New Home Living - February 2015 by Source Media Group

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 110 n FEBRUARY 2015

contents

12 COVER FEATURE

Luxury by the riverside Calbridge Homes’ Villas of Riverstone oﬀers a rich and satisfying lifestyle

NEWS

Carson Arthur comes to town HGTV backyard expert among headliners at Calgary Home + Garden Show

PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9

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contents

FOCUS ON

10 Chopped up

New cutting boards are as essential as they are stylish

SHOW HOME PROFILES

16 Orion’s star

Shane Homes’ latest shines with family-friendly functionality

22 A personalized fit

Stepper Custom Homes brings new level of personalization in estate living

COMMUNITY PROFILE

28 Mythical style

Nolan Hill brings Old World charm and modern amenities to north

FEATURE

32 Hockey legends battle Alzheimer’s

NHL Alumni, Calgary corporations team-up to raise Alzheimer awareness, funds

STYLE

41 Resplendent retreat

COLUMNS

Bring a personal touch to your stylish sanctuary

47 Around Town 54 Hope at Large

SHOPPING

44 Sharper designs

The utilitarian kitchen knife has come a long way

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ITEMS

8 Editor’s Message 48 Maps 52 Advertiser Index

editor’s message

Spring afoot

PUBLISHER |

It’s no secret; I’m a big fan of the home show experience, and people can readily see me at the Source Media Group booth at all the Calgary events. I love the energy of these shows, connecting with people — including readers — and finding out some of the best products for the industry, which I can then talk about in the magazine. But why I love it really is that they’re a reminder that spring — and warmer weather — is on the way. This month, we have complete coverage of the upcoming Calgary Home + Garden Show at the BMO Centre at the Stampede Grounds, and I can’t wait to go to see all the new lawn design ideas they will have at this garden-centric show (believe me, my lawn needs all the help it can get). The backyard is never going to be a problem when you live in the Villas of Riverstone. The Calbridge Homes’ development in this southeast riverside enclave is our cover feature this issue, and the lowmaintenance lifestyle they have is just a small part of the total luxury package they offer. Anyway, what more can be as luxurious as living on the fringe of Fish Creek Park with unobstructed views of the gently flowing Bow River from your bedside — or living room, or deck or kitchen? We also shine the spotlight on Stepper Homes’ new Hampton show home in Kinniburgh South in Chestermere, and Shane Homes’ Orion II in Airdrie’s King’s Heights. Both are in booming new communities just outside of Calgary, and come complete with a design finesse that fits a family lifestyle. We also take a peek to see what is going on in United Communities’ Nolan Hill in the northwest and see the progress that this Old World-themed neighbourhood is enjoying. David Crosson gives us some design tips on master bedroom in his STYLE column, and Kathy McCormick tells us the best knives to have handy in her Shopping feature. We complement this nicely with a cutting board photo essay in Aaliya Essa’s Focus On. A couple of months into 2015, and I’d say things continue to look up for the home building industry — despite the gloomy forecasts the declining oil prices have brought. We’ll talk about this more when we do our market outlook feature next month. Stick around.

Source Media Group

info@sourcemediagroup.ca A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R |

Jim Zang

jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca 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 P R O D U C T I O N A D M I N I S T R AT O R |

Colleen Leier

colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL

David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick ADVERTISING SALES |

Cindy Marks

cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING

accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY

Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA

©2015 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area. New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. New Home Living® is a registered Trademark the property of SOURCE MEDIA GROUP CORP. Reg. CIPO TMA 693289. Source Media Group, 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9. T: 403.532.3101, F: 403.532.3109, TF: 1.888.932.3101 E: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca

NEXT MONTH:

David Crosson reports on latest trends from the Toronto International Design Show

@CalgaryNewHomes

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NewHomeLivingCalgary

focus on

Chopped New cutting boards are as essential as they are stylish n BY

Aaliya Essa

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n focus

up A NECESSARY ITEM in every kitchen, cutting boards don’t have to be the same boring wood block, now you have the choice of a variety of options. There are the traditional wooden ones, though why not try a new shape, or perhaps colouring to the stain. There are even fancy marble blocks to choose from, that will stand out instead of just blend in. The choice is yours, have some fun with it. NL

1] Jelli® Green Nonslip Reversible Cutting Board, $17.95 at Crate and Barrel. 2] White Marble 12-Inch x 18-Inch Cutting Board, $24.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. 3] End Grain Cutting Board, $169.95 at Crate and Barrel. 4] J.K. Adams Maple Rooster Cutting Board, $34.95 at Williams-Sonoma. 5] Dexas® Pepper Cutting and Serving Board, $13,99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. 6] Madeira Teak End-Grain Carving Board, $59.95 at Williams-Sonoma. 7] Australian Big Chop Round Cutting Board, $129.95 at Williams-Sonoma. 8] Totally Bamboo Apple Cutting/Serving Board, $22.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. 9] April Morse’s Bottle-Shaped End Grain Cutting Board, $179.95 at Williams-Sonoma. 10] Epicurean® Natural Dishwasher-Safe Pig Board, $39.95 at Crate and Barrel.

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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

LUXURY BY THE

RIVERSIDE Calbridge Homes’ Villas of Riverstone offers a rich and satisfying lifestyle

uxury can be measured in different ways. It can be about the grand size of a home, its opulent finish, or it can be the easy living lifestyle. However you define luxury, it can be found in abundance in Calbridge Homes’ Villas of Riverstone. This is luxury living at its very best, with double-garage, two-level villas in the most pristine location by the banks of the Bow River, which gives owners a multi-million-dollar view at a price tag that’s not nearly as much.

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“Riverstone is a true destination community, where people can enjoy themselves,” says Calbridge Homes’ director of marketing, Dan Hippe. And he’s not kidding. This riverside enclave that is part of Brookfield Residential’s Cranston community in the southeast sits on the very edge of Fish Creek park — the largest urban park in North America — and just steps from some of the best fly fishing spots in southern Alberta on the Bow River. It has world-class amenities surrounding it — like the Seton commercial centre and the South Calgary Health Campus hospital right at the entrance to the community — but the Villas of Riverstone are far enough away from the tumult that it really is a world of its own. “We knew this was the perfect spot for our villas,” Hippe says, and Calbridge Homes has the experience to make it work. “We’ve been building villas in Calgary since 1976, and we can say that everything we’ve learned in that time has been put into play in the Villas of Riverstone.” The Villas of Riverstone will have 38 homes, most will be attached villas with developed

| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

Sapphire show home

lower levels, double attached garages and with a large number of villas offering walk-outs facing the gorgeous vistas of the Bow River and Fish Creek Park. The low-maintenance living is made possible through the Villas of Riverstone’s condominium arrangement, and fits the snowbird lifestyle of their demographic. “Our buyers tend to be downsizers scaling down from their existing homes to simplify their lives. But they don’t want to give up the luxury they’ve been accustomed to and they still want the room for kids and their grandkids to stay for a visit,” says area manager Jerry Miller. “The Villas of Riverstone fits their needs to a ‘T’”. Villas, however, have been rare in Calgary, and of the few that can be found, there is nothing that can match what Villas of Riverstone offers — not only in the design and standard appointments they come with, but the price and lifestyle it brings. Three villa models are available: The Sapphire (2,834 squarefeet), The Silverstone (2,916 square-feet) and The Sunstone (2,562 square-feet). Since they all come with developed lower levels, and all can be made into three-bedroom, two-anda-half bath homes with plenty of options available to fit the buyers’ lifestyle. All three models have show homes where visitors can experience the exquisite lifestyle offered here. Two unique single-family homes are also available within the Villas of Riverstone complex. They are more traditional two-storey homes from 2,562 square-feet, but they will still be part of the condo corporation. The Sapphire and Silverton come with soaring 10-foot ceilings throughout, with 11-foot raised great room ceiling. The great room features expansive windows for sun-splashed living.

Sapphire show home

The Villas of Riverstone will have 38 homes, most will be attached villas with developed lower levels, double attached garages and with a large number of villas offering walk-outs facing the gorgeous vistas of the Bow River and Fish Creek Park.

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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

“With a wide selection of high end finishings, the buyer can customize their home to their own personal style, with all the luxury they have become accustomed to.”

Sunstone show home

Silverton show home

Executive élan is displayed in the kitchen with granite countertops, stateof-the-art appliances and walk-through pantry. They both come with hardwood flooring in the great room, dining room and kitchen. While the private master suite features a rejuvenating ensuite with corner soaker tub, dual sinks, tiled shower with bench and private water closet. The Sunstone has most of the same features except ceilings are about a foot shorter. It also has an option for lower level developments that includes a choice of walk-up or walk-behind bar. Prices start from the $790,000s, and Hippe says the show homes are a true representation of what you get when you buy at Villas of Riverstone. “With a wide selection of high end finishings, the buyer can customize their home to their own personal style, with all of the luxury they have become accustomed to” he points out. “We make it easy on the buyers with our Easy Design program,” Miller adds. “At this stage in their life, they don’t want to be too stressed about finding which hardwood matches their granite and such, so we made the process easy for them to go through.” Buyers also get the peace-of-mind living in a master-planned community brings, and Brookfield had so designed Riverstone that it was untouched by the historic flooding of 2013. But the luxury that the Villas of Riverstone truly represent is the luxury of living with like-minded neighbours, many of whom will be in the same life stage. “Living in the Villas of Riverstone, our buyers are assured that they can enjoy their peaceful sunset years in relative peace and quiet with fantastic natural views and still be within city limits,” Hippe says. n

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Sunstone show home

FAST FACTS: DEVELOPMENT: The Villas of Riverstone COMMUNITY: Riverstone at Cranston DEVELOPER: Brookfield Residential BUILDER: Calbridge Homes STYLE: Two-level villas with double attached garages (two single-family models are also available) SIZE: From 2,562 sq. ft. PRICE: From the $790,000s ADDRESS: 4 Cranbrook Landing S.E. DIRECTIONS: South on Deerfoot Trail, exit on Cranston Ave. and follow the signs HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.calbridgehomes.com

show home profile n Shane Homes

Orion’s star Shane Homes’ latest shines with family-friendly functionality n WRITTEN BY

Pepper Rodriguez

IT TAKES A SPECIAL skill to design a home with an open concept, and Shane Homes displays its acuity in this contemporary style with floor plans that make the most sense for families. The open concept can be an unwieldy design in the wrong hands, resulting in unbalanced spaces. But Shane Homes has mastered the concept and the results can be seen in their line of single-family homes, and their new Orion II show home in King’s Heights is one of its best examples. The main floor of this 2,010-square-foot home is a seamless flow of functionality and practicality, though style is never far behind. The Orion II — a new design in Airdrie’s King’s Heights community — has proven especially attractive to families, says Shane Homes area manager, Satwinder Notay. “They love the flow of the design, how the kitchen, living room and dining area are integrated into one space that’s great for entertaining with lots of guests, but retains its intimacy when it’s just the family,” she tells New Home Living. This double-attached garage, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home has everything a growing family needs. A bonus room upstairs, which can serve as an informal gathering place for families; a study room on the main floor that can be turned into a den, library or office; and upstairs laundry, which has been on the top of the buyers’ wish list for today’s homes. But more importantly is its enviable affordability in King’s Heights. The Orion II can be built starting from 1,947 square-feet from the low $500,000s including GST, which Notay says is a fraction of what it goes for in Calgary. “Young families are choosing Airdrie to raise their kids, because you can truly have a satisfying life here, where you can live, play and work without having to go to Calgary.” The Orion II’s full potentials are expertly shown in the show home, which was filled out to 2,010 square-feet and can be built from the mid $500,000s including GST in King’s Heights. “The Orion II can be built on a lot backing onto a scenic pond in King’s Heights for the same price you get to build one on a regular lot in Calgary,” Notay says.

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ABOVE The expertly laid out open concept design of Orion II effortlessly blends the main floor elements into a cohesive whole. The tile and carpet flooring (a standard feature) pulls the design together, and the cantilevered gas fireplace provides a stylish focal point.

LEFT The family-friendly nature of King’s Heights is captured by Orion II’s stylish façade and its pitched rooflines and stone detail gives it a distinctive curb appeal. “King’s Heights is the perfect neighbourhood for young families with all its surrounding amenities, including nearby schools and plenty of parks, and of course, its affordability,” Notay says.

LEFT The bonus room upstairs at the far end of the home is a quiet, contemplative space big enough for a sectional sofa, bookcases and entertainment units that create the perfect informal setting where a family and their friends can gather. High ceilings and big windows complement its welcoming appeal.

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show home profile n Shane Homes

LEFT The Orion II show home kicked up the luxury factor of the master ensuite with a corner soaker tub, dual vanities with granite countertops and a glass shower stall. The walk-in closet is wide enough to accommodate separate his-and-her wings.

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fast facts BUILDER: Shane Homes COMMUNITY: King’s Heights, Airdrie DEVELOPER: Melcor STYLE: Two-storey move-up homes with attached double garage SIZE: Orion II starts at 1,947 sq. ft. PRICE: Orion II is from the low $500,000s, but other models are from the upper $400,000s including GST ADDRESS: 330 King’s Heights Dr. S.E., Airdrie DIRECTIONS: North on Deerfoot Tr., turn right on Yankee Valley Rd., turn right on Kingsview Blvd. S.E. and take the first left onto King’s Heights Blvd. and follow the signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.shanehomes.com

OPPOSITE PAGE The nine-foot ceilings of the main floor add to the elegance of the kitchen and dining spaces. The tile flooring — surprisingly warm underfoot — and the granite countertops bring the bling, while the central island and the spacious corner pantry add a sophisticated sense of functionality. NL

RIGHT The study is a terrific option that can be personalized to suit the family’s needs. “From the exterior to the interior, Orion II has an unmistakable estate-feel and a floor plan families will fall in love with,” Notay says.

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Stepper Homes n show home profile

A personalized fit Stepper Custom Homes brings new level of personalization in estate living n WRITTEN BY

Pepper Rodriguez

YOU DON’T HAVE to spend millions of dollars to live in an estate home that’s personalized to suit your specific needs. Stepper Custom Homes has been saying that for years, and they show the ease they can build a home with built-in personality in their new Hampton show home in Chestermere’s Kinniburgh South community. The Hampton is a 2,762-square-foot home, the latest in Stepper’s long line of head-turning estate models and the show home in the booming new community in Chestermere will have a grand opening on March 15. But interested parties can actually see it now. And there is so much to see. The four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home with oversized double attached garage is everything a family will come to appreciate — especially so if you have a big family. “We see this demographic of extended families and multi-generational families living under one roof happening in all areas of the city, and Hampton is a perfect fit for their needs,” says area sales manager Corri-Lynn Deitsch. “And with the developed basement they can even add more rooms to suit their needs.” The Hampton show home itself has all the makings of a stunning show home that you can expect from Stepper. The wide-plank walnut hardwood in pre-finished matte covers the entire main floor and combines well with the high-end quartz countertops in the kitchen to create a stately appeal. The 10-foot ceiling and oversized windows bring an enviable feeling of spaciousness enhanced by the plentiful amount of natural light it allows. “The best part of it is that Stepper Custom Homes lets buyers personalize the design as much as they want to suit their needs,” she says. There are at least 13 options of what you can do with the Hampton to fit your lifestyle. It’s pretty much like building your own custom home, Deitsch says, and at a fraction of the cost. Building a Hampton similar to the show home with the basement development will be in the mid $700,000s, but it can start from the mid $600,000s.

OPPOSITE PAGE The high ceilings, the oversized windows combine with the exquisite finish to bring Hampton an executive air. The decorative coffered walls and the cozy looking fireplace with stainless steel mosaic tile facing add a sense of welcoming warmth.

LEFT Hampton’s Craftsman elevation fits well with the family-friendly environs of Kinniburgh South. But its appeal extends to the community itself. “Kinniburgh South is getting so much attention from families because of the new K-9 school that has just opened, and is just steps from our show home,” Deitsch points out.

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show home profile

Stepper Homes

fast facts BUILDER: Stepper Custom Homes COMMUNITY: Kinniburgh South DEVELOPER: Kinniburgh South Ltd. Partnership STYLE: Four-bedroom, oversized attached double-garage estate home MODEL: Kinniburgh South BELOW The developed lower level shows the full potential of Hampton and features its own bedroom and full bath along with entertainment space and wet bar. “Stepper makes it easy for buyers to have this extra space developed, and definitely less expensive and less troublesome than having this done after moving in,” Deitsch says.

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SIZE: 2,762 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts from the mid $600,000s ADDRESS: 205 Sandpiper Blvd., Chestermere DIRECTIONS: East on 17th Ave., right on East Chestermere Dr., turn to East Lakeview Rd and follow the signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.stepperhomes.com

ABOVE The heavenly confines of the master ensuite are an example of the exacting workmanship of Stepper Custom Homes. Notice the full height mirror with the vanity light fixtures inset. The stand-alone tub, the tile floor and spacious glass shower stall make it an irresistible sanctuary.

LEFT The master bedroom isn’t any ordinary room, and Stepper bumped up the design factor with high, coffered ceilings, big windows and pot lights to give it a boutique hotel feel. NL

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community profile n Nolan Hill

Mythical style Nolan Hill brings Old World charm and modern amenities to north

n WRITTEN BY

T H E R E ’ S S O M E T H I N G Q U I T E mythical about it. The undulating grasslands, the pristine rolling hills along Calgary’s northwest corridor lend much of Nolan Hill’s engaging character, but this United Communities development offers more than that. “Old world charm and modern living come together to create an Irish theme in Nolan Hill,” says Steve LePan, Marketing Director for United Communities. “The castle ruins, rolling hills and architecture that focuses on stonework and deep rich colours all create a stunning sense of arrival and a place residents are happy to call home.” Developed by United Communities, the northwest enclave has a solid character and sense of community, beginning with its signature Celtic-styled, castle-ruin stone architectural features. Very cool, and certainly not found in other communities. And, of course, there’s the location. For the wise man builds his castle on a hill. In fact, in Nolan Hill, many people are. “Nolan Hill has a distinct character and charm that’s reflected in the lifestyle as well,” says LePan. Abundant green space encourages active outdoor living, while home builder and design options guarantee life is as good indoors as out.

The northwest enclave has a solid character and sense of community, beginning with its signature Celtic-styled, castle-ruin stone architectural features. 28 | NE W HOME LIVING

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Aaliya Essa

Nolan Hill is spread across 500 rolling acres, including a ravine, pathway system, parks and playgrounds. There’s a great space for every member of the family to enjoy, whether it’s the children playing at the park, or the entire family taking a stroll, or riding a bike through the greater network of community paths in the area. Amenities such as the Symons Valley Ranch Market are now open, with over 40 local vendors. “This is an unbelievable amenity to have in the suburbs,” says LePan. “And within walking distance to Nolan Hill!” The Market also has family-friendly activities scheduled throughout the year, making it a great meeting place for people from the surrounding communities — not to mention an ideal place to buy fresh produce. With easy access to Nolan Hill from both Sarcee Trail and Shaganappi Trail, residents have a multitude of amenities literally within a few minutes drive. Like Beacon Hill Shopping Centre, located a mere kilometre south of the community. This shopping hub includes anchors such as Costco, Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Shopper’s Drug Mart and so much more. In addition to its charming character and great location, Nolan Hill was designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers. There are many different styles and sizes of homes available in Nolan Hill, including new multi-family townhome options by Avi Urban in The Post project, Trinity townhomes built by Jayman Modus (move in now!), Sonoma at Nolan Hill townhomes by Morrison Homes, Urbana street towns by Creations

n community

by Shane Homes, and Nolan Park by Cardel Lifestyles. Single-family homebuilders include respected names like Trico Homes, Homes by Avi, Shane Homes, Morrison Homes and Sterling Homes — all award-winning builders. There are starter homes, move-up homes, and estate style homes here, providing a great opportunity for buyers with any lifestyle or budget. Townhome sizes start at just under 1,200 square-feet, while the estate homes are more than double that size, at 2,500-plus square-feet. Prices range from the $320,000s for the townhomes to the $380,000s for a laned-home, the $400,000s for a front garage home all the way up to the $600,000 and $700,000s for an estate style walkout backing onto the ravine. Presently selling in newly released phases seven and eight, builders offer lots that range from 29 to 36-foot frontage. Homes are also available in Phases three, five, and eleven. “Nolan Hill is now one of the fastest selling communities in the city with nearly 400 homes sold in 2014,” says LePan noting there will be a total community population of about 8,000 after build-out. When you add it all up, it’s no wonder the community is proving so popular, with prospective first time buyers especially. And it should be no surprise, as United Communities has been developing some of Calgary’s favourite neighbourhoods for more than 27 years, including Sage Hill, right next door to Nolan Hill. Their corporate philosophy is simple: build communities that lead by example, that are focused around buyers wants and needs, and add value to people’s lives. Nolan Hill is the classic example of their philosophy and innovation coming together to combine old world charm with new world luxury and amenities. It’s a creative approach to designing ‘people-friendly’ neighbourhoods that’s obviously working. NL

profile

fast facts COMMUNITY: Nolan Hill DEVELOPER: United Communities BUILDERS: Multi-family — Avi Urban, Jayman Modus, Morrison Homes, Creations by Shane Homes Single-family — Shane Homes, Sterling Homes, Trico Homes, Homes by Avi and Morrison Homes.. PRICES: Multi-family from the mid $320,000s, Laned homes are from the $380,000s and front attached garage homes from the $400,000s to the $800,000s DIRECTIONS: Take Sarcee Trail north from Stoney Trail and follow the signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays 12 to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.nolanhillunited.com

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feature n

Hockey legends battle Alzheimer’s NHL Alumni, Calgary corporations team-up to raise Alzheimer awareness, funds n WRITTEN BY

Gordie Howe drops the puck at the 2014 event.

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Pepper Rodriguez

ealizing the dream of playing in the NHL is the dream of a majority of Canadians, but only a select few get to achieve the goal. But the dream never dies. Now, hockey fans get the chance to live a version of this dream by getting to play with some of their NHL heroes at the annual Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. (Centre for Alzheimer’s Research and Education Society) Pro-Am Hockey Tournament. The event not only allows anyone to play alongside some of the game’s biggest legends, but more importantly, they are supporting a very worthy cause. The world-class event returns to Calgary on April 17-19, and will put together weekend hockey warriors with their heroes from the NHL Alumni in a fun filled weekend focused on raising funds to support Alzheimer’s education and research. “This is the most fun, fan-immersive experience anyone can get — and it’s all for a good cause,” Perry Berezan, NHL Alumni and committee organizer tells New Home Living. “You get to not just play with former NHL players, you get to hang out with them for the whole weekend.” To be eligible to play in the 2015 Calgary Pro-Am Hockey tournament, teams must raise a combined minimum of $25,000 through

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individual and/or corporate donations. Teams raising the most money get the opportunity to draft higher in the Alumni draft. Corporate Calgary has responded to the call, and there are 22 teams already in this year’s tournament, including representatives from Calgary’s oil-and-gas and homebuilding industries. 18 teams participated last year raising over $1 million. “Those three-days you get to spend among the NHL players were the most fun I’ve had in a long time, you didn’t want it to end,” says Jeff Foster of Bonnetts Energy Corp. who has participated in this Pro Am tournament for the past five years (the last three years as a player). Allan Klassen, president and managing partner at ALBI Homes, and Chair for both the Gordie Howe Pro Am and Gordie Howe C.AR.E.S says the experience is unlike anything else. “It’s a treat skating with the likes of Lanny McDonald, Theo Fleury, Gary Roberts and the list goes on and on. The fun on the ice is almost secondary to the fun and stories in the dressing room. For two days you are treated like an NHL star with all the frills, creating lifelong experiences,” he says. His team, the ALBI All-Stars, currently leads the 2015 fundraising race with lots of time until puck drop.

Klassen has been involved with the Calgary event (similar tournaments are held in Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver) since the beginning. He says that at the start what lured him to participate was simply his passion for the game. But when his dad was diagnosed with Alzehimer’s, Klassen’s involvement with the Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. program became more personal. “When I first joined I had no connection to dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any related disease. But within two months of the first tournament back in 2010, my dad was diagnosed with dementia. So for the next 18 months I got to see firsthand how this terrible disease impacted not only my father, who would pass away 18 months later, but … our entire family. I saw how those effected change whether it was from memory loss or behavioural change, and it is devastating as you see someone who you have known and loved become a very different person.”

Foster — who handles sponsor relations for the program — has a similar story. “This event isn’t just fun, it’s really close to my heart,” he adds. Foster’s mom passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. “I know what the disease does to people, and to the people who take care of them, and I realize the importance of events such as this. To me, it’s really not just a game.” The event itself is named after NHL legend Gordie Howe, whose wife, Colleen, died in 2009 of Picks Disease, a form of Alzheimers, and Gordie himself suffers from Dementia. No wonder it hasn’t been difficult to enlist the help of former NHLers to this cause. In the past, NHL Alumni such as Guy Carbonneau, Russ Courtnall, Curtis Joseph, Claude Lemieux, Lanny McDonald, Gary Roberts and Bryan Trottier have participated in the three-day event in Calgary. Berezan says there is no shortage of former NHL players who want to sign up. “Every year, I have to turn former players away, because you can only have so much at each tournament,” he says. The NHL Alumni line-up for this year’s tournament will be announced in February. “We see how important it is to support this cause, especially now that we see what the impact of repeated concussions is in sports,” Berezan says. “I am extremely passionate about this cause, as are most former players, and the event does offer immediate tangible results.” All proceeds to date have gone towards furthering the research and awareness of what many believe to be Canada’s future largest epidemic, Alzheimer’s, dementia and related mental illnesses. All future funds will go towards programs, education, training, research and care for

feature

A stellar lineup of former NHL stars take part every year.

Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. not only alows anyone to play alongside some of the game’s biggest legends, they also get to support a very worthy cause. FEBRUARY 2015 NE W HOME LIVING

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Current numbers suggest that over 40,000 people in Alberta suffer from some form of dementia and the numbers will continue to grow. Given these alarming statistics, Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S will be well positioned to support this ever-increasing population. those suffering with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. Current numbers suggest that over 40,000 people in Alberta suffer from some form of dementia and the numbers will continue to grow. Given these alarming statistics, Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S will be well positioned to support this ever-increasing population. This initiative will be focused on Calgary and surrounding area. Some of the funds raised will go towards the further development of the Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S that will focus on enhancing the education, research and community support to Southern Alberta. The GH C.AR.E.S will be hosted in the brand new stateof the-art seniors community, Fish Creek Manor Village overlooking Fish Creek Provincial Park. This facility will have both Independent and Assisted Living, in addition to specialized memory care neighborhoods and is anticipated to open in 2016. C.A.R.E.S. will provide much needed educational and research opportunities, as well as a dementia day support program offered to the public. Berezan says it is perfectly fitting that the event — which serves to build lifelong memories — is fighting a disease that takes these away “Our memories make us who we are, Alzheimer’s takes that away.” NL

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Lanny McDonald, Colin Patterson and Gary Roberts.

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Carson Arthur comes to town HGTV backyard expert among headliners at Calgary Home + Garden Show

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Pepper Rodriguez

he weather outside may be frightful right now — we are still in the dead of winter — but it’s really never too early to be inspired by new ideas to make your lawn the best in the neighbourhood for the spring to come. For those of you who can’t wait to get your green thumbs dirty, you’re in luck. The Calgary Home + Garden show is bringing HGTV’s landscaping expert Carson Arthur to the city’s premier home improvement event this year. This will be the first time that the co-star of HGTV’s Critical Listing program will be appearing at the Home + Garden show that will run at the BMO Centre and Corral at the Stampede grounds from February 26 to March 1, 2015. Arthur has become a voice of environmentally friendly landscape design on a global scale. By addressing outdoor challenges with a keen sense of style and a passion for eco-consciousness, Arthur continues to reinvent the definition of gardening. “While this may be my first time at the Calgary Home + Garden Show, it feels like I’m coming home every time I visit,” he tells New Home Living. “I’m excited to help Calgarians reach the true potential in their outdoor spaces.” Arthur’s signature landscaping flair has a way of connecting to the personality of his clients while taking into account the weather elements that affect the outdoor space. “The toughest parts of my job are the elements,” he says. “There’s nowhere to hide from the cold, wet, sun, hail, wind… you name it!” Critical Listing is Carson’s third TV series, in addition to regular guest spots on Canadian and U.S. daytime and talk shows. “I’m always trying to create outdoor spaces that find the balance between what a homeowner wants and what is best for the space itself. Too often we make choices for our yards that are not good for the planet. Creating that synergy and harmony is what motivates me. Small spaces are often under-estimated. I love the challenge of making the most of every square inch in an outdoor space.” Carson has a true desire to help homeowners at a critical juncture of selling their current home for maximum dollars to seal the deal on their new one. With pinpoint accuracy Carson finds landscape and planting solutions that entice potential buyers up the driveway and through the front door. “It’s not about throwing money at a problem,” says Carson. “It’s about where dollars are best spent to get the most value!” The Ontario-based landscaper got his big break on TV in 2002 when he was working behind the scenes of a national garden call-in show. “The producer scooped me up to host my first series ‘Room to Grow’ not long after that and I’ve never looked back. While Canadians outdoor tastes have changed

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from perennial gardens to outdoor kitchens… their desire to learn and do more hasn’t,” he says. “My presentations are all about the value of landscaping to your home. We have new facts and figures that show the impact of landscaping to the largest asset we own; our homes. I think the audience is in for a few surprises when they see the before-and-afters and the appraisal values of these homes afterwards,” he points out.

» “I’M ALWAYS TRYING TO CREATE OUTDOOR SPACES THAT FIND THE BALANCE BETWEEN WHAT A HOMEOWNER WANTS AND WHAT IS BEST FOR THE SPACE ITSELF.”

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2015

CALGARY HOME + GARDEN SHOW HEADLINERS

CARSON ARTHUR HGTV Canada’s Critical Listing As the co-star of HGTV Canada’s Critical Listing and founder of Carson Arthur Design, Carson Arthur has become a voice of environmentally friendly landscape design on a global scale. By addressing outdoor challenges with a keen sense of style and a passion for eco-consciousness, Carson continues to reinvent the definition of gardening. As part of the Critical Listing team for HGTV Canada, Carson renovates the outdoor spaces for listed homes that need a little shock treatment. www.carsonarthur.com HOME + GARDEN STAGE: Saturday, February 28 – 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 1 – noon

JANETTE EWEN

The 2015 Calgary Home + Garden Show is, in fact, filled with tips, exhibits and experts that can help the homeowner make the best of their private outdoor space. Among this year’s garden-centric presentations are:

Stylist Lifestyle expert Janette Ewen is best known for her creative and original approach to interior design, fashion styling and entertainment. She has reported on the hottest trends for style publications–including Chatelaine, Canadian House & Home and The Globe & Mail–for over 10 years. www.janetteewen.com

JEF HANCOCK

DO-IT-YOURSELF GARDENS DIY lovers rejoice! Freshly grown produce from your own backyard is no longer daunting thanks to the green thumbs at Dafoe Design. Their talented landscape designers will cover the creative process from the roots up, demonstrating how to create a gorgeous garden with herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers alike. Organic lifestyle, here you come. Designed by Dafoe Design.

Artist & Designer Experimental art rebel Jef Hancock has an uncanny ability to foreshadow global influence on design well in advance of his contemporaries, resulting in projects that run the gamut from gorgeous to evil genius. Founding Parker Barrow with business partner Janette Ewen in 2013, Jef continues to experiment and create with whatever materials he can get his hands on. www.sbhancock.com

TERRARIUM & MINIATURE GARDEN WORKSHOPS Got the Alberta winter blues? Bring a little spring into your home with a terrarium or miniature garden. The experts from Blue Grass Garden Centre will demonstrate how to build your very own indoor gardens with compatible plants and materials from start to finish. Presented by Blue Grass Garden Centre.

JANETTE & JEF’S PRESENTATION TOPIC: “5-Minute Quick Fixes and Overall Updates for Your Home” HOME + GARDEN STAGE: Friday, February 27 – 6 p.m; Saturday, February 28 – noon

HOME + GARDEN STAGE Besides Carson Arthur, the Home + Garden main stage will also have home improvement presentations from design duo Janette Ewen + Jef Hancock, and local favourite Heather Draper who will deliver insight to soothe any home design distress. While greenthumbs like Ken Beattie inspire plots so perfect, the neighbours will be green with envy. Visit the website at www.calgaryhgs.com for ticket prices and more information. NL

Instructor, Land, Water and Horticulture Program, Olds College Annelise teaches plant identification, botany, plant physiology, taxonomy and gardening business basics, like communications and sales. She regularly appears on the Garden Stage at the Calgary Home + Garden Show and often presents at other industry events. HOME + GARDEN STAGE: Friday, February 27 – 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 1 – 11 a.m.

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ANNELISE DOOLAEGE

Every year, the Calgary Home + Garden Show brings together some of the best home improvement experts around to dispense tips and advice on your spring projects. This year’s line-up may be one of the best yet. Here’s a partial list of who’s presenting on the Home + Garden stage. Please refer to calgaryhomeshows.com for the most up to date information.

MARIE-CLAIRE WILLIAMS

JOANNE DAFOE

Sales + Design Consultant, Cardel Renos Renovation expert and Interior Designer, Marie-Claire Williams, is passionate about renovations. She brings both a personal and professional approach to each project, and helps guide her clients from concept to completion. Be sure to catch Marie-Clare’s renovation tips and tricks on Cardel DesignSide, Thursday mornings on CTV Morning Live.

Owner, Dafoe Design Joanne graduated from the University of Guelph in Horticulture and Landscape Design. With 10 years of industry experience, she currently heads a successful exterior design company, Dafoe Design. Joanne regularly shares her gardening and landscaping knowledge on TV, radio and in print. PRESENTATION TOPIC: “Demystifying 10 Garden Myths” HOME + GARDEN STAGE: Friday, February 27 – 5 p.m. Saturday, February 28 – 5 p.m.

CLARE GARDNER Sales + Design Consultant, Cardel Renos Clare Gardner creates beautiful and highly personalized interiors. As a renovation expert and interior designer she works with clients to find creative and functional solutions to their design dilemmas. Her inspiring designs help to awaken her client’s personal design style and bring their homes back to life! Watch for Clare’s renovation and design tips on Cardel DesignSide, every Thursday on CTV Morning Live. MARIE-CLAIRE & CLARE’S PRESENTATION: “The Fashionable Home” HOME + GARDEN STAGE: Saturday, February 28 – 4 p.m.; Sunday, March 1 – 2 p.m.

SHARON MCCORMICK Founder, Poppy Innovations Sharon McCormick founded Poppy Innovations in 2012 with the goal of building a healthier community by empowering people to make healthy food choices. An agripreneur at heart, Sharon shares her enthusiasm for eating well by providing “gate to plate” programs and workshops that teach about growing, harvesting and cooking with wholesome produce. PRESENTATION TOPIC: “Revival of Growing Your Food” HOME + GARDEN STAGE: Sunday, March 1 – 3 p.m.

KENNETH A. BEATTIE Horticulturist Kenneth Beattie’s career, spanning over four decades, has positioned him as one of Canada’s most notable resources in the plant world. As host of the popular television series, Get Growing, Ken proves that the smallest changes can make a world of difference. He also serves as the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Manager of Habitat Programs and delights audiences worldwide with his series, The Earth’s Garden. PRESENTATION TOPICS: “The Wildlife Friendly Garden” and “So You Garden in Calgary......Eh?” HOME + GARDEN STAGE: Friday, February 27 – 3 p.m.; Saturday, February 28 – 11 a.m.; Sunday, March 1 – 1 p.m.

JOANNA TZAVARAS Owner, Lil’ Pink Daisy Florals After several years of teaching high school English, Joanna decided to pursue something different and spent 5 years working for some of Calgary’s top floral boutiques. In 2011, she took her passion for flowers to the next level and created her own floral company, Lil’ Pink Daisy Florals. Joanna regularly collaborates with local brides, Calgary’s fashion, lifestyle and home design experts as well creates floral design for magazine features & charity events. PRESENTATION TOPIC: “Go from old to new with shabby-chic centerpieces!” HOME + GARDEN STAGE: Thursday, February 26 – 2 p.m.

HEATHER DRAPER Calgary-based interior designer Heather Draper has over 10 years experience as an interior designer, boasting a solid and loyal following in Calgary. A bedding guru, Heather launched The Heather Company Collection in 2013, and personally selects each piece in the collection while simultaneously consulting on interior design projects for her clients. She is passionate about beautiful, high quality fabrics and this is echoed in her collection, as well as her own boudoir, where she sleeps sweetly knowing she is helping others do the same. PRESENTATION TOPIC: The Secrets to Colour HOME + GARDEN STAGE: Thursday, February 26 – 3 p.m.; Saturday, February 28 – 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1 – 4 p.m. NL

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Resplendent retreat Bring a personal touch to your stylish sanctuary n WRITTEN BY

David Crosson

lthough it varies somewhat by geography and age bracket, North Americans spend roughly one-third of their lives sleeping. Clearly, then, it is important to make that time count, as sleep is largely a matter of comfort, consistency and clocks. But what of the minutes — or even hours — that bookend slumber, our most vital of passive activities? Although it may be a mere sliver in the great pie-chart of existence, the time we spend in our bedrooms is also important. And, as someone who considers aesthetics a necessity of life, the time we spend in our bedrooms is equally crucial. The key to a successful bedroom is an overall feeling of calm, be it the humblest of alcoves or the grandest of chambers. Colour is critical in this regard: dial it up too dramatically and the room will energize rather than relax you. As a rule of thumb, the best choices for serene slumber are generally cooler in nature (blues, soft greens, aquas, lavenders) and slightly greyed in tone. This is not to say that warmer colours can’t or won’t work — especially if you favour them in general — but care should be taken to keep things on the quieter end of the chromatic scale. Think soft terra cottas, straw-like yellows, gentle cocoa browns or subtle pinks and the sheep in your head will feel neglected for lack of counting. Although it may sound like a disconnect, I am a fan of vibrant bedding as it can add a jolt of personality and complement gentler hues within a space. Bold geometrics and prints with an international flair are still trending, although florals of all types are blooming and looming large as a counterpoint to their bolder cousins. As far as their effect on sleep, unlike walls and ceilings most bedding is less visible once you’re in it so you can definitely go to town with your choices. Linens are also a great way to embrace and reflect the changing seasons, from playful prints in the warmer months to flannel sheets and deep-dish duvets in the fall and winter (obviously more of a factor here in oft-chilly YYC).

Crate & Barrel’s velvet-upholstered Colette bed looks even more sumptuous when paired with the industrial chic of their Cortina bedside table, fabricated in iron, brass and glass. Photo courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Bold geometrics and prints with an international flair are still trending, although florals of all types are blooming and looming large…

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A standout dresser in painted wood or a patinated metal finish will make a strong style statement while still providing necessary storage. For more than a decade now, people have been seeking to emulate hotel style in their own homes, although this movement is thankfully on the wane. The genesis of the trend was consumers wanting a more comfort-driven yet tailored approach to their bedrooms, and this certainly helped to elevate these spaces overall. However, the one thing about hotels is that they’re anybody’s for a price, which doesn’t leave a lot of room for self-expression. The best bed chambers these days are a reflection of the residents they serve — better still if they incorporate deft flourishes of individuality. In terms of furniture, I really love a symmetrical layout but not one that uses matching pieces. Anyone can walk into a big box store and purchase a bedroom suite but, like hotel rooms, this says little about the actual occupants. Try mixing things up by putting an end table on one side of the bed and a low dresser on the other in lieu of carbon-copy nightstands. Unify these with matching lamps if you feel the need to introduce some balance or play up the asymmetry with adjustable, office-style lamps that can be raised or lowered depending on need. Likewise, a standout dresser in painted wood or a patinated metal finish will make a strong style statement while still providing necessary storage. Vintage pieces are great for this purpose and can be had for a song, even if you do pay to have them painted out. TV or not TV? That is the question — perpetually. With technology changing and becoming more portable, this is less of an issue now, although some people do like to anchor the room with a telly at their toes. This is really a matter of personal choice — I actually like having a TV visible from the bed but this is likely a throwback to my wall-less loft-living days in university. Some studies have shown that exposure to bright light prior to bed can have a detrimental effect on the quality of sleep — either getting or staying there — so govern yourself accordingly. If you do opt for a boob tube in the boudoir, at least consider hiding it away in an armoire for a bit of ‘90s nostalgia or getting one that does double-duty as a mirror. If your home is your castle then the bedroom truly is its inner sanctuary. No matter how you choose to do it up, yours should be a comfortable reflection of who you are in every sense. Just make sure the process is a pleasant one; I’d hate to think you were losing sleep over something as divine as design. Sweet dreams! NL INSET: Unexpected finishes, like the hammered zinc cladding on this chest of drawers, help introduce much-needed texture when a full suite of matching bedroom furniture is used. Photo by Brent Mykytyshyn; image courtesy of Barbarian Interior Decoration Ltd. LEFT: Golden grasscloth, custom linen drapery and neutral bedding all create a cocoon-like effect in this guest room anchored by an authentic iron bed. Photographed by Brent Mykytyshyn; image courtesy of Barbarian Interior Decoration Ltd.

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SHARPER DESIGNS The utilitarian kitchen knife has come a long way

Kathy McCormick

et’s get right to the point. From its humble beginnings in the days of the caveman when a rock was carved into a pointed end, the knife has been vital to man’s survival. That humble beginning has morphed to modern times — but the fact is, the knife remains one of the most important tools in your kitchen war chest — but it isn’t so humble these days. A cook, whether just starting out or a master chef, needs the venerable knife to do almost every job in today’s kitchen. We asked the experts what the most important knives are to start you out — and why. Here are some of the answers: Mike Wrinch, general manager of Knifewear Inc. It has nothing to do with the type of knife or the brand, says Wrinch. “Sharp ones!” he says. “Sharp is safe. Find a knife that feels comfortable to hold.” He recommends “an eight-inch chef knife for bigger jobs, a six-inch Santoku for daily cooking, and a three-inch paring knife for little jobs, says Kathleen Donovan, senior coordinator of public relations, Cutco Cutlery agrees with Wrinch: “The top three knives people should have in their kitchens are a good quality chef’s knife, a utility knife and a paring knife. These three knives provide the right-sized knife for cutting large, medium and small foods. “Always use the right-sized knife when you are cutting. The chef’s knife is a knife you will reach for regularly for all your chopping, dicing and mincing. It’s a very versatile knife. “The utility knife (called the Trimmer at Cutco) is great for slicing things like tomatoes, sectioning citrus fruits, trimming meats, fruits and vegetables. “The paring knife is used for peeling and paring smaller fruits and vegetables.” Meredith Bradford, public relations, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, LLC, agrees that three basic knives are usually a great first step to setting up your kitchen, says Bradford. “It’s hard to say which knives everyone needs as it really depends on how and what people cook,” she says. “More experienced cooks might want a few more specialty knives, but the basic knives to get any kitchen started would be a chef’s knife (eight inches), a paring knife (three or four inches) and a serrated knife (could be a bread knife).” And now we’re back to that sharpness. When we asked Wrinch how you tell if a knife is of good quality, he said, “A quality knife should be capable of extreme sharpness and hold that edge for a long time. Find a shop that has options from many manufacturers, has super knowledgeable staff that can answer questions and teach, and a shop that has sample knives you can try on food.

Full tang construction on appropriate knives, meaning the blade extends the length of the handle.

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shopping

“Never cut on glass or ceramic. That will quickly dull a knife. Use plastic or wood cutting boards to help absorb the shock of a knife strike.”

“Buy with confidence. Spend top dollar on your multipurpose knife (likely the chef’s knife or the six-inch knife for starters) and you can be more frugal with your supporting knives. Consider this a lifetime investment.” The Henckels spokesperson, Bradford, agrees: “If you buy good-quality knives and take good care of them, they should last a lifetime.” Donovan of Cutco says to try it on for size first. “If you can, hold a knife in your hand before buying it. Does it feel good in your hand? Is it well balanced? Ideally, it would be great to actually use the knife before you buy it, but if you can’t, look for these things: High-carbon, stainless-steel blade is important. High-carbon allows a knife to take and hold a sharp edge while stainless steel prevents a knife from rusting. Full tang construction on appropriate knives, meaning the blade extends the length of the handle. A comfortable handle, is another must. A good guarantee is essential because kitchen knives are an investment, make sure the company has a good service policy. I would never skimp on buying kitchen cutlery. Having high-quality tools in the kitchen will make food prep much easier, plus kitchen knives are something you will use practically every day, so you’ll want tools that will stand up to a lot of use.” And make sure the knife blade is a size that you won’t risk giving yourself a knuckle sandwich, if your blade is too thin. The price of the various knives varies, but Wrinch says the median range is $200 to $300. “Our knives range from $60 to $1,000. When you get into the highest range you are buying a work of art that you can use in your kitchen.” Cutco and Henckels brands are two of the most well-known quality knives. At Knifewear, the Masakage is popular “for its awesome, hand-made performance and value, Moritaka for 700-year-old blacksmithing tradition, and Tojiro for utilitarian quality,” says Wrinch. Of course the care of the knives is the secret to their longevity and performance, all the experts say. “Use a cutting board (wood or plastic are okay) and hand wash, and you should be fine,” says Bradford. Donovan agrees: “Never cut on glass or ceramic. That will quickly dull a knife. Use plastic or wood cutting boards to help absorb the shock of a knife strike.”

She adds these other tips to maintaining those knives for a lifetime. “Hand wash your knives. Tossing them in the dishwasher will cause them to knock around and could damage them … it could also damage your dishwasher. Store knives properly in a storage block or tray to protect the sharp edges. “Caring for your knives is essential to their longevity. When you begin to feel the knife drag a bit while cutting, it’s time to bring the edge back by using a sharpener or sharpening steel. Note though that home sharpeners and sharpening steels really do not fully sharpen a knife, but do help maintain the edge. “For a complete sharpening, seek out a professional or, in Cutco’s case, you can send the knives back to the factory for sharpening.” Wrinch adds: “Cut food with your knives. Don’t use them as a screwdriver or pry bar; kitchen knives are terrible for gardening.” For more tips and information on the care of your knives, check out Henckels video at www. zwillingonline.com/rightknife.html. NL FEBRUARY 2015 NE W HOME LIVING

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Stepper embarks on fifth year of home building in El Salvador STEPPER CUSTOM HOMES is keenly aware of the importance of shelter, and their passion for building homes extends all the way to El Salvador where they will again be sending teams of trade partners and employees to build homes for the less fortunate. This will be the fifth year that Stepper Custom Homes is building homes in the impoverished countryside of this Central American nation. “This is our fifth visit to El Salvador to build homes. With past hurricanes, and the threat of earthquakes, many of the local people in El Salvador live in insufficient and unsafe makeshift homes,” says Stepper’s Emily Smith. “The homes we build have a concrete floor and is a safe structure for the families that live in them. The first time Stepper sent a team there was in December 2010, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. They have been back three more times since in 2012, 2013, and 2014. “This year, we are planning on completing another 48 homes over three weeks, which will bring our total homes built in El Salvador to almost 250!” Smith says. See more of Stepper Custom Homes’ activities in El Salvador at www.stepperhomes.com.

Augusta Homes’ $1.5 million is STARS Lottery grand prize THERE ARE 3,227 prizes worth to be won in this year’s STARS Lottery, including a $1.1 million estate home from Augusta Fine Homes. The Linden II show home is a 2,704-square-foot triple attached garage two-storey home in Crestmont and comes fully furnished with air-conditioning, premium hardwood and tile flooring and designer kitchen. Three other show homes from various builders are up for grabs in Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge for the 22nd STARS Lottery. There are more chances of winning and its all for a good cause to keep the crucial STARS air ambulances in the sky. But buyers have to hurry, as the STARS Lottery — which sells out every year — is already 50 per cent sold as of this writing. You can buy your tickets at www.starslotteryalberta.ca, early bird draw in on March 20, and Final Draw is on April 16, 2015.

By Pepper Rodriguez

December Calgary housing starts CALGARY HOUSING STARTS finished 2014 at an upswing, up 36.1 per cent to a record 17,131 from the previous year’s 12,584. Multi-family starts led the way with 10.637 units, 72 per cent higher than 2013’s 6,182; while single-family homes also had a slight uptick to 6,494 from 6,402, according to data released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. 2015 looks to be a softer year, though, and the December 2014 starts seem to bear this out. Multi-family construction dipped 6 per cent in the last month of the year to 840 from 896 in December 2013, erasing the three per cent gain in single-family starts, which had 427 new construction compared to 415 the year before. “Following an extended period of heightened construction, the trend in total housing starts in Calgary declined in December from the previous month,” said Felicia Mutheardy, CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for Calgary. “While the lower trend was due to reduced starts in both the single-detached and multi-family sectors, the decline was most evident among apartment units,” she adds. “In 2015, total starts are forecast to decline 16 per cent to 14,400 units with reductions expected in both the single-detached and multiples segments of the market,” Mutheardy says. “Single-detached starts are forecast to moderate to 6,400 units, while multiples will experience a more evident reduction of 24 per cent to 8,000. The slower paces of production for both segments are attributed to expectations of slower employment growth, reduced in-flows of migrants, along with increased supply in the competing resale market.”

Calgary home builders star in 2014 National SAM Awards CALGARY HOMEBUILDERS SNAGGED 25 nominations in this year’s Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) National SAM Awards — recognizing Canadian Housing Excellence, including Albi Homes’ nomination for the Grand SAM Award. Avi Urban, Homes by Avi’s multi-family division, is also vying for top honours in Community Development for The Block. “We are thrilled by our nomination for national finalist for Community Development,” says Avi Urban president Charron Ungar. “The Block is an extremely unique building and one that we hope shall be considered an innovative example of wood frame apartment construction for some time. It is an honor to be recognized by our peers in the home building industry, and we congratulate all other nominees on their achievement.” These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in new homes, home renovation and community development across Canada. Twenty-four CHBA National SAM Awards will be presented at the Association’s 72nd National Conference on March 6, 2015 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. NL

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calgary map n Northwest/Northeast

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calgary map n Southwest

SPRUCE MEADOWS TR

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Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map

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advertisers index n Avid Ratings page 30

Jayman MasterBUILT page 26

Calbridge Villas of Riverstone FC, pages 12-14

Macdonald Development Watermark at Bearspaw page 21

Cardel Homes

Marketplace Events

page 53

page 15

Walden

Calgary Home + Garden Show

CHBA Homexpo page 40

Mattamy Homes Cityscape page 56

Concept Coverings page 40

Melcor Developments Sunset Ridge page 43

Genesis Land Canals Landing page 9

McKee Homes page 3

Genesis Land Pier 11 page 7

United Communities Drake Landing page 2

Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. page 46

United Communities Nolan Hill page 27

Homes by Avi page 20

Vesta Properties page 4

Homes By Us page 52

WestCreek Developments Legacy page 55

Innovations by Jayman King’s Heights page 31

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By Marty Hope

HI-HO, SILVERHORN! Conservation development to start in Bearspaw COME SPRING, THE grass will be greening up, buds will be popping open, and an upscale country residential development will be alive with construction activity. Silverhorn, located off Bearspaw Road on Township Road 262, will be an 87-home conservation development that has been created by Mark Kwasnicki, president of McKinley Masters Custom Homes and principle of Silverhorn Inc. And as a conservation development, Kwasnicki says as much attention will be placed on ensuring as little disruption as possible to stands of tree, water resources, and wildlife as will be put to the actual design and construction of the homes being built by McKinley Masters, Maillot Homes, Oakmont Custom Homes, and Stonewater Homes. “A lot of time and effort has gone into preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of this land — and into reducing the footprint of the homes,” says Kwasnicki from his Bowness office. “Our builders have come up with some excellent designs to do just that.” Minimum square footage for bungalows will be 1,600 square-feet while two-storey homes will have an 1,800-square-foot minimum on the ground floor. “We’re not talking about monstrous homes here,” says Kwasnicki, whose company has won Builder of Merit (smaller-volume builder category) by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Calgary Region eight times. Lots will range in size from 1.3 to two acres with building envelopes, which limit the area of site disturbance. The rest of the property will be a “no-touch zone to be left

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in its natural state.” Because of the gently rolling terrain, most of the homes will have walkout opportunities, and all will back onto a buffer area, thereby ensuring a degree of privacy. Of the 240 acres making up this exclusive community, approximately half will be left in its natural state. To further reduce the size of the development footprint, Silverhorn has been designed as a series of cul de sacs so construction will be clustered, thereby providing more green space. In the first phase alone there are three ponds. So far, more than one-third of the 36 lots in the first phase have been sold and by spring work will have started on about half of the homes in it. And all of this sales success has come without show homes that will not open their doors until this fall. “We’re more than a little pleased with the interest so far in Silverhorn. People want to enjoy the freedom and serenity of living in a country setting, but have the benefit of city services,” says Kwasnicki. Several home styles have been approved by Kwasnicki and IBI Group which was brought on board early in the develop-

ment process to help with the research, planning, design, and administration of architectural controls for Silverhorn. Among the chosen styles are Mountain Contemporary, Craftsman, Mountain, Prairie, Tudor, and French Country. “We wanted to make sure out buyers would be able to build the style to want,” he says. Kwasnicki says house-and-lot prices will start at $1.5 million. “Country living still has a strong appeal,” he says. “It’s all about lifestyle, value, and choice.” NL

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. In March, 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.