Avenue Calgary October 2021 by RedPoint Media

26 YEARS OF CITY | LIFE | STYLE |

OCTOBER 2021 | $4.95 AVENUECALGARY.COM

DOWNTOWN DECISIONS

WARM REGARDS

The plan to create vibrancy in Calgary’s core

How to dress for winter in the mountains

THE WINNING PRODUCTS IN 11 CATEGORIES ALL MADE RIGHT HERE IN OUR PROVINCE

The Alb dical Association salutes the recipients of the 2021 ber emeritus Long Service a awards, compassionate Service awards, distinguished Service me dal of Honor and Albertan Honorees of the c dical Association.

o vice AwArdS recognize physicians with 10 y ervice who contribute their knowledge, skill and time to the advancement of the profession. Their work, whether on the Board of directors, its committees or service within their sections of medicine, supports and encourages the Association’s development.

edAL oF Ho recognizes non-physicians who have made an outstanding personal contribution to the people of Alberta by contributing to the advancement of medical research, medical education, health care organization, health education and/or health promotion to the public, or raising the standards of health care in Alberta.

Dr. Luc R. Berthiaume, Critical Care Medicine, Calgary

Juliet R. Guichon, PhD, Calgary

Dr. Melanie T. Currie, Family Medicine, Spruce Grove

Ms. Bev Garbutt, Cowley

Dr. Eduard C. Eksteen, Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Edmonton

Dr. Gary A. Gelfand, Thoracic Surgery, Calgary Dr. Roxanne M. Goldade, Pediatrics, Calgary Dr. Sarah A. Hall, Pediatrics, Calgary Dr. Gordon J. Kelly, Psychiatry, Edmonton

erSHiP AwArdS

recognize those persons who have distinguished themselves by their attainments in medicine, science, the humanities or who have rendered significant services to the Association, are members of the Association in good standing and have reached the age of 65 years.

Dr. Alan J. Poole, Diagnostic Imaging, Red Deer

Dr. Charlotte A. Foulston, Pediatrics, Medicine Hat

Dr. Brijendra Rawat, Diagnostic Imaging, Edmonton

Dr. David B. Hogan, Geriatric Medicine, Calgary

Dr. Andrew W. Wade, Pediatric Nephrology, Calgary

c wArd For y AderS (early career) recognizes recipients who have

Dr. Richard A. Ward, Family Medicine, Calgary

eriTuS AwArdS

recognize significant contributions to the goals and eniority, long-term membership and distinguished service (20 years) based on criteria determined by the Board of directors.

demonstrated exemplary dedication, commitment and leadership in one of the following areas: political, clinical, educational, or research and community service. Dr. Monty Ghosh, Addiction Medicine, Calgary

Dr. Peter C. Jamieson, Family Medicine & Hospital Medicine, Calgary

c dr ASH dA oriAL AwArd For PHySiciA S wiTH diSABiLiTieS

wArd For co Service honors a phy

honors the founder of the canadian Association of Physicians with disabilities, an advocate and supporter for physicians and learners with disabilities.

ASSio ATe

ber and, during their career, has demonstrated outstanding compassion, philanthropy and/or volunteerism to improve the state of the community in which they are giving back.

Dr. Vera H. Krejcik, Psychiatry, Calgary

Dr. Ian M. Mitchell, Respiratory Medicine, Calgary Dr. Monty Ghosh, Addiction Medicine, Calgary

edAL For diST

SHed Service

recognizes physicians who have made an outstanding personal contribution to the medical profession and to the people of Alberta and has contributed to the art and science of medicine while raising the standards of medical practice. Dr. Jane B. Lemaire, Internal Medicine, Calgary Dr. James L. Silvius, Geriatric Medicine, Calgary

For more information on these awards and individuals, visit www.albertadoctors.org or www.cma.ca. The AMA and CMA awards were presented at their Annual General Meetings, respectively.

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ADL75.CA NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be legal drinking age to participate. Void outside Quebec and where prohibited. One (1) Grand Prize available to be won. Approximate Grand Prize value $10,000.00 CAD. Mathematical Skill-Testing question required. Contest closes October 17, 2021. Full Contest details can be found at participating retail locations and ADL75.ca. ® of Alberta Distillers Limited Calgary, Canada.

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C ONT E N TS 14

EDITOR’S NOTE

WORK OF ART

O c tob e r 2 0 2 1

ON THE COVER P H OTO G R A P H B Y J A R E D SY C H

Beverage Bombs, winner of the Overall Grand Prize and Non-Alcoholic Drink Category in this year’s Made In Alberta Awards.

DEPAR T MEN TS

F E AT U R E S

19 DETOURS

62 MOUNTAINS

If you commute, then you are familiar with the City’s traffic signals. We find out a bit more about why they work the way they do. Plus, some noteworthy moments and faces from the history of Calgary City Council, a micro-press publisher that celebrates local cowboy culture, and more.

The weather in the mountains can be pretty intimidating in the winter. This field guide on how to dress for it will make sure that it’s not holding you back from getting out there.

25 MADE IN ALBERTA AWARDS

46 DOWNTOWN DECISIONS

Read up on the winners and runners-up in our annual celebration of products made right here in the province and the people who make them.

Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan is the City’s response to the rash of office-tower vacancies and general economic malaise in the downtown core communities right now. But does it go far enough?

55 DINING TRENDS Food writer Elizabeth Chorney-Booth pinpoints some ways that restaurants are changing in the city, from the rise of pop-ups and ghost kitchens to shared spaces.

66 DECOR A reno-savvy couple takes on a 1950s Elbow Park home on a forested lot and remakes it in a new image.

72 THE LIST Dr. Danielle Gordon of Sphere Optometry in Westman Village on a few of her favourite things in Calgary.

By Tsering Asha, Karen Ashbee, Jazmine Canfield, Carmen Cheng, Colin Gallant, Nathan Kunz, Michaela Ream and Alana Willerton

By Ximena Gonzalez

52 AVAILABLE LIGHT Adding to the discussion about what constitutes downtown vibrancy, a co-founder of One Yellow Rabbit recalls starting a theatre company during the economic bust of the early ’80s. By Blake Brooker

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P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y J A R E D S Y C H , I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y T Y L E R L E M E R M E Y E R

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A NEW ERA

s they used to say in the early days of television, don’t adjust your set. If you’re a long-time reader of Avenue, you are, no doubt, used to seeing the face and reading the words of Käthe Lemon on this page. Two maternity leaves notwithstanding, Lemon held the position of Editor in Chief for the past 15 years. But this month marks the first in a new era, in which Lemon will be focusing solely on her role as Vice President Product Development & Publishing for the magazine’s parent company, RedPoint Media, having entrusted her prior role to Avenue’s former senior editor (me). It was Lemon who first tabled the idea of an annual awards program to celebrate the quality products made here in the province and recognize the people behind them. A burgeoning movement to buy local was yet another reason to celebrate made-in-Alberta goods. Though Avenue is a Calgary-based and Calgaryfocused magazine, the Made in Alberta Awards have

The Potion Masters craft world-class natural skincare in Calgary, Alberta. Every Potion is handmade using the finest botanical and research proven ingredients. Award-winning, minimalist, multi-purpose formulas created to help you simplify your routine without sacrificing luxury. @THEPOTIONMASTERS WWW.THEPOTIONMASTERS.COM

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Shelley Arnusch Editor in Chief sarnusch@redpointmedia.ca

The third annual Made In Alberta Conference is happening October 13 and 14. For tickets, visit MadeInAlbertaAwards.ca/events always been provincical in scope. The overall winner in the inaugural year was a line of snowboards produced in a converted dairy barn on a family farm near Spruce Grove. The following year, the top prize went to a team of brothers who grow specialty malts for the craft-brewing industry at their farm in Red Deer County. Now in its third year, the Made in Alberta Awards, presented in association with connectFirst credit union and SAIT, has continued to grow. There’s a new category for Indigenous Artisans in memoriam of Amy Willier, the respected artisan,

gallerist, Knowledge Keeper and entrepreneur, who was set to judge the 2021 awards before her untimely passing. While you can read about this year’s winners and runners-up in the pages of this magazine, we have also, for the first time, produced an additional Made in Alberta Awards special issue, which has extra space to showcase some honourable mentions and peek inside the studios of some of this year’s winners. Along with the special issue, there will also be expanded online coverage throughout the coming year at MadeInAlbertaAwards.ca. Of course, in this issue, it’s not just about the awards. We also go downtown, or at least take an in-depth look at Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan to revitalize the city’s core communities, which are struggling with the economic fallout of a high officevacancy rate. While our downtown losing its mojo is certainly cause for concern — and, many believe, a call to action — it is also cause for reflection on how artistic movements are often born during times of economic strife. Writer, director and One Yellow Rabbit co-founder Blake Brooker recalls starting a theatre company in Calgary during the economic bust years of the early 1980s, a time when he and his cohorts drew inspiration from the photographic idea of “available light” — essentially the practice of working with what you have and not wanting what you haven’t got. All in all, I hope you enjoy what we have in this month’s issue, and I look forward to sharing more stories with you in the magazines to come.

P H O T O G R A P H B Y H E AT H E R S A I T Z

EDITOR’S NOTE

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Editor in Chief Shelley Arnusch, sarnusch@redpointmedia.ca

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Fax: 403-240-9059

Staff Photographer Jared Sych

info@redpointmedia.ca AvenueCalgary.com Facebook: Avenue Magazine — Calgary Twitter: @AvenueMagazine Instagram: @AvenueMagazine

Contributing Editors Jennifer Hamilton, Nathan Kunz Editorial Assistant Tsering Asha

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2021

Editorial Intern Ado Nkemka Digital Engagement Intern Jazmine Canfield Graphic Design Intern Juwaan Luzny Contributors Karen Ashbee, Blake Brooker, Cory Bugden, Jaysi Charsma Cuffy,

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Urban Chickens

Published 10 times a year by RedPoint Media &

What used to be a covert practice is now getting the

Marketing Solutions. Copyright (2021) by RedPoint

green light from the City. We crack open the reasons

Media & Marketing Solutions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the

why people fight for their right to keep backyard hens

written consent of the publisher.

and explore new options that relieve them from having to keep them through the winter months.

Canadian Publications

Indigenous Tourism

40030911.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. Avenue is a proud member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, Magazines Canada and the International Regional Magazine

As interest in authentic Indigenous tourism grows, we look at three outfitters operating in the mountains and foothills near Calgary who offer outdoor experiences based in Indigenous practices.

Association, and abides by the editorial standards of these organizations. 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.

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SUBSCRIBE by October 7 to get the November issue to your door. Three-issue subscription $15, one-year $27.95. redpoint-media.com

PHOTOGRAPH BY JARED SYCH

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DETOURS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE COLLINS

raffic signals can feel personal. The fulfillment of light after light switching to green is a natural high, while the opposite experience of lights turning yellow just beyond reach will leave even the mildest-mannered commuter cursing the traffic gods. But traffic-signal coordination isn’t exactly a supernatural phenomenon. Roughly 1,150 traffic signals direct drivers in Calgary. These signals fall into two camps: coordinated and isolated. Coordinated lights sync up along 70 established corridors throughout the city. In the downtown area, traffic signals are on a timed schedule. Nothing impacts these sequences — hence the “audible signal only” pedestrian buttons. Outside of the downtown core, factors like heavy volumes on side streets, complex intersections and pedestrian-crossing buttons which do impact light times require a balancing act. “Overall, the goal is to design around the goal of the corridor — how to achieve that coordination, and at what expense,” explains Stephen Nicholls, senior traffic engineer in the City of Calgary’s traffic signal engineering group.

BEYOND RED, GREEN AND YELLOW COORDINATING CALGARY’S TRAFFIC SIGNALS IS A COMPLEX BALANCING ACT. A LOOK AT SOME OF THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT YOUR DAILY COMMUTE. avenuecalgary.com

CALGARY CITY COUNCIL THROUGH THE YEARS

This is where detection devices come in. In non-downtown corridors and isolated intersections, which operate independently from other signals, Calgary mainly uses two methods for detection: induction loops buried near the stop line that are interrupted by a metal car stopping above, and sophisticated cameras that detect waiting cars. These devices (along with a few lesscommon methods) tell the light to start cycling towards phases beyond the main road. No system always runs smoothly, however. Disruption of communication between signal controllers — Nicholls calls these the “brain” of each intersection — can create slight delays. If not remedied, a few seconds here and there can throw the whole corridor

off. While the controllers will often realign them, Calgary’s Traffic Management Centre also monitors intersections 24-7 in case manual solutions are needed. With 24 years of experience in Calgary traffic, Nicholls has watched the city’s traffic needs evolve. Bike lanes, for example, added a new variable to the mix, one that Nicholls says is still progressing as new data informs best practices. As Calgary’s traffic changes, Nicholls says the drive to make commutes less painful is a moving target, though that also keeps things interesting. “Making a difference daily in solving operational challenges and accommodating the needs of people as they change is really, really gratifying,” he says. —Nathan Kunz

RARE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGHTINGS U-Turn Signals The first U-turn signals in Alberta are on 17th Avenue S.E. Since the middle lane is now designated as the Bus Rapid Transit route, the signals allow drivers access to businesses on both sides of the avenue. Transit Left Turn from Right Curb This signal allows buses to turn left

across traffic from the right lane. Look for it at the intersection of Cambrian Drive and Northmount Drive N.W. Advance Walk Signals Some crosswalks get a head start before lights turn green to increase visibility of pedestrians. Look for these signals along Edmonton Trail.

GEORGE MURDOCH

Term Terms

All Hail The Alderbroad

When George Murdoch became Calgary’s first mayor in 1884, elections were referred to as “mayoralty contests.” Like beauty contests, the bid for mayor was held annually, until 1923, when terms increased to two years, then to three in 1968. The current fouryear term wasn’t instituted until 2013.

During the ongoing debate surrounding the term “alderman,” a local radio broadcaster referred to sitting alderman Sue Higgins as an “alderwoman.” The famously outspoken Higgins promptly phoned in to declare her preferred terms: “alderbroad” or “alderb—.” Higgins, who passed away in 2014, served on Council for 21 years. The City named a park in her honour. —Michaela Ream

Acclamation Proclamation The late Andrew Davison was Calgary’s longest-serving mayor, with 16 years in office. Davison was first elected in 1929, and kept his post until the end of 1945. He helped bring Calgary through the Great Depression and overcome a $2-million debt from the construction of the Glenmore Dam. He won his first two-year term through acclamation, a style of election in which one candidate is approved vocally and without ballots. The beloved Mayor Davison was re-elected seven times and acclaimed again in 1941 and 1943. Poor health forced him to step down in 1945.

Gender? I Hardly Know Her In 2010, Calgary City Council voted to change the name of its members

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from “aldermen” to the gender-neutral “councillors.” The winning vote resolved a more than 30-year-long argument on the subject, first raised in 1977 to address the presence of women on council. The debate was shut down, only to come up again in 2003 and again in 2007, when it was rejected in the span of 20 minutes. It wasn’t until 2010 that the renaming vote finally passed. Ironically, “councillor” had been the original term, until it was changed for unclear reasons in 1894.

A N D R E W D AV I S O N

Calgary’s municipal election takes place on Monday, October 18. Want more Calgary history? Visit harrymsanders.ca

P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F L I B R A R I E S A N D C U LT U R A L R E S O U R C E S D I G I TA L C O L L E C T I O N S , U N I V E R S I T Y O F C A L G A R Y

Calgary elected its first mayor in 1884. As we prepare to select our 37th mayor this month, here are some interesting facts from the 137-year history of Calgary’s City Council — brought to you, in part, by local historical consultant Harry Sanders.

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DETOURS

Openings FLIRTY BIRD This Bridgeland eatery focuses on Nashville hot chicken sandwiches at five different spice levels. Pair yours with crinkle-cut fries or macaroni salad. 827 1 Ave. N.E. flirtybirdchicken.com @flirtybirdchicken

KABOB GARDEN The team behind Shawarma Palace and Shawarma Passion have opened a new Afghan restaurant in Falconridge. Stop by for kabob plates and wraps, as well as KG Specials like bolani and mantu. 1075 Falconridge Dr. N.E. 403-764-0910 @kabob.garden

TOTO PIZZA Villa Firenze’s new sister restaurant features traditional family recipes on its menu, including 15 kinds of pizza and a variety of tasty appetizers, salads and desserts. 610 1 Ave. N.E. 403-265-1990 toto-pizza.com @totospizzayyc

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HOW THE W E S T WAS PU BLIS HE D Red Barn Books focuses on stories of Alberta’s heroic cowboys and horsewomen.

lberta is touted by some as the “Texas of Canada’.’ Yet, unlike the famously self-aggrandizing Texans, you don’t hear as many stories about the legendary cowboys of this province. It’s why Ayesha Clough founded Red Barn Books, a micro-press publisher of storybooks celebrating horses, country living and cowboys in Western Canada. “We have so many amazing homegrown role models and I would love for our kids to grow up knowing about them,” Clough says. For her first Red Barn book project, Clough, who lives near Carstairs, phoned up The Wardens, a group of park wardens who write storytelling songs, asking to adapt their song “Government Cowboy” into a children’s book. With their support, she published Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild in English and French, a playful rhyming book that encourages exploration of the outdoors. Another of Clough’s titles, Howdy, I’m John Ware (illustrated by Red Barn art director Hugh

Rockwood), tells the story of the titular and iconic Black Albertan cowboy. Clough has even published a book for adults. Horsewoman, by Lee McLean, is a gallop through some of the stories that McLean recorded in her riding diary over a 45-year period. Red Barn Books is also collaborating with Indigenous artists to publish stories that focus on the relationship between the First Nations and Alberta cowboys. The newest Red Barn title, Alberta Blue, is out this fall. So, what’s next for Red Barn Books? Possibly historic storytelling cartoons, coming to a small screen near you. “Our animation for Howdy, I’m John Ware garnered 12,500 views across all platforms, so we are wondering if this is an effective way to reach our young audience,” Clough says. Wherever the cowboy stories take her, Clough and team aren’t horsing around; they’re in it for the good, as well as the bad — and even the ugly. —Jaysi Charsma Cuffy

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED SYCH

GOOD NEIGHBOUR This new pay-what-you-can community market offers nonperishable foods, apparel, books and more in a colourful downtown storefront. Donations are welcome. 149 5 Ave. S.E. linktree.com/ goodneighbouryyc @goodneighbouryyc

H U G H R O C K W O O D A N D AY E S H A C L O U G H

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B Y T S E R I N G A S H A , K A R E N A S H B E E , J A Z M I N E C A N F I E L D , C A R M E N C H E N G , C O L I N G A L L A N T, N AT H A N K U N Z , M I C H A E L A R E A M A N D A L A N A W I L L E R TO N

2021 Across the province and over 11 categories, this year’s awards, presented in association with connectFirst and SAIT, highlight the best of a full range of locally made products. Whether you’re looking for something to eat, drink, or wear; something to give or something to enjoy for yourself; or if you’re looking to be inspired by stories of Alberta artisans — you’ll find it in the following pages.

T H A N K YO U T O O U R J U D G E S A M Y W I L L I E R AWA R D F O R I N D I G E N O U S A R T I S A N S : K R I S B E N S O N , S H A R O N R O S E K O OT E N AY A N D M A R Y- B E T H L AV I O L E T T E ; B E A U T Y: TA R A C O W L E S A N D M A R I E B E R T R A N D ; C R A F T: K E L LY J U B E N V I L L A N D M E L A N I E L O V E ; D R I N K ( A L C O H O L I C A N D N O N - A L C O H O L I C ) : L O U I S A F E R R E L A N D O W E N K I R K A L D Y ; FA S H I O N A N D A C C E S S O R I E S : J A M E E L A G H A N N A N D N I N A K H A R E Y ; S AV O U R Y F O O D : C A R M E N C H E N G A N D R AY M A ; S W E E T F O O D : TO N Y M A R S H A L L A N D L O R E N A P R A K A S H ; F U R N I S H I N G S A N D H O M E D E C O R : K A R E N A S H B E E A N D A LY K H A N V E L J I ; G A M E S A N D L E I S U R E : G E O F F K R A M E R A N D K ÄT H E L E M O N ; U N I Q U E P R O D U C T: K E L LY J U B E N V I L L A N D M E L A N I E L O V E . avenuecalgary.com

Beverage Bombs, the Overall Grand Prize winner and Non-alcoholic Drink Category winner for 2021, are an easy way to create intricate coffee and tea drinks at home.

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Made in Alberta Awards & Made in Alberta updated logos March 9 2020

NON-ALCOHOLIC

DRINK B E V E R AG E B O M B S Made in Edmonto n

$2.50 each for bulk orders, $18 to $20 for gift packages of six beveragebombs.com

pours the mixture in a custom-made roductivity experts extoll depositing machine (made by Edmonthe creativity-boosting OVERALL ton’s Diamond Processing Solutions) virtues of taking a GRAND PRIZE to set. Myrna helps with labelbreak. Lee-Ann WINNER ling and Cali runs the booth at Old Callan could be Strathcona Farmers’ Market and helps exhibit A in proving them right. with social media. Callan developed her innovative Callan does her best to source ingredients and delicious Beverage Bombs after a vacalocally. She gets some of her coffee from Tea & tion in Mexico. During the trip, fellow travellers Coffee Company in Edmonton and her teas from remarked that they loved the regional coffee concoctions but could never imagine replicating them other places in Canada. Beverage Bombs launched shortly before at home. “It got me thinking that it shouldn’t be so pandemic restrictions were put in place in 2020. hard to make specialty drinks at home,” she says. While Callan took a big revenue hit at first, the At the time, Callan was operating an Edible one upside is that the pandemic afforded her franchise in Kelowna. When she got back home, time to work with her mother and daughter when she got to work in her commercial kitchen, testeveryone was feeling the sting of isolation. “It ing different blends of tea, coffee and spices, as brought us a lot closer together, and maybe we well as how to meld different ingredients into a wouldn’t have spent that much time together if convenient tablet form. it wasn’t for what I do,” she says. Now revenue Her experiments resulted in the creation of is trending upwards, especially after Beverage Beverage Bombs — rose-shaped, condensed Bombs was included in the Make It Box, a cu“bombs” that look like candies. Simply put one rated product box that ships across Canada. in a brew bag, tea-diffuser basket or French Currently, Callan is rolling out Beverage press, pour in boiling water or milk, let the bomb Bombs into Sobeys and Safeway locations across dissolve and enjoy. Beverage Bombs can also be the province, renting a space to build up to a served on ice or used for cocktails, such as white sangria made with the peach apricot tea bomb, or larger kitchen and, perhaps, even looking to expand her team. That said, she’s focused on a mojito “teazer” made with the strawberry-mint not becoming a victim of her own early success. herbal tea bomb. A few of Callan’s most popular “I’m trying to ramp up production to stockpile flavours include Caramel Macchiato, Mocha product before the full Sobeys rollout because I’m Milano, London Fog and Firefly Chai. She plans at other retailers, too,” she says. “I want to control to roll out a maple-coffee flavour soon. how busy it gets because the worst thing I could Callan eventually gave up her Edible franchise do is go into all these stores, then they want all and moved back to Edmonton, where she now this product, and I can’t supply.” operates a commercial kitchen from her home. She has also been preparing for a major rush She works with her daughter Cali and 80-year-old during the holiday shopping season. If you’re mother, Myrna. Callan does most of the produclooking for a delicious gift in a beautiful package, tion herself: she hand-grinds the spices, mixes don’t hesitate to place an order. —C.G. and heats all the ingredients in a pot and then

RUNNERS-UP FRESH NUT MYLKS BY BOHOMYLK Made in Calgary $10 bohomylk.com Created by a personal chef and a nutritionist, Bohomylk uses organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible for its nut milks. Because the ingredients come from sustainable farms, the nut milks are unbelievably creamy and bursting with flavours like matcha, vanilla, chocolate and raspberry.

CRAFT KOMBUCHA BY MOBU Made in Edmonton $6 instagram.com/mobucraftkombucha This family-owned company makes small-batch kombucha brewed with black, green and white teas. The drinks have all the perks of kombucha you expect — digestive enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants — in an array of flavours. Judges particularly loved the raspberry citrus ginger and mango.

PARCH HERBAL TEA BY PARCH Made in Calgary $5.25 parchtea.com Sisters Candy and Joyce Lam created this bottled Chinese herbal tea product as a nod to their family and heritage. Shelf-stable and made without preservatives, Parch teas are based on their mother’s recipe for leung cha, a cooling tea that pairs well with spicy fried food. Try it in original or cranberry, on ice.

PREMIUM ALCOHOL-FREE SPIRITS BY SEXY AF Made in Calgary $20 TO $40 sexyafspirits.com A locally made option for the sober curious, Sexy AF Spirits offers six alcoholfree spirits based on gin, whisky, rum, Aperol, Amaro and Triple Sec. Founder Jo-Anne Reynolds developed the line after attending a girls’ trip with limited non-alcoholic options. —C.G. avenuecalgary.com

S AV O U R Y

FOOD

ORGANIC SOURDOUGH WITH WHOLE W H E AT BY S I D E WA L K C I T I Z E N B A K E RY Made in Calgary $6.56 sidewalkcitizenbakery.com

RUNNERS-UP Alchemist Honey Blackened Garlic Vinegar by Tippa Made in Okotoks $16 FOR 500 ML tippadistillery.square.site This vinegar is made from Alberta wildflower honey and garlic. Each bottle takes two months to make. The locally grown blackened garlic imparts a deep flavour, and the honey balances the vinegar with a touch of sweetness. Try it in salad dressings, marinades and even cocktails.

Cultured Cashew Cheese by Truffula Made in Edmonton $14 TO 15 FOR 115 GRAMS truffula.ca Our judges were won over by the delicious flavour of this cultured cashew cheese, which is also nutritious and dairy-free. Available in Dreamy Dill, White Truffle, Cracked Peppercorn and Smoked Pimentón, it’s great on a bagel or served with charcuterie.

source local ingredients such as red fife flour hen Aviv Fried immigrated to from Highwood Crossing and all-purpose Calgary from Israel, his flour from Grainworks. search for a good loaf of bread eventually led Each loaf takes three days to produce, WINNER him to learn the craft of artisanal baking. allowing the dough to go through a cold Sidewalk Citizen started with Fried selling fermentation process to develop its robust and delivering his sourdough loaves by bike. flavour before being hand-shaped, proofed Thirteen years later, Fried and co-owner Michal and then baked. Lavi have grown Sidewalk Citizen into a bakery/ “We have worked, reworked and tested our deli/restaurant business with almost 50 employees recipe numerous times to finally get to a satisfyand three locations offering their signature breads, ing flavour and crust-to-crumb ratio,” says Lavi. pastries and dishes inspired by Israeli street foods. “We love what we do, we love bread and have Sidewalk Citizen’s sourdough has become a staple been very fortunate to have loyal customers who for many Calgarians, beloved for its complex taste have made our sourdough a part of their routine. and the textural contrast between the crispy crust Its always exciting and deeply satisfying to see and soft crumb. Fried’s 13-year-old sourdough returning customers and especially kids that grew up on our bread and still like it.” —C.C. starter is a key component of the bread. Sidewalk Citizen also works with suppliers in Alberta to 28

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Amazing Dad’s BBQ Sauce by Honey Bunny Made in Guy $7 FOR 500 ML peaceriverhoney.co Honey is listed as the second ingredient in this barbecue sauce and the flavour is prominent. Produced by a family-owned apiary, this Alberta honey condiment is great brushed on grilled ribs. The pouch packaging also makes it convenient to pack this sauce for camping trips or picnics. —C.C.

Made in Alberta Awards & Made in Alberta updated logos March 9 2020

BEAUTY L OV E B O DY P O T I O N BY T H E P O T I O N M A S T E R S Made in Calgary $60 thepotionmasters.com

RUNNERS-UP Natural Radiance Face Serum - Squalane and Moringa by Ellie Bianca Made in Calgary $90 elliebianca.com The latest product from Ellie Bianca harnesses powerful natural ingredients: moringa, often called “the miracle tree” for its variety of wellness applications, is rich in vitamins and proteins purported to help treat and prevent illness; and squalane, an emollient and antioxidant that mimics natural skin oils. Tea Tree & Grapefruit Hydrating Shampoo Bar by Oh My Garden! Made in Calgary $17 ohmygarden.co This shampoo bar helps you feel beautiful and reduce your plastic consumption at the same time. Each 70-gram bar is equivalent to about 750 millilitres of shampoo. The bars are pH-balanced, vegan, sulfate-free and safe to use on coloured hair.

the range that is packaged in plastic to allow he Potions Masters make each of for use in the tub, however, the packaging is their potions by first setting an made from 100 per cent post-consumer intention for use — and when WINNER materials and is recyclable. they make the Love Body Potion, The Love Body Potion was meant to they listen to R&B. “You have to have a Love debut along with The Potion Masters’ launch, Potion when you have a line of potions,” says but Daniels, a perfectionist, spent about an extra creator Sylvan Daniels, who runs the company with year tweaking the formula. After hundreds of test her mother. batches, she finally found the right mix. The woodsy, They call the product a “potion” because it’s floral and fresh scent includes notes of rose, sandalnot a perfume, a serum or a moisturizer — it’s wood, cardamom, bergamot and more. all three. The potion can be used as an in-shower “When I came up with what ended up being the moisturizer, as a bath oil, as a shaving serum, as a final blend, it was something I had never smelled massage oil, as a hand cream or even on hair. before,” she says. “I put my wrist up to my husband’s Daniels says because the product is water-free, nose and he just grabbed my arm and wouldn’t let all-natural and rich in ceramides, you only need go.” Other scents by The Potion Masters include to use a small amount to see big results. The Love Paradise, Joy and Energy. —C.G. Body Potion is the only Potion Masters product in

Honey Bath Soak by My Daughter Fragrances Made in Wolf Creek $40 mydaughterfragrance.com My Daughter Fragrances puts Alberta’s top-tier honey to good use in this luxurious, soothing bath soak. The soak transforms bath water into a soothing, milky concoction with its base of Rocky Mountain Honey, and lemon, bilberry and maple sugar extracts. —C.G.

avenuecalgary.com

FASHION

AND ACCESSORIES C U S T O M P O R T R A I T D I A M O N D L OV E R ’ S E Y E R I N G BY K E LT Y P E L E C H Y T I K Ma de in Edmonton $2,400 to $25,000 keltypelechytik.com

will have their Lover’s Eye for many years he Lover’s Eye ring is jewelto come. Other than the painting, each elelery maker Kelty Pelechytik’s “show-stopping piece.” The ment of these custom rings is handmade WINNER crown jewel of Pelechytik’s in Edmonton. collection blends her love of a Everything from the painting, the colour and historical art form — miniature paintings — carat of the gold and the size of the portrait with her personal passion for handmade jewellery. diamond (a portrait diamond is flat like a mirror), is the client’s choosing. The process to create one of According to Pelechytik, secret lovers in the the rings can take months. 19th century would wear rings, necklaces and brooches that had a tiny painting of their beAll of the diamonds are ethically sourced, but loved’s eye set under a multi-faceted gem. No one Pelechytik can also make the Lover’s Eye ring would be able to see the painted eye except the without a diamond, which she says is one way person wearing it. that she can make her jewellery more affordable, Pelechytik works with a professional miniaand therefore accessible to more clients. ture-design artist based in Australia who paints “It’s kind of been my dream piece,” Pelechytik each eye using Limoges enamel, a long-lasting says. —T.A. and waterproof enamel that ensures her clients 30

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RUNNERS-UP Children’s Hair Accessories by delphinette Made in Calgary $7.95 TO $16 etsy.com/ca/shop/ thedelphinette Angela Tulio handmakes her colourful and charming children’s hair accessories in collaboration with her four-year-old daughter using things like felt and glitter. Select designs include the strawberry flower, baby strawberry, peapod hair clip and sparkly clips.

Wool Blanket Coat by Janine’s Custom Creations Made in Calgary PRICES VARY designs-by-janine.ca Janine’s Custom Creations regularly designs clothes for the Stampede Royalty and the First Nations Princess. For 35 years, Janine Stabner has been making one-of-akind pieces from leather, fur, Pendleton blankets and other fabrics. The wool blanket coats are distinctly Albertan, combining style and function. Lolli Leggings by Buttercream Clothing Made in Calgary $88 buttercreamclothing.com Not only are Buttercream Clothing’s Lolli Leggings stylish and comfortable, they’re an ethical product. The brand is size inclusive, with leggings available in XS to 4X, made with a blend of polyester and spandex. Each pair is made-to-order, a slowfashion practice that reduces waste. —C.G.

Made in Alberta Awards & Made in Alberta updated logos March 9 2020

UNIQUE K I D O O D L E .T V BY A PA R E N T M E D I A C O . I N C . Made in Calgary Up to $4.99 per month kidoodle.tv

it goes live on the platform. That’s right, A Parent idoodle.TV is a local company that Media Co. Inc. employs actual grandparents offers content streaming for to watch every single episode, advertisement kids and families. The Calgaryand commercial before it airs. based tech startup features WINNER more than 25,000 episodes of entertainWhile a lot has changed in almost a ing and educational shows available in over decade since the company was founded, 160 countries and territories worldwide. Gruninger says he believes having real As of 2020, the company is also producing content people screen kid-friendly content has become through Kidoodle.TV Originals. even more valuable during the pandemic, as most kids’ screen time has increased. “Parents, espeCo-founder Neil Gruninger came up with the cially through COVID, have recognized … that idea for Kidoodle.TV after noticing how easy it open platforms [like YouTube] are a very dangerwas for his nieces and nephews, and specifically ous place for their kids,” says Gruninger. co-founder Michael Lowe’s son, to access inapThis is particularly true for the growing client propriate shows and advertisements when algobase of millennial parents — a generation of rithms didn’t filter for age-appropriate content. people raised by the good, bad and ugly of the What sets Kidoodle.TV apart from other kidInternet, who really want to protect their kids friendly streaming options is its Safe Streaming from the bad and ugly. —T.A. guarantee — real humans screen all content before

RUNNERS-UP Premium Earthworm Castings by Annelida Organics Made in Stony Plain and Nisku $14 TO $65 annelida.ca Worm castings (also called vermicastings) are a natural byproduct of worm digestion and a hyper-nutritious garden fertilizer. Annelida Organics offers them in three all-natural forms: Premium Liquid Extract (dry castings and water), Pet Spot + (castings plus biochar and grass seed) and SuperSoil Enricher (castings plus five other natural ingredients). Jem Pipes by Jewelnotes Glassworks Made in Calgary $100 TO $150 jewelnotes.ca Most glass pipes are hollow but this stylish model by Made in Alberta Awards alum Michelle Atkinson is made from a solid piece of cast glass. The kiln-fired pieces have a heft and durability that seems unlikely from a glass product. End-to-end, it takes Atkinson about five days to make one slab, which is then cut into seven pipes. Bala-Calfa - The Bovine Balaclava by Bala-Calfa Made in Eckville $22 balacalfa.ca Calves born in winter are prone to frozen ears, which is both painful for them and reduces their market value. Bala-Calfa saw a gap in the market and created these waterproof neoprene hoods. Our judges thought it was important to note that they’re also super cute. —C.G. avenuecalgary.com

FURNISHINGS AND HOME DECOR PERFORMING STOOL BY N AT U R A L C O L L E C T I O N Made in Calgary $2,560 naturalcollectionstands.com

functional and yet beautiful. But there was art-time musician and fullnothing out there. In most cases people time woodworker Caleb Blake will sit on whatever’s handy.” launched Natural Collection WINNER Fashioned from walnut and ash in 2019 in response to what he hardwood with cork fabric guitar protectors saw as an underserved market in the area of on the stand, every piece of the performing stylish and functional options for displaystool is handcrafted for a sinuous architectural feel. ing musical instruments. With ample experience in woodworking and an eye for design, Blake has spent Featuring a sculpted seat, lower lumbar back supthe last 15 years making custom creations, including port, and a cross member to support your foot, the stand is available in 26- and 29-inch options. a stool for himself that would prove the inspiration Designed specifically for the guitar, it also can for the Natural Collection performing stool. Natural Collection is a line of high-end instru- accommodate a variety of other stringed instruments, such as the banjo. And even if you don’t ment display stands, and its performing stool play guitar, this integrated instrument stand is a incorporates both a space to play and a space beautiful objet in any space. to display an instrument not in use. “I wanted “It’s much more than just a guitar stand,” says something that was a fusion of fine furniture and Blake. “It’s a piece of art.” —K.A. music,” says Blake. “Something that was both 32

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RUNNERS-UP Logan & Cove Luxury Hybrid Pillow-Top Mattress by GoodMorning.com Made in Edmonton $799 TO $1,149 goodmorning.com While there are several online “bed in a box” mattress companies, Edmonton’s GoodMorning.com is one of the first to offer a hybrid mattress combining memory foam with pocket coils. The Logan & Cove features breathable temperatureregulating silk and is available in two comfort levels. Scented and Crystal-infused Soy Candles by Camp Four Made in Banff $29 TO $34 megjones.cargo.site/ camp-four Inspired by the Rocky Mountains and the Bow Valley, Camp Four candles are made of 100-per cent soy wax and essential oils. Some have a distinctive crystal invoking a specific energy: blue calcite for calming, black tourmaline for grounding and rose quartz for self-love. Upcycled Chopstick Home Decor by ChopValue YYC Made in Calgary $17 TO $472 chopvalue.ca Making items entirely from recycled bamboo chopsticks, this Calgary company turns everyday items into sophisticated and useful objects as part of a circular economy. Products include workstations, cutting boards and hexagonal wall shelving. — K.A.

Made in Alberta Awards & Made in Alberta updated logos March 9 2020

GAMES

AND LEISURE STUMPCRAFT PUZZLES BY S T U M P C R A F T Made in Calgary $59 to $239 stumpcraft.com

believes that the puzzles create a fun and asen Robillard, founder of Stumpinteractive appreciation of Canadian art. Craft Puzzles, loves wooden WINNER StumpCraft puzzles are not like any puzzles. When he couldn’t other. The pieces are whimsically shaped find anywhere to buy them in and often include things that relate in Canada, he decided to create his own. some way to the image on the puzzle — Robillard also thought up a more interesting way of creating the puzzles. “The traditional for example a puzzle with an image of the Alberta badlands features pieces shaped like dinosaurs puzzles are typically grid cut, meaning that they’re and archeologists. Part of the fun is identifying typically square pieces with a hole or knot, and what I like to do is just kind of throw all that out the the various shapes. Each piece is made with a laser cutter and each window and make pieces that would traditionally cutline is intentionally designed to enhance the not be viewed as puzzle pieces,” he says. puzzling experience. StumpCraft uses premium “I’m trying to expand people’s minds in terms of wood and top-of-the-line printing technology so what can be made into a puzzle.” interacting with the pieces, exploring the different StumpCraft products showcase Canadian fine shapes and feeling the pieces themselves adds art. Robillard works in collaboration with artists across Canada, as well as artists’ estates, museums an extra layer to the joy of putting these puzzles together. —J.C. and art galleries that focus on Canadian fine art to select artwork to feature on the puzzles. He

RUNNERS-UP Custom-made Titanium Bicycles by RollingDale Cycles Inc. Made in Edmonton $6,500 TO $10,000+ rdcycle.com Each of these titanium-framed bicycles is built by hand and made to last multiple generations, but can also be recycled when no longer in use. Rollingdale can cater to each customer’s needs, whether it be for a mountain bike, road bike or a backcountry “bikepacking” bike.

Escape Mail by Mobile Escape Made in Calgary $13 TO $132 mobileescape.ca Escape Mail is an escape room in an envelope that gets mailed out to you. Escape Mail games take you through various puzzles that follow a gripping storyline, with multimedia elements. Customers can become monthly subscribers, play single episodes or buy bundle deals. Stealth Gaming Chair by LF Gaming Made in Calgary $1,395 TO $1,595 lfgaming.com This chair was designed for long hours of gamer enjoyment. It is hand-built using Greenguard-certified Brisa Ultrafabrics with ThermaGuard technology that help reduce heat. The chairs have memory foam for comfort and offer customized colour choices. —J.C.

avenuecalgary.com

build it. brew it. bake it. buy it. bank on 34

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made in alberta banking. connectfirstcu.com

it. avenuecalgary.com

AMY W ILL I E R AWA R D FOR INDIGENOUS ARTISANS M E T I S B E A D I N G BY W I L L OW R O S E B E A D S Ma de in Spruce Grove $40 to $150 @willowrosebeads

This new category honours the memory of Amy Willier — co-owner of Moonstone Creation, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and artist — who passed away earlier this year. We are honoured to continue Willier’s legacy of promoting Indigenous makers with this award.

sources her beading materials from other hen Jocelyn Lamothe first Indigenous-owned businesses and artists started beading in 2017, she from Canada. immediately felt a conWINNER nection to the heritage of As her beading skill and collection the practice. But she never imagined how grew, Lamothe decided to turn her work important her beading practice would come into a business and began Willow Rose to be in her life. “I found the practice of beading to Beads at the start of 2021. Now Lamothe sells her be relaxing and, because of that, also healing,” says pieces online, through Instagram, at markets and Lamothe. “It quickly became a beautiful doorway through word of mouth. Each piece celebrates into learning family stories and history as I talked floral elements, but is otherwise unique. with aunties and new friends in beading circles.” While each piece has become a favourite in its Metis beading is a traditional artform recognizown way, it’s still her very first piece, which she gave able by its colourful and floral designs. The beading away, that left its founding mark. “[It is] special in a method uses glass beads applied to traditional way that no other piece is. I continue to learn with clothing, hides or cloth. Lamothe notes that each of each piece, but that first project holds the memory her pieces helps celebrate and share her culture. To of my first beading circle, teachings and the inspiragive back the same support she received, Lamothe tion to continue,” she says. —M.R.

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RUNNERS-UP Tufted and Beaded Cuff By Carmen Miller, Métis Artisan Made in Hinton $550 carmenmillerart.com Miller’s tufted and beaded cuffs are slow fashion in the best sense. Miller begins the process by designing the beadwork, then tufting, and finally finishing each cuff with a beaded edge and drawstring antler button. Each cuff is one-of-a-kind and, Miller hopes, will be passed down as a family heirloom.

Cree Coffee By Cree Coffee Co Made in Maskwacis $15 TO $20 Currently the only Indigenous coffee roaster in Western Canada, Cree Coffee Co sources its green beans from Indigenous groups in five South American countries. Each cup is an expression of connection, love and art reflected in each bold sip.

Sparkling Gin Tea By Kikawinaw Made in Nisku (at Rig Hand Distillery) $16/PACK OF FOUR kikawinaw.ca This refreshing home-brewed tea is infused with flavours of blueberries, rosehips and Wildrose gin, then sweetened with all-natural Alberta birch syrup. With just five per cent alcohol (and just 50 calories per can), it’s the perfect weekend drink. —M.R.

Made in Alberta Awards & Made in Alberta updated logos March 9 2020

WE WILL READERS’ CH O I C E

ROCK

YOUR HOLIDAYS

C O C O N U T S OY C A N D L E S BY M I L K J A R C A N D L E S Made in Calgary $27 to $36 milkjar.ca

More than 5,000 readers voted online at MadeInAlbertaAwards.ca to select the winner and runner-up in this popular category.

WINNER

ilk Jar Candles has amassed a loyal following, and for good reason. Its coconut soy candles burn cleanly for up to 60 hours, filling rooms with fragrances such as French Laundry, Lemonade and Citrus. Another reason to feel good as the wooden wicks crackle: $1 from each sale goes to a youth not-for-profit, such as Between Friends and CADS Calgary. —N.K.

RUNNER-UP Colouring Books by Colouring It Forward Made in Calgary $25 colouringitforward.com Colouring It Forward colouring books venture beyond the established lines. Since 2016, founder Diana Frost has

collaborated with Indigenous artists and Elders from Blackfoot, Cree, Dene and Ojibway Nations to create unique books of beautifully illustrated colouring pages accompanied by related stories and teachings. The fun activity books create meaningful connections to Indigenous cultures. — N.K.

Visit us in person or online for a chance to win one of TWO handmade rocking chairs this holiday season! Visit our website for contest details at: bluerockgallery.ca

We are your best destination in Alberta to find an exceptional collection of fine local art, gifts and books!

OPEN EVERY DAY 10 – 6 FREE GIFT WRAPPING! 110 Centre Ave W. Black Diamond, AB 403.933.5047 bluerockgallery.ca

avenuecalgary.com

ALCOHOLIC

RUNNERS-UP

DRINK

S A LT E D C A R A M E L C R E A M L I Q U E U R BY H A N S E N D I S T I L L E RY Made in Edmonton $35 to $40 hansendistillery.com

Beerfest in a Box by Alberta Beer Festivals Made throughout Alberta $30 TO $33 albertabeerfestivals.com While most beer variety packs showcase the range of one specific brewery, Alberta Beer Festivals shows off how different breweries approach a particular style with offerings such as “Sour Power,” “Tall, Dark & Delicious” and “Iconic IPAs.” The approach exemplifies the craft brewing spirit of collaboration, instead of competition. Each box has eight different beers and is sold at select stores throughout Alberta. They’re in the process of launching a subscription-based delivery service through beerfestinabox.com, so stay tuned for that.

Unlike some salted caramel products, this fter its first batch sold out almost liqueur strikes just the right blend of salty and instantly, Hansen Distillery co-owner WINNER sweet. The distillery cooks its own caramel inShayna Hansen thought she was house using real cream and other natural ingreprepared for the second drop of Salted dients. The liqueur is wonderful poured over ice, Caramel Cream Liqueur. Approximately 1,000 or in coffee or tea. It can also be used for making bottles went on sale at noon that day. “The phone desserts: Hansen says customers have shared stories of was going insane. One lady called in and said, ‘well, it says making whipped cream and frosting out of it, adding it it’s out of stock.’ It was a couple minutes after twelve.” Hansen received hundreds of emails and discovered a to cheesecake and drizzling it over apple pie. With so many cream liqueurs out there, what exactly block-long line outside of the distillery’s doors. A while makes this one so special? “You can taste the love and later, someone emailed to say he had slipped and fallen extra time we put in it —and the real ingredients,” says in the distillery’s snowy parking lot but that every sip of Hansen. —C.G. the liqueur he purchased that day made it worthwhile. 38

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Made in Alberta Awards & Made in Alberta updated logos March 9 2020

Sparkling Gin Tea by Kikawinaw Made in Nisku $16 PER FOUR-PACK kikawinaw.ca Made at Rig Hand Distillery by Kelly Armstrong, this lightly carbonated cocktail pairs a family tea recipe with Alberta-grown natural ingredients. Low in calories and high in flavour this is refreshment personified with a can design that references Armstrong’s Metis heritage in a modern style.

Hi Cutie! Mint Raspberry Wheat Ale by Born Colorado Brewing Made in Calgary $16 TO 18 PER FOUR-PACK, $4.50 PER CAN borncoloradobrewing.com The adorable Hi Cutie!’s measured blend of mint, raspberry and wheat flavours cries out to be enjoyed on a warm day. Though it’s packed with fresh flavour, you never forget that you’re drinking beer. This one gets bonus points for its irresistible branding — you can even buy a Hi Cutie! baby onesie.

THE WORLD’S MOST CUSTOMIZABLE OFFICE CHAIRS

Wild Rose Petal Rhodomel by Stolen Harvest Meadery Made in Grovedale $38 stolenharvest.com What could be more Albertan than a honey-based wine made with wild rose petals? Using raw honey and locally sourced natural ingredients (many of them wild-harvested), this rhodomel ferments exactly like wine. The result is a sweet-but-subtle mead that stands out from the pack.

Drinksmith Collection by Cocktail Concierge Made in Calgary $50 cocktailconcierge.com Cocktail Concierge makes elevated, bottled cocktails at Bridgeland Distillery. The Cocktail Concierge team blends spices and botanicals with Bridgeland’s spirits. The mixtures are then rested in oak barrels. Each batch takes about a month to make and the offerings include twists on classics like the Smoked Walnut Old Fashioned, Wild Rose Vesper, Chai Negroni, Paper Plane, Agave Old Fashioned and Cacao Boulevardier. —C.G.

Designing a custom-made office chair – meticulously handcrafted to your exacting specifications – should be beautiful and feel like it was created just for you (because it was!). Make it a reflection of your personal style.

LOCALLY DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED IN CALGARY LifeformChairs.com (403) 720-3966 avenuecalgary.com

SWEET

FOOD WA F F L E P U C K S BY C O O K I E C R U M B S Ma d e i n Ed mo nto n

$4 to $5 each cookiecrumbs.ca

WINNER

affle Pucks are filled-cookie treats that bring together food traditions from the backgrounds of husband-and-wife team John and Agnes Osborne. The crust for the Waffle Pucks is a waffle-cookie-shortbread hybrid, based on a shortbread recipe passed down through generations of John’s Scottish family. The couple was also inspired by the filled pastry treats from Agnes’ Asian heritage such as Japanese obanayaki and Chinese mooncakes. By filling the shortbread crusts

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with sweet dessert fillings, they created individual treats that resemble pucks — the product name acknowledges this and is a nod to the couple’s shared love of hockey. The Osbornes started Cookie Crumbs as a home-based business in 2016 and they now sell their goods at three Edmonton farmer’s markets: Bountiful Farmers’ Market, Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market and the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market. “Our Waffle Pucks’ popularity has come from

a loyal following of customers, who have told us that they love the shortbread and the variety of fillings inspired by ingredients from different cultures,” says Agnes. “It’s a highly craveable treat.” Customers can choose from a range of fillings, including apple pie, salted caramel, matcha cream, chocolate ganache, ube halaya and Japanese cheesecake — a not-too-sweet option that is a customer favourite. Cookie Crumbs also makes Waffle Pucks in gluten-free, vegan and keto-friendly versions. —C.C.

RUNNERS-UP Haskap Jam by Preserved Made in Bragg Creek and Strathmore $8.75 TO $9.50 preservedyyc.com Preserved’s “save the season” philosophy ensures the beauty of locally grown ingredients is preserved at its peak. Inspired by berry bushes buzzing with bees, this jam uses tart Alberta haskap berries from Rosy Farms and Eastern Slopes Honey to add a floral sweetness for balance.

Jams by Black Sheep Made in Calgary $9 TO $13 black-sheep.ca At Black Sheep bakery it’s easy to be captivated by the flaky croissants and gorgeous French pastries. But don’t overlook the jam! Black Sheep’s micro-batches of jam, made with reduced sugar to let the seasonal fruit flavours shine through, fill the bakery’s signature croissants, but the jam is also available in jars to take home. Black Sheep uses agar, giving the jam a unique texture that makes it more set than most pectin jams.

Totally Awesome Cookie Mix by Confetti Sweets Made in Sherwood Park $10 confettisweets.ca The soft, chewy cookies from Confetti Sweets have a strong fan base. With its cookie mix, the Confetti team hopes even more people will enjoy their cookies fresh out of the oven. The cookie mix is available in four flavours — chocolate chunk, coconut, oatmeal chocolate chunk and sugar cookie — at grocers around the province.

Moments Dessert Cakes by Judy G Foods Inc. Made in Calgary $8 judygfoods.com These decadent cakes are made with nourishing superfood ingredients such as matcha, turmeric and lucuma. Judy G Foods also developed an innovative fava bean flour for its gluten-free, plant-based flour blend, which makes the Moments Dessert Cakes delightfully moist and airy. The cakes are ready to enjoy from frozen in just seconds.

Savoury Trio by MOB Honey Made in Calgary $37 FOR THREE 4 OZ. JARS mobhoney.com This trio of small-batch Alberta raw honey includes sweet, earthy and salty profiles, making it a wonderful match for charcuterie and cheeses. The bundle includes truffle honey, applewood-smoked honey and a delightfully unique umami honey made with fermented black garlic from Millarville’s Forage & Farm. —C.C.

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CRAFT GOLD WHISKY TUMBLER BY Q U I N S P I R E D C E R A M I C S Made in Calgary $150 quinspired.com

RUNNERS-UP Camp Mug Collection by The Creative Traveller Made in Jasper $115 thecreativetraveller.com Inspired by her surroundings, artist and graphic designer Celina Frisson captures the beauty of Jasper’s majestic mountain landscape in her Camp Mug Collection. Each clay mug is handmade over a weeks-long process, during which Frisson hand carves and paints mountain peaks, imposing trees and deep blue lakes onto them.

Handmade Dolls by French Maiden Creations Made in Legal $15 TO $140 etsy.com/ca/shop/ frenchmaiden French Maiden Creations handmakes its fabric dolls each step of the way, from designing the pattern to painting the dolls with fabric paint. The dolls come in a wide range of unique, whimsical characters, ranging from acorn people to racoon, crocodile and elephant bandits.

dons a gas mask for the most difficult part, raditionally, whisky is served in a which involves carefully hand-painting clear glass to showcase the spirit’s liquid gold evenly along the rim and scent and rich, amber colour. WINNER inside of the tumbler. “It’s super tricky to But Quin Cheung, the talented get it right,” Cheung says. “It is a little bit Calgary ceramicist behind Quinspired of a labour of love, but worth it in the end.” Ceramics, wondered if there was a way It’s hard to argue with that assessment. When to emulate that same drinking experience with a whisky is poured into the tumbler, reflections of ceramic tumbler. its amber, orange and yellow hues flicker against After exploring the idea for around a year, she the gold interior, turning a simple drink into a debuted her gold whisky tumblers in late 2020. dazzling, multi-sensory experience. They’ve been selling out quickly ever since. The “Whatever ceramic piece I have out there, I wheel-thrown tumbler’s raw, dark-clay exterior offers a striking contrast to the bright, glazed gold hope that when people use it, it’s something more than just a plain vessel,” Cheung says. “It can inlay interior. The tumblers sit at an angle, allowbring beauty, and it can bring joy, and it can just ing your eyes and nose to take in the drink. bring a new experience to whatever you’re eating Cheung makes the tumblers using a meticulous process that can take several weeks. She even or whatever you’re drinking.” —A.W. 42

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Woolen Animals by Pine & Ivy Made in Didsbury $70 TO $250 pineandivy.shop Chelsea McLaughlin transforms pieces of wool into adorable sculptures using a needle-felting process. She brings critters like highland cows, reindeer and field mice to life with expressive faces, big eyes and fun details like crocheted scarves. The animals sit on wooden slabs that make them easy to display. —A.W.

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avenuecalgary.com

DOWNTOWN

D EC I SIO N S 46

avenue October 21

Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan is offering a roadmap to revitalization for the beleaguered core communities, but is it a silver bullet or a missed opportunity for innovation?

BY X I M E N A G O N Z Á L E Z I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y T Y L E R L E M E R M E Y E R avenuecalgary.com

at comes to mind when you think about downtown Calgary? For some, it’s traffic congestion and parking woes; while others may be reminded of the beautiful river pathway system that runs alongside Prince’s Island. Increasingly, however, the image evoked by downtown Calgary is one of emptiness and loss. After the last economic bust in 2014-2015, the decline of the oil-and-gas industry has left downtown Calgary with 14 million square feet of vacant office space in faceless glass towers amongst empty parking lots. The effect of this extensive vacancy is hitting the city in its heart. “When you have blank windows from office vacancy, you can’t have vibrancy,” says Trent Edwards, Canadian President of Brookfield Properties Development and co-chair of Calgary Economic Development’s real estate sector advisory committee (RESAC). In a joint effort, the City of Calgary and Calgary Economic Development (CED) are determined to propel the city’s downtown core forward and into a more prosperous future with Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan. Armed with five “strategic moves,” this “roadmap to reinvention” provides a set of future-oriented initiatives and actions to transform downtown into a hub of innovation and creativity where people want to live, work and play. “Downtown is a source of pride for Calgarians,” says Thom Mahler, manager of urban initiatives at the City of Calgary. “And we want to give Calgarians a reason to have pride in their city.” If the implementation of the plan succeeds, in 10 years Calgary’s downtown core neighbourhoods will be a solid community hub where the lives of Calgarians of all backgrounds harmoniously converge whether they live there, work there, play there — or do all three. The plan envisions a wide arrangement of housing options to suit the lifestyles of families and young professionals alike, and a variety of transportation modes connecting them effectively and safely to the many amenities located in and outside of downtown. Barcelona-style “super-blocks” encompassing pedestrian-only streets lined with trees and greenery will hum with activity year-round with programming driven by a thriving cultural and business community. Calgarians working at tech startup offices and 48

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attending university campuses in the commercial core will support independent restaurants, cafés and unique shops along Stephen Avenue. On the weekend, young professionals living at a repurposed office building in Eau Claire will stop at a local artist’s gallery on their way to shop at the farmers’ market just off their building’s doorstep. In the evening, a group of friends will ponder whether they should walk or take e-scooters down a car-free road to enjoy an outdoor performance at Prince’s Island. A pop-up creators’ market will enliven a family’s walk on the river pathway to a restaurant in Chinatown, before they eventually head back to their home in the southeast community of Seton on the Green Line. Furthermore, by 2031, property values will have stabilized and brought back the revenue needed to allow the rest of the city to benefit from the renewed success of the downtown core, and businesses everywhere in Calgary will thrive. It sounds wonderful on all counts, but the path to successfully accomplish this vision is still unclear, and some of the risks associated with its achievements don’t seem to have been considered. “[The plan] has laid out a vision of where we’re headed — but it doesn’t tell you exactly how you’re going to get there, because the future is hard to predict right now and we didn’t really see one clear path,” Mahler says.

igh-vacancy rates since the downturn have resulted in the loss of about $17 billion in downtown property value and the tax revenue attached to it. The City’s reliance on downtown property values to service the rest of our sprawling city means that “anything that happens downtown has a disproportionate impact on property tax revenues,” says Hannes Kovac, president and CEO at Opus Real Estate and co-chair of CED’s RESAC committee. As such, the demise of our city’s core impacts the competitiveness of Calgary as a whole. But according to Beverly Sandalack, a professor of landscape architecture and planning at the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, the problems downtown Calgary faces go well beyond the economy. In a 2020 paper, Sandalack categorizes the problems the downtown core faces as being of a “morphological” nature, as the built forms that characterize downtown aren’t conducive to street activity.

“Throughout the downtown, you’ve got buildings funded through future Council requests, from other that don’t have entries or they are blank walls,” she orders of government and through possible partsays. “That needs to be changed.” nerships. Of this initial $200 million investment, Many of the current issues with downtown’s lack $45 million is allocated to a financial incentive of vibrancy are rooted in the values of the midmeant to transform vacant office space into resicentury era, which prioritized cars over pedestrians, dential and other uses. Public realm improvements resulting in a sterile business district, poorly conwill come from direct City investment, including nected to the rest of the city, that went to sleep when a $55 million Downtown Vibrancy Program. The office workers drove home to the suburbs. “The Plan will also use the development permit process 1966 downtown plan set the stage for redevelopto require some public-realm improvements or ment that started to dismantle that mixed-use core,” contributions where they are available, through Sandalack says, noting how this plan implemented public-private partnerships and density bonuses (a a new planning paradigm: urban renewal. “It was a feature that allows developers to build additional planning paradigm that thought that anything old units in exchange for financial contributions or the was old-fashioned and should be cleared out and construction of public amenities). replaced by new modern buildings “The investment in private real of a different scale.” estate is joined at the hip with the inIn a way, the wealth brought to vestment in public amenities within Calgary by the oil-and-gas industry the downtown core,” Mahler says. The investment has also been its demise, as it “You could spend a bunch of money in private real seemed easier to clear less desirable on public infrastructure but if there’s estate is joined mixed-use areas and replace them no economic viability to bring these at the hip with with a certain building type: office products to market, it might be towers. But this typology “was only the investment in years before somebody would take a going to work if the economy was chance on a new building, or adaptpublic amenities really good,” Sandalack says. “As ing an existing one.” within the soon as the economy declines, then For this reason, repurposing office downtown core. this building type doesn’t work.” buildings seems to take precedence – THOM MAHLER Sandalack outlines four essential over public realm improvements. CITY OF CALGARY MANAGER interventions necessary to bring However, Sandalack notes that “unOF URBAN INITIATIVES downtown back to life: attracting less there’s somewhere for people residents through housing choice, to go, unless the public realm is improving the public realm to good, and unless it’s developed as a enhance the pedestrian experience, neighbourhood with mixed-use opconnecting the places where people already are portunities — a good ground floor and a good public and rethinking mixed-use buildings at street level. realm — then all those people living in a converted “Downtown needs to be a neighbourhood rather office building aren’t going to improve the area.” than a destination,” she says. Eliot Tretter, an associate professor of geography For Byron Miller, a professor of geography at at the University of Calgary, notes that another key UCalgary, the proposed Greater Downtown Plan aspect to consider is the ways in which the physical is a step in the right direction, in that it addresses and social transformations brought about by the the issues raised by Sandalack. And although he plan could affect the diverse populations in the sevthinks the plan could be bolder, his main concern is en core neighbourhoods (Downtown West End, Eau its vagueness, particularly in regard to who it is the Claire, Downtown Commercial Core, Chinatown, City is trying to attract downtown and how office East Village and the Beltline) that it encompasses. conversion and the implementation of the plan will Miller also expresses concerns about this. “If affect who the City is trying to attract to downtown. Calgary is going to really remake and rebrand To support the transformation of downtown into itself, it has to be bold,” he says. “We can’t afford to a complete community, this past April, Calgary spend millions of dollars to basically make changes City Council approved an initial investment of $200 around the margins.” million to kickstart some of the actions outlined in As such, both Miller and Sandalack would like the Plan. This represents 20 per cent of the overall to see a clearer commitment to public-realm funding that the plan requires. The balance will be improvements. avenuecalgary.com

istorically, developers have built downtown Calgary’s public amenities. “The City hasn’t invested heavily in the public realm of the downtown core; a lot of what we do have was delivered through density bonus contributions and requirements of new development,” Mahler says. As a result, developers also influenced the current character of our city’s core.

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“Because Calgary was such a boomtown … to be a high-level vision and strategy for decision office developers and property owners didn’t want makers to provide direction and de-risk investment projects, and an important component of our city’s a lot of [planning] restrictions; they just wanted re-branding strategy to put Calgary “back on the to be able to respond to the booming office marmap” and attract the hottest commodity of our day: ket,” Mahler says, “and office use continually entech talent. croached into areas that were originally planned Nowadays, city branding involves more than adfor residential, especially in Eau Claire.” vertising, promotion and investment incentives. It Cognizant of the importance of the public realm also involves “materialized attractiveness,” in buildfor downtown vibrancy, the current plan introduces ing an environment that supports the experiences public-private partnerships to help mitigate these risks and move public-realm improvements forward. sought by a young, highly mobile, educated demographic. Boosting the investment Julie McGuire, project lead for that would create a more desirable Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan city seems essential to maintain at the City of Calgary, says “when Calgary’s competitiveness in the community groups get involved Not doing global marketplace. “Everybody and take ownership of these public anything was not wants to attract talent,” Mahler spaces it just makes for better, more really an option says, and “place is one of those socially connected neighbourfor Calgary key differentiators.” In addition to hoods.” These partnerships are also retaining that talent, this is the key meant to support the maintenance, anymore, from reason why, according to Edwards, management and programming of a vacancy and downtown vibrancy became the new and existing amenities. property-tax“heartbeat” of the plan. Even though one of the critirevenue-loss But some have referred to the cisms of public-private partnerperspective. fierce competition for talent as a ships is that the interests of private –TRENT EDWARDS, CALGARY “race to the bottom” that might enterprise are disparate from those ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT bring along negative consequences, of the public, Mahler thinks that REAL ESTATE SECTOR ADVISORY especially in small and mediumthe opportunities brought by busiCOMMITTEE sized cities, where the push to ness to the community are greater attract external talent may cause than the risks. “A lot of the success city administrations to lose sight of [of the plan] will be in fostering local realities. some of the local and small busiEvidence of this is already palpable in the plan, nesses that have connections to the community.” as it doesn’t seem to acknowledge any of the social “Companies will come and go, but if your commurisks its implementation may pose for many Calgarnity is solid and you have a great commitment to ians — including the 8,683 Calgarians who curyour neighbourhood, to your communities, it can rently live in the Downtown Commercial Core. withstand [economic woes].” The “selective benefits of infrastructural improveOne of the actions outlined in the plan to increase vibrancy is to “deliver park activation and op- ments,” says Tretter, could generate gentrification, displacement, and even price smaller companies erational efficiencies in downtown parks, including out of the core, just as oil and gas did in the past. fee-based and revenue-generating programs.” But The financial pressures on our city could be keeprevenue for whom? According to Miller, city planing it from looking into truly innovative alternatives ners should “have a clear vision of what the public good is and how to get there.” In this case, the public that would lead Calgary towards becoming a more good seems to be a return to higher property values. resilient and equitable city. But it seems shortsighted to assume all Calgarians will benefit from this Because property values downtown have seen a plan equally. $17 billion loss in value since 2015, taking action “When we’re talking about economic diversifiseemed imperative. “There’s an urgency to act, and cation there are two basic strategies,” Miller says. not doing anything was really not an option for “One is to lure businesses from outside Calgary to Calgary anymore, from a vacancy and propertylocate in Calgary. The other strategy is to grow and tax-revenue-loss perspective,” Edwards says. And promote businesses that are starting up in Calgary the challenges Calgary faces in today’s hyper-global — and it seems to me that we could be doing a lot reality called for a different type of plan. In this sense, Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan is intended more of the latter.”

LAW MADE SIMPLE.

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here were few if any formal support mechanisms for the army of strivers of a cultural bent who lived in Calgary in the early ’80s. No fancy grant programs for emergent practitioners or projects, no prize competitions for the eager and unwashed freaks and beauties newly minted from Alberta College of Art, University of Calgary, or Mount Royal College, making, preparing, plotting and rehearsing. There was just a city in sight of the mountains. There was beauty and wildness here, as well as torpor and dread. There was tenderness and frustration and we wanted to talk about it. Some people talked with guitars, some with paint, others with their bodies in rooms and outdoors. Some described danger and craving with words. There was much to do and those who stayed began, truly, to want to do it here. I should remember the places we gathered — old brick warehouses, garages, basement studios, disused commercial buildings, repurposed

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Available Light

cafés, bars and ballrooms — but like dream buildings, they have evaporated or overlap. It is the people I remember clearly. We started alone in our missions, but not friendless. And soon we all took pride in a thriving underground scene in all the disciplines: video, photography, film, music, literature and performance. Some from away thought Calgary was a sterile place: conservative, buttoned down, focused on the business of energy. It’s true that many of our citizens had a great understanding of what was going on underneath the surface of the earth, but it was also true that many were deeply absorbed by what was happening on the surface. The early ’80s saw an advent of the artist-run centre in Canada, and Calgary was no exception. Centrally located in a variety of reconditioned locations there was the Parachute Centre for Cultural Affairs, Artons, Clouds and Water, Dandelion, Off Centre Centre (now The New Gallery) and EMMEDIA. Don Mabie, one of the directors of the Off Centre Centre, which oc-

cupied an old warehouse on Stephen Avenue where the Hyatt now stands, recalls a fertile period with hundreds of events and exhibitions, lectures, performances and happenings. Why did so much happen? Partially it was that he couldn’t say no, Mabie says. And partially, it was what he describes as a sensibility of being loose and open. The atmosphere was supportive. People wanted to help each other. It was, he says, a period of no ideology. A lack of money may have been a source of strength. More money means more bureaucracy. My group of beautiful freaks formed a performance group in 1982.

A lack of resources was our condition but it wasn’t our problem. What we didn’t have, we didn't need.

One Yellow Rabbit, we called it, a strange name for a group that wanted to stage performances for adults. We started, as others did, in borrowed spots, penniless, but rich in quantity of ideas, if not quality. Early on we adopted the concept of “available light.” As in photography, where you make your shot with whatever light you have, we used only whatever resources we already had to assemble projects. Time? Check. A garage or basement in which to rehearse for free? Check. A place to make noise and stay as long as we wanted? Double check. A lack of resources was our condition but it wasn’t our problem. What we didn’t have, we didn’t need. Limitations were a source of energy. In fact, when presented with too many possibilities we noticed our imaginations slowed, gummed up by too much choice. Off Centre Centre hosted our first project. We rehearsed and previewed our show there before we went to the first Edmonton Fringe festival in 1982 and presented in a superannuated Imperial Bank of Commerce from the turn of the 19th century. Back to Calgary and back to a succession of other repurposed spaces: an old car stereo-installation garage, an art deco ballroom, a future cocktail lounge. Then and only then did we go west and east, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and beyond: England, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Singapore and more. If a group like ours and many others like ours could crawl — or pogo — out of the primordial muck of the ’80s without a grand plan for “vibrancy” or “revitalization” it will be interesting to see what comes now. The past, they say, is a different country, and time has the propensity to fly, heal and steal. But people remain similar in their attributes, capable of beauty and malice, duty and invention. I look forward to what our young people will cook up, grand plans or not, looking to their futures with hunger and care.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TRUDIE LEE

The current rash of commercial vacancies and general malaise in Calgary’s downtown core isn’t the first time the city has been in the economic doldrums. Where there are booms, there are busts, and locally, none so infamous as the bust of the early 1980s that turned downtown into a scraped-out shell of its formerly prosperous self. But as history has shown, it’s often during the most economically deadened times that the arts come alive, creating an alternative version of what official revitalization efforts might define as “vibrancy.” Here, writer and director Blake Brooker reminisces about the formative years of his One Yellow Rabbit performance company and the creatively fertile ground he unearthed during one of Calgary’s darkest economic periods.

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BY E L I Z A B E T H C H O R N E Y- B O OT H

DINING TRENDS

Covering Calgary’s dining scene has been a wild ride during the pandemic. But with mass gatherings and dine-in service off the table (pardon the pun), the door opened for new trends in dining that are now becoming fixtures in how we consider the restaurant experience. Read on to learn about some of-the-moment innovators here in Calgary.

DELUXE CONVENIENCE STORES

PHOTOGR APH BY ST EV E COLLIN S

The Blue Store The corner of 9th Avenue and 13th Street S.E. was home to Inglewood Food Mart & Video for as long as most Calgarians can remember. But the trifecta of cigarettes, junk food and video rentals isn’t necessarily the community’s most pressing need in these times, which is why new owner Chris Nam decided to tweak the formula when he bought it and rebranded it as The Blue Store two years ago. Nam added an ice cream window, a Fratello coffee counter and — in the back where the naughty videos once lived — a kitchen that whips up sushi and Korean fried chicken to order. A convenience store that sells more than mass-produced snacks and overpriced toilet paper harkens back to the days of the once ubiquitous urban variety store. “Corner stores are a reflection of the fluidity of society and have always been a place of meeting in communities,” says Rebecca O’Brien, executive director of the Inglewood BIA. “The key to this store is that it does what Inglewood does best in combining old-style analog with a look forward. It’s a nod to what used to be here, but it works in a more current context.” 1344 9 Ave. S.E., 403-452-4934, @bluestoreinglewood avenuecalgary.com

GENERAL BLOCK

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Lil’ Empire Burger

112 4 Street N.E., 403-266-4142, and 3407 26 Ave. S.W., 403-242-1566, lukesdrugmart.com, @lukesdrugmart

1105 1 Ave. N.E., 403-455-4007, and 4321 1 St. S.E., 403-453-8994, lilempireburger.com, @lilempireburger

KIR PROLETARIAT NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAIL FROM LUKES DRUG MART

Trust Convenience Sodas and snacks are the bread and butter of any convenience store but this little gem in Saddle Ridge specializes in a vast selection of global junk foods. Pop in to find treasures like Fruity Pebbles cereal, Skittles flavours from Japan, unique Fanta flavours and limited-edition Oreos. 3170, 5850 88 Ave. N.E., trust-convenience-store.business.site, @trust_convenience

Via Convenience Located across from Western Canada High School, Via Convenience has the essentials one would expect in a normal convenience store, with an added boost of local products. There’s also an above-average selection of 56

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coffee beans, plenty of vegan and gluten-free snacks, and a soft-serve ice cream dispenser on a selfie-worthy wall adorned with neon signs. 624 17 Ave. S.W., 403-437-3488, @viaconvenience

Lukes Drug Mart

General Block Real estate developers have a knack for attracting successful downtown businesses into their new projects, sweetening the pot for nearby homeowners. This winter three local allstars — Una Pizza + Wine, Village Ice Cream and Phil & Sebastian Coffee — all moved into Rndsqr’s General Block, a multi-purpose retail and office development designed to serve Bridgeland’s growing population. 65 7A St. N.E., engagerndsqr.com, @rndsqr_

Hotel Arts + SAIT Hotel Arts has always been as much a destination for locals to dine in as it is a place for out-of-towners to sleep, which is why it’s not so surprising chef Quinn Staple’s kitchen has been tapped by SAIT to oversee the institute’s catering services and residential

PHOTOGR APHY BY STEVE COLLINS, JA RED SYCH

Lukes Drug Mart’s two locations offer next-level food options, starting with the stores’ wildly popular soft-serve ice cream. This past spring the shops started to offer not only COVID-19 vaccines, but the Killarney location now has a new line of non-alcoholic cocktails, developed by Graham Masters from The Allium.

Lil’ Empire is a local business that managed to grow during the pandemic, opening up a second location in the summer of 2020. The secret to this mini-empire’s success has been not to divide and conquer, but to team up with other businesses, a strategy that is becoming increasingly attractive to young entrepreneurs who aren’t able to take the risk of opening solo. Lil’ Empire’s sister company, Empire Provisions, had its beginnings working out of Una Pizza + Wine. Founders Karen Kho and Dave Sturies made charcuterie in the restaurant’s downstairs kitchen. Their meats were served at the in-house Frenchie Wine Bar and they also sold takehome sausages out of Una Takeaway before moving Empire Provisions into its current location on Elbow Drive. Teaming up with other businesses for their Lil’ Empire hamburger joint (which they own with restaurateurs Amber Anderson and Shovik Sengupta) was a natural fit. The original location is a counter within the Annex Ale Project taproom. The piggyback model went so well that the Lil’ Empire team decided to share space again for their second location, within the Bridgeland location of ice cream favourite Made by Marcus. “We saw it as not only a great opportunity to share costs, but to really use each other as a launching pad to share customers and share our reach,” Kho says. “We’re stronger as a community than we would be if we tried to stay in our own little corners and pretend we’re the best at everything.”

collaborator. Over the last year he launched Pigot’s Burger Club takeout in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, as well as a breakfast sandwich version called Friends with Benedicts (formerly Pigot’s Breakfast Club). He’s also a partner in the popular Pasta La Mano that launched as a subscription service in the fall of 2020. Pigot was able to put together his burger and breakfast delivery quickly by working with kitchens he knows: the burgers are run out of Craft kitchens and he worked with Diner Deluxe on the breakfast sandwiches. Post-vaccination life has meant changes for the Pigot ghost kitchen empire: breakfast club has morphed into Friends with Benedicts in the First Street Market. The regularity of Burger Club is also bound to shift, but the freedom of consulting means there’s plenty of room for ghost kitchen pop-ups and other fun experiments down the road. chefpigot.com, @chefpigot dining program. Hotel Arts’ Curated Catering arm partnered with SAIT earlier this year to feed students in the new Begin Tower Residence building, as well as attendees of catered oncampus meetings and special events. sait.ca, @sait; hotelarts.ca, @hotelartsyyc

First Street Market Billed as Calgary’s first inner-city dining hall, First Street Market has provided a bricks-and-mortar option to a number of young chefs and small culinary startups. The market leverages variety and individual followings in a one-stop shop where customers can grab breakfast, pasta, sandwiches, cocktails or whatever else suits their fancy. 1327 1 St. S.W., fsmyyc.com, @firststreetmarketyyc

PULCINELLA AMERICANO

Pulcinella Americano Domenic Tudda, the man behind Pulcinella, is a stickler for tradition when it comes to his signature Neapolitan pizzas, but the ultra-thin pies don’t transfer well for takeout. Enter Pulcinella Americano, a side biz run out of Pulcinella that specializes in hefty rectangular pizzas topped with Italian and North American-style toppings that are designed to travel. 1147 Kensington Crescent N.W., 403-283-1333, pizzayyc.com

CHEF MIKE PIGOT

GHOST KITCHENS Mike Pig ot Pandemic restrictions and wariness about eating out made Calgary prime territory for “ghost kitchens,” delivery-only enterprises with no dine-in location. Some ghost kitchens can seem faceless and shady, but pandemic times also saw a number of local food pros not only embracing the call of the virtual restaurant, but happily putting their names and faces on the businesses (though, many prefer the term “pop-up”). No one in Calgary has run with this concept as wholeheartedly as chef Mike Pigot. Best known for his work at Home and Away and Craft Beer Market, Pigot now works for himself as a chef consultant and avenuecalgary.com

Laid Fresh and Chikin FONDA FORA

Not local, but certainly interesting, Laid Fresh and Chikin are the inventions of Miami-based, James Beard Award-nominated chef Michael Lewis, who usually deals in the realm of fine dining. Laid Fresh is a breakfast affair, whereas Chikin is all about fried chicken sandwiches (something this city can never get enough of). Both are available solely through food-ordering apps.

NEW R E S TA U R A N T S Fonda Fora

714 10 Ave. S.W., laidfresh.com, @laidfresh; thatsgoodchikin.com, @thatsgoodchikin

Lost Dogs A pandemic-era takeout solution run by Last Best Brewing & Distilling (and sister brewery Banff Avenue Brewing Co. in Banff), Lost Dogs makes gourmet hot dogs designed to be cut up and shared, preferably with a can or two of local beer. The dogs can be ordered with chili, sauerkraut, barbecue sauce and other classic toppings, with a portion of every sale benefitting local animal shelters. 607 11 Ave. S.W., 587-839-2136, and 110 Banff Ave., Banff, 403-497-4576, lostdogshotdogs.ca, @lostdogshotdogs LOST DOGS GOURMET HOT DOG

MAJOR TOM BAR

NOBLE PIE

The newest Mexican concept from Thank You Hospitality (Native Tongues/Calcutta Cricket Club/ A1 restaurants) is a fresh sit-down dining room in the newly opened Westley Hotel. The emphasis here is on Mexico’s rich culinary history — from Yucatan to Oaxaca to Nayarit — with plenty of seafood, house-made masa and happy hour antojitos. 630 4 Ave. S.W., @fondafora

Major Tom Bar The long-awaited Concorde Group restaurant at the top of Stephen Avenue Place is all about lounge-like decor and fantastic sky-high views with a menu by culinary director Garrett Martin (Bridgette Bar, Pigeonhole). 40th floor, Stephen Avenue Place, 403-990-3954 (text only), majortombar.ca, @themajortombar

After a couple of years of popping up within Eighty-Eight Brewing Company (which has since partnered with Donna Mac on the Mixtape sandwich counter), Noble Pie opened a shop of its own this summer, making some of the best NY-style pizza this city has ever seen more readily available. 720 11 Ave. S.W. (alley entrance), noblepiepizza.com, @noblepiepizza 58

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PHOTOGR APHY BY JULYA HAJ NO CZK Y, JARED SYCH

Noble Pie

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A CLOSER LOOK AT PERIODONTICS For many of us, one of the greatest fears we harbour when it comes to our physical appearance is losing our teeth. But we don’t tend to realize just how important our teeth really are to our overall well-being until we’re actually faced with losing them.

Devoted to maintaining and restoring the health and function of the structures that support teeth — specifically jawbones and gums — periodontists are often the last line of defense in helping patients keep their teeth, and not end up in dentures. Periodontists represent a niche group of dental specialists who have undergone additional university education and accreditation to manage and treat complex periodontal and dental implant cases and complications. The services offered by periodontists are varied. They range from treating inflammatory periodontal disease through surgical and nonsurgical means, treating gum recession, rebuilding lost jaw bone with bone grafting, and replacing missing or failing teeth with dental implants. The goal of periodontists is to help patients maintain healthy and strong foundations around their teeth and dental implants for life. As treatment largely comes as a result of complexities encountered by other dental practitioners, a periodontist’s work is

collaborative. Periodontists work closely with general practitioners as part of a team to manage overall patient dental needs, and with other dental specialists as consultants in managing and treating complex treatments. While periodontal treatment largely takes place within the mouth, it can also benefit a patient’s overall health — researchers have identified important links between periodontal disease and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, infection of prosthetic joints, pregnancy complications, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and certain types of cancers. As periodontists see it, the mouth is a portal of entry into the human body, and, for the sake of a patient’s overall well-being, it’s vital we do everything we can to keep that gate healthy and strong. Ask your dentist for a referral to a periodontist, or visit ab.greatgums.ca to learn more.

They look like little works of art, which is why you need a master artist to place them.

In addition to installing dental implants, a periodontist is a dental specialist who’s involved with the buildup and establishment of the hard and soft tissues, and maintaining these as healthy foundations to support teeth and implants in the gums and bone. For more info or to schedule an appointment visit us at: ab.greatgums.ca 60

Alberta Academy of Periodontics

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ACCESSIBLE ONLINE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES:

DISCOVER THE LEARNING DISABILITIES & ADHD NETWORK WEBSITE For years, the Learning Disabilities (LD) Stakeholders Group — which is a gathering of professional individuals and organizations within the Calgary area — has collaborated to provide support, conduct research and share experiences for families and individuals with LDs and AttentionDeficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In 2021, the group launched the LD & ADHD Network website, funded by an anonymous endowment through the Calgary Foundation and operated through Foothills Academy, to extend its reach and make support more accessible within Calgary. Carola Tiltmann, the manager of the Network, hopes to see the website become a “one-stopshop” for children, teens and adults living with LDs or ADHD. She also hopes to see the website raise more awareness of these challenges overall.

“A lot of people are unaware of the actual prevalence of LDs and ADHD,” says Tiltmann. “It is nearly one in five, and that’s huge.” Understanding how to get support is a key focus of the website. “It’s important that people have a reliable place to go where they can be informed and learn how to succeed,” says Tiltmann. The website includes resources for identifying, and managing LDs and ADHD at school, home, work and in different social settings. For example, there’s a master list of useful assistive technologies for notetaking, organization and more. For adults, the site includes additional resources offered by the government, like advocacy support. Tiltmann says that the time right after diagnosis can be

the most challenging for people. They can feel overwhelmed by all of the options, decisions and first steps. While the website is designed to be easy to navigate, Tiltmann is always available for one-on-one support. Moving forward, Tiltmann plans to expand the website with regular blog posts, first-hand insight into research and resources for educators and employers.

Introducing our LD & ADHD website! The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network recently launched its new website to help individuals connect with information and resources for the LD & ADHD population specifically in the Calgary region.

At LDADHDnetwork.ca you can find: • helpful webinars • reliable information • evidence-based strategies • interesting articles and blogs

• a professional community dedicated to the success of those with LD and/or ADHD

Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network

LDADHDnetwork.ca

CALGARY REGION

BY S K Y E N G L A N D I L L U S T R AT I O N S BY C O R Y B U G D E N

HOW TO DRESS FOR WINTER

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Seasoned advice on what to wear for walking (or snowshoeing or skiing) in a winter wonderland.

hether you like it or not, winter is coming, and if you’re new to Calgary, you may be hearing some things that leave you feeling a little uneasy about our hemisphere tilting away from the sun. So, to be upfront: Yes, winter here is long. It usually snows in October and April (and at least once in May). Yes, winter here is cold. You will experience the pinch — nay frosty burn — of -30 degrees Celsius at one time or another in the coming months.

But here’s the good news: with the right clothing, you’ll be good to tackle whatever winter throws at you. And, if you’re willing to get dressed and get out there, you’ll be enchanted by winter’s pristine, quiet beauty. Calgarians are lucky to be just a short drive away from an alpine wonderland. As the Scandinavian adage goes there is no bad weather, only bad clothes. So with that in mind, here are three winter mountain experiences to try this season and tips on what to wear so you can have the most fun.

MOUNTAINS

P H OTO G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F BA N F F & L A K E LO U I S E TO U R I S M , T R AV E L A L B E R TA , PAU L Z I Z K A , N O E L H E N D R I C K S O N

DAY TRIP TO BANFF An excursion to Banff is something you can do in any season, but there’s something exceptionally pretty about this mountain town in the wintertime. You can walk up Tunnel Mountain, take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs and stroll the shops and eateries on Banff Avenue. For walking around the town of Banff in the winter, you’re going to need a warm and practical winter coat. Since you’ll be wearing it a lot this winter, it’s worth investing in one that not only keeps you cozy on bitterly cold days, but that you truly love to wear. There are a few things to consider when shopping for a winter coat. First, go long — a coat that falls below the waist to at least your knees (or longer) makes a big difference warmth-wise. And keep materials in mind. Syntheticfill coats are usually less expensive but wool or down

coats are your best defense against the cold. Whatever you choose, always check the temperature rating — your primary winter coat should be rated for at least -20 C. Next up, winter boots. You’ll want to protect your toes from ice, snow and winter temperatures, by wearing insulated, waterproof boots with good treads. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice on style these days, as boot brands such as Sorel and Canadian-based Pajar (among others) make footwear that is both fashionable and practical. Don’t forget wool socks, a knit hat (known around here as a “toque”) and warm gloves or mittens. A scarf helps lock in heat, too. For just walking around Banff there’s probably no need for insulated snow pants, but if it’s -5 C or below, you’ll want to layer long underwear or tights under your trousers. avenuecalgary.com

A snowshoe walk is a great introduction to winter recreation in the mountains, and Lake Louise has some of the most scenic snowshoe trails out there. Lake Louise Ski Resort offers guided snowshoeing experiences, as does the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as part of its mountain-adventure programming. Each year, the Chateau also clears a section of Lake Louise for ice-skating (complete with an ice castle) if you want to give “wild skating” a try. As far as the clothing you’ll need for a lower-intensity winter activity like snowshoeing, start by investing in a good base layer (long underwear set) in a synthetic or wool fabric — Icebreaker makes some of the best base layers out there. On your feet, you’ll need wool socks and a solid pair of well-treaded, waterproof boots rated for -25 C or lower. Leave your heeled boots at home if you’re traversing 64

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snowy trails, regardless of how warm they are. Top your ensemble with an insulated jacket and a pair of waterproof snow pants. Avoid non-breathable rain pants, which lock in moisture that can freeze on your skin and make you colder. This is not to say that you need to go out and spend $800-plus on highly technical outerwear — a salesperson at any outdoor gear store should be able to point you in the direction of functional items at several price points. Complete your snowshoeing ensemble with a neck warmer, waterproof gloves or mittens and a toque. It’s also crucial if you’re going to be out in the snow on a sunny day in the mountains to protect your skin and eyes, as prolonged exposure to the sun reflecting off the snow can cause sunburn and snow blindness (essentially a sunburn on your corneas — temporary, but painful).

PHOTOGR APHY COU RTESY OF TRAVEL ALBERTA / MI KE SEEH AGEL

SNOWSHOE WALK AT LAKE LOUISE

PHOTOGR APHY BY MAT THEW CLAR K @STI RLANDRAEPHOTO , COU RTESY OF TRAVEL A LBERTA

NORDIC SKIING LESSONS IN CANMORE Nordic (a.k.a. cross-country) skiing is a great full-body workout and a popular winter activity. If you want to learn in the mountains this winter, Trail Sports offers a range of beginner lessons up at the Canmore Nordic Centre, a world-class cross-country ski facility just a short drive up from the town of Canmore. When you move into more high-intensity winter adventuring, you’ll want to think about layering. Your body temperature will rise with activity and you have to find the balance between staying warm and not sweating so much that you risk getting hypothermic when you stop moving. Breathable fabrics are key. Once again, start with your synthetic or wool base layer and a pair of wool socks. On top, add a mid-layer, such as a fleece or a lightweight puffy jacket. Your outer layer should be a breathable, waterproof shell. Most high-quality shells will have armpit vents that can be zipped open to help regulate your temperature while you move. Gore-Tex items are pricey, but worth it. For your legs, windresistant and breathable pants

that allow for a good range of motion are ideal for crosscountry skiing. You can buy cross-country-ski-specific pants, but a good pair of winter running pants or tights will also work. Bring your insulated snow pants along with you, in case the temperature drops. Even if you check the forecast, the weather in the mountains can take an unexpected turn, so always err on the side of caution. The layering technique applies to your head and hands, too. Wear lightweight gloves with a waterproof mitten shell on top to keep your hands from getting sweaty. A lightweight tube of fabric, known as a “buff,” is an ideal piece of gear for cross-country skiing, as you can wear it as a neck warmer if you’re chilly or as a headband if your toque gets too hot and you need something covering your ears. Always have a toque with you out on the trails to protect your head and keep you warm when you stop for a break. Gazing at snowcapped mountains, comfy-cozy in the proper clothing, you’ll see that winter isn’t scary after all. In fact, it’s pretty wonderful. avenuecalgary.com

The homeowners gutted the original kitchen to the studs, then rebuilt and modernized it with a Caesarstone island, engineered white-oak flooring and flat-fronted black cabinets.

M HOODUES S T E 66

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DECOR BY K A R E N A S H B E E P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y J A R E D S Y C H

Homeowner Tania Tuer and six-year-old Marlowe enjoy a game in the living room, which leads to an outdoor living space framed by a pergola.

HO W A C O U P LE W I TH A K N AC K FO R R ENO VAT IN G TU RN E D A 1 9 5 0 ’S SI D E - SP LI T INTO A LI G H T- F I LLE D FAMI LY H O M E .

espite having just completed a full renovation on their Elbow Park home, in 2018 Tania Tuer and her husband Jeff Gotts leapt at the chance to buy another home on a unique lot in the same community. “We had just finished two major renovations, including a second-storey addition to our [previous] house, so we were pretty tired,” says Tuer, a technical business analyst for Enbridge and

busy mom to Warner, Sullivan and Marlowe. “But we loved the location, the fact that the lot backed onto a forest and offered a lot of privacy with over 20 feet of space on each side.” The couple felt the house had good bones and envisioned transforming it from a four-level side-split to a five-level. Their dream became reality when Tuer and Gotts bought the house in May of 2018 and set

about renovating it. The couple first used a local contractor to do the floor plan, exterior drawings and window framing. With the completion of the drywall, Tuer and Gotts took over as project managers, doing most of the work on weekends until Gotts, a reservoir engineer by trade, took on the project full-time. Gotts oversaw the structural renovation, while Tuer handled the interior design. avenuecalgary.com

DECOR

Clockwise from top left The homeowners restored the original mahogany panelling and remounted it in the foyer. Additional spindles were added to the staircase to meet building code. The third floor is devoted largely to the main bedroom suite, a sanctuary

The couple wanted the house to have one foot in the future but maintain the integrity of its midcentury roots. First up, they gutted the kitchen back to the studs, pulling out all the cabinets, flooring, carpets and fixtures so they could address the existing electrical and plumbing needs. Next to go was one of the fireplaces on the main level, creating space for the addition of a west-facing pergola. They kept the fireplace in the den, cleaning it, re-grouting it and painting the interior black. Next on their to-do list was the demolition of the west side of the house. Although Gotts and Tuer loved the unique layout, with the west wing gone they felt the remaining approximate 2,200 square feet was too small for their family of five. With an eye to practicality, they added a third floor dedicated to the main bedroom, ensuite, walk-in closet and laundry. They also raised the ground-floor by three feet to keep the interior space open throughout. 68

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“I work with what the house gives me.” — TA N I A T U E R

Tuer’s design skills are self-taught. “I do look at Pinterest and Instagram, but in reality I work with what the house gives me,” she says. “For example, the cedar siding is the existing siding we took down, refinished and reinstalled on the exterior.” Tuer and Gotts also reworked the built-in desk, shelves and mahogany door in the den, keeping those elements true to the mid-century look. For functionality, the couple added updated materials and appliances, such as the Wolf stove, matte-black

for the busy homeowners with simple furnishings, a calming palette and a balcony overlooking a forested area. In the main bedroom, the homeowners refashioned the refurbished mahogany panelling into a headboard and shelving.

cupboards and Caesarstone countertop. Tuer kept a diary of the renovation on Instagram. Her account, Midcentury Modest, tells the story of the process step-by-step. “I like following renovation accounts on Instagram, and with COVID restrictions this was also an easy way for our friends to see the progress,” she says. “Mid-century” refers to the original design, while “modest” is in keeping with the couple’s values. “The house reflects our personality,” says Gotts. “Tania and I are super minimal. We want less stuff and a clean design.” But never say never when it comes to moving, say the do-it-yourselfers. “We’d be happy to stay here long-term, but we’d be okay with doing another project if the right one came along.” In the end, both agree you can’t do this without good friends and family. “During the process we lived with friends and family, and they also helped with some of the work,” says Tuer. “We owe them a lot.”

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DECOR

HOW TO KEEP COSTS LOW ON A R E N O VAT I O N When home renovation becomes a hobby, you learn a thing a two about staying within budget. Homeowner and experienced renovator Tania Tuer offers some tips for saving money. SALVAGE

“Keep those elements, such as light fixtures, panelling and stonework that are true to the original house,” says Tuer. “These can always be repurposed or reused. Case in point, the wood panelling we stripped off the walls that was reconfigured into a headboard for our main bedroom.” REVIVE

“Rather than replacing an original fireplace, resurface, paint over or re-grout it to achieve a cleaner look that is still in keeping with the home’s decor.” SCAVENGE

“Shop other tear-downs and renovations ... The sconces in [our] bathroom came from a property that was being torn down in the neighbourhood, and the vanity in the bathroom was salvaged from a new house where the owners were remodeling.” DIY

“Do everything you can yourself. We ripped out carpeting, did some of the demolition, refinished wood, and installed many of the door handles [without hiring contractors].” 70

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Clockwise from top : The sunken den features the original built-in desk and shelves along with a vintage cabinet from Gotts’ grandmother and an oil painting Tuer sourced online. The ceramic-tiled mudroom features a storage bench the couple designed and built from IKEA pieces. The mudroom leads to a powder room with a brass mirror and patterned wallpaper.

Sliding doors off the dining room lead to a south-facing deck. “It is great to sit there at the end of the day watching the wildlife in our backyard,” Tuer says. Eleven-year-old Warner’s bedroom features a cheery mix of blue accents. A double bed from IKEA ties into the white-oak flooring throughout the house.

SOURCE Hardwood flooring installed by Alberta Hardwood Flooring, 621 Manitou Rd. S.E., 403-692-6651, albertahardwood.com Windows and exterior doors from Lux Windows & Doors, 6875 9 St. N.E., 403-276-7770, luxwindows.com Kitchen cabinets by Denca Cabinets, 555 60 Ave. S.E., 403-252-5552, denca.ca Counters and backsplash from Caesarstone, 18, 7155 64 St. S.E., 403-476-9880, caesarstone.ca, installed by Pacific Stone, Marble & Tile, 10510 46 St. S.E., 403-238-1100, pacificstone.ca Landscape art by Laurie Anne Gonzalez from Juniper Print Shop, juniperprintshop.com; animal art from Wolfepack Vintage, instagram.com/wolfepackvintage Barstools by Trica Furniture, tricafurniture.com Wolf range from Trail Appliances, three Calgary locations, trailappliances.com Living room and den styling by Mångata Interiors, mangatainteriors.com Sofa by Maria Tomás Indoor & Outdoor Living, 6051 Centre St. S.W., 403-454-6051, mariatomas.com; ottoman by EQ3, Deerfoot Meadows, 403-212-8080, eq3.com Cushions by Myra Scott Textiles, myrascott.com Planter from Indigo, six Calgary-area locations, chapters.indigo.ca Living room fireplace from Hearth and Home Fireplace & Home Renovations, 5740 1A St. S.W., 403-258-3732, hearthandhomefireplace.com; fireplace surround by Lusso Canada, 202, 3810 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-660-8041, lussocanada.com Chairs from Structube, six Calgary locations, structube.com Rug from West Elm, 868 16 Ave. S.W., 403-245-1373, westelm.ca Foyer console table from IKEA, Deerfoot Meadows, ikea.com Staircase (open riser section) by Spindle, Stairs & Railings, 6423 30 St. S.E., 403-294-0555, greatstairs.com; lower staircase is original, refinished by homeowner Jeff Gotts Ensuite mirrors from Crate and Barrel, Southcentre Mall, 403-278-7020, crateandbarrel.ca Faucets from The Royal Flush Kitchen & Bath Boutique, 109, 2115 4 St. S.W., 403-228-2934, royalflushboutique.ca Custom vanity by Denca Cabinets Main bedroom rug from Urban Barn, three Calgary locations, urbanbarn.com Den mirror from HomeSense, three Calgary locations, homesense.ca Chair from IKEA Warner’s bed, rug and doors from IKEA Powder room mirror from HomeSense Wallpaper from Walls Alive, 1328 17 Ave. S.W., 403-244-8931, wallsalive.com Decking by TimberTech, timbertech.com Deck chairs from IKEA

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THE LIST A S TO L D TO J A Z M I N E C A N F I E L D

DANIELLE GORDON

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L I T T L E R ED R EA D I N G H O U S E BY CA L GA RY R EA D S “It’s a really special place and [provides] a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy an afternoon of reading with your family.”

FI SH C REEK PROVI NCI AL PARK “I like that we can just hop on our bikes and ride the trails and end up in different communities ... As a mom of two, it’s great for little ones, too.” AÑE JO “The tacos are delicious; the margaritas are not-so-shabby [either]. They really did it right, in terms of creating a space where everybody’s primed for a good time and a delicious bite.” WESTMAN VI L L AGE “It’s been fun to watch Westman Village come to life over the past couple of years and to be surrounded by other amazing local businesses like Phi Medical Aesthetics, Diner Deluxe and 5 Vines. I think it’s a hidden gem that Calgary’s just starting to find out about.”

D I ST I L L ED B EAU T Y BA R “A really interesting marriage of a café-type atmosphere on the front end and a full-scope beauty salon in the back.” R ECES S “Recess shop is a dangerous place for someone like me. I can’t walk out of there empty-handed.” L AU R A B R O WS “Being in eye care, I also notice eyebrows. You can’t leave here without looking amazing.”

L I T T L E M O D ER N M A R K ET “For a city as big as Calgary, there’s huge support for local business. I was first introduced to that at Little Modern Market. I never miss it.” A L FO R N O BA K ERY & CA FÉ “Alforno café downtown is a wonderful, beautiful space.” JU N CT I O N 9 YO GA & P I L AT ES “I have not frequented this business for their yoga services, but I have gone there for coffee. It’s a beautiful space. I think it was just so well done.”

DANIELLE GORDON IMAGE BY JEN+RUSS PHOTOGRAPHY

ptometrist Dr. Danielle Gordon fell in love instantly with Calgary when she moved here with her husband in 2009. Drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit of Alberta, Gordon decided to open Sphere Optometry, an optometry clinic and optical shop in Westman Village in the southeast community of Mahogany. Sphere Optometry focuses on ocular health and wellness, while also giving back to the community. The shop sells independent handcrafted eyewear, with a portion of every eyewear sale donated to Calgary Reads, which connects books with kids in need. Gordon also launched the Fit to Read Project to raise funds and donate lightly used books to Calgary Reads. “I really love how Calgary Reads has the motivation to create a community where people can read with enthusiasm and joy,” she says. Here are 10 of Gordon’s favourite things in Calgary.

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WORK OF ART C U R AT E D B Y K AT H E R I N E Y L I TA L O

NIGHT WATCH

T I T LE

NIGHT WATCH D AT E

2021

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ARTIST

Kyle Beal MED I A

LED faux neon, electronic components, zinc and aluminium. S I ZE

4.1 x 2.5 metres. LOC AT I ON

Avli on Atlantic building (exterior) 1020 9 Ave. S.E. NOT ES

Commissioned by Jim and Mike Hill and VivianeArt. Fabricated and installed by National Neon Signs (Calgary). Kyle Beal is represented in Calgary by VivianeArt.

can artist Bruce Nauman, whom he greatly admires, Beal is interested in language, wordplay, visual tropes and the nature of communication. In 2016, Beal used the structure of a midway carnival game to comment on a century of immigration and development in Inglewood, Ramsay and Stampede Park in A Chicken in Every Pot, or How to Cook Your Own Goose, exhibited in the Esker Foundation Project Space. In early 2021, as the pandemic kept museums and galleries closed, he displayed Business Class, an installation of 24 neon “Open” signs (purchased on Amazon) in the upstairs windows of the Art Gallery of St. Albert.

NIGHT WATCH examines the intersection of commerce and community, bringing to mind the phrase “eyes on the street,” coined in 1961 by urbanist and activist, Jane Jacobs, who championed activity on the street as essential for safety and key to the vibrancy of urban life. Jacobs’ philosophies have manifested as the Jane’s Walk movement, in which individuals and groups lead free walking tours on the first weekend in May, putting into practice her ideas of city building through community involvement. Acknowledgement and respect can go a long way. NIGHT WATCH adds to the conversation with an artwork that is both quick to read and curiously complicated.

P H O T O G R A P H B Y K E L LY H O F E R

stack of illuminated eyes animate a nook on 9th Avenue S.E. in Inglewood. Amber lines radiate from slit pupils; rosy pupils gaze left to right within blue ovals; green zigzag irises intensify every five seconds; while every 10 seconds, luscious eyelashes wink over heart-shaped pupils. Artist Kyle Beal has put a contemporary spin on nocturnal city life with incisive humour, teasing out various characters who share the streets of this particular neighbourhood. With a twist of time travel, he deftly includes people from the past. Beal, who grew up in Calgary and recently relocated to Edmonton, has seen how quickly areas in his hometown are redeveloped. As things get swept away and papered over, we are left with a selective history. It was the Inglewood of his childhood that provided Beal the seed for NIGHT WATCH. Formerly Atlantic Avenue, 9th Avenue S.E. is Calgary’s oldest commercial street, and formerly a spot where sex-trade workers congregated. For NIGHT WATCH, Beal used LED lighting with the look of classic neon signage, embedding the reference to commerce in the material and structure of the artwork. The drawing style is clean, pared down and legible in the language of playful cartoon animation. The installation fits seamlessly into the architectural space, as Beal designed the lights to attach to a large panel of zinc and aluminium tiles that mimic those of the building’s cladding. Beal, who got a diploma in drawing from Alberta College of Art + Design (now Alberta University of the Arts) in 2001, and an MFA from the University of Victoria in 2004, extends his practice beyond drawing and printmaking. Like the multivalent Ameri-

EXPERIENCE CALGARY

ARTS Visit yycwhatson.ca to check out what's on in Calgary – whether online or in person. A project of

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