OpenRoad Driver - Winter 2010/2011 by OpenRoad Auto Group

Winter 2010 / 2011 路 www.OpenRoadDriver.com

driving | living | you

Renew

Eco-fashion Preview Rejuvenate and Detoxify Chinatown Renaissance CRUISE EUROPE 7 Newest Cars Sojourn to Steveston Auto Repairs Guide to Unique Spas Rethink Retirement Winning Cocktails

Win 1 of 5 Spa TRIPS Inside

to Beyond Wrapture Day Spa and Summerland Waterfront Resort

Experience the OpenRoad DifferenceTM

Melissa Won

Shannon McAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nulty Toni Sing

Chris Boyd

we sell homes just like yours.

IN THI S I S S UE FEATURES 12

People

Staff Associate Spotlight Mastering the Cycle – Ted Russo

Business

Company Spotlight Part of the Future – Solegear Bioplastics

Fashion

Make and Model Eco-fashion – SS11 Preview

24 Health

Trim Lines Rejuvenate through Detoxification

28 Real Estate

Curb Appeal Chinatown Renaissance

33 Design

Interiors Fine Design Selections

34 Travel

Where Our Road Takes You Cruising Southern Europe – Relax and Rekindle

40 Autos

Rev Seven Newest Models

48 The Street

Shopping Sojourn in Steveston

60 Money

Trade In Rethink Your Retirement – CPP Changes

64 Community 66 Food

Community Heroes Re: Gift – Donate Your Car to Charity Plates Mixing Business with Pleasure – David Wolowidnyk

EXTRAS 38 Guest Appreciation Contest Win 1 of 5 Luxury Spa Getaways 56

Spa-tacular A Guide to Unique Spa Treatments

REGULARS 2

Publisher’s Note

OpenRoad Locations

OpenRoad Experience LEED® Green Standard, Store News, Best Employer

The Customers Always Write

Ask the Experts What to Do about Auto Repairs

High Beams OpenRoad Events

16 28 40 56 66 72 On the Cover Toby Reid has his sights set on the future of car parts. He is president of Solegear Bioplastics, a start-up company that has created a 100% natural plastic made from corn. His non-toxic and fully biodegradable plastic is winning awards as a green alternative to the petrochemical plastics used in most manufacturing today. From steering wheels to cup holders, Toby Reid is out to transform the manufacturing of auto parts through his use of renewable resources and innovative green chemistry. Welcome to the future! solegear.ca Clothing by Boardroom ECO Apparel boardroomecoapparel.com

Cover Photography: Alistair Eagle Subject: Toby Reid Vehicle: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited Art Direction: Will Fong

OpenRoad Driver • W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

P UBLI SHER ’ S NOTE

Gearing Up for a New Year

n eventful year is behind us and what a year it has been. We marked several milestones in 2010 and 2011 looks to be even better!

OpenRoad celebrated its 10th anniversary, a decade that seems to have raced by. We delivered nearly 7,500 new vehicles and 2,200 pre-owned cars, with the highest-volume Hyundai, Lexus, Scion and Toyota sales in BC, and all-time sales records at our Audi, Mazda and Hyundai locations. We won our share of dealership distinctions as well, including the Honda Q Award and the Lexus Pursuit of Excellence designation. We completed more than 100,000 maintenance and repair orders and we broke ground on two brand new facilities, BMW and MINI in Langley and Lexus in Richmond, and we began work on our very own auto mall in Langley named The Collection. We introduced real-time, 24/7 online service bookings at OpenRoad Audi and we overhauled our company’s pre-owned website. We launched the Scion brand in Richmond and Port Moody and we completed the expansion of our Audi Service Centre in Vancouver. Late in the year we were honoured to be recognized as the 6th Best Employer in Canada, thanks to our dedicated staff associates who, I believe, are the very best professionals in the industry. In 2011, the pace of our progress will accelerate. We plan to improve the quality of our service, the value of our products and the speed and convenience of our delivery. We are committed to listening to you, our valued guests, and we intend to respond to your concerns. We will be doing all of this while we open two new flagship dealerships and launch several major initiatives.

You will be able to stay up to date on all these exciting announcements in OpenRoad Driver in the months ahead. In this winter issue the theme is “Renew” and we hope you enjoy not only the latest news on OpenRoad, but the brand new model launches and the fascinating lifestyle stories inside. Take a look inside as we examine renewal from every which way: green buildings, biodegradable car parts, rejuvenating health regimes, the renaissance of Chinatown, the hottest eco-fashion designers, or what to look for in repairing your vehicle. Check out the special features on unique spa treatments. Would you let fish exfoliate your feet? Or take a relaxing cruise through Spain and Portugal. We also invite you to raise a glass with us to usher in the new year with Canada’s best mixologist. He creates an exclusive cocktail recipe just for us called, appropriately, the Rejuvenator. Finally, on behalf of every one of my 455 colleagues, I would like to thank you for choosing OpenRoad as your automotive retailers. I am committed to making each one of your visits a pleasant and hassle-free experience. Wishing you a very happy 2011.

Christian Chia

Winter 2010/2011 www.OpenRoadDriver.com

OpenRoad Driver c/o OpenRoad Auto Group Ltd. 13251 Smallwood Place Richmond, BC, Canada V6V 1W8 Tel: (604) 232-5347 Fax: (604) 232-5323 E-mail: inquiries@openroaddriver.com Publisher: Christian Chia publisher@openroaddriver.com Editor: Will Fong Associate Editor: Melissa Mak editor@openroaddriver.com Art Direction, Design: Haydex Li Contributing Writers: Jeremy Bolderson, Christian Chia, Will Fong, Bruce Forster, Gerry Frechette, Vreni Gurd, Ben Hudson, Lauren Kramer, Melissa Mak, Rick and Chris Millikan, Al Nagy, Larry Wong Contributing Photographers: Mike Dragutinovich, Alistair Eagle, Angela Fama, Will Fong, Mike Fung, Lauren Kramer, Jason Lo, Roger Lou, Melissa Mak, Rick and Chris Millikan, Obaid Qureshi, Ted Russo, James Stockhorst, Martin Tessler, Ravi Vonawesome, David Wolowidnyk Change of Address Notices: Return covers of undeliverable copies to OpenRoad Driver, 13251 Smallwood Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 1W8 or send e-mail requests to inquiries@openroaddriver.com. Postmaster: Send Canadian address change forms to OpenRoad Driver, 13251 Smallwood Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 1W8 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40599157 OpenRoad Driver is published twice a year by OpenRoad Auto Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. All views expressed in articles published in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of OpenRoad Driver. Advertising in OpenRoad Driver does not indicate an endorsement by the publisher or OpenRoad Auto Group. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisers’ claims. Printed in Canada by Teldon Print Media

President, OpenRoad Auto Group

Win 1 of 5 Spa Getaways!

to Beyond Wrapture Day Spa and Summerland Waterfront Resort See page 38 for contest details.

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Advertise to 140,000 readers Advertising, Sales: sales@openroaddriver.com

OP ENR OA D LO C AT IONS

OPENROAD AUDI

OPENROAD SCION

Vancouver

Port Moody

2375 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC, V5M 4W5 T 604.293.2834 F 604.298.1329 OpenRoadAudi.com

3166 St. Johns Street Port Moody, BC, V3H 2C7 T 604.461.3656 F 604.461.9140 OpenRoadScion.ca

OPENROAD HONDA

Burnaby

6984 Kingsway Burnaby, BC, V5E 1E6 T 604.525.4667 F 604.525.8692 OpenRoadHonda.ca

OPENROAD HYUNDAI

OPENROAD SCION Richmond Auto Mall

13251 Smallwood Place Richmond, BC, V6V 1W8 T 604.273.3766 F 604.273.2892 OpenRoadScion.ca

OPENROAD TOYOTA

Richmond Auto Mall

Port Moody

13171 Smallwood Place Richmond, BC, V6V 1W8 T 604.606.9033 F 604.606.9003 OpenRoadHyundai.com

3166 St. Johns Street Port Moody, BC, V3H 2C7 T 604.461.3656 F 604.461.9140 OpenRoadToyota.ca

OPENROAD LEXUS

Port Moody

3150 St. Johns Street Port Moody, BC, V3H 2C7 T 604.461.7623 F 604.949.7623 OpenRoadLexus.ca

OPENROAD MAZDA

OPENROAD TOYOTA Richmond Auto Mall

13251 Smallwood Place Richmond, BC, V6V 1W8 T 604.273.3766 F 604.273.2892 OpenRoadToyota.com

RICHMOND LEXUS

Port Moody

Richmond Temporary Location

3170 St. Johns Street Port Moody, BC, V3H 2C7 T 604.461.9111 F 604.461.7988 OpenRoadMazda.ca

5660 Minoru Boulevard Richmond, BC, V6X 2A9 T 604.273.5533 F 604.270.9028 RichmondLexus.com

OPENROAD RICHMOND AUTO BODY Richmond

2691 No.5 Road Richmond, BC, V6X 2S8 T 604.278.9158 F 604.270.9105 OpenRoadRichmondAutoBody.com

Experience the OpenRoad DifferenceTM

www.openroadautogroup.com

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NE W S F R OM OU R S TORE S

LEED® Sets the Green Standard

n 2010 British Columbia recorded the most new housing starts in Canada, while an additional 931 major construction projects are currently underway in the province. The number continues to grow and we’ve all walked by new construction signs recently. Some of the signs boast LEED® certification, but what is LEED® exactly? LEED® stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, an environmental certification program that applies to construction and buildings. In short, a LEEDcertified building has achieved a level of sustainability and environmental health. The program was first developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1998 to help build and maintain green buildings. Since then, it has become a third-party certification program and an internationally accepted benchmark for high-performance green buildings.

LEED® promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability. It recognizes performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: Sustainable Site Development – erosion and sedimentation control, alternative transportation, reduced site disturbance, stormwater management, heat island effect, light pollution reduction Water Efficiency – water efficient landscaping, innovative wastewater technologies, water use reduction Energy and Atmosphere – minimum and optimal energy performance levels, CFC reduction, renewable energy, ozone protection, green power Materials Selection – collection and storage of recyclables, building reuse, construction waste management, resource reuse, recycled content and materials, certified wood, durable building Indoor Environmental Quality – carbon dioxide monitoring, ventilation effectiveness, low-emitting materials, indoor chemical and pollutant source control, thermal comfort, daylight and views An additional category, Innovation and Design Process, addresses sustainable building expertise plus design measures not covered under the other five environmental categories. Credits are organized into these categories to assess how green a building is. This determines whether a building qualifies to be LEED®-certified and, if so, to what level. Certification is based on a total point score, following an independent review and an audit of selected credits. A minimum number of points are required for LEED® certification, with additional points needed for silver, gold or platinum status. The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is the national green building organization that supports LEED® certification, education and accreditation in Canada. It aims to be the country’s voice for eco-friendly buildings, and plans to accelerate the movement towards healthy green buildings, homes and communities. The CaGBC continues to develop industry standards, best design practices and educational tools to encourage the global adoption of sustainable green building practices in this country. The Canadian LEED® rating systems are an adaptation of the international Green Building Rating System, tailored specifically for Canadian climates, construction practices and regulations.

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For more information on LEED®, visit:

OpenRoad Taking the LEED®

penRoad Auto Group will open two new stores in 2011, the new Richmond Lexus – OpenRoad Lexus Richmond – in the Richmond Auto Mall, and BMW Langley and MINI Langley on the corner of Langley Bypass and Glover Road in Langley. Both locations are aiming for LEED® certification to demonstrate that OpenRoad’s buildings are: environmentally compatible and not harmful to the environment; energy efficient and committed to sustainability; on the cutting edge of green technology; a healthy environment for guests and staff associates alike. At OpenRoad, the buildings will reflect the pinnacle of beautiful design and we are committed to green policies to get there. Once our two new stores are open, OpenRoad’s commitment to sustainability will continue beyond LEED® building certification into our day-to-day operations as well. The OpenRoad Green Committee will lead the way by establishing long-term green plans to ensure continuous improvement, metrics and education. At OpenRoad, we’re working towards being the leading “green” automotive retailer in Canada.

Richmond Lexus – OpenRoad Lexus Richmond

he new Lexus store in the Richmond Auto Mall will be 69,000 square feet of pure green luxury. Construction is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2011 and we are seeking LEED® certification at a high Silver level. Some of the LEED® green initiatives include: site selection and preparation that is not ecologically sensitive, alternative transportation access, use of bioswales and French drains for storm water management, 50% reduction in water consumption for water conservation, CFC reduction in heating and ventilation systems, optimal energy performance initiatives, 50% diversion of construction waste, reuse of construction resource materials, use of recycled content, interior carbon dioxide monitoring, use of lowemission materials, thermal comfort initiatives, green education programs, and hybrid loaner vehicles. When we open, look for some of the following features and amenities that will make this store a special homeaway-from-home: • • • • • • • • •

rooftop parking for 100 vehicles 20-vehicle showroom second-storey showroom state-of-the-art guest lounge relaxation zen centre 28-vehicle service shop laboratory with in-ground hoists vehicle photo centre exotic fish aquarium centre luxury performance vehicle centre

BMW Langley – MINI Langley

From left to right: Dev Walia (Vice President of Finance & Administration, OpenRoad Auto Group), Mayor Peter Fassbender (Mayor, City of Langley, BC), John Cappella (Director of MINI Canada, BMW Group Canada), Christian Chia (President & CEO, OpenRoad Auto Group), Mark Lin (Senior Vice President, OpenRoad Auto Group), Scott Douglas (Principal, Kasian Architecture Interior Design & Planning Ltd.), Dimitri Kotsalis (Western Regional Manager , BMW Group Canada), Ray Brown (Vice President, Ledcor Construction)

here is tremendous anticipation for the scheduled opening of BMW Langley and MINI Langley in the summer of 2011. OpenRoad will serve the South Fraser region with the newest BMW and MINI store in British Columbia.

At 58,000 square feet, OpenRoad’s BMW and MINI location is seeking high Silver or Gold LEED® certification based on the same green initiatives that are being established for other OpenRoad construction projects. For this location in particular, we will install a VRF variable refrigeration heating and cooling system to modulate refrigerant flow. This will maximize energy efficiency, allowing heat recovery, simultaneous heating and cooling, and the transfer of heat from one part of the building to the other, for example. Our guests will enjoy special amenities in this new BMW and MINI store that will be worthy reflections of the ultimate driving experience: • • • • • • • • • •

new BMW design elements not seen in other BMW locations in BC rooftop parking for 70 vehicles 26-vehicle BMW showroom separate 7-vehicle MINI showroom second-storey showroom western Canada’s first M display for BMW special vehicle displays green living walls at MINI exterior walls large new vehicle delivery area 18-vehicle service centre with wall-to-wall work benches

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NE W S F R OM OU R S TORE S

Service at OpenRoad Audi Expands

OpenRoad Hyundai Leads the Way

penRoad Hyundai Richmond has leapfrogged its way to the #1 spot in 2010 new retail sales among all BC Hyundai dealers. OpenRoad Hyundai has steadily climbed the rankings for the past two years and now places in the top three dealers in the western Canadian zone. The momentum continues to build. It’s not just the many product awards that Hyundai has garnered this past year, but our reputation for quality, green initiatives, safety and styling. Check out the brand new 2011 Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai’s very first hybrid offering, or the completely redesigned 2011 Elantra, and the all-new 2011 Equus that will be Hyundai’s flagship premium luxury sedan. OpenRoad Hyundai is front and centre in the Richmond Auto Mall where you can see or preview all these exciting new models.

OpenRoad Scion #1

We have added an in-house auto glass centre recently to make OpenRoad Audi a true one-stop shop, while our online service bookings are dedicated to your convenience. Just like booking an airline seat online, you can now use our webbased scheduling service 24/7 to confirm your service appointment directly into our reservation system. Stop by to see the latest technology in our Audi service centre. Our new building feels like a high-tech lab built specifically to take care of all your needs. The custom Nelson benching cabinet and wall system features built-in IT centres, oil and fluid dispensing, air lines and tool boxes to maximize space and efficiency. Here are some extra features in our state-of-the-art new facility: •

ince Scion’s introduction to the Canadian market in September 2010, OpenRoad Scion has quickly become the home for all things urban and trendy. OpenRoad Scion is now the #1 location for Scion sales in western Canada and is in a virtual tie for top spot in Canada. Visit our Port Moody or Richmond locations to test drive the tC performance coupe, five-door xD or the iconic xB, best known as the original box with style. What’s new? The all-new 2011 Scion iQ is coming soon. Look for the world’s first premium micro-subcompact car, a funto-drive subcompact that will be the ultimate urban peoplemover.

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he fine details in life are important and there is a new service building and detail centre to prove just that at OpenRoad Audi Vancouver. The expansion offers five extra bays, bringing the total to fourteen service bays. OpenRoad Audi is now the largest Audi service centre in western Canada. The expansion also provides two dedicated vehicle delivery bays with room for four new vehicles, plus two detail bays to give your vehicle the luxurious spa experience that it deserves.

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• • •

in-ground hoists maximize the space around vehicles while technicians do repairs high-speed air operates the bay doors to be quieter and to use less power high-end computerized tire changer is touchless on tire rims newest Audi diagnostic laptops use remote bluetooth diagnostic interfaces

For 24/7 online service bookings, visit openroadaudi.com under the Service tab. Feel free to call 604.293.AUDI (2834) or visit OpenRoad Audi Vancouver on Boundary Road for all your service needs.

2011 Best Employers

penRoad Auto Group has been recognized on the 2011 Best Employers in Canada list.

This marks the third year that OpenRoad has earned a ranking on a national Best Employers list. The achievement in 2011 is notable, as OpenRoad is: ranked 6th Best Employer in Canada the only automotive-related business in the 50 Best list ranked 1st among firms based in British Columbia the only company in the Specialty Retail category to place in the 50 Best the only BC-based organization in the top 20

The senior management team are proud of the 455 staff associates who are the backbone of OpenRoad Auto Group.

were 251 Canadian employers that took part in the 2011 Best Employers studies. Aon Hewitt identified the best employers based on survey responses from more than 134,000 Canadian employees at these organizations. The annual list is presented by Aon Hewitt, Queen’s University School of Business, presented by Maclean’s magazine. “We are honoured to be named a Best Employer in Canada again,” said Christian Chia, president of OpenRoad Auto Group. “We are grateful for all the amazing people at OpenRoad. They represent the real backbone of our organization and I’m very proud to share this incredible achievement with everyone in the OpenRoad family,” he added. Aon Hewitt’s national Best Employers studies leader, Neil Crawford, acknowledged the companies on the list. “These employers didn’t waver in their commitment to sustaining and improving high employee engagement, even during tough economic times. They weathered the recession thanks in large part to a highly productive workforce focused on organizational success,” he said. “Even though participation in the studies increased this year, a number of the organizations that appear on the 2011 Best Employers lists have achieved this status before,” he continued. According to Aon Hewitt’s definition, employees are highly engaged when they “say, stay and strive.” Employees speak positively about the organization to co-workers, potential employees and customers. They are committed to remaining with their current employer and have an intense desire to be a member of the organization. Finally, they exert extra effort and are dedicated to doing the very best job possible to contribute to the organization’s business success. As a result, Aon Hewitt reports that a highly engaged workforce leads to key benefits for both employers and customers including lower turnover, less absenteeism and sick days, a larger pool of talent from which to select employees, greater staff productivity, increased customer satisfaction and greater sustainability in the face of business challenges.

To be eligible for the 50 Best, organizations must have at least 400 permanent employees, and have operated in Canada for at least three years. There

Rank

Organization

Headquarters

Cisco Canada

Toronto ON

EllisDon Corporation

London ON Edmonton AB

PCL Constructors Inc.

CIMA+ Partners in excellence

Laval QC

McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited

Toronto ON

OpenRoad Auto Group Ltd.

Richmond BC

Marriott Hotels of Canada Ltd.

Mississauga ON

Bennett Jones LLP

Calgary AB

Wellington West Holdings Ltd.

Winnipeg MB

Farm Credit Canada

Regina SK

Chubb Insurance Company of Canada

Toronto ON

Edward Jones

Mississauga ON Toronto ON

OMERS Administration Corporation

Delta Hotels & Resorts

Toronto ON

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. (Canada)

Toronto ON

Graham Group Ltd.

Calgary AB

Stikeman Elliott LLP

N/A

BBA Inc.

Mont-Saint-Hilaire QC Guelph ON

The Co-operators

GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

Mississauga ON

Flight Centre

Vancouver BC

LoyaltyOne

Toronto ON

Scotiabank Group

Toronto ON

Federal Express Canada Ltd.

Mississauga ON

Aecon Group Inc.

Toronto ON

OpenRoad Driver • W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

Nexus of Lexus Perfection Your new Richmond Lexus is on its way at the Richmond Auto Mall...

· 69,000 square feet of luxury and perfection · High Silver LEED® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification · Roof-top parking for approximately 100 cars · Exclusive private guest lounge with business workstations and relaxation centre · 28-vehicle service shop laboratory · Luxury performance vehicle centre on 2nd floor · Custom interior design and a spectacular aquarium See the future unfold in April 2011.

www.openroadlexus.com

ventana

Proud to be the General Contractor on the new OpenRoad Richmond Lexus: LEED Gold

Ventana is an open shop Construction Manager and General Contractor committed to sustainable building principles 2XU 6HUYLFHV ,QFOXGH Ɣ 3UH &RQVWUXFWLRQ 6HUYLFHV Ɣ 6XVWDLQDEOH 'HVLJQ %XLOG Ɣ *HQHUDO &RQWUDFWRUV Ɣ &RQVWUXFWLRQ 0DQDJHUV Ɣ 3ULYDWH 3XEOLF 3DUWQHUVKLS R e l a t i o n s h i p s To B u i l d O n

Ventana Construction Corporation 109-3855 Hennning Drive Burnaby B.C. V5C 6N3 Phone: 604.291.9000 Fax: 604.291.9992 www.ventanaconstruction.com

S H A RE YOU R THOU GHTS . . .

The Customers Always Write EXEMPLARY All too often we take the time to complain but never the time to compliment. So, this is just a brief note to express our sincere thanks to Patrick, Sarah and Cyrus for the professional and exemplary automobile purchase experience we had through your dealership. From our perspective it was exceptional. Thanks again for all that you and the staff have done. It is sincerely appreciated. Pam & Ken S. on OpenRoad Toyota Port Moody’s general manager, Patrick Lau, business manager, Sarah Khoo, and product advisor, Cyrus Ghotbi Good morning, Nathan. I just wanted to take a second to say thank you to yourself, Brandon and the entire staff of OpenRoad Honda, for the great customer service I received this past week (particularly Saturday) with my tire and refinished rim. I truly appreciate all of your efforts, and the value-added “smoking deal” you provided. Thank you for the price consideration. I will certainly keep OpenRoad in mind for not only my Honda needs, but my friends’ and family’s automotive needs. I would not hesitate to refer business to the dealership, given the personal, professional service received. Keep up the excellent service. Jason J. on OpenRoad Honda Burnaby’s assistant parts manager, Nathan Johnston, service advisor, Brandon Ma, and the entire dealership team I would like to provide you with feedback for one of your star employees, Oliver Lee. I told him we had an issue with the cabin filter change, as there was a smell inside the car vents due to the A/C being on. In the end, the issue was fixed and

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we were both very thankful for Oliver’s patience, courtesy and eagerness to fix the problem. He was determined and very polite, and we cannot thank you enough! Sharon C. on Richmond Lexus’ service advisor, Oliver Lee

GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT STAFF I just wanted to say thanks for hiring such great people. Whether it be the service group, parts, the receptionist or sales, they all treat me with kindness and respect…and they do it with a smile. I especially want to thank Stu Jones for coming in on his day off to detail my car. I was amazed at how good it looked. You’re lucky to have such a great staff! Trevor W. on OpenRoad Audi Vancouver’s detail associate, Stu Jones, and the entire dealership team We visited the Richmond Auto Mall in our quest to purchase our very first vehicle together. After a few hours perusing the many dealerships there, having no luck finding a car to our liking, and coming across salespeople who were either indifferent or obnoxious, we visited OpenRoad Hyundai to test drive an Elantra. Nav approached us and was very personable and attentive to our needs and concerns. His knowledge of the automobile’s features and the applicable promotions were impressive. In short, his behaviour and expertise were bar none, the best we experienced all day, across many dealerships. Daniel & Kari S. on OpenRoad Hyundai Richmond’s product advisor, Nav Patheja

I would like to thank you for your intervention and great service. It will not be forgotten. Dick & Anne T. on OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody’s service director, Cameron Ma

REFRESHING For the purchase of our new Corolla, and on behalf of my family, I would like to thank you so much for everything you did for us. We just moved in from Texas and the whole encounter with you was refreshing! It was nice meeting you and to be honest, both of us were impressed by your character. Thank you again! Joseph K. on OpenRoad Toyota Richmond’s product advisor, Ahmed Abou-Shaaban Just wanted to say thank you for the OpenRoad Owners evening....it was so interesting! It was very good of you to stay late so that we could have the chance to learn more about our vehicles. Thanks also for the binoculars – having just recently retired, I probably will be using them for the purpose you suggested! Again, thanks for an informative and fun evening. Sharon H. on OpenRoad Mazda Port Moody’s Owners Night event

We like mail... Send feedback on OpenRoad Driver to: comments@openroaddriver.com

Helping you insure all your lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elements.... because you have better things to do

S taff A ssociate Spotlight

hat do you get when you put OpenRoad’s fleet and lease manager in the same room with a mountain bike? You get Ted Russo, winner of the Epic Solo Masters Men Category in the 2010 BC Bike Race. He took first place amongst 97 international competitors in this gruelling 7-day mountain bike stage race, proving that Ted is not only good, but at the age of 49, he’s also getting better with age and with each race. Over his past ten years with OpenRoad, Ted can be found chatting with fleet customers in his office on speaker phone and drinking lots of Diet Coke. And when he’s not busy working away, he’s an avid cyclist with a passion for just about anything that rolls on two wheels. We recently went out and back with Ted Russo, and caught up with him about his experience on the biking trails and at OpenRoad. Congratulations on your first place finish at the 2010 BC Bike Race (Solo – 40+ Category). Before refocusing on mountain biking exclusively, you did the Western States Endurance Run covering 100 miles in just a day. Tell us what’s involved to prepare for ultramarathons.

Mastering the Cycle

Mountain Man Ted Russo Interview by Melissa Mak Over the course of six years, I ran 41 trail ultramarathons – anything over 26 miles – finishing up with the Super Bowl of this sport, with a sub 24-hour finish at the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. What do you love so much about cross country mountain bike racing and ultramarathon running?

Photos courtesy of Ted Russo

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I guess I like the discipline and the focus that comes with all the training, and the in-the-moment feeling and endorphins that come

with exercising at a high level. It’s fun. I train 10-15 hours per week. Can you tell us a bit about how you got involved in mountain biking? I’ve actually participated in some sort of racing every year since I was 11 years old. I was initially doing motocross and road racing, but it was basically anything that involved two wheels. Your races have taken you all over the world. Where’s your favourite place and why? I would have to say the 2007 Masters Worlds in France. Cycling is such a major sport there – it’s like hockey in Canada. Is there a specific diet you follow on a regular basis, and how do you usually prepare mentally for a race? It’s only been in the recent years that I’ve really begun watching my diet carefully, especially sugar intake…except on Fridays. Fridays are usually when I let myself wind down for the week at the office and have some snacks. Mentally, I think it’s always good to stay confident, especially if you’ve been training regularly, but I tend to overtrain in preparation for a race. Still trying to find the right mix. I also find that the mental toughness comes with age. I’m still beating my personal records. Like they always say, “If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger.” What motivates you to keep going? I hear you broke a thumb during one race, but kept on riding. I fractured it two days before the Mountain Bike Masters World Championships in Brazil, although I still placed sixth. That’s part of the challenge with this type of activity – you can do all the training, and anything can happen, like injury or sickness. I plan on going back to the Masters World Championships next year in Brazil, with all fingers intact to try to win in my age group. So, is working at OpenRoad like an endurance race? You’ve been here a long time. What do you love about your job that’s made you such a longstanding staff associate? The environment and the people that I work with every day, they make it easy to stay motivated for this race. By calling upon some of the same attributes required with my athletic pursuit, it’s kept us on top of the competition to make us the number one provider of import fleet vehicles in Canada. Your official sponsors are OpenRoad Auto Group, Secret Cycles and Specialized Bikes, but there’s always a bottle of Diet Coke on the corner of your desk. How much Diet Coke do you go through a year? Enough that Coke should also be one of my sponsors! I’m always trying to cut back, though… (laughs).

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B usiness

Part of the Future

Solegear Bioplastics • Words by Will Fong • Photos by Alistair Eagle

he idea of using agricultural materials to manufacture automobile parts has been around for a long time. As early as the 1910s Henry Ford tried using surplus crops to create car parts. His 1915 Model T contained coil cases made out of a wheat gluten resin reinforced with asbestos fibres. He also turned to soybeans, using them to fabricate glove boxes, accelerator pedals and door trims. The invention of petroleum-based plastics in the 1930s derailed Ford’s efforts, along with production issues and World War II, but exactly a century after his first efforts, it appears Ford’s dream is finally taking shape. Today sustainability, green chemistry and the movement towards a greener society are touching the automotive sector like never before. Auto manufacturers have made huge advances with lighter metals to reduce body weight. The number of hybrid models has more than tripled over the past six years to over thirty worldwide. And it isn’t just a focus on hybrids and powertrains. Automotive OEMs are now using plastics that come from renewable resources on a large scale to manufacture car parts. The average car is estimated to have 300 pounds of plastic in it, historically made from petrochemicals as the source, but increasingly car parts are fabricated from agriculture-based materials. Ford is using soya-based foam for seat cushions; Lexus is using a sugar-cane bioplastic for the trunk liners in its upcoming CT 200h hybrid; Toyota is using sugar cane and corn plastics to produce floor mats and spare wheel covers; Mazda is using its own biodegradable plastics for interior paneling.

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These so-called bioplastics point to a more sustainable future. Fossil fuels are limited and traditional oil-based plastics are non-renewable. It is estimated that 8% to 10% of all crude oil is used to convert into plastics and, when incinerated, traditional petrochemical plastics release pollutants and toxins. On the other hand, the production of plant-based bioplastics creates fewer greenhouse-gas emissions associated with global warming. Bioplastics are also biodegradable and are able to return to a natural state. When buried in the ground, microorganisms can break the vegetable-based bioplastics down naturally. Vancouver’s Solegear Bioplastics wants to help manufacturers make their car parts greener. Solegear is a start-up company that is revolutionizing the plastics industry with two new high-performance bioplastics: Polysole® and Traverse®. Polysole® is a 100% natural plastic that is non-toxic and biodegradable, while Traverse® is a transitional product made of recycled or virgin plastic combined with natural fibres such as wood, rice husks, hemp or bamboo. In 2010 Solegear racked up numerous awards as a green business and product innovator. We caught up recently with the founder and chief marketing officer of Solegear, Toby Reid, to talk about the future. You’ve had a busy four years since starting Solegear in 2006. What’s happened since then? It’s been a fascinating ride. Since starting the business, the team has grown, we’ve filed patents, we’ve won awards for our technology, we’ve won awards for our business’ development and we’ve sold materials to some great customers. Even though we only announced our

commercial launch in June of 2010, we recently shipped 500 pounds to Fisher-Price for their toys, and we’re talking with companies like Ford, Colgate and Schick. This seems to be a very competitive field with other biopolymer developers like Metabolix and PolyOne in the US trumpeting their Mirel and reSound bioplastic products respectively. And Cereplast making waves with its bioresins. How are you planning to compete? The opportunities that bioplastics are presenting to product manufacturers are several, and some great companies are emerging as bioplastics suppliers. The companies you mention have been targeting their bioplastics for the big plastics markets like films, which are made into grocery bags and food packaging. When we got started, we decided to zig while they were zagging, and we were fortunate enough to develop a suite of materials for highperformance, durable applications like car steering wheels, keyboards and toothbrushes. Essentially, our Polysole® and Traverse® materials have unrivalled performance off of a 100% natural ingredient platform with competitive pricing to petroleum-based plastics. As far as we’re aware, this is a market first and is the reason we were chosen for the 2010 New Bioplastic Product of the Year by global research firm Frost & Sullivan. Since we’re in the engineered bioplastics space, we’re considered a ‘niche’ bioplastics company, but that’s fine with us because our niche is roughly $45 billion, so there’s lots of room for us to grow. So, what’s the difference between biodegradable and compostable? That’s a good question and there’s an important distinction between the two. The

term “biodegradable” refers to a material that will eventually break down through natural processes, but with no specific time requirement, or toxic residue requirement, for this to happen. So, even petroleum-based plastics can be considered biodegradable, even though it takes over 1,000 years for them to biodegrade and many of them contain toxic, heavy metals. When it comes to “compostable” materials, this term requires that these materials biodegrade in a specific period of time, with tight controls on residues. The international scientific standard that determines if a material is compostable or not requires that 60% to 90% of the material breaks down in 180 days in an industrial compost, with no toxic or heavy metal residues or pieces larger than 2 millimetres. Solegear promotes full biodegradability. What timeframe would you estimate for your materials to fully biodegrade? Our tests show that our materials will fully biodegrade with no toxic residues in the specified time frame for “compostability.” We can’t yet promote our materials as “compostable,” however, as we are in the process of obtaining the certification. Like patents, we have to wait for this process to be completed. It takes a while, but we’re fine with that because this scientific review process helps the industry to build on its credibility. Manufacturers have expressed concerns in the past about the performance and durability of bioplastics, and the additional cost to use bioplastics versus petroleum-based plastics. How do you see that evolving? Well, we heard very similar feedback during our market research, which guided us to develop our materials to be engineered and to have that higher performance. Performance requirements are well established in most of our markets,

so those likely won’t change too much. If you can meet performance characteristics, you’re one step along, but you still have to be competitive on price. Some of the companies you mentioned earlier sell their plastics for upwards of $2.75 per pound, while the price for petroleum-based plastics ranges from $0.75 to $1.70 per pound. Our materials sell for between $0.85 and $1.80 per pound, making them competitive on pricing, relative to the petroleumbased plastics. It’s important to make that next step. This will change, however, as the prices of petroleum-based plastics are highly tied to the price of crude oil – 8% of every barrel of oil goes towards producing plastics – and we don’t believe that oil, or petroleum-based plastics, will be cheaper five years from now. But not everyone sees it that way, so hopefully we’re reading our tea leaves clearly!

brought this issue up in a big way since it would require a 400% increase in corn production to displace our use of gasoline with ethanol. Clearly, it’s not scalable. Bioplastics today use 0.3% of the corn produced, which falls well within the 10% surplus mandated for corn production. So, bioplastics can scale much more sustainably. Sadly, the biggest issue affecting hunger in many parts of the world is political. We actually produce enough food to feed everyone today. We could feed the world if politicians didn’t get in the way. How far away are we from seeing bioplastics as the major source in manufacturing? What is the future?

Yes. Fossil fuels are used in the production of fertilizers, which helps grow some of the biomass material that we use to make bioplastics. The non-renewable energy and carbon footprints of bioplastics compared to petroleum-based plastics is much smaller so bioplastics can do more for us while being less of a burden to human health, to energy policy and to the pollution problem. I like to say that plastics can do more while being less, and this is a good example of that.

Bioplastics have a very bright future and could easily become the major materials source in manufacturing. I’m not anti-petroleum-based plastics because some of them save lives, like with blood transfusion equipment, but better alternatives are now being developed. More and more work is being done in the field of green chemistry to develop renewable chemicals and materials, so I’m very optimistic for where we can take things. I believe that we are at the very beginning of a huge boom in biomass-based technologies which will have a profound effect on industry, communities and our environment. We have the opportunity to create a vastly different world in ten years’ time, and the use of bioplastics, along with the reduced use of petroleum-based plastics, will help get us there. Dare to dream!

With hunger still a challenge in many parts of the world, how do we reconcile using plants as raw materials for bioplastics versus plants as a food source?

Congratulations on launching your two product lines this year. It seems bags and packaging would be the low-hanging fruit, but have you had any discussions with auto manufacturers?

This is a very important issue and one that I’ve taken very seriously since day one. There is no way that industry should get in the way of feeding every human on our planet. Ethanol

Bags and packaging are fruits that other industry participants are best suited to harvest. Our focus on the high-performance space has led to discussions with electronics companies, consumer product companies and automotive manufacturers. We met with Ford in October of this past year and are in the process of setting up our next meeting with them, which is pretty fun given that we’re a small company from Vancouver.

In producing bioplastics, fossil fuels are still used in the production process. Is there a net gain compared to petro-based plastics?

And is it true you may be looking for a Toyota Prius or another hybrid in the near future? Yeah, it’s true. My fiancée and I are looking at electrics and hybrids, so hopefully Solegear continues to go well and we’ll be into one of the OpenRoad showrooms later this year. I’m stoked for electric vehicle technology – it’s come a long way. Let me guess. Is your favourite colour green? Not a bad choice at all!

Wearing Earth-friendly apparel by Boardroom ECO Apparel, Solegear’s Toby Reid shows the Traverse® product that will be used to make automobile cup holders.

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M A KE A ND MODEL

Eco-fashion SS11 by Will Fong

Nicole Bridger

nce upon a time sustainable fashion meant questionable design. Luckily, consumers don’t need to sacrifice desirability and style to be socially responsible any longer. So, what does it take to be stylish and ecofriendly today? Socially conscious fabric choices are a good starting point to be more environmentally friendly. Consider if a garment is made from renewable materials. What is the size of the ecological footprint required to support the materials, and how many chemicals are required to process the materials? Full 100% sustainability may still be a while away when it comes to fabrics and fashion, but better choices might be garments made from hemp, linen, silk, organic cotton, wool and bamboo fabrics. Savvy Canadian designers have caught on, not only for their smart fabric choices, but for their eyecatching creations. Vancouver in particular boasts some of the hottest eco-friendly designers in North America. In this winter edition of OpenRoad Driver, we give you a sneak preview of 2011. No more winter blues. Check out next season’s sky blues and baby blues, or the fresh patterns. They’re cool and breathy, fluid and just plain sexy. Here are our picks for what’s hot in local Spring and Summer 2011 collections.

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Nicole Bridger is the recipient of Canada’s first ever eco-fashion designer of the year award. Her SS11 collection is a light, clean and optimistic palette. Every season Bridger takes an intimate look inside her personal life. This collection is about reconnecting and discovering the happiness within herself after a devastating separation from her husband the winter prior. The title of the collection is “Reconnect” featuring soft peach and petal pink hues, golden greens and bright blues, each colour chosen to make the wearer smile and feel fresh, open and alive. Every piece in Bridger’s collection has her signature “I AM LOVE” mantra sewn into its affirmation labels and engraved into its Tagua nut buttons. nicolebridger.com The Forgiveness Dress showcases Nicole Bridger’s unique draping technique learnt while at Vivienne Westwood. Available in sky blue, stem green, taupe and made in modal jersey. The sophisticated Grace skirt has a fun, flirty asymmetrical cut and knee-length hemline. Available in rain blue, peach pink, khaki and black. Made in woven linen.

Boardroom ECO Apparel Boardroom ECO Apparel specializes in custom manufacturing and environmentally friendly clothing solutions. The bluesign® safety Collection brings Boardroom to the forefront of eco-fabrics and supply chain transparency. All items are made from environmentally friendly fabrics: rayon from bamboo, organically grown cotton, recycled polyester, recycled cotton, Tencel made from wood pulp and Eco-charcoal made from ground-up coconut shells. Boardroom ECO Apparel donates 1% of net revenue back to environmental organizations in alliance with 1% for the Planet. Boardroom sells its apparel primarily into the promotional products industry as blank items and then decorates the apparel with the end user’s logo or artwork. Boardroom ECO Apparel also has a designer label, Echo Rain Eco Apparel, available at retailers throughout the Lower Mainland. boardroomecoapparel.com echorain.ca

The Avalanche jacket is made of ECO/// Tech-Fleece, a microfleece fabric derived from soda bottles and recycled computers that is bluesign®-approved, meeting the highest environmental, health and safety standards. This is a set-in sleeve jacket featuring Eco///Drytech accent panels along the upper shoulder and tapering down the sides, reverse windblock centre and side pocket zippers. Available in four colours, with a matching ladies’ version.

This jacket is made of ECO/// PlasmaShell with Eco-charcoal. The face is 60% Recycled Polyester (post-consumer recycled) and 40% T-400 stretch polyester yarn. The back is 100% Ecocharcoal derived from ground-up coconut shells and nano-bamboo particles. Available in black and navy.

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M A KE A ND MODEL

Baby Steinberg Toronto-based Brazilian-born Baby Steinberg stole the show and earned a standing ovation at Toronto’s LG Fashion Week in October with her new collection: Salvage reclaim.repurpose.refresh. Her daring use of salvaged materials complemented a brash interpretation of ecofriendly femininity, all with the underlying message, “What we throw away is not always garbage.” Her materials included a wide range of reprocessed materials such as garbage bags, found keys, coffee filters, surgical masks, bubble gum and VHS film. Steinberg’s dramatic approach uses anything available to make something special. She is frequently commissioned to create one-of-a-kind garments for performance artists, actresses, musicians and socialites who want to make a statement and leave a unique impression. babysteinberg.com A halter bikini top is made out of old found keys to complement a miniskirt made out of VHS tape “yarn.” Photo credit: Ravi Vonawesome

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Pleated coffee filters mimic organza flowers in Baby Steinberg’s eye-popping mini cocktail dress.

Green Runway – Eco Fashion Week

ancouver has launched its Greenest City 2020 initiative and wants to be the greenest city in the world by 2020. It’s a bold goal. Myriam Laroche has caught the fever, and has the moxie, to take the lead on the fashion side. Laroche is the president of Eco Fashion Week Vancouver. We caught up with her recently to ask a few brief questions about her vision and the state of ecofashion in general. You want Vancouver to be the eco-fashion capital of the world. Quite a lofty goal! How are you doing? Well it’s a crazy ride, but a fabulous ride! We are presently working closely with the City to build a solid event that fits with Vancouver’s mission: to be the greenest city in the world by 2020. What percentage or overall dollar value of the fashion industry would you say is dedicated to sustainability? There are no exact numbers out yet. The clothing and textile industry is valued at about $300 to $500 billion per year worldwide. I like to say that at the moment up to 2% is sustainable and responsible, but I have been called an optimist on that statistic. Some members of the eco-fashion industry say we haven’t reached 1%. Congratulations on the success of your inaugural show in September 2010. Give us a sneak preview of your next event here in Vancouver. When and where, and who will be showing? The next event is in February 2011. The location is still to be confirmed, so stay tuned. The majority of the brands that showed in September are back, so we are extremely excited. We are also talking with French and Japanese designers. Cross your fingers! We're doing a great Spring Summer 2011 preview in this issue of OpenRoad Driver. What are some trends you're seeing? I can say that the green movement is creating trends on the runway. Farmer, agriculture and the peasant look. The overalls are back, floral prints and natural textiles. The 90s inspiration looks are there. Bodysuits: all types. Belly tops on high-waist bottoms, shapely shoulders... Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news at ecofashion-week.com. Do you still have 100 pairs of shoes in your closet? No, I don’t. All those shoes now are being worn by my family, friends or unknown people. When I visit my family and friends I make sure to bring a box of clothes and shoes to give to them. Every time I see an old piece of clothing of mine, I feel good! Finally, what are your top tips for people to buy clothing in a more eco-friendly way? First, try to reuse. Look in your closet, swap clothes with friends and go to a thrift store. Second, look at labels and ask questions about how and where garments are produced. Be conscious. Third, be responsible. Do you need that t-shirt in four colors? Will you wear them all? Maybe two colors are enough!

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The Cropped Moto Jacket by Nixxi is made from linen and comes in white and textured indigo denim. The coat features an oversized collar and asymmetrical exposed zip up the front. Movement Shorts are brand new for the label. The shorts are made from organic cotton and bamboo jersey. Nixxiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Empress Dress is made from linen and comes in light blue.

Nixxi Created by Jada-Lee Watson, Nixxi blends casually draped silhouettes with contemporary and sleek classics. The eco-line is edgy and textural, with an emphasis on great fit. Every garment is designed and produced in Canada, with an emphasis on highquality sustainable fabrics. The SS 2011 collection has whites, cool blues and greens inspired by the lightness and simplicity of a white sandy beach in the Caribbean. Key details this season include pleats, zippers, and ruching. Fabrics for Spring 2011 include a lightweight tencel jersey, organic cotton jersey blends, hemp/ organic cotton denim, organic cotton plainweave woven, and linen. Nixxi is carried by numerous eco-conscious boutiques in the Lower Mainland. nixxi.ca

STYLISH reading

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Photo credit: Angela Fama

ecofashion-week.com ecofashionworld.com ecofriendlyfashion.blogspot.com ecosalon.com stylewithscruples.com theecologist.org

Clothing and the Environment Growing cotton uses 22.5% of all the insecticides used globally. Cotton for one t-shirt requires 257 gallons of water. Bleaching and then dyeing the resulting fabric creates toxins that flow into our ecosystem. Source: naturalhealthcare.ca

The fashion industry is the second largest user of water in the world. Over 90 million items of clothing end up in land fill sites globally each year. 150 grams of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals are used to produce the cotton for just one t-shirt. Petroleum-derived synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon and manmade fibres such as rayon generally require additional energy to produce fabrics. 60% of the greenhouse gases generated over the life of a simple t- shirt come from the typical 25 washings and machine dryings. The carbon emissions created to generate the electricity used to wash and dry clothing in warm temperatures exceeds the carbon emissions created during the growing, manufacturing and shipping of clothing. Source: ecofriendlyfashion.blogspot.com

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TRI M LINE S

Rejuvenate

through Detoxification

any of us have experimented with detox kits purchased from health-food stores and noticed huge changes. Some dropped weight, and others found their skin cleared up. Some endured the first couple of days in the bathroom, after which they felt fantastic. Others felt ill during the entire cleanse and remained depleted afterwards. They probably would have been better off not doing the cleanse in the first place.

Our primary organs of detoxification are the liver, gall bladder, kidneys and the skin. They do a fantastic job considering the overwhelming number of chemicals they face daily. Every one of us has PCBs, mercury, BPA, flame retardants and a whole host of other unhealthy chemicals in our bodies that are difficult to eliminate.

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by Vreni Gurd

Toxicologists may say that the amount of a particular chemical in food or other items is too low to cause any problems. Maybe so if you look at each chemical individually. But if 19 different pesticides are sprayed on a field of strawberries, how exactly do they interact and how do they react with the other chemicals in the food and drugs we consume, inhale or absorb through our skin? It is really no wonder that rates of cancer The chemicals we face have climbed so dramatically over the last 100 years. And no wonder our poor liver is having a Chemicals are so much a part of our life heck of a time coping in its detox duties. these days. We eat chemicals in the form of colourings, flavourings, preservatives, I think the best approach to detoxification is: emulsifiers, thickeners, sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, transfats, interesterified fats, 1) preventing problems through reducing pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and chemicals exposure to toxins as much as designed to make us want to eat more. possible; We apply chemicals on our skin, hair, 2) supporting the body’s detox pathways underarms, teeth and nails to clean, moisturize through nutrition and lifestyle; and polish, protect from the sun’s rays, or to look and smell nice. We bathe in water that 3) detoxification protocols, if necessary. frequently contains chlorine and fluoride. If you put it on your skin you are drinking it. We frequently store food in plastics, which usually have endocrine disruptors like phthalates and BPA, especially bad news if those foods are microwaved in those plastics. Many of our household cleaners are toxic and have toxic vapours that we breathe. Even synthetic vitamins, especially those targeted to children, are full of sweeteners and colourings. Many of us have mercury amalgam fillings, which leach mercury into our systems. We cook with Teflon, which leaches PFOA into food and into the air. And many of these chemicals stay in our bodies for a very long time.

Reduction of Toxin Exposure

The fewer toxins we come in contact with, the easier it is for our bodies to cope. Although we can’t possibly eliminate contact with all chemicals, we can reduce our exposure significantly by being picky about our personalcare products – if you won’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin – cleaning products, paints and enamels, and our food, as well as avoiding omega-6 plant oils, plastics and unnecessary medications.

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Nutrition and Lifestyle A change in diet can do much to encourage better function of detox pathways. Recommendations include the elimination of sugar, white flour, alcohol, caffeine, processed and packaged food. Pesticide/herbicide-free produce would be encouraged. Eating some food raw daily would be helpful. Factory-farmed meat, poultry, eggs and dairy should be reduced or eliminated so their hormones and antibiotics don’t enter our bodies. Look for pastured meats, eggs and dairy instead. Fish can increase omega-3 intake, but care must be taken to ensure the fish is not high in mercury. Eating a whole, unprocessedfood diet that contains adequate healthy fats can keep bile moving. Balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fats is vital. Most people over-consume omega-6 due to high intake of plant oils and grains, but some health fanatics may potentially under-consume omega-6 if they supplement with too much omega-3 while avoiding grains, nuts and seeds. The optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is 4:1. Don’t forget the dilution solution – drink lots of pure water that has been filtered of chlorine, fluoride and other contaminants. Then through urine, sweat and breathing some toxins can be eliminated. If the body is deficient in certain important minerals, heavy metals are used as “stand-ins.” For example, the stand-in for calcium is lead, which is deposited into bones causing osteoporosis and impairing red-blood cell synthesis. Zinc is replaced with cadmium, which accumulates in the kidneys. Manganese is replaced by nickel, a known carcinogen, and magnesium is replaced with aluminum, which is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Magnesium itself is a potent detoxifier because it is utilized in many different detox pathways in the body. Adequate magnesium prevents the body from absorbing harmful metals in the gut and in brain cells. Glutathione, an antioxidant normally produced by the body and a

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detoxifier of mercury, lead and arsenic among others, requires magnesium for its synthesis. Magnesium deficiency is common, as it is difficult to get adequate amounts from food due to our depleted soils. The best food sources are kelp and other sea vegetables, nettles, chickweed, unrefined sea salt, and bone broths. Usually supplementation dosages in the range of 3 to 10 mg per pound of bodyweight are recommended, and if magnesium citrate or magnesium malate cause too much of a laxative effect, one can try magnesium taurate or glycinate. Another option is ionic magnesium in liquid form, which can be added to water or soups throughout the day. Those with kidney issues or bowel obstruction need to consult their physician before supplementing with magnesium. Exercise helps by promoting sweating, which directly aids in detoxification. Deforming the body through exercise also aids peristalsis in the digestive tract, helping to prevent constipation.

minerals. Mercury from amalgam fillings can create a toxicity problem, and the only real solution is to have them removed by a biological dentist who knows how to do this safely. Mercury is unfortunately also found in many fish like halibut and tuna. Chlorella, a freshwater seaweed that can be found in healthfood stores in the form of a green powder or capsules, is good at binding to heavy metals and removing them from the body. The herb cilantro works well too. Once the preparatory work is done, the herbal detox formulas found in health-food stores may be all that is needed. Detoxification can be a path towards rejuvenation but sometimes general detox protocols are not enough. If you are quite ill and you believe that part of the reason is a toxicity problem, it is worth being tested by a lab that specializes in toxicology. Once the toxins are identified, specific protocols can be implemented to eliminate the problem.

Detoxification Methods Because detoxification protocols cause toxins to be released, please incorporate the above ideas first, and be healthy before starting on a detox program. Using an infrared-light sauna regularly is very effective as a detox tool, as the heat penetrates much deeper into the tissues than a regular sauna would, resulting in enhanced sweating. Forcing the body to sweat regularly can improve the skin’s ability to do so. One can sweat out heavy metals, chemicals and other toxins helping to relieve the burden on the liver and kidneys. Also, regularly raising the body temperature can help kill off parasites, viruses and fungi, which some can’t successfully eliminate due to a hypothyroid condition resulting in too low a body temperature. Be certain to replace the water and minerals you sweat out by drinking pure filtered water mixed with a pinch of unrefined, sundried sea salt, and/ or perhaps take some kelp tablets or trace

Vreni Gurd was the top graduating student in PHE from the University of Toronto in 1992, and is continually furthering her education in exercise, nutrition and health. As a C.H.E.K. 3 practitioner and holistic lifestyle consultant, Vreni’s current Vancouver practice involves helping clients feel better through posture correction, corrective exercise, metabolic typing, and nutrition and lifestyle counseling. vreni@wellness-works.ca www.wellnesstips.ca

This article provides general information and is not to be construed as medical advice or an endorsement. Educational information provided is not a substitute for regular professional health care and nutrition advice. Always consult your qualified health care professional and nutritionist for questions regarding your well being. OpenRoad Driver does not warrant the accuracy of statements. We rely on the author to present factual material and cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy, utility or safety of the material published.

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C URB A P P E A L

Bob Rennie restores the Wing Sang building as an art gallery and company headquarters, mixing modern architecture with heritage settings.

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Words by Larry Wong Photos by Martin Tessler

he date says it all, 1889, above the second-storey doorway of the Wing Sang, the oldest building in Vancouver’s Chinatown. In time, the original twostorey structure expanded eastward with additional footage on the street level and topped off by a third floor. At the back, Yip Sang built a six-storey building to house his four wives and twenty-three children. He was a travel agent, an entrepreneur and a benefactor. He passed away in 1927 and various businesses occupied the Wing Sang afterwards, including the B.C. Royal Café, made famous by Denise Chong’s novel, The Concubine’s Children. When the last of the Yip family left, the Wing Sang building stood

empty from the 1970s until its 2006 purchase by Bob Rennie, best known as the condo king. He wanted to consolidate his marketing staff from different locations and besides, he wanted his own private art gallery. Few know that Bob Rennie is an extensive art collector whose works include Mona Hatoum, Amy Bessone and Brian Jungen, to name a few. Some of his collections are on loan to the Tate Modern, the Pompidou in Paris and the Guggenheim. The renovation was closely monitored by heritage consultant Donald Luxton. Rumour has it that some $20 million went into restoration. In 2008, 375 descendants of the Yip family came together for a family reunion while the building was still under renovation. There

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were so many relatives, the event was held across the street at the Chinese Cultural Centre. All agreed their former family home was in good hands. The opening was October 17, 2009. The Wing Sang building proudly retained its original façade with a new life as an art gallery and the offices of Rennie Marketing System and Rennie & Associates Realty housing 60 agents and 26 staff. The art gallery is open to the public once a week. Included in the tour, which averages 60 people, are the rooftop garden with its sculptures and a close-up of Martin Creed’s “Everything is going to be alright” neon sign. “We’re really happy to be part of the neighbourhood,” says Carey Fouks, the Director of Art Services. “Everything we need is right here in Chinatown. We interact with the folks, new and old, and we’re attracting people to come and see us. And right next door, we have this Everything Café run by Sean Heather.” A block west of the Wing Sang is the old Chinese Freemason building built in 1906. This historic building saw the visit of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the assassination of David Lew and the oldest tailor shop in Chinatown, Modernize Tailors. The tailor shop has been there from the 1920s to 1960 when it moved to 511 Carrall Street. 5 West Pender Street was purchased by

The old laneway that separated the two buildings has been transformed into a three-storey viewing gallery.

Milton Wong, son of Wong Kung Lai, founder of Modernize. Milton was for almost a decade, among the top ten financial managers in Canada, the chair of HSBC Asset Management Canada, a former Chancellor of Simon Fraser University and the founder of the Laurier Institution, among others. Renovations began in 2005 under the watchful eye of Joe Wai, the architect who worked on landmark projects such as the Dr. Sun YatSen Garden, the Millennium Gate, the Chinatown Plaza and the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum.

Now a boardroom, the Wing Sang schoolroom is restored to its original character.

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Modernize Tailors is now run by Bill and Jack Wong, Master Tailors. Both went to university for their engineering degrees but they couldn’t practice because they were Chinese. They learned tailoring from their father. At that time, there were several other tailors in Chinatown dealing with custom-made suits but they are the one remaining in Chinatown. The building was completely redone with eleven suites, a new elevator, and a tenant occupying the main floor, an environmental group, Recollective Consultants. The tailor shop moved back January 5, 2008 with a grand ceremony. The two brothers

are still there with relatives Park and Steven to help. Elizabeth Wong says the recently-completed Carrall Street Greenway has improved the area by accessing Gastown from Chinatown through a friendly streetscape of wide sidewalks, limited auto traffic and street furniture. She notes that people want to live in the area as a result of the ongoing changes. Even in her building, her apartments stay empty no more than a month. In stripping layers of paints on the exterior of the building, the contractor revealed the painted wall sign, Pekin Chop Suey House on Carrall Street. The restaurant was there from 1908 to 1939. Bill Wong remembers when they served dim sum. The ground floor windows are covered with historic panels illustrating the stories of the tailor shop and the history of Chinatown. Blim opened its doors in May 2010 and already has made an impact on the neighbourhood, says owner Yuriko Iga. Her previous location was Main Street and 17th Avenue. Since moving to Chinatown, her customers are drawn from Strathcona and Gastown. She runs an arts and craft workshop on screen print, Gocco card making, drawing and screen print stickers. Gocco is a tabletop silk-screen unit. She also sells t-shirts, inks, Gocco printing items, and screen printing starter’s packages.

Yuriko also organizes a monthly community market at the nearby Chinese Cultural Centre involving over sixty vendors selling hot food, baked goods, art objects and many different items. Bao Bei is the hottest bistro in town. It opened January 15, 2010 and owner Tannis Ling and her staff have been overwhelmed with their success. Her location was previously a tofu take-out, a popular vegetarian destination. The storefront was vacant for six months when Tannis, a bartender by trade, decided to take out a lease and spent four months renovating the 2,200 sq.-ft. venue into a 50-seat room and 8-seat bar. She hired Joel Watanabe, head chef, to design a menu that is modern Shanghainese and Taiwanese. The Vancouver Chinatown Night Market, which opens from May to September on weekends, was the source of a steady stream of customers but today the crowds continue on without it. The bistro opens at 5:30 in the afternoon but it’s not uncommon for a full crowd just an hour later. In the short time it has been in business, the Georgia Straight has named it the Best New Restaurant. EnRoute Larry Wong grew up in Magazine calls it the Second Best Vancouver’s Chinatown. New Restaurant in Canada and the He is a director of the Chinese Restaurant Awards proudly Vancouver Historical proclaim it the Diner’s Choice Best Society, director and curator of the Chinese New Modern Chinese Restaurant. We are witnessing a grand renaissance and Chinatown has a new face. It’s a face of a young and eager generation, ready to welcome the world in a heritage setting that’s 125 years old.

Canadian Military Museum, and Past President of the Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC. He has a lengthy history of community service and membership in many organizations.

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™ Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. ® Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia. The Scotiabank Group includes The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company, Scotia Asset Management L.P., Scotia Asset Management U.S. Inc., OpenRoad Driver • W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1 | ScotiaMcLeod Financial Services Inc., Scotia Securities Inc., and Scotia Capital Inc. ScotiaMcLeod is a division of Scotia Capital Inc., member CIPF.

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what moves you

INTERIOR S

Fine Design

Selections by Bruce Forster Palazzo Capponi table in driftwood light graphite with lacquer top

Grape Console table

The fine furniture that is created by William Switzer and Associates is shown all over the world, and is in many of the finest homes, hotels and offices. One of my favourite pieces is the Palazzo Capponi centre table. It is a traditional hand-carved style that has been updated for the twenty-first century. The subtle beauty of the wood is contrasted with a glorious punch of colour on the top. Surely the perfect show-stopper piece of furniture!

The clever folks at William Switzer have also done a beautiful little console table, the Venetian-style Grape Console that is simply a jewel. Here is an interpretation of Venice at its contemporary best. This item would be super as an entry piece in a contemporary space, or even as bedside tables at Whistler. In other words, anywhere that you want to make the perfect statement of both style and substance.

Bruce M. Forster is the owner of Preston’s Interiors Limited, specializing in upper-end residential design. He is a member of the Interior Designers Institute of BC and the Interior Designers of Canada, NCIDQ. He has designed for international summits such as the G8, APEC and Commonwealth Heads of Government, and created numerous designer show homes, special events and exhibitions.

Available through interior designers and architects. Vancouver retailer Interior Matters #20, 323 Jervis Street, Vancouver 604.602.0004 williamswitzercollection.com

West Bengal throws There are at least two reasons why these wonderful throws are so great. One is that they are made from cotton saris, and come in the most sumptuous colours. The other is that they are handstitched by the women of the West Bengal area of India. With all of the richness of pattern and colour, any one of them would make a very welcome addition to almost any room in your home. Örling & Wu Home 28 Water Street, Vancouver 604.568.6718 orlingandwu.com

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W here Our R oad Takes You

Cruising Southern Europe Relax and Rekindle Words and photos by Rick and Chris Millikan

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ondly remembering a cruise to celebrate our folks’ golden wedding anniversary, we eagerly board the newly-launched version of Holland America’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam in Barcelona, Spain. Our wearisome routines are swapped for a blissful itinerary of nine intriguing Mediterranean ports.

Piazza Navona in Rome

We navigate through lounges and corridors that display artwork and glossy photos depicting this Nieuw Amsterdam’s glamorous predecessors and namesake, New York City. Then, with clothes stowed in cabin closets, suitcases slipped under our king-sized bed, we relax. Unlike land-based holidays, salty sailors like us unpack just once; then each day, magically arrive at exciting new destinations. Our large balcony lures us outside into the warm glow of sunshine. As our ship slowly sails out of the harbour, we inhale the fresh sea air and toast new horizons with chilled champagne. Three shore adventures motivate us immediately into invigorating activity. After a walk through the heart of the tiny principality of Monaco, a comfortable coach takes us along the breathtaking French Riviera into the picturesque city of Nice. On our return, we ascend into a walled medieval village perched above the Mediterranean and then dine below on luscious French cuisine. This excursion climaxes with a dazzling visit to Monte Carlo’s legendary Grand Casino. Livorno offers a visit to a hilltop Tuscan village and local vineyard for wine tasting. An express train carries us from Civitavecchia into Rome to slowly stroll amid ancient and glorious sites. A lazy day at sea allows research on upcoming ports through our flat-screen TV, at travel talks and in the spacious topside library. Using computers, we send ‘wish you were here!’ messages. While shipmates attend sessions on gourmet food prep in the Culinary Arts Center or workshops on digital photo techniques, we soak in the Jacuzzi and swim in the pool. Strolling uppermost decks with fingers entwined, we drift into Greenhouse Spa and Salon where masseuses retune weary wayward muscles and hydro-pools melt away worldly woes. Informal Lido breakfast and lunch buffets do require self-control. Our upbeat recreation director warns us, grinning, “Boarding as passengers, many of you could leave as cargo!” Yes, there’s a salad bar, but international delicacies, grilled sandwiches, wraps, fajitas and sweetie pie desserts put us in jeopardy. Most passengers succumb, some working off errant calories in the huge gymnasium. Spruced up nightly and looking gorgeous, we ride the mid-ship glass elevator

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down to the Manhattan Room for sumptuous, seductive five-course meals. On two special evenings, we opt for even higher haute cuisine. Providing expanded menus, there’s choice lobster and divine seafood at the Pinnacle Grill. And the Tamarind indulges our palpitating palates with delectable Asian fusion amid a tranquil ambience of gracious service and serenity. Passing through elegant boutiques, glitzy casino and alongside bars emanating potpourris of music, we attend nightly shows in the opulent theatre. Our first is a romantic movie complete with popcorn. That whimsical evening continues as we sip merlot on our moonlit balcony. During the gala evening, the captain serves everyone champagne for a toast and introduces a New York-themed production complete with razzle-dazzle staging, dances and songs. Other evenings include a lively Celtic fiddler backed by an equally exuberant band, funny fellow mimicking well-known singers, magical dance couple and one very hilarious comedian. Pampered by room service, one night a cheerful steward delivers a DVD and snacks.

Roman theatre in Cartagena, Spain

Our sunny Iberian ports share a rich cultural legacy. Each morning, we saunter off docks for energizing doses of legwork and insightful thought. Valencia boasts futuristic structures along an extensive greenway, modernistic buildings downtown and in the old city a bustling public market, gothic Silk Exchange, spectacular baroque palace and statue of El Cid, revered Christian conqueror. Common throughout Spain, its main bell-towered cathedral evolved from an earlier Moorish mosque and minaret. Cartagena reveals more historic grandeur, restoring its ancient Punic Wall, Castle of la Concepción and first-century Roman Amphitheater. Busts of two rival rulers, Hannibal and Roman general Scipio Africanus grace a small garden. From the ship in Almeria, we see hillside Alcazaba Palace, which encloses heavenly Andalusian gardens. In town, a gothic cathedral reveals fortifications used against Berber pirates. Its medieval convent serves now as an art college. Perhaps students hand-painted

Algarve Beaches in Portimäo, Portugal

the traditional tiles frequently identifying products on shops. Old Seville’s two royal palaces prove impressive. A reputed copy of Pontius Pilate’s Palace, Casa de Pilatos exemplifies the Mudéjar style. Like Granada’s legendary Alhambra, walls are embellished with lustrous ceramic tiles and finely molded stucco. Lebrija Palace is similarly distinguished; a century earlier its learned Countess decorated this mansion with Roman mosaics and other archaeological treasures from the ruins of nearby Itálica. Joining a morning excursion in Portimäo, Portugal, we’re enthralled by the Algarve’s rugged cliffs, golden beaches and azure Atlantic. As a bonus, we spot a fine statue of Prince Henry the Navigator in a sunny square at Lagos. First to rethink trade routes to India, in the mid 1400s he dispatched sleek caravels to chart the African coast.

Valencia City Hall in Spain

With new stamina, we investigate Lisbon, capital of one of Europe’s earliest empires. The next day, we hop a bus that twists upward through the Arabic Alfama district and arrive at Castle of St. George. The lower ramparts bestow magnificent city panoramas. Crossing a medieval moat into the main fortification, we envision cohorts of ever-alert soldiers armed with crossbows. Adjacent ruins of a first-century Roman administrator’s dwelling, early Moorish settlement and a royal palace are indicators of those divergent populations that they once protected. Our own voyage of discovery ends in this city exalting exploration. While Nieuw Amsterdam IV cruises onward across the mid-Atlantic to launch its Caribbean season, our quest continues. Widespread monuments recall Lisbon’s renowned explorers: da Gama, Magellan and Cabral. Built for defense, the baroque four-storey Belém Tower remains a ceremonial gateway. Nearby stands the gigantic sculpted Monument to Discoveries. Crewed by illustrious countrymen, this replicated prow of a 15th-century galleon skims atop a mosaic ocean showing Portugal’s far-reaching exploration routes.

Shipboard overlooking Cartagena

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Homeward bound, we bask in warm memories. With our renewed energy and glowing outlook, we’ll sail through the weeks ahead.

When You Go Three Holland America ships offer summer cruises with varied European itineraries and five springtime sailings around the Caribbean. See these possibilities and more at hollandamerica.com

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s an OpenRoad guest, you could win 1 of 5 luxurious spa getaways to the beautiful Summerland Waterfront Resort and Beyond Wrapture Day Spa. Relax and refresh with OpenRoad Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spa Getaway Contest! Starting February 11, 2011, one lucky guest every other Friday will win a luxury accommodation and spa package for two. Every other week for five Fridays until April 8, 2011, you could win a complimentary accommodation package for a 2-night stay at the Summerland Waterfront Resort, plus a spa experience for two with Beyond Wrapture Day Spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature Vinotherapy spa treatments. Renew your senses, and take the Grape Escape with our Spa Getaway Contest. http://difference.openroadautogroup.com See website for full contest details. Must be a BC resident minimum 21 years of age to be eligible. Online entries only. No purchase necessary. One entry per person. Staff and partners not eligible.

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Car Profiles by Gerry Frechette

A uto Features

Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consult OpenRoad Honda Burnaby for complete details – OpenRoadHonda.ca

2011 HONDA

Odyssey

he completely redesigned 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan improves on its award-winning concept with a more distinctive style, lower fuel consumption and greater interior versatility. Improvements to the fourth-generation Odyssey represent a new Honda vision for the “ultimate in family transportation.”

Sp e cs 2 0 1 1 O D YS S E Y

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

pRICE: $29,990 MSRP Type: 4-door, 7/8-passenger full-size van Layout: Front engine/front-wheel drive Engine: 3.5-litre V6, SOHC, 24 valves Horsepower: 248 @ 5,700 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 250 @ 4,800 rpm Transmission: 5-speed automatic (LX, EX) / 6-speed automatic (Touring) Curb weight: 1,969 kg (4,340 lbs) Wheelbase: 3,000 mm (118.1 in) Length: 5,152 mm (202.8 in) Width: 2,011 mm (79.1 in) Height: 1,737 mm (68.3 in) Ground clearance: 151 mm (5.9 in) Fuel consumption: City: 11.7 L/100 km (24 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg Imp) Fuel type: Regular Warranty: 3 yrs/60,000 km Powertrain warranty: 5 yrs/100,000 km

The interior of the 2011 Odyssey presents a “cool and intuitive” theme consistent with its increased levels of technology and family versatility. To fulfill its mission as the ultimate family vehicle, the Odyssey interior focuses on providing three rows of comfortable, adult-friendly seating together with a large interior volume and plentiful storage capabilities. Up to nine seating configurations can accommodate between one and seven or eight passengers (depending on model) simply by

adding, folding or removing the modular seating elements. An extensive list of safety equipment comes standard on every Odyssey. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure is a Honda-exclusive that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, several air bags including three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and active front-seat head restraints. The Odyssey is available in no fewer than five different models, ranging from the entry-level LX, through the EX, EX-RES (for Rear Entertainment System) and EX-L RES, up to the technologyladen Touring. All are powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with class-leading highway fuel consumption, and the Touring debuts a new six-speed automatic transmission. With a more stylish body design and a large number of useful technologies, the 2011 Honda Odyssey attempts to blend being a “practical” purchase decision and an “emotional” one.

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he compact sedan market is the biggest and most competitive in the country, and Hyundai has launched its new Elantra into the category with the credentials to challenge for sales leadership.

A uto Features

The completely-revised Elantra is the latest Hyundai sporting “Fluidic Sculpture” design with flowing lines that create the illusion of constant motion. The new “face” of Hyundai is like no other compact car. Under the Elantra’s sleek hood resides an all-new 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. Developing 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, it is smaller in size, weighs 34 kilograms less than the last-generation engine, and helps achieve a 16-percent improvement in highway fuel economy, too. It has more horsepower per litre, and lower fuel consumption (just 4.9L/100 km highway), than the standard engines

2011 HYUNDAI

Elantra

in all its compact car rivals. Backing up the new engine are equally new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The modern, sophisticated interior sets new standards in the class for upscale design and features, including segment-first heated seats front and rear, among many more comfort and convenience features that are available. They include leather seat surfaces, 360-watt audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, touch-screen navigation with voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and power sunroof. The Elantra is among the leaders in the compact class for total interior volume, interior storage space and quietness, and it really feels like you are in a mid-sized car rather than a compact. A complete suite of safety equipment is standard on all models, including Vehicle Stability Management, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, and six airbags. Elantra is offered in four trim levels – L, GL, GLS, and Limited.

S pe cs 2 0 1 1 E LA N T R A

• PRICE: $15,849 MSRP • Type: 4-door, 5-passenger compact sedan • Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive • Engine: 1.8-litre I4, DOHC, 16 valves • Horsepower: 148 @ 6,500 rpm • Torque (lb-ft): 131 @ 4,700 rpm • Transmission: 6-speed manual (L, GL, GLS) / 6-speed automatic (opt L, GL, GLS) / 6-speed automatic (Limited) • Curb weight: 1,279 kg (2,819 lbs)(M/T) / 1,305 kg (2,877 lbs)(A/T) • Wheelbase: 2,700 mm (106.2 in) • Length: 4,530 mm (178.3 in) • Width: 1,775 mm (69.8 in) • Height: 1,435 mm (56.4 in) • Ground clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) • Fuel consumption: City: 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 4.9 L/100 km (58 mpg Imp) • Fuel type: Regular • Warranty: 5 yrs/100,000 km • Powertrain warranty: 5 yrs/100,000 km Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consult OpenRoad Hyundai Richmond for complete details – OpenRoadHyundai.com

OpenRoad Driver • W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

A uto Features

2011 LEXUS

IS 350 AWD S p e c s 2011 IS 350 AWD • PRICE: $45,900 MSRP , • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Type: 4-door, 5-passenger compact sedan Layout: Front engine/All-Wheel Drive Engine: 3.5-litre V6, DOHC, 24 valves Horsepower: 306 @ 6,400 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 277 @ 4,800 rpm Transmission: 6-speed automatic Curb weight: 1,680 kg (3,703 lbs) Wheelbase: 2,730 mm (107.4 in) Length: 4,580 mm (180.3 in) Width: 1,800 mm (70.9 in) Height: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in) Fuel consumption: City: 11.4 L/100 km (25 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 7.8 L/100 km (37 mpg Imp) Fuel type: Premium Warranty: 4 yrs/80,000 km Powertrain warranty: 6 yrs/110,000 km

Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consult Richmond Lexus and OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody for complete details – RichmondLexus.com and OpenRoadLexus.ca

s part of an expansion of choices in its popular IS sport sedan line for 2011, Lexus has added a fourth model, the IS 350 AWD, bestowing the higher-performance 3.5-litre version with the allwheel traction and handling that was previously available only on the IS 250 model. The IS 350’s full-time All-Wheel Drive system features a 30/70 torque split biased towards the rear, for a very sporty driving feel. Other standard features include leather seating, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front headlamp washers, heated front sport seats, and eight-way power passenger seat.

The IS series as a whole has also received several revisions. All models enjoy a fresh new look for 2011, with updated styling cues and new option packages that add more performance and luxury. A new front grille and bumper lead the way, while at the rear, there is a new taillamp cover and a revised tailpipe design. The already-sporty IS 350 rear-wheel drive model is further enhanced with the addition of the standard F-Sport package, also available on the IS 250. It takes inspiration from the IS F ultra-performance sedan, with special suspension and steering tuning, 18-inch wheels, and distinctive design touches such as front lip and rear deck spoilers. Inside, special F-Sport heated front seats feature a microfibre insert and leather side bolsters to provide more grip for the driver and passenger during cornering. The three-spoke F-Sport steering wheel has paddle shifters with which to manually shift the six-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus IS series offers even more choice now for the sport sedan shopper.

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Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consult OpenRoad Scion Port Moody and OpenRoad Scion Richmond for complete details – OpenRoadScion.ca

A uto Features

2011 SCION

oyota has launched the Scion brand in Canada, and leading the way is the second generation of the iconic xB, the model most associated with the brand in its first incarnation in other countries. The boxy little urban utility vehicle appeals to young trendsetters, and the young-at-heart, with its value and roominess, combined with the vast array of accessories available to personalize it.

The xB’s platform is largely based on that of the familiar Toyota Corolla and Matrix, so mechanically, it is a familiar and proven package. Under the hood is a 2.4-litre fourcylinder generating 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, making for effortless driving in the city and confident passing on the highway. Fuel efficiency is rated at a low 7.2 L per 100 highway kilometres.

Many standard features on xB aren’t even available on some competing vehicles in its class – like Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, electric power steering, telescoping steering column, steering wheel mounted audio controls, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, multi-information display and Bluetooth capability to name a few. Add to that six airbags including side curtains, 2011 xB and a six-speaker audio system with USB input and auxiliary ports, and • PRICE: $18,270 MSRP you have an unusually well-equipped small car.

Specs

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Type: 4-door, 5-passenger compact hatchback Layout: Front engine/front-wheel drive Engine: 2.4-litre I4, DOHC, 16 valves Horsepower: 158 @ 6,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 162 @ 4,400 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic (optional) Curb weight: 1,373 kg (3,028 lbs) Wheelbase: 2,600 mm (102.4 in) Length: 4,250 mm (167.3 in) Width: 1,760 mm (69.3 in) Height: 1,645 mm (64.7 in) Ground clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Fuel consumption: M/T City: 9.5 L/100 km (30 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg Imp) Fuel consumption: A/T City: 9.5 L/100 km (30 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg Imp) Fuel type: Regular Warranty: 3 yrs/60,000 km Powertrain warranty: 5 yrs/100,000 km

But there is more; the xB can be equipped with all manner of accessories which will make it stand out from the crowd. From unique wheels, shift knobs and sport pedals to satellite radio systems and a broad selection of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance enhancements, Scion customization combinations are almost endless.

OpenRoad Driver • W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

A uto Features

2011 TOYOTA

HIGHLANDER S p e c s 2011 H IGH LANDER

• PRICE: $31,500 MSRP • Type: 4-door, 7-passenger midsize SUV • Layout: Front engine/front-wheel drive/fourwheel drive • Engine: 2.7-litre I4, DOHC, 16 valves / 3.5-litre V6, DOHC, 24 valves / 3.5-litre V6, DOHC, 24 valves with hybrid system • Horsepower: 187 @ 5,800 rpm / 270 @ 6,200 rpm / 280 (net hybrid) • Torque (lb-ft): 186 @ 4,100 rpm / 248 @ 4,700 rpm / N/A (hybrid) • Transmission: 6-speed automatic (2.7) / 5-speed automatic (3.5) / CVT (Hybrid) • Curb weight: 1,840 kg (4,050 lbs) • Wheelbase: 2,790 mm (110.0 in) • Length: 4,785 mm (188.4 in) • Width: 1,910 mm (75.2 in) • Height: 1,760 mm (69.3 in) • Fuel consumption I4: City: 10.4 L/100 km (27 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 7.3 L/100 km (39 mpg Imp) • Fuel consumption V6: City: 12.3 L/100 km (23 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 8.8 L/100 km (32 mpg Imp) • Fuel consumption Hybrid: City: 6.6 L/100 km (43 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 7.3 L/100 km (39 mpg Imp) • Fuel type: Regular • Warranty: 3 yrs/60,000 km • Powertrain warranty: 5 yrs/100,000 km • Hybrid component warranty: 8 yrs/160,000 km

he popular Toyota Highlander SUV has received a comprehensive update for the 2011 model year, with the continuation of both the regular gasolineengined version and the Hybrid. The former is available with four-cylinder and front-wheel drive (Highlander) or with V6 and four-wheel drive in two models, the Highlander 4WD V6 and Highlander 4WD V6 Limited. On the hybrid side, there are two models, Highlander Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid Limited.

All models enjoy redesigned exterior styling elements, including front fascia, grille, hood, fenders and headlamps, and rear bumper, combination taillamps and spoiler, along with new aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, all models feature updated instrument panels, gauge clusters and interior trims and finishes, as well as a 50/50 split third-row seat for sevenpassenger capacity. Of course, the recently-announced Star Safety System delivers a full suite of active safety gear, including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology. While the Highlander 4WD V6 models receive numerous upgrades (Bluetooth connectivity and, on the Limited, voiceactivated navigation system, plus the availability of a Sport package), it is the Hybrids that receive the most new technology. The Highlander Hybrid features upgraded Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive built around a 3.5L Atkinson-cycle V6, replacing a 3.3L engine in previous models, and an enhanced electrical motor/generator system, both of which deliver even more power – to the tune of 280 hp (up by 10) – with a ten-percent improvement in combined fuel economy, a best-in-class 6.9 L per 100 km. New Exhaust Heat Recovery and Exhaust Gas Recirculation systems provide improved cold weather performance.

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Completing the long list of improvements on the Hybrid, both models now feature upgraded audio systems with USB input and XM Satellite Radio capability.

Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consult OpenRoad Toyota Port Moody and OpenRoad Toyota Richmond for complete details – OpenRoadToyota.com and OpenRoadToyota.ca

Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consult OpenRoad Audi Vancouver for complete details – OpenRoadAudi.com

A uto Features

2011 AUDI

udi’s flagship prestige sedan is all-new for 2011, with revised styling inside and out, greater efficiency and enhanced comfort and convenience, but the sporty elegance for which the A8 has always been known has not been diminished.

S p ecs 2011 A8

• PRICE: $99,200 MSRP • Type: 4-door, 4/5-passenger full-size sedan • Layout: Longitudinal front engine/all-wheel drive • Engine: 4.2-litre V8, DOHC, 32 valves • Horsepower: 372 @ 6,800 rpm • Torque (lb-ft): 328 @ 3,500 rpm • Transmission: 8-speed automatic • Curb weight: 1,960 kg (4,321 lbs) • Wheelbase: 2,992 mm (117.7 in) • Length: 5,137 mm (202.2 in) • Width: 2,111 mm (83.1 in) • Height: 1,460 mm (57.4 in) • Fuel consumption: City: 12.9 L/100 km (22 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg Imp) • Fuel type: Premium • Warranty: 4 yrs/80,000 km • Powertrain warranty: 4 yrs/80,000 km

Indeed, with its all-aluminum body construction, direct-injection 4.2L V8 power and quattro all-wheel drive, the new A8 retains the primary attributes that gave the last generation its dynamism, and adds to it with a host of new technology for performance, safety and convenience. The signature design element of the new A8 is the new full LED headlights, which give the car an unmistakable appearance even in daylight. The revolutionary optics used in these headlights mean a departure from the tubular light modules commonly used, and deliver brighter and more evenly dispersed light.

The driver’s connection with the A8 is enhanced with the new Multi Media Interface (MMI) that includes a pioneering innovation: MMI touch. This system enables the driver to control many functions intuitively; for example, the navigation destination can be entered by tracing the letters on the pad. MMI doesn’t stop there, though. It reads the road ahead in the navigation data and provides this information to the control units for the transmission, the headlights and the adaptive cruise control. The improved intelligence of these systems allows them to recognize complex scenarios and make anticipatory decisions to support the driver. In many situations, the new Audi pre-sense safety system can mitigate collisions and their consequences. The LED headlights and MMI are but a small part of the A8’s technology story, to say nothing of its luxury, performance and efficiency. The A8 is truly the pinnacle of the Audi experience.

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A uto Features

2012 mazda

MAZDA5 Spec s 2 012 MAZDA5 , • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

PRICE: $20,795 MSRP Type: 4-door, 6-passenger compact minivan Layout: Front engine/front-wheel drive Engine: 2.5-litre I4, DOHC, 16 valves Horsepower: 157 @ 6,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 163 @ 4,000 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual / 5-speed automatic (optional) Curb weight: 1,551 kg (3,419 lbs) Wheelbase: 2,750 mm (108.2 in) Length: 4,585 mm (180.5 in) Width: 1,750 mm (68.8 in) Height: 1,615 mm (63.5 in) Ground clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Fuel consumption M/T: City: 9.7 L/100 km (29 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg Imp) Fuel consumption A/T: City: 9.5 L/100 km (30 mpg Imp) / Hwy: 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg Imp) Fuel type: Regular Warranty: 3 yrs/80,000 km Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 km

ffering unexpected levels of design, functionality, packaging and performance simply not found in any other vehicle sold in North America today, the original Mazda5 is beloved by its owners. The new secondgeneration Mazda5 builds on those attributes and incorporates motifs from Mazda’s Nagare “flow” design language which, inspired by the beauty of nature, presents an elegant look. The Mazda5 delivers roomy comfort while being surprisingly compact for a people-carrier with three rows of seating. The second row has separate captain’s chairs for added levels of comfort, while the third row seats are split 50/50. Both rows’ seats can be tipped forward individually and folded down to create a flat load area, and the middle seats each feature a one-touch lever that automatically tips the seatback forward and slides the cushion to its front-most position to allow access to the third row. Making it all that much easier are sliding rear side doors that can be operated with one finger.

Mazda set out to make sure this vehicle was fun to drive while also being versatile and practical. Under the hood is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine which can be backed up by either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic with manual shift control. The Mazda5 is available in two trim levels: the entry-level GS and the top-grade GT, with even the GS boasting standard features like air conditioning, keyless entry, and power windows, locks and mirrors.

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Gerry Frechette is a full-time automotive journalist based in Vancouver. His parents say that he stood in his playpen and named cars going down the street, and some 20 years ago, he took this life-long love of cars and applied it to a career writing about them. At that time, he joined the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, where he remains a member today.

Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consult OpenRoad Mazda Port Moody for complete details – OpenRoadMazda.ca

OpenRoad Driver • W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

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3170 St. Johns Street, Port Moody (5 Minutes West of Coquitlam Center)

Experience the OpenRoad DifferenceTM

Tel: 604-461-9111 Dlr 30875 www.openroadmazda.ca www.openroadautogroup.com

THE S TREE T

Photo: Tourism Richmond

Sojourn in Steveston by Lauren Kramer

rguably Richmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most charming enclave, the village of Steveston sits on the cusp of the Fraser River, a small and bustling community where history catches the eye at every corner. Here, expect the delicious whiff of fried fish in the air, as you explore an eclectic mix of home-style boutiques, galleries, coffee shops and restaurants. Steveston Village is a place where locals chat with fishermen on the pier and families bask in the sunshine over plates loaded with fresh fish and chips. Alive with activity, this is a village where the present seamlessly meets the past. So bring bikes, good walking shoes, perhaps a kite and a healthy appetite. The little village will leave you hungering to return.

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Photos: Lauren Kramer

Best Place to Break Bread Given the maritime history of Steveston and its one-time hub as salmon-central, it makes sense to choose fish and chips when in Steveston Village. In the mood for yam fries, a heated patio, a fullylicensed bar and a trendy atmosphere? Pick Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant, a restaurant overlooking the river and the pier. Its warm, earthy tones and cozy fireplace make this eatery an easy choice for the gourmet version of fish and chips, whether you want a full filet or a Cajun-style fish sandwich. 3866 Bayview Street, Richmond 604.275.7811 bluecanoerestaurant.com If you’ve got small kids in tow and the weather is fine, consider heading to Pajo’s Fish and Chips, an outdoor floating eatery that’s literally on the pier. Walk down the gangplank and you’ve arrived at this small take-out joint where seagulls circle overhead, fishing boats drift by and fish burger-style food is served in practical, portable containers that makes it easy to eat while catching the breeze. 3500 Bayview Street, Richmond - Steveston Wharf 604.272.1588 pajos.com

Best Place for Coffee If it’s comfy leather armchairs, free Wifi and a spacious coffee house you’re seeking, Waves Coffee House has the answer. The beverage assortment is varied, from fruit frappes and African rooibos lattes to Canadiano coffee, Waves au latte, apple cider and London Fog. And the food selection is tempting, including chocolate pecan squares, decadent butter tarts and crunchy granola bars. Steveston has Starbucks and Blenz – but if you want a real taste of village life, choose the road less traveled and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 120 - 12231 1st Avenue, Richmond 604.448.9283 wavescoffee.ca Another coffee shop with a good assortment of food is Bean & Beyond Café, a local favourite for its thick, creamy soups and home-made toasted paninis. The coffee is superb, the atmosphere is cozy, friendly and warm and the customers range from mothers with kids in strollers to business executives escaping the office for a quick java. 120 - 12420 No. 1 Road, Richmond 604.277.2687

Best Place for Gifts If there’s one thing Steveston has a lot of, it’s gift stores, making this a challenging category to be sure! Hidden away on 1st Avenue, Lofty Living Furniture Co. is less about furniture and more about home décor. The large store is well stocked with neat, one-of-a-kind tchotchkes that make perfect display pieces, serving ware or hostess gifts. A favourite place to browse for unexpected treasures, Lofty Living is reasonably priced and full of delightful surprises that you will struggle to find elsewhere. Treat yourself to some window shopping or look around for good decorating ideas. Chances are, you’ll find them right here. 110 - 12031 1st Avenue, Richmond 604.271.5638 loftylivinghome.com Nikaido Gifts is a store built around the beauty of fragrance and touch in tea and teapots, a selection of soaps and scents, and a gorgeous assortment of stylish writing utensils and paper notebooks. If you’re a tea lover, you’ll enjoy the craftsmanship in Nikaido’s variety of teapots and tea flavours. Purchase a unique, earthen-style teapot with matching cups as a reminder of your visit, or try out the silky feel of a great, ink-filled pen in your hands and watch it transform your cursive into something flowing and elegant. Nikaido is about soft, peaceful, reflective pleasures and the store has many of them. 3580 Moncton Street, Richmond 604.275.0262

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Best Place to Buy Fish Probably the most authentic item you can purchase in Steveston is fresh fish. Salmon is the village’s trademark, and this past fall the Fraser River was literally churning with sockeye as millions of them made their way to their spawning grounds. But the busy Steveston Wharf also sells halibut, shrimp, crab, prawns and other species in season. Stroll down the gangplank and check out what each fishing boat is selling and their respective prices before making your final choice. There’s room for a small margin of bargaining before you sling a bag of seafood over your shoulder and head home. But remember, that while the fish are gutted, they are not filleted. That means the fish you take home has bones and eyes too. If you’re comfortable filleting yourself, this won’t be a problem. But if you’re squeamish, head to Steveston Landing Fish. For a small fee, and if they’re not too busy, they’ll fillet it for you. 102 - 3800 Bayview Street, Richmond 604.275.4746

Best Place for a Pedi The newest spa in a village with a plethora of similar services wins hands down in this category. Lacquer Beauty Bar is a white, red and blue, chic oasis offering nail, hair and wax/threading services. Pedi customers get to watch DVDs while their feet are pampered while large windows give passers-by a glimpse at the tempting treatments. This spa will leave you yearning for a little self-indulgence – preferably with a favourite girlfriend in tow. 110 - 3900 Moncton Street, Richmond 604.275.7575 lacquerbeautybar.com For a large range of spa treatments, consider an appointment at Raintree Wellness Spa. A quick drive from the village, Raintree is a spa that takes pampering very seriously. The menu of services is as long as your arm and the atmosphere is one of exclusivity. Try the Raintree ritual Vichy shower, the stone therapy massage and the Thai hot herbal compress massage. You’ll emerge feeling like a prince or princess. 125 - 13020 No. 2 Road, Richmond 604.274.4426 raintreedayspa.com

Fun Activities Don’t leave Steveston Village without taking a stroll or gentle bike ride along the boardwalk that lines the river. Head east past the old cannery buildings and check out the Britannia Shipyards National Heritage Site that documents the lives and conditions of fishermen and boatbuilders who worked in the area’s seafood industry.

Photos: Gulf of Georgia Cannery Museum

5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond 604.718.8050 britannia-hss.ca Or head west and you’ll find yourself at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Museum, which commemorates the history of the West Coast fishing industry in a series of hands-on exhibits, displays, artifacts and machinery. Self-guided tours take visitors along the salmon canning line and past the massive machinery used in herring reduction. You’ll leave the Cannery in awe and with a greater appreciation of the history of Steveston Village. 12138 - 4th Avenue, Richmond 604.664.9009 gulfofgeorgiacannery.com

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live smart.

A S K THE E X P ERTS

What to Do about Auto Repairs

by Jeremy Bolderson

wning a vehicle can sometimes be a busy responsibility: juggling payments, insurance and overall maintenance. When your vehicle is involved in a collision, knowing what to do and where to repair your vehicle can take some of the worry out of the process. It really is best to know what auto repair facility you would use before you ever need to choose one. After a collision you are sometimes forced to make on-the-spot decisions and that could lead to a poor collision repair experience.

Choosing a collision repair facility ICBC c.a.r shop VALET / DRF shop An accredited ICBC c.a.r shop VALET facility will always provide you with an alternative mode of transportation. Choosing a c.a.r shop VALET facility also guarantees that your vehicle is being repaired using the latest technology and industry standards for equipment and training. The insurance industry monitors all c.a.r shop VALET facilities on a monthly basis to ensure that all standards are being met. It sets the annual training requirements for collision repair technicians. Choosing a VALET or Direct Repair Facility (DRF) not only gives you a lifetime guarantee from the repair facility, but a lifetime guarantee from the insurance company as well.

If your collision and comprehensive coverage are with a private insurance provider Direct Repair Facilities (DRFs) are available. Many of the ICBC c.a.r shop VALET repair facilities are also DRFapproved by private insurance carriers, due to their already high standards. Most body shops will display signs to indicate their qualifications with individual insurance providers.

While your vehicle is in the collision repair facility

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Lifetime guarantee Some shops offer only a limited warranty on the work that they do, while others offer a lifetime guarantee on the workmanship. Please make sure you understand a collision repair facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy regarding its own particular warranty.

Certified repair facility This is a collision repair facility that has been factory-trained by a vehicle manufacturer, to repair vehicles to the OEMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exacting standards. Many manufacturers now require their dealerships to be linked to a certified repair facility in order to maintain specific factory standards. Your dealership service staff should be more than happy to direct you to a body repair facility that they have worked with and trust.

Friends and family Ask family and friends who have been through the collision repair process already. This is a great way to find an honest opinion.

After an accident, restoring a vehicle back to factory standards can be a very time-consuming process depending on the severity of the collision. As safety and efficiency have become driving forces in the design of most new vehicles, cars have become very complex. There are multiple air bags, crash avoidance, lane departure, radar-guided cruise control, anti-lock braking systems, pre-crash warning systems, auto-leveling head lamps, and the list goes on and on with changes to every new model. So, the repair of these vehicles has become much more challenging for the collision repair industry. What was once a simple replacement of a bumper can now mean replacement of a bumper, parking assist sensors, SRS sensors or cameras and head lamp washers. Many of these new safety systems require a visit to the dealer to be programmed or calibrated, which adds time to the repair process. You can see how choosing the right repair facility for your car can make all the difference in your collision repair experience.

How insurance coverage affects your visit to the collision repair facility

Replacement cost policy Purchasing a replacement cost policy for your new vehicle can help in two ways: speed up the repair process, plus ensure your vehicle receives only OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Without this coverage your vehicle may receive aftermarket or used parts. Replacement cost policy can be purchased both through your insurance provider as well as third party providers and is well worth considering for your new car.

ICBC RoadStar and RoadSidePlus ICBC offers special coverage for drivers who have earned 43% or more in discounts. These special coverages can include rental vehicle coverage, loss of use coverage, vehicle travel protection and lock re-keying. In the case of RoadSidePlus, even benefits like theft deductible waiver and emergency roadside expense repayment and much, much more coverage may be included. Private Insurance carriers also provide their own special coverages for good drivers. These special coverages can make your collision repair experience much more pleasurable when you unexpectedly lose the use of your vehicle during repair.

Know where you stand

What to do if you’re in an accident

The vehicles we drive are an important and integral part of our everyday lives and we rely on them for so many things, including our safety, as we drive them. When they do require maintenance or collision repair, you want to know that your vehicle is in good hands and that the people who are repairing your vehicle have the trained staff as well as your best interests in mind. If you follow the information in this article and take the time to carefully choose your repair facility before you ever need to use it, then you can have peace of mind. We do hope that you are never in a position to need a collision repair facility, but if that day comes, be prepared ahead of time. We invite you to consider OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body, the largest state-of-the-art repair facility in BC. We will take the stress out of the collision repair process and help you gain the most out of this experience. Above all, our goal is to return your vehicle to its safe, pre-accident condition with the least amount of inconvenience.

Emergency claims telephone numbers ICBC Dial-a-Claim (open 24/7) Lower Mainland 604.520.8222 Outlying Areas 1.800.910.4222 Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Co. 1.800.825.7521 Family Insurance Solutions Inc. 1.800.661.4404 Royal & SunAlliance 1.800.319.9993

Accident checklist We would like to offer you some tips to help reduce the stress of a vehicle accident, even before you bring your car to a collision repair facility.

Jeremy Bolderson is Fixed Operations Manager at OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body. He is dedicated to continuously improving the business to better serve customers. Away from work Jeremy spends time with his wife and two sons, and also uses his art background to work on projects for friends and family. QUIZ OUR PANEL...direct your questions to: inquiries@openroaddriver.com and include “Ask the Experts” in the subject line.

Stop your vehicle. Stay calm.

Check for injuries. Health and safety are more important than vehicle damages.

If the accident is minor and no one is injured, move your vehicle to the side of the road. Being in the middle of traffic can be dangerous. Turn off your engine, but turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

If the accident is severe, call 9.1.1 immediately. Do not move any injured bodies, as you may aggravate any injuries.

Check the vehicles involved and make note of the visible damage. If you have a camera handy, it may be useful to take photos of the vehicle damage and scene of the accident.

Make written note of the following information:

a. b. c. d. e. f.

Report the accident to ICBC at 1.800.910.4222, and if you have additional insurance coverage, report the accident to your third party insurer.

If you have called the police, do not leave the accident scene until the police have arrived. Do not try to investigate the accident yourself. Leave that to the police and ICBC.

Date of accident Location of accident (including street names and direction) Name and contact information of all drivers and vehicle owners involved License plate numbers of all vehicles involved Driver’s license number of all drivers and vehicle owners involved Name and contact information of any witnesses to the accident

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Extreme. Makeover. Now the largest repair facility in BC. And still the best. After our own extreme makeover, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve doubled in size to serve you even better and faster. 50 body repair stalls, 10 prep stations, 5 downdraft spray booths, and a full detail area at your service. Not only are we a Toyota- and Lexus-certified repair facility, but we are also the only Audi-certified aluminum repair facility west of Ontario. Our on-site Hertz car rental and 37 late-model loaner vehicles take the inconvenience out of collision repairs. Rest assured knowing that we use eco-friendly waterborne paints and that every one of our technicians is fully certified to ensure top quality craftsmanship. From our makeover to yours, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll meet all your needs no matter how extreme.

Experience the OpenRoad DifferenceTM

2691 No. 5 Road, Richmond (Just North of Bridgeport Road) Tel: 604-278-9158 www.openroadrichmondautobody.com www.openroadautogroup.com

A different IS experience at OpenRoad.

2011 IS 250 RWD

starting at $34,850* includes Freight & PDI *plus levies and applicable taxes.

Experience the OpenRoad Difference. Why just buy a Lexus, when you can own a Lexus from OpenRoad?

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3150 St. Johns Street Port Moody Tel: 604-461-7623 Dealer# 30266 www. openroadlexus.ca

E xtras

Spa-tacular A guide to unique spa treatments by Melissa Mak

orget about the traditional massages and saunas. A day at the spa just got better, as we highlight a few of the refreshingly innovative and eccentric spas in BC. From grape pips to Garra rufa fish, pamper your body and soul with one of these delightful spa treatments.

Chill out! At least that’s what KurSpa at the Swarovski crystal-inspired Sparking Hill Resort is recommending with their -110°C cold sauna in Vernon. The resort and spa are located in the North Okanagan. The first to offer cold sauna in North America, KurSpa encourages wellness for the entire body, and each one of their spa treatments is designed to refresh and rejuvenate the body. This signature cold sauna is separated into three chambers: the first is -10°C, the second is -60°C, and the final chamber is -110°C. This separation and gradual variation in temperature ensures that the last chamber remains at exactly -110°C. Guests wear socks and light clothing such as swimsuits or shorts, while protective head bands, face masks and gloves are provided. Upon reaching the final -110°C chamber, guests have an option to stay for up to three minutes, and are encouraged to maintain body movement for the duration of their stay. The cold sauna treatment, also known as cryotherapy, aims to improve mobility, reduce chronic pain and enhance, rejuvenate and revitalize the human body. Cold sauna has been used in the training and injury rehabilitation of professional athletes in Europe. KurSpa at the Sparking Hill Resort 888 Sparkling Place, Vernon, BC 250.541.2155 sparklinghill.com/whole-body-wellness

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Feet as soft (and sexy) as jelly It’s the incredibly sexy pedicure that will turn your stress and worries into jelly! A unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Vancouver, the Warm Jelly Pedi at the beautifully decorated Luxe Beauty Lounge in Yaletown is redefining traditional pedicures. The water in the pedicure bath is transformed into a warm and lovely scented jelly that envelops your feet and keeps your toes toasty for the duration of your service. This purple jello-like treat holds warmth for up to four times longer than water to turn your feet into silky smooth perfection. If you want more of that jelly goodness, you can even take away a tub-sized portion of the JellyBath product for a fluffy whole-body experience at home. If jelly isn’t your thing, how about diamonds and 23-karat gold? Try the Diamond & 23 Karat Gold Pedi for the ultimate luxury experience. Lucky pairs of feet receiving this pedicure treatment are buffed smooth with diamond dust files, followed by a gold-flake scrub that contains sea salt and actual 23-karat gold flakes. To finish off, your feet will receive a massage with a shimmer lotion to give them that extra sparkling touch. This pedicure is the best way to show your feet how much you really love them – a Luxe experience, indeed! No time to visit a spa? Don’t worry, because they can come to you. Treat your family and friends to a spa party in your backyard or at your next company event, with Luxe Beauty Lounge’s mobile spa services. For men who feel shy about visiting a spa, you can have a spa day right in your own home. After all, men deserve to be pampered too! Luxe Beauty Lounge 123 – 1208 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC 604.689.LUXE (5893) luxebeautylounge.com

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E xtras Stress-free, the chemical-free way Located in Tsawwassen, Aquae Sulis Holistic Spa offers spa treatments that are not only meant to refresh, but also to heal and prevent illness. Based on a holistic medicinal approach, this carefully furnished spa provides a selection of natural treatments from around the world, and is one of the few local spas that can pride themselves on being absolutely chemical-free. The Tibetan Shirodhara treatment at Aquae Sulis begins with a relaxing Tibetan facial massage, followed by a stream of warm herbal oil that is poured over the “third eye” area of the forehead to create a soothing sensation. Shirodhara, which literally translates into “head” (shiro) and “flow” (dhara), is a form of Ayurveda healing medicine that is used to alleviate stress and other conditions such as insomnia and anxiety disorders. It is also a popular choice at the spa for non-medicinal purposes due to its ability to calm and relax. And while you’re there, take yourself on a trip around the world with the various treatments inspired by the African continent, the Middle East, India and tropical Asia. Aquae Sulis Holistic Spa 100 – 1169 56th Street, Delta (Tsawwassen), BC 604.943.3560 aquaesulis-spa.com

Care for a quick bite? Ever fancied the idea of dipping your feet into cool water, and watching tiny fish meander around your feet? You know, that breathtaking moment from your tropical beach getaway? Now, imagine fish that nibble. That’s exactly what the fish do at The Purple Orchid Spa to give you soft and beautiful feet. As BC’s first to offer this unusual treatment, The Purple Orchid Spa provides spa-goers with a “fishy” spa experience in downtown Duncan on Vancouver Island. Visitors soak their feet in a foot spa filled with Garra rufa fish imported from Turkey. The moment your feet enter the water, the fish are drawn to your feet like a magnetic attraction and they nibble on your feet to remove dead skin, which they apparently feed on. This leaves you with softer, silkier feet. Garra rufas, also known as doctor fish, are actually toothless, so they create a tingling sensation when they feast on your feet. These fish pedicures have also been known to improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis and are popular in Asia. To ensure proper sanitation, The Purple Orchid Spa uses a UV Filtration System to keep the foot spa a clean environment for both your feet and the fish. The spa is into its first year of operation and the store owner and her cute underwater pets have already established an impressive following. The Purple Orchid 151 Jubilee Street, Duncan, BC 250.748.7979 thepurpleorchid2010.com

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Who says too much salt isn’t good for you? Located in Coquitlam, JJ Spa Plus is one of the few Korean spas in metro Vancouver, and brings the Asian spa experience close to home. While most of the facilities at JJ Spa Plus are nature-inspired, like the Earth Room or the Charcoal Room, we choose to get hot and salty in the Salt Room. Inside this salt-filled sauna, negative ions from the heated salt are released into the atmosphere. When inhaled into our lungs, the purifying and cleansing properties of the ions help to remove impurities within our bodies and improve the respiration system. The negative ions are reported to alleviate muscle aches, and allow the body to enter into a deep state of relaxation. Guests are encouraged to stay in the Salt Room for a period of five to ten minutes each time, with ten-minute breaks in between, to be repeated for up to two hours. This family-friendly spa is separated into men- and women-only facilities, as well as a co-ed area that includes a cafeteria where you can enjoy authentic Korean food, and a lounge area where you can meet and chill out with fellow spa-goers. When visiting the gender-specific areas of this spa, keep in mind that some guests choose to enjoy the facilities in their clothing-free form. If nakedness makes you feel uncomfortable, you can visit the co-ed areas where clothing is mandatory. JJ Spa Plus 3000 Christmas Way, Coquitlam, BC 604.552.1048 jjspa.ca

It’s the grape escape Wine-loving spa-goers, we have the perfect spa for you. As the first spa in western Canada to introduce vinotherapy treatments, Beyond Wrapture Day Spa gives its guests much to “wine” about in Summerland, BC. Vinotherapy, which involves the use of by-products from the wine-making process such as grape pips, stems, and skins for esthetic purposes, has been widely used in many European countries recently based on the antioxidant properties of grapes. Vinotherapy spa treatments start with a gentle exfoliating treatment using the Grape Pip Scrub, which contains grape seeds mixed with local Okanagan red wine and Beyond Wrapture’s secret ingredient. The scrub is followed by a warm Honey Wine Wrap that moisturizes the entire body and allows antioxidants to work their magic. All of this is accompanied by a soothing scalp and face massage. After the wrap is removed, this divine spa experience is finished off with a red or white wine vinotherapy massage, depending on the choice of each guest. So, will you choose red or white wine? Beyond Wrapture Mind & Body Care Day Spa & Retreat 12811 Lakeshore Drive South, Summerland, BC 866.548.8899 kelownaspa.ca/summerland-resort.html

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TR A DE IN

Rethink Your Retirement CPP changes force Canadians to renew focus on choices

by Al Nagy, CFP 60 |

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f you’re thinking of taking your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits early within the next few years, you could be in for a big surprise. Recent changes to the Canada Pension could mean you’ll get $4,000 per year less than you would if you waited until the age of 65. The changes won’t take full effect until 2016, but some of the amendments are being implemented in 2011. Canadians are working later in life, and living longer, and this will put a greater strain on the Canada Plan as more dollars will be required to sustain this demographic need.

Following is a summary of the changes.

Removal of the 'work cessation' test Previous rule: An individual who is between 60 and 65 years of age can elect to start receiving the CPP retirement benefit if the person meets the “work cessation” test. In order to meet this test, the person must either: (a) stop working, or (b) the person’s earnings must not exceed the maximum monthly CPP benefit (which is $934.17 in 2010) for at least two consecutive months. New rule: Starting in 2012, a person who has attained age 60 can apply for CPP even if he or she continues to work. The “work cessation” test will be eliminated.

Increase in the low earnings “drop-out” Previous rule: The CPP benefit is equal to 25% of the individual’s “average career earnings,” calculated over the period from age 18 to the date of retirement. In determining “average career earnings,” 15% of the periods where earnings are low or zero are eliminated. This feature, called the “general low earnings drop-out,” provides that those years will not affect the person’s CPP benefits. New rule: The period of zero or low earnings that is dropped from the calculation of “average career earnings” will increase from 15% to 16% in 2012, and to 17% in 2014.

Continued cpp participation while receiving benefits Previous rule: Individuals who were receiving CPP benefits and who would return to work, would not pay into CPP and do not accrue additional CPP benefits. New rule: Starting in 2012, those individuals who are less than age 65 and are receiving CPP benefits who return to work will be required to contribute to CPP and will accrue additional benefits. Continued CPP participation is voluntary if the individual is age 65 or older.

Actuarial adjustments for early and postponed retirement Previous rule: A person between ages 60 and 65 can elect to receive the CPP retirement benefit, but this benefit is subject to an actuarial reduction equal to 0.5% for each month that the first payment precedes age 65. This means that the reduction in the benefit for a 60-year-old individual is 30% (i.e. 0.5% x 60 months). At the opposite end of the scale, if an individual decides to postpone receiving CPP benefits, there is an actuarial increase in the benefit equal to 0.5% for every month that retirement is postponed after age 65. The benefit must commence no later than age 70. Thus, if the individual elects to start receiving CPP benefits at age 70, the benefit is increased by 30%. New rule: Starting in 2012, the “early retirement” reduction will gradually be increased over a 5-year period from 0.5% to 0.6%. This means that eventually the reduction in the benefits if CPP starts at age 60 would be 36%, as compared to 30% under the existing rules. But an individual will be rewarded for delaying receipt of benefits. Starting in 2011, the “postponed retirement” increase will gradually be raised over a 3-year period from 0.5% to 0.7%. This means that by 2014, the increase in the benefits if CPP starts at age 70 would be 42 %, as compared to 30% at present. This reflects the ‘new age’ definition retirement, and the fact that Canadians are healthier, and thus working longer than the previous generation.

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Provision

Current Rule

New Rule

Effective Date

Benefits to commence between ages 60 and 65

Allowed if earnings in two consecutive months are less than maximum monthly CPP benefit (the “work cessation” test)

The “work cessation” test is removed.

2012

Reduction for early retirement

0.5% for each month that retirement precedes age 65 (maximum reduction is 30%)

0.6% for each month that retirement precedes age 65 (increased rate phased in over a 5-year period). The maximum reduction will be 36% by 2016.

2012

Premium for postponed retirement

0.5% for each month that retirement is postponed after age 65 (maximum premium is 30%)

0.7% for each month that retirement is postponed after age 65 (increased rate phased in over a 3-year period). The maximum premium will be 42% by 2013.

2011

None

Mandatory up to age 65, voluntary after age 65. Additional benefit is equal to 1/40 of maximum annual pension for each year of additional contributions.

2012 (every working Canadian under age 65 must contribute to CPP whether or not the person is receiving CPP benefits)

16% of such periods dropped out starting in 2012, and 17% of such periods dropped out starting in 2014

2012

Continued participation in CPP while earning benefits

Low earnings drop-out provision

15% of periods of low or no earnings is excluded from the calculation of CPP benefits

COMMENTS 1. You are not affected by these changes if you are already receiving retirement benefits. 2. These proposals are in line with the “phased retirement” initiatives that have been introduced by the federal and a number of provincial governments in the last two years. 3.

Taxation, cash flow, and your health are some of the other factors that must be weighed in order to make the right selection on whether to take CPP early, or delay those benefits. They should be considered within the context of a complete financial plan. If you don’t have one, renew your relationship with your Financial Advisor. A CFP professional will help you make an educated, factual choice.

Al Nagy, CFP®, has been helping Canadians plan for retirement since 1998. A Certified Financial Planner with Investors Group, Al is a skilled public speaker and writer who can be reached at al.nagy@investorsgroup.com.

Ab out FP SC : Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring Canadians’ financial planning needs are well served by developing, promoting and enforcing professional standards for financial planners, through CFP ® certification, and raising awareness of the importance of financial planning to Canadians. FPSC licenses the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® marks in Canada. There are currently more than 17,000 CFP ® professionals in Canada and more than 117,000 individuals who have earned CFP ® certification in 22 countries around the world. These individuals are licensed to use the registered marks: CFP ®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and CFP (with flame logo)®.

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FP SC of fers these an d other resources: www.fpsc.ca FPSC Learning Centre: www.fpsc.ca/public/learning_centre Finding a Planner: www.fpsc.ca/public/finding_planner 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Planner: www.fpsc.ca/public/articles/10_questions_ask_your_planner

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Community

Re: Gift

Donate your car. Boost your karma. by Ben Hudson

o you’ve got an old clunker that’s rusty, unreliable, smells like wet dog, and spews exhaust? Assuming the car is drivable, you have a few good options. Obviously trying to sell it is a good bet. Alternatively you can attempt to trade it in, but if your car is unsellable it may not be very valuable to most dealerships. If you’ve got the patience you can keep your eyes open for the occasional “push, pull, or drag” sale around the city. Once in a while dealers will offer you a flat rate for your car no matter what the condition – as long as you can get it to the lot. If this option doesn’t seem that appealing, then the federal government might be able to help. Enter the federal government’s Retire Your Ride Program. Technically a federally-funded program, Retire Your Ride is administrated at a provincial level. In BC, it’s known as the BC SCRAP-IT® Program. SCRAP-IT® provides

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incentives for British Columbians to replace their higher-polluting vehicles with cleaner forms of transportation. If you retire your 1995 or older vehicle that has had continuous insurance for at least six months prior to the date of retirement, you will be able to choose from a long list of incentives including transit passes, bicycles, car sharing memberships, new or used cars, or $300 cash. And there’s more. If you buy a vehicle that is 2004 or newer from dealerships who participate in this program – all OpenRoad stores are part of this program – you’ll receive an additional $250 vehicle purchase credit. That means the total value of your retired ride can reach $550. The federally-sponsored Retire Your Ride Program is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2011, so make sure you file your application in time. How the expiry may affect the BC SCRAP-IT® Program in the future is uncertain at the time of printing.

If your car is in really rough shape, as in missing tires but no major components, then you might want to look into The Kidney Car Program. Operating in BC since 1995, the program recycles donated vehicles and the money they collect from the recycled parts and reclaimed steel is used to help fund The Kidney Foundation of Canada. And the best part? They’ll give you a tax receipt for the estimated value of the reclaimed steel. Another great place to pay your last respects to a non-running car is Car Heaven. Car Heaven is Canada’s largest vehicle recycling program for charity. Funds from recycling your retired ride are donated to a number of affiliated charities. Since its launch in 2000, Car Heaven and its program partners have retired more than 90,000 smog-causing vehicles and generated more than $200,000 for its affiliated charities. People who would like to help the environment and support a specific charity can check out

Charity Car Program. Vehicles donated to the Charity Car Program are eligible for free towing services anywhere in the Lower Mainland. The beauty of this program is that car donors get to choose from nearly thirty different deserving charities like the BCSPCA, BC Children’s Hospital, Heart & Stroke Foundation and more. The mechanics are specially trained to dismantle cars in an environmentally friendly way to salvage all useful car parts. And, of course, you’ll get a charitable tax receipt. Now if you really hate your old car – as in hate it enough to want to burn it or chop it up into little pieces – then you’re in luck. On occasion municipal fire departments need cars to practice saving people from burning vehicles or to use the Jaws of Life for other simulated rescues. In most cases, local fire departments will want cars that are still running. Your best bet is to call around and see if they would like to take your car. However, unlike the charity-focused donation programs, you will not get a charitable tax receipt. And, it goes without saying that burning a car doesn’t help the environment, but the carbon is offset by the fact that fire fighters can learn crucial lifesaving techniques while your car is being destroyed. In 2010 alone over 500,000 vehicles in Canada will fail emissions testing or be declared unsafe or undrivable. If your car fits into this category, don’t be so quick to dump your old jalopy off at the big parking lot in the sky. Take a few minutes to consider all the social and environmental benefits of donating your old vehicle to one of the many deserving organizations around BC. It’s the ultimate regift.

Green facts about car recycling The Canadian government has invested $92 million in the Retire Your Ride program and removed over 107,000 high-polluting vehicles from Canadian roads (September 30, 2010). According to Environment Canada, a pre-1996 vehicle still running today produces about 19 times more air pollutants than a 2004 or newer car or truck. About 75% of a scrapped vehicle by weight can be recycled. The average vehicle is drained of almost 40 litres of fluids, from motor oil to antifreeze.

The BC SCRAP-IT® Program recycles its 25,000th vehicle at OpenRoad Toyota Richmond in the Richmond Auto Mall. OpenRoad Toyota has sent more vehicles to BC SCRAP-IT® than any other single dealership in BC.

Say goodbye to your dumpy daily driver with the help of these organizations: Canada’s Vehicle Recycling Program BC SCRAP-IT® Program Car Heaven Charity Car Program The Kidney Car Program

retireyourride.ca scrapit.ca carheaven.ca charitycarprogram.ca kidney.ca

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P lates

ancouver’s tony South Granville Rise is rich with upscale boutiques and eateries. On a cold winter’s day I dart in and out of establishments, drooling over a sumptuous Dinner for Six gift box at Meinhardt Fine Foods and contemplating the ingenious Rösle garlic press at Williams-Sonoma. But I need to stay focused. I’m on my way to see Canada’s new national bar chef champion, master mixologist David Wolowidnyk, whose specialty cocktails and libations have made West Restaurant a destination unto itself at Granville Street and West 13th Avenue. I trade the teeth-chattering cold for radiant warmth, happy to be seated at the stunning cherry wood bar inside West. The bar is a glorious floor-to-ceiling wall that houses over

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600 wine labels and 400 premium spirits where Wolowidnyk is the maestro. In fact, in between stories and trivia about ingredients, Wolowidnyk refers frequently to music and other arts to describe his profession. As various groups come in for cocktails, he is rife with knowledge and spot-on recommendations to begin his virtuoso performance. Wolowidnyk places a Harry Johnson Eggnog in front of me and regales me with egg trivia. “The first recorded time that eggs were used in a drink recipe was in 1296,” he says. “You can have a Bourbon Sour but a Boston Sour typically has an egg white, and they’re two different drinks without that one ingredient. It’s amazing how people don’t want to touch a drink with egg white but I can always pull out the eggnog example and ask them, ‘What’s the first word in the name of that drink?’” he laughs. He continues on with

his encyclopedic knowledge, “Here’s the original recipe in Harry Johnson’s original book from 1888.” It’s a classic eggnog, hand-whipped in a three-gallon batch from earlier today. Delicious! All the while various groups file in for beverages of every kind. Wolowidnyk continues on happily behind the bar, poised and composed as he dispenses knowledge, makes recommendations and serves multiple requests with impeccable service. Amidst the hustle and bustle, I manage to steal him away just long enough to talk in more detail. Here is OpenRoad Driver’s fascinating interview with the award-winning mixologist. When he’s not bar manager and drink specialist at West Restaurant, David Wolowidnyk literally mixes business with pleasure.

Photos courtesy of West Restaurant

Mixing Business with Pleasure West’s David Wolowidnyk That’s quite a workout to hand whip three gallons of eggnog! At home I’ll be working on even more eggnog. My wife is lactose intolerant so I’ll be using soy milk to keep her happy. Well, there’s an old Chinese saying, “Happy wife, happy life,” so you’re heading in the right direction.

• Interview by Will Fong

lemon and a touch of orange flower - and my Jolicoeur “happy heart” with muddled green grapes, vodka, sauvignon blanc and elderberry flower syrup. How many of your own in-house ingredients would you make here at West Restaurant? You make your own ginger beer...

Congratulations on still being newlyweds. Did you like the cocktails at your wedding reception?

We kind of go with the philosophy of homebaked cookies. They’re always going to be better than the ones you buy in the store. If you have the time to make your own, why not? Through that you can also develop little tweaks to the recipe to make it your own. Ginger beer, all syrups and anything we can make ourselves we will, with the exception of cherries.

I actually made all the drinks for our wedding reception. We had five cocktails that I made five-gallon batches in. I inverted them into water coolers so all the bartenders had to do was dispense them directly from the coolers. We had a Victoria Plum Punch, a classic pre-prohibition Manhattan, a classic 1930s Brown Derby from Hollywood, a Cinco Fresca – watermelon juice, jalapeno, tequila,

We use Guinettes Cherries for Manhattans or any drink that calls for that garnish. It’s a great quality product imported from southern France (showing Guinettes, half-preserved Morello cherries in kirsch brandy). I’m strongly against using the artificially coloured what you would call maraschino cherries which are typically not maraschino cherries at all. They’re not using the right cherry,

I’ve heard it often from my relatives! (laughing) My wife Nancy is actually Chinese and we just got married.

which would be the marasca cherry grown throughout Croatia and northern Italy. The cherry tastes much, much different than the popular cherry invented in the United States that goes by the “ma-ra-shee-no” name, or “ma-ra-skee-no,” depending on the dialect. If our readers followed you around, where do you like to shop? I go to the farmers markets. They were doing one out by Trout Lake and I can usually pick up enough fresh mint, plum, apples or whatever to last the week. They joined forces with the Kitsilano market and in the winter time they meet in the parking lot of Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver. I like to talk directly with the farmers and growers. Tell me about some unusual ingredients. I heard about your award-winning use of Sichuan Buttons that earned you a national title this year. It’s hard to pick just one. Sometimes ingredients come along and you sort of keep them in the back of your mind. The Sichuan

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Button or buzz buttons are known as Spilanthes which is a flower native to Africa. African tribes call it the toothache button because it has a natural numbing and tingling effect. I was given one of these buttons in Paris by a friend of mine back in 2008. Immediately I begged him for another one. And then I received a phone call to go to Toronto for a national bar chef competition this year. I was quite certain that here was an ingredient that wouldn’t be used by anyone else. I also knew being far away from home I wouldn’t be able to take all my normal arsenal with me and it had to stand out. That led to a win! What’s your secret? Tell me how cocktail competitions are judged. The aroma counts quite a bit after taste. If there were 100 points to be awarded, taste profile might be 25% and aroma would be 15% to 20%. Presentation, technique, knowledge of product are some of the other factors, and timing because you’re generally restricted to five to ten minutes. I also won the national Grey Goose competition in 2007. That was a black-box competition. We were given seven minutes to prepare six drinks for the judges using a secret ingredient which was tarragon. It just happened I had been playing with tarragon six months prior so I was able to go to work pretty quickly. In competitions, it’s not usually a new idea. You’re usually pulling something from the past. I knew that pears and tarragon work very well together. The vodka was a pear vodka, a little of citrus, a little bit of sweetness, done. A very simple combination of flavours. What’s your philosophy when you want to create something innovative? When I try to come up with interesting new recipes I try not to overthink it. I prefer to come up with things that are complex but not confusing. They still have to be readily acceptable and exciting on the palate. It can evoke thought without having to think too hard about it. People shouldn’t have to search for the meaning. It’s like reading a book. Within a few chapters if you don’t get the author’s intent, you put the book down and go with something else. This is more or less how people drink, so keeping it simple, I’ll try to incorporate interesting ingredients. But one ingredient doesn’t make a drink. I actually doubted myself for a while when I was at the Toronto competition. There were a lot more elaborate productions but the circus is in the mouth, not in the air. And it worked! The prize from your national title was a trip to the Netherlands. Have you taken that trip yet? Not yet. At the time my wife-to-be said, “That trip’s not our honeymoon.” (laughing) And I said absolutely not, it’s certainly not our honeymoon. We’ll combine Amsterdam with ten days in Japan and a week in Hong Kong in early 2011. Will it be pure relaxation? Do you ever turn it off? No, and luckily my wife accepts that in me. The first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I think of when I go to bed is flavour. Not

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alcohol. Flavour in general. I was recently given a gift and it’s my favourite book. It’s called Taste Buds and Molecules: The Art and Science of Food with Wine. It’s witten by a Canadian, François Chartier. It explains in scientific detail why certain flavours work with other flavours. Mint going with sauvignon blanc and lamb and cabernet also. Pairings aren’t just trial and error. With science and microbiology, the superior chefs and microbiologists are able to break down the molecular structure of these ingredients and explain why they work through the similarity of their molecular structures. Through this, we’re also able to say, “What else?” with these ingredients. Lavender and peat smoke are a pairing that this book puts together and that’s not something we would normally think of. The great thing is we’re paid to have fun with our own obsessions. My obsession with flavour has been one of a lifetime ever since I was a little boy, and will always be. Do you have a personal favourite flavour? What do we catch you craving? It depends on the time of year, the time of day. It depends on my mood. Last night I was finishing my inventory report at home and I decided it was time for a top shelf Manhattan. I took some special items from my cabinet, things I don’t necessarily drink every day. I pulled out the Thomas Handy Sazerac rye, vermouth, a little creole bitter and a little bit of that juice from the Guinettes Cherries. I had myself a little reward at the end of the day. Not because I like to drink alcohol but because of the flavours. You’re mixing business with pleasure! How many bottles are in your personal collection and what do you prize the most? Some people collect stamps; I collect bottles of alcohol. The one true enjoyment I have is to share that with people. Last count was around 250 different labels in my collection. There are a couple of single malt scotches that I have that would be of the category reserved only for very special occasions. I love to share them with those who are able to appreciate them. That’s why I prize them. I think of them as special. If I shared them with someone who didn’t appreciate them, I’d be doing the spirit a disservice and my collection a disservice. You’ve talked about creating experiences. How does that translate through your work? Regarding flavours it even starts at the door when someone walks in. Their anticipation affects how they will perceive flavours. The first impression of the room, the lighting, the music, the temperature of the room, the way people act and carry themselves, the way I open a bottle. So, it’s extremely important for a bartender to be keenly aware. Typically a bartender in an average North American bar might take a bottle and open it coarsely like this, very roughly with no care or elegance to it. But if someone were to have a different experience. Take the bottle and with a little bit of panache – the cap is still in my

hand – gently pour it and then close it with the same passion I used to open the bottle. In a way it’s part of the show or the anticipation. You can have two exact drinks made with exactly the same ingredients in two different establishments but they’ll taste completely different depending on the external experience. My greatest pleasure is to make it an experience thereby earning a compliment. What recipes do you like? I’m a big fan of the classics. Just like music, if you’re well versed in the classics you can go on and play and improvise. I feel in the cocktail world, it’s very similar. The classics are there for a reason. People for over a hundred years have enjoyed the same libation and it’s because the formula works. Those same formulas can then be taken and transferred to different ingredients. All we currently do is play around with the formulas that are tried and true and then we play within that world. In an automobile sense it would be like changing the body but the chassis and everything else might need to stay the same. A lot of our talk has centred around your work. It never seems to be that far away, so let’s change gears. Where do you truly leave work behind? Do you have a favourite getaway place? My wife and I both enjoy the outdoors, no matter the season. I’d say kayaking. We both love ocean kayaking. It’s truly a getaway because it’s a completely different environment with no cell phones. Kayaking! One of the best things I ever did was ocean kayaking through the Broken Islands off Tofino. That’s a magical place. Tell me about a memorable kayaking place for you. One of my favourite places is Glacier Bay in Alaska. My kayaking friend and I were up in Glacier Bay for seven days. We covered 95 miles in August and we had ten days straight without rainfall. We caught salmon and harvested mussels off the beach; had fresh sea urchins for breakfast one morning; we picked fresh wild strawberries along the shoreline; we encountered grizzly bears, black bears, saw whales and mountain goats. It was a very cool experience to be one with nature. There were a couple of occasions where we paddled right into the middle of the night before we found a place to set up camp. One of the coolest experiences was through a lookout peninsula. This island had a sheltered little bay and, as it turned out, there was a cut through the peninsula. We waited for the water to rise and we went through the cut. We didn’t need to paddle so we drifted into the bay. Finally the first paddle stroke produced an amazing burst of phosphorescence from the new moonlight. We spent over two hours just playing in the water and paddling around. You could barely see the other person except for the little bursts of light from each paddle stroke left behind the kayak. It was amazing and I’d go back in a heartbeat!

Recipes for Success Rejuvenator

t the end of our interview we ask pour master David Wolowidnyk to share some of the recipes that have earned him two national titles, and he graciously agrees. Among others, we present his Sichuan Punch creation that won the 2010 Bar Chef national competition sponsored by Ketel One Vodka this year, plus his Jolicoeur that took top honours at the Grey Goose Vodka competition three years ago. Both recipes stay true to the basic tenet of Wolowidnyk’s philosophy, complex but not confusing. As a special treat, Wolowidnyk also agrees to create a cocktail exclusively for OpenRoad Driver readers. We give him quite the challenge. “Let’s freestyle a cocktail called the Rejuvenator. This is in honour of our magazine’s winter theme, Renew. Maybe you can also incorporate something that reflects OpenRoad. OpenRoad is about a different kind of automotive experience. Plus, our customers are a multicultural bunch,” I continue. I worry that my request is far more confusing than complex, but Wolowidnyk is up to the challenge. Surveying his inventory of 400 different spirits, he quickly pulls bottles to display them in front of me one-by-one like a musician proudly displaying his instruments. He strokes his chin carefully each time he returns to his vast inventory, contemplating his next selection to compose the winter flavour profiles that are on his mind.

Exclusive winter 2010 creation – OpenRoad Driver 1 1/2 oz house Spiced Rum 3/4 oz Giffard William Pear classic liqueur 1/2 oz Giffard Ginger of the Indies premium liqueur 3/4 oz house Falernum 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice 1 oz house ginger beer 2 dashes Bitter Truth Chocolate Bitters 1 slice Fuji apple 1/8 inch thick for garnish Add all liquid ingredients except ginger beer into a cocktail shaker. Add cubed ice and shake vigorously. Pour into a chilled champagne saucer and top with ginger beer. Carve three stars out of apple slice and use as floating garnish. Serves 1. Note: For house spiced rum, infuse one 750 ml bottle of lemon rum with twenty cloves, one cinnamon stick and one vanilla bean pod and let stand for two weeks. Strain solids and return liquid to the bottle.

Sichuan Punch Winner – 2010 Bar Chef national competition sponsored by Ketel One Vodka 2 oz Ketel One Vodka infused with Sichuan Buttons 3/4 oz TWG Paris-Singapore tea blend syrup 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice 1 dash Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitters 1 1/2 oz house ginger beer 1 Sichuan Button for garnish

A home blend of spiced rum starts us off as the base. A flurry of two Giffard liqueurs, lemon juice, chocolate bitters, falernum syrup and house ginger beer soon follow. “The pears are in season and the rum is like a big hug,” he explains, painting a picture of the perfect winter cocktail after a long day at work or on the ski hill. With all the ingredients inside the cobbler shaker, he adds, “It’s often been said the shake is an extension of the bartender’s personality.” With that, he lifts the shaker way up high. It’s like a victory celebration on fast forward, hands clasped tightly together above his head as if the cocktail shaker were his trophy. The next twelve seconds are a study in purpose, speed and flare. “Now, that’s a workout!” exclaims the restaurant patron beside me. With a flourish, he presents the cocktail before me and floats three apple stars in my drink as the finishing touch. It’s time for a taste. Imagine a much more layered and complex Dark and Stormy. The notes are distinct, but together, the flavours marry together and speak to our request perfectly: wintery, warm but refreshing, rejuvenating, multicultural and different. So, on behalf of master mixologist David Wolowidnyk and OpenRoad Driver, we introduce the Rejuvenator that has been created especially for you. Cheers! Cocktail Creations by David Wolowidnyk West Restaurant Bar Manager / Drink Specialist

Photo: James Stockhorst

Steep a very strong tea from the TWG Paris-Singapore tea blend at a ratio of two parts sugar to one part tea. Simmer until fully dissolved. Add all liquid ingredients except the ginger beer into a cocktail shaker. Add cubed ice and shake hard to chill. Strain contents into a chilled old-fashioned glass over new ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a Sichuan Button. Serves 1. Note: For infused vodka, muddle twenty Sichuan Button flower buds until well macerated. Infuse one 750 ml bottle of Ketel One Vodka with Sichuan Buttons and let stand for two weeks. Strain off solids and rebottle the Ketel One infusion.

Victoria Plum Punch 1 fresh small red plum, pitted and quartered 1/2 to 3/4 oz jasmine green tea syrup 1 1/2 oz Victoria Gin 1 oz Japanese plum wine 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice pinch of freshly ground cardamom Muddle plum with syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add all remaining ingredients. Shake vigorously. Double strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a skewered slice of plum. Serves 1. Note: For jasmine green tea syrup, make a very strong tea with jasmine tea leaves. Strain and add two parts sugar to one part tea. Bring to a light boil and cook, stirring constantly, just until sugar has dissolved. Cool, cover and store in the refrigerator. OpenRoad Driver • W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

Jolicoeur Winner – 2007 Grey Goose Vodka national competition 8 green grapes 1 oz Grey Goose vodka 2 oz Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) 1 oz Flädersaft elderberry flower syrup (available at Ikea) 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice Muddle grapes in a cocktail sleeve. Add all remaining ingredients and shake well with cubed ice. Double strain with a cocktail strainer and a tea strainer into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an edible flower petal. Serves 1.

Passage to India 1 slice fresh jalapeno (size of a dime) 1½ oz Orchid Mango liqueur 1½ oz Havana Anejo Blanco Rum (or a US legal white rum) ¾ oz fresh lemon juice ¼ oz simple syrup 1/8 tsp curry powder (aromatic yellow) 11 cilantro leaves (reserve one for garnish) Muddle jalapeno slice in a mixing glass. Add all remaining ingredients. Fill mixing glass with ice and shake vigorously. Adjust sweetness or acidity if necessary, to taste. Fine strain into a sling glass. Fill ¾ of the glass with crushed ice. Float a cilantro leaf on the surface for garnish. Serves 1. Note: To save time, infuse the whole bottle of rum ahead of time with the jalapeno, curry and cilantro. Adjust the amounts of your ingredients accordingly.

Beet-nyk 1½ oz Luksusowa potato vodka infused with yellow beets 1¼ oz Giffard Manzana Verde Apple liqueur ¾ oz fresh lemon juice (strained) ½ oz simple syrup 2 small sprigs of organic dill (save one for garnish) Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled V-shaped glass. Float a small sprig of dill on the surface for garnish. Serves 1. Note: For beet-infused vodka, remove stems and leaves from the organic yellow beets and boil until soft enough to easily insert a fork. Once boiled, the skin of the beets is easily removed by hand or with a paring knife. Rinse under water to clean off any debris. Cut into 1” pieces and place into a jar or container large enough to submerge beets in liquid. Fill the jar of beets with Vodka and allow it to rest for three days. Remove beets from Vodka and fine strain to remove any particulates.

2 2 0 0 A M A Z I N G H OT E L S I N 1 2 8 C O U N T R I E S W I T H F R E E P E R K S . A L L AT T H E B E S T R AT E S W I T H A D D E D B E N E F I T S F O R V I S A P R E M I U M C A R D H O L D E R S .

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R8 Spyder Launch at OpenRoad Audi

Photography by Alistair Eagle

he Spyder version of the Audi R8 supercar was launched in scintillating style at OpenRoad Audi Vancouver. The new V10 engine showed its sexy prowess when OpenRoad president Christian Chia pushed the ignition and revved the engine inside the showroom. A select number of guests went one step further and enjoyed an exclusive preview test drive of the Spyder. OpenRoad Audi and Kiwi Collection sponsored a grand prize including a three-night accommodation, dining and spa package at Tofinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four-star Wickaninnish Inn, plus a private dining experience with OPUS Hotel Chef Josh McWilliams. 72 |

OpenRoad Driver â&#x20AC;˘ W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

The finest wines from Poplar Grove, Mission Hill, Vincor and Osoyoos LaRose, plus fine beers and lagers from the Whistler Brewery.

Former Miss World Canada Ramona Amiri is a special guest. The Jackée Guillou Jazz Quintet performs, recently named CBC’s Galaxie Rising Star. Fine Asian-themed cuisine by OPUS Catering.

OpenRoad Driver • W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

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Prêt-a-Pour Tea/Nuit for Breast Cancer presented by OpenRoad Audi

penRoad Audi Vancouver and OpenRoad Cares were the title sponsors of the 5th annual Prêt-aPour Tea and inaugural Prêt-a-Pour Nuit fundraisers, helping to raise $50,000 for the BC/Yukon Region of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The day started with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party luncheon and fashion show featuring guest speaker and multi-platinum recording artist, Bif Naked, who shared her “chick pea” experience dealing with cancer.

A backdrop of black satin, hot pink and luxurious Audis took centre stage in the evening for Prêt-a-Pour Nuit. Emceed by W. Brett Wilson from The Dragon’s Den on CBC, the gala featured a live and silent auction of exclusive items including The Masik Mosaik, an original work of art by painter Pamela Masik, and a series of autographed one-of-a-kind brassieres decorated by celebrities Nickelback and Trevor Linden, among others. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation reports that one in nine Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. OpenRoad continues to support the fight to end breast cancer.

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Mad as a hatter to raise funds that will one day help find a cure for breast cancer.

Juno-award winner Bif Naked shares her motivational story. Glowbal Group serves up delectable catering.

Event organizers Sharon Chan-Knight and Tammy Preast celebrate with friends.

Artist Pamela Masik with her original landscape incorporating a mosaic of 2,020 contributed images. OpenRoad Driver â&#x20AC;˘ W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

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The Lord of the Rings Symphony by Richmond Lexus & OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody

lub Lexus guests were transported to Middle-earth and beyond at the magnificent Orpheum Theatre. The exclusive concert marked the first time The Lord of the Rings Symphony had been presented before a Vancouver audience, courtesy of OpenRoad’s two Lexus stores. The event featured German conductor Markus Huber and American soprano Kaitlyn Lusk alongside the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Bach Choir and the awe-inspiring imagery of renowned Tolkien artists Alan Lee and John Howe displayed on video screens in the hall. This was an epic musical spectacle that took composer Howard Shore four years to adapt. The six movements of the symphony reflected the progression through J.R.R. Tolkien’s six books and the Oscar-winning film trilogy by Peter Jackson. Explosive and transcendent, over 200 musicians collaborated on one stage to conjure up the ancient beauty of Middle-earth, its diverse inhabitants, and the harrowing struggle between the forces of good and evil.

Mozart Bakery presents other-worldly breakfast pastries.

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Kevin, Kitty and Alex Bridgens enjoy the epic symphony.

International guest performers deliver an ethereal moment with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Bach Choir and Vancouver Bach Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus.

Over 1,300 guests assemble for the first-ever Lord of the Rings Symphony performance in Vancouver.

OpenRoad Driver â&#x20AC;˘ W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1

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Photos by Roger Lou, Joshua Chow and Melissa Mak

The Ultimate DJ Battle at OpenRoad Scion Richmond & Port Moody

o you think you can DJ? OpenRoad Scion held the baddest DJ competition Vancouver has seen in a long, long time. Thirteen of the city’s best upcoming DJs faced off in three rounds of spin-offs, with winners Brad & Victor H eventually walking away with $1,000 cash as the grand prize. The event had everything: crazy cool mixes and mashups, izakaya fare, bubble tea, rad swag for all, plus O-zilla and hot customized Scions everywhere.

Catering by Tenku features bakudanyaki, a traditional Japanese snack.

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The crowd gives a lot of love to our DJ warriors.

DJs Brad & Victor H spin their way to victory. Von Freesoul takes second place followed by JTraxx & DJ Rawkus.

Local Scion owners take self-expression to the limit alongside OpenRoad Scion’s creation, O-zilla.

OpenRoad Owners Night

xperience the difference and get the extra benefit of an OpenRoad Owners Night when you purchase a new vehicle from OpenRoad Auto Group. Throughout the year OpenRoad Owners Nights are customized to guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs, allowing buyers to learn about their vehicles directly from service advisors and technicians. Our guests also receive complimentary refreshments and valuable prizes during an informative, fun and entertaining evening. Owners Nights are held frequently, so please check with your OpenRoad store for the Ycc-1281 Total - Annonce OpenRoad Driver_v3_with next session.

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