Winnipeg Women Fall 2014 by MediaEdge Publishing Inc.

Breaking the

City Councillor

n e m o W Sexuality Taboo

Devi Sharma makes her mark

Eyes Wide Open Paula Havixbeck has a plan

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FA L L 2 0 1 4

From the Chef: Beets by Chef Rob pg 25

Behind the Scenes at the Parade of Homes pg 30

See our all new

Winnipeg Living Section

New Look

NEW STYLE

pg 39

Fitness Carb Confusion pg 11

plus A look at the proposed

CYBERBULLYING LAW

HELP GROW WINNIPEG’S ECONOMY

BRING IT

H ME BRING YOUR NEXT MEETING OR CONVENTION

HOME TO WINNIPEG

DO YOU SIT ON A BOARD OR COMMITTEE? DO YOU WORK IN A SPECIALIZED AREA OF RESEARCH? OR ARE YOU PART OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT HOLDS ANNUAL MEETINGS OR CONVENTIONS? Showcase our world-class meeting facilities and attractions by hosting your meeting or convention in Winnipeg. Help grow Winnipeg’s tourism economy by bringing your colleagues together in our city! Contact Dario Di Nella at Tourism Winnipeg at 204.954.1984 or dario@tourismwinnipeg.com to get the conversation started on how we can help you attract your meeting or convention to Winnipeg. Visit www.tourismwinnipeg.com/bringithome for more information.

“As business leaders, we can all be ambassadors for Winnipeg in order to bring conferences to the city and keep the momentum going. We need leaders to step up to the plate and set an example.” Brian Scharfstein President, Canadian Footwear Instrumental in attracting the 2014 Canadian Diabetes Association annual conference to Winnipeg.

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CONTENTS D E PA R T M E N T S 7 Q & A 10 Manitoba Made

FA L L 2 0 1 4

“I joined council in October 2010 and every year I turn back money from my ward allowance— this year I turned back almost half. I run my ward the way I want the city to be run!”

11 Fitness 16 Ask the Expert 2 2 Yo u r H e a l t h

COMMUNITY 8 A C o - o p e r a t i v e e ff o r t

FA S H I O N 1 8 S i m p l y S e x y : Gorgeous lingerie to bring out your inner diva

DISH 2 4 T h e M a n i t o b a Consumer Monitor Food Panel 2 5 F ro m t h e C h e f 26 Out to Lunch 2 8 F ro m t h e C e l l a r

HOME&GARDEN 3 0 B e h i n d t h e S c e n e s at the Parade of Homes 34 Game Plan 3 6 B e d ro o m H a v e n

O N

T H E

C O V E R

EYES WIDE OPEN:

Paula Havixbeck has a plan if she’s elected mayor

It is a fruity, fresh and very easy drinking wine.

editor’s perspective

Alison Mintenko-Crane Senior Editor

Cool Temps New Looks

s sad as I am to see summer already on its way out, I have to admit that I’m excited for fall weather, skirts and tights, boots and all the new looks and great fashion that comes along with cooler temperatures. Speaking of new looks, you may have noticed that Winnipeg Women has undergone some cosmetic changes as well. We’re known to be Winnipeg’s number one luxury magazine, so there’s no better place to reflect that than on our own pages. Our new design is sleek and sexy and we hope that you’ll enjoy it as much as we do. We also hope you’ll flip to the Winnipeg Men side of the magazine, where we’ve shaken things up with a new look as well. Our men’s cover feature, Let’s Talk about Sex, is a must read for both sexes, as it covers a lot of fun and interesting ground. Then back here on the women’s side, we talk about sexual health and even feature lingerie on our fashion pages. Dress yourself in something pretty, whether it be for your partner or, even better, for yourself. Way back in the winter we featured a potential candidate for the Winnipeg mayoral race, and this issue we focus on Paula Havixbeck, a strong contender in the upcoming October election. We talk to her about her current involvement as a councillor and her plans for the city if she’s elected mayor.

Our apologies In the summer issue of Winnipeg Women, we mistakenly left in an answer from Gail Asper in our Into the Light feature, where she made mention of the Discover Winnipeg display. The Discover Winnipeg display does not actually exist. We apologize.

Our Ask the Expert column weighs in on the proposed cyberbullying law, which has been brought to the forefront due to the media coverage of online and cellular stocking and bullying. There have even been suicides due to this kind of harassment, and I for one am all for a law to help prevent it. Then of course our Dish and Home & Garden sections are brimming with our usual restaurant reviews, recipes, decorating articles and garden tips. One final thing I’d like to bring your attention to is our all new Winnipeg Living section, located between the two sides of the magazine. A new regular section, it will feature realtors, editorials on condo and housing sales, tips on where or when to buy, the hottest markets and more. Enjoy your fall, Winnipeg, and everything new Winnipeg Women and Winnipeg Men have to offer!

n e m o W

Fall 2014: Volume 15, Issue 3

EDITOR Alison Mintenko-Crane editor@mediaedgepublishing.com

CONTRIBUTORS Ian McCausland, Holli Moncrieff, Clarence Jackson, Kathryne Grisim, Jim Peters, Amanda Thomas Rob Thomas, Candice G. Ball, Kelly Gray, Jon Waldman, Alexis Stockford, Annika M. Friesen Published by

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT MEDIAEDGE PUBLISHING INC. Robert Thompson robertt@mediaedge.ca MEDIAEDGE PUBLISHING INC. BRANCH MANAGER Nancie Prive nanciep@mediaedgepublishing.com SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVES Kari Philippot karim@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4426 Steve Beauchamp steveb@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4428 Ashley Huston ashleyp@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4423 Les Bridgeman lbridgeman@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4406 Gary Fustey garyf@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4409 Nolan Ackman nolana@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4416 Pat Johnston patj@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4427 David Tetlock davidt@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4405 CREATIVE DIRECTOR James T. Mitchell jamesm@mediaedgepublishing.com For inquiries contact: editor@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4400 Write or subscribe via our website: winnipegmag.com Winnipeg Women Magazine 531 Marion Street, Winnipeg, MB R2J 0J9 (204) 480-4400 FAX: (204) 480-4420 MISSION STATEMENT

Winnipeg Women Magazine celebrates the diversity and accomplishments of Manitoban women and offers information and inspiration for personal and professional success. Winnipeg Women Magazine is published four times a year by MediaEdge Publishing Inc; promotional copies are distributed free to selected areas in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba. Reproduction in whole, or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. © MediaEdge Publishing Inc. 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. Canada Post Publication no. 40787580 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the MediaEdge Publishing address shown above. Available at select Manitoba Liquor Marts.

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Q&A

WHO’S ON FIRST? City Councillor Devi Sharma makes her mark By Amanda Thomas

ince being elected to Winnipeg City Council four years ago, Devi Sharma has been influential in creating a ward where Old Kildonan residents and their families can flourish. Councillor Sharma was the first ever IndoCanadian elected into Winnipeg’s municipal government - not to mention the first ever female Speaker of the House. With a bevy of firsts under her belt the future has no bounds for Sharma.

Where did you grow up and when did you immigrate to Canada? I immigrated to Canada from India when I was two years old, so Winnipeg really is my home. We lived in North Winnipeg and later in the Maples. Today, I still live close by in Garden City. These communities in Old Kildonan mean so much to me and my family, and that is why I am committed to the work that I am privileged to do on City Council.

What made you strive to be in politics in Winnipeg? After I graduated, I worked for the Provincial Government, in the private sector, for a non-profit and I started my own business. As I matured and gained an understanding of my own strengths and interests, I became motivated by helping people. When the opportunity to run came, I felt it was a natural progression to the path my career had taken.

Throughout your time as the Old Kildonan ward Councillor what has been your most satisfying accomplishment? I am very proud of the work I’ve accomplished for Old Kildonan. When I talk to people, they tell me the things that matter most to them is having safe, vibrant communities in which to live and raise their families. I think I have led initiatives over the past four years that help to accomplish this goal. Whether it’s leading community WINNIPEGMAG.COM

forums with the Chief of Police about safety in our neighbourhoods or bringing ideas for recreation to life - like Winnipeg’s first indoor spray pad, which is in planning stages right now at Seven Oaks Pool, there’s still much more to do! And I am asking citizens in Old Kildonan to give me the chance to continue to build on these successes going forward.

Can you reflect on what it was like to be the first female Speaker? It is an honour to serve as Speaker of City Council. While I believe that I was elected as Speaker based on my abilities and strengths, not because I am a woman, I am proud if that means I can be a positive role model for young women. I think that having strong positive role models is a powerful motivator for women. By virtue of seeing women in politics, more women will be motivated to choose this path.

What sets Winnipeg apart from other cities that you’ve experienced? Winnipeg is my home. I like the sense of community and familiarity that I find here. While there are obviously many wonderful places in the world, I am always struck by how big and vast other places feel, and I never find that when I am home. Again, it is part of the reason I believe in working for the betterment of this city. It is my home, and I am extremely committed to it.

It’s Sunday afternoon, you have a few hours to yourself, what would you be doing in the city? Hands down it would be baking chocolate chip cookies for my nine year old’s school lunch. I find baking relaxing and it gives me an opportunity to unwind. And, if I’m being honest, the cookies might be for my own sweet tooth as well. FALL 2014

in the community By Alexis Stockford

A CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT Western Canadian co-ops are making breast cancer a priority.

Left to Right: Doug Wiebe, General Manager; Red River Co-op, Dr. Leigh Murphy, Researcher; University of Manitoba, Vic Huard, VicePresident of Corporate Affairs; Federated Co-operatives Limited, Susan Finnigan; Breast Cancer Survivor, Monique Levesque-Pharoah, Senior Development Officer; Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation-Prairies/NWT Region, Krista Rivet, Director of Allocations; Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation-Prairies/NWT Region

hen a mammogram discovered a suspicious lump on Trudy Johnson’s breast in 2005, she wasn’t that worried.

“I didn’t believe that it was going to be anything,” the Saskatoon resident recalls. “I just thought that it would be a benign lump.” The news she got a few weeks later was very different from what she expected. “The surgeon came in and said, ‘I have some bad news…it’s cancer.’” Dozens of Canadian women share Trudy’s story every day. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) estimates that 24,400 women and 210 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada this year. Of those, approximately 5,000 will die.

Dennis A. Smith, Winston F. Smith Grant W. Davis, Geoffrey B. Toews

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Co-ops across western Canada are working with the CBCF to prevent these deaths. Five years ago, Van Houtte Coffee approached Federated Co-op Ltd. (FCL) looking for a collaborative project, and the Drink Pink Program was born. For every purchase of Van Houtte coffee or Drink Pink merchandise in Co-ops during the month of October, 10 cents went to the breast cancer foundation, and for every dollar raised, FCL would give an additional five.

Support exploded. Within two years, the Drink Pink program had gone from raising $50,000, to $200,000 in 2012. Since 2010, Drink Pink has raised $457,000 on behalf of all 225 Co-ops in the Co-operative Retailing System. “It’s been a natural evolution,” said Natasha Ford, social responsibility manager for FCL Corporate Affairs. “But over the course of the years, the support of the Co-op members and our customers of the campaign showed us that this is an important cause.” It was so important, in fact, that the Co-operative Retailing System started looking to expand its role. This year, in the wake of Drink Pink’s success, FCL has opened a new chapter in their partnership with the CBCF. As a regional sponsor of the 2014 CIBC Run for the Cure, they join one of the biggest national breast cancer initiatives. Then, this March, FCL promised the foundation $1.5 million over the next three years. For Krista Rivet, director of allocations at the CBCF Prairies/NWT, the money is a mark of their deepening relationship with western Canadian Co-ops. “It’s really exceptional for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation that the Co-operative Retailing System understands the differWINNIPEGMAG.COM

ence we’re making in the lives of families, particularly those who’ve been impacted by breast cancer and lived through it,” she remarked. “The Co-op employees know it all too well. Their family has been impacted, or some of their Co-op colleagues have, and it’s that type of understanding that really, really makes a donation like this a partnership as opposed to a random donation.” Every cent of the $1.5 million will go to research funded by the CBCF across western Canada. The first installment of $500,000 has already contributed to 14 separate research projects worth $4.7 million. “It’s absolutely essential,” said Dr. Leigh Murphy of the University of Manitoba. “Science is important, but you can’t do science without resources.” Dr. Murphy is one of dozens of researchers currently funded by the CBCF. Through her studies on the effect of estrogen on tumor growth, she hopes to develop a means to predict whether a patient will respond to hormone therapies, allowing for better individual treatment plans. Dr. Murphy’s work is a prime example of the basic medical research the CBCF is known for. While the foundation funds projects in a variety of spheres, including clinical research, Rivet says that basic research, studies into the very nature of cancer and how it spreads, is a major aspect of what the foundation does.

“It’s the elementary process from which all innovations and impacts will be determined,” she said. “So that is the one that we have the most grants coming for. We’re one of the few organizations that fund that kind of basic science.” The Co-op Retailing System is now an active part of supporting those advancements. What began as a simple collaboration between Van Houtte Coffee and Federated Co-op Ltd. is now one of the Co-ops’ most important social initiatives. “We do have other causes we support,” explained Natasha Ford, “but this is one of the ones that we’re most proud of and, I guess, most deeply committed to.” For Trudy Johnson and others like her, the growing connection between the Co-operative Retailing System and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation feels personal. “I am a member of the Co-op,” Johnson said with pride, “and I’m proud to be a member of the Co-op because they give so much money.” In the almost nine years since that horrifying day in her doctor’s office, Johnson herself has joined the Co-ops’ campaign. As part of the Drink Pink program, she has shared her story in the hope of encouraging and educating others. Drink Pink will return this October to Co-op gas stations and delis across western Canada, while local Co-ops will be on-site across western Canada for the CIBC Run for the Cure, October 5.

DID YOU KNOW? • The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that one in nine women and one in 29 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer sometime in their lives. • An estimated 24,400 women and 210 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in Canada. About 5,000 Canadian women and 60 Canadian men will die from the disease. • Most new breast cancer cases (82 per cent) occur in women over 50 years old. • Breast cancer accounts for about one third of cancer diagnoses in Canadian women aged 30-49. • Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis in Canadian women – with 1 in 4 cancer diagnoses being breast cancer. • Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Canadian women after lung cancer. • Since 1986, The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has provided $274 million in research and community grants. In that time, breast cancer deaths have dropped by 42 per cent due to advancements in technology, cancer knowledge and treatments. Note: The above statistics are provided with permission from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

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living local

MANITOBA Made Many amazing products have been created right here in our province, some which you may never have even heard about. Here are just a few examples of what Manitoba has to offer. Gorp Clean Energy Bars from The Great Gorp Project – Niverville A mom and a farmer put their talents together and came up with the idea of healthy, all-natural bars, packed with nuts and seeds, oats, flax, hemp, fibre and some other good things. With flavours like Cocoa, Hemp and Almond, Peanut Butter & Apple, and Peanut Butter & Raspberry, they sound as tasty as they actually are. www.gorpworld.com

Birch Syrups from The Canadian Birch Company – Lake Winnipeg, south basin

We Know What Cold Really is in Manitoba So if you need something warm and comforting for those long winter months, go to the experts. Select from our amazing collection of slippers, hats and mitts, all made here in Manitoba, for Manitoba! Warmth, comfort, and more from...

A family run business, The Canadian Birch Company produces Amber Birch Syrup and Dark Birch Syrup. The amber is made from the sweetest sap and is used on ice cream, in sauces, desserts, icings and glazes – it can even be used on meats. The dark is typically more robust and adds a sweet, tangy flavour to poultry, meat, fish or even wild game. www. canadianbirchcompany.ca

Du Bois Wild Rice Limited – West St Paul A fourth generation family business, they harvest, process and grade certified organic and traditional lake wild rice. Renowned for its rich aboriginal history and outstanding nutritional value, wild rice is a delicious and sought-after product.

Endeavours Jewelry – Winnipeg Handcrafted jewellery made from wood, bone and shell – much of it local – Endeavours creates unique rings and pendants. Each piece is made with painstaking care and love, and is one of a kind. Recently, ivory and metal have been incorporated into some of the designs, and they continue to evolve with new techniques and mediums.

Manitobah Mukluks – Winnipeg While not every product is produced here, many of their signature products are made here in the city. Mukluks, moccasins, storyboots, mitts and purses are designed by artists from across the country and brought to the public. Today they have partnered with Vibram (tiny TM symbol) to develop a high-abrasion sole for the urban market and have launched a project to create partnerships with elders and artists in Aboriginal communities. www.manitobah.ca

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CARB CONFUSION Written by Holly Green, Edited by Jason Penner; BESS, NSCA-CSCS

arbs have flip-flopped from being bad to okay to downright evil. Fad diets and restrictive regimens have forced us into a time where it’s almost taboo to utter the phrase “I’m cutting carbs” in pursuit of fat loss. Someone’s mother or a stranger on the bus is bound to cut in quickly to say “You can’t cut carbs, that’s so bad for your health!” Well, allow the following article to clear up the confusion once and for all. Carbohydrates are not bad for you; they provide nutrients, fibre and large amounts of energy. BUT, we as a population are quite sedentary (therefore our energy requirements are much lower) and an immense amount of carbohydrates always seem to be within arm’s reach. Take a look at the diagram below borrowed from Mark’s Daily Apple. You can see that we don’t recommend eating below 50 grams of carbohydrate a day and not above 150 grams per day. You may feel that it is preposterous to think that a person would eat more than 300 grams in one day. If you had a bagel and latte for breakfast and are eating a sandwich for

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Aspire Fitness, 3501 McGillivray Blvd, 204-832-0328 www.aspirefitness.ca

lunch you have already surpassed the recommended 150 gram limit per day and it’s not even noon. Here is the kicker, folks who are trying to lose a few extra pounds will eat low-fat everything and whole-grain anything, only to become discouraged when the scale doesn’t budge. That is because carbohydrate is your body’s preferred source of fuel. If you’re eating just slightly below your body’s required amount (50100 grams per day) your body uses the incoming carbohydrate first followed by your reserve energy (body fat) and it leads to easy, non-restrictive weight loss! If you’re eating more than what your body requires (over 150 grams) that extra carbohydrate is not burned so it is instead stored as additional body fat. The diagram is a general guideline that may not apply to everyone, but it certainly applies to most people. You can easily consume the recommended 50 to 100 grams by centring your meals around a palm-sized serving of protein, a thumb-sized serving of fats and making up the rest of the meal with fruits and vegetables, instead of making a starchier item the focus. A good example is choosing a chicken or shrimp stir-fry over spaghetti or a peanut butter sandwich. Look for items that are high in fibre and low in sugar to feel fuller, longer.

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cover

EYES WIDE OPEN By Jim Peters

PAULA HAVIXBECK HAS A PLAN IF SHE’S ELECTED MAYOR

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cover

f Paula Havixbeck gets her wish she’ll soon add another title to her resume — in addition to soccer mom, entrepreneur and city councillor. That would be 43rd mayor of the City of Winnipeg.

In spite of a relatively short stint in municipal politics as councillor for CharleswoodTuxedo-Whyte Ridge, it’s fair to say Havixbeck hasn’t exactly been under the radar. Depending on the issue, the councillor has been a vocal critic of the mayor’s office, city council in general, and many of the underlying decisions formed in Winnipeg’s operations and administration areas. She says, “I only started developing an interest in running for city council about four years ago — I never thought I would have anything to do with politics. Many of us have taken those aptitude tests in our

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careers — such as the Myers-Briggs test — which in my case did reveal an interest in politics. I just didn’t act on it until later in life.” Havixbeck heeded the advice of friends and relatives who encouraged her to run and make her own mark on the city. She says, “I spent my 20s building an education and my 30s on my kids and juggling contract work. I got divorced a few years years ago which led me down that fork in the road where I either had to get a job or build a business. I chose the business model and created a marketing consulting firm which eventually employed eight people. “My only experience with politics of any kind was being president of the community centre in our area. It was the passing of councillor Bill Clement that was pivotal for me because I don’t think I’d have run for council otherwise. I didn’t know Bill but I knew he was well-liked and respected. People often said to me that I had big shoes to fill —

which sometimes makes your job more difficult because constituents have high expectations. I took it as a challenge—but the decision to run wasn’t easy. I knew I’d have to give up my business and it would affect my time with the kids. You just have to be very disciplined and time focused to make it work.” A true north-ender, Havixbeck was born in Winnipeg — graduating from St. John’s High School and the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts and a major in economics. She also holds a masters of business administration from the Asper School of Business. Prior to being elected councillor she also worked for the City of Winnipeg’s Fire Paramedic Services and as a manager at the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba. Havixbeck says, “My experience as city councillor has opened my eyes about the inner workings of the city. You go in thinking that you want to do the best for the community and the city as a whole — not just the people that supported you. But

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cover when you’re in it there’s a lot of pressure to be reined in. You think you’re on the inside but you’re really not. It’s partly because of the inherent bureaucracy but it’s also a reflection of political and administrative will. You quickly realize there are many other stakeholders in municipal politics — such as unions and community groups — all with their own vested interests. So you’re always trying to balance multiple, and sometimes competing, interests. But I learned that being open, available and transparent is essential in political life.”

Over the last two years she’s built a reputation for being outspoken, asking tough questions and holding people accountable.

Havixbeck is certainly putting her money where her mouth is. Over the last two years she’s built a reputation for being outspoken, asking tough questions and holding people accountable. “Because of the controversy around the fire hall land swap, for one, I took a stand against the 2013 budget that was seeking a property tax increase. I just couldn’t support the budget knowing what had been going on and the difficulty I had getting answers to my questions from the city’s administrative staff. At the time, I was a member of the Executive Policy Committee — but not for long. After making my position clear on the budget I was off EPC the very next day. But throughout that process I got a lot of encouragement from my constituents and many others asking me if I would consider running for mayor. “On a ward level I’ve really enjoyed being a councillor and being involved with multiple projects. For example, I’m very proud of all the great work that’s been done on the Ridgewood South plan.” According to its website, the area known as Ridgewood South is about 800 acres of largely vacant, private land in south Charleswood, owned by over 100 individuals and businesses. It’s home to city assets — such as the Harte Trail and the Varsity View Sportsplex — and several businesses and numerous homes as well. The area had major problems that had to be addressed if development was to proceed — such as fragmented ownership, drainage issues and servicing issues. Havixbeck says, “This is a great example of how transparency works — involving landowners and other area stakeholders throughout the preparation of these kinds of projects is the only way to go.” And Havixbeck’s vision for the city as mayor?

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cover “There are a thousand good ideas that you have to sort through and distill into a workable campaign. My overriding philosophy is that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed. Having a fair and level playing field is critical. There’s also a lot of waste in this city, and that has to stop. Just starting with something as simple as controls on office supplies, for example. The city doesn’t mass order office supplies — as individual councillors we run to the stores for our own pens, paper, and ink cartridges. Imagine the savings on stationery alone that you could make! There are a multitude of inefficiencies like that at the city. I joined council in October 2010 and every year I turn back money from my ward allowance — this year I turned back almost half. I run my ward the way I want the city to be run!” So with all the pressures she’s facing as mom, councillor and mayoralty candidate, what does Paula Havixbeck do to unwind? “Of course my kids occupy a lot of my spare time — I’m a hockey mom in the winter and a soccer mom in the summer. But these days my sports are mainly walking and hot yoga, although I used to run half-marathons. What I like about yoga is that it puts you in the present moment. And I carry that forward into political life.” Havixbeck’s campaign principles are virtually identical to what she originally identified as city councillor: Keeping citizens and communities safe through improved police, fire and emergency medical services. Engaging people through better rec facilities and community centres. Pushing for new roads, better drainage, a business stimulus plan and sustainable taxes. “If I’m fortunate enough to be elected Mayor of Winnipeg in October, the first thing on my agenda is to clean up the mess!”

It takes a village to raise a child.

Parents • Friends • Family • Neighbours • Teachers • Partners • Spouses

visit www.withchildwithoutalcohol.com to get tips and tools for an alcohol-free pregnancy

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ask the expert

By Annika M. Friesen

CANADIAN LEGAL THINK TANKS WEIGH IN ON BILL C-13 A look at the proposed cyberbullying law

ill C-13, Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, was brought forward because of the international media coverage that raised awareness about cellular and online stalking and cyberbullying. Specifically, the suicides of Amanda Todd and Rehtaeh Parsons, both victims of relentless bullying on the Internet, brought the issue to a head in Canada. The bill isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t without controversy. In the wake of a rather damning decision from the Supreme Court of Canada, which found police requests under PIPEDA for personal information from telecommunications providers without a search warrant are unconstitutional, the constitutionality of some investigative provisions of Bill C-13 with respect to the retrieval of Internet data has been questioned as a possible infringement on the privacy of Canadians.

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ask the expert

Notwithstanding these concerns, Bill C-13 addresses a serious gap in the Criminal Code that should lead towards its prompt enactment. It does so by creating a new criminal offence prohibiting the distribution of intimate images of a person without their consent. Because child pornography offences already criminalize the possession or distribution of intimate images of minors, the offence extends criminal culpability to the dissemination of such images of non-consenting adults. The Canadian Bar Association (“CBA”) issued a submission presented to the Federal Justice Committee with 19 recommendations for the Bill, stressing that the creation of the new offence is important legislation but that its language requires refinement to ensure it only captures conduct which should be criminalized. The CBA’s main contention is that the wording of the offence itself casts the net too wide by including situations the government likely didn’t intend to criminalize. The CBA suggests that the offence be limited to these situations in which a deliberate intention to bully or harass exists, an exemption for information in the public interest and that someone who is reckless as to whether the person gave their consent not be caught by the offence. Anyone who creates or distributes intimate images of minors could be charged with a child pornography offence. There is no element of consent, even between two minors close in age, when it comes to images of minors. However, there is always discretion in the prosecution as to whether it is appropriate to lay or continue with charges. Criminal charges are generally not considered where a minor voluntarily creates an intimate image and shares it with another minor and it goes no further than that. Generally, despite the seriousness of the issue, criminally charging youths who engage in cyberbullying should not be a first reaction, but a discretionary last resort. However, when images are disseminated in a manner that crosses the line into potentially criminal conduct, the new offence would give prosecutors an alternative for prosecuting youth outside of child pornography provisions, which the CBA notes carry harsher penalties and stigma.

Both West Coast LEAF and the CBA suggest dividing Bill C-13 into two bills to allow the government to move ahead with the new offence and its surrounding provisions, while the controversial provisions dealing with search and seizure of Internet data (often called “lawful access” legislation) receive further attention and debate. The law needs to respond to the pressing concern of increasing harassment and abuse in the cyber world. Bill C-13 is a step in the right direction. It further allows a sentencing judge to require an offender to pay the costs of an aggrieved person to remove the image from digital networks and to set strict conditions as to the offender’s use of the Internet or digital networks for an appropriate length of time. Although Bill C-13 is far from perfect, it strives to address a gap in the justice system. No teenager should be driven to suicide by cyberbullying. If the proposed law is passed, it will give the justice system a means to hold harassers accountable for their actions. It might also deter online harassment. The law will not get to the root of the cyberbullying problem, as this is an issue that parents and schools need to address, but it does acknowledge the seriousness of the destructive, even life-threating, behaviours of cyberstalkers and cyberbullies. Annika M. Friesen practises primarily in the area of civil litigation. She is also a volunteer with LEAF Manitoba and has delivered the “No Means No” workshop to hundreds of Manitoba students on issues surrounding consent. She can be reached at afriesen@fillmoreriley.com or (204) 957 8328.

Do you have an opinion about food and health?

West Coast LEAF (the Legal Education and Action Fund) recently released a report entitled “#CyberMisogyny: Using and Strengthening Canadian Legal Responses to Gendered Hate and Harassment Online.” The report adopts the term “cyber misogyny” to encapsulate “the diverse forms of gendered hatred, harassment and abusive behaviour directed towards women and girls online.” West Coast LEAF reports on recent statistics of the number of young people engaged in “sexting” behaviour – sending intimate images of themselves to others through cell phone messaging. It cites a recent Canadian study1 that revealed eight per cent of students in grades four to 11 had sent a sext of themselves to someone else and 24 per cent reported receiving a sext from someone else. These numbers rise as teens get older and boys are almost twice as likely as girls to receive a sext created for them. The major cause of concern, that has proven extremely damaging, is the forwarding of images to others. Just under a quarter of students who sent a sext of themselves said it had been forwarded on to someone else. Thirty percent of grade 11 students reported receiving a forwarded sext. Girls disproportionately suffer social ridicule when their intimate images go awry and we have seen that the consequences can be tragic. 1 Valerie Steeves, “Young Canadians in a Wired World, Phase III: Sexuality and Romantic Relationships in the Digital Age” Mediasmarts.ca (2014), http://mediasmarts.ca/ycww/ sexuality-romantic-relationships-digital-age.

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This is your chance to be heard! Sign up to become a panelist - anyone can join! Email us at mcmfoodpanel@umanitoba.ca Check out the results of previous surveys at www.mcmfoodpanel.ca

The MCMFP is funded by the governments of Canada and Manitoba through Growing Forward 2, a federal - provincial - territorial initiative.

You have the opportunity to influence the food choices available in Manitoba - sign up today! Participate in up to 5 surveys a year about important topics such as: organic food, food safety, functional foods, plant sterols, probiotics, and marketing claims, and be entered for the opportunity to receive grocery store gift cards!

FALL 2014

fashion

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FALL 2014

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FALL 2014

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FALL 2014

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advertorial

FRESCOLIO Now in its second year of operation, Winnipeg’s first oil and vinegar tasting bar is fast becoming a destination for city food lovers. Frescolio Fine Oils and Vinegars, located just east of Stafford Street at 2-929 Corydon Avenue, offers more than 60 gourmet-quality, extra-virgin olive oils, specialty oils, and balsamic vinegars in a tasting-bar setting. Winnipeggers have embraced the new concept and are visiting the establishment in ever-increasing numbers. Frescolio is owned by locals Michael Graham and Lise Belanger and is managed by Lise’s daughter, Chantal Hogue. It’s clear that the staff enjoy guiding new customers through the maze of information about how olive oil is made, the meaning of Extra Virgin or Aceto Balsamico and why you need to know an oil’s crush date, not its “best before” date. With four bottle sizes ranging from $5 to $28, gift boxes, and free gift wrapping, Frescolio is ideal for anyone who needs a unique, consumable gift.

Fine Oils + Vinegars Tasting Bar

& Bakery and Banville and Jones Wine Company to offer delicious seven-course meals with customized wine pairings “Al Frescolio” on the venerable bookstore’s outdoor patio. The small sample-sized bottles are also becoming popular wedding favours for brides and grooms getting married in 2014 and 2015. As the fall and

holiday season approaches, businesses and social groups are booking private evenings ranging from swanky cocktail parties to casual book clubs. When looking for a new food experience or a perfect gift, drop into this interesting store. One of their customers said it best; it’s a “gastronomical art gallery.”

The ambience in the store is inviting and invigorating with vibrant original art-forsale by Winnipeg artist Sharon Cory. For first-time customers, stopping at Frescolio is as fun as an MLCC outlet on Saturday afternoons when there are plenty of vendors offering samples. The enjoyment of the experience is particularly evident when staff overhear customers exclaiming to one another, “Hey, come over here — you’ve gotta try this one!” Returning customers, familiar with the process, walk in carrying their bottle returns and efficiently convey the purpose of their visit: “A 750 of the Tuscan Herb and a 375 of the Traditional 18-year balsamic, please.” Responding to the explosion of interest in using authentic, high-quality ingredients in increasingly global cuisine, privately-owned tasting bars like Frescolio have opened in cities across North America over the last several years. Local food and culture bloggers Robin Summerfield (Peg City Grub), Sarah Zaharia (My Life in Winnipeg), and Eden Ramsay (Eden in Winnipeg) each wrote enthusiastic pieces about Frescolio, including a recommendation from Zaharia to “be sure to leave yourself time to work through a tasting. It will change the way you think about everyday ingredients.” Frescolio is proud to supply several of Winnipeg’s best restaurants. During the summer of 2014, they teamed up with Chef Karen Nielson of Prairie Ink Restaurant WINNIPEGMAG.COM

Open Tuesdays through Sundays

FALL 2014

your health

BREAKING THE

By Candice G. Ball

SEXUALITY TABOO

Sexuality is one of the ways that we become enlightened, actually, because it leads us to self-knowledge. —Alice Walker

lthough we’re bombarded by images of sex and sexuality every day, Miley Cyrus’s twerking and Beyoncé’s gyrating on a beach singing “Drunk in Love” do little to encourage a frank, relaxed dialogue about sex. Indeed some performers depend on the tabooness of sex to push buttons and titillate. If we were all relaxed about sex and sexuality, pop culture would have to find a new way to get our attention and sell products and services.

sex, except for the issues that are going on in our own lives. For some, it’s reinforced that sex is to be kept private, yet sex is key in advertising and found throughout the media.”

“There are many cultural and social double standards that play off one another that feed into the tabooness of sex,” explains Dr. Reece Malone, a sexologist and sexuality educator and counsellor who practices at Four Rivers Medical Clinic. “We love to talk about

“We are sexual beings, but it’s important to remember that sexuality involves more than what we’re doing with our genitals. It involves our minds, hearts and spirits, as well as our bodies,” says Dr. Malone.

FALL 2014

Contrary to what’s depicted in pop culture, sexuality is far more complex than having a beautiful body or being a virile young stud. The World Health Organization describes sexuality as a central aspect of being human throughout life that encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction.

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your health Culture, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation and gender all play a role. Although having sex is one expression of sexuality, it can also be experienced in fantasies, roles, desires, and relationships. “Some people are taught that sex is to be expressed in only one manner, but porn and how-to manuals expose the vast array of possibilities,” explains Dr. Malone. “Unfortunately the realities of sexism, homophobia, misogyny, racism, religion and body negativity fuel unrealistic expectations and anxiety around sex that include hopelessness, shame, guilt and embarrassment.”

FOR TALKING ABOUT SEX

Dr. Malone frequently sees the impact of sex and sexuality taboos in his practice. “For many it’s difficult to talk about their sexuality. It can be as simple as not knowing how to approach the subject and wondering whether they’re being judged. This can manifest into anxiety, performance pressures, sexual pain, feelings of isolation, avoidance, infidelity and conflict,” he says.

Knowing that sexuality can be difficult to discuss, approaching a trusted friend or colleague can be a good start. If you’re uncertain about their values or viewpoints, approaching with general questions rather than sharing intimate details would be advised.

He adds that other than some aspects of reproduction and sexually transmitted infections, many people aren’t exposed to the realities of sexuality. Many families don’t openly discuss sexuality or apply the passive approach of “respond only when asked.” Some of the common themes Dr. Malone encounters in his practice include issues of desire and how clients can better understand their partners’ sexuality. For instance, what if your partner wants to watch porn? How should you be feeling? What if your partner wants a threesome? What if you have mismatched libidos and you experience pain during intercourse? The scenarios are as infinite as the human imagination. “Nothing is too bizarre to me, rather uncommon at most. It’s not the ‘what’; it’s the ‘why’ and the journey that I’m interested in. I prefer to get to the heart of the matter first,” Dr. Malone says.

Dr. Malone’s Tips

• Don’t gossip or disclose particulars about others’ sexuality. Disclosing aspects about other people’s sexuality, such as comments about their body, sexual lifestyles and sexual identity, is highly inappropriate and disrespectful. • Acknowledge that people are sexual beings and that sexuality evolves with longevity. Your approach to sex in your 20s may change over time and you may need to find a new vocabulary that adapts with your physical and emotional changes. • Discuss sex based on your feelings, wants, joys and desires rather than blaming your partner for what they are doing wrong. • Sexuality professionals who are sex-positive can be helpful for anyone who wants to discuss sexuality or begin to learn how to discuss sexuality differently.

A common assignment Dr. Malone gives his patients is to establish personal sexual boundaries. “By knowing one’s own boundaries, we can become more active in conversations about sex rather than passive respondents,” he explains. “We also build sexual integrity, self-value and confidence in and out of the bedroom.” Dr. Malone believes that once we feel more grounded in who we are and take a step back and examine ourselves as sexual beings, only then will we be fully present and truly accessible with our partners. “Some people think of it as being selfish. I think of it as self-care.” Collectively, Winnipeggers are far more relaxed about sex and sexuality than many centres, particularly those south of the border. For instance, Winnipeggers elected Canada’s first openly gay mayor, Glen Murray. We were also ranked the sexiest city in 2008 when FastLife. ca, a speed-dating service, conducted a study that based results on the popularity of its clientele using postal codes. Winnipeg ranked number one, narrowly pushing Vancouver out of first place. Dr. Malone doesn’t find the results surprising. “Our diverse city means lots of flavours, tastes and proclivities. We’re not just eye candy but a full-course meal and a doggie bag to bring home.” WINNIPEGMAG.COM

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getting to know

THE MANITOBA CONSUMER MONITOR

FOOD PANEL

A longitudinal research project at the University of Manitoba What is the MCM food panel?

Are the surveys difficult to complete?

What topics do the surveys cover?

The MCM Food Panel is an online survey that asks questions about your opinions, preferences and experiences with food and health.

The surveys are easy to complete and take about 15-20 minutes to fill out. You can access the survey using your computer, iPad, tablet, or smartphone!

Previous survey topics include food safety, local food, probiotics, eating habits, farmers markets, marketing claims, and plant sterols.

What is the survey process? First, we choose a relevant topic of interest, then the research team and other stakeholders develop questions for the survey. Once the questions are finalized, we create the survey template, upload it, and it’s ready for panellists to access online and on paper.

Who is the research team? The research team consists of University of Manitoba Principal Investigators, staff members in the Faculty of Human Ecology, and steering members from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD).

How often would I receive a survey? There are five surveys per year, on different topics. The link is sent straight to your email inbox. All you need to do is follow the link, log in with your email address, and fill out the survey!

DID YOU KNOW… Close to

25% of Manitobans seek out local food?

In the future, panellists may be asked to sample new food products and provide feedback on whether or not they liked the product.

What’s in it for me? For every survey that you complete, you will be entered for the potential opportunity to receive grocery store gift cards worth up to $500. On top of that, you would be contributing to research and helping to make sure you and your family can continue to use the products you love, contribute to the development of new, healthier, tastier food products, while helping to create new policies and programs that guarantee a healthier future for Manitobans.

How can I get involved? If you are a Manitoba resident, over the age of 18, and would like to become a panelist on this first of its kind project, you can register online at: www.MCMFoodPanel.ca

You can email us at MCMFoodPanel@umanitoba.ca or call us at 204.487.3716 (toll free at 1.877.538.5543). The MCMFP is funded by the governments of Canada and Manitoba through Growing Forward 2, a federal - provincial - territorial initiative.

FALL 2014

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from the chef

BEETS BY CHEF ROB

By Rob Thomas

I’m not alone when I say I love beets. From golden, to candy cane, to the common red beet, they all hold a special place in my belly. Beet salad has found its way onto many restaurant menus from fine dining to casual fare. A dish so simple, yet many beet lovers do not try to make this at home. Beets are in season from summer to fall so it’s a great vegetable to utilize. Here is an easy version that will still be impressive to you and your guests.

Roasted Beets: 1lb

beets without greens, trimmed

olive oil Preheat oven to 400°F Rub beets in olive oil, then wrap beets in foil and roast in middle of oven until tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Unwrap beets and let them cool enough to handle. The skin from beets should peel away easily by hand. Cut beets into medium sized cubes.

Honey Dijon Vinaigrette: 2 T

honey

2 T

dijon mustard

¼ C

red wine vinegar

¼ C

olive oil

Pinch of salt & ground black pepper Whisk in a bowl until combined, transfer to a small container for storage.

Salad Mix: 3-4 C

arugula

large pear, quartered, cored and sliced thin

¼ C shelled pistachios, (toasted in a non stick pan for 1.5 min-stir!) ¾ C

crumbled goat cheese

Toss beets, arugula and pear with enough dressing to coat. Top with goat cheese and pistachios, drizzle more dressing if you desire.

Chef Rob is a well-travelled, Private Chef for hire, with close to 20 years of experience in the Culinary Arts. His culinary and global experiences connect people, culture, and ultimately the world. His cuisine is considered a mixture of modern and traditional, with many international flavours, blending together to create flavourful, fresh and inspiring dishes. www.chefrob.ca

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FALL 2014

out to lunch

SUCCULENT

ST. BONIFACE If you’re looking for rich, French food, look no further than our own French quarter

By Kathryne Grisim, The Media Chef www.foodmusings.ca

t. Boniface is home to one of the largest francophone communities west of Quebec, which means one thing: succulent French food! Supposedly Parisians invented restaurants as we are familiar with them today. Having spent time in both France and Quebec, I know that French cuisine is rich and satisfying and I can’t get enough of the cheese and their cream-based sauces, with a glass of red wine for my heart health of course.

The perfect way to start dinner at a St. Boniface restaurant is with a walk through The Forks, past the magnificent Canadian Museum for Human Rights and over the Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge. Not only do you work up your appetite, but you walk by some of the best views that Winnipeg has to offer.

Mussels

Beef Bourguignon

This is how we started the evening of our visit to the Promenade Café and Wine. We were celebrating our eldest daughter’s birthday and she had never dined at the bistro before. My husband selected the French Canadian dish of Bison Tortiere, so named because of the pan that it is made in. Tortiere is typically served as a festive Christmas dish and many Winnipeggers enjoy their own families’ version. The healthy ground bison had a firm texture and the seasonings were deeply satisfying. In contrast, the pie crust was light and flaky and the ladle of gravy that blanketed it was a glistening enhancement. I chose the classic French Beef Bourguignon which I have never attempted the making of at home. I do know though, that the authentic recipe includes pearl onions and button mushrooms and this recipe was true to form. The beef was tender and the gravy luscious. Both dishes were accompanied by simply steamed and buttered carrots and broccoli and the creamiest potatoes I have indulged in for a while. The birthday girl chose one of the few un-French dishes on the menu: Gnocchi, which was equally tantalizing. The second location of Inferno’s Bistro is within walking distance of our home and as such, does not “feel” like a French restaurant to me, whereas, their original location on Des Meurons absolutely oozes Français (in my humble opinion) from their bilingual staff to their extensive menu including pate, foie gras, tartare, duck, bisque, bouillabaisse, escargot and no less than five varieties of moules et frites.

FALL 2014

WINNIPEGMAG.COM

out to lunch Our favourite escargot are typically prepared in café de Paris butter, but we did appreciate that Inferno’s snails are sautéed with brandied mushrooms and topped with a sprinkling of asiago cheese. A thick slice of European egg bread dubbed koilech is grilled with garlic to mop up the extra sauce. I absolutely could not decide if I wanted cognac, fine herbs or Roquefort with the mussels, so I sought out our helpful server’s advice. As a result, I settled upon the authentic Flamande, which poached the morsels in wilted leeks, white wine and cream with just a touch of pernod which added the unusual taste of anise. I was enjoying the delectable and unadorned fries when my husband mischievously suggested that I tip the plate of them into my mussel bowl to let them have a swim in the sauce. Smart guy, my man. I had my heart set on the Alsatian pizza (with Bechamel instead of tomato sauce) at the original Chez Sophie for our final visit. I should have checked their hours online, because when we arrived on a Tuesday evening, they were closed. Undaunted, we headed to Chez Sophie Sur le Pont and managed to get one of their last tables without a reservation where we tucked into Quiche Lorraine, Croque Monsieur and Crepes. I didn’t give the pizza a second thought. Both locations are decorated in the fashion of a Parisian Bistro with chandeliers and flowery wallpaper. As soon as we stepped inside, the strains of a French songstress swept us away to another place. All meals start with a homemade soup and the cream of cauliflower was a silky way to commence. We also appreciated the basket of freshly sliced baguette and the Salade Noir which accompanied our dinners. Our youngest daughter, who joined us on this evening, and I love this salad so much that I have recreated it at home, by tossing mixed greens with balsamic dressing and

Croque Monsieur

then shaving dark chocolate over all. Chocolate on a salad? Don’t knock it until you try it. Of the three entrees, we enjoyed the Croque Monsieur the best (had it included an egg it would have been called a Croque Madame). Croque means crisp, as the typical Parisian snack is a grilled sandwich containing ham, cheese and that béchamel sauce that I mentioned above. If you are a lover of rich French food, you need look no further than Winnipeg’s own beautiful community of St. Boniface.

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FALL 2014

from the cellar

A GOLDEN AUTUMN DAY By Clarence Jackson

itting on the deck catching the warmth of the sun and watching everyone heading back to the city. It’s 6:30 p.m. Monday, and the second last long weekend of the summer has come to a close. Two fishermen empty a pail of entrails from a successful day on the water on the sliver of an island just off from our shore. The gulls are somewhat reluctant to swoop in for the free meal. They have to wait their turn. A large bald eagle is perched in a tree above calling them off or calling for help. Help it is as another swoops in and they both land, grab what they can, and fly off to their nest on another island nearby. They leave and the gulls swoop in. They return and the gulls fly off. A very healthy harvest for all. It was a strange summer, one that felt as though it had only just begun and it was over. The garden. The lake. Summer camp. Road trips. Summer festivals. The mosquitos - and those two or three days of biting flies. And of course, the water. Oh, the water. In the city we watched and read the flood reports, those affected had a spring/summer rife with worry and hard work protecting themselves and their neighbours from rising water. Some seeded and some weren’t able to. Many of those that did, did so in vain and are unable to complete the cycle of life on the land with the harvest. At the lake, boathouses and docks are under water. High water has washed away shoreline and debris floating made navigation hazardous, particularly at night. As we ease back into routine, harvest the garden’s bounty of root vegetables, squash, melons and cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.), contemplate farmers’ markets and fall/ fowl suppers, we give a nod to another summer past and welcome the fall: Long sleeves and legs. Striking colours, hearty fare. No mosquitos. “And I’m soaking it up in my mind And I’m pretending like it’s paradise on a golden autumn day, on a golden autumn day” – Van Morrison

Bodega Palacios Remondo ‘La Vendimia’ (The harvest/vintage, translated from Spanish) (Rioja, Spain; $16.99 Manitoba Liquor Mart)

“… An aromatic wine, with notes of flowers, wild strawberries and licorice. The palate of this 50/50 blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo is fruity, with velvety tannins and good acidity. A quaffable young Rioja at a super price.” – www.erobertparker.com Think braised red meats, roasted root vegetables, hearty stews, and poultry.

FALL 2014

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from the cellar

Nuevo Mundo Viognier Reserva (Organic) (Maipo Valley, Chile; $14.05 Manitoba Liquor Mart)

Light and lively with great character and varietal typicity. Fruits such as apricots, white peaches and citrus are evident. The mouth feel is extremely attractive and the velvety tannins are seductive and appealing. It is a fruity, fresh and very easy drinking wine.

The Grape Cosmo (Three Olives Grape Vodka - $24.99 Manitoba Liquor Mart)

1 Â˝ oz Three Olives Grape Vodka Â˝ oz triple sec 2 oz cranberry juice Splash of fresh lime juice Three Olives Grape Vodka is a unique blend of imported English vodka and the natural taste of juicy concord grapes. Mix all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

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2014-07-16 11:00 AM FALL 2014

home & garden

BEHIND THE SCENES AT T H E PA R A D E O F H O M E S

By Holli Moncrieff

t’s 11:45 on a Saturday morning.

In quiet neighbourhoods and suburbs all over the city, people are scrambling. Landscapers are rolling in that last bit of sod, and interior decorators have noticed a spot on a cabinet that needs dusting. Perhaps that end table should be moved just an inch to the left. In just 15 minutes, the annual Fall Parade of Homes will begin.

“The Parade of Homes is like a swan—it looks serene on the surface, but it’s paddling like hell underneath to stay afloat,” says Mike Moore, President of the Manitoba Home Builder’s Association (MHBA). “It’s not unusual to see people rolling out the last vestiges of sod at 11:45 that Saturday before the Parade starts at noon.” Photo credit: Images courtesy of Maric Homes

FALL 2014

Why the last-minute frenzy? After all, builders know which homes they’ll be entering in the Parade a year or more in

advance. Moore explains it’s all a matter of timing. “The suppliers and sub-trades are the ones that have to get the work done to finish the homes, but everything has to be done in the proper order,” he says. “One week of heavy rain, and that order is thrown into chaos.” The MHBA’s Parade of Homes is the largest event of its kind in the world. For over 30 years, it has provided Manitobans with a unique opportunity to view the latest and greatest achievements of the home-building industry. Over 40,000 people attend each Parade of Homes, and that’s a lot of pressure. In a show home, everything is supposed to be perfect. Even though the builders are the ones in the spotlight, it is the suppliers who are the unsung heroes of the event. Without the suppliers providing everything that goes into the homes, the Parade simply wouldn’t happen. WINNIPEGMAG.COM

home & garden “Many of our suppliers are also sponsors that support the Parade, and often the suppliers also do the install of the products or material. Suppliers are critical,” says Moore. “They’ve got to fit a very tight schedule to make sure the homes are ready in time for Parade. Some have their show homes done now and others will be going right up to the last minute. As consumers, we just show up and think that everything magically appears.”

and there are 10 builders that help plan and run the event.

Complicating this schedule is the fact that most suppliers are working with several different builders at a time. They may be responsible for quite a few different show homes in the Parade.

The Parade of Homes awards include several categories in each price range. Builders of condominiums, single-family bungalows, and single-family two-storeys compete to win gold, silver, or bronze.

“You better have started your house a year early to be ready for Parade. Everything has to be done before the event starts,” Moore says. “The Parade is an opportunity for suppliers to show off their new products. All of these homes are professionally decorated. Some people go into them just to get new ideas for their existing homes.”

“Builders are competing against other houses in the same price range as theirs. We try to get five entries in each category,” Moore says. “The awards are of influence. Builders put them on display in their show homes and use them in their marketing.”

The Fall Parade of Homes is one of the biggest events in the homebuilding industry. It includes a formal gala for MHBA members, and an awards ceremony for the category winners. The MMG-061 Fareconnect.QX8_Layout Parade Committee meets every month,

Organizing the various activities is enough to keep the MHBA busy for most of the year, says Moore. “The gala at the Winnipeg Convention Centre is a major production — 800 people attend. It’s the highlight of the year for our builder members. A million and one details go into this event.”

Manitoba’s Parade of Homes was inspired by a Minneapolis event at least 30 years ago. Moore says some association members were skeptical in the beginning. “Whenever someone has a new idea, there’s always people saying it will never work, but the Parade was championed by 1people 27/10/13 2:16been PMleaders Page in 1 adapting who have

a great idea to what we have here,” he says. “It’s a fantastic way to market new homes, and it’s just grown year after year.” Six years ago, there were under 80 homes entered in the Parade. Last year, there were 122 homes. Many of Manitoba’s smaller builders don’t have marketing and advertising budgets. The Parade gives these builders a valuable opportunity to have their work noticed. “From a builder’s standpoint, it allows everybody to be on the same stage at the same time. They’re all in it together. A small builder may not have a marketing and advertising budget, yet here he is on the same stage with the bigger builders,” says Moore. “The smaller builders would never be able to afford the promotion and publicity that comes with the Parade on their own.” The Parade is also a chance to promote smaller neighbourhoods alongside the city’s larger, well-known developments. “We’re seeing tremendous growth in the city’s outlying communities. We always have homes in Oakbank, Oak Bluff, Dugald, and Headingley included in the Parade. Add Stonewall to that mix and it gives consumers choice. That’s what we’re all about,” Moore says. “Everybody knows

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FALL 2014

home & garden

what the big developments are. This gives builders the opportunity to promote their much smaller neighbourhoods. The Parade creates extra awareness for consumers.” A wide range of homes are on display during the Parade — everything from condos to bungalows and two-storey homes. “There’s definitely something for everyone, from young couples who are starting out to the other end of the spectrum — empty-nesters looking at downsizing,” says Moore. “Our biggest audience is between the ages of 35 and 55. They already have a house and are looking to upgrade. Perhaps they’ve expanded their family or expanded their income. They’re not only in the position of knowing what they want, but they have the ability to go out and get it.” Moore says he often receives calls from building associations in other provinces who are eager to recreate Manitoba’s success. “The truly amazing thing is that our event is unique in Canada. It’s bigger and better than anything like it in the country. There is something very special that takes place

FALL 2014

here,” he says. “Everybody has different reasons as to why it works for them.” There’s plenty of buzz surrounding each Parade of Homes — sometimes too much. “We do such a good job of promoting the Parade of Homes that people think that’s the only time show homes are open. We spend the rest of the year saying, ‘hey, we’re still open for business!’ It’s our own fault — we’re victims of our own success,” Moore says. “People still do come but there is a misconception that show homes aren’t open year-round.” The Fall Parade of Homes will begin at noon on September 13 and run until October 5. “The Fall Parade is always exciting because you can see the yard and landscaping. Everything’s green and the walks are clean. The show homes are always perfect inside, but in the fall they’re perfect outside as well,” says Moore. “We encourage people to see as many homes as possible. You can get the best of all worlds by visiting a variety of show homes. Show homes are still the best places to see new trends in the industry.”

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GAME PLAN By Amanda Thomas

P R E PA R E T H O S E GARDENS FOR WINTER

t seemed as though we were just getting ready to plant our flowers and now summer has flown by, making it time to winterize our gardens. There are many important things to remember when preparing plants, trees, and the lawn for a treacherous Winnipeg winter. Let’s just say it’s time to get mulching!

Stake and tie up any young trees or shrubs that may break under the weight of wet snow or ice. Use soft ties around the bark of trees, as wire or twine can cut into the bark and cause serious damage. A good trick for making soft homemade ties is to cut old t-shirts into strips.

Wrap the stems of young and newly planted trees with the white plastic tree wraps or this year you could try to use some burlap material. This will help to prevent sun scalding on the bark and will also help to protect young plants from damage done by rabbits or other small creatures.

When the snow comes make sure to dump it away from shrubs and young trees. Dumping large amounts of snow on trees and shrubs can cause serious damage. In the spring the mounds of snow melt and gradually sink, pulling at branches and leaving salt behind.

4 5

However, remember that snow on top of a perennial bed can be a good insulating layer.

Mulch gardens if you didn’t get a chance to do so earlier in the year. When using leaves, do not apply a thickness of more than 10 centimetres any deeper will smother bulbs and perennials that are trying to grow in the spring.

FALL 2014

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home & garden

Once trees drop their leaves, check them for pests or diseases that may have been hidden by summer foliage. It is also a great time to examine the tree to determine if some spring pruning will be needed when the season arrives.

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Repair summer’s damage. Now is a great time to repair a damaged lawn and do some re-seeding.

Don’t store the hose away just yet because you should continue to water the lawn - even in fall. Generally, lawns should get approximately an inch of water every 14 to 21 days. The ground should be moist as it heads toward winter, but not soggy, which could encourage mold.

Go easy on the pruning. Pruning is one of the most common gardening practices but it is actually sometimes unnecessary. As a general rule, give your loppers and shears the autumn off. Why? Pruning promotes growth, and you don’t want to encourage growth when plants are preparing to go dormant for winter. There are some exceptions, so call your local greenhouse or lawn service if you have doubts about a particular plant or tree.

Many potted or hanging plants can be moved inside to a sunny window sill to be enjoyed for the colder months too. Ask your local gardener or green thumb which plants can live happily both indoors (during winter) and outdoors.

T ake a gamble and throw seeds of hardy annuals where you would want them to bloom next year, sometimes they’ll bloom automatically come spring! Poppies, Cleome and Cosmos will frequently take root from seeds sown in autumn and conditioned under the winter snow. Fall is the perfect time, however, to cut dead wood off trees so that insects have no place to nest over the winter.

T here’s no benefit to keeping vegetables roots and plants in the soil once the cold weather has officially hit so be sure to remove all vegetables from your garden in preparation to start fresh next year.

15 16

As you wind down the garden season, make notes on what worked and what didn’t work, to help you plan for a successful and beautiful garden next year. You are more likely to remember key points now rather than next April or May.

Don’t completely write off the vegetable garden just yet either. There are some great vegetables that take 30 days or less to harvest and that aren’t hugely affected by a light frost, so continue to tend to spinach, Swiss chards, and carrots well into the fall months.

Also if you haven’t changed your soil in your vegetable garden in the last few seasons, now is the time to do so. Till out some of the old hard soil and add fresh soil complete with manure and you’ll be ready for the spring veggie season.

Also, in this tech savvy day and age, take a picture of your garden before it gets covered, then when you go to plant in spring you’ll know what grows where and things you’d like to do differently. Trees, vegetables and perennial gardens all need specific fall and winter care so make sure to consult your local greenhouse for a more detailed list or for plant by plant instructions. When it comes to lawn care, landscapers always know best. May this winter be mild, both for the gardens sake and ours!

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Duality Photography - Michael Roberts

B E D R O O M H AV E N DON’T NEGLECT T H E R O O M T H AT SHOULD BE ALL ABOUT YOU By Candice G. Ball

lthough it’s the room where you probably spend seven to nine hours each day, when it comes to design and beauty, it’s often the most neglected room. If you’re like most people, it’s time you revisited your bedroom design and décor and create the space you need to rest, rejuvenate and enjoy intimacy. “People don’t give their bedroom enough priority,” says Kim Schroeder, owner of Charisma, the design experience. “People often put more energy into the kitchen, the living room and bathrooms and neglect the master bedroom. Because it’s your own personal space for rejuvenation, connection and intimacy, it merits way more priority.”

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As with Schroeder, Sherri Cowlthorp, owner of Inclusive Design Group, sees the same pattern, particularly when a couple builds a new house. The more public rooms come first and often by the time the house owners turn their attention to the bedroom, they’ve spent most of their budget on the other rooms in the house. We owe it to ourselves to create a sanctuary to retreat from the daily grind. How do you go about creating that space? If you face budget constraints, there are a couple of inexpensive options that can make an immediate difference. “Go out and find yourself a great bed in a bag,” says Cowlthorp. “Make sure it has colours you really love.” Candles or some lighting with a dimmer is also an inexpensive way to make your bedroom a more intimate space. WINNIPEGMAG.COM

home & garden

If you have the budget to do a total makeover, it could run the gamut from everything to new furniture to lighting to custom bedding and area rugs. “For the master bedroom, you should absolutely use your favourite colours and textures,” says Schroeder. Cowlthorp agrees that choosing the right textures go a long way to create an intimate space. “Particular attention to texture should be made. When creating a bedroom for romance, relaxation and rest, pay attention to texture in drapery, rugs, throws and bedding. Items with a lot of texture give the effect of warmth and relaxation.”

Both Schroeder and Cowlthorp recommend lighting with dimmers and candlelight (real or artificial). Adding a chaise lounge can also help promote relaxation and intimacy. “If you have room for a sitting area, don’t have two chairs; have a chair and a half or a chaise lounge so there’s enough room for the two of you,” says Schroeder. Both Schroeder and Cowlthorp are adamant about keeping TV, technology and distractions out of the bedroom.

Don’t charge your phone overnight in your bedroom. Don’t bring your laptop or tablet into your bedroom. Have one book on your nightstand table, not six. Another tip is to make your bed every morning. “If I don’t make my bed in the morning, I really dislike coming home from a stressful day at work to a disheveled mess,” says Schroeder. “I’d rather see it done up all nice and pretty, welcoming me home to my personal retreat at the end of the day.”

Inclusive Design Group

Another approach to designing the master bedroom is to select colours and textures that contrast with the rest of your house. For instance, Schroeder visited a home in Mexico that had bright, vibrant colours throughout the house and the bedroom decorated in white and cream. “It was a nice contrast to all the energetic colours throughout the rest of the house and the room was very soothing and peaceful.” If you’re looking to set the mood for more intimacy and lovemaking with your partner, there are certain colours that seem to encourage both. A study conducted by the Travelodge in Britain that surveyed 2,000 guests found that couples with caramel-coloured walls have sex about three times a week—that’s more than the Canadian average of once or twice a week. If you really want to turn up the heat, the colour purple appears to be the sexiest bedroom colour. A survey conducted by British retailer Littlewoods found that couples with purple bedding or furniture had more than three intimate encounters a week. Downside? The Travelodge study reported that people in purple bedrooms get less than six hours of sleep a night. In addition to stirring up amorous desires, the theory is that purple stimulates creative thought, which can get in the way of a good night’s sleep. If you’re looking to get more sleep, you may want to consider a blue bedroom. The Travelodge study reported that those sleeping in blue rooms got almost eight hours of sleep and woke up feeling good. It’s hardly surprising. Think of how you feel when you gaze out a blue sea or look up at a bright sky. The right lighting also plays an integral role in setting the mood in the bedroom. WINNIPEGMAG.COM

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Winnipeg Did You know? FALL 2014

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F E AT U R E S E C T I O N

FA L L 2 0 1 4

LIVING Condos / Homes / Apartments

INSIDE

40 Art of the Deal

Winnipeg Realtor® Matthew Nicolas’ approach is one predicated on creating deals that fit like a glove

46 Not So Hostile Takeover:

Condo sales growing by leaps and bounds

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FALL 2014

winnipeg living

By Candice G. Ball

ART OF THE DEAL W I N N I P E G R E A LT O R ® M A T T H E W N I C O L A S ’ A P P R O A C H I S O N E P R E D I C AT E D O N C R E AT I N G D E A L S T H AT F I T L I K E A G L O V E

By Kelly Gray

hen it comes to condos in Winnipeg, one name seems to stand above the rest. Matthew Nicolas is with Sutton Group Kilkenny Real Estate and over the past four years he has become the go-to guy for sales of strata properties. Over those years Matt has seen his sales earn some of the highest prices per square foot and as a result he earned the Winnipeg Real Estate Board’s prestigious Gold Medallion in 2013 as a pro with sales in the top one per cent of his industry. Behind it all is a driven personality that has him up early crunching numbers instead of breakfast cereal. “I live for the deal. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. The excitement of putting together new developments or coming up with the right package

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winnipeg living

for a client is what really keeps me going,” he says, remembering a point in his life about five years ago when he came home from his nine to five job to tell his wife he was thinking about a career switch to real estate. “She looked at me and told me to follow my heart. I did and I have never been so happy.” The same can be said for a long list of clients who have sought his help selling or seeking the perfect condo. And while he has experience in the full range of real estate, Nicolas has become a specialist in condo properties where he has developed as well as sold some of the most recognized condominium addresses in the city. Today these addresses include locations in all sectors of Winnipeg where he works to create housing innovation as well as good fits for residents and the community. For example, Pointe North Station in the Maples is a mixed-use development where professional offices will occupy the ground level in commercial condos and the upper floors will feature residential units in a 47-suite contemporary package. What he is selling in North Pointe Station is a decidedly recent approach that looks back to older style development where blended community allows people to live, work and play in their local areas rather than drive long distances to the office or gym. “When I look around I can see that our urban sprawl is creating a city that is not focused on healthy lifestyle and life/work balance. I definitely like urbanization over sprawl. We have great neighbourhoods in the heart of Winnipeg like Osborne Village, Corydon, and West Broadway where there is the kind of population density that works well for meaningful projects that help positive lifestyles flourish. I want to be a catalyst for this kind of change,” he says, noting that real estate flows in his veins thanks to a family background that saw his grandfather develop a number of multi-family projects back in the ’70s. “I want to take this to a new level,” he says. Indeed, over the years Nicolas has watched Winnipeg grow up and move forward in housing and urban amenities. “There was not much going on downtown in the 1990s and 2000s. Then came the MTS Centre and a concerted effort to revive the core. Now, thanks to the right kind of development

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we are seeing an expansion of housing in the Exchange with exciting projects from Waterfront Drive to Portage Avenue. That dense urban feel is starting to exist in the downtown neighbourhood. Community is developing and people are buying into condos where streetscapes are lined with cafes and entertainment venues.”

“...THE EXCITEMENT OF PUTTING TOGETHER NEW DEVELOPMENTS OR COMING UP WITH THE RIGHT PA C K A G E F O R A C L I E N T I S W H AT R E A L LY K E E P S ME GOING...”

According to Nicolas, the condo market is currently driven by two key elements. “There is a demographic shift where consumers are finding the old family home is just too big for their current needs. For these people the idea of slimming down to the luxury and simplicity of a condo makes sense. Condos remove a lot of the complexity of home ownership which lets people get on with more important things in their lives,” he says. “The second facet is the younger buyer who does not want to sacrifice lifestyle. A condo allows these people to have it all – a home in the centre of the action that doesn’t take all their financial resources to meet monthly payments. They want something left for travel or amenities.”

Nicolas looks to his experiences living in centres such as Edmonton and Toronto where the condo market is far more established. He is also well travelled and has been able to interpret projects he has seen in locations such as Vancouver or New York and offer a Winnipeg approach that is new and unique. Capturing this vibrancy, Nicolas and his partners are involved in Urban Glo, a new project set to rise at Picardy Place and Chestnut Street in the Wolseley neighbourhood. This “in-fill” development will take the traditional Winnipeg community to new heights with nine loft-style units that feature nine-foot ceilings, unique lighting and a very modern edgy feel. He suggests this site is reflective of his willingness to listen to the market where young urbanites are crying out for properties that exude modern finishes and speak to a demand for something new and out of the box. Another example is 62M on Waterfront Drive. This is a 40-unit condo development that offers 610-square-foot suites that are located in the heart of the city with stunning river views and access to the full slate of urban amenities that is the Exchange. More, Nicolas is involved with Creek Bend Hollow, an exclusive community on the southeastern edge of Winnipeg. On offer is a gated riverside development with room for 17 detached condos in bungalow formats that extend from 1,500-square-feet to 2,200-square-feet on river lots with walkouts. To get it all done, Nicolas has built a strong network of professional supports from legal to architectural. As well, his staff at his Sutton Group offices includes dedicated marketing and client service personnel that have been hand picked for their knowledge and skill sets. “My approach has been to create a onestop shop where all the services one needs to buy or sell is located in one place. The goal is to create the deals with real value and then offer the supports to get things moving. Sometimes we have sold out a project in a week thanks to our approach that I think is quite a bit different from what one typically finds in real estate. At the end of the day, it’s all about value and then communicating this to the market,” he says. “Winnipeg has a lot of room to grow and I want to be one of the main forces moving the city in the right direction.”

FALL 2014

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N O T S O H O S T I L E TA K E O V E R CONDO SALES GROWING BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS By Jon Waldman

nyone who has attempted to buy a home in Winnipeg over the last decade knows how difficult the market can be. Prices have steadily been on the rise while terms like “housing crisis” have loomed large despite the seemingly ever-present buildouts of new communities and multiresidential developments. In the simplest of explanations, what contributed to this push has been supply

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versus demand, with a sub-battle emerging between two major dwelling spaces – houses and condominiums, and while both have their drawing power, the condo has gained traction the likes of which are nothing short of stunning. David Squire, MLS market analyst, points to sales that have seen condos rapidly grow in market share over the last few years. In 2013, there were 1,759 MLS sales for condominiums, representing the highest number in years and the pique of a steady increase in sales since 2008, where sales were at 1,228. In that same

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winnipeg living period, house sales dropped from 9,789 to 9,248, contributing to condo market share rising from 9.74 per cent in 2008 to 13.68 per cent this past year.

of maintenance and repair on a house, and now it’s time for a little bit of easier, especially for snowbirds where it’s easier to lock up and take off.”

Squire sees that number being even larger this year.

Roberta Weiss, Director at the Manitoba Real Estate Association and a Realtor with Century 21, sees the same split market for potential condo owners. In analyzing the need, she adds another perspective – that the family dynamic, once changed, necessitates a move to a smaller dwelling for older homeowners, while financials play a part in the decision-making process for a younger buyer.

“Year-to-date as of the end of June, our condominium sales are up 11% at 963 sales,” he says, adding that current market share is now hovering just south of the 15 per cent mark. “It is likely we will set a new benchmark high for condominium sales through our MLS®. I can see us reaching 2,000 condo sales in the next five years if not sooner based on current trends.” The reasons behind this increase are fairly simple. “Lifestyle is usually the most important factor, and financial number two,” says David Powell, president of the Winnipeg Realtors Association and owner and broker with Powell Property Group. “In today’s day and age, if you’re a single, young professional, your work days are usually longer than 40 hours per week and you need some maintenance-free living. Even for a younger, single parent, taking care of a house is a little bit harder. For the older demographic it’s the same thing. They’ve gone through that gambit

In the older couples portion, she remarks that, “Maybe the kids are gone, so they’re empty-nesters – they don’t need a 3,000-square-foot, two-storey home for just the two of them,” while commenting that younger, first-time buyers “can’t get into the housing market, simply because of price.” “The highest percentage of sales from our staff last month,” she continues, “were condos under $200,000, so for somebody who’s a young person, under 35 or so, who wants to get into the housing market but can’t afford a single family home (which she notes as being well over $200,000), it’s a good place to start building some equity and making the investment.”

The Right Location

Naturally, finding the right condo for you (and possibly your family) becomes partly dependent on the area of the city you want to be in. If you’re well-established, for example, in St. James, you may not be looking towards East Kildonan for your new home. “The Wellington Crescent area has always been popular because of the proximity to shopping – Osborne Village, Corydon, that kind of thing,” she says. “There has been a lot of development in St. Vital between Bishop Grandin and the perimeter, there are a lot of developments in St. Boniface as well and a lot of activity in Transcona...I can’t think of one area in the city where, if you want to own a condo, that there isn’t something for you there. Everyone has a comfort zone of where they want to live in the city.” What has seen a decline is the apartment market in Winnipeg. While new blocks are developed and have been for the last decade or so, the shopper is a little more wise to the investment and potential of condos. “Most consumers recognize that when you rent for $1,200-$1,500 a month and you’re leaving with no equity position, it’s always better to buy, especially in Winnipeg where you’re looking at condo prices increasing in double digits right now,” Powell remarks. On that note, Powell remarks that condo prices are not slowing down, and forecasts that the trend will continue to see a rise. “I think there’s room in the marketplace for diversification from apartment-style to townhouse to bungalow style, from under $200,000 to a million dollars. I think there’s a lot of room for continuous growth. The demand is still there – we’re seeing an increase in listings, sales and dollar volume, so all that points to is that this market is coming along nicely.” “If the crystal ball is working, we’ve still got three to five years of strong growth in Winnipeg.” Weiss, however, sees that saturation is beginning to take hold. “It’s taking a little bit longer for sales to happen. There’s lots of inventory out there,” she says, noting that during a mid-July interview, 400 condos were listed for sale on MLS. “You have to realize that for new condos, there may be only one, two or three units of that entire property on MLS to try to attract buyers, while there may be 50 units for sale.”

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FALL 2014

NOW SELLING!

Condos Starting at $209,900 Floor to Ceiling Glass Select your Floor Plan

Matthew Nicolas REALTOR速 SUTTON GROUP - KILKENNY 204.475.9130 mnicolas@sutton.com

Show Suite Now Open

Call to reserve your Condo Today!

NOW SELLING

$199,000 48

FALL 2014

WINNIPEGMAG.COM

Healthy lifestyle

Natural charm Vis it ou r n e wes

Built alongside lakes, paved walkways, abundant green spaces and a future town centre, our neighbourhoods are designed with you in mind.

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Monday to Thursday Saturday and Sunday Friday by appointment

Beautiful Surroundings Our unique architectural guidelines combine traditional home styles with modern features to create welcoming streetscapes and a genuine sense of community.

Hours will vary by builder. Please check builder websites for details. Make plans to visit now.

Pedestrian Focused Leave your vehicle at home and take a stroll along an extensive pedestrian network of over 80 km of planned pathways and sidewalks.

Discover and Explore With seven planned play areas, winding trails and sparkling lakes, children of all ages will enjoy the amenities of the neighbourhood.

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Trail Network

G * IN AR K R YE A T P 1S E E HE R F RT O

PREMIUM APARTMENTS FOR RENT Rent a premium apartment in St. Vital, one of Winnipeg’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Upgrade to the lifestyle you deserve. Your next place features striking granite counter tops, stylish stainless steel appliances, and in-suite washers and dryers to make life even easier. Call us to book your private viewing. We can’t wait to show you what the future holds.

CALL (204) 594 9988 CLICK YOUR NEXT PLACE.CA

*OFFER AVAILABLE TO NEW TENANTS ONLY.