FineLifestyles VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2 2015
HGTV’S
SCOTT MCGILLIVRAY RENOVATION ADVICE FROM ONE OF CANADA’S BEST
COMMUNITY FEATURE: PARKLAND RANCH
PARKLAND MANITOBA
first word With Fine Lifestyles editor SARAH VERMETTE
As the days get warmer, many of you will be gearing up for spring and summer renovations. Fine Lifestyle’s newest contributor, Scott McGillivary, known for HGTV’s Income Property, and featured here on the cover, weighs in with renovation advice. Take note of the businesses herein that can help you beautify your outdoor space and lend their expert services in home renovation and design. In this issue of Fine Lifestyles Parkland Manitoba, we’re pleased to present Parkland Ranch, a dynamic local business. Discover how you can enjoy a rustic nature getaway.
FineLifestyles PARKLAND MANITOBA
www.finelifestyles.ca Volume 4 Issue 2 2015 Editor Sarah Vermette sarahv@finelifestyles.ca Art Direction Amber Moon, Senior Lisa Redden, Associate Design Natasha Burkholder, Candace Haiko, Ghislaine Moffitt, DeAnne Bell Staff Writers Courtney Tait, Henny Buffinga, Melanie Furlong Rebecca Henderson, Tobie Hainstock, Tonya Lambert Tori Stafford, Trina Annand Cover Photography Arash Moallemi
I’m pleased to edit this book as we grow in your community. It’s always a thrill to get to know the local area through your businesses.
Photography Andrea Gorda, Pipcreek Farm & Studio, Richard Sibbald, Wildflower Photography
Sarah
Contributing Writers Scott McGillivray Subscriptions kellym@finelifestyles.ca
finemags ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
Susan Gellert, Sales Manager 306.641.5616 susang@finelifestyles.ca
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Ross Petz 204.821.5862
Lori Bogoslowski 204.648.4119 lorib@finelifestyles.ca
@finemags
Fine Lifestyles Parkland Manitoba is published six times a year by Fine Lifestyles Ltd. All contents of Fine Lifestyles publications are copyrighted 2015 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Fine Lifestyles or the companies it represents. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. Canada Post Publication Agreement #41818060 Return undeliverables to: 3440 Balsam Grove; Regina, Saskatchewan; S4V 1H1
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CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS HOME & AUTO ...................................... 4 BUSINESS & COMMUNITY ................14
Scott McGillivray: Reno 101 .................. 4
14
Beautiful Plants for Spring & Summer ................................................... 12 Parkland Ranch .....................................14
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HOME & AUTO
Reno
101 By Scott McGillivray Photos Richard Sibbald
The 10th season of Income Property is now airing on HGTV Canada. With nearly 150 on-camera renovations under my (tool) belt, I’ve learned my fair share about what it takes to pull off a successful reno.
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PrePare, PrePare, PrePare A detailed renovation plan will help keep you on budget and on time. Set out a specific agreement with your contractor before the work begins. You should be able to see on paper how your renovation is going to play out before it ever begins. Don’t jumP the gun on Purchases Don’t buy materials or appliances until you’ve completely planned out your renovation and all measurements have been taken. Online sales can be tempting, but that great deal on a 24-inch dishwasher isn’t going to save you any money if your entire space has to be redesigned because you only had room for an 18-inch model. Work out your timeline Contractor approximations are simply that, so sitting down and working out a detailed timeline before the reno starts will help keep your contractor on track and yourself on budget. Don’t ignore the issues When you pull down walls or rip up floors, there’s a good chance you’re going to be surprised by something you find, especially in an older home. This might mean an unexpected cost up front, but it will save you tons of money in the long run. Don’t cut corners It’s always better to go the extra mile and do it right the first time. Hiring competent people to do the job, buying quality materials, and taking the time to complete all the necessary steps is key.
communicate With your contractor Constant communication is the best way to ensure everything is going as planned. Decisions that affect design, budget or timeline should ultimately be made by you — an open dialogue will help keep surprises to a minimum. use licenseD traDes Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, asbestos removal, anything to do with gas and anything structural should always be completed by a licensed professional in that specific trade. A jack-of-all-trades type can be helpful for basic renos, but saving money by hiring a plumber who’s also willing to do electrical can be a dangerous idea if they aren’t trained, licensed or insured for that line of work. DeciDe on your Diy I love it when I encounter ambitious homeowners who want to get dirty and take part in their renovation. But projects like cabinet installation, complicated tile work or skilled carpentry exceed the limit of a typical DIY project and can reduce the value of your home if done incorrectly. My advice? Involve yourself heavily in the demo — it’s the funnest part anyway! Check out the new season of Income Property Thursdays at 9 p.m. & 9:30p.m. ET/PT on HGTV CANADA. /EverythingScottMcgillivray @smcgillivray @scottmcg | @scott_mcgillivray www.scottmcgillivray.com
HOME & auto
Scott’s
Top 5 Value-Added Renovations
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Income Suite Kitchens Bathrooms Hardware & Fixtures Flooring
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INCOME PROPERTY NEW EPISODE
THURSDAYS FASHION & WELLNESS
HGTV is a trademark of Scripps Networks, LLC; used with permission.
RESHAPING YOUR WORLD
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for
years
• • •
General Contracting Renovations and Additions Custom Woodworking
Out of the Ordinary Results! L-R Ingo Schwanke, owner and Kyle Rubeniuk
The
Construction Chameleon
Ingo Schwanke | 204.773.0474 | Russell, MB | constructionchameleon@gmail.com
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The Little Store with More
rom the minute you walk through the door, it’s obvious Style Mercantile is not your average home store. Every element of local artist and store owner Karen Vendramin’s gorgeous shop is designed to delight your senses — from the aroma of fresh, gourmet coffee to an abundance of colours and textures. Style Mercantile, Dauphin’s newest décor destination, is a gem for those who like to shop local. The store offers offer a full range of new items, along with Vendramin’s one-of-a-kind, hand-painted furniture. The shop also carries unique home accessories designed to add style and character to any space including canvas art, clocks, rustic signs, beautiful vases, cushions and comfy throws.
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“If you are passionate about your home,” says Vendramin, “You are going to fall in love with this store.” Since opening its doors in late 2014, the local home décor shop has quickly grown to be one of the community’s destination shopping experiences. The store is only open three days per week — Thursday, Friday and Saturday — but shopkeeper Karen says she works almost non-stop behind the scenes to keep the store styled and stocked. “A three-day work week sounds lovely at first blush,” Vendramin says. “What people don’t realize is when I’m not at the shop, I’m working with suppliers or putting the finishing touches on my unique pieces. It’s a never-ending labour of love.”
HOME & aUTO
Also in high demand are the shop’s painting workshops, offered to teach customers how to restyle and breathe new life into dated pieces using paint and various distressing and finishing techniques. Part of the store’s appeal is the easygoing atmosphere where shoppers are encouraged to enjoy a coffee or tea from the complimentary beverage station and just relax and unwind while browsing the interesting displays of stylish home décor items. “It’s important our customers leave here feeling relaxed, with unique finds and a renewed enthusiasm for beautifying their home at prices that won’t break the bank.” Vendramin adds: “There’s no pressure for sales here!”
From her early years, Vendramin and her siblings would scavenge the fabric scraps and wood pieces from their parents’ workshop to make their own unique pieces. This love of furniture and decorating carried on into her adult years as she began decorating and styling her space, as well as the homes of others. “For as long as I can remember, creating beautiful things has been a part of my life,” Vendramin recalls. “My parents ran a custom furniture shop, so I guess you could say I was raised with an eye for decorating and building things.” Vendramin stresses her dream of owning her own shop wouldn’t be possible without the inspiration of her parents, as well as the effort and help of her husband, sons and family members who encouraged her to make her dream come true. “There is a little bit of all of them in this store,” she adds. Style Mercantile 119 2nd Ave. N.W. Dauphin, Man. www.stylemercantile.ca
HOME & auto
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HOME & aUTO
Creating Kitchens
With Heart By Trina Annand Photos Lorri-Ann Munro
W
hether you’re embarking on a renovation or building new, it pays to do your homework. With so many things to keep in mind, it’s important to pick the right professionals for the job. When a project involves cabinetry — whether it is a kitchen, bathroom, home office or commercial millwork — quality craftsmanship is key.
With a staff-based material testing system, the company uses top quality materials for each job.
“We’re small enough to listen, but big enough to deliver,” notes Shawn Liske, coowner of Pleasant Valley Cabinets. “We believe that being detail-oriented is key to a successful project.” Liske combines his nearly two decades of experience with a passion for cabinet making to bring clients’ dreams from paper to reality, every day. Serving clients from Thompson to Estevan, and Winnipeg to Regina, the company has developed a strong client base founded on trust, customer service and quality craftsmanship. A true family business, Pleasant Valley Cabinets counts Liske’s wife and co-owner, Kathleen, as well as their children, Dylan and Tiana, amongst the dedicated staff. The owners’ children can often be found working before and after school as the next generation of the company.
Working with a wide variety of cabinet and countertop materials allows Pleasant Valley Cabinets to create kitchens tailored to the homeowners’ personality. The owner remarks that style is often a matter of personal choice on the part of the homeowner. “We like to remind customers that trends come and go. It is best to make your project your own. From MDF to Bamboo, and laminate to quartz, it’s a matter of what your taste is. There are always creative ways to use materials to achieve the right look.”
From its humble beginnings as a oneman operation, Pleasant Valley Cabinets has gone through some cautious growth, recently acquiring Swan Valley Cabinet and its location. This approach has ensured the company has always made time for their clients with personal oneon-one service. “Each one of our employees brings a unique set of gifts and talents to the team. All of our staff members are like family; we truly treasure them. Happy employees are the foundation of a strong business,” says Liske.
HOME & auto
“When renovating, I tell my clients it will get worse before it gets better. Remodeling a kitchen can be disruptive and messy, but the end result is well worth it,” Liske says. “There is a real sense of satisfaction when you are able to bring people’s dreams to life.”
Dedicated to creating kitchens for all styles and budgets, Pleasant Valley Cabinets is now offering a new line of budget-friendly cabinets. This allows homeowners to achieve a fresh look without investing in a custom-built kitchen project. “We take great pride in being a friendly and reliable business that people can trust. It’s a reputation we strive to meet every day,” Liske says. When a new kitchen or bath is your next project, it pays to trust the professionals, and no one is more professional than the experts at Pleasant Valley Cabinets. Pleasant Valley Cabinets 5 Lorraine Street Swan River, MB 866.734.9471 office@pleasantvalleycabinets.com www.pleasantvalleycabinets.com
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Cox’s is a Household Name
in the Swan River Valley’s Growing Cancun
C
ox’s Greenhouse, serving Swan River and surrounding areas for more than 100 years, is busting with blooms and everything you need to make your garden beautiful.
For Jim and Joan Cox, knowledge of the retail industry and a passion for plants means not only keeping abreast of what’s new in their field, but ensuring their customers get the most from what they grow.
Originally founded by Eli Cox, the company became popular for providing groceries and dry goods. Now a household name in the Swan River valley, Jim Cox is the third generation owner. “We are as old as the dirt itself,” says Jim. “Over the years we have spread our wings, serving the communities of Roblin, Russell, Minnedosa and The Pas.”
“We love our plants,” says Joan, who notes the care they feel for the performance of their plants goes beyond the greenhouse. “It has always been a priority to impart as much information to the customer about our products as we can.”
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During the off season the Cox’s occupy themselves with learning about
HOME & aUTO
developments in the greenhouse industry, feeling even one good idea means moving forward. They attend conferences throughout Canada and the United States to stay abreast of current trends during the down season. As such, as customers’ needs change, the Cox’s are ready to adapt. Thanks to their focus on staying up-to-date in the market, they are also spoiled for choice when it comes time to order, filling their greenhouses with a variety of plants and flowers ready to please both the traditional gardener and the tech savvy learner. “If someone is
planning a landscaping project and needs help they can bring in the photos off their camera or smart phone,” says Jim. “They can book a little time with us and we will get them started.” The company offers a seasonal rental program to local businesses. The service includes maintaining barrels full of flowers, which can be seen throughout the town making a beautiful environment for all to enjoy. Jim is often seen watering barrels around town during the summer season. Planters are also available to rent for socials, weddings and any other special occasion. Customers who come to Cox’s Greenhouse will find the help they need to make their gardening project the best it can be. “We ask a lot of questions to ensure the customer receives the best plant for what they need,” says Joan. “Whether they are planting a tree or a container we always offer instruction.” Believing the customers’ enjoyment and success go hand in hand, the friendly knowledgeable staff at Cox’s Greenhouse is ready and awaiting to assist you. The greenhouse is open in time for Mother’s day and offers everything the gardener needs to get started.
Cox’s Greenhouse is open for the season with hours generally running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sundays.
Don’t forget: help and advice is always readily available at Cox’s Greenhouse. Staff is anticipating another busy season of having fun doing what they do best.
Cox’s Greenhouse 237 3rd Avenue North, Swan River (located on the CN property) 204.734.9353
ABOVE JIm and Joan Cox, owners HOME & auto
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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
HORSEBACK TRAINING With A Natural Approach By Melanie Furlong
F
ifteen years ago, Judith Graile met her match in a traumatized two-year old horse named Zoé. The horse, who lived in a stable close to the airport where Graile worked as a professional skydiver, bit and kicked everyone who came near. No one could even put a halter on her. Graile had experience working with horses and tried to do some training with her. Unsuccessful, she was inspired to go to California to study with Monty Roberts, the world-renowned horse whisperer. When she returned home,
she decided to commit to the training and bought Zoé.
she has performed in three outdoor plays with her in front of huge crowds.
Originally from Europe, Graile now lives under the big skies of Inglis, MB, where she runs Parkland Ranch School of Natural and Gentle Horsemanship. “I came here because I just love this area,” says Graile. “It has nice rolling hills, open skies and lots of space for horses.”
Although Graile learned much from Roberts, as well as French horse trainer Jean-François Pignon, she developed her own riding style, which she calls Balanced Riding. She uses only halters, long reins and legs to direct the horse.
She has 40 horses on her ranch, where she offers training, ranch and riding holidays, but her favourite is still Zoé, who is now so secure with Graile that
Horses are treated gently. There is no use of bits or spurs, and before anyone gets on the horse’s back, a lot of groundwork is done to build trust and confidence and teach the horse signs. This includes
TOP LEFT Judith and her horse Ebony BOTTOM CENTRE Parkland Ranch employee, Theresa with her dog Kay and horse Tiffany
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”
The key to having your horse believe in you, is when your horse knows you believe in you. -Judith Graile
walking in the woods with the horse and working with them in the playground, which has tractor tires, teeter-totters, tarps and curtains for horses to walk over and under.
their own horses. Parkland Ranch accommodates up to eight guests at a time, providing all meals, as well as fishing, canoeing, hiking and riding opportunities.
Later on, the horse is trained with one person riding and one person walking in front of them. “We give the horse cues and the person in front does what we’re asking the horse to do to provide leadership,” Graile says. “There’s no pain involved.”
Everyone who comes to Parkland Ranch learns more about communicating with horses. “I really want to give my knowledge to other people so horses will have better lives,” says Graile. “Even if guests are here just to ride, they will learn a lot about how we treat and communicate with our horses so they can ride them. When people go home
Riders come from all over the world to learn Graile’s methods, some with
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
”
and send me emails telling about the changes they’ve made with their horses, it’s fantastic.” The most fulfilling thing about teaching people to take this natural approach is seeing she can help horses and people get along better. “It’s such a nice thing when people understand their own horse,” Graile says. “Knowing I can teach people and that they always take something positive home from their time here shows me I can make a difference.” www.parkland-ranch.com
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Swan Valley Co-op
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS By Tonya Lambert Photos Wildflower Photography
T
he Swan Valley Co-op has been an important part of the Swan River Valley for the past 75 years. General manager, Don Declercq, says, “We are a real success story, continually adapting, changing, rebuilding and restructuring as the need required. We are a member-owned organization and it has always been the people coming together that have made the organization work so well.”
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In 1939, Manitoba Co-op Wholesale approached the people of Swan River to discuss starting a co-operative in the valley. Local support was strong and the $2,500 in shares needed to start the organization was soon raised. The first Co-op opened on Main Street, selling fuel, feed, seed and other farm-related products. Branch locations also opened in other valley communities, including Durban, Benito, Birch River and Bowsman.
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
In 1948, tragedy struck when a fire burned the store to the ground. The community rallied and staff went to Grandview to purchase gyproc. Returning, the tires of the heavily-laden trucks sank deep into the mud — they were stuck. Luckily, a circus convoy enroute to Flin Flon soon passed their way. Elephants were hitched to the trucks, pulling them to the top of Slater Hill, an event depicted on the walls of the current Co-op.
With supplies in hand, volunteers built a new store, stocking it with gas, groceries, hardware and feed. A decade later, a service station was opened on the site of the present store on Main Street, followed by a grocery store a few years later. For more than 40 years, the Swan Valley Co-op served as a one-stop shop for the people of the area, selling hardware, lumber, furniture, fashions and groceries from this location and petroleum, oil, feed, crop protection and fertilizer from various locations near the tracks. Shortly after the millennium, the decision was made to build a new facility on Main Street. Construction on the $8 million project began behind the existing store with doors opening in the fall of 2004. The new location is stocked with food, fashions and hardware, and the old building was cleared away to provide plenty of parking. The service station was closed in 2011, and a new gas bar/c-store/
carwash was opened on Highway 10 North next to the cardlock. Over the years, petroleum has been the backbone of the Co-operative. The petroleum and oil warehouse is located on Elm Street. Currently, a two million litre, state-of-the-art bulk fuel site is being constructed by FCL at the Agro site.
downs and hard decisions have had to be made, but we are ready for the future and are looking forward to the next 75 years. Thank you to everyone who has made this organization such as a success!” 75th anniversary celebrations, including giveaways, contests and barbecues, will be occurring throughout the summer months.
The Swan Valley Co-op has their newlyupgraded Agro facility on Highway 83 South. This site provides producers with fertilizer, crop protection, seed and feed to run their agricultural operations. “Over the past 75 years, the Swan Valley Co-op has grown from humble beginnings with $80,000 in total sales in its first full year and evolved into a multi-faceted operation with sales totalling almost $80 million last year alone,” states Declercq. “As with anything, there have been ups and
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
Swan Valley Co-op Swan River 204.734.3431 mailbox@swanvalleycoop.ca www.swanvalleycoop.ca
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someone acts the way they do and why you respond in a certain way will lead to working together more harmoniously. This is where psychometric tests come in. These profiling tools are used in business to better understand default behaviours and personality traits that impact our ability to work effectively with others.
Strengthen Your Team Through Testing
Profiling in The workPlaCe Personality tests and behavioural assessments provide objective and impartial data for otherwise subjective measurements. A good test will provide fair and accurate results each time it is given. There are three criteria to look for: 1. Validity — Does it accurately measure what it is intended to measure? 2. Reliability — Are results consistent across time, individuals and situations? 3. Standardized — Is the test designed using an appropriately chosen sample group as a benchmark? What is being measured? Typically, workplace oriented psychometric tests measure three items:
Mick Lautt Taiga Consulting 506 Main Street South Dauphin 204.638.8071 mick.lautt@taigaconsulting.ca www.taigaconsulting.ca
Can’T we all juST geT along? Do you work on a team where certain people seem to always be at odds with each other? When was the last time you heard “I just can’t work with them!” Most conflict management models suggest we make it “not personal,” by separating the people involved from the root causes creating the conflict — and I agree 100 per cent. But, what happens when the problem is actually another person’s behaviour? whY Can’T TheY be more like me? The strongest teams are often the most diverse. Work toward understanding your differences and celebrating your strengths. Putting your energy into understanding why
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1. Interests and attitude — Our motivations, values and opinions. 2. Personality — How we interact with others, our work and our environment — our style and the way we do things. 3. Aptitude — Our ability to perform and carry out different tasks. Why you should test: There are many benefits to administering these kinds of tests in the workplace — here are my top three reasons: 1. w o r k i n g TogeTher beTTer — Understanding how team members function and what they need to be at their best leads to respect and appreciation for our differences. Team testing can provide clarity to eternal conflict, objective solutions to problems and the ability to leverage each other’s strengths to achieve collective success. 2. leading STrong — Leadership starts with self-awareness. Understanding how we work best and how our behaviours impact others is the ongoing challenge for anyone striving to be most effective
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
and high performance in life. Test results provide excellent foundations for leadership coaching initiatives, career-development planning and management training programs. 3. The righT fiT — It pays to match the right person with the right job. Testing early in the hiring process saves time and money and ensures the business and the candidate end up making the best choice when looking for that right fit. A little test up-front can prevent a big headache in the long term. With support from a qualified consultant, testing can easily be administered online to any member of your staff team. With such proven benefits, ease of administration and cost effectiveness, psychometric testing is a smart investment into your business’ success. Mick trains leaders and builds teams. Please contact Taiga Consulting for more information about psychometric testing, team building, consulting and leadership training services.
Mom and Baby fitness classes starting at the end of April. • Full circuit of low impact cable equipment, free weights and a large selection of functional equipment • High Intensity Interval Training • Boot Camp • Zumba • Personal Training
FIT 24/7
• Selection of sports nutrition products & apparel • Variety of low impact cardio equipment
354 Currie Road
|
Swan River, MB
|
204.734.8408
354 Currie Rd Swan River, MB | 204.734.8408 | fit247sr@gmail.com