Avenue July/Aug 2024

avenuecalgary.com

07/08.24 / $6.50

summer AUTO FOCUS Stunt Drivers , Show ’n’ Shines , Movie Cars and More!

WE

CALGARY

TATE MCRA E IS HERE TO SLAY!

in the city

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BEST THINGS TOEAT&DRINK Tasty Treats You Have to Try

SPOTLIGHT ON CALGARY NEIGHBOURHOODS

of sneaking a midnight snack.

I’

SHANE HOMES, THE BETTER WAY TO BUILD. 2

SHANEHOMES.COM

New Duplexes in South Calgary!

HOMES IN CREEKVIEW AND WOLF WILLOW FROM THE $590’s* WWW.SHANEHOMES.COM/HOMES/MODELS/PAIRED-HOMES * Pricing includes house, lot and GST. Subject to change without notice. Conditions Apply. See Area Manager for details.

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Summer at Heritage Park is an experience like no other. Chug back through time on our massive steam engine or hit the rides on our antique midway. Feel the cool breeze on the S.S. Moyie or pet the woolly sheep on our ranch. It’s our 60th birthday, so we’ve amped up the adventure with new things to explore and some ultra-special events just for 2024. Don’t miss a minute.

Get your tickets at heritagepark.ca

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5

Meet the people behind Calgary’s celebrated hospitality.

Mayor’s White Hat Award

Doug Johnson Service Award

Exceptional Rising Leader

Exceptional Server: Centre City

Jen Duffy

Linda Ehman

Alexis Wignaraja

Hayley Cusack

TELUS Spark Science Centre

Calgary Airport Authority

Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District

Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation

Exceptional Service: Tourism Volunteer

Exceptional Service: Housekeeping

Vivian Crandall

Twyla Nearing

Calgary Airport Authority

Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary South

Exceptional Service: Administration

Exceptional Service: Reception | Reservations

Exceptional Server: Banquets | Events

Angela Hendy

Per Jensen

Steve McMullen

Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North

Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary Airport

Calgary Stampede

Exceptional Service: Culinary

Exceptional Service: Heart of House

Iryna Afutina Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

Exceptional Service: Guest Relations

Jill Marven

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Exceptional Server: North

Stephanie Sytsema Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel

Exceptional Server: South

Michelle Stockert

Fairmont Palliser

Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary South

Exceptional Service: Beverage Specialist

Exceptional Service: Attractions

Exceptional Service: Non-Server

Exceptional Service: Tour Escort | Guide

Douglas Lee

Don Hanna

Rio Wittwer

Dan Fraser

The Dorian, Autograph Collection & Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park Historical Village

Toonie Tours

Exceptional Service: Airport | Airline

Sheena Hazime WestJet

Exceptional Service: Driver

David Foster Ambassador Limousine Service

Stanislav Lomanovskyy Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

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NEW SHOWHOMES

GRAND OPENING

Saturday September 21st 2024

:

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F I T N E S S • H E A LT H

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Aspen Landing Shopping Centre features top retailers and services in unique, locally-owned storefronts sprawled across a distinctive landscape in southwest Calgary. Whether you need a quick check-up, a mouth-watering lunch, or need to complete an extensive to-do list, you can get it all done at Aspen Landing! FREE INDOOR PARKING.

aspenlanding.ca 10

Homes By Us

Crystal Creek Homes

Homes By Us

Homes By Us

Crystal Creek Homes

Aspen Woods Estates is a development community inspired by Calgary’s architectural heritage. The development features beautiful executive homes, breathtaking views, walking and biking paths, and west Calgary’s premier shopping destination Aspen Landing Shopping Centre.

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Elevate your aesthetic

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CDL Calgary

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Georgia Ens

Camp Chief Hector YMCA’s Homecoming event is a chance to engage the next generation of campers, support the camp into the future and stay in touch with fellow alumni.

try something that scares you and see that you’re capable of doing it or being able to cheer your friends on and then celebrate, those are core foundation experiences,” says Ens. “You can really come into your own and flourish as a young person.”

For generations, outdoor camps have been a place for youth to foster their confidence, independence and critical thinking skills that are cornerstones for a future of success. Camp Chief Hector YMCA is one such camp. Since it first opened in 1930, the camp has dedicated itself to being a place where youth can belong, grow, thrive and lead.

It was these formative experiences that drew Georgia Ens back to Camp Chief Hector year after year, from her first summer there when she was eight. “I challenged myself in ways that I didn’t ever think I would have if I had not been out in that environment of independence, learning and tackling challenges,” says Ens, now 30. Camp Chief Hector became a second home to Ens during her childhood summers, which were filled with horseback riding, canoeing, rock wall climbing, campfires, arts and crafts, and friendships that continue today. As she grew older, Ens delved further into the canoe-focused programs with overnight trips along the North Saskatchewan River systems. The countless hours and weeks paddling along the rivers and exploring Alberta’s backcountry became foundational memories and skills that shaped Ens into who she is today.

“The joy of taking those risks, to

FROM CAMPER TO COUNSELLOR During Ens’ last summer as a camper, she felt a growing passion to support the next generation of campers. So, Ens took the Leadership program and became a camp counsellor in what she described as a “full circle moment.”

“Being able to recognize the camper experience as a counsellor, getting the opportunity to embody the qualities of counsellors I used to look up to as a kid, and then seeing my old campers become counsellors themselves is all just incredibly special,” says Ens. Ens led her own canoe expeditions as a counsellor, including a trip on the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories, which she had dreamt of doing one day as a young camper. Ens isn’t the only past camper to return to camp, either. This year, of the 146 counsellors, 40 are past campers and 51 are returning staff from previous years. Ens has now hung up her counsellor hat but continues to stay involved with camp as a volunteer of the Love, Camp Campaign, a project aiming to raise $17 million to provide camp with essential upgrades. The planned upgrades include new yurts to extend the camp season, new tipis made by the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, new staff accommodations,

universal washrooms, upgrades to challenge courses and more.

REUNITE AND RECONNECT AT CAMP As Camp Chief Hector approaches its centennial year, the Love, Camp Campaign also provides a chance for camp alumni to stay connected and play their own roles in helping future campers have the same experiences at camp they themselves had. Part of the campaign will include a grand Camp Chief Hector Homecoming event hosted as a mountain getaway that will feel like those cherished summers away at camp. The event invites past alumni to gather just as they did in their camping days to reconnect, engage, reminisce and feel like a kid again. It’s also the chance to be a part of the Love, Camp Campaign, provide support and pass on the torch to the next generation of campers and volunteers.

“Camp Chief Hector really shaped who I am today,” affirms Ens, who today works as a mental performance consultant for Canadian Sport Institute Alberta and is the owner of Paragon Peak Mental Performance Consulting.

“To be on the other side where we can support the next generation of kids with the same really positive, beautiful experience is incredibly worthwhile.”

All those who love camp are invited to attend Camp Chief Hector YMCA’s Homecoming event on September 21, 2024.

Reserve your spot today at ymcacalgary.org/homecoming.

P H OTO G R A P H S CO U RT ESY Y M CA

CAMP CHIEF HECTOR, THE SPARK BEHIND MY POTENTIAL

CORE MEMORY UNLOCKED

The smell of campfire.

The sound of laughter on a trail. Memories made at camp stay with you.

Calling all Camp Alumni: Join us for Homecoming. Together, we will ensure Camp Chief Hector YMCA remains a core experience for generations to come.

Reserve your spot at: ymcacalgary.org/homecoming 15

JULY/AUG24 on the cover Illustration by Tyler Lemermeyer

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contents 18 Editor’s Note 114 You Are Here

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23 Detours Our annual Summer Fun Special Section is here! Make the most of the best (yeah, we said it) season with suggestions for things to do every day in July and August, cycling activities in and around the city, and an itinerary for a swell Drumheller day trip. Plus, take a deep dive into the delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch ice cream cake from Abbey’s, meet the teens behind a unique western-wear retail business.

And oh, did we mention we also talked to Calgary-born-and-raised pop superstar Tate McRae?

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96 Calgary Style International-model-turnedlocal-model-walk-instructor Kim Noseworthy steps out.

98 Shop Talk The father-daughter duo of Antonio Juarez and Ana Karen Ludwig bring their generational knowledge of leatherworking to their work at Alberta Boot Co. Outfitters.

106 Decor A striking home in Canmore levels up with an additional storey of indoor and outdoor living space.

FE AT UR ES 38 Spotlight on Calgary Neighbourhoods We run the numbers on our city’s 200-plus communities to see how they line up, consider how five major infrastructure projects will affect their surrounding neighbourhoods, and get the perspective of an expat with an artistic eye for suburbia.

by Riley Fonger, Ximena González and Zoltan Varadi

68 Best Things to Eat 2024 A new list of must-try treats curated by our BFFs (best foodie friends).

by Carmen Cheng and Chanry Thach

60 Taking It Down What goes into the decision to demolish a skyscraper rather than convert or renovate it?

by Doug Horner

89 Car Culture Photos showcasing the show ’n’ shine scene that emerges in the summer.

by Steve Collins, Chris Landry and Jared Sych

80 Driving the Film Industry Meet Grady Galvin, stunt-driver and owner of Rumrunner Picture Cars, which provides cars for film shoots.

by Marcello Di Cintio

july/august 2024

P H OTO S BY J A R E D SYC H

D E PA R T M E N T S

Introducing AdaptAbility Making Life Better for People With Disabilities and Special Needs

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AdaptAbility provides children, adults and caregivers of people with diverse & special needs, the very finest of products available.

Our mission is to genuinely improve the lives of people with disabilities and special needs.

Looking to build a custom sensory room? We can help!

Contact us for a free quote.

avenue’s

TOP20UNDER20

In partnership with YMCA Calgary celebrates the city's young high achievers.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL AUGUST 31 avenuecalgary.com

17

editor’s letter

I

Longtime Calgarians know that summer days are hot commodities, so to help you make the most of them, check out the special summer fun section in this issue with suggestions for one fun thing to do every day during July and August. That’s 62 different activities for 62 days, if you’re counting.

We certainly are.

R E AC H F O R T H E TO P SHELLEY ARNUSCH EDITOR IN CHIEF s a r n u s c h @ re d p o i n t m e d i a . c a

WE’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER

The selection process for Avenue’s annual Top 40 Under 40 List is well underway (big thanks to all who nominated the deserving individuals who have made our 2024 judges’ jobs very difficult) with the big reveal of the Class of 2024 set to happen October 30 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. With the Top 40 project now in its 26th year, we decided it was high time to add a new list to the editorial quiver: the Top 20 Under 20.

This next-gen initiative is presented in partnership with YMCA Calgary, an organization built on a foundation of supporting and uplifting youth in our community. The Top 20 Under 20 project will operate similarly to the Top 40 project, with an open nomination period followed by a judging process and culminating in a class reveal and celebration.

Nominations for the inaugural Top 20 Under 20 Class of 2025 are open now through August 31. To nominate someone go to avenuecalgary.com/top-20-under-20.

CLASS OF 2024 PARTY SAVE THE DATE

OCTOBER 30TH Jubilee Auditorium 18

july/august 2024

P H O T O B Y H E AT H E R S A I T Z ; C L O T H I N G S T Y L I N G B Y G R A V I T Y P O P E

t’s a longstanding Avenue tradition to focus our summer coverage on Calgary’s neighbourhoods. This gets harder and harder to do as our city continues to grow. The current count puts our neighbourhood total at 206 — with more on the way. And this past May, Statistics Canada issued an update to its latest census population estimates, with Calgary at 1,682,509 (as of July 2023, so potentially higher by now).

To truly understand the numbers, we dug into City of Calgary data to find out how our communities stack up over a range of categories, from physical size to dog populations. And speaking of populations: did you know that Calgary’s most populated neighbourhood has a higher number of people than the combined populations of Fort Macleod, Drumheller, Claresholm, Crossfield and Jasper? For these, and other fun figures, turn to page 40.

Another number that pops up in this issue involves the 30 Best Things to Eat and Drink — a new list of irresistible food and beverage items curated by two of our favourite food writers: Carmen Cheng and Chanry Thach.

These tasty treats are all available at various markets and retailers around the city. Some (along with items from previous years’ lists) will be on offer at our 2024 Best Things To Eat Market on Saturday, July 20, happening again in the southeast community of Rangeview.

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avenue RedPoint Media Group 1721 29 Ave. S.W., Suite 375 Calgary, Alberta T2T 6T7 (letter mail only) Phone 403-240-9055 Toll Free 1-877-963-9333 x0 Fax 403-240-9059 info@redpointmedia.ca AvenueCalgary.com Facebook Avenue Magazine — Calgary Instagram @AvenueMagazine Subscriptions (Prices do not include 5% GST) 3 issues: $18 1 year (6 issues): $30 2 years (12 issues): $50 3 years (18 issues): $65 1 year (USA): $40 US To subscribe, visit AvenueCalgary.com/shop subscriptions@redpointmedia.ca Advertising Inquiries Phone 403-240-9055 x0 Toll Free 1-877-963-9333 x0 advertising@avenuecalgary.com AvenueCalgary.com Published six times a year by RedPoint Media Group. Copyright (2024) by RedPoint Media Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

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We acknowledge the traditional territories and the value of the traditional and current oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta

Editor in Chief Shelley Arnusch, sarnusch@redpointmedia.ca Design Director Steve Collins, scollins@redpointmedia.ca Digital Managing Editor Alana Willerton, awillerton@redpointmedia.ca Senior Editor Tsering Asha Leba, tleba@redpointmedia.ca Assistant Editors Chris Landry, Michaela Ream Contributing Editor Colleen Seto Staff Photographer Jared Sych Graphic Designer Sofía Velásquez Editorial Assistant Riley Fonger Editorial Intern Abby Parker Contributors Valerie Berenyi, Sarah Comber, Carmen Cheng, Marcello Di Cintio, Ximena González, Doug Horner, Vanja Kragulj, Tyler Lemermeyer, Jarett Sitter, Chanry Thach, Zoltan Varadi Contributing Fact-Checkers Sarah Comber, Ado Nkemka, Olivia Piché Proofreader Alex Frazer-Harrison Land Acknowledgement Advisors Elder Edmee Comstock, Elder Reg Crowshoe, Elder Rose Crowshoe Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich Digital Producer Paula Martínez Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten Events and Community Coordinator Dare Maurik Printing Transcontinental RBW Distribution City Print Distribution Inc.; NextHome

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Avenue has partnered with TreeEra to plant 1,425 trees, replacing all the trees used to print the magazine this year.

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SEPT/OCT 2024

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NEXT ISSUE

Paul Gross The quintessential Canadian actor opens up as he prepares for Alberta Theatre Projects’ season opener.

Old Calgary Restaurants A journey through the history of dining out in Calgary, with a toast to the restaurants that are still serving after all these years.

Real EstATE ROUNDUP What the average price of a singledetached home gets you in various areas of the city right now.

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HOTEL | DINING | SPA | HIKING

VISIT ISLANDLAKELODGE.COM 21

luxury features such as quartz or granite countertops and hardwood flooring. But the most impressive feature is that all homes can be personalized to fit your dream style.

“We want to provide homeowners with the ability to personalize their interior by spending a full day at our styleMagic Design Centre, with a professionally certified interior designer,” says area sales manager Cindy Arevalo.

“Customers can choose everything from flooring to cabinets and countertops, to lighting and fixtures, and everything in between.”

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Magna suites come with 13 different floor plan choices, including limited penthouse suites, and offer fully personalized interior designs, so you can downsize in style, no matter what you’re looking for. Magna’s single-

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UNPARALLELED INTERIOR FINISHINGS Jayman BUILT has provided first-class designs and builds since its inception over 40 years ago. With Magna, Jayman steps things up with its highest level of interior finishings yet. Magna condos feature European-style kitchens, expertcrafted cabinetry and your choice of

SUSTAINABILITY AND CONVENIENCE Jayman BUILT prioritizes convenient living and energy efficiency. As such, Magna’s two concrete buildings are powered by 260 solar panels and all condos come with triple-pane windows, high-efficiency heat pumps and smart home technology packages.

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detours

detours

[ T H I S W AY A N D T H A T ]

T H E V O RT E X R I D E

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F C A L A W AY PA R K

AT C A L AWAY PA R K .

There’s no right or wrong way to summer in Calgary, but, after waiting all those months for the snow and slush to melt away, it’s only natural that Calgarians want to make the most of the warm weather. We’re here to help, with suggestions on what to do in Calgary every day in July and August. Because summer in Calgary may be fleeting, but it certainly should not be boring!

avenuecalgary.com

23

BY RILEY FONGER

A DATE WITH

TATE

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North American leg of a world tour, which includes a return to Calgary as the headlining act on Friday, July 5, at the Cowboys Music Festival during Stampede.

We caught up with McRae over email to chat about the homecoming show, what songs she’s most excited to perform and what’s next for her.

Q

What does it mean for you to perform in the Cowboys tent on the official kickoff night of Stampede? It’s a pretty big deal and probably the biggest party night of the whole year in Calgary.

It is so surreal! I’ve gone to Stampede for as long as I can remember with my brother and all our friends. Cowboys feels so cool, because I always wanted to make sure my first hometown

show felt special, and that’s where I always go every summer. Couldn’t ask for a more exciting first performance home in Calgary.

just turning 21 feels so fun to me. I could not be more excited to see friends and family, as well. It’s been a long time since some of my closest circles have been able to see me live.

Q

Q

Q

Q

Was the Stampede an big part of your childhood? Do you have a favourite midway snack you’ve been craving?

Obviously! Stampede is a key point of everyone’s summer in Calgary. You see everyone you’ve ever known.

Stampede has the best poutine.

How does it feel to be performing in your home city?

After all, it will be your first time performing here since gaining the following you have now.

I really wanted to come back to Calgary and perform here when I felt confident in my show and at the right time. Performing this summer as I’m

Your birthday is just a few days before the show on July 5. Any big plans?

I’m hoping to celebrate with friends and family. I’ll likely be finishing up rehearsal for my North American tour, but I’m sure we will do something fun in between, too: 21 is a big one in the States.

In your song, “Calgary,” on the Think Later album, there’s a line: “same bar, same street.”

Are you referring to any specific bar and street?

Ha ha ha! Probably National or Craft [on 10th Avenue S.W.].

“I REALLY WANTED TO COME BACK TO CALGARY AND PERFORM HERE WHEN I FELT CONFIDENT IN MY SHOW AND AT THE RIGHT TIME.”

P H OTO BY B E T H S A R AV O

B

orn and raised in Calgary, Tate McRae began her journey to pop stardom at a young age. She trained in dance at The School of Alberta Ballet and at YYC Dance Project, a school owned by her mom.

At seven, she had videos up on YouTube of herself singing cover songs and dancing. At 12, she was turning heads as the first Canadian finalist on the U.S. TV show So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation (she ended up coming third).

In 2017, at 14, a video she posted of herself performing her original song, “One Day,” attracted upward of 40 million views on YouTube and the attention of major record labels. She signed with RCA Records in 2019 and continued to grow her audience on YouTube and TikTok. In 2021, at the age of 17, McRae relocated to Los Angeles to further her career. Since then, she has had nine Billboard top 100 songs, performed live on Saturday Night Live in 2023, took Single of the Year and Artist of the Year at the 2024 Juno Awards, and is now setting out on the

july/august 2024

detours

avenuecalgary.com

25

Nominate your favourite restaurants in Calgary

Nominations open July 15 to August 2, 2024

Q

Out of all your songs right now, which one is the most fun to perform?

“Guilty Conscience” is a blast with my dancers. The choreography is so fun, and it has such a refreshing energy live with my band. “Hurt My Feelings” is also one of my favourites.

I’d also say “Exes” because it has one of my favourite dance breaks.

Q

You’ve previously stated that you always assumed you’d be a backup dancer. What artists would you have liked to perform alongside?

So many iconic women! Britney Spears, Rihanna, Ari … all would have been a dream.

Q Voting opens

September 2 to 22

Speaking of performing, you’ve said you have a stage persona you call “Tatiana.”

What are some things Tatiana can get away with that Tate can’t?

“Tatiana” is a lot feistier and a lot more playful. I’m probably a little bit more reserved and introverted in my everyday life.

Q

How has the experience of moving to and living in Los Angeles at such a young age been for you?

It’s definitely been a big change, but I feel pretty acclimated to Los Angeles now. I’ve made some great friends — we love going to the beach and enjoying all California has to offer. I also feel like I’ve learned how to navigate the industry more.

Q

Do you miss your hometown, or were you meant to be a California girl?

I miss my friends and family, but we do a great job of staying in touch and visiting each other often. I miss going to the lake [Windermere] and going boating and surfing with all my friends. I’ll always love Calgary, but L.A. definitely feels like home now, too.

Q

So what comes next? You’ve accomplished so many goals in a short period of time.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I’m really excited for the North American leg of my Think Later world tour. I have the honour of ending the run at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which has always been a huge dream of mine, and then I go to Asia and Australia! I feel very lucky to travel the world and to meet so many incredible people along the way.

july/august 2024

P H OTO BY B E T H S A R AV O

The winners will be celebrated in Avenue’s list of Calgary’s Best Restaurants in March 2025

detours

A

bbey Claro opened the first Abbey’s Creations ice cream shop in Montgomery in 2020, and has since grown to seven locations across Calgary and one in Cochrane. The shop is known for its everchanging selections inspired by classic Asian flavours — think ube queso, calamansi or mango sticky rice — alongside North American-inspired flavours like bourbon butter pecan. Abbey’s Creations also offers a wide selection of ice cream cakes, like the Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Ice Cream Cake, which embodies the flavours of summer. Here’s a look at how it’s made.

dish it

ABBEY’S CREATIONS ST R AW BER RY C HEE SE C AK E CRUNCH ICE CREAM CAK E DECONSTRUCTED

P H OTO BY C H R I S L A N D RY

THE BASE One thing that sets these cakes apart from your run-ofthe-mill ice cream cake are the bases. This particular cake has a freshly baked cheesecake base. “We wanted to take the cakes to the next level,” says Claro. “We’re using [homemade] brownies, sponge cake or cheesecake.”

THE CRUNCH The crunchy outer coating is a shortbread-like cookie baked with strawberry-flavoured powder that is crushed and mixed to show off the buttery-yellow and pink colours.

Dairy-free whipped topping helps the crunchy cookie crumbs stick to the cake.

avenuecalgary.com

Is there an interesting, innovative or iconic Calgary dish or drink you think we should deconstruct?

Send us a DM on Instagram: @avenuemagazine

THE ICE CREAM The cake incorporates two ice cream flavours that are made from scratch at Abbey’s central McCall Way N.E. location. The core is cheesecake ice cream mixed with a hefty amount of the strawberry crunch topping, which is then surrounded by strawberry ice cream made with fresh fruit.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES Dollops of the whipped topping and fresh strawberries complete this tasty treat. “It’s a really simple recipe, but we make everything from scratch, so we control the quality the whole way through,” says Claro. –Chris Landry abbeys.net

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detours

Recreational Activity Matrix

SUMMER CYCLING EXPERIENCES Relaxed Staycation at Hotel Arts with complementary commuter bikes.

Rent a bike in East Village and ride the RiverWalk path.

Critical Mass YYC monthly mass bike ride (last Friday of every month).

Canmore eBike & Brew Tour with White Mountain Adventures

in the city

Gran Fondo Badlands (July 6).

South Glenmore Park Bike Pump Track.

Rockies 24 Hour Race at the Canmore Nordic Centre, six-to-10-person team (July 27-28).

Lift-access mountain-bike trails at WinSport.

Tour de Bowness Cory Meza Memorial Criterium race (Aug. 5).

Ride the entire 145-km Rotary/Mattamy Greenway.

Tour de Bowness Montgomery Hill Climb (Aug. 4).

Tour de Bowness Provincial Road Race Championship, Horse Creek Road, Cochrane (Aug. 3).

extreme

Rockies 24 Hour Race at the Canmore Nordic Centre, solo (July 27-28).

Johnston Canyon E-Bike and Explore Tour with Banff Cycle & Sport Tours.

outside the city

Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer (July 21-22).

Sideshow Bob trail in Bowmont Park.

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Valley Trail at Panorama Resort.

Best of Okotoks 27 with Elbow Valley Cycle Club (Aug. 16).

Shred Sisters intro to Mountain Biking Course (July 20).

Ride a section of the 145-km Rotary/ Mattamy Greenway.

Party Bike Tour through Calgary’s “Barley Belt” with Urban Pedal Tours.

Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff.

Fernie Alpine Resort lift-access Bike Park.

Trans BC 6 Day Mountain Bike Enduro Stage Race from Fernie to Panorama (July 6-13).

Ride Mt. 7 in Golden, site of the Mt. 7 Psychosis, a.k.a. “The world’s most demented downhill race.”

Trans BC 6 Day Mountain Bike Enduro Stage Race from Fernie to Panorama — “Dirt Bag” category.

(July 6-13).

july/august 2024

CO M M U T E R B I K E P H OTO, H OT E L A RTS ; E N B R I D G E TO U R P H OTO ST RO M B I L I O N ST U D I OS ; F E R N I E P H OTO, V I N C E M O ; M T 7 PSYC H OS I S LO G O, C L A I R E B U C H A R ; U R B A N P E D A L T O U R P H O T O , U R B A N P E D A L T O U R S ; V A L L E Y T R A I L P H O T O , PA N O R A M A M O U N TA I N R E S O R T

Calgary Brunch Bike Tour with Food Bike Tours.

Diamond Valley Friendship Trail.

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Accessorize Your Ride Three awesome add-ons for your bike.

( O P P O S I T E ) G R E E N W AY P H O T O , PA R K S F O U N D AT I O N ; S H R E D S I S T E R S P H O T O , K Y R A S K A R ; T O U R D E B O W N E S S P H O T O , D O N N H O R B A C H ; W I N S P O R T P H O T O , C H R I S A M AT ; A L L O T H E R S A D O B E S T O C K ; ( T H I S PA G E ) B E L L A N D L I G H T P H O T O S , T R E K B I K E S ; B A S K E T P H O T O , H L C . B I K E S

ELECTRA LUCKY CAT BIKE BELL When the shared pathways are busy with pedestrians, scooters, strollers and other mobility devices, make your presence known with this graphic ringer that attaches to all standard handlebars. $20 at The Bike Shop, thebikeshop.com

DELTA LUXE BIKE BASKET A sleek, modern bike needs an update on the traditional woven basket. This handy carrier has inside pockets to secure your phone, wallet, keys and other minutiae and detaches easily from its metal frame so you can take it shopping. $59 at Bow Cycle, bowcycle.com

BONTRAGER FLARE RT REAR BIKE LIGHT Named best rear bike light for 2024 by

Cyclingnews, this highly waterproof unit has an integrated light sensor that autoadjusts brightness to your environment and is visible from up to two kilometres away during daytime hours. –Shelley Arnusch $85 at Ridley’s Cycle, ridleys.com

VENUE SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD H O W A G R A S S R O O T S W E S T E R N W E A R B U S I N E S S B E C A M E A WAY F O R T E E N S W I T H D O W N SYNDROME TO BE THEIR OWN BOSSES AND DO GOOD FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES.

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WESTERN-WE AR BUSINESS FOUNDER “ W I L D W I L D W YAT T ” S M U S Z KO A N D CURRENT OWNER SAMANTHA “ S TA M P E D E S A M ” W E B B E R .

2023, after graduating high school and with plans to start university, he was proud to pass the torch to Samantha Webber, who was 15 at that time and has since turned 16, the same age as Smuszko when he started the business.

“I want to give Sam a chance to have the business and then she can give it to another kid who wants to learn it all,” Smuszko says.

“Sam will do a great job because she’s smart and she likes fashion.”

Webber, who also has Down syndrome, had attended a Wild Wild Wyatt pop-up, where she made her first debit card purchase of a pair of cowboy boots. As a fan of western wear, she was excited to take over the business, which she renamed Stampede

Sam’s Country Sparkle. “I wanted the word sparkle in the name because sparkle is my thing,” Webber says. She stepped right into organizing and hosting pop-up sales, and has ambitions to do a fashion show. Similarly, she plans to make a donation to PREP, as well as to Ups and Downs, the Calgary Down Syndrome Association, from her sales.

“Wild Wild Wyatt came from Stampede spirit for a successful inclusion experience,” says Frère. “It was a very specific Calgary gift.

Now with Stampede Sam, we hope that it’s a legacy that will carry on.” —Colleen Seto Follow Stampede Sam’s Country Sparkle Facebook page for info about upcoming sales.

july/august 2024

P H OTO BY J A R E D SYC H

n January 2022, like many of us, Wyatt Smuszko had missed out on a lot of socialization because of COVID-19 lockdowns. But, as a teenager with Down syndrome, Smuszko’s lack of interaction with others had more far-reaching effects. “He hadn’t been to speech therapy, and he just wasn’t getting any opportunities to interact,” recalls Deanne Frère, Smuszko’s mom.

That’s when Frère and her son came up with Wild Wild Wyatt and Smuszko became “the boss” of his own business selling the most Calgarian of wares — broken-in western wear. By running a business, Smuszko, who was 16 when he launched Wild Wild Wyatt, could work on his social skills, but also learn important life skills. “He really got it,” Frère says. “He would ask people if they wanted help, shake hands with them and do all of the things needed to prepare for a work day so he was ready to look someone in the eye.”

It might have taken a little longer to ring in a sale, Frère notes, but, on the whole, the clientele embraced the experience, knowing they were doing something greater than just buying a shirt.

“I liked meeting so many people and working with my mom,” says Smuszko. “I was the best at working with the jewellery and also the best at being charming.”

Wild Wild Wyatt hosted pop-up shops around town leading up to Stampede, selling items that Smuszko had thrifted or that were generously donated. “Western wear was on my front porch every time I came home,” says Frère. “Our community showed up in droves to support him and this business. It took on its own life.”

After two successful Stampede seasons, Smuszko had raised $5,000 for PREP, a local organization that supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families. In August

detours

Day Trip

DRU M H ELLER THIS SMALL CIT Y IN THE CANADIAN BADL ANDS IS HOME TO GEOLOGICAL F O R M AT I O N S , D I N O S AU R F O S S I L S A N D D E L I C I O U S S A N D W I C H E S .

ILLUSTRATION BY VANJA KRAGULJ

GAWK AT FOSSILS

SEE A PERFORMANCE

SIP LOCAL BEER

GRAB A BITE

EXPLORE

at the Royal Tyrrel l Museum

at the Badlands Amphitheatre

at Val ley Brewing

at Hel ler Good Sandwiches

the Wil low Creek Hoodoos

Arguably Drumheller’s most well-known attraction, the Royal Tyrrell Museum houses one of the largest dinosaur collections in the world. The museum features 13 exhibits showcasing everything from Alberta in the Cretaceous Period to jaw-dropping tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops remains. The museum also offers family-friendly activities like an Express Dig Experience or fossil casting.

Hwy. 838, Midland Provincial Park (6 km northwest of Drumheller), tyrrellmuseum.com

At this astonishing 2,500-seat natural amphitheatre, you can see outdoor plays, concerts, fireworks and other events.

Perhaps best known as the site of the annual Badlands Passion Play depicting the life of Jesus Christ (running from July 6 to 21 this year), the huge outdoor stage will also host concerts by William Prince, Serena Ryder and Blue Rodeo, an outdoor adventure and music festival, and the 2024 Roots, Blues & Barbecue event.

605 17 St. S.W., 403-823-2001, badlandsamp.com

Sandwiches are the name of the game at this funky and charming eatery, which serves an ever-changing selection (flavours have previously included Italian deli, cheese steak and Japanese cucumber) and a variety of sides.

Pair your sandwich with some Drumheller-roasted Folk Drip Coffee or an Alberta-made craft soda.

323 Centre St., 403-823-2225, hellergood.ca

Durmheller is home to one of Alberta’s most fascinating natural geological formations: the Willow Creek Hoodoos, which formed during the Cretaceous Period 70-to-75 million years ago. Head 15 minutes east of Drumheller along Highway 10 to see this Provincial Historic Resource that can be experienced via fenced pathways and lookout points. –Riley Fonger

avenuecalgary.com

Try Valley Brewing’s awardwinning beer in the brewery’s 40-seat tasting room, which offers 14 beer and cider taps, or on its 75-seat patio if the weather is good. Choose from year-round flavours like the Capstone Pilsner or Prairie Icon Farmhouse Ale, or opt for one of the rotating seasonals.

242 3 Ave. W., 403-823-3823, valleybrewing.ca

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detours One Fun Thing to do For Every Day in july

Spend Canada Day at Heritage Park.

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TASTE A M A Z I N G FO O D ( A N D CA ST YO U R VOTE F OR T HE PE O P LE ’S C HOI C E AWA R D) AT TH E D I ST R I CT AT B E LT LI N E’S 2 N D AN N UA L STA M P E DE CH E F ’S S HOW DOW N .

16 Skate the bowls (or watch good skateboarders skate the bowls) at Millennium Park, the largest outdoor skatepark in Canada.

24 Try the new drop-zone at the WinSport bike park.

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Play pickleball at YYC Pickleball.

17 Fairmont Palliser’s 110th Anniversary historical photo exhibition.

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RE AD A B O O K IN MEMO RIAL PARK .

10 See powwow and cultural demonstrations at Elbow River Camp.

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Birdwatching at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.

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opening night of the 45th annual calgary folk music Festival.

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See world-class equestrians compete at Spruce Meadows’ North American tournament.

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CHEER O N THE CALGARY SU RGE BASKETBALL TE AM AS THEY TAKE O N THE VANCO U VER BANDITS .

Run Calgary’s virtual Alberta Boot Flapjack 15 race.

19

20 Avenue’s Best Things to Eat and Drink Market in Rangeview.

Fiestaval.

27 Shop, eat and explore during inglewood SunFest.

Book a Pedal Pub experience with some friends.

Stampede sneak-A-Peek night.

28 E XPLO RE GR ANARY ROAD’S FA R ME R S’ MARKE T AND ACTIVE LE AR NI NG PARK .

july/august 2024

F I E S TA V A L P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F F I E S TA V A L ; P E D A L P U B P H O T O B Y C U R I O S I T Y C A L G A R Y/ C O U R T E S Y O F P E D A L P U B ; A L L O T H E R S A D O B E S T O C K

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Gary LeVox from Rascal Flatts performs at the new Burwood Music Festival tent.

dancing, live music, wrestling, tasty eats and more at mexifest.

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Shop for produce and snacks at the Farmers & Makers Markets’ Sunalta location.

M O D E R N S T E A K R O O F T O P P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F PA R K E R P R ; B E R R Y P H O T O A D O B E S T O C K

21 BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders at mcMahon stadium.

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Watch barrelracing, bull-riding, Steer-wrestling andmore atthe Stampede rodeo.

15 Ice cream flight at Made by Marcus.

U-pick berry-picking at Saskatoon Farm.

22 WATC H T H E OT T E RS SWI M I N T H E WI L D CA NA DA E XH I BI T AT WI L DE R I NST I T UT E / CA LG A RY ZOO.

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23 Order a creative cool treat during YYC Ice Cream Fest.

31 Shop from 35+ local vendors at the U/D Night Market.

Take your pup to one of Calgary’s 160 off-leash park areas.

Soak up the sun on a rooftop patio. avenuecalgary.com

7

detours One Fun Thing to do For Every Day in AUGUST

1

2

Free First Thursdays at Contemporary Calgary.

3

4 Enjoy afternoon tea on the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant veranda.

SEE AN INDIE THE ATRE PRO DU CTIO N AT THE CALGARY F RINGE THE ATRE F ESTIVAL .

Check out local restaurants on a Food Bike Tour.

Support local at the weekly Dalhousie Farmers’ Market.

16 Celebrate Caribbean culture at Carifest.

9

Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival.

17 Check out Expo Latino, a huge Latin festival in Prince’s Island Park.

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Enjoy a tasty day at Barley & Smoke in support of Kids Cancer Care.

Fill up on freshly grilled meat at Brewery & the Beast.

10 Superhero night at the Cavalry FC Vs. HFX Wanderers FC match at spruce meadows.

18 SING ALO NG WITH LU KE COMB S AT CO U NTRY THU NDER .

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West Confederation bicycle pump track.

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11 PL AY TENNIS O N O NE O F THE CITY ’S 60+ O U TDO O R CO U RTS .

19 Attempt the outdoor climbing wall at Calgary Climbing Centre Rocky Mountain.

27 Order a picnic basket from River Café to enjoy in Prince’s Island Park.

12 Explore Marda Loop during the Marda Gras Street Festival.

20 Catch the show-stopping fireworks at GlobalFest.

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Go roller skating at House of Skate.

july/august 2024

C O N T E M P O R A R Y C A L G A R Y P H O T O B Y J E S S E TA M AY O ; A L L O T H E R S A D O B E S T O C K

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Book a restaurant tasting tour through the Taste the City app.

Do happy hour with a soulful soundtrack at Deane House’s Jazz in the Garden summer series

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CATC H C LOS I NG DAY O F TA STE OF CA LG A RY 2 024 .

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H O T E L A R T S P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F H O T E L A R T S ; P R O S P E R I T Y B A R P H O T O B Y L I S A PAT E Y/ @ M I N T P H O T O ; A L L O T H E R S A D O B E S T O C K

Rent a pedal boat At Bowness Lagoon.

Order a tropical cocktail at Prosperity Bar in Chinatown.

21 Take your pooch to Village Ice Cream for a “Dogs of Village” pint.

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FLOAT DOWN T H E BOW RI VE R ON A RA F T OR K AYA K FROM T H E PA DDL E STAT I ON.

Cool down on the Timber Falls log ride at Calaway Park.

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Get together with friends for Lougheed House’s adults-only trivia night.

LOUNG E BY T H E P OOL AT H OT E L A RTS .

avenuecalgary.com

Play nine holes of outdoor mini-putt at Golf Future YYC. Take your summer from wow to

sparkscience.ca

Celebrate love at the Calgary Pride Parade & Festival.

September 20-22, 2024 beakerhead.com

SPOTLIGHTONCALGARY

NEIGHBOURHOODS 38

july/august 2024

Looking at our city and its 206 unique communities by the numbers, by way of five major neighbourhood-altering projects, and through the eyes of an artist with a wilder take on suburbia.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY TYLER LEMERMEYER

avenuecalgary.com

39

COMPILED BY RILEY FONGER

C A LGA RY N E I GH BO U R H O O D S

By the Numbers Top 10 Biggest Neighbourhoods in Calgary (Hectares)*

Top 10 Most-populated Calgary Neighbourhoods (Population in Private

Cranston

825.39

Cornerstone

764.21

Varsity

681.04

Tuscany

679.86

Edgemont

661.96

Springbank Hill

650.67

Douglasdale/Douglas Glen

643.94

Panorama Hills

633.47

Mahogany

629.98

Legacy

608.42

10 Smallest Neighbourhoods in Calgary (Hectares)* Chinatown

24.67

Rideau Park

26.71

North Haven Upper

26.91

Roxboro

27.19

Lower Mount Royal

28.43

Mayfair

28.94

Bel-Aire

33.70

Scarboro/Sunalta West

35.46

Garrison Green

36.05

Cliff Bungalow

36.28

Households as of 2021)* Beltline 25,880 Panorama Hills 25,535 Saddle Ridge 24,365 Cranston 20,850 Evergreen 20,780 Tuscany 19,700 Evanston 18,710 Auburn Bay 18,090 Taradale 17,630 McKenzie Towne 17,505

F U N FAC T !

Five places in Alberta whose combined populations are still less than the current population of Calgary’s Beltline Neighbourhood: CLARESHOLM CROSSFIELD DRUMHELLER F O RT M AC L E O D JASPER Populations from 2021 Census of Population as designated, named and delineated by Statistics Canada (Claresholm 3,434; Crossfield 3,579; Drumheller 6,497; Fort Macleod 3,038; Jasper 4,029). Beltline population source: City of Calgary.

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Top 10 Calgary Neighbourhoods with the Most Development Permits (Intention to Build) as of Q1 2024* Saddle Ridge Bowness Redstone Evanston Legacy Panorama Hills Martindale Carrington Nolan Hill Killarney/Glengarry

213 112 101 97 86 85 80 78 75 74

july/august 2024

Calgary is a city that is growing and expanding with 206 neighbourhoods — and more on the way. While the story of our city is constantly being updated, here’s what the numbers have to say about Calgary right now. *Source: City of Calgary Calgary Neighbourhoods That Throw the Most Block Parties (Based on the Number of Block Party Permits Issued

by The City of Calgary)

Top 10 Calgary Neighbourhoods With the Most Active Building Permits as of Q1 2024* Saddle Ridge Cornerstone Mahogany Livingston Downtown Commercial Core Legacy Seton Glacier Ridge Beltline Haskayne

avenuecalgary.com

Mahogany 10 Altadore 7 Hillhurst 7 Bridgeland/Riverside 5 Glamorgan 5 Auburn Bay 4 McKenzie Towne 4 Parkland 4 Bowness 3 Copperfield 3 Cranston 3 Inglewood 3 Kilarney/Glengarry 3 Lake Bonavista 3 Silver Springs 3 Varsity 3

10 Oldest Calgary Neighbourhoods (by Year Founded)* Inglewood

1875

Downtown Commercial Core

1875

Bankview

1882

Downtown West End

1884

Chinatown**

1885

Eau Claire

1885

Mission (as Rouleauville)

1900

Sunnyside

1904

Upper/Lower Mount Royal

1904

Connaught (now part of Beltline)

1905

**Chinatown has relocated three times over its history. The founding year here reflects the founding of the community in its original location. The community in its current location dates back to 1890.

610 602 557 514 503 374 350 337 328 328

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Top 10 Calgary Neighbourhoods with the Most Licensed Dogs* Cranston Tuscany McKenzie Towne Auburn Bay McKenzie Lake Douglasdale Evergreen Beltline Chaparral Coventry Hills

Top 10 Calgary Neighbourhoods with the Most Dog-Related Bylaw Complaints* Highland Park Midnapore East Fairview Industrial Varsity Windsor Park Sunalta Forest Lawn Dover Bowness Huntington Hills

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IT’S A DOG -MEET-DOG NEIGHBOURHOOD WHY HAVING MO RE DO GS ARO U ND MIGHT B E A SIGN O F A F RIENDLIER PL ACE TO LIVE .

D

ogs need to be taken on walks, communities throughout the cities of Perth, which means that dog owners as well as in the U.S. cities of San Diego and are, by nature, inclined to be Nashville. It found that “around 40 per cent out and about in their neighof pet owners reported receiving one or more bourhoods on a regular basis. types of social support (i.e., emotional, inforDuring these outings, small gestures such as a mational, appraisal, instrumental) via people smile, wave, head nod, “hello,” or a quick fivethey met through their pet.” minute chat with a fellow dog owner all The value of the social acknowledgcontribute to community cohesion.

DOGS ment neighbours provide each other ARE “CATALYSTS According to Ann Madeline while out walking dogs goes a long OF CONVERSATION.” Toohey, an adjunct assistant way toward creating a friendly THEY SERVE AS A POINT professor in the University of neighbourhood vibe. “It does a OF INTEREST THAT DOESN’T Calgary’s Department of Comlot for people to feel good about REQUIRE DRAWING munity Health Sciences, dogs are ON PERSONAL their neighbourhoods, and to feel MATTERS. “catalysts of conversation,” because secure, and safe,” Toohey says. they serve as a point of interest that So, the next time you’re out for doesn’t require drawing on personal a walk with your dog, remember that matters when speaking to an unfamiliar those small waves, smiles or brief conversaindividual. tions — with those walking their own dogs, but And these informal exchanges can snowball also with people walking without dogs — can into real friendships. A 2015 study by researchcreate a ripple effect, ultimately fostering a ers at the University of Western Australia stronger sense of community and turning your studied the indirect role dogs play in fostering neighbourhood into an overall friendlier place friendships, socialization and support within to live. —R.F.

july/august 2024

Top 10 Calgary Neighbourhoods With the Most Restaurant Patios*

PUTTING IT OUT THERE H OW TH E PA NDE MI C- I NDUC E D P ROL I F ERATIO N O F SIDEWALK PAT I OS H A S C RE AT E D MORE VI BRANT COMMU NITIES .

T

he COVID-19 pandemic hindered our ability to go out and interact with others. It also had us reconsidering how we can safely engage in social activity.

With restrictions on indoor gatherings in restaurants and bars, the focus turned outward.

The City loosened restrictions on sidewalk and streetside patios, and saw an increase almost overnight in the numbers of these outdoor gathering spaces.

What started as DIY patios cordoned off with pylons and plastic fences on streets and sidewalks blossomed into well-constructed boardwalks and decks, outlined and guarded by concrete barriers painted by BUMP (Beltline Urban Murals Project) artists and adorned with plants and flowers.

While the Calgary region is notoriously stingy when it comes to patio-weather days, many businesses prepared for the worst by installing patio heaters and convertible enclosures, betting that their clientele would relish the opportunity to sit outside, no matter what.

avenuecalgary.com

A positive outcome of this pandemicinduced patio proliferation has been more engaged streetscapes. Rebecca O’Brien, former executive director of the Inglewood Business Improvement Area (BIA), says that the postpandemic patios have increased street activity, making Calgary’s most patio-centric neighbourhoods the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods.

“The patio relaxations changed the whole dynamic of the street,” O’Brien says.

“Patios are implicit traffic calming tools; beneficial for vibrancy for business and for general happiness.”

It’s not just O’Brien who holds that opinion.

The general perception from BIA executives across Calgary seems to be that patios have contributed to increasing the liveliness, social interaction and overall activity both in the BIAs as well as in the neighbouring communities.

“Patios bring art and beautification and vitality,” says Annie MacInnis, executive director of the Kensington BIA. “It’s [about] more than just a patio.” —R.F.

Beltline 119 Downtown Commercial Core 96 Manchester 33 Inglewood 28 Lower Mount Royal 26 Hillhurst 25 Bridgeland/Riverside 18 Crescent Heights 17 Mission 16 Cliff Bungalow 15

43

BY RILEY FONGER

CALGARY NEIGHBOURHOOD COUNT

How Does OurCityCompare?

Calgary is currently home to more than 1.6 million residents and is divided into 206 distinct communities. Here’s how that stacks up in relation to other cities with similar populations, in Canada and beyond.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO POPULATION 1.2 MILLION A 2001 amalgamation of “old” Ottawa with 11 regional municipalities, as well as the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, expanded Canada’s capital to its current size of 2,790 sq. km., an area that would encompass the combined cities of Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. The amalgamated Ottawa is home to around 360 distinct neighbourhoods.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA POPULATION 1.5 MILLION Calgary may be larger geographically than its northern neighbour by approximately 141 sq. km., but Edmonton has more neighbourhoods at 242 to Calgary’s 206.

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA POPULATION 1.5 MILLION Despite having a population that is comparable to Calgary’s, Philadelphia, Penn., is organized much differently, with just 46 distinct neighbourhoods, as per 2019 reporting by the city.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA POPULATION 1.4 MILLION The city of San Diego is divided up into 52 “community planning areas” with various neighbourhoods within those areas that are not statistically definable.

DALLAS, TEXAS POPULATION 1.3 MILLION The City of Dallas does not have

official neighbourhood designations, however, it has mapped around 371 distinct neighbourhoods by defining boundaries for homeowner associations, as well as historical and modern neighbourhoods. That said, City officials acknowledge the actual number of neighbourhoods in Dallas is likely higher.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND POPULATION 1.6 MILLION New Zealand’s biggest city, is divided into “suburbs,” with a count of 212 that is comparable to Calgary’s 206 communities. With a similar population of 1.6 million to Calgary’s 1.5 million, Auckland could arguably be Calgary’s twin city of the Southern Hemisphere.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA POPULATION 1.4 MILLION Like Auckland, Greater Metropolitan Adelaide (an entity that includes the city of Adelaide) also defines its communities as “suburbs,” with a count of more than 400 suburbs that is well above its Kiwi counterpart.

HELSINKI, FINLAND POPULATION 1.5 MILLION The urban agglomeration of this Scandinavian city and its adjacent suburban areas (including the cities of Espoo and Vantaa) has a population similar to Calgary’s. The city of Helsinki is divided into 34 “basic districts” (with populations ranging from 4,000 to 44,000). The city is further divided into 148 “sub-districts” of 300 to 15,000 inhabitants.

july/august 2024

avenuecalgary.com

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

living,” says area sales manager Brittney Mack. “These estate condominiums, located in the award-winning community of Mahogany, have park-front or lake-front homes, with amazing views and the luxury of lake living, with year-round access to Mahogany Lake.”

EASY AND COMFORTABLE LAKESIDE-LIVING IN THE CITY Enjoy private beach access, outdoor activities and highclass estate condos in The Streams of Lake Mahogany.

Backing onto Calgary’s largest lake, The Streams of Lake Mahogany offers move-in ready Reflection Estate Condominiums by Jayman BUILT. Living at The Streams gives residents a tranquil life by the water, with meandering streams in the community, two private beach clubs and convenient amenities nearby.

“The Streams of Lake Mahogany Reflection Estate condos are ideal for those looking for single-level, maintenance-free

IDEAL FOR RETIREES Jayman’s single-level Mahogany homes make a perfect investment for those looking to downsize and avoid the hassle of maintaining a home. With no stairs, a semi-private elevator, and generous square footage from 1,705 to over 2,000 square feet, Reflection Estate Condominiums makes aging in place easy. Plus, you won’t have to worry about shovelling snow, tree trimming or building upkeep ever again.

Each condo also includes a smart home technology package and a private double-car garage. Plus, you’ll get to personalize the interior of your home so it’s designed exactly to your liking.

If you’re looking to move in soon, you can choose from a home in one of Jayman’s designer palettes.

MADE FOR CONNECTION Calming streams and walking pathways weave throughout the community with outdoor fire pits, green spaces and a communal BBQ area, making it easy to socialize with neighbours. The Streams of Lake Mahogany is centred around connection, where families kayak on the lake, friends gather for a BBQ, and neighbours catch up on a beachfront walk.

Learn more about life at The Streams at Jayman.com/TheStreams.

Estate living without estate maintenance.

Reflection at The Streams of Lake Mahogany is the first and only Calgary estate condominium community that features full lake access with gorgeous

1,705 - 2,053 SQ. FT. (Dual Covered Balconies adding over 760 Sq.Ft.)

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190 Marina Cove SE Mon–Thurs: 2–8pm Sat, Sun & Holidays: 12–5pm Fri Closed ResortLiving@jayman.com (587) 350-0237

* Free Listing exclusively available for Jayman BUILT customers through Jayman Realty. Not intended to solicit properties under contract with another brokerage.

Value varies depending on sale price, value may exceed $25,000. Offer ends July 30th, 2024. Pricing subject to change without notice. Visit a Sales Centre for more details. Free list only applicable to The Streams of Lake Mahogany.

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may/june 2024

P H OTO G R A P H BY D U ST I N H O F F E RT, D E P I C T P H OTO G R A P H Y

communal areas.

BY XIMENA GONZÁLEZ

5projects

that will have a major effect on their surrounding neighbourhoods over the next five years

C

P H OTO BY J A R E D SYC H

algary’s 206 neighbourhoods are in constant evolution, regardless of their pace of growth, and the following five projects are evidence of the ways in which the city, and its neighbourhoods, are changing. Once conceived as car-oriented meccas, Calgary’s suburban neighbourhoods are embracing active modes of transportation — and the City is listening. In other communities, population growth is creating demand for housing, or for expanded recreational facilities. Finally, the successful revitalization of one of Calgary’s oldest communities hinges on the private investment triggered by the construction of a publicly funded arena. Read on to find out more about how these major projects will catalyze major change over the coming years.

avenuecalgary.com

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PROJECT NO. 1

NEW EVENT CENTRE IN EAST VICTORIA PARK

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an a new arena finally help East Victoria Park realize its potential?

Part of the group of neighbourhoods that makes up the Beltline community, Victoria Park is no stranger to change. One of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods, it was slated for urban renewal in the

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mid-1960s, and, after many decades of decline, finally experienced a renaissance in the late ’90s. However, 30 years of gentrification have failed to integrate the easternmost part of Victoria Park with the rest of the Beltline. It’s at the intersection of two high-profile destinations, 17th Ave and the Stampede Grounds, yet

remains disconnected from both — but that could be about to change.

The construction of a new home for the Calgary Flames is expected to solidify the identity of Victoria Park as a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood, and provide an opportunity to restore the connection between the Beltine and the Elbow River. Moreover, public investment in the new arena is expected to catalyze the vision set out by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) for the new Culture + Entertainment District.

Besides contributing $800 million for a new event centre and $500 million for the BMO Centre expansion, the provincial and municipal governments are also funding the construction of community amenities, including a skating rink and public plazas, as well as infrastructure improvements, such as the 6th Street S.E. underpass, and upgrades to roads and sidewalks around the new event centre.

The hope is that, once built, these facilities will encourage private investment in both commercial and residential development. This is essential for the district’s success, because it would ensure East Victoria Park remains vibrant year-round. The sale of City-owned land would facilitate construction of a variety of home types, from more family-friendly options such as row homes along the Elbow River, to high-rise apartment towers along the CPKC Railway train tracks, boosting the area’s population for the first time since the early 1900s. Currently, this district has just under 1,000 residents, a relatively small portion of the 25,880 Calgarians that live in the Beltline.

When the event centre is completed in 2027, apartments, hotels, restaurants and shops could rise around it, as CMLC’s master plan suggests, revitalizing the neighbourhood for event-goers and residents alike.

But these wins will require some losses. To make room for the arena, the City relocated a heritage building on 13th Avenue and 5th Street S.E., and cut down a 125-year-old tree colloquially known as “The Stampede Elm.” Despite its grand ambitions, however, CMLC’s master plan for the Culture + Entertainment District in East Victoria Park is not a statutory document, and there are no assurances that public investment in a costly arena will deliver tangible benefits for the community at large, beyond the projects already funded.

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P H OTO BY J A R E D SYC H

EAST VICTORIA PARK IS AT THE INTERSECTION OF TWO HIGH-PROFILE DESTINATIONS, 17TH AVE AND THE STAMPEDE GROUNDS, YET REMAINS DISCONNECTED FROM BOTH — BUT THAT COULD BE ABOUT TO CHANGE.

P H O T O A N D A R T I S T I M P R E S S I O N C O U R T E S Y O F T H AT C I T Y O F C A L G A R Y R E A L E S TAT E & D E V E L O P M E N T S E R V I C E S

PROJECT NO. 2

MIDFIELD HEIGHTS IN WINSTON HEIGHTS/MOUNTVIEW

A

n area of new housing developments has the potential to create better walkability for the neighbourhood of Winston Heights/ Mountview. The established neighbourhood just north of 16th Avenue N.E. and bordered to the east by Deerfoot Trail, could double its population and welcome more than 2,600 new residents in the next decade — but change won’t be quick.

Three years after council approved the landuse plan for the former Midfield Mobile Home Park, a 24-acre site where 182 mobile homes had sat for five decades, the City of Calgary is now selling seven shovel-ready parcels to real estate developers. Construction has already begun on sidewalks and roads, while building construction is anticipated to begin next year.

Calgary’s newest urban village, named Midfield Heights to honour previous residents, will feature walkable streets with tree-lined sidewalks that provide pedestrians with a leisurely space to stroll, shop, dine and access an expansive view of the city. It’s a much-needed addition to a neighbourhood where the

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automobile continues to take precedence, and where two-thirds of residents drive to work.

This isn’t Midfield Heights’ only departure.

Following the lead of East Village and University District, Midfield Heights is planned as a mixed-use environment, where residential and commercial elements enliven the community’s public realm. Boasting a central park surrounded by residential towers and low-rise

multifamily buildings, the new development is expected to attract young families who are seeking easy access to public transit, pathway networks and urban parks.

More importantly, the availability of a range of housing options, including townhomes and apartments, should boost the population of a neighbourhood that has lost 1,137 residents since 1970. Currently, three in five dwellings in Winston Heights/Mountview are either a single- or semi-detached home.

The successful development of Midfield Heights could not only benefit newcomers, but existing residents in adjacent communities such as Renfrew to the south, which could take advantage of having more services and amenities in close proximity.

However, the 300 residents who used to live on the Midfield Heights site are no longer around to reap these benefits. Although Calgary’s Housing Strategy calls for the leverage of City-owned land to develop affordable housing, it remains uncertain whether Midfield Heights will include non-market units to serve lower-income Calgarians.

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PROJECT NO. 3

GREEN LINE STATION IN RAMSAY

C

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IMAGE COURTESY OF GREEN LINE LRT PROJECT

onstruction of a new CTrain station is set to create a transit village hub in a once under-the-radar inner-city community.

As the initial phase of Calgary’s muchawaited Green Line gears up, the community of Ramsay is about to get aboard the growth train. Often overshadowed by its hip next-door neighbour, Inglewood, the inner-city community has remained somewhat under the radar. But plans to construct an LRT station in Ramsay are bringing it to the forefront.

In 2020, city council approved the alignment of the south segment of the Green Line, which locates the Ramsay/Inglewood station roughly at the intersection of 12th Street and 17th Avenue S.E., along the CPKC Railway tracks. The selection of this site was based on the feasibility of creating a “transit village” on vacant land; as a result, the buildings currently hosting arts organizations Artpoint and the Heritage Weavers and Spinners Guild of Calgary are slated for demolition, while the Lilydale poultry processing factory further down was demolished last November.

The Green Line will do more for the community than provide an efficient transit connection: it will expand existing land uses beyond low-density residential, improve public spaces and attract investment to the area — effectively accelerating the transformation of Ramsay into a transit-oriented neighbourhood.

The City estimates that the population within a 10-minute walk of the Ramsay station will increase to 7,500 by the time the station is completed in 2030 — a boost for a neighbourhood that has lost 891 residents since 1968.

To support this growth, public-realm improvements are already underway, including the construction of a greenway along the LRT tracks that will connect Ramsay and the Elbow River Pathway, as well as streetscape upgrades along 11th Street and 11th Avenue S.E. that will reduce traffic and improve the pedestrian experience. Eventually, these streets could also become a destination for shoppers and diners, an opportunity noted in a 2015 planning document released by the City.

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july/august 2024

PROJECT NO. 4

MAKING MARTINDALE SAFER FOR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS

P H OTO BY J A R E D SYC H

T

he purpose of Calgary’s Pathway and Bikeway (5A) Network Program is to provide safe access to active transportation modes to all Calgarians. For this reason, the City of Calgary will invest $39.1 million in building new pathways and bike lanes across the city over the next two years.

One of the first sections of this network is slated to begin construction next year in Martindale, a community in northeast Calgary, where the presence of three elementary schools and one high school attracts more than 3,500 students to the area every day.

Due to its high rate of traffic incidents, a three-kilometre section of Martindale Drive at Martindale Boulevard N.E. is set to be transformed by 2026.

While the project is still in its early stages, and engagement just kicked off in the spring, upon completion, this section of Calgary’s 5A network is expected to connect 14,540 Calgarians to schools, parks, shopping and

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other local amenities. The project will remove barriers to mobility, increase visibility, and separate walkers and wheelers from traffic.

This approach is especially beneficial for the community’s 2,995 children under 14, who will have a safer route to school, the Genesis Centre or the Saddletowne Library.

According to Calgary’s Equity Index, Martindale’s health indicators are below target, demonstrating a prevalence of mental illness and chronic diseases like diabetes.

Because cycling improves mental health, physical fitness and reduces the risk of mortality, the implementation of the 5A network would better position the community’s younger residents for success.

Ultimately, the City’s vision is to build a 4,000-km network that connects all Calgarians to the places where they live, work, learn and play. Since 75 per cent of residents currently drive to work, connecting Martindale’s 5A network to key employment centres in the area would hopefully be up next.

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PROJECT NO. 5

VIVO FOR HEALTHIER GENERATIONS IN NORTHERN HILLS

A

fter expanding to meet the needs of its surrounding neighbourhoods, the next step for Vivo For Healthier Generations is figuring out how to be cost-accessible to a greater number of households.

Calgary’s Northern Hills is an area comprising the neighbourhoods of Country Hills, Country Hills Village, Coventry Hills, Harvest Hills and Panorama Hills in the city’s north.

Currently, Northern Hills communities concentrate nearly four per cent of the city’s households. Yet, community amenities to serve them remain somewhat scarce.

This is one of the reasons why Vivo for Healthier Generations, a non-profit regional recreation centre, decided to expand its 190,000-sq.-ft. facility in 2020, increasing the organization’s service area from 75,000 Calgarians in 2004 to 170,000 in 2024 (this year marks its 20th anniversary).

By 2026, the organization expects that its

54

catchment area will reach 190,000 Calgarians, with the build out of new communities nearby such as Livingston, Carrington, Lewisburg and Keystone Hills.

Vivo (formerly known as Cardel Place) sits at the heart of the Northern Hills communities. Surrounded by schools, grocery stores and other service-oriented businesses, the facility offers a variety of opportunities to keep Calgarians active.

Because 43 per cent of the residents in Northern Hills are immigrants, Vivo’s expansion includes spaces that allow for a broader range of cultural expressions than a traditional recreation centre, including spontaneous play and public bathing.

However, while the expanded 262,000-sq.ft. facility provides much-needed recreational space for the community, access isn’t free.

The admission rates start at a $7 drop-in fee for children between the ages of two and nine, and rise to $2,000 for a pre-paid annual

membership for a family of six — a cost range that isn’t within reach for everyone.

Households with an income that falls below the provincial low-income cut-off are eligible for a 50-per cent discount at Vivo via the City of Calgary’s Fair Entry program. In the communities of Country Hills, Coventry Hills, Harvest Hills and Panorama Hills, only 44 per cent of households whose earnings fall below $99,999, the income bracket closest to Calgary’s median, qualify for the City’s program (the number of households that qualify in Country Hills Village is higher, at 70 per cent). And finding a more cost-accessible recreation facility close by is not an alternative at this time.

As the area’s population continues to age, so will the need for low-cost facilities located within walking distance from people’s homes. Despite Vivo’s ambitious expansion, important gaps still remain for those who call a Northern Hills community home.

july/august 2024

P H OTO BY J A R E D SYC H

WHILE THE EXPANDED 262,000-SQ.-FT. FACILITY PROVIDES MUCH-NEEDED RECREATIONAL SPACE FOR THE COMMUNITY, ACCESS ISN’T FREE.

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The WilderSide

Expat photographer Mitch Kern’s performance project flips the idea of suburbia on its head.

O

n the surface, photographer Mitch Kern’s Wild Suburb project appears to be a kind of meditation on that familiar Calgary intersection where the feral bumps up against the tame. Kern himself confirms that his playfully surreal images of an individual wearing a deer-head mask at an array of citywide locations was initially inspired by the menagerie of critters — coyotes, bobcats, badgers, skunks and porcupines — he encountered on his runs through Confederation Park, near his home in the northwest neighbourhood of Capitol Hill.

But, speaking to Kern about the yearlong “performance,” which included an exhibition at Herringer Kiss Gallery this past February and the Instagram account, @wildsuburb, it’s clear he enjoys finding meaning as he goes along, resisting any one prescriptive, definitive message. That said, themes of place and one’s own sense of belonging there are undeniable.

Understandable, given Kern’s peripatetic existence before settling in Calgary 18 years ago.

Born in New York City, he split his time between Long Island and Manhattan after his parents divorced. Then, it was between the East and West Coasts after moving to California with his mom. Following many years of hopping around the continental U.S. for work and higher education, with stops in New Mexico, Texas, Maryland and Louisiana, Kern ended up in Calgary, having accepted a professorship at Alberta College of Art + Design (now Alberta University of the Arts) in 2006, and subsequently became a dual citizen.

“I’ve been here almost 20 years now,” says Kern, who remains an associate professor of photography at AUArts. “I do feel a sense of belonging here, I really do. I feel like I’m part of the community, and that’s a beautiful thing.

The story that I think I’m telling in the work is a kind of dramatization and a retelling of [my] socialization, assimilation and acculturation.”

As playful as the Wild Suburb series is, Kern says it took a while before he felt comfort-

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“ G A R D E N ” F RO M W I L D S U B U R B BY M I TC H K E R N .

able enough to pose questions about Calgary and what it represents. “I don’t know that I saw a lot of difference early on, but then it starts to creep up,” he says. “You start to see these subtle differences. I used to jokingly say that, in Canada, the left-hand turning arrows blink, and they don’t in the United States,” he says, laughing, “but there are more important things that run a little deeper.

"Something I think I’m looking at here is a sense of sublime beauty in terms of recognition of who we are, where we belong, what we believe; and our connection to this place, this land, this landscape.”

Surveying the images in the series thus far, it’s plain that Kern’s definition of what constitutes a suburb isn’t confined to the outer rim of newer developments in the city. In fact, much of Wild Suburb features readily recognizable landmarks and architecture that dot the city’s

older neighbourhoods: Peters’ Drive-In on 16th Avenue N.E., murals in the Beltline, the Plaza Theatre’s new bar in Kensington and a smattering of early 20th-century homes.

“I think we’ve always looked to the cities as places that drive culture, but I think more and more in the 21st century, suburbs are driving culture, especially where you have these sort of liminal spaces where it’s part suburb, part inner-city,” he says. “West Hillhurst is a bit like that in places. Sunnyside is certainly like that.

“People think of a suburb as a place where there’s a lot of monotony and boredom. I just don’t think that’s true here. Certainly not in my neighborhood. It’s very eclectic … There’s some craziness going on. I love that about it. I guess that’s what inspired me to want to work on my own turf — it’s very colourful and very eclectic, and it really defies the stereotype.”

—Zoltan Varadi

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Inaneraofhighofficevacancyanddiminishing

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P H OTO G R A P H BY T K T K T K

destruc tion

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paving the way for new possibilities

BY DOUG HORNER

here was a moment most afternoons last summer when the sun would crest over the roofline of the hollowed-out structure of the Grosvenor building on the corner of 17th Avenue and 4th Street S.W. and blind Matt Baker. It’s a sensation that Calgary drivers are all too familiar with, when the prairie sun hovers low in the sky and beams directly into your windshield and eyeballs. Baker and his team of heavy equipment operators learned to plan their lunch breaks around the same time so they could wait out the debilitating glare. You don’t want to take any chances when using a 200-ton excavator to demolish a 10-storey building in a crowded urban environment.

The Kobelco 1600 belongs to a class of ultra-high, high-reach excavators. Its robotic arm extends to 53 metres and is outfitted with hydraulic jaws that can pulverize concrete and snap rebar like it’s uncooked spaghetti. Baker is one of a handful of operators in Canada qualified to run such a powerful machine. He lives in King, Ont., a rural area north of Toronto, but follows the 1600 from one job site to the next across Canada and the U.S. It takes a day to take the excavator apart so it can be loaded onto eight transport trucks.

Priestly Demolition Inc. (PDI), is one of the largest demolition contractors in Canada and has an inhouse engineering team that developed the plan for safely dismantling the Grosvenor. The 43-metre tower was surrounded by busy sidewalks

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SITE OF THE FORMER G RO S V E N O R B U I L D I N G AT 1 7 T H AV E N U E A N D 4 T H ST R E E T, S .W.

“I FORGET TO BLINK SOMETIMES. I’M JUST STARING UP THERE, AND THEN I FEEL MY EYES BURNING.” M AT T B A K E R , H I G H - R E AC H E XC AVATO R O P E R ATO R , P D I

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and roadways on three sides, with a restaurant just steps away on the fourth side.

Baker had to chew the building down to manageable pieces, somewhere between the size of a baseball and a basketball, while at the same time ensuring he didn’t compromise its overall stability.

“We didn’t want to push too hard on the building, or pull at all, because we didn’t want to damage the columns and the structural integrity of the building,” Baker said. It was a trickier balance to strike than usual since the Grosvenor had been underbuilt, meaning the columns were too small for the tower’s overall size and weight.

Those kinds of stakes and that level of responsibility demands razor-sharp focus.

Baker controls the 1600 with four foot pedals and three joysticks, each of which have two buttons. “I forget to blink sometimes,” he said. “I’m just staring up there and then I feel my eyes burning.”.

The 1600 and its operator represent a new type of expertise and technology for Calgary. The city is home to several seasoned demolition contractors, but the Grosvenor project was the first time a company used a high-reach excavator in Calgary to masticate an old office tower into rubble. In March 2023, about the same time that PDI’s crew first arrived on site, the City of Calgary announced an incentive program to nudge the owners of downtown office towers to consider taking a wrecking ball to a few of their struggling properties. The available pool of money is relatively small at $3 million, but it still seems like a curious strategy, one that speaks to the age-old, but counterintuitive idea that destruction can actually be a potent form of creativity.

The funding for demolitions is a new aspect of the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program, which includes the office-to-residential conversions grant, and was announced back in the spring of 2021 as part of the Greater Downtown Plan. This big-picture municipal strategy set the ambitious goal to remove six million square feet of office space from the core by 2031. Downtown

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property values have fallen by more than $16 billion since 2015, creating a huge shortfall in property tax revenue, among other challenges, for the local government. CBRE, an international commercial real estate firm, reported t more than 30 per cent of the fleet of downtown skyscrapers were unoccupied at the end of 2023. The exodus of office workers started in 2014 with the drop in oil prices and accelerated during the pandemic.

By now, many Calgarians have acclimatized to the lighter traffic, forsaken sidewalks and omnipresent “For Lease” signs that decorate so many of the city’s office windows. And so it might be helpful to try a visualization exercise to get a feel for how much emptiness we’re talking about. There are roughly 130 office buildings in the Downtown Commercial Core for a total of 42,082,140 sq. ft. of real estate. One third, 12,702,688 sq. ft., sits empty. That’s about 292 acres (118 hectares), or the equivalent of 13 Riley Parks.

Picture that expansive green space on a summer afternoon in July. Families crowd the lagoon-like wading pool and playground. Friends stroll the walking paths bordered by flower beds that attract both bees and wedding parties for photos.

People practise yoga, throw frisbees, kick hacky sacks and play that other odd game where you use your hands to bounce a ball off a small trampoline. Then, there are the never-ending cricket matches.

And don’t forget the rock garden that climbs the hill alongside 10th Street N.W. Imagine all that activity playing out on that lush, green stage. And then multiply that vision by 13, one bountiful Riley Park lined up next to the other, to get a feel for how much idle office space is hidden behind the glass and concrete walls of all those confident-seeming towers in the heart of the city.

Bloomberg Business News published a story in February by Nathalie Wong and Patrick Clark about how many of the consequences of the drop in office real estate values in American cities are only now beginning to surface. It outlined how lenders and property owners have

been playing a kind of waiting game, where both sides have been reluctant to acknowledge the new reality in hopes that either interest rates for loans would fall back down or people would return to office work in greater numbers.

The wishful thinking has not materialized on either front. “Across the country, deals are starting to pick up, revealing just how far real estate prices have fallen.

That’s spurring widespread concern about losses that can ripple across the global financial system,” wrote Wong and Clark. They explained how a trillion dollars’ worth of loans on commercial estate in the U.S. are set to mature by the end of 2025. Persistently high vacancy rates have cratered the value of office space, which is forcing some owners to walk away from buildings, giving the keys back to the bank, instead of investing more equity to qualify for a new loan at a higher rate for a property that generates less money.

As regional managing director for Alberta for CBRE, Greg Kwong keeps an eye on how these market forces are playing out in Calgary. According to Kwong, there were a handful of foreclosures on buildings in the downtown area in 2023.

“The bigger concern is it’s just the start.

There could be more if property values continue to remain low,” Kwong said. “It’s a a double-edged sword: higher interest rates in a lower-value environment.”

Some Calgary office buildings have been selling, Kwong wrote earlier this year in an article for CBRE’s website, but at 20 to 25 cents on the dollar compared to five years ago. He estimated that the value of mortgages coming up for renewal in Canada for commercial real estate in the next year and a half will be in the billions of dollars. One good thing about the market in Calgary, Kwong explained, is that the majority of the skyscrapers are owned by large institutional investors, such as pension funds and real-estate investment trusts — deep-pocketed organizations that are equipped to manage the volatility of the real-estate market.

The resilient appeal of remote and hybrid work arrangements has created what

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H I G H - R E A C H E XC AVATO R O P E R ATO R

O N 1 7 T H AV E N U E S .W. B E G I N S

M AT T B A K E R D U R I N G T H E G RO S V E N O R

F RO M T H E G R O U N D U P.

B U I L D I N G D E M O L I T I O N P R O J E C T.

real estate experts call a “flight to quality.”

Workers expect more amenities and creature comforts in exchange for a return to “hard pants” (traditional business attire, as opposed to home-office sweatpants) and daily commuting. Tenants have all the leverage when negotiating leases in a renter’s market for office space. The CBRE reported that the vacancy rate in Calgary’s top-tier buildings, which are called Class AA, was at 15.6 per cent at the end of 2023. The more vintage towers in less-desirable locations are called Class B and C. These buildings, by contrast, had a vacancy of 42 per cent at the start of 2024.

Many of Calgary’s old guard of office towers — those built in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s — are concentrated in the west end of the Downtown Commercial Core.

Kwong predicted that it will likely be a small number of buildings in this area, and only ones owned by private investors, that could end up being demolished. “I’m saying a handful, at the most,” he said.

A skyscraper, unlike a carton of milk, does not have a fixed expiry date. You can

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keep most any building in good working order; it’s just a question of how much money you want to spend. The flight to quality has changed that equation because it means owners of Class B and C buildings need to make a much larger investment in order to keep up with their flashy neighbours. Even the Class A and AA buildings downtown have several Riley Parks’ worth of available space.

The decision to demolish, Kwong explained, will come down to an effort to limit losses, to avoid having to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in property taxes and utility bills for a building that’s generating little to no income.

“The land value is not high enough to justify demolishing the buildings and then selling it, because there is still the cost of demolition that you have to factor into your value,” Kwong said.

And that’s where City officials have stepped in to put their thumb on the scale and tip the balance towards demolition — but only for the right properties. One of the criteria to qualify for the demoli-

tion grant of $15 per sq. ft. (an extra $5 per sq. ft. is available for hazardous material abatement), is that the tower would not work as a conversion to residential.

Calgary has earned international attention for the success of its office-to-residential conversion program. Seventeen of these projects (13 active and four under review) could result in 2,300 new homes in the core, simultaneously erasing 2.3 million sq. ft. of office space.

The logic of conversion is tremendously appealing: you can hug two birds with one arm (a sunnier version of the old adage) by using one intractable crisis, high office vacancy, to solve another, the housing shortage. The rub, however, is that relatively few buildings make any financial sense to convert to multifamily residences, even with the city’s grant of $75 per sq. ft.

Duanne Render is an architect with Gensler, a firm that used an algorithmic tool to identify which towers in the core are good candidates for residential conversions and provided those results to

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L E F T : P H OTO BY J A R E D SYC H ; R I G H T : P H OTO CO U RT E SY O F P D I

A NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

“THE NUMBER OF BIG CIVIC PROJECTS WE HAVE UNDERWAY RIGHT NOW IS PRETTY UNPRECEDENTED. IT’S JUST ASTOUNDING THAT WE’RE PULLING ALL OF THIS OFF AT ONCE.” DAV I D D O W N , C I T Y O F C A L G A RY

the City. Using this algorithm, Render said his team has evaluated more than 1,300 buildings in dozens of cities across North America and estimated that 25 to 30 per cent of buildings can be candidates for conversion. But these figures drop to as low as five to seven per cent when property value is factored into the equation (a lower property value means a building will be more compatible as a residential conversion).

Floorplate and form are major determining factors for how close an office tower can get to what the market expects for inner-city apartments. The right distance between the windows and the core of the building is a critical dimension. And the best form, it turns out, is the humble rectangle, because an irregular shape is going to mean wasted space and fewer overall units. So, while the conversion program has been an exciting success story for Calgary, something worth celebrating after years of discouraging news, it’s not a panacea.

Natalie Marchut is the City’s manager of Development & Strategy. As of this past April, she reported that the City had received one official application for the demolition grant program, and that her team was in discussion with several other property owners on other potential sites.

“Based on current discussions underway, I do think that we will see additional applications to the program this year, and am hopeful that we are in a position to allocate the full $3 million currently available,” Marchut said.

According to Marchut, the grant was designed “to support the removal of obsolete/end-of-useful-life office space and to enable redevelopment of hous-

avenuecalgary.com

ing, mixed-use and/or amenity space.”

The program won’t fund a demolition if the site’s ultimate destiny is to become a surface parking lot, or an unsightly hole that lingers for years.

The Greater Downtown Plan is a blueprint for how to transform the core into a place where people want to live, work and play. It’s an immense challenge to reverse-engineer Calgary’s downtown, which was designed to allow commuters to drive to work, park their cars and then leave at the end of the day. The scope and scale of this new vision, however, indicates that government officials see an opportunity in the crisis.

“The office-vacancy situation led to some deep thinking on how to solve the (...) issue, but also solve the greater issue of how do we change the character of downtown forever at this point in its history,” said David Down, the chief urban designer with the City. “The number of big civic projects we have underway right now is pretty unprecedented in my 20 years.”

That list of projects includes Olympic Plaza and the Arts Commons Transformation, the new event centre, the Glenbow renovation, the Green Line, the recently completed BMO Centre, and several streetscape overhauls. “It’s just astounding that we’re pulling all of this off at once,” Down said.

Most Calgarians, when you mention demolition, think of the Calgary General Hospital, which was blown up on a Sunday morning in early October 1998 using 1,700 kilograms of dynamite. The hospital included an entire campus of buildings, some as high as 12 storeys.

Reporting for the Calgary Herald, Peter

Stockland wrote: “The structures did not seem to collapse so much as pitch across the field of vision in a helpless, rolling stagger. The last down was the smokestack, which went over like the funnel of a ship heeling into fog.”

Back then, Down was a public member of the committee that was advising on the master-planning of the General Hospital site — a mixed-use, walkable hub for Bridgeland, complete with a new community centre, sporting field and multifamily residential housing. “I remember taking my kids to see the implosion,” Down said, noting he still has one of the bricks from the old hospital. “I don’t know if we’ve ever seen a demolition project of that scale in the downtown, or in fact anywhere in the city since then.”

Thirteen years later, on another Sunday morning in October, the Ogden Federal Elevator, a 12-storey concrete structure built in 1915, was blown up in southeast Calgary. A crowd of a hundred or so people gathered to watch the destruction.

“That was pretty cool,” one onlooker told a CBC reporter. “It was a little underwhelming compared to the General Hospital explosion, but it was pretty cool.”

According to Down, most demolition projects in the downtown have involved low-rise buildings like the Penny Lane Mall and the former Art Central. “If we end up with some incentivized demolitions as a result of our program, these will be the first office building demolitions we have seen in some time, as this scale of removal is rare downtown,” he said.

One of the largest demolitions to have ever taken place in downtown Calgary was the 10-storey Southam Building in 1972, an ornate and gothic-styled edifice of brick and sandstone. Eight gargoyles, each depicting a character from the newspaper industry, were preserved and later affixed to the exterior of the Alberta Hotel a block away on Stephen Avenue.

The York Hotel, an eight-storey building constructed in 1930, was dismantled in 2007 (and its heritage features allegedly put into storage) to clear space for a phase of The Bow tower development that has yet to materialize. The six-storey Southam

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T H E KO B E LC O 1 6 0 0 H I G H - R E A C H E XC AVATO R C H E W I N G D O W N T H E FORMER GROSVENOR BUILDING ON 17TH AV E N U E A N D 4 T H S T R E E T S .W. I N 2 02 3 .

“I LEARNED THE BUSINESS BY DOING IT. THAT’S THE THING ABOUT DEMOLITION, IT’S NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN REA LLY GO TO SCHOOL FOR.” E N R I Q U E B AYATA , G E N E R A L M A N AG E R , P D I W E ST COA ST

up immense chain-link and mesh screens to prevent any material that was knocked loose by the 1600 from falling off site.

“When you have the Alberta winds hit them, they will act like sails,” Bayata said.

Even though they anchored the screens to the structure for one part on one side, they ultimately discovered that it was best just to wait out the powerful chinook winds that funnel through Calgary’s gridded network of streets.

The 1600 made sense for the Grosvenor because the building’s two-storey addition, the former studios of local dance company Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, could be cleared away first to make enough space next to the tower for the excavator to operate. If they didn’t have that extra room, another option would have been to shore up the structure so it could support the weight of an excavator, and then attack the building from the top.

Not long after Baker had finished with the Grosvenor, he was back at work with the 1600 in Calgary on the old YWCA

facility, which sprawled across an entire block in the northeast corner of downtown, just south of where 4th Avenue S.E. crosses the Bow River.

While the Grosvenor and the YWCA were a step up when it comes to demolition projects for Calgary, the city has yet to see the same degree of sophisticated dismantling of office towers as some other major metropolitan centres. Watch online the time-lapsed video created by the Japan Times of the ingenious dismantling of the 40-storey Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka in Tokyo. It was demolished from the top down, but the work was hidden by a moving scaffold covered in panels that mimicked the exterior. The roof of the building was left intact, supported by hydraulic jacks that were lowered as the project progressed. It looks as if the building is miraculously shrinking at the rate of two floors every 10 days.

In an article for the New York Times, Henry Fountain wrote about this technique, and another one developed by

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P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F P D I ; O P P O S I T E PA G E P H O T O B Y J A R E D S Y C H

Chambers building, a former home for the Calgary Herald, came down in 2013 to make way for Brookfield Place.

Enrique Bayata, general manager for PDI’s West Coast operations, enjoys the logistical challenge of large-scale demo projects. “Not one day is like the next. It’s an industry that really keeps you on your toes,” he said. Bayata has worked for PDI for five years but has been in the industry for 12. “I learned the business by doing it,” he said. “That’s the thing about demolition, it’s not something you can really go to school for.” (Bayata might not have gone to demolition school, but he does have two master’s degrees, one in education and another in international affairs and political science.)

According to Baker, learning to run a high-reach excavator is also a less-formal, more “old-school”process — essentially, you have to convince a veteran operator to give you a chance in the seat. So, it’s surprising that Baker, who was 29 when he worked on the Grosvenor (he’s now 30) has had time to gain the experience to become one of the most skilled operators for the biggest excavator in PDI’s fleet.

He was 16 and in high school when he started working for PDI. His first job was pulling nails out of sheets of plywood at the company’s headquarters in King.

Sorting, separating and recycling are major components of modern demolition projects. Bayata said at least 90 per cent of all the material taken from a site gets reused, whether that’s rebar going to a scrapyard to get melted down, or concrete rubble going to a facility to get crushed down so it can be reused.

The value of experience underscores how every demolition is unique; you learn something that you can apply to the next one. PDI opened an office in Calgary by taking over another company, Dakota Reclamators, in 2021. The Grosvenor building was its first project in Calgary of that scale — not to mention the first time a high-reach excavator was used in Calgary — and one thing Bayata learned was to factor in more weather days into the schedule. The crew working on the Grosvenor had used two cranes to hold

Japanese contractors that involves demolishing a skyscraper from the bottom up: The building’s steel columns are cut out at ground level and then the entire structure is jacked down as each successive floor is removed.

“Here in Tokyo, a cheek-by-jowl city with many outdated high-rises and tough recycling and environmental restrictions, Japanese companies are perfecting what might be called stealth demolition,” Fountain wrote.

Grosvenor (the company) announced a proposal in early 2017 for a mixed-use development at 1520 17 Ave. S.W. that would have retained and refurbished the10-storey Grosvenor building and its two-storey addition. The now obsolete drawings show enlarged windows and the precast concrete panels swapped out for a sleek white facade. The designs, undertaken by local architects McKinley Burkart, included two new residential towers on the site, one 32 floors and the other 38, built behind the addition and facing 15th Avenue S.W. But the recent demolition has now wiped the slate clean. PDI returned the L-shaped gravel lot to its client in October 2023. The site has since been sold and, according to Down, a new application is under review. The now vacant 1.67-acre plot (about one-13th of a Riley Park) is at the confluence of two of the city’s liveliest communities ­— the Beltline to the north and Mission to the south — and is encompassed by the 17th Ave business improvement area.

The creative potential of demolition all depends on what happens next.

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30BESTTHINGSTO

EAT&DRINK

Calgary is bursting with delightful foods and beverages that will leave you craving more! Food writers Chanry Thach and Carmen Cheng are back this year with a new list of the coolest and tastiest treats to try.

C H A N RY T H A C H ( L E F T ) AND CARMEN CHENG.

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BY CARMEN CHENG AND CHANRY THACH

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MOCHI DOUGHNUTS

from Sweet Rice There’s something magical about these gluten-free doughnuts — they never fail to put a smile on my face! Husband-and-wife team Michael and Naomi Nar started Sweet Rice as a pop-up during COVID-19 and opened a storefront in 2023.

Mochi doughnuts are iconic for their daisy-like shape and chewy texture. Sweet Rice’s flavours change regularly — think peach lemonade, black sesame or original glaze. The mochi bites are a crowd-pleaser, too! —C.T. 4204 12 St. N.E., sweetrice.ca, @sweetriceyyc

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BEEF AFRO CARIBBE AN PAT TIES

from Yenny Delights Each time I walk by the Yenny Delights pastry case

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FOOD STYLING BY CHRIS L ANDRY PHOTOS BY JARED SYCH

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at Crossroads Market, I feel an urge to stop. Yenny’s made-from-scratch beef Afro Caribbean patties are my favourite! The flaky pastry crust is stuffed with ground beef, vegetables and spices that give these patties a warm and robust flavour. —C.C. 81, 3131 27 St. N.E., and Crossroads Market, 1235 26 Ave. S.E.; yennydelights.com; @yennydelights1

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TAQUERA GREEN SALSA

from Ruben’s Salsas Made with tomatillos, serrano peppers, zucchini and a secret seasoning blend, Ruben’s Taquera Green Salsa is bright and addictive. Owner Ruben Garcia also makes and sells totopos (tortilla chips) and it requires a ton of willpower not to finish an entire jar of Taquera Green Salsa with the crispy totopos. But, if you can hold off, try cooking the chips in the salsa for a few minutes, then

topping with chopped cilantro, onion, a fried egg and queso fresco for a delicious plate of chilaquiles. —C.C. 12445 Lake Fraser Dr. S.E., @rubens_salsas

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POPCORN SE ASONINGS

from Hanks Shake up your snacking game with Hanks’ all-natural popcorn seasonings. This Okotoks company makes a wide range of lipsmacking flavours like Canadian Caramel, Coconut Curr-eh, Irritable Onion and my favourite, What’s The Dill? I’ll sprinkle it on just about anything.

Fries? You betcha. Fried chicken? Oh, absolutely.

Popcorn? Well, duh! It’s a match made in flavour heaven. —C.T. Multiple retailers, including select Safeway and Sobeys, hanksoriginal.ca, @hanks.original

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HONEY-KISSED SODA

from Fallentimber Meadery Fallentimber’s new Honey-Kissed Soda is like sipping on sunshine. The lightly carbonated beverage is infused with natural juices and a touch of honey. The blueberry-and-raspberry flavour is a juicy, crisp concoction — imagine a burst of ripe blueberries and tangy raspberries, perfectly balanced with just a hint of honey sweetness. The sodas also come in two other tasty flavours: grapefruit and lemon or lemon and lime. —C.T. Calgary Farmers’ Market South, 510 77 Ave. S.E., and Calgary Farmers’ Market West, 25 Greenbriar Dr. N.W.; fallentimbermeadery.ca; @ftmeadery

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BÉBÉ LUNE BRIE

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from Old School Cheesery Hands up if you love cheese, specifically Vermilion Old School Cheesery’s Canadian-style brie, affectionately named “Bébé Lune” after the owner’s youngest sister. Me. My hand is up. This brie is so soft, so creamy and just mild enough to be the kind of cheese that converts even the staunchest “I don’t like brie” folks into believers. —C.T. Multiple Calgary retailers including Amaranth Whole Foods Markets and Calgary Co-op grocery stores, oldschoolcheesery.com, @oldschoolcheesery_vermilionab

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VADOUVAN f rom The Silk Road Spice Merchant

Vadouvan originates from Puducherry, a French-colonized region of India. The Silk Road’s version of this French-Indian curry spice blend has a long list of aromatics and spices, including shallots, onions, garlic, mustard seed, fenugreek and curry leaves. I love it with potatoes or cauliflower, but it’s also delicious added to yogurt, then rubbed onto chicken as a marinade before hitting the grill. —C.C. Three Calgary locations, silkroadspices.ca, @silkroadspices

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MANGO MILLE CREPE CAKE

from 33 Mille Crepe Cakes Every celebration in my circle now includes a 33 Mille Crepe Cakes masterpiece. Personally, I’ve formed a deep bond with the mango mille crepe cake with its 16 delicate crepes, each one meticulously layered between clouds of whipped cream, and three layers of fresh mango. Not a fan of mango? There are 15 other crepe cake flavours, from classic tiramisu, to blueberry cream cheese, to durian. —C.T. @33millecrepescake

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HIGHLIGHT PASSION FRUIT COCKTAIL

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from byHendo The Cocktail Company Made in Alberta, byHendo’s Highlight Passion Fruit Cocktail is a vodka-based canned cocktail made with real juice. Because of the low carbonation, customers are encouraged to give their chilled cans a shake to properly mix the cocktail. I love anything passion-fruit-flavoured, but, if you don’t, Highlight cocktails also come in a pineapple flavour. —C.C. Available at liquor stores across Alberta, byhendo.com, 403-431-4535, @byhendo

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PIEROGIES

from The Tisto Factory When I first laid eyes on these beauties, I had to do a double-take. The Tisto Factory crafts these striped pierogies that are not only drool-worthy, but Instagram-worthy, too. With fillings like caramelized pear with mascarpone and cottage cheese, or smoked brisket with baked potatoes and pickles, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill pierogies — they’re culinary works of art. Behind these mouthwatering creations is the Posikera

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family, who fled the horrors of war in Ukraine to find refuge in Calgary. So, every bite of these pierogies isn’t just about the flavour; it’s also a testament to resilience, love and the power of good food to spread joy, even in the toughest times. —C.T. Available at Calgary Co-op locations, the-tisto-factory.com, @the_tisto_factory

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YAME STEM HOUJICHA – MARE

from Matsu Kaze Tea You may know Matsu Kaze Tea as a popular supplier providing high-grade and quality tea and teaware to local Japanese restaurants. The Yame Stem Houjicha – Mare is one of its bestsellers, with a roasted barley aroma and subtle sweetness.

This tea can be prepared cold or hot, but I love savouring it as a hot tea on lazy weekend mornings. —C.C. Order online or available at cafés and shops across Calgary, matsukazetea.com, @matsukazatea

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order this specific flavour in a non-pyramid-shaped cake format. —C.C. The Bow tower, 500 Centre St. S., Level 205, 403-7180399; and 2525 Woodview Dr. S.W., 403-452-8833; patisseriedusoleil.com; @patisserieyyc

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PRETZELS

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1000 Centre St. N., and 6208 Rundlehorn Dr. N.E.; dengsdumplings.com

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VEGAN DUMPLINGS

from Deng’s Dumplings Packed with mushrooms, ginger, cabbage, carrots, Chinese black fungus and rice noodles, these little pockets of joy will win over any dedicated meat enthusiast. At this mom-and-pop operation, you can watch your dumplings steam to perfection before your eyes or snag them frozen togo. We buy them frozen by the bag to keep on hand as an emergency happiness stash. Whether you fry ’em up or toss ’em in a soup, they never disappoint.

And don’t leave without a side of the house chili oil — it’s like liquid gold with a kick. —C.T.

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ITALIAN JOB SANDWICH

from Lil’ Black Rooster Lil’ Black Rooster opened in December 2023 in the Calgary Farmers’ Market West location. The menu features a plethora of delicious sandwiches by chef and owner Andrea Harling. It’s hard for me to pick a favourite, but the Italian Job is bursting with flavour and textures. This sandwich is Harling’s take on an Italian hoagie and features a fresh, crusty baguette filled with layers of mortadella, genoa salami, capicola, lettuce, tomatoes, red pepper spread, garlic aioli, provolone and hot peppers. —C.C. Calgary Farmers’ Market West, 25 Greenbriar Dr. N.W., 403-589-4961, @lilblackroostereats

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TRIPLE CHOCOL ATE MOUSSE PYRAMID

from Patisserie Du Soleil I swooned the first time I dug into the Triple Chocolate Mousse Pyramid from Patisserie Du Soleil. It’s as delectable as it sounds: three layers of chocolate mousse — dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate — sit atop a thin, gluten-friendly Swiss roll with a chocolate truffle centre. You can also

from Good Bread Good Bread makes Bavarian-style pretzels in different forms, such as traditional pretzels, pretzel sticks and pretzel dogs. They’re made with few ingredients, but have all the makings of a great pretzel — a rich buttery taste, rock salt topping and incredible chewy texture. —C.C. 8303 Fairmount Dr. S.E., 587-295-0887, goodbread.com, @goodbreadyyc

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RIVERSIDE CARROT CAKE

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JONNY ’S WORLD FAMOUS RAYU

from Bridgeland Market Bridgeland Market’s Riverside Carrot Cake is a slice of heaven. The cake is packed with carrots, pineapple and walnuts, and topped with a decadent cream cheese icing. (Seriously, that icing!) It also supports a great local cause, as Bridgeland Market donates $1 to Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids with every purchase of its $13.99 portion. —C.C. 1104 1 Ave. N.E., 403-269-2381, bridgelandmarket.com, @bridgelandmarket

from Respect The Technique This chili crisp has lots of umami and a little bit of heat, but finishes sweet. It’s the perfect condiment for providing an extra punch of flavour to everything. Adding lashings of Jonny’s Rayu is like giving your taste buds a high five. From stir-fries to sandwiches, you name it, I’m probably dousing it in Jonny’s World Famous Rayu. —C.T. Pick up from Kaladi Collective Kitchens, 140, 7920 42 St. S.E., respectthetechnique.com, @respectthetechniqueyyc

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Something for everyone.

Over 100 Unique Vendors | Two Convenient Locations Find out more at calgaryfarmersmarket.ca avenuecalgary.com

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MONTRE AL BAGELS

from Montreal Bagels Sorry, New York, but Montreal bagels have stolen my heart! Montreal Bagels (the shop’s name and what it sells) makes its bagels in varieties like plain, poppyseed, sesame and multigrain, among others, that are available individually and in half-dozen or full-dozen orders. The bagels are cash-only and worth every penny for their slightly sweet, dense and chewy texture that’s been kissed by a wood-fired oven. —C.T. 8408 Elbow Dr. S.W., 403-212-4060

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TIGER’S TE A

from Tiger’s Collective Bev Co. My first sip of Tiger’s Tea took me back to merry memories of group singing sessions, as this elegant drink takes root from the cognac green tea drinks that are popular in karaoke bars.

The jasmine green tea brings a subtle floral note that balances well with the cognac, while honey adds a touch of sweetness. It’s a Calgary-based canned cocktail that’s non-carbonated, refreshing and totally crushable. —C.C. Available at liquor stores across Alberta, tigerstea.ca, @tigersteacognac

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TRIPLE CHOCOL ATE BROWNIE

from Crave Cupcakes Crave may be known for classic cupcakes that could make angels sing, but there’s a hidden gem in its repertoire that steals the show for me: the Triple Chocolate Brownie, featuring layers of brownie, dark chocolate mousse and ganache. And let me spill the cocoa beans here — the bakeshop also offers a bake-at-home brownie mix that makes perfectly chewy, fudgey brownies. Between you and me, I might just prefer Crave’s brownies over its cupcakes, but let’s keep that between us, okay? —C.T. Multiple Calgary locations, cravecupcakes.ca, @cravecupcakes

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SEOUL-STYLE KIMCHI

from Hanbo Korean Noodle There’s almost always a jar of kimchi in our fridge, and our favourite is the Seoulstyle kimchi handcrafted by Hanbo Korean Noodle.

I first tried Hanbo’s kimchi at the restaurant as a side dish to the kalguksu (hand-pulled noodles). The fermentation process lends itself to a depth of flavour that goes so well with the rich noodles. Thankfully, Hanbo sells its kimchi packaged in 1.5-pound portions, so you can enjoy it at home, too. —C.C. 4340 Macleod Tr. S.W., @hanbo.yyc

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APPLE TURNOVERS

from Primary Colours Opened by the team behind Monogram Coffee, Primary Colours restaurant serves daily brunch and dinner. But don’t overlook its take-home pastry program. The butter croissant is wonderful, and the apple turnover is especially loved. Filled with Granny Smith apples and caramel, the hand-laminated, all-butter pastry gives this apple turnover its divine flaky layers. —C.C. 802 49 Ave. S.W., primarycolours.cafe, @primarycolourscafe

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BISCUITS

from Cluck N Cleaver It goes without saying that Cluck N Cleaver makes incredible chicken and sandwiches. But it’s CNC’s buttermilk biscuits that always have me in a state of total bliss. Sold individually or in packs of six (pro tip: freeze the extras!), these buttery biscuits are handmade in Cluck N Cleaver’s shops and go perfectly with its house-made gravy.

The biscuits also make amazing sandwiches when filled with Cluck N Cleaver’s chicken salad. —C.C. 1511 14 St. S.W., and 210, 151 Walden Gate S.E.; cluckncleaver.com; @cluckncleaver

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For Cool and Cr Cr

y

Let’s connect

WWW.LACTALISFOODSERVICE.CA @LACTALISCANADAFOODSERVICE

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chickpeas, it doesn’t take much to whip up an easy and delicious meal with these sauces. —C.T. @curryco.yyc

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PROTEIN BANANA BRE AD MIX

from HelloAmino Say hello to the snack that’s banana bread, but better, courtesy of HelloAmino. If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to up your protein intake, and HelloAmino makes it easy to get those extra grams in with its Protein Banana Bread Mix. Just add milk, eggs, butter, vanilla extract and three overripe bananas. —C.T. Multiple retailers, including Italian Centre Shop, 9919 Fairmount Dr. S.E., 403-238-4869; and Lakeview Bakery, 6449 Crowchild Tr. S.W., 403-246-6127; helloamino.com, @helloamino

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CRE AM PUFFS

from Crème Cream Puffs Nothing hits the spot like one of Carly Kubinec’s heavenly cream puff creations featuring choux pastry filled with handmade pastry creams and other delicious ingredients. What really sets Crème apart is the ingenious craquelin tops, cookie-like crusts that add a wonderfully crunchy texture on top of every cream puff. Each month, Kubinec whips up new flavours (past offerings have included lemon meringue, raspberry hazelnut brownie and peanut butter marshmallow cheesecake), leaving her fans eagerly anticipating the next mouthwatering combination. —C.T. 2, 5524 1A St. S.W., cremecreampuffs.com, @cremecreampuffs

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AUTHENTIC THAI CURRY SAUCE

from Curry Co. Have you ever tried making curry paste from scratch? It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded while riding a unicycle. Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but trust me, it’s not easy. Then, in walks Curry Co. like the superhero it is, making it a breeze to whip up mouthwatering, aromatic dishes with its massaman, panang or green curry sauce packs. From there, it’s as easy as adding anything in your fridge.

Whether you add tofu, leftover veggies or a can of

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BEEF SHANK PIE

from Gemstone Grass Fed Beef I’m always searching for easy, pre-made dishes for busy weeknight meals. That search led me to the beef shank pie from Gemstone Grass Fed Beef’s butcher shop in Calgary Farmers’ Market West. The pie is heavy from its generous amount of rich beef shank that’s braised overnight with carrots, celery and aromatics. Covered with gravy and mashed potatoes, this hearty, frozen pre-made pie (also available fresh) is the perfect comfort meal. —C.C. Calgary Farmers’ Market West, 25 Greenbriar Dr. N.W., 403-420-5526, gemstonegrassfedbeef.com, @gemstonebeef

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ICE CRE AM

from Caribbean Taste With roots in Colombia, sisters Tatiana and Ana Maria Navarro infuse their ice creams (which they also call “fluffs,” due to the light and creamy texture) with Latin flair that’s impossible to resist. From passion fruit to rich dulce de leche, each scoop celebrates their heritage. The moment I dipped my spoon into their guava cheesecake ice cream, I was hooked. It was like a slice of creamy heaven with a tropical twist, and I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. —C.T. Multiple retailers, including Norley’s Authentic Colombian Street Food, 1314B 9 Ave. S.E., 403-7644000; Samba Brazilian Market, 1289 Highfield Cres.

S.E., 587-839-6446; Latinos Bakery, 613 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-453-2247; and Latin Food Specialties Market & Kitchen, 6103 Centre St. S., 403-475-5020; caribbeantaste.ca, @caribbeantaste_ca

july/august 2024

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ZA’ATAR DELUXE PIE

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from Shaganappi Mediterranean Market Manakish are traditional flatbread pies native to the Eastern Mediterranean/West Asian region that includes Lebanon and the Levant region. At its Macleod Trail location, Shaganappi Mediterranean Market makes manakish from scratch with a variety of toppings and spices, then bakes them to order.

The market’s most popular manakish are the Meat Pie and my personal favourite, the Za’atar Deluxe.

Topped with olive oil and za’atar (a blend of wild Mediterranean thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and other spices), the dough is baked in the oven and then loaded with fresh vegetables, kalamata olives and creamy labneh. —C.C. Available at Shaganappi Mediterranean Market Macleod Trail, 9950 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-457-3200, shaganappimarket.ca, @shaganappimarket

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SMOKED BBQ PORK SHANK

f rom Jubang Last year, the masterminds behind one of my all-time favourite restaurants, JinBar, unveiled a ghost kitchen concept specializing in authentic Korean cuisine led by chefs Jinhee Lee, Hyungjae Lim and Seulchan Eom. My taste buds were doing a happy dance when I got my hands on the smoked barbecue jokbal (pork shank). We’re talking pork so succulent, it practically melts on your tongue in ribbons of juicy goodness. The dish comes with stir-fried sweet-potato noodles and assorted sauces. —C.T. Pick up at 610 Meredith Rd. N.E., @jubangyyc

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BY MARCELLO DI CINTIO

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PHOTOS BY JARED SYCH

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DRIVING

THE FILM INDUSTRY New movie The Order features starring performances by J U D E L AW and N I C H O L A S H O U LT , as well as supporting roles by a fleet of ’80s-era police cars from G R A DY G A LV I N , a local stunt driver and picture car supplier.

rady Galvin’s resumé brings to mind the characters in the action movies he works on.

He can race motorcycles and luxury cars. He’s a certified yacht-master, “wreck and rescue” Scuba diver and downhill ski instructor. Galvin can shoot a combat shotgun, ride a horse and survive in the wilderness. He can ice climb, rock climb and navigate a canoe through whitewater. The guy is a tuxedo and an English accent away from being James Bond.

Galvin had always wanted an adventurous life. Born and raised in Calgary, he attended Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, then enrolled in a marine biology program at the University of British Columbia. “I very quickly discovered that being a marine biologist did not make you Jacques Cousteau,” Galvin said.

“You weren’t going to be spending your time diving off exploration vessels on the Great Barrier Reef.” So, he swapped out marine biology for archaeology. “I decided I wanted to be Indiana Jones,” he said. But, when it was clear an archeology degree wasn’t going to lead him to booby-trapped caves and rolling boulders, he switched majors again to veterinary medicine with the intention of becoming a vet specializing in large animals.

In the summer of 1991, while home between his first and second years at UBC,

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Galvin met John Scott, his aunt’s thenboyfriend. Scott ran a ranch near Longview where he served the film industry as a stunt co-ordinator and performer, animal wrangler, location scout, and transportation co-ordinator. Scott would eventually earn the colloquial title of Alberta’s “Godfather of film” with a vast resume of film credits, including The Revenant and Legends of the Fall.

During a family dinner, Galvin told Scott he needed a summer job and asked if he had any work on his ranch. Scott asked him if he wanted to work in the movies. Galvin didn’t; he hoped to work with the animals. Regardless, he started the following Monday, “and, literally, on Tuesday, I was working on a movie,” he said. His first job was unloading Clint Eastwood’s pig pen: that summer, Eastwood was directing and starring in Unforgiven, most of which was filmed in the Foothills south of Calgary. Galvin drove a five-ton truck full of wooden panels to the set where the Unforgiven crew assembled the pen, the same pen in which Eastwood’s character first appears on screen, chasing a feverish hog.

Galvin returned to Scott’s ranch to work every summer during his time at UBC. He added a wildlife ecology minor to his agriculture major in the hopes of becoming a wildlife veterinarian. Soon, though, the film business started to edge into Galvin’s life plans. As a

way to merge his university education with growing affection for making movies, Galvin considered acquiring wildlife that he could lease out to films. He imagined operating a ranch populated by bears, cougars and ravens he could wrangle for productions.

He also toyed with the idea of stunt work.

Scott’s place was, as Galvin put it, “crawling with stunt people,” and he greatly admired their work. But breaking into stunt work wasn’t easy. Southern Alberta’s stunt industry was built on horseback, and the majority of the stunt performers have always been rodeo cowboys who have been working in the movie business for decades. Galvin mostly found work outside the industry, returning to set whenever the opportunity arose as a “special skills extra” to ride a horse in the background.

Then Galvin met and married Sally Bishop, an ambitious young stunt performer that he met at the Calgary Stampede, where she was working as a trick rider. Bishop came from movies: her father worked as a head wrangler and stunt performer in Ontario’s Niagara region. “I grew up helping him on set on shows like Road to Avonlea and Murdoch Mysteries,” Bishop said.

Their marriage drew Galvin back into the film industry. While other husbands and wives sign up for date-night cooking classes, Galvin and Bishop took stunt-driving courses

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in Los Angeles and Toronto and went to motorcycle racing school in Vancouver. The ongoing process of adding skills to one’s stunt toolbox “is a fun part of the job,” Bishop said, but all stunt performers have their specialties. Galvin “loved cars and anything to do with driving,” Bishop said. “He worked on that quite a bit. And I definitely remember him watching Top Gear all the time.”

The two may have shared a passion for stunt work, but Bishop was the busier performer. (The couple split in 2011, but remain on good terms.) Galvin didn’t get many stunt jobs, but ended up scoring the three film credits required for his ACTRA membership. (“I fell off a horse, and galloped a horse through a forest, and I did something on skis,” he said.) When he returned to the business, he was mostly driving trucks on movie sets as part of the transport crews — an echo of that first job delivering Eastwood’s pig pen.

So, Galvin decided to go into the picture vehicle business. Film and TV productions have picture-car co-ordinators to source and acquire whatever vehicles are needed to appear on screen. Productions often require specific cars to match the story’s time period. Picturecar suppliers are independent businesses that have the cars the co-ordinators need.

In 2019, Galvin founded his supplier business, Rumrunner Picture Cars. He started with the three cop cars he’d purchased from the production of El Chicano two years earlier.

Then, Galvin bought the entire lot of early 2010s-era cars from Fargo’s third season.

Now, Rumrunner boasts an inventory of more than 100 vehicles. They fill a warehouse in the city’s southeast that once housed Calgary’s fleet of garbage trucks. Nearly all of Rumrunner’s stock is law-enforcement and emergency vehicles. Galvin has several models of Crown Victorias (“the quintessential cop car,” he said), along with seven Ford Taurus Interceptor sedans. He has a pair of 1968 Galaxies — nicknamed Han Solo and Lando Calrissian — and two identical Dodge Chargers rigged with a stunt brake system that can be switched on and off to allow actors to safely drive the car normally, and stunt drivers to lock up the rear brakes and slide the car around corners.

Galvin procures matching pairs of many vehicles. That way, actors can film their scenes in and around one car, while a second unit

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G A LV I N I N A R U M R U N N E R CAR USED IN THE FILMING OF UPCOMING MOVIE THE ORDER.

A B U L L E T- R I D D L E D C A R D O O R F R O M FA R G O S E A S O N 5 , U S E D F O R A SCENE WHERE THE CHARACTER O L E M U N C H B L A S T S A S TAT E TROOPER CAR WITH AN M16 RIFLE .

july/august 2024

He has a pair of 1968 Galaxies — nicknamed Han Solo and Lando Calrissian — and two identical Dodge Chargers rigged with a stunt brake system.

simultaneously films car-chase sequences with the twin.

In addition to the police cars, Galvin has a city bus, a faux-wood-panelled Jeep Wagoneer, and a U.S. Postal Service Mail jeep from 1973. He also maintains a selection of poorly running “beaters” suitable to be lit on fire or blown up. Two Porsches, a 2007 Cayman S and a 1977 924 — which Galvin calls his “puta-smile-on-my-face car” — are Rumrunner’s only sports cars. Contrary to what you might think, film sets rarely need such sexy vehicles.

“If you think about your average evening watching television, how many McLarens and Lamborghinis do you actually see?” Galvin said. On the other hand, nearly every movie and television show has a police car.

Galvin only knows of one other picture-vehicle supplier in Southern Alberta and around five individuals working as picture-vehicle co-ordinators in this region. He does not consider them his rivals: each outfit knows the vehicles the other has in its inventory and will reach out for whatever might be needed.

They also help each other source vehicles and other gear for upcoming shoots. Galvin considers this congeniality an Albertan trait.

“I don’t know whether it’s the ruggedness and hardship of our world we live in, just that it’s a different place,” he said. “People here have different attitudes. They’re more independent.

They’re more pragmatic. And I think that is part of the collaborative side of the industry.”

And the industry keeps evolving. Calgary and its environs have long been a boutique shop for shooting westerns — cowboys on horseback look majestic framed against sweeping prairie vistas and the rising Rockies,

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after all. Lately, though, Calgary has grown into an important shooting location for films that don’t necessarily require saddles and Stetsons. The greatest example of Calgary’s emergence as a film-production hub was HBO’s decision to shoot The Last of Us Season 1 here. The miniseries ranks as one of the most expensive television series ever produced and contributed $182 million to Alberta’s GDP. The film industry had just started to recover from lean pandemic years when the screen writers’ and actors’ strikes shut down productions again. But, even without such wholesale disasters, the business remains difficult to predict. “We’ll get a couple booming years, and then we’ll get a dry spell,” Galvin said.

“And so, people have been really reluctant to invest for fear of those dry spells.” But he also sees the industry here growing more stable.

“Alberta’s becoming more of a home for film.”

Fortunately, the City has not been reluctant to invest. In the wake of The Last of Us, Calgary’s municipal government amplified its efforts to support the local film industry and reduce red tape for film crews. Millions of square feet of studio space have been built in the last few years, and companies like Galvin’s have invested in infrastructure to serve those visiting productions. “The City as an entity has really recognized the value that film brings to the community, both economically and socially,” Galvin said. Now that westerns are once again having a moment (thanks to the Yellowstone effect), the immediate future for the local industry looks promising.

Occasionally, stunt co-ordinators will hire Galvin to do some stunt driving on set. He isn’t called upon to flip cars or jump buses over freeway gaps, but he’s more than capable of ripping a police car down the street and sliding out 90 degrees in front of a crime scene, or screeching a car to a stop inches from a grandma pushing her shopping cart into the street. “It’s a dream come true,” Galvin said. “As a kid watching The Dukes of Hazzard, that’s what I wanted to do.”

Stunt driving has changed considerably since the Duke boys last leapt through the open windows of the General Lee. Traditionally, film productions might tow a picture car behind a process trailer that films the actors in the front seat. Galvin can also drive a picture car from a control pod mounted on its roof, allowing the actors inside to safely converse, or fight, while appearing to drive a moving car.

The technology now exists for a camera department to drive a vehicle with an array of attached cameras along a specified route, collect all the visual data, then project the moving image on LED screens behind the picture car parked in a studio. The car never has to move at all, and the average movie viewer won’t notice the difference.

But Galvin isn’t an average viewer. He can tell what’s real and what’s Hollywood magic.

“It’s a rare movie that can put me into a state of suspended disbelief,” Galvin said. Top Gun: Maverick was one of these rare exceptions.

Most of the time, though, Galvin will get distracted by the high-tech short cuts and little errors he spots, especially in car-heavy films. For example, when the action in a film switches between different cities, Galvin will

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F I LM : T H E O R D E R CAR 1990 Chevrolet Caprice, a.k.a. “Clarice” GG: “One of my favourites.

She’s actually a 1990, but for The Order, which was set in 1984, we changed the headlights and grille so she looked age appropriate. Clarice was originally a black-and-white police car for the town of Lacombe. After retirement, she sat in a barn until I traded a partially smashed Hummer H2 for her. I’ve since added a stunt brake, and upgraded to a 12 bolt ‘Lincoln locked’ rear differential so she can slide around corners. The ’76 Delta 88 in the background, nicknamed ‘Blurple,’ is also mine.”

S E R I ES : U N D E R T H E BA N N E R O F H E AV E N CAR 1980 Chrysler Newport GG: “This car is not mine; I rented it from a local collector.

At the end of production, the police equipment was removed, and the car returned. I couldn’t do the job without the great relationships I have with local car owners. I really value the trust they put in me to return their car in as good or better condition than we got it. I like that it can be financially beneficial to them and, by extension, to the local economy.” –as told to Shelley Arnusch

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“It’s a rare movie that can put me into a state of suspended disbelief.”

GRA DY GA LV IN

sometimes notice the same cars driving in the background. “I’ll be sitting there and think, ‘Ugh. That’s the third time I’ve seen that same Volkswagen Beetle,’” he said.

Galvin holds a certain occupational affection for those old VWs. “There is an unspoken picture-car co-ordinator rule that there has to be a Volkswagen Beetle in every movie,” Galvin said. He is only half-joking. The Beetle was such a popular model for so many years, there was a long stretch of movie history when they appeared in nearly every film. “I’d like to keep that going,” Galvin said. He has one Beetle in his inventory, a baby-blue beauty that belongs to his girlfriend.

In 2023, Galvin worked on the set of The Order, a car chase-heavy film releasing this year starring Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult — and, as it turns out, Sally Bishop as a Brinks security guard. The production wanted to see Law doing his own driving in the film and the British actor trained with Galvin for a couple of days in Rumrunner’s parking lot.

“It wasn’t anything really dramatic,” Galvin said of the manoeuvres he taught Law. Just some hard stops and tire-squealing starts so Law could run out of a building, jump in his car and peel away without the director having to break continuity. Galvin was behind the wheel for the more dangerous car chases, sporting a mustache and shaved widow’s peak to match Law’s.

Galvin can’t wait for moviegoers to see The Order. “Everything was real. Everything.

I don’t think there was a single green screen used in the whole show. Every car, every piece of car action, every piece of firearm work, is all raw and real.” And, for Galvin, there is a kind of splendour in this authenticity. “I think it is going to be the most beautiful film we’ve seen in a long time,” he said.

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F A R G O P H O T O C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 2 3 , F X N E T W O R K S , A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D ; O R D E R P H O T O B Y S H E L L E Y A R N U S C H ; B A N N E R O F H E A V E N P H O T O B Y M I C H E L L E F AY E / F X

S E R I ES : FA RG O S E A SON 5 CAR 2016 Ford Taurus Interceptor, a.k.a. “Witt” (after Witt Farr, the character played by Lamorne Morris, pictured) GG: “This an ex-Calgary Police Services car. It was sold at auction and then I bought it on behalf of Fargo from a local dealer.

We re-upfitted it with lights, console, computer and pushbar.

I purchased the entire Fargo cop car inventory from the production at the close of filming.”

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R O C K Y

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BOOSTER Combine 16 technical turns with 36 metres of elevation change across 3.5 kms of plant-you-in-your-seat straights and G-inducing bends, then mix vigorously AT maximum RPM, and you have a surefire recipe for the most excitement you can experience on wheels!

Public Track Days / High-Performance Driving Schools / Corporate Events and Rentals / Racing Events / New Driver Schools / Membership Opportunities / Open Lapping Track Day Motorcycle Track Day High-Performance Driving School RUSH SR Racing Series RMM Digital Electronic Flagging System Community Charity Event Turn 17 Mustang Fleet Rental

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july/august 2024

ADVERTISING FEATURE

You bring the passion.

We’ll supply the twists and turns.

nly 25 minutes North of Calgary lives a motorsports circuit like no other. Officially open since 2022, Rocky Mountain Motorsports is a world-class motorsports facility, providing driving enthusiasts with a technical, premium experience—right here in the heart of Alberta.

Designed by world-renowned F1 track designer TILKE Gmbh, RMM has the pedigree that will excite the novice learner, and challenge the most skilled drivers and motorcycle riders. As the circuit moves into its second full season, demand for a purpose-built motorsports destination has allowed both our growing membership group and the general public to access a broad range of driving experiences designed for all skill-sets and levels of ability.

Whether it is a member track day, an adrenaline-fueled corporate event, one of our high-performance driving schools, an open lapping track day, or participating in one of our racing series, RMM is the home of motorsports in Western Canada.

It’s not just about going fast—RMM prides itself with having safety as a top priority. RMM boasts being the most technologically advanced circuit in North America, with key features such as an F1-level electronic flagging system that displays second-to-second information to every driver on track, and 21 track-side cameras to monitor all on-track action—all to make every lap at our circuit as safe as it is exciting.

RMM is a publicly accessible race circuit, inviting public access of up to three events annually, with no limit on our driving school visits. For some events, we also offer a track-prepped vehicle through our partnership with Turn 17 Garage for those who want to participate in a driving program without risking wear and tear on their own vehicle.

For the frequent track visitor, and performance driving specialist, RMM offers a limited number of membership opportunities that allow for exclusive access and privileges. Our Membership Program is more than 50% sold, and provides significant track time access and participation in RMM driving events and RMM social activities.

To complement a premium on-track experience, RMM is developing on-site car condos, offering members both easy access to the circuit as well as the convenience of vehicle storage and track-side amenities.

If you hold a passion for motorsports and have aspired to learn from a professional, are looking to hone your skills and take your performance driving to the next level, or seek a truly unique recreational or corporate event experience, this is the opportunity to get your 2024 on track!

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50 YEARS OF

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CONNECTING COMMUNITY Southcentre Mall celebrates half a century of retail services and community gatherings.

For 50 years, many Calgarians have made Southcentre their go-to mall — sharing stories over lunches, shopping for back-to-school outfits, purchasing holiday gifts and day-to-day essentials for their homes, loved ones and themselves. When Southcentre Mall opened its doors in 1974, it answered the retail needs of the city, and it’s since grown to be one of the largest shopping destinations in the city.

But more than good shopping, the mall has always served as a social hub for Calgarians. It’s where friends meet on weekends, families bring their kids to see Santa and neighbours gather for community events.

Throughout the years, it’s undergone substantial expansions and warmly welcomed big-name stores like Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel, and today, it has over 160 stores and services — a testimony to its growth and success over the last five decades. Although the space has taken different shapes over the years, there’s been one constant: Southcentre’s unwavering commitment to serve and connect Calgarians.

“Southcentre Mall has remained dedicated to its role as a community connector, using every opportunity to unite Calgarians with the causes close to their hearts. Our space serves as a platform to create memorable everyday experiences for everyone involved,” says Alexandra Velosa, marketing manager of Southcentre Mall.

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CONTRIBUTING TO A BETTER CALGARY

At the heart of Southcentre’s values is community, as shown by its participation in a lot of boots-on-the-ground community service work. Last year alone, Southcentre’s fundraising efforts reached $1.7 million. With partnerships with over 20 community organizations across the city, the mall helps tackle issues like food insecurity, poverty and mental health, making for a better Calgary.

“Witnessing the tremendous growth of our city over the years has been nothing short of remarkable, and we are proud to have played a central role as a community hub throughout this journey,” says Velosa.

Southcentre is dedicated to championing local brands and makers.

Since 2020, the mall has welcomed 25

local stores and ensured they have the necessary support in place to thrive, and in turn, help Calgary thrive.

The mall also employs thousands of Calgarians and welcomes millions of visitors a year, helping boost Calgary’s economy. Southcentre works closely with both local entrepreneurs and top retailers to continually add to its diverse and sizable store selection. And its list of offerings for Calgarians continues to grow with Power Play, a next-level entertainment experience, set to open in the fall of 2024.

A SPACE TO SHOWCASE COMMUNITY

While it was first created as a shopping venue, it did not take long to transcend into a community hub. Southcentre helps amplify voices, share stories and shine a spotlight on local talent. Take Earls Southcentre, for example, which has commissioned hundreds of local works of art, giving Calgary-based artists new opportunities for work and to reach new audiences. Plus, Southcentre’s Centre Court often features displays including Indigenous art, Ukrainian pysanky (Easter eggs) and even food can sculptures, all in an effort to raise awareness and funds for important causes.

Southcentre is more than just a place to shop. By providing space, opportunities and exposure for local artisans and creators, it’s part of Calgary’s rich culture of creativity, innovation and community, where Calgarians can come together to celebrate and support one another.

To learn more and plan your next visit, go to southcentremall.com. july/august 2024

PHOTOS BY STEVE COLLINS, CHRIS L ANDRY AND JARED SYCH

P H OTO BY J A R E D SYC H

For auto aficionados, summer means it’s time to shine up that prized vehicle and show it off at one of the many events happening in and around town.

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OLD SCHOOL

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P H OTO S BY J A R E D SYC H

The Bearspaw Lions annual Classic Car Show & Shine draws a range of vintage vehicles like a 1937 Ford panel delivery truck (top photo), along with hot rods and “rat rods,” classic ’50s cars (organizer Grant Kitzul shows his ’57 Chevrolet convertible) and motorcycles. Now in its fourth year, the show takes place at the Bearspaw Lions Hall just northwest of Calgary.

This year’s event is on Saturday, July 20, with food trucks, a beer garden and Best in Show prize. Proceeds help support the Veterans Association Food Bank.

july/august 2024

TUNE IN, PEEL OUT

P H OTO S BY C H R I S L A N D RY

Annual motorsports festival Tunerbash is an all-ages (and entirely legal) gathering for owners and lovers of “tuners” — cars that have had multiple parts switched out for the purpose of making them faster. Held locally at the Airdrie Air Park, the combination car meet, drag race and drift expo is like stepping onto the set of a Fast and the Furious film, with best-in-show awards to cap off the day.

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GOLDEN OLDIES

P H OTO S BY ST E V E CO L L I N S

Last summer, luxury retirement residence The Edward organized a classic car show on the grounds of neighbouring facility CSpace Marda Loop in the community of South Calgary. The event drew stunners such as a 1951 MG TD (opposite page) and doubled as a fundraiser for the Calgary Food Bank. The second-annual show will take place this summer on Aug. 18, with a free meal for all car exhibitors.

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july/august 2024

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Experience Calgary’s longest running street festival!

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july/august 2024

A D R I V E D O W N M E M O RY L A N E

P H OTO S BY ST E V E CO L L I N S

The longstanding family-run Italian Supermarket has been hosting a car show on the last Sunday in August on and off for the past decade. These days, it doubles as a memorial for patriarch Emilio Di Gaeta, who passed away in 2022. According to son Marco Di Gaeta, Emilio was a “car nut,” who owned a ’68 Corvette and ’97 Ferrari. Along with the business, the Di Gaeta family inherited Emilio’s love of cars and carry on his legacy by welcoming likeminded car aficionados to their lot each year. –Shelley Arnusch

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calgary style

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BY SARAH COMBER PHOTO BY JARED SYCH

july/august 2024

HOW TO STRUT YOUR STUFF

Don’t let your teeth become extinct.

MODEL KIM NOSEWORTHY HIGHLIGHTS HOW CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY TO LOOKING AND FEELING GREAT.

Kim Noseworthy’s three-decade modelling career has taken her around the globe and recently evolved into her latest venture: School of Walk (SofW). Founded in the fall of 2023, SofW provides aspiring models, politicians and other clients with tangible tips on how to walk through life with confidence.

“I always teach to shine from the inside,” Noseworthy says. “If you are holding yourself well and feeling confident, that is going to highlight your outfit.”

As far as her own day-to-day style goes, Noseworthy can mostly be found pairing a crop top with a flowy skirt and kitten heels, or a blouse with a pair of cargos — balancing comfort with professionalism, particularly while teaching at SofW. “[As a model,] I’ve had to remain fairly neutral as a canvas, and that has transitioned into my personal life,” she says, noting she typically opts for minimal makeup and jewellery. “But, when I do have the opportunity, I love to get glammed up.”

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontists are gum disease specialists. Early detection and treatment will prevent your teeth from becoming a part of the fossil record. Contact a periodontist today at albertaperiodontists.ca

Alberta Academy of Periodontics

Skirt, vest and bustier, by local designer Paul Hardy; earrings, heirlooms from Noseworthy’s mother-in-law; ring (left hand), by local designer au+c fine jewelry; ring (right hand), a gift from Noseworthy’s mother; shoes, Zara; hair, Nicole Sanders; makeup, Bryan Francisco.

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shop talk

STORY AND PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDRY

The Father-Daughter Duo Behind Alberta Boot Co. Outfitters’ Famous Footwear

F

ounded in 1978, Alberta Boot Co. Outfitters (formerly Alberta Boot Company) is Calgary’s premier cowboy boot manufacturer, handcrafting hundreds of pairs every month and selling them from a storefront location in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood, as well as at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and a new location in Southcentre Mall, set to open this summer.

Calgary Police Service officers wear Alberta Boot Co. boots, as do RCMP officers as part of their Red Serge ceremonial attire. As the official boot of the Calgary Stampede, Alberta Boot Co. boots are worn by parade marshals, CS royalty and the Showband. The company also does custom orders with as much (or as little) flair as clients want.

Working behind the scenes is the father-daughter duo of Antonio Juarez, Alberta Boot Co. Outfitters’ vice president of operations, and Ana Karen Ludwig, production supervisor. Originally from Mexico, the family has a legacy of leatherworking that goes back generations.

We caught up with Juarez and Ludwig to learn about the “sole” that goes into making an Alberta Boot Co. boot.

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Q

How did you get started in leatherworking?

AJ: “We had a little shop next to my house [in Mexico] and I would watch my dad and grandfather. As a kid, you want to copy [them], so it was natural for me. Sometimes my friends would want a belt, and I would say ‘I can do that,’ so I started my own little side hustle.

AKL: “It’s one of those things that’s in your blood: My dad, his grandpa taught him, and when I was a little girl, I would always watch [my dad]. He would bring me to the store, and I started

seeing the creativity in all of those pieces being put together.”

Q

What do you love about leather working?

AJ: “Watching my dad making saddles, belts, shoes, it was a relaxing time for him, stitching by hand. So when I started doing it, I found it was relaxing. I just remember thinking, ‘I like this’.” AKL: “I remember very clearly the room in the backyard in Mexico. You would go in through this old, rickety door — as soon as you opened it, you smelled all the leather.”

Q

What are some crazy custom requests you’ve had? AJ: “One or two people ask for things like ‘an ostrich heel, but alligator on the front, with kangaroo here and a piece of snake in the back’.”

AKL: “One guy wanted every piece a different colour: the front yellow, the back red, the foot green. As crazy as they might be, we can usually execute it in some way or another.”

121 10 Ave. S.E., Fairmont Banff Springs and Southcentre Mall (summer 2024), albertaboot.ca

july/august 2024

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ROAD TRIPS Summer is upon us, which means it’s road trip season! Pack up the car and hit the road. Now’s the time to experience new adventures, whether it’s heading east to Rosebud for a live theatre getaway, west to Sunshine Village in Banff for an alpine voyage, north to Saddle Hills County for a lakeside escape or stay closer to home with a day trip to explore the vibrant community of Montgomery.

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y S I L V I A K I E N E S B E R G E R , i S T O C K

Take a day or three to see what fun the open road holds — the beauty of a road trip is you can set your own pace and stop if something strikes your fancy. Read on to plan your next merry excursion.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

A DAY TRIP TO MONTGOMERY Be a tourist in your own city.

FUEL UP

Get your caffeine fix with a decadent latte at Fringe Coffee or grab a bubble tea from Sue at VitaminBoba.

For an unbeatable brunch, NOtaBLE offers breakfast options on weekends. Choose from classics like

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eggs Benedict and sourdough French toast or try something new like the pulled pork breakfast pizza.

GET OUTSIDE — WITH THE DOGS, KIDS OR ON A DATE

Shouldice, Edworthy or Montalban — three great off-leash parks that let you tire out your four-legged friends. After your pup’s big walk or swim, grab a treat from Bon A-Pet-Treat! Pet Store & Bakery, then treat yourself with a chocolate-dipped cone from Dairy Queen.

The Shouldice Park Playground, an all-inclusive park with tons of swings, bouncing and ramp areas, lets your kids burn off energy.

Follow that up with a picnic in the park with donairs from My Donair or Shawarma Palace. Or try a chicken or beef satay sub from Lily Vietnamese Submarines or swing

by Five Spice Kitchen for a range of Asian cuisine offerings. Watch for Deng’s Dumplings newest location opening soon, too.

Float the Bow with friends or family. Rent a raft from Sports Rent Tacos from Rising Tides Taproom

P H O T O G R A P H S B Y L I S A A M O S / C AY D E N C E P H O T O G R A P H Y, COURTESY MONTGOMERY BIA

You might be thinking of packing up the car, hitting the Trans Canada Highway and photobombing tourist attractions while surviving on gas station snacks and questionable coffee.

While there’s appeal to roadtripping, there’s the hidden gem of Montgomery without needing to leave the city. Once a village in its own right, Montgomery joined the City of Calgary in 1963 connecting the communities of Parkdale and Bowness. Over the years, the vibrant community has seen many businesses and activities pop up.

Leave your overnight bag at home, grab a friend and plan your next road trip to Montgomery where you can fill up on family events, date nights, delicious meals, coffees and bubble teas.

Whether you’re Fringe Coffee looking for a relaxing spa day with some retail therapy, a weekend to indulge in tasty eats or an outdoor getaway to enjoy nature’s offerings, you’ll find it all in Montgomery.

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and flow with the river. Prefer to stay on land? Rent a bike or rollerblades (Alien In-Line offers classes if you’re new to blading), or play a friendly game of volleyball, bocce ball or tug of war.

After working up an appetite, grab a bite at Papa Nikolas Pizza for homemade tomato sauce and fresh crust made in-house daily. Or Rob at Wine Kitz go to Pizza 3000 and create your own pizza with up to five toppings.

For a tried-and-true taste experience, check out the Wiener Schnitzel Haus. This family-owned staple has been serving Calgarians authentic Austrian dining experiences for years. Choose a starter, like the raclette for two, or a dessert. Or treat yourself to both — you’re on an adventure.

MASSAGE AND RETAIL THERAPY

Spend the afternoon browsing an array of local shops. Find sustainable bath, body and home products at Greenbriar Market + Refillery and get thrifting for a new outfit at Curvy Britches. Plus,

Montgomery features a variety of beauty and wellness services so you can relax with a massage from Montgomery Wellness, mani/ pedi from Cactus nails or get the latest style, cut and colour at ThairAPY. Take some fresh flowers home to commemorate the day from Allan’s Flowers. And for a fun and unique experience, craft your own wine at Wine Kitz.

ENJOY A NIGHTCAP

Wrap up a great day with a refreshing pint of beer at Rising Tides Taproom for a large selection of local beers and house-crafted cocktails. If you're NOtaBLE still hungry, enjoy a taco or two there, too.

Or splurge with a scoop or three of ice cream or a tasty banana split from the original location of Abbey’s Creations.

So many fun experiences packed into this community To plan your Montgomery road trip, waiting for you visit montgomerybia.com. to discover.

ThairAPY SALON and SKIN CENTRE

FOR YOUR HAIR AND SKIN HEALTH NEEDS

visit www.thairapy.org

Montgomery Place 1881 45 St NW Calgary AB T3B 4S7 403 247-6440 info@thairapy.org Exclusive provider of Kevin Murphy and Dermalogica products

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THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING Swap your skis for hiking boots this summer at Sunshine Meadows.

When the snow melts and the flowers bloom, Sunshine Village packs up the skis and snowboards, but its doors remain open. Hop aboard Banff’s biggest gondola and experience what summer at 7,000 feet in Sunshine Village looks like.

SNEAK PEEK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE PEAKS

This past May, Sunshine bid farewell to its Angel Express lift, the first high-speed quad in the Canadian Rockies. Since 1988, Angel Express had been flying people up a vertical rise of 1,244 feet in just over five minutes.

This summer, visitors can watch as crews work on the new Super Angel luxury lift, set to be up and running in November 2024. The Super Angel is sure to wow skiers and snowboarders, and like its predecessor, transform Sunshine and take it into its next chapter.

TAKE IN INCREDIBLE SUMMER MOUNTAIN VISTAS

Ride the Standish Chairlift to over 8,000 feet and enjoy mountain

views like no other. This kind of elevation offers 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies, and Standish is the only chairlift with sightseeing access to three alpine lakes.

Hike among the greenery and wildflowers on hosted trail walks through Sunshine Meadows — accessible for mountain lovers of all abilities. Breathe in the fresh alpine air, enjoy the serenity of the mountains and learn about the surrounding peaks, wildlife and history from your guide or at the Sunshine Meadows Interpretive Center.

On the Standish Viewing Deck, enjoy more phenomenal views before turning in for the night at Sunshine’s mountain-top hotel.

Spend a relaxing night in luxury at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, under a clear sky full of stars.

Find rejuvenation among the mountain tops, and enjoy nature’s best at Sunshine Meadows.

Learn more at banffsunshinemeadows.com.

BANFF NATIONAL PARK’S ONLY MOUNTAIN TOP HOTEL Book your Sunshine Mountain Lodge stay today!

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INTO THE WILDERNESS

Explore the beauty of nature at one of Saddle Hills County’s lakes or on the majestic Peace River.

Eight hours north of Calgary, serene lakes glisten in the sun and the historic Peace River flows through the vast land of Saddle Hills County. The peaceful region offers a retreat to the great outdoors for a restorative road trip.

BACKYARD WILDERNESS

Part of the magic of Saddle Hills County is its all-encompassing natural beauty. Everywhere you look, you’ll see lush forestry, vast plains with golden fields, prominent wildlife and tranquil lakes and rivers.

The county’s off-the-beaten-path location makes for a secluded wilderness oasis well worth a visit. Hike among the forest trails and spot birds and animals, go for a swim, fish and take in a Saddle Hills sunset — a Peace Country treasure.

“There is no end to the beautiful and captivating sunsets that Saddle Hills County and the Peace region treat us to. Almost every evening, we get to witness a spectacular sunset,” says resident Jo Ann Edey.

A BOATLOAD OF LAKES

With Calgary being a landlocked city, Calgarians often long for time

Jackbird Pond

near water. Saddle Hills boasts several beautiful lakes and rivers, and there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy them.

“The entire county is a beautiful wilderness that allows for so many outdoor activities,” says resident Dustin Goodheart.

Try your hand at fishing at the Shell True North Pond, wander down to the banks of the Peace River and find the secluded waterfall at Cotillion, or spend the night camping adjacent to Spring or Hilltop Lake.

To plan your visit, go to saddlehills.ab.ca/recreation.

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WORTH THE DRIVE:

ROSEBUD IS ALBERTA’S THEATRE DESTINATION Head to Rosebud this summer to experience professional live theatre and so much more in the historic hamlet.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit rosebudtheatre.com.

findyourperfectPatio allseasonlong PATIO FINDER

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P H O T O G R A P H B Y C O N S TA N T G A R D E N E R , C O U R T E S Y R O S E B U D T H E AT R E & S C H O O L O F T H E A R T S

Summer is the time for new adventures and weekend getaways, and what better way to make the most of those wide-open blue skies and sunny days than with a road trip? About a 65-minute drive northeast of Calgary, the tiny hamlet of Rosebud has emerged as Alberta’s destination of choice for theatregoers of all ages. Attend an unforgettable professional live theatre production after enjoying a delicious buffet meal at the Mercantile, once Rosebud’s general store. The theatre has existed since 1983, when it was launched by staff and students of the Rosebud Fine Arts High School. It grew from an original production on an outdoor stage to now showcasing seven shows every year on two stages, and welcomes around 35,000 patrons annually.

Little Women: The Broadway Musical kicks off the 2024 summer season and runs until August 31, offering a perfect show for a family trip. Bringing the book by Louisa May Alcott to life, the production tells a vivid story of sisterhood, friendship, love and growing up following the American Civil War. The hamlet of Rosebud offers plenty to discover before an

evening show or after a matinee, from exploring the Centennial Museum, visiting the Akokiniskway Art Gallery or doing some boutique shopping. With so much to do, it’s worth spending a night or three at one of Rosebud’s B&Bs to experience all the Drumheller region has to offer including the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Atlas Coal Mine or hiking at Horseshoe Canyon.

Escape to your mountain oasis.

Breathtaking natural views.

Lovingly restored heritage rooms. Specialty, hand-crafted, local cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Come home to the Canadian Rockies. We’ll take care of everything.

Nestled in Banff National Park beside the crystal-clear waters of Bow Lake, The Lodge at Bow Lake has been hosting curious mountain travellers since 1922. From the iconic red roof to the magnificent views, The Lodge is a true historical Alberta wonder, now carefully restored under new ownership and management.

Located along the Icefields Parkway, just twenty minutes from the Town of Lake Louise, The Lodge at Bow Lake is perfectly situated as your access point to some

of the best hiking, glacial lakes, and skiing in the Canadian Rockies. Not to mention, you’ll find your fair share of activities just out the back doors of the cozy wooden structure of The Lodge.

All room rates at The Lodge include delicious and nourishing meals for two people: an exquisite four-course dinner, a hearty breakfast, and a delicious packed lunch to take adventuring, all crafted with local, seasonal ingredients.

The Lodge at Bow Lake is open seasonally for the summer/fall June 1 - October 7, 2024, and winter January 30 - April 7, 2025.

B O O K YO U R A L L- I N C LU S I V E S TAY:

403-522-0148 info@lodgeatbowlake.com lodgeatbowlake.com

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Favourite Spaces

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inged by mountains, Canmore is undeniably spectacular. But it can also be cold and sunless living in the shadows of the Rockies.

Phillip van der Merwe, a retired family physician from Calgary, has always craved the light, sun and the green, growing things of his native South Africa. So, when he bought a “dull house with good bones” as a vacation property in Canmore eight years ago, he loved its location beside Policeman’s Creek, but not its heavily shaded backyard. During the COVID-19 pandemic he decided to make the home his primary residence and hired Shugarman Architecture + Design Inc. to transform what he described as “an ’80s frat house” into a mountain oasis.

The house underwent a complete — and stunning — renovation. But the highlight (literally and figuratively) is the new third floor, a 1,200-square-foot addition that includes a tiled terrace with gardens, fire bowl and sitting area, plus a new primary bedroom and bathroom and an office/lounge. “It was a complicated project requiring a steel-beamreinforced third-floor addition to provide us with a south exposure, magnificent mountain views and sun,” van der Merwe says.

Architectural designer Joel Piecowye worked with his colleague, interior designer Tamara LaFrenz, to make van der Merwe’s dream a reality. He says the addition is “almost a second backyard, lifted and two storeys up.”

Their client didn’t want the typical Canmore chalet look of traditional exteriors and dark interiors. Instead, “I wanted a Malibu feel, with floors of light blonde oak, white walls and a massive wall of glass drawing you out onto the light-coloured tiled deck,” van der Merwe says.

The result is a modern home with what LaFrenz describes as a “light, airy, fresh feel,” and an almost seamless connection between inside and outside in its sunny new elevated living space.

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VIEWFROM THETOP July/august 2024

decor

THE TILES Fully half of the 1,200-squarefoot third-floor addition is an outdoor terrace clad in extremely hardy, slip-resistant, barefoot-friendly Aristokrat pressed porcelain tiles in Sienna Travertine. The made-in-Canada tiles are grout-free and placed in a lifted system that allows drainage between tile and roof.

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THE GARDENS Gracing the terrace’s garden beds are drought-resistant grasses and sedums, a perennial that provides masses of star-shaped flowers from mid-summer until fall. Around the perimeter are deep planters with pine trees, shrubs and other strategically placed plants that provide privacy while preserving views.

A Canmore homeowner sets his sights higher by adding an additional upper level of outdoor and indoor living space.

BY VALERIE BERENYI

avenuecalgary.com

THE WINDOWS Floor-to-ceiling windows let the sun shine in and reveal the mountain vistas. There’s little in the way of window treatments, save for sheers to moderate solar gain and blackout curtains to block light in the primary bedroom; all by Leading Edge Interiors.

THE OFFICE Shugarman Architecture + Design custom-designed the office’s glass-topped desk on a simple wood base (above) that doesn’t impede the view.

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A KOOTENAY

SUMMERCYCLINGSAMPLER From the backroads around Nelson to the rail beds near Kimberley, check these B.C. cycling routes off your must-ride list.

ith four major mountain ranges — the Rockies, Purcells, Selkirks and Monashees — the area known as The Kootenays is fast becoming a destination for cyclists of all stripes. Whether it’s on pavement, rail trails, gravel roads or mountain tracks, there’s a lot to explore on two wheels in this B.C. region.

In June of last year, my partner and I spent a week riding a number of beautiful back roads and rail trails (cycling terrain created on former train tracks), mostly in the West Kootenays around the Nelson area, and then stopped in Kimberley in the East Kootenays to sample another rail trail before heading back to Calgary.

For this type of riding, my trusty touring bike served me well, but I did rent a gravel bike for two of the rides. A sturdy hybrid or e-bike would also work for any of the five rides of varying lengths and difficulty covered here in this Kootenay cycling “sampler.”

Pick one or try ’em all!

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BY VALERIE BERENYI

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THE WRITER ON THE NELSON F O O D I E 5 0 R O U T E TO WA R D C A ST L E G A R .

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S LO C A N VA L L E Y R A I L T R A I L I N T H E W E S T KO OT E N AY R E G I O N O F B .C .

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P H OTO ( L E F T ) BY F I E L D & F O R E ST ; ( R I G H T ) BY A L E X B E R E N Y I

S LO C A N VA L L E Y R A I L T R A I L I M A G E ( L E F T ) BY: F I E L D A N D F O R E ST.CO ; I M A G E ( R I G H T ) BY T K T K T K T K T

THE NELSON FOODIE 50 (WITH OPTIONAL LEG TO CASTLEGAR) Distance 50 km return

This road ride from groovy, historic Nelson meanders along the quiet, scenic, secondary roads that lead to one of the best hidden gems in the Kootenays, the Frog Peak Cafe & Guesthouse.

Start at the southeast light-industrial end of Nelson on Government Road, which becomes Granite Road. It’s a steady climb for about 15 kilometres, past modest houses, with dense woods and pretty mountain views along the nicely paved, lightly trafficked road. Turn left onto Blewett Road; further along, a sharp hairpin turn takes you down (and down, and down) to cross the Kootenay River canal and hydro dam. Blewitt Road ends at Highway 6, requiring a short ride along the busy highway before you turn into the Slocan Valley Rail Trail trailhead parking lot. From here, it’s four km on a paved, car-free bike path to the Frog Peak Cafe.

Located at the 25-km mark from Nelson, the café is in a restored 1896 heritage building, with a big patio and shaded gardens. The menu offers lots of options for refuelling, from a brie and turkey panini paired with daily-made soup, to a scrumptious sushi bowl. Excellent coffee boosts the ride back to Nelson.

There’s the option to ride another 25 km toward Castlegar, along Pass Creek Road, which starts just across Highway 6 from the café.

Pass Creek Road winds leisurely through the

Krestova area, a rural community settled by Doukhobor families who’d originally immigrated from Russia and Ukraine at the turn of the last century.

In the 1950s, Krestova saw much unrest when a Doukhobor group called the Sons of Freedom held nude protests and burned their own homes as acts of civil disobedience. That resulted in fines, convictions and hundreds of children from Sons of Freedom families being forcibly removed and placed in institutions.

In February 2024, a formal apology was given from the B.C. government to Sons of Freedom Doukhobors and their families.

Today, Krestova is a sleepy area dotted with houses, farms and pastures. A few homesteads are blighted with wrecked vehicles and other debris, but mostly the scenery along this 21.5km stretch is beautiful and bucolic.

A right turn onto Robson Access Road, and another right again on Broadwater Road, leads to the Tudor-style Lion’s Head Smoke & Brew Pub, popular with local cyclists. Its wide veranda is the perfect place to wrap up an outdoor adventure with a cold craft beer and a platter of applewood-smoked meats.

From the Lion’s Head, you can arrange a shuttle back to Nelson with John Bowden, the owner of Kootenay Cycling Adventures (kootenaycyclingadventures.com), while the strong of leg and heart can ride back under their own steam, turning the day into a 100-km out-and-back with 658 metres of elevation gain.

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THE SLOCAN VALLEY RAIL TRAIL, SOUTH TO NORTH Distance 52 km one way

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B I K I N G A LO N G S I D E T H E S LO C A N RIVER WITH A VIEW OF MOUNT W I LTO N , N E A R W I N L AW, B .C .

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SLOCAN VALLEY RAIL TRAIL, NORTH TO SOUTH (OPTIONAL PERRYS BACK ROAD DETOUR) Distance 55.5 km one way

One of the most popular day rides offered by Nelson-based Kootenay Cycling Adventures starts in the village of Slocan.

Owner John Bowden drops off clients and their rental bikes before they ride south to the Frog Peak Cafe. It’s slightly downhill in this direction, which makes the trip even dreamier.

If you opt to spend the night in Slocan, prime yourself first thing in the morning with excellent cappuccino and wedges of roasted veggie quiche on the front porch of tiny Flaca’s Bakery & Bistro. Just down the street is the well-stocked Slocan Village Market, perfect for grabbing picnic fare before jumping back on the Slocan Valley Rail Trail.

To see some new sights, Bowden recommends a detour: cycling 13 km south on the SVRT and then turning right onto Perrys Back Road, which parallels the west side of the Slocan River. It’s a great suggestion (most Calgarians would kill for such a beautiful, quiet country road, sans pickups and semi-trucks.) In fact, there’s almost no traffic as the paved road rolls through green forest and past well-appointed acreages. A couple of steep climbs — one of which might have you off your seat and pushing your bike — also make for thrilling downhills.

Ride Perrys Back Road for about 25 km to Passmore Lower Road near the village of Passmore, where you then cross a bridge and rejoin the tamer SVRT. From there, it’s another 13.5 km to the Frog Peak Cafe where you can stop for a coffee before biking the remaining four km back to your vehicle at the SVRT trailhead.

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This spectacular rail trail through the Slocan Valley can be ridden from south to north or vice versa — or, do both directions with an overnighter, starting from the Slocan Valley Rail Trail (SVRT) trailhead off Highway 6 near the Dam Restaurant & Bar at the south end and riding north to the village of Slocan along the winding Slocan River.

Built during a silver-mining boom in the late 1890s, the last train on this railroad ran in 1993.

Once the rails, ties and bridges were removed, volunteers worked with the B.C. government to build a non-motorized recreational corridor.

It’s an ongoing process (sometimes, you come across heavy equipment operators laying fresh gravel) so the surface of the SVRT varies, from short paved sections, to fine or coarsely crushed gravel. Some stretches are like a country lane, with grass, buttercups and daisies growing up the middle. Ferns, cedars and bulrushes flourish in the damp, shaded sections. The grade is gentle, with little elevation gain, allowing users to look up and enjoy dramatic views of the river and Selkirk Mountains. And no cars!

It’s an isolated area, with old ranches and tiny villages sprinkled here and there; expect to encounter only a handful of other cyclists on the trail. Along the way are picnic areas with outhouses, spots for a dip in the river and several parking lots for access (no need to ride the whole 52 km). At the 30-km mark, stop for lunch in sleepy Winlaw where Mama Sita’s Cafe serves burgers, Mexican and Canadian fare, and good espresso.

A leisurely ride takes about four hours and ends in the village of Slocan. Once a booming resource city at the toe of Slocan Lake, it’s now home to just 379 residents, with a lovely beach and close proximity to magnificent Valhalla Provincial Park.

It’s easy to spot the bright yellow Slocan City Hotel, a renovated 1950s-era hardware store that reopened in 2022 as a five-room eco-boutique hotel, restaurant and live music venue with a Wild West-cum-New Orleans vibe.

John E. Pettigrew, a.k.a. Johnny Tornado, a noted blues guitarist, is the hotel proprietor and occasional chef. He serves up a tasty Greek salad and pizza with salami, prosciutto, four cheeses and mushrooms. If there’s no live music on offer, you’ll probably be happy to crash early.

THE WRITER EN ROUTE

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F RO M P RO C T E R TO T H E H A R RO P - P RO C T E R C A B L E F E R RY T E R M I N A L .

BIKE R EN TAL S AND TOURS For road and rail trail cycling in the West Kootenay region, Kootenay Cycling Adventures in Nelson offers a range of fully supported or self-supported bicycle tours, including private and custom trips.

High-quality bike rentals (e-bikes, too) are available with tour packages. In the East Kootenays, if you’re in need of bike rentals, check out Bootleg Bike Co. or Black Dog Cycle and Ski in Kimberley, or North Star Bicycle Company in Cranbrook.

W HER E TO STAY (AND E AT) IN NELSON

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CINNAMON BUN RIDE TO PROCTER Distance 16 km/70 km

Hopping on a ferry and then cycling to the wee town of Procter for a legendary cinnamon bun is a Kootenay must-do — a scenic ride with a big payoff. Depending on time and energy level, this trip can be a short ride or a much longer one.

If you choose the short-and-sweet version, drive 27 km northeast from Nelson on Highway 3A to the Harrop-Procter Cable Ferry terminal, then park and unload your bike. The free cable ferry on the west arm of Kootenay Lake is a three-minute crossing that runs 24/7 year-round and offers delightful views of surrounding communities and birdlife.

The Harrop Procter Road on the south shore is a pretty, paved rural route, with little traffic,

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especially after the few cars from the ferry zoom past. There’s a hill starting out from the ferry dock, but it’s an otherwise easy ride east alongside farms and acreages.

In just eight km, you’ll arrive in Procter. Turn up 3rd Avenue and look for The Procter Village Café, located in a charming old schoolhouse.

The bakery’s cinnamon buns are the Goldilocks of buns: huge, but not too huge; soft, chewy and not too sweet; unblemished by raisins or nuts (yeah, I said it); and oh, so fresh. The cappuccino is divine, too. Once you’re fortified with sugar and caffeine, the eight-km ride back to the ferry is over in a flash.

To really earn-and-burn the calories, serious roadies bike the 70-km out-and-back from Nelson. Or they join the official Cinnamon Bun Ride, an annual three-day event in May that raises funds to maintain the schoolhouse.

Originally a miners’ hotel, The Stirling All Suites Hotel in the historic downtown area has been transformed into a stylish boutique hotel with 16 high-end contemporary but cozy apartments, all with fully equipped kitchens, in-suite laundry, Endy mattresses and other luxe touches. There’s a barrel sauna and secure bike/ski lockup onsite. For off-beat cocktails and nibbles in Nelson try Red Light Ramen; for dinner, the Italian fare at Marzano is excellent.

IN KIMBERLEY Drawing on its roots as a former mining company headquarters, The Larix is a boutique hotel that’s equal parts urban chic, industrial cool and mountain retreat.

It’s located at the tip of the alpine town’s pedestrian-only centre with its inviting mix of restaurants, pubs and shops. The Larix also has a barrel sauna and secure bike/ski lockup onsite. Nearby, The Shed is a good bet for beer and barbecue. And if you need cold-pressed juices and whole foods as well as fuel for your vehicle check out Stoke Market located inside a Centex gas station.

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THE NORTH STAR RAIL TRAIL Distance 52 km return

Switching gears from the West Kootenays to the eastern side of the region, the 26-km rail trail linking the towns of Kimberley and Cranbrook, packs a scenic punch. It’s tucked between the Purcells and the Rocky Mountains, sprinkled with aspen and pine forest and grasslands, with sights of the St. Mary River sparkling below.

If you start at the top, in Kimberley, you don’t really pedal much for the first 16 or 17 km downhill to where a bridge crosses the river and the trail begins its ascent toward Cranbrook. The paved, car-free trail is lovingly maintained, with markings for every kilometre, plus outhouses, benches and even a bike pump and tool station at

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the southern trailhead. The North Star is also well used by walkers and runners. You might spot people gathering bundles of fragrant sage in meadows near the trail.

Pack a picnic and eat at one of the awe-inspiring viewpoints. If you elect to go into Cranbrook, follow the signage of the Rotary Way. The route is confusing at times, but it eventually leads into downtown. Have lunch on the patio at the Heid Out Restaurant and Brewhouse, where you can refuel with tasty Buddha Bowls.

Every calorie will be appreciated as the trip into town adds an extra 10 km and the ride back to Kimberley is mostly uphill. That said, there are several access points along the trail, making it possible to park and ride short sections of the superb North Star.

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P H OTO BY A L E X B E R E N Y I

T H E N O RT H S TA R R A I L T R A I L .

Global GlobalNews News GlobalNews News Global Morning Hourat at66 Morning Hour with withDallas DallasFlexhaug Flexhaug & & Blake BlakeLough Lough

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ILLUSTRATION BY JARETT SITTER

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10th Avenue and 17th Street S.W. 51° 02' 39.7" N 114° 06' 01.6" W

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The Sentry Box This 13,000 sq.-ft. nerdculture hub stocks fantasy, science fiction and military games, books and miniatures for purchase and has demo games to try out in-store.

There are also game nights and workshops/demo events where you can meet up with fellow enthusiasts. Its sister store next door specializes in Magic: The Gathering and other collectible card games.

Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers Founded in 1978, this nonprofit, artist-run centre provides resources like studio space and equipment rentals.

The society also presents the annual Artifact Small Format Film Festival, which screens Super 8 and 16-mm films and presents the Film/ Music Explosion! event — performances by local artists accompanied by screenings of Super 8 music videos.

Sunalta LRT Station Located on the CTrain’s west leg, Sunalta Station is Calgary’s first and only elevated LRT station. Sitting approximately 15 metres above street level, the station provides pedestrian access over the CPKG (formerly CP Rail) lines to 9th Avenue S.W., connecting the communities of Sunalta and Downtown West End.

Sunalta Community Hall This charming hall won Community Centre of the Year at the 2022 Canada Prestige Awards. The hall hosts a range of communitybuilding events throughout the year, including pumpkin carvings, movies in the park and an annual potato roast to celebrate the end of the garden harvest.

SABI Mind Specializing in psychedelicassisted therapies, this clinic treats those struggling with mental health and chronic pain with substances such as ketamine. In addition to treatment, SABI has a research focus. This past May, it launched the Global Psychedelic Survey to create a comprehensive assessment of psychedelics use in adults around the world.

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Saturday JULY 20

NOON - 4 P.M

HEIRLOOM GREEN SE

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