Custom-built home in established neighbourhood takes modern living to new heights
FINDING THE PULSE OF MEXICO CITY
A trip to Mexico’s largest city reveals its colourful exciting side
THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE
One couple’s dream comes to life in a beautifully designed outdoor space
Introducing Sage Village by StreetSide, offering a new perspective to Sage Creek with 2 & 3 bedroom condominiums designed to complement your everyday routine. Located on Sage Creek Boulevard next to Village Centre, our condos offer spacious designs, modern finishes and private balconies. Discover maintenance free living with underground heated parking, fitness centre and owner’s lounge all under one roof.
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EDITOR
Rita van Leeuwen
ART DIRECTOR
Paul Butters
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Onalee Ames
Lea Currie
Luke Fennimore
Julie Germaine
Kelly Gray
Christine Hanlon
Randal McIlroy
Quentin Mills-Fenn
Leigh Patterson
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Lindsey Corbett
PHOTOGRAPHY
Lindsey Corbett
Michael Roberts
Jon Stebbe
ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE
Lisa Lester
DIGITAL MEDIA
Lawrence van Leeuwen
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YaY! Summer has arrived in all its glory, and it’s about time! Just as this issue hits the streets, school will be out and families will be enjoying their summer holidays together, including time spent at the lake or on trips further afield.
Now that travel to the US is so much easier than it has been for the past few years, it could be the perfect time to go on a road trip and visit our neighbours south of the border. Check out Discover North Dakota for a sampling of the adventures that await travel-hungry Manitobans in this big beautiful state. For those planning ahead for winter vacations, Finding the Pulse of Mexico City is a must-read, offering a glimpse at the exciting colourful side of Mexico’s largest city.
Over the past couple years, instead of leaving home on summer getaways, many Manitobans opted to stay safely in place and developed their own backyard retreats. In fact, throughout that time, local pool companies could barely keep up with the demand for installations. The Ultimate Escape features one such property - a beautifully designed outdoor paradise that exceeded one couple’s dreams, with its fully equipped kitchen, dining space and a multitude of areas for lounging and entertainment, including a pool, hot tub, sunken natural gas firepit, and a putting green. It’s so lovely, who would ever want to leave? For this story and other coverage on award-winning decks and landscaping ideas, browse the Outdoor Living section.
Style’s cover story – The Best of Both Worlds – features an impressive custom-built home that effortlessly bridges the gap between the classic architectural attributes of an established neighbourhood and the cutting-edge materials and conveniences of a modern home. On trend design details abound in this home, from gold toned plumbing and lighting fixtures to unique fabricated stone products used for fireplace cladding, backsplashes and countertops. The beauty truly lies in the details.
With the warm weather upon us, many homeowners will be tackling outdoor projects and other home improvements best done before the cold returns. Some of these renovations include replacing insulation, windows and doors, or other energy efficiency upgrades. Tip: Homeowners would be well advised to find out how Efficiency Manitoba can help, and the rebates available through their programs and incentives. It’s worth checking out.
Most of all - remember that it’s not all about work. This summer, strike a true work / life balance between projects and relaxation. Take time out to appreciate nature, watch the clouds drifting by on a lazy afternoon or look up at the starry night sky. Breathe deeply and enjoy ….
Rita van Leeuwen, Editorhome in established neighbourhood takes modern living
It was initially destined to be a spec home, built on a double infill lot in North River Heights. But as they saw it being constructed, the now-homeowners expressed their interest to the builder, Dwell Design Homes, in purchasing it.
“Their timing was perfect,” says Braydin Huynen, president of Dwell Design Homes.
“The home was designed and fully specced and we were just at the drywall stage of the build, so we were able to swap out flooring, fixtures and other details to make it truly custom for the homebuyers,” says Huynen.
The result is a residence that truly brings together the best of both worlds – the original vision of the builder and interior designer that also accommodates the personal choices made by the clients.
The two-storey, 3,143-squarefoot home features five bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms on a 50 x 120 ft. lot. The numbers
are impressive, yes, but what’s more impressive is how effortlessly it bridges the gap between the classic architectural characteristics of an established residential neighbourhood and the cutting-edge materials and conveniences of a modern home.
In terms of overall design, imagine contemporary French farmhouse. The Dwell Design Homes team worked in concert with interior designer Michelle Chisick of Interior Illusions to create an airy, but warm ambience on the inside by focusing on the details. A muted natural colour palette combined with touches of metal accents of gold, brass and copper throughout keeps the beautiful flow going from the sunken front foyer and beyond.
Having to step up into the main living space from the foyer was a deliberate design choice to establish a sense of dramatic impact. The living room is separated from the foyer by a custom iron railing, in a simple arched pattern that is repeated on the other staircase railings in the home. The builder chose lightly stained, wide plank engineered hardwoods from Flatlanders Flooring used throughout to minimize the warping and shrinking that can occur in traditional hardwoods.
A central feature of the living room is a gas fireplace flanked by custom cabinetry. The fireplace façade is clad in a unique stone product, Dekton by Cosentino, that was fabricated and shipped from Vancouver especially for this project.
Adjacent to the living room is a flex space that is painted in a subtle grey-green for an intimate space ideally suited as a home office.
The kitchen is decked out in the same Dekton by Cosentino stone product on both the countertops and backsplash.
“It’s a very versatile product that can be used both indoors and out,” notes Huynen. “It’s heat and stainresistant so it is perfect for use in the kitchen. There’s a bit more time and skill required to install it, but the result is so worth it.” Huynen adds that he enlisted Canadian Countertops for the supply and installation, a company in the process of opening a new location in Winnipeg (where the owner was born and raised), offering a state-of-the-art showroom and fabrication shop.
The countertop and backsplash contain gold veining, a colour that is pulled out in both the plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as in the cabinet hardware and even on the gleaming white appliances.
Springfield Woodworking supplied and installed all the Shaker-style cabinetry, custom painted to achieve a soft and sophisticated look. Because the cabinetry extends all the way up to the 10-foot ceilings, the overall space appears even larger. The theme continues into a small pantry where more integrated storage and open shelving is cleverly tucked away behind a solid door.
A trio of suspended pendant lights above the large island also adds an illusion of height, without interrupting the view from other areas of the open-concept main floor.
Above the large white farmhouse sink is a huge window overlooking the yard. An abundance of energyefficient windows take full advantage of the south and western exposures. Some, like this one, are framed in black inside and out as both an interesting visual feature and to tie the exterior to the interior.
Adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room with a large window that overlooks the front yard and is covered in neutral and elegant drapery from Interior Illusions. The fabric brings subtle softness and glamour to an otherwise clean and modern space enhanced by a futuristic light fixture from Robinson Lighting. The builder included a small nook replete with storage and serving area for added convenience.
Upstairs, the principal bedroom is bathed in natural light by day, courtesy of a large window. The room’s ensuite features an oversized shower lined top to bottom in a glossy green tile selected by the homeowners and installed in a vertical pattern. The tiles are the perfect, French-inspired design counterpoint to the natural heated tile flooring. A gorgeous deep soaker tub is complemented by a freestanding gold plumbing fixture for a true spa-like vibe.
For Space Sake designed and supplied the bedroom’s impressive and highly functional walk-in closet that includes a shoe pull-out drawer, integrated LED lighting and convenient glass cabinet fronts to make getting dressed a delightful experience unto itself.
No details were spared in the large and spacious basement. “We intentionally elevated the basement of this home to achieve an expansive feel,” says Huynen.
The area houses a full bathroom, bedroom, play area and rec room, not to mention a huge bar area. Ideal for entertaining, the bar is equipped with a detailed Kohler copper sink, tons of cabinets and a wine fridge. Black cabinets and tile, and a huge bar seating area with custom-mitered countertop make a bold statement.
Examples of the details in this home abound, including some that you can’t see. For instance, Darren Munsters of Wired by Design worked with the builder to incorporate a seamless fully automated home system.
“We wanted to keep the system in tune with the design of the home without sacrificing aesthetics,” notes Munsters. The multi-room audio system boasts speakers that are installed within the drywall, which is then covered with finishing materials so the speakers are completely invisible. Wired by Design also set up the full surround-sound home theatre in the basement.
With an emphasis on keeping the family safe and secure, there is an alarm and a multi-camera system including a two-way doorbell camera. The operating components are kept out of sight on a fan-cooled rack
in the mechanical room, and the homeowner can control the system— temperature, lighting, sound, security—from their smart phone or tablet, remotely from anywhere. And, notes Munsters, “we designed the system to be universal so they can expand it to include other devices in the future.”
As beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside, the exterior façade includes windows framed in black and a fieldstone veneer that channels old-world charm. A heated, two-car attached garage at the rear of the home boasts an overhead garage door from Wallace + Wallace. Landscaping by Gateway Gardening includes a curved walkway and tons of perennials and trees to further integrate the new build into its surroundings.
“The homeowners took possession of their home this spring, and they were thrilled,” says Huynen. “They are great people and we are so glad we were able to accommodate the lastminute details to make it the home of their dreams.”
Builder Dwell Design Homes
Interior design, window treatments/blinds & furnishings
Interior Illusions
Lighting products
Robinson Lighting
Alarm, sound system, automation
Wired by Design
Flooring, tiles & tilework
Flatlanders Flooring
Cabinetry
Springfield Woodworking
Closet systems
For Space Sake
Countertops & backsplash
Canadian Countertops
Windows
All Weather Windows
Garage doors
Wallace + Wallace
Landscaping
Gateway Gardening
Plumbing fixtures
(kitchen & bath)
BA Robinson
Interior doors & trim
Metrie
Fireplaces
Alsip’s Building Products & Service
Appliances
Canadian Appliance Source
Stonework & exterior façade
IXL Building Products
Siding, soffit, fascia
KH Exteriors
Heating
Southern Comfort Mechanical
Drywall
Reimer Drywall
Painting City Pro
Realtor
Bobby Wall
In 2017, Braydin Huynen and David Borley recognized a growing demand for custom home builds, particularly for infill developments. With extensive experience in the building industry, which includes completing more than 500 singlefamily homes and nearly 500 multi-family units, Huynen and Borley launched Dwell Design Homes to meet the pent-up demand. They’ve never looked back.
The Dwell Design Homes team has since built 10 of the homes in the 386 Beaverbrook residential development in the coveted River Heights area, and has revitalized sites in other established areas within the city limits.
Building new customized homes in an area known for its older residences can be a challenge, but not for the small, creative team at Dwell Design Homes. They understand the need to both honour and elevate the charm and character of a community. By focusing on quality over volume, and taking a personalized approach to each client, they’ve consistently delivered modern homes that live comfortably on Winnipeg’s established tree-lined city streets.
And since they have the knowledge and expertise that comes with experience, they can identify potential opportunities and anticipate issues that can arise during the building process. That’s why communication at every step is key; clients deal directly with the Dwell Design Homes ownership from start to finish. A handpicked group of professional and reliable tradespeople and suppliers work hard to bring Dwell Design Homes to life from foundation to roof and everything in between.
For clients who love their neighbourhood, but not their current home, Dwell Design Homes offers a demolition and build service. Building a custom home on an existing property can avoid the costs and complexity of a renovation.
With their fresh take on custom builds, the Dwell Design Homes team is creating a sustainable and thriving urban environment for future generations, one stylish and functional home at a time.
When you think of how time helps you achieve investment objectives, the first thing that comes to mind may be compound growth. You make an investment, reinvest your returns year after year, and continue to earn returns on both your original contribution and all of the accumulated returns. Given enough time, the value of the growth can exceed that of your original investment.
But can time also be an investor’s ally during periods when markets are down and a portfolio has lost value?
After the exceptional performance of Canadian and U.S. stock markets in 2021, this year’s market correction came as a shock. However, although past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, it’s reassuring to know that market corrections have inevitably been followed by recoveries. That means time is on your side when you’re investing for a long-term goal, such as retirement.
Focus on the time you’ll begin to access the funds, not on the ups and downs along the way. What matters is having the desired financial resources in place at the time they’re needed. Patience may be required, because some recoveries take longer than others. However, markets have always rebounded, and investors have been able to get back on track.
Meanwhile, a down market comes with a silver lining: a buying opportunity. You can purchase more shares or fund units while prices are lower, aiming to boost your portfolio value
One of the tax breaks the government gives to couples takes place when the first spouse passes away. That person’s Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) can be taken over by the surviving spouse without taxes being payable at the time. So those continue to grow on a tax-deferred basis.
But what happens if the surviving spouse only takes the minimum required RRIF withdrawals throughout retirement? When this individual passes away, they could be left with a large RRIF, perhaps worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. At the highest marginal rate, the estate would owe tax equal to about half the value of RRIF assets. That leaves a lot less for heirs.
Enter JLTD
A joint-last-to-die life insurance policy, often called “JLTD,” is designed for couples and only pays out the insurance proceeds upon the passing of the second spouse. A JLTD policy is typically used to help offset taxes payable by an estate. The timing of the payout meets the tax need, and it’s more economical than two individual policies.
A couple would purchase a JLTD policy when they recognize their estate will face a sizable tax liability. They choose an insurance amount that offsets the estimated tax so heirs can receive the estate’s full value.
Plan Together
This strategy is just one solution for one situation. Several methods are available to manage and use a large RRIF, and there are various ways to minimize the effect of taxation on estate assets. We always work with you to determine which strategy best suits your situation.
Assante Financial Management Ltd.
1536 Gamble Place
Winnipeg, MB R3T 1N6
Ph: 204 982 1941
Fax: 204 943 1561
Toll Free: 877 982 1860
Email: ccross@assante.com
Website: www.assante.com/advisors/ccross/
when stock prices recover. This is why it’s important to continue making regular investments during a correction or bear market.
It’s natural for any investor to worry when they experience a decline in their portfolio value due to market volatility. If you have any concerns, please talk to us. We can help reassure you that you’ll achieve your financial goals.
Mutual fund products, investment services and recommendations are offered through Assante Financial Management Ltd. Wealth planning services may be provided by an accredited Assante advisor or through CI Assante Private Client, a division of CI Private Counsel LP, or a non-affiliated third party.
Assante Financial Management Ltd. is a member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada and MFDA Investor Protection Corporation (excluding Quebec).
© 2023 CI Assante Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.
In the world of investing, time is your friend
There’s so much happening this summer in and outside the city.
Where can you find Emmylou Harris, Vance Joy, The War on Drugs, Fleet Foxes, Orville Peck, KT Tunstall, Rufus Wainwright, William Prince, and lots of other musical talent, along with food, fun, and loads of happy campers? At Birds Hill Park, of course! The Winnipeg Folk Festival runs this year from Jul 6-9.
Or maybe Reggae is your thing. For the last 15 years, the Winnipeg International Soca Reggae Festival has been celebrating Soca, Reggae, and Calypso. Find multi-cultural Caribbean flavours at Old Market Square, Jul 7-9. (Free)
Who’s Good? Get with Who’s Bad - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience! The longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, Who’s Bad has sold out many venues in the United Kingdom, including London’s O2. (Club Regent Event Centre, 1425 Regent Ave, Jul 7)
Bring the loud. Social Distortion has been playing its combination of bluesy punk and rock ‘n’ roll for five decades now. They bring their signature sound to the Burton Cummings Theatre (364 Smith St, Jul 12)
Juno award winner Joey Gregorash is bringing the 1960s Winnipeg music scene back with his Salute to the ‘60s. It's a tribute to the time when Winnipeg community clubs were rockin’ every weekend night with local bands like Joey’s own, The Mongrels. (Club Regent Event Centre, Jul 12)
There won’t be any “Heartache On The Dance Floor” when Jon Pardi brings his award-winning honky-tonk to town. His new album, Mr. Saturday Night, offers plenty of losing and loving.
(Canada Life Centre, 300 Portage Ave, Jul 15)
A few days later, multi-platinum Danish band Volbeat, along with Halestorm, come to town with a very different sound. From small clubs in Copenhagen to headlining stages the world over, they dish out heavy metal, rock ‘n’ roll, and a dash of rockabilly. (Canada Life Centre, Jul 17)
And there’s more rock, thanks to Avenged Sevenfold. Expect a spectacular live show from a band that’s sold over 10 million albums worldwide, including two consecutive No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. Plus guests Alexisonfire! (Canada Life Centre, Jul 31)
The same night, Tegan and Sara bring their Crybaby Tour to the Burt. The
identical twin pop duo have been recording together for 20 years. (Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith St, Jul 31)
Fans of Philippines pop should check out OPM Summer Fest 2023. OPM bands and vocalists like Gloc9, RiverMaya, IntroVoys, Glenn Jacinto and more are touring Canada with a stop in Winnipeg. (RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Ave, Aug 11)
Another musical omnibus: Burt Block Party brings together bands and fans for two weekends of outdoor fun. Take a look at the line-up: The Strumbellas, Stars, and Novillero (Aug 11), Billy Talent (Aug 12) Brett Kissel, James Barker Band and guests (Aug 18), Glass Tiger, A Flock of Seagulls, Men Without Hats, and Spoons (Aug 19), and a double bill with Cheap Trick and Trooper (Aug 20). Everything takes place outside the Burton Cummings Theatre between Smith St and Notre Dame Ave in a fully licensed site with bars and food trucks to complement the live music.
Filipino Pop Kings SB19 are the first Southeast Asian act to be nominated at the Billboard Music Awards for Top Social Artist Category. They play Winnipeg on Aug 13 at the Club Regent Event Centre.
Michigan rapper NF’s Hope Tour hits 47 stops from the U.S to Europe, including a show in Winnipeg. Known for his raw grit and emotional authenticity, NF has been awarded numerous multi-Platinum honours. (Canada Life Centre, Aug 29)
Speaking of multi-Platinum artists, The Chicks return to the global stage after their supremely successful U.S. tour last summer. (Canada Life Centre, Sept 13)
Miss ABBA? ABRA Cadabra – A Tribute to The Music & Magic of ABBA comes to Winnipeg for the first time with their Thank-you for the Music Tour. This family friendly extravaganza with a live band, dancers, multi-media, and costumes (of course) has audiences singing along. (Burton Cummings Theatre, Sept 16)
Canadian country star George Canyon can claim Juno, CCMA, and ECMA Awards for his 12 albums and hits like “Just Like You,” “I Believe in Angels,” “Drinkin’ Thinkin’,” and "Daughters of the Sun.” He rolls into Winnipeg with his Our Country Tour. (Club Regent Event Centre, Sept 16)
Manitoba Underground Opera loves presenting its productions in intriguing venues. Jean-Philippe Rameau’s Castor et Pollux will be performed before the 200-foot tall façade of St. Boniface Cathedral, with the title twins, originally written as male, played by women. (Saint Boniface Cathedral, 180 Av. de la Cathedrale, Aug 22- 25)
Then it’s Guiseppe Verdi’s The Corsair, set in the Caribbean during the golden age of piracy. Fittingly, the swashbuckling action will take place right on the deck of the historic Nonsuch. (Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert. Sept 20-23)
The Winnipeg Symphony announces a great way to introduce their 2023/24 season. Their new Thursday Classics series begins with dinner at a nearby restaurant, followed by a pre-concert chamber performance on the Piano Nobile. Each concert in the hall itself will be introduced by the conductor. Finish off the evening with a post-concert Q&A. Violinist Vadim Gluzman is the guest for the first concert of the season, featuring Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Bloch’s Baal Shem (Three Pictures of Chassidic Life) Suite for Violin & Orchestra, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, and Smetana’s Vltava (The Moldau). (Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, Daniel Raiskin, conductor, Sept 14)
A little later, LIve at the WSO kicks off with Steven Page for an evening of solo work plus Bare Naked ladies favourites. (Burton Cummings Theatre, Sept 22 & 23)
Meanwhile, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra looks forward to its new season with guest Awadagin Pratt (one of the “great American pianists … of our time,” WGBH) performing a Bach concerto. (Crescent Arts Centre/Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw Ave, Anne Manson, conducting. Sept 6)
JAGGED LITTLE PILL: THE MUSICAL
Some shows you see. This show you feel - Joy, strength, love, courage, catharsis, LIFE: everything we want in a Broadway show can be found in this Tony and Grammy Award-winning new musical about a perfectly imperfect American family, based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. You live, you learn, you connect, you jump out of your seat, you feel truly human… at JAGGED LITTLE PILL. (Oct 17–22, Centennial Concert Hall)
Ticket online link:www.centennialconcerthall.com/online/article/jaggedlittlepill
There’s lots of free stuff to see and do around town. First Friday in The Exchange continues this summer. The first Friday evening of every month (get it?) Winnipeg’s Exchange District hosts arts-centred events, bringing together creators, musicians, and DJs in galleries, restaurants, and businesses in the area. Stop by!
Meanwhile, WAG-Qaumajuq has its Canada Life Free Sundays. On the second Sunday of every month, take in everything on offer in the galleries, at the best possible price. (Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd)
And what will you see while you’re there on a Sunday (or any other day)?
Inuit Sanaugangit: Three Centuries of Inuit Art continues its run in Qaumajuq. Immerse yourself in Inuit art with a staggering selection of over 200 works produced by artists from Canada, Siberia, Alaska, and Greenland, with examples of artistic expression from prehistoric periods to the present. (to Jan 7)
As well, The Art of Faye HeavyShield gathers the work from the celebrated contemporary Blackfoot (Blood) artist, known for her installations, drawings, and writing imbued with memory ancestral and personal, celebration of kinship, and stories of home and place. (to Aug 27) And Grace Nickel: Inter Artes Et Naturem (Between Art and Nature) showcases the career of a leading Manitoba artist recognized worldwide for her innovative work and technical skill. (to Dec 3)
Take note of Nourish: Dinner & Tour, the WAG’s signature dinner and tour program, featuring a three-course meal, followed by an inspiring tour in the exhibition galleries. Perfect for a special night out! (Aug 3)
Gallery 1C03 is an intimate gallery tucked inside the University of Winnipeg. This summer features the exhibit Within and Beyond Tradition: Works by East Asian Artists from The University of Winnipeg. Curated by U of W East Asian Languages and Cultures student Irene Chan, the show includes work from the university’s
art collection, from historical embroideries and ceramics to contemporary pieces. (University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave. Open weekday afternoons to Aug 4)
The Canadian Museum of Human Rights has stunning views and inspiring stories, including. Awasisuk, by Amanda Grieves Bradburn from Bunibonibee Cree Nation (a/k/a Oxford House). Inspired by the “Every Child Matters” movement, the piece explores intergenerational healing and the process of moving forward to create a better future for our children and ourselves. (Open to the public in the Community Corridor, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, 85 Israel Asper Way)
Travel around the world or stay close to home? With Folklorama, you don’t have to decide. Forty internationally flavoured pavilions spread over two weeks highlight Manitoba's ethno-cultural arts and cuisine. Plus, the VIP Tour experience is back, with 44 unique tours where you can cycle, walk, or travel via luxury motor coach for an evening of food, fun, and reserved seating. (Venues throughout Winnipeg, Aug 6-18)
Celebrations Dinner Theatre presents The Office: A Rock Parody. A tuneful tale about a small paper company, with Jim and Pam’s flirting, Michael’s meetings, and Dwight’s crossbow. (to Jul 2) That’s followed by Mamma Mio, a tribute to one of the greatest pop music bands of all time. (ABBA, of course.)
(Jul 7 -Sept 10) There’s also a show for kids: The Mighty Shrek, a fun-filled morning of laughter, music and food. (May 20 to Jul 1) Tickets include a musical comedy and multi-course meal. All shows at Celebrations Dinner Theatre, 1824 Pembina Hwy)
And, of course, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival returns with more than 170 local, national, and international theatre companies offering comedy, drama, improv, dance, kids’ entertainment, and live music.
(Jul 19-30 at various venues throughout the Winnipeg Exchange District and at The Cube in Old Market Square)
Rainbow Stage has two shows running this summer. First up, it’s Rent, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Awardwinning musical based on Puccini's
opera La Boheme. (Jun 29-Jul 16) Then, the Academy Award winning Disney classic The Little Mermaid returns. Bring the whole family for a song-filled journey under the sea. (Aug 17-Sept 3, matinee and evening shows. All shows at Rainbow Stage in Kildonan Park, 2021 Main St).
Come fall time, Rainbow Stage presents a Walk & Talk Theatre and The Keep Theatre production called Afterlight at the new fall venue at Centre Culturel Franco Manitobain /CCFM. Afterlight is a funny, moving and endlessly entertaining tale about an elderly insomniac, who in the nightly search for her missing husband encounters a 500-year-old suicidal vampire whom she invites into her history museum of a home. It’s a darkly comedic and whimsical new musical about the unlikely romance that develops between two souls desperate to find the light at the end of the tunnel. (Sept 21-Oct 1, CCFM, 340 Provencher Blvd)
Want more festival action?
The StrEAT Feast Festival at The Forks celebrates street food and assorted cultural specialties while supporting local vendors. Plus, live performances, art, and more. (The Forks CN Stage and Field, #1 Forks Market Rd, Aug 19 & 20)
Culture Days takes place at venues throughout downtown Winnipeg. It’s a Canada-wide celebration full of free activities, hands-on experiences, and local artists. Including Nuit Blanche, from dusk until late on Sept 23. (Sept 22-Oct 15)
The Wall-to-Wall Mural & Culture Festival kicks off all over the city, bringing together communities of art, music, dance, and more with a final celebration for Nuit Blanche. (Various venues across Winnipeg. Sept 1-30)
Manyfest - All Together Downtown! Winnipeg’s biggest street festival has something for everyone. You might be surprised at what you may find: food trucks, a wine and beer garden, live music, a kid’s zone, and movies on a giant screen in Memorial Park. (Memorial Blvd & Broadway, Sept 8-10)
The Harte Trail Studio Art Tour is a self-guided tour of artisan studios and workshops all over town. Explore the local artist community with your trusty guide map (available for download at the end of August). And it’s free! (Various venues. Sept 16 & 17)
The Winnipeg Wine Festival is back this fall with a focus on the wines of Argentina. Enjoy your old favourites or discover something new. (RBC Convention Centre, Sept 16-23)
MB Food Fest takes place at Historic Fort Gibraltar in old St. Boniface. It’s a sampling and shopping event from Manitoba food and beverage producers in the fresh air, plus a Sweets + Treats Showcase inside the main lodge. (Fort Gibraltar, 866 St Joseph St, Sept 17)
Wildlife Rescue: Miracles in Conservation is an eye-opening, interactive animal experience at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Telling the stories of real animals and the people who have dedicated their lives to helping them survive, it’s learning fun for the whole family. (Doug Harvey, Jan Shute, and Family Centre on the west side of the Zoo. Included with regular Zoo admission, to Sept 15)
Also at Assiniboine Park, it’s the Sustainability Tour at The Leaf, a half-hour tour that explores some of the sustainability features of the new conservatory. (Monthly: check website for dates)
And take note of Night Garden: A Magical Evening in the Garden at Assiniboine Park, with tasty treats, refreshments, and desserts created by Assiniboine Park's culinary team and special event partners. (Leo Mol Sculpture Garden at Assiniboine Park, Aug 30)
Speaking of Assiniboine Park, Ballet in the Park is back. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s summertime dance bash takes place under prairie skies, with performances from the Company, Professional Division, and Recreational Division. With face painting for the kids and a Creative Movement class before the show starts, as well as food truck treats. (Lyric Theatre at Assiniboine Park, Jul 26-28)
Movies Under the Stars 2023 offers Manitoba audiences free outdoor screenings of French-language films with English subtitles on the grounds of St. Boniface Cathedral. It's a beautiful way to get some culture. (St. Boniface Cathedral, 180 De la cathédrale Avenue, to Aug 31 at dusk)
If you’re thinking of a new, fresh way to observe Canada Day, consider Oak
Hammock Marsh. Bring the family and connect with our wild spaces. Participate in a guided canoe adventure or rent your own canoe to explore the Marsh at your own pace. Have a maple leaf or your favourite marsh critter painted on your hand. (Oak Hammock Marsh, 1 Snow Goose Bay on Highway 220, Jul 1. Lots of other things going on here all summer long!)
In the south end of the city you can find Fort Whyte Alive, with its 7 km trail through prairie, aspen forest, and lakes, wildlife watching from migratory birds to the resident bison herd, cycling along forested trails, and mountain biking at Bison Butte – a legacy venue from the 2017 Canada Summer Games mountain biking competition. (Fort Whyte Alive, 1961 McCreary Rd)
There’s lots of sport action going on this summer. Besides the Blue Bombers, of course, there’s the Winnipeg Valour football (both at IG Field, 315 Chancellor Matheson Rd), baseball with the Winnipeg Goldeyes (Shaw Park, 1 Portage Ave East) and the inaugural year for the Winnipeg Sea Bears for basketball action. (Canada Life Centre. Check respective websites for play dates.)
Assiniboia Downs offers Family Fun Nights before the races, with free activities like face painting, bouncy castles and live entertainment. (Every Monday in July and August, and September 4) Plus Canada Day Celebrations at the Downs, with food, fun, and fireworks. (July 1, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Ave)
Need a laugh? There’s comedy all summer long. For starters, Rumor's Restaurant & Comedy Club presents Chris Griffin (Jun 27-Jul 1), Darryl Purvis (Jul 4-8), Kevin Banner (Jul 11-15), and Nate Craig (Jul 25-29). Rumor's Restaurant & Comedy Club, 190-2025 Corydon Ave)
Meanwhile, Tom Papa brings his 2023 Comedy Tour to the Club Regent Event Centre. (Jul 21), Anthony Jeselnik brings his stand-up show Bones and All to the same venue the next month (Aug 19) followed by Christina P (Sept 8).
Bring the whole gang to Cuthbert Grant Day and celebrate the history of the renowned Métis leader with museum tours, period re-enactors,
storytellers, dancers and fiddlers. (Grant's Old Mill Museum, 2777 Portage Ave. Jul 8)
Ai-Kon 2023 is Winnipeg’s familyfriendly annual Japanese anime and pop culture convention, a three-day event that runs 24 hours a day from Friday morning all the way to Sunday afternoon. (RBC Convention Centre, Jul 14-16)
Peppa Pig’s Adventure is a live 60-minute musical experience featuring the youngsters’ favourite pig, on an exciting camping trip in the woods with George and her school friends, loaded with singing, dancing, games and surprises. (Burton Cummings Theatre, Aug 2)
Finally, there are plenty of places to find fresh vegetables and other treats both in and outside of town. There’s Downtown Farmers' Market (outdoors at Manitoba Hydro Place, behind 360 Portage Ave. on Graham & Edmonton) every Thursday during the summer months. And now, Shop and Sip at True North Square with resident DJ Mama Cutsworth and tasty beverages from The Rose Bar. (July & August only)
Elmwood Night Market returns with over 40 vendors, 7 food trucks, and evening entertainment. Admission is free. (Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal, 180 Poplar Ave, Jul 7 & Aug 25)
The first Farmers’ Market in St. Norbert took place on July 16, 1988 with just 8 vendors selling their fresh harvest on a grassy meadow. Now it features over 200 local makers, bakers, and growers. (Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, 3514 Pembina Hwy, Saturdays & Wednesdays all summer long)
North of the city, the East. St. Paul Market brings together delicious vegetables and produce, baked goods, preserves, handmade crafts, bath and body products, buskers, and more. (302 Hoddinott Rd. East St. Paul, to Sept 24)
All events in Winnipeg unless specified otherwise. As always, remember that things can change, so check event and host websites for updates. And stay safe.
Onalee Ames Film Studio was started 25 years ago. Initially, I began teaching to learn more and provide myself an income while auditioning. Throughout my time as an acting instructor, I developed a greater awareness of the deeper psychology of human beings. Consequently, my reason for choosing this career path has changed dramatically over the years. I now teach mainly as a healing tool.
Acting coaching provides so much more than a pay cheque. (Although a day on set can pay for a year of classes.) Acting provides relief from anxiety, depression, addictions and so much more. Over the years, I have worked with homeless people, criminals, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, lawyers, doctors and many of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, to name a few.
In my experience, the one thing any human can benefit from is the power of working with his or her own emotions. I notice a profound change in people as they release the deepest of these emotions through the acting process. At one point, the studio had upwards of 15 therapists referring their patients to us so we could touch some of their deepest wounds. Getting roles has been a major contributor to the success of many of our actors, but for me, the greatest reward is derived from watching the transformation of students as they gain confidence and conquer anxiety.
Acting classes are the focus at the studio, but our team offers so much more.
We have classes for kids and teens, acting for fun, creative class, comedy classes, screenwriting class, musical theatre class for adults and kids, and master acting class, to list a few.
Our guest instructors this summer and throughout the year include the amazing Oscar-winning cinematographer/director Steven Bernstein from LA; our very own Aleks Paunovic, famous for the TV series Van Helsing; Sean Garrity; Lara Rae; and so many more. The A-list of out-of-towners will provide Manitobans the tools to network globally, as well as give them the exact same training as those from large centres. These professionals understand the power involved in the creative process as a profound healing tool, and they are all part of the studio as a result of their depth as instructors and people. We also pride ourselves in
our new teacher-training program as our latest and best programming.
One of the studio’s most famous classes where students can begin to test the waters will be our summer film camp for both kids and adults. These sessions will allow for full expression and provide valuable insights on how one might get a start in the industry. Camps will be available to all in August.
While we search to provide Manitoba more talent for the film industry, we also pride ourselves in working with the hidden parts of resident souls who might benefit from the release of emotions more than the actual outcome. Come visit our studio this summer and stayed tuned for our resident programs from Los Angeles. We are so excited to meet your inner movie star!
OCTOBER 17-22
by Sjón
by Quentin Mills-Fenn
Sjón’s novel tells the story of Gunnar Kampen, an ordinary Icelander, anti-Semite, white nationalist, and neo-Nazi. From his WWII childhood, with his staunchly anti-Hitler parents, to his first encounters with the far right, to his conversion and how he ended up dead on a train in the English countryside, this is the banality of evil under a microscope, a look at someone you wouldn’t look twice at on the streets of Reykjavík. Fascinating. (Translated by Victoria Cribb)
by Noor Nagao
Noor Naga’s powerful and provocative debut novel depicts a cross-cultural love affair in modern-day Cairo, between an Egyptian-American woman, obvious in her privilege, and a photographer who stopped taking pictures after the failed revolution, his useless camera always around his neck. Told in alternating voices that only heighten the differences and distances between them, the story builds to some shattering moments
by Gunnhild Øyehau
Award-winning Norwegian writer Gunnhild Øyehaug’s novel concerns two lives, a woman and her daughter. Thirty years ago, Anna was reading while her young daughter Laura played in the yard. Then Anna misreads a word and their universes separate. In one, Anna remarries and has two different children. In the other, motherless Laura is starting her own family. And yet, both feel something is missing throughout their lives. A haunting essay on loss, if not grief.
Foreverandevernomore
(Opal/Universal)
A one-year diary commissioned from Brian Eno was an uncharacteristically dry and windy business, but for the sparkling accounts of rock’s greatest conceptualist dancing to old rock’n’roll with his young daughters. Foreverandevernomore is that father worrying for his family and an imperiled planet; “these billion years will end” he rues in “Garden of Stars,” before hymnal quietude is threatened by a rattle of static. There is no preaching, and the music overall is more pensive than threatening. The mood, indeed, is cosmic; the graceful “Inclusion” is imbued with the blended wonder and sorrow upon studying the night sky, and some reassurance may be gleaned from the long, closing “Making Gardens Out of Silence,” where placid pillows of synthesizers muffle ominous booms and rattling percussion.
Hafla
(eCM/Universal)
Norwegian composer Jon Balke’s recent solo music on Warp and Discourses (both ECM) has set thoughtful, unhurried piano over an electronic undergrowth of sound, from field recordings to barely heard newscasts, contrasting foreground and background for intriguing surface tension. Siwan explores its own contrasts, with poetry from Al-Andalus (historically, Muslim holdings in Spain), lifted by the strings of forwardthinking baroque ensemble, Baroksolistene, and an international cast led by the rich, wistful singing of Algerian Mona Boutchebak. “Uquállibu” is a thrilling starting point, with its lusty strings and percussion and spectral keyboard.
Animals (2018 Remix)
(pink FlOyd reCOrds/sOny)
Many remixed editions are valuable only as a cash grab – catnip for completists. Not this one. James Guthrie’s overhaul of Pink Floyd’s darkest and most claustrophobic, text-heavy album, its release delayed by squabbles, opens windows to welcome light and fresh air. Better separation of instruments brings out more power from Nick Mason’s drums, reveals new details in Richard Wright’s keyboards and amplifies the sound effects of woofs, oinks and baas to emphasize Roger Waters’s Animal Farm-style depiction of a population divided between voracious dogs, gluttonous pigs and vulnerable sheep. Despite its dour worldview, Animals remains engaging, thanks largely to David Gilmour’s full-frontal guitar, which still thrills as it breaks the tension in the tightly coiled “Sheep.” No music has been added, but the expanded packaging offers multiple shots from the arresting original cover, for which a giant, inflatable pig was sent adrift over London’s Battersea Power Station.
Supporting an adult family member who is struggling with mental illness and/or substance use disorder (SUD) is challenging and stressful. Feelings of concern, compassion and love are more often than not accompanied by fear, frustration, guilt, anger, anxiety, grief, despair, and a sense of helplessness. The first casualty when individuals are struggling with mental illness or addiction is the relationship with those around them, including their family. At the same time, research indicates that loved ones can play a significant role in an individual’s recovery and ability to stay well. The question is how to best support the one we love while addressing the need for our own self-care.
As with all issues related to mental health and addictions, there are no easy answers and no quick fixes. As frustrating as it can be at times to see them and those around them suffer, support does not mean making our loved ones take the steps towards recovery. Only they can decide and act on their recovery. But we can support them.
An important starting point is education. Becoming informed about the individual’s mental illness/addiction is essential to supporting a loved one as effectively as possible despite all the challenges involved. Education helps us separate the person from the disorder. Seeing a loved one struggle with mental illness or SUD is overwhelming. Finding out as much as possible about what they are experiencing can help break things down into more manageable pieces.
Community organizations such as the Mood Disorder of Manitoba (www. mooddisordersmanitoba.ca) and the
Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (adam.mb.ca) have excellent resources related to depression, bipolar disorder and personality disorders, including coping methods for families. To access an even broader range of educational resources, The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Manitoba and Winnipeg (mbwpg.cmha.ca) is always a good starting point.
The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (afm.mb.ca) has a long history of offering support and education to family members of those with addictions. A quick look under Courses & Workshops reveals several useful offerings, including Fundamentals of Addiction, Family Dynamics: Substance Use and Gambling, and Family Violence and Addiction.
As these courses suggest, family support is a multifaceted issue. It encompasses everything from supporting our loved ones in seeking, obtaining, and sustaining treatment while helping them with the challenges of everyday living. At the same time, it’s about supporting family members affected by the loved one’s disorder.
One significant challenge for family members is when a loved one experiencing a substance use or mental health disorder is unwilling to seek treatment. Nagging, pleading, or threatening rarely work and often result in a breakdown of communication. However, doing nothing is not an option when a loved one’s health and life are at stake – along with the health and wellbeing of the family members affected.
CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg and the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre have developed a skills-based Community
Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) program that teaches family members practical strategies to motivate change both in themselves and their loved ones grappling with substance use or mental illness. The goal is to provide education, empowerment, and hope by developing positive ways of interacting with loved ones who are struggling. Courses are offered free-of-charge through the CMHA.
This organization is also a good resource for tackling some of the practical issues related to mental health and addiction problems. The very nature of their illness makes it difficult for those with a mental health or substance use problem to find and access options once they’ve decided to seek treatment. Testimony in A Pathway to Mental Health and Community Wellness: A Roadmap for Manitoba (Government of Manitoba, February 2022) highlights some of the challenges: “Despite having worked in the mental health system for 30 years, when I went through issues with family, I found them very difficult to navigate. I can’t imagine the average person with no professional mental health experience having to go through that.” As such, families and friends can be important advocates in helping a loved one access care for a mental illness or addiction.
At the same time, individuals struggling with either or both of these challenges often face significant financial challenges. Organizations such as CMHA can help families connect to programs related to income and housing. Navigating the bureaucratic system of signing up for something like Employment and Income Assistance can be daunting even for someone who isn’t struggling with
a mental health problem or addiction! As those supporting a loved one in this situation know, even the basic demands of everyday life can be very difficult for those experiencing poor mental health, including sleep, hygiene and nutrition.
Fortunately, there are also resources for how to effectively support loved ones with the challenges of daily living, such as the Supporting a family member with schizophrenia manual, one of many resources available at www.porticonetwork.ca. At the same time, families can be instrumental in providing important practical support such as managing doctors’ appointments. This can range from helping make an initial appointment, giving respectful reminders, and helping draft advance lists of issues to be discussed, to providing transportation or even accompanying a loved one to the appointment. It is important to remember that an adult’s health care team can only disclose medical information with a patient’s consent. This can make it very challenging for concerned family members. Nurturing a positive relationship with a loved one – whenever possible – can be the key to family members remaining informed.
But if anything is certain when it comes to mental health and substance use disorders – and few things are – it is that there will be crises. Talking with a loved one during times of noncrisis about how they would like to be supported when a crisis arises can go a long way to being a more effective support.
At the same time, crises and ongoing challenging behaviours can take a toll on family members and their own
mental health. Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse by a loved one struggling with addiction/mental illness is never acceptable. Setting boundaries and learning the difference between supporting and enabling are critical tools. Walking away can be a necessary and responsible action.
“Set your boundaries,” emphasizes the organization Families for Addiction Recovery. “If you are angry or feel like a doormat, you may need to adjust your boundaries.” The site goes on to acknowledge how difficult that can be, especially in a parentchild relationship. As well as an excellent online resource, FAR (www. farcanada.org) offers a free and confidential two-month Parent-to-Parent program (P2P) for parents whose children (regardless of age) are struggling with substance use. Participants are matched with trained supporters who also have children living with addiction. The organization also has online support groups and a phone support line.
Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Carolyn Bennett recently noted the importance of having peer support at the forefront of care and support services. The lived experience these support workers bring to the table endows them with invaluable insight. Peer Connections Manitoba or PCM (peerconnectionsmb.ca) offers family members who support individuals with mental health/substance abuse issues regular unlimited phone calls with a trained worker who has lived experience with these issues. PCM also runs a 10-week peer-led online support group.
Other online support groups include Family Connections, a 12-week program through The Sashbear Foundation (sashbear.org) that focuses on providing skills, support, and hope for family members or friends of someone with emotion dysregulation, resulting from such conditions as borderline personality disorder.
There are also ongoing and in-person support groups for family members and other ‘supporters.’ All IN Family (www.allinfamily.ca) holds two weekly support groups. Al-Anon, which supports family members of alcoholics, offers both online groups and in-person meetings at a variety of locations throughout Manitoba.
Family support cuts both ways. When supporting a family member experiencing mental illness or addiction, it is important to seek support for yourself as well.
Being there for a loved one who is struggling with these life-altering challenges is hard. There are many moments of exhaustion and even despair. But families are not powerless. Doing what we can to most effectively help our loved one and ourselves is worth the effort.
No one resource is going to provide everything we need to meet the challenges that arise. At the same time, our fractured mental health care and social assistance systems often present hurdles that hinder and frustrate our efforts. Supporting our loved one is a long-term commitment that requires persistence and stamina.
A sentence highlighted in one of the resources I was consulting when researching this column jumped out at me: "No one is to blame, and you cannot cure a mental disorder for a family member." True enough. But we can be there to support them as best we can.
*In the three-year priority initiatives outlined in A Pathway to Mental Health and Community Wellness: A Roadmap for Manitoba, the Government of Manitoba indicates that it plans to pursue “Review and enhance family supports” and “Increase supports for clients and their family members/ caregivers.” To date, family support is delivered mainly through community and not-for-profit organizations.
mandyvanleeuwen.com
Poor cortisol (the stress hormone) gets a bad rap, but the truth is that it is an essential hormone that affects each organ and tissue in the human body. While it can be problematic and lead to increased belly fat when unbalanced, we want and need cortisol in healthy quantities, for some of the following reasons:
• Helping to control sleep-wake cycle
• Regulating blood pressure & blood sugar
• Suppressing inflammation
• Aiding in controlling your body’s use of macronutrients (aka metabolism)
• And finally, regulating your body’s stress response.
The question is, how can you make sure that cortisol is released at the correct time during the day, and what can be done to manage chronic elevated cortisol levels? Read on, my friend…
The first thing we want to pay attention to is our sleep behaviours. Here are some evening routines to try:
• Your body can be affected by blue light emitted from your devices, so turn on night shift if it’s after dark. This alters your screen to display warmers colours, filtering out blue light.
• Go to sleep by 10 PM most nights, and avoid evening snacks at least 3 hours before bedtime. This helps with melatonin and HGH production, which helps us get better quality rest.
• Black out your bedroom completely. This can be achieved by removing night lights, putting up thick window coverings to block street lights, and ensuring electronics with power indicators are facing walls or moved to an entirely different area of your home.
Next, consider how to start each morning. Here are some things to try to kick off your day right:
• If you live in the country, try leaving your blinds open so the sun wakes you up.
• Spend up to 10 minutes in direct sunlight as soon as possible every day. If it’s cold out, this can be
accomplished in a window. Avoid wearing sunglasses during this time. This cues your system to release cortisol at an optimum time.
• Try a cold morning shower, by cranking the tap to icy for the final few minutes of your usual cleanse. Bonus: this is excellent for hair and skin!
• Keep up your morning coffee habit –this helps cue the cortisol release.
• Give intermittent fasting a go, ideally for 12-16 hours overnight. It’s true that you are likely to be a bit grumpy at the end of this stretch, but that will be during your wake-up routine, again allowing the body to release cortisol at an appropriate time for health benefits.
Your diet and activity level are important as well when it comes to maintaining healthy hormone levels. Avoid sodium-rich foods, processed items (especially those high in sugars), and reduce alcohol to avoid developing chronically elevated cortisol levels. You can try increasing your vitamin C intake to fix an existing condition. Exercising regularly with both stress training and cardiovascular activity will have a noticeable effect on your overall stress, and thereby help regulate cortisol in your body.
Julie Germaine is a 2x International Pro Fitness Champion, Certified Nutrition Expert and Specialized Fat Loss Coach. She has helped thousands of men and women lose 2” from their waistlines in less than 30 days through her virtual coaching since 2005. Check out her services at www.juliegermaine.com or book a FREE diet consultation: www.calendly.com/juliegermaine
Approximately 95% of brain activity is unconscious, including habits, emotions, selfimage, cognitive biases, beliefs and values. Tannis Butters explains that hypnotherapy is like an upgrade of the brain’s personal software system, helping to lay down new and helpful neural pathways. It brings the unconscious and subconscious in sync, leaving individuals feeling more in control, balanced, and peaceful.
As a certified clinical hypnotherapist and mindset coach, Butters specializes in working with adults dealing with high levels of stress, anxiety and trauma, helping to restore balance for mental and physical wellbeing. She takes a mind-body approach that recognizes the link between thoughts, attitudes, behaviours, and physical health.
“The quality of our thoughts has a very big impact on the quality of our life,” says Butters, who has seen that impact first-hand over her 25 years of leadership and coaching. In 2019, she added a hypnotherapy designation to her skillset and opened her practice.
Dispelling the notion that hypnosis involves giving over control of one’s mind, Butters explains that clinical hypnotherapy is about gaining control over mind and actions by aligning conscious and unconscious thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours. In hypnosis, a person enters a natural AlphaTheta brain wave state associated with higher levels of awareness, focused concentration, creativity and learning. This makes it easier to release unhelpful beliefs, experiences and behaviours in less time and with less resistance. The hypnotherapist guides the alignment process, helping individuals navigate healing, personal growth, and transformation.
Marrying hypnotherapy with mindset coaching enables Butters to work more effectively with the conscious as well as the subconscious. “I guide people on how to create a mindset of gratitude, possibility, and mindfulness – every day, not just during hypnosis,” she says.
Some people who come to her are navigating change in their lives, such as a shift in relationship status or career. “They are asking, what does this stage in my life mean and how do I adapt?” explains Butters, adding that fear and discomfort are a natural response to the destabilizing nature of change.
Other clients want to address recent or past trauma stored in their mind and body. “Many of our core beliefs and interpretations are formed in our early years,” says Butters. “We
hold onto them even if they no longer serve us.” By helping to bring awareness to unconscious programming, Butters guides her clients into new and healthier ways of thinking and behaving, helping them build selfconfidence for higher levels of self-fulfillment.
“Guided hypnotherapy helps you clear your mind and get under the hood of specific issues,” she notes. Butters has helped people with everything from the challenges of upcoming surgery, post-surgical healing and childbirth to managing chronic pain and improving their sleep.
“Many people come to me because they want to feel like themselves again,” adds Butters.
“Some clients come on a regular basis as a commitment to themselves to take a break, relax, and clear their mind. They leave feeling refreshed and ready to deal with life’s challenges.”
After a free initial consultation, clients have access to 50 to 70-minute customized hypnotherapy and coaching sessions in-person or online. Hypnotherapy can be safely and effectively combined with other forms of treatment, including cognitive behavioural therapy and medication. Butters prides herself in being an empathetic practitioner who creates a safe and supportive place for her clients. “All judgment is left at the door,” she says. Hypnotherapy and mindset coaching are available to people of all life stages, and backgrounds. She brings to her practice lived experience related to adoption, addiction, abuse, LGBTQ dynamics, toxic workplaces, divorce, and blended families.
Part of a professional telehealth team at Open Mind Health (www.openmindhealth.com), Butters is also an executive member of the Manitoba Hypnotherapists’ Association.
Guiding people through hypnotherapy into a relaxed, focused state of mind and to achieve the outcomes they desire has allowed her to build on her extensive coaching experience. The combination makes it easier for clients to integrate tools that bring about clarity, positive change, and mental fortitude.
“Helping people realize that they can start to feel better in a short period of time is very rewarding,” says Butters. “It’s never too late to find forgiveness, develop self-love, or reach for a goal or dream.”
Find Tannis Butters at thehypnosiscoach.ca
Beat the heat with refreshing summertime cocktails while wowing guests at home! Following is a roundup of island-inspired drinks - perfect for sipping on poolside all summer long.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• ¾ oz. Amber or White Rum
• 1 oz. Orange Juice
• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz. Cream of Coconut
Directions: Shake and serve on the rocks. Garnish with nutmeg and a pineapple leaf.
INGREDIENTS
• 8 oz. ice in a blender
• 1 ¼ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• ¾ oz. White Rum
• 2 oz. Pineapple Juice
• 2 oz. Cream of Coconut
• 2 oz. Strawberry Puree
Directions: Pour strawberry puree in glass. Blend remaining ingredients and pour into glass. Garnish with a strawberry.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 oz. (30 mL) Crystal Head
Vodka
• 2/3 oz. (20 mL) Blue Curacao
• 1/3 oz. (15 mL) Yuzu Sake
• ½ oz. (15 mL) Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp. (5 mL) Simple Syrup
Directions: Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Double strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with lemon zest.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/3 oz. (45 mL) Crystal Head
Vodka
• ¾ oz. (22 mL) Coconut
Liqueur
• ¾ oz. (22 mL) Lime Juice
• ½ (15 mL) Raspberry Syrup
• 1 tsp. (5 mL) Grenadine Syrup
Directions: Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Double strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a raspberry skewer.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ oz. Skrewball Peanut
Butter Whiskey
• ½ oz. Campari
• ½ oz. Falernum
• ½ oz. Orgeat Syrup
• ½ oz. Lime Juice
• ¼ oz. Dark Rum
Directions: Shake all ingredients and pour into a collins glass. Float ¼ oz. dark rum. Garnish with a pineapple leaf and a cherry.
Cocktail recipes provided by Skrewball Whiskey and Crystal Head Vodka.
4 tenderloin steaks (1 ½ to 2-inch thick)
3 tsp. kosher salt
1 ½ tsp. pepper
6 large garlic cloves
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 one-pint containers multi-coloured cherry tomatoes
4 large thyme sprigs
1 cup coarsely torn basil leaves
Pat steaks dry. Sprinkle with salt & pepper; rub into meat. Prepare grill for indirect heat cooking over medium high heat. Oil BBQ grill rack & sear steaks over burners, until well browned (2-3 minutes on each side). Move steaks off direct burners & grill covered until instant-read meat thermometer inserted in center of steak registers 120°C for medium rare, 8 – 10 minutes more. Move steaks to platter & loosely cover, let stand for 15 minutes. Reserve meat juices.
Heat oil in 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté garlic until golden & transfer to plate. Add tomatoes & thyme to hot oil. Cook covered, stirring occasionally until tomatoes begin to split open, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic & meat juices from platter. Season with salt & pepper, then spoon over steaks & scatter basil on top.
Serve with roasted potato wedges & grilled asparagus.
6 medium yellow-fleshed potatoes, cut in wedges
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
Salt & pepper to taste (about ½ tsp. of each)
3 to 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, stripped
Add oil, lemon juice, rosemary, salt & pepper to large bowl. Toss potato wedges in mixture until well coated. Line baking pan with parchment paper & bake in oven at 425°F for 35 minutes, turning halfway through.
1 ½ lb. fresh asparagus
½ lemon, juiced
2 tbsp. olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Trim one inch off asparagus ends. Mix oil, salt & pepper in bowl; then coat asparagus with mixture. Place on BBQ grill pan on low heat, turning frequently until done. Drizzle lemon juice over cooked asparagus.
Synonymous with exceptional comfort, the original BIRKENSTOCK footbed is the heart of all their models, featuring anatomically shaped inner soles with special support elements. Browse this shop’s BIRKENSTOCK sandal selection & more for all your summer footwear.
European Shoe Shop
436 Academy Rd
www.europeanshoeshop.com
Hamilton Beach, Canada’s favourite small appliance company, is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its fan-favourite Breakfast Sandwich Maker. This handy little appliance helps create homemade breakfast sandwiches using a variety of fresh ingredients in five minutes or less, stacking & heating all layers at once – including freshly cracked eggs. You can customize your breakfast sandwich with a practically endless variety of ingredients - a fresh, economical alternative to drive-thru and frozen grocery store versions. To make clean-up easy, the cooking surfaces are nonstick & all removable parts are dishwasher safe. Available for purchase at Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Marshalls & HomeSense. For product info, recipes, or to order online, visit: hamiltonbeach.ca
Black accents and seeded glass panes foster a soft urban industrial feel for this unique pendant from The Mauldin Collection. Check out the selection at this location, where bright ideas begin…
Total Lighting Sales
347 William Ave
www.totallightingsales.ca
Wide band designs with a choice of gold and gemstones created locally just for you! Family rings, anniversary bands or just because. Visit the showroom at this locale to have your next treasure created. .
Watson Workshop
236 Osborne St S.
www.watsonworkshop.ca 204 956 2096
BY GREG KLASSEN
One mild day last January, I was strolling down leafy Amsterdam Avenue in Mexico City’s super-chill La Condesa neighbourhood, and wondered, “Am I
really in the world’s largest city?” If you imagine Mexico’s largest city as smoggy, crime-ridden, and soulcrushingly enormous, Mexico City may surprise you.
While the traffic and pollution in Mexico City (often abbreviated locally to CDMX) are real, there’s another side to the city that makes it worth more than a launching pad to your beach destination. My partner and I spent four nights at the Red Tree House, a four-star bed and breakfast tucked into a quiet neighbourhood.
We were lucky enough to see the city through the eyes of an expert guide, Brenda, a young woman who has lived in Mexico City her entire life. We only had five days, and our strategy was to spend a day in each of the city’s most tourist-friendly neighbourhoods. A secondary mission was to look for places of calm within the city’s heart.
We spent our day wandering around, pausing when we found the street where the movie Roma was
filmed, or to watch people literally dance in the streets, or sampling the abundance of delicious street food. Overhead the jacaranda trees had started to bud, with their purple leafs creating a shocking canopy (it was January!) And always, the quiet, strollable neighbourhoods like Roma Norte and La Condesa offered a respite from the city’s manic energy.
Mexico City has a rich and colourful past. Many of the historic buildings feature murals documenting that
history. In fact, it’s really many cities within a larger city. The neighbourhoods are incredibly distinct, from funky, affluent Coyoacan, where Frida and Diego crafted their masterpieces, to the beautiful historical centre with its many palaces, churches, upscale restaurants and hotels of Polanco.
The historical centre, dubbed El Centro by locals, is densely packed with cathedrals, palaces, parks and tourists. Hands down the most beautiful building is the white marble main concert hall Bellas Artes. Pay the small fee to enter its art deco interior and walk to the top of the stairs, where you’ll be spellbound by the rich colours and sad history depicted in Diego Rivera’s sweeping murals.
One of the most infamous paintings in art history - Man, Controller of the Universe - was a mural originally commissioned to Rivera at NYC’s Rockefeller Centre, only to have it labelled “obscene.” (It was either an image of Lenin that Rivera refused to remove or a likeness to Rockefeller himself that was the problem).
Rockefeller had the mural chiselled off the wall, but Rivera got his revenge by creating a new version at Bellas Artas.
The massive mural requires time to take it all in. The unemployed watch wealthy women play cards while war rages, and the natural world continues to grow in the foreground, apparently unaffected. An angry Jupiter hovers above, with a raised hand holding a thunderbolt severed by a lightning strike. At the centre is a workman in control of a giant set of four propellers.
If you can’t get enough Rivera, there’s Colegio de San Ildefonso, a lesser-known attraction where the Mexican mural movement all started. Closed in 1978, the colonial-style former Jesuit boarding school reopened as a museum in 1992. Our guide confessed that she would beg her parents to bring her here as a young girl. The quadrangle structure with gardens in the center provides a contemplative place to find some peace in the heart of the city. Colegio also features many works by Orozco and Siqueiros, as well as temporary art exhibits.
If you’re wondering where’s Frida in all of this? I’ll admit my luck in seeing her legacy of work wasn’t stellar. It was our choice to skip Frida Kahlo’s famous Casa Azul (Blue House), most-
ly to avoid the long lineups. Instead, we decided to visit Casa Estudio Diego Rivera Y Frida Kahlo, the two studios where Diego and Frida created most of their art. The bridge at the top of their houses is its most unique architectural feature. One can easily picture the legendary artist traversing it with her husband’s dinner. Designed by legendary architect Juan O’Gorman, the compound is protected by a geometrically pleasing hedge of cactuses. The workshops provide a glimpse into the lives of these artistic legends, with paper mache skeletons, pre-Columbian pottery and scattered paintbrushes filling the large studios.
From street food to high-end restaurants, there is an incredible array of delicious cuisine in Mexico City. Café NIN was our happy place
for breakfast. They served fresh baked goods such as Amaranth and Blueberry Cookies, Quinoa and Flaxseed Muffins and Chocolate and Hazelnut Berliners.
While Pujol is generally acknowledged as Mexico City’s finest restaurant, you don’t have to break the bank to eat like a king. My favourite restaurant was Tetetlan, in the spectacularly renovated former stable of artist Luis Barragán. The restaurant specializes in fish tacos amongst other exquisite cuisine. Tetetlan has exposed brick walls and glass floors, with views of the volcanic rock below, and also houses a library, yoga studio and clothing store.
In the city centre, the restaurant El Mayor features an aerial perspective of the archeological zone of Templo Mayor and the majesty of colonial Mexico. The building-long open window overlooking the ruins is a delightful place to sit and have a cocktail or snack after a day of jostling with the crowds below.
If you’re strolling Colima Street, you won’t need the street address to locate Rosetta, with lineups down the street for its legendary baking and java. Another highlight was Taverna, housed in a historical hacienda that’s shabby chic and lit by candlelight. The Mediterranean-inspired dishes are roasted in a wood-burning oven and the cocktails are inventive and super tasty.
Many tourists pass on Museo Anahuacalli because of its considerable drive from the city centre. Those
who do go will be rewarded with a design that resembles an Aztec temple, made out of volcanic stone. The museum houses Rivera’s extensive collection of pre-Hispanic art. Rivera’s politics may have leaned toward socialist, but he was a very wealthy man. Co-designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and situated on a hill, the museum also offers impressive views of the city.
The Museo Nacional de Antropologia is the largest and most visited museum in the city. Containing many significant archaeological artifacts from Mexico’s pre-
Columbian heritage, including the Aztec calendar stone, it’s an unforgettable experience. If you’re up for a night of dancing and drinking, Club San Luis is lit in retro red, with a very energetic live band offering the chance to learn to dance cumbia and salsa.
Mexico City is a place with a beating heart. The food and art scenes are pulsing with life and energy. It is also in the same time zone as Winnipeg, so you can get off your flight and join right in the fun.
Greg Klassen is a Winnipeg arts lover, travel writer and garden afficionado.
Pack your bags and visit North Dakota for an unforgettable, affordable holiday! Say hello to cities ready to greet you with shopping, dining festivals and events — plus parks, trails and outdoor family fun. When getting away is this close what are you waiting for?
dy for shopping, dining and entertainment? Visit Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot or other vibrant cities and towns throughout North Dakota. Farm-to-table restaurants, steakhouses, coffee shops, craft breweries and many more eateries are ready to serve you. Look for treasures in one-of-a-kind boutique shops lled with fashions and home décor or shop at popular brand retailers and big-box stores.
If you love the outdoors, we’ve got it! You’re invited to explore scenic drives, hiking trails and kayaking waters in North Dakota. Don’t miss our beautifully uncrowded Theodore Roosevelt National Park with its unique, multi-colored layers. Other favorite places include the International Peace Garden, Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, White Horse Hill National Game Preserve and many state parks.
The calendar is full of favorite summer and fall events and festivals. Join us for big concerts, rodeos and more.
Medora Musical, Medora through Sept 9
See this musical variety show performed in an outdoor amphitheater amid scenic Badlands.
July 2-4
Catch PRCA rodeo action in a new grandstand, street dances and live music.
July 5-8
Hear your favorites at this four-day, outdoor country music festival.
Red River Valley Fair, West Fargo
July 7- 16
Enjoy fair food, crafts and outdoor live entertainment.
North Dakota State Fair, Minot
July 21-29
Enjoy carnival, food and big-name country and rock concerts
Norsk Høstfest, Minot
Sept 27-30
Experience North America’s largest Scandinavian heritage festival and concerts by top country acts.
When making travel plans this summer, Manitobans should look no further than North Dakota. It’s big; it’s beautiful and welcomes you for exploration and adventure with a wealth of restaurants, attractions, and accommodations ready to satisfy travel-hungry Manitobans.
Head straight down the I-29 corridor to its biggest urban centers, where shopping and cultural events abound, along with an abundance of top shelf dining and plenty of quality accommodations. Head towards the center and western areas of the state where a playground awaits, with numerous camping and hiking options and some of the best fishing in the country. Along with many cultural and western themed events, North Dakota is also home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, an absolute gem in the National Parks system.
For Winnipeggers Grand Forks and Fargo have long been favourite destinations for weekend or summer trips, and back to school or Christmas shopping excursions. At less than three hours’ drive, the city of Grand Forks
with its Columbia Mall, refreshed downtown, and great concert venue tends to be the first stop for Manitobans. Be sure to visit the historic Empire Arts Centre, which, besides being one of the most beautiful buildings in Grand Forks, has become a downtown hub for great live entertainment. Hosting numerous concerts, classic films, North Dakota Ballet Company productions and other special events, EAC produces an annual theatre season through its in-house Empire Theatre Company. The Empire is also home to the University of North Dakota Art Collections Gallery, which has featured works by several acclaimed artists. At NORTH DAKOTA MUSEUM OF ART you can you find a life-size giraffe, unique gifts, delicious culinary creations and works from internationally acclaimed artists. Many musical events are hosted here throughout the year, including Sunday Concerts in the Galleries and Summer Concerts in the Garden. If you love grand art and the great outdoors, combine the two with a public art walk. You’ll find an array of unique works scattered about downtown, each with its own story and personality
The ALERUS CENTER is Grand Forks’ premiere performance and convention complex, and is the perfect place to entertain and be entertained.Numerous big name acts have performed there, and this summer in July it’s Whiskey Myers (who was featured in four episodes of the show Yellowstone), and in the fall Comic Con comes to town.
Nature lovers will appreciate the Greenway Trail System, a 35-mile path along the Red River and adjacent Flood Memorial Park, which contains a large obelisk commemorating the historic 1997 flood. The Grand Forks Air Force Base is 30 minutes from Grand Forks and offers tours to the public.
Travel an hour further south and you will be in Fargo, North Dakota’s largest city. You will want to head to Broadway Square, a comfy half-acre of community gathering space for the public, located in the heart of downtown Fargo. Broadway Square's Music at The Square series will entertain you with local music on Tuesday evenings, and on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, it’s the Red River Market, North Dakota’s largest farmers' market. Check out the weekly tradition with free community
programming, including live music and cultural performances, educational cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities.
If that isn’t enough, plan your visit so you will be in Fargo for the Red River Valley Fair, running from July 7 to 16. See performers such as Third Eye Blind, Shinedown, Lynryd Skynyrd, Buckcherry, Tyler Hubbard and more. Music continues to be the theme with the Fargo Blues Festival happening on July 28 & 29. The FargoDome is North Dakota’s largest concert venue and this summer has some pretty exciting shows. Coming in August is the Def Leppard & Motley Crue 'The World Tour' with Special Guest Alice Cooper. A week later Pink is in town. Later in the year, Shania Twain brings her show to the Dome.
If you want to branch out and see more of North Dakota, travel a further 3 hours west to visit Bismarck, the state’s capital and second largest city. Check out the capital building and beautiful grounds or time your visit to attend ND Country Fest. The festival is the region’s biggest, and is actually held in New Salem, some 35 kms west of Bismarck. It runs from July 5-8 and features numerous artists such as Rodney Atkins, Clare Dunn, Sawyer Brown, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tyler Rich and others.
The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes or MHA Nation, is located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The 988,000-acre reservation is located in the west-central part of the State and is home to a host of PowWows throughout the summer, starting on the Memorial Day weekend with the 4 Bears Powwow. A slate of nine traditional events continues through the summer culminating with The United Tribes International Powwow in Bismarck. It has become one of the premier cultural events of North Dakota, receiving numerous awards over the years. Visit www.mhanation. com for more info and specific times and days.
Rodeos are an important part of North Dakota's culture and are a must to include in your travel plans. Between the MHA and NDRA, the state is home to more than 40 rodeos slated in every region. Expect the best in bull riding,
calf roping and barrel racing with national and international competitors. Dates run from April 1st (Minot NDRA) to September 22nd & 23rd (NDRA Finals Rodeo). The oldest and largest rodeo in North Dakota is in Mandan on July 2-4, coinciding with the July 4th celebration.
Head northwest to Minot because it’s the home of The North Dakota State Fair, which is an experience you won't regret! This year it runs from July 21st to 29th, so come out and experience all the wonders of the longest-running state fair in the Midwest. The Fair has everything you would expect at a fair and is the largest event in the state, drawing an average of 300,000 people.
Located within the beautiful Souris Valley, Minot offers more than just the fair. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures like hiking and biking trails, fishing in one of the many local lakes and rivers, or just simply strolling downtown for some unique shopping experiences in the quaint stores and boutiques, there's something for everyone here.
Beyond the urban areas and away from fairs and festivals, there’s plenty to check out in the rest of North Dakota. Explore some of the many parks and unique natural attractions that deliver a call from the wild side. Close to Grand Forks is Turtle River State Park,
which offers hiking and biking trails, and has become one of the hottest spots in the region. Also worth seeing is Little Missouri State Park, a seasonal park with over 70 kilometres of trails for hiking and horseback riding. The terrain is rugged with spectacular viewpoints. Near Garrison off Highway 83 is Fort Stevenson State Park. Nestled in the bluffs along the north shore of Lake Sakakawea, the park has a substantial trail network and stunning natural views. Be sure to fish Lake Sakakawea for some of the best walleye in the US. Plan a road trip down the Enchanted Highway in western North Dakota for a glimpse of classic roadside art. Giant metal sculptures line the highways leading from Gladstone to Regent. The Enchanted Castle in Regent awaits travellers and promises to treat you like royalty.
Load up the mountain bikes and experience Maah Daah Hey Trail, a 144-mile single-track mountain biking trail system that showcases some of the state’s most unique and breathtaking terrain. There are many camping sites along the route, which connects the North and South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Take a tour through the Badlands on US Highway 85, a geological assortment of bluffs and buttes - an area filled with mysterious coulees and wild nature. Visit the Elkhorn ranch unit where Teddy stayed. Camp, hike, drive the scenic loop and check out Theodore Roosevelt Maltese cabin, painted cabin visitor
centre (view of Badlands), and oxbow overlook, then visit Medora.
The small Badlands town of Medora is not only the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park; it is an Old West cow town with horseback rides, modern museums, the state-of-the-art Burning Hills Amphitheatre, luxury lodging and primitive camping. Notable sights on this drive are Little Missouri National Grassland, Watford City, and the Missouri River. It is also home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a 70,000 acre ‘must-see’ that features large herds of wild bison, camping, and interpretive sites.
Lewis & Clark Trail - Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery were some of the first visitors to North Dakota. Follow in their footsteps along the Missouri River. Most people know the story of Lewis and Clark and Sakakawea; how the explorers came through North Dakota, wintered here and met a young Native American girl who would become vital to the success of the Corps of Discovery. Today, you can see where and how they lived during their stay at Fort Mandan and Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center has artifacts and comprehensive details on the journey.
There you have it - enough to do to fill an entire summer. This year, rediscover an old friend by taking the short trip south to experience North Dakota.
Visit www.NDtourism.com for more information on the state’s cities and natural attractions.
Experience
Our specialized dementia-friendly community provides round-the-clock care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. For independent living seniors seeking personalized experiences, we offer a range of living options tailored to your preferences. Join our vibrant community, create connections, and create a space to call home with the freedom to design your lifestyle just the way you want.
Call us today or visit us online to book a personalized tour and discover the exceptional senior living experience awaiting you at Bergen Gardens. Let your journey begin!
bergengardens.ca
Bergen Gardens at 1475 Molson St. in Winnipeg offers a nocompromise 55+ pet-friendly residence with 149 assisted living suites and 49 suites in memory care cottages for those experiencing challenges such as Alzheimer's.
“We are working to meet the need for seniors' care in Winnipeg and have created this new residence as a unique offering in the community,” says Lisa Martens, Bergen Gardens’ Executive Director. She comments that Edison Properties started the project to create a space for more specialized care following the passing of founder Martin Bergen who had Dementia. Bergen Gardens is an initiative led by President Frank Koch-Schulte and has been designed by experts to mark a new level of quality in Manitoba’s elder care.
Bergen Gardens is a state-of-the-art building where every structure and design element contributes to and promotes physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
“We believe that when people in our retirement community are surrounded with opportunities to maintain connections with pets, nature, and people of all ages, they will continue to thrive and grow as a person,” says Kim McMillan, Community Operations Director, Bergen Gardens.
Innovative building design elements include integrated lighting systems that mimic the circadian rhythms of sunlight; soaring wood ceilings
and open vistas that evoke a biophilic response that lowers heart rates and provides a sense of connectedness to nature; intuitive way finding; and state-of-the-art fresh air ventilation throughout.
McMillan reports that in addition to 149 assisted living suites, the centre offers 48 private healthcare suites grouped within four Memory Care Cottages of 12 people each, with 24/7 specially trained staff devoted to a person-directed philosophy.
The 149 Senior Living suites feature studio, and one and two-bedroom residences in a six-storey apartment tower divided into five ‘neighbourhoods’ to enhance community connection. Each floor or ‘neighbourhood’ includes a common area with floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed timber columns to create a homey and relaxing atmosphere.
Easy living options at Bergen Gardens include two meals per day for dine-in at The Heartwood Dining Room, take-out and room service, or dining on The Prairie Sky Patio. Light housekeeping and regular wellness checks from qualified healthcare professionals are other options. Packages may be upgraded at any time to include amenities such as underground parking, additional meals and salon service, and healthcare options.
"We know that sometimes situations change, and health challenges can become overwhelming,” says McMillan, mentioning that at Bergen Gardens, they have tenants covered with access to healthcare staff 24 hours per day.
There is more. Tenants can enjoy onsite access to a convenience store, cinema, spa and salon, as well as a mas-
sage, physiotherapy and foot care facility, reading room and art studio in the Town Square central hub. There is also an 80-person community centre perfect for live entertainment or large family gatherings, and a 25-person ‘Friendship Centre’ with a kitchen so tenants can carry on traditions of meeting as a family or hosting a party, knowing they have the room and support to do it.
“We also offer two hospitality suites for tenants’ guests when they visit,” says Martens, inviting people (and their pets) to discover the unique nature of relaxed senior living at Bergen Gardens.
Visit www.bergengardens.ca for more information.
Sage Creek, a vastly growing community in the Southeast corner of Winnipeg is adding another multi-family option for homebuyers. Sage Village by StreetSide Developments is the first midrise condominium development of its kind in the area and is set to launch for pre-sales in July 2023.
Built by Winnipeg’s leading condominium developers, StreetSide Developments, A Qualico company, Sage Village offers a new perspective to the burgeoning community, with condos designed to complement owner’s everyday routine. Located on Sage Creek Boulevard, just steps from the amenities of the Village Centre, the five-storey midrise building will have 73 two- and three-bedroom units, with private balconies, designer finishes and fantastic building amenities.
“We are very excited to be adding to our network of multi-family offerings in the Sage Creek area,” says Kelli Roach, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager. “Sage Village Condominiums is the opportunity to own and live in a prime location in Sage Creek, while the community as a whole continues to grow.”
With suites ranging from 845 to 1,704 sq. ft, Sage Village Condominiums provides a mix of suite sizes that cater to various price points, including first
time homebuyers. The development will also appeal to the downsizing market who would like to live close to their extended families in the area, but also want the “lock and leave” lifestyle and convenience of condo living.
The building will include desirable amenities such as underground heated parking, a large main floor fitness centre, an owner’s lounge with large bar top and big screen TV, and a private dining/meeting room area.
In terms of the suite’s interior finishes, every square foot has been carefully considered.
“Our design finishes offer a high standard of quality,” says Margaux Braund, Marketing Manager. “This includes spacious open concept kitchen designs, quartz countertops, as well as vinyl plank flooring.”
Sage Creek’s “Village Centre” is a growing and dynamic hub with a wide range of shopping, convenience stores, groceries, dining, professional and lifestyle services. With easy access to so many familiar routes, Sage Creek offers easy connection with other parts of the city and downtown, close proximity to major intersections and connector routes, plus a direct conduit out of the city via the nearby Perimeter Hwy.
The site is being developed in conjunction with Qualico Properties to achieve a cohesive site plan, architectural design and pedestrian flow. Commercial retail units will be developed along Burning Glass Road, with the Sage Village condominium building set back further in the site to the east.
Sage Village Condominiums will bring more diversity for homeownership within the community, and StreetSide Developments is planning for its sales launch this summer, with first possessions anticipated for late 2024.
For more information on Sage Village by StreetSide, visit www.sagevillagecondos.ca or contact the sales team at sagevillage@qualico.com
Nestled within the growing neighbourhood of RidgeWood West, located on the edge of Charleswood in West Winnipeg, StreetSide Developments’ have launched their latest townhome community, Couture South Condominiums.
Couture South by StreetSide is a unique address that sets itself apart from other multi-family options in the area based on its functional layout and designer finishes. With two storeys of living space, a backyard and double detached garage, Couture South offers condo living with all the amenities of a single-family home.
After the popularity of their now sold-out Couture West Condominiums located just down the street, StreetSide decided to continue with the model in a second phase. With only 14 townhomes available, these units are expected to sell out quickly.
“We are extremely excited to be building again in the RidgeWood West area,” says Kelli Roach, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager with StreetSide Developments. “We had such an amazing response to the first phase of this development, which sold out in record time, and are happy to offer this same great product to more homeowners looking to move to the area.”
There are two different floor plan options to choose from at Couture South, The Oscar and The Louis plans, ranging from 1152 – 1300 sq. ft. On the main floor you will find an open concept living, kitchen and dining area, which also includes a powder room for guests. On the second floor, enjoy the privacy of having your bedrooms, main bathrooms including an ensuite, and laundry. There is also an option to finish the basement and add a privacy fence to the backyard.
RidgeWood West is a new community built by Qualico. The community offers a diverse range of home styles in a beautiful landscape of wetlands, native grasses, and trails. Living in RidgeWood West is ideal for those who feel most at home close to nature, yet
still enjoy having all the conveniences of city life.
“We have already started construction on our first homes at Couture South, and plan to have our first possessions in late Fall 2023,” says Margaux Braund, Marketing Manager for StreetSide. “We are also anticipating that our display suite will be ready for viewing for the Manitoba Home Builders Association’s Fall Parade of Homes at the end of September.”
Couture South’s first sales release was in late May 2023 and has met with a great response thus far. For more information, visit www.couturesouth.ca or book a private appointment with the sales team at couturesouth@qualico.com
With
here to help you save energy, money, and the environment. Learn more about our programs and rebates at efficiencyMB.ca .
Do you want to make energy efficiency upgrades but aren’t sure where to start? We can help! Efficiency Manitoba has many programs to help you save energy, money, and the environment.
You’ve probably heard the term “energy efficiency” before. We hear things like “be more energy efficient” or “use energy more efficiently” — but what does that mean?
Energy efficiency is about using less energy to do the same job and get the same (or better!) result. We want to ensure the electricity and natural gas we consume go toward a specific job, like heating our homes or powering appliances, instead of going to waste.
Many Manitoba homes, businesses, and communities use more energy than required. There are ways to reduce wasted energy while still being able to comfortably live, work, and play. We want to work with you to save energy, money, and the environment. It’s a win all around!
Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzz phrase or a passing trend. It’s a set of changes and behaviours that produce long-term results, both individually and collectively as a province.
There are lots of benefits of using energy more efficiently:
• Lower energy bills
• Reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• Improved indoor comfort
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Improved operations (for businesses)
• Increased opportunities for green job creation
We have a variety of programs and offers to help you save energy in your home, business, and community. A good place to start is by addressing areas of your home where you can save on heating and cooling costs, such as your insulation levels or the efficiency of your current heating system.
We believe all Manitobans should enjoy benefits from energy efficiency upgrades. We’re proud to make these upgrades easy and affordable through our rebates, services, and expert advice.
Before you start your energy efficiency upgrade, check Efficiency Manitoba first. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Learn more at efficiencyMB.ca.
While backyards are generally seen as an extension of the home, the one featured here is like an entirely new outdoor home. Outfitted with all the luxuries and comforts of a house, this dream backyard features a fully equipped kitchen with dining space and a multitude of areas for lounging, entertainment and joy, including a pool, hot tub, sunken natural gas fire pit, putting green and some good old fashioned green space. Like any home, it even has the necessary practical
inclusions like an outdoor washroom / change room and shaded areas.
“This space really has it all. It's an outdoor oasis,” says Kyle Thibeault, owner/operator of Silver Stone Landscaping, the designer and developer behind this lush property in Headingley.
“The clients wanted a low maintenance yard. There is no such thing as NO maintenance, but all the beds are filled with shrubs and trees suited for our
climate,” says Thibeault, who chose spruce, amur cherry, guardian aspen, spring snow flowering crab and gladiator flowering crab to provide different points of interest throughout the seasons.
“We used stone throughout the beds to minimize weeds. We have an area behind the slide that's artificial turf to give it some green, but also have no watering/cutting required. There is an irrigation system throughout the yard as well,” says Thibeault.
One area where a little bit of work will be required is cooking in that sizable outdoor kitchen!
“It really has it all, from all the kitchen components – barbeque, side burner, fridge, sink, kegerator with beer on tap, pizza oven, storage drawers – to a gorgeous roof over your head to get out of the sun, to a TV mounted on the back wall so you can watch a game,” says Thibeault. “Kitchens really are the heart of the home and I do think that this kitchen is the heart of this outdoor oasis.”
While function is key to any outdoor space, it’s the architectural details that
make this yard stand out. Brilliant white concrete circles accent the space, while a graceful lighted, sheer descent waterfall feature runs off the roof of the pergola that houses the hot tub.
With such an expansive yard and so many components, it's no surprise that a fair share of planning and hard work went into its creation. From the seamless flow of all the spaces to the unseen components including engineered foundations and the installation of gas, electrical, water and drain lines.
“Projects of this scale require so much behind-the-scenes work from permits to engineering to planning. There
are a lot of cogs in the wheel to make it turn,” says Thibeault. “You have to align with good sub trades that share the same level of detail and craftsmanship. Coordination between all the trades is key so that everything gets installed in the correct order. Knowing the sequence comes from years of experience.”
One of the contractors Silver Stone Landscaping enlisted was Samson Pools to install the 20x40 feet swimming pool.
“This modern pool has a unique butterfly effect pool liner that has no border and shimmers in the sun,” says Blair Irwin and Jonathan Kreviazuk, co-owners of Samson Pools. The familyrun company also installed the pool's vinyl-over-steel steps, slide and automatic cover, as well as the pergola's waterfall feature and plumbing.
Accurate Building was chosen to create the structures designed by Silver Stone Landscaping, including the hot tub deck and pergola with open circle skylight, and the visually striking kitchen structure.
“The steel pergola over the hot tub creates a luxurious and inviting space, while the steel beams offer durability and a sleek, modern aesthetic,” says Paul Aubin, owner of Accurate Building, who calls this yard a “boundary-pushing project.”
Silver Stone Landscaping has an unwavering commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and employs innovative techniques with top-quality materials to ensure longevity.
“Working with Silver Stone Landscaping on this project was an outstanding experience,” says Aubin. “Their professionalism, expertise and attention to detail made working with them truly great. Every aspect of working with them exceeded our expectations.”
Silver Stone Landscaping, Samson Pools and Accurate Building came together to create not just a backyard, but an outdoor home with impressive details that truly define this breathtaking space.
silverstonelandscaping.ca samsonpools.ca accuratebuilding.ca
Winnipeg-based Windeck has been building backyard dreams for decades. Today, the family business, operated by Mel and Judy Dueck alongside sons Brandon and Jordan, is a leader in top-shelf deck projects with full professional design capability, skilled in-house crews, and a product assortment that is second to none.
“We have built our reputation for over 30 years where we listen to customers, design to the highest quality stan-
dards and build decks that last the test of time and perform in our tough climate,” says Windeck founder and president Mel Dueck. He mentions that their longevity in the market has earned the company both trust and recognition among Manitobans looking to create exterior paradises.
Dueck remarks that earlier this year, they flew down to Florida to participate in the North American Deck and Railing Association Design Awards. Along with having won several
BY KELLY GRAYawards in previous years, Windeck was once again honoured with five awards for designs, including the top award for first place in deck design and build.
“Windeck is a company from a small city in Canada that beat out larger players across all of North America to win the top award. It shows we are on the right track. We are being recognized by our peers for our outstanding workmanship, even by those in another country,” says Dueck.
He points out that Windeck’s business model seeks to offer the best value but not the lowest price. “Our goal is to build the best without compromise. This commitment has made us leaders in residential, cottage and commercial projects.”
Some of the products that have helped Windeck make its name are engineered S.T.A.R. aluminum railings that are strong and goodlooking, Wolf PVC decking that offers durability beyond similar composite products, and DURADEK vinyl decking solutions. Windeck also offers
Structure Louvered Roof Systems,
aluminum pergolas and retractable awnings.
“Our teams also design outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire-tables, roof systems and waterfalls. We also do privacy and wind walls that are cutting edge,” says Dueck.
For do-it-yourself deck projects, Windeck has built a considerable supply offering. “We have one of the largest inventories in Canada to help curb against supply chain challenges,” he says, inviting people to visit their showroom at 937 Redonda St.
Over the past 30 years, Windeck has grown to be Manitoba’s deck leader by following a simple dictate – Do it once, do it right.
For more information visit www.windeck.ca
Acommon request for a yard with shade and privacy led to two one-of-a-kind spaces from 3 Seasons Landscaping.
“We spent plenty of time on design and working with each of the clients to meet their expectations with style, aesthetics and layout. Each project is fully custom built and planned, with plenty of unique details and finishes,” says Paul Szakacs, landscape designer with 3 Seasons Landscaping.
Through these discussions, the team learned that one client wanted a contemporary, backyard retreat, while the other wanted something more family-oriented and multifunctional for all that summer throws at us, from heat and rain to bugs. It's this attention to detail and high level of customization and care that 3 Seasons Landscaping has become known for in its 40 years in business.
For the backyard retreat in River Heights, a custom, contemporary pergola was outfitted with Roman shades for complete sun coverage. A screen on one side can fully block views for complete privacy. The small yard is well laid out with a courtyard-like patio space and plenty of large, colourful annual pots, hydrangeas and flowering trees.
For the family-oriented space in St. Vital, the team built a custom pavilion with a solid roof, power and lighting. Each side has motorized, retractable screens to fully enclose the room and escape the bugs. The structure is the centrepiece of a large deck and patio space that boasts multiple areas for socializing, lounging and cooking.
“Pergolas and overhead structures do a lot to frame spaces, add complexity and create outdoor rooms, on top of their functional advantages,” says Szakacs. “It's fun to see these structures rise - we build and create some really interesting outdoor spaces.”
Maintenance for both yards is minimal. Irrigation was even added to the large annual pots found in the River Height's yard.
Each space fully utilized the 3 Seasons Landscaping team's experience in planning, designing and construction, and allows the homeowners to enjoy our Manitoba summers their way.
3 Seasons is a full-service landscape design, construction and maintenance company committed to providing elite services.
Learn more at 3seasons.ca
Care for a game of Pickelball? This popular racquet sport, which is a cross between badminton and tennis, has become the hottest game to hit the court. In fact, so popular that people are seeking their own surface to play on at home.
Luckily, Athletic Flooring Systems is the exclusive Manitoba and northwestern Ontario dealer for Sport Court, an innovative, durable modular court surface that’s engineered to be safer and last longer.
The multi-game surface can be used for sports year round - basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, inline hockey and skateboarding in the summer, and then ice skating and hockey in the winter. The company’s surfaces are so well suited for multiple sports they are endorsed and used by nearly every sports affiliation worldwide.
And no matter what the game, Sport Court’s patented technology ensures players are doing it safer. The brand’s Lateral Forgiveness™ and Ortho
Cush™ reduces joint stress and fatigue without sacrificing ball bounce and response, which helps families play longer and safer.
With 18 colour options the courts can be customized to suit the house, or showcase favourite team colours. Customers can even add logos to make the surface their own. These courts require zero maintenance once
installed, and come with a 15-year guarantee.
Whether it’s basketball, tennis, inline-hockey, or Pickelball, with Athletic Flooring Systems and Sport Court, it’s game on!
Like any good recipe, creating a gorgeous kitchen is all about bringing together the right ingredients. For the kitchen and bathrooms at this ADR Properties' showhome, the Kitchen Craft team, with the guidance and collaboration of the builder, selected just the right fixings to convey a feeling of warmth and relaxation.
“All these different finishes – when done in the right places in the right amount – can create such a beautiful, comforting space to unwind and relax,” says Kelly Murray-Curé, designer for Kitchen Craft.
To produce that sense of coziness, the team chose Kitchen Craft's Coventry door in thermofoil and used the colour satin daybreak for a warm grey with a brown undertone, and then switched out select doors and drawer fronts to oak frappe. To add further texture, upper cabinet doors have glass inserts in German antique crackled glass. To complete the look, a mix of gold fixtures and handles add to the warmth and bring in just the right amount of opulence.
“The forward thinking in this design was really mixing and matching several finishes within one type of cabinet and creating that sense of something unique and different, all while keeping a balance between finishes so that none overpowers the other,” says Murray-Curé.
Lighting also plays a major role, says the designer. “That sense of calming 'airiness' was so well achieved
by the exact lighting placement adding pops of interest throughout the kitchen.”
Lighting at the base of the cabinets shines down on the toe kick, creating the illusion that the cabinets are floating. Lights are also found in the glass transom cabinets for display and ambience, and under the upper cabinets to help with tasking and food prep.
The builder's use of creative lighting is a unique focal point throughout the entire home.
"The lighting in this showhome is unlike anything I have ever seen. It's quite unique and a must-see,” says Murray-Curé.
Make an appointment to visit this showhome at 320 Park View Point in West St. Paul by contacting realtor Anita Sharma Turner at 204-989-9000 or anita@anitasharmaturner. com
BY KELLY GRAY
Thinking about a bathroom renovation? Cosentino has you covered with C-Bath, the company’s comprehensive approach to reimagining bathroom spaces through innovative approaches to design and the latest technology.
Utilizing an extensive portfolio of materials and products, C-Bath is focused on the creation of unique and personalized spaces that feature large format wall and floor cladding, a minimum number of joints, balanced colours and textures, as well as minimalist washbasins and shower trays that utilize state-of-the-art materials such as Silestone, Dekton and Sensa to create inspired manufactured pieces.
“C·Bath Studio shows atmospheres designed by Cosentino to find your ideal bathroom, thanks to our extensive portfolio of materials and products,” says Cosentino Winnipeg General Manager, Scott MacKenzie.
Indeed, the avant-garde design and the quality of Cosentino materials
merge in timeless bathrooms made to be lived in. Inspiration and solutions for any decorative style are part of Cosentino’s complete bathroom package that offers an extensive portfolio of materials and products. Cosentino’s C-Bath designs look to quality, sophistication and a holistic view of the space to create lasting appearance and performance. From industrial character to Mediterranean simplicity, C-Bath offers a wide range of spaces rich in details and finishes to connect with any style.
MacKenzie remarks that the ability to touch and feel stone and tile products and to see their colouration and unique aspects firsthand is important. Toward this end, Cosentino Winnipeg (3020 Red Fife Road) offers over 3,500 slabs stocked in a facility with a 4000-square-foot showroom, a 20,000-square-foot warehouse, a sample room, and a space for continuing education and events.
Look to Cosentino for bathroom countertops and washbasins, shower trays, floors and cladding, not to
mention design-forward inspiration and technical advice. MacKenzie invites prairie-based trades, designers, architects and the public to investigate C-Bath and discover the advantages of Cosentino’s total design approach.
For more information, visit www.cosentino.com
When unique is what you seek in counter surface products, look no further than Vicostone.
Vicostone is an international leader in quartz surface products with a presence that extends to 50 countries. In Canada, Vicostone offers a national distribution network that includes sites in Ontario, Quebec, BC, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Manitoba. The company opened its Winnipeg facility last year with a large showroom and warehouse at 9-1680 Notre Dame.
“We offer a 1,500 square foot showroom where people can take their time and comfortably look over a huge selection of high-quality quartz products,” says Winnipeg-based sales representative Greg Bottrell. He remarks that Vicostone offers a vast selection of 65 colours, many of which are highly unique. “Here at our Winnipeg facility, we currently have 38 colours available for immediate delivery. All others are shipped from our Calgary centre,” he says, adding that Vicostone is an international company focused on global trends. “Our distinctive colour pallet in our innovative collections mirrors the latest in design, and our technology allows us to deliver a balance between luxury and practicality. Vicostone products deliver a sophisticated natural appearance at very competitive pricing,” he says.
According to Bottrell, Vicostone offers not just unique colours where they can meet current design trends headon but offers larger-sized slabs as well. “We have slabs that are 65 inches wide. This means that an overhang for a kitchen island can be made without using a second piece,” says Greg, mentioning that they offer six price points from entry level upward.
Vicostone products are manufactured in Vietnam to exacting standards and then shipped worldwide. These surface products are composed of up to 93% natural quartz and are stain-resistant as well as resistant to scratch, heat, impact and many corrosive chemicals such as acids and common cleaners. Vicostone is low maintenance and cleans up with just soap and water. And, it never needs to be resealed, unlike granite or marble. Vicostone is also air quality safe (NSF, ANSI 51, GreenGuard) and is made especially for kitchens and bathroom applications.
“Without question, we offer some very distinct advantages regarding surface products,” concludes Bottrell. “Our colour pallet offers unique selections unavailable within other manufacturers’ catalogues. Our price point is also worth investigating. We are highly competitive, and our quality speaks for itself,” he says, inviting people to drop into their Notre Dame Ave. facility to discover the unique qualities of Vicostone quartz surfaces.
For more information, visit www.vicostone.ca
Simple meets bold for impactful lighting that adds warmth while embellishing this home's clean, urban industrial style.
“The lighting choices matched the overall room design perfectly. We were able to keep the urban industrial vision without overpowering the rooms,” says Adilia Silva, general manager for Total Lighting Sales Ltd., the lighting specialists for this new Artista Homes' display home. “The matte black finish on all the fixtures works well with the natural stone elements and dark accents in the spaces.”
The little details highlight the careful thought that went into each selection. The chandelier's open, airy feel and
subtle straight lines work well with the graphic lines of the pendants over the bathtub without being too alike. The chains on the pair of geometric globes complement the gorgeous plum coloured, claw foot tub. The team also added LED tape under the floating vanity in the ensuite to avoid dark areas.
Total Lighting Sales is a locally owned shop that has been lighting up the lives of Manitobans for over 45 years. With customer service as a priority, the experienced team can find the perfect style to fit your space and budget in their unique, open concept showroom.
www.totallightingsales.ca
