desired home-style for those who are looking for single-family homes. “It’s a lively place with lots of great restaurants, shops and services nestled in a community filled with beautiful character homes, modern infills, and lots of new condo buildings going up with an eclectic mix of people,” says Baldwin Kwan, owner of one of the vibrant stores in the area, Metro Element. Take the time to visit the area and you’ll see why so many people gravitate to Kensington. Here is a small sample of the shops in the area:

Crave Cupcakes

Owned by Carolyne McIntyre Jackson and Jodi Willoughby, the shop opened September 2004 and it hasn’t looked back since, opening several other locations and building its loyal clientele. “We love Kensington for its location so close to downtown and it has a really great residential community as well,” says Willoughby. “Kensington has a fun, eclectic feel to it and is a destination for shoppers, bringing in local Calgarians as well as visitors to the city.” Crave Cupcakes and cookies are the top sellers (mmm …

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Crave-o-licious is a favourite, as are the Red Velvet cupcakes), but it carries cakes, bars, loaves, and pies, too. “We are definitely seeing a real passion by customers to shop local and to know where their food comes from and how it is prepared.” The quality and pride they have in what they bake are reasons for their success.

Crave Cupcakes Cococo Chocolatiers

Cococo Chocolatiers, owners of Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut®

It’s hard not to keep on talking food when there are so many choices in Kensington — and so many DELICIOUS choices. Cococo Chocolatiers, the Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut® Company, is just steps away from Crave, so your sweet tooth will be well taken care of in just a short walk. The shop now has 33 locations, 12 of which are in Calgary. The Kensington location has been in operation since the mid-90s. “All of our chocolates are hand-crafted daily at our Calgary downtown location, using no artificial preservatives, the finest natural ingredients and of course, the best raw chocolate,” says Kristen Halpen, marketing manager for Cococo. (Tried the favourite Sea Salt Carmel Collection yet? You’ll see why these chocolates are so special). “Kensington is very friendly, approachable and upbeat. The Kensington location has a number of people who visit the store on a weekly basis for their chocolate fix, each with a standing order of their favourite selection.

Peasant Cheese Shop

Being located next to the ever-popular Kensington Wine Market is no accident, says ‘cheese monger’ and one of the staff at Peasant Cheese, Craig Sanok. “We do cheese boards, trays, mixes of cheese and meats — and we supply the wine shop with cheese for their tastings. We have private tastings available and have a private social club for the connoisseurs.” Opened in October of last year, the owners “had a passion to create a conversation about good food, and to make it accessible to everyone.” They research the best quality cheeses from around the world, carrying as much Canadian and Albertan cheeses as possible. While the focus is on cheese, they are also a charcuterie with breads from two local bakeries and local, organic produce, as well as some fun accompaniments.

Peasant Cheese Shop

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“We believe that buying local is important to a healthy community.” Essentia Manana Imports

Manana Imports

Ok, ok — Kensington isn’t just about food … but there are enough selections of shops, restaurants, pubs, and eateries to keep anyone satisfied. Still, there are a whole lot of other exciting retailers to look after any of your needs. Manana Imports has been in business since 1989, originally in Inglewood. It moved to Kensington 22 years ago, offering hand-crafted items from many cultures around the world. “Initially, we specialized in handmade items from South and Central America, but now feature items from around the world. We gather treasures from places like Ladahk, India, Kathmandu, Nepal, and La Paz, Bolivia,” says Stephen Burger, who owns the store with Susanne Lauridsen. “We feature a large selection of silver jewellery, masks, carvings, handmade clothing, world music CDs, and more. “We strive to buy as directly as possible and work with as many fair trade and development projects as possible.” A Buddha statue from Nepal sells for $229. Similar statues are available in bronze, copper, stone, wood and from $12, to $900. “These are just some of the products we bring in from all over the world,” he tells Condo Living. Unique, affordable, eclectic, quirky, beautiful, unusual, elegant. Something for everyone.

Metro Element

Fresh flowers, home décor and furniture pieces are all found at Metro Element, which moved to Kensington in 2011 from its small, boutique store on Edmonton Trail.

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SwizzleSticks SalonSpa

“We needed a bigger location, and we love Kensington,” says owner Baldwin Kwan. “We started out as a little 1,500-square-foot boutique store in 2005 and have been growing.” Custom designed, in-house terrariums are new for Metro Element, and a popular item with customers. As well, “we are strong in our custom upholstery line locally made here in Calgary,” Kwan says. “We have thousands of fabrics to choose from and the ability to customize sizing and details of a sofa or chair.”

SwizzleSticks SalonSpa

After a hard day of shopping, it’s time to relax and get spoiled. SwizzleSticks SalonSpa opened in the unique, angled building on the corner of Kensington Road and Kensington Boulevard in 1989 and it hasn’t looked back since. Offering all the hair services as well as a spa that offers massages, facial, body scrubs, waxing, pedicures, manicures, and more, it has over 45 employees. “We are a high-end SalonSpa that has a strong environmental and social conscience,” says Tim Neis, vice-president and general manager of operations. “We are 100 per cent wind and green gas powered and we have a comprehensive recycling program. In the past six months, we diverted over 1,250 pounds of waste from going into the landfill. “We are a founding member of REAP (Respect for the Earth and All People), and we believe that buying local is important to a healthy community.”

Essentia

Opened in 2012, Essentia carries the only natural memory-foam mattresses in the world, made in Montreal. “Since we are exclusive, our Kensington store is a destination store, attracting people from up to three hours away,” says Jason Wright. “And Kensington is an eclectic area with cares and unique stores that draw the right demographic for our natural, healthy products.” In addition to the natural mattresses, the store also has dog beds and organic sheets. CL

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The right ingredients are essential in cooking up the kitchen’s design

Kitchen confidential By David Crosson

f the kitchen is the heart of the home then renovating one (or planning one for your new home) is surely akin to triple-bypass surgery. Second only to bathrooms in terms of out-of-commission inconvenience, an overhaul to this space is not to be taken lightly. On the upside, however, the return on investment for kitchens can be as high as 75 per cent if done judiciously and with an eye on enduring style. As I said in my piece on bathrooms (Condo Living/New Home Living March 2014), renos require a lot of careful planning and the ability to resist flavor-of-the-week trends. Fortunately, stylistic changes to kitchens are generally the tortoise to the bathroom’s hare, so to speak, and are therefore a safer bet for investment purposes. The smartest thing you can do is observe what I call the Rubick’s Rule: if changing one element down the road will have a negative impact on an adjacent one then it’s always wise to stick with the classics. I could, of course, fill this entire column spouting off about Product A and Option B (don’t worry, there will be some of that) but I think this space is better utilized by focusing on how to bring out the best in yours.

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To that end, here are a few observations that will help streamline your process and deliver solid results. APPROACH AT THE CORRECT ANGLE The oft-cited “work triangle” was generally based on one person (read: wife) using the kitchen. Although culinary pursuits can be solo efforts, nowadays it’s not uncommon for partners to cook together or even involve multiple friends in meal preparation. If the answer to your equation does not involve isolating you in an isosceles then be sure to recalculate the geometry to suit your needs. CONSIDER VISUAL RHYTHM If you have a ‘busy’ stone countertop, for example, then go easy on the backsplash material. Something too elaborate will incite an aesthetic riot. Stone selection helps here, too: many all-natural materials (granite, marble) will have more going on in them than an industry-assisted material like quartz, Corian or even laminate. I generally opt for quartz as a go-to counter option as it offers much more colour control and consistency of pattern — which keeps the doors wide open to a myriad of fabulous backsplash materials. Similarly, a blend of matte, polished and lustrous surfaces will help keep a space from looking too one-note. LET ARCHITECTURE BE YOUR GUIDE When deciding on a door profile for your kitchen, take a moment to look at your house from across the street. If it’s full of grandeur and neoclassical flourishes then a more traditional or ornate door makes sense. If it leans more towards a Craftsman vibe then Shaker-style cabinets are a reasonably good bet (and quite chameleonic depending on the hardware). See where I’m going with this? As I said, let architecture be your guide, not your dictator—but then again you might want to think twice about putting glossy red slab doors into a five-bedroom Tudor.

Above Tradition is warmly embraced in this all-wood kitchen featuring raised-panel doors. Photo courtesy Huntwood Cabinets, Calgary www.huntwood.com OPPOSITE PAGE TOP Overscale subway tiles in sandblasted glass provide low-level lustre and act as a foil to the sparkle of quartz countertops in this Mission-area penthouse kitchen. Photo courtesy Barbarian Interior Decoration Ltd. OPPOSITE PAGE bottom Shakerstyle cabinets show off their chameleonlike versatility in this transitional kitchen. Photo courtesy Huntwood Cabinets, Calgary www.huntwood.com

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LeFt Artisanal knobs and pulls are the jewellery of a kitchen and should never be an afterthought to your décor scheme. Photo courtesy Du Verre hardware. beLOW high-gloss doors, a waterfallstyle bar counter and a lively, textural backsplash give this kitchen a modern edge. Photo courtesy huntwood cabinets, calgary www.huntwood.com bOttOM rIght A contrasting island grounds this largely neutral kitchen. Photo courtesy huntwood cabinets, calgary www.huntwood.com

Put a chrome faucet with a stainless sink or pair polished nickel light ﬁ xtures with oil bronze cabinet pulls and the intention is obvious. MIx yOUr MetALS This one throws a lot of people but it has been going on in fashion for years. Just make sure if you go this route that the results look intentional rather than random. For example, mixing two sparkly, cool metals like polished nickel and chrome in the same space can often look like someone made an error on the purchase order. Put a chrome faucet with a stainless sink or pair polished nickel light fi xtures with oiled bronze cabinet pulls (treat them like “part of the furniture”) and the intention is obvious. WhIte cAN be rIght Long the subject of scorn, white appliances do have a place in certain kitchen settings — and they’re coming back with a vengeance thanks to offerings like Whirpool’s glass-fronted “White Ice” series of fridges, ranges and dishwashers. I like white appliances for the crispness they impart to a space or their ability to “cool down” a kitchen with a lot of wood in it, especially if the chilliness of stainless is too much. They’re also great for mimicking a built-in look for an all-white kitchen when custom facing panels are not within the budget. A KItcheN IS NOt AN OPerAtINg theAtre True, you will have periods of heavy use when you want the space lit up like the surface of the sun (baking, for example). However, once the work is done and people are hanging out there they will want to feel relaxed and lit in a flattering manner. Install dimmers — even for the fridge light, if possible — and adjust accordingly. A mix of general (pot lights), task (island pendants) and accent (under-cabinet) lighting always offers the most versatility. I hope the above recipes for success help you achieve great results in your kitchen—now get crackin’ and get cookin’! cL

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Crosson is the owner of Barbarian Interior Decoration Ltd., which works with both residential and commercial clients in Calgary and beyond. He is also the author of the blog Hausfrau: Better Living Through Better Living and is frequently called upon to provide commentary in matters of life and style in the local media. For more information visit www.barbariandesign.ca

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Inner beauty City, community work to beautify Beltline’s inner-city public parks

ver the past five years, the City of Calgary and the Beltline Community Association have strategically and successfully developed and implemented plans to beautify Calgary’s most densely populated community. The Beltline has 6,963 residents per square kilometre, while Calgary’s overall density is 1,329 with communities like Hillhurst/Sunnyside and Aspen Woods at 3,207 and 1,676 per square-kilometre, respectively. The City’s and the Beltline community’s goal is to foster its growth from the current 20,000 urbanites to 40,000 by 2035. Both groups realize to fulfill this vision the Beltline must have great public spaces that attract people of all ages and backgrounds. The first beautification project was the $11 million renovation of Memorial Park, Calgary’s oldest park (1912) transforming it from a 20th century to 21st century public space. Completed in 2010, the renos included the addition of new pathways, seating,

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Story By richard white Photos by PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

fountains, flower plantings and washrooms. It is now the signature public space for Beltliners who want to sit and relax in the shadows and glitter of the downtown skyline. The addition of the Boxwood restaurant and patio was a stroke of genius as it adds an entirely new dimension to the park experience. Developers built upon the Memorial Park revitalization project with two new condo projects — The Park (an 18-storey, 156 unit condo by Lake Placid Group of Companies, now mid-construction) and Park Point, a 34/27-storey, 502 unit condo by Landmark Qualex just beginning construction). The next beautification project is the 13th Avenue Heritage Greenway, which will eventually create an enhanced pedestrian and cycling experience from Macleod Trail to 17th Street S.W. The Greenway will create a multi-use path, as well as a traditional sidewalk on the north side

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The City’s and the Beltline community’s goal is to foster its growth from the current 20,000 urbanites to 40,000 by 2035.

Barb Scott Park

of the road, separated from each other and the road by a row of trees. Phase One from Macleod Trail to 4th Street is now open and when completed, the Greenway will create four character areas — Sunalta, Victoria Crossing, Connaught and West Connaught. It will also connect several heritage sites along 13th Avenue including Haultain School (1894), Central Memorial Park/Library (1912), First Baptist Church (1912), Lougheed House / Beaulieu Gardens (1891), Ranchman’s Club (1914) and Calgary Collegiate Institute School (1908). Next up was the Barb Scott Park (named after the late Barb Scott, City of Calgary Councilor from 1971 to 1995 and parks champion) on the west side of the new Calgary Board of Education headquarters (9th Street from 12th to 13th Avenues). Opened in May 2014, this public space includes a large oval grass area that allows for impromptu kicking and throwing games like soccer, Frisbee and football. The park is anchored by the popular “Chinook Arch” public art work at the corner of 9th Street and 12th Avenue S.W. Like Memorial Park, the new Barb Scott Park has also been a catalyst for new condo development, including the colourful Aura I and II towers by Intergulf-Cidex directly across the street.

Future Projects

Connaught Park

The pace of the Beltline beautification program is accelerating. There are currently three projects at various stages of development — Enoch Park on Macleod Trail between 11th and 12th Avenues is under construction, the ENMAX Park on the Elbow River (part of the Stampede’s mega makeover) is in its final stages of design, as is the lawn bowling park on 11th Street at 16th Avenue S.W.

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Memorial Park, photo courtesy The Park

The Beltline is not only one of Calgary’s most attractive urban communities, but one of North America’s too. Enoch Park (City website is still calling it new East Victoria park) gets its name from the Enoch House that will be moved a few meters east into the Park allowing its former location to make way for a Canada’s first ClubSport Hotel by Marriot International. The 1905 Queen Anne home one of the few stately homes still standing in Victoria Park and built by clothing entrepreneur Enoch Sales, has seen better days. But as part of the development of a new park on Macleod Trail between 11th and 12th Avenues S.E. it will be restored and transformed into a restaurant — think Boxwood or River Café. The park will be more like a plaza with lots of linear, canopied tree plantings, informal lawn areas, criss-crossing pathways with the lots of seating — some fixed along walls and some café style with tables and moveable chairs allowing for great views of the ever-changing downtown and Beltline skyline. This park is scheduled for completion I expect by summer of 2015 (City of Calgary website says fall of 2014). The Stampede’s Master Plan has long called for the creation of a 30-acre park along the Elbow River in the northeast quadrant of the grounds from the railway bridge to right

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behind the Saddledome. Recently, ENMAX stepped forward as the naming sponsor for the park, which will be home for the new Indian Village during Stampede. During the rest of the year, the park will be open to the public and consist of two large green spaces for both passive and programmed activities, including small festivals and events. There will also be a Western Heritage Trail, an open-air museum with sculptures and self-guided history panels creating a walk through time. The park will be synergistic with the Stampede’s plans for a vibrant Youth Campus on the west side of the Elbow River. The lawn bowling park in the southwest corner of the Beltline at 16th Avenue and 11th Street S.W. is still in the final design stage. We do know that the lawn bowling facility will be moving and this will allow for a number of possible uses. An extensive community consultation process has generated copious ideas (exhibition space, skating rink, flexible seating, season vendors, urban pond, picnic area, orchard, game space and community garden) on how to make this a year-round public space. This new park could be the catalyst for the revitalization of 11th Street S.W., a street with all the ingredients to become a micro-retail/restaurant hub for those living on the west side of the Beltline. Already with a Good Earth Café, Galaxie Diner and Kalamata Grocery store, it’s got a great foundation.

Signs of Success

The “Beautification of the Beltline” initiative has been a huge success to date. Currently there are 10-plus condo projects under construction, which means potentially 15,000+ new residents in the next few years. Indeed, the Beltline is not only one of Calgary’s most attractive urban communities, but one of North America’s too. The citizen-led “Blueprint For The Beltline” vision adopted in 2003 has served the community well, especially when it come to Development Principle #37 — “In order to enhance the public realm and to encourage and complement high-quality private development, The City will continue to invest, subject to Council’s future budget deliberations, in improvements to public assets such as parks, cultural and recreational facilities, streets, boulevards, sidewalks, pathways, bikeways and lanes.” Amen! CL

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Cool city

The hottest places in Calgary to sip, eat, and be merry by Shelley Boettcher

Photos courtesy Analog

ome call it Cold-gary, but Calgary is so hot it’s cool. Calgary is a brilliant place to live if you’re a foodie. Or a theatre fan. Or a coffee junkie. Or a music lover. There’s always something interesting going on. But you may not know that yet if you have just recently moved here — and many have. According to the most recent census, our city is celebrating the arrival of more than 38,000 new Calgarians last year. And they’re all probably all wondering where to go for a night out in their new town. With that in mind, think of this as your condensed guide to some of the best places to eat, drink and be entertained in downtown Calgary. From top-notch coffee to world-class wine bars, live theatre to fancy fundraisers, we offer options for every day and occasion. Sure, our list is highly subjective — what true insider’s guide isn’t? — but no matter how you look at it, you’ll get a good idea of what makes our city so special. And if you’ve lived in Calgary for eons, well, perhaps you’ll find a few new favourites. Cool coffee shops Calgary has many outstanding coffeehouses these days. But there are, of course, a handful of standouts. Analog (740 17th Ave. S.W.) is always a fine place to watch the cars cruising the avenue, and, on a warm afternoon, is an ideal place to people-watch, too. Then there’s Caffe Rosso. The Stephen Avenue location (140 8th Ave. S.E.) is an oasis of calm in the midst of the bustling downtown. Phil & Sebastian have a few locations, but a must is the stop at 2207 4th Street S.W., where you can drink coffee prepared by some of the country’s best baristas.

Analog is always a fine place to watch the cars cruising the avenue, and, on a warm afternoon, is an ideal place to people-watch, too. CO N D O L I V I N G oc t o b e r 2 0 1 4

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Munch on Brunch Calgarians love their weekend brunch joints.

Photos courtesy Anju

Eat out One of Canada’s hottest restaurant scenes dominates much of 17th Avenue S.W. Watch the food bloggers and the tweeters photographing every dish, and check out the uber-cool hipsters showing off their latest fashions. And eat! You can’t go wrong with a meal at Anju (344 17th Ave. S.W.), a beautiful Korean tapas spot on the corner of 4th Street and 17th Ave. S.W. Try chef Roy Oh’s crispy deep-fried tofu and the braised sablefish — pure bliss. And keep in mind the word Anju means “to eat with alcohol.” Check out the wine list, or try one of the creative and delicious cocktails. If Restoration Hardware opened a restaurant, it would probably look like Model Milk (308 17th Ave. S.W.). But this eatery isn’t just a pretty face. It has some of Canada’s finest cocktails, and plenty of delicious dishes, too. Ox & Angela (528 17th Ave. S.W.) serves up authentic Spanish-style cuisine in a beautiful space. Try some pinchos — little plates of interesting appetizers — and then order the paella, the traditional Spanish rice dish that includes vegetables and chorizo sausage.

You can’t go wrong with a meal at Anju, a beautiful Korean tapas spot on the corner of 4th Street and 17th Ave S.W.

Divine wine A must for any serious wine lover, Divino Wine & Cheese Bistro (113 8th Ave. S.W.) regularly wins awards for its outstanding wine list. It’s unusual and wide-ranging, with a good selection of wines by the glass as well as large formats. The food is fantastic, too, whether you simply opt for a selection of cheeses or opt for something more substantial. A few blocks away, Vin Room Mission (2310 4th St. S.W.) has the city’s largest selection of wines by the glass, and sometimes has incredible specials, such as first-growth Bordeaux or Dom Perignon champagne by the glass. And the second-floor patio is one of the prettiest in the city every summer.

Vin Room Mission has the city’s largest selection of wines by the glass, and sometimes has incredible specials, such as first-growth Bordeaux…

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Photo courtesy Vin Room

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Scream for ice cream Billy Friley and his team at Village Ice Cream (431 10th Ave. S.E.) have redefined craft ice cream in this city. The salted caramel is legendary, and so is the toasted coconut. The place is peanut-free, and there are dairy-free flavours, too. Open winter and summer. Catch a play Calgary has myriad outstanding theatre groups, both large and small. Theatre Junction (608 1st St. S.W.) is always reliable, a place to see well-staged performances that are both well-staged and thought-provoking. We’d call it off-Broadway if it was in New York.

Social Fiction at Theatre Junction

Fun fundraiser You can go to the Glenbow Museum (130 9th Ave. S.E.) for art and history, but you can also go for one of the city’s best fundraisers-parties. Glenbow Schmancy — scheduled for Feb. 7, 2015 — has it all. Not only is it a good cause (the museum, of course), it features art, live music, topnotch food, libations and a friendly, creatively attired crowd that simply wants everyone to have a good time.

Last year’s special guest was musician-photographer Bryan Adams. The 2015 special guest hasn’t been announced as of press time, but expect someone of similar calibre. Tickets for Glenbow members go on sale in October 2014; non-members in November 2014. For more information, go to glenbow.org CL

Glenbow Schmancy. Photos courtesy Phil Crozier.

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ACOA OWNERS’ CORNER ALBERTA CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCIATION (ACOA)

Mind your Ps

The “three Ps” of condominium living

eople often ask why condominium living is getting so much attention compared to living in a single-family home. There are three key areas that make condominium living unique. The three Ps of condominium being; People, Pets and Parking! People choose condominium ownership for many reasons from starter homes to investment opportunities. People living in condominiums often have different expectations from the reasons the condominium was purchased. When one person’s financial expectation is that only the best should be selected and the other is to go with the lowest cost, differing opinions can result. Knowing that doing things right the first time saves money becomes a disputable statement when decisions involve personal money. The vast majority of people issues root down to dollars and cents. To enjoy condo living it is best to remember that your condominium fees are in fact your personal contribution toward maintaining your investment. Shop for condominiums that have realistic budgets instead of those with the lowest fees and you will have fewer surprises that require you to inject money. Pets. Now here’s a hot topic. In my 39 years in the condominium business I have concluded that people would rather part with their spouse than their pet. Bylaws vary from restricting all pets to requiring deposits for those pets who are approved. In the end very few pets are really the problem. The problems begin with pet owners who do not respect that some pets are simply not suitable to an environment

that shares common areas. Be sure to select the best pet and the best condominium by checking the bylaw and any rules or policies that the board is operating by before you move into a condominium with your best friend. The third P is Parking. Too often when people buy into a condominium they assume that the parking stall that they are provided is owned by them. That it is titled and sellable when they sell their condominium home. This is often where the parking issues arise. When buying a condominium be sure to get clarity on the type of parking you obtain. An owned parking stall will come with a title that contains your name, a legal unit number and a Unit Factor. You will receive a tax bill annually for the parking title along with the tax bill for the residence. Parking can be assigned common property where you are not able to sell or promise the stall to future buyers and the location of the stall you are parking in could be changed by a vote of the board of directors. If you have a leased parking stall you will not need to be concerned about being given a different stall, and in some cases you can transfer the stall to a future buyer. Get the facts on your parking type when you buy and keep these records for future sales. Being aware of these three P’s will give you the edge in enjoying condominium ownership. CL

This month’s article by Bernice Winters, ACCI, FCCI, President ACOA

The Alberta Condominium Owners Association (ACOA) is a non-profit

association intended to represent ALL Alberta condominium owners and give them a concerted voice in issues that affect living in a multi-family environment. Visit www.Albertacoa.com for more information and how to become a member. CO N D O L I V I N G oc t o b e r 2 0 1 4

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CONDOSCAPES By richard White

CLassy CaLLa

condo fits well with Beltline’s historical heritage

oo often Calgary’s downtown and Beltline are negatively portrayed as a jungle of concrete and glass when in reality, there are numerous parks and gardens that make it a very attractive place to live. Sometimes it takes outsiders see this. For example, Vancouver based Qualex-Landmark saw the potential to create something special on a site just east of the historic Lougheed House and Beaulieu Gardens and just a nine iron from the century old Ranchman’s Club. The result a charming condo called Calla. Located in the heart of the Beltline at 14th Avenue and 6th Street S.W., Calla is in a residential enclave with a mix of old homes, small walk-up apartments, as well as mid-rise apartments and condos. It sits on a quiet, tree-canopied street that could easily be a postcard for idyllic urban living. Its neighbour to the west is the 1891 Lougheed House christened with the regal name Beaulieu — or Beautiful Place — which inspired Calla’s design. That sandstone home was built on a 2.8-acre site on the southwest edge of downtown as a powerful symbol of Lougheed’s growing prestige and influence that would continue for the next 100 years. By the early 1900s, the estate included the residence, carriage house and stable, as well as a formal garden complete with swan sculpture fountain. Backstory, Sir James and Lady Isabella Lougheed often entertained royal guests at Beaulieu, including the Duke and Duchess of Connaught (the community around Beaulieu was named Connaught until 2003 when Connaught and Victoria Park communities merged to form the Beltline community) and

their daughter, Princess Patricia, as well as the Duke of Windsor (when he was the Prince of Wales). Beaulieu remains one of the finest and last remaining sandstone residences in Alberta. If you haven’t yet been to the Lougheed house and gardens it is a “must see.” Unlike most new Beltline condos which 18+ storeys, the 12-storey Calla fits right in with its mid-century four- to 12-storey neighbour apartment and condos. At the same time, it makes its own architectural statement, with its terraced massing (Beaulieu Gardens also are terraced), floor-to-ceiling windows and glass balconies, contrasting with the mostly brick and concrete facades of its neighbours. Vancouver’s Rafii Architects have created a chic, clean, contemporary building that adds a new dimension to the streetscape, as well as the skyline for those living in the heart of the Beltline. It even has park homes (rather than

townhomes) that open up right onto a 2.8-acre sanctuary of peace and tranquility in the middle of the Beltline. Calla is like a magnificent greenhouse, which is appropriate given it is adjacent to the beautiful historic Beaulieu Garden. The Garden is noteworthy for its plant material that is historically accurate to the 1891 to 1925 period. It is no coincidence that the condo was named after the flower Calla Lily, “calla” derived from the Greek word meaning “magnificent beauty.” Indeed, Calla serves to link the beauty and ambition of Calgary`s past to that of its future. cL

richard White is the urban strategist at Ground3 Landscape architects. he has written about urban living, urban development and urban design for 25 years. he can be followed @ everydaytourist or you can view more of his blogs, rants and essays at www.everydaytourist.ca CO N D O L I V I N G O C tO b er 2014

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Editor’s note: Readers are encouraged to ask their most confounding condo questions to our resident condo specialist: Maria Bartolotti.

ASK MARIA By maria Bartolotti

the fINe PrINt

reading the estoppel certificate saves future stress

What is an Estoppel Certificate and is it important?

The Estoppel Certificate is a very crucial document as it gives specific information about the corporation and the condo, which will assist the condo buyer in making an informed decision about purchasing into the property. An Estoppel certificate is typically issued by a condominium management company on behalf of the condominium corporation. It confirms the balance in the contributions account for a particular unit, or discloses any unpaid arrears on the account. It’s important to understand that if monthly unpaid contributions are not up-to-date, the amount belongs to the unit, not the previous owner and a buyer would be responsible for paying the outstanding amount on the account. The Estoppel Certificate will outline some of the following information. • The amount of the current or outstanding condo fees to be paid, how condo fees are to be paid and where. • The particulars of any action commenced against the corporation and served on the corporation, • Any unsatisfied judgment or order for which the corporation is liable, and any written demand made on the corporation for an amount in excess of $5,000 that, if not met, may result in an action being brought against the corporation • The particulars of or a copy of any subsisting management agreement;

• The particulars of or a copy of any subsisting recreational agreement; • The particulars of any post tensioned cables that are located anywhere on or within the property that is included in the condominium plan; • Incorporation of Bylaws • A statement setting out any structural deficiencies that the corporation has knowledge of at the time of the request in any of the buildings that are included in the condominium plan; • A copy of any lease agreement or exclusive use agreement with respect to the possession of a portion of the common property, including a parking stall or storage unit. Depending on when the requesting firm is wanting the Estoppel Certificate, it can take anywhere from 1one to five business days or two full business days (Rush) for the Estoppel Certificate to be produced. A management company will charge fees to produce the document. Do your homework and ensure you have plenty of time available to you in ordering the document. Until next time… cL

Maria bartolotti

a.C.C.I, is the ownermanager of New Concept management Inc. she has developed a strong reputation for rendering timely and eﬃcient services to the condominium industry. maria believes that her company’s success hinges on her hands-on approach to condominium management as well as maintaining open lines of communications with her clientele. maria is actively involved in her industry. for more information, visit www.newconceptmanagement.com CO N D O L I V I N G O C tO b er 2014

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HOPE AT LARGE By marty Hope

GraND eNtry

n3 marks first condo from a calgary-based developer in east village

or Knightsbridge Homes, the seeds of success were quietly planted with some eye-catching custom infill residences tucked away in established neighbourhoods more than two decades ago. Fast forward past those infills, past the countless high-end custom acreage homes and luxury condominiums to the present where the company headed up by Joe Starkman — sans his long-time partner Don MacAllister, who is easing into full retirement — is now adding his touch of colour to the changing high-rise skyline of Calgary. Oh sure, he still takes on a custom home assignment, doing something like eight to 10 residences a year, but the focus has changed and will continue to change, says Starkman, from the sales centre of the successful University City apartment condo project still punching its way through the pavement at the west end of Brentwood Village Mall. Knightsbridge has always been a niche builder. That part hasn’t changed. “We look for gaps in the market and try to fill them,” he says. University City is filling a gap — with smaller condo units and more affordable price points. “The gap we saw was a need for TOD (transit-oriented development) housing for young people close to public transit and with the amenities right close by that they were looking for,” he says by way of introduction to the recently announced two-tower project in East Village on land Knightsbridge purchased from the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC). As with U City, Knightsbridge has partnered with Toronto-based developer

Metropia to create the 300-unit project called n3 with towers fronting onto Eighth Avenue and flanking the venerable St. Louis Hotel. The monicker stands for new attitude, new vision, and new lifestyle, Starkman says. “The gap this time is Generation Y (20 to 35 years old) who want to live and work downtown — and for whom a car is not a high priority,” says Starkman, adding there are no automobile parking stalls but there are two bike parking stalls per unit. And get this! Residents in n3 receive a $500 credit and a free lifetime membership to the car2go program — as well as one European Biria bike per unit. “We gave our residents two bike stalls because many of them they will likely bring one bike with them,” adds Starkman. Designed with one- and two-bedroom units measuring 460 to 620 square feet, n3 pricing will run from $199,000 to $299,000 range. Costs were held in check because of the elimination of parking stalls that would have added an estimated $60,000 to the per-unit price. n3 is also designed with plenty of open spaces for entertaining and socializing, and each of the fully-furnished units has Wi-Fi connectivity Starkman expects to start work on n3 in the spring and to be completed a year later. The University City project will be finished in late fall of next year. “There’s lots of fun stuff happening out there,” says Starkman, who hinted that the search is on for another gap-filling project. For CMLC, n3 is the first to be done by a Calgary developer. Two earlier high-

Knightsbrigde Homes’ n3

rises are being built by Vancouver-based Embassy Bosa Inc. and Fram+Slokker of Ontario. “We are extremely excited about n3,” says Michael Brown, president and CEO of CMLC. “The East Village master plan vision places enormous emphasis on the pedestrian experience. You can see this focus demonstrated across the neighbourhood with pedestrian-only streets, pedestrian bridges, wide sidewalks and public parks designed for resting and visiting. East Village is a neighbourhood for all ages, designed to bring residents together at the street level day and night.” For information or to register for Knightsbridge’s n3 project visit www.knightsbridgehomes.com/n3 cL

Marty hope. for more than two decades marty hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout alberta, and across Canada. he was presented with the maple Leaf award from the Canadian home builders’ association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry. CO N D O L I V I N G O C tO b er 2014

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AROUND TOWN By Pepper rodriguez

musKoKa astounds in auBurn Bay

rookfield Residential is thrilled to showcase its four new Muskoka Townhomes in the award winning community of Auburn Bay. “It’s an incredible model lineup that reflects the community and will appeal to so many diverse lifestyles,” says Kelly Halliday, Sales and Marketing Manager with Brookfield Residential. Inspired by the cottage country lifestyle of Auburn Bay, Muskoka Townhomes offer customers a choice of nine floorplans, each with a distinctive look and feel, to fit their lifestyle and needs. The Indigo however, is the showstopper amongst the Ivory show home beautifully crafted homes with its modern cottage design concept, but with a ‘Canadiana’ twist. “It has the charm and ambiance that you would find in the beautiful lake district of Muskoka in Ontario mixed with the down-to-earth functionality needed in a family home,” explains Halliday. “Details such as the warm, red accents throughout the home, the Hudson Bay blankets and wood panelled feature wall, to even a hockey themed child’s bedroom; together they give this home its crimson show home Canadian-inspired décor.” Starting from the mid $200’s before GST, this 106 home development is the third multi-family development for Brookfield Residential in the four season lake community. “A lot of our buyers are attracted by the lifestyle this 43-acre lake community offers, with its added appeal of living near the new Seton Indigo show home Urban District and the South Calgary Health Campus,” adds Halliday. “Homebuyers can experience cottage lifestyle with all the convenience of city living.” The Indigo, Crimson, Ruby and Ivory are four of nine floorplans available at Muskoka, ranging in size from 720 sq. ft. to upwards of 1,400 ruby show home plus sq. ft.

cmlc oPens Pedestrian BridGe BetWeen east villaGe and inGleWood

river is a beautiful thing, and it’s not surprising that Calgary’s first neighbourhood — East Village — took root at the confluence of the Elbow and the Bow Rivers. But when it comes to moving people in and out of Calgary’s core, those same rivers pose significant obstacles. That’s why a bridge is also a beautiful thing. “A critical objective of the East Village Area Redevelopment Plan and East Village Master Plan is to integrate East Village with adjacent communities, facilities and amenities,” says Michael Brown, President & CEO, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) — the organization that’s been overseeing redevelopment of East Village since 2007. “The Elbow River Traverse is a simple, elegant pedestrian bridge that spans the Elbow River from Fort Calgary to the community of Inglewood. “For pedestrians and cyclists, it will be a key connector and safe passage between RiverWalk, Fort Calgary, East Village and the downtown core on one side of the river and, on the other side, the communities of Inglewood and Ramsay as well as Calgary’s extensive network of pedestrian and cycling pathways.” At 65 metres in length, the Elbow River Traverse is expected to accommodate 800 to 1,000 pedestrians and cyclists per day — a number certain to increase as the build-out of East Village continues.

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tHe Guardian is calGary’s tallest residential toWer

he Guardian condominium tower currently under construction in Victoria Park, officially became tallest residential tower in the city with the construction of it’s 41st level underway. The concrete structure, now at 128 metres, surpasses the previous record holder, the neighboring ArriVa tower. The Guardian will reach a final height of 147 metres (482 feet) and 44-stories later this year and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2015. The Guardian north is the first of two identical towers being constructed in The Guardian project. The second tower, also currently under construction, is slated for completion in 2016. The two towers together will house 620 residential units while the mixed-use podium will contain parking, residential amenities, neighborhood retail, and live-work units. The towers are constructed of reinforced concrete and the façade is clad with glass window walls and metal panels. The Guardian towers are located in Victoria Park, an area of Calgary that was largely dominated by warehouses and vacant lots a little over 10 years ago. The completion of the two condominium towers will add significantly to the population of neighborhood and will be a highly-visible symbol of the urban renaissance happening in Victoria Park.

tHe marK oF a Winner

ark on 10th marked the closure of its sales centre every bit as spectacular as when they opened it, by giving purchasers a chance to win some of the high-end furniture that was used to decorate the sales centre. Some $20,000 worth of their staging furniture were given away to MARK on 10th buyers during a draw marking the closing of the sales centre. “This was one of our most successful developments ever, and it just seemed right to hold a special event to say thank you,” says Parham Mahboubi, vice president, planning and marketing at Qualex Landmark, MARK on 10th’s developers. “The project sold out less than one year after construction began. This rate of absorption is uncommon in the industry, so we’re absolutely thrilled about it,” he says. It also served to whet appetite for their yet-to-be-launched Park Point two condo towers that will be located along 12th Avenue S.W., across the street from the historic Central Memorial Park. The first 34-storey high-rise will have 286 units, a mix of one- and two-bedrooms plus den and live-work townhomes that will be launched in early 2015. “The Park Point Discovery Centre is currently under construction on the north portion (Tower 2 portion) of the development site,” Mahboubi says. Park Point will mark Qualex-Landmark’s sixth residential condo tower in the heart of Calgary’s Beltline Community.

einstein renamed

ere’s a very special announcement from Providence Group — the developers of the erstwhile einstein2 condos. Here is their verbatim explanation for the change in name of their project to Victory & Venture. “We just wanted to let you all know that we will be making a name change without the live event. Unlike many of you who

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have changed your name as a result of marriage, constant teasing, continual mis-pronunciation and wanting to hide your identity, we are changing names because we screwed up. “The irony of our mess up is that the name einstein has become synonymous with smart. If you are called ‘an einstein’ it means you are of superior intelligence, except in this case — where we and our marketing partners had thought that einstein was up for grabs. However, the Hebrew University has chosen to defend their

copyright inhibiting our use of einstein. At this juncture we believe we have an opportunity to make things better. “What we like most about einstein condos is their smart design, space-savvy techniques, efficient and deliberate use of space, high-quality finishes, and inner-city locations. These things will never change and in fact have little to do with our current name. We feel that the einstein brand has limited our focus to the “intelligence” of our product, rather than the lifestyle our product encourages you to live. “For us life and the things we decide to do with our life are more important than condos. As you all know life is about Victory & Venture and we can’t wait to introduce yours to ours.” cL

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calgary map | North West, North East and Inner City MAP LEGEND

High Volume Roads Main Roads

15 4

Parks

Bodies of Water

5 18

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

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North West, North East and Inner Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;calgary 17

map

Inner City

9 16

11 13 18 7

12 15

North West | North East Projects 1 2

Viridian Arrive at SkyView Ranch Arbours

Landings at Cougar Ridge

Sonoma at Sage Hill Panorama West Kincora Summit Emerald Sky Albert Park Station 43 Park The Post

5 6 7 8 9 10

Inner City Projects 1

11 LiFTT

12 Groves of Varsity 13 Villas at Watermark

14 STEPS Bridgeland 15 Sage Place

16 Bridgeland Crossings 17 University City

18 Willow at Sherwood 19 Victory and Venture

20 Arrive at Redstone 21 Avira

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Vogue The Concord Avenue West End VEN Smith Drake The Park LIDO Riverfront Pointe Waterfront 6th and Tenth Mission 34 The Guardian South Verve District Evolution Kensington The Orchard on Twelfth

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increase your advertising visibility take advantage of premium positions contact:

Heather Dougall 403.532.3101 heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca

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calgary map | South West, South East and Calgary Area

24 10 12

29 4

31 25

AIRDRIE

MAP LEGEND High Volume Roads Main Roads

5 7 9

Parks Bodies of Water

6 4

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

3 2

COCHRANE

1 1

CHESTERMERE

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OKOTOKS

South West, South East and Calgary Area | calgary 1 ZEN Auburn Bay 2 Ebony 3 The Gates 4 GLAS 5 Harvest Mosaic 6 Legacy Gate 7 Stonecroft Auburn Bay 8 Juno 9 Canoe

10 The District 11 Champagne

12 tela 13 Aura in Copperfield

Airdrie

11 3

16 Sobow 17 Chalet No 4 & No 5 18 Stonecroft at

Copperfield

19 Cranston Place 20 Bristol Townhomes 21 Sawyer Silverado 22 Boulevard Townes

27 Copperfield Park II & III

28 Cranston Ridge 29 The Alexander

30 Valmont at Aspen Stone 31 THERIVER 32 MidCity

of Quarry Park Auburn Bay

Cochrane 1 Riviera Riversong

2 Windsong 3 Creekside Village 4 Waterscape at

2 Jumping Pound 3 4 5 6 7 9

25 Mission34 26 Mosaic Riverstone

23 Side by Side

24 The Block

14 Auburn Walk 15 Hunter House

1 The Edge

Cooper’s Crossing 5 Stone Keep at King’s Heights 6 Ravenswood Townhomes

map

Townhomes Stonecreek Landing Trading Post The Village Townhomes in Sunset Ridge Heartland RiverReach The Range

CHESTERMERE 1 The Courtyards in

Chestermere

2 Townhomes of

Chestermere Station

Okotoks 1 ZEN Okotoks

13 17 32

18 27

9 19

28 26 14 6

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ADVERTISERS INDEXâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Alex Assured Communities page 6

Copperfield Park III Brad Remington Homes FC, pages 103 & 108

ARRIVE Partners Development page 88

Evolution Embassy/Bosa page 5

Aura Aldebaran Enterprises page 43

GLAS Avalon Master Builder pages 44 & 59

Avenue West Grosvenor page 81

Guardian Hon Developments pages 2 & 42

Avid Ratings page 54

Homes by Avi page 94

Smith Grosvenor page 49

Birchwood page 69

Hunter House Streetside Developments pages 82 & 105

SoBow M2i pages 23 & 99

Kensington Bucci page 30

Stonecroft pages 86-87

Canoe Avi Urban page 73 Cardel Lifestyles page 9 Carlisle Group pages 24-25 Champagne Remington Development Corp., page 11

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Kincora Summit Cove Properties page 19 Lido Battistella page 38 LiFTT Vericon page 65

Market Place Events page 58 Mid City Alture Properties page 4 Morena West Rockford page 53 Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 74

Tela Cdh developments page 17 The Armory Cove Properties page 18 The Gates Remington Development Corp., page 96

The Groves of Varsity Statesman page 75

Village Walk (Victoria) Abstract Developments page 48

The Landing at Rocky Ridge Swan Group page 104

Villas at Watermark Macdonald Developments page 80

The Orchard Lamb Development Corp., page 29

Viridian Trico page 80

The River page 107

Vogue La Caille page 79

The Whitney in Fireside Landmark Homes page 29

Waterfront Anthem Properties page 3

Valmont Riverbend Developments page 67

Willow Avi Urban page 38

Vantage Fireside Calbridge page 92

Zen, Okotoks Avalon Master Builder page 90

Verve Fram/Slokker Developments pages 36-37 Victory and Venture Providence page 68

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Feature | tales from the condo zone

Got an interesting Condo Tale to tell? Email us at jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

Skunk wars StOry by jIM zANg ILLUStrAtION by LAMA AzhArI

o I’m sitting on the front porch of my semi-detached condo, a bungalow in an adult villa community near the edge of town, reading a book, minding my own business. My wife’s out for coffee with a friend and it’s a beautiful summer evening so I decide to sit outside for a while. In front, where there’s cars and people going by, not in back (which faces west) where I do my serious sun bathing. Anyways, I’m sitting on a chair at our little bistro set when I hear a scuﬄing, scratching noise to my right. The neighbours always let their cat run free, which is fine by me, so I look up expecting to see Felix. It’s not Felix. It’s Pepé. As in Le Pew. Because Felix is not black with a white racing stripe down his back. not only is it Pepé and not Felix, but I’m staring right down the business end, if you know what I mean. Careful not to make any sudden movements or sounds, other than my heart beating outside my chest, I watched Mr. Skunk slink under the neighbour’s concrete front porch. And I swear he gave me a look of condescension over his shoulder, the stink eye, if you will, as if to say “go ahead, make my day”. Sort of a Clint Eastwood of skunks. That’s what I’m up against, this isn’t going to be easy. My wife grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan and knows all about skunks, rats, bats, raccoons, weasels and all kinds of vermin. Sounds like a great place. She says skunks don’t like the smell of ammonia and to put that around the entrance to their den. Sounds good to me, I think, and start loading up on fluids, namely Coors Light, in hopes of getting the old ammonia factory working. I’m well into my fourth beer when the wife asks when I’m going to start going after the skunk. “I’m getting ready right now,” I say, “just loading up before I go out and mark our territory.” What she said next can’t be printed in this magazine, but suffice it to say I got a jug of ammonia out of the cleaning supply closet, soaked a rag, stuck it on the end of a hockey stick and stuffed into the den opening. As Bill Murray,

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AKA Carl the greenskeeper in the classic move Caddyshack, would have said, “Take that, varmint!” The next night I’m out there again, on skunk patrol. At 9 p.m., like clockwork, I see some movement, a flash of white tail, at the den entrance, then nothing. next thing I know, I see the little stinker waddling across the neighbour’s driveway and across the road into someone’s yard. Having waited until I’m sure he’s not coming back — I may be a city boy, but I’m not stupid — I walk over and, sure enough, there’s another exit. There’s a tunnel running the entire width of the driveway over to the porch. Time to call in some help. My wife tries the City, but they say they just do pets, not wild animals, and to try a pest control company or exterminator. “Ooh yes,” I think to myself, “Clint Eastwood the skunk versus Billy The Exterminator. This is going to be good.” Just one problem, Billy charges upwards of $200 to trap a skunk. And, well, after all, it is on our neighbours property, not ours. So maybe it’s not worth a couple hundred bucks to me. Besides, I’ve got another plan. “Honey,” I call. “Where are those fireworks I bought at the gas station in Grindrod on our way home from Kelowna?” cL

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