Avenue Calgary October 2020

25 YEARS OF CITY / LIFE / STYLE / CALGARY

OCTOBER 2020 | $4.95 AVENUECALGARY.COM

FAR AWAY SO CLOSE Mountain travel update

T S E B 5 2 T A E O T THINGS O GO T S T A E R T E S GRAB THE

FASHIONING AN INDUSTRY Local designers get down to business

IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

WE ALL NEED A LITTLE

in A S P E N L ANDI NG SH OP P I NG CE N T RE

O N E O F C A LG A RY ’ S MO S T D ESI R AB L E P LA C E S TO C A LL H O ME

FREE INDOOR PARKING

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AMPLE spots to catch up before finishing your weekly

SHOPPING Love living close to everything you love. New retailers now open.

Find your new home in the NW at myuniversitydistrict.ca

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CO N TE N T S 10

EDITOR’S NOTE

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THE SOURCE

50

WORK OF ART

O c tob e r 2 0 2 0

36 30

40 D E P A R TM E N TS

ON THE COVER Nanaimo Bar Cake by Sweet Relief Pastries, one of this year’s 25 Best Things to Eat. Read more starting on page 20.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JARED SYCH

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avenue October 20

FE A T U R E S

15 DETOURS

40 DECOR

Singer-songwriter Michael Bernard Fitzgerald tours in a tent, Calgary not-for-profit CAWST helps international hand hygiene efforts Wordfest turns 25, the Calgary Underground Film Fest talks local scary flicks, and we explore some new places to eat and shop in Calgary.

A modern family home by the Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative balances a need for total privacy with a desire for lots of light — plus a turtle enclosure.

36 MOUNTAINS The mountain towns are open again — check them out now when many of the pandemic restrictions have lifted (although bring your mask) but the tourists aren’t back yet.

20 25 BEST THINGS TO EAT Our annual list of must-have local sweets, savouries and drinks. Don’t delay — try them all!

By Julie Van Rosendaal

46 NEW & NOTEWORTY

30 FASHION FORWARD

New products and services from local providers including natural deodorant, Canadian-made eyewear and hand-woven baskets.

No one said being a local fashion designer would be easy, but most of us don’t know exactly what makes it so hard. Find out more about what local designers do and why they keep working at this unforgiving business.

By Michelle Magnan McIvor

Great Cocktails, Great Stories.

The best gift this season is a Smoked Old-Fashioned for him (and you).

www.SpiritsWithSmoke.ca spiritswithsmoke

avenuecalgary.com

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EDITOR'S NOTE

O

ne of the unexpected consequences of working from home, at my house at least, has been the sheer volume of food that we now eat at home. It should have been expected — after all, my partner and I were home all day every day with our two kids for months. Even though we do order in from local restaurants quite often, we all went from eating one meal a day at home on weekdays, to three (plus a seemingly endless number of snacks). And yet, somehow it took me by surprise.

A summer poll we ran on the AvenueCalgary. com showed that 29 per cent of our readers believe they will be working from home until the end of the year, a further 13 per cent until the fall and another 13 per cent responded that they thought they would work at home “forever.” So, for many of us, our work lunches and coffee breaks will continue to be at home as well.

If we are going to eat at home, those meals (and snacks) should be the best meals we can make.

After all, eating is one of the most reliable pleasures still available in our strange times.

Käthe Lemon Editor-in-Chief klemon@redpointmedia.ca

Join us on October 22 for the Fall Innovation Event. Find out more at AvenueCalgary.com/innovationevent Our annual list of the 25 Best Things to Eat will help you get your menu rotation out of a rut, or help you stock your home snack bar with more local offerings. Compiled and tested by Julie Van Rosendaal, this year’s list includes sweets, savouries and drinks you won’t want to miss.

It is a very of-the-moment list — it reflects current food tastes with vegan and gluten-free offerings, and many of these producers operate pop-ups within other businesses, showing some of the resilience and ingenuity needed for local businesses to survive these days.

The business of fashion design is another industry that is working hard to be resilient.

Writer Michelle Magnan McIvor delved into the challenges facing local fashion designers and while some of them are specific to the clothing business, such as the lack of access to fabric stores and seamstresses, many are broadly applicable to small businesses.

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, local businesses need our support now more than ever.

If you want there to be such a thing as Calgary fashion designers, local furniture makers and distillers for example, you need to buy their wares.

Yes, you will likely pay more than what you would pay at Amazon or a multinational chain. That’s because what you’re buying is not just the product — it’s also the future city you want to live in.

The economy is created with the money we each spend — so spend it on the future you want.

If you’re like me, that future includes local coffee roasters, cheesemakers and beauty products as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene and interesting local retailers. It includes complete communities full of a diversity of people all involved in creating a city that welcomes us all.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING THE 2020 MADE IN ALBERTA AWARDS, CONFERENCE AND MARKETS. TO FIN D OUT MORE, V ISIT MadeIn A lberta Awards.ca

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avenue October 20

PHOTOGRAPH BY JARED SYCH

CHEZ NOUS

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avenue RedPoint Media & Marketing Solutions

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Contributors Karen Ashbee, Inemesit Etokudo, Nathan Kunz, Michelle Magnan

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The Charming Inns of Alberta group of independent boutique hotels and lodges celebrates 20 years in 2020. Now as they focus more on attracting local visitors, we explore their unique offerings to make the most of your Alberta vacation.

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Top 40 Under 40 In this year, which hasn’t provided a lot for this city to celebrate, we think it’s more important than ever to highlight the successes of Calgarians. Our annual Top 40 Under 40 shares the stories of those making positive change and building this city for the future.

Director of Digital Content Jaelyn Molyneux, Canadian Publications

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Resilient Restaurants

Business Development Strategist Anita McGillis, amcgillis@redpointmedia.ca

Many of Calgary’s restaurants have found ways to pivot their business into new areas and new offerings to stay open amidst the global pandemic. We take a look at some of the news and suggest some spots you should try out now.

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avenue October 20

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ay Landscape Architecture and most To do this, Tawab Hlimi, lead researchpeople think tree planting and decora- er of the Green Alley Project, innovates tive gardens. But that just scratches the frequently with other professions. “In colsurface of a profession that’s as interested in laboration with Dr. Rahil Koshnazar, PhD, how a landscape technically performs as how and Alireza Haji Hossein at the Schulich beautiful it is. Take for example the work School of Engineering, we are integrating that researchers and students at UCalgary’s semi-conductive concrete technologies School of Architecture, Planning and with the paving system to create an urban Landscape are doing to upgrade downtown ecosystem that melts ice and snow. Spaces alleyways. In addition to creating a vibrant between the pavers allow that precipitation place that’s good for pedestrians and adjato seep back into the ground instead of into cent businesses, the research aims to reduce a sewer pipe.” The potential benefits include stormwater run-off by improving at-source reduced operational costs to the City and infiltration and creating microclimates that improved water quality in the Bow River. make outdoor spaces more pleasant.

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condition for vegetation growth which visitors can enjoy as they walk through the space or enjoy a coffee at an outdoor restaurant.

“Contemporary landscape architecture is poised to become one of the most influential professions of the 21st century,” comments Dr. Mary-Ellen Tyler, Associate Dean of the Landscape Architecture and Planning programs. “Landscape architects create places that integrate technological, social, and ecological processes and purposes into built forms that are functional and beautiful places to be in.”

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FALL

October 22

Innovation Adaptation Join us for an online discussion of how Calgary's tech sector trajectory has changed due to the economic downturn coupled with the pandemic.

Sign up to find out more at AvenueCalgary.com/InnovationEvent

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avenue October 20

DETOURS SINGING IN TENTS LOCAL SINGER-SONGWRITER MICHAEL BERNARD FITZGERALD IS TAKING HIS UNIQUELY SOCIAL-DISTANCED LIVE SHOW ON THE ROAD.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JARED SYCH

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ike so many of us, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald has been working from home lately. More specifically, since May, the singer-songwriter has been performing to small audiences in a tent he calls the Greenbriar on the parking pad behind his home.

“I put up tickets for 14 concerts and nine of them sold, so then I put up another six and they all sold in about 20 minutes,” he said.

Shortly after, he sold out 55 concerts in what became known as the Summer Nights Series.

While the idea of the tent came before the pandemic and was originally intended to be for touring only, social-distancing guidelines encouraged him to put it to use at home. “I wanted to figure out how to blend tour life and home life,” said Fitzgerald, a full-time musician since 2008. Like many others working from home, he particularly enjoys his new commute.

Also, the tent life allows him to perform almost every night if he wants to. “As a singer, my job is to sing,” he said during one of the summer performances. He may be a singer, but he’s also a practiced and easygoing storyteller who makes the extreme intimacy of a show for up to 10 people feel comfortable.

The tent has a rustic feeling with sisal rugs covering floorboards made of wooden pallets and Edison bulb patio lights strung overhead.

A Bose speaker and two microphones help make sure it is still a professional experience for paying audiences. avenuecalgary.com 1 5

DETOURS

avenue October 20

BOW CYCLE E-BIKES Cycling along the Bow River has never been easier thanks to Bow Cycle’s new East Village location, which specializes in e-bikes, and offers both urban bikes and e-bikes for rent.

632 Confluence Way S.E, 403-265-5422, bowcycleebikes.com

CELYN ROZE Local fashion brand Celyn Roze features a wide range of colourful, sophisticated shoes (including styles available in up to five heel heights ranging from flats to 12 cm) and bags.

CF Chinook Centre, 587-351-7044, celynroze.ca

Tour and album information at michaelbernardfitzgerald.com

WORDFEST’S DIGITAL SILVER ANNIVERSARY

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Openings

the pandemic, the album was also written and recorded mainly at home, or at least in Calgary. While he had previously recorded and written in L.A. and other music hubs, Fitzgerald says he was ready to write on his own again at this stage in his career. “I took a full year to work on it and it seems like a sort of ‘graduation’ piece.

It took all of my professional experience thus far to make this album,” he said.

The album also does what a lot of us are doing now — looking forward with cautious optimism to a future filled with a quiet love. —Käthe Lemon

W

ordfest turns 25 this year and is celebrating with a digital extravaganza that began in September and runs each Tuesday until December 8.

CEO and creative ringleader Shelley Youngblut and her team began live-broadcasting free events through a channel now called Imagine on Air (at Wordfest.com) in the spring.

Now, Wordfest is charging for some of its events — including the 2020 anniversary celebration 25@25.

“We do actually pay all of the artists very well and there needs to be an understanding with the public that it’s something of value. And if it’s of value, then there should be a payment,” says Youngblut.

25@25 will feature 25 Canadian authors (plus one

DUER

non-author) conversing in pairs. Wordfest selected half the participants and they chose their own talk mates. Youngblut says this democratizes the curation of the events.

“Our perspective on who gets to take the stage is that it’s not about one curator, it’s not about one voice, it’s not about one view of Canadian literature,” she says.

This year’s lineup includes Lawrence Hill with Zalika Reid-Benta this month and Margaret Atwood with Ian Williams next month.

25@25 will also be commemorated with a book of the same name. It includes new pieces written by each author on this year’s lineup alongside original portraits of them by Canadian artists.

—Colin Gallant Tickets, passes and more information on 25@25 are available at wordfest.com

This Vancouver-based brand specializes in performance denim and apparel, which is showcased inside an eyecatching storefront, its first in Calgary, featuring an indoor playground.

1708 4 St. S.W., 587-779-6341, duer.ca

EAT CROW Brasserie Kensington has transitioned into the new snack bar Eat Crow. Pair cocktails like the Corn Pop old fashioned with dishes like root vegetable “tartare,” or handmade perogies.

100, 1131 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-4574148, eatcrowyyc.com

THE INSTITUTE OF WELLNESS X ADVANCED AESTHETICS Now open in South Calgary, The Institute offers injectables, surgical procedures and facial, body and laser treatments in a beautiful space.

301, 3007 14 St. S.W., 403-286-4263, iwaa. ca

KAN YOU CAKE Satisfy your sweet tooth at this new bakery in Victoria Park. Try beautifully made pastries like cannelés, chocolate terrine, tarts and roll cakes in flavours like caramelized apple, espresso, matcha and more.

220 14 Ave. S.E., kanyoucake.com

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

In many ways, performing live music is about creating an atmosphere for the audience.

The tent space allows much more control over most of the elements of that atmosphere — but not all of them.

In his Inglewood backyard, Fitzgerald’s performances are often punctuated by not only birdsong but also aircraft passing overhead and the sounds of the nearby railyard. “Those are actually pre-recorded, there are speakers outside,” he quipped as what seemed like a particularly low-flying plane passed.

Now he and his tent (a new, slightly larger one) are off on a Canadian tour to launch his new album, Love Valley.

Although recorded before

Cambridge Manor

The Brenda Strafford Foundation is bringing our ‘people-first’ approach to our innovative new seniors wellness community.

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DETOURS

DREAD OFF DEERFOOT To help you get into the Halloween spirit, we worked with the team behind the Calgary Underground Film Festival to create a list of Calgary-connected horror flicks that may leave you sleeping with a light on and double-checking you locked the front door this October.

SANITATION ACROSS NATIONS

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avenue October 20

TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL

HARPOON Filmmaker Rob Grant took terror to sea with his tense tale of three friends stranded aboard a family yacht, which split production between exteriors in Belize and interiors at Calgary’s JR Studio. Packed with sailor superstitions, cringe-inducing survival tactics and a spiraling descent into madness, horror unfolds to the tune of swinging doo-woop.

TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL Largely filmed on a ranch near Cochrane, this satirical take on “hillbilly horror” earned comparisons to Shaun of the Dead after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010. Taking place in nondescript woods that may seem eerily familiar to local campers, the movie’s Calgary connection adds to the fun — a riotous combo of comedic confusion and splatter horror.

NIGHTBREED Legendary writer-director Clive Barker (the mind behind Hellraiser chose Calgary and the surrounding area to film his fantasy horror story about monsters forced to defend their underground commune from invading humans. Watch for shots of the late‘80s skyline, a Flames game on TV and a Calgary Stampeders pennant at the police station in between scenes featuring crescent moon-faced and goat-horned residents of “Midian.”

RED LETTER DAY Suburban Calgary streets play host to filmmaker (and Avenue Top 40 Under 40 alum) Cameron Macgowan’s 2019 film where letters appear in mailboxes instructing neighbours and friends to kill or be killed. The ensuing paranoia leads to bloodied polo shirts and a few sequences that will change the way you look at a meat tenderizer.

— Nathan Kunz

Calgary Underground Film Festival’s Halloween Move Marathon takes place at the Globe Cinema on October 31. Learn more at calgaryundergroundfilm.org

P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F C A W S T, C O U R T E S Y O F M A G N E T I C R E L E A S I N G

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to do,” says Mills. he Centre for Affordable According to Mills, the Hygiene Water and Sanitation Hub is a collaboration between global Technology (CAWST), professionals developing and connectfounded in Calgary in ing hygiene resources. If handwashing 2001, provides training and consultatechnology is being used in a low- or tion to thousands of organizations middle-income country, it may not that reach millions of people with safe be common knowledge to citizens water, sanitation and hygiene. in surrounding areas. The Hygiene Since the onset of COVID-19, Hub provides that information and CAWST has focused on combatting connects people to one another — the pandemic through a collaboration making protections with the COVID-19 against the virus Hygiene Hub, a free CELEBRATE GLOBAL more accessible. service developed CAWST has to help low- and HANDWASHING DAY middle-income coun- OCT. 15 BY LEARNING worked with the Hygiene Hub to create tries rapidly design MORE ABOUT CAWST an online platform hygiene intervenAT CAWST.ORG that brings together tions to combat the practical informavirus. CAWST has tion, case studies, contributed more technologies and access to long-term than 150 digital and written resources support for agencies that work within answering common questions about developing countries.

COVID-19 as part of this.

“The idea is that any organization Olivier Mills, senior director of or agency that is doing COVIDglobal services at CAWST, says that response work in any country could supporting the Hygiene Hub adreach out to the Hygiene Hub and dresses the fact that not all nations we could direct them to any resource have the same access to resources and or service they require to help them information to create guidelines and achieve their goal and keep people protections against the virus. safe,” says Mills.

“Here we can isolate and we can October 15th is Global Handwashquarantine, but in some places if you ing Day, and Mills hopes it can be an don’t go to the market that day, you opportunity to amplify Hygiene Hub might not get to eat. We are not going and CAWST’s work. —Travis Klemp into countries and telling them what

Country Living Furnishings & Design

WORDS AND STYLING BY JULIE VAN ROSENDAAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED SYCH

While so much has changed, eating remains one of life’s great pleasures, so make sure you do it well!

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e’re lucky to have a spectacularly resilient culinary community keeping us well-fed through this pandemic. While cafe owners and restaurateurs navigate an evolving new-world dining-out experience, our resident bakers, distillers and producers of interesting preserves, cheeses, chocolates, meal kits and even vegan charcuterie continue to create uniquely Alberta products worth seeking out. And in fact, many of them operate inside of restaurants and cafes — further evidence of that resilience and ability to pivot. Here are 25 that may not be on your radar that you should go out and grab immediately if you haven’t already.

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HAND MODELS: AGEL AND CARMEN, THE NOBLES MGMT

1) R ITUA L D O U G H N U TS Ritual makes a rich, buttery brioche dough for its doughnuts and then ferments it for 18 hours to develop an amazing texture and flavour for its doghnuts. They are impressively loaded with colours, textures and flavours that make for a party in a box.

Available at variety of markets and cafes, ritualdoughnuts.com, @ritualdoughnuts.

2) T H E ALLIUM SALAD D RES S I NGS For a little plant-on plant-action, The Allium makes vegan tahini ranch, garlicky Caesar and a beet barbecue sauce. All are spectacular for dressing up salads, beans and plant-based burgers. Even carnivores will delight in these flavourful condiments.

211A 12 Ave. S.W., 403-264-5416, theallium.ca, @alliumyyc. Also available online at shop.belocal.org and yycgrowers.com

3) M IL K IC E C R E A M The city’s newest craft ice cream company churns out a constantly changing menu of unique flavours — think avocado condensed milk, yogourt soju, White Rabbit (the iconic chewy candy) and ube Oreo. Follow Milk on Instagram to find out which favours are available.

2614 4 St. N.W. (inside of John’s Breakfast & Lunch), @milk.yyc

4) M IN’S KI MCH I Mama Min’s kimchee is fresh, funky, spicy and crunchy. It is made with Napa cabbage, radish, apple, green onion and garlic. The beet kimchee has a base of beets and daikon. Min’s makes both fermented varieties using a family recipe.

Available at Amaranth, Bite – Grocer & Eatery and Sunnyside Natural Market, minskimchi.com, 403-618-8821

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5) D I A MOND BA K E RY EGG TA RT S Diamond Bakery is known for many things — barbecue pork buns, coconut buns, almond cookies — but the creamy, delicate Hong Kong egg tarts are a must try. (Thanks to Carmen Cheng for the tip!)

111 3 Ave. S.E., 403-269-1888

7) E AU C L A IR E D ISTIL L E RY F LO U R IS H G IN Eau Claire Distillery recently launched its newest premium spirit: Flourish Gin. Inspired by the wildflowers of the Canadian prairies, it has citrus and floral notes, earthiness and a bit of spice.

Available at many liquor stores, 113 Sunset Blvd. S.W., Turner Valley, 403-933-6141, eauclairedistillery.ca, @eauclairecraft

8) SWE E T R E L IE F N A N A IM O BA R CA K E Sweet Relief is known for its cakes (and smaller-than-usual cakelets). But the Nanaimo bar cake is next-level. Imagine an entire layer of Nanaimo bar running through the middle of a moist chocolate layer cake with custard-imbued buttercream … it was difficult to not write this in all caps.

120 13 Ave. S.W., 403-402-9448, sweetreliefpastries.com, @sweetreliefpastries 22

avenue October 20

6) M OTH E R M AY I H UMMUS Food blogger-turned self-proclaimed hummus queen Nada Choufi uses a 100-year-old recipe and warms her chickpeas to make her classic, roasted beet, Sriracha and sweet potato hummus varieties. The beet version is shown here, but they are all worth piling onto pitas.

Available at Calgary Co-op, Bite – Grocer & Eatery and more, mothermayibake.com, @mothermayibake

9) LI L’ TR U C K O N TH E P RA IR IE S O DAS Truck-made bottled sodas in flavours like Earl Grey and Chinese five-spice cola are unique sippers on their own, or add a shot of local gin or vodka yourself for an amazing made-righthere cocktail. liltruckyyc.com, @liltruckontheprairie

10) N O B L E P IE PI Z Z A Calgarians have sought out Noble pies since the company started popping up on weekends at Eighty-Eight Brewing Company in 2018. Try the ‘Roni (with cup and char-style pepperoni) and Sweet Chesus (with loads of different cheeses and Mike’s Hot Honey) by the slice, or full pie.

1070, 2600 Portland St. S.E. (inside Eighty-Eight Brewing Company), 403-452-5880, noblepiepizza. com, @noblepiepizza

12) KI N + PO D PI PPI TY PO PS

11) OIL J E F E JA LA P E ÑO CHER RY BOMB CHIL I OI L Oil Jefe crafts small-batch chili oils using ingredients sourced from B.C. farms and Alberta greenhouses.

Although the Jalapeño Cherry Bomb Chili Oil is the mildest, it’s an exceptionally flavourful blend of garlic, shallots and chilis — delicious on eggs, pizza, veggies, and pretty much everything else. oiljefe.com, @oiljefe

Kin + Pod is known for its fantastic, ethically sourced bean-to-bar chocolate, but owner Geordan Spicer recently expanded the offerings to frozen treats on a stick. Made with organic ingredients and, of course, chocolate — paired with espresso, hazelnut, lemon-raspberry and other chocolate-friendly flavours. kinpod.ca, 403-880-9937, @pippitypops avenuecalgary.com

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13) J E R U SA L E M S H AWA R M A G A R L IC SAU C E Many Calgarians feel strongly that Jerusalem Shawarma has the best shawarmas and donairs in the city, which has much to do with its house-made garlic sauce. Great news: you can take some of this sauce made from an old family recipe home to your own family and put it on everything.

301 16 Ave. N.W. (and other locations), 403-291-0040, jerusalemshawarma.ca, @jerusalemshawarma16ave

14)

15)

THE COOKBOO K CO. COOKS W H I P P E D F ETA WITH R OAST E D TO M ATOES

BRI DG E L A N D M A R K E T P IE

This ridiculously addictive whipped feta with roasted tomatoes is excellent with crackers or a crusty loaf. It comes packaged in wide-mouthed Weck jars, which you can keep or return for a discount on your next batch.

11 Ave. S.W., 403-265-6066, cookbookcooks.com, @thecookbookco

There’s something so satisfying about picking up a handmade pie from your neighbourhood corner store. At Bridgeland Market, the pie offerings change on the regular. You may find strawberry rhubarb, peanut butter and banana cream, or even a classic chess pie to pick up and take home.

1104 1 Ave. N.E., 403-269-2381, bridgelandmarket.com, @bridgelandmarket

16) B LACK S HEEP PÂT I SS ERIE BAG U ETTES Made with flour, water, salt, skill and time, the crispy, tapered baguettes at Black Sheep are baked daily. These make the perfect vehicle for the aforementioned whipped feta with roasted tomatoes. While you’re there, don’t overlook the pastries, either.

140, 815 17 Ave. S.W., black-sheep.ca, @blacksheepyyc

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17) CO N M ITACO TACO KI TS ConMiTaco makes take-home taco kits in small runs. The beef birria is one of the most popular, with 18-hour braised chuck and hand-pressed tortillas made with corn ground fresh each morning. The party packs for larger groups also include fish and al pastor tacos, chips and guacamole, and chilaquiles — all with house-made salsas, of course.

821 1 St. S.W. (inside Meat & Bread), conmitaco.com, @conmitacocalgary

Tuna Poke Bowl Inspired by the fresh, vibrant flavours of Hawaii.

Dine in or enjoy at home: cactusclubcafe.com

19) 18) BAYA R ICA CA FE COFFEE Baya Rica Cafe in Bridgeland imports beans from its very own coffee farm in Costa Rica. Having control of the production chain means Baya Rica can focus on sustainability issues like watershed protection and re-establishing wildlife corridors, as well as brewing an outstanding cappuccino.

204 7A St. N.E., 403-261-2618, bayaricacafe.ca, @bayaricacafe_

O L D WEST RA N C H B U F FA LO M OZ Z A R E L L A James Meservy is both rancher and cheesemaker at his family farm in Mountain View, Alberta, where he makes farmstead buffalo mozzarella using milk from his herd of water buffalo. It’s often ordered in the morning and delivered freshly made in the afternoon.

Available at Say Cheese, Crossroads Market, through Mocha Local store.mochalocal.ca, or call 403-653-2331

20) P RESE RV E D HONE Y B E R RY JA M Also known as haskaps, long, dustyblue honeyberries have the sweet-tart intensity of tiny plums — Preserved founder Vanessa Rundell adds a bit of vanilla to round out her deep indigo jam. It makes the most amazing addition to a good piece of toast.

228, 7 Balsam Ave., Bragg Creek, preservedyyc.com, @preservedyyc

21) CH A R C U TE R IE VEGAN D E L I V EG A N CH A R C U TE R IE Charcuterie isn’t only for carnivores anymore. At southern Alberta’s first vegan deli, owners Tania and Kevin Long produce all kinds of plant-based pepperoni, donair “mheat,” salami and other tasty nibbles — enough to fill a charcuterie board or stack a sandwich.

4, 3315 26 Ave. S.W. (inside Baked 3.14), 403-242-4436, charcuterieyyc.com, @charcuterieyyc 26

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A

A

B

B

FOLD IN A

B

Do you love it for the crunch? The chewiness?

The Incr eased fibre? Or its lasting energy? The deliciously. edible poss essive benefits it has for health and the flex ibilities of wh olesome food it puts on the table are always a tr eat.

A

B

22) V BURGER “ IC E C R E A M ”

23)

The hype around 100 per cent plantbased V Burger is warranted. It offers vegan shakes, cones, sundaes and ice cream sandwiches, all made with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) and sunflower seed lecithin. V Burger sells it by the pint, too — and it’s brilliant.

819 17 Ave. S.W., 587-387-7272, heyvburger.com, @heyvburger

K A LA MATA GR O CERY BA RRELLED FETA CH EES E Kalamata Grocery has been around since the sixties — and for those in the know, it’s a deeply rooted tradition to seek out feta here. Pulled directly from barrels behind the deli counter and packed into a heavy-duty zip-lock bag with the price written on it in Jiffy marker, and a bit of brine to keep it from drying out — this is not only delicious feta, it’s a life experience.

1421 11 St. S.W., 403-244-0220

24) GULL VALLEY GR EE NHOUS E SA LSA Gull Valley grows a dozen varieties of vine-ripened tomatoes along with peppers, cukes and chilies, all sustainably and hydroponically, with low environmental impact. The jarred salsa is exceptionally fresh-tasting and delicious. The salsa is made by the folks behind Preserved, which also turns Gull Valley chili peppers into its own candied chilies.

403-885-2242, gullvalley.ca 28

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25) V ITA L G R E E N FAR MS C H O CO L AT E MI L K Joe and Caroline Mans have been producing wonderful dairy products with their herd in Picture Butte since 2004. Vital Greens products are not homogenized, and are pasteurized at a low temperature. The creamy chocolate milk is a highlight, blended with organic fairtrade cocoa.

Available at a variety of groceries and markets, visit vitalgreen.ca for information

Your new favourite craft Cocktail!

NEW Retailer discounts?

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WE HAVE THE ANSWERS. Sign up for Avenue magazine’s newsletters.

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

DECOR

FAS H I O N F O R WA R D

O

ne morning in July 2018, Nina Kharey, the Calgarybased fashion designer who had launched her Nonie clothing brand a decade earlier, woke to find she’d become famous overnight. Before the sun came up, Kharey’s publicist was texting. Her social media accounts were buzzing. Reporters were reaching out, hungry for interviews. Something fantastic had happened: one of the most famous women on the planet, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, had just been photographed in a sleeveless, blush-coloured Nonie trench coat. Markle’s accessories included a clutch, high heels and her husband, Prince Harry. Women everywhere swooned. Next, and most importantly for Kharey, women everywhere began to shop.

"IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE AND I’M SO HAPPY I WENT THROUGH IT. BUT I DON’T KNOW IF I COULD HANDLE THAT TYPE OF EMOTION AND ANXIETY AGAIN. THE STRESS WAS IMMENSE. — N I N A K H A R E Y, O N S U R V I V I N G "THE MEGHAN EFFECT"

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Hits to the Nonie website skyrocketed and orders for the brand’s womenswear streamed in. Kharey, who designs from her home and studio in Calgary but manufactures her clothing in Vancouver, went from producing 20 to 30 pieces total per season to hundreds of trench coats at a time. With her small manufacturing team under pressure, she hired a handful of seamstresses and outsourced work to another factory. “It was an amazing experience and I’m so happy I went through it,” she says. “But I don’t know if I could handle that type of emotion and anxiety again. The stress was immense.”

Kharey, a mother of two who was used to selling directly to her Calgary clients and a handful of Canadian celebrities, including Chantal Kreviazuk, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau and Markle’s then-friend Jessica Mulroney, was not used to the international attention. Especially since not all of it was positive.

“I started to get emails and comments about how bad [Meghan] looked, and I was not used to stuff like that,” she says. “I had to grow, in many ways, in a short number of months.” Stressors and all, Kharey is beyond grateful for the “Meghan Effect,” as it’s known. Whereas the designer used to produce clothing twice a year, manufacturing now hums along consistently. (It doesn’t hurt that Markle was photographed wearing the trench again in October 2019. The $1,085 coat is still Kharey’s bestseller.) The former engineer says the attention she received gave her credibility as a designer, attracted investor interest and opened international doors.

The effect was felt in Calgary, too, where Kharey’s spotlight shifted long-held perceptions about the city. “Calgary has a reputation of being a small western town. People think we’re cowboys 24-7 so they don’t look to us as leaders in fashion, but Meghan Markle helped put Nonie on the map and expand [Kharey's] international recognition,” says BR Pirri, campus supervisor of The Fashion Institute by Olds College in downtown Calgary.

The Fashion Institute produces more than 15

AN INCREASING NUMBER OF DESIGNERS SEEM TO BE EKING OUT A CAREER CREATING FASHION IN CALGARY, AND NEW BRANDS HAVE DEBUTED, EVEN IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, BUT THE HURDLES TO SUCCESS ARE CONSIDERABLE. apparel-technology graduates every year. Pirri says the school’s alumni find work in manufacturing, fashion houses, film and theatre, and other fashion-related fields across Canada.

Some students choose to start their own brands in Calgary. Whether they’re new to fashion or established pros, she says local designers face similar challenges; attaining global recognition, Nina Kharey-style, is just one of them. “We have amazing designers coming out of here, but no one knows because Meghan’s not wearing their stuff,” says Pirri. “If our students want to be in a major fashion hub like New York, Milan or Paris, they have to move.”

But with no lack of home-grown talent or ambition, why does it continue to be so hard to have a thriving fashion industry in Calgary? Because, as Kharey can attest, even when the most-Googled woman of 2018 wears your clothing, there are plenty of hurdles to success in the local fashion business.

T

here are many fashion designers who choose to call Calgary home.

Ask Pirri to name standouts and the list comes quick and easy: Paul Hardy, Anneke Forbes, Haithem Elkadiki, Laura George, Nicole Rita Tomney and the team behind 9597, to name a few. Creating everything from luxe knit sweaters and tailored skirts to bridal gowns and leather jackets, Calgary designers are a diverse and skilled bunch.

As Kara Chomistek, president and co-founder of PARK (Promoting Artists Redefining Kulture), points out, Calgary also boasts a growing number of makers and designers who produce affordable jewellery, apothecary items and accessible streetwear.

“Brands like Local Laundry and Camp Brand Goods avenuecalgary.com

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DECOR "PUBLIC RELATIONS IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT AND IT'S VERY, VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE. BUT, TO ME, IT'S BEEN CRITICAL." — N I N A K H A R E Y don’t get enough credit or attention for what they’ve built,” she says.

Talent aside, the local fashion community faces challenges unique to Calgary. Manufacturing, or the lack thereof, is a major one. Though Calgary has a handful of facilities that produce sportswear and utilitarian garments, such as school uniforms and workwear for the oil and gas industry, they don’t have the equipment or experience to make luxury clothing. As a result, most local designers find manufacturing facilities elsewhere in Canada or abroad to produce their garments.

“Production has always been a problem for me,” says Paul Hardy, an acclaimed designer who has been in the industry since 2002 and dressed celebrities including Sarah McLachlan, Kate Hudson and Alanis Morissette. “When you’re dealing with luxury womenswear and the fine fabrications that require specialty skills, the labour field becomes a lot narrower — especially when you’re operating out of Calgary. The labour force is miniscule, really.” Hardy says he produces nearly 80 per cent of his clothing in Europe and has a small Calgary-based team to handle special orders and wedding dresses Production woes may even increase in the near future. Those 15 grads a year from the Fashion Institute by Olds College may disappear soon, as the school suspended its intake of students for the current school year. Pirri says industry insiders agree having fewer skilled local graduates will be “detrimental.”

Access — and not just to manufacturing — seems to be Calgary’s biggest downfall. The city has a limited number of fabric stores, so many designers take costly trips to other countries to source high-quality materials.

They also travel for better access to other people; Kharey says the biggest issue she still faces as a Calgary-based designer is networking. “A lot of designers, as they grow, leave here and go to places like Toronto or New York...

That’s where all the stylists are. That’s where all the influential people are 32

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that can really change your career,” she says. “That’s what I’m missing, and it’s expensive to travel.”

To bolster her brand globally, Kharey pays a publicist who is based in Toronto. She says her public relations team handles international press releases, sets up key interviews (read: Vogue) and ensures the media take note when a celebrity wears Nonie clothing. “Public relations is a long-term investment and it’s very, very, very expensive,” she says. “But, to me, it’s been critical. When the Meghan Markle thing happened, it was because of the PR that the media [attention] happened.”

Not everyone is willing to pay for a publicist.

Kate Hewko, a former jewellery designer who runs a store in her own name filled with “affordable runway- and festival-style clothing,” once sent a box filled with $3,000-worth of goods to Miley Cyrus. The star’s assistant had reached out to ask for free jewellery and clothing, promising publicity in exchange. At the very least, Hewko hoped Cyrus would wear the goods and tag her on Instagram.

When she eventually saw Cyrus wearing two of her rings on season 11 of The Voice, Hewko paused the show to take a picture herself. “Miley did nothing,” she says. Hewko admits she could pay a publicist to do the grunt work — gather her products’ details, chase the photo companies and ensure her goods are properly credited when celebrities wear them — but she doesn’t believe the cost would be justified by increased sales for her products. “When people look at your website, they’re like, ‘Holy shit, this person wore it.’ But it doesn’t translate to sales,” she says.

“My best influencers are my customers.”

To reach more of them, Hewko was planning to open a second shop earlier this year. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March, the mall she had leased space in temporarily closed its doors. Hewko also temporarily closed her shop on 17th Avenue

"YOU HAVE A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING, USUALLY IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR THOSE COLLECTIONS, BEFORE YOU EVEN GET PAID FOR ANYTHING." —KARA CHOMISTEK

S.W., but she shifted gears quickly. She began filming videos of herself in the brand’s clothing to share on Facebook and Instagram, and hired a company to create ads for those platforms. She says her online sales have now spiked so high that she’s not going to open the second store after all. Managing the online orders is a business in itself, and she’s unsure how COVID-19 will affect long-term shopping habits.

“Things are changing so much that I don’t know what mall life will be like in the future,” she says.

As always, Hewko is focused on what she does best: importing small batches of fashion-forward clothing from dozens of overseas manufacturers.

She often forgoes extras like care labels to keep prices low for her customers. Her commitment to providing cost-friendly fashion is the reason she doesn’t produce her own garments. “When I looked at having my designs manufactured here, the cost was so high that it would have priced me completely out of the market,” she says.

For local designers who opt to make their clothing, be it themselves, with a sewing team or through a manufacturer, choosing how and where to sell their goods is another issue. While a few smaller boutiques are willing to work with Canadian designers — Chomistek points to Espy Experience in Inglewood as an example — selling to most retailers involves a hefty financial burden. Designers front the costs for designing and producing their samples, manufacturing entire collections for stores to carry and initiating work for the next season’s collection.

“You have a massive undertaking, usually in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for those collections, before you even get paid for anything,” says Chomistek. The pandemic is adding major uncertainty to the mix. “Some designers have told me they weren’t even going to try to sell for the fall season, because they’re so stressed and worried about

[which retailers] will go bankrupt.”

Selling through a retailer also means accepting a lower profit margin, roughly half of what designers can make selling directly to customers. And to limit their own financial risk, many retailers enforce buy-back terms stipulating designers must buy everything back that doesn’t sell in store.

“Those buy-back terms have killed a significant number of Canadian brands over the last several years,” says Chomistek.

The COVID-19 crisis has put even more financial stress on retailers and designers alike.

“It was hard for designers before,” she says, “but it’s going to be a lot harder now.” With a growing number of stores forcing designers to accept buybacks — or cancelling orders entirely — many designers are opting to sell on their own. “A lot of emerging designers are saying, ‘Why would I take my best pieces to these big retailers when I can sell to customers direct and make my full margins?’” says Chomistek.

But selling directly to consumers can also be a tricky endeavour. Lara Presber, an architect-turned-designer who produced womenswear for nine years, opened her own shop in Fashion Central in 2010.

Though retailers across Canada had picked up her line, Presber wanted to personally connect with her customers. Managing cash flow, however, was a nightmare. On top of travelling to Paris twice a year to buy fabric, making samples and paying for photo shoots, press kits and other hard costs, Presber was passionate about manufacturing her clothing in Canada. She found a factory in Van-

"A LOT OF DESIGNERS, AS THEY GROW, LEAVE HERE AND GO TO PLACES LIKE TORONTO OR NEW YORK...

THAT’S WHERE ALL THE STYLISTS ARE." —NINA KHAREY

avenuecalgary.com

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DECOR

couver where workers got fair pay and had good working conditions. “If you want to produce anything in North America, it costs a lot of money,” she says. “But that was really important to me.”

After two years of operating her shop and almost a decade of struggling to maintain her business and chasing other retailers for payment, Presber closed her boutique. “It was really hard, but you get to a point where you can’t live like a student,” she says. “I don’t know how I survived as long as I did.” Presber then dabbled in both fashion and architecture before returning full-time to her first profession. She now runs Studio Presber, a successful architecture and design firm, and says she doesn’t miss the fashion business. “I don’t even sew things anymore,” she says. “I think I’m still kind of feeling a little burned by it.” She does say though, that things might have turned out differently for her if she were starting out in fashion today. “People are so much more concerned about sustainability and locally made. Back then in Calgary, no one cared about that.”

Many people credit Chomistek and her team at PARK for at least part of that change of heart. In 2008, Chomistek and Jessie Landry (then Li) cofounded PARK as a non-profit to support emerging creative entrepreneurs. “The whole purpose was to stop the exodus of creative talent from the city,” says the former engineer. “A lot of people [in the fashion industry] were protective and insular. PARK aimed to open that up.” Through fashion shows, pop-up events, forums, public art installations and other events showcasing Canadian designers and artisans, PARK has done wonders for local brands.

Putting the spotlight on up-and-coming designers has been a win for creatives, who benefit from exposure to potential customers and income from sales, and a win for Calgary consumers, who are 34

avenue October 20

more eager than ever to buy local. “People are more supportive of wanting to buy Canadian because of this whole movement of sustainability and environmental consciousness,” says Chomistek. And as designers find their way amid the pandemic’s fallout, be it by making masks, creating clothing more conducive to working from home or shifting to online sales (Paul Hardy, for one, has done all of the above), she’s hoping to see a trend to “hyperlocalism,” with shoppers supporting local brands even more than before. “Alberta is one of those places where we want to support our own.”

Despite its challenges, the city does offer designers some key advantages. As Chomistek says, Calgary offers a more affordable lifestyle than cities such as New York and Toronto, a thriving local market scene, a low tax rate and the opportunity to be a big fish in a small pond. Another huge draw for many who choose to stay is meaningful connections.

Kharey says she will never leave Calgary because she has family, friends and a loyal client base here.

Rather than move to a city better-known for its fashion industry, she’s determined to bring more industry here. “I’ve already worked it out with my production manager to come and train women in Calgary so they can work for me as seamstresses,” she says, adding it will take a couple of years to carry out the plan. As for her sales strategy, she plans to keep that in-house, too, by selling in-person to her regular clients and using her website to reach everyone else. “For me, what’s worked is e-commerce,” she says. “And I think that’s the way I’m going to keep it.”

Haithem Elkadiki feels the same way. Since 2002, the man behind the KaaDiki brand has been designing, cutting and sewing “clothes for whoever gets excited by them.” Working out of a cozy studio in Ramsay, Elkadiki sells directly to his Calgary customers, though he sells pieces on his website, too, and ships to people around the world.

He says social media broadens his client base.

“When [I post a picture on Instagram], almost right away someone is either commenting or sending a direct message to me inquiring about something.”

When asked about the barriers local fashion designers face, Elkadiki hesitates. For a moment, the only sound in the studio comes from an iron emitting steam puffs. “I think to be in fashion is really hard anywhere in the world. There are always obstacles,” he says. He sees Calgary as a city filled with friends and supporters — and he’s more than happy to build his business here. “It’s just a matter of putting yourself out there and being positive and optimistic and hopeful. There’s always struggle,” he says. “But fashion designers are survivors.”

"I THINK TO BE IN FASHION IS REALLY HARD ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. THERE ARE ALWAYS OBSTACLES." —HAITHEM ELKADIKI

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HOW TO

TRAVEL

I N T H E M O U N TA I N S

NOW

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS MEAN YOUR SAFEST BET FOR A GETAWAY IS THE NEARBY MOUNTAINS. FORTUNATELY, THEY’RE SPECTACULAR.

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BY INEMESIT ETOKUDO

MOUNTAINS

Hiking trail from the Plain of Six Glaciers at Lake Louise.

PHOTO BY HARRY BEUGELINK/SHUTTERSTOCK

F

At press time, spas, including the Kananaskis or many travellers in the world, Nordic Spa at the Pomoroy Kananaskis Mountain the Canadian Rockies are a Lodge and the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Banff bucket-list-worthy destination.

Springs, had opened with limited services, and the Calgarians’ unique accessibility Kananaskis Nordic Spa had introduced Bluetooth to this spectacular area makes enabled wristbands to track guest numbers in the it the perfect location for a day space. To that point, the steps taken to ensure that trip or weekend getaway, especially during a time of the health and wellness of all that visit are well travel restrictions that limit our vacation options. thought out and constantly evolving to meet the The mountains are undeniably amazing yearever-changing situation. Before heading out to the round, but for many, fall is the best time to get mountains, get informed by visiting local informaout and visit. Mid-September to early November tion pages and staying up to date with Canadian provides a front-row seat to the changing fall foliage Health Services guidelines surrounding travel. along with perfect hiking weather — and this fall Advanced planning and booking is more important is no different. However, with the COVID-19 pannow than ever. demic still at the forefront of our minds, many are The good news is that a huge array of the best wondering what to expect. Most mountain towns in activities in the mountains are tailor-made for social the region are ready to welcome visitors again and distancing and take place outdoors so are still a have actively taken steps to keep your next visit not good choice for visitors this fall. only exciting, but also safe.

Hundreds of kilometers of hiking and biking In Banff and Canmore, extra room was made trails criss-cross the national park. for the pedestrians who visit these The larch-viewing hikes in the popular areas by closing large roads A HUGE A R R AY Canmore area truly steal the show to vehicle traffic in the summer, but O F T HE B E ST during fall, but you may want to that has been reversed as we head try for a weekday trip or a less wellinto the fall. However, the Bow AC T IVIT IE S IN T HE known trail as this will likely be Valley Parkway from Highway 1 to M O UNTA INS A R E an even-more popular activity this Castle Junction will remain closed TA ILO R - M A DE year. Paddling on one of the many to most vehicle traffic until further FO R SO C IA L mountain-backed lakes is also still notice. Only those with a confirmed DISTA NC ING. a great option. The Banff Canoe reservation at Johnston Canyon Club rents canoes, kayaks and SUP Lodge and Bungalows (which is boards by the hour. only open until mid-month) can If you’re looking for more structure in your drive on the road, ensuring much less traffic at the mountain getaways, many guides and tours are still always-popular Johnston Canyon hike and giving operating. There are even some new tours, includcyclists and hikers the opportunity of a lifetime to ing White Mountain Adventures’ guided hiking enjoy the traffic-free parkway. adventures at Fortress Mountain available until One lane of the Lake Minnewanka Loop has also mid month. From easy to moderate, these exclusive been set aside exclusively for cyclists. small group tours take you into wilderness normally Just like in the city, many mountain region busionly accessible by foot or with a special permit — nesses have changed their practices and offerings, and with the Sunshine Mountain gondola closed and implemented maximum occupancies within this season, this is the only assisted access to high their brick and mortar locations and heightened sanitization practices across the board. Most accom- alpine meadows in the area.

Plan ahead though, advises Rachel Ludwig, inmodations in the region have increased cleaning terim CEO of Tourism Canmore Kananaskis. “Most standards to match the most stringent hospitality of our activity providers reduced group sizes and cleaning protocols. Many of the towns in the mounoffer private tours,” she says. “Therefore, it is recomtain region have also implemented indoor mask-use mended to book ahead of time.” This is also true for policies, so don’t leave home without yours. avenuecalgary.com

37

Stand-up paddleboarding on Johnson Lake.

hotels. Many local businesses need the notice, and are changing and adapting on the fly — booking ahead will help you avoid disappointment. You can even book your Parks Canada passes online to avoid contact at the gate.

But, if all else fails, the weather doesn’t agree or a quick escape is the plan, scenic drives through an emptier than usual mountain region may be enough to satisfy your itch for adventure.

Moving forward, there will likely continue to be a dip in the number of visitors coming through the mountain regions. While this will undoubtedly be hard on regional operators, according to Leslie Bruce, president and CEO of Banff and Lake Louise Tourism, this offers a unique opportunity for Calgarians. “This is a really special time for Canadians to take advantage of the new and unique ways to experience the park and we’re really excited for visitors to be able to enjoy those,” she says.

There are also deals a-plenty for Albertans. Visit the Travel Alberta website, travelalberta.com, and click the “Travel Offers” tab to see some of them.

While some things have changed, the beauty and inspiration of this place are still present. Taking the time to venture a short distance outside of the city is the escape that most of us need right now, making fall the perfect time to safely explore nature and enjoy solitude away from crowded places.

CHEC K B EFORE YOU GO

ALBERTA travelalberta.com BANFF banfflakelouise.com/travel-information CANMORE explorecanmore.ca/worththewait FERNIE tourismfernie.com/welcome-back JASPER jasper.travel/coronavirus-update 38

avenue October 20

WHAT’S NEW IN THE MOUNTAINS? COVID-19 hasn’t slowed the growth of the mountain dining scene. Here are a few newly opened places to grab a bite while you work your way through the Rockies.

FARM & FIRE

Part of the Pursuit Collection hospitality group and located inside the Elk + Avenue Hotel, Farm & Fire focuses on farm-fresh ingredients from Canadian producers.

The drink menu includes Pursuit’s own vodka made by Eau Claire Distillery, and its private-label house wine made by a Niagara winery. The menu boasts simple and delicious dishes including slow-roasted and wood-fired meals prepared by executive chef Scott Hergott and his team.

333 Banff Ave., Banff, 403-7603298, farmandfirebanff.com

THE RADIANT

This parlour and lounge has a small-bites menu filled with shareable dishes (including some vegan and gluten-free options) meant to foster conversation, alongside an extensive boutique cocktail and drink selection.

Aside from the good eats and locally crafted beer, the Radiant also offers a unique space and stage to highlight Banff’s arts and culture, setting itself apart from the rest of the Banff scene.

101, 111 Banff Ave., Banff, 403-985-0730, theradiantbanff.ca

Rocket Pie primarily serves up Neopolitan style pizzas. The curated menu also includes a few other options — lasagna, calzones, salads, meatballs and tiramisu. In most places, a pizza joint in a shopping plaza minutes from the highway might be an uninspiring place to eat. Instead, here you get stunning mountain views and food focused on fresh ingredients well prepared.

101, 304 Old Canmore Road, Canmore, 403-675-2865, rocketpie.ca

RU N D LE BA R

The Fairmont Banff Springs reopened its lobby bar in July after a $5-million renovation. It now includes a two-storey main bar with a rolling library ladder, a private speakeasy space hidden behind a moving bookshelf and an all-new menu focused on local producers. The Banff Springs’ traditional afternoon tea service has also returned to the Rundle and is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

405 Spray Ave., Banff, 403762-2211, fairmont.com/banffsprings

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C L E A R V I S I O N The Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative builds a private sanctuary where every square inch has been carefully considered.

BY KAREN ASHBEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED SYCH

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DECOR

G

reat design can be a study in juxtaposition and this family home by The Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative is certainly a testament to that idea. “We knew the project would involve two very conflicting values. While the couple insisted on absolute privacy, at the same time they wanted lots of light and to access the views,” says Boutin. “The inherent gift of the site allowed us to address both concerns to create such a sanctuary.”

The lot features a hill that slopes approximately 10 feet across its depth. Boutin embedded the main floor of the house into the hillside. This left the upstairs visible to the neighborhood and created a space that could be completely open with windows at the back of the lot while at the same time maintaining a very high level of privacy.

In addition, the homeowners stipulated absolutely no stucco, wasted space, or extraneous details. They were sure the home had to have not only a dedicated place for their pet tortoises, but that it should be a focal point of the whole home — an indoor green space for their beloved pets that not only functioned as an enclosure, but that also looked great. avenuecalgary.com

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“THE TORTOISE COURT DEFINES THE C I R C U L AT I O N O F T H E LOWER LEVEL.” MARC BOUTIN

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP This focal point in the home exemplifies the delicate interplay of stone, wood and glass throughout.

The warm woodwork at the entryway was part of a house-wide collaboration between the architects and Calmark Cabinetry and Woodworking.

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The tortoise atrium was built to exacting specifications and features separate plumbing, heating and irrigation.

The private but lightsoaked living room is outfitted primarily with elegant Knoll furniture. A whimsical Moooi carpet featuring sea creatures adds a pop of colour.

In fact, when they had started looking for a local architect, Boutin’s modernist design credentials spoke to the homeowners, but it was the fact that he was involved in the design of the Edmonton Zoo that sealed the deal. Sure enough, at an initial meeting Boutin drew up a design that was not only appealing to the homeowners but also empathetic to the needs of their pets.

“The tortoise court defines the circulation of the lower level of the house,” he says. “From there the rooms flow seamlessly around it.”

Much of the home is restrained to whites and greys. A volcanic grey concrete floor runs throughout the entire home. Not only is it family friendly and easy to clean, but it also strikes an industrial urban note. The striking grey and white marble of the kitchen counter is repeated in all of the bathrooms’ counters, floors and walls upstairs and down. Wood elements in the dining and living room add a welcome warmth to the palette of bare concrete and white walls.

As the owners enjoy preparing meals together and are both over six feet in height, the kitchen island stretches over 11 feet and Boutin added three inches to the standard counter height. The refrigerator, freezer and microwave are tucked away behind a separate quartz counter with a pass through featuring ample workspace in addition to a dedicated coffee nook. Boutin and his team have eliminated clutter with an abundance of cupboard space throughout.

Upstairs a similar stripped-down aesthetic prevails. Sleek contemporary built-ins, a custom-designed mahogany bed by Boutin and Stickbulb sconces in the main bedroom contribute to the minimalist air of the space.

There is a notable absence of knick-knacks.

In the end though, one of the most impressive elements in the home is the abundance of both natural light and privacy. The homeowners note that during the day they almost never have to turn the lights on.

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KEEPING IT MODERN Creating a comfortable yet streamlined modern environment tops many a design wish list. A hallmark of architect Marc Boutin’s projects, here are a few of his tips for the look.

USE FEWER COMPETING ELEMENTS Create a soothing setting by combining a single monochromatic neutral colour palette with light woods and seamless flooring for a consistent look throughout.

The simple dark grey metal staircase here is in keeping with the modern look.

EMBRACE NATURAL MATERIALS AND LET THEIR FLAWS SHINE “We ascribe more authenticity to natural materials,” says Boutin. “They have more of a timeless quality because of their authenticity.”

REDUCE DAY-TO-DAY CLUTTER Lots of storage space is a must for a modern look. For example, wall-to-wall closets with built in dressers and shelves keep everything in its place and out of sight.

OPEN UP AND CONNECT The kitchen, living and dining room are all open to one another. “This nuanced openness allows for multifunctional spaces which facilitates choice in whether we use the space formally or informally,” explains Boutin. “A much more modern concept in keeping with the way we live now.”

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The sky-lit atrium organizes the upper level into two distinct sides.

The matching planters on the patio were fabricated by local company Mercedes and Singh.

The luxurious but low-key kitchen features a marble-clad island and Skan pendants by Vibia.

Barely-there hardware suits the minimalist aesthetic.

The ensuite bathroom has a crisp, clean look. The sinks are by Catalano and the towels are from Parachute.

The custom chandelier in reclaimed ebonized oak by Stickbulb paired with the walnut table from Made Design evokes a clean aesthetic.

SOURCE Architecture and home design by The Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative, 100, 205 9 Ave. S.E., 403-2619050, the-mbac.ca Custom millwork throughout by Calmark Cabinetry and Woodworking, 1323 43 Ave. S.E., 403-276-7399 Aluminum gate custom fabricated by Mercedes and Singh, 612 36 Ave. N.E., 587-889-5511, mercedesandsingh.com Landscaping by Shamrock Mountain Building, 1628 15 Ave. S.W., 587-350-9902, shamrockmtnbuilding.com Custom bent-steel stairs fabricated by Mercedes and Singh Island countertop is frozen grey marble from Hari Stones, 1112 and 1118 46 Ave. S.E., 403-229-9666, haristoneslimited.com Frameless glass enclosure installed by Thermal Aluminum & Glass, 20, 1410 40 Ave. N.E., 403-451-5443, tagyyc.com Tortoise enclosure plant design and irrigation system by Shamrock Mountain Building Curtainwall is Alumicor ThermaWall TW2200 installed by Thermal Aluminum & Glass Florence Knoll sofa from Knoll, U.S.A., knoll.com Womb chair and ottoman from Knoll Bertoia Diamond chair with full cover from Knoll Klaus Haapaniemi rug from Moooi Carpets, Netherlands, moooicarpets.com Nelson Platform Bench from Herman Miller, U.S.A., hermanmiller.com Tolomeo Mega floor lamp (with parchment shade) from Artemide, Italy, artemide.com Case Study Ceramics XL cylinder with stand from Modernica, U.S.A., modernica.net Glass guard rail installed by Thermal Aluminum & Glass Curtainwall is Alumicor RainBlade 1900 installed by Thermal Aluminum & Glass Custom aluminum planters fabricated by Mercedes and Singh Custom three-truss chandelier from Stickbulb, U.S.A., stickbulb.com Dew trivet by Objecthood for Skultuna, Sweden, skultana. com Bevel-edged dining table by Made Design, Toronto, madedesign.ca Eames molded fibreglass chairs from Herman Miller Ensuite washroom sinks from Catalano, Italy, catalano.it Towels from Parachute, U.S.A., parachutehome.com Posh chrome faucet by Blanco, Ontario, blanco.com Skan pendant lights from Vibia, Spain, vibia.com

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NEW & NOTEWORTHY

BY COLIN GALLANT AND TRAVIS KLEMP

LOCAL FINDS

THE UPSIDE Online clothing consignment shop The Upside offers a wide selection of designer brands including Chanel, Gucci and Prada. The company’s new Virtual Closet Edit lets consignors schedule a 30-minute virtual appointment with an Upside specialist to help make the process comfortable, seamless and socially distanced. shoptheupside.com

Modern Legacy Eyewear In 2019, Anna Niemczewsk of Chinook Optical co-founded Modern Legacy Eyewear, a slow-fashion producer of eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Each micro-produced frame is handmade in Canada with biodegradable, recycled and vintage acetate, and all profits are donated to charities. Cur-

rently, those are LEAF Canada, Pflag Calgary and YW Calgary.

Available at Chinook Optical, 813 49 Ave. S.W., 403-252-1961, chinookoptical.com; and Understudy (sunglasses only), 1312 1 St. S.W., 403-452-7151, understudyshop.ca; modernlegacyeyewear.com

ROUTINE NATURAL GOODS Local company Routine has expanded its inventory to include a stick form of its sustainable, cream-based natural deodorant. Made with ingredients such as calendula, coconut oil and kaolin clay, the deodorant comes in many different scents and styles — including vegan options that don’t include beeswax. The Reuben and the Dark and Stormy deodorant stick was created in collaboration with local musician Reuben Bullock.

Visit routinecream.com for stockists or to buy online.

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avenue October 20

Tooro Artisan Goods Founded in Calgary and inspired by co-creator Anna Batebe’s Ugandan heritage, Tooro Artisan Goods creates hand-woven products made with sustainability in mind. Tooro products include woven decorative and planter baskets as well as mini bowl baskets, trays, coasters and tote bags, each thoughtfully designed with vibrant and outstanding colour.

Everything used to make the entire product line is natural. Tooro sells its products at markets throughout the city as well as online. tooroartisangoods.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

OPTIMIZE Health YOUR

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With the wide array of medical professionals out there who specialize in different aspects of health and wellness, building your knowledge of how, when and where to find the care you need can be essential in optimizing your overall well-being.

Calgary is home to a variety of medical professionals who have dedicated their careers to maintaining a healthy and thriving population across disciplines, all while helping to innovate approaches to physical and mental well-being.

Staying informed on where to look among the consistently growing field of Calgary pros who specialize in ailments from your toes (podiatrists) to the top of your head (trichologists) and everything in between can help ensure you know where to turn when you need a hand with your health.

Here, we shine the spotlight on just two of the specialized disciplines that are making a difference in our overall well-being.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

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,

The mouth is a portal of entry into the human body, and it’s vital we do everything we can to keep that gate healthy and strong.

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

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Alberta Academy of Periodontics

iStockphoto.com/nspiretta

Supporting the Foundations: A Closer Look at Periodontics

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Normalizing Mental Health

While maintaining physical health is widely accepted as a daily priority, for many of us, taking care of our mental health remains far less routine.

“There’s so much about our emotional life and our psychology that we aren’t taught a whole lot about — we have to find out by trial and error, oftentimes through difficult experiences,” says psychologist Dr. Megan McElheran. “But there’s a lot we can all be doing to proactively take care of our mental health.”

As CEO and chief clinician of Calgary-based Wayfound Mental Health Group, Dr. McElheran, in conjunction with the rest of her team, is focused on finding opportunities to put that proactive approach into action. Previously known as WGM Psychological Services, her organization rebranded to Wayfound in September, with WGM’s other

locations in Edmonton, Red Deer and Toronto doing the same. In addition to continued psychological services for first responders, which has long been a specialty of WGM, a major goal of the rebrand is making the organization’s expertise more accessible to the public as well.

Wayfound offers resources to assist clients throughout their mental health journey, including diagnostic services, a range of psychotherapy options for adults, children, families and couples, psychiatric treatment,

and programs focused around education and mental wellness.

Accessibility is key to Wayfound’s mission — services are open to anyone without referral and can be booked by calling 403-850-6711, or online at wayfound.ca. On social media, Facebook users can request appointments directly on Wayfound’s homepage, or check out weekly Monday Mental Health Minutes videos posted on both Facebook and Instagram (@wayfoundmhg).

“Taking care of our mental health should be no different than taking care of our physical health.” –Dr. Megan McElheran

In addition to staying on the cutting-edge today, Wayfound is continuing to innovate for the future. The company will soon begin pre-clinical research into alternative medicine for anxiety and depression. It has also worked to develop programs around mental resilience training in occupational health roles, as well as digital tools to assist physicians in diagnosing mental health concerns.

Ultimately, Dr. McElheran and her team hope to see Wayfound play a key role in the wider push for making the treatment and maintenance of mental health a top priority for everyone.

“Taking care of our mental health should be no different than taking care of our physical health,” says McElheran. “We should be able to go to the psychologist with the same ease that we go to see a dentist.”

For more information on services, visit wayfound.ca.

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49

WORK OF ART C U R AT E D B Y K A T H E R I N E Y L I T A L O P H O T O G R A P H B Y J O H N M C E W E N

TITLE

Weaving Fence and Horn, 2002 ARTIST

John McEwen MEDIA

WEAVING FENCE AND HORN

Weaving Fence: painted stainless steel; Horn: painted steel.

LOCATION

TC Energy Tower, 450 1 St. S.W. NOTES

The work was commissioned

by TransCanada (now TC Energy) and fabricated by Walters Group. John McEwen, who became a member of the Order of Canada last year, is represented by Olga Korper Gallery, Toronto.

W

hen Ontario sculptor John McEwen came to Lethbridge in the late 1970s to exhibit at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, he made lasting friendships. On a return visit, he found a horn of a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep while hiking around Waterton with friends. In 2000, as he began the project for TransCanada (now TC Energy), he chose the horn as a reference to animals that live in the mountains nearby.

He cast the original horn he had found in wax, sliced cross sections and separated them with washers to generate the initial model for Weaving Fence and Horn.

McEwen worked with steel-construction company Walters Group to create a work of monumental scale to suit the site. Those were the early days of computer modelling, and McEwen learned to direct the digital design process of the tapered, spiral structure that spans 30 feet, rises 24 feet and weighs 16 tons.

In a feat of elegant engineering and precise craftsmanship, three tubular spines align more than 60 gently curved steel plates of diminishing size in a subtly torqued circular arch. Size and silhouette conjure the magnificence of the bighorn sheep, Alberta’s official mammal. The thick plates suggest the ridges of the keratinous, fingernail-like material that formed the sheath of the original horn. Between the plates and through the horn’s core, open spaces activate the organic, rippling geometry of the structure in an intriguing counterpoint to the grid patterns of the built environment all around.

When the TransCanada Tower was completed in 2001, the building owners needed to address the rare strong wind events around 50

avenue October 20

the new building. The finished artwork on the site needed to withstand sudden, powerful windstorms that come from the west and the owners also hoped the sculpture would mitigate the effect of the vortexes created by high-rise architecture for pedestrians. This led McEwen to design the stainless steel “fence” as a functional windbreak, orienting the undulating screen to provide shelter at street level. Perforated with laser-cut images of mountain landscape above, horn below, the fence also weaves connections.

“Even though you can’t see the mountains from the sculpture, you can feel their effect,” McEwen mused recently in a phone interview. “The mountains are the source of redirecting the wind, and the origin of the animal. I want Weaving Fence and Horn to act as a reminder of the unseen in the precarious balance between culture and ecology.”

Revisit this two-part sculpture to enjoy the grace and colossal presence of the horn and step into the protected zone along the fence for a moment of reflection.

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