July 2017  t8nmagazine.com
Elk Island National Park Hello, Ottawa
Your Capital Adventure Awaits
The Reviews Are In
Our Homegrown Wilderness Wonderland
Happy Birthday,
Canada
Let the Celebrations Begin!
8 Destinations, 8 Great Poutines
Saskatoon Butter Tarts, Anyone? T8N July 2017  1
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Visit urbandistrict.ca for more information LEASING AND SALES Lorraine Bodnarek lorraine@landrex.com or 780-907-1262
INTRODUCING THE URBAN DISTRICT
The Urban District transcends your average shopping centre. Reflecting the City of St. Albert’s active population, our vision is to create a vibrant multi-use development that boasts retail, hospitality, medical, professional and residential offerings all anchored by a naturally stunning, lush park space that transforms into an ice rink to be enjoyed throughout the winter months. In the Urban District, the stress of day-to-day errands and appointments dissolves against a backdrop of stimulating sights and exciting discoveries.
RETAIL/ COMMERCIAL 3
This dynamic development will effectively connect the community at every turn with thoughtful, multi-functional spaces that encourage interaction and activity through the seasons. Employing purposeful design, the District is pedestrianfriendly not only to inspire healthy living, but also to ensure visitors can take in the full host of offerings with ease, and convenient access directly from St. Albert trail.
July 2017
Contents CONVERSATIONS 6 True North Facts for Thee
150 years of Canadian trivia
ARTS & CULTURE 11 Elk Island National Park
Our homegrown wilderness wonderland
15 Meet Canadian Bestselling
Author Corinne Jeffery A T8N interview
18 THEN & NOW
The Kinette Club of St. Albert Then & Now
20 THE 8S
Poutine Your Summer Away! Eight destinations, eight great versions
LIVING 23 FOOD & GATHERINGS
The Canuck Stops Here! Canadian favourites with a twist
27 TRULY DEEPLY MADLY
May We Suggest… The Community Refugee Committee of St. Albert Opening city doors
CITY 28 MEET YOU THERE
Saviour’s Café & Bistro Italy meets East Africa on Perron Street
29 COMMUNITY CALENDAR TRENDING 30 TRENDING
ABOUT THE COVER One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. - William Shakespeare IMAGE BY BRENDA LAKEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Summer in Ottawa A capital adventure!
32 Arctic Char (n.)
Dive into a Canadian delicacy
From the Editor
T8N MAGAZINE
VOLUME 4 ISSUE 7 July 2017
THE COMFORTS OF HOME. We all have them.
For me, it’s the smell of coffee perking in a sleepy kitchen and the sound of a crisp duvet crinkling beneath a cat without a snooze button. And when home is Canada, those comforts are some of the most privileged in the world. To give thanks, we’re wishing Canada a happy birthday in this our July issue. And what better way to start than with a photo essay at Elk Island National Park.
CARMEN D. HRYNCHUK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
From there, we headed back to the city to learn about the Community Refugee Committee of St. Albert and the important initiatives it champions. Also on our list: a visit to Saviour’s Café & Bistro, where Italy meets East Africa on Perron Street. Speaking of food, who’s up for a saskatoon butter tart or a pan (or two) of puffed wheat squares? Those and other prairie favourites are exactly what you’ll find in this month’s recipe section. Though food is an important part of Canada’s narrative, we didn’t just eat our way through this month’s issue. We’ve got Canadian facts and trivia, a guide to visiting Ottawa and a special T8N interview with Canadian bestselling author Corinne Jeffery. Ready to get started? Then here’s to Canada and to learning from the past as we write the next 150 chapters in our history.
PUBLISHER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Rob Lightfoot
Carmen D. Hrynchuk
ART DIRECTION
Carmen D. Hrynchuk, Brenda Lakeman PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT & DESIGN
Correna Saunders PHOTOGRAPHY
Brenda Lakeman FOOD STYLING
Little Fire Creative PROOFREADING
Amy Lightfoot CONTRIBUTORS
Shawna Dirksen, Jennie Drent, Rhonda Kronyk, Amy Lightfoot, Markwell Lyon, Robert Michon, Derek Owen OFFICE MANAGER
Janice Lightfoot CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES Image page 6 ©Save Jungle/Adobe Stock Image page 8 ©GraphicStock Image page 20 ©Paul Binet/Adobe Stock Image page 27 ©Jasmin Merdan Image page 30 ©chiyacat/Adobe Stock Image page 32 ©a7880ss/Adobe Stock
ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT) ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)
Feature Writers ROBERT MICHON
Robert has a degree in History and English Literature from the University of Alberta and is pursuing a second degree in Communications from MacEwan University. Robert fills much of his free time reading, blogging or writing fiction. But when he doesn’t have a book in hand, he can usually be found outdoors, hiking or enjoying one of Edmonton’s many summer festivals.
JENNIE DRENT
For editorial inquiries or information, contact T8N magazine at info@t8nmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t8nmagazine.com. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Rob Lightfoot rob@t8nmagazine.com 780 940 6212 or visit t8nmagazine.com T8N magazine is published 12 times a year by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2017 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Content marked by the Sponsored Content icon was produced in partnership between content producers and T8N magazine.
Jennie has lived in St. Albert for 18 years. She has a diploma in Travel Consulting and Professional Writing from MacEwan University, and has returned for her degree in Communications. When not cursing at her computer, Jennie loves to get outdoors, travelling to experience new food and drink, and relishes the art of relaxing.
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Conversations
TRUE NORTH FACTS FOR THEE 150 years of Canadian trivia BY ROBERT MICHON WITH JENNIE DRENT
IF YOU HADN’T heard, this year is
Canadian Origins
Canada’s 150th anniversary. A nd wh ile ma ny people a re d rawing attention to the huge nation-building events that have defined our country, there is something to be said for the smaller cultural phenomenon that tend to escape the notice of most people. In honour of Canada’s sesquicentennial celebration, we’ve gathered a few facts that celebrate the more obscure side of Canada’s history and culture, facts that you’re sure to be able to impress your friends with during the celebrations.
Canada’s official motto is “A Mari usque ad Mare” which is Latin for “From Sea to Sea.” The phrase was taken from Psalm 72:8 during the Confederation as an inspirational statement, even though Canada, at that time, had only one coastline—the Atlantic. It wasn’t until British Columbia joined in 1871 that the statement rang true. Today, at the suggestion of the three territories, Canadians are using “From Sea to Sea to Sea” to include the Arctic coast, though it’s not official.
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Though Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday this year, Canada’s Indigenous peoples have been living on this land for much longer than that. During the 1980s,
archeologists uncovered a collection of bones and tools in Yukon’s Bluefish Caves. These artifacts are estimated to be between 24,000 and 28,000 years old, meaning that Canada’s first wave of settlement occurred long before recorded history.
Geography The creation of Alberta and Saskatchewan wasn’t the only option the Canadian government was considering when dividing up the prairies. One plan called for the creation of one large prairie province called “Buffalo” with Regina as its capital. Another plan called for four prairie provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Athabasca and Assiniboia.
Since Canada enjoys peaceful relations with most nations in the world, one of our longeststanding border disputes might come as a surprise. Since 1980, Canada and Denmark have been involved in a disagreement over which nation owns Hans Island, a small, uninhabited, resource-barren, one-kilometre stretch of rock that can be found about halfway between Baffin Island and Greenland. Though discussions have been civil, neither country has been willing to give up its claim on the island. Just 25 kilometres off the southwest coast of Newfoundland are two small islands that belong to France: Saint Pierre and Miquelon. They have 6,500 inhabitants, cod fishing is their main industry (though tourism is gaining momentum) and they have zero atmospheric pollution. They claim to have the climate of the Shetland Islands, the architecture of Iceland, the landscape of Scotland and the culture of France.
Innovation Our prairie provinces have always been known for their top-quality wheat, but with our long winters and short summers, it wasn’t always easy to grow. In 1892, brothers Percy and Charles Saunders were able to cross Red Fife wheat with a variety from India called Hard Red Calcutta, which led to a quick-growing, high-quality wheat called “Marquis” that we still grow today. In 1857, a professor at McGill University invented the green ink used on American greenback money. Thomas S. Hunt was a chemist with the Canadian Geological Survey, and he suggested that the American banknote contain chromium trioxide (Cr2O3). It’s this chemical that makes counterfeiting American money tricky. Our country has always been proud of inventions like basketball and the zipper, but Canada was also a pioneer in the field of digital animation. In 1994, Vancouver’s Mainframe Studios released the first computeranimated television show ever: a science fiction cartoon called Reboot. Disney’s Toy Story, the first digitally animated film, wasn’t released until a year later in 1995.
Language Canada is a bilingual country, but only one province is officially bilingual: New Brunswick. The Official Languages Act doesn’t apply to provincial and municipal governments, but New Brunswick decided to officially adopt a
DID YOU KNOW? The Government of Canada is slated to spend a total of half a billion dollars on Canada 150 celebrations. This money is divided among nationwide celebration events, merchandise, and infrastructure improvements. It’s a lot of money, but it doesn’t even include the amount being spent by provincial and municipal governments on their own celebrations. bilingual policy out of respect to the mix of Anglophone and Francophone communities in the province. This means that if you want to converse in French at any government institution such as a hospital or a police station in New Brunswick, you have that right. Aside from Canada’s two official languages, it’s also home to over 60 indigenous languages that aren’t spoken anywhere else in the world. Of these 60-plus languages, most are in danger of being lost. Stats Canada estimates that only Cree, Ojibwa and Inuktitut have enough speakers for the languages to survive without outside aid. Most of us know that the name “Canada” comes from the Haudenosaunee (or Iroquois) word for “village.” But four of our provinces and two of our territories have names that can be traced back to Indigenous Canadian roots as well. • Québec means “Where the river narrows” in Algonquin, and refers to the narrow spot along the St. Lawrence River where Québec City was built. • Manitoba means “The Narrows of the Great Spirit” in Cree, describing the shape of Lake–Manitoba, as well as its cultural significance. • Saskatchewan is named for the Saskatchewan river system that runs through the prairies and means “Swift-flowing River” in Cree. • Nunavut means “Our Land” in Inuktitut and was chosen to be the official name of the territory when it was formed in 1999.
• The Yukon Territory is named for the Yukon River that flows through it, a name that means “Great River” in Gwich’in. • Ontario is named for Lake Ontario, which means “Sparkling Waters” in the Haudenosaunee languages.
Natural Canada Wood Buffalo National Park is home to the world’s largest beaver dam. Just how big is it? It’s 850 metres long and can be seen from space. No one knows how old it is, but it was only discovered in 2007 by a researcher looking at satellite images; research suggests it wasn’t around before 1975. If you’re wondering how anyone could miss such a large beaver dam, remember that Wood Buffalo has a larger area than Switzerland. Canada has more natural lakes than all other countries in the world combined. In fact, half of the natural lakes found in the world are found within our borders. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, there are over 2 million lakes that cover close to 8% of Canada’s 10-million-km2 surface area with fresh water. Another fact is the entire water volume in these lakes is large enough to flood this county to a depth of 2 metres. If you want to lose weight without exercising or dieting, head to the Hudson Bay Region. The gravity there is less than most other places on Earth—one-tenth of an ounce to be exact. This lower gravity was discovered in the 60s, and the widely accepted hypothesis among scientists to explain it has to do with the last ice age and the Laurentian Ice Sheet. T8N July 2017 7
Contestants were also able to compete in several artistic competitions including architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture. Canada’s only Olympic medal in an art event was won by Torontonian musician John Weinzweig. Weinzweig came
later in 1789. The Nova Scotia Magazine, as it was known, published poetry and short stories in addition to news and editorials. The term documentary was first coined by Scottish-Canadian filmmaker John Grierson. Grierson was the founder of the National
FUN FACT Though 150 years may not seem like a long time, wars, colonization, and political instability mean that most of the world’s current nations were formed in the last 100 years, making Canada one of the older countries on the planet. in first place but was awarded silver for his composition, as the judges didn’t feel that any of the pieces were worthy of a gold medal. The ice sheet was over 3 kilometres thick, and it pushed down the rock quite far and reduced its mass. The rocks are still recovering from this pressure.
Canadian Arts During the first few decades of the modern Olympic Games, not all the competitions revolved around feats of athletic prowess.
The first Canadian published stories were non-fiction accounts of travel and adventure written by European explorers like Sir Alexander Mackenzie. The first Canadian novel was written in 1769 by a British resident of Quebec named Frances Brooke. Brooke’s novel was called History of Emily Montague, and it tells the story of a blossoming romance in the heart of snowy Quebec. The first Canadian publisher surfaced 20 years
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Northern Cuisine An American may have invented the clam-infused tomato juice cocktail, but a Canadian perfected it and called it the “Caesar.” Walter Chell took months to perfect this Canadian cocktail to celebrate the Calgary Inn’s new restaurant, Marco’s Italian. Soon after the Caesar was created, Mott’s Beverage Company started to market their Clamato beverage, and now over 350 million Caesars are consumed in Canada each year.
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Film Board, a government body that was created during the Second World War with the purpose of coordinating Canadian filmmakers in the production of wartime propaganda films. In Grierson’s mind, there was no better way of informing the public than a propaganda-rich documentary film. We’ve moved beyond the idea of propaganda being a tool for the public good, but we still have Grierson to thank for the birth of the Canadian film industry.
You may know that there are more doughnut shops per capita in Canada than anywhere else in the world (mainly due to the popularity of Tim Horton’s), but this also means we eat a lot more doughnuts than anyone else in the world. There are over 3,600 Tim Horton’s across Canada selling over 3 million doughnuts a day. And a doughnut just doesn’t taste the same without a cup of coffee. In 2016, Canadians drank 14 billion cups with 2 billion of those coming from Tim Horton’s. Canadians love their beer. According to Beer Canada, Canadian adults drink around 63 litres per person every year. In total, that comes to about 22 million hectolitres drunk every year, 84% of which is Canadian brewed. And where there is beer, there are a lot of empty bottles. About 99% of beer bottles get returned for recycling in Canada.
Wartime Immediately following the Second World War, the Royal Canadian Navy was the third largest navy in the world. While many of the world’s powers were losing the majority of their ships in military engagements, Canada’s naval support role meant that it was able to produce more ships than it was losing. In fact, Canada was the only nation to end the war with more ships than it started with. The Nile Expedition was Canada’s first overseas participation in a war. It began in 1884 when an uprising occurred in British-controlled
Sudan. When British and Egyptian forces were captured by the rebelling Sudanese, Canada’s Governor General Landsdowne recruited 376 voyageurs (mainly lumbermen) to help rescue them. These voyageurs were skilled river navigators and for six months, they guided the expedition’s boats up the Nile River to Khartoum. Two days before they reached Sudan’s capital city however, the captives were killed, and the voyageurs returned home. During the Cold War, it was common for governments to construct nuclear fallout
Great Nutritional Advice No purchase necessary
Getting nutritional advice in a grocery store seems like such a natural service to provide that it’s strange to think it’s a relatively new concept. Today, people are more informed about their health and eating habits, so St. Albert Sobeys decided it was time to offer free nutritional advice to its customers. For nearly two years, the Wellbeing Department (situated right by the pharmacy) has been offering everything you need to take charge of your overall health—from sports nutrition products to expert advice from Laura Johnston, St. Albert Sobeys Wellbeing Counsellor. Laura sources a lot of the natural foods and supplements you find in the Wellbeing Department. So, if you have a question about allergen-containing foods, dairy substitutes or have been diagnosed celiac, she can answer all of your questions on how to supplement your diet to keep you healthy. St. Albert Sobeys has the largest gluten-free section north of Red Deer, as well as one of the best dairy-free selections in the area. Why? “St. Albert residents really care about their
health; they’re more in-tuned with their bodies and recognize they may have an allergy or an intolerance. People here are ready to choose products to treat their symptoms,” explains Laura. Research has shown that humans are creatures of habit, and we’re no different when we go grocery shopping. People take the same route within the store when they choose their groceries. For this reason, the Wellbeing Department team offers tours of the store to show customers what else is available. If you’re on a weight-loss program or need to modify your diet due to a medical condition, Laura is happy to take you “off the beaten path” and show you where to find the salt or sugar substitutes, or where to find all the different types of protein. If you need a one-on-one consultation, she’s there to help. St. Albert Sobeys also offers workshops and seminars such as a four-week weight-loss program at Servus Place. Laura also helps local athletes and sports teams on how to keep fuelled during and after exercise.
shelters that they could retreat into in the event of a nuclear crisis. Canada was no different. Under the leadership of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, the government constructed the “Central Emergency Government Headquarters,” an underground bunker located in a field just west of Ottawa. This bunker could house 565 government officials for a period of one month, which they hoped would be long enough for the radiation to subside. Today the shelter is open to the public as a museum and is affectionately called “The Diefenbunker.” t8n
MEET LAURA JOHNSTON, BSC, C.H.N. Laura has a Food Science and Nutrition Degree from the U of A and a Natural Nutrition Diploma from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, which makes her a certified holistic nutrition consultant. She’s also a triathlete, so she’s uniquely qualified to answer questions about the sports supplement lines carried by Sobeys. The Wellbeing Department isn’t just a gimmick to keep up with today’s food fads. The Sobeys team truly believes in the Sobeys motto, “Eat better, feel better, do better.” And when people have access to contradictory information from the Internet, TV shows, and friends and family, it’s nice to know that someone like Laura is here to answer all your questions about supplements, gluten-free products, alternative health food products and more—and her advice is free, no purchase necessary.
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ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK Our homegrown wilderness wonderland PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA LAKEMAN WORDS BY SHAWNA DIRKSEN
THERE’S SOMETHING SO special about a bright, beautiful July day. Maybe it’s the warmth of the
sun, the gentle summer breeze or the smell of freshly cut grass, but we feel nature all around us. We yearn to escape the city’s hectic pace, forget our troubles and take in the outdoors—even if only for a few hours. A short drive from St. Albert (45 minutes east, to be exact), we find Elk Island National Park. Picturesque and just plain awesome, this 194-square-kilometre park is a Canadian wilderness wonderland. Whether you’re looking for adventure, seeking serenity or thirsting for knowledge, a trip to Elk Island National Park is an experience you’ll surely savour. And with Canada’s 150th birthday upon us, there’s no better excuse to get out and explore one of our country’s natural marvels. Here we go behind the scenes at Elk Island National Park. Take a look!
T8N July 2017 11
The Elk Island story begins in 1906, when five Albertans from Fort Saskatchewan convinced the Canadian government to create a wildlife sanctuary for elk, which were being wiped out by hunters. “Elk Park,” a 42-square-kilometre area around what is now Astotin Lake, became Canada’s first federally run, big-game sanctuary. Since then, Elk Island National Park has become Canada’s largest, fully fenced national park. According to Robyn O’Neill, Partnering, Engagement & Communications Officer for Elk Island National Park, the park has not only grown in size but also in its conservation efforts. “We are well-known for our very crucial role in the conservation of the plains bison—the species was nearly lost forever. But we’ve also done other conservation work, such as with wood bison and the trumpeter swan. We are very proud of our heritage here at Elk Island.” 12 T8Nmagazine.com
Today, Elk Island National Park is not only a refuge for animals but also for people. “Hiking, biking and walking are really big out here,” says O’Neill. “We have 80 kilometres of trail. A nice short one is Living Waters Boardwalk, or you can go for 18.6 kilometres on the Wood Bison Trail.” According to O’Neill, geocaching is also a popular activity at the park. “We have 11 geocaching sites hidden around the park. Visitors can pick up supplies at the Visitor Centre, free of charge.”
“It’s cool to see the animals in their natural habitat, but we must show them respect. We tell people to keep their distance from wild animals. For example, there should always be at least three bus lengths between a person and a bison.” –Robyn O’Neill
If you want to get off the land and into the water, look to Astotin Lake. “Lots of canoeing and kayaking happen on Astotin Lake,” says O’Neill. “You can bring your own equipment or rent it on-site from Haskin Canoe Rentals.” Of all the fun activities to enjoy, O’Neill says watching the wildlife is one of her highlights. “If seeing a bison isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. It’s truly a majestic creature. And Elk Island is also a bird-lover’s paradise. We have over 250 species of birds at the park. Everything from ducks and geese to rare birds like the great crested flycatcher and the broad-winged hawk.” T8N July 2017 13
When you visit Elk Island National Park, the beauty around you is apparent. Look a little closer, however, and you’ll appreciate all the work that happens behind the scenes. The park has a dedicated team of interpreters, conservation experts, asset-management specialists, maintenance and administrative staff and so many more. “It takes a variety of people and all kinds of roles to keep the park running. Ultimately, wildlife and visitor-safety are the most important things to us,” says O’Neill. With wildlife roaming freely, tons of outdoorsy activities to try and so much to learn and explore, what are you waiting for? It’s time to experience Elk Island National Park! t8n
“Our Visitor Centre is the main point-of-contact between our staff and park visitors. It’s a great resource for people to help plan their visit. We have information on safety, any closures or construction, and our staff is there to answer questions.” –Robyn O’Neill
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MEET CANADIAN BESTSELLING AUTHOR
CORINNE JEFFERY A T8N interview
IT CAN TAKE a lifetime to make a
dream come true. Just ask Canadian bestselling author Corinne Jeffery. The long-time educator and St. Albert resident didn’t turn to writing until she was nearing retirement. But her story, the Understanding Ursula trilogy, had been with her all her life. “My trilogy follows my journey,” Jeffery says of the books—Arriving, Thriving, and Choosing—which span 80 years and several generations of a family on the Canadian prairies. The books have sold thousands of copies and attracted a following of dedicated readers. T8N recently sat down with Jeffery to talk about her books and her second career as an author. t8n: When did you know you wanted to be a writer? CJ: My brother was a year older than me. He went to school and stayed with my grandparents, and I thought that was so sad because I wanted to go to school—I have always loved school. He would bring his Dick and Jane
books home, and I was actually reading them sooner than he was. The minute I started to read, I knew that words were my medium. They always have been. And so, by the age of seven, I was telling everybody that I wanted to write a book. Of course, nobody took me seriously. t8n: You had a lengthy career before you turned to writing. Can you talk about that? CJ: I grew up in an impoverished, dysfunctional family, and I knew it was very difficult to make a living as an author. In my day, there was teaching and nursing. So I became a nurse […] I earned enough money and got bursaries and scholarships and went to the University of Manitoba and completed a three-year nursing degree. Since then, I’ve been in education. But my book was always with me, at the back of my mind. When I was 57, I started to write. By 67, I had three published books, and before I turned 68, I was a bestselling author. t8n: Why did you begin writing Arriving when you did? CJ: It actually started as a healing journey. I wasn’t planning to do anything with it, but my daughter would read over my shoulder
and say, “Mom, what are you going to do with this?” And I’d say, “Nothing. This is for me.” Writing has always been for me; I’m very selfish in that. I think most writers are, quite frankly. It takes you to a zone. I lose myself, my characters become real and I need to find out what happens with them. T8N July 2017 15
I really had two primary purposes, other than this healing journey. Because I’m never without one or two books on the go, I kept thinking, “Where are all the really good Canadian stories?” So that was one of the things I wanted to do—write a Canadian story. Because I think we are as interesting and as intriguing as every other nation of people. But the other thing I wanted to do was to immortalize the real, ordinary Canadian. You and me, not the rich and the famous and the sports stars and the politicians, the people who get all the press. t8n: When did you finish writing the trilogy? What was that like? CJ: I started to write it in the summer of 2002, and I finished it on March 3, 2011. It was nine years of writing. I got up that morning, about 7 o’clock. I sat down at about 7:30, started to write, and wrote the entire epilogue. By 5:30 p.m. I was finished. It was incredible; it just kept coming. I love the epilogue… you see, [the trilogy] starts with the prologue, and in the epilogue, eighty years later, I bring it all back together. It’s a full circle. I think writers have muses, but I also think we have some divine intervention.
In whatever you believe, there is intervention. My epilogue proved that to me. t8n: How would you describe your writing style? CJ: I’m a very visual person, and I take you right to the scene. And you’re there; you will know these people. That’s how I write. I have to be at the scene. If I’m not in that scene with my characters, it’s not going. Once I’m completely fluent with them, then my story unfolds. t8n: What do you think is the importance or the appeal of pioneer stories like yours? CJ: Our world is moving so fast and we’re losing so much of our history. [Understanding Ursula] covers that pioneer experience. I didn’t focus on the hardships and the difficulties—we all know it had to be tremendously hard. I focused on the people. I’m a people person. t8n: How have your readers responded to Understanding Ursula? CJ: I have people now who have read it three times. I have people asking for a prequel, a sequel, and a cookbook. I’ve come to the conclusion that they like Arriving best because
of the pace, the simplicity, the connection between God and man and nature. And people, and the cooperation. We’re losing all of that. That’s another irony: the so-called telecommunications that’s supposed to improve communication is actually putting a huge wedge between people. t8n: Tell us about Lords and Lepers, the novel you are currently working on. CJ: It’s a coming-of-age social commentary. I’m taking four young women, right from youth, adolescence, and into adulthood. [My idea] when I started this book was that in today’s world, all too often, we are valued for what we have and for what we do rather than for who we are… Alberta is a very materialistic place. It comes with all the opportunities and advantages we have in this country, and the money we have. t8n: Has writing this book been different than writing Understanding Ursula? CJ: Absolutely. [Understanding Ursula] was in my heart and my mind and my soul waiting to get out all my life. It’s based on real people. But [Lords and Lepers] has been more difficult because it’s pure imagination. But I’m having a great deal of fun with it. t8n
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Your Mortgage Match Doing more than helping you buy a house
It’s been said that buying a house is one of the most important and expensive purchases you can make. So is buying a mortgage. Like finding the perfect house, finding a mortgage that suits your specific needs may take time and a lot of legwork. Do you get an open mortgage or a closed one? And what’s the difference between a variable rate and a fixed one? At Your Mortgage Match, I’ll untangle all the terms and make sure you have everything in place before you purchase a house. And, best of all, my services are free. Unlike a bank or credit union that only offer you their product, I’m able to offer you a variety of mortgages. I search all the offered product at the banks, credit unions and non-bank lenders to find the best mortgage for you—not for the mortgage lender. And having a
mortgage broker do all the shopping around for you saves you time, so you can focus on finding the right house. If you’re thinking of purchasing a home, a mortgage broker should be one of the first people to contact. I’ll talk with you, and we’ll start the process of getting you pre-approved for financing. We’ll also talk about what kind of budget you can afford, especially when you take into account what you’ll be paying for insurance, property taxes and utilities. A clear budget will prevent the pitfall of falling in love with a house only to end up with heartache when you discover you can’t afford it. Even if you have debt problems or you’ve declared bankruptcy in the past, I’ll be able to help you build up your credit score to have you back in the lender range again. A mortgage broker is the hub of all the verbal and written communication among everyone involved in
your house purchase. I’ve built strong relationships within the community, so if you don’t know who should be your realtor, I can offer you several names of reputable agents. I make sure that everyone connected with the purchase of your house is informed about all that’s going on—most importantly you. Even after the purchase of your new home, when your mortgage comes up for renewal, I make sure it’s still competitive and meets your needs; if it doesn’t, we can shop around to find one that will suit you.
Getting a mortgage is difficult at the best of times. At Your Mortgage Match, I’ll be able to guide you through the process of getting financing, planning a budget, rebuilding your credit score and taking care of any hiccup that may come along so that your experience of buying your first house, or your third, will be as pleasant as possible.
GOOD CREDIT GOES A LONG WAY Lenders look at your credit score before giving you financing, so here are a few tips to build good credit. 1. Have two types of credit (credit card, loans, etc.), over a two-year period with each having a minimum of $2500 being borrowed. 2. Write down when and how much all your bills/ payments are due on a calendar. By making other payments on time, you show the lender that you’ll also pay your mortgage on time, too.
3. Increase your credit score by keeping your debt balance at less than 50% of your limit. For example, if your credit card limit is $5,000, spend $2,400 or less even if you pay it off every month. This shows you don’t borrow more than you should every month. 4. Check your credit score at least once a year to ensure there are no hidden debts, especially if you’ve just cancelled a gym membership or your cell phone contract; there may be final charges.
This sponsored content was produced in partnership between Your Mortgage Match and T8N magazine. T8N July 2017 17
Then & Now 1960s
ST. ALBERT KINETTE CLUB THEN & NOW Image credit: Musée Héritage Museum Kinsmen and Kinette float, 1989
The St. Albert Kinette Club held its first official meeting on November 8, 1966, where its 14 members, led by Mrs. Jeanne Irwin, sat down to decide what form their club would take. Their decision? To model it after other Canadian Kinette Clubs across the country—but with a slight twist. Unlike the other Kinette Clubs that often acted as auxiliary organizations that supported the projects of their male counterparts (the Kinsmen), the St. Albert Kinettes decided they would do things differently: In addition to providing support to their husbands, they would organize and host projects on their own. The first of these independent Kinette projects was the Christmas Food Hamper, a project that continues to run every holiday season. In their first year, the Kinettes managed to produce hampers for 35 families in need.
FUN FACT In their first year running the Christmas Hamper, the Kinette Club managed to collect enough food to feed 35 families. These days, the Kinettes collect enough to feed between 200 and 300 local families during each holiday season.
“TO SERVE THE Community’s Greatest
Ne e d . ” T h a t ’s t he mo t to of t he St. Albert Kinette Club, a local charitable organization that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In those five decades of community service, the club has more than lived up to its motto. And though the Kinettes
originally formed as the female counterpa rt to the K insmen Club, it’s been clear from the very start that the Kinettes were never just a supplementary charity group—they’re a successful, charitable organization in their own right.
Other early projects included Kinette-run public speaking courses for the women of St. Albert, programs for schools and youth groups and their own regular movie night called Kincinema.
1970s In 1970, the Kinette Club made their first sizable donation to the community. They had raised over $600 from their Kincinema project and used the money to furnish the waiting rooms of the newly built Sturgeon Hospital. This was only the first of many collaborations the Kinettes would have with Sturgeon Hospital. In the next few years they would begin to organize blood drives and raise money for research on both cystic fibrosis and heart disease. The 1970s also saw the Kinettes take on a much bigger role in the annual Rainmaker Rodeo, a project that was traditionally run by
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DID YOU KNOW? The first Kinette Club was founded in 1942, and today, there are 146 Kinette Clubs spread across Canada. Since their creation, they and their Kinsmen counterparts have raised over 1 billion dollars for Canadian charitable causes. the Kinsmen Club of St. Albert. The Kinettes helped with the rodeo preparations, sold tickets and acted as organizers and judges of the Rainmaker Parade and Rodeo Queen contest.
1980s While the Kinettes in St. Albert had always had their own community projects separate from those of the Kinsmen, they weren’t actually a fully independent organization. In fact, none of the Kinette Clubs in Canada were. Traditionally, to become a Kinette, a woman had to be the wife or daughter of a Kinsman. But this changed in 1988 when Kin Canada ruled that a woman’s membership did not have to be tied to that of a male relative. This ruling also granted Kinette Clubs across the country the right to manage their own finances and found new Kinette Clubs in communities without waiting for a Kinsmen Club to be founded first.
2000s In 2002, the Kinettes expanded their annual Christmas Hamper program to include the new “Fill-A-Bus” initiative. During the first year, they managed to completely fill two city buses with food, toys, and monetary donations for families in need. In 2003, they added a third bus to ensure that there would be enough room for the incoming donations. Before long, they started using double-long, bendable buses to keep up.
Today Today, the St. Albert Kinette Club faces more difficult challenges than they have in the past. The economy is not what it once was, and the donations they are able to collect reflect that fact. The need for charity is up, and there aren’t as many people who can give. Nevertheless, the Kinettes dutifully continue their efforts to serve the greatest need of the community, whatever that need may be. t8n T8N July 2017 19
The 8s
Poutine Your Summer Away!
Eight destinations, eight great versions
THE STORY OF this signature Canadian
dish begins with its quixotic invention in 1950’s Quebec and continues to be shaped by a variety of multicultural influences. Some say there’s only one way to make it—fries, cheese curds and gravy—but here are eight celebration-worthy versions that beg to differ. To each their own—poutine! 1. Canadian Brewhouse Around 2002, this Alberta chain seemed destined for dive-bar status. But when the company undertook a major image overhaul, refabbing its restaurants and completely overhauling its menus, Canadian Brewhouse emerged with one of the most impressive selections of food and drink of any chain on the market. And that includes their multitude of poutine selections—seven, to be exact. We tried the braised-beef version hoping that you couldn’t go wrong with tender, slow-cooked beef and a little BBQ 20 T8Nmagazine.com
sauce topping off a soup of gravy, cheese and fries. We were right. The perfect drink pairing? Two words: Osoyoos Caesar. 2. Delux Burger Bar It’s not unusual for bars to serve poutine, but Delux Burger Bar at The Shops at Boudreau in St. Albert serves one of the best-looking and most generously sized versions around. The gravy, of which they are certainly generous in offering, has great flavour, though (if you’re going to be picky) is not as hearty as the competition’s. What can’t be beat? Chasing it down with a $5 draft while catching a Jay's game on the big screen. 3. Dixie Lee A fried-chicken chain in eastern Canada since the 1960s, Dixie Lee established an Edmonton beachhead in 2016 with its Whyte Avenue location. Ringers in the poutine sweepstakes, Dixie Lee even does something that westerners don’t: they call gravy “poutine sauce.”
Served in a metal bowl, with crisp, fried potatoes, seemingly unmeltable cheese curds and just enough gravy—whoops!—“poutine sauce.” In fact, they seemed to know, down to the nanolitre, exactly how much sauce to use. If you are a transplanted Easterner, chances are you’ll love this place. 4. Goldrush Eatery Some people insist that poutine be made with cheese curds. But not at the Goldrush Eatery. Located in the Standard Life Centre in Edmonton since 1982, Goldrush uses shredded cheese to produce a formidable poutine. Gravy can be like nectar of the gods, and Goldrush has come close to crafting their own version. It’s salty enough to hit the spot, but not so much that you need to chase it with litres of water. The shredded mozza virtually liquifies into the gravy, creating a sumptuous pool of deliciousness. If the word poutine does mean “mess” in French slang, Goldrush wins the prize for the most accurate representation.
5. Jack’s Burger Shack Founded in Slave Lake in 2012, Jack’s Burger Shack relocated to its current Perron St. location in 2013 and has since expanded into Edmonton. Given that co-owner Tu Le was featured on an episode of Chopped Canada last year, it’s no surprise that the food is tasty and thoughtfully prepared. Their gravy is rich, hardy and flavourful, and they stay true to the origins of the dish by using cheese curds. The more adventurous might want to double down by pairing this with their Quebecker burger, which uses poutine as the sandwich’s main topping.
chopped green onions. Simple, scrumptious and reminiscent of “Texas Fries.” Come here if you’re craving the unexpected. 8. Simply Donairs This Mediterranean diner with a misnomer for a name—there’s more to their menu than donairs—is located at 388 St. Albert Trail, and they know their way around
poutineland. Simply the best taste and value of all the joints reviewed here. A small sized donair poutine—we’d hate to see a large— included tomatoes, onions, donair meat and sweet sauce—in addition to—the standard gravy and cheese. C’est vraiment magnifique. This place had a lineup going the entire time. One taste and you’ll know why. t8n
6. Jack’s Drive-In A Spruce Grove landmark dating back nearly 60 years, Jack’s Drive-In matches Tim Hortons in drive-thru-line insanity. In fact, by 2 p.m. you can expect to see vehicles snaking well out onto the adjacent frontage road. This is a sign of success, and poutine is part of the equation. Jack’s version opts for shredded cheese, and while that doesn’t follow the traditional canon, it makes for a respectable and resolutely messy version. In the (unlikely) chance you’ve never heard about Jack’s multi-flavoured soft-serve ice cream, you’ll want to make sure you leave with some of that, too. 7. La Poutine Looking to step outside the chain shop experience? La Poutine, located in Edmonton since 2011, is the place to go for traditional poutine, as well as inspired versions you won’t find other places. We settled in for a creation that subs in chili, sour cream and
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T8N July 2017 21
Looking for a
Fabulous Party Cake? Introducing...The Sweet Line Call to order one of our delicious Sweet Line Party Cakes. The perfect cake for any celebration! Available in 2 sizes, 6 inch round (8-12 servings) and 8 inch round (15-20 servings). Visit our website for flavour choices. Call to order (48 hours notice is appreciated).
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T he Canuck Stops
Here!
Canadian favourites with a twist SENTIMENTAL DELICIOUSNESS. Nothing hits the spot
like a treat you grew up with. And for many Canadians, those recipes read like love letters—sweet, telling and thoughtfully handwritten. In celebration of Canada’s birthday, we’re digging deep into our own recipe boxes for some well-loved favourites from home. Most of them are from the prairies and decidedly on the sweet side. But, then again, so are we. Happy birthday, Canada!
T8N T8N July July 2017 2017 23 23
Maple-Walnut Beaver Cupcakes Yeah, we had some fun here. So will you. Happy decorating! 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup walnut oil 1/2 cup sugar 3 ripe bananas, mashed 2 eggs 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp maple extract 1/4 cup Crown Royal whisky 3/4 cup buttermilk 1 cup chopped walnuts 2/3 cup chocolatecovered raisins For the decorations Chocolate icing (for frosting)
Peanut butter cups (for heads) Round chocolate melts (for cheeks) Smarties (for noses, ears, paws) Arrowroot cookies (for tails) Chicklets (for teeth) Candy eyes
Preheat your oven to 350˚F, and prepare a 12-mould muffin pan with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a second medium-sized bowl, whisk together the walnut oil and sugar. Add the bananas, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, maple extract and Crown Royal, and whisk again until smooth. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, followed by the buttermilk, and mix until smooth. Stir in the walnuts and chocolate raisins, and evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin moulds. Place in the preheated oven, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool the cupcakes on a rack, then ice and decorate (see page 23).
Saskatoon Butter-Tart Squares Saskatoons are a prairie favourite and add just the right pop of tartness to these butter-tart squares. 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup oat flour (just whizz oats in a processor until floury)
Puffed Wheat Squares Some recipes just shouldn’t be messed with. This is one of them. Tried, true and impossible to resist. 12 cups puffed wheat 3/4 cup butter 1 cup corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar (not packed) 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1 tsp vanilla extract
Butter a 9-by-13-inch pan, and set it aside. Next, measure the puffed wheat into an extra large mixing bowl. Place the butter, corn syrup, brown sugar and cocoa in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil stirring constantly, and let it cook for 3 minutes (still stirring). Pour the mixture over the puffed wheat, mix well and press into the prepared pan. Let set for 15 minutes before slicing (good luck with that).
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour For the filling 3/4 cup maple syrup 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup butter 2 large eggs 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 pinch salt 2/3 cup dried currents 1 cup saskatoons (fresh or frozen)
Preheat your oven to 350˚F, and generously grease a 9-by-9-inch pan. To prepare the crust, cream the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl, then add the all-purpose flour and the oat flour. Mix until combined, and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. To prepare the filling, place the maple syrup, brown sugar and butter in a pot over medium-high heat, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat, and let cool 15 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, flour and salt until combined. Add it to the cooled maple syrup mixture, and whisk. Scatter the currents and saskatoons over the prepared crust, and pour the filling over the fruit in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then allow to cool in the pan for 1 hour before slicing in.
Homemade Ketchup Chips 4 large Russet potatoes, sliced thinly lengthwise 3 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp white sugar
3 tbsp tomato paste 2 tbsp white vinegar 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp salt 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Preheat your oven to 350˚F, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the sliced potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Place all the other ingredients in a small pot over medium heat, and whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Pour the mixture over the potatoes, and toss to coat. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, and place them in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, turning them over after 25. When golden, serve them up with an extra sprinkle of salt and your favourite cocktail.
Crown Royal Cocktail If you grew up in Canada, chances are you had a purple velvet “toy bag” full of Lego or marbles. Here’s a whisky cocktail we hope you’ll find just as memorable. 1 oz Crown Royal Apple whisky 1 oz Cointreau 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice 1 1/2 oz cranberry juice Sparkling water, to taste Slice of lime, to garnish
Simply fill a tumbler with ice, pour in the ingredients, garnish, and serve.
Pineapple Upside-Down Muffins Canned pineapple might not seem like a big deal, but it sure was when your preserves were limited to what you could pick or grow yourself. Here’s our twist on this classic. 12 tsp butter 12 tbsp brown sugar 12 canned pineapple rings 12 maraschino cherries For the cake batter 1 1/3 cups allpurpose flour
1/2 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract Zest of 1 orange 3/4 cup buttermilk
Preheat your oven to 350˚F, and grease a 12-mould muffin pan. Next, place 1 tsp of butter in each muffin mould, followed by 1 tbsp of brown sugar, 1 pineapple ring and 1 maraschino cherry. Set the pan aside. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In a medium mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the white sugar and brown sugars. Add the egg, vanilla extract and orange zest, and mix until combined. Add the dry mixture to the wet, followed by the buttermilk, and mix until smooth. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin moulds, and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes, then invert them onto a cooling rack, and serve warm. T8N July 2017 25
Bacon & Egg Pizza Bacon pairs well with many things, but eggs are its best friend. Give this pizza a try. 10 strips of bacon, cut into 2� pieces 12 asparagus spears, bottoms trimmed 20 cherry tomatoes 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Store-bought pizza dough 1/2 cup sundried tomato pesto 1 large handful Italian parsley, chopped 5 eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or any blend of hard cheeses) Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Oil your clean BBQ grill, and heat it to high. Next, place the bacon in a large pan, and cook it over medium-high heat until it begins to crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel, and remove all but 2 teaspoons of grease from the pan. Return the pan to the heat, and add the asparagus spears. Cook them for 2 minutes, then add the cherry tomatoes, crushed garlic and balsamic vinegar. Cook for two more minutes, then transfer the spears and tomatoes to a plate and set aside. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a shape that will fit your grill. Reduce the BBQ heat to medium-low, and place the dough on the grill. Close the lid, and let bake 2 minutes. Flip the dough over, and spread on the tomato pesto. Next, add the bacon and parsley. Crack the eggs onto the pizza, sprinkle with cheese and close the lid. Let cook 5 to 7 minutes until the eggs have set, then add the asparagus and tomatoes. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve. 26 T8Nmagazine.com
Baked Salmon with Lemon & Capers Salmon is best when complemented with simple flavours: a little salt, a little acid, a whole lot of delicious. 1 lemon, zested and thinly sliced 1/2 small Vidalia onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 or 4 small fillets of wild sockeye salmon (or Arctic char)
1 cup cherry tomatoes 2 tbsp capers 1/2 cup white wine 1/4 cup freshly chopped dill 1 tsp salt (or lemon salt) 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper Extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle (about 3 tbsp)
Preheat your oven to 350ËšF, and butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Line the dish with half the lemon slices and all of the onions and garlic. Next, layer on the fish, and tumble in the tomatoes, capers and remaining lemon slices. Pour in the wine, sprinkle on the dill, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Drizzle some olive oil over the fish, and pop the baking dish into the preheated oven to bake for 15 minutes (thicker fillets might take longer). Serve immediately with the pan sauce and some crusty bread to mop it up with. t8n
Truly, Deeply, Madly
THE COMMUNITY
REFUGEE COMMITTEE OF ST. ALBERT
Opening city doors
IN SEPTEMBER 2015, pictures of
three-year-old Alan Kurdi’s body were splashed across news outlets around the world. The Syrian toddler had drowned as his family fled their war-torn home and tried to get to safety in Europe. Halfway around the world, in St. Albert, Helen Arnott was so moved by the pictures that she simply knew she had to do something. In January 2016, Arnott approached the St. Albert United Church with the idea to sponsor a refugee family, and they put an ad in the local paper to see if there was any community interest in the project. It turned out that there was, and 15 St. Albert residents showed up for what would become the committee’s first meeting. At the same time, Judy Evans, Arnott’s committee co-chair, had talked to the St. Albert Lions Club about hosting a family, but the group realized it was too big a job for them. Evans, however, “didn’t want to be that person who sat back and said ‘somebody should do something.’ Somebody is us, and so our group stepped forward.” Their solution? The two groups joined forces to form the Community Refugee Committee of St. Albert. Today the committee is supported not only by the Lions Club but also by other service clubs, the St. Albert United Church, Catholic Social Services and the Government of Canada through their Blended Visa Office-Referred Program. “This is a community grassroots group that didn’t know each other,” says Evans. They met for several months and decided that
“there was enough interest and will to support a family, so we formalized and started fundraising in September 2016.” Once the committee determined that there was enough community interest to support the initiative, it began to raise the $30,000 it would take to support a family for one year. Its first event was a parking-lot sale. Evans says St. Albert stepped up and often
camp in Lebanon. The family has already gone through the extensive screening process that all refugees go through, so they will be ready to leave for Canada as soon as the final paperwork is approved. While the committee recognizes that continued fundraising is vital, settling the family into their new lives will be its greatest and most important challenge. Evans says, “Now our
GETTING INVOLVED There’s still a great deal of fundraising to do. Upcoming events include a parking-lot sale in the United Church parking lot on September 6, a concert on November 17 and a bike-a-thon on May 5, 2018. For details, visit the group’s Facebook page at Community Refugee Committee of St. Albert. paid more for items or wouldn’t accept their change because they wanted to help a good cause. By January 2017, the group could already “show that we had enough financial commitment to support a family, so we decided to apply [to the government]. We’ve just sent in the final paperwork, and we’re waiting for final approval.” Arnott is not at all surprised that St. Albert has been supportive: “You have an idea, and you just try. I personally think of what’s possible—and I just didn’t even think of it being impossible. I thought this has got to happen. I had an intuition that we needed to do this, and the time is right.” Now that the paperwork is filed, the committee knows it will soon welcome a Syrian family who has been living in a refugee
big job is to support our family.” Their plans include all of the preparation needed to welcome the family in late summer or early fall. They are setting up committees to greet the family at the airport (this will be a small group, and no media will be invited); making sure an interpreter, hot meals, furniture and clothing are available; supporting their ESL education; and helping with the family’s budget, finances, health and dental-care needs. In Evans words: “This is not about us, it is about the family.” Helping the family become as self-sufficient as possible so they can settle into their new home as smoothly as possible is what’s most important. To Arnott, “this is what it means to be Canadian—helping to build communities one person and one family at a time.” t8n
T8N July 2017 27
Meet You There
SAVIOUR’S
CAFÉ & BISTRO
Italy meets East Africa on Perron Street SAVIOUR’S CAFÉ & BISTRO has been
a long time in the making for owner Solomon Debesay. Arriving in Canada in 2004, Debesay worked a mélange of jobs for more than 10 years before his passion for food led him to the restaurant business and the opening of Saviour’s in November of last year. “To be honest, I love cooking,” Debesay explains, “but I didn’t go to school for it.” Debesay learned how to prepare dishes in his native Ethiopia, where he taught high school for a living. When he came to Canada, he brought with him his love for cooking, which served him well when his family followed in 2011. “When they came here, as immigrants like me, I started cooking for them,” he says. It would be some years later, however, before Debesay would put his culinary skills to use professionally. Settling first in Edmonton and then in St. Albert, Debesay worked jobs as a glasscutter, a Mac’s cashier and a bread-delivery driver—in addition to running a janitorial service. It was during his time as a driver, from 2006 to 2016, that he came to know St. Albert. “It’s a good place to live,” he says of the city he now calls home. “The people are very nice.” Like Debesay himself, the concept for Saviour’s has also gone through something of a journey. “When I first came to open Saviour’s Café, I was trying to go all Italian,” Debesay recalls. But taking note of all the other Italian restaurants in town, he reconsidered. Keeping some of the Italian, he added a few East African dishes to the mix. “I have Italian pizza, all my pastries are Italian and I have cappuccino and macchiato, so it’s a mixture of Italian and African,” he says of the restaurant now. 28 T8Nmagazine.com
Though the pairing may not seem obvious, it’s also not as strange as it might sound. As Debesay points out, Ethiopia was once briefly colonized by Italy, and even today, pasta is a common food there. However, as appetizing as the panini and tiramisu look, the African element is what really sets Saviour’s apart. The restaurant serves up traditional fare such as tibs (sautéed meat and veggies) and slow-cooked wot (thick stew or curry). These are eaten by hand using injera, a sourdough flatbread. Made from teff, an iron-rich grain that mainly grows in Ethiopia and Eritrea, injera is absolutely central to
INJERA 101 In Ethiopia, injera is made entirely from gluten-free teff. But here, a little barley and whole wheat are often added. Debesay is working on obtaining injera made with teff and rice, which will be 100% gluten free. the cuisines of those countries. It comes to the table in rolls, from which diners tear off hand-sized portions to eat with. The bread’s spongy, elastic texture is perfect for picking up food and sopping up juices, and its slightly lemony taste is a nice complement to the savoury fillings. Another can’t-miss highlight at Saviour’s is the coffee ceremony. Coffee is believed to be native to the Ethiopian Highlands, and the drink has great cultural significance there. It is served after meals in a special clay pot called a jebena, which keeps the coffee warm for a long time so that drinkers can take their time chatting over it. Debesay adds ginger to
his espresso-like brew (giving it a little bite) and serves popcorn as a light accompaniment. In acknowledgement that coffee drinking is a social activity in Ethiopia, the coffee service at Saviour’s is meant for at least two people. Those eating solo will have to stick with the regular coffee (which is also pretty darn good). The positive response to Saviour’s has given Debesay confidence that his foray into the restaurant industry has been a wise one. On Facebook, TripAdvisor and Yelp, it’s been one five-star review after another. That feedback is something that means a lot to Debesay. “When the customers come, they encourage me,” says Debesay. “Especially people in St. Albert, they’re the best people. They’re so encouraging.” t8n
Saviour’s Café & Bistro at a Glance Location: #50, 24 Perron Street Owner: Solomon Debesay Specialties: East African and Italian cuisine; desserts and pastries; Ethiopian coffee ceremony Interesting fact: Saviour’s is one of several businesses located at the site of the historic Bruin Inn.
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR Things to do, watch, hear and see this July.
Photo credit: Lisa Mueller
EVENT
St. Albert & Canada Day
Thirteen Canada Day, by Douglas Fraser. artists will be showcasing their artwork that will depict what Canada means to each artist. Some of the featured are Jun Toyama, Rick Rogers, Kristin Anderson and more. Opening reception is July 6.
The day has finally arrived—Canada’s 150th birthday. Celebrate during the day with live entertainment, games, crafts, face painting and a variety of food vendors. In the evening, there’s a free concert at City Hall and fireworks at Seven Hills. Food donations are encouraged. There’s free parking, park ’n’ ride and a bike check available.
Date: July 6 to 29
Date: July 1
If you’re looking for further dance training or you have recently graduated a post-secondary theatre program, the St. Albert Children’s Theatre and St. Albert Performing Arts is sponsoring pre-professional and professional dance lessons. You’ll be instructed in jazz dancing, warm-ups, and strength and flexibility training.
Location: Rotary Park and Riel Recreation Park For more info: visit stalbert.ca/rec/events/ canada-day EVENT
Creative Camps Wanting a creative outlet for your kids? 4Cats Studio has “After Camp Care,” “Before Camp Care,” “Lunch Camp Care” and “Choose Your Own Adventure.” Kids have an opportunity to choose what they want to make from a variety of mediums such as clay, paint and paper. Date: Dates vary from July to September Location: 4Cats Art Studio, 23 Akins Drive For more info: visit 4cats.com/stalbert EXHIBIT
Glorious & Free: A Celebration of Canada VASA celebrates Canada’s 150th with art.
Location: Visual Arts Studio Association, 23 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue For more info: visit vasa-art.com EVENT
Theatre Dance Classes
Date: July 10 to 31 Location: St. Children’s Theatre Rehearsal Space, 215 Carnegie Drive For more info: visit stalbert.ca/exp/sact/classes EVENT
St. Albert Centre Superkids Crafts, puppet shows, science experiments, sports and more designed to keep kids 5 years and under having fun and learning. Program runs from 9 am to 11 am. Dates: Last Thursday of every month until November 30 Location: St. Albert Centre, 375 St. Albert Trail For more info: visit stalbertcentre.com/events T8N July 2017 29
OTTAWA, THE NATION’S capital, is
a feast for the senses in all seasons. Summer is always a great time to visit, but the summer during which we celebrate our 150th anniversary of Confederation will be particularly memorable. Besides the usual selection of activities and attractions, there is an extra helping of fun to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial. Here are some of the must-see highlights.
SUMMER IN
OTTAWA A capital adventure!
Parliament Hill (The Hill) The historic buildings that grace our currency are located in downtown Ottawa, perched overlooking the Ottawa River. The epicentre of Canada’s legislative system is composed of the Centre Block (which has the Senate and Commons chambers) and the East and West blocks (which have ministers’ and senators’ offices). The Centennial Flame burns on the central lawn, and there is a collection of statues of historically significant people scattered around the grounds, as well as free, guided tours to enjoy daily.
DID YOU KNOW? Fire destroyed the original Centre Block in 1916. A walk to the west takes you to the Supreme Court of Canada. A walk to the east takes you to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While there, don’t miss the daily changing of the guard ceremony (10 a.m.) and a nightly Sound and Light show (starting on July 11; times vary depending on sunset). There are even weekly yoga classes (Wednesdays at noon, May to August, all weather dependent). If your visit coincides with July 1, you will see the organized chaos that defines Canada Day. The festivities for about 100,000 people start in the morning and continue into the 30 T8Nmagazine.com
wee hours of the (next) morning. You will find street performers and face painters during the day and revellers later in the evening.
ByWard Market (The Market) Bounded to the north by Cathcart Street, the east by Cumberland Street, the south by George Street and the west by Sussex Drive, the ByWard Market is the heart of the action. The central market building (with its selection of casual international eateries and touristy trinkets) remains open year-round, while vendors appear on the streets and sidewalks outside, weather permitting. Don’t forget to sample some of the cuisine while strolling through the ByWard Market. Some of the specialties worth sampling: Beaver tails—Sure you can get them in Banff, but these deep-fried pastries are more authentic in Ottawa. Poutine—How to improve on French fries and gravy? Cheese curds from St. Albert (read on!). Obama cookies—After President Obama stopped at the Moulin de Provence to buy a cookie, the maple leaf shortbread cookies were christened “Obama cookies.” Between Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market, you will find purveyors of all manner of sightseeing tours: an Ottawa River cruise,
a Rideau Canal cruise, a “Hop on, hop off” city bus tour. You will also find the Bytown Museum, a water taxi to take you across the Ottawa River, and the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Museums & History The National Capital Region is chockablock full of museums, all of which have free admission on certain days and times. The Canadian Museum of History is located in the Hull sector of Gatineau, directly across the Ottawa River from the Parliament Buildings. The impressive structure will look familiar, as it was designed by Douglas Cardinal. The Canadian Museum of Nature, housed in the “castle” on the fringe of downtown, is a wonderland for the kids. Dinosaurs, fossils and live creepy-crawlies will keep them entertained for hours. For grown-up entertainment, check out Nature Nocturne, a once-monthly themed event with dancing, music and a cash bar. The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum is located at the Rockcliffe Airport along the Aviation Parkway. Explore the history of aviation, and for an impressive aerial view of the National Capital Region, try a flight in the open-cockpit biplane (helmets and goggles provided).
FUN FACTS Some of the more historical locales in Gatineau Park include: Mackenzie King Estates—a 231-hectare country estate that belonged to Canada’s 10th and longest-serving prime minister. Meech Lake—the site of meetings for the Meech Lake Accord (and rumoured to be home to a nudist beach). The Canadian War Museum is our national museum of military history, located less than 2 km west of Parliament. Take note of the small windows on the sloping, copper-clad roof: they spell out “Lest we forget” and its French equivalent, “N’oublions jamais” in Morse code. For serious history buffs, there is also a network of small community museums across the region.
Gatineau Park Only a hop, skip and an interprovincial jump away is Gatineau Park, the natural jewel of the National Capital Region— and the only federal park that is not protected by the National Parks Act. Stop at the visitor centre in Old Chelsea to get your bearings and a map to help you navigate the 361 square kilometres of park and its trails. From there, pick your poison—there are short jaunts and lengthy hikes. The Sugarbush trail is an easy 1.9 km stroll, starting at the visitor centre. The 2.3 km Pink Lake trail meanders around Pink Lake (which is actually green) on a carefully maintained trail and boardwalk. A 12 km walk (round trip) on a wide, reasonably level trail, takes you to the Lusk caves—a great place for a dip after working up a sweat. A slightly more strenuous 4.5 km climb to the Luskville Falls yields impressive views when you stop to catch your breath. For the slightly more adventurous, Camp Fortune (ski hill in winter, adrenaline zone in summer) offers an aerial course and zip-lining to keep you stimulated. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there is golf nearby: Dunnderosa golf club (an 18-hole course) and Dunn-D’s mini-golf. To finish off your outdoor activities, consider a visit to La Cigale, an ice-cream shop in Old Chelsea that’s sure to hit the spot. Other adventures slightly beyond the city limit: Wakefield—a funky and friendly village on the Gatineau River in Quebec. Merrickville—a quaint town on the banks of the Rideau River. Upper Canada Village—a living-history museum on the St. Lawrence River. St. Albert—yes, a twin city separated at birth. Visit the local cheese factory and purchase an “I love St. Albert” souvenir T-shirt. t8n T8N July 2017 31
ARC•TIC CHAR (n.)
Dive into a Canadian delicacy SUMMER HAS ARRIVED in St. Albert,
An Eco-Friendly Choice
and so has barbecue season! We’re ready with our Alberta beef, our farmraised chicken and our Taber corn. But how about grilling up something different (yet equally Canadian) this season? Arctic char has been making waves across Canada’s culinary scene and is sure to make a splash at your next backyard cookout. Read on to learn all about this resilient (and delicious) species of fish.
Cooking Arctic Char
Although there are commercial fisheries for Arctic char (mainly in Northern Canada and Iceland), most of the Arctic char we buy is farmed. Iceland is the world’s main supplier of farm-raised Arctic char, but there are also suppliers in Canada, the United States and Nordic countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Arctic char is a versatile, easy-to-prepare fish that’s delicious baked, broiled, grilled, smoked or served as sushi and sashimi. Use it as a substitute in any salmon or trout dish, but remove the skin before you start cooking (it tends to get thick and leathery). High in healthy fats, Arctic char stays moist (unless, of course, you overcook it).
DID YOU KNOW?
Part of Canadian Culture
What Is Arctic Char? Arctic char is an anadromous cold-water fish. In other words, it lives in northerly ocean waters and moves to freshwater lakes and rivers to spawn. Also known as common char, alpine trout, alpine char, sea trout or iwana (as sushi), Arctic char is part of the Salmonidae family, along with salmon and trout.
Where Does It Live? This fish loves cold, oxygen-rich water and, therefore, lives in alpine lakes and rivers, as well as arctic and subarctic coastal waters in North America, Iceland, Greenland, Europe and Asia. In fact, no other freshwater fish has been found as far north as Arctic char has.
What Does It Look Like? Arctic char looks similar to salmon but can range in colour from white to light pink to dark red, depending on the time of year and its environment. Most Arctic char that go to market are between two and five pounds each; however, a single fish can weigh as much as 20 pounds.
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Arctic char is not only delicious but also healthy. This fish is high in omega-3 essential fatty acids (about one gram in a 3.5 ounce serving) and is low in mercury. Most farm-raised Arctic char is considered eco-friendly. In fact, when you’re shopping for it, you’ll often see info on the packaging that rates it “Best Choice/Green” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program and the Environmental Defense Program Seafood Selector, which means the fish has been “well-managed and caught or farmed in environmentally friendly ways.” Farmed Arctic char is typically raised in onshore tanks rather than open netpens in the sea. These onshore fish farms not only prevent farmed fish from escaping but also emit less pollution than netpens do, which is why they are considered environmentally sustainable.
How Does It Taste? Many say Arctic char tastes like a cross between salmon and trout: rich in flavour, medium in firmness and light in texture. Arctic char is, however, milder in flavour than salmon, so those who like trout but don’t enjoy salmon might want to give it a try.
In Canada, Arctic char is found in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Newfoundland’s coastal waters, as well as in Ungava Bay, Hudson Bay and the St. Lawrence River. In recent years, Arctic char has grown in popularity across our country. However, this fish species has been a main staple in the Canadian Inuit diet for centuries—it’s even enjoyed frozen, like eating a popsicle. Arctic char has also been an important source of income in Canada’s far north for many years. Commercial fisheries operate in ocean tidal waters and river waters throughout the region. t8n
FUN FACT Like true Canadian dwellers, Arctic char thrives in the cold. It is the only fish species found in Lake Hazen on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic, which is known to many as Canada’s northernmost lake.
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