Boulevard Vancouver English, Oct/Nov 2021

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2021

VANCOUVER LIFE AT ITS FINEST

HERE & NOW

BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS Mastering the art of luxury

HAS YOUR LIFE GONE TO THE DOGS? Pet-friendly Vancouver

AUTUMN AROMATHERAPY Celebrate the season with fall-favourite spices

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PRIORITY REGISTRATIONS

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ONE BEAR MOUNTAIN IS MARKETED BY BLUEPRINT GLOBAL AND BROKERED BY FIFTH AVENUE This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with a disclosure statement. The developer reserves the right to make changes and modifications to the information contained herein without prior notice. Artist’s renderings are representations only and are subject to change. E.&O.E.

Checkmate

A G AT HER I NG O F SH APE & F ORM Craft a dining space where complimentary materials & elevated design collaborate to build an appetite & inspire connection.

Where simple geometry forms a design experience & statement appeal – the Povera dining table incorporates the elegance of ratio alongside darkened acacia wood & gentle ribbing.

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YO U’LL BE DR AWN TO TO U CH IT. BU T THAT WON’ T BE NECES SARY. STARTING WITH HAND-POURED MOLTEN BRASS, OUR FAUCETS END WITH AN EXACTING GLOVED INSPECTION. PERRIN & ROWE IS DESIGNED AND CRAFTED IN ENGLAND, BLENDING TRADITIONAL SKILLS WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY.

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A DISTINCTIVE MEMBER OF THE

©2021

HOUSE OF ROHL

torinoliving.ca

CONTENTS 54

26 FEATURES ON THE COVER Photo by Darren Hull Model Linsay Willier Kendall photographed on location at Klahoose Wilderness Resort.

Styling by Sarah D’Arcey & Lia Crowe

FASHION

56

42 BLACK & WHITE AND

GLORIOUS ALL OVER

This home and bathroom renovation is a stunner

By Lisa Manfield

B O U L E VA R D

AUTUMN AROMATHERAPY Celebrate the season with fall’s favourite spices

By Ellie Shortt

56 HERE & NOW

88 HISTORY. CULTURE.

Traditional First Nation pieces

meet contemporary Indigenous designs

AND THE SHARK TANK.

A weekend full of bonuses in San Jose

By Susan Lundy

72

12

80

By Sarah D’Arcey & Lia Crowe

HAS YOUR WORLD GONE TO THE DOGS?

Pet-friendly Vancouver

By Jane Zatylny

42

56

80

DEPARTMENTS

16

CONTRIBUTORS

18

EDITOR’S LETTER

Living the life of Riley

By Susan Lundy

20

LIFE. STYLE. ETC.

Courtney Watkins

By Lia Crowe

26

GOOD TASTE

Hearty and full of heart: Zarak

By Joanne Peters

24

WELL AND GOOD

Mind your muscles

By Kaisha Scofield

30

IN STUDIO

62 SIDETRIP

Technology as art

By Lin Stranberg

An experience shared: Klahoose Wilderness Resort

34

By Lia Crowe

WEEKENDER

92

SECRETS AND LIVES

Kate Harris

By Angela Cowan

94

NARRATIVE

Free hugs

By Marcia & Mike Nelson Pedde

98

BEHIND THE STORY

By Lia Crowe

Heads up on the BC Bird Trail

By Lin Stranberg

40 SPACES WE LOVE

Mastering the art of luxury

By Dawn Sondergaard

54 BUSINESS CLASS

The First Lady of presale: Grace Kwok

By Lauren Kramer

B O U L E VA R D

13

WEST COAST CONTEMPORARY LINE

DREAM BIG

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contributors “For me, photography has always

DARREN HULL

been about the opportunities to experience and be exposed to varieties of people and places along the way, with their culture and stories surrounding them. This fashion shoot at Klahoose Wilderness Resort is one I was honoured to be a part of, and I will truly never forget.” Darren Hull is an editorial and commercial photographer who has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s top image makers, with work informed by a strong sense of storyline.

PHOTOGRAPHER HERE & NOW

PAGE 56

WRITER HEADS UP

PAGE 24

BLACK PRESS GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto BOULEVARD GROUP PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke PUBLISHER Harry van Hemmen harryvh@blackpress.ca 604-649-1707 MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy

“Somewhere between sourdough and

LIN STRANBERG

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2021

Zoom calls, North Americans on lockdown woke up to the fun of bird-watching, and I willingly succumbed to the pleasures of this often-thrilling pastime that I once disdained as the territory of zealots and early risers.

Preparing this issue’s Weekender on the BC Bird Trail was particularly fascinating as it involved bald eagles—in droves—and pockets of the province that I have returned to again and again, for the beauty as well as the birds. City or country, local or exotic, the discovery, learning and shared experiences that result from a travel story have always made it one of my favourite forms of writing.”

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angela Cowan, Lia Crowe, Sarah D’Arcey, Lauren Kramer, Joe Leary, Lisa Manfield, Jenny McKinney, Marcia and Mike Nelson Pedde, Joanne Peters, Kaisha Scofield, Ellie Shortt, Dawn Sondergaard, Lin Stranberg, Jane Zatylny DESIGNERS Lily Chan, Michelle Gjerde, Tammy Robinson, Kelsey Boorman ADVERTISING SALES Vicki Clark Eleanor Ajram PHOTOGRAPHERS Alfonso Arnold, Lia Crowe, Don Denton, Brad Hill, Darren Hull, Janis Nicolay

“I take my dog Baylee with me

everywhere I can—partly because she can’t be trusted on her own—but mostly because I really enjoy her company.

When I was writing this story, I learned that Vancouver is even more dogfriendly than I thought, as long as you’re sensitive to your dog’s needs, and those of other people around you.” Jane is a communications specialist, editor, writer and regular contributor to Boulevard.

JANE ZATYLNY

WRITER HAS YOUR WORLD GONE TO THE DOGS?

PAGE 72

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ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy DISTRIBUTION Marilou Pasion Marilou@blackpress.ca 604-542-7411

VANCOUVERBOULEVARD.COM Boulevard Magazine is published 6 times per year by Black Press Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.

INSPIRATIONFURNITURE.CA 1275 W 6 AVE. VANCOUVER | 604.730.1275 1348-C UNITED BLVD. COQUITLAM | 604.529.6868

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

living the ‘life of Riley’

In the first few minutes of life with Zorro, we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. And that was before he peed on the Christmas tree.

A rescue pup from Chile, Zorro arrived last December at the Vancouver airport with nine other dogs, all flown from Santiago by Vancouver-based Homeless Pets Canada Society, which rescues street dogs and re-homes them, both in Canada and in Chile.

The precious cargo landed at 8:30 pm, but two hours later the 10 crates were still stuck in customs. Ten groups of new parents waited in a semicircle in the area where the crates would appear. Each group, mostly pairs, sat behind bowls of water and dog food. Our little group included Bruce and me—the expectant parents—my mom, grandma-to-be, and my daughter Sierra, along to meet her new brother.

Two hours into the wait and the initial excitement and joviality had turned to a quiet contemplation. Every once in a while a passenger from another flight wandered into the centre of the semicircle and suddenly stopped, confused and alarmed by the sight of two dozen people sitting behind bowls staring at them.

Like Bruce and me, all the expectant parents were prepared for the first meeting with their new pup. “Hola, Zorro!” we planned to say, hoping he’d understand the greeting despite our thick English accents.

The dogs’ names had been drawn in the order they would—one at a time— be brought to us. We’d meet our new dog, let him eat and drink, then slip on a harness, leash up and head outside the terminal building so he could pee. It all sounded very calm and very orderly. Zorro’s name was one of the last to be called, so we settled in for an even longer wait.

Suddenly the doors swished open and 10 crates came rolling to a halt in front of the semicircle. There he was! Our new baby boy! The dogs’ lengthy wait in customs—after flying all the way from Mexico City and before that from Santiago—had a few pups panicked. In fact, Zorro was barking so frantically, the volunteers brought him out first. (What a Good Boy!) He was a whirling dervish, springing first to his bowl of kibble, vacuuming it up in seconds, and then, before we could refill it, launching himself onto a neighbouring bowl. He was wiggly and yippy and frantic, and trying to get the harness on was like trying to saddle a greased pig.

As we tried to contain the wriggling mass, I met my daughter’s eyes. “Yikes,” was the silent word that passed between us. It’s hard to know what you’re getting when you adopt a dog you’ve never met before and, I confess, in that moment I was a little frightened.

We later discovered the dogs hadn’t eaten in 40 hours. It seems unlikely Zorro had drank much water either. We took him back to our hotel in Richmond and walked him up and down the mostly deserted streets for the next two hours, hoping he’d pee before we turned in for the night. In fact, he didn’t pee until about 5:30 am.

The next morning, December 21, brought a freak snowstorm, activating an adrenalin-laced drive home. We arrived to a tree across the driveway and so Zorro’s first introduction to his new life outside of summertime in Santiago was a walk to the front door that involved climbing over a tree and through a blizzard.

But no matter! His new home had a cheerfully decorated tree planted inside just for him! He lifted his leg and peed.

From that rollicking start, Zorro has settled into his new “life of Riley” and he has provided us with barrels-full of laughter and joy. At a year and a half old, he has experienced his share of trauma, from being left in a box under a bridge as a puppy to living at a rescue facility, and then enduring more than a dozen hours in the cargo department of two airplanes. But he has landed in a place of love and adapted well—despite the fact we took down the Christmas tree.

In this issue of Boulevard, we look at what it means for the many people who, like us, became new-dog parents during the pandemic and now hope to find a pet-friendly world. Read on!

Susan Lundy Editor Susan Lundy is a former journalist who now works as an editor, author and freelance writer. Her latest book, Home on the Strange, was released earlier this year via Heritage House Publishing.

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2980 PALMERSTON AVENUE, WEST VANCOUVER Located in West Vancouver’s most prestigious Altamont neighbourhood, this 12,500 sq ft Tudor residence is an entertainer’s dream. This stunning mansion presiding over an expansive 40,000 sq ft (0.9 acre) of sun-filled, park-like grounds offers the ultimate in lifestyle and privacy.

With sophisticated interiors, this home boasts 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and every modern amenity you can think of, whilst retaining incredible traditional craftsmanship that is almost impossible to replicate today. Perfect for a large or multigenerational family, this home features air conditioning, a massive chef’s kitchen, show-stopping English pub, 3800 bottle wine cellar, gym, Art Deco theatre, Scandinavian hot stone sauna, steam room and spa center. Extensive detailing, handcrafted moldings and solid casing work are highlighted throughout this thoughtfully designed residence.

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The grounds of this estate are accentuated with extensive stonework walls and pathways which highlight the sophisticated, mature landscaping. The huge backyard features a gorgeous, Italian tiled swimming pool, hot tub, sports court, childrens’ playhouse and BBQ centre. Parking for 9 vehicles on the property (including a large 3 car attached garage), double security gates and two separate heated driveways complete this stunning mansion.

life.style.etc.

COURTNEY WATKINS, OWNER & CEO, MINE & YOURS LUXURY RESALE WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

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M

y version of a ‘casual look’ isn’t sweatpants—it’s a flowy maxi dress and a hat!” says Courtney as I meet her at the new, second location of Mine & Yours, which is currently under construction in Yaletown. I’m looking forward to chatting with the woman behind the luxury resale shop, and I start by asking her to describe her personal style.

“I definitely gravitate towards flowy dresses and wear them year round. I love all of the Misa and Zimmermann dresses that come into Mine & Yours—it’s hard for me to not take them all out for a spin! I love experimenting with colours and patterns, and styling with edgy bags.”

Backtracking a little, Courtney tells me about the path she took that led her to where she is today.

“I moved to Los Angeles to go to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. I loved LA and ended up staying there and working in many different aspects of the fashion industry, including styling, trend forecasting and wholesale.”

About 10 years ago Courtney moved back to Vancouver to take over the family business, which was a sawmill. She tells me, “After getting a taste for entrepreneurship, I knew I wanted to start a business in the fashion industry and I saw an opportunity in Vancouver for a luxury resale boutique. Luxury resale was gaining popularity in LA, but did not exist yet in Vancouver. I wanted to create a store that showcased designer deals, but that didn’t feel like a secondhand shop.”

And what does she love most about her work?

“My favourite part about the luxury resale business is getting to do athome buying appointments with our suppliers. We refer to them as ‘closet buys.’ Not only do I get amazing, designer pieces for Mine & Yours, but I also get to build closer relationships with my community. I also love helping clients find and purchase their first-ever luxury designer bag. It’s such a special moment that I’m very grateful to be a part of !”

FASHION & BEAUTY Uniform: A flowy dress styled up with a hat or edgy accessories.

Currently coveting: One-piece ski gear.

Favourite pair of shoes: Cult Gaia Pearl Heel Sandals.

Favourite day bag: Anything Goyard.

Favourite work tool: My Chloé Belt Bag. Favourite jewellery piece or designer: My mom’s original wedding ring.

Fashion obsession: Hats.

Accessory you spend the most money on: Bags—which is good because they’re the best fashion investment.

Must-have hair product: A big round brush and Batiste Dry Shampoo.

STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE Style icon: Iris Apfel.

Favourite fashion designer or brand: Zimmermann, PatBO. Favourite cocktail or wine: Aperol spritz.

Song on current rotation: “Fire for You,” by Cannons.

Favourite city to visit: Anywhere in Greece.

Favourite app: Instagram—love our super-engaged Mine & Yours community on there!

Favourite place in the whole world: Anywhere on a boat.

One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during these hard times: My dog Hunny. Being surrounded by Chanel and Louis Vuitton every day is a close second.

READING MATERIAL What do you read online for style: Instagram!

Fave print magazine: Vogue.

Coffee table book/photography book: The Coveteur: Private Spaces, Personal Style by Stephanie Mark.

Last great read: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter.

Favourite book of all time: #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso. I just looked around and I have three copies; I used to give them to new hires!

B O U L E VA R D

21

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well and good

mind your muscles A moving body is a happy body WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD

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You’re getting older. I’m sorry, it’s nothing personal.

Every body is fully developed by the late teens to early 20s.

Soon after, at around age 25, the rate at which the cells are regenerated is surpassed by the rate at which they decline.

From there, your body starts the slow process of degeneration, or what we like to call aging. I know, it doesn’t seem fair that, biologically, we peak before we’ve even finished university.

Aging is, of course, unavoidable, but you may have noticed that some of us age more gently than others. The appearance of wrinkles and grey hair, and changes in skin and body composition, are largely determined by genetics, but the extent of these changes can be altered by how well we look after ourselves.

A great way to support the aging body is to eat nutrientdense foods, stay hydrated, devote time to sleep, combat

Exercise improves physical strength, mental function, cardiovascular health, coordination, tissue health, digestion and, of course, it slows aging. stress and maintain physical activity. These practices will guarantee an improved quality of life and greatly ease the aging process. In fact, the sooner these practices are made a part of your daily life, the more effective they will be.

People typically manage a consistent commitment to eating well, sleeping decently and remembering to hydrate, but stress management and physical activity are where we often falter.

We can be resistant to exercise because it is often represented as either a punishment for eating too many cookies or as a quick fix for abs of steel.

However, when we approach exercise with food-associated guilt on our minds, or feel discouraged because the fiveminute, belly-blaster workout isn’t producing the promised six-pack abs, we feel discouraged and convinced that we aren’t doing it right. Lack of results or unreasonable expectations are the main reasons people avoid exercise. This has led to a disconnect between movement for fun, physical expression and overall improvement of physical and mental health and wellbeing.

A moving body is a happy body. Exercise improves physical strength, mental function, cardiovascular health, coordination, tissue health, digestion and, of course, it slows aging. We are not just talking about a leisurely dog walk or a bedtime yoga class. Yes, all movement is useful, but all too often we associate aging with slowing down and limited movement, but this is simply not necessary. We want to be dancing, running, jumping, playing, working muscles, getting sweaty and training the cardiovascular system for as long as we are able.

Engaging in higher intensity, strength-based and sweat-producing movement is extremely important for people in mid-life and beyond. Mobility for the the aging population is crucial because our muscles begin their decline as early as age 30.

From there we lose three to five per cent of our muscle mass per decade until age 60 when muscle declines at a much faster rate. This is due to a condition called sarcopenia—the involuntary loss of muscle mass, strength and function, and it leads to frailty, loss of mobility and limited physical independence.

Muscle wasting, lack of mobility and frailty affect women more than men. Many factors play into this: genetics, active history, nutrition, hormones, etc. Active history is important for both men and women because movement levels throughout life affect physical abilities, but men are more often encouraged to engage in sports through childhood and into adulthood. Also, women tend to have higher rates of nutrient deficiencies because they are more likely to engage in longterm restrictive diets. Men also have a physical advantage with their higher testosterone levels, and they build muscle faster than women. However, on the flip side, men also tend to lose muscle more quickly.

Men are 25 per cent more likely than women to lift weights at the gym. Because of society’s unreasonable beauty standards, women typically limit themselves to cardio-based

movement and engage in exercise that promotes leanness over strength. Women often fear that lifting weights will cause them to “bulk up” or look too “manly.” As a result, gyms are not generally designed to welcome women into the weightlifting area, an area that is frequently dominated by large men.

Weight lifting is, or should be, for every body. Trainers like Victoria’s Adrian Toderan, who works primarily with female clients, says women are as strong as, if not stronger than, the men he works with (don’t worry, Adrian, we won’t tell the guys). Adrian trains a variety of clients from people in their mid-20s up to those in their mid-60s. This is an impressive age range, considering Adrian works out of a CrossFit gym, a movement style that is notorious for its gruelling workouts and deep commitment.

When working with older clients, Adrian notices that “they come to the gym with purpose, looking beyond a desire to change body composition; they are more interested in the deeper changes that lead to improving their health and wellbeing. They also show up ready to work.”

He sees many clients who “come in motivated and interested in movement, who are already strong but have never been shown how to properly move their body in a way that allows them to express their strength.”

When asked how women can get into into weight training, Adrian stresses the importance of doing your research and choosing a quality coach.

He says, “Be sure to take the time to pick a trainer who knows what they’re doing and is experienced working with female clients. When new clients arrive nervous or inexperienced, it is important for a trainer to take the time to educate them about how to move their body and why. Often, understanding the reasons behind movements helps clients to shift their perspective, gain confidence and make real progress.”

As for getting bulky, Adrian says, “It’s not that easy. Women may worry about it at first, but they quickly realize that bulking up is a lot of work. People see bodybuilders and don’t understand the sheer amount of work it takes for people to look that way. The rate at which anyone builds muscle, of course, depends on the person; some people have that body type, or an athletic history. But you’re not going to get bulky unless you really work at it. It doesn’t happen by accident.”

He also says that female beauty standards are shifting and “bulk is awesome.”

And what he would say to anyone who thinks they are too old to weight train?

‘That’s simply not true. I’ve seen people compete in CrossFit at age 60, 70, 80 and even 90 years old. There are countless studies that show the benefits strength training has on bone density, tissue health, et cetera. It’s important to start now so that you’re not dependent when you’re older. You want to maintain function because once you’ve lost that, it’s too late. If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

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good taste

Hassib Sarwari and Winnie Sun (Sarwari’s partner at Afghan Kitchen Group).

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Hearty and full of heart Dishes at Hassib Sarwari’s Zarak inspired by his mother’s cooking

R

WORDS JOANNE PETERS

estaurateur Hassib Sarwari left his hometown of Kabul, Afghanistan, for Canada many years ago, a refugee of war during the Taliban reign of 1996 to 2001. Despite the civil unrest that infused his childhood, what stands out in his memory is his mother’s cooking. Even at the worst of times, she was always making the best meals for her family—meals that were hearty and full of heart.

In coming to the Lower Mainland, Sarwari brought with him a fondness for the food and flavours of his motherland, aromatic dishes with delicate wafts of rosewater or hues of golden saffron. It has been his dream to share this cuisine with neighbours and friends in his new home.

Hassib is a partner of Afghan Kitchen Group, which operates Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey. The company is now about to open its flagship restaurant, Zarak, at 2102 Main Street in Vancouver.

Zarak, which translates as “gold flakes,” will offer dishes based on Hassib’s mother’s recipes. It will showcase aspects of Afghanistan that don’t often come to light in this part of the world.

“Afghan culture back home is based on hospitality and generosity,” Hassib says. “Families create spreads of food to honour their guests. Food establishes love, communication, collaboration and unity between families, relatives, and strangers in Afghanistan.

X

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

“The foods, tastes and spices of Afghan dishes are a tasteful blend of the regions that surround Afghanistan, through historical influences of the Silk Road,” he says. “The spices used in Afghan dishes are neither hot nor pungent; Afghan food is a perfect blend of extravagance and good taste.”

Some of the ingredients commonly used in Afghan cooking are cardamom, sumac (dried grape powder), dried fruits and nuts, yogurt, dried mint, fresh coriander and, of course, rice.

Zarak will build upon Afghan Kitchen’s menu, offering an elevated dining experience.

Some of the dishes are traditionally made only on special occasions because of the extensive preparation they require—like Afghan rice, mantu (beef dumplings) and aushak (vegetarian dumplings). Other items will be playful creations such as sliders that infuse Afghan spices and herbs into North American bites.

Kololi are vegetable-flour patties made from scratch: they have a little bit of heat and come in a vegetable sauce with fragrant cumin rice. Sabzi is the name of a slow-cooked spinach dish, and aush is a comforting tomato-noodle soup with beans—a home cure for whatever ails you. A flatbread known as bolani is an Afghan staple, ideal to scoop up chilled eggplant dip.

Zarak takes pride in its forthcoming cocktail list, which

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“Families create spreads of food to honour their guests. Food establishes love, communication, collaboration and unity between families, relatives, and strangers in Afghanistan.”

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uses Afghan ingredients like rosewater, cardamom, saffron and even pistachios. Traditional Afghan tea will also be on the menu, as will BC wine, local craft beer and enticing non-alcoholic options.

Inside Zarak, you’ll find an elegant décor with subtle gold accents. On walls, you’ll find hues of pink, the bright colour commonly seen on Afghan mud houses. Exposed bricks, which are used in home construction in the region, will be used as dividers. You will also notice a kite motif, a nod to Hassib’s childhood.

Zarak is a tribute to the good things from Afghanistan and a show of faith for a troubled country that, despite it all, remains beloved by so many.

“Afghanistan is at times portrayed as a desolate, ungoverned and ungovernable land,” Hassib says. “The vast majority of Afghans are civilians who have endured years of civil war, economic drought and entrapment. Afghanistan has been the crossroad in Asian and Middle Eastern history, due to its central location and fertile lands.

“In modern history, Afghanistan was sought after for control from major world powers, and due to conflict, Afghanistan has become a place of adversity and resilience,” Hassib says. “There is wavering hope that Afghans embody through cultural values. Zarak embodies hope that we share, that one day, our beautiful home can be shared with the rest of the world.”

Some of Hassib’s fondest memories surround hosting his late father’s friends at home, when his mother would spend days preparing for elaborate, delicious meals.

“We were refugees of war during the [19962001] Taliban reign,” Hassib says. “My family was split due to that fact and we lost our father during our move to Pakistan. Health care was scarce and inaccessible. The devastation is unfathomable as I know families right now are enduring similar and worse difficulties. We were the lucky ones back then to have found a home in Canada and to have made a life for ourselves, but I know that luck is an undependable variable. I pray everyday for innocent casualties to end, and for the sacrifices that Afghans have made to allow for our country back. Our home is a special place.

“Through [my mom’s] cooking I see the sacrifice of a single mom with four young boys in an unknown land with pennies in our pockets,” he says. “I see a humble reminder of where we come from, of our heritage—that reminder, of home, that despite all the terrible things that we have been through, at least in the moment of eating, we are loved.”

‘Anything but the status quo’

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in studio

Technology as art The dazzling Voxel Bridge installation WORDS LIN STRANBERG

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T

he walkway under the south end of Cambie Bridge sports a high-impact, vinyl geometric mural encompassing the pathway, support pillars and ceiling. On its own, it’s an arresting sight. On a smartphone, it reveals another dimension.

Called Voxel Bridge, it’s the latest public art installation presented by the Vancouver Biennale and it’s like nothing else in the world. In fact, at 19,000 square feet, it’s the biggest blockchain-based augmented reality experience of its kind. It’s named for a voxel, a unit of value analogous to a pixel, with “vo” standing for volume instead of “pi” for picture.

A voxel represents a single sample, or data point, on a regularly spaced, three-dimensional grid.

At Voxel Bridge, visitors use their smartphones to experience three realities simultaneously: the real world around them; the world of augmented reality; and the world of blockchain technology. Using the free, downloadable Vancouver Biennale app for iOS and Android devices, people walk through the Voxel Bridge mural and see it morph—through the complex relationship of art and technology—into a multi-dimensional sensory experience.

The installation uses advancements in augmented reality (AR) specially developed for Voxel Bridge

by Spheroid Universe and supported by blockchain technology on the Kusama network. This collaboration came about chiefly because Brooklyn-based Colombian artist Jessica Angel has been a pioneer and leading advocate of the art and blockchain movement for years.

(What is blockchain? According to forbes.com: “At its core, blockchain is a distributed digital ledger that stores data of any kind. While any conventional database can store this sort of information, blockchain is unique in that it’s totally decentralized. Rather than being maintained in one location, by a centralized administrator…many identical

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“Blockchain is still really clunky. The mainstream doesn’t understand it so well. So I want to provide the first glimpse, and use art as a way to enter a world that tends to be technical and difficult to understand from an experiential perspective.” copies of a blockchain database are held on multiple computers spread out across a network.”)

“Since I was 17, I’ve been connected with the blockchain community because my work has to do with bringing the concept of information to physical spaces through installation art,” she said. “I met a cryptographer who invited me to do a project, which led me to meet mathematicians, blockchain developers and countless others in this amazing, sharing community.”

Blockchain is open-source (non-proprietary) technology, thus Angel feels collaboration is the foundation on which the community was built. For Voxel Bridge, she collaborated closely with Spheroid Universe, the Kusama network and, of course, the team at the Vancouver Biennale.

The Vancouver Biennale is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to creating open-air museums that celebrate art in Vancouver public space. It features both well-known and emerging international contemporary artists representing diverse cultural perspectives and artistic disciplines. As the definition of public space shifts more and more to virtual space—accelerated by the shifts we’ve experienced during the pandemic—the Biennale’s installations have come to include the most technically advanced examples of augmented and virtual reality (VR).

Jessica Angel knows Vancouver. She is an alumna of the Vancouver Biennale Artist Residency Program in 2018 and 2019, and through the Biennale also curated #ArtProject2020, a five-day virtual conference presented in the context of the bridge project, which brought together the leading minds in the NFT (non-fungible token) space.

Like all the Biennale’s public space art installations, the art may be bought by the city—as with Beijing artist Yue Minjun’s A-maze-ing Laughter, a legacy sculpture now installed in Morton Park in Vancouver’s West End, thanks to a donation from the Chip Wilson family—or sold off to interested collectors instead.

In the case of Voxel Bridge, elements of the art will be available for sale as NFTs which, because they are not physical, means the installation could be in place for years to come.

Delayed by COVID-19 complications, the installation is part of the 2018-2020 Open Air Museum exhibition, under the theme of re-IMAGE-n (reimagine) Public Space, intended to

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bring together artists from Canada and around the world to address some of the most prevailing issues of our times, one theme being digital technology.

Blockchain technology is a hot topic these days. Although an entire generation is now comfortable with smartphone AR, as used in Pokémon GO or the user-selected filters of Snapchat and Instagram, it’s still early days for blockchain technology. It’s something we all know about but don’t really understand or use, except for a few early adopters.

“This is a new underlying technology that lives on the Internet but it’s decentralized,” Angel said. “It offers new possibilities for cryptocurrencies, security and transparency, things of that nature.” Fittingly, cryptocurrency was used as payment for many of the collaborators on the project.

Her work uses art as the fulcrum to demonstrate the complex blockchain technology to a broad community.

“The design has boxy, block-inspired graphics, connected in the form of chains. Graphically, tapping on the VR links that appear shows the boxes are blocks in the Kusama network, which is just one blockchain of many. Tapping the links enables viewers to see data that lives on the Kusama network, so it’s as if you can dive into the blockchain space at Voxel Bridge.”

She added: “My goal when I created this installation was that people would at least ask questions,” she said. “What is this technology? Why is it important? How is it going to change the world?”

She likens blockchain technology today to the Internet in the ‘90s. “You’d think ‘oh, maybe I can send an email,’ but you wouldn’t see the potential of it until it developed.

Something like that is happening right now.

“Blockchain is still really clunky. The mainstream doesn’t understand it so well. So I want to provide the first glimpse, and use art as a way to enter a world that tends to be technical and difficult to understand from an experiential perspective. It’s something I hope people will remember as a memory to cherish.”

Download the Vancouver Biennale app from the App Store, Google Play or www.vancouverbiennale.com and visit Voxel Bridge, located at the south end of Cambie Bridge. It’s best seen during the day, there’s no charge, and the installation has no set closing date as yet.

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weekender

Eagle in Harrison Mills.

Heads up Travels on the BC Bird Trail WORDS LIN STRANBERG

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Dozens and dozens of splendid bald eagles perched high in the trees around us, their distinctive white heads bright in the autumn sunshine.

W

e wanted to get outside, get out of our com fort zone and try something new. When the BC Bird Trail launched last year, it sounded like just what we were looking for. And the more we found out, the more we realized we didn’t have to be dedicated birdwatchers to get out in glorious nature and have some fun looking at birds. It’s something everyone can do, regardless of experience, fitness or skill.

We didn’t even have to drive too far to get started. Of the four trails on the BC Bird Trail—located on Central Vancouver Island, in the Fraser Valley, on the South Fraser and in the Columbia Valley—we choose to drive to the city of Richmond to explore part of the South Fraser Trail. Richmond is the heart of BC’s Pacific Flyway, a major stop for migratory birds flying from the far north to Patagonia, and home of some of the best birding in North America.

We booked some time with guide Liron Gertsman, who led us on a fine walk at Terra Nova Rural Park, pointing out various species as we went. We saw dozens of white snow geese, whose breeding ground is on Wrangel Island off northern Russia; they were just chilling around a stretch of grass across from a residential area. Tens of thousands of these birds pass through the area every fall to rest and dig for rhizomes in the marsh plants.

After a couple of fascinating hours of birding, we went for dim sum and ate some of the best Shanghai dumplings in existence, we’re sure, at Fisherman’s Terrace Seafood Restaurant, upstairs in the Aberdeen Centre. The egg custards (dan tat) were superb. We finished it off with a little holiday shopping downstairs, and felt we had been on a mini-holiday, although we were back home in Vancouver in 20 minutes.

PHOTO BY LIN STRANBERG.

Spurred on by the fun we had in Richmond, and having heard of the thousands of bald eagles that flock to BC every November and December to feed on spawned-out salmon, we decided to head to Harrison Mills, the epicentre of the Fraser Valley Trail, to check it out. Nearly extinct not too long ago, the iconic raptors have bounced back and are now easy to find in this part of BC. The valley hosts over 250 pairs of nesting bald eagles, and thousands more migrate here over the winter.

November to January is the best time to see them.

We arrived in beautiful Harrison Hot Springs, had a bite at Muddy Waters Café, and walked along the promenade to the main wharf, where we hopped aboard a Harrison Eco Tours jet boat to see the bald eagles from the Harrison River. We heard their high-pitched calls before we spotted them. Our first look at these majestic birds was thrilling. There seemed to be a big concentration near the shoreline of Rowena’s Inn, so we were happy we had booked a cabin there. Their website has a section titled “Eagles,” so we figured we would be in the right place. And we were.

Harrison Mills is home to the largest concentrated wintering bald eagle gathering in the world. That’s right—the world.

The eagles come to dine on some of the millions of spawning salmon that travel up the Fraser River to tributaries such as the Harrison River, which hosts all five species of salmon plus a sizeable population of sea-run cutthroat trout. Harrison River was designated an International Salmon Stronghold in 2010.

It’s one of the most ecologically significant Pacific salmon rivers in North America and one of the most productive salmon ecosystems in the Pacific.

A short walk behind our cabin led us to a clearly marked B O U L E VA R D

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path winding through the woods, across the golf course and down to a covered lookout over the water. It could not have been more convenient—or more jaw-dropping. Dozens and dozens of splendid bald eagles perched high in the trees around us, their distinctive white heads bright in the autumn sunshine. The eagles are there from November to January, following the salmon run in late October.

Seeing the eagles was so soul-satisfying, we wanted more. We had heard of the abundance of eagles in Brackendale, north of Squamish. It is not on the BC Bird Trail officially yet, but we think it deserves to be, especially in December and January.

Squamish is a wildly beautiful place and Brackendale was loaded with bald eagles. Even the bridge near our cabin at Sunwolf offered a captivating spot to watch the eagles soaring overhead and sitting in the trees along the banks. It was unforgettable and we were dazzled by it all.

Our most vivid memory, though, was a half-day eagle float down the Cheakamus with the Squamish Rafting Company.

Bald eagles were everywhere—in the sky, in the trees and along the shoreline. Our two excellent guides helped us spot them up close as we drank in the clean air, the peace and the rugged mountain scenery. We returned to our dreamy little cabin, which felt like the book-lined mountain cabin we had always yearned for, and made a pact to go birdwatching every year.

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM HARRISON

SASQUATCH MASK/HARRISON TOURISM

see.

See the sights at Harrison Hot Springs, where the mountains ring the clear waters of Harrison Lake. This is Sasquatch country, so you’ll see wooden sasquatch sculptures along the beachside walkway and around the village. Sasquatch, known as Bigfoot in the western US, was revered by the Sts’ailes First Nation, who believed it lived in both the physical and spiritual realms.

Visit the tiny Sasquatch Museum if you can. And see the clay masks on the trees along the Spirit Trail, a short walk through a cedar forest just off McCombs Drive, heading south from the lake.

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BIRDWATCHING 101/RICHMOND TOURISM

do.

Do take advantage of local knowledge by booking tours to heighten your experience and connect with the community.

These are the three tours we took, and they were the highlights of our birding adventures: in Richmond, Birdwatching 101 with Liron Gertsman (vancouverbirdingtours.co); in Harrison, eagle tours with Harrison Ec tours (harrisonecotours.com); in Squamish, wilderness float tours with Squamish Rafting Company (squamish-rafting.com). Also, do some local research before you go. These websites should help: The BC Bird Trail, bcbirdtrail. ca; Richmond Tourism, visitrichmondbc.com; Harrison Tourism, tourismharrison.com; Squamish Tourism, exploresquamish.com.

FERGIE’S/DARBY MAGILL PHOTO

eat.

The food and eateries we visited varied wildly, yet the quality was high everywhere. From the excellent Chinese flavours at Fisherman’s Terrace Sea Food Restaurant in Richmond to the casual west coast menu at The Clubhouse at Rowena’s Inn in Harrison Mills and the healthy fare at Muddy Waters Café in Harrison Hot Springs, we ate well on the BC Bird Trail.

In Brackendale, we enjoyed breakfasts at Fergie’s and onsite at Sunwolf Riveerside Resort, and dinner at one of our favourite places, the WaterShed Grill, overlooking the Squamish River. (The outside appears as Jack’s Bar in the Netflix series “Virgin River.”)

SUNWOLF CABIN/TAYLOR BURK PHOTO

sleep.

Rowena’s Inn is a prime bald eagle viewing destination. It’s part of the Sandpiper Golf Resort, a well-groomed, 160acre estate on the Harrison River with a scenic 18-hole golf course, historic colonial-style inn, four classic cabins, four luxury cabins, a restaurant, live eagle cameras, sweeping river views and its own private airstrip. Sunwolf Riverside Resort, on five acres of woodland near the convergence of the Cheekye and Cheakamus rivers in Brackendale, offers up-mountain, open-hearted hospitality, where you’re likely to strike up easy conversations with the Sunwolf team or your fellow guests as you disconnect from technology.

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CONDO LIVING

BY DESIGNS BY KS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISHOT

Whether you’re a new home buyer or looking to downsize, Vancouver condo living might be for you. Living in a condo will often land you in some of the city’s prime locations, but this

The brick is original to the 1912 building.

convenience is often at the expense of extra space.

Some innovative developers, like Concord Pacific, have shifted the focus towards creative storage solutions and flexible living spaces. These condos offer impressively spacious outdoor living areas.

Deep overheads on balconies offer protection from the elements, and flush-mount outdoor ceiling heaters help make the space livable all year round.

This flexible living area lessens the impact on storage of living in a smaller space.

Whether you’re living in a new development or in a condo in need of renovation, Designs by KS is here to provide tips and tricks on how to make your condo look superb and function well.

Check out this SOLID slab of walnut butcher block—yes—solid!

The older the piece, the less chance of it warping. This piece is over 100 years old.

The big focus is often on the kitchen; for our

When improving a small space, we encourage you

Yaletown condo renovation, most of the millwork

to rethink the design of all living and working areas

was kept minimalistic, putting the spotlight on the

in the home. The improvements can either happen

custom walnut furniture-like unit that houses the

slowly or all at once.

cooking surface.

Where there was an opportunity for panelling the appliances with millwork doors, we took it! Seeing continuous millwork with a minimum break from the appliances will make a small kitchen look more spacious.

We focussed on innovative, accessible storage for every box in the space. Our updated version of an appliance garage has a lift-up door; the quartz countertop runs into the deep corner to house the most regularly used appliances. An outlet on a sensor switch allows the appliances to remain plugged in, but the power shuts down once the cabinet door closes. This area is now practical and power efficient.

A quick and easy way to upgrade your storage is in the closets, which may be the least optimized space in the home! In our Yaletown condo renovation, the primary bedroom had a walk-through closet with bifold doors and unorganized storage space. We transformed it to a beautiful, crisp, well-lit area, with his-and-hers custom built-ins.

In the primary and secondary bathrooms, we selected fun tile for the feature walls, a beautiful concretelooking, large-format tile for the floor and remainder of the walls, and walnut vanities to warm up it all up. For additional storage in the secondary bathroom, we opted for custom medicine cabinets. In the primary bathroom, we designed a floating shelf to keep the space airy and light.

When selecting furniture for small living spaces, consider low-profile This stool can serve as either a seat or a side table. Warren Stool, Rove Concepts.

furnishings that appear organic to their space.

This will make the room feel spacious. We encourage flexible furnishings, built-ins and items with integrated storage solutions. For example, a built-in entertainment unit around the TV can also serve as bench seating or a serving counter when entertaining.

When renovating a condo, we keep practicality in mind while designing beautiful spaces. We take the opportunity to introduce storage where possible—like bench seats underneath a bedroom window—and we make use of innovative items like Murphy beds for flexible, transitional spaces.

778.896.1778 info@designsbyks.com www.designsbyks.com

Working alongside a designer and renovator who understand condo living will bring your vision to fruition.

Happy Designing – Katerina & Silvie

@designsby_ks

spaces we love

Builder: Sprucehill Contracting Inc. HAVAN member suppliers: Tiles: Ames Tile and Stone Bathtub: BA Robinson Non-Members: Floor Tiles: Ann Sacks Glass Mosaic: World Mosaic

Mastering the art of luxury

The ultimate en suite WORDS DAWN SONDERGAARD

The master en suite is taking the centre stage in home renovations as families continue to face increased demands from everyday life. Creating a private bathing sanctuary within one’s home is today’s ultimate luxury.

Collaborating with North Vancouver custom homebuilder and renovator Erik Jensen, president and owner of Sprucehill Contracting, these homeowners emphasized the desire to create a timeless family home with luxurious yet calming design aesthetics. A big must was to have a separate space, where the adults are able to remove themselves from the day-to-day clutter of family life.

Liz Jest, Sprucehill’s in-house interior designer, approached the project with the concept of creating “the ultimate” in a en master suite with an unobstructed flow to maximize the sense of space, calm and grandeur.

The stand-alone tub takes the centre-stage limelight in this 2021 HAVAN award-winning master en suite. Light from the dazzling chandelier above dances off the custommade iridescent glass-tiled wall, adding a touch of drama, 40

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PHOTOGRAPHY BRAD HILL

elegance and airiness to the room.

Backstage, tucked behind the tub for maximum privacy, a curbless walk-through his-and-hers shower provides the ultimate space for two. Boasting both hand-held and overhead rain showers, the free-flowing area, accessible from either side, accentuates a sense of luxurious space while keeping site lines in the main bathroom free of thermostatic valves and water controls.

Heated, honed marble flooring throughout provides a soft matte finish to complement the high sparkle and shimmer of the glass-tiled feature wall, completing the monochromatic look for the ultimate sense of serenity and calm.

More than just a dream, the ultimate master en suite can become a reality. Connect with award-winning professionals at www.havan.ca/awards to help you design and build your next home project.

Pour yourself a beverage, close the door, and indulge.

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BLACK &WHITE and glorious all over Home and bathroom renovation highlights gleaming whites with black accents WORDS LISA MANFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY JANIS NICOLAY

W

hen you have a multi-million dollar view, the last thing you want to do is obscure it with extraneous design.

That’s why, when the new owners of this three-level, 4,879-square-foot house in West Vancouver decided to renovate, they chose a look that was “really white.” This kept the focus on the beauty just outside their windows, says My House Design/Build/ Team designer Kat Wong.

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When they purchased this 14-year-old house because of its location with its beautiful views overlooking the harbour and Stanley Park, the young newlyweds wanted a more modern interior look for the home—which was originally done in warm tones of orange, copper and rust—but also to keep the focus on the stunning vistas beyond.

“At first they just wanted to wipe out as much colour as possible to make the view of Burrard Inlet pop,” Wong says. “But then, what started as a refresh of the kitchen snowballed into ‘let’s just redo the whole house.’”

WHITE IN Room by room, starting with the kitchen, the home went from orange to gleaming white.

“The homeowners really wanted to have marble flooring on their main floor, so that was kind of the inspiration point,” Wong says.

A marble inlay off the entryway was added for visual interest, with the glimmering marble flooring stretching throughout the entire main level.

In the kitchen, large-slab porcelain tiles and white high-gloss cabinets reflect the light coming in from the windows in the living area. My House Design/Build/Team also added function-

ality to the kitchen; a pantry was converted into a spice kitchen for added prep and cooking space, and the kitchen island was expanded to allow casual seating for six.

In the adjacent living space, an elongated fireplace in black underscores a TV niche with black built-in shelving. Greytoned furniture adds a subtle layer of texture without taking away from the magnificent panorama beyond.

To offset all the white, the design team used texture and a combination of high-gloss and matte-toned cabinetry in the kitchen and living area to ensure it didn’t feel overly stark.

Flush floor transitions from tile to hardwood served to keep the focus off the details and on the space as a whole.

With the open-concept dining room surrounded by windows on two sides, a chandelier was selected for its subtle elegance.

The stairs were converted to black-stained oak. They lead down to the bedrooms, which were designed with a softer but similarly neutral look.

“We used a softer palette for the master bedroom,” Wong says, “to keep it feeling more intimate.”

A den off the stairwell was converted into a truly spectacular walk-in closet with a bright, clean aesthetic.

“We wanted to make it look like a store,” Wong says. “It offers a lot of shoe storage and full-height, wall-to-wall mirrors, which make the room feel bigger. It’s located down the hall from the master bedroom, so it’s like a dressing room.”

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EN SUITE ENCLAVE The homeowners had two goals with their en suite redesign.

“Originally the en suite had two vanities—his and hers,” Wong explains. “But the clients wanted one continuous one for more countertop space. With the existing configuration of the en suite, that wouldn’t have worked.”

And there was another issue with the original en suite—the feng shui was all wrong. (Feng shui is the traditional Chinese practice of harmonizing energy forces to create a positive energy flow and improve well-being.)

“The en suite had a door that faced the foot of the bed,” Wong says. “For feng shui reasons you shouldn’t have a door at the foot of bed. So we made a small hallway—one side goes into the walk-in closet, and the other branches into the en suite. This made enough space for a two-sink vanity plus an additional makeup counter.” And it fixed the flow of energy.

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The resulting en suite is a beautiful reflection of the rest of the home, all bright white, with hints of black accents in the large porcelain tiles on the floor and walls, and matte black plumbing fixtures. A hidden drain in shower gives the floor a smooth, clean appearance, while the addition of a bidet reflects the COVID-era paper shortages.

To add some texture to the room, Wong used a 3-D panel overlaid on the vanity cabinet. Finally, a sparkly chandelier above the tub adds to the serenity while bathers enjoy the view.

The secondary bathroom is similarly styled, with less sparkle and more fun by way of hexagonal wall designs intended for kids.

Two powder rooms are also “very black and white” with a darker grey marble flooring in one of them, grey walls and a more linear-looking marble tile.

“We kept them all on the same design theme,” Wong says.

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ROUNDING OUT THE REST The lowest floor of the home is the recreation space, which the design team reconfigured into a gym with wet bar, alongside an existing home theatre and guest bedroom. And they continued the monochromatic theme here, too.

“We made everything dark grey charcoal for the walls and cabinets,” Wong says. “And we kept the floor and ceiling white.”

The home theatre room was re-fitted with platform seating for easier viewing. And a wine cellar was added in the adjacent space.

Since the renovation wrapped up as COVID shutdowns were happening, the homeowners were perfectly positioned to self-isolate after a trip overseas.

“They came from a small city condo and were grateful to have everything they needed here to quarantine comfortably.”

The redesign has been a finalist in the BC Georgie Awards for renovations between $600,000 and $800,000, and for best whole home renovation under $800,000. It was also recognized in the Canadian Home Builders Association National Awards of Excellence and HAVAN National Awards for Housing Excellence for best kitchen and great room renovation, and best renovation in the $700,000 to $1 million category.

“The renovation was very on-trend with what we’re seeing in design,” Wong says. “We mostly put in a lot of neutral finishes so the clients can put in their own colour accents and can change it up more easily than if they had a colourful palette to begin with.”

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PENFOLDS CELEBRATES

The 70th Anniversary of Grange

P

TWO NEW LIMITED EDITION RELEASES

enfolds has been pivotal in Australian winemaking, with a history and heritage that goes back to 1844.

This year, Penfolds flagship wine, Grange, celebrates 70 years of unbroken vintage releases, redolent with aromatic complexity, rich fruit and ripe tannins

of shiraz. The iconic wine is renowned by collectors around the globe for its unwavering Australian identity and consistency, and its proven aging ability has been recognized over the years with international awards and acknowledgments.

In 1995, Wine Spectator named the 1990 Penfold Grange as Red Wine of the Year. It was listed as a South Australian heritage icon on its 50th anniversary in 2001, and the 2008 Grange vintage was given a perfect score of 100 points by two of the world’s most influential B O U L E VA R D

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wine magazines, Wine Spectator and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Grange’s reputation as one of the world’s most celebrated wines is firmly established, and growing yearly.

“The original goal for Grange was to create a wine ‘capable of staying alive for a minimum of 20 years.’ Tell that to sexagenarian vintages such as ’52, ’53 , ’55 and ’62 [which are] stunningly drinkable in 2021,”said Penfolds’ chief winemaker, Peter Gago.

This year’s collection of single- and multiregion, and single- and multi-vineyard wines will continue to develop and improve for many years after release. How long you should keep them depends on whether you enjoy your wine with some youthfulness or fully matured. As a whole, this new collection includes reds of distinctive refinement and cellaring potential, and whites that deliver on complexity and flavour.

Penfolds is excited to be launching two very special limited-edition wines, Penfolds 2018 Superblend 802.A and 2018 Superblend 802.B Cabernet Shiraz. These are two new and unique interpretations of the iconic Australian blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Carefully selected from the coveted 2018 South Australian vintage, both superblends include significant parcels of fruit from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra, with smaller blending components also sourced from Wrattonbully, Robe and Clare Valley.

The 802.A components were aged separately in new American oak hogsheads for 22 months before being blended. At 68%, the cabernet sauvignon makes its structural presence felt, while the 32% shiraz adds generosity.

The 802.B varietal composition is close to evenly split, with 55% cabernet sauvignon and 45% shiraz. The components were blended following 19 months of maturation in French oak hogshead. An intriguing counterpart to its American oak-aged sibling, this wine will reward careful cellaring for several decades.

“These two new wines are immediately Penfolds, yet different…propelling varied attributes that will challenge and engage: A-Grade cabernet sauvignon and A-Grade shiraz from a wonderful harvest; French and American oak barrels of the highest quality; the much-coveted ingredient of time; and winemaking blending freedom to reconfigure the unexpected,” Gago said.

They are being released sequentially and are designed to be collected. The first release, 2018 Superblend 802.A Cabernet Shiraz, will be available in fine wine stores in British Columbia in winter 2022, together with a limited-edition collectible decanter. Penfolds 2018 Superblend 802B Cabernet Shiraz will be available in British Columbia in fall 2022. For more information please contact Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.

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ONE SUPERBLEND. TWO INTERPRETATIONS.

Penfolds Releases New Limited Edition Wines SUPERBLEND 2018 802.A CABERNET SHIRAZ

SUPERBLEND 2018 802.B CABERNET SHIRAZ

Impression: This cabernet shiraz blend reveals a textural demea Impression: This cabernet shiraz blend requires time in glass to liberate fruits and reveal intent. Not dissimilar to …

Shape: Focussed and long. To ponder just what came first – Shape: Round with muscle and volume. Not surprisingly courted by Quercus alba. or French oak framing palate definition?

Peter Gago, Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker Penfolds Chief Winemaker

One Superblend. Two Interpretations. Curiosity and experimentation delivers two new wines made from parcels destined for Penfolds Curiosity and experimen One Superblend . Two Interpretations. flagships: Superblend 802.A and 802.B Cabernet Shiraz. Carefully selected from the coveted 2018flagships: South Australian vintage, the wines Superblend 802.A and 802.B Cabernet Shiraz. Caref represent two unique interpretations of the iconic Australian blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.

802.Atwo components were aged of the iconic Australian b represent unique interpretations separately in new American oak hogsheads for 22 months prior to being blended. The cabernet sauvignon makes itscabernet structuralsauvignon presence contributing 55% and to evenly split with felt comprising 68% of the blend, while the 32% shiraz contribution adds generosity. Unashamedly bold, immediately Penfolds. immediately post vintage, completing 19 months maturation as GRAPE VARIETY 68% Cabernet, 32% Shiraz VINEYARD REGION Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe, Clare Valley WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 7.0 g/L, pH: 3.58 MATURATION 22 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new)

several decades. An intriguing counterpoint to its American oa GRAPE VARIETY 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Shiraz

VINEYARD REGION Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe, WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 7.1 g/L, pH: 3.60

MATURATION 19 months in French oak hogsheads (54% new, 46% 1-y.o.)

VINTAGE CONDITIONS VINTAGE CONDITIONS Winter started relatively dry with increased rainfall occurring in the second half. The Barossa Valley vines entered the growing season with started relatively dry with increased healthy soil moisture profiles well down into the root-zone. Spring was warm and dry encouraging anWinter early start to the growing season.

A spell rainfall occurring in th healthy soil well down into the root-zone. Spring of cooler weather around budburst slowed vine phenology yet climatic conditions for flowering and fruit-set weremoisture optimalprofiles in all regions. of cooler weather around budburst slowed vine phenology yet cl Prevailing conditions favoured the growth of protective vine canopies. Summer was warm, with the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Prevailing conditions favoured the growth Coonawarra regions all experiencing heat spells greater than 35°C in January coupled with below-average rainfall.

The warm weather delayedof protective vine cano Coonawarra regions all experiencing heat spells greater than 35 veraison by a few weeks, a pattern also reflected in Wrattonbully and Robe. A very dry finish to summer coupled with an unseasonably warm veraison by a few weeks, a pattern also reflected in Wrattonbully autumn ensured both shiraz and cabernet sauvignon achieved ample ripeness with exceptional flavour and intensity. autumn ensured both shiraz and cabernet sauvignon achieved a COLOUR COLOUR Dark, deep crimson red Deep, bright dense crimson, black core NOSE NOSE Formic and familial … barrel ferment, stylish oak, Penfolds.

Youthful and fresh.

An oscillation between bursts of sweetened crème brûlée crust and a savoury jus reduction.

An ascent of dark summer pudding aromatics, underpinned by a Scents of cola nut, star anise and curry leaf add to the complexity of the majestic aromatic offer.

Citrus higher notes (possibly) compliments of French oak … the sa Oak? Deftly dovetailed!

Wafts of black cardamom, stalked by sweeter notes of milk choc PALATE Inviting.

Full-bodied and generous.

PALATE A compote of blood plum, fig and goji berries.

Even – an excellent line across palate; fine and persistent.

The oscillation noted above now manifested as a sweet buttered/toffeed glaze sitting alongside a roasted avec tomato oil. to the fruit descriptors noted: c Acidity reduction – more than likely aligned Malleable and chunky/grippy tannins.

A grated texture with gritty tannins … and its savoury demeanour A detection of malt and the faintest suggestion of polished timber (mahogany) possibly reflective of aDusty, 22-month slumber in 100% newflavours oak? (unlike nose) and a sprinkl shaved dark-chocolate Unashamedly bold.

A challenge to unravel varietal components – no tension, relaxed PEAK DRINKING 2025 – 2055

PEAK DRINKING 2028 – 2055

LAST TASTED March 2021

LAST TASTED March 2021

PENFOLDS 2018 SUPERBLEND 802.A CABERNET SHIRAZ

PENFOLDS 2018 SUPERBLEND 802.B CABERNET SHIRAZ

802.A components were aged separately in new American oak hogsheads for 22 months prior to being blended. The cabernet sauvignon makes its structural presence felt comprising 68% of the blend, while the 32% shiraz contribution adds generosity.

802.B varietal composition is close to evenly split with cabernet sauvignon contributing 55% and shiraz 45% of the blend respectively. The components were blended post vintage, completing 19 months maturation in French oak hogsheads.

MAGILL ESTATE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Curiosity and experimentation delivers two new wines made from parcels destined for Penfolds flagships: Superblend 802.A and 802.B Cabernet Shiraz. Essentially siblings raised in different environments, the wines represent two unique interpretations of the iconic Australian blend – cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.

Carefully selected from the coveted 2018 South Australian vintage, both wines include significant parcels of fruit from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra with smaller blending components also sourced from Wrattonbully, Robe and Clare Valley.

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business class

GRACE KWOK: the First Lady of presale WORDS LAUREN KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

O

ver her four decades

working in the world of Vancouver real estate, Grace Kwok, co-founder of Anson Realty, has made her mark. She pioneered the concept of condominium pre-sales in the Lower Mainland in the 1980s, working with developers to sell thousands of units to owners and investors before the new buildings had even broken ground.

And it was her initiative that led developers to create full sales centres with model suites so potential buyers could walk through a replica of the home they were considering purchasing—another marketing strategy that significantly drove sales.

Modest to the core, Grace is convinced her success in real estate has everything to do with timing, circumstance and luck.

In 1968, when she left Hong Kong for Vancouver, Grace was still a teenager looking to graduate from a Vancouver Island boarding school.

After graduating, she enrolled at Simon Fraser University, achieving a degree in economic commerce before embarking on her career.

Initially, she worked in banking, then married Stephen Kwok and started a family. When her first child was born, she left banking to open a clothing boutique in Kerrisdale, and while the store broke even, she realized as her young family grew, she needed more flexibility with her time.

Stephen was a commercial realtor and Grace decided to follow suit, mistakenly assuming this career would free up more of her time and give her greater independence.

Modest to the core, Grace is convinced her success in real estate has everything to do with timing, circumstance and luck.

“I thought I could look after the kids and still work—but it didn’t turn out that way,” she says, laughing, as she looks back on her 41 years in the industry. By 1980 she had her realtor’s license and both she and her husband were working in commercial real estate.

But the market was tough in Vancouver in 1981, with interest rates as high as 20 per cent.

“There was no business happening and it was very difficult for us to make a living with three children,” she recalls. “We decided it might be better with one of us in residential real estate.”

Grace made the switch, a decision that would change the trajectory of her career to a soaring success. (And today, all three of her children are in real-estate-related fields—following in their parents’ passion.)

The first single-detached home Grace sold in the city was priced under $100,000.

“Back then, the difference between a great location and an average location was only about $8,000,” she says. It wasn’t just realtors who were finding the times challenging—developers, too, were struggling.

In 1983, Grace met developer Andre Molnar. She still had strong connections in Hong Kong and knew that the exhibitions of foreign properties occurring there were attracting international investors. She suggested she do an exhibition on his behalf in Hong Kong, and in no time at all, was on a plane back to Asia. That visit significantly accelerated sales of Molnar’s development, which sold out by the time construction was completed.

Molnar was ecstatic. At the time, the trend was to build first and sell upon completion. Grace’s initiative to do pre-sales meant he could move onto his next project faster, with the full support of his financial institutions. The business relationship between the two continued and as the media published stories dubbing her the “First Lady of Presale,” other developers took notice. The presale of condominiums in the Vancouver market was a game changer for the industry.

Over the next 10 years Grace did marketing with over a dozen developers as she travelled abroad to promote their upcoming projects. Some 30 per cent of the 3,000 units she sold were purchased by international buyers.

“It’s not like I’m smarter than anyone else—it was really just because of circumstances that I stumbled upon this,” she says.

In 1995, Grace was working with Michael De Cotiis of Pinnacle International on the pre-sale of The Pinnacle, a 312-unit building in Yaletown that, at the time, was the tallest building in Vancouver. She suggested they build a unit that

actually duplicated a suite, and while it meant a larger investment for the developer, the strategy gave buyers the confidence they needed to commit to purchasing. Pinnacle built two onsite display suites.

“That building sold really well,” Grace recalls. The relationship with Pinnacle International continued to grow and flourish, and to this day, Grace remains deeply involved in consulting for the company’s new developments in Toronto and for its sales in Vancouver.

Amid Grace’s very busy work schedule in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, she managed to devote some of her time serving as a member of the board and director at Simon Fraser University. In 2001, she was appointed as a member of the board of directors at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, representing British Columbia and Yukon until 2005. And she has also served as a board member for both the Hong KongCanada Business Association and S.U.C.C.E.S.S Foundation.

In 2000, the Lions Club honoured Grace with the Medal of Merit as the outstanding citizen for 2000. In 2006, she was recognized as one of Vancouver Sun’s 100 Most Influential.

Today, Anson Realty has a staff of 30 working out of a spacious, 6,000-square-foot building on Cambie Street. With Pinnacle International as her main client, Grace says, she continues to find her work interesting and has no thoughts of retirement.

She is currently involved in the consulting work for a 95story building in Toronto called Sky Tower at Pinnacle One Yonge, which will be the tallest building in Canada. Over 50 per cent of its units have pre-sold, with construction just beginning. Grace and her team are actively marketing the move-inready suites in the Torino at Capstan Village in Richmond, while preparing for the marketing of new Pinnacle projects in downtown Vancouver and Burnaby.

The days of running to international locales to do pre-sales exhibits are behind her now, but Grace says there are still many opportunities in real estate for those with drive and initiative.

“Sometimes success was purely incidental, driven by circumstances and the need to find new ways of doing things,” she says. “But I’m sure there are a lot more new ways out there that I haven’t thought about.”

The crux of her work is personal, face-to-face connections with other people and, as she looks around her at a society deeply focused on smart phones, her hope is that the personal connection doesn’t get lost.

“In some ways people don’t know how to communicate anymore. Yes, texting is faster, but truly, the best way to connect— next to conference calls and now Zoom—is face-to-face.”

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fashion

Red cape and dress, Ay Lelum; boots, Manitobah Mukluks; rings, Inner Wolf Jewelry; beaded ring, ONLY CHILD Handicrafts; turquoise ring, Vintage; cedar crown: traditional piece loaned by artist Rande Cook.

here&now

Boulevard visits Klahoose Wilderness Resort, deep in Desolation Sound, to highlight local, Indigenous fashion designers and jewellery makers. Mixing traditional pieces from coastal First Nations with contemporary Indigenous designs, we celebrate the richness of the past with the vibrancy of Indigenous culture today against the backdrop of the breathtaking Klahoose land.

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PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN HULL STYLING SARAH D’ARCEY CREATIVE DIRECTION LIA CROWE MAKEUP JENNY MCKINNEY MODEL LINSAY WILLIER KENDALL, REPRESENTED BY MODE MODELS

Jacket, Sugiit Lukxs Designs

by Yolonda Skelton; eagle headdress, traditional piece loaned by artist Rande Cook; earrings, Giggy’s Beads Boutique.

Cape, Ay Lelum; sweater and pants, Ecologyst.

Top, Sugiit Lukxs Designs by Yolonda Skelton; button blanket and feathers, collaboration by Mona Elliot and artist Rande Cooke, combining a traditional button blanket with a feathered over skirt; boots, Manitobah Mukluks; choker, Giggy’s Beads Boutique.

On Randy Louise Tunic, traditional piece loaned by artist Rande Cook.

Jacket, stylist’s own from Vintage Holt Renfrew; earrings, Giggy’s Beads Boutique.

Pink dress, Ay Lelum; gloves and boots, Manitobah Mukluks; earrings, ONLY CHILD Handicrafts; Toque, Ecologyst; earrings on toque: Coastal Beads Collective.

sidetrip

Lia Crowe making cedar roses with Annita Noble of the Klahoose First Nation.

an experience shared

Honour and beauty at Klahoose Wilderness Resort WORDS LIA CROWE

X

PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN HULL

“W

e’re going to stay calm and quiet and tread lightly.”

I hear myself nervously repeating the instructions of our grizzly guide through clenched teeth as I address the fashion team, which, under normal circumstances, is loud and energetic.

We have just entered grizzly country—wild, big and eerily quiet—by way of a 30-minute boat ride from our accommodation at Klahoose Wilderness Resort.

From the boat, skippered by our trusty captain Leon Timothy, we step onto land at the end of Toba Inlet and are greeted by Cheyanne Hackett, a guide and cultural interpreter from the Homalco First Nation, a close neighbour to the Klahoose First Nation. Dressed in traditional clothing, she welcomes us in her her ancestral ayʔaǰuθɛm language against a backdrop of steep, mist-laden, dark green hills that drop straight into the waters of Desolation Sound.

Klahoose Wilderness Resort is 100 per cent Indigenousowned; it’s a remote, off-grid, luxury eco-resort set in the absolutely breathtaking wilderness of the traditional terri-

tory of the Klahoose First Nation. It has a rustic feel, with a row of cabins and a big lodge containing guest rooms, a dining room, a glowing wood-burning fireplace and the luxury of comfort, quiet and peace that allows one to unwind.

For this issue of Boulevard, the fashion team had the honour of experiencing the resort while shooting fashion that celebrates local Indigenous designers. The team, including photographer Darren Hull, makeup artist Jenny McKinney, stylist Sarah D’Arcey, model Linsay Willier Kendall, and me, as creative director, arrived in our typical flurry of activity, carrying an impressive amount of bags and equipment.

We got right to it, unloading, asking a million questions and Instagramming every moment of it, until we were asked to come into the main area of the lodge to meet cultural ambassador Klemqwateki (Randy) Louie. Randy started by telling us a little about himself and then honoured our group with a welcome song composed by Drew Blaney of the Tla’amin (Sliammon) Nation. As his voice rang out to the beat of his drum, our busyness turned to calm and we dropped deep into the richness of sharing—and the real magic of our experience began…

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As his voice rang out to the beat of his drum, our busyness turned to calm as we dropped deep into the richness of sharing—and the real magic of our experience began…

Fashion crew, from left, Sarah D’Arcey, Linsay Willier Kendall, Jenny McKinney and Darren Hull.

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“Look!” our guides, Leon and Cheyanne, say in hushed voices sharp with excitement. Our team is focused on setting up our first fashion shot in the grizzly bear viewing tower, so I look where they are pointing. Adrenaline jolts through my body and every hair stands on end as I see a dark shape emerge from the trees to become a large female grizzly that splashes towards us through the salmon-filled shallows of the river.

That night at the lodge, we gathered around the dinner table. Randy joined us, our cheeks were reddened from a day on the boat, our bellies were full and the conversation was lively after the excitement of the day. We were lucky enough to see a grizzly in the wild, a few humpback whales and several sweet little porpoises. We visited a raging waterfall that charged down the mountainside directly into the sea and bathed in the mist. We had the opportunity to make cedar roses with the gracious and patient Annita Noble of the Klahoose First Nation, jump off the dock into the ocean to an audience of resident seals, and tour the trails of surrounding mossy forest.

The nature and wildlife was nothing short of majestic, but the real take away from the whole experience was the depth of sharing honoured upon us from our hosts.

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everyone’s talking about

“I was in awe and stunned when I first set eyes on the new Ghost.”

a joy forever The Rolls-Royce Ghost WORDS JOE LEARY

X

PHOTOGRAPHY ALFONSO ARNOLD

The air of distinction that embodies the Rolls-Royce brand is simply unmatched in the automotive world. And to take the wheel of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost is to embark on an unparalleled driving experience.

This became apparent last July when Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver hosted the official unveiling of the new Ghost in Vancouver.

Ghost is the most technologically advanced and the most successful Rolls-Royce model thus far in the company’s storied 116-year history.

“Rolls-Royce is the absolute pinnacle of automobiles,” says Aly Jiwani, vice president of regional operations at OpenRoad Auto Group.

Purchasing this vehicle is not merely like buying a car—these are unique pieces, he adds: “They are commissioned. When our customers purchase one of these vehicles they get it exactly as they want it. It’s a piece of art, for sure.”

The new Ghost reflects the RollsRoyce catchphrase “post-opulence” in its design philosophy. This means all the latest technology features are included, but they are presented in a more subtle and less opulent way— a nod to a pandemic-inspired “postopulent” era.

The Ghost is an all-wheel-drive and all-wheel-steering masterpiece.

It is equipped with a 6.75-litre, twinturbo V12 engine, offering the driver 563 hp. Ghost glides effortlessly with B O U L E VA R D

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the world’s first Planar Suspension system that significantly increases its seamless agility.

“I was in awe and stunned when I first set eyes on the new Ghost,” Jiwani says of this latest rendition.“The car just speaks for itself—and is so beautiful.”

For the magnificent new Ghost, the collective of design, engineering and craftsmanship all come together in perfect harmony. The team sets new standards in customer-centricity as it looks to the future and the next generation of clients.

It’s a truly unique automobile: “There is no base model,” adds Jiwani.

“Our pinnacle is our Phantom; that’s our flagship. But everything from [models] Cullinan, Ghost, Dawn and Wraith— they are all top-of-the-line cars and all unique. All five RollsRoyce models are spectacular.”

Poet John Keats once prophesied, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

Rolls-Royce serves as testament to that statement.

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From left: Steven Wu, brand manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver; Aly Jiwani, vice president operations, OpenRoad Auto Group; Matthew Wilson, general manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Canada.

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VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd 250.474.3433

Full-Service Savvy at Skye Project renderings, brochures, floor plans, website development, advertising and public relations, sales, and more Sponsored content by Lin Stranberg

e work with different clients at different stages of their projects, but we like to come in early and stay late,” said Surjan Pahal, marketing manager, discussing the end-to-end, full-service advantage of Skye Marketing, a Surrey-based real estate marketing firm that has been helping developers sell out multi-family real estate projects.

That ability is a key component of the company’s winning advantage.

What puts them ahead of the rest is Skye Marketing’s ground-up knowledge and expertise, enabling it to help clients every step of the way, from development applications through branding, digital presence, sales centre, show-home design and sales. Skye marketers have the know-how to accurately research and analyze local markets to set budgets, project cost controls and forecast their clients’ maximum return on investment. Their suite

of services includes more than a dozen different ways they can benefit developers. Skye Marketing ticks all the boxes—and then some, from project renderings to brochures, floor plans and feature lists, website development, advertising and public relations, to project leads and sales.

“We’re always expanding our team,” said Pahal, “and many of us come from a development background, so we know how to help developers shape and readjust units for the best possible return. In addition, our team is expert in branding, marketing and selling to the end user.”

Skye Marketing does more than create great marketing campaigns. They execute them completely and effectively, achieving top results for clients and often setting sales records along the way. The NOVA condominium project in Fleetwood, Surrey, was the talk of the town when it sold for a record price of $935

per square foot, an amazingly high price and the first of its kind for a wood frame condo.

“We take pride in every project we take on,” Pahal said. “Our experienced sales team, with in-depth knowledge of pre-sale developments, has generated more than $300 million dollars in the past five years.”

Over the course of the past five or six years, Skye Marketing has built an extensive database of more than 15,000 realtors and potential clients across the lower mainland.

They also maintain a personal and proprietary database of more than 3,000 trusted realtors across the lower mainland as well, with qualified buyers and investors, two more things that set them ahead of the rest.

With a committed inventory of more than 1,000 units coming to market over the next four years, Skye Marketing is quickly becoming the leading marketing firm for developers.

Has your life gone to the dogs?

Pet-friendly Vancouver means you can often bring Fido along

BY JANE ZATYLNY PHOTOS COURTESY FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

i

was one of many British Columbians who adopted a rescue dog during the few first months of the pandemic. I’d lost my 12-year-old Labrador in January 2020 and was longing for the companionship and comfort of a dog. My new Siberian husky, Baylee, delivers—big time.

Part therapy dog, part live-in companion, Baylee never fails to put a smile on my face.

“We know that animals have such a positive impact on our mental and physical wellness, and I think this was needed more than ever during COVID-19,” says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of communications for the BC SPCA. “While our adoptions have remained fairly static because of COVID-19, there has been a greatly increased demand, sometimes up to 200 applications for one animal.”

Sure enough, dogs seem to be everywhere these days—in condo buildings, on the street, in parks and even in local stores.

“Shopping in stores with pet dogs is definitely a trend on the rise,” says Erin Bellinger from BringFido.com, a website that helps dog owners find hotels, restaurants and other places that will welcome their pets.

It’s a trend I definitely appreciate: how great is it that I can combine a dog walk with a visit to the pharmacy or wine store? Even my local Canadian Tire welcomes dogs, though I’ve noticed they are more likely to congregate in the pet aisle than the tire department.

“We love having a dog-friendly store,” reads a placard at

the front of the store, adding a single, reasonable plea: “Please help us by cleaning up after your dog.”

Patios are another great option with a well-behaved dog. At an outdoor eatery in my neighbourhood, Baylee likes to curl up under the table and patiently waits for a tasty morsel to drop.

Many hotels have long rolled out the red carpet for their four-legged guests, giving owners peace of mind while they travel. Accent Inns, for example, has had a pet program for more than 30 years, says Mandy Farmer, president and CEO of Accent Inns and Zed Hotels. These hotels try to be as flexible as possible with their pet policy.

“We don’t have size limits and you can bring more than two dogs. We just ask that you call us and let us know,” Mandy says, adding that they even housed a tiger once at their Burnaby location. “He was working at a local movie studio.”

Vancouver has long been known as one of North America’s most dog-friendly cities, even in its most metropolitan areas.

Dogs are more than welcome to stay in the heart of the city at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, where they are welcomed by the hotel’s canine concierges, Ella, a seven-year-old Labrador/ Golden Retriever mix, and Eleanor (Elly for short), a threeyear-old Black Labrador.

The hotel has waived its pet fee through the fall of 2021, says Casey Barks, regional sale director for the hotel chain.

“During the pandemic, most travellers throughout BC

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turned to their own backyards for road-trip adventures and family travel, often with their furry family members along for the ride,” he explains. “We wanted to make exploring Vancouver more accessible for families with pets.”

Dogs are also welcome at the storied Sylvia Hotel on Vancouver’s English Bay, once famously known for its resident cat, Mr. Got to Go. The hotel welcomes two dogs of any size (cats, too) for no additional fee and provides grassy areas on its grounds for pet relief. Stroll along nearby Beach Avenue with its grassy borders of grass. Dog heaven!

All of Vancouver’s city parks are dog-friendly places, though most require that your pooch is leashed; off-leash parks are also abundant in and around Vancouver, along with great trails for outdoor enthusiasts and their dogs. Walk in the shadow of giant cedar at Pacific Spirit Regional Park, where you’ll find a network of trails in more than 750 hectares of forest on the west side of Vancouver. You’ll have to leash up on some of the trails, but many are off leash.

Or if you love heights, take your pup with you onto the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. Leashed dogs are allowed in most parts of the park, including on the 130-year-old bridge itself.

If being on the water is more your style, the city’s tiny, rainbow-coloured Aquabus ferries also welcome four-legged passengers. “Dogs are not just allowed, they are encouraged,”

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the website enthusiastically proclaims. “We simply ask that all furry friends are clean and on a leash.”

Here are a few more tips for navigating dog-friendly Vancouver, as well as some suggestions about how to prepare your dog for the inevitable: your post-pandemic return to the office.

MIND YOUR PETIQUETTE Keep in mind that not all public or private spaces are dog friendly. Even if one local retailer is pet friendly, it does not necessarily mean that other locations of the same chain will be okay with dogs roaming their aisles.

At storefronts, check for “dogs welcome” signs, or poke your head inside and ask for permission before entering. Once inside, be acutely aware of other customers: some may actually be afraid of dogs. Be considerate and alert to their body language.

“Keep your dog close to you at all times and give fellow shoppers a wide berth,” stresses Erin Ballinger. “Move out of their way, not vice versa.”

Check city websites for information and watch also for signs at parks and beaches. Some close entries to dogs at certain times of the year.

BE PREPARED If you’ve ever taken a dog into a store, you know there are tempting items right at their eye level. That’s why it’s so important to understand your dog’s limitations, says Ballinger.

“If he is unaccustomed to being around strangers or can’t walk on a leash and follow commands while distracted, he is not ready for places like boutiques or department stores,” she stresses. “Start off at a chain pet store like PetSmart or Petco.

Go at a low-traffic time. Work your way up to Home Depot, then aim for more challenging stores.”

It also helps to exercise your pup before you enter stores, to take the edge off your dog’s friskiness, she adds. “And don’t forget to bring poop cleanup bags. If your dog has an accident, be the one to clean it up.”

When planning to travel with a dog, have a plan for what your dog will do during the day if you are working. Ask if dogs can be left alone in the room or if there are other rules that you need to follow.

PLAN YOUR VISIT WELL IN ADVANCE Be sure to always check pet policies before booking your hotel. Rules can vary: some only accept small dogs; others have rules in place about how many dogs you can bring and how long you can leave your dog in your room unattended.

It’s a good idea to call in advance and not just book online, so there are no surprises. Take your time if you’re travelling by car, and plan plenty of breaks for dog walks. While building the Hotel Zed in Tofino, Mandy Farmer travelled to the west coast often with her dog, and scoped out places to stop for a hike en route from Victoria.

“It allowed me to explore some great new areas, and it was much healthier for me to get out and take breaks,” she says.

Your hotel will be your best source for information. Ask the front desk for suggestions for great walks or dog parks. Most hotels can also supply names of pet sitters and walkers, if necessary, and offer pet packages that can include dog bowls, poop bags, treats and often dog beds.

AVOID SEPARATION ANXIETY Many of us will return to the office one day in the not-sodistant future. Start to prepare for the transition now, before that day comes. The BC SPCA’s Lorie Chortyk offers these tips: Pets crave routine. Transition to a routine that most closely resembles what the “new normal” will look like. “Set up a schedule for walks, feeding, playing and other activities that will be happening when you return to work, so your pet has a

Many hotels have long rolled out the red carpet for their four-legged guests, giving owners peace of mind while they travel. chance to adjust,” she says.

Start by leaving the house for short periods of time—even if it’s just for a few minutes. “This helps your pet realize that even when you leave, you always return, which reduces their anxiety,” says Lorie.

Make sure you have lots of interactive toys, like KONGs, snuffle mats and other items on hand to keep your pet occupied when you are gone. “Create a space for them with a comfy bed and all their favourite toys so they have a calming, safe space while you are out.”

Finally, be patient: “Transitions take time, but your pet will adjust to the ‘new normal’ with your help.”

RESOURCES: BC SPCA ANIMALKIND PROGRAM

This program accredited dog trainers who are committed to positive, humane training methods. If you need help with your pet, you can find an accredited trainer at animalkind.ca.

BRINGFIDO.COM

This handy website is searchable by location, and provides information about dog-friendly restaurants, attractions, accommodations, and retail stores. bringfido.com

DESTINATION VANCOUVER

Check out this tourist authority’s website page for Vancouver dog-friendly links and tips.

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PAWSWAP

Founded in Vancouver in 2016, this app helps you target dogfriendly businesses, hotels and play places. Detailed business pages reveal helpful information like “Welcome Inside,” “Patio or Tie Up Area,” “Offers Special Treat,” and “Can Be Off Leash.” The app, which is available in free and premium versions, is available in the Apple App store; an Android version is due out soon.

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food and feast

Golden Beet and Carrot Soup

Autumn aromatherapy Celebrate the season with fall-favourite spices

WORDS ELLIE SHORTT PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON

T

here’s no denying that each season has its scent. It may be merely a trace quality in the air, intangible yet evident like the gentle whisper of new life at the start of spring. Sometimes it’s more distinct and specific, like the aroma of sun-soaked blackberries ripening in the late summer heat. More often than not, it evokes a swirl of emotions, a swelling of the heart, a sweet smile of the soul, as familiar as the fragrance of firewood smoke climbing out of the chimney on a snowy mid-winter day.

But for me, there’s no greater sense of olfactory nostalgia than the aromas of fall. They first arrive on cooler winds, send me back to the excitement of a new school year, embrace me with the celebratory sweetness of Rosh Hashanah and settle in fully as warming aromas emanate from my oven. Often at this time of year my kitchen is awash with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove and cardamom in both sweet and savoury creations.

My body seems to intuitively crave these classic autumnal spices that boost immune function during cold and flu season, aid in digestion for those heartier fall feasts and balance blood sugar for those abundant baking sessions.

Yes, these beloved fall flavours do all that! In fact, for many cultures and practices, spices have been employed for medicinal purposes, among many other uses, and we have now seen the benefits of those ancestral practices supported by contemporary research.

These healing marvels primarily originated in the Spice Islands (also known as the Maluku Islands), hidden away in east and southeast Asia, but, of course, expanded into nearby regions and then found their way into European households, as kings, queens and aristocratic benefactors learned of the therapeutic benefits plus their remarkable taste potential. In fact, at one time, spices became the world’s most treasured commodity of any type, beyond precious metals and gems.

The intricate and complicated network of exchange begat what history refers to as the spice trade and subsequently shaped much of the world as we know it today.

Seeking fame, fortune and glory (or by the orders of their monarchs), explorers set sail into previously undiscovered corners of the world, bringing with them disease, war and colonization. It’s humbling to think as I rummage through my spice cabinet, sorting mindlessly through forgotten flavourings and then casually sprinkling cinnamon into a pie, that a teaspoon of these seasonings were once a desired rarity beyond our modern comprehension, and were subsequently the source of much extraordinary exploration, as well as heartbreaking devastation, as a result.

So with those wellness benefits and historical gravity in mind and heart, I offer four of my favourite feel-good fall recipes that highlight and showcase these crown-jewel spices of the culinary world in all their glory. And as they simmer, roast and bake away, I hope you too breathe in the undeniable perfumes and feelings of the arrival of autumn.

Gingery Golden Beet and Carrot Soup with Honey Clove Candied Hazelnuts This soup is bursting with immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory benefits, especially with the addition of that super spice, turmeric! Of course, it’s great on its own, but I love serving it with candied hazelnuts for a special treat, as well as a drizzle of Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of fresh thyme.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30-40 minutes Makes about 6 cups of soup Ingredients For the soup…

2 cups beets, peeled and roughly chopped 2 cups carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 3 cloves of garlic ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for sautéing 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced 1 large apple, peeled and sliced 2 tsp honey 1 tsp turmeric ¼ tsp pepper 1 cups plain broth (plus extra if desired) * I use chicken bone broth 1.5 cup coconut milk (full fat in a can) Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste For the hazelnuts…

165 grams hazelnuts, roughly chopped 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp honey Pinch of sea salt Dash of ground clove Directions For the soup…

Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, toss the beets, carrots and garlic cloves with olive oil and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until fork tender, and set aside (you will also want to remove the garlic cloves from their peels at this point). Sauté the onions on medium-to-low heat with a bit of olive oil until soft and translucent.

Add in the apple slices and a bit more olive oil and continue sautéing until they’re soft and starting to brown slightly.

In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the roasted beets and carrots plus the sautéed apple and onion with the remaining ingredients, and puree until smooth and creamy.

Reheat on stovetop, adding any additional broth or even some water for your preferred consistency, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

For the hazelnuts…

Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the hazelnuts with the butter, honey, sea salt and clove and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes, remove and set aside to cool.

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Bahārāt Roasted Cauliflower

Bahārāt Roasted Cauliflower with Chickpeas, Pine Nuts and Parsley Bahārāt is an essential Middle Eastern blend made by combining many of the spices highlighted here. Of course, there are endless combinations and versions of bahārāt, but this basic blend has been my go-to for years. It is a staple in my kitchen for seasoning soups, grilling meat and poultry and roasting veggies, as shown here. This particular dish makes for a great side drizzled with Greek yogurt, and I love using leftovers as a salad topper.

Roast for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is starting to become tender. Add the pine nuts and toss the cauliflower (for a more even cook).

Roast everything for another 15 minutes, until the cauliflower is starting to char slightly on the edges, and the chickpeas are crispy. Remove from the oven, add any additional salt or bahārāt to your liking, sprinkle with parsley and drizzle with yogurt or any other garnishes.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Makes about 4 servings To make the bahārāt (about ¼ cup’s worth)…

Ingredients 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground clove 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper ¼ tsp ground cardamom

Directions Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an air-tight jar or other container.

Ingredients 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets or small wedges 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced 1 can (425g) chickpeas, rinsed 1 ⁄3 cup olive oil 4 tsp bahārāt 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste) ¼ cup pine nuts 1-2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped Optional drizzle of Greek yogurt Directions Preheat your oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower, chickpeas and onion in olive oil, salt and bahārāt, and spread evenly on the baking sheet.

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Bahārāt spice mix

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Cardamom Plum Clafoutis

Cardamom Plum Clafoutis For those not familiar with this rustic French dessert, it’s a moist, eggy, custardy, cake-like creation with loose similarities to a Dutch baby. Traditionally made with whole cherries, the pits were thought to give the dessert a light almond-y essence.

As exquisite as this is, many (myself included) find navigating cherry pits tedious when enjoying sweet treats, so using almond flour in the mix has been a go-to of mine and many other more experimental chefs’. I also find it provides a delightfully nuanced texture that plain flour doesn’t offer on its own. If you’d like to make this fully wheat free, I suggest using tapioca starch instead.

Similarly, I combine both regular dairy and coconut milk for a creamy complement to the cardamom, but offer a fully dairy-free option for those that need (or want) it. As you can see, this incredibly simple, elegantly effortless and fabulously foolproof dessert is pretty hard to mess up even when subbing and swapping and messing around. While some might argue the Julia Child recipe is the gold standard, you might find this to be a fun alternative that offers lots of room for creativity and adaptation when it comes to certain dietary considerations.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Makes about 6 servings Ingredients 4 large eggs ½ cup coconut milk (full fat from a can) ½ cup half-and-half cream (sub with more canned coconut milk for a dairy-free option) 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or paste ¼ cup cane sugar 84

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1 cup extra fine almond flour 3 tbsp all purpose flour (sub with tapioca starch for a wheat-free option) 1 tsp cardamom ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp sea salt 2 tbsp butter (sub with coconut oil for a dairy-free option) About 10 prune plums, sliced in half and pitted Directions Preheat your oven to 350 F and melt the butter in a 9-inch baking dish (round, square or even a cast-iron pan) until the bottom is fully coated. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flours, spices and salt, and set aside.

Either by hand, in an electric mixer or even in a blender, combine the eggs, coconut milk, cream, vanilla and sugar until frothy (this may take a minute or two, so be patient). Stir or pulse in the dry mix until fully integrated and smooth. Pour the batter into the warmed baking dish, arrange the plums to your liking and bake for about 40 minutes until the edges are golden and the middle is set (the middle should be wobbly but not wet).

Clafoutis can be served warm or cold and is shown here with powdered sugar and honey clove candied hazelnuts (see recipe above). *Notes: The clafoutis will start to deflate when you remove it from the oven—this is normal, so don’t panic. The moisture of the clafoutis will quickly absorb the powdered sugar garnish, so add it only right before serving. You can store the clafoutis covered in your fridge for up to a week.

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Slow-Cooked Apple and Pear Cider

Slow-Cooked Apple and Pear Cider This is pure autumnal aromatherapy at its best! I’ve been brewing multiple pots of this potion all season to simply keep my house smelling like fall harvest heaven and the delicious cider I’ve been sipping on daily is simply a bonus. Plus it’s a great way to use up excess apples and pears for those who have a fertile fruit tree in your garden as the cider freezes wonderfully.

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 2 hours Makes about 1.5 litres of cider Ingredients 6 large apples (I use a combination like McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, etc.)

4 large pears (I like Bartlett for this recipe) 1 L water 1 vanilla bean 3 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 1 large nutmeg seed 1-2 tbsp maple syrup

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Directions Quarter the apples, removing the cores and stems.

Place into a large pot and add the water, vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and maple syrup (start with 1 tbsp and add more later if needed).

Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 30 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so. Turn off the heat and let cool.

Remove the spices and vanilla bean (as best as you can— it can be hard to get all the cloves out). Carefully strain the mixture through a mesh strainer (you can discard the apple-pear mush, but I like to save mine to spread on toast or use in baking). You may want to strain the cider one more time to remove any pulp. Taste and adjust the maple syrup to your liking and serve warm or cold. Cider will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge.

VISM

inspires modelling career Seventeen-year-old Vivian Guo has already proven herself to be an exceptional student, a charming events’ host, a talented athlete and a committed volunteer. And now she’s adding a burgeoning modelling career to her resume.

She recently became the brand ambassador for Burning Hormone Fitness, undertaking several shoots with the gym.

Vivian—who first dabbled in modelling three years ago—began modelling classes in August at the Vancouver International School of Music, which, in addition to teaching music, offers modelling and arts courses as well as arts experience courses.

When the school put forth her portfolio to the fitness centre, it was a perfect fit.

“I had a great time shooting with them,” she says. “I feel like modelling is something that I really love to do. I did the Vancouver fashion week a few years ago.”

She smiles and a light comes into her eyes. “It was the most exciting thing I’ve ever done in my life. It opened up my eyes to the entire fashion industry.”

Now in her final year at Prince of Wales Secondary, Vivian is balancing her growing workload as a model with her studies, and currently developing an in-school magazine geared towards building community among the student body. A lot of the students—the younger grades, especially—don’t always know what’s happening around the school, she says, and this magazine will be a way to showcase the various sports and clubs available at the school.

“Our magazine will be open to submissions from students, whether art, writing, journalism, we’d try our best to include that too,” she adds. “This is the first time Prince of Wales has ever had [a magazine], so it’s pretty exciting!”

Though university is on the horizon, Vivian—who speaks English, French and Chinese fluently—would also love to travel once she’s graduated.

“I would love to go to Asia and revisit my roots,” she says.

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travel

Five Wounds Portuguese National Parish is among the historic buildings in San Jose..

PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT SAN JOSE.

History. Culture. And the Shark Tank.

A weekend full of bonuses in San Jose WORDS SUSAN LUNDY

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Our day-two itinerary includes checking out the area around the SAP Center, including the San Pedro Square Market, followed by dinner at Hotel De Anza (where, tantalizingly, I wonder if the Canucks might be staying).

i

t’s the end of January and we’re out and about in light sweaters because it’s San Jose, California and the temperature today is around 17 degrees. So that’s a bonus. It’s also 2020 and although there are hints of what’s to come, at this point, we’re still enjoying being in crowded places and sitting indoors without masks, blissfully unaware of what’s just around the corner. That’s bonus number two.

Also a bonus is the swanky Hotel Valencia—located in the equally chichi Santana Row—where we’ve checked into a lovely room after driving here in our rental car from the airport in San Francisco—a short, albeit traffic-riddled journey.

And yet another bonus? Tomorrow night the Vancouver Canucks hockey team will blaze into the SAP Center (aka the Shark Tank) and battle the San Jose Sharks—and my husband Bruce and I will be there. Like many Canucks fans from across BC, we’ve planned this trip to coincide with a Canucks California swing, where they typically play games in San Jose, LA and/or Anaheim.

This is our first trip to San Jose and we’re already loving it.

The Spanish-influenced Hotel Valencia is the only hotel in Santana Row, one of two shopping areas in this part of town. Lifestyle-focussed Santana Row, with its luxury apartments lining the street above the shops, has upscale gyms and athletics apparel, tech and gadget shops (check out the Tesla store), entertainment options, including a sizzling outdoor nightlife, and some 30 restaurants, offering everything from Singapore-inspired cuisine to Italian and Asian fusion,

steak, sushi, pizza and burgers. By crossing nearby Stevens Creek Boulevard, people can access the upscale shopping and dining at Westfield Valley Fair, which recently underwent a $1 billion renovation. These two areas merge to create a shoppers’ haven.

On our second night we particularly enjoy a pre-hockeygame happy hour at Santana Row’s EMC Seafood and Raw Bar, sitting at a sidewalk table (outside in January!). Eating delicious food, drinking sake, and looking across the way at a middle-of-the-street courtyard and a wine bar created to mimic a chapel, it feels a bit like dining out in Europe.

Our hotel room, comfortable and spacious, overlooks an urban street setting. The hotel, entered via a three-story rotunda with dramatic wrought iron lattice, is set around a courtyard with a lush indoor/outdoor dining area, a rooftop bar with views over the city and Santa Cruz Mountains, and an outdoor pool and hot tub on the fifth floor.

San Jose offers a wealth of things to do and sights to see, like the Winchester Mystery House, San Jose Museum of Art, The Tech Museum of Innovation (we are, after all, in the cultural, financial and political centre of the Silicon Valley!), a zoo, an aquarium, five roller coasters at California’s Great America and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, to name a few. If only we had more time!

Our day-two itinerary includes checking out the area around the SAP Center, including the San Pedro Square Market, followed by dinner at Hotel De Anza (where, tantalizingly, I wonder if the Canucks might be staying).

But first, a personal matter. In a bizarre twist, San Jose is home to a Lundy Avenue and a Sierra Road. Since my youngest daughter is named Sierra Lundy, it seems imperative to visit the intersection and snap a photo of the two street signs sitting side by side. Once that mission is complete, we’re off to explore.

San Jose is the third most populated city in California (after LA and San Diego) and the 10th largest in the US, and covers an area of 468 square kilometres. It’s known for its tech innovation and its affluence—as of last June, the city had the highest percentage of million-dollar (or more) homes in the United States. It has also had more patents issued than any other city in US history. Because the area is in the flight path of the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, there’s a height limit on buildings in the downtown, so there are very few of the tall towers you see in many American cities. Most of San

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Above, Santanna Row; bottom, The “Shark Tank” at the SAP Center.

Jose’s historic buildings were demolished in the latter half of the last century as new development occurred. The exception is the Downtown Historic District, where we land after snapping the street signs.

This district has been listed on the US’s National Register of Historic Places and contains buildings of six different architectural styles, including Italianate, Romanesque Revival, Victorian, Edwardian, Neoclassical, Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival. It is here we visit the city’s oldest building, the Peralta Adobe, built in 1797.

The district is also home to San Pedro Square Market, with its array of food options, a massive lounge and coffee area with a bar, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. Bruce decides to visit The Barber Bar (mostly, I think, because it offers a pint of beer with its barbering), while I stalk the square, hoping to spot a Canucks player or two. (Little does Bruce know as he sits in the barber’s chair that a pandemic lock90

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down is just a few weeks away and this will be his last haircut for months to come…)

As a nightlife destination in walking-distance proximity to the SAP Center, San Pedro Market Square is also set up as a celebration of the Sharks hockey team. We meet some Canucks fans who tell us jokingly that the doorman wasn’t going to let them in wearing their jerseys. I later ask Bruce to photograph me giving the “thumbs down” sign in front of one of the many massive Sharks-celebrating posters. (Boo!) Also located in this historic district is the Hotel De Anza, where we enjoy a pre-game dinner in The Hedley Club Lounge. At 10 storeys high, the De Anza was the tallest hotel in the San Jose business district before construction of hotels like the Hilton and Marriott. Today, it is renowned as one of San Jose’s few Zigzag Moderne (Art Deco) buildings. As we settle in for dinner, we gape at its rich interior, highlighted by soaring ceilings, a massive chandelier, sumptuous drapes and large paintings that all add an other-era air to the experience.

The California-produced bottle of Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut that we order pairs beautifully with what might be the very best, melt-in-your-mouth salmon I’ve ever eaten. And that’s coming from a lifelong west coast gal.

Our pre-game experience continues after dinner with a tour of the SAP Center—an enlightening, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Shark Tank’s inner workings. The tour, led by Jim Sparaco (the San Jose Sharks’ director of PR and business operations), takes us through the underbelly of the arena, into the truck-contained control centres and then across a sky-high catwalk to the media centre. It’s eye-opening to see all that goes on behind the workings of a hockey game. And as Jim points out, the San Jose Sharks’ entrance into the NHL in 1991 gave the city a real identity to rally around, so there is a lot of pride in that work.

Finally it’s game time, which, in the Shark Tank, always starts with the lowering of a mammoth shark head, through which the local players skate onto the ice. We join with other Canucks fans cheering on our boys.

The game ends like hockey games everywhere: in an outpouring of people from the arena and a merging of opposingteam jerseys on the streets, many heading to bars and restaurants for late-night commiserating or celebrating. And for us, tonight? It’s another bonus: a Canucks win has definitely capped our trip.

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AND THE 7 SINS with KATE HARRIS

Now an owner and CEO, Kate Harris has certainly worked her way to the top of DriveWise BC the old-fashioned way.

“I started when I was about six or seven cleaning the offices,” she says with a laugh. “I grew up with it.”

Kate’s parents, Arthur and Pat Harris, began the driver’s education school nearly 50 years ago, and it’s grown with the family ever since. Now with offices in Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Victoria and recently in Vancouver, the company offers progressive and interactive programs to beginning drivers all through the province.

“Our driving world changes every day, and it’s our job as driving educators to change along with it,” Kate says.

While she’s had a long history with the company, Kate stepped away for a short time, moving to Whistler just after graduating high school to become a ski instructor.

“I wanted to try something completely new, and I worked my way up into the adult program and was getting private requests,” she says. “And I had my kids in Whistler, but then we decided we wanted to be closer to our families.”

Kate eventually rejoined the DriveWise BC family full time, and it was about a year ago she made the decision to buy out her parents and take on the top role, a move somewhat prompted by the COVID-19 situation.

“I was a part owner 10 years ago,” she explains, “and the push [to take over] was to say, WORDS ANGELA COWAN 92

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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

‘Okay Mom and Dad, it’s okay for you to retire.’ They deserve it. We were spending so much time as a family at our cabin, and it made them realize there’s life after work.”

Kate was also able to steer the company in a new direction to respond to the limitations put in place by the pandemic, and helped create and evolve an entirely remote Zoom-based driving education program.

“We took the most difficult situation we could have been faced with—which was the COVID-19 pandemic—and turned it around to create an entirely new business model,” says Kate. “We were the first program in BC to be licensed to do the complete e-program, and now we have people from all over the province taking our program.”

“Our driving world changes every day, and it’s our job as driving educators to change along with it.”

The 7 Sins ENVY:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

For those who know me well, this is easy: Julie Andrews! I have loved her and loved her movies since the very first day I saw The Sound of Music. When I was little, I wanted to be her one day, and would line up all the kids on the street as the Von Trapp family and sing songs! I’m sure all those kids still remember, and I know my friends still know most of the songs as well.

GLUTTONY:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

Pickles, chocolate and peanut butter, ice cream, steak and watermelon! Love them all, and in no particular order. They can all be a favourite “meal” of mine.

GREED:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

I love shoes, so shoes for sure. And I love to travel. I think I’d buy a bunch of shoes, and then take my family on many vacations. Maybe even buy a thatched roof house in Bora Bora. Okay, now that sounds amazing!

WRATH:

Pet peeves?

Poor drivers. I guess I’m supposed to say that, but it’s true.

We live in a country where our driving skills are tested at 17 years of age and then not again—in most cases—until 80 years old. This system contradicts our rapidly changing roadways, laws and environment. I’d like to change it.

SLOTH:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

Easy. Maui. I’ve been travelling there for years and love it so much. Going back very soon! Second would be our cabin on the ocean in Sooke (on Vancouver Island). It’s rustic and simple, and some of my best memories have been from this little spot of ours. Relaxation at its best!

PRIDE:

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of ?

Not much of a secret, but definitely my three boys. They are now 25, 23 and 17 years old. Wow! Time goes very fast. They’re hard workers, extremely community oriented and have volunteered since they were 16. But most of all, they’re happy. The happy part is what makes me most proud!

LUST:

What makes your heart beat faster?

Love and finding the one to share that deepest and most intimate connection with. To be best friends and in love at the same time is a feeling I get to experience every day. I feel so incredibly grateful and blessed. When you still get the butterflies, you know it’s meant to be!

Thanks J!

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narrative

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WORDS MARCIA AND MIKE NELSON PEDDE

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ILLUSTRATION SIERRA LUNDY

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FREE HUGS

s with many things, it all began with a simple idea.

It was 2010 and, after a quick trip to the office supply store for some blank business card stock, we used our home printer to make our very first “hug certificates.” On the back of each one is a message to share it along, and a link to a post on our blog with a template so that others can print and share their own.

Emboldened by this idea, we began doing just that. We gave certificates to strangers whom we saw hugging each other (when they welcomed them), left them anonymously on café tables or tucked into a returned library book…even mailed a few packets to friends in other parts of Canada and the world. In exchange we heard a few stories, including someone who encountered an individual really needing a hug that day, and another who had received a certificate from a woman on a bus while off-island.

One day, while searching online, we discovered a video about a man who went by the pseudonym Juan Mann. After having his life turned upside down in England, he flew home to Sydney, Australia. There was no one to greet him at the airport, no friends or family to welcome him, so he found a piece of cardboard and a marker and wrote “FREE HUGS” in big letters. Then he went to the busiest pedestrian area in town. After 15 minutes, his first shared hug was with a woman whose dog had died that morning. She needed that hug. There’s more to his story, but it’s not ours to tell. Suffice to say, that single act of shared kindness sparked what has become a movement around the world. Pick your favourite search engine, type in “free hugs” and be amazed.

We were hooked! Or so we thought…

On June 8, 2010, posters in hand, we were on the lower causeway near the corner of Government and Belleville streets in downtown Victoria. We were, in a word, terrified.

After what seemed like an interminably long time, a little girl, maybe eight years old, saw us and came running over to share in our first ever Free Hugs campaign. She literally broke the ice that had been surrounding our hearts. We shared many hugs that day (including one with the security

guard who had been sent over to see what we were protesting). But our most memorable hugs for the day came from two stand-up paddle boarders, who paddled over to the edge of the harbour, climbed up the ladder, came running over for hugs then retraced their steps back across the harbour again.

For our next campaign we moved slightly north to the Homecoming Statue on Victoria’s waterfront Wharf Street.

The statue is of a naval officer crouching down to welcome his daughter as she runs into his arms. It was a perfect spot for us. As well, the area around the memorial meant that we could stand away from the sidewalk and not inhibit traffic.

Three seconds of connection is the minimum you get from us. We’ll wave, smile, wish you a wonderful day. Those who are interested must come to us and we’re so very glad when they do. We share hugs, air hugs, waves and car honks, handshakes, fist bumps and high fives, and we offer smiles to those who aren’t interested in connecting. Hugging is an intimate affair, and not everyone can go there. Sometimes people stop to chat, offering stories about their lives, their homes, their travels…those are cherished too.

In 11 years, we’ve shared hugs with locals and visitors from (at least) 88 countries. Every hug is unique and special.

Sharing hugs is a great equalizer. We’ve hugged toddlers, octogenarians and people of every age in between. We’ve shared hugs with millionaires and street people on the same day, with people of every faith and from all parts of the world. Everyone is welcome. We’ve shared hugs with police officers, ambulance drivers, bus drivers, garbage collectors, pedi-cab drivers (and passengers), taxi drivers, hop-on-hopoff bus passengers, a bridal party, lawyers, mothers, grandfathers…you name it.

We’ve shared hugs in joy (the young woman whose father pulled over so she could jump out and get a hug on her birthday) and we’ve hugged people in sorrow (“My house burnt down this morning.”). One woman shared a hug with Marcia, stood back, looked at her and said, “Good-bye, Mom. It’s time.” We shared hugs with one gentleman, who could speak about two words of English: “Thank you” and

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It makes them feel better, it makes us feel better and, even for just this moment, it makes the world a little better of a place.

“Iran.” That’s two more words of English than we know of his language. For those who don’t read English, we have learned how to say “free hugs” in a few languages, including French, Portugese, Spanish, Italian and Cambodian. Open arms work well as a translation too.

Probably the most frequently asked question is, “Why are you doing this?”

The answer is simple: we do it for kindness. It makes them feel better, it makes us feel better and, even for just this moment, it makes the world a little better of a place. When asked if we’re affiliated with any religious group, the answer is no. It’s just us. The only claim we might have is an affiliation with everyone else who has ever shared a hug with a stranger or a loved one.

On occasion we’ve been offered money. We always refuse.

The hugs are free. We encourage those who are generous to pay it forward in whatever way they feel is appropriate.

We’ve also been asked how many hugs we’ve shared. We have absolutely no idea. An average session involves around 200 hugs, give or take. Someone suggested maybe 40,000 hugs, but even if it was one quarter of that, it’s almost beyond comprehension for us.

Over the years we’ve shared hugs with so very many people. We’ve had some regulars—usually locals—but we’ve also reconnected with a few people who met us at the same time on a previous visit to our fair city. We once shared a hug with someone whom we had hugged eight years previously! We’ve also shared hugs with any number of dogs, and there have been some hugs with other creatures as well.

These include Velma the Velociraptor, a Storm Trooper (Star Wars), two bearded dragons (lizards), a Snow Princess, a Chinese Lion and Hitchbot, the hitchhiking robot.

Our first hugging campaign for 2020 began on January 24. Our last campaign was on March 1. After that we did a two-week self-isolation. We were fine (hugging is great medicine). But since on any given day we can meet and share hugs with people from several different countries, for this moment at least, hugging strangers is not part of the world we live in.

We miss it every day, but we still share air hugs and virtual hugs where we can, and we find new ways to spread kindness. We all share one planet, and if the current pandemic has taught us anything it’s that we’re all connected to each other. Hug someone you love today, even if it’s only screen to screen. You’ll both feel better for it.

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behind the story

The Boulevard fashion team, who had the opportunity to visit Klahoose Wilderness Resort for this issue’s photo shoot, will agree that meeting cultural ambassador Randy Louie was a real highlight. Klemqwateki (Randy) Louie, cultural interpreter at Klahoose Wilderness Resort, was born in 1973 in the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) nation to a Malahat mother. Klemqwateki found his ƛoʔos (Klahoose) father in 1988, prompting him to move home to Cortes Island.

Klemqwateki was given his paternal grandfather Francis Louie’s Klahoose name in 1988.

His grandfather was a canoe-maker and fisherman. His grandmother was Xwémalhkwu (Homalco), born at Muushkin (Old Church House) and was later moved to Aupe (New Church House) at the mouth of Bute Inlet. Klemqwateki learned about his rich heritage, lineage and family history later in life through oral tradition and immersion into his new community. Today, through these teachings, it is something he values deeply. He honours his culture with his carvings, drumming, stories and songs. Klemqwateki is considered one of the community’s cultural leaders, sharing all his teachings. He has been recognized as “a genuine spirit and gift to the resort, tourism and his community of Klahoose.”

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Photographer Darren Hull with Klemqwateki (Randy) Louie who is wearing a traditional Kwakwaka’wakw tunic loaned by artist Rande Cook.

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

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