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Building Excellence for the Modern Age
Spring 2012 $5.50
Clean sleek lines & spacious open spaces characterize a flawless contemporary design Homes & Neighbourhoods Builders & developers bring forth their finest at the Spring 2012 Parade of Homes World-class building, world-class art An interview with world-renowned artist & sculptor, Joe Fafard
Volume 16, Number 3 Spring 2012
In this issue
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M A N I T O B A
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71 44
FEATURES
6 Building Excellence for the Modern Age Clean sleek lines & ample open spaces characterize a flawless contemporary design 50 Landscaping ideas, innovative outdoor products, plus the lowdown on pools 71 Homes & Neighbourhoods Builders & developers bring forth their finest at the Spring 2012 Parade of Homes
LIFESTYLES
17 What Women Want 19 Experiential Upgrade 21 Stepping Out With Style 38 On the Bookshelf 39 Styling the Stereo 49 Manitoba’s golf gem
CUISINE DU JOUR 28 Delectable Dining 31 Noshing Out 34 Recipes
profiles
41 Hitting all the right notes 42 World-class building, world-class art 43 More than the sum of its parts
117
fab finds
46 Fashions, home décor accents & more for the season ahead
HEALTH & BEAUTY 37 Do what you want to do 44 Fresh looks for the big day
DEPARTMENTS 2 Style Was There 3 The Agenda 15 Your Thoughts
products & innovations
69 The latest in windows & doors
RENOVATIONS
124 The best in Canada is right here in Winnipeg
KITCHEN & BATH SHOWCASE
110 A bright bold kitchen & bath destination reopens doors to newly renovated space 113 Show-stopping ensuites & delightful designer kitchens
DESIGN & DÉCOR
127 Creative decorating ideas from the professionals
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Volunteers & committee members gather for a photo with “Elvis” at Pub Night at the Norwood, a fundraiser in support of Hospice & Palliative Care Manitoba.
David’s Bridal says “I Do” to Winnipeg during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Kenaston Common location. Pictured left to right: Jessica (bride); Craig Debenham, VP Stores for David’s Bridal; Councillor Devi Sharma, store manager Carlyne Stadnyk, and Melanie (bride).
was there...
Style’s Eric Green with Leona Herzog & sculptor Joe Fafard at the unveiling of the magnificent Manitoba Hydro Bison Sculptures.
Elvis impersonator Corny Rempel revs up the crowd with his renditions of the music icon’s most loved songs.
Volunteers pause for a picture at the Norwood after the show & auction.
Lights, Camera, Fashion, a runway show hosted by Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker at Canad Inns Polo Park offered the audience an array of styles from local stores & boutiques.
Jeanne Beker & Laurie Carey (Great Finds) share an offstage moment at the show.
(left to right) Sandi Krawchenko Altner (author of Ravenscraig) with Bob Altner, Donna Turner, Lisa Lester & Janet Harrison at the book launch for Ravenscraig held at McNally Robinson.
Vince Fontaine’s Indian City band performing their newly released CD at the Franco Manitoban Cultural Centre for the Festival du Voyageur.
Eric Green & Manitoba Hydro President Bob Brennan pause for a picture at the event.
Out at the Round Table after beating the Boston Bruins, Jet’s captain Andrew Ladd graciously poses for a shot with appreciative fan, Meg MacKay.
the agenda What an incredibly balmy winter we’ve had! It’s usually cold and snowy when we’re putting the final touches on our March issue, making the landscaping section seem like such a faraway dream. For the first time ever, on this particular publishing cycle, it actually feels like spring is right around the corner. In fact, if the snow keeps melting at this rapid rate, it will soon be time to dig into outdoor projects. Style’s spring issue is chockfull of inspiring stories and images on creative outdoor spaces. Leigh Patterson’s coverage includes landscape design ideas, a look at pavers, and the lowdown on pools, along with a few other enhancements for the backyard oasis.
There’s plenty to do and see this season as well, so pull out your calendar and mark in these special dates. March kicks off with the perennially popular Spring Parade of Homes put on by the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (March 3-25). As always, builders and developers will be rolling out their finest home designs set within exceptionally well-planned communities for prospective buyers to view. I’ve watched the Parade evolve for more than 20 years now, and it just keeps getting better! Expect to see superbly finished homes with fabulous layouts in beautiful housing developments. Parade locations are both in the city and in surrounding areas. This event is truly worth the drive. Next up is the Home Expressions Home & Garden Show (March 30th – April 1st) held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. A great source of inspiration, the show features the
latest products and ideas for the home, the yard and more. Along with a multitude of booths featuring a vast array of products and services, consumers can explore the garden and landscaping displays, with the sweet scent of hyacinths wafting through the air. Celebrity guests this year are Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman, hosts of CBC TV’s Steven & Chris. Don’t miss this mustattend event! Last but not least, a lovely home appropriately graces the cover of Style Manitoba this issue, perfectly timed with the Spring Parade. In Building Excellence for the Modern Age, Christine Hanlon captures the essence of a flawless contemporary home design. Enjoy!
Editor
Rita van Leeuwen Art Director
Paul Butters Marketing
Eric A. Green Editorial Contributors
Simply Elegant
Visions Kitchen Showcase Innovative Cabinet Designs
Ph: 668-9896 visionskitchenshowcase.com
Kelly Gray Christine Hanlon Randal McIlroy Quentin Mills-Fenn Mia van Leeuwen Ian Mozdzen Leigh Patterson Carly Peters
Photography
John Johnston, Michael Roberts, Mike Sanders, Mandy van Leeuwen, Isabel Wolinsky
Advertising & Editorial Assistant
Ava van Leeuwen, Mia van Leeuwen Advertising Sales Executives
Lisa Lester Printing
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Style Manitoba is published four times annually, 623 Beaverhill Blvd, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2J 3P2. Phone : (204) 982-4455 Fax: (204) 982-4454. Distribution : Distributed free in pre-selected areas of Manitoba, available by subscription from the publisher and by purchase at participating newsstand locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. The publisher can not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Those wishing to submit editorial should contact the editor at the business office or enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope for return. Copyright (c) Style Manitoba 1996. ISSN 1205-7282. Manitoba edition.
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A sleek gas unit from Prairie Fireplaces graces the great room’s stunning feature wall of brick from Alsip’s.
Clean sleek lines and spacious open spaces characterize the flawless contemporary design of this Huntington display home at 164 North Town Road in Bridgwater Forest. The home is an apt metaphor for a company that has embraced modern technology and a leading-edge business approach to create a streamlined process for building custom homes.
6 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
The meticulous execution of an exceptionally detailed plan is evident in the perfect proportion and flow of every space in this 2800-square-foot two-storey with walkout lower level. On the main floor, nine-foot ceilings rise to 11 feet in the great room and dining room, maximizing both volume and stunning vistas of the lake. A deck off the main living area further extends the view, while
the fully finished 1000-square-foot lower level opens onto the green space. At the same time, this display home takes full advantage of the visitable concept. Eliminating the need for front steps makes the home accessible both to those with mobility issues and young families with strollers.
on the other by a Sub-Zero fridge, hidden behind cabinetry panels. The interplay between the white lacquered Eurostyle lift-up cabinets and the horizontally grained walnut veneer combines drama with sophistication. A laminated metal backsplash both above and below the cabinets completes the look, reflecting the stainless steel from the fan hood, table legs and appliances. To achieve this breathlessly balanced look, Huntington turned to Visions Cabinetry. Over the years, Huntington has been able to maintain a consistent high level of quality by developing long-standing relationships with tradespeople and suppliers who share that same philosophy of superior craftsmanship for which the builder is renowned. Huntington knows it can rely on suppliers like Prairie Fireplace to provide a reliable highend product. As for the flooring, it is Curtis Carpets that provided the handcrafted oak hardwood juxtaposed so strikingly with the brick à la New York loft. In the dining room, an elegant shaded chandelier from Super-Lite brings together the same elements of light and dark. While the builder has extensive experience with all aspects of design, choosing materials and finishes can be challenging for the prospective homeowner, which is why Huntington has developed a user-friendly
Building Excellence for the Modern Age
Steel insulated garage doors from Overhead Door coordinate perfectly with the exterior finishes. An abundance of windows, deck and walkout lower level maximize the rear view.
By Christine Hanlon Photography: Michael Roberts
“It also changes the visual impact of the house, which is now not so high off the ground,” notes Swan. “From a design point of view, this has some added benefits.” Huntington Homes has two decades of experience creating designs that are not approximations of the homes they build, but exact representations of the final products. This level of precision leads to the creation of
exquisite spaces, suchdraperies, as the gourmet kitchen Functional sheer in this home. custom toss cushions and
contemporary furnishings – all
Instead of an eating counter, a fully functional from Interior Illusions – elegantly quartz-topped tableroom. is integrated right into the dress the great island. The walk-in pantry is also seamlessly incorporated into the entire kitchen design. With impeccable attention to balance and symmetry, the countertop is flanked on one side by the pantry door with glass insert, and spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 7
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roadmap. “People don’t have the time to research all the options,” explains Swan. “We do. We provide an organized format to follow that helps them become proficient with the process. It’s very important for us that they have a great experience when building with us.” The builder has developed a list of à la carte items with every conceivable option as well as a master list of features standard to every Huntington Home. “Without question, we use specifications that other builders don’t do, or
consider an upgrade,” says Swan. “By making them standard, we can purchase them on a larger scale and get better pricing.” For instance, in a Huntington Home, all plumbing fixtures are sourced from market leaders Kohler and Grohe. When the standards are already at a high level, homeowners may not feel the need to upgrade. Of course, should they choose to do so, the ensuite in this display home is truly an inspiration.
The gourmet kitchen by Visions Cabinetry exemplifies the builder’s high standards. The functional island incorporates prep, cooking, eating and clean-up. A chandelier from SuperLite captures the home’s contemporary elegance.
spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 9
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Enclosed in glass by Shodor, the spacious walk-in shower features an eight-inch rainshower head from Robinson Bath. Fort Rouge Glass provided the mirrors for the double vanity. Robinson Bath Centre provided the deep freestanding soaker tub accompanied by a freestanding Grohe faucet with unique wallmounted controls. A huge walk-in shower features an eight-inch rainhead and slidebar. “Visitors have been very vocal about how much they love this ensuite,” notes Swan. There is also a full washroom in the walkout lower level, as well as a bright recreation area. Besides providing incredible views, the larger windows in walkouts bathe the lower level in an abundance of natural light. And walkouts are continuously evolving. Today, they back out
not only onto lakes but also onto green spaces, providing more separation between homes and more design options.
with windows tall enough to look out the back but no exterior door access from the lower level.
“We are excited by the new lot concepts available from developers,” notes Swan. He highlights Deer Point, a new development in Headingley that abuts the east side of the golf course giving rear yards a coveted southwest exposure.
“That has allowed us to implement some new designs not seen before in Winnipeg,” says Swan. He adds that Huntington Homes is looking forward to seeing what exciting new options may be available when Pritchard Farm Properties offers a new slate of lots in 2012.
In Bridgwater, where the Huntington showhome is located, the developer has launched the concept of “look-out basements”
Whatever new designs and concepts Huntington creates, prospective clients will be able to explore them fully thanks to the builder’s 3-dimensional CAD technology which allows views of not only finished homes, but also floor plans from various angles. By having this unique access to all the options and possibilities, clients can better envision what they want in their own home. Everything Huntington does, Swan points out, is at the service of its customers whose needs and desires are at the very heart of the builders mission and passion. It’s what drives the custom builder to continuously innovate, extend and perfect a building process on which Manitobans have come to rely to transform their dreams into reality.
A cut and loop with a contemporary abstract pattern – from Curtis Carpets – complements this luxurious master suite, secluded from the main living area. spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 11
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About the Builder When brothers Rob and Sheldon Swan launched Huntington Homes in 1986, they were determined to inject much needed control and consistency into the custom home building process. Their many years in the corporate world had instilled a deep respect for a customer-driven process. They knew their primary focus had to be communicating with clients. With that in mind, Huntington Homes set out to provide prospective homeowners with all the tools they needed to make informed choices. They also devised a system to keep meticulous records of precisely what homeowners wanted Huntington to do for them. In this way, the builder could consistently deliver exactly what they had promised the customer. It is an approach that has taken Huntington Homes to the forefront of Manitoba’s custom home building industry. The company has consistently won the Gold Award at the Manitoba Homebuilders association Parade of Homes, including five straight years in a row since 2006. But even more important is the trust that homeowners have placed in the builder again and again, building a reputation for excellence that is second to none.
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Your
Thoughts I was delighted to see the Jets made the cover story for the winter issue of Style Manitoba! The team’s return to Manitoba has been a huge coup for the province and has made Winnipeg’s downtown a busy, busy place. Kelly Gray nailed it in terms of how The Jets return has energized business downtown (let alone elsewhere in the city) and bolstered our civic pride. Thanks for the great coverage! Mark Berens, Winnipeg My buddies and I enjoyed the coverage given to The Jets in your latest issue of Style. They deserved the cover story! My wife usually reads your magazine first, as she likes the home design stories, but this time we fought over it so I could read the Jets story. I won! It’s still sitting on the coffee table today, and my buddies read it too! James Essinger, Winnipeg The Jets story in your recent issue of Style Manitoba was excellent! It goes without saying that the team has boosted morale in our province, but reading how they’ve also impacted our economy is great! It would be cool to see other sports coverage in upcoming editions – the Bombers should be next!
UNIQUE DESIGN CONCEPTS it’s what sets us apart!
Eric Sarenson, Winnipeg The travel column and recipe section in the winter edition of Style were both great! I was happy to see the expanded recipe section. I cook and bake a lot, and truly love trying the recipes in Style Manitoba. Keep it coming! Celeste Barston, Winnipeg Your holiday gift guide was extremely helpful, as was the recipe section. It’s hard to shop for some people, and there were some great gift ideas in the winter edition of your magazine. I also really enjoy the design and decorating ideas Style regularly publishes. It’s great to know there are so many local sources for big city style! Diana Sherman, Winnipeg
BEDROCK CUSTOM LANDSCAPING Jason Woznesensky Ph.204.990.7514 jason@bedrocklandscape.ca
www.bedrocklandscape.ca
spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 15
1. All our vehicles are pre-inspected by manufacturer and then re-certified 160 points in our service dept. 2. We offer warranty on all our vehicles and financing that allows you to keep your money in Canada.
3. We service all makes and models in our full service center 4. Get the exact vehicle you want!
Custom order video at www.NOTT.ca
Trevor Nott President
Amber Nott Vice President
Barry Swain General Sales Mgr
Mike Walter Finance Manager
Tom Nott Sales Consultant
Paul Fedorowich Sales Consultant
Jordan Wynnobel Detail Department
Clarissa Keen Accounting/Importing
Steven Bollenback Technician
Carly Silvari Service Advisor
Clayton Pearce Technician
Britney Berndsen Reception
Jaimie McDougall Sales Representative
Anderson Le Executive Sales Assistant
Josh Lynch Sales Consultant
Jeremy Lambert Technician
Heidi Birchard Controller
Ken Bailey Customer Service
Carlos Bergantim Service Manager
Stephanie Bergen Reception
LEXUS • MERCEDES BENZ • BMW • INFINITI • CADILLAC • AUDI 889-NOTT (6688) 2074 De Vries Avenue (Lagimodiere at Bonner) Online Gallery View or Custom Order @ NOTTAUTOCORP.COM 16 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
“It’s not just boys that like toys,” laughs Leigh Cunningham as she settles in her pooch for a ride in her new Mercedes SL500 AMG Roadster. Cunningham, an investment broker, considers herself pretty car savvy, so when she decided it was time to treat herself to some new wheels, she started some research.
What Women Want By Carly Peters
Photography: Isabel Wolinsky
“I was hearing from people and reading that buying a car in the U.S. was cheaper. So I looked at websites, made relationships with different car dealers and researched the paper work I needed. Through that I narrowed it down to two cars - a Porsche or Mercedes,” she says. She also knew she wanted a convertible, something with speed and just the overall sense of luxury when she slid into the seat. Cunningham also knew she wasn’t willing to wait to find the right car on her own, so she turned to Nott Auto Corp. Since they didn’t have her ideal vehicle on the lot, the company, through their customer order plan, found her several selections at various wholesale manufacturer auctions. After finding her dream wheels, Nott took care of all details; including the history, mechanical certification, and paper work to bring it in, and get her on the road. “They treated me like a serious buyer. And Nott’s price came in cheaper than buying in the States,” she says. “They got me in the car I wanted. They made the decision easy for me.” Unlike Cunningham, Tammy Chubaty wasn’t sure what she was looking for when she walked through Nott Auto Corp’s doors. “I decided to go in and just look. I knew I wanted an SUV, but didn’t know what kind, or what features I wanted,” she says. “Tom [at Nott] took me under his wing. He was phenomenal in explaining the features of all the cars; he wasn’t biased to one. He made me feel comfortable.” Since Chubaty had never driven an SUV, she took several test drives in various models from
Lexus to Nissan to Honda. She knew it was true love when she slipped behind the wheel of a Ford Escape. So much so, she signed the papers right after turning the engine off. “I had not even planned on buying a car that day. I thought I’d go in, and then shop around. But my experience was so great I decided to buy right then and there. I also loved that they have a full service department to look after me after the purchase as well,” she adds. Chubaty drove her Escape, complete with heated leather seats, sunroof and “pimped out” floor lights off the lot feeling confident she got the best deal on her new ride. (Nott also took her old car as a trade-in for a fair price.)
“Usually I would call my dad to get his input, ask if I was getting a good deal, but at Nott I didn’t have to,” says the 34-year old. “There was no pressure to buy, no games on price. I felt it wasn’t about the money. I felt they were there working for me.” “We’re here to find you the right car, but we’re not pushy. You’ll never hear us say, ‘Hey, what can we do to get you driving that car today?’” says Barry Swain, General Sales Manager for Nott Auto Corp. “When it comes to shopping for a car, many people walk in with their guard up. And women seem to be extra cautious. We try to make them feel at ease, answer all their questions and advise as professionals the best value for their individual needs.” He states because Nott Auto Corp has full disclosure on a car’s history, customers can buy with confidence, which in turn usually brings down those initial walls. “Our clients will know whether a car has been insured outside of Manitoba, where it’s from and all prior history. It’s all available to protect the customer,” says Swain. “This allows you to come in with an open mind. Buying a car shouldn’t be stressful - it should be fun.” For more information on Nott’s custom order process or for a gallery view of their inventory, visit www.NOTT.ca or stop in for a latte in the cozy showroom at Lagimodiere @ Bonner.
spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 17
Muscle meets masterpiece. With its hand-built AMG 518 horsepower bi-turbo V8 engine and AMG sport tuned suspension, the all-new 2012 CLS 63 AMG is quickly out of sight – though never out of mind. Step inside and revel in the hand stitched Nappa leather upholstery, exquisite wood trim and the warm glow of ambient lighting. The all-new 2012 CLS-Class; the original 4-door coupe. Now also available with 4MATIC™ permanent all-wheel drive.1 Visit mercedes-benz.ca/cls
© 2011 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. 1Only available on the CLS 550 4MATIC™.
Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg, 2554 Portage Avenue, (204) 667-2467, www.mbwinnipeg.ca
[Dealer Name], [Dealer Address], [Dealer Telephone Number], [Dealer Website] 18 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
Experiential Upgrade
By Kelly Gray Photography: Mike Sanders
Ownership has its rewards. Indeed, this is the case with those fortunate enough to find a Mercedes-Benz in their driveway. The luxury car company has stepped up the thrill of driving one of the world’s truly great automobiles by offering a slate of unique experiences available exclusively to the most savvy of car owners. These experiences include invitation only events titled ‘Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg Presents’ that comprise globally significant entertainment and culture talents, select golf tournaments, and opportunities to attend driving schools that take roadwork to a new level well beyond the demands of daily traffic. “What we offer are life experiences on a level with the luxury and exhilaration of MercedesBenz cars,” says Brian Lowes, President Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg, a Portage Avenue car dealership that offers the full line of MercedesBenz products as well as award winning service. As a perfect case in point, Lowes mentions the recent performance by the Peking Acrobats, a troupe brought to Winnipeg from Asia to help celebrate Chinese New Year. Clients of Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg were invited to a small very intimate event held on the showroom floor of the dealership. “These performers are among the best in the world and few in Canada have the opportunity to experience the spectacle. We extended this opportunity to our customers as both a show of thanks and a way to contribute to the Mercedes-Benz community, a group with a demonstrated appreciation of high-level lifestyle as shown by their selection of our luxury automobiles.” Other advantages of ownership include entry to the AMG Performance Tour Canada,
a Mercedes-Benz driving academy where customers of the dealership can upgrade their driving skill set in one of the tweaked standard models that comprise the high performance AMG class of cars. “These schools are held twice a year, with one in the winter and another during summer. The Tour features professional instructors who guide and demonstrate on the finer points of seasonal performance to tune driving skill, not to mention raise the adrenaline level of our customers.” The winter Academy is held at Assiniboia Downs for a full day event that shows off the high performance fleet in ice and snow conditions. For example, participants can discover that while the E63 AMG model is a beautiful and exhilarating ride in summer, winter condition driving is anything but boring. At the school, professional drivers teach Mercedes-Benz owners the right techniques for handling the extraordinary challenges of a Manitoba winter. In the summer, Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg offers its driving school at Gimli Raceway. There, attendees are treated to a two-stage offering with entry level and advanced courses. “The emphasis is on driving technique and to show off the performance of our incredible cars in summer conditions where people can experience something quite different from winter driving,” says Lowes, noting that alongside professional instructors, attendees can experience speeds and maneuvers that are typically limited to stunt or race drivers.
Nevada. The AMG Performance Tour is run by Vancouver-based Driving Unlimited and uses cars like the amazing 563 horsepower SLS AMG Gullwing super sport. Another ‘bucket list’ opportunity offered to Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg customers is the opportunity to participate in the annual golf tournament and the drive to the Mercedes Trophy. Held at the beautiful Niakwa Golf & Country Club, the yearly invitational tourney takes a field of golfers through its paces with two winners going to compete in Toronto. “Our winners receive an all expenses paid trip to play against the country’s top golfers among Mercedes Benz owners. The winners of this challenge then move on to Germany, where they compete against the world and the chance to win the cup that is among the most prestigious trophies in amateur golf,” says Lowes, remarking that the tournament attracts players from 60 countries. Whether it’s a private Mercedes-Benz screening of a major motion picture, a luxury experience like an invite to an exclusive Mercedes-Benz event in great cities like New York, or a chance to drive like Jason Statham, ownership has its privileges. The Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg Team invites those who want to gain an experiential uptick to drop into the Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg showroom and discuss the beauty, luxury and performance of these cars and how they open the door to unique opportunities. Concludes Lowes, “We feel that owning a Mercedes-Benz should be more than just owning a car –it should be an experience.”
For those who feel the need to raise the stakes even higher, Mercedes Benz offers elite driving school opportunities to limited select groups in West Palm Beach, Florida and Pahrump, spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 19
Let Your Walls be the Canvas Specializing in Indoor & Outdoor Murals from concept to completion
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Mural Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen Call 229-6719 Email: mandyvanleeuwen@hotmail.com
20 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
Stepping Out with Style MUSIC Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra – The MASTERWORKS A series continues with Dawn Upshaw, a world renowned singer of opera with a concert repertoire ranging from the sacred works of Bach to the freshest sounds of today (Mar 23 & 24). Mahler’s monumental ‘Resurrection’ Symphony and his Symphony No. 2 is an overwhelming experience and an unforgettable journey. Ten horns, eight trumpets plus a massive orchestra, wonderful soloists and chorus will bring Mahler’s immortal music alive in this notto-be-missed season-closing event (May 4 & 5). MASTERWORKS C brings you Brahm’s Requiem - composed in tribute to his late mother, the music traverses a journey from earthly suffering through faith, consolation and ultimately joy (Apr 27). POPS is proud to bring you the multi award-winning The Manhattan Transfer. A 10-year sweep (1980-1990) as “Best Vocal Group” typifies the dominance of this group as among the greatest vocal ensembles of all time (Apr 13-15). SOUNDBYTES presents Buster Keaton’s 1926 silent masterpiece The General in a digitally restored print with Carl Davis’ celebrated musical score performed live by the WSO (Apr 28). Finally, CONCERTS FOR KIDS introduces you to Circus Terrifico,
a whimsical and poignant comedy featuring Tchaikovsky’s soaring scores and original music by Canadian composer Ray Luedeke. It makes audiences of all ages laugh out loud and leave with a smile! (Apr 29) All events take place at the Centennial Concert Hall. Virtuosi Concerts - From The Middle Ages to Manitoba promises to be an exciting program of chamber music, arias (featuring renowned soprano Maria Luz Alvarez), a cappella choral pieces and works for choir and strings. Composed by a wide range of repertoire from early music “greats” such as Victoria, Gabrieli, Byrd and Josquin des Prèz, to works for choir and string quartet by Manitoba composers, Andrew Balfour and Ken Nichols. Performances take place at Convocation Hall, University of Winnipeg (May11-13). Groundswell – Witness the sound of John Cage, arguably the most radical and revolutionary composer of the 20th century. Audiences will hear music ranging from the 1940s to the late Number Pieces, including the rhythmic tour-de-force, Three Dances for two prepared pianos, complete with dancers, and the virtuoso voice/theatre piece Aria. Concert takes place at Franco-Manitoban
cultural centre (Apr 1). Next up, GroundSwell is immensely proud to present New York’s Da Capo Chamber Players. This Naumburg Award-winning, internationally acclaimed quintet has built a reputation on working closely with composers, representing an enormous spectrum of compositional styles. Concert takes place at Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall (May 11). Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir – Old, new, funny, macho, magic, tragic, patriotic — choral music is in the blood of the peoples of the Baltic and Scandinavian regions. From The Baltic to the Northern Lights is a concert that offers a unique window on this world as Artistic Director Yuri Klaz teams up with two guest conductors who also have expertise in Northern European music. Concert takes place at Westworth United Church (Apr 22). Teaming up with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the season closes with Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’ Symphony. Ten horns, eight trumpets plus a massive orchestra, soloists Monica Huisman, soprano and Anita Krause, mezzo-soprano and the Phil will bring Mahler’s immortal music alive in this not-to-be-missed event. Concerts take place at the Centennial Concert Hall (May 4 & 5).
spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 21
Anna-Lisa Kirby sings the songs of Leonard Cohen
Manitoba Chamber Orchestra – Check out 21st Century Baroque with percussionist Evelyn Glennie (Apr 10). Mezzo-soprano Julie Boulianne and guest conductor Jesus Amigo share the stage for a programme that includes Joaquín Turina Serenata, op. 87 and José Evangelista Cantares, for mezzo-soprano and strings (Apr 25). James Ehnes trades bow for baton in a Josef Suk serenade (May 23). Concerts take place at Westminster Church.
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Jazz Winnipeg – The Nu Sounds series continues with The Tight Fits, a brand new collaborative effort of musical growth from Canadian musicians Mitch Dorge, Ariel Posen, and Alasdair Dunlop. They blur the lines of folk, blues, R&B, and whatever other genres they feel like while championing the improvisational soul of modern jazz. Concert takes place at the Park Theatre (Mar 24). Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Anna-Lisa Kirby sing the songs of Leonard Cohen! Over the past couple of years, this local songstress has been bringing crowds to their feet with her powerful performances of “Hallelujah” and “Bird on a Wire.” Concert takes place at the Park Theatre (Mar 31). The next Nu Sound event is the anticipated performance of Jeff Presslaff ’s take on Miles Davis’ landmark album Birth of The Cool. Event takes place at the Park Theatre (May 5).
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Next is the earnest work of boyish Canadian singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith who won acclaim from a galaxy of artists from Bob Dylan to Elton John for his insight into the human heart and a melodic purity. Concert takes place at Westminster United Church (May 9).
THEATRE Sarasvàti Productions - To mark International Women’s Week, Sarasvàti Productions will once again produce an evening of monologues. This year the mix of old and new pieces will celebrate the women of Winnipeg. Despite the Winnipeg theme, the evening will once again include a diverse line-up of monologues reflecting the wide array of women’s voices. From hilarious stories to powerful and inspiring journeys, these pieces offer something for everyone. Performances take place at the Colin Jackson Studio Theatre (Mar 9 & 10). Next up is the premiere of Hope McIntyre’s Eden, an original work, which combines video, music, dance and theatre to explore the notions of truth and justice. Performances take place at the University of Winnipeg’s Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (Apr 27-May 13).
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Winnipeg Jewish Theatre – Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Play, the Pulitzer Prize in Drama, five Drama Desk Awards, and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Angels In America is considered to be one of the greatest plays of the 20th century (Mar 21-Apr 1). Theatre Projects Manitoba – Local actor and writer Steven Ratzlaff delivers Dionysus in Stony Mountain, a play about the relationship between Heidi, a prison psychiatrist, and her patient James. Although his parole hearing is approaching, James has gone off his meds in favour of reading certain works of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Ratzlaff gives us an unabashedly dense and intellectual play that explores the binding and loosening of family ties, the warehousing of the mentally ill in Canada’s prisons, mania, and the boundaries of the psychiatrist/patient relationship. Performances take place at the Rachel Browne Theatre (Mar 29-Apr 8). Prairie Theatre Exchange – A return of the 2010 Winnipeg Fringe Festival hit Altar Boyz – saving souls, one screaming fan at a time! Full of sharp parody, sinfully tuneful songs and irreverent humour, this off-Broadway spoof about a boy-band trying to save the
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souls of their screaming audience has been a huge hit across North America (until Mar 11). On the eve of his retirement, Professor Seymour Mann is asked to deliver a prestigious lecture on his life’s work. While writing, he is interrupted by a Stephen Lewis Foundation telemarketer’s phone call that changes the course of both of their lives. Til It Hurts is a comedy that dares to raise questions about the nature of charity and the true meaning of a “life well-lived.” (Mar 29-Apr 15). Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre – Playwright Yasmina Reza breaks down barriers and bulldozes suburban decorum in the Tony-and Olivier Award-winning play God of Carnage (Mar 15 – Apr 7). The season closes with Next to Normal, a Tony Award-winning “feel-everything musical” that begs the question who defines “normal” anyway? (April 19 – May 12). The Tom Hendry Theatre Warehouse – Rich with insight and crackling humour, August: Osage County has been hailed as the first great classic of the 21st century. Don’t miss the Pulitzer Prize-winning tragic comedy that has audiences riveted and critics raving (until Mar 24). Rebecca Northan is Mimi, a sexy Parisian temptress who waits for her blind date to show up. When he doesn’t, she plucks a willing man from the audience to take his place. Blind Date is a fly-by-the-seat-of-yourpants fusion of clown, improvisation, theatre and social experiment (Apr 5-21). Manitoba Theatre for Young People – Mime and mayhem is brought to you by The Number 14, performed by the MTYP favourite - Axis Theatre Company (Mar 21 – Apr 1). Don’t miss astonishing world-class puppetry from Montreal’s Théâtre de l’Oeil. Come catch a star in the Starkeeper (Apr 12-22). In Buru you will witness a visually stunning set, and 11 talented performers combining elements of physical theatre, stilt-dancing and even a bit of rap to make this an unforgettable performance (Apr 24-27).
24 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
Celebrations Dinner Theatre - You are all invited to one of the hottest concerts staged and all you have to do to get in is ... commit a crime! Welcome to the Moose Jaw Correctional Centre! Join Celebrations for Jail House Rock, featuring the music of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and a few surprise guests, it’s the best time you will ever have being thrown in jail! (Mar 23-May26). Meet Pete Winkman, a ghostbuster who will attempt to rid the world famous Dorchester Hotel of its unwanted visitors. Ghostbusted promises to deliver ghostly good fun! (Jun1 – Aug 4).
GALLERIES Winnipeg Art Gallery – WAG educators join forces to dish out Feast, a unique and tantalizing exhibition featuring a smorgasbord of art from the permanent collection that explores a variety of fascinating issues and ideas surrounding food, and the daily act of eating. Sure to satisfy art lovers and foodies alike (until Mar 25). The exhibition New Art from Cape Dorset features drawings and sculptures created by second and third generation Cape Dorset artists in recent years (until Apr 8). For the first time ever an exhibition of the work of Norman Rockwell is coming to Canada! One of the most popular North American artists of the past century, Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) was a keen observer of human nature and a gifted storyteller (Mar 1 – May 6).
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Plug-In Institute of Contemporary Art – A Moon or a Button is a solo exhibition of new and existing work made by local artist Michael Dumontier. Dumontier’s inventive, reductive works are at once sculpture, painting, collage, and drawing (until Mar 25). Next up is an exploration of the intersections of music, contemporary film and video, and postconceptual art (Apr 13-Jun16). aceart – Marigold Santos’ drawings celebrate the multiplicity and hybridity of the body proper and the body as environment/landscape. Childhood games, Filipino folk-tales of the Asuang witch/vampire characters, natural decay and decomposition, and geological processes of erosion, striation and crystal formations, come together to both map and dissect a reconfigured and “monsterised” self (until Apr 5).
DANCE Royal Winnipeg Ballet – Ballet Royale: For Your Eyes Only is a sophisticated evening of chance…powered by seductive dance. Ballet Royale is an annual fundraising GALA celebrating the RWB’s spectacular performances and talented artists (Apr 14). Don’t miss Pure Ballet: Fluid Motion Virtuosic Dance, an evening of diverse and dynamic choreographic works that includes the exciting world premiere of The Doorway by Jorden Morris, creator of RWB’s smash hits Moulin Rouge® The Ballet and Peter Pan, will take
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you inside the contemplative mind and complex heart of music legend Leonard Cohen (May 9-13). Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers – 97 Positions of the Heart is the WCD production based on the Fringe hit BASH ON REGARDLESS. This ‘extraordinary, heart-stopping fusion of movement and text’ (Winnipeg Free Press) exposes the life of the Canadian author of the ground breaking 1945 poetic novel By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept. Created by WCD Artistic Director Brent Lott and performed by company dancers (May 10-13).
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SPECIAL EVENTS: Circus Mondo - Bring the family downtown to see Circus Mondo, a fusion of arts, science and delight, and a traditional circus show. Born of the nouveaux circus revolution in Canada, Circus Mondo celebrates the dynamics of modern circus, while respecting and enhancing the traditions of our oldest art form. Event takes place at the MTS Centre (Mar 30 & 31). Trans-Siberian Orchestra - TransSiberian Orchestra and their brand of “Rock Theatre” will be performing “Beethoven’s Last Night” for one final tour before the band begins to focus on its new album and new live concert spectacular. Not to be missed, this unparalleled unique performance combines virtuoso musicianship, storytelling and over the top production. Event takes place at the MTS Centre (Apr 13). Roger Waters: The Wall Live The co-founder and principal songwriter of the archetypal progressive band Pink Floyd, Roger Waters announced the return of the historic production of “The Wall” to North America in 2012. His aural and visual masterpiece of alienation and transformation will be performed in its entirety featuring a full band and state-of-the-art production. Event takes place at the MTS Centre (May 31 & Jun 1).
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More Than Just Lucky Plan to Impress at Manitoba Lotteries. Special events are what memories are made of. Rising above the elegant staircase and chandeliers of the grand lobby at McPhillips Station Casino is a world of banquets and special events that is one of the best-kept secrets of the city’s corporate event planners.
The overwhelming and positive response to these successful events has encouraged Manitoba Lotteries to launch a new sales initiative and realign their event team. A sales representative and a team of event coordinators are now available to assist you.
Manitoba Lotteries is home to award-winning culinary leadership, event execution and entertainment buying. The team has worked their magic on The Canadian Country Music Awards, the Blue Bombers “Never Alone” Foundation and Manitoba Golf Hall Of Fame, quietly earning local and national accolades in the process. Now they can be your team too.
Beautifully appointed event spaces mean traditional banquet events all get the V.I.P treatment. And glowing word-of-mouth from Manitoba Lotteries’ list of corporate and association clientele is sparking interest in those who want perfection for their personal events as well. Chef Ray Millar leads his team in food wizardry. They have committed to buying local product whenever possible, and executing old favourites and new trends with flair. Janet Harder, Senior Manager, Sales and Events, enthusiastically leads her skilled service team to round out the package. Sophisticated audio-visual and production services, and professional technicians are at your disposal for meetings, product launches or press conferences, all of which can easily be arranged with a single phone call to the Banquet and Event team.
If that wasn’t enough, Manitoba Lotteries is now making space available in its celebrated UpperDeck Sports Bar, and the main floor concert venue. Pre-packaged and custom “Dinner and Show” options for up to 400 guests are poised to redefine the special event in Manitoba. Private venue rentals are also available. To explore the exciting world of event possibilities at Manitoba Lotteries, call 957-2504 Extension 2533/2578. More information is available online at casinosofwinnipeg.com . Watch Facebook and Twitter for new developments and offerings.
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Colour, Kitsch & Cuisine Winnipeg’s building boom has spurred a downtown renaissance, especially in the restaurant sector. Catering to office types and entertainment junkies alike, eateries and cafes have spread like wildfire, offering quick breakfast, lunching, fine dining, and pubbing galore. But if you’re looking for that “one-of-a-kind” place that’s got it all, look no further than Pop Soda’s. A kaleidoscope of colour, kitsch, and cuisine with Van Gogh, Janis Joplin, and Cheech & Chong sharing the walls, Pop Soda’s summons up Julie Taymor’s filmic homage to The Beatles Across the Universe (2007). In fact, the moment we realize this, the live band strikes up “Come Together.” Groovy! How it works: sit, gander at Pop’s Mediterranean/Eastern European menu, order at counter ... then enjoy! A big steamy bowl of Spicy Eggplant & Zucchini Soup with penne is served with warm and crusty parmesandusted bread. Chunky veggies and pasta swim in a zesty broth of tomato, onion, chili, and garlic. Meatballs deliver just the goods: three meaty planetoids packed with cheese and herbs, then baked in one of the sweetest tomato basil sauces we’ve ever tasted. Flat Bread Pazzos (pizza) come adorned in a rainbow of topping combinations. A Greek gal - “Arianna” - perks our curiosity, harmonizing smooth ricotta, garlic-infused chicken, and tangy lemon pepper. The cracker-like flatbread crust floors us ... and the sauce! the sauce! the sauce! It tastes great on everything! But bring out a classic! Traditional-style perogies go Italian-cross-dressing with “Baba’s Crazy Cousin”: a dreamy rose sauce lathers up those beloved dumplings alongside sliced Italian sausage. Red and white wines by Pasqua pair; the red Sangiovese gushes supple ruby fruit, while the white, a Soave, is a refreshing chamomile-hued varietal that’s citrusy and a bit nutty. Always check out Pop’s house-made desserts. Rule of thumb: see cannoli, say yes. But, we lust for a Layered Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. Soft cookies dotted with crunchy chocolate chips are embraced by thick espressoinfused cream, coated by ganache, and drizzling chocolate. Espresso? No sweat: it’s pulled hot, rich, and creamy! For a peep at Pop’s upcoming events, check out www.popsodascoffeehouse.com.
Pop Soda’s Coffee House & Gallery 625 Portage Avenue 415-7666 28 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
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The Wow Factor Wow: One word to describe Chef Michael Schafer’s new restaurant and bar. We all know Chef Michael - mastermind behind Sydney’s at the Forks, a must-visit that’s served up stellar Asian, French, and Italian-inspired fare since 2004. But Chef Michael wants seconds ... and so do we. Located in Manitoba Hydro’s headquarters, Rudy’s Eat and Drink slickly invites us into a ‘50s time capsule. Think ascots, cocktail dresses, Brigitte Bardot, adverts of yesteryear, and of course, retro stylings galore: plush booths, swag lamps, and handsome antiques.
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Think futuristic, too! A fleet of tablet computers grace the bar, a commanding 8.3 metre HD video wall exhibits art, sports, and Twitter, and a flat screen TV glows with all entertainments in between. The perfect spot for lunch, dinner, and lounging. Custom wines come by the glass or decanter. Rudy’s “Red Velvet” whets with a clean and bright palate of plum. And thanks to comprehensive beer taps, connoisseurs will rejoice with a rare Russell Bloody Alley Bitter. Named after a notorious Vancouver laneway, this amber packs a malty punch and a crisp bitter finish The comfort food: Mom never cooked this rich! A mile high Club Sandwich, buttery Chicken Kiev, even Lobster Poutine ... many favourites go sumptuously gourmet. For starters, an Italian-Asian inspiration. Dueling Tuna pits Pacific and Bluefin Tunas in a gorgeous Lotus design: a Carpaccio of thinly sliced Pacific Tuna petals off seaweed tortilla chips cupping a pearly mound of Bluefin Tartar. For mains, Rudy Special is a carbonara-esque bowl of pillowy Ricotta Gnocchi lolling in herbed crème fraiche with smoky house-made bacon and sweet fried onions. Moms will fall head over heels for Steak Diane: prime cuts of aged beef adorned in brandy jelly, shallot, and pepper rest upon a delicate potato pavé. Plump French peas and bright carrots softened with Vichy-sourced sparkling water frame this masterpiece. The ultimate add-on? Forest Mushroom Ragout. The gravy-liscious side complements both the gnocchi and beef. Campfire classic for dessert! Smores! Spongy homemade marshmallows are stacked against bite-sized graham crackers, sliced fruit, and mint for a fantastic fondue in gooey Callebaut chocolate. Espresso Martini finishes with a frothy shake of Skyy Vodka, Kahlua, Crème de Cacao, and espresso. Wow!
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spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 29
Hot New Pizza Parlour Coal oven? Sound crazy? Think again. Carbone Coal Fired Pizza - the only authentic coal fired pizza oven experience in Canada - will flip how you feel about coal, cookin’ and pizza. Carbone’s age-old and surprisingly eco-friendly secret? Pure anthracite coal - a smoke and odorless wonder that burns clean and quick for crisp homemade crust that’s got chew and a little char. And Carbone’s definitely got Winnipeg diggin’ coal. The spacious and modern pizzeria often gets packed with family and friends. And surrounded by the comforts of its smart sports bar environment - complete with seven plasma televisions - all enjoy a range of drinks, spirits, and hot ‘n’ smoky Italian treats. The night’s cocktail special - Pink Panther - playfully stirs up a quenching combination of mango, passion fruit, and blood orange on the rocks with vodka, lemonade, and sparkling soda. The highball glass also gets artfully rimmed with pink sugar. And prepping the pizza palate, a cold robust Fort Gary Dark gets cracked open. On the menu, dip, soup and salad classics, sandwiches, and even chicken wings get the Carbone treatment for lunch, dinner, and takeout. For starters, a wholesome hummus plate blends white bean, squeezed lemon, husky rosemary, and roasted garlic with wedges of rich focaccia bread. And an olive oil drizzled plate of sea-salted Caprese salad shows off plump vine ripe tomatoes and fresh slabs of cut mozzarella flecked with chopped basil. Now: pizza. Carbone’s thin crust is appetizingly tossed up with organic prairie flour and adorned with fresh toppings in classic or creative combination. The “Quarto” lets you enjoy four pizzas in one! Artichokes, mushrooms, plump olives, and tender red peppers all get featured on this loaded quartered pizza pie. Meanwhile, the “White” strips away traditional tomato sauce for a uniquely creamy bite of ricotta, Parmigiano, olive oil, basil, cracked black pepper, and roasted garlic. A glass of Italian red wine- Pasqua San Giovese - splashes with dark berry and peppery zest. For dessert, gelato comes by the scoop, tiramisu will tempt, but ... pizza? Indeed! Let a personal sized Ferraro offer up Euro-sweetness with a lattice of chocolate Nutella and roasted banana on Carbone’s bubbly crust.
Carbone Coal Fired Pizza 1580 Taylor Avenue 488-2554 30 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
Noshing Out Sydney’s at The Forks
215-One Forks Market Road This pioneer sets the standard for prix-fixe. A handsome atmosphere complete with historic brick, wood, hearth, and spectacular patio sees Sydney’s dish out artful five- course spreads. Marrying Asian, French, and Italian traditions, Chef Michael Schafer reinvents Canadian and International bounty. The menu changes monthly, but expect starters like Truffled Mushroom Pâté and appetizers like Chicken & Ginger Gyoza with puréed black bean and braised cabbage. Mains range from a beguiling Lotus chip & chive Pork Tenderloin to a sporty Exotic Game plate dressed in hearty Chasseur sauce. Vanilla Crêpes with fruity mousse and sorbet are a delicate finish. Unforgettable!
The Current Restaurant and Lounge
75 Forks Market Road Winnipeg’s rich history, picturesque beauty, and urban flair converge at this contemporary eatery and watering hole. A simple but satisfying prix-fixe menu lets you choose three courses from a selection of soups, greens, meats, and sweets. Traditional tastes go gourmet with Beet Borscht infused with chili oil. Famed Manitoba ingredients get just desserts when pan seared Northern Pickerel swims in grapefruit beurre blanc. The sweet tooth gets a jump-start with a dark chocolate ganache Truffle Cake. And if it’s Friday or Saturday night, you’ll relish after dinner drinks in the lounge while Winnipeg’s coolest cats chill out with live jazz.
The Maple Tree Restaurant & Steakhouse
22 Main Street, Selkirk Go out on a limb! Head to Selkirk to try some affordable gourmet LatinAmerican/International tastes. Surrounded by cottage charms, you’ll sup five courses of appetizer, soup, salad, entrée, and dessert. The menu changes upon the whims of the chefs, but expect artful plates like Corn Crusted Camembert Cheese baked on apple flower with papaya ceviche, Rack of Lamb Azteca with pumpkin seeds, and Raw Sugar Coated Duck Breast with Andean blackberry & peppercorn coulis. Wash it down with a South American vintage. Hint: Dinner plates come at lunch - with prices to match! Another hint: make a reservation!
Beaujena’s French Table
302 Hamel Avenue This unique husband and wife restaurant is a must for its fanciful style, impeccable flavours, and multi-course surprises. Nestled in St. Boniface, Beaujena’s intimate haute-home atmosphere sets the scene for five or seven-course dining that leaves you feeling royal. But don’t expect a menu! Chef Randy Reynolds whips up a new line-up of Euro-inspired plates monthly, and he’s cooked up everything from Wild Boar Cannelloni to Oxtail Consume to Pickerel in parchment. Wash it all down with a flight of wines. Feeling extra-special? VIP service lets you have dinner, wine, and a limo! (Open Friday and Saturdays only.)
La P’tite France
241 St. Mary’s Road Fantastically French-themed neon lights illuminate a special spot on St. Mary’s for petit indulgences for your appetite. Helmed by Chef Justin Bohemier, La P’tite France plates from-scratch French tastes classic and revisioned. La Grande Formule is a prix-fixe menu option that lets you glut yourself on choice appetizer, main, and dessert. How does this sound? ... cheesy Drunken Garlic Mushrooms followed by locally-sourced Les Côtes de Bison smothered with sweet sultana raisin bbq sauce, with a killer peanut buttery sauce smothered Le Brownie to finish. Also irresistible? All-You-Can-Eat mussels bathing in broths fine and creamy.
Prix-Fixe
Promenade Café & Wine Bar
130-C Provencher Boulevard One of Winnipeg’s top French eateries, Provence Bistro, has closed its doors - but a new door has opened! Expect friendly foodie fun starting May 2012 with the debut of Promenade Café & Wine Bar. Situated at the foot of Esplanade Riel and overlooking the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, this prime place promises a memorable food and wine experience. The prix-fixe is a shared plate concept, including soup, salad and hearty entrée. Wine pairings will also be suggested, with monthly tasting events folding-in cutting-edge features like wine tasting apps you can use with your mobile device!
Cafe Savour
956 St. Mary’s Road Formerly LuLu’s, an “out of this world” spot for international cookery, Cafe Savour recently opened to reveal a new prix-fixe menu and a new look - but with the same fresh, flavourful, and healthy cookery. A decadeslong labour of love by globetrotters Chef Louise Briskie-de Beer and partner Faiz de Beer, here you’ll savour arty decor, fast and friendly service, and Manitoba culinary twists. Start with a surprise Amuse Bouche and choice of salad or soup, and then indulge in Appetizers like empanada and savoury pancakes. Entrées range from jambalaya to spinach and fetastuffed pasta to tamarind accented lamb shank. Desserts change daily.
Cafe Carlo
243 Lilac Street This trendy Corydon-area eatery has been a trusted spot since 1989. While lunch and dinner menus offer an array of small plates, pastas, and entrées that draw on Canadian, Mediterranean, and Asian influences, it is “The Fantasy” four-course that eye-catches and tummy-tempts. Spring Rolls bundle pork and vegetable for dipping in Thai chile sauce, Caesar Salad comes fresh and classic, Fett Chile stuns taste buds as chile cream laces fettuccine mingling with chicken, chorizo, cashews, and roasted pepper. Sweet crème brûlée finishes. Fantasy for home? Place your order by Mobile Maitre D’ for delivery!
Steve’s Bistro
3123 Portage Avenue This upscale bistro reinvents the Mediterranean fare experience. While cocktails, little bites, and lunch items are exceptional, Steve’s four-course prix-fixe makes for a satisfying spread, including appetizer, soup or salad, entrée and dessert. Appetizers promise cranberry baked Brie, mussels, and compulsively dip-able pita. Mains come with roasted vegetables and choices of lemon-roasted potato, Parmesan potato, or rice pilaf, and feature everything from house-made burgers to Caramel Pork Tenderloin to Souvlaki to straight-up New York Strip Loin. To finish, a favourite: Bread Pudding lavished with vanilla ice cream. Steve’s Turkish-style Greek coffee is also a must.
The Young Chefs
theyoungchefs@gmail.com Max and Jesse are emerging chefs who want to bring their love for food, cooking, and catering right into your home or work (or anywhere else you can dream up!). Combined, their culinary experience spans over 10 years and a gamut of Winnipeg’s top-notch eateries. Finely tailored evenings for groups large and small unfold with three-course dinners, hors d’oeuvres, tasting menus, and multi-course menus with wine pairings. Serving only the freshest ingredients and cooking from scratch, you’ll enjoy offerings like Slow Roasted Pork Belly, Marinated Tuna & Salmon Sashimi, Pumpkin Mash with carrot and celery, and braised Cipollini onions with honey aioli.
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Create that perfect photographic first impression. RRC has the courses to develop your creative and technical skills with digital imaging and processing. Take better pictures this summer - register now. < Student Photo: Debbie Cowan
Design your home to be the envy of the neighbourhood. Study full-time, part-time or take advantage of short courses such as: • Kitchen Décor • Staging your Home • Decorating for the Seasons
Continuing Studies Continuing Success For more info, call 204.694.1789 | cde@rrc.mb.ca | rrc.ca/style
INDULGE YOUR INNER TRENDSETTER WITH DESIGN, DECORATING AND HOSPITALITY COURSES AT RED RIVER COLLEGE At Red River College, we’re committed to ensuring that personal and professional development never goes out of style. And with spring on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to indulge your inner trendsetter, via an array of new continuing and distance education courses in residential decorating, photography, and culinary arts. “We’re excited to expand our course menus in Residential Decorating and Hospitality & Tourism,” says Susan Andree, Program Manager of Applied Arts and Communication with the College’s School of Continuing and Distance Education. “We’re looking forward to providing all of our students with a great taste of Manitoba decor and hospitality!” For those looking to improve the form and function of their living spaces, the College offers a range of full and part-time courses in Residential Decorating, including shorter tutorials in Home Staging, Kitchen Decor, Outdoor Living Decor and Decorating Software Applications. Students can learn how to enhance the live-ability of their space through furniture placement, installation arrangements, and interior decorating, while picking up industry-focused skills in marketing, home staging and small business management. Those interested in spicing up their social calendars this spring will benefit from the College’s new Wine and Spirit Education workshops — delivered in conjunction with RRC’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, and hosted by Banville & Jones Wine Company and the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission. Participants can learn more about Old and New World varietals, how to master the art of food and wine pairing, and how best to serve and enjoy cocktails, scotch and white spirits.
we proudly carry … Aveda, Schwarzkopf, MUD make-up, Kiss Me Mascara, Yonka, & Rituals Skin & Body products, Handbags and Jewelry for every occasion
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Best of all, we can even help you preserve the memories made possible by your newly attained skills. The College’s Professional Photography Certificate program targets novices and veterans alike, by arming them with the technical skills required to craft excellence into every image.
Specializing in Custom Stairwork
Photography classes offered at the College incorporate shooting techniques and compositional structures that’ll help you maximize your camera’s performance, while special workshops will impart strategies and processing tips for landscape photographers and real estate professionals.
Ph. (204) 222-0201 Fax (204) 224-2100 Box 11 Group 587 RR5 Winnipeg MB R2C 2Z2
For more information on these or any other programs available through RRC’s School of Continuing and Distance Education, see www.rrc.ca/style, call 204-694-1789 or 1-866-242-7073, or email cde@rrc.mb.ca
Jake’s Fancy Stair Work Ltd.
v
Eggs. Energy that lasts. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein which helps control the rate food energy (calories) is absorbed by your body. Egg protein also provides the lasting energy needed to enjoy healthy, physical activity - whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hiking in the park or out for a walk in your neighbourhood. For delicious recipe ideas, visit eggs.mb.ca. Eggs are part of a well-balanced diet. Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Guide recognizes two eggs as a serving from the Meat & Alternatives Group. spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 33
Sausage Egg Strata
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Orange Chiffon Cake
8 large eggs, separated ½ tsp (2 mL) cream of tartar ½ cup (125 mL) sugar 2 cups (500 mL) flour 1 cup (250 mL) sugar 1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder 1 tsp (5 mL) salt ¾ cup (175 mL) orange juice ½ cup (125 mL) canola oil 3 tbsp (50 mL) grated orange rind Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl with mixer on high, beat egg whites and cream of tartar into soft peaks. Gradually add the ½ cup (125 mL) sugar, 2 tbsp (25 mL) at a time, until stiff peaks form. In large mixing bowl, beat together flour, 1 cup (250 mL) sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat in orange juice, oil, 5 egg yolks and orange rind. Fold in beaten egg whites. Pour batter into 10-inch (25 cm) ungreased tube pan. Bake 1 ¼ hours, or until top springs back when lightly touched. Invert to cool. Fluffy Orange Frosting 1 jar (12 ounces/375 mL) orange marmalade 2 eggs, separated ½ tsp (2 mL) vanilla 10 drops yellow food colouring Shredded coconut Jelly beans In a medium saucepan, heat orange marmalade to boiling. In large mixing bowl beat egg whites, vanilla, and food colouring until stiff peaks form. Slowly pour in hot marmalade, beating until stiff, about 8 minutes. Frost top and sides of cake. Arrange shredded coconut to form nests and place jelly bean eggs in centre.
Frittata Fingers
12 eggs 2 cups (500 mL) cottage cheese 2 cups (500 mL) shredded Cheddar cheese ½ cup (125 mL) flour 1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder Filling: 1 lb (500 g) spinach ¼ cup (50 mL) butter 1 medium onion ½ large red sweet pepper ¼ lb (50 g) fresh sliced mushrooms ¾ tsp (3 ml) nutmeg ¾ tsp (3 mL) basil ½ tsp (2 mL) salt ¼ tsp (1 mL) pepper Mix first 5 ingredients and set aside. Coarsely chop spinach and steam until wilted. Sauté onion, pepper and mushrooms. Stir in spinach,
nutmeg, basil, salt and pepper. Stir vegetable filling into egg mixture. Spread in well-greased 9 x 13 inch (30 x 20 cm) pan. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 35 – 40 minutes or until firm.
Let cool for 15 minutes. Cut into fingers or squares. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 24 large fingers.
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“THE NATURAL HORMONE EXPERTS IN CANADA” BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY For The Treatment of Menopause, Andropause, Thyroid & Adrenal Imbalance
• • • •
Hormone Level Testing (Saliva) Urine: NTx Boneless Assessment Individualized Natural, Hormone Therapy Testosterone Therapy
• • • •
Hormones and Alzheimer’s: The Missing Link? Boost Your Libido, Get More Energy & Clarity Call for a Doctor Referral Physicians Network Across Canada (MDs)
Direct: 647.884.0663 (Toronto) www.trubalancehealthcare.com | donna@trubalancehealthcare.com
From fatigued to fantastic with bio-identical hormones for men & women If you’re just getting started with hormone therapy, TruBalance Healthcare in Canada provides a comprehensive package of individualized services. Their extensive team will work with you and your healthcare provider, providing education, lab testing, and information needed to make the best therapeutic decisions for you as an individual. After all, your DNA is individual, so why shouldn’t your hormone therapy be unique to you? TruBalance recognizes that your hormone profile and the way you respond to hormone therapy are as unique as your fingerprint. TruBalance Healthcare is the “Natural Hormone Expert” in Canada. In fact, they are the only company in Canada with a comprehensive hormone therapy program, including a ‘physicians network’ across Canada for patients, continuing medical education for healthcare providers, and the latest in leading laboratory technology. The TruBalance Clinical Program offers baseline hormone measurement, wherein the analytical measurement of saliva is used to determine a baseline profile of your hormone levels. Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, adrenals and cortisol evaluation is recommended for women; estradiol, testosterone, DHT, DHEA, and cortisol for men. Individual hormone adrenal and thyroid testing plus Urine NTx Boneloss Assessment are also available. To start the process, you will need to speak to your healthcare provider about having your hormone levels tested. Once your healthcare provider has ordered the saliva kit, TruBalance then mails you the saliva kit with sample collection instructions. You then return the kit with your samples to TruBalance Healthcare in Canada. Once your samples are analyzed, a technician at the lab receives your test results and sends them to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider then sets up a second appointment with you to review your lab results and hormone treatment plan. Follow-up hormone testing is suggested at the three month mark after you have started your treatment. Annual estradiol, progesterone, testosterone hormone testing is done for women, and estradiol and testosterone testing for men. Retesting at three months is important, as it will help you and your healthcare provider fine-tune your individualized hormone therapy and avoid the side effects and health risks of under or overdosing. TruBalance Healthcare in Canada also offers Continuing Medical Education Seminars for physicians and healthcare providers. Clinical takeaways from the TruBalance Healthcare BHRT Seminars include discussions on clinical treatment protocols using bio-identical hormones in treating PMS, menopause, fibroids, fibrocystic breast, endometriosis, osteoporosis and for breast cancer prevention. New offerings for 2012 include The HCG Diet. Healthcare providers will learn how to use saliva testing to determine adrenal function, diagnose hormonal imbalances and thyroid dysfunction. They will also learn about the limitations of serum testing for hormone levels and FSH. Discussions will cover case studies including the use of the bio-identical estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone with saliva hormone profiles for different hormonal imbalance states. Women’s Health Initiative findings and clinical implications will also be covered.
The TruBalance Bio-Identical Hormone Program will help you feel like yourself again, even through the ups and downs of hormonal change. With accurate testing, healthcare providers can track and monitor your hormone levels over time so therapy can be adjusted sooner rather than later. For more information, contact a TruBalance Healthcare Specialist directly at 1-647-884-0663 (Canada) or email donna@trubalancehealthcare.com 36 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
Do what you want to do Tips from Dr. Darek Dawda of DAVDA Psychology* By Mathilda Waters
Delectable According to our expert on wellbeing, it’s generally healthier to do what you want to do than what others want you to do. Dining MW: A friend of mine complains that for years now she has been compromising to give her husband what he wants. But no matter how much she gives, she still doesn’t feel he loves her or reciprocates her effort. Dr. DD: Your friend might consider doing more of what she wants to do, rather than what her husband wants her to do. Generally, if you do what others want you to do, they will love you for who they want you to be, which essentially means they will love their own fantasy of you rather than you. If you do what you want to do, you give others a chance to love or respect you for who you are. And, often, they will. MW: Why is that? Dr. DD: Because people are attracted to strength. If you are a self-motivated, self-aware, self-driven individual, you are more likely to draw other such individuals towards you. If you are afraid to live your life other than by proxy, you might become invisible in the eyes of others. MW: You are not suggesting one should never compromise? Dr. DD: Of course we need to compromise, and we do compromise all the time. For example, many people work jobs they don’t like, because it gives them some security. But the good rule is to compromise the least you can. If you compromise too much of yourself, you will be more likely to grow resentments and regrets. MW: Now thinking about it, my friend is indeed somewhat bitter, mostly bitter towards her husband. Dr. DD: Yes, it is very common to blame others for your dissatisfaction. But blaming others is a trap. Rather than adopting a victim stance, your friend would do better to focus on gradually taking her life in her hands.
MW: Why do people compromise? Dr. DD: Our western morality has long been saturated with messages of self-sacrifice. We are raised to believe that compromising our wants is a good thing to do. Many of us have been taught as children to ignore our needs and listen to authority figures instead. MW: Does your formula apply to any type of relationship equally? Dr. DD: No. For example, parenting young children is an example of a relationship that requires enormous amounts of giving and care with little tangible reciprocity (even if there are emotional or delayed rewards for being a parent). There are times and situations when one’s needs or wants should definitely be put on hold. MW: So you are not advocating selfishness? Dr. DD: Quite the opposite. I am a great believer in giving to and caring for others. Giving and caring are basic human qualities that make love and strong relationships possible. Without giving and caring for others, our lives become empty. Giving can also be pleasurable and selfsatisfying. I think we should give to others as much as we can. But in order to be able to truly give and care for others, one has to take good care of oneself. I believe that if we all scaled down on our conformity, and did more of what we want to do, this would inevitably include more care for others. * DAVDA Psychology is a psychotherapy and personal coaching clinic. For an initial consultation call 253-2832 (253-DAVDA). Visit www.davda.ca for free SLEEP QUIZ with SLEEP TIPS or for more information. To find other Manitoba psychologists, visit www.mps.ca
MW: If this is her character, it is not easy to change it, is it? Dr. DD: You are right; it isn’t easy to change. But it’s possible. If there is a will, one only needs to find a way.
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On the
by Quentin Mills-Fenn
Bookshelf The Little Shadows (Doubleday Canada) by Marina Endicott
When three young sisters are left fatherless, it’s up to their resourceful mother to see the family through. Fortunately, Mama is a true stage mother who guides her girls into the magical world of vaudeville. Marina Endicott’s novel captures the world of a lost art form, from its glory days to the First World War, with guest appearances from Winnipeg’s own Pantages, Walker and Orpheum Theatres. In her follow-up to Good to a Fault, Endicott effortlessly slips in abundant theatre history, so by the time you finish this entirely enjoyable novel, you’ll know what “Doing it in one” means.
The Virgin Cure (Knopf Canada) by Ami McKay
Ami McKay follows her bestselling The Birth House with this colourful portrait of old New York. Living on the meanest streets of Manhattan in the 1870s, Moth is the young daughter of a gypsy fortuneteller who sells her as a lady’s maid to a wealthy but cruel society woman. A new friend helps Moth escape but the peril continues in a story that stretches from the slums of the Bowery to a high-class brothel to a freak-filled sideshow. Especially interesting is the genteel lady doctor who does her best to protect the young brothel residents from the horrific but historic virgin cure.
Alone in the Classroom
(McClelland & Stewart) by Elizabeth Hay In her first novel since Late Nights on Air, Elizabeth Hay covers a lot of ground and intimate history in its pages. Starting with the experiences of a young teacher in a small prairie schoolhouse in 1929 and moving into modern times, it’s an expansive story that’s less interested in solving the mysteries it creates than in exploring a series of emotional triangles. A strange school principal, the unrelated deaths of two young girls, obsession, love, and the strengths and limitations of teachers and teaching combine to create a graceful and beguiling novel.
347 William Avenue 943-0999 www.totallighting.mb.ca PLENTY OF FREE PARKING 38 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
S T Y L I N G
T H E
STEREO Reviewed by Randal McIlroy Tennant and Lowe The Most Incredible Thing (Parlophone/EMI) Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe relegate their Pet Shop Boys name to the contractual fine print on this double set, and that’s not surprising when the results stretch so far beyond their tradition. The Most Incredible Thing is the score for a ballet interpretation of the Hans Christian Anderson fable of the same name, and the orchestra is there for more than elegant colouring. The pummeling dance rhythms persist, but Tennant’s sole vocal is there and gone quickly, as if reassurance for the perplexed, and the orchestra is unbounded, with thrilling strings, bubbling marimba and percussion, and bold, saucy brass parts heralding showbiz and schmaltz. It’s exciting, and sometimes exhausting; whether it will translate to more informal dance floors is one for speculation. Peter Gabriel New Blood (RealWorld/EMI) For this revisit to/reappraisal of his singular back catalogue, Peter Gabriel is quick to declare there are no guitars or drum kits present. As it happens, an orchestra can deliver imperially without them. As on last year’s Scratch My Back, John Metcalfe’s arrangements draw maximum heaviness from the players, with dark, chugging strings pushing the songs just short of melodrama. Like Roy Wood with the original Electric Light Orchestra, Gabriel and Metcalfe bow to George Martin’s breathtaking arrangement with The Beatles on “I Am the Walrus” and “Strawberry Fields Forever,” with those icebreaker cello squads. While the results here lack that eccentric might, they make sense. For his part, Gabriel has authorized not only a limited two-disc expansion but also a concert DVD. Pink Floyd Wish You were Here (Experience Edition) (EMI) Phase one in the latest catalogue overhaul for Pink Floyd includes forensic box-set editions of Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You were Here. For those resistant to the temptations of such ambitious packages – those of us with mortgages, for example – EMI offers modest, double-disc Experience editions that pair the originals with valuable, contemporary discoveries from the vaults. Here, the elegiac sigh of the original – now, warmer and clearer than before – is set against two punchy live takes of songs that would be reworked presently for the Animals album, along with an earlier version of the title song that has Stéphane Grappelli’s uncharacteristically countryish violin elaboration.
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Hitting all the right notes By Leigh Patterson For well over four decades, countless musicians and music lovers alike have been inspired by the pianos sold at 1330 Portage Avenue, now home to St. John’s Music. Among those inspired by the building’s fascinating place in the history of Winnipeg’s music scene is St. John’s Music’s Piano and Keyboard Department manager Dave Thompson. Thompson started his career as a piano salesman at the Portage Avenue site in 1968, when it was known as the Yamaha Music Centre and owned by Walter Loewen. “Walter and his family are responsible for bringing the very first Yamaha pianos to Winnipeg,” Thompson says. According to Loewen, the first Yamaha grand piano was sold in Winnipeg in 1957 to the owner of the former Paddock Restaurant. “From that moment on, we began the Yamaha journey,” Loewen says, adding that the quality of Yamaha pianos “was readily apparent from the get-go. We were amazed at how good the instrument sounded.” The Winnipeg Yamaha Music Centre played a dominant role as importer, distributor and retailer of the Yamaha brand in Canada until the early 1970s when Yamaha’s distribution centre was moved to Toronto. The Winnipeg connection with Yamaha continues with Robert Barg, Corporate Vice President Planning and Relations Division of Yamaha Canada Music Ltd., who started as a retail salesperson at the Yamaha Music Centre in 1971. “A quality Yamaha piano is a major purchase - having the right sales and service support is so important,” Barg says. “That’s why St. John’s Music continues to be the ‘go to’ place for pianos in Winnipeg.” Today, St. John’s Music carries on the Yamaha tradition of excellence introduced to Manitoba by the Loewen family by offering the full line of Yamaha upright and grand pianos, stage pianos and keyboards, as well as the Clavinova and Arius line-up of digital pianos. “The Clavinova digital pianos are used and endorsed by the Royal Conservatory of Music because of their wonderful piano action,” Thompson says. “We carry Cable-Nelson pianos, also made by Yamaha, as well as Kohler & Campbell pianos made by Samick.” Yamaha is the largest and most recognized piano manufacturer in the world and is the only manufacturer that is able to make pianos for different climatic zones. “Manitoba
is considered to be ‘extreme dry,’ which means that all the product that we get from Yamaha has had the moisture content of all the wooden parts reduced to 6 per cent,” Thompson explains. “Because of this feature, Yamaha pianos stand up extremely well in any residential or institutional setting.”
For that reason, Thompson recommends St. John’s Music’s unique rent-to-own plan for acoustic pianos. It’s a great option for parents who would like their child to have the opportunity to learn piano, but don’t want to invest in the instrument until they are certain the child will commit to it.
Locally, Yamaha is officially the “first choice” of the famed Royal Conservatory of Music, the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts, the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba, and many other teaching institutions.
“We can rent any acoustic piano from apartment size to grand pianos for up to five years with several options available,” Thompson notes. “Most importantly, if the kids opt out of lessons, the piano can be returned after one year with no cancellation fees.” Monthly rental fees start as low as $75 per month, with local delivery included. “It’s a very attractive and inexpensive way to begin a musical experience for any family,” Thompson adds.
In keeping with its commitment to excellence in music in the community, St. John’s Music supplies the pianos every year for a number of high profile events, including the Winnipeg Music Festival and the TD International Jazz Winnipeg Festival. The store also donates a new Yamaha grand piano to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra as part of their annual fundraiser. Bringing the warmth of music to your home As well as contributing warmth and style to any home, a piano can enrich a family’s lifestyle with ready access to music. “At St. John’s our hearts are really with the acoustic piano,” Thompson says. “When you consider it takes 54 parts to hit the string and make a single note on a piano, you really appreciate why it is considered the base instrument for music.”
Standing in the spotless showroom surrounded by polished, gleaming pianos, Thompson is clearly in his element. “Working for St. John’s Music is my dream job. Both Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. and St. John’s Music possess the absolute highest degree of integrity, and that’s why I can be confident that we represent the very best products and can provide the best customer service in the city.” Just look for the building on Portage Avenue, graced by a 60-foot mural that, fittingly, features a huge piano keyboard.
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As a penniless university student in the mid 1960s, artist Joe Fafard recalls that one of his “biggest thrills was walking down Portage Avenue.” To make ends meet, he spent his summers as a labourer, climbing and painting hydro poles.
The concave side, on the other hand, realistically reinforces the illusion that the bison is “coming at you,” Fafard adds. The force of nature within the animal is deftly captured through Fafard’s use of paint technique and exquisite detail rendered in the flaring nostrils, shaggy manes and soulful eyes. As the light changes throughout the day, the subtleties of each sculpture are further revealed so they never look the same.
More than 40 years later, Fafard’s past converges with the present at the Manitoba Hydro building’s main floor Galleria in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, site of Fafard’s Bison Sculpture Group installation.
“I wanted to provide certain surprises to people: what you see is not what you get and what you get is not what you see,” Fafard says. “The setting was right to explore the aspect of sculpture that speaks to art as illusion.”
An award-winning and worldrenowned artist and sculptor, Fafard finds it “heartwarming” to have his artwork publicly available to visitors to the avantgarde building. Born to French-Canadian parents in the small agricultural community of Ste. Marthe, Saskatchewan, near the Manitoba border, Fafard went to high school for four years in Ste. Lazare before pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Manitoba. From this point on he embarked on a storied career as a sculptor, setting himself apart through bold, instinctive experiments in colour and mediums ranging from small-scale ceramics to monumental steel and bronze artwork. Fafard made multiple visits to the Manitoba Hydro building to consider how best to utilize the area and ensure his artwork would interact with the public. Leona Herzog, Manitoba Hydro Business Communications Manager and volunteer curator of the Galleria describes Fafard as “a humble man who is extremely well respected, particularly among the arts community.” She says collaborating with Fafard on the commissioned Manitoba Hydro Sculptural Group has been a wonderful experience. “It was important for us to commission an artist with a strong connection to Manitoba,” Herzog says. “Joe was sensitive to our needs,
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Fafard hopes people will bring something of themselves to his work. “I create the situation but I don’t preach,” he says. “I give them an opportunity to exercise their own imagination.”
World-class building, world-class art By Leigh Patterson Photography: Michael Roberts
including to how we use this immense, community-oriented space.”
many ways the bison symbolize who we are and what we represent.”
The Manitoba Hydro Sculptural Group currently consists of a male and female bison. Four more bison - two adults and two calves - will join them this spring. The male and female bison sculptures, both nearly eight feet tall and weighing more than 1,500 pounds apiece, flank the Graham Avenue entrance to the Galleria. Once installed, the other two adult bison will grace the building’s Portage Avenue entranceway, and one bronze bison calf will be placed outdoors near each entrance.
Fafard’s early experiences working on a farm taught him about humankind’s connection to the land and helped give shape to the bison sculptures. “Bison have had an association, a symbiotic relationship with humans, for time immemorial,” he says.
“The bison theme was chosen with input from our former President and CEO Bob Brennan,” Herzog says. “In
Looking inward and outward, the convex and concave sides of each bronze cast sculpture display very different characteristics. One side appears softly carved into a big piece of granite, conveying a gentle strength. “Legend has it that when bison disappeared from the prairies, they disappeared into the rock,” Fafard explains.
Herzog says Fafard’s sculptures have been well received by Manitoba Hydro staff and visitors. “They add warmth to the building and give it a human scale,” she says. “Art does make a difference in people’s lives – it enhances the quality of life, creates dialogue and has a positive effect on people. You never know what relationship people will have with a work of art.” In addition to Fafard’s installation, diverse artwork by a number of established and emerging Manitoba artists are displayed in the Galleria and throughout the Manitoba Hydro building, including works by Wanda Koop, Eva Tarsia, Bruce Head, Winston Leathers, Grace Nichol, Linus Woods, Alan Lacovetsky, Patrick Neufeld and many others. “We have a world-class building with world-class art,” Herzog says. “I’m so incredibly proud of Manitoba Hydro for taking this step and holding it in trust for the people of Manitoba.”
By Christine Hanlon Photography: Mike Sanders
More than the Sum of its Parts A memorable piece of jewellery should be more than the sum of its parts. At its best, it is a synthesis of shape, colour and light, blending into a work of art that defies description. Just like the inspired melding of elements that imbues the custom jewellery they create, Mokadä draws from the strengths of three creative women, each bringing something unique and indispensable to the process. Mo-ka-dä: Mona, Katelyn, Danielle. Mona had an established career in an adjacent industry when a reputable jewellery chain sought her out to join their business. Within a year, she had completed her apprenticeship and the store she was managing became one of the highest volume jewellery outlets in Winnipeg. Known for her abilities to educate customers while tweaking franchise pieces to meet their needs, she quickly gained a reputation for thinking outside the little velvet box. Ten years in the jewellery business quickly escaped her and she recognized an increasing demand for custom designs. Therefore, opening Mokadä was the most logical thing to do! “We want to provide you with everything you need to make an informed, confident buying decision,” says Mona, the diamond specialist in the group. At the same time, she wants to give people the opportunity
to be involved in creating their own personal custom jewellery. Katelyn started designing jewellery on the side while completing her marketing internship in the fashion industry. After honing her craft through a jewellery design course, she couldn’t see herself doing anything else. She invites clients to bring in old remnants of gold to Mokadä. “We’ll sit with you and create a personalized design,” says Katelyn. Using their state of the art design application she works closely with clients to come up with a 3D concept drawing, which she then transforms into a photo and wax prototype. If needed, minor alterations are made so the end result is just right. “When you come to see us for engagement or wedding rings, you’re not just picking among choices that fit your price point,” she adds. “We’re creating something that fits you as a couple.” Danielle sees this as a welcome alternative to overpriced traditional options. She manages the administrative side of Mokadä so that her partners can focus on what they do best. Coming from the business world, she also sees the advantages of custom design from a different perspective. “People can get a unique one-of-a-kind heirloom without jeopardizing quality while still
working within their budgets,” she explains. “They have a special sense of ownership because they’re intimately involved in the design process.” She notes that when consumers buy massproduced designs, they are usually getting a lower quality of diamond, often with noticeable inclusions. “You get the best value when you choose your own stone,” she explains. “We really want you to know what you’re buying. We’re not a regular retail store. We take private appointments and can accommodate any schedule or venue to show you the diamonds if you wish.” At the same time, Mokadä is devoted to promoting local artists who share their passion for making one-of-a-kind jewellery. “We are very selective about our guest designers,” notes Danielle, “just like we are about our suppliers and our team.” Together Mona, Katelyn and Danielle bring their clients a unique combination of professionalism, expertise and an unrivalled customer experience. The result is a jewellery studio that customers can trust with their hopes, their dreams, and their most special moments. For more information, visit the website at: www.mokada.ca
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e l y t S
Spring
Bridal Bliss! Many brides are looking for something unique when it comes to their weddings, and no exception when it comes to their dress, hair and makeup. Kristy’s dress was designed by local designer, Julie Pedersen. Her hair and makeup were done by Rituals. Hair extensions were used to add to the bride’s long locks, coloured to match her wonderful hair colour. Then a Volumizing Crimping iron was used to give the hair texture. To add to your vision, Rituals can order extensions in many lengths and colours to customize your look for your wedding. Just call and book a consultation – they’ll take care of the rest. They also have custom one-of-a-kind hairpieces to complete your ensemble.
Fancy Frizz The looks for spring can be as simple as a low ponytail, to a chunky fishtail braid, or to an extravagant dual-textured “fancy frizz.” It’s your choice...have fun with it! Melissa decided to have fun with texture and shine. To create this look, she used Wella Color Touch, Demi Permanent for shine and gloss. She then used Kerastase Volumactive Spray before setting the model’s hair in knots to achieve lots of texture and volume. To finish, she used Kerastase Elixar Ultime to create the dual-textured look, smooth on top and crinkled on the bottom. Salon: Sets On Fort Hair Stylist: Melissa Bortoluzzi Photographer: Kathleen Wilson 44 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
The makeup was intended to emulate the feel of a gentle hoar frost and the simple beauty that nature gives us. Let Rituals’ makeup artists find a unique finish for you. Things to think about when planning your wedding appointments: • Schedule hair, makeup, manicure & pedicure appointments at least 6 months before the wedding for yourself and your party. • Consultations and a trial are a must to ensure you are feeling relaxed for your wedding day, especially for the bride. • Plan a budget for all beauty services and make the appropriate deposits. Salon: rituals in hair and skin Hair Artist: Kristina Model: Kristy Photographer: Jerry Grajewski
Wedding Style… Thinking of your wedding? Think about your style! As a bride, your hair should never be left out of the picture. Having the right style can make for the perfect total look. Lindsay’s hair- do was adapted especially for her, taking into careful consideration her dress style, head piece, colour scheme and the overall feel of her wedding day. Lindsay’s hair is coloured a dark, rich espresso brown to give it a healthy radiant glow. Some hair extensions were also clipped in to add fullness and length. This allows for her style to maintain longevity for the entire day! Knowing that a tiara would not be worn, a simple flower was incorporated with this stunning side sweep. Her look has the best of both…up and elegant, off the neck for a fresh lightness on a hot summer day; yet, down and tousled for that girlish sex appeal, which works well in any season. What a perfect day! Hair Styling: Candess @ Society the Salon www.societythesalon.com Photography: Trevor Brucki
Polished to Perfection Don’t leave it until your wedding day to select a hairstyle for the most important occasion of your life! Choosing a look can be confusing, so set up a trial run at your salon before the big day to try out a style that’s right for you. Remember how important having the right style really is – this is one day when you will be in every photo, and your haircut, colour and hi-lites should be polished to perfection. Finding your style ahead of time will allow you the luxury of experimenting between simple and sophisticated looks, and really finding the one that’s perfect for you. The trained stylists at Root 37 can help take the stress out of the process and give you one of the many fresh new bridal looks complete with makeup for your special day. Salon: Root 37 Hair Designs Hairstylist: Lynne Mestdagh Makeup/Esthetician: Kayla Leigh Lerch Model: Emilia Sidorowski
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Explore your personal style this season with the latest looks in eyewear. Visit www.hakimoptical.ca for a location near you.
FAB FINDS
Diamond Engagement ring in 18 Karat white gold set with 0.70 carat princess cut center and 0.30 carat diamond shoulder stones. Nemeth Jewellers, 150-115 Vermillion Rd (Southdale Shopping Centre)
Pretty little things and so much more! Colourful collectibles, fashion accessories galore & a plethora of home décor accents await behind these doors. Great Finds Fashion Accessories, Unit 160-115 Vermillion Rd (Southdale Shopping Centre)
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“Brilliant” …. Bring a dramatic focal point to any area of your home with The Liscomb Series by Kichler lighting. Total Lighting, 347 William Ave
All natural mineral makeup now available at all Vita Health locations. Vita Health Fresh Market, 1-166 Osborne St (beside Stella’s). For information on all locations, visit www.myvita.ca
Add character to your home with this beautiful wormy maple Rustic Yukon Turnbuckle Table. Many sizes and custom finishes available. Faveri’s Wood Furniture, 625 Wall St
It’s no surprise the debut collection of LITTLE by Kate makes such a big statement. Born from this designer’s unique fashion background, these earrings pair an eclectic mix of new and edgy with soft and classic. The contemporary glamour of genuine materials used is impossible to overlook. Priced at $399.00. mokada, 1-530 Waterfront Drive www.mokada.ca
Enhance your décor with a Batik wall hanging crafted by artisans from Chennai, India, or vibrant ceramic planters from Jaipur. Items featured are Fair Trade products, providing vital income to artisans from more than 30 countries & work for nearly 60,000 people around the world. Ten Thousand Villages, 2 locations: 134 Plaza Dr & 10-963 Henderson Hwy
Monica Janzen looks chic in a Tana + Bee black long sleeved dress. spalifestyle & fashion boutique, Unit 2-2001 Henderson Hwy.
Fresh spring style - Sharon Benjaminson is wearing a red Joseph Ribkoff coverup and black Katherine Barclay leggings.
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JOIN ELMHURST GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
24 Month no Interest Program Contact Dave McMillan Director of Golf Operations 224 -2244 or golf@elmhurst.cc 48 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
Manitobaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier golf experience Restored Donald Ross design Newly renovated clubhouse with casual and fine dining Professional golf shop with an award winning staff
Manitoba’s Golf Gem By Kelly Gray
Value and great golf are not typically terms that are used together. However, when speaking about Winnipeg’s Elmhurst Golf & Country Club, these terms have proven to be accurate for nearly 100 years. Certainly one of the province’s top courses, Elmhurst offers a delightful rolling topography that makes the most of the classic Donald Ross designed course. “This is a course with something for everyone,” says Director of Golf Operations Dave McMillan. “We are known as a challenge for advanced players, as well as a thoroughly playable experience for players of all skill levels. We have many club events for the competitive player, as well as fun events that are a little less competitive and more social oriented.” Challenges and beauty are certainly attributes of the facility. In fact, the club has been in the process of restoring the links back to their original heritage. The designer was none other than Donald Ross, one of the world’s great golf course architects who is listed in the sport’s hall of fame. “Ross’ greens and bunkers certainly create a stern test for the most skilled player. With the technology of the new equipment and the distance the golf ball travels as opposed to years gone by, Elmhurst has stood the test of time because the defense against low scores is the greens and bunkers. The art of controlling the ball into the green is what makes Elmhurst such a challenge and a treat to play,” says McMillan.
This was certainly proven with the scoring in this years Canadian Amateur Championship where the scores certainly were not as good as the players viewing the length on the scorecard would have expected. There is also an outstanding clubhouse aspect to membership. The dining experience in the recently renovated lounge and dining area with views overlooking the golf course certainly create a wonderful atmosphere. Chef Shaun Kaluznick and Food and Beverage Manager Dave Bishop, who is also Elmhurst’s resident sommelier, work very hard to provide a dining experience that is second to none. “We have many social events such as wine pairing dinners and theme nights for the members that are not all golf related, allowing members and guests to enjoy the facility in other ways as well,” notes McMillan. The level of expertise in the Elmhurst pro shop is also a benefit to the membership. Derek Ingram, a professional who is the coach for Canada’s men’s amateur team and voted twice as Canada’s top golf instructor, is the Elmhurst teaching professional. Ivan Koop, a former MPGA teacher of the year and active instructor, is the associate professional. McMillan comes with a golf pedigree that includes 21 years as a PGA member and is a former Amateur Champion, Canadian Tour Player, MPGA player of the year and Head Professional of the Year, and is also on hand to assist members with their games. Matt Lorenz
and Pat Beaudoin round out the Elmhurst professional staff. “What I have found at Elmhurst over other courses is the friendly atmosphere where new members are celebrated. We work hard here to create a club where there is real community without the “cliqueiness” that impacts some others. This might include an invite to join a group at tee off or a business contact made at the clubhouse,” he says. “We want to provide a value to the members that is more than just using the facility. The sense of community is why a lot of members join a club. We certainly recognize this and want to create this type of atmosphere for our members,” he adds. “What sets us apart is the ease of getting the tee times you want, the beauty and challenge of the Donald Ross course, and the quality of the dining experience. Altogether, this is what has made us the best value in Manitoba golf among private clubs,” says McMillan, inviting Manitobans to drop in to check out Elmhurst and discover this gem just 20 minutes east from downtown off Garven Road.
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Rooted in experience By Leigh Patterson For many homeowners, peace of mind is key when it comes to selecting a landscaper to help them create and develop the yard of their dreams. That’s why more and more people are turning to Veert Landscaping. Since 1990, Veert Landscaping has been building a proud reputation as a residential and commercial landscaper of choice, thanks to the company’s dedicated customer service and unparalleled expertise. Homeowners from Pritchard Farm, Lindenwoods, Tuxedo and countless other newer developments and established neighbourhoods have benefited from Veert Landscaping’s solid, well-rounded experience, equipment knowledge and proven track record. Owner Paul Veert strives to ensure every client’s needs are met, and that services are “delivered on time and exactly as promised.”
The Veert Landscaping team brings to its residential clients the knowledge they’ve gained from developing high profile, large-scale commercial projects in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba (the company was recently awarded the landscaping contract for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights). Homeowners also benefit from the investments Veert has made in his extensive fleet of specialized equipment, which includes a hydro seeder that can efficiently seed large areas, to portable machines that can be maneuvered into smaller yards. Veert Landscaping designer and commercial estimator Hillary Proctor says these advantages give the company the flexibility to do that much more for their clients, from planting trees and shrubs, to installing patios, retaining walls, driveways and beyond. “As a designer, it’s nice to know we can do anything out of the box,” she says, citing examples like a customized patio with a swirl pattern, and the extensively landscaped backyard entertaining space gracing the cover of the 2011 Barkman Concrete catalogue. Veert Landscaping offers free estimates and consultations. Proctor schedules appointments at the convenience of her clients and often meets them at their home to discuss landscaping options. “Meeting with people at their residence gives me a sense of their personal tastes and style,” she explains. Following her initial conversations with the client, Proctor comes up with a design for their yard. Proctor’s strong background in horticulture helps her clients plan for success.
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“I make sure everything will be growing where it should be, and that there is something of interest for every season. I really like to maximize the appeal and the use of their outdoor space.” “I make sure everything will be growing where it should be, and that there is something of interest for every season. I really like to maximize the appeal and the use of their outdoor space.” Proctor says she takes a “dynamic view” of residential projects and is keenly interested in helping people personalize their landscape. “We offer a variety of planting solutions and can even help people incorporate indigenous plants and vegetable gardens into their plan.”
Once the landscaping gets underway, Veert Landscaping’s professional staff - many of who have been with the company for over 10 years - take care of everything, from excavation to finished product. Concrete work, drainage solutions, lighting, carpentry and even custom welding can all be accommodated, thanks to Veert Landscaping’s dynamic and experienced in-house staff. “We have good relationships with our suppliers and this transfers to our customers as well,” Proctor notes. Veert singles out Barkman Belvedere patio stones as one example of a new and popular product that they have been able to provide their clients. In keeping with their customercentred values, Veert Landscaping staff are available to answer their clients’ questions before, during and after the job is done. The company is Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating, and offers a one-year warranty on paving stone work and plantings. Veert Landscaping understands how a well-designed and expertly installed home landscape can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, while adding value to your home. Paul Veert encourages homeowners to visit their booth at the upcoming Home Expressions Home and Garden Show.
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The Architect’s Choice in Composite Decking
Landscape & Excavation Contractors Decking | Railing | Deck Lighting | Fencing
3280 St. Mary’s Road 204-256-5000
SINCE 1990
www.veert.com 52 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
www.timbertech.com Call White-Wood Forest Products for the Dealer Nearest You
204-982-9444
Let the Sun Shine In Enjoy all the benefits of being outdoors without worrying about harmful rays and excessive heat. Sky Brite Systems bring sun and shade together by blocking 100% of UV while capturing the illuminating effect of a soft, even sunlit glow. Constructed from acrylic panels manufactured in Germany, the patio cover systems are fully customizable. Possibilities are endless, from open stand-alone cathedral-roof structures to classic-roof commercially screened-in or fully enclosed sunrooms. “If you have a deck or patio, we can mount the cover right over top,” notes Alex Ravensbergen of Sky Brite Systems. “You can put the roof up the first year and have the option to enclose it at a later date.” The acrylic panels and three-season screened windows are mounted on an engineered aluminum frame featuring baked-on paint with a 10-year guarantee not to chip, fade or peel. On all models, cornices and gables double as reinforcements while providing a decorative touch. The aluminum colours are available in basic white, as well as cream, sandalwood
and brown upgrades, while the panels come in white, bronze, pearl and clear. A spin-off from the greenhouse industry, the acrylic panels come with a 30-year-warranty and are guaranteed not to yellow or fade.
The weather-tight systems exceed wind and snow load requirements and have anti-fogging characteristics, which is ideal for homeowners with hot tubs.
Less Work, More Life Imagine never having to paint or stain the deck again! That dream is now a reality thanks to TimberTech low maintenance decking. A leader and innovator in decking products for more than 12 years, TimberTech offers a wide selection of wood-plastic composite and PVC decking materials, along with railing and lighting systems. When combined in a complete package, these components can create the ideal exterior space to enhance the value and enjoyment of any home or vacation property. TimberTech decking products are available in a wide choice of colours and a range of price points perfect for any application. Unique shapes, large sizes, multiple levels and curved transitions are no problem. Thanks to an innovative clip system, there are no visible fasteners. TimberTech deck planks feature the look of wood without the splinters, screws or need for continuous care. With superior scratch, stain and fade resistance, TimberTech decking comes with a 25-year warranty. Products maintain their colour and beauty for years.
The company also offers various styles of railings in white, black and walnut. Thanks to lighting incorporated into posts, risers or post-caps – as seen here – creating the right ambience has never been easier. Spend more time relaxing – and less time working – on a
high quality outdoor living space. Visit their website at www.timbertech.com to explore the endless possibilities TimberTech can offer.
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Light up the Night Why wait for summer to head outdoors when the warmth and illumination of an outdoor fireplace makes it possible to enjoy exterior spaces at the first whiff of spring? Available at Classic Fireplaces, the Aurora tranforms any deck or patio into a comfortable living space. Outdoors, the zero-clearance fireplace is entirely vent-free. The 55,000 BTU unit is also suitable for screened-in porches of at least 96 square feet. With a choice of a satin black or stainless steel cover, traditional or herringbone refractory liner, the Aurora fireplace exudes contemporary appeal, perfect for creating an elegant outdoor oasis. Complete the look with an interior of rounded rocks, decorative glass or a log burner set for a more traditional touch. Part of the Marquis Collection, this model is made by Kingsman right here in Winnipeg. Just like Kingsman, Classic Fireplaces has been operating in Winnipeg for around 30 years. During that time, the family-run business has built a reputation for outstanding quality and service. Their ever-growing selection of products includes indoor and outdoor water features, fireplaces, heaters and accessories.
Classic Fireplaces offers complete installations of all their products, including fireplace fronts in cultured stone, cultured marble, brick, tile, and faux-finish architectural coated surrounds. Certified technicians on staff ensure all units
are installed correctly for safety and a proper burning flame.
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Outdoor spaces for living By Leigh Patterson As Manitobans start gearing up to tackle yard renovation projects this year, many will rely on Barkman to help them get the job done. And they’ll have plenty of options to create the outdoor living space of their dreams. “This year we stepped up to the plate with new products and ways to make it easier for homeowners to install their own patios, retaining walls, walkways, firepits and more,” says Barkman marketing coordinator Jason Krahn. Barkman precast concrete products are known for their aesthetics, durability and choice of patterns and colours. The locally owned and operated company conducts extensive research and development and market testing under harsh conditions to ensure their products stand up to our unforgiving climate. This means Barkman can provide the best possible quality at an affordable price. Couple this reputation with a lifetime warranty on products and it’s easy to see why Barkman is a logical choice for landscapers and homeowners alike. Krahn singles out Barkman’s popular precast concrete landscape kits, which come in two collections – Stone Oasis and Belvedere. “You can create bars, firepits, waterfalls, patios, retaining walls and other options from these kits,” he says. The easy-to-assemble kits come with instructional booklets and DVD guides to help walk a do-it-yourselfer through the installation process. The Oasis Roman stack stone firepit can be constructed in “as little as 15 minutes,” Krahn notes. Patios and walkways can be accomplished with Barkman interlocking paving stones, and can be as modern or as classic as style warrants. Roman pavers lend an Old World charm when paired with curved retaining
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walls, wrought iron fencing and traditional perennials. Flip side, they can look elegant and sophisticated in a modern setting, thanks to their linear style. Classic Holland pavers continue to be popular and can be laid out in a variety of patterns. These are used in the meandering pathway that guides visitors through the Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Dynasty patio slabs are a good option for large spaces: “They can cover a lot of ground quickly,” Krahn says. “They are fast and easy to install.”
Barkman, always looking to bring affordable options to the market and to bring choice to their customers, has recently introduced the Cube series of modern, strong and durable white rectangular planters that appeal to architects and others with a modern sensibility. The Cube series was launched, fittingly, at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, along with the Kurve line of funky site furnishings.
Because Barkman products require little, if any maintenance, homeowners can rest assured their yards will continue to look beautiful for years. “Our products won’t crack because of the freeze and thaw cycle typical of our soils and climate,” Krahn notes. This is in contrast to poured concrete that may need to be ripped out to deal with extensive cracking that can occur over time.
Choosing hardscaping and other landscaping products from Barkman also comes with the peace of mind in knowing that help is just a phone call away. “We can also accommodate custom designs and colours because we are the manufacturer,” Krahn says. Several new products Barkman is hoping to launch in 2013 are currently at the concept stage, including a pizza oven and a full outdoor fireplace kit. “Many of our products come from suggestions and requests from our customers,” Krahn says.
Krahn adds that visitors to Barkman’s outdoor show garden at their Winnipeg location can browse the various precast and natural stone products and get product advice from a sales representative. Barkman products can also be viewed at the company’s large display booth and at the Garden Court at the upcoming Home Expressions Show. “With our wide arrangement of product, we can help you with any look you want to accomplish.”
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• LANDSCAPE & DESIGN SERVICES • PERENNIALS • ANNUALS • TROPICALS • GIFT SHOP • HOME ACCENTS • OPEN YEAR ROUND St Mary’s Nursery & Garden Centre Ltd 2901 St Mary’s Rd, Winnipeg, MB www.stmarysnurseryandgardencentre.ca
255-7353
The Beauty of Stone without the Mason.
Ideal for the House or Cottage renovation. Perfect for your Feature interior wall.
Available at Fort Distributors Ltd.
(204) 785-2180
www.easyrockcanada.com 58 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
Set In Stone By Carly Peters
Even though he has been in the business of combining luxury and lifestyle since 1971, Jake Penner, co-founder of J&D Penner, sometimes has a tough time deciding on what to do with his own backyard. “It’s hard to choose what you want. You need to see it through someone else’s eyes,” he laughs. The staff at J&D Penner’s residential division not only have the eye, but also the experience and knowledge to help customers turn their yard into their dreamscape. From natural stone pavers from as far away as India, to elegant retaining walls to a wide range of Barkman Concrete products, the company offers a selection of shapes, colours and materials that big box stores can’t match. The process starts with an in-home consultation, where staff assess intended use of space, taste and budget. They can detect any potential problems and recommend a course of action. They can also give an onthe-spot estimate for both big and small projects. Jake encourages homeowners to come to the J&D Penner Yard Decor store on McGillivray Boulevard to physically see the company’s vast selection of paving materials before making their final decision on a type of stone, the colour and pattern. “There are not many places where you can see large samples of patios. Our displays allow you to see textures, colours and shapes in person, not just in a brochure that’s photo shopped to look great,” states Jonathan Penner, manager of the J&D Penner Yard Decor Store. “A 10 by 10 visual gives you a better sense if the product you want actually matches your taste.” It’s also not unusual to see landscape architects, and, gasp, competitors, walking the floor of the Yard Decor store for insight into what’s current, and a touch of inspiration. spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 59
Combining and Lifestyle Since 1971
Luxury
Visit our showroom for great ideas & yard décor!
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2560 MCGILLIVRAY BLVD // PHONE 204.895.8602 FAX 204.895.7742 // WWW.JDPENNER.COM
There are many different styles, textures and colours to choose from. On a walk through of the J&D Penner Yard Decor Store, customers can see staged contemporary and classic water fixtures (actually running), fire pits and burners, along with statues, benches, pavers and planters. The company is the exclusive retailer of Barkman GFRC planters, which are trendy in design, yet hardy enough to withstand Winnipeg winters, along with other natural concrete pots and planters that offer an earthy tone, classic elegance or clean modern match. Jonathan states they rely on and trust their suppliers’ selection of products, which seem to
meet the demands and trends of the Manitoba market. Jake states if clients need further visuals of J&D Penner’s products in-place, they are more than willing to offer addresses of satisfied customers. If you want to see the results of J&D Penner’s skilled labour on a grander scale, you need look no further than many of Winnipeg’s high-profile public spaces. Through their commercial division, the company has completed concrete, timber and paving stone work at the newly
opened Qualico Family Centre at Assiniboine Park. Other examples of their workmanship can be seen at Central Park, the Nellie McClung monument, both universities and numerous elements at The Forks. One of those jobs at The Forks utilizes some innovative materials. Rubber surfacing featured in different shades of blue, dotted with navy sturgeon and walleye, was laid down inside the playground behind The Children’s Museum. Jonathan notes rubber is a material that’s being utilized at playgrounds for safety purposes, but is also ideal for creating soft, non-slip walkways and paths around the yard. This project also features a new offering from the custom fabrication division. The company’s dexterous craftsmen take a Styrofoam panel and evolve it into a three dimensional image using a CNC hot wire foam cutter and handcarving. In the case of The Forks Park, a York Boat, trade store, ox-cart and more were created using this technique. And because it is so versatile and lightweight, Jonathan states they foresee utilizing it for applications such as hotel theme rooms, stage props and home decor, including custom mouldings. From driveways to front and backyards, J&D Penner’s four divisions have the experience and expertise to make your yard your own unique oasis. If you’re seeking a little inspiration for your own outdoor space, drop by their showroom and view the outdoor displays for some exciting design ideas.
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What have you done for your backyard lately? By Leigh Patterson
Photography: Mike Sanders Winter-weary Winnipeggers are looking forward to the first signs of Spring, and to spending quality time outdoors with family and friends. Krevco Lifestyles President and CEO Don Carson is gearing up to make these experiences more memorable by helping homeowners create their own great backyard escapes. For many Krevco clients, the first step to achieving their dream yard is with an inground pool. “With the hot and dry summer we experienced last year, it’s shaping up to be a record year for pool installations,” Carson says. “That’s why we’ve expanded our team to include another veteran swimming pool construction crew to put in more pools, even faster. We’re also working with an expert landscaper to beautify the surrounding area so once a pool is installed, the homeowner can enjoy it right away.” Of course, Krevco is best known for its extensive selection of hot tubs and spas. “We sell more spas than anyone in Western Canada,” Carson says, noting that Krevco was recently awarded a highly sought-after Apex award as the second largest retailer worldwide for the Master Spa line. In particular, Carson is seeing more people purchasing swim spas. “Last year, we sold three times more swim spas. We’re really excited about this trend since swim spas offer so many
great benefits. They’re easy to install, they’re portable, and they can be used year round, even in a Winnipeg winter!” A swim spa is like a swimming treadmill, where a propulsion system at one end forces a steady current of water to swim against. A hot tub at the other end is perfect place to relax post workout or enjoy any time. For Winnipeg homeowners Andrea and Byron Speidel, the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa they purchased from Krevco last year was the perfect solution for their small yard. “Our son Tyson loves to swim and we didn’t think we had enough room to include a pool as part of our backyard renovations,” says Byron. “When someone mentioned a continuous lap pool as a possible option, we looked into it.” After researching the Michael Phelps spa on Krevco’s website, the Speidels visited one of Krevco’s three Winnipeg showrooms to learn more. “I’ll admit I was apprehensive at first about how it would work in our extreme climate,” Byron says. “Having been reassured by Krevco staff, people like Gareth and Paulo who answered our many questions, I was convinced it would be the right choice for our family.” In September, the 19’ X 8‘ swim spa was maneuvered by crane into the Speidel’s backyard next to the house for easy access via a newly built deck. “Don Carson
came to our site to see how things were going how many owners do that?” Byron says. “We’ve been impressed with Krevco’s friendly, top-notch service through the entire process.” “Tyson is thrilled to have his pool and we’ve been using it four to five times a week this winter,” Andrea says. “It’s a wonderful way to enjoy fresh air, exercise and family time. We love to entertain so it’s another neat way to get together with our friends.” She notes that the spa’s lights and fountains lend a wonderful ambience to the yard. As a runner, Byron appreciates how the therapeutic massage jets ease sore muscles and how his swim workouts have helped improve his quality of sleep. He’s finding the swim spa easy to maintain and was “pleasantly surprised” how little it costs to heat. “I would recommend a swim spa to anyone,” he says. “You get so much out of it for your money by being able to use it all year.” Whatever your style or budget, Krevco truly is a one-stop-shop for all your outdoor lifestyle needs. Outdoor fireplaces, as well as an expanded line of barbeques, and a variety of outdoor furniture and patio sets round out Krevco’s many offerings. “All the services we provide and products we carry are there to make your backyard your ultimate escape,” Carson says. You Gotta Have it!
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Peace of mind ownership It will be a few more months before summer arrives but things are already heating up at Oasis Leisure Centre, according to operations manager Jason Lawrence. Oasis Leisure Centre is now the exclusive authorized retailer of Hot Spring Spas in Manitoba. “We’re really excited about representing the world’s best selling hot tubs,” Lawrence says. With a commitment to providing the “Absolute Best Hot Tub Ownership Experience,” Hot Spring Spas are top-notch in terms of quality and reliability. Owned by Masco Corporation, a Fortune 500, publicly-traded company that also produces Delta® faucets and Behr® paints, Hot Spring Spas hot tubs must meet higher standards of excellence in the industry. These standards also extend to the companies they do business with. “Hot Spring is choosy about who represents them, ” Lawrence says. “They are connected with companies that have quality people and that can offer the best service. We’re proud to align ourselves with a large, established, internationally renowned manufacturer like Hot Spring Spas – we want our clients to be confident in the products we offer.”
designed for longevity, are easy to service and have a five-filter filtration system that keeps water crystal clean. Hot Spring Spas also have the best resale value in the market and are “very price competitive,” Lawrence says, adding that “these attributes, together with our delivery, set up and service, add up to peace of mind ownership.” Lawrence is also anticipating a strong summer for their popular inground pool installations. “We have invested in additional equipment and manpower so we can control quality and do more installations faster to make it an overall positive experience for our clients.” For clients wanting a high-end look to their inground pool versus traditional brushed concrete decking, Oasis Leisure Centre offers a custom concrete service. Stamped, decorative concrete in 15 different colours can transform retaining walls, steps, edging and pool interiors into attractive accents and backdrops.
Oasis Leisure Centre is also known for its commercial division, providing commercial spray pads for water parks and chemical contracts for most municipal swimming pools in Winnipeg. “Our commercial crew can take on more elaborate residential inground pool projects, including glued-on membranes, built-in benches and shelves, even installing pillars in the pool for added interest,” Lawrence says. “Anything you can design in your head, we can do.” Oasis Leisure Centre uses 3-D virtual design software to take a client’s dream concept and bring it closer to reality. “It takes the guesswork out of how a pool will look in a yard before it’s built by showing the pool completely installed with slides, waterfalls, landscaping, fencing, patio furniture, hot tubs and more.” Cutting-edge technology, automatic controls and cleaners are making pool ownership easier, Lawrence notes. During a saltwater chlorination process, for example, the salt generates the chlorine
By Leigh Patterson Photography: Mike Sanders needed to keep a pool clean for the season. “It eliminates a lot of work and is a huge benefit – it’s something we offer free to our clients as part of a pool package.” After installation, Oasis Leisure Centre gives complete care and maintenance instruction to their inground pool clients. An optional “owner-assist” program helps clients save costs by guiding them through part of the installation process: Oasis does the rest. To help clients complete their backyard oasis, Oasis Leisure Centre sells a variety of pool and spa related products, including firepits, island BBQs and luxury patio furniture, as well as saunas, above and in-ground pools. “We’re different because the foundation of Oasis Leisure Centre is service,” Lawrence says. “We look at product offerings through a service person’s looking glass and ask if it will stand the test of time. “
Oasis Leisure Centre carries a full line-up of Hot Spring hot tubs, from intimate two- person styles to a family-friendly seven-person version. Such features as a “motomassage,” a jet that travels up and down for a near full body massage, built-in wireless audio systems and a variety of lighting options, provide a truly unique spa experience. With a California Energy Commission approval rating, Hot Spring Spas are also among the most energy efficient hot tubs available, and “they carry the best warranty in the business,” Lawrence says. Manufactured under impeccable standards, the hot tubs are
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Making a splash By Leigh Patterson Making the decision to install a swimming pool in your backyard is a big commitment, as well as an important investment. In addition to deciding on the type of pool and how much room you’ll need, you also want to ensure it gets done right. And of course, you want to enjoy your pool as soon as you can! Jonathan Kreviazuk and Blair Irwin, co-owners of Samson Pools, are committed to making these and many other decisions as effortless as possible, which translate into a buying experience that is garnering customers almost purely by word-of-mouth. “We strive to give our customers the most honest and accurate information, and the best experience possible, ” Jonathan says. It’s a commitment that he comes by honestly. Since 2008, Samson Pools (formerly known as Krevwin Enterprises Ltd.) has continued a legacy that began over 40 years ago by Jonathan’s father Sam Kreviazuk. Most Manitobans who have had a pool installed in the last several decades know the Kreviazuk name: Sam has over 5,000 swimming pool installations under his belt.
In addition to sales, both Kreviazuk and Irwin work on-site with their build teams. “We want to be at the project site to ensure the construction process is virtually stress-free for our client,” says Jonathan. “If anyone has done any kind of building or renovating, they know what a headache it can be. We manage every job like we are building a pool in our own backyards.” He points out that by being onsite, they can also ensure the project progresses quickly, so that clients can take their first dip in their new pool in short order: “We can complete a pool project in as little as one or two weeks.” With 9 out of 10 Samson Pools installations coming from referrals, their hands-on approach appears to be working. Clients appreciate that Samson Pools Team lives up to and often goes beyond their commitments, even after the job is done.
Jonathan and Blair have both worked under Sam’s direction and are sharing the extensive knowledge and experience they’ve gained in the pool installation industry with their Samson Pools clients.
“Both Blair and I are available to answer questions for our clients, even during evenings and weekends,” Jonathan says. “They can call us directly anytime before, during and after the project is completed, and this gives them peace of mind knowing we are there for them.” Jonathan adds that for additional client confidence, Samson Pools offers the highest labour warranty in the pool industry.
“Every service that Samson Pools provides is offered in-house,” Jonathan says. “This allows us to control quality and maintain the Kreviazuk reputation in the Manitoba pool industry.“
“We can proudly say that every customer becomes our friend and part of the Samson family,” Jonathan notes. “We just want people to experience a swimming pool installation the way it should be – stress free!”
Samson Pools offers everything from small pool installations to complete pool packages, including rock features, landscaping, concrete solutions and outdoor patios. spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 67
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A Clear Decision By Kelly Gray
When it comes to window products, Manitobans need to look no further than All Weather Windows, a company that has been a leader in innovation for 34 years. Today, the company offers a stunning selection of vinyl, wood and metal clad window products that are as technologically advanced as they are good looking. “There are not too many things you can put into a home that pay you back. Windows are certainly one of these,” says Sean Phillips, Winnipegbased Sales Manager, All Weather Windows. He mentions that All Weather’s products have earned them the Energy Star Manufacturer of the Year designation for the past two years. What’s turning the world on its ear when it comes to windows? A good case in point is the new Apex line from All Weather. This window offers a revolutionary V-weld technology that means water and air leakage is a thing of the past. Apex Alloy features a high performance fusion welded PVC frame that eliminated the need for box-to-box construction. “This means improved energy efficiency as well as greater structural integrity,” says Phillips. On the outside the aluminum cladding creates bold styling possibilities, thanks to a range of colour choices. Apex windows deliver with triple
weather stripping, the kind much like you would find in your car. This means a tighter seal and more dependable windows overall. Making them still better is the warm edge spacer that creates a window that is among the highest performers in energy efficiency in the industry today. All Weather is a full line supplier with a network that includes more than 1000 independent and chain store dealers across Canada. In fact, the list comprises a veritable Who’s Who of leading building supply retailers, from boutique operations to big box stores. The product range includes PVC, wood and metal clad offerings from casement to picture to awning, and everything in between. As well, All Weather’s windows have strong exterior finishes that offer design elements such as powder coatings and a host of colours and tough faux wood finishes. Indeed, the wood style finishes of the metal clad exterior products defies anyone to tell the difference between these and actual wood products.
as modern or traditional as a designer or home renovator demands. Products include interesting inserts created from sandblasted glazing and clear glass lights that have detailed metal work. There are also coatings and bevelled surfaces, as well as designs that easily meet the needs of a traditional home styling or the challenges of the most modern flair. “Yes, we have created a line that is technologically advanced, but we also realize that our customers are primarily interested in great looks for their homes,” says Phillips. “For this reason we have created exterior finishes and interesting entryway glass lights that help homeowners make a positive décor and design statement. I think its fair to say that All Weather Windows really helps make a clear decision when it comes to window and door products.”
The beauty of All Weather’s performance products extends to entryways as well. Where once the industry offered a limited number of door lite styles, All Weather has stepped up to compile a vast line of these products with over 200 styles from which to choose. Now doors can be spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 69
Custom Designed Doors Whatever your design needs are, Yarrow Sash & Door will collaborate with you to create beautiful custom doors. Contemporary, rustic, craftsman or Victorian are some of the styles that can be built in multiple species of wood. They offer numerous decorative glass types and durable stain finishes accented with architectural hardware. Yarrow will also integrate a variety of materials, including copper, steel, and translucent panels that create unique and interesting doors. In staying true to the original design and architecture of a 100-year-old home, the owner turned to Yarrow. “We worked closely with the customer on the design. After sketching a basic design we generated CAD drawings for the customers approval,” explains Yarrow’s Mick Neufeld. The doors were then handcrafted in quarter-sawn white oak, and
finished with a custom colour before being fitted with dark bronze hardware. Yarrow puts the same quality into their standard wood and fibreglass doors. “We specialize in making custom wood doors,” notes Neufeld, “but we also make many affordable standard wood and fiberglass entryway systems that fit most openings.” New to Yarrow is Apex fibreglass siding by Marvin. The siding features include high impact resistance, low expansion / contraction, and a durable acrylic finish in 10 standard colours. Combined with the fibreglass entryways and windows for the exterior of your home, Apex siding will create a complete exterior solution that is beautiful, durable and distinctive.
Authorized Dealer of
• Metal Clad Wood Windows • Wood Entryways • Fiberglass Entryways • Fiberglass Windows • Architectural Hardware • Professional Installation
Showroom • 969 Fife Street • Winnipeg 586 2794 • www.yarrow.mb.ca
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HOMES & A Salute to the Spring Parade of Homes March 5 to March 27, 2011
Amber Trails The Landing (Brandon) R.M. of Cartier (Elie) McBeth Landing Stoneridge Meadows Algonquin Estates Canterbury Park Kildonan Green Aspen Lakes (Oakbank) Sage West (Oakbank) Southlands Village Waterside Estates Bridgwater Forest Charleswood Kingsview South (La Salle) South Pointe Stonecrest (Linden Woods) Legend at Creek Bend Oxbow on the Seine River Park South Royalwood Sage Creek Verve Tache (St Boniface) Lions Gate (Steinbach)
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Showtime hours: Mon - Thurs 3 pm to 8 pm • Sat & Sun noon to 6 pm • Friday by appointment only
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Leading the way home...
Display homes open for viewing on Baltic Bay For information on available lots contact the participating builders or Genstar
488-6537 www.genstar.com
Kensington Homes • A&S Homes • Randall Homes • Silverton Homes • Qualico Homes • Ventura Homes 72 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
Northern Star
The momentum continues in Amber
Certainly Amber Trails fits into this model. According to Marc Brown, Development Manager (Amber Trails) at Genstar, the company has recently serviced and made available Phase 12 of this development. He reports that this phase offers 113 single-family lots with a central 10-acre school site that is integrated into the neighbourhood park and pathway system. “This school site has been dedicated for the coming K to Grade eight school that is projected to open in 2014,” says Brown, remarking that
the coming school is indicative of the level of interest that families are showing in Amber Trails, where the population is growing steadily. Certainly, the reasons for making a decision to buy into Amber Trails are many. For example, there is an extensive lake system with three bodies of water coursing through the community, as well as 30 acres of parkland, green space and recreational space under development. Joining the entire nature and recreational system is a trail network that opens the opportunities for beautiful bike rides and hiking in an atmosphere that is both close to home and nature. Amber Trails is also close to major roadways, a fact that creates easy access to essential services and shopping districts, such as Garden City along McPhilips and Keewatin where residents can find leading grocers, restaurants and entertainment attractions from nightclubs to movie theatres. This past fall, Genstar paved Templeton Ave. and Pipeline Road, two major arteries that border Amber Trails linking the neighbourhood to major routes. “This makes for very easy exits from the city, especially if residents have summer properties at places like Gimli or Victoria Beach,” says Brown. Amber Trails is designed as a neighbourhood that is attractive to a wide range of demographics and lifestyles. Brown reports that the affordable range of housing options from diverse singlefamily detached homes to villa-style duplexes and apartments are proving very popular, and demand has been increasing year after year.
When complete, the 400-acre development will be home to 1600 residences. “We have a number of years of progress and future phases of development ahead of us in this community,” says Brown, remarking that while they have just completed Phase 12, Phase 13 is currently being serviced and should be available for new home construction late this summer. Helping to drive this growth is a list of renowned homebuilders that have come up with innovative designs to bring home the quality and lifestyle that is characteristic of Amber Trails. Look for designs from six of the province’s top builders, such as Randall Homes, Qualico, Ventura Homes, A&S Homes, Silverton Homes, and Kensington Homes. “What is driving sales at Amber Trails is the accessibility to new home affordability in a sensibly planned community. Winnipeggers can see themselves living in the neighbourhood and have discovered that a new home purchase is something that is definitely within reach. As well, people have found an established neighbourhood with a new home feel where residents enjoy amenities typically experienced in far more established communities. This is really a community of neighbourhoods where young families can grow and more established families can relax in comfort and close proximity to all city services. When everything is considered, the amenities that comprise Amber Trails have created a community that has become one of Winnipeg’s most sought after new neighbourhoods. Look for this momentum to grow,” he concludes. spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 73
homes and neighbourhoods
Trails, a significant new community in the northwest sector of Winnipeg. Designed and developed by Genstar, a company that over its 50 years has master planned communities throughout North America, providing affordable luxury and neighbourhoods with true to heart character.
By Kelly Gray
Built with your
family in mind
Come see our 2012 show homes. Monday to Thursday Saturday and Sunday Friday by appointment Hours will vary by builder. Please check buildersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; websites.
Enter off Waverley Street at Arbour Meadow Gate.
The Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater include lush natural green spaces, kilometres of scenic pathways and hundreds of excited new homeowners. Take the time to discover what Bridgwater Lakes, Bridgwaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest neighbourhood has to offer. Half the lots in Bridgwater Lakes are set aside for the construction of visitable homes, with no-step front entrances to provide easier access for everyone. Many of these visitable homes are connected by pathways that wind through the neighbourhood and provide your friends and neighbours with an unmatched opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the sparkling waters of Bridgwater Lakes. Check out the show homes in Bridgwater Forest during the 2012 Spring Parade of Homes and come back and see our new show homes opening up in Bridgwater Lakes this fall.
Find out more at bridgwaterneighbourhoods.com
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What a Neighbourhood Should be Thanks to careful and extensive planning, the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater in southwest Winnipeg is developing into a neighbourhood unlike anything the city has seen. “Our vision was to create not only a new housing development but a new kind of neighbourhood,” confirms Dwayne Rewniak, Director of Land Development for the provincial government’s Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation. In 2003, the developer launched a design charrette, a series of collaborative sessions bringing together multiple stakeholders to examine and contemplate different design solutions. The process included a review of best practices in other urban developments, and combined with feedback received from workshops and open houses, formed a planning framework that became the vision for the neighbourhood.
Increasing the density of housing to a standard higher than current practice was another goal, and to achieve this target, the developer created smaller lot sizes on back lanes and added a significant number of multi-family parcels to the neighbourhood. Work is presently nearing completion on the first set of two and three bedroom StreetSide townhome condominiums on Bridgeland Drive South, with the builder also having started work on a 161-apartment style condominium complex on Bridgeland Drive North.
Along with lifestyle, this carefully planned neighbourhood also took environmental factors into consideration. Passive solar heating and geothermal technology were emphasized, and a total of 54 homes were designated as geothermal in Phase I of Bridgwater Forest. Says Rewniak: “A number of geothermal showhomes have been constructed to allow people to see what the technology looks and feels like. Many lots in other phases also have a high potential for geothermal.” Eco-friendly technology is not the only environmentally sustainable feature of the Bridgwater development. “We wanted it to be a walkable community,” explains Rewniak. Already, Bridgwater Forest features several kilometres of scenic pathways as well as traffic calming devices, roundabouts and sidewalks on both sides of most
streets. Eventually, a total of four neighbourhoods will revolve around a town centre, all interconnected by walking paths. Placing the emphasis on the pedestrian rather than the automobile means that most homes will be within walking distance of the town centre. “We’ve designed the development so that it’s transit friendly,” adds Rewniak. “All homes are a short walk from a bus stop.” Accessibility, whether it be to services or public transportation is an important focus for the Bridgwater development. That theme extends to individual homes, many which are mandated to incorporate design features making them more accessible to everyone. Homebuyers were introduced to the visitable concept in Phases II and III of Bridgwater Forest when several showhomes featured the one-level step-free front entrance, wider doorways/ hallways, and a wheelchair-accessible main floor bathroom. Phases II and III each had 15 lots designated for visitable designs. In the next neighbourhood, Bridgwater Lakes, 50% of the lots will be reserved for visitable homes.
All 352 lots made available to builders in Phase I of Bridgwater Lakes last year have sold out, following the trend that saw the rapid purchase of 942 single family lots in the first four phases of Bridgwater Forest. The first new display homes will open in Bridgwater Lakes this fall. Bridgwater Forest once again led the city in new development, with 350 single-family building permits taken out in 2011, compared to 264 in 2010. “We’re expecting similar numbers in 2012,” says Rewniak, adding that servicing has started for Phase II of Bridgwater Lakes, and is expected to be finished by fall, with building permits issued at the end of this year. “We continue to be moving faster than anticipated and are very pleased with the progress we’ve made in this neighbourhood.”
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homes and neighbourhoods
Five main concepts underpin that vision. The first involves having a higher than standard proportion of green space. Accordingly, the developer dedicated over 70 acres to open space, mature forest and lakes. “We wanted people to move into what would already look and feel like an established neighbourhood,” says Rewniak.
Rewniak adds that another 1000 units of multi-family housing are also planned for the Town Centre, a mixed use area that will include apartment units as well as commercial and retail space, some located below the residential units.
NEVERCOMPROMISE
MARIC HOMES 339-2035
www.marichomes.com
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Luxury Living
Creating the ideal home for families and their ever-changing lifestyles is a challenge. Incorporating details that add beauty to the functionality of a family home is an even greater challenge. Maric Homes, however, has succeeded stunningly with their showhome on 8 Cypress Ridge in South Pointe. Striking a perfect balance of function, style and luxury, this openconcept two-storey greets visitors with warmth and tranquility right from the front door. The spacious foyer flows seamlessly into the open den, great room and kitchen to the stunning open riser staircase that ties all three floors together. Workmanship and attention to detail is consistent from the top floor to the walkout lower level, including storage and closets by For Space Sake that enhance functionality and add beauty. “Visitors are always marvelling at the craftsmanship in the laundry room and walk in closet at the rear entrance,” notes the builder. “Then they see the rest and are even more astonished.” The centrepiece of the house is the ensuite, featuring a two-way fireplace, a freestanding soaker tub, floating vanity and double vessel
Farms Southlands Village, opening in time for the Spring Parade.
Whether it’s relaxing with the family, entertaining a business client or hosting a kid’s hockey team, this home is the perfect place to do it all. The breathtaking design and meticulous attention to detail is clearly evident in all five Maric showhomes, including a new home in Pritchard
When making the monumental decision to build a home, people set very high expectations – as they should. “Every client wants their home to be just perfect, and so do we,” the builder points out. “We are unmatched in design possibilities, craftsmanship, work ethic and dedication to our customers. At Maric Homes, we never compromise when
it comes to our customers or our craft. We set the bar extremely high for ourselves and it shows itself in every home we build.” At Maric Homes, everything is done in-house. From the sales team to design and drafting to interior décor to site managers and the service department, Maric walks every client through the entire process, start to finish.
During the Parade of Homes, Manitobans have come to love visiting Maric showhomes because they’re excited to see some of the things the builder can do. When building a client’s home, Maric incorporates the same quality and innovation showcased in their display homes. Maric Homes creates living spaces as unique as every homeowner who relies on Manitoba’s most trusted builder to turn their visions into reality. spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 77
homes and neighbourhoods
sinks. A custom two-person shower completes the spa-like atmosphere.
Enjoy The Simple Pleasures of Real Country Living.
Single Family Homes | Semi-Detached Homes | Condominiums | Lots sizes starting from 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x140â&#x20AC;&#x2122;
Crystal Lake Largest Lake in the Area
Lake
Bob Handler | 956-2063
Crystal Lake Development Ltd. Contact one of our Preferred Builders R&B Homes 204-771-8558 www.rbhomes.ca
Hanover Homes 204-392-9998 www.hanoverhomes.ca
Dowalt Custom Homes Bentley Homes 204-326-6048 204-222-3825 www.dowalt.ca www.bentleycustomhomes.ca 78 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
OAKBANK, Manitoba G & E Homes 204-326-1007 www.gehomes.ca
Schulz Construction 204-832-0046
B&R Custom Homes 204-227-5010
Queenston Custom Homes 204-488-6888 www.queenstonhomes.com
Trikor Builders 204-663-3818 www.trikor.ca Foster Built Homes 204-444-2305 www.fosterbuilthomes.com
Small Town Comfort, City Close The small towns around Winnipeg are among the fastest growing communities in the country. The reasons are many….and obvious. Residents are able to relax in the quiet of small town life, while city amenities stand close by. It’s a best of all worlds scenario that has created a lot of buzz in the new home market. Certainly this country/ city attraction is behind the excitement at Crystal Lake, a new planned community in Oakbank, a town of 3000 people located just 15 minutes east of Winnipeg. The property created by Crystal Lake Development Ltd., a Manitoba company with more than 35 years of experience in community building and planning, will add almost 500 lots in the town.
While some developments outside the city may have residents feeling isolated, Crystal Lake is a neighbourhood in a long established town
with a host of services. Need a nice restaurant for a family meal? Oakbank has several. Looking for a pharmacy or convenience store with a gas station? No problem in Oakbank. The same is true for healthcare and policing, not to mention schools - the town has elementary, middle and secondary institutions. The community’s close proximity to Birds Hill Provincial Park and its tremendous natural beauty and recreational facilities offer untold adventures mere minutes away. Handler reports that the town of Oakbank and the Municipality of Springfield (Manitoba’s oldest municipality) are both moving forward to address the gains they have made in population. For example, there is a plan in the works to enhance the recreational opportunities in the town where there is already a long established community club with indoor rink for skating and hockey, as well as sports fields for soccer and baseball. Moreover, the community has full underground services, paved roads and storm water drainage.
something for everyone. Among the ample sized lots buyers will find opportunities for single-family detached homes, as well as semidetached condos and bare land condos. “What you won’t find is a standardized development where everything looks the same. We have been fortunate to associate ourselves with a group of leading homebuilders who have really brought their ‘A’ game to the development. Yes, we have some restrictions. For example, there is a minimum square footage for home designs, but other than that, it is quite open for buyers and their builders to come up with that perfect dream home,” he says, adding that variety is a key element to the Crystal Lake Development. Handler invites those looking to make a positive change in lifestyle to take the 15-minute drive from Winnipeg to discover a world of difference in Oakbank. “With low interest rates and affordable land costs at Crystal Lakes Developments, the time has never been better to make a change that delivers the best of city and country life.”
According to Handler, the concept of Crystal Lake is to create a community that offers spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 79
homes and neighbourhoods
“Important to those who are buying lots is the fact that this community is not in the city, but is so close they can easily commute to a job, drive in for a night out, or for a day of shopping. Although many folks who move here find themselves almost avoiding the city if they can,” says Micheal Handler of Crystal Lake Development. “Lots are far more affordable than you might find in the city and they are larger as well,” he says, noting that sizes range upwards from 70-90 foot frontage, including one lot just over 100 feet deep. Huge pie shape lots back onto Crystal Lake, the largest lake in in the area. The variety of lots allows designers to meet the dreams of any new resident.
Expand Your Horizons Build a hOme in Oak Bluff WesT Oak Bluff West is a new residential development on the edge of Oak Bluff, a rural community southwest of Winnipeg. Life here offers a perfect rural/urban blend …a quiet, friendly community with a lower tax base and convenient proximity to city amenities. Oak Bluff is just 10 minutes from one of the largest shopping and entertainment centres in Winnipeg, at the intersection of Kenaston and McGillivary. A well established community, Oak Bluff is part of the Macdonald-Headingley Recreation District (MHRD), so there are sports, recreation, fitness, arts and crafts, and special interest classes available in the area. It also has a K-8 school, Nursery School, before- and after-school programs and a Recreation Centre.
Oak Bluff West features wider lots, suitable for spacious, custom-built homes. There are seven highly regarded custom builders to choose from so you can relax and enjoy the experience, from foundation to finish. For lot availability, please contact our participating builders. For community information, please contact: (204) 255-9786 • info@oakbluffwest.ca
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For more information on Qualico Communities, visit qualicocommunities.com
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A Perfect Pairing By Lynne Mustard
neighbourhood of some 700 homes is underway in Oak Bluff, just south and west of Winnipeg. Offering a wholesome lifestyle and lower taxes, Oak Bluff West presents “a unique and attractive alternative to the Waverley West area,” says Eric Vogan, Land Development Manager, Qualico Communities. Located at the intersection of McGillivray Boulevard and the Perimeter Highway, Oak Bluff was first settled by pioneers in the 1880s and still has the feel of a rural community. Currently comprised of some 335 homes and farms, with about 600 residents and 56 businesses, it also has a community school that offers Kindergarten to Grade 8, a nursery school and easy access to high schools on the west-
ern edge of the city. The recreation centre has an indoor hockey rink, Seniors’ Club, baseball diamonds and a soccer pitch. Oak Bluff is part of the growing Rural Municipality of Macdonald and is also included in the Macdonald-Headingley Recreation District, with its wide variety of sports, recreation, fitness, arts and crafts, and special interest classes. The village offers handy conveniences such as a coffee shop, service stations, restaurants and a Credit Union, which also houses the local postal office. With all this and one of the largest retail/service centres in Winnipeg located just a 10-minute drive east on McGillivray Boulevard, Vogan says Oak Bluff West offers the perfect pairing of urban and rural.
“There’s plenty of elbow room in Oak Bluff West,” states Vogan, where lots average about 75 feet wide and 140 feet deep. Spacious bungalows or two-storeys will soon be available from the seven wellregarded builders involved in the development. Vogan quickly cites reasons for their inclusion. “Somerville Homes has been building on the west side of the city in Charleswood, and in Oak Bluff and Headingley, for 40 years. In fact, Randy Somerville lives in Oak Bluff. Paradigm Homes is a very popular builder in the RM of Macdonald, as is Ventura. In addition, homes will be available from Artista, Randall, Sterling and Parkhill.”
To further enhance the new neighbourhood, a network of trails will connect Oak Bluff West to the school, village and Recreation Centre. Wetlands will provide picturesque water views, attract wildlife, and most importantly, states Vogan, be a significant part of the neighbourhood’s stormwater management system. “You get more and less in Oak Bluff West,” Vogan concludes. “A more wholesome lifestyle, more horizon, less congestion and less pressure on the pocket book.”
Vogan expects that all will have showhomes open for viewing by this summer.
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homes and neighbourhoods
Oak Bluff West, a new
Designed for today’s lifestyle
Building in: Bridgeview Estates | Crow Wing | Kingswood South | Oak Bluff West | Prairieview Park Parade of Homes - Mar Show Home 24 Tanglewood Drive Kingswood South
3 – 25th Parade Hours Mon - Thurs 3-8 Sat - Sun 12-6
204-736-4686
www.paradigmcustomhomes.ca ®
fireplaces supplied by
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Robinson Bath Centre
The dictionary defines a “paradigm” as “a model, an outstandingly clear example.” When Paradigm Custom Homes was founded in 2004 by owners’ Jeff Baertsoen, Gerry Martel and Klaus Schneider, they had a mission in mind: being a model of exemplary custom home building. To fulfill that goal, the company established a firm standard of products and materials used to create each home, starting from the foundation up.
Exemplary Custom Homes
“We wanted our homes to have the best structure and engineering they can,” explains Baertsoen, “so people can live in their homes for many years and be proud of them.” By concentrating on 15 to 20 homes a year and using the same trusted tradespeople, Paradigm Custom Homes ensures the use of superior construction practices and consistently high levels of craftsmanship. From a small starter bungalow to a large luxury estate, each home is constructed to the same superior standard of quality.
Paradigm starts the carefully controlled process by finding out exactly what customers want from their home and determining what designs and features will fulfill the needs of their daily lifestyle. “We can build anything,” notes Baertsoen. “Often we combine features, concepts and designs from our portfolio of different plans.
We can then tailor that list into a design that works on their property along with the best orientation for natural light and sightlines.” Paradigm is rigorously costconscious right from the design perspective so homeowners can get what they want without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. “We can design and build within people’s budgets,” says Baertsoen. “We eliminate as much of the guesswork out of the process as we can. Clients have the opportunity to know what the exact cost will
be – no need for ambiguous allowances. They know what they are getting, we know what is being put in and we know the associated costs.” Anything is possible, from simple elegant quality finishes to feature walls, custom tile showers and coffered tray ceilings. Regardless of the finishing details, Paradigm ensures every bit of space is functional in all its homes. The builders also pride themselves on their personalized, family-oriented service, working with clients
one-on-one. “You’ll be dealing with the same people, the owners, from start to finish,” says Baertsoen. He adds that while the company office is located in their hometown of La Salle, it builds many homes in the Winnipeg and surrounding areas. Paradigm is now also a designated builder in the new Oak Bluff West subdivision. This fall, a new showhome in this exciting new development will follow hot on the heels of their spring Parade entry located in Kingswood South in La Salle.
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Determined to be true custom design builders, the Paradigm Team provides design consultation from conceptual floor plan renderings through to engineered working blueprints for construction. Together they have more than 40 years of previous experience in designing and building custom homes.
professionally maintained
custom designed
Superb rur al setting
Custom design Care-free living Conveniently located off Henderson Highway in East St. Paul, the community of Pritchard Farm Southlands Village provides an enclave of luxury homes by Winnipegâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious builders. A custom designed home in this exclusive community offering professionally manicured yards in a superb rural setting is yours to own.
Show Home Viewings by Appointment For more information, visit
qualicocommunities.com
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204.669.3394 arlthomes.com
204.661.5159 irwinhomes.ca
204.339.2035 marichomes.com
pfsouthlandsvillage.com 204.255.9786
Living the Life
By Lynne Mustard
Author Henry David Thoreau urged people to, “Simplify, simplify.” The consensus among the builders of Pritchard Farm Southlands Village is that homeowners here want to do just that; they want to simplify their lives. The luxurious, new, energy efficient bungalows, the beauty of the neighbourhood and the ease that results from living here all flow from that one desire. In Pritchard Farm Southlands Village, Qualico Communities offers sites to satisfy the growing demand for distinctive homes without the cares and concerns of property maintenance. “People building here recognize the strength of this concept,” states Dan Rolfe, Sales and Project Manager, Maric Homes. He says buyers can downsize and still live in a customdesigned home, instead of semidetached or multi-family.
The upscale neighbourhood appeals to a “diverse group” states Jason Arlt of Arlt Homes. There are professional couples busy with work or travel, folks nearing retirement and younger families who are just busy. Andrew Koop of Irwin Homes agrees, “Typically, they move here from something bigger and what I hear said most often is that they should have done it a long time ago.” Irwin Homes/Shadowwood
Southlands Village is a small enclave in Pritchard Farm, located north of the Perimeter and east of Henderson Highway, in East St. Paul, just 20 minutes from Portage and Main. Arlt adds that residents also appreciate the security aspect. “Exterior lights are on timers. In the winter, their driveways, sidewalks and front steps are shovelled. In summer, their lawns are watered and mowed so it always looks like they’re home, even when they’re not.” Homeowners pay a modest monthly fee for these services and more, all of which are performed by the Village’s property management firm. Koop says the property management fee is not a barrier to purchase.
“Residents take into consideration the fact that their new home is so much more energy efficient, they’re saving on utilities. Plus they’re saving on snow and yard equipment, gas…all those costs.” East St. Paul also has low property taxes. The homes typically average 1,600 to 1,800 square feet, plus a lower level, which most residents choose to finish with extra bedrooms or game rooms. Arlt and Irwin Homes offer custom designs or floor plans adapted to the homeowner’s wants and needs. These include a walkout
or lookout lower level; several of the home sites are graded as view lots to accommodate these designs. Rolfe notes that Maric also offers custom homes, designed to the site and whatever the homeowner wants. Exterior finishing materials are mandated by the Village’s architectural standards and are specifically selected for durability and beauty. With this quality in a new home, no maintenance concerns and the added security, residents of Pritchard Farm Southlands Village are surely living the life.
Arlt Homes/Hearthstone Grove
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It’s a unique opportunity that won’t be available for long, Rolfe advises. “This is a young development with a good selection of home sites currently available. But with the quality of homes going in and maturing landscape, Southlands Village is becoming even more desirable.”
Maric Homes/Willow Landing
DREAM | DESIGN | DELIVER BUILDING IN The Oaks, Pritchard Farm Southlands, Assiniboine Landing, Countryside Crossing & Your Lot 204-661-5159
www.irwinhomes.ca 速
suppliers to Irwin Homes
Robinson Bath Centre
Milne HoMes Dedicated to Excellence
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Telephone (204) 654-1424 Email: MilneHomes@mts.net Visit our web site: www.milnehomes.ca
Superior Design and Construction A true custom builder has the ability to translate a vision into reality. For many years, Manitobans have relied on Irwin Homes’ superior skill and experience to help them give shape to dreams and needs that are often so difficult for homeowners to describe, never mind envision. Thanks to their relentless dedication to researching and exploring new opportunities in design and technology, Irwin Homes brings a whole new world of possibilities to the table in order to meet each client’s unique needs. Take this former showhome, for example. To create a sense of unity, the kitchen draws together two cabinetry styles and stains used in other parts of the house. A natural black walnut hardwood creates the perfect backdrop for the kitchen’s contrasting chocolate and Karena Rose stains. Complementing the look, a farm-style sink and cup drawer pulls inject a subtle country flavour to the space. The upper cabinets are closed to the ceiling by three mouldings, stacked to create an
ornamental capping to the upper units. Glass display shelving coordinates with the distinctive transom detail Irwin Homes selected for the top of the large windows capturing the fabulous riverside vista behind
the house. The fact that everything in the design works so perfectly is a testament to the expertise and meticulous design process with which Irwin Homes has become synonymous.
foot estate like the one they are currently building in Assiniboine Landing.
and Silver Awards at the Parade of Homes. The others – personalized service, attention to detail, fairness, integrity, and value – are why Manitobans recognize Milne Homes as a builder they can trust.
homes and neighbourhoods
A Matter of Trust When a family hires a builder to create their home, they are entrusting that builder to provide the very context within which their life will unfold in the years to come. Living in the house will bring them into daily contact with every space, feature and amenity, right down to the smallest detail. Doug Milne knows this and appreciates its significance. He pays homage to the trust clients place in Milne Homes by taking the time to determine exactly what each client envisions and then meticulously executing that vision with quality products and expert craftsmanship. The fine finishing of every corner of this ensuite bathroom is a testament to that commitment. “We’ve had the same trades working with us for 15 to 20 years and it shows,” says Milne. The Master Builder relies on the same superior craftspeople and suppliers whether the home they are building is a 1000-square-foot bungalow, a summer home in cottage country, or a 12,000-square-
At the same time, Milne Homes continues to research and incorporate new technology and materials into its homes. Innovation is only one reason behind the builder’s many Gold
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At the end of the day, to be? where do you want
Sage Creek is a refuge from the demands of a busy life. Through the changing seasons, you can look out over the wetlands and enjoy nature’s dramatic spectacle. There’s beauty here beyond that of nature. Architectural standards ensure a neighbourhood, and homes, of exceptional quality. At the end of the day, there’s no better place to come home to than Sage Creek.
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Na t u ra l ly Ap pe a ling call 204 255-9786 or visit www.sagecreek.ca
For more information on Qualico Communities, visit qualicocommunities.com 88 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
Homes of Distinction
By Lynne Mustard
Beauty was in the eye of the beholders; now it’s plain for all to see in the streetscapes of Sage Creek. It takes experience, craft and a strong sense of the aesthetic to transform a large tract of bare land into a community blessed with a sophisticated signature style. “Diversity” is one word often heard whenever Lyne Jones and Eric Vogan of Qualico Communities speak of Sage Creek. It’s understandable, given that it’s essential to their vision of this ‘complete community’. Also, diversity results quite dramatically and naturally when a dozen builders work in one community, as they are in Sage Creek. However, the process isn’t quite as freeform as you might think.
Why this relatively stringent Artista/Blue Sun Drive approval process?
“Because we completely care about where people are going to live, about their house, about their street, and the neighbourhood as a whole,” stated Maria Mavridis, Architectural Assurance Coordinator for Qualico Communities. Mavridis joined Qualico in 2007 to write and implement the architectural guidelines for Sage Creek. Further, Jones says the guidelines and approval process ensure an appropriate level of quality and help maintain property values. The
architectural standards also set the tone and create the community’s signature style of well-coordinated, harmonious streetscapes. It is clear that the standards are just the beginning, Vogan states. “We ask the builders to meet the guidelines, then think above and beyond. We challenge them to do their best, be innovative and redesign the box. They’ve surprised and delighted us with their responses.”
Diversity in home styles has now become one of the hallmarks of Sage Creek, with each home built on the solid underpinnings of the architectural guidelines. The result is a wonderful collection of distinctive homes with unique design elements, appealing elevations, and many upgrades. An Artista Home on Blue Sun Drive has striking features such as a semi-transparent garage door, which allows light but maintains privacy, a pleasing blend of exterior finishes, and a deeply recessed entry that affords better weather protection. The house opens up dramatically inside, as it’s a three level walkout with enormous back windows overlooking the wetlands. “People have come to expect something different of Sage Creek, something unique, and they are not disappointed,” Mavridis says. “We take into account that these homes will be here long after we’ve come and gone. We’re in the midst of creating a neighbourhood that people can appreciate, enjoy and be proud of, now and hopefully, for decades to come.”
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Architectural standards were established for Sage Creek to translate the vision into practical guidelines that describe the exterior qualities, dimensions, and characteristics of the houses, finishes, landscaping and fencing. The guidelines are fairly comprehensive and established for each area of the community. Thus, the homes of Sage Creek have a higher degree of finishing than a typical subdivision, with more attention to detail. Each builder has to submit drawings for architectural review and approval before applying for a permit to begin construction.
Boulevard homes in Sage Creek
31K
relax … it’s built by
100 K
76 BridgeLand drive soUtH - BridgWater Forest
Visit all of these exquisite Gino’s homes in the 2012
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160 North Town Road 76 Bridgeland Drive South 51 Highland Creek Road
Sage Creek
51 HigHLand creek road - BridgWater Forest
South Pointe
189 Autumnview Drive 38 Cypress Ridge
Waterside Estates 23 Mockingbird Lane
160 Blue Sun Drive
23 MockingBird Lane - Waterside estates
189 aUtUMnvieW drive - soUtH Pointe
38 cyPress ridge - soUtH Pointe
160 north town road BridgWater Forest
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100 K
Fresh Design, Consistent Quality
Just when it seemed that Gino’s Homes had reached the apex of design and craftsmanship, the custom builders have outdone themselves again in their latest South Pointe showhome at 38 Cypress Ridge. With five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, this 2179-square-foot bungalow with walkout lower level is incredibly airy and spacious, with a perfect balance of openness and privacy. Vaulted 20-foot ceilings in the great room and master suite create volume on the main floor, while nine-foot ceilings grace the lower level. Halfway down, in between the two levels, the builder has ingeniously placed a sunroom with open views to both the interior spaces and the park-like setting.
via an open maple staircase with 10 mm glass panels and stainless steel handrails. With a pause at the sunroom, the staircase continues to the lower level where a wood structural floor creates comfort underfoot. The wet bar is wonderful but it’s the theatre room that has been grabbing all the attention. The tiered floor, full wall screen and twinkling fibre optic star ceiling are sheer magic. But visitors should also be sure not to miss the Kidz Kave off one of the two downstairs bedrooms. The halfheight fully finished room is equally
perfect for sleepovers or storage. Upstairs, the two other bedrooms are intelligently linked by a Jackand-Jill bathroom, again emphasizing privacy. This is only one of five Gino’s showhomes across Winnipeg, with more to come for the Spring Parade of Homes. And with land available in almost every development in the city, Gino’s Homes can offer consumers their trademark ingenuity and consistent quality in virtually any neighbourhood they choose.
On the other hand, space flows effortlessly between the kitchen, dining room and great room. In the latter, the ribbon fireplace is off to one side, so as not to compete with the television, also viewable from the gourmet kitchen. Built-in appliances punctuate the thermofoil cabinets, which feature no-slam drawers, upper lift-up doors and a variety of pullouts. Maple trim and solid, distressed maple flooring unite the space, continuing seamlessly downwards
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Replete with a hot tub, the maintenance-free deck off the sunroom is connected to both the downstairs patio and an upper deck accessible both from the great room and the master bedroom. In this master suite, Gino’s has separated the sleeping area from the bathroom by the walk-in closet, a clever idea for couples working on different schedules. Quartz countertops, a soaker tub and vessel sinks demonstrate how luxurious an ensuite can be. At the same time, the entire private suite – complete with its own linen closet – feels appropriately removed from the main living area.
South Pointe The way home.
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Ladco Introduces Stage 5 of South Pointe Ladco is proud to present the fifth stage of our latest and most exciting community in Winnipeg. South Pointe continues Ladcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tradition of quality and innovation. Come visit any of our show homes to see what South Pointe has to offer.
(204)982-5900 92 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
www.ladcocompany.com
Attraction Points South
By Kelly Gray
There is a wealth of reasons that have made Winnipeg’s southern quadrant so popular with new homebuyers. However, it really all comes down to the well-worn real estate maxim – ‘location, location, location.’ South Winnipeg is close to the University of Manitoba, has easy access to the full range of services from hospitals to libraries, and has some of the best shopping opportunities in the city, with a broad range of leading retailers that includes the new IKEA (opening 2013). Given its attributes, it comes as no great shock that this sector also offers the fastest growing new community developments in Winnipeg.
South Pointe itself is a 480-acre master planned mixed use community that will offer roughly 1500 single-family homes in addition to 25 acres of multiple family housing, which will see some 2000 homes in total when completed. Further, South Pointe features 64 acres of parkland and lakes in a public reserve designed to create a natural, relaxed ambiance throughout the community. Also included in the area is approximately 55 acres of commercial land that is projected to host a wide variety of services that may include retail, office space, and entertainment. “We’ve just completed Stages I through IV and will be servicing Stage V this year,” says David Borger, Vice President Land Development with Ladco. He remarks that Stage IV offers 140 lots with Stage V coming on board
with an additional 180. To date, the company has serviced 831 lots that were quickly snapped up by the development’s slate of top tier builders. According to Michael Carruthers, Ladco’s Manager of Land Development, the builders were quick to take advantage of South Pointe because they understood the draw of the location. “There is something for everyone in this development,” he says, commenting that they have targeted as wide a berth of demographics as possible with the goal of creating an inclusive neighbourhood that offers a variety of housing choices. To create this neighbourhood, Ladco has turned to a group of homebuilders that comprise the province’s top firms. Names include industry leaders such as A&S, Artista, Gino’s, Greentree, Hallmark, Hilton, Huntington, Maric, Parkhill, Qualico, Randall, Signature and Ventura Homes. “This development gives us the opportunity to showcase our work in a classically inspired community
that offers large lot sizes that contribute to the kind of design flexibility that we look for,” says Rob Swan, a principal with Huntington Homes, a leading edge homebuilder that specializes in the mid to upper tier market. Further, Swan points to additional examples such as parks, an existing network of common areas and an integrated pathway system, not to mention a soccer field, playgrounds and even a newly completed toboggan hill and play structure that demonstrate the quality of the South Pointe development. Here, David Borger notes that lot sizes are certainly ample. “We have just created a new 50-foot amenity lot that backs onto the creek system. These are in addition to the 60-foot premiere amenity lots that have proven to be very popular,” he says.
throughout the community. “By and large however, we do not get in the way of any good design,” he says. Indeed, South Pointe is all about good design. Whether it’s a great looking home or a neighbourhood to be proud of, this is a development that has ticked all the boxes. “South Pointe is a great example of community building and sustainable residential development. Here was an opportunity to create a cohesive neighbourhood that brings together a lot of current thinking in mixed use planning, landscape design and infrastructure servicing, and we’ve done it all in what could be one of the best locations in the city today,” concludes Borger.
“The builders have really come forward with winning concepts that have proven to be extremely popular with the home buying public,” adds Carruthers, noting that Ladco approves designs in an effort to maintain consistent elements spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 93
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These developments include South Pointe, a community off Waverley Street that saw an impressive 250 building permits issued last year. The success is not surprising, given that South Pointe has been planned by Ladco, (www.ladcocompany. com), one of Winnipeg’s most successful and respected property development firms. In fact, Ladco has built some of the city’s best-known communities, such as Southdale, Richmond West and Royalwood to name just a few.
Building memories.... Time after time, after time
Parkhill Homes & Renovations
@ ParkhillHomesMB
Family owned & operated for over 25 years
Marketed by Lori Thorsteinson
982-2930
www.parkhillhomes.ca
At Parkhill Homes we build in prestigious locations within Winnipeg and surrounding areas. Parkhill Homes would be pleased to construct your dream home on your lot or ours. Visit our show home at 32 Cypress Ridge in South Pointe. Lots available in : Deer Pointe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Headingley & Oak Bluff West â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Oak Bluff. For more information on our personalized custom building service, please call 982-2930 today. Preferred Suppliers For PARKHILL HOMES:
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Uncompromising Excellence For more than two decades Parkhill Homes has been building some of Winnipeg’s finest custom homes, at the same time, building a reputation for uncompromising excellence. Their showhome at 32 Cypress Ridge in South Pointe puts that philosophy on display. At the heart of the home, a master “suite” encompasses a fireplace, a walk-in closet and a huge ensuite, with tile from floor to ceiling. This includes the 5’x 5’ walk-in shower accented by a glass tile detail. The master suite also has its own door to a deck which stretches almost the entire back of the house. A spiral staircase leads to the lower level patio with its outdoor gas fireplace.
On the main floor, a wet bar is strategically located to serve both the great room and dining area. Meanwhile, the kitchen pantry is adjacent to the mudroom for easy stocking after grocery shopping.
Nor does this careful design process stop at functionality. Throughout the home, all the doors are solid maple – including the bifold doors – evidence of Parkhill’s belief that quality woodwork has a place beyond the kitchen. Via the cabinetry, the kitchen brings together the two colours of stain used in the home, creating a unifying theme.
ceramic tiles, which are accented with a stainless steel trim.
Meanwhile, the powder room boasts a stunning stainless steel tile accent, adding a note of luster to the room’s dark cabinetry and black
Parkhill Homes brings all these talents to bear when making suggestions and offering options to meet their clients’ needs. Those needs,
These distinguishing accents carry over into the great room where the gas-burning fireplace is framed in stainless steel for a sophisticated contemporary look. A tile backdrop and adjacent built-in shelving finish the space with a perfect balance of form and functionality.
tastes, and desires figure first and foremost when the builder works with clients to create the home of their dreams, wherever that home may be. Committed to the complete satisfaction of each and every one of its customers, Parkhill Homes will build any style of home on any lot of the client’s choice. The builder also has several select lots available in Oak Bluff, Deer Pointe Park in Headingley, and in South Pointe in Waverley West.
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Virtually doubling the living space of this 1948-square-foot bungalow, the walkout lower level includes a spacious recreation area, a sitting area and an exercise space. A bar and a built-in computer station round out the many amenities. The station is already configured for laptop use, one of the many features that exemplify Parkhill’s careful attention to every detail necessary to make a home not only look spectacular, but also function flawlessly.
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Best Interests at Heart Rather than selling a product, a true custom builder provides a service, one that involves working closely with customers to create exactly the home they want. Throughout every step of the process the builder has the customer’s best interests at heart. This means listening attentively to clients and respecting their needs, tastes and budget. At the same time, it means drawing from a wealth of expertise to point out when functionality could be improved or a certain product could better fulfill a specific need – all while laying out options for clients to consider. It can also mean sourcing from a supplier who provides a quality product at a better price, as was the case for the glass mosaic tile in the high-end kitchen of this 2000-square-foot bungalow. The homeowners knew they could depend on Streu Homes to look out for their best interests, creating their dream home, including a kitchen with sleek five-inch maple veneer cabinets in a weathered slate finish and
Caesarstone countertops. A five-inch handscraped walnut floor completes the look. Streu Homes also took full advantage of the location to fulfill the homeowners’ wish for a bright, light-filled home. “When people want
to start working on a plan, I always encourage them to find a lot first,” notes Kurt Streu. “Then they have all the elements to make the best decisions possible.”
Recently nominated for the Canadian Home Builder’s National SAM Awards, Artista Home’s showhome at 156 North Town Rd in Bridgwater Forest will be competing against other luxury home entries from such internationally recognized centres as Vancouver and Metropolitan Toronto. By taking Manitoba to a whole new level of custom homebuilding and design, Artista Homes has secured its place as one of Canada’s elite luxury homebuilders. Anyone who visits this luxury masterpiece will quickly see why Artista Homes is being recognized on a national level. Take the exterior, with its bold combination of acrylic stucco, brick, wooden accents, and a water feature. Both the wood and brick continue into the interior where they combine with glass panels and stainless steel to create a crisp modern look. The floating staircase and glassed-in dining room are simply stunning.
“We ran the brickwork upstairs as well,” says Artista’s Frank Cotroneo, “and it surrounds the tub in the ensuite.” Features such as a second floor laundry and upstairs loft/office ensure the home is as functional as it is beautiful. The modern-style kitchen is equipped with Wolfe & Subzero appliances flanked by an aluminum pantry wall and quartz countertops. In the walkout lower
level a full wet bar with stainless steel ledge is accompanied by a three-sided fireplace and a gym where the television looks just like one of the mirrored panels when turned off. Add a fully landscaped yard with fireplace, hot tub and spiral stairs to the patio, and the picture is complete.
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Nationally Recognized!
Live Naturally. Just minutes north of Winnipeg off Highway 7 in the town of Stonewall. Stone Ridge Meadows is the newest chapter in Genstar Development Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long standing tradition of creating distinctive communities in superior locations. GENSTAR DEVELOPMENT COMPANY: For information on available lots contact the participating builders or:
669-2500 224-4243 98 | STYLE MANITOBA | spring 2012
667-1297
256-0863
488-6537
or visit our website: www.genstar.com
663-3818
254-8790
Country Close By Kelly Gray
While it’s true that developer Genstar has maintained a lovely assortment of original
forestlands and the community is quiet and pastoral, there is a wealth of urban qualities that grace the community of Stonewall. Indeed, Stonewall is a mature town with considerable Manitoba history. It is also a town with restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, hair salons, as well as schools and a hospital. There is even a substantial recreational facility – Quarry Park – in the community, along with a curling arena and organized sports for the kids. In fact, so complete is Stonewall that some may find little excuse to leave for the hurried lanes
“At Stone Ridge Meadows, buyers will find that a 60-foot lot is attainable for the same price as a 40-foot lot in the city,” says Dave Boles, Development Manager, Genstar. “This means homebuyers can look at things like larger bungalows or maybe a three car garage at very affordable pricing given the lower land costs.” To date, Genstar has opened Phase II of the development with 48 lots available in the three phase 50-acre site “These are available in a variety of sizes up to 75 foot frontage with depths up to 150 feet. All properties in Phase II back onto a public reserve so that backyards have additional privacy,” he says, adding that the community also features significant paved walkways that link Phase I properties as well as the central forest area. Genstar has partnered with six leading homebuilders who have created a number of stunning designs to excite buyers. Companies include Kensington Homes, Ventura Homes, Warkentin Homes, A&S Homes, Hilton Homes and Trikor Homes, a new addition for 2012. “The fact that we have these homebuilders means that buyers can expect a no- cookiecutter-approach to design. The result is a unique streetscape that speaks volumes about the quality of lifestyle at Stone Ridge Meadows,” says Boles, who finishes by stating that country living has never been so close.
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So near, yet so far. This typifies Stone Ridge Meadows, a newly planned development outside the Winnipeg city limits in the town of Stonewall, a bedroom community mere minutes beyond the Perimeter. Simply, the development offers larger country lots and an ample natural environment that might have residents wondering if they located in a National Park or cottage country enclave.
of Winnipeg traffic that are just a few miles away over twinned highway.
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Fax: (204) 275-3902 www.pageantryhomes.ca
Design Build By building a finite number of homes per year, Arlt Homes guarantees consistent quality and a personalized experience with each and every home they build. Customers deal directly with the builder at all times. “It’s about understanding all the needs of the consumer,” says Jason Arlt. Those needs start with a highly customized design process. Clients can choose from Arlt Homes’ award-winning layouts, make modifications that incorporate ideas from other designs, or develop a unique set of plans from scratch. “It’s all about having flexibility,” says Arlt. “You also get to visit individual suppliers and choose from a truly huge variety of products to completely personalize the space you’re going to live in.” Arlt Homes encourages and assists its clients in thinking ahead to select the features and products that will go into their home. But at the same time, within specific deadlines, changes are still able to be made along the way.
The only thing that cannot and will not change is the quality. “What you see in our showhomes is really what you’re going to get when you build with us,” says Arlt, adding that the purpose of a showhome is to put what a
builder can do on display so people can touch and feel the product while seeing it first-hand. “It’s a good example of what we can do – but it’s not all we can do for you.”
maple hearth in the great room. Alongside the kitchen is the sunroom, the perfect place to drink in the sun on a lazy afternoon while enjoying a view of the river and forest behind the house.
The Krempins know their customers put great trust in Pageantry Homes to build their home. That trust is respected by creating a home in which homeowners can take pride.
Personalized Custom homes and neighbourhoods
Building a home is an exciting time and Pageantry Homes believes your home should be just that – yours. It should be a reflection of personal style and preferences. That is why the builder provides personalized service, taking the time to design a home that reflects clients’ lifestyles, incorporating their ideas, modifying plans, until ultimately making what they envisioned a reality right through to the smallest detail. Werner and Frances Krempin started Pageantry Homes in 2005, but have been in the construction industry for over two decades. They know that workmanship is the cornerstone of a great company. Because of the strong relationships Pageantry Homes has developed with their sub-trades and suppliers, their homes are built with outstanding craftsmanship and quality products. Their newest showhome at 66 Summerview Lane is a fine example of the quality Pageantry Homes brings to custom homes of all sizes and styles. Visitors will be struck by the foyer’s gorgeous ribbons-style chandelier, only to be even more impressed with the stone clad crystal Marquis fireplace and large
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Live Urban... Today!
JF RatthĂŠ | 204.612.9977 | districtcondos.ca
C O N D O M I N I U M S
Myles Viklund | 204.793.1000 | vervecondos.ca
Think Condo. Think StreetSide. Bridgwater Forest CONDOMINIUMS
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There’s energy in the air in downtown Winnipeg these days. The urban centre has become not only the place to work and play, but also the place to live. An ever-expanding array of premiere arts, culture, sports, fine dining and preserved architecture is being joined by landscaped riverside pathways, parks, shops and condominiums. No longer content to commute back and forth from the suburbs, an increasing number of people are choosing a fully urban lifestyle.
Responding to this increasing demand for downtown housing, StreetSide Development Corporation is unveiling two new condominium projects. In the East Exchange District between Market and James Avenues, seven historical buildings – almost an entire city block –are being transformed into condos. Construction at 110 James and 133 Market is already underway, with spring and summer possessions available. The 600 to 1300-square foot District Condos start at just under $200,000 and feature original exposed brick, 10 to14 foot ceilings, 100-year-old timber beams, new double-pane windows and storage lockers. Says Maykut: “The conversion offers great synergies with the existing building structure and new electrical, mechanical, flooring, bathrooms and kitchens giving the best of both worlds.” Just across the river, StreetSide offers yet another option for urban living. Verve offers the best of the downtown lifestyle in the
vibrant neighbourhood of historic St. Boniface. The condominiums are within walking distance of The Forks and other exciting venues on both sides of the river. Taking in a baseball game, a night at the theatre or dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants no longer involves waiting in traffic or desperately trying to find parking. Located on a quiet street, Verve overlooks a park, the Red River, Old St. Boniface and some of the city’s most spectacular vistas. On the rooftop patio residents can entertain friends against the backdrop of sunsets over the Esplanade Riel and the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The four-storey building will encompass 48 units, ranging in size from 858 to 1840-square-feet, with secure heated underground parking, and additional storage, including a place for bicycles. “For both Verve and the District Condos, owners who purchase early in the build process have great options to customize their future homes to their unique wants,” notes Maykut. Selections are related to flooring, kitchen/ bathroom cabinets and countertops, as well as many other finishing options. But the options that make condominium living so attractive to many homeowners are the ones that revolve around lifestyle. Time devoted to upkeep can instead be spent on living life to its fullest. That possibility has never been more exciting than it is today, in the vitality of Winnipeg’s downtown.
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homes and neighbourhoods
Urban Living
“We’re finding there is a positive downtown buzz and we’re expecting to see steady demand for downtown condominiums,” confirms Marty Maykut of StreetSide Condominium Developments. “When you look at the changing landscape the last few years, with the University of Winnipeg and Red River College expansions, MTS Centre, Winnipeg Jets, Museum of Human Rights, Millennium Library, and Manitoba Hydro office building, there has been huge investment and excitement, which is great for Winnipeg.”
55
Windmill Way in Charleswood
ExclusivE | uniquE Immediate Possession
Award Winning Construction
Concrete & Steel • Fireproof • Enclosed Heated Parking • Secure Entry Show Suite Hours Monday-Thursday 3-8 pm Saturday & Sunday 1-5 pm
Greentree Properties
477-6950
Lisa Castro 952-2675
Thanya Romero Don McDonald 958-4837 981-9544
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Quality, Affordable Condominium Living for all Ages an established reputation for specializing in high-quality, affordable single-family homes undertake multi-family construction? The answer is simple: To better serve their clients. Not long into Greentree Homes’ 46- year history, founder Guy Hobman realized that there was more than one way to fulfill his company’s goal of helping people access high quality homes at affordable prices. Many people prefer the carefree turnkey lifestyle that comes with condominium living. Recognizing this reality, Greentree Homes set out to offer this option to a wide range of people, from singles and professional couples to first time homebuyers and empty nesters looking to downsize. Their latest condominium project at 55 Windmill Way does just that. The nine different layouts ranging in size from 805 to 1,303-square-feet can be finished to any taste and budget. All floor plans are open and airy, with large windows and nine-foot ceilings throughout. The 46-unit condominium building also features steel and concrete construction for superior soundproofing and energy efficiency. Shared amenities include
covered parking, an exercise room, multipurpose room and lockers on every floor.
For all those homeowners looking for a solid, secure and reliable place to live, this will truly be a wonderful opportunity to embrace the lifestyle they want. Just like they have done for so many Manitoba families, Greentree Homes is proud, once again, to make these dreams come true.
But it is not only the condominium’s amenities that have prompted such a positive response from the home buying public. Greentree Homes has selected an ideal location for its latest multi-family project. The condominium building at 55 Windmill Way is situated right at the Park West Shopping Centre, next to a bank, drugstore, grocery store, gas station and a range of other services and businesses. Hobman selected this particular location specifically because he knew it would make life easier for residents. He points out that the condominium project is also situated very close to the Perimeter Highway, providing easy access to all other parts of the city, as well as a quick getaway route to parks, golf courses and cottage country. The success of this project is prompting Greentree Homes to pursue other multifamily projects of its kind. Hobman feels the demand certainly exists. Greentree’s next project will be located in St. James on the site of the former Silver Heights Collegiate, with servicing for the 132-unit condominium spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 105
homes and neighbourhoods
Why would a successful builder with
project starting in summer 2012. The plan is to offer a selection of one, two and three bedroom units, constructed with the same quality and functionality upon which Greentree Homes has built its reputation for more than four decades.
BUILDING IN
DREAM | DESIGN | DELIVER
The Oaks, Pritchard Farm Southlands, Assiniboine Landing, Countryside Crossing & Your Lot 204-661-5159
www.irwinhomes.ca
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Popular Condos Reflect Builder’s Expertise The thriving popularity of the condominiums in Pritchard Farms Southlands Village should surprise no one. “There is growing demand,” confirms Krista Koop, who owns Irwin Homes with her husband, Andrew. “The fact is they’re individual homes with a very good floor plan.” Ranging in size from 1500 to 1800 squarefeet, the fully-fledged designs combine all the advantages of custom home building with all the convenience of condominium living. Lawn and yard care is guaranteed, winter and summer. To personalize their condos, homeowners can choose from high quality specifications or upgrade from many additional finish and décor options. “When individuals have one of the condominiums built for them, they can choose cabinetry, lighting, flooring, colours…,” says
Koop. She adds that all of the showhomes Irwin built in Pritchard Farms Southlands Village sold very quickly. Irwin Homes will have a new display home ready for the Spring Parade. Thanks to the Koops’ keen sense of form, space and function, every home they build surpasses expectations. Irwin Homes provides
exceptional personal attention through every step of the design and construction process for every home they build, in every community. Pritchard Farms Southlands Village is no exception. The prestigious builder is proud to be part of this exciting development, offering clients looking for Irwin’s trademark quality the opportunity to live a luxurious carefree lifestyle.
homes and neighbourhoods
Unique Opportunity One of the biggest advantages of a bare land condominium development is its unique living environment. When complete, Pritchard Farm Southland’s Village will be a one-of-a-kind tight knit community with a beautiful pond, forest and walkways. People choose to build a condominium for the lifestyle. They want to simplify their lives – no longer having to worry about shovelling snow, watering plants or mowing the lawn – so they can have more freedom and flexibility. And when it comes to having a home in that development, why settle for a condominium that is anything less than unique? “We are a truly custom homebuilder,” explains the team at Maric Homes. “We start every client’s building process from absolute scratch. When choosing us as a builder, regardless if you are building a home or condo, every aspect of the build is customized to your specifications.”
“Building a home is one of the most rewarding undertakings a person can experience. You are literally watching your ideas turn into something real,” notes the builder. “We at Maric Homes do everything possible to
make sure this process is as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.” From the very first meeting to the moment clients take the keys to their new home, the Maric team is there to help every step along the way.
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First-class Contemporary Designs Hot on the heels of their popular St. Anne’s Road condominium, the builders of Ash Creek are launching another exciting project just a block away on the Seine River. Oak Terrace Condominiums will feature 24 suites with all the features of their sister condos, including a few extras that have now become standard. “Buyers told us they love the openness of the great room plan and really enjoy the function that an island kitchen with a corner pantry can offer,” says Tod Niblock, marketing agent for the project, along with associates Rolly Ayotte and Troy Niblock. All suites feature maple cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, two bedrooms, an in-suite laundry room, and forced air heating and cooling. Priced from $221,900, including GST, each condominium unit also includes one heated underground parking spot and a storage locker. Hardwood floors and ceramic tile are available for a $9,000 upgrade.
Oak Terrace is built to superior soundproofing standards, with an insulated floor and double wall system between suites, as well as tri-pane windows. A durable maintenance-free exterior contributes to an affordable common element while protecting the integrity of the colonial façade.
Preselling is in progress, with interested customers invited to preview the temporary Oak Terrace display suite located at the Ash Creek Condominiums on 701 St. Anne’s Road, just south of Nova Vista.
fabulous river views. The completely finished lower level features a large sitting area with fireplace, games area with wet bar, exercise room, two additional bedrooms, ample storage space and direct access to the oversized fourcar garage.
The house also encompasses over $120,000 in custom cabinets, 68 foundation piles, structural wood floor, nine-foot ceilings on both main and lower level, as well as high end hardwood, porcelain tile and granite throughout.
homes and neighbourhoods
Ultimate Custom Estate If there was ever an argument for making design professionals a must in new home builds, this is it. The owner, along with Milne Homes and their designers, spent countless hours making sure this 221 Christie Drive luxury home was designed and built right. “The floor plan takes full advantage of the Red River location,” says the listing agent Tod Niblock. “Inside, high quality construction combined with one-of-a kind custom millwork and cabinetry is what separates this home from most custom homes built in Winnipeg.” Countless details distinguish the superb looking kitchen from the ordinary. “If you wanted to spend three years of your life working on it, you may be able to build a home that equals the final result that these owners achieved,” says Niblock, “but it would be a huge challenge!” The home features 2,916 square feet on the main floor, plus a large three-season cedar sunroom with fireplace and hot tub. Floor to ceiling windows in most rooms provide
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Visitors to the 4,500-square-foot EnSuite bath and kitchen destination will step into a bright bold new space equipped, better-thanever, to meet their kitchen and bathroom needs. “We’re always looking at how we can give customers a better experience,” says Showroom Manager Darren Puhacz. It’s not just the colours that have evolved, from dark walls to a bright white backdrop punctuated by bolts of colour. The changes are far more than cosmetic. In fact, The EnSuite has revolutionized its entire approach to product design and demonstration. “We’ve changed the entire display concept,” Puhacz concurs, “to make the selection and buying process more user-friendly for consumers.” About 90% of the EnSuite’s former space has been redesigned to incorporate an exciting collection of vignettes and groupings, from entire bathrooms to standalone combinations. “It makes it easier for customers to visualize how products can work together,” explains Puhacz. Consumers have room to move between product displays that are spaced generously apart. The clean understated design of the showroom lets the product speak for itself. At the same time, customer consultation areas bring together all the selling features and options products have to offer. Literature, samples and colours are centralized in one location. Three 46” monitors help demonstrate technology and features so people can see more products at work. “Many people who walk through our door are struggling to understand the choices they have,” notes Puhacz. “It can be challenging to understand the difference between one product and another, and which one better meets a specific need. We make selection easier.” He points out that one of The EnSuite’s biggest strengths is their consultants, all of whom are professionally trained. Individuals are encouraged to set up an appointment with these experts who will be happy to assist them in creating their customized kitchen or bath. All EnSuite personnel are well-versed in leading-edge products and design trends. On the floor, a wide variety of the latest products and lines are on display in styles from contemporary to traditional and everything in between. The EnSuite prides itself on continuously being at the forefront of the industry. “We always want to make sure we are market leader in terms of the new and right products,” says Puhacz. “Our new bold and redefined look has enabled us to broaden our selection even further.” “We’ve always stayed in front of the curve in terms of water sense and eco-friendly
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Bright and Bold Bath & Kitchen Destination
The company prides itself in consistently providing Manitobans with professional products for all different needs, at all different price points. “We only deal with the most reputable manufacturers in the industry,” says Puhacz. “We’re very particular about our suppliers.” And they can afford to be. Now in business for 107 years, parent company EMCO Corporation has built a solid reputation in the industry. “We get involved at all levels – homeowners, builders, interior designers, do-it-your-selfers, commercial projects, condos, apartment buildings and more,” says Puhacz. “Whether the project is a renovation or a new build, we do it all.”
products,” adds Puhacz. “Our new look allows us to highlight that.” In fact, every toilet on the floor is an eco-friendly option. A number of assisted living products have also been added. It can be challenging for consumers to obtain information on this type of fixture. But at The EnSuite, nothing is overlooked.
With more than 30 years as a leader in the bath and kitchen showroom industry, it is not surprising to see how fast Emco’s business has grown from referrals alone. And now, thanks to its recent renewal, The Ensuite has become only the second showroom in Canada to house a Next Generation Kohler Showroom. Kohler is only one of many reputable brands that stand out thanks to the revolutionary new display concept of the new showroom. The EnSuite invites all of Winnipeg to experience for themselves this latest evolution in bathroom and kitchen design.
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Visit our Showroom 1980 Springfield Rd. Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm (or by Appointment)
654-8610 NOW OPEN Saturdays 10 am – 3 pm
Smart. And beautiful.
Hunter Douglas EnergySmart Manufacturer’s Rebate
Scan with a smartphone to view video.
Up to 50% of a home's heating and cooling energy is lost through its windows. With the ‘honeycomb-within-ahoneycomb’ construction and three insulating air pockets, Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades increase energy efficiency. Visit a participating dealer from January 1st to April 30th 2012 for more information about the Hunter Douglas EnergySmart Manufacturer’s Rebate.
E X T R A O R D I N A RY W I N D O W FA S H I O N S
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Blind Ambitions 895 Century St Winnipeg MB 204-982-4880 blindambitions.ca
Glenwood Draperies Ltd 509 St. Mary's Rd Winnipeg MB 204-233-8956 www.glenwooddraperies.ca
The Carpet Warehouse Ltd 442 North Railway St Killarney MB 204-523-5667 1-800-325-8066 carpet442@hotmail.ca
Winnipeg Drapery 1336 Main St Winnipeg MB 204-582-3239 martin@winnipegdrapery.com www.hunterdouglas.ca/winnipegdrapery
Kitchen&Bath
Winnipeg Success Story By Christine Hanlon
With its rebranding as Urban Effects by Norcraft Cabinetry, Winnipeg’s wunderkind of all things cabinet is starting a new chapter in its meteoric rise in the city’s home building and renovations market. Launched in 2008, Norcraft has since expanded into Ontario, the U.S. and as far west as Alberta. At the same time, the company has continued to grow its exciting selection of cutting edge products. “We offer finishes and wood species others may not venture into,” says Sales Manager Gino Vadacchino, giving walnut as an example. “We’re willing to try things that suit the consumer.” Take, for instance, the new slate colour of this oak kitchen. A recent addition to its line of finishes, the warm dark stain enhances the look of the oak while downplaying the wood’s inherent graininess. “The grain ends up as texture,” notes Vadacchino. “When you see it up close, it looks elegant.”
He points out that the tones in home décor are moving towards the warm greys. In response, Urban Effects by Norcraft Cabinetry is creating a palette of colour that will work with the new finishes and furniture coming out on the market. Since its launch, slate has become one of the company’s top-selling colours. Norcraft also remains attuned to the latest design trends, as this kitchen aptly demonstrates. Raised breakfast bars continue to be popular, both for definition and as a functional eating area. At the same time, the change in depth creates interest, a combination reflected in the design of the upper cabinets as well. To fulfill the customer’s desire for further interest, the doors of the small upper display cabinets feature glass inserts, lit from the inside for an even more striking effect. A dark granite countertop completes the tone-on-tone look of the room.
Strategically placed lighting further brings out the rich warm colouring. “One of the hallmarks of our products is the finish,” notes Vadacchino. The company has been dramatically expanding its line, not only in terms of finishes, but also by introducing new door styles, wood species and cabinet configurations. In response to a growing consumer interest in recessed panel doors, the line now includes an assortment of wide rail designs, some with enhanced detailing on the joinery. “Sometimes the differences can be subtle,” says Vadacchino. “But the details really come to life when you put them all together.” The consistent quality of the construction and detailing is made possible thanks to the company’s state-of-the art manufacturing facility. Add to that a large showroom on Springfield Road and it’s obvious that Urban Effects by Norcraft Cabinetry has all the ingredients to take this success story to an even higher level. spring 2012 | STYLE MANITOBA | 113
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Kitchen&Bath Custom Shower and More More and more homeowners are looking to custom showers to meet their lifestyle needs. “We take out tubs and put in showers daily,” says Bill Frost, Bath Manager at Aqua-Tech. In this home, the clients turned to Aqua-Tech to transform their typical ensuite bathroom from a tub/shower combination with standard bathroom fixtures to a custom shower with a few added features. Aqua-Tech installed a Custom Nu Heat mat not only under the new tile flooring but also on the floor of the shower as well as in the shower seating. Even the riser of the seat is heated. “It’s very comfortable,” notes Frost, adding that this technology is on display at Aqua-Tech. “In the showroom, we heated a half a seat so people could experience the difference.” In this bathroom, the heated mats in both the floor and shower are controlled by a thermostat the homeowners can program to their schedule. The shower is also equipped with a Hansgrohe ThermoBalance shower valve for temperature and volume control, as well as a 36” adjustable wall bar system for easy height control. An air-infused showerhead creates a spray that gently coats the skin with water for a very soft showering experience. Other features include a custom 10mm shower door that swings in both directions and a Kohler Shower Locker with removable shelves, for easy cleaning. The Hanstone used for the shower seat and threshold is also very easy to maintain. Combining the natural beauty of quartz with twice the strength and durability of granite, Hanstone comes in a large array of colours.
The tone chosen here coordinates perfectly with the 4” x 18” wall tiles in a matte finish. A glass tile listello creates a stunning accent while tying in the colours of the 2” x 2” shower floor tiles as well as the 9.75” x 19.5” tiles on the floor of the bathroom. Both floor and walls were done in a brick off-set pattern. The listello/brick style combination is repeated behind the toilet and the Hanstone vanity with its lovely Kohler vessel sink. “The clients also wanted the vanity area to include a shelf and wall storage cabinet,” notes Frost. Above, a mirror with integrated lighting respects the bathroom’s sleek clean lines.
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“Our showroom is constantly being updated with new changes in products and technology,” Frost points out. Aqua-Tech has invested a lot of time and effort into showcasing functioning products so customers can best visualize the end result. Adds Frost: “We are fortunate to have a great sales staff here at Aqua-Tech who are continuously doing online training. And then, of course, there are our talented installation crews who bring these ideas to life.”
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Competence in Terms of Quality
innovative
modern
timeless
classic
1643 ST. JAMES STREET, WINNIPEG, MB R3H 0X1 OFFICE (204) 669-8811 WWW.HARMSKITCHEN.CA
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Kitchen&Bath
German Engineering The next evolution of Eurostyle kitchens has arrived. Thanks to Harms’ Kitchen Design, Manitobans now have access to German engineering through and through. This is a showroom where opening every door and drawer is a must. But first the exterior. The sleek modern cabinets come in 9000 different variations and 104 different finishes, from entry level laminates to high gloss and glass, as well as veneers and real wood finishes. The 105 door styles encompass classic, modern and timeless designs in a number of different depth options. Harms’ Kitchen Design also offers a wide range of high-grade arborite countertops in 16mm, one inch and two inch thicknesses, solid all the way through. An even thicker edge piece further enhances durability while blending in seamlessly with the counter. Now for the interior. “Soft close is the standard for all our doors and drawers,” says Kitchen Planner/Designer Andre Harms. As an alternative to handles – and there are some nice low profile options at Harms – consumers can choose integrated pulls or even a pushto-open mechanism that responds to a simple touch. One of the many lazy Susan options turns all the way around and then closes itself. There are also lazy Susans for upper cabinets, making it possible to take full advantage of that corner space as well. Another alternative is the unique “Lamont” cabinet equipped with kidney-shaped shelves that come all the way out from deep under the countertops. The pantry units are just as practical. One features integrated drawers – all soft close – while another has customizable shelf inserts accessible from both sides. Still another uses
Perspective Drawing rollers to bring the wire shelves out from inside the pantry, within easy reach of users. “That way you don’t have to crawl all the way into the back,” says Harms. Other ergonomic options include a dishwasher raised to working height. Consumers can also choose from a number of different drawer inserts, including some with customizable pegs to secure jars, and others with modular compartments for utensils, including a knife block. “You can add on more inserts for the inserts,” notes Harms. He adds that all components are durable and easy to clean. Some drawers automatically light up when opened. There are also several choices of lighting for inside and under the cabinets,
including a glass panel insert that lets light flow through the bottom of the upper cabinets. Harms’ Kitchen Design truly has a complete selection of sophisticated design options, including panel ready appliances and low profile pull-out fan hoods with all the power of larger ones. Their supplier, the second biggest kitchen manufacturer in Germany, produces 600 kitchens a day. “They always adapt to the newest trends and develop up to eight new finishes a year,” says Harms. “We will always be ahead of the rest of the market.” He invites Manitobans to come and see firsthand how German engineering can enhance their home and lifestyle.
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Kitchen&Bath
Have it All When asked what they would like to see in the range of their dreams, the top three features consumers single out are cleanability, cooking performance and large capacity. Maytag’s newest range offers all three. Two innovative solutions make this range one of the easiest to clean. The first is induction technology. While a traditional cooktop heats the cooking surface, induction only heats the cookware, so the cooktop remains cool to the touch. When cookware is removed, heat stops. “This means that when you have spills, they are not heated by the cooktop and are much easier to clean,” says Bryan Cripps, Appliance Manager for Dufresne.
At the same time, the new range also features exclusive AquaLift technology. Using a little water and a low oven temperature, you can clean the oven floor in less than an hour – with no odour! Traditional self-clean ranges, which have been around since 1963, turn baked-on spills to ash by heating the oven to temperatures of 800°F or higher for three to six hours. The AquaLift enamel interior’s unique composition allows water to penetrate, soften and lift baked-on food when activated by heat and water. Food and debris wipe up easily when the cycle is finished. Thanks to this cleaning action, temperatures can remain at 200°F throughout the process.
to 30% faster thanks to the Power Preheat option. The oven can preheat to 350°F in only eight minutes. In addition, the EvenAir true convection with third element roasts food up to 30% faster than a standard oven, while providing even browning and outstanding baking performance.
And reaching that temperature – any temperature for that matter – is up
“The new Maytag ranges are built to cook everything from dinner for
On the cooktop, the 3,700-watt Speed Heat induction elements boil water 40% faster than traditional radiant elements. Another advantage to induction is constant even heat as opposed to radiant elements that cycle on and off. The result: faster and more precise cooking, every day as well as for all those times when it really counts.
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two to large family feasts,” Cripps points out. Inside the oven, the Max Capacity rack makes it possible to take full advantage of the industryleading 6.2-cu. ft. capacity. And it’s easier than ever to keep an eye on what’s cooking with 66% more oven viewing area compared to previous Maytag models. What has not changed with the new range is Maytag’s legendary dependability, backed by the industry’s most comprehensive freestanding range warranty. “The 10-year limited parts warranty ensures you will be cooking with confidence for years to come,” says Cripps. “Consumers are welcome to come and see Dufresne’s full selection of innovative Maytag appliances on display at any of our showrooms.”
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Now Showing at Robinson Bath Centre
The TEKURA Collection is an expression of the art of living perfected by BainUltra. Its design features adapt to your changing needs and its innovative architecture makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of spaces and dĂŠcors. Visit the professional sales staff at Robinson Bath Centre, who can assist with your plans to create your perfect wellness space.
1760 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg 204.784.0111 www.robinsonbathcentre.com
Heirloom
Cabinetry Ltd.
Custom Kitchen Design Traditional and Contemporary Cabinets Wall Units and Furniture The Finest in Cabinetry
Unit 11 Terracon Place Tel. 204 237 8480 Fax. 204 237 8659 E-mail: barry@heirloomcabinetry.ca Website: www.heirloomcabinetry.ca
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Kitchen&Bath Thinking Inside the Frame
Celebrating 40 years in the world of semi-custom cabinetry, Kitchen Craft now offers more custom options than ever. “For a while now, we’ve had the ability to customize the widths of all our cabinets at a reasonable price,” notes Design Consultant Matt Hastie. Kitchen Craft also offers, as standard, a full range of exciting lines and materials once considered custom. The company’s newest introduction to the Manitoba market is a complete custom line of cabinets from sister company Omega Cabinetry in Waterloo, Iowa. “You can completely customize this line with paint finishes and distressed techniques,” notes Hastie. “Custom door profiles are also available, along with many other wood species not usually offered in Manitoba, such as quarter sawn oak and pecan, to name two.” Staff at Kitchen Craft’s two Winnipeg stores have been specially trained in this line, which features two alternatives to the frameless construction method. “Thanks to the Omega line, customers can now choose full face frame and inset face frame construction,” says Hastie. In full face frame construction – such as in this character kitchen Hastie created with interior designer Olenka Antymniuk for Irene and Harry Bosma – doors are mounted on a frame for a more substantial fine furniture look. The result: a traditionally-constructed character kitchen like no other.
Hygienic Personal Care
The shower toilet seat – a melding of toilet and bidet – is becoming more and more popular all over the world. “A bidet only has one type of wash,” notes Astrid Bergstrom, Showroom Manager at Robinson Bath Centre. “With this unit, you can adjust the spray and temperature to what you like.” The SensoWash seat is equipped with a remote control to program personal preferences for a consistent experience. Options include ComfortWash, LadiesWash, RearWash and a warm air dryer. “Unlike other bidet seats, with this seat, there is no water reservoir,” Bergstrom points out. “So it’s always fresh warm water.” SensoWash also features a germ-resistant stainless steel delivery mechanism which is much more hygienic than most bidet seats’ traditional plastic wand. At the same time, the entire seat releases at the touch of a button for easy clean. The remote-controlled SensoWash also features a power-activated lid and seat as well as a night light. Designed for Duravit toilets, the seat actually fits on top so it can be added to various models. “There are shower toilet seats available for other toilets as well,” says Bergstrom. Perfect for a contemporary, uncomplicated and sustainable lifestyle, this eco-friendly technology reduces or even eliminates the use of toilet paper. The SensoWash is one of many innovative products on display in the showroom at Robinson Bath Centre. 121
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In a Class of their Own By Christine Hanlon The Oxford dictionary describes a cabinetmaker as “a skilled craftsman who makes fine furniture or similar high-quality woodwork.” Heirloom Cabinetry takes this definition even one step further – and this home is a fine example. All the woodwork throughout the house was designed by Heirloom.
than that. While designing the cabinets, Barry Penner also coordinated with the finishing carpenters working on the home’s moulding details to ensure that everything would match, from the crown moulding in the bookshelves and fireplace surround to the columns in the sitting room.
“The homeowner wanted to ensure a blending between the cabinetry and the character of the house, as well as the finishing woodwork,” explains Larry Koop, founder of Heirloom Cabinetry along with business partner Barry Penner. “The emphasis was on the customer’s preferences, tastes and style.”
Larry Koop then worked closely with the homeowners, contractor and finishing carpenter to ensure the door and window trims would match perfectly. Heirloom supplied the custom stain so everything would be finished the same as well. “That’s just part of the services we can provide,” says Koop.
Many consumers associate cabinetry primarily with kitchens, sometimes even bathrooms and entertainment units. The work completed in this home demonstrates how Heirloom’s capabilities extend much further
When it came to the cherry cabinetry, it was Koop’s skilled hand that brought Penner’s inspired vision to life. The result is a precise execution of the symmetry, balance and fine details that makes the home look stunning.
In every space, the woodwork and cabinetry were specifically designed with that particular room’s form and function in mind. For instance, although the doublesided fireplace graces two rooms at the same time, in the dining room, a bulkhead lowers a portion of the ceiling above the unit. To create the appropriate proportions, the
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woodwork around and above the dining room fireplace is shorter and wider than the posts and mouldings around the sitting room fireplace. In the sitting room, adding a hearth compensates for the height of the entire unit while keeping the top and bottom halves proportionate. Meanwhile, the height of the
Heirloom also took full advantage of every space, including the corner that leads into the hallway. “We wanted that space to be both functional and beautiful, while contributing to the overall flow,” says Koop, adding that incorporating cabinet lighting makes the corner much brighter. The mullioned glass also ties in nicely with the upper cabinets in the main floor bar area, which repeat the detail. At the back, the cabinets curve out to follow the rounded wall. The bar also features a round sink similar to the one in the kitchen island. Both sinks are encased by a curved pedestal, one finished with a furniture base and the other with a kickboard that matches the radius of the cabinet. Both pedestals feature functional doors, as do three of four sides on the island, the fourth reserved for an eating area. And if any more evidence were needed that plenty of thought and planning went into the design and execution of each space, the perfect symmetry of the ensuite bathroom would be the clincher. But by this time, any homeowner would agree: these are definitely cabinetmakers in a class of their own.
four shelving units on the left of the fireplace was determined by the height of the shelf atop the television on the right hand side. This keeps the lines straight and pleasing to the eye. “We work with clients to determine what they intend to put on their shelves to ensure everything meets their needs for storage and display,” adds Koop. Similar adaptations can be seen when comparing the kitchen cabinetry to the lower level bar. To create interest, the upper cabinets in the downstairs bar feature glass inserts, while those in the kitchen are staggered at different depths and heights. “When you’re dealing with nine foot ceilings, having a straight solid line makes no sense,” says Koop. “When you use different depths, you also have to change the heights so you don’t lose the transition from crown moulds and valances.” 123
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The Best in Canada is Right Here in Winnipeg Being singled out by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association as the foremost renovator in the nation is an honour we might expect to see conferred on a company from Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver – places many Canadians consider as centres of design in this country. Last year, those placing bets on the usual suspects would have come up empty handed. In fact, the winner was our own Harwood Design Builders, the local standard bearer of excellence in Canada’s home renovations industry. Winning five top-five placements in the last three years and garnering the distinguished national SAM award in 2010 for best kitchen renovation in Canada, Harwood has shown
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Vancouver, even New York for that matter. The company works with some of the best interior designers and architects to create spaces for people who want the best.
that the best is right here in Winnipeg The Manitoba Home Builders Association has recognized that we had a gem early on, awarding multiple awards for previous years and gold to all four of Harwood’s entries this past year. But although Harwood Design Builders certainly appreciate these tributes from their peers, nothing means more than the accolades that come directly from their clients.
“We offer our services to people that value the expertise that it takes to create these spaces,” says owner Wayne Sage, who himself has more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry. “We believe in giving people value for their money.” Rather than rely on subtrades, Harwood has its own experienced staff, many with years of expertise in their specialties. These are journeymen and apprentices who are committed to the highest level of professionalism. “Everyone
“The final result is nothing short of world class,” writes one customer, “and has exceeded our expectations.” With Harwood, Manitobans can expect the same high standards of excellence as Toronto, 124
who works here has chosen construction as a profession,” notes Sage. Doing everything in-house gives Harwood Design Builders control over every aspect of the project. “It gives us a chance to train our own people the Harwood way,” says Sage. The entire team takes pride in their work, espousing the same high standards and applying them consistently in everything they do. Every project, from a simple bathroom to a whole house renovation, receives the same level of care, attention and workmanship. Harwood strives to fully understand customers and their lifestyle, and then devotes all its resources to
fulfilling those needs and desires beyond expectations. “It looks even better than it was in my head,” writes another client. “Last night we just went down there and sat and admired it.” Harwood Design Builders has the expertise and resources to tackle projects of any scope and intricacy. Recently, artist Trevor Herback joined the company, offering a unique option to clients seeking to personalize their living space with one-of-akind custom work. His talent for creating mosaics in foyers, backsplashes, walls and shower surrounds continues Harwood’s tradition of bringing their clients the exclusive services of skilled artisans. “It’s just another unique upscale service that we provide,” says Sage. Always attentive to their clients’ needs, Harwood Design Builders has also aligned itself with Dalst wine cellars. The limestone arches, superior racking and
is all about. People should not have to compromise when it comes to the quality of their renovations. Design and execution should be flawless. Everything from the finishes to the functionality should “work.”
ultimate atmosphere control ensure that, should homeowners want to include a wine cellar in their renovation, they can be assured it will be done right. Doing things right – in fact, more than right – is at the heart of what Harwood Design Builders
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After all, each person, each family, each stage of life, shapes the form and function of the space in which we live. Harwood truly understands that and knows just how to deliver.
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MANITOBA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
Spray Advantage With energy costs rising, it pays to consider the options. One option that is getting a fair amount of attention is spay applied foam insulation. With this method, popular among new homebuilders and commercial renovation contractors, a medium-density polyurethane foam similar in chemical composition to that in use for mattresses and couch cushions is spayed on interior wall surfaces to create a weather tight seal before drywall or other wall treatments are installed. Here in Winnipeg, people can call companies such as Energy Solutions for advice on the product and how it would work in homes and businesses. “Foam is a bit more expensive but it lasts a lifetime and has one of the highest ‘R’ values in the trade,” says Roberto Romero, president of Energy Solutions. Romero knows his stuff. Not only is he the business end of the new Winnipeg company, but he is the estimator and the installer as well. “I’m a new business so I can’t afford to have unhappy customers. When we do a job, there is little evidence to suggest we had a crew in the house or commercial building. Cleanliness is a key element to our service,” he says, noting that the quality of the product is their best advertising. “Spray foam insulation offers not just thermal qualities, but it delivers a moisture and air barrier as well. This means greatly reduced chances for mould and mildew and greatly reduced energy bills. In fact, energy use falls so low that the cost of the job is quickly picked up from the huge savings in heating and cooling expense. When it comes down to it there is really no reason not to call,” he says. Romero invites those interested to visit their website at: www.energysolutionsinc.ca
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design&decor
Raising the Floor By Christine Hanlon
The Floor Show’s mission to elevate flooring to a whole new level
Since the launch of its new showroom on Waverley Street in Winnipeg, The Floor Show has been committed to bringing Manitoba a level of products and services unlike anything this market has ever seen. “Our focus is bringing premium products to the market,” confirms Rivington. “We are dedicated to ensuring that everything in our showroom is of the highest quality that we know we can stand behind.” All Floor Show staff are fully trained and updated on all the new products as they come out. This ongoing process is behind the superior level of service consumers have come to expect from Manitoba’s premiere flooring destination. Discriminating homeowners, architects and designers no longer have to visit Toronto or the U.S. for this level of flooring and home décor. The Floor Show brings the ultimate flooring and home décor experience right to their backyard. At the same time, The Floor Show’s association with Shaw, the world’s largest flooring supplier, provides a continuous connection to some of the latest products and the best warranties in the industry. Innovation, exclusivity, reliability and world-class products– these are only some of the elements helping The Floor Show raise the bar on flooring in Manitoba.
is bearing fruit. Take, for instance, this exclusive vinyl from international flooring giant Shaw Floors. “They’ve come up with a relatively small line but their visuals are very different than what has been on the market up to this point,” says Paul Rivington, Sales Manager at The Floor Show. Shaw is relatively new to the vinyl scene, but as always, has taken an innovative approach to producing products within this category. Wanting to offer vinyl options that are the best they can be, the company contracted a European manufacturer to produce them. With the authentic look of tile or wood flooring, this is vinyl like consumers have never seen before. By using a fibreglass rather than paper backing, the manufacturer has made the vinyl easier to install and repair. And because each section is four meters wide, there are fewer seams. Realistic grout lines also enhance the appearance of the floor. The tile motifs come in a range of colours, sizes and shapes to suit any application. For instance, in this application, the floor features a combination of tiles that bring together all the tones in the room. This line of vinyl, which will be coming available over the next couple of months, is only one of the many products The Floor Show is planning to bring in during 2012. “We’re really looking at changing the product selection in our showroom,” says Rivington. 127
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Shaw, where great floors begin.
1042 Waverley Street At Seel • 956-9720 • www.thefloorshow.ca
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design&decor Premiere Home Improvements
Renovating an entire home requires experts that can customize the project to fit homeowners’ budget, needs and lifestyle. A project of this scope encompasses design, engineering, and almost every trade and sub-trade imaginable. Fortunately, Home & Renovation Masters had all the expertise to make this 1970s house more comfortable, attractive and enjoyable, at an affordable price. The result: a beautiful home, and gold in the whole house category at the 2011 Renomark Awards. “It was a great house,” notes Home & Renovation Masters’ Dave Stewart. “But it was really tired and needed a lot of work.” Renovations included the bathrooms, stairs, sunken living room, dining room and kitchen. Opening up the kitchen involved adding a structural beam and some reinsulating. “A lot of the work shows up after we open walls,” notes Stewart. “Thanks to our experience, we have a pretty good idea what we’re going to find.” Home & Renovation Masters always tries to factor potential “surprises” into quotations. Keeping customers informed is paramount. “We develop a relationship so we can respond to their needs and wishes,” notes Stewart. “Our consultation also involves talking to people about their plans for furniture and decorating,” he adds. Home & Renovation Masters can work closely with an interior designer or directly with the homeowner, depending on clients’ wishes.
Fresh Contemporary Design
A fresh take on contemporary design, this sofa set from the Pisa Collection combines clean lines with fine detailing for a distinctive look. Arriving this spring to Contessa Home Décor, the collection is distinguished by chrome legs, attached right to the main body of the sofa and love seat. Instead of the straight tailoring found in so much of today’s furniture, the seating features a semi-tufted back secured by specialized stitching rather than the traditional button. Tone-on-tone stitching is also available. “It’s another nice option to enhance the style,” notes Richard Mandarano of Contessa Home Décor. Italian-made, the Pisa Collection is characterized by its particular attention to detail, proportion and symmetry. Carefully controlled depth ensures most people can sit with their feet touching the floor. “It’s nice to see a manufacturer taking the time to ensure everything looks and functions perfectly,” says Mandarano. That approach is very much in keeping with the philosophy at Contessa Home Décor. An important part of that mandate involves enabling homeowners to select just the right colours and details for their space. Although Contessa stocks this set in today’s popular warm grey, it can be ordered in a wide variety of colours and leather grades. To explore their options, homeowners are invited to visit Contessa’s newest location on McGillivray Blvd, one km past the Costco, across from Fort Whyte before McCreary Road. 129
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Watch for the opening of our new location this spring:
Main Floor, 100 Princess Street
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designed for comfortable living 204.925.4162
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interiorillusions.ca
design&decor Pull up a Chair…
Devoted to bringing to Winnipeg the latest trends in virtually every aspect of design, Interior Illusions is excited to take this concept to a new level with the opening of their new location at 100 Princess Street. “We are thrilled to be making our big move into our new space,” says Michelle Zelickson. Interior Illusions will continue to provide Winnipeg with the latest trends in just about every angle of design. “We will be introducing many new and exciting products and furniture lines,” says Zelickson. One such line is Calligaris, an Italian company devoted to making high quality design products at an accessible price. Their vibrant coloured chairs will definitely get rid of those winter blues as we look forward to spring. Other exciting additions include several brand new leather lines as well as an exclusive furniture and bedding line by Daniel Stuart Studio. With their outstanding quality, uniqueness and comfort, these pieces are sure to make a statement in the Winnipeg interior design scene. There are many new and exciting things happening at Interior Illusions. “We are so looking forward to the opening of our new space,” says Zelickson. In the meantime, pull up a chair, and join the rest of Winnipeg in exploring all the endless possibilities at InteriorIllusion.ca.
High Style & Performance
Providing the realistic look of tile without the worry, Adura luxury vinyl is becoming an increasingly popular choice in today’s homes. “It’s the fastest growing category in the flooring industry,” confirms Robyn Goldstine, Sales Manager at Bill Knight Flooring. “They look and feel like the real thing and are easy to maintain.” She adds that, unlike ceramic tile, the luxury vinyl is warm and comfortable underfoot. “You don’t have to heat them,” adds Goldstine. At the same time, the tiles are highly durable and very versatile. Available in many different styles and colours, the large 16” X 16” Adura tiles can be used with or without grout to suit any décor. Multiple sizes and decorative pieces can also be added, just like real tile. Along with the appearance of tile, Adura also offers the look of stone or wood. Popular five-inch-wide planks with realistic texturing are only one of several options. Highly scratch and wear-resistant, both tiles and planks come with a 20-year residential warranty. And they are a healthy choice as well. “It’s a good product if people have allergies,” says Goldstine. Adura is FloorScore certified, meaning it meets strict indoor air quality guidelines. This makes them a perfect fit for Bill Knight Flooring’s distinctive selection of products, each of which is carefully screened for quality, durability and style.
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design&decor Granite & Porcelain
A granite countertop with iridescent flecks adds just the right hint of sparkle to this luxurious ensuite. Carrara Tile supplied the granite as well as the elegant porcelain tile that lines the shower and heated floor, as well as the bathtub surround. Three different sizes of tiles were used in proportion to each specific application. Expertly installed, the tiles flow together seamlessly from one size to the other. The builder relied on Carrara for the granite countertops throughout the home. In the kitchen, the counters are a slightly darker hue than the ensuite, bringing together the darker tones of the cabinetry with the soft greys that prevail in the great room. The same stone was used for the main floor bar, thus preserving the visual whole. Nor was the lower level neglected. A granite countertop graces the bar in that area as well. Manitoba’s discriminating builders and homeowners turn to Carrara Tile time and again for the outstanding quality of their products. Featuring Winnipeg’s largest stone and ceramic showroom, they offer a large array of products for creating beautiful floors and countertops, including ceramic, limestone and marble as well as porcelain and granite. In addition to its wide selection, Carrara is also known for its custom stone fabrication and on-site marble and granite fabrication, ensuring full control over quality and design.
Ne w! Eldorado Fireplace Surrounds Show n is t he ne w E ldorado Stone S oho B out ique Firepl ace Sur round w it h Birch L e dge Cut33 Stone. Wester n C anad a’s most complete of fer ing of mas onr y pro duc ts including cl ay br ick, vene er stone, outdo or liv ing pro duc ts and much more. Visit an I-XL show ro om to Imag ine t he Possibi lit ies.
717 Lagimodiere Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R2J 3X2 204 284 1773
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design&decor Energy Efficiency Made Beautiful
Uncovered windows can allow up to half of a home’s heating and cooling energy to escape literally out the window. Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades by Hunter Douglas are specifically designed to address this problem while completing a space with their sleek sophisticated look. The company’s most energy efficient product, these cellular shades feature a cell within a cell technology that improves on the airtrapping structure of traditional honeycomb shades. More air pockets mean less heat transfer at the window. When properly installed, the shades can increase the window’s energy efficiency by up to 50%, thus reducing a home’s heating and cooling costs. Energy savings are made beautiful with Duette Architella honeycomb shades,” said Sue Rainville, Director of Marketing for Hunter Douglas Canada. “Purchasing top quality energy-efficient and innovative window fashions has never been more affordable.” Available in 180 colours and many designs, the Duette Architella are as versatile as they are energy efficient, with a selection for every palette and style. Homeowners can feel confident installing this product which has been thoroughly tested and GREENGUARD indoor air certified® for all interiors including schools. And those with youngsters in the house will be reassured by the shade’s specialized lifting system, conceived with child safety in mind. Like all Hunter Douglas products, Duette Architella shades are backed by an exclusive lifetime guarantee.
Quality & Authenticity
New for 2012, Eldorado Stone, the world’s largest manufacturer of stone veneer, is launching a collection of fireplace surrounds. These manufactured mantels and hearths with the unique look of authentically carved limestone are sure to add elegance to any living space. What distinguishes Eldorado Fireplace Surrounds from other options in the market is the quality and authenticity. Each surround is hand-finished through a distinctive four-step process, meaning they are each one of a kind; no two are exactly alike. The surrounds come in a variety of styles to suit all architectural designs and features, from modern classic to bold and rustic. And though all have the distinct look and attributes of natural limestone, the use of colour and texture further allows customers to go after a specific look. Each surround is available in three colours and two textures, a smooth honed surface or the more textured travertine surface. For those who admire a more distressed and aged appearance, Eldorado offers a distinct colour and finish called Antique Castello, which recreates the weathered appearance of limestone often found in classical architecture. Each surround arrives in one package, complete with accessories to tailor it to the customer’s unique space. Easily installed on nearly any surface, Eldorado Fireplace Surrounds work well with all types of fireplaces. Available at I-XL Masonry Supplies, consumers are invited to visit the showroom and imagine the possibilities. For more information, visit the website at: www. ixlmasonry.com/fireplace 133
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design&decor Floating Staircase
SSG Notion (Stainless Steel & Glass Notion) worked closely with Maric Homes to design this unique staircase for their showhome in Bridgwater Forest. The staircase featured a painted steel center stringer with 2.5” solid oak treads. No posts were required, with the railings completely relying on the strength of the 10 mm tempered glass. Minimizing the amount of structure resulted in maximum transparency, maintaining the emphasis on the bold center stringer and tread design. “It was a pleasure working with Maric Homes and a great way to finish off 2011,” says Aleem Khan, Executive Sales Director SSG Notion. “Heading into our third year of business, we are extremely excited to see what 2012 holds for us.” SSG Notion is always looking for opportunities to explore new and innovative design possibilities. “We design and construct every part of our systems,” notes Khan. “This gives us the ability to create unique solutions to any situation.” SSG Notion places special emphasis on modern style and sophistication to bring a world-class product to Manitoba. This year marks the opening of the SSG Notion showroom adjacent to the factory at 595 Wall Street. Says Khan: “It will give our clients a chance to see and feel our products for their renovation or new build.” SSG Notion encourages customers to “think different” by viewing a variety of projects on their website.
Flooring and More
Manitobans now have more exciting flooring and home décor options than ever, with the launch of Ken’s Carpets and Urban Home Style Centre. “We’d like to thank our customers for almost 50 years of loyal support,” says Ryan Nemis of Ken’s Carpets. “Their referrals have helped us grow, allowing us to build a state-of-the-art building to serve them even better.” The new showroom features 22-foot ceilings as well as a lounge area with satellite television and a fireplace, providing customers with a truly relaxing shopping experience. “We now offer every flooring option imaginable,” notes Nemis. Ken’s Carpets and Urban Home Style Centre has Manitoba’s only Shaw Flooring Gallery with over 50 rolls in stock at all times. (Shaw is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer.) Along with 50 rolls of in-stock vinyl flooring, Ken’s Carpets also sources five vinyl manufacturers for leading-edge kitchen and bathroom floor designs. The showroom carries a wide range of solid and engineered hardwoods, click and glue-down cork, and laminates –from rustic to contemporary. “Our ceramic tiles include several exclusive brands from Italy,” Nemis continues. “We also have one of Winnipeg’s newest selections of area rugs, with 500 in-stock and many more available through custom order.” There are also window coverings, and customdesigned accent furniture, including Canadian-made accent chairs, hand-scraped dining tables, and custom mirrors. Designers are on staff to help customers choose from the extensive selection. 135
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design&decor Light Control & More
The transitional shades in this dining room offer the ultimate combination of style and light control. “Everyone who wants Silhouettes, once they see these, opt for Illusions,” says James Friesen of Budget Blinds. The newest transitional shades from Lafayette, Illusions are available in a variety of colours and different light filtering capabilities, including blackout. Friesen adds that not too many people think about how window coverings look from the exterior of the home. “They look really good from both inside and outside,” he notes. Like many blinds, these can be motorized and incorporated into a whole home automation system. Today’s systems can be controlled remotely via iPad or iPhone. Whole home automation can incorporate lighting, thermostats – virtually anything that plugs in. “If you want to heat up the cottage before you arrive, you can do it from home,” says Friesen. Lights can be programmed to turn on and window coverings to go down at certain times, or equipped with sensors to automatically adjust at sunset. Using radio frequency technology, the system is cost-effective to add during renovations. Budget Blinds on Henderson Highway offers a range of whole automation options. At the same time, more than 60 blinds, shutters and shades are on display in the showroom, along with hundreds of drapery fabrics to suit all needs and tastes in window coverings.
Design Meets Function
Mats have never looked this good! Design meets function in these all-vinyl mats that are ideal for everything from bathrooms and entryways to front steps and outdoor terraces. Good in all weather, they are quick to dry as well as mould and mildew resistant. Plus, they look great. Available exclusively at For Space Sake, this line of mats is the creation of a New York Designer who has devoted her energy to reinterpreting underutilized and overlooked manufacturing practices and materials. These woven mats are made from durable extruded yarn, unique for its intrinsic sheen and tremendous design versatility. The striped shag gracing the entry of this home is tufted from durable vinyl yarns for a textured “looped” look. The utility mats are available in different sizes and shapes to complement any space. Like the designer who created them, For Space Sake is devoted to offering consumers the best and most innovative options for organizing and managing their living and working space. Owner Pauline Boisselle and her team help customers organize any area of their home or business from closets, kitchen pantries, laundry rooms, and garages to offices, mud rooms and more. For Space Sake invites Manitobans to visit their sophisticated – and well-organized – showroom located on Grant Avenue in Winnipeg.
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1336 Sargent Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3E 0G4 204 925 8466 www.emcomw.ca/showrooms
integrated toilet and bidet
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Take Comfort. Take Control. Numiâ&#x201E;˘, Kohlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most advanced toilet, combines striking design with unrivaled engineering to deliver the finest in personal comfort and cleansing. Its sophisticated, yet easy-to-use features control ambient lighting, feet and seat warming, music and more. And a new flushing system, developed exclusively for Numi, makes it the lowest water consumption toilet in the U.S.--without sacrificing performance. Numi, now available nationwide.